Bellaire - Meyerland - West University | March 2024

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Bellaire Meyerland West University Edition VOLUME 5, ISSUE 11 MARCH 6APRIL 4, 2024

Gulfton’s dangerous heat

An August 2020 heat mapping study found that Gulfton’s temperatures were 17 degrees warmer than the coolest parts of Harris County. Major sources of ozone pollution include lack of green space, high trac and emissions.

MELISSA ENAJECOMMUNITY IMPACT

Harris County falls short of new air quality standards; Gulfton ocials zero in on local solutions

Air Alliance’s research and policy director. High ozone levels can lead to a range of negative health eects, according to Air Alliance, and can worsen conditions such as bronchitis and asthma. On Feb. 7, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced new national air quality standards that puts Harris County in noncompliance.

neighborhood in the county, 17 degrees warmer than the coolest areas. A 2022 community air monitoring program done by the environmental nonprot Air Alliance Houston found the average ozone pollution levels in Gulfton were the highest compared to other Houston communities. A major source of Gulfton’s ozone included high trac and urban heat islands. “Sun is coming directly on concrete, bouncing back and increasing heat in that area,” said Inyang Uwak,

BY MELISSA ENAJE

Gulfton in southwest Houston is referred to by environmental groups as an “urban heat island,” where buildings, roads and other infrastructure absorb and re-emit the sun’s heat more than natural landscapes would. According to an August 2020 Harris County heat mapping study, Gulfton was the hottest

CONTINUED ON 10

Also in this issue

Impacts: Handmade pizzeria opens near West U (Page 6)

Education: Local schools added to New Education System (Page 8)

Community: Where to see live jazz music (Page 15)

Dining: Eau Tour brings synergy to Rice Village (Page 17)

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Impacts

8 Cvche Kitchen The concept offers food prepared with traditional Peruvian techniques using fresh, local ingredients. • Opened Feb. 19 • 5353 W. Alabama St., Ste. 100, Houston • www.conservatorygalleria.com 9 Clutch City Grill The concept comes from the minds behind Clutch City Tacos, and includes both a steakhouse and burger bar. • Opened Feb. 19 • 5353 W. Alabama St., Ste. 100, Houston • www.clutchcitygrillhtx.com 10 La Taquiza Street Tacos Menu items are made from family recipes from owner Oscar Garcia-Santaella traced back to Mexico City. • Opened Feb. 19 • 5353 W. Alabama St., Ste. 100, Houston • www.taquizahtx.com 11 Luv’Em Leches The bakery from Griselda Barrios specializes in tres leches with specialty flavors. • Opened Feb. 19 • 5353 W. Alabama St., Ste. 100, Houston • www.instagram.com/luvemleches 12 Rollin Phatties The Pakistani fusion concept is known for paratha rolls, wraps filled with tender, chargrilled meats and homemade sauces. • Opened Feb. 19 • 5353 W. Alabama St., Ste. 100, Houston • www.rollin-phatties.com 13 SeoulSide Wings & Rice Founder Jane Lim brings a menu that specializes in Korean-fried chicken wings along with kimchi fries and honey butter fries. It will also offer bulgogi, katsu and tofu rice cups. • Opened Feb. 19 • 5353 W. Alabama St., Ste. 100, Houston • www.seoulsidewings.com

E I M E R R D .

A S T .

WESTHEIMER RD.

SAN FELIPE ST.

12 13 6 7

14 8

15 9

16 10

610

WESTHEIMER RD.

LOVETT BLVD.

610

West University Place

HERMANN PARK

CHIMNEY ROCK RD.

UNIVERSITY BLVD.

HILLCROFT AVE.

288

VD.

CLAREWOOD DR.

CHIMNEY ROCK RD.

