Potente, the highly anticipated, new restaurant from Houston Astros-Owner Jim Crane, is located in downtown Houston across the street from Minute Maid Park and next door to the more casual trattoria, Osso & Kristalla. It’s fitting to have the restaurants so close to where the Houston Astros play since baseball is the great family pastime as much as gathering around the table is to enjoy a meal. In keeping with the importance of family, Mr. Crane named the restaurants after his three children. The sophisticated Italian restaurant is a dining experience like no other in Houston. Its interior, designed by the Houston office of Gensler, is evocative of an Italian Villa with a modern twist, featuring a spacious bar alongside the main dining space. Potente is open for dinner and focuses on using local products and only the highest quality ingredients. The kitchen is overseen by Executive Chef Danny Trace. The menu features daily seafood selections, homemade pasta and USDA steaks. The restaurant’s extensive wine list features a large selection of Italian wines, as well as a section of California’s finest vintners.