Houston’s Newest Dining Venue Offers Retro-Chic Interpretation of Iconic American Cuisine

The Rockwood Room, with its “Rat-Pack-Meets-Mad-Men” feel, Houston’s newest, not-to-be-missed restaurant concept, is the culinary vision of Chef Michael Dei Maggi and business partner Robert Hall III of the California winemaking family Robert Hall Winery. The Rockwood Room is set to open in Fall 2009, just west of Uptown Park at 5709 Woodway Drive.

[USPRwire, Sat Oct 24 2009] Forty-five years ago, it would be the place you’d expect to see Frank Sinatra or Dean Martin sipping dirty martinis in an over-sized handsome leather booth. Today, it’s the culinary vision of Chef Michael Dei Maggi and business partner Robert Hall III of the California winemaking family Robert Hall Winery. The Rockwood Room, with its “Rat-Pack-Meets-Mad- Men” feel, is Houston’s newest, not-to-be-missed restaurant concept. Designed by Lance DeGeorge of DeGeorge Design, The Rockwood Room is set to open in Fall 2009, just west of Uptown Park at 5709 Woodway Drive.

From the restaurant’s dual-sided culinary kitchen theatre, Dei Maggi will put out iconic American dishes from the post World War II era, like rich roasted prime rib, broiled lobster tail and charbroiled steak. The menu, largely dependent on locally-sourced seasonal and organic products, will be updated twice monthly and breads and pastas will be handmade in house. “The menu will be retro, yet relevant in today’s culinary world,” said Dei Maggi.

Surrounded by floor-to-ceiling windows, The Rockwood Room’s stylish period-specific décor, created by Amilee Wendt of Wendt Design, will feature leather banquettes, wood veneers and opulent chandeliers. A chocolate and peanut brittle color scheme reminiscent of a Louis Vuitton handbag will create a relaxed and elegant environment for diners.

Fine wines will also play an integral role in the restaurant, as to be expected from a business partner who hails from a winemaking family. “We’ll have access to some very cool wines that you just can’t get anywhere,” said Hall. “I’m certain we’ll see a lot of our wine industry friends frequenting The Rockwood Room.” The restaurant will feature temperature-controlled wined storage, lockers and dispensing system. Private dining space housed within the restaurant’s wine cellar will provide the perfect backdrop for wine dinners and tastings, as well as private events.

“You really can’t compare The Rockwood Room to any other restaurant in Houston,” said Dei Maggi. “For us, it’s all about fine food, wine and cocktails. We’re going for the long play – classic, iconic and sustainable over time.”

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