Bellaire - Meyerland - West University | September 2023

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Bellaire Meyerland West University Edition VOLUME 5, ISSUE 5 SEPT. 2OCT. 6, 2023

A new force rises

Fifty-four cadets graduated from the Houston Police Academy on Aug. 10 and joined the Houston Police Department. The city invested more than $1 billion into the HPD in its 202324 budget, including funding for ve police cadet classes as the department seeks to bolster its numbers.

SHAWN ARRAJJCOMMUNITY IMPACT

Major eorts toward public safety, police reform take center stage in Houston as mayoral election nears

intended to fund ve police cadet classes as well as 3% raises for all ocers. Cadet retention is part of Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner’s $72 million One Safe Houston initiative, to which he has attributed a recent drop in violent crime, includ- ing murder and aggravated assault.

July, a total of 5,129 ocers were on sta with the Houston Police Department, or roughly 2.2 ocers per 1,000 city residents, according to HPD data. This is down from 5,259 ocers in January 2020, or 2.25 ocers per city resident. The city invested more than $1 billion into the Houston Police Department when the scal year 2023-24 budget was adopted in July, which is

BY SHAWN ARRAJJ

As Houston prepares to transition to its next mayor in 2024, crime remains top of mind for many likely voters, and city ocials are looking to keep momen- tum going from a recent drop in criminal activity. However, obstacles remain when it comes to department funding and ocer recruitment. As of

CONTINUED ON 14

Also in this issue

Impacts: New cookie shop debuts in Bellaire (Page 7)

Environment: Timeline announced for detention basins (Page 10)

Community: Where to play pickleball in the local area (Page 11)

Dining: Hamsa serves modern Israeli cuisine (Page 17)

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Impacts

BY SHAWN ARRAJJ, MELISSA ENAJE & LEAH FOREMAN

Now open

W E S T H E I M E R R D .

R I C H M O N

TERMINAL ST.

HERMANN PARK

UNIVERSITY

W. HOLCOMBE BLVD.

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BUFFALO SPEEDWAY

1 Dirty Dough The Utah-based company offers 4-ounce cookies in a variety of flavors. The business also offers pickup, delivery and mobile app ordering services as well as weekly rotating flavors. • Opened July 29 • 4001 Bellaire Blvd., Ste. G, Bellaire • https://dirtydoughcookies.com

BEECHNUT ST.

288

BRAYS BAYOU

S. POST OAK RD.

MAP NOT TO SCALE

sell jerseys, apparel, memorabilia, clothing and other products for all 30 NBA teams. • Opening late 2023 • 5135 W. Alabama St., Level 1, Houston • https://store.nba.com

• 5252 Westchester St., Ste. 255, Houston • www.bercuttpt.com

Now open

2 Origin The physical therapy provider specializes in women’s health and pelvic floor physical therapy. The center seeks to help with pelvic floor dysfunction as a result of pregnancy or other reasons. • Opened Aug. 2 • 4950 Terminal St., Ste. 100, Bellaire • www.theoriginway.com 3 The Dizzy Spot The vestibular rehabilitation and balance therapy center opened within the offices of Bercutt Physical Therapy. Physical therapists offer gait and balance therapy, and concussion management, among other services. • Opened Sept. 1

Coming soon

4 Amazing Spaces The new location will offer climate-controlled self storage and amenities such as delivery acceptance and wine storage. Other perks include free moving carts, complimentary conference rooms and covered driveways. • Opening in September • 3130 Southwest Freeway, Houston • www.amazingspaces.com 5 NBA Store As an officially licensed retailer selling merchandise for the National Basketball Association, the NBA Store will

In the news

6 Bayland Park Harris County commissioners approved a master plan contract in July aimed at transforming Gulfton’s Bayland Park into a green space that will serve as a destination for sports leagues in southwest Houston. At a date to be determined, an initial kickoff meeting will discuss project expectations. • 6400 Bissonnet St., Houston • https://hcp4.net/parks/bayland-park