W. HOLCOMBE BLVD.

BUFFALO SPEEDWAY

lifts, and a post-wax skin restoration treatment. • Opened Feb. 2 • 5531 Weslayan St., Houston • www.waxthecity.com 5 Kelsey-Seybold A new 15,000-square-foot clinic focuses on providing obstetrics and gynecology care. Services include on- site diagnostics, including laboratory and ultrasound. • Opened Feb. 12 • 2414 University Blvd., Ste. 200, Houston • www.kelsey-seybold.com 6 Bird Haus The eatery offers hot fried chicken served with cayenne butter at three different spice levels. • Opened Feb. 19 • 5353 W. Alabama St., Ste. 100, Houston • www.instagram.com/birdhaushtx 7 Blk Mkt Birria The venue offers birria in all forms of protein, quesadillas, loaded fries, tacos, tortas and burgers. • Opened Feb. 19 • 5353 W. Alabama St., Ste. 100, Houston • https://blkmktbirria.square.site 90

Now open

1 Tavola The upscale Italian eatery’s menu features salads, paninis and entrees, such as veal milanese and prawns buzara. • Opened Dec. 13 • 1800 Post Oak Blvd., Ste. 100, Houston • www.tavolahouston.com BEECHNUT ST.

BRAYS BAYOU

S. POST OAK RD.

2 Milk + Sugar The artisan ice cream shop specializes in crafting its own unique in-house ice cream flavors and combinations, as well as seasonal and dairy-free flavors. • Opened Feb. 16

• 5172 Buffalo Speedway, Houston • www.milkandsugarcreamery.com

3 Dolce & Gabbana The luxury designer brand offers clothing, handbags, jewelry and lifestyle pieces. • Opened Jan. 30 • 5015 Westheimer Road, Level 2, Houston • www.dolcegabbana.com 4 Wax The City Licensed waxing specialists offer services such as facial hair and body waxing, brow lamination, lash

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14 The Pita-Ria The concept features handcrafted flatbread pizzas, including breakfast flatbreads, as well as soups, salads, hummus and dessert options. • Opened Feb. 19 • 5353 W. Alabama St., Ste. 100, Houston • www.conservatorygalleria.com 15 Thrive The juice shop offers nutrient-rich, fresh juices, smoothies and acai bowls. • Opened Feb. 19 • 5353 W. Alabama St., Ste. 100, Houston • www.thrivejuices.com 16 Wokker The concept specializes in food made from ingredients from traditional Asian dishes combined with elements of Southern cooking, including Texas barbecue and comfort food. • Opened Feb. 19 • 5353 W. Alabama St., Ste. 100, Houston • www.wokkerhtx.com

Coming soon

Now open

17 ChòpnBlok This fast-casual restaurant concept highlights the West African culinary experience, serving fresh proteins, vegetables, grains and beverages. • Opening this spring • 507 Westheimer Road, Houston • www.chopnblok.com

In the news

18 Aesthetica Organic Spa A ribbon cutting took place Feb. 22 for the spa, which offers organic treatments related to beauty and rejuvenation, including massages and facials. It also offers body contouring, infrared sauna treatments, Vichy showers, laser hair removal and jet plasma therapy, among other services. • 6550 Mapleridge St., Ste. 124, Houston • www.aestheticaorganicspa.com

19 Magdalena’s Trattoria & Pizzeria This West University Place Italian restaurant brings authentic handmade pasta, hand-tossed pizza, grilled specialty items and Italian dessert to a restaurant space with the capacity for 97 guests, including bar seating and a patio. • Opened Feb. 13 • 5110 Buffalo Speedway, Ste. B, Houston • www.magdalenasitalia.com

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Education

CONTRIBUTIONS BY SHAWN ARRAJJ BY WESLEY GARDNER

Forty-five Houston ISD schools will be subject to extensive reform beginning in the 2024-25 school year following an announcement from Superintendent Mike Miles that the schools were added to the district’s list of New Education System campuses. Under the NES, district officials aim to improve academic outcomes by implementing central- ized schedules and curriculum, and providing additional resources for teachers, among other changes. New schools to join the system include Westbury High School, Anderson Elementary School and Tinsley Elementary School, each of which serve the Brays Oaks and Westbury areas. The overview Twenty-six schools were added to the district’s list of NES campuses on Jan. 23 by Miles, including Westbury and Anderson. Another 19 schools were added Feb. 9 after principals at those schools opted into the system, including Tinsley. Previously, district officials used official Texas Education Agency accountability ratings to determine which campuses would be eligible for the program. However, the TEA did not release official accountability ratings for the 2022-23 school year due to pending litigation related to newly developed metrics. In an ongoing lawsuit, officials with 120 school districts across the state are challenging the new metrics, which they said are overly harsh and present a false picture. HISD expands New Education System, adds local schools

