houston | up the annie.

café annie recently took its final bow after 19 years. two weeks later and two blocks away, the del grande-schiller restaurant launches a concept even more impressive than the original: RDG.

the eponymous resto stands for robert del grande, natch. and the modern, two-story space is magnificent with BLVD lounge, reminiscent of a glass-enclosed hotel lobby complete with philippe starck seating. the huge, dramatic staircase opens up to bar annie on the second floor, a carry over from the flagship, with an extensive, more casual menu with burgers, salads and a variety of plates to share (think escargot, black bean dip with chorizo and goat cheese, and gulf crab beignets). RDG grill room is the main dining area for formal bread-breaking with a menu anchored with prime steaks, seafood, and the southwestern cuisine that earned del grande his celeb-chef status. expect an indulgant combination of old: roasted rabbit with rabbit enchiladas and red mole circa 1987; and new: duck barbacoa and grilled mushroom salad with hominy, circa 2009. the menu even lists the year each dish debuted for those who like their eats with a little backstory.

you'll think it stands for "really damn good." RDG restaurant + bar annie. 1800 post oak boulevard. at ambassador way. 713.840.1111. now open. www.rdgbarannie.com