BELLAIRE - MEYERLAND - WEST UNIVERSITY EDITION

Government

Ballot proposition could affect City Council agendas

Bellaire prepares to adopt new budget The city of Bellaire is aiming to adopt its fis- cal year 2023-24 budget at a Sept. 18 meeting, which includes an estimated $27 million in general fund expenses. A deep dive In the proposed budget, officials are debating the following: • 10% increase in city water rates • 10% increase in wastewater rates • 7% increase in solid waste rates • 4% cost of living adjustment In the city’s FY 2022-23 budget, officials approved $29 million in expenses, an amount that was boosted by $4.7 million in transfers, including $3.7 million for capital projects. Property tax revenues are expected to increase from $15.5 million in the 2022-23 budget to $16.5 million in the 2023-24 budget.

Houston voters will get a chance to decide in November whether the city should amend its char- ter to allow members of the Houston City Council to place items on the council’s weekly agenda. What happened Council members voted Aug. 2 to approve placing the item on ballots for Houstonians to vote on during this year’s election Nov. 7. Zooming in Currently, the mayor in Houston has sole dis- cretion to determine what should and should not be placed on the agenda each week. If the charter amendment is approved by voters, any council member would be able to place an item on the agenda as long as they had the backing of at least two other council members. Agenda items would still need a majority of the council’s approval—at least nine votes in favor—in order to pass the council.

Empowering the council An item on Nov. 7 ballots will give voters the chance to amend Houston’s charter related to weekly Houston City Council agenda topics.

How it works:

• Only the mayor can place an item on the agenda • Council members can request items be placed on the agenda, but all items require mayoral approval

What would change:

• A council member could place an item on the agenda if they have the support of at least two other members • The mayor would not be able to veto the placement of an item if three council members back its placement

SOURCE: CITY OF HOUSTON/COMMUNITY IMPACT

512-232-5000 EdServices@austin.utexas.edu highschool.utexas.edu

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INSPIRED VOICES

Harris County approves burn ban with potential ending in October

A burn ban is in effect until at least October in unincorporated Harris County after commissioners approved a measure Aug. 8 citing extreme temperatures and contin- uous dry conditions. Fire Marshal Laurie Christensen said in a news release excessive heat conditions and a lack of rain have elevated various environmental levels that could cause potential forest fires. Quote of note

devastating wildfire happening in our community,” Christensen said in an Aug. 8 statement. Zooming out As of Aug. 25, Harris County’s average drought scale was 761, according to the Keetch-Byram Drought Index. The index measures drought conditions on a scale from 0-800. Conditions between 600-800 have the potential to lead to intense, prolonged fires.

“The burn ban is in place to reduce the potential of a

Our residents are one of the best reasons to join us at The Tradition. Here is what one of our residents has to say about what contributes to her enjoyment: “I love so many things at The Tradition that I am not sure if I could just pick one. There’s companionship if you want it; there’s a book club if you want it; there’s art if you want it; there’s always food if you want it; and there’s always a cocktail if you want it. It’s like living in a hotel, so it’s kind of a vacation just to live here. Why wouldn’t I tell someone? I am thrilled to be here. And I would tell them to please come; it’s just a fabulous place, and you’ll meet wonderful people.” I hope that you consider a new way of living and join us at The Tradition. Please make an appointment to tour our beautiful Community, meet residents firsthand and learn more. I look forward to welcoming you home!

What’s allowed:

What’s not:

• Approved ceremonial fires • Noncommercial cooking, such as backyard cookouts and barbecues • Welding performed under county fire code requirements • Sale or use of fireworks, but fire marshal’s office discourages using fireworks during the ban

• No outdoor, open burning is allowed except in outdoor burning activities authorized by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality. • Those actions found in violation of the burn ban will be considered a Class C misdemeanor punishable by a fine up to $500.

SOURCE: HARRIS COUNTY/COMMUNITY IMPACT

Founder & CEO The Tradition

Commissioners raise vet staff salaries

veterinary department is a branch of the HCPH department. Going forward Commissioners will also con- sider adding three veterinarians to the county payroll, according to the proposed fiscal year 2023- 24 budget that is up for adoption in September. Officials from the county’s public health services department recommended the additional positions to improve shelter operations.

