Ambitious Houston fine dining restaurant to shutter after only 2 years

One of Houston’s most ambitious, chef-driven restaurants will soon serve its final meal. Barbacana will close after service on October 24, chef-owner Christian Hernandez announced on Instagram.

In the lengthy post, Hernandez reflects on the two years that he led the downtown restaurant devoted to his expansive vision of modern Houston cuisine. Calling him time at Barbacana the “experience of a lifetime,” the chef continues:

“Ideas, insights, and theories will be passed around regarding our closing and that of dozens of other restaurants that get logged and diligently listed every month here. We can rest easy knowing that our dreams are not what held us back, but instead what maintained us,” Hernandez writes. “Many will find targets for the blame: the economy, industry politics, even street parking. Instead, I’ve found it more worthwhile to remember the creativity and personalities that shaped this place and the genuine elation and sense of discovery our guests allowed themselves to experience in our space.”