seeing red.

the former bistro moderne digs in the hotel derek has found its perfect shade of red. valentino by renowned chef piero selvaggio comes to houston, by way of santa monica, featuring authentic and innovative italian cuisine. the sleek, dramatic space is emphasized by splashes of rouge throughout an intimate formal dining room and a casual vin bar serving small plates raw bar. opens mid-september. 2525 west loop south. at westheimer. 713.850.9200. www.valentinorestaurant.com

strait up.

buckle up because san fran-based straits restaurant will be transporting you to singapore, the melting pot of thai, cambodian, indonesian, chinese, malay, and indian cuisines. prepare for bright, exotic flavors in sig dishes such as chili crab and rendang beef at this dining adventure, located right in the lobby of the new hotel sorella. opens september 28th. 800 west sam houston parkway north #9. at town and country. www.straitsrestaurants.com

eating green.

chef john tesar (of rosewood mansion) is launching tesar's, a modern steak and earth-easy seafood fine dining desto. he says his focus is modern gastronomy or "thoughtful" cuisine which employs organically grown and sustainable ingreds with zero waste. (think that one star review in NYC is looming?) expect four types of kobe beef and several choices of whole fish. the outdoor burger bar, conveniently located across from cynthia woods mitchell pavilion, features grass- or grain-fed beef and hand-cut fries. opens september 1st. 1701 lake robbins drive. at six pines. the woodlands. 281.465.0700. www.tesars.com