Harris County commissioners approved adjusting the base salary for key positions within the county’s Veterinary Public Health Division on Aug. 8, which includes animal control officers, technicians and veterinarians. The additional funding of more than $563,000 for the market-rate salary adjustments will be absorbed within Harris County Public Health’s current budget, Executive Director Bar- bie Robinson said. The county’s

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BELLAIRE - MEYERLAND - WEST UNIVERSITY EDITION

Environment

BY SHAWN ARRAJJ

Work could start in late 2023 on Meyergrove detention basins Meyer said. Part of the existing 4-foot-wide sidewalk along Braeswood Boulevard will be expanded to a 10-foot-wide hike and bike trail. The smaller basin will be a dry-bottom basin and will be designed to drain between rain events. Digging in Meyergrove detention basin 1 • 7.7 acres • wet-bottom basin • will hold roughly 84 acre-feet of water Meyergrove detention basin 2 • 3 acres • dry-bottom basin • will hold 10 acre-feet of water

Work is moving forward on a Harris County Flood Control District project meant to reduce flooding in the lower portions of Brays Bayou. The overview Two Meyergrove detention basins will be used to temporarily store excess stormwater during heavy rain events, which would gradually drain back into the channel through outfall pipes as it becomes safe for the bayou to receive additional water, said Melissa Meyer, engineering division manager with the Harris County Flood Control District, during an Aug. 17 public meeting. The basins are being funded by $9.9 million in federal dollars through the Community Funded Projects program. The details The larger basin will support overflow from Brays Bayou with a concrete weir between the basin and Brays, Meyer said. It will be a wet-bottom basin and will include a small lake with wetland plantings,

B E E C

The projects will mostly be useful for smaller rain- fall events, Project Manager Rusty Lannin said at the meeting, giving an example of a storm that produces 6-7 inches of rain over 5-6 hours. However, water is still expected to exceed banks during a 100-year storm event, which is a storm that has a roughly 1% chance of occurring in any given year. “The whole area is the bottom of the flood plain there, so I think any detention to hold back water helps everywhere,” Lannin said at the meeting. What’s next A construction contract is expected to be awarded in the fall, and construction could start in late 2023

BRAYS BAYOU GREENWAY

610

GREENWILLOW ST.

SOURCE: HARRIS COUNTY FLOOD CONTROL DISTRICT/COMMUNITY IMPACT

610

POST OAK RD. or early 2024 and last about nine months. Some clo- sures of existing trails are expected near the larger basin, and some single-lane closures of Braeswood Boulevard could also be warranted.

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Community

BY ASIA ARMOUR

Pickleball guide

2023

ongoing reservation or class, free play on these courts is welcomed. • 4201 Judson St., West University Place • www.westutx.gov/1156/judson-park-tennis-court Mulberry Park This Bellaire amenity features three outdoor tennis courts with pickleball lines. Nets are the regulation height for tennis play, and there are lights for visitors to play ball until the park closes at 10:30 p.m. Visitors must bring their own equipment. • 700 Mulberry Lane, Bellaire • www.bellairetx.gov/1730/tennis-pickleball Wier Park The Wier Park recreation center has classes that include an introduction to the game, how to serve and strategies to win a game of pickleball. There are two lit tennis courts with regulation-height tennis nets. Wier Park is in the process of implementing several structural improvements, estimated to start in January, that include resurfacing and restriping its tennis courts. • 3012 Nottingham St., West University Place • www.westutx.gov/456/wier-park

Where to play

Coming soon

Alief Community Center On Tuesdays and Fridays, staff sets up the gymnasium for indoor pickleball sessions. The community center features four outdoor tennis/pickleball courts with tennis-height net regulations in addition to other amenities, such as its fitness center, basketball courts and programming for kids and teens.

