News Release

March 3 2004, 3:46 pm

Twisted Fork a smooth addition to Shops at Houston Center

By DAI HUYNH
Copyright 2004 Houston Chronicle

Twisted Fork, which recently opened in The Shops at Houston Center, falls into the latter category.

Owner Ted Kasemir and his business partners had to rechristen their restaurant because there was already a Houston dance club named Red Star. Chicago-based RDG Chicago owns nine Red Star restaurants, including outposts in Kansas City and Pittsburgh.

After much debate, the company decided on Roaring Fork. But there was another problem.

There's a Roaring Fork in Scottsdale, Ariz., and, coincidentally, it belongs to former Houston chef Robert McGrath.

Kasemir said, "We were throwing names on the blackboard when someone said, 'Well, since we like Roaring Fork, let's just put a twist on it.' Someone misunderstood and yelled out, 'Yeah, Twisted Fork. That sounds good.'"

The name stuck.

Kasemir described Twisted Fork at San Jacinto and Lamar as an upper-end casual restaurant, much like Houston's restaurant.

"It's similar American food with great flavors and consistency," he said. "You know what to expect. It never disappoints."

The average check is $14 for lunch and $22 for dinner. Signature items include spit-roasted rotisserie chicken, slow-roasted barbecue baby-back ribs and prime rib au jus with horseradish sauce.

The restaurant with 300-plus seats is modeled after a steakhouse and tavern with curved leather booths, wood-paneled walls and flagstone accents.

"So far, the demographic consists of 25- to 45-year-old office workers and executives," Kasemir said.