The story
In the heart of Rice Village, Navy Blue is a modern American seafood restaurant by chef Aaron Bludorn. The menu pays homage to the gems of the Texas Gulf Coast, offering a refined yet relaxed take on coastal staples. Open for lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch, the restaurant is designed for gatherings—whether a quiet weeknight meal or a lively Mother’s Day celebration. The space itself reflects the same thoughtful hospitality that defines the Bludorn Hospitality Group.
Chef Aaron Bludorn, a Culinary Institute of America graduate who trained under Michelin-starred chefs Daniel Boulud and Douglas Keene, opened Navy Blue in fall 2022. Day-to-day, Executive Chef Jeff Lin leads the kitchen. Lin, a 2023 Ment’or Grant recipient, rose through the ranks from the opening team at Bludorn and brings a collaborative, ingredient-driven approach to the seafood-focused menu. Wine Director Evan White, a WSET Diploma holder and Certified Sommelier, curates the list. His approach is fun and guest-focused—and it earned the restaurant a Wine Spectator Award of Excellence in 2023. General Manager Malik McLemore, a Houston native, ensures the front-of-house delivers the kind of warm Southern hospitality the city is known for.
The award from Wine Spectator is a natural fit for a restaurant that takes its pairings seriously. The wine list is built to complement the seafood and American cuisine, with options for every course. It’s one more reason to settle in at the bar or a table in Rice Village, where the food is as thoughtful as the service.
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