• 11903 Bellaire Blvd., Houston • www.houstontx.gov/parks

Bellaire Recreation Center Residents have the option to play on the three indoor or two outdoor courts at the Bellaire Recreation Center. Inside, the courts are open play and operate on a first-come, first-served basis. Players must bring their own paddles and balls, and there’s a limit of four players per court. Outside, the nets are tennis-regulation height, and lighting allows for play after dark. • 7008 Fifth St., Bellaire • www.bellairetx.gov/740/recreation-center Colonial Park Located just behind the Colonial Park Pool building, this park has two outdoor courts. The site’s East court has a hitting board for individuals looking to train and for the children and adult classes hosted on site. The park also features a shaded seating area between its East and West courts. Walk-on play is allowed as long as there are no reservations or classes taking place at the time. • 4130 Byron St., West University Place • www.westutx.gov/1154/colonial-park-tennis-courts Judson Park This West University Place park has one outdoor court with a hitting board for individuals to practice on the south side of the court. If there is not an

Houston Pickleballers Want to learn how to play? This sports school hosts clinics for both individuals and groups on the sport. Instructors provide specialized training, guidance and advice for beginners and advanced players who want to improve their skills. • 10615 Atwell Drive, Houston • www.houstonpickleballers.com PKL Social The owners behind FM Kitchen and Bar plan to open a bar this fall with pickleball courts at 1102 Shepherd Drive, Houston. Called PKL Social, the space will have four pickleball courts, a covered deck space, yard games and cabanas. The pickleball courts will be on a pay-to-play basis with rates determined by peak hours. PKL Social plans to also host leagues, clinics and open play for all levels of players. • 1102 Shepherd Drive, Houston • www.pklsocial.com

Where to learn

Elite Pickleball Club As the first fully dedicated indoor pickleball facility in Houston, the Elite Pickleball Club has eight indoor courts with outdoor surface. The center provides paddle rentals, advanced reservations, drop-in play, clinics and drills, private lessons, pickleball leagues and tournaments. In addition, guests and members can purchase select products at a shop on site, including clothes and equipment. • 610 W 6th St., Houston • www.texaselitepickleball.com

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BELLAIRE - MEYERLAND - WEST UNIVERSITY EDITION

Transportation

Real estate

BY SHAWN ARRAJJ & ANNA LOTZ

CHIMNEY ROCK RD. Work on Richmond Plaza project hits utility delay

Texas Central, Amtrak exploring partnership Texas Central and Amtrak officials are exploring a partnership to potentially advance the 240-mile high-speed rail project proposed to connect Houston and Dallas. Two-minute impact Amtrak officials said the two entities are evaluating the project’s viability. The project is anticipated to: • Provide travelers a 90-minute route between Houston and Dallas • Remove 12,500 cars per day from I-45 Zooming out Texas Central and Amtrak have submitted applications to federal programs for grant funds to study and design the high-speed rail project.

Number of homes sold

July 2022

July 2023

Residential market data

19 23

26 27

+21.1%

+3.8%

77005

77096

The total number of homes sold was largely flat in five local ZIP codes when comparing July 2023 to July 2022. Sales rose slightly in four ZIP codes, while dropping slightly in the 77025 ZIP code.

Construction on a $19 million city of Houston paving and drainage project targeting the Rich- mond Plaza community hit a delay in August after crews ran into utility conflicts. However, city officials said the project is still on track to be completed by fall 2024. What’s happening Because work on side streets cannot move forward until work is completed on Evergreen, officials with the Houston Public Works Depart- ment said in an Aug. 4 update that crews were focusing on storm improvements along Evergreen from Alder Drive to Chimney Rock Road as they wait for utility conflicts in the area to be resolved. The details Work includes the design and construction of stormwater drainage and paving improve- ments—including streets, curbs, sidewalks and driveways—on parts of Alder Drive and Jessamine, Aspen, Huisache, Evergreen, Grand Lakes and

22 21

22 25

-4.5%

+13.6%

77025

77401

7 8

ASPEN ST.

+14.3%

77030

HUISACHE ST.

