The 04-07-24 Edition of The Heights Leader

By STEFANIE THOMAS editor@theleadernews.com

Amidst the Texas Department of Transportation’s (TxDOT) ambitious proposals to overhaul a 6.3-mile stretch of Interstate 10 between Voss Road and I-45, a stretch that in part defines the southern border of the Heights proper, a grassroots movement has emerged, challenging the status quo and advocating for a more community-centric approach.

This group, known as No Higher No Wider I-10, has become a vocal voice in the debate over the Inner Katy Managed Lanes Project, pushing back against

TxDOT’s plans for elevated lanes and expanded infrastructure.

Driven by concerns over property seizures, environmental impacts, and neighborhood fragmentation, No Higher No Wider I-10 is making waves in Houston’s civic landscape. Founded by concerned residents and community activists, the group aims to rally support for alternative solutions that prioritize neighborhood integrity and sustainability.

TxDOT’s Project Background

The TxDOT Houston District’s Inner Katy Managed Lanes Project aims to address longstanding issues of congestion, mobility, and drainage along the I-10 corridor. With the segment between I-610 and I-45 ranking as the 7th most congested roadway segment in Texas, according to the Texas Transportation Institute, the need for intervention is evident. Additionally, the corridor crosses approximately 85 acres of the 100-year floodplain, leading to impassable conditions during heavy rain events. Despite these challenges, TxDOT’s proposed solutions have drawn criticism from community members and advocacy groups like No Higher No Wider I-10.

By STEFANIE THOMAS editor@theleadernews.com

On 19th St. in the Heights, there’s a unique gem that catches the eye of every passersby, every time - the Venus Hair Cataillic. This blinged-out vehicle is impossible to miss, a steady fixture with a permanent parking spot just outside Venus Hair. Guarded by a life-size Elvis statue, it is an art car adorned with vibrant colors, intricate designs and, yes, lots of cats. The Cataillic, a.k.a. the Venus Hairse, is the aptly named brainchild of Susan Venus, owner of Venus Hair.

Susan recently shared the fascinating journey of Cataillic, from its humble beginnings to becoming one of the highlights of the renowned Houston Art Car Parade, one stroke of the paint brush and a string of beads at a time.

The Birth of an Art Car

Susan’s fascination with art cars began when she was a face painter at the Texas Renaissance Festival decades ago and happened to meet some art car

Proposed Improvements and Possible Displacement

Among the proposed improvements by TxDOT are the addition of managed lanes, reconstruction of generalpurpose lanes, and drainage enhancements. However, concerns have been raised regarding the potential displacement of residential properties and businesses, as well as the acquisition of additional right-of-way. Alternative solutions, such as a capped freeway design, have been put forward by No Higher No Wider I-10 as viable alter-

By LISA MORALES The Leader News Contributor

A Heights springtime tradition continues with the return of the annual Great Taste of the Heights event, happening on April 20.

Hosted by The All Saints Catholic Community, this beloved food festival promises an unforgettable expe-

rience filled with tantalizing flavors, live entertainment, and a fantastic silent auction and raffle.

Kerry Anne Mooney has led the charge as the event coordinator of Great Taste for 19 years and talks about the inspiration for the event.

“After many years hosting a Family Fun Day at All Saints Catholic Community, we brain-

stormed on how to enhance that event, broaden our appeal to the community and raise more funds for our ministries,” Mooney said.

“Council members who had experience in Houston’s extensive restaurant industry expressed the idea to invite local Heights-area restaurants

Heights businesswoman and pet behaviorist Joanna Wachowiak-Finlaison has created a new Drink With Your Dog® program and partnered with Eureka Heights Brewing Company to offer courses that will help pups act like ladies and gentlemen so the two of you (and other patrons) can better enjoy the time away from home.

Joanna is the owner of High Five Animal Training in the Heights, working with pet parents to help resolve behavior issues in both dogs and cats, using positive reinforcement methods and teaching effective cross-species communication. She has certifications in both dog and cat training and belongs to several animal training-related organizations. She also writes a monthly pet behavior column for The Leader.

In 2019, Texas Senate Bill 476 became law – the “Dogs on Patios” law – allowing restaurants to easily be designated “dogfriendly” if they commit to certain health and safety guidelines. Since then, Joanna has seen a shift in Houston from dogs not being allowed anywhere, to dogs often being allowed in public spaces. She and her husband often visit Eureka Heights –Joanna’s favorite local spot. Originally, she took her dog with her, until she realized that her dog was getting older and no longer enjoyed being in loud, crowded spaces. This is why she started the Drink With Your Dog program, because she saw other dogs that were overwhelmed and not having fun.

April meeting of Houston Rose Society on April 11

This month, the Houston Rose Society will host Kim and Jim Keeter, new owners of the Antique Rose Emporium (ARE). They will speak to the group about their vision for the nursery, e-commerce, and rose production business. They will also highlight some of the roses and other plant material they offer, including the Pioneer Roses that were hybridized by former owner Mike Shoup.

The Keeters come from a family passionate about gardening and landscape architecture. They are running the nursery as a family business and have their children Tres (James, III) and Mackenzie along with son-in-law Nathan Knutson involved in every aspect of operating the business

to preserve old garden roses and help bring roses into gardens everywhere.

Consulting Rosarians who attend this meeting will receive one hour of continuing education credit. CRs will be required to sign a registration form at the meeting or email president@ houstonrose.org prior to the meeting with their name, email address, and name of your rose society if outside HRS in order to receive credit.

