A First Look at Houston’s New Texas-Themed Restaurant Wild Oats - Eater Houston

"Chef Chris Shepherd’s restaurant group Underbelly Hospitality will open its latest restaurant, Wild Oats, in Houston Farmers Market Friday — and chef Nick Fine will take the helm. Fine, Shepherd’s partner and culinary director, said the new establishment will lean into Texas cultures and native ingredients to create a menu that attempts nostalgia and hearkens back to the chef’s history. 'I want this to be my love letter to Texas,' Fine, 39, said. Wild Oats will feature bites like fried pickles with pimento cheese, Texas-style chili with all the fix-ins, and flash-fried seasonal vegetables tossed in mole from fellow market vendor Los Cavazos. Fire will be a major element, thanks to a grill designed by Aaron Franklin, pitmaster and owner of Franklin Barbecue, and his team — allowing Wild Oats to sow roast, char, smoke, or grill their ingredients and meats the Texas way." - Brittany Britto Garley