Matthew Lightner Lands In Napa, Voodoo Does Austin

New York City

Maison Hugo: Florian Victor Hugo, a descendent of Victor Hugo, is joining the small French restaurant revival movement (which includes La Gamelle, Rebelle and the like) currently being staged in New York City. His wife, Michelle, who runs the kitchen, puts her own spin on French brasserie fare. Escargots in ravioli, anyone?

Los Angeles

Bar Bandini: The team behind Bar Bandini opened the tap lines to its selection of eight natural wines and 12 beers this week in a wooden-walled space that feels a tad like the inside of a glamping cabin. Despite the slightly rural feel, the spot is named for Arturo Bandini, a character featured in the work of local writer John Fante.

San Francisco

Ninebark: AvroKO's latest venture is a three-for-one housed in a century-old historic Napa building, with a ground-floor bar, modern dining room upstairs and rooftop lounge, complete with unbeatable views. Matthew Lightner, who donned a pair of Michelin stars at New York's Atera, helms the kitchen.

K. LAZ: Longtime Dean & DeLuca wine director Kerrin Laz just opened this spot that doubles as a wine bar/tasting room and a retail shop in Napa's Yountville. A visit to the tasting room requires a bit of planning and a reservation, but you will find samples that are hard to come by unless you're willing to shell out the dough for a full bottle. Expect special dinners from local chefs to start soon.

Ca' Momi Osteria: Five years ago, Italy native Valentina Guolo-Migotto opened Ca' Momi Enoteca in Napa's Oxbow Public Market. This week, she opened Ca' Momi Osteria, which functions more as a full restaurant with recipes and ingredients sourced straight from Italy, while the Enoteca returns to its roots as a pizza spot.

Austin

Juniper: Uchi alum Nicholas Yanes is making Tex-Italian the new Tex-Mex at his stylish East Austin restaurant. Take a seat on one of the unique wooden stools and enjoy mascarpone Dippin' Dots, halibut saltimbocca and a plate of pasta that's twirled to perfection.

Voodoo Doughnut: The newest outpost of the Portland cult favorite is now open with limited hours, pumping out classics like the iconic Voodoo doll-shaped raspberry jelly doughnut. Celebrate the grand opening on Halloween in true Texan style with the Tex-Ass Doughnut––it's six times the size of a standard doughnut, and if you eat it in 80 seconds or less, it's on the house. Worth it.

D.C.

Inferno: Jean-Georges alum Tony Conte is tapping into his New Haven roots, slinging authentic Neapolitan pies at his casual Gaithersburg spot. An impressive custom-tiled wood-burning stove dominates the space––and the menu—leaving its delicious, charred mark on everything from an ember-roasted potato pizza to the salad dressing.

Houston

Hunky Dory: Find cheffy takes on British fare at the newest restaurant from Treadsack International (the force behind many a Houston dining locale). There are traditional dishes like fish-and-chips alongside more intriguing options like escabeche of rabbit and chicken served with ember eggs that are cooked in the restaurant's open hearth.