The following Houston ISD campuses will be designated as New Education System schools beginning in the 2024-25 school year based on the district’s calculation of accountability ratings using data from the Texas Education Agency. Several local schools saw drops in ratings under HISD’s calculation. New Education System campuses and 2022-23 accountability ratings

Kelso: F Ketelsen: D Longfellow: F Milne: F Mitchell: F Montgomery: D

2 Tinsley

1 Elementary schools Almeda: D Anderson Askew: F Bell: D Browning: F

High schools Austin: D

Valley West: D Walnut Bend: F Wesley: F

Northside: D Sharpstown: F Westbury

Middle schools Clifton: F Deady: D

Codwell: F Crockett: D Foerster: D Frost: D Golfcrest: D Grissom: F Gross: D Jefferson: D

Neff: D Peck: D

Other schools

Gregory-Lincoln Education Center: F Woodson Leadership Academy: F

Petersen: D Reynolds: D Ross: D Sanchez: D Southmayd: D Stevens: F

Fonville: F Marshall: D Navarro: D Ortiz: F Thomas: F Welch: F

Newly added local schools

Miles said the district used TEA data from the 2022-23 school year to calculate ratings based on how the new metrics would have played out. Between the 2021-22 and 2022-23 school years, the number of HISD campuses with D or F ratings jumped from 10 to 123 using the new metrics. A closer look HISD officials launched the district’s NES program at 85 campuses at the beginning of the 2023-24 school year following the TEA’s announcement that the state would take over the district in June. Resources offered to teachers at NES campuses include additional staff that handle a variety of tasks outside the classroom. Teachers and staff members at NES campuses receive a higher base salary than teachers at non-NES schools.

LUDINGTON DR.

2021-22 accountability rating: A 2022-23 accountability rating: F

2021-22 accountability rating: C 2022-23 accountability rating: D

SOURCES: HOUSTON ISD, TEXAS EDUCATION AGENCY/COMMUNITY IMPACT

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Real estate

The 77096 ZIP code saw the most home sales of five local ZIP codes in January. That ZIP code also saw a decrease in average days on market when comparing January 2024 with January 2023. Residential market data

Number of homes sold

January 2023

January 2024

-38.46%

+22.22%

+35.71%

-45.45%

77005

77025

77030

77096

77401

77005

77401

77030

Median home sales price

77025

610

January

2023

2024

77096

$1,500,000 $407,500 $765,250 $432,000 $1,050,000

$1,637,500 $885,000 $1,452,000 $390,000 $685,000

77005

288

77025

Homes sold by price point

77030

January 2024

77096

77401

$1,000,000+

$750,00-$999,999

Average days on market +23.4%

$500,000-$749,999

+49.32%

-48.81%

-44.95%

+118.03%

$250,000-$499,999

<$250,000

MARKET DATA PROVIDED BY ALINA ROGERS SPARROW REALTY • 281-961-2944 WWW.SPARROW-REALTY.COM

77005

77025

77030

77096

77401

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Gulfton’s dangerous heat From the cover

Two-minute impact

Harris county air pollution map Researchers with the environmental advocacy group Environmental Defense Fund found large areas in Harris County with fine particulate matter levels above 10 micrograms per cubic meter annually. They also found parts of southwest Harris County above the 12 micrograms per cubic meter level. While the EPA’s new annual air quality standard—announced Feb. 7—requires no more than 9 micrograms per cubic meter, Harris County was found at 11.4 micrograms per cubic meter annually, based on 2020-22 EPA air quality data. The World Health Organization’s standards for annual air pollution level of exposure is no more than 5 micrograms per cubic meter. *THE 2013-15 DATA WAS THE MOST RECENT AND COMPREHENSIVE VISUAL OF HARRIS COUNTY’S AIR POLLUTION LEVELS.

