Alice Blue is now open in the Heights, taking over the former Shade space.

Saying goodbye to the recently shuttered Shade in The Heights proved to be a difficult feat for many Houstonians. The beloved Houston restaurant garnered a loyal following for its occasion-worthy Asian-inspired food and casual surrounds.

Luckily, owner Claire Smith — who also serves as proprietor of Canopy and Woodbar — didn’t say goodbye to the Shade space for good, but rather revamped the charming venue into a new modern bistro dubbed Alice Blue.

“We are proud of what we have accomplished with Shade, and it will always be a part of the history of 19th street and dining in The Heights,” Smith says. “The area has evolved and 19th street continues to grow and change. The time is right for our dining experience to evolve with it.

“I am excited about what our team at Alice Blue will bring to the dynamic Heights restaurant scene.“

The new Alice Blue — which is named for socialite Alice Roosevelt Longworth (Theodore Roosevelt’s daughter) and her favorite color: a shade of pale, azur blue — launches dinner service Tuesday night (June 13) led by executive chef Kent Domas (formerly of Down House and Bernadine’s).

Expect a contemporary bistro menu of dishes such as squash fritters served with sumac yogurt; tomato panzanella salad elevated with cantaloupe and labneh; steak tartare featuring potato chips; pork belly accompanied by green farro, peaches, and a spiced pork vinaigrette; seafood bouillabaisse with ciabatta; and house-made tagliatelle pasta finished with sweet corn, pancetta, tarragon, and chili oil.

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Sweet treats such as sweet corn panna cotta, hazelnut marjolaine, and a cherry almond tart with madeira ice cream also grace the menu.

Guests can round out their meal with a bevy of classic cocktails, wines, and beers — all curated by Sean Jensen (formerly of Public Services Wine & Whiskey and Hay Merchant).

Alice Blue is now serving dinner only, Monday through Wednesday from 5 to 10 pm and Thursday through Saturday, 5 to 11 pm. Lookout for Alice Blue’s first brunch service on Saturday, June 24 from 10 am to 3 pm.

Alice Blue, 250 West 19th Street, alicebluehouston.com.