Press
In New Orleans, King Cake Is a Way to Make Joy
January 4, 2022
New York Times
NEW ORLEANS — When Dominick Lee was in elementary school in the 1990s, every year for Twelfth Night, the teacher would bring a king cake for the class to share. He and his classmates would wait for their slices — decorated with purple, gold and green sugars — eager to see which piece had a tiny plastic baby hidden inside...
Caramelized Apple King Cake: Recipe by Dominck Lee
January 2022
Cooking, New York Times
Though there are many versions of king cake — the pastry eaten from Twelfth Night through Mardi Gras — many New Orleanians trace their best memories back to their local bakery. Such is the case for the Creole chef and New Orleans native Dominick Lee. His recipe was inspired by childhood memories of king cakes...
Eater Houston’s Best Dishes of the Week: March 25
March 2024
Eater Houston
At a dinner series in the Riverside Terrace neighborhood, Chef Dominick Lee has been showcasing a range of inventive plates ahead of opening his newest venture, Augustine’s. The chef has been previewing what’s to come this fall at Hotel King David through experimental plates that reflect the chef’s contemporary approach to Creole cooking.
Recap: Charleston Wine + Food Festival 2024
March 2024
The Local Palate
There are so many talented people in the industry and it’s important to celebrate them. I met Blair Machado at Catch of the Day, Dominick Lee at Culinary Village, and Sam Fore at Street Eats. I got to try their (amazing) food, put faces to names, and see firsthand how much they love what they do.
Chef Dominick Lee Previews ‘Progressive Creole’ Menu
February 27, 2024
Eater Houston
Chef Dominick Lee will preview plates from his forthcoming venture, Augustine’s, at Hotel King David. Tasting menus that celebrate local fare like crawfish and other prized seafood will demonstrate the chef’s approach to “progressive Creole cuisine,” presenting Houstonians with an idea of what’s to come...
Lee's Augustine's promises 'Progressive Creole' cuisine
February 2, 2024
Houston Chronicle
A celebrated chef who wowed Houston diners years ago has returned to the fold. Dominick Lee, last seen locally helming the kitchen at now-shuttered Poitin Bar & Kitchen, is back from a few years away and is expected to open a Creole restaurant called Augustine’s around fall 2024.
Chef Dominick Lee Returns to Houston to Open Augustine’s
February 2, 2024
Eater Houston
Dominick Lee matriculated from culinary school at the Art Institute of Houston and now he has returned. Lee was born in New Orleans and his family was displaced by Hurricane Katrina. His first job was at the now-defunct Johnny Sanchez, an upscale Mexican restaurant in NOLA. He then came to Houston to study, and worked as sous chef at...
New modern Creole restaurant in Third Ward channels prodigal chef's Italian culinary quest
February 1, 2024
CultureMap Houston
A prodigal chef is returning to Houston to open a new restaurant in Third Ward. Slated to open this fall, Augustine’s will be led by chef Dominick Lee. Augustine’s takes its inspiration from an African American family that emigrated from France to New Orleans and then made its way to Texas. Its menu will pay homage to Creole...
5 Actually-Good TikTok Food Trends From 2023, And 4 We Don’t Want To See Again
December 29, 2023
CultureMap Houston
“I just don’t think people are going to continue to have a craving for Fruit Roll-Up ice cream or think that is cool for long. I am a longtime fan of Fruit Roll-Ups and ice cream both, but i just don’t see it as an item that will continue to be of importance,” said Dominick Lee, food influencer and culinary director/executive chef of Alligator Pear...
The Art Institute trained many chefs. What does its abrupt closure mean for Houston’s dining scene?
November 21, 2023
Houston Chronicle
Dominick Lee shared similar sentiments about the Art Institute. While attending school, he worked at Kiran’s and Poitin, before graduating in June 2019. He moved to New York City about a year ago and opened his New Orleans-inspired restaurant Alligator Pear, which included a spotlight feature in the New York Times, over the summer.
It’s Not Summer Until You’ve Made Charbroiled Oysters
August 24, 2023
Leisure + Food
When Lee, a recipient of chef Chris Shepherd’s Underbelly Scholarship Award, became the culinary director and executive chef at NOLA-inspired Alligator Pear in Manhattan, he knew that charbroiled oysters were going on the menu alongside dishes like chicken and andouille gumbo, shrimp and okra stew, and blackened catfish.
Alligator Pear Brings New Orleans Cuisine And Cocktails To Manhattan
July 22, 2023
Forbes
Alligator pear is another word for the avocado but it’s now the name of a New Orleans-inspired cocktail bar and restaurant near Madison Square Garden. With a soft opening on July 18, 2023, but officially happening in September, the 7,500-square-foot, contemporary American restaurant consists of three different levels.
Alligator Pear Brings Tempura Gator Bites and New Orleans Cooking to Chelsea
July 18, 2023
New York Times
Though given a popular name for avocado, this New Orleans restaurant, bar and event space is not serving any for now. “I haven’t yet figured out how I want to prepare it, maybe blackened, but it is coming,” said Dominick Lee, the executive chef and a New Orleans native. But tempura alligator bites do lead the menu...
Alligator Is on the Menu at a New Restaurant in Midtown
July 13, 2023
Eater New York
Now, the chef is at the helm of his first New York restaurant, Alligator Pear, at 150 W. 30th Street, between Seventh and Sixth avenues. The massive three-floor restaurant is Lee’s largest and most personal showcase yet. It opens Tuesday, July 18. Kevin Doherty, also behind bars Tara Rose and Bosco, and Rehan Alam, of the Red Lion and the Ellington...