Blossom Hotel Houston has partnered with chefs Ho Chee Boon and Akira Back to open two on-property restaurants in early 2022. Boon will spearhead Duck House by Boon, a Cantonese-inspired restaurant with a focus on duck dishes, while Back will oversee the property’s Japanese restaurant, AB Sushi.
“I take pride in introducing Cantonese flavors and dishes that reflect my modern sensibilities and unique ingredients," Boon said in a statement. “Through Duck House by Boon, I hope to build on the cuisine’s legacy while also bringing guests together over a meal where guests can create lasting memories with friends and loved ones.”
Boon recently opened his first restaurant concept, Empress by Boon, in San Francisco’s Chinatown. Boon has nearly 30 years of experience at several Asian restaurants. Born in Malaysia, he is the former international executive chef of Hakkasan and has opened several of its restaurants worldwide, including Hakkasan Hanway Place in London, Yauatcha Soho London, Turandot in Moscow and Breeze in Bangkok. He relocated to the U.S. in 2012 to launch Hakkasan New York.
At his new restaurant in Blossom Hotel Houston, the menu will feature Boon’s duck dishes sourced from Joe Jurgielewicz & Son, a fourth-generation family-owned duck farm. Along with the duck dishes, the restaurant will serve traditional favorites such as stir-fried dishes, dim sum and soups.
Back, meanwhile, has a global portfolio of 16 restaurants currently open with an additional 10 scheduled to open through 2023. Back, who was born in Korea and raised in Aspen, Colo., has 29 years of culinary experience.
The menu at AB Sushi will include sushi, premium sashimi and Japanese-inspired dishes.
“AB Sushi at Blossom Hotel Houston will serve as a welcoming environment for fish lovers of all palates and experience levels,” Back said. “I’m passionate about introducing people to my cuisine and look forward to bringing our menu to Houston.”