Montrose is an offbeat neighborhood of Houston, TX, known for its gay bars, vintage stores, hip indie art galleries, and eclectic mix of eateries. The perfect “canvas” for Postino, an upbeat, fun and “board” forward “wine cafe” (franchise) who’s first venue rose to success in a renovated old post office in Phoenix, Arizona (2001).
Known for its art and music, bespoke bruschetta and charcuterie inspirations, Postino heartily boasts location individuality and has accrued popular venues in Texas, Arizona, and Colorado.
Postino (Montrose, TX) Executive Chef, Michael Cacpal, trained in culinary in Hawaii, and specializes in Asian Pacific Cuisine. Cacpal moved to Houston in 2004 to kick his career into high gear. An artist and art lover in his own right, Michael found his way into culinary while searching for a career that would foster his creative side and pay the bills at the same time. Postino’s arty aesthetic and communal methodology have proven to be an ideal fit for the creative chef.
Chef Cacpal commented on Postino’s unique mission that separates it from many corporate franchises. Cacpal shared, “When we first moved into this area, the neighbors, and people of Montrose were a little hesitant about coming here. It’s mostly small businesses in Montrose, ‘Mom and Pop’ kind of places. They didn’t want a corporate franchise here. And I get that. But I knew it would work out because Postino is different. We look to be cohesive with our environment. This is very important to us. Eventually the people of Montrose got to know how important it was for us fit in with the community here. We’re not trying to take over, but simply, take part, like keeping the history of our building: the foundation of the area. We try to keep it close to the heart.”
Chef Cacpal commented on the simple Postino formula for success, “The owners of Postino really wanted to provide a great vibe and energy: ‘Bringing people together over great ‘boards’ and wines, served by a charismatic, good natured team.’ It’s that simple. It is very important that people leave here having loved their experience and wanting to return for more great food and relaxed vibes.”
Cacpal commented on how his team has dealt with the challenges of the pandemic, “Of course, we have employees worried about the situation. This is normal. But for the most part we just keep a positive attitude, keep our heads down, and follow proper CDC guidelines to get us through this. We’re very much here for the community and our staff-family.”
With the pandemic now stretching into the Fall and Winter season, we asked Chef Michael for his personal forecast for change in this regard. He shared, “I can see the light at the end of the tunnel. We just have to wait it out. We refuse to close at Postino. For us, that is a last resort. As long as everyone follows the rules, we can get over this hump and this light of change will definitely be shining a lot brighter.”
When asked what is his inspiration is and where he sources his resilient spirit, Michael shared, “My mother is a very important part of my life. She has given me everything I need and always guided me in the right direction. It is very important for me to praise her and have her know how much I appreciate all she has done for me. She is definitely my inspiration for strength and determination. One day, when I get to the top of my career, I look forward to taking care of her and giving her whatever she may need.”
Known for its art and music, bespoke bruschetta and charcuterie inspirations, Postino heartily boasts location individuality and has accrued popular venues in Texas, Arizona, and Colorado.
Postino (Montrose, TX) Executive Chef, Michael Cacpal, trained in culinary in Hawaii, and specializes in Asian Pacific Cuisine. Cacpal moved to Houston in 2004 to kick his career into high gear. An artist and art lover in his own right, Michael found his way into culinary while searching for a career that would foster his creative side and pay the bills at the same time. Postino’s arty aesthetic and communal methodology have proven to be an ideal fit for the creative chef.
Chef Cacpal commented on Postino’s unique mission that separates it from many corporate franchises.
Cacpal shared, “When we first moved into this area, the neighbors, and people of Montrose were a little hesitant about coming here. It’s mostly small businesses in Montrose, ‘Mom and Pop’ kind of places. They didn’t want a corporate franchise here. And I get that. But I knew it would work out because Postino is different. We look to be cohesive with our environment. This is very important to us. Eventually the people of Montrose got to know how important it was for us fit in with the community here. We’re not trying to take over, but simply, take part, like keeping the history of our building: the foundation of the area. We try to keep it close to the heart.”
Chef Cacpal commented on the simple Postino formula for success, “The owners of Postino really wanted to provide a great vibe and energy: ‘Bringing people together over great ‘boards’ and wines, served by a charismatic, good natured team.’ It’s that simple. It is very important that people leave here having loved their experience and wanting to return for more great food and relaxed vibes.”
Cacpal commented on how his team has dealt with the challenges of the pandemic, “Of course, we have employees worried about the situation. This is normal. But for the most part we just keep a positive attitude, keep our heads down, and follow proper CDC guidelines to get us through this. We’re very much here for the community and our staff-family.”
With the pandemic now stretching into the Fall and Winter season, we asked Chef Michael for his personal forecast for change in this regard. He shared, “I can see the light at the end of the tunnel. We just have to wait it out. We refuse to close at Postino. For us, that is a last resort. As long as everyone follows the rules, we can get over this hump and this light of change will definitely be shining a lot brighter.”
When asked what is his inspiration is and where he sources his resilient spirit, Michael shared, “My mother is a very important part of my life. She has given me everything I need and always guided me in the right direction. It is very important for me to praise her and have her know how much I appreciate all she has done for me. She is definitely my inspiration for strength and determination. One day, when I get to the top of my career, I look forward to taking care of her and giving her whatever she may need.”