610

GRAND LAKE ST.

Median home sales price

EVERGREEN ST.

July 2022

$1,358,154 July 2023

77005

-29.1%

$1,915,000

288

Mapleridge streets. The project is intended to reduce the risk of structural flooding. What’s next Once work on Evergreen is completed, the next phase of work will begin on Alder Drive from Evergreen Street to Bissonnet Street.

77025

-4%

$490,000

$510,500

77005 77096

77025 77401

77030

-7.5%

$825,000

$891,425

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

77096

-10%

$411,000

$456,850

77401

+34%

$1,350,000

$1,007,500

BUFFALO SPEEDWAY 9733 Buffalo Speedway (713) 838-7486

HOLCOMBE 2314 W Holcombe Blvd (713) 669-1722

WESLAYAN 3902 Bissonnet (713) 218-8144

A new force rises From the Cover

Two-minute impact

Houston crime trends

Jan. 1-July 31

Turner and HPD Chief Troy Finner have both attributed decreases in violent crime in 2022 and 2023 to investments made through the One Safe Houston initiative, a multipronged crime ghting eort launched in February 2022 that has involved funding cadet retention eorts and ocer overtime as well as new behavioral health programs, gun buyback events and domestic abuse response. “[The crime drop] is because of the mayor … giving money to police and re to reduce crime, in a holistic plan that threw its arms around everybody in Houston,” Finner said of One Safe Houston at an Aug. 11 community event to celebrate its progress. Although HPD data shows decreases in some violent crimes, such as murder and aggravated assault, some crimes, such as theft from motor vehicles, have increased when comparing the rst seven months of 2023 with the same timeframe in 2022, according to HPD data. Meanwhile, in the 2023-24 budget, Turner also prioritized incentives for new cadets. The city has been able to drop the number of police ocers eligible for retirement from 38% in 2016 to 28% as the city has enlisted about 2,200 cadets, Turner said.

Kidnapping, abduction

Sexual assault*

Aggravated assault

Theft from motor vehicle

Murder

Robbery

5,000 10,000 15,000 20,000

Full year

25,000 10,000 15,000 20,000 30,000

5,000 0

*DEFINED ACCORDING TO THE NATIONAL INCIDENTBASED REPORTING SYSTEM, WHICH INCLUDES CRIMES OF RAPE, SODOMY, SEXUAL ASSAULT WITH AN OBJECT AND FONDLING

SOURCE: HOUSTON POLICE DEPARTMENTCOMMUNITY IMPACT

helped establish. In the 2023-24 budget, Turner said he increased the city’s fund balance—which func- tions as a savings account for the city—to $401 million, or $220 million above the minimum in the city’s charter. Funding gaps that may exist during the FY 2024-25 budgeting process could be covered by the fund balance, Turner said.

and crime and more than $7 million toward cadet retention eorts. Under federal guidelines, cities must have all ARPA funds allocated by December 2024, and all funds must be spent by December 2026. Once ARPA funding dries up, cities such as Houston will be on their own for nding ways to fund new patrol initiatives and cadet incentives that ARPA

Zooming in

About $60 million of the HPD budget for the 2023-24 scal year comes from federal corona- virus relief funds through the American Rescue Plan Act, including $20 million toward patrol enhancements meant to help reduce violence

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BY SHAWN ARRAJJ

Also of note

What they’re saying

What's next?

Turner, elected in 2015, will see his second and nal term as Houston mayor end in December because of term limits. Seventeen candidates have led to run for mayor in the Nov. 7 election. Although crime rates may be dropping in Houston, crime remains a top concern among residents, according to a survey conducted in July by the University of Houston Hobby School of Public Aairs. The survey was conducted from July 12-20 and included responses from 800 people whom UH deemed likely voters. What likely voters think should be a “top priority” for Houston’s next mayor Crime Flooding Road and street construction