Fine particulate matter, micrograms per cubic meter annual average, 2013-15*

5.1-8

8.1-10

10.1-12

Higher than 12

In a 2023 health disparities annual report released by the Harris County Public Health department, officials said the conditions of where people live and work can have significant effects on one’s health and overall quality of life. Air pollution also impacts residents’ health care costs, according to researchers with Air Alliance Houston. In AAH’s December 2023 report, researchers cited emissions from 47 industrial facilities in eastern Harris County cost the community more than $313 million annually in asthma-related medical expenses. Uwak said Harris County is inundated with multiple sources of fine particulate matter. “It affects almost every system of the body,” Uwak said. “It’s a very, very tiny particle. What makes this particle very dangerous to health is when you inhale the particles, it can easily pass through all the protections in your respiratory tract.” Harris County Public Health Director Barbie Robinson said she believes commitment from policymakers, industry professionals and community partners must be made to address these issues. “Leadership from all groups must make a concerted effort to improve environmental conditions and address the health disparities caused or exacerbated by air pollution,” she said.

Humble

1960

Jersey Village

290

Houston

Gulfton

610

Missouri city

288

Pearland

SOURCE: ENVIRONMENTAL DEFENSE FUND/ COMMUNITY IMPACT

The details

Zooming out

Ten Texas counties do not meet the EPA’s revised annual levels based on 2020-22 federal air quality monitoring data that federal officials say are meant to better protect communities across the country. “This final air quality standard will save lives ... especially within America’s most vulnerable and overburdened communities,” EPA Adminis- trator Michael S. Regan said in a news release.

“Think about vehicle traffic,” Uwak said. “Nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds are released from cars, vehicles and diesel engines. You have those in the air. Then there’s excess heat because there’s very little green space to control some of that heat.”

With limited trees and green space, pedestrians have little to no shade to provide relief from Houston’s heat, Air Alliance Houston officials said. Public transportation users in Gulfton often find themselves waiting on a sidewalk for the bus with no covering as vehicles zoom by a few feet away.

Types of air pollution impacting Gulfton

Following a 2022 community air monitoring program done by environmental group Air Alliance Houston, three key pollutants were found to contribute to urban heat island effects in Gulfton.

Counties not meeting EPA’s revised standards

Term

Definition

Health effects

Dallas

Tarrant

Bowie

Nitrogen oxide (NOx)

Gases released from vehicle exhaust, burning fossil fuels

Breathing NOx can cause coughing, shortness of breath, tiredness and nausea.

El Paso

Highly reactive carbon compounds released by vehicle exhaust, refineries and other industrial sources Nitrogen oxide and volatile organic compounds released by vehicles, refineries and other industries, combined with heat and sunlight

Breathing VOCs can damage the central nervous system, liver, kidneys and other organs. Some VOCs can cause cancer.

Volatile organic compounds (VOC)

Travis

Harris

Ozone can cause chest pain, coughing, throat irritation and congestion, and can worsen bronchitis, emphysema and asthma.

Cameron Kleberg

Webb

Ozone

Hidalgo

SOURCE: AIR ALLIANCE HOUSTON/COMMUNITY IMPACT

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

BY MELISSA ENAJE

Quote of note

By the numbers

What’s next

The urban heat island effect Officials with the Greener Gulfton plan said to combat impacts from the urban heat island effect, more innovative strategies are needed for trees and vegetation to develop.

Community leaders, Gulfton residents, government agencies and nonprofits are collaborating to support a future Gulfton that will combat the high temperatures and improve the neighborhood with the Greener Gulfton plan. Gulfton Super Neighborhood President San- dra Rodriguez said the goal is to incorporate trees as a priority. Elements of the plan will be carried out by different entities along different timelines based on when and how officials are able to secure funding.