Please join us on Thursday, April 11 at 7 p.m. at St. Andrews Episcopal Church located at 1819 Heights Blvd. in Houston, or from the comfort of your home or office using Zoom on your computer, tablet or smartphone here.

You can also go to www. zoom.us and enter Meeting ID #85837921087 with passcode 546926 to join remotely.

Police investigate deadly Easter stabbing near old Sears building

COMMUNITY REPORTS

Houston police are investigating the fatal stabbing of a man at 4000 North Shepherd Dr. about 6:30 p.m. on Sunday, March 31.

The identity of the victim, 32, is pending verification by the Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences.

HPD Homicide Division detectives said officers were dispatched to a person down call in a parking lot at the above address and located a male with multiple stab wounds. Paramedics transported the victim to an area hospital where he was pronounced deceased.

A short time later, officers located a possible suspect and detained him for questioning. He was found to have multiple felony warrants and was taken to the Harris County Jail. At this time, the male has not been charged in the stabbing incident at this time. The investigation is continuing.

Anyone with information in this case is urged to contact the HPD Homicide Division at 713-308-3600.

Pedestrian killed on 610 Loop

COMMUNITY REPORTS

Houston police are investigating a fatal crash at 200 North Loop West (North Interstate Highway 610 West) about 4:35 a.m. on April 1.

The identity of the deceased male, 44, is pending notification to family members by the Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences.

HPD Vehicular Crimes Division officials said the male, a pedestrian, was on the main lanes of the freeway when he was struck by a white Chevrolet Impala traveling westbound. Houston Fire Department paramedics responded to the scene and pronounced the male deceased.

The male driver, 39, of the Impala remained at the scene, was determined not to be impaired and was questioned and released.

The investigation is continuing.

Trees For Houston and Green Mountain Energy Sun Club kick off Earth Month with volunteer event and sustainability tour

New installations funded by Sun Club grant take

Trees For Houston sustainability to the next level

COMMUNITY REPORTS

Trees For Houston, the region’s leading tree advocate, and Green Mountain Energy Sun Club, the philanthropic arm of Green Mountain Energy, came together April 2 to celebrate the success of Kinder Campus’ sustainability features, including solar panels and a rainwater harvesting system. For the past 40 years, Trees For Houston (TFH) has committed to plant, protect, and promote trees for a greener, more sustainable Houston greenscape. Now with the completion of the organization’s permanent home in Garden Oaks, the nonprofit has been equipped to continue to drive sustainability with the use of renewable resources. The Sun Club donated funds toward two sustainable features for the TFH Kinder Campus: A solar system on the new building’s roof and a rainwater cistern to help TFH irrigate the trees at the facility. With the switch to solar, TFH is embracing the fastestgrowing source of energy in the U.S. In less than a year, The Akari Solar Panel system, which consists of 168 panels for a total of 75kW, has already generated the equivalent of planting 835 trees, which is about 111,000 pounds of CO2 emissions saved. The new network includes multiple solar panel installations distributed throughout the campus’ roof to provide approximately 50 percent of the organization’s power needs, generating 112 megawatts annually.

The TFH cistern captures and stores rainwater for the campus,

Houston Heights Woman’s Club awards scholarship at annual Founders Day reception

COMMUNITY REPORTS

The Houston Heights Woman’s Club hosted their annual Founders Day reception on March 28. The reception is held to present a scholarship to a female law school student, in honor of Hortense Ward. Ward was the first woman in Texas to pass the state bar and received her law license in 1910. She wrote the charter for the Houston Heights Woman’s Club in 1911.

The scholarship recipient this year was Hiba Loya, a student at the University of Houston Law Center. Hiba was selected because she is passionate about public service and is committed to social causes, especially those involving women. The speaker for the reception was (ret.) District Court Judge Carolyn Marks Johnson. Johnson presented six pieces from her exhibit “Woman, The Spirit of the Universe.” The full exhibit is composed of 23 women’s collars, which have been created using a bronze cast over a handmade cotton collar. The exhibit has been on display in several museums in Texas. Following the speaker and presentation of the scholarship, local women’s history scholar Betty Trapp Chapman was honored with a life membership to the Club.

Get Your Paddles Ready: The Pickleball Festival and Tournament to be held April 13

tration, please visit steme. org/pickleball-festival.

COMMUNITY REPORTS

The Orange Show’s Houston Art Car Parade Weekend will unveil more than 250 mobile masterpieces, with nearly 100 innovative creations making their debut in 2024.

THURSDAY, APRIL 11

The Main Street Drag presented by H-E-B – 9 a.m. beginning and ending at Orange Show World HQ (2334 Gulf Terminal Drive)Designed to “bring the parade to the people” the Main Street Drag is an opportunity for Art Cars and their artists to visit schools, hospitals, nursing homes, developmental facilities, and other locations where residents may not be able to participate on their own during the Art Car festivities. Over 100 cars will create a series of “mini parades” that will make their way to designated locations as the artists spend time showing off their rolling masterpieces, talk about their inspirations and how they built them while bringing smiles to everyone along the way. Art Car Sneak Peek at Discovery Green – 6-10 p.m. (1500 McKinney Street) - A free and family-friendly evening under the stars in Downtown Houston featuring live music, art activities for the kids, food & drinks, and the opportunity to interact with 100+ art cars and on display and meet their artists throughout in the park and along Avenida Houston. The annual Art Car Sneak Peek is one of the first public opportunities to see new entries rolling in this year’s parade.