Meanwhile, the city is also working on completing a series of police department reforms aimed at improving accountabil- ity. The city released the 104 reforms in a September 2020 report from the Mayor’s Oce of Policing Reform and Accountabil- ity, which was formed after the murder of George Floyd in May 2020. Stephen Ives, board chair for the city’s Independent Police Oversight Board, said a culture change is underway in HPD under the leadership of Finner and with increased oversight from the IPOB, which monitors cases where an ocer discharges a weapon or uses force. Howard Henderson, a criminal justice research expert with Texas Southern University, said he has noted progress as well when it comes to both accountability and transparency. Remaining reforms Of the 104 recommended police reform items released by the city of Houston in September 2020, around 90% had been completed as of July. Some items that remain to be completed include: • Crisis intervention: Lobby lawmakers to amend state law to allow a physician or health care professional to issue notice of detention. • Independent oversight: Bring on a convicted felon, who has completed terms of punishment, to serve on police oversight board. • Power dynamics: Invest in dashboard cameras for all police cars. SOURCE: CITY OF HOUSTONCOMMUNITY IMPACT

“There is a culture change eort underway inside the police department. I think in any system, accountability matters. … [Citizens] knowing [we] are paying attention

and will speak up.” STEPHEN IVES, BOARD

CHAIR OF THE INDEPENDENT POLICE OVERSIGHT BOARD

“Public safety will always be the city of Houston’s No. 1 priority, and that is reected in the over $1 billion that we allocated through council for this year’s budget toward the Houston Police Department.” DAVE MARTIN,

83% 72% 65% 65% 44% 34% 16% 12%

Economy and jobs Aordable housing Trash collection and recycling Parks and recreation Animal adoption/control

HOUSTON MAYOR PRO TEM, SPEAKING AT AN AUG. 10 HOUSTON POLICE ACADEMY GRADUATION

What likely voters said has a “major negative” impact on the quality of life in their neighborhood Violent crime

“Community members need to be engaged in what the justice system

48% 45% 39% 28%

looks like. The question that is important is will the next mayor continue this?” HOWARD HENDERSON, CRIMINAL JUSTICE RESEARCH EXPERT AT TEXAS SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY

Home and car break-ins Illegal drug sale and use Illegal dumping

SOURCE: UNIVERSITY OF HOUSTON HOBBY SCHOOL OF PUBLIC AFFAIRSCOMMUNITY IMPACT

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Events

BY IRENE ZHENG

her new book “Facing the Enemy.” Mills will also host a Q&A session and discuss story ideas with attendees. • Sept. 16, 3 p.m. • Free • 2342 Bissonnet St., Houston • www.diannmills.com El Festival De La Salsa The festival celebrates Hispanic heritage and Latin culture. Enjoy live music, arts and crafts, a salsa dance competition, cultural performances and food from various Latin countries. • Sept. 24, 1-10 p.m. • $12, (free for children 12 and younger) • Discovery Green, 1500 McKinney St., Houston • www.elfestivaldelasalsa.com “Seismic” Watch the River Oaks Chamber Orchestra kick off its 19th season with “Seismic.” Conducted by Mei-Ann Chen, the show will feature ROCO’s full 40-piece chamber orchestra. The program includes Anthony DiLorenzo’s “Techtonal,” Kevin Lau’s “The Nightingale” and Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov’s “Scheherazade.” • Sept. 29, 8 p.m. • Free • Miller Outdoor Theatre, 6000 Hermann Park Drive, Houston • www.roco.org

September

“Above Front Tears Nest in South” Attend the opening reception for French artist Laure Prouvost. The exhibit includes large multimedia installations, found objects and videos, and explores themes of ecofeminism and environmentalism. • Sept. 15, 6-8 p.m. • Free • Moody Center for the Arts, 6100 Main St., MS-480, Houston • https://moody.rice.edu “Alice” Dance company MOMIX presents its show, choreographed by Moses Pendleton and inspired by Lewis Carroll’s “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland.” The show explores Alice’s adventures through creative visual illusions. • Sept. 16, 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., Sept. 17, 2 p.m. • $29-$99 • Cullen Theater, Wortham Center, 501 Texas Ave., Houston • www.performingartshouston.org DiAnn Mills “Facing the Enemy” Q&A Author DiAnn Mills will visit the bookstore Murder By The Book to talk about the process of writing and researching

Brew at the Zoo Enjoy beer tasting, games and live music at the Houston Zoo’s annual event. Guests will have access to the zoo’s newest exhibit, Galapagos Island. Games and activities include LED mini golf, giant beer pong and sketches from digital caricature artists. The event is only for individuals 21 and older. • Sept. 15, 6-10 p.m.