In 2023, Harris County Precinct 4 Commissioner Lesley Briones secured $6 million in federal funding from the American Rescue Plan Act to combat the negative health and environmental effects of urban heat islands in three neighborhoods in southwest Houston—Alief, Gulfton and Sharpstown. Rodriguez said each neighborhood was allocated $2 million. Burnett Bayland Park is one of Gulfton’s only green spaces. Precinct 4 officials are working on completing the final design this spring for the Burnett Bayland Park Master Plan that includes doubling the park’s footprint by 2027. As of press time Feb. 27, Harris County was also slated to accept $238,750 in EPA grant funding as part of the Houston-Galveston Area Council’s Climate Action Plan. The county will use the funding to study climate pollution reduction efforts, including emissions reductions.

17 degrees is how much hotter Gulfton is on average than the coolest part of the Harris County, based on data from an August 2020 heat mapping campaign. 86 acres of park space are needed to be added in Gulfton to meet a Houston Parks Master Plan recommendation. 4% is the total amount of tree shade space in Gulfton, less than other parts of Houston 20-45 degrees is how much experts say surface temperatures can potentially be lowered by planting more vegetation in an area.

“The goal is to plant over 800 trees. Tree planting will help advance climate resiliency and

nature equity for Gulfton.” SANDRA RODRIGUEZ, GULFTON SUPER NEIGHBORHOOD PRESIDENT

SOURCES: THE CAPA HEAT WATCH PROGRAM, ENVIRONMENTAL DEFENSE FUND, HOUSTON ENDOWMENT, THE NATURE CONSERVANCY/COMMUNITY IMPACT

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Transportation

Government

BY SHAWN ARRAJJ

BY SHAWN ARRAJJ & MELISSA ENAJE

Houston Methodist pulls plans for Bellaire project Officials with Houston Methodist confirmed Feb. 15 the hospital system has pulled plans for a mixed-use project within downtown Bellaire. The project would have included a mix of retail and medical office space at a site that formerly housed a Randalls, which closed in 2021. Method- ist has also terminated its lease with Kimco, which owns the property. What happened In a letter sent to Bellaire city officials, Method- ist officials said they appreciated the opportunity to present their project to the city. “However, we also respect your vision to pro- vide something different for your community. It is unfortunate we could not obtain approval of our site plan. We appreciate the City Council’s detailed review of our plan and wish you luck in fulfilling your vision for Bellaire,” officials wrote.

Art projects coming to high-crime areas Officials with Harris County’s crime pre- vention and neighborhood safety program are launching a $3 million public art-based initiative in 11 communities that aims to shape the physical space, spur economic development and promote social change. Explained The 11 neighborhoods include Alief, Bar- rett, Cloverleaf, Cypress Station, East Aldine, Gulfton, Highlands, Northshore, Sharpstown, South Houston and Sunnyside. They were prioritized based on violent crime rates and lack of infrastructure, according to county administration officials. Precinct officials can request proposals for projects such as murals, sculptures, artistic crosswalks and park installations through the third quarter of 2024.

TxDOT pitches 2 options for adding lanes to I-10 Officials with the Texas Department of Trans- portation presented details at a Feb. 8 public meeting on two options to add four managed lanes along a 6.3-mile stretch of I-10 between Voss Road and I-45. Average daily vehicle counts in the targeted area have grown from 273,450 in 2018 to 292,460 in 2023 and are projected to grow to 422,220 by 2038, according to TxDOT information. The details Both options would allow I-10 to carry 460,000 vehicles per day, compared to 380,000 vehicles per day if nothing is done. • Alternative 1: Two elevated managed lanes are added in each direction. • Alternative 2: Two managed lanes are added in each direction at the height of general lanes.

DARTMOUTH AVE.

ACADEMY ST.

COLERIDGE ST.

610

Former proposed Houston Methodist building site

UNIVERSITY BLVD.

COMMUNITY DR.

MARQUETTE ST.

MEMORIAL PARK

5TH ST.

