Movies

Bullock's new restaurant is open for dining

Sandra Bullock wasn't in Austin to greet diners, but Bess, her new restaurant, opened Tuesday to a lunch crowd of about 80 people. Four years in the planning, the American South-meets-Europe bistro is in the basement of a building she owns at 500 W. Sixth St.

Executive chef Brenton Childs, who helped open Vespaio, the Salt Lick in Las Vegas and a Whole Foods in Chicago, says Bullock has been involved in "everything: the decor, the menu. It's been an organic family affair."

Kevork Djansezian
ASSOCIATED PRESS

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Sandra Bullock

Brick pillars and wood ceiling beams make for a cozy room that can seat 110 in the 1918 Stratford Arms building. Entrees range from croque monsieur to shepherd's pie, porcini-crusted halibut and steak frite.

Hours are 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Monday through Saturday, with extended hours Friday and Saturday for après-whatever downtowners.

If you see her, ask Sandra about the restaurant's namesake, whose black-and-white photo hangs inside.