FRIDAY, APRIL 12

SATURDAY, APRIL 13

Lineup Party – 11 a.m. on Allen Parkway between Taft St. & Bagby St.– your chance to peruse all 250+ art cars as they get ready for the parade. Enjoy live music, beverage booths, food trucks, games, prizes and an exciting activation from our friends at Meow Wolf.

H-E-B Kids Creative Zone – 11 a.m. at Sam Houston Park (1000 Bagby Street) - Ideally situated on the frontlines of the parade starting cars, the H-E-B Kids Creative Zone features an array of creative activities for both kids and adults alike, including an amazing new activation from LEGO®. Guests to the FREE event will enjoy interactive and creative activations and performances from community partners.

The Legendary Art Car Ball – 6-11 p.m. at The Orange Show World Headquarters (2401 Munger Street) - The wildest party of the year returns! Experience a collision of creative vision and automotive brilliance in a night of electrifying displays, interactive installations, wild costumes and pulsating beats. Join the movement where cars become canvases, pushing boundaries and redefining art. Be the first to see worldfamous artist David Best’s Houston Temple, and enjoy musical performances from HeartByrne, Henry Invisible, Free Rads 2nd Line; performance art from The Renegade Carnies; and art installations from Paul Kittelson, Patrick Renner, INPUT/OUTPUT, Moon Papas, Hannah Bull and Alexandra Lechin. Tickets start at $40 and are available at thehoustonartcarparade. com/art-car-ball.

ART CAR, from P. 1

the top off it and make it into a contraption. But I got over that real quick, so instead I put a decoupage of hair styles and fashion on it and named it the Venus Hairse.”

It wasn’t until 2008 when artist and musician Beans Barton painted brightly colored cats all over the outside of the vehicle that the Venus Hairse received its current name, Cataillic, and became the work of art that would go on to win numerous awards in art car shows over the years.

“The hearse has gotten a lot of attention, a lot of publicity,” Susan laughed. “A lot of people know the car and they don’t know me, but that’s ok.”

As Susan offered a glimpse

Reserved Seating at Heritage Society– 11 a.m. at Heritage Society (300 Dallas Street) - Embark on an upgraded parade adventure this year with the latest addition to The Orange Show’s enhancements – a specially reserved area at the enchanting Heritage Society. Unveiling a seamless blend of convenience and charm, this exclusive spot ensures the perfect vantage point for parade enthusiasts, enhancing the overall spectacle. Enjoy unobstructed 360-degree views of the parade as it passes by on both sides from the comfort of our Grandstands. Indulge in a curated selection of food and beverages available for

inside her masterpiece, it became evident that Cataillic wasn’t just an exterior marvel. The interior walls, and even the ceiling -- all are completely covered in strings of pearls, earrings, various necklaces, and other odds and ends.

Lavish lace curtains adorn the windows. The back of the hearse is outfitted with lush pillows and blankets. “I’ve been working on the interior since 2001,” Susan noted. “My clients would bring me costume jewelry, and I used it to decorate the inside.”

A Hair Salon Like No Other

Susan’s eccentric collections aren’t contained to the Cataillic. Every square inch inside Venus Hair, a salon that has been a cornerstone of the community

purchase, and benefit from the convenience of dedicated restroom facilities. Located directly across from the H-E-B Kids Creative Zone, the reserved grandstand seating is the perfect place to bring the whole family. Tickets are $45 for adults and $20 per child (ages 2 – 12) and are available for purchase at thehoustonartcarparade.com/paradereserved-seating. The VIPit Experience –12 p.m. at City Hall/Hermann Square (901 Bagby Street)The ultimate viewing party and largest fundraiser for the Orange Show’s Houston

since 1978, is covered in a colorful array of wall art, sculptures, antique hair tools, barber poles, wigs, and unusual knickknacks. Indeed, Venus Hair is more than a place to get a chic or outrageous coiffure -- it’s a destination, a tourist attraction in its own right. With multiple awards under her belt not only for her art car project, but also as a hair stylist, Susan and Venus Hair even appeared in Vogue Magazine in 1995. The claim to fame?

Her special talent for creating elaborate bouffants for attendees of the Lawndale Hair Ball, an annual fundraiser supporting Houston artists.

‘Tis the Season

For 23 consecutive years and counting, Susan and the Venus

Hairse/Cataillic have appeared in the Houston art car parade. Make that 30 years altogether (every year, except in 2020 when the event was cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic), counting the previous eight years with Three Chicks on Wheels. This year is no different. Susan is gearing up for The Orange Show’s Houston Art Car Parade & Festival coming up April 11-14.

“Once you start, you can’t not do it,” she said. “It gets in your blood.”

Be sure to keep an eye out for Cataillic at this year’s parade!

For more photos and videos of Susan’s Cataillic, visit venushairhouston.com. For more information about the Houston Art Car Parade & Festival, visit thehoustonartcarparade.com.

Art Car Parade Weekend offers unobstructed front row views of the parade as it rolls through Downtown, all set within the beautiful Hermann Square at City Hall. The event features complimentary bites from over a dozen local chefs and restaurants, cocktails, pre-parade entertainment, kids’ art activities, live parade commentating from notable Houston personalities, and nearby reserved parking. Individual tickets start at $175, reserved tables start at $1,500, and shared or reserved grandstand sections start at $4,500. New to this year’s VIPit experience is the Private Luxury Suite. The suite not only grants exclusive access for 40 guests to the event but also offers a lavish experience within an expansive 1800 square feet of tented space with unobstructed views of the parade route, complemented by a dedicated bartender at a private full-service bar, customizable layout options, specialty catering with dedicated servers and a unique opportunity to showcase branding and decorations. All are available for purchase at thehoustonartcarparade.com.