West U advances panel replacements Construction wrapped up in February on a series of localized panel replacements in the city of West University Place. Work entails aligning and leveling roadways, and improving drainage. The city awarded an $800,000 construc- tion contract to TB Concrete Construction at a Jan. 22 meeting as part of a two-year agreement that will also include future panel replacement work.

BELLAIRE BLVD.

Both alternatives involve reconstructing frontage roads, and adding a 10-foot-wide shared-use path along the westbound frontage road. Alternative 2 would require the acquisition of 12.54 acres along the westbound frontage road and the displacement of 52 residences and 30 com- mercial buildings. TxDOT would also acquire 0.53 acres of Cottage Grove Park. What’s next TxDOT plans to select an alternative later this year, after considering public feedback. Con- struction could begin in early 2028 and last six to eight years.

Methodist’s proposal dates back to 2022 and had gone through several revisions in an effort to earn the approval of the Bellaire City Council. What’s next Bellaire Mayor Gus Pappas said the city has received “a tremendous amount of interest” from developers in the Randalls site, and that he was optimistic about what the future held. “I am very hopeful that that’s just the jump off and a start for something that comes to the city that is incredibly beneficial to all of us,” he said.

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Community

BY ASIA ARMOUR

Live jazz music guide

2024

Avant Garden A social patio, bar and lounge features live jazz at 9:30 p.m. on Mondays, hosted by The Cory Wilson Quartet and the Houston Ensemble “Jazz Open Jam.”

multisensory experience. Tickets range from $55-$70. • 911 Preston St., Houston • www.feverup.com/en/houston Neighbors This social club and wine bar plays live jazz music every Monday from 8-10 p.m. Attendees will receive a free slice of pizza with a drink purchase. Entry is free. • 3401 Harrisburg Blvd., Ste. A, Houston • www.neighborspizzabar.com Phil & Derek's The venue offers Creole cuisine, drinks from its bar, and live jazz on Thursday nights. Reservations are required. • 1701 Webster St., Houston • www.philanddereksreloaded.com Ready Room The venue has live music from 9 p.m.-midnight on Fridays and Saturdays. It requires a reservation and $30 minimum beverage purchase per person. • 2626 White Oak Drive, Houston • www.readyroomhtx.com Scott Gertner’s Rhythm Room The live music supper club hosts Houston-based vocalist Mariam Echo and other musical acts performing within the genres of Jazz, Blues and R&B from Wednesday-Sunday. • 5535 Memorial Drive, Ste. G, Houston • www.scottgertnermusic.com The Flat The Midtown venue is marketed as a live venue for DJs. The Flat has a midday jazz cool down on Fridays during the lunch hour. • 1701 Commonwealth St., Houston • www.theflathouston.com

• 411 Westheimer Road, Houston • www.avantgardenhouston.com

Eden Plant Company This coffee and plants shop transforms into a live music venue with “Jazz in the Jungle” at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday nights. • 3401 Harrisburg Blvd., Ste. J, Houston • www.edenplant.co Five Central The multi-purpose, multi-level space boasts a cigar lounge, American restaurant, several bars and a lounge where bands play live music every Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. • 2736 Virginia St., Houston • www.fivecentralhouston.com Kulture This Black-owned restaurant and performance space from Marcus Davis, of Houston’s The Breakfast Klub, does a twist on Caribbean-Southern comfort food. Ballads are performed by Marium Echo from 9-11 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. • 701 Avenida de las Americas, Ste. A, Houston • www.instagram.com/kulture_houston Majestic Metro The historic venue usually hosts weddings and corporate events, but at 6:30 p.m. and 8:45 p.m. on March 13, Majestic Metro will be the location of a candlelight tribute to soulful artists, such as Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder and Al Green. A live performance from vocalist Anthony Curtis, organ player Phillip Jones and saxophonist Woody Witt will contribute to the

Jazzy Sundays in the Park This annual series kicks off in March at Emancipation Park and migrates to Buffalo Bayou and Discovery Green parks in April and May, respectively. These outdoor concerts celebrate the tradition of jazz and the Houstonians who preserve the art form. A pop-up market will be on site at each park. • March 3, 10, 17 and 24, 5-7 p.m. • Free (admission) • 3018 Emancipation Ave., Houston • www.epconservancy.org

Urban Smoke This restaurant, bar and cigar lounge boasts live music from in-house bands from 6-8 p.m. and 9-11 p.m. on Wednesdays, from 6-8 p.m. Saturdays and from 2-4 p.m. on the first Sunday of the month.

