Nationally Acclaimed Organic Chinese Restaurant Opens First Memorial Area Location
The intense flavors of the China’s Sichuan province are coming to Houston’s CITYCENTRE district this fall. Pepper Twins, the wildly popular concept that has earned local, regional and national acclaim for its authentic, country-style fare focused on organic ingredients and additive-free dishes, will occupy a prime, second-floor location adjacent to RA Sushi. Spanning 3,471 square feet, the contemporary space will feature a shared terrace overlooking CITYCENTRE’s central plaza and a private patio facing an interior courtyard.
According to Suzanne Weatherall, Midway Senior Vice President, Asset Management, “This has a been a tremendous year for food and beverage at CITYCENTRE, with both local and first-to-market national concepts reinforcing the district’s position as one of Houston’s top dining destinations. Its strength is evident in demand for the former Grub Burger Bar space. We’re excited to welcome Pepper Twins, which further reflects CITYCENTRE’s carefully selected mix of food and beverage offerings, suitable for every taste and budget.”
Founded as Cooking Girl in a tiny Montrose storefront by sisters Yunan Yang and Lily Luo in 2015, the concept was rebranded in 2016 with the opening of a second location under Yang’s direction in the River Oaks area. A nod to peppercorns, which are so prevalent in the restaurant’s preparations, the name change was accompanied by a new logo incorporating a friend’s sketch of Yang’s two young children.
Also in 2016, the W. Gray site earned a spot on Texas Monthly’s list of best new restaurants, and in 2017, GQ magazine praised the appetizer Mr. and Mrs. Smith as the country’s best. Yang, a cancer researcher with no formal cooking or restaurant background, continues to grow a loyal following and mini empire with recent expansions into Upper Kirby, Katy and Pearland.
“As soon as I saw CITYCENTRE, I knew the district had to be part of our expansion plan,” said Yang. “I love the energy, walkability and the open air plazas, which remind me a lot of China.”
