News Summary
Austin’s culinary scene embraces Le Calamar, a French bistro offering a unique Texas twist, opened by Claudia Lee and Richard Hargreave. Under chef Casey Wall’s leadership, expect a diverse menu featuring Gulf seafood, Texan produce, and bold flavors. The bistro, designed with a classic yet cozy ambiance, focuses on seasonal dishes and innovative beverage selections. With its strategic location, Le Calamar aims to become a neighborhood favorite while celebrating French and Texan culinary traditions.
Austin Welcomes Le Calamar: A French Bistro with a Texan Twist
Austin’s culinary scene has a new addition as former wine bar Underdog transforms into Le Calamar, a French bistro with a Texas influence. The new restaurant opened its doors on May 29, 2024, following the closure of Underdog in March.
Claudia Lee and Richard Hargreave, the owners of the newly established restaurant, recognized the potential of their original wine bar as a neighborhood eatery. They sought a creative partner to bring their vision to life, which led them to chef Casey Wall. Wall’s extensive culinary background, which includes experience from prestigious establishments like New York’s Le Cirque and Australia’s Rockwell and Sons, made him an ideal candidate to head the kitchen.
Chef’s Journey to Austin
Chef Casey Wall, a native of North Carolina, relocated to Austin after spending 15 years in Australia. He and Hargreave share a long-standing friendship, and discussions about a restaurant collaboration began as early as 2024. The duo finalized the restaurant’s concept early in 2024, ultimately deciding on a French bistro theme that showcases a blend of classic French techniques with Gulf seafood, Texan produce, and global spices.
A Flavorful Menu
Le Calamar’s menu is designed to be dynamic and adaptive, changing with the seasons and the availability of ingredients. Signature dishes include steaks cooked over charcoal, oysters Charentaise served with homemade hot links, grilled trout accompanied by a Texan almondine sauce, and a standout dessert named Baked Texas. Future plans for lunch offerings promise a streamlined menu inspired by local favorite birria spots.
Innovative Beverage Selections
The restaurant also emphasizes a beverage menu that aligns with its Texas French bistro theme. The wine list, curated by Hargreave, highlights selections from sustainable and independent wineries, while spirits are sourced from local producers in Texas and Mexico, reinforcing the restaurant’s commitment to regional flavors.
Ambiance and Design
The interior design of Le Calamar, created by Bruce Curtis, features a dark and moody ambiance inspired by classic Spaghetti Western films. The restaurant spans 3,000 square feet, including an intimate dining area and a cozy 12-seat bar, making it an inviting space for diners.
Operating Hours and Specials
Le Calamar is open for dinner starting at 4 p.m. with varying closing times throughout the week:
- Sundays and Mondays: 4 p.m. to 10 p.m.
- Thursdays: 4 p.m. to 11 p.m.
- Fridays and Saturdays: 4 p.m. to midnight.
The restaurant also offers a daily happy hour from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., as well as a late-night happy hour on Thursdays from 10 p.m. to 11 p.m., and on Fridays and Saturdays from 10 p.m. to midnight.
Background: From Underdog to Le Calamar
The transformation from Underdog to Le Calamar represents a shift towards a culinary model that aligns more closely with Wall’s skills and the pair’s vision for a neighborhood eatery. Hargreave noted that while Underdog was a viable restaurant, the new direction better suited the culinary creativity they aim to bring to the Austin dining scene.
The name “Le Calamar,” translating to “squid” in French, pays homage to Hargreave’s dog and the previous identity of Underdog, reinforcing a sense of continuity as the space embraces a fresh concept. As Le Calamar prepares to make its mark in Austin, diners can expect a fusion of flavors and a celebration of both French and Texan culinary traditions.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Austin’s Culinary Scene Faces Wave of Closures in 2024
Additional Resources
- Eater Austin: Le Calamar Opening
- Wikipedia: French Cuisine
- Statesman: Le Calamar Reopening
- Google Search: Le Calamar Austin
- CultureMap Austin: Food News Le Calamar
- Google Scholar: Gulf Seafood Cuisine
- Eater Austin: New May 2025 Openings
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Texan Produce
- MSN: Austin Restaurant Openings
- Google News: Le Calamar Austin