• 3913 Richmond Ave., Houston • www.urbansmokehouston.com This list is not comprehensive.

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Events

BY ASIA ARMOUR

Attendees can expect Irish folk dance performances, an outdoor market, food and games for all ages. • March 16, 11 a.m.-7 p.m. • Free (admission)

March

Photography Workshop The Houston Center for Photography hosts a workshop at Evelyn’s Park that focuses on extreme close-up photography. Guests must bring their own cameras, but all camera types are welcome. • March 9, 9-11 a.m. • Free • 4400 Bellaire Blvd., Bellaire • www.evelynspark.org Little Art Lovers Nonprofit Roxy Wuz Here will host an exhibit at Gremillion on Sunset with multi-layered, abstract paintings by Rickale West, light bites, cocktails and photo stations. The event will also feature an outreach station from nonprofit Kids Meals Inc., which addresses food insecurity among children in Harris County. • March 15, 7-10 p.m. • $35

• 401 Franklin St., Houston • www.posthtx.com/event

Steve Aoki @ Cle American DJ and music producer Steve Aoki will visit Cle nightclub, which has a large pool in the center of the venue, on St. Patrick’s Day. • March 17, 2-8 p.m. • Starts at $50 • 2301 Main St., Houston, TX

April

Bayou City Art Festival The festival at Sam Houston Park is held to celebrate art experiences and promote the impact art has on the Houston community. It will feature a food truck park, a wine and craft beer garden, two entertainment stages, art installations and an art bar. Expect an outdoor gallery with works from 250 artists. • March 23-24, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. • $18+ (adult), $5+ (Under 12 years old) • 1000 Bagby St., Houston • www.bayoucityartfestival.com

Feast with the Beasts This event invites guests who are 21 years and older to sample local cuisine from 40 of Houston’s best restaurants, and enjoy drinks, live music and animal experiences around the zoo. Entertainment includes a dueling piano show, and proceeds go toward helping

• 2501 Sunset Blvd., Houston • www.roxywuzhereart.com

save animals in the wild. • Apr. 5, 6:30-10 p.m. • $149+ • 6200 Hermann Park Drive, Houston • www.houstonzoo.org

St. Patrick’s Parade and Celebration Think green for this full day of events at POST Houston food hall, including a parade that starts at the venue.

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Dining

BY ASIA ARMOUR

Eau Tour opened in Rice Village in 2023, in the former location of Benjy’s.

COURTESY JENN DUNCAN

The ravioles du Dauphiné is a vegetarian dish served at Eau Tour cut by hand with alternating layers of ricotta and mushroom.

COURTESY EAU TOUR

French bistro Eau Tour creates synergy in Rice Village After locally known restaurateur Benjy Levit’s self-titled restaurant closed during the COVID-19 pandemic, he introduced modern French bistro Eau Tour in the same space as what he called a reinter- pretation of the former eatery’s values. “The guiding principles have been the same, which are super high-quality ingredients in a casual atmosphere with a lighter touch,” Levit said. Main course What’s special about it? When Benjy’s closed in 2020, Levit decided to transform the space into three separate venues to create a diverse environment.

Owner Benjy Levit emphasizes high quality ingredients.

COURTESY EAU TOUR

Forming the collective was signicant to Levit because he grew up in the area, graduating from Bellaire High School. Growing up the youngest of six kids, Levit said he found good food was a way to stand out and to make people happy. This continues to be his driving motivation today. “When everything works the way that we plan it, it takes people away from their everyday life stresses, even if it’s briey,” Levit said. “Great restaurants help provide an escape to our lives, which are busy and stressful.”

