The George™ in Century Square is a one-of-a-kind hotel property and it is also one of the newest additions to the dining and social scene in College Station. Steeped in an atmosphere of authentic Texas charm and bringing a sophisticated flair all its own, The George™ hotel is a must see and stay when visiting the heart of Aggieland.
Taking its name from notable “Georges” such as George H.W. Bush and George Mitchell, this distinct 162-room luxury property makes its home within Century Square, a 60-acre destination by Midway offering retail, dining and entertainment venues; office space; apartment homes; and an activated central gathering space – all merging to create a walkable, urban landscape authentic to the Brazos Valley.
Hotel guests and residents should make Poppy part of their College Station experience. This fine dining restaurant displays their best representation of what good food is all about. This jewel box of a space makes your taste buds dance as each dish is so flavorful. Every meal is an utter delight, not only because of the food and spirits, but also because of the stellar staff, beautiful views from the large windows surrounding the restaurant, and the simple feeling that you're somewhere special and someone special. In truth, you are and all of College Station knows it!
The menu draws inspiration from a wood-burning hearth that takes center stage in the restaurant. Poppy focuses on farm-to-fire cuisine sourcing the best seasonal vegetables, fresh caught seafood, and hearty red meats that go straight to the fire. Farm-to-fire is a unique way to describe the fresh ingredients that are locally-sourced, small-batched, or seasonal. From rock shrimp ceviche and black buck tatar, to wild boar, wood-fired Bandera quail, and halibut, everyone will enjoy a flavor-able delight each time they pop in at Poppy.
Poppy’s elaborate presentations are so artfully put together diners often pull out their phone to snap a photo of the edible artwork. The custom-made stoneware shares a background with fire and was handmade by Blue Door Ceramics to showoff each of Poppy’s unique dishes.
Executive Chef Charles Bartsch guides the ambitious yet approachable menu through the seasons with weekly changes to the menu to keep your taste buds wanting more. Their one-of-a-kind open hearth in the kitchen fires up their hot dishes and flavors, while adding a coziness and warmth to the atmosphere. “I want Poppy to be playful and the exact opposite of stuffy, this is a neighborhood restaurant, serving upscale dining with a completely casual, fun flair,” Bartsch says.
Poppy wants to lift peoples' spirits by offering amazing wine by the glass without popping the cork every time. The entire Poppy wine menu is available by the glass using the Coravin system, which allows wine to be poured without taking the cork out. This new system allows Poppy to offer a unique selection of wine that people might not other wise get to try.
Poppy is a reference to the playful nickname given President George H. W. Bush (41) by his family. Those who eat at Poppy are able to take in the fresh air and open spaces of leisurely refined dining, all while sampling tempting farm-to-fire appetizers and small plates creating a full meal of Texas flavors. The sophisticated ambiance of the space make it the perfect venue for the times people are looking to commemorate a special celebration.
Fun plaid banquets and Edison bulbs hanging like raindrops from the ceiling add a sense of creative fun to the restaurant while also providing a unique dining experience. Poppy is now open to the public Tuesday through Saturday 5:00pm until 10:00pm. Reservations can be made by calling (979) 485-5656, or online at www.thegeorgetexas.com/poppy.htm.
About Valencia Group Houston-based Valencia Group is a fully integrated hospitality company that provides management, development, branding, and repositioning services for independent, full-service hotels owned by the company, in addition to third parties. Exceptional service, style, and location have become brand trademarks. Earning both national and international recognition for their distinctive designs, amenities, and settings, Valencia Group properties are destinations and gathering places within their respective communities, some further benefitting from and enriching their space within the cultural heart of a city. The company continues to forge a niche with hotels that anchor and add value to urban, mixed-use environments, which further support or enhance the guest experience with superior residential, restaurant, retail, and office components. For more information, visit www.valenciagroup.com.
