The Houston Kashruth Association (HKA) revoked Genesis kosher certification in January after finding a piece of fish without a receipt to prove its kosher status in the restaurant’s freezer. Shortly thereafter, members of Houston’s rabbinic board, Vaad Harabanim, instructed their congregations not to eat at the restaurant anymore. Now, with Exodus, Goldstein wants to appeal to the less observant Jews who attend neighborhood synagogues near Exodus, which is located in Houston’s Meyerland area at 80 Braeswood Square.
Exodus’s new menu will still feature kosher-certified steaks and chickens, but the rest is a clear departure from traditional kosher practices: Dishes will offer a mix of meat and dairy, including gumbo made with shrimp, sausage, and chicken, and a Swiss cheese-topped cheeseburger. Exodus will continue to serve other Genesis staples, including its sushi selection, rib-eyes, and beef short ribs.
Goldstein said he drew inspiration from Houston’s, the Hillstone-owned legacy restaurant that specializes in upscale neighborhood restaurants. Another change is in the restaurant’s hours. Previously, as aligned with Jewish tradition, Genesis was not open on Fridays and Saturdays in observance of the Sabbath. Exodus, however, will be open daily. The restaurant posted on Instagram that it will open on weekdays starting at 11:30 a.m., at 4 p.m. on Saturdays, and at 1 p.m. on Sundays, with brunch hours to come.
Goldstein said he expects to open relatively quickly in May, following some decor changes to the new restaurant. Renderings on Instagram show a dining room composed of a mix of wood and brick, with tables covered in white linens, stylish leather booths, and wall art that calls back to Texas culture, including portraits of longhorns.
