Organization

So Vino highlights the unique tastes and styles of Southern Hemisphere wines. The pairing of stellar wines with new interpretations of traditional world cuisine is the passion of co-founder Elizabeth Abraham.

SoVino transitions and expands to Café Moustache: a casual, fun French bistro. (June 2010).

French bistros reach new definition with Café Moustache on June 21, 2010. Prepare to erase your French food conceptions starting as you enter the driveway of the parking lot with the tip of "Pierre's" beret on the new, playful street sign which will be erected to signify the final transformation of SoVino Bistro & Wine Bar into Café Moustache - Houston's answer to French Country-Comfort food with a twist.

Café Moustache opens June 21 for dinner; lunch starts July 5; brunch begins July 11. Francophiles, discerning palates and French food newbies alike will feel welcome as Café Moustache departs from stereotypical French haute cuisine and opts for a comforting, laid-back and affordable approach with a focus on French Country-Comfort food that would have made Julia Child weak in the knees. The hip factor starts with Café Moustache's nod to popular French street food by way of the creperie station situated at the front of restaurant and made-to-order, all the way down to hip, French music playing in the background. Oh, and if you need a place to escape to for the World Cup, pull up a chair to the bar and gaze forward (yes, there's a screen perfect for taking you away from your normal daytime or nighttime drama).

Elizabeth Abraham and Manfred Jachmich plan to complete the transition into Café Moustache on June 21. SoVino Bistro & Wine Bar will be open for dinner until June 19. Chef Rudolf "Pierre" Merlin, hailing from France originally, will join the team to present not "haute cuisine" but French Country-Comfort cuisine, unpretentious with French flair.

The weekday lunch crowd (lunch starts July 6, Monday-Friday) will find solace in a fast, casual environment with counter service-style ordering and prices that make both wallets and mouths happy. Dinnertime, starting June 21 (Monday through Sunday), will be the perfect time to reflect on the espirit of Café Moustache (for large parties or celebrations, make sure to request the custom-made community refectory table!) that life is at its fullest when experienced around a table brimming with delicious food, good wine, intriguing conversation, family and friends. Each night will also feature nightly specials of French Country home-cooking that is best left to the professionals to prepare and for you to enjoy.

Café Moustache will bring a refreshing addition to the Sunday Brunch circuit starting July 11. A patio re-incarnation is sailing in for those that enjoy their brunch (or any meal) al fresco.

Expect generous pours of a wide range of wines, including 10-15 new French wines, with prices below standard restaurant prices, as well as a fresh range of beers.

The interactive crepe station will be a fixture through the day and the night (late night on Thursday, Friday and Saturday) for those craving a nosh of something savory or sweet.

If the name Café Moustache is ringing any bells, than yes, you're right: Manfred Jachmich conceived the original Café Moustache on Westheimer in the Galleria-area with nationally renowned Houston culinary chef Mary Nell Reck in the early '80s and created a very popular and much beloved restaurant that still has many fans today. Allure and demand have been stirring lately to bring back Café Moustache but with today's market in mind. And yes, some of Reck's famous recipes will make an appearance.