DineOut

by Eric A.T. Dieckman

CABO DOES MONTROSE

The Mexican cocina chain opens a Westheimer outpost

“Everything that comes into Montrose becomes a part of Montrose. We want to be the spot in the Montrose area,” says a hopeful Michael Roberson, co-owner of Cabo. (Michael is pictured [left] with his brother Tony in a photo by David Lewis). A sign on the exterior of each of the current Cabo restaurants identifies it as Cabo, the Original Mix-Mex Grill. The sign on the soon-to-open location at Westheimer and Yoakum will read Cabo Montrose.

“I want the entire Montrose community—straight and gay—to know they are getting a Cabo. It’s your Cabo, built with Montrose in mind, inspired by Montrose,” he says.

Before launching Cabo, Roberson and brother (and Cabo co-owner) Tony worked as servers, bartenders, managers, and regional managers in the restaurant business, specializing in party-atmosphere spots like Landry’s and Joe’s Crab Shack. Now they are bringing their party to the 006 zip code. Provided the city doesn’t stretch out any more red tape (there’s always a mile of it when getting restaurants started), the little eatery that emphasizes fun amid the food will open in August.

Why that location? “There’s a strong attachment to the entire Montrose community at that corner,” explains Roberson, who has lived off and on in the neighborhood for six years. “The first time I saw it, I immediately thought Cabo—something small, intimate, perfect for Cabo. It was a no-brainer for us.”

Roberson is dead set on ingratiating the place to the community. “This Cabo is going to be different from any of the other ones we’ve done. This is a location where we could really have some fun,” he says. There will be significantly more art throughout this particular spot, from photos of the Westheimer Street Festival on the walls to frescoes on the ceiling to an eight-foot metal palm tree rising from the floor. There will a greater emphasis on eclecticism (if that’s possible for a Cabo).

The place intends to introduce itself to the community in part with a fundraiser benefiting H.A.T.C.H., the nonprofit organization that provides a positive environment and support to gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, and questioning youth. “I looked into a number of different organizations. The one that hit home with me is H.A.T.C.H. because I’ve got teenage children,” Roberson says. “I like doing things that are geared towards young people.” The brothers plan to use the location for other benefits in the future.

Of course, the best way to a community’s heart is through its stomach. Ergo, Sunday brunch is in order, with an abbreviated menu of breakfast tacos, migas, and so on. With talk of La Strada returning to Montrose, the Robersons say they have no intention of competing with higher-end brunches in the neighborhood (“We’re fish tacos and burritos and chips and salsa,” Michael Roberson simply puts it). But they know that Houstonians—and, they hope, Montrosians—will almost always welcome another reasonable Tex-Mex place.

Eric Dieckman reported on Camp Camp, the Maine getaway for GLBT adults, in our June issue.

GAY BUT NOT CHILI

Esera Tuaolo, the former nine-year pro football nose tackle who publicly came out last October—first on the HBO program Real Sports, then in an Advocate cover story—is featured in the current television ad campaign for Chili’s. In these spots, individuals praise the Texas-based chain restaurant through whimsical performances. Tuaolo, who recorded a CD and appeared in musicals while playing in the NFL, strums the ukulele and croons about the Chili’s Hawaiian steak. He is identified only as “Esera, Retired Athlete.” However, Chili’s has not shied away from the media coverage that has ensued since Tuaolo’s spot began airing.

Tuaolo commended the Chili’s crew in an interview with the gay website www.outsports.com: “Everybody who was involved treated me first class. They were really interested in my family. I showed them pictures of my kids and my husband.” —Tim Brookover

SEE RED

Chef Edelberto Goncalves and general manager Xavier Borkowski hold forth at Rouge, the swank lunch and dinner spot that recently opened just off the Westheimer/Montrose hub. The intimate burgundy-hued interior seats 30. Goncalves’ New American Cuisine fare includes specialties like salmon confit and Maine lobster “Tagine.” The fish menu changes daily. A surprisingly spacious upstairs ballroom at Rouge (812 Westheimer, 713/520-7955) accommodates up to 180. —TB

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