TANGELY ST.

The culinary program is seafood-focused. The restaurant’s name translated from French means “water journey,” Levit said. Levit underlined the grilled snapper in a light Par- mesan broth and a vegetarian ravioles du Dauphiné dish as menu standouts.

5117 Kelvin Dr. Suite 200 www.eautourrestaurant.com

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F REE DESSERT w ith any purchase F REE DESSERT w ith any purchase B owl Season Is Here. R ing in the new year with Firehouse Subs! W atch the college bowl games with a d elicious cup of soup! F REE CUP OF SOUP w ith any sub purchase V alid only at participating U.S. FIREHOUSE SUBS® restaurants. One per customer. Not combinable w ith any other coupons or offers. Must present coupon at time of purchase. Void where prohibited o fi r if reproduced, altered, sold or transferred. Tax extra. Substitutions and modi cations may be ex- t ra. Cash value 1/100¢. Not valid on FirehouseSubs.com, FIREHOUSE SUBS® App mobile or delivery o rders. TM & © 2023 FRG, LLC. All rights reserved. Exp. 0 6/30/2024. D ESSERT fi ltered, sold or transferred. Tax extra. Substitutions and modi cations may be extra. Cash value 1/100¢. Not v alid on FirehouseSubs.com, FIREHOUSE SUBS® App mobile or delivery orders. TM & © 2023 FRG, LLC. All r ights reserved. Exp. 0 3/31/2024. 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All r ights reserved. Exp. 0 6/30/2024. D BLMEAT V alid only at participating U.S. FIREHOUSE SUBS® restaurants. One per customer. Not combinable with any o ther coupons or offers. Must present coupon at time of purchase. Void where prohibited or if reproduced, a fi ltered, sold or transferred. Tax extra. Substitutions and modi cations may be extra. Cash value 1/100¢. Not v alid on FirehouseSubs.com, FIREHOUSE SUBS® App mobile or delivery orders. TM & © 2023 FRG, LLC. All r ights reserved. Exp. 0 6/30/2024. D BLMEAT Firehouse Subs Meyerland Plaza 170 Meyerland Plz, Houston, TX. 77096 713-660-7827 C lassic Flavors Make An Iconic Combo G ive our new Chicken Parmesan Meatball Sub the combo it d eserves with a classic Coca-Cola® and Lay’s® Baked Original P otato Crisps. B owl Season Is Here. R ing in the new year with Firehouse Subs! W atch the college bowl games with a d elicious cup of soup! C lassic Flavors Make An Iconic Combo T he Big Game Calls F or A Big Sub T he Big Game Calls F or A Big Sub G ive our new Chicken Parmesan Meatball Sub the combo it d eserves with a classic Coca-Cola® and Lay’s® Baked Original P otato Crisps. E njoy Firehouse Subs while watching your f avorite college hoops! F REE CUP OF SOUP w ith any sub purchase V alid only at participating U.S. FIREHOUSE SUBS® restaurants. One per customer. Not combinable with any o ther coupons or offers. Must present coupon at time of purchase. Void where prohibited or if reproduced, a fi ltered, sold or transferred. Tax extra. Substitutions and modi cations may be extra. Cash value 1/100¢. Not v alid on FirehouseSubs.com, FIREHOUSE SUBS® App mobile or delivery orders. TM & © 2023 FRG, LLC. All r ights reserved. Exp. 0 3/31/2024. S OUP$SUB V alid only at participating U.S. FIREHOUSE SUBS® restaurants. One per customer. Not combinable with any o ther coupons or offers. Must present coupon at time of purchase. 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The Spirit of Springtime

Rich fuchsia azaleas in bloom. Rodeo revelry in full swing. Mild temperatures that rival the west coast. The anticipated arrival of Astros season. Springtime in Houston is pulsing with life. Here in the heart of the hubbub—bordering the city’s most celebrated museums, Rice University, the Medical Center, and NRG stadium—we’re embracing the spirit of the season right alongside you. Together, we can continue to cultivate a walkable, welcoming space for commerce and community.

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