• $35 (event pass), $49 (beer pass) • 6200 Hermann Park Drive, Houston • www.houstonzoo.org

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Dining

BY MELISSA ENAJE

Hamsa sta bake pita using a wood-burning oven.

The Yalla Yalla Experience is sold for $75 per person.

Several charcoal skewer options are available.

PHOTOS BY MELISSA ENAJECOMMUNITY IMPACT

Hamsa serves modern Israeli cuisine in Rice Village The number ve is kind of a big deal at 5555 Morningside Drive, the address for modern-Is- raeli restaurant Hamsa, which translated in Arabic, means ve. Hamsa is also known as an ancient Islamic and Jewish symbol for the Fatima hand, which symbolizes protection, health and good fortune. It’s no coincidence that co-founder and CEO types of cuisine in one melting pot,” he said. Guests can expect food avors and techniques inspired from the Middle East’s Levant region, which includes Lebanon, Syria, Turkey and Northern Africa. Ingredients used in many menu

items include olive oil, chickpeas and many spices as well as Turkish, Greek and eastern European inuences. “It’s really all across the Mediterranean,” Ben Eli said. What’s on the menu Items vary across lunch and dinner menus. For both lunch and dinner, diners can pick from the menu’s salatim, which are spreads, dips and salads served before a big meal. Options include baba ganoush; squash tahini; shaved tomato and feta; matbucha, which are slow-cooked roasted bell peppers; and labneh, a thick cheese made from strained yogurt. All salatim are served with freshly baked pita using a wood-burning oven that transforms the housemade dough discs into steaming pus of pita in a matter of minutes. For dinner, appetizers include in-house hummus, falafel, octopus, beef tartare or roasted cabbage. Main dishes to be shared include the grilled bran- zino sh served on a fennel salad, lamb spare ribs and hanger steak. Charcoal-grilled options, such as chicken thigh, are served on a vegetable skewer and paired with a red onion parsley salad. Guests can choose from oyster mushroom, shrimp, tenderloin or a combination of lamb and beef options.

Falafel is on the restaurant’s dinner menu.

Itai Ben Eli decided to open Hamsa in 2022 in the fth month of the year. The opening came two years after Ben Eli originally leased the space, right before a global pandemic shut down businesses in 2020. Once the city started opening up again, he said he faced delays with city requirements, including the permitting process. “It’s all a blessing. I believe that we opened at the right time,” Ben Eli said. What’s special about it? Step into the restaurant and the ambiance takes diners to an upscale European dining room with colorful interior and modern furniture. Dining at Hamsa, Ben Eli said, means a variety of items on a jam-packed table where dierent avors, textures and temperatures come together. Cocktails and wine options have a Middle Eastern twist if they’re not originally sourced from the region. He stressed it’s not only about what food is being served at Hamsa, but also how food is eaten: family style. Why we love it Ben Eli said the term “Israeli cuisine” is broad. “Israel has so many dierent nationalities and

Hamsa was co-founded by Itai Ben Eli.

RICEBLVD.

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5555 Morningside Dr., Ste. 100, Houston www.hamsahtx.com

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Walkable. Welcoming. Vibrant.

In Rice Village, we curate an active rotation of events and programming to complement our vibrant dining offerings and storefronts. This fall, we hope you visit—and stay awhile. Stroll through the Farmers Market, peruse seasonal popups, linger over a cocktail under the stars, and bring the family to enjoy some live music. Thank you for helping us nurture a community that’s growing together.

Kirby & University, Houston, TX

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