The 37th Annual Houston Art Car Parade presented by Team Gillman – 2 p.m. (Downtown Houston and Allen Parkway) - For the 37th year, 250 rolling masterpieces will take over the city’s streets as nearly 300,000 fans cheer them on from the sidelines.

SUNDAY, APRIL 14TH

Art Car Awards Ceremony

– 11 a.m. at The Orange Show World HQ (2334 Gulf Terminal Drive) - Over $15,000 will be distributed to Art Car artists and groups in various categories through a judging process that rates entries based on their creativity, artistic techniques, and inspiration. The 2024 Art Car Judges include American Ballet Dancer and former principal dancer for the Houston Ballet Lauren Anderson; Detroit’s Heidelberg Project Founder Tyree Guyten and wife/President of Heidelberg Project Jenenne Whitfield; John Michael

The parade officially begins on Allen Parkway at the I-45 overpass, heading into Downtown before circling City Hall and heading outbound onto Allen Parkway out of Downtown. As always, the parade is FREE TO ATTEND. Attendees are encouraged to arrive at the parade route early to secure their spot and take part in beverage and merchandise stations at the Lineup Party, as well as food trucks, sponsor activations, entertainment and more. After the checkered flag is waved at 2pm, the parade will last about two hours with Allen Parkway and downtown streets opening at 6pm. Parking can be found in parking garages downtown or on side streets along Allen Parkway.

Want to make Big Bux?

I’ve got a plan that is legal, has almost no oversite, rules or annoying records to keep. “What is it?” you ask. “Selling seats on Elon Musk’s Electric Powered Space Rocket? Magic beans? I’ll bet it’s the Texas franchise for Trump Golden Tennis Shoes.” No, it’s vouch ers and charter schools! There are billions of dollars to be made on them.

As you know, Gov. Greg Abbott is obsessed with school vouchers. No one is sure why, but -- along with laying land mines on the north banks of the Rio – he kept calling special sessions of the legislature to approve his voucher program. That didn’t work, so our guv has now spent $6 million to defeat lawmakers opposing his plan. Some un-Americans wish our governor would spend as much time and effort improving our public schools, but the opponents probably believe in climate change and evolution.

If you are wondering exactly what is proposed, in a nutshell, vouchers would take money from Texas’ public schools and give it to private schools. Parents would get $8,000 per child annually for 13 years. Vouchers would cost taxthe parents of these students qualify for a voucher? If Texas were to provide vouchers for 1 million children attending private schools or being homeschooled, it would cost approximately $8 billion annually. But the state allocates funds based on how many students a district has, so by siphoning off students to private schools, the districts would actually lose even more funds. OK, some whiners would point out that Texas – as rich and powerful as it is -- already is embarrassingly cheap when it comes to spending on our school kids. The national average on funds spent per student is about $13,500. We spend $9,873.

Now about our overpaid and underworked teachers. Public school teacher salaries in Texas lag behind the national average by more than $7,500, according to a new ranking from the National Education Association. Based on state financial data reported to NEA, the average compensation for Texas teachers in the 20212022 school year was $58,887, putting the state at 26th in the nation. In the last session of the Texas Legislature, our lawmakers were handed a $32.7 billion budget surplus, but they failed to give our public teachers a raise. Why? Because it was attached to – one guess –a voucher bill.

You teachers, keep changing jobs so that you are always new. New teachers in Texas earned on average $44,527, or about $2,700 more than the U.S. average, but the average top pay for veteran teachers in Texas was nearly $13,000 below the U.S. average. By that measure, Texas ranks 43rd lowest in the nation. According to “US News,” in education Texas ranks 45th. But we are Number 1 in sheep, goats and prison population. And former UT football player T’Vondre Sweat is the biggest player in the NFL (366

pounds). So there. Texas has a long tradition of public education. Even the Texas Declaration of Independence (1836) in citing its grievances against the Mexican government, states: “It has failed to establish any public system of education, although possessed of almost boundless resources, (the public domain,) and although it is an axiom in political science, that unless a people are educated and enlightened, it is idle to expect the continuance of civil liberty, or the capacity for self-government.” Our forefathers must have considered public education rather important because this complaint is listed alongside: “It has incited the merciless savage, with the tomahawk and scalping knife, to massacre the inhabitants of our defenseless frontiers.” And our state constitution orders: “it shall be the duty of the Legislature of the State to establish and make suitable provision for the support and maintenance of an efficient system of public free schools.”

Let’s get back to money. As we can see, if our governor has his way, there will be billions of dollars floating around just waiting to be sent to par-

Harris County Public Health needs your Voice: Participate in a community health survey

COMMUNITY REPORTS

Participants have the option to be entered into a drawing for grocery gift cards

Harris County Public Health (HCPH) is asking all county residents aged 18 and over to share their insights in a community health survey, which runs now through April 12. Participants can choose to be entered into a drawing to receive grocery gift cards. The drawing will give away 20 $100 grocery gift cards following the survey period.

The survey is available online in English, Spanish, Vietnamese, and Chinese at bit. ly/HCPHSurvey2024.

The goal of the community health survey, developed by HCPH in partnership

with CONDUENT Healthy Communities Institute, is to help HCPH understand how Harris County residents view the health status of their community. The results from the survey will give the community information to stay informed about what is happening in their neighborhoods. Participation is completely voluntary and anonymous.

Your Voice Matters!

