Houston’s reputation for pairing global culinary sophistication with Texas-size hospitality takes center stage at The Perch and The Foundry, two distinctive dining destinations at JW Marriott Houston Downtown. As the luxury hotel nears completion of its multi-year expansion and redesign, The Foundry, a grand reimagining of the hotel’s full-service restauran
While the menu, décor and vibe vary greatly, The Perch and The Foundry share key hospitality DNA. “They are two different experiences and identities built around a single philosophy,” said Andrew Gallacher, director of food and beverage in a statement. “Our common goal is exceptional food, outstanding beverages, and uncompromising guest service.”
The Perch and The Foundry are central elements in the much-anticipated completion of the JW Marriott Houston Downtown’s multi-million-dollar property upgrade that joins two of downtown’s architectural landmarks: the existing hotel within the Samuel F. Carter Building and the addition of the adjacent Battelstein’s Building. Together, the buildings have been thoughtfully designed to highlight their architectural and historical legacies while providing a seamless grandeur for locals, discerning travelers, and JW Marriott loyalists accustomed to the luxury brand’s highest level of service.
With menus designed by Executive Chef Rafael Gonzales, here is what guests can expect:
- The Perch: The new pool deck atop the 10-story Battelstein’s Buildin
g is the stunning setting for this indoor/outdoor restaurant and lounge, ideal for casual dining and artfully crafted cocktails. Houston- based Rottet Studio, responsible for designing the entire annex project, was inspired by Battelstein’s rich history as a luxury retailer by using bespoke tailoring and textile motifs throughout. Chef Gonzales has fashioned an inviting menu that builds on the bright décor and botanical atmosphere. Dest ination-inspired dishes include Gulf shrimp and octopus campechana; Italian burrata and tomato caprese salad with pesto and Calabrian chili; and Michoacán carnitas tacos. Other staples include a smash burger with caramelized onions; salsa macha chicken sliders; grilled mahi mahi tacos with avocado lime crema; and a wagyu hot dog. Cocktail selections also evoke the spirit of this rooftop escape, including Apiary (tequila, sotol, lemon, honey and honeycomb); Golden Hour (rum, lime, orange, and bitters); Flora (gin, Cointreau, Luxardo cherry liqueur, and edible flowers); and Stars at Night (coffee liqueur, Licor 43, espresso, and mandarin syrup). The Perch has seating for 45 and features indoor dining, a bar, poolside dining and loungers.
- The Foundry: The redesigned lobby restaurant offers an enhanced three-meal menu of modern American cuisine with multicultural inflections. A popular dining option for downtowners and a favorite of hotel guests, The Foundry has an expanded footprint with seating for 115. The Carter Building’s original riveted Carnegie steel I-beams inspired a design that suggests a luxe play on industrial chic with warm wood accents, marble tabletops, plush furnishings including inviting communal seating arrangements, leafy plantings, and a palette of metal hues interspersed with pops of color. The stylish, marble-backed bar and busy open kitchen provide dual focal points for guests to take in the light-filled breadth of the dramatic, high-ceiling space. The menu takes diners from morning (breakfast tacos, churro waffles, cage-free egg dishes) to lunch (composed salads, stacked sandwiches and burgers, tacos, shrimp and grits) to dinner (steak frites, teriyaki soba, blackened redfish, steak fajitas, Gulf snapper, potato gnocchi with wild mushroom ragout). Chef Gonzales’ has thoughtfully crafted a menu that reflects a shared appreciation for Latin dishes such as pozole verde, queso with chorizo, brisket empanadas, and red snapper aguachile. The Foundry offers an extensive inventory of premium whiskey and craft cocktails as well as a dedicated bar menu with noshes including deviled eggs, Latin chicken skewers, yucca cheese fritters, tacos, a signature Foundry Burger made with Texas-raised beef, and a Texas artisan board composed with local cheeses, cured meats, house-made jam, and candied pecans.
The hotel’s food and beverage program has been meticulously crafted with thoughtful details, explained director Gallacher. Herbs and microgreens used for meals and cocktail garnishes will be grown in an aeroponic garden as part of a larger JW Garden project. The hotel also will use honey sourced from its own adopted bee colony through Beewise, a California company that employs non-invasive artificial intelligence to monitor, protect and manage honeybee colonies. Not only will the proprietary honey be used in food and cocktail preparations, it also will be available at retail in the lobby gift shop. Additionally, the hotel has partnered with Feragaia, a Scottish producer of an alcohol-free spirit that is distilled using land and sea botanicals, to further their commitment to elevated zero-alcohol cocktail service.
The JW Marriott Houston Downtown is ready to welcome guests to socialize and dine within two exciting new venues on the city’s vibrant restaurant scene. The Perch and The Foundry are the bright new faces of a new era of uncompromising hospitality and exemplary dining at one of the finest properties within Marriott International’s upscale luxury portfolio.
