San Antonio’s culinary scene is set to gain another neighborhood destination when chef Diego Galicia opens The Filleman House on Thanksgiving weekend. The new restaurant will occupy a 1910 Government Hill bungalow on Grayson Street that was originally built for August Filleman.
European‑Inspired Menu
The Filleman House will showcase a European‑inspired tasting menu that reflects Galicia’s many years of travel. Diners can expect dishes such as foie gras mousse on toasted brioche, filet au poivre with a peppercorn‑cognac sauce, a curated selection of French cheeses paired with honeycomb, lobster beignets, and classic comfort foods like cheesecake and banana splits. “The menu is all over the place,” Galicia said, adding that the restaurant will also feature a robust oyster program and a good burger.
Team and Bar Program
Running the bar will be Lauren Beckman, the former beverage director at Michelin‑starred Mixtli who earned a Michelin award for outstanding service in 2024. Beckman will bring her expertise in craft cocktails and curated wine selections to the intimate space.
Mixtli Remains in Good Hands
While Galicia and fellow Mixtli co‑owner Rico Torres are launching new concepts, Mixtli itself continues under the leadership of chef de cuisine Alex Cabrera and sommelier Hailey Pruitt, both of whom shared the 2024 Michelin award with Beckman. “Alex, she’s the boss,” Galicia noted, emphasizing that the original restaurant is well‑managed while the new project gets off the ground.
Opening Timeline
Galicia described the launch as akin to caring for a newborn. “I’m going to focus on the newborn. The newborn needs attention,” he said. He will spend mornings at The Filleman House and afternoons at Mixtli until the new restaurant is fully operational.
Design Challenges
Initial renderings of The Filleman House quickly became outdated, prompting the design team to rework the concept to fit the small historic bungalow and integrate the new bar. “We are changing plans almost daily,” Galicia explained before his recent research trip to Paris.
Local Impact
The opening adds another dining option to the Grayson Street corridor, a neighborhood that has seen increased foot traffic and residential growth in recent years. By drawing on Galicia’s international travels—from Mexico to London, New York, Chicago, and now Paris—the restaurant aims to offer San Antonio residents a world‑class culinary experience without leaving the city.
Residents can look forward to a seasonal menu that evolves with the chef’s ongoing research trips, ensuring that The Filleman House remains a dynamic and ever‑changing dining destination.
Original reporting: San Antonio Report — read the source article.