The survey will take a few minutes to complete and covers a wide range of topics, including:

• Access to healthcare Mental and physical health concerns Social and economic factors impacting health

• Residents' perception of the overall health of their community

Help Us Build a Healthier

Harris County

By taking the survey, you can play a vital role in shaping the future of public health in Harris County.

Your responses will be used to:

• Identify the most pressing health needs of the community

Develop targeted programs and initiatives to address those needs

Track progress and measure the impact of our work

Strengthen partnerships with community organizations and stakeholders

The online survey will also be accessible at various HCPH locations, including the health services and mobile health clinics, as well as in various outreach events hosted by HCPH. Information about future com-

munity outreach events will be available on HCPH’s social media platforms. For more information, visit HCPHTx.org.

Show Your Support

At no time in recent history has attention to the root causes of health been so critical. The COVID-19 pandemic has put a spotlight on public health; this comprehensive assessment takes the conversation beyond disease outcomes and explores the relationship between environments, behaviors, illness, and length of life. We encourage everyone to share the survey link with friends, family, and neighbors. The more voices we hear, the better we can understand the diverse needs of our community and work together to create a healthier future for everyone.

ents of school children who want to take their kids out of public schools and put them in private schools. This involves a whole lot of students. As of the 2021-2022 school year, there were 5,402,928 students in Texas public schools, 1,200 public school districts and 8,759 public schools.

The voucher program would probably be overseen by the Texas Education Agency (TEA) which not only runs the Houston ISD but also runs our school charter program. (There are 726 of them in Texas.) TEA officials had to appoint a conservator to oversee the state’s largest charter school chain, IDEA Public Schools, after finding all sorts of financial mismanagement. This included spending $15 million to lease a private jet. In 2018, the founders of Varnett Public Schools were sentenced to a combined 13 years in prison after embezzling $2.6 million from the organization. A 2017 “Houston Chronicle” investigation found that Accelerated Intermediate Academy, a charter school enrolling about 200 to 300 students, annually paid its superintendent about $282,000. The operation also owned a luxury condo appraised at $450,000,

which its leaders said they used for storage space. Incidentally, in all this mess somehow our State Board of Education will get involved if they have time after banning books. Anyway, we know that with billions of tax dollars to be shoveled out there is no way anyone or any agency can keep track of who gets what. So your plan is clear: You claim that you want to transfer five kids to a private school. Bingo! You get a check for $40,000. Open a charter school operation. They are specifically designed to be free of state rules. Enroll your fake kids in a fake charter school. You know someone is going to

Support

natives that could minimize adverse community impacts while achieving project objectives.

According to TxDOT, the two only options currently under consideration would have the following community impact:

OPTION 1: Elevated Managed Lanes – The proposal involves elevating the managed lanes between the existing general-purpose lanes, aiming to minimize property acquisitions, estimated at around 0.3 acres, and avoid displacing residential or business properties.

OPTION 2: Non-Elevated Managed Lanes – In this scenario, the managed lanes would run alongside the general-purpose lanes, necessitating the expansion of the right of way. This expansion would lead to property acquisitions totaling approximately 12.5 acres, potentially displacing an estimated 52 residential properties and 30 businesses.

WOMEN, from P. 1

to feature their signature dishes hosted entirely on All Saints campus grounds.”

Reflecting on the event’s growth over the years, Mooney added, “We’ve expanded the event model over the past two decades, incorporating elements like craft beer tents, live bands, and a main bar tent. However, the heart of the event remains focused on celebrating community and supporting our mission.”

Redefining the Conversation

No Higher No Wider I-10 strongly opposes the TxDOT proposals for the I-10 expansion, citing the potentially significant detrimental impacts on the area as outlined by TxDOT, but also the possible destruction of White Oak Bayou, added noise and air pollution, and a traffic nightmare that could last 10+ years while construction is underway. Adding to the uncertainty, the group says on its website, is the unknown total cost of the project, raising further apprehensions about its economic feasibility and overall impact on the community. As TxDOT moves forward with its proposals to elevate I-10 and/or expand its lanes, No Higher No Wider I-10 is reframing the narrative, advocating for a capped freeway design that promises to mitigate environmental harm and enhance community cohesion. By constructing a ‘cap’ or

One of the most anticipated highlights of this year’s Great Taste of the Heights is the silent auction featuring approximately 80 bid items. Mooney expressed enthusiasm about the auction’s offerings. “We have a diverse mix of auction items that we believe will appeal to a broad group. Among them are three beautiful waterfront vacation properties in Galveston and Destin being offered for stays of 3-7 nights, multiple sets of Astros tickets, a spa experience at The Four Seasons, privately hosted dinners and wine tastings, and a variety of tickets to the performing arts including Broadway Across America, The Alley Theater, and the Houston Ballet,” she said. “We hope these items will generate excitement and a friendly

“Dogs can be flooded with too much stimulation, way too many people, too many dogs – too much everything,” she said. “We want everyone to enjoy themselves. This course will teach manners to dogs and teach pet parents to read a dog’s body language to tell if they are stressed or having fun, hopefully preventing incidents.”

So what makes a good patio dog? Joanna believes a great brewery dog is calm, quiet, and on a leash. With proper training, she said, dogs can become comfortable in a brewery environment. The Drink With Your Dog classes will therefore focus on applying manners and training in real-life situations, with distractions all around.

“We teach the dogs to ignore other dogs and teach people how to advocate for their dogs when strangers want to meet them – to learn polite greetings,”

she said. Dogs also learn how to walk on a leash in a crowd, settle under the table, recover from being startled by a loud noise, such as a glass breaking, and are introduced to the “leave it” command if food falls on the ground.

Joanna hopes the program will raise awareness of responsible dog ownership. “‘Prepared’ is the word that is important – being prepared before you take your dog into a public space,” she said. “You should ask yourself: What do I need to take with me? Do I have a water bowl or does the space have one? Do I have something to distract the dog with? While I am there, is my dog still having fun?”

Joanna said she chose Eureka Heights to hold the patio behavior classes because the brewery is super dog-friendly and they hosts a lot of communitybased events. She sensed that they’re interested in more than just selling beer and have a

deck over the existing freeway lanes, this alternative approach could create new opportunities for public spaces, parks, and local businesses while reducing noise pollution and revitalizing neighborhoods. According to the group, many areas of the stretch of freeway in question lie below grade already and would be prime candidates for capping.

“We’re asking TxDOT to keep this section of I-10 in its current footprint and solve traf-

bidding competition among attendees.”

In addition to the silent auction, this year’s event will feature a raffle with enticing prizes, including a grand prize of a $2,500 Visa Gift Card, adding another layer of excitement to the festivities.

What sets the Great Taste of the Heights apart is its community-driven nature, with volunteers playing a pivotal role in its success. Mooney emphasizes the dedication of volunteers.

fic congestion problems another way, like public transportation, for example,” said Joseph Panzarella with No Higher No Wider I-10. “In fact, we have TxDOT data that show that traffic has actually decreased in the area over the last few years.”

With a growing coalition of residents, activists, and concerned citizens, No Higher No Wider I-10 is leveraging grassroots organizing and public outreach to galvanize support for its alternative vision. Through

“Countless hours of coordination and teamwork go into organizing this event, from inviting restaurants to securing donations and facilitating the logistics,” she explained. “Our volunteers, especially the Knights of Columbus Council #12748, who build out and secure the event space, are instrumental in making this event possible. Because of our dedicated volunteers we draw hundreds of guests from local neighborhoods and outlying suburbs to visit our campus.”

genuine desire to help build the community.

Anastasia Carrera from Eureka Heights said the brewery staff was immediately on board with Joanna’s proposal to host the Drink With Your Dog classes. “[She] asked if it would be okay to host a dog training program

community forums, petition drives, and letter-writing campaigns, the group is amplifying its message and urging TxDOT to consider alternative solutions that prioritize the needs and aspirations of Houston’s diverse communities.

A Call for Innovation

As the debate over the future of Interstate 10 continues to unfold, No Higher No Wider I-10 is calling on TxDOT to embrace innovation and adopt a more inclusive approach to transportation planning. By engaging with stakeholders, listening to community concerns, and exploring creative solutions, TxDOT has the opportunity to chart a path forward that fosters sustainable development and enhances quality of life for all Houstonians.

Shaping the Future

To date, this year’s participating restaurants include BB’s, Bellagreen, Christians Tailgate, Crisp & Green, Daddy’s Chicken Shack, Hopdoddy, Loro, Mamaka Bowls, Mary’z Mediterranean Cuisine, Max’s Wine Dive, Mendocino Farms, Papabubble, Sierra & Melchor Original Q, The Barking Pig and Voodoo Doughnuts.

geared towards taking your dog out to breweries, and we were all for it,” Carrera said. Not surprising, really, considering Eureka Heights goes all out for its fourlegged patrons. Not only do they keep dog treats behind the bar, which regular dog visitors look forward to whenever they arrive, they also provide a dog bowl water station so that visitors with any number of legs can quench their thirst at the establishment. Plus, the brewery sells items such as dog toys, leashes, and collar bow ties to ensure everyone has a good time.

“We also have a pup club where we take pictures of dogs that visit the brewery because the majority, if not all, of our staff are dog or cat owners, and we still like to see new furry faces come in,” Carrera said. “We figure we love our animals, we love to see other people’s animals, so it’s a win-win.”

The brewery even partnered with the HSPCA to release

Playing live at this year’s event is the band Checkered Past, known for classic rock, 80s hits, and dance favorites. The Waltrip Roaring Red Ram Band will also be providing entertainment.

Great Taste of the Heights is supported by numerous local businesses and sponsors including Martha Turner/Sotheby’s International Realty, Stella Artois, Ashley Day/Compass, Bliss on 19th, Buchanan’s Native Plants, State Farm/ Timothy Paul, Doug’s Barber Shop, Eclectic Home, Sundance Custom Pools, Apple Termite and Pest Control, Industrial Fire Equipment & Service, and the Waltrip

a fruited Kolsch named “My Own Best Friend,” with proceeds supporting the shelter.

Rescue groups are encouraged to bring adoptable dogs to the Thursday Running Club events, where runners – some with their dogs – finish at Eureka Heights.

Because Betty White was such an animal lover, one event is held on her birthday, complete with treat vendors and local adoptions.

“We know that enjoying being at a brewery is even more enjoyable when you can bring your best friend,” Carrera said.

As the Drink With Your Dog program expands, and to further enhance the partnerships between breweries and dogs, Joanna also commits to training staff to ensure that those spaces are safe and welcoming to dogs.

“This is a nationwide project. This is our inaugural class in Houston,” she said, explaining that she plans to take the program on the road and it won’t

As the Texas Department of Transportation solicits public feedback and refines its plans for the Inner Katy Managed Lanes Project, No Higher No Wider I-10 hopes to influence TxDOT’s strategies and project outcomes. The debate over I-10’s expansion serves as a reminder of the power of collective action and the importance of civic engagement in shaping the future of Houston’s urban landscape. Residents interested in supporting the vision of No Higher No Wider I-10 and help convince TxDOT of considering a highway cap option are encouraged to sign the group’s petition at change.org/p/ demand-txdot-consider-acapped-freeway-design-for-i10-in-houston. To learn more about the group’s proposal, including a detailed .pdf outlining proposed capped highway design concepts, visit nohighernowideri10.com.

To learn more about TxDOT’s proposed options, submit comments directly, or subscribe to public meeting updates (none are currently scheduled), visit txdot.gov/ projects/projects-studies/ houston/i10-inner-katy-vossroad-to-i45.html

be limited to breweries. “We are starting with a brewery, but it is also about cafés and restaurants and wineries – everywhere that dogs go with people.”

To kick things off, Joanna said her people clients’ first beer is on her, and canine clients receive a big bag of treats. At the end of the class, dogs can pass an optional certification test, awarding them the title of “Certified Brewery-Friendly Dog.”

The Drink With Your Dog manners classes will be held on four consecutive Wednesdays, beginning April 10 and concluding May 1. Each class starts at 5 p.m. and lasts for one hour. All dogs must have a rabies vaccination certificate.

Photo by Ashley Minor, Eureka Heights Paloma learns patio manners with Drink With Your Dog classes at Eureka Heights Brewing.

Image from txdot.gov

Inner Katy Corridor map

GUEST COLUMN: Debunking Myths: What psychiatrists really do (and don’t do)

By PETER A. OLSSON, MD Retired Psychiatrist

In the realm of mental health care, psychiatrists often find themselves shrouded in a cloud of misconceptions and misunderstandings. This week, Dr. Peter A. Olsson, a retired local psychiatrist, sheds light on six common myths and misinformation surrounding the profession.

1. PSYCHIATRISTS CAN READ YOUR MIND.

This myth is kept alive by some movies and TV programs. A well- trained psychiatrist can help a person understand and become mindful of unconscious conflicts, fears, and psychological blind spots. This can only occur when a trusting relationship is built and established over time.

Truth and trust go hand-in-hand. When a person describes his or her physical and mental symptoms and significant family, marital or other relationship or communication problems, an accurate treatment plan can be prescribed, really co-authored by patient and therapist. It often feels painful, embarrassing, and awkward, as a person summons up the courage to speak truthfully with a relative stranger.

This is true, even if that person is a welltrained physician psychiatrist. Mental health professionals make a careful distinction between an evaluation or assessment, and the start of treatment. To help in this process, competent psychotherapists have also completed their own personal psychotherapy experience during their professional training . Both patient and therapist are assessing and evaluating each other. Is the therapist clear in communicating? Is the therapist open about discussing their education, training, and experi-

ence? Has the therapist had therapy? Was it successful? Does the therapist look you in the eye? Listen to you carefully, thoroughly, and deeply? Have some sense of humor while taking your concerns seriously? Once a treatment plan is offered and we accept it, it is best to attend sessions regularly and on time. If we are late, a good therapist will look at such behavior in an effort to help us understand ourselves.

2. A PSYCHIATRIST IS THE SAME AS A PSYCHOLOGIST.

A psychiatrist is a medical doctor with four years of training as a physician at an accredited medical school, after his or her undergraduate education. That is followed by a year of service as a medical intern at a hospital, and three more years of residency training in psychiatry at hospitals and clinics.

Some psychiatrists take four to five more years in training as a psychoanalyst, while practicing general psychiatry. This training provides further subspecialty experience doing in-depth psychotherapy with patients. Some psychologists and psychiatric social workers also obtain this further training in psychoanalysis.

The medical training helps the psychiatrist pick up on medical disorders that can mimic, coexist with, or complicate psychiatric diagnoses. It also allows the psychiatrist to knowledgeably communicate and collaborate with a patient’s family physician, internist, or surgeon.

The Family Guy Experience swings into area this April

COMMUNITY REPORTS

Bucket Listers Recreates The Drunken Clam Bar With An Interactive Putt-Putt Course Inspired by the Beloved Adult Animated Series

Giggity, giggity! Bucket Listers (the experience-based innovators behind The Golden Girls Kitchen, The Malibu Barbie Cafe, and the Houston Bucket List) are proud to bring their popular Family Guy Experience to Houston. Following a successful run in Los Angeles, the team will be bringing Texas the ultimate homage to one of TV’s most beloved cartoon families. Tickets will be available starting March 19 exclusively through Bucket Listers.

“Bucket Listers is stoked to continue bringing the world of Family Guy to life,” says Bucket Listers President of Experiences Derek Berry. “Just call us an experiential Voltron. We can’t wait to bring to life one of the great animated series - we know the evil monkey is watching!”

Beginning Friday, April 12, until June 21, the Family Guy Experience will transform H-Town (Junction HTX: 8200 Washington Avenue, Houston TX 77007) into Quahog, Rhode Island, aka the fictional hometown of the famed Griffin family. The interactive experience is inspired by the Emmy Awardwinning show produced by 20th Television Animation. All-new episodes of Family Guy air on Wednesdays on FOX and are available to stream exclusively on Hulu the following day. Previous seasons are exclusively on Hulu, Freeform and the FX Network. The experience (starting at $18 per ticket) will transport guests directly into the Family Guy universe. The Family Guy Experience will include a full replication of the famed Drunken Clam bar complete with Peter Griffin’s “Eat My Junk” food menu for pre or post-game bites and custom cocktails (Panini Car Sandwiches, Hamburgers & Jelly Donut combos, Lois’ homemade cookies, and Hot Dog straws). Exclusive merchandise will be available for purchase.

Aptly named after Quagmire’s signature phrase, the “Giggity Golf” portion of the concept will feature a custom putt-putt course, with four signature holes recreating some of the show’s most iconic and beloved moments. Visitors can expect fully themed mini golf replicas (for anyone who’s ever dreamed of putting across the Griffin living room, being part of the show’s opening credits, walking down Spooner Street, or evading the watchful eye of Evil Monkey) that test their skills of the game (and Family Guy trivia knowledge) while doubling as the perfect chance for group photo moments.

Every ticket purchase includes a guaranteed window of time to golf. Tickets start at $18 and can be purchased at https:// bucketlisters.com/experience/family-guy-experience-houston-hou. The event is held at Junction HTX: 8200 Washington Avenue Houston, TX 77007.

3. A PSYCHIATRIST ONLY PRESCRIBES MEDICATION FOR PROBLEMS.

Modern neurochemistry and psychopharmacology have given us many valuable tools to treat the symptoms of severe depression, bipolar illness, schizophrenia, and severe anxiety disorders. The psychiatrist is, however, well prepared to perform a thorough mental status examination and full psychiatric workup. As discussed previously, he or she can work with other physicians toward a thorough treatment plan. The psychiatrist is trained to provide psychotherapy as well as medication, and or supervise the psychotherapy done by other health care providers.

4. ALL PSYCHIATRISTS ARE ATHEISTS AND POLITICALLY LIBERAL.

Some psychiatrists like Freud are atheists or agnostics. However, psychiatrists as a group have the full spectrum of personal political and religious persuasions. They are trained to thoroughly respect, listen to, and explore their patients’ political, religious, and spiritual beliefs. They are also committed by their ethics to not foist their own political or religious beliefs on to their patients.

5. PSYCHIATRISTS ARE VERY INCLINED TO BE SUPPORTIVE OF APPROVING DISABILITY

PAYMENTS FOR PATIENTS WITH SAD, DIFFICULT, EVEN PAINFUL PERSONAL LIFE STORIES.

Psychiatrists, like all physicians, strive to be objective, knowledgeable, compassionate, and professional. Though committed to be nonjudgmental, psychiatrists, when required to, do make judgments about degree of disability. When administrative tasks like insurance and disability forms require their professional opinion and judgment, psychiatrists strive to be objective. They truthfully attend to the clinical and

employment realities required by the criteria for such assessments. They will not be swayed by over dramatization of mental symptoms, behavioral problems, or financial hardships.

A psychiatrist will be attending closely and supportively to patients’ efforts to overcome their adversities, hardships, troubling symptoms, and educational deficiencies. Efforts to over dramatize and appear demanding will not help a person obtain benefits for which they do not qualify.

6. A PSYCHIATRIST’S HELP CAN ONLY BE FOUND AT A PRIVATE AND EXPENSIVE OFFICE SETTING.

Many psychiatrist physicians provide assessment, consultation, treatment, or treatment supervision at community clinics, group practices, or hospital settings. Unfortunately, the insurance coverage situation or limited availability of psychiatrists require patience in navigating waiting lists or finding practitioners offering sliding scales for assessment and psychotherapy. Many non-physician therapists have professional arrangements with psychiatrists who provide medication consultation and supervision as a part of their practices. Psychiatry departments at university medical schools have sliding scale clinics where good psychiatric evaluation and treatment is offered. Primary care physicians can provide referral for psychiatric evaluation and treatment.

Having retired from active clinical work to write full time in September 2011, Peter Olsson, MD, was formerly an assistant professor of psychiatry at Dartmouth Medical School in New Hampshire and an adjunct professor of clinical psychiatry at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston. Dr. Olsson is a resident of the Lazybrook area of northwest Houston.

Pet Puzzle

Splash Zone Strategies: Taming your pup’s bath time anxiety

“My last dog loved water but as soon as it was time for a bath, we’d have to drag him into the bathroom, and he stood there shaking the whole time. We just got a puppy and are worried bath time is going to be a nightmare again. He’s white and loves rolling in the mud!”

Bathtime Blues

Ah, the familiar saga of wrestling with a reluctant canine in anticipation of bath time—a timeless tale for many pet owners. The struggle is real, folks!

Bath time can be such an overwhelming sensory experience for dogs! Water! Human hands all over their bodies!

Weird smelling stuff rubbed on! And they don’t even get to play but have to stand still and endure the ordeal. It’s no wonder they’re not exactly lining up for the spa treatment!

But fear not, for there are strategies to turn this soggy

Changing the way the world understands, treats and defeats childhood cancer

COMMUNITY REPORTS

St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, known as the hospital where families never receive a bill for treatment, travel, housing or food will hold its 2024 St. Jude Houston Gala on Saturday, April 13 at The Revaire, located at 7122 Old Katy Road, Houston, Texas 77024, at 6:00 p.m. This year’s theme, “Hope Grows Here”, will be reflected in the presentations and patient testimonials at the event, where KTRK-TV’s Melanie Lawson will serve as emcee and St. Jude Vice President of the South Territory for ALSAC

Rea J. Foster will be the keynote speaker. St. Jude patient Everly and her parents, Kelsey and Garrett Ozar from Austin, TX., will share their inspiring story of hope and love.

“St. Jude is the absolute greatest place in the world to receive cancer care for your child,” began Kelsey Ozar, Everly’s mom. “St. Jude was the only place to give us hope and give us a future for our daughter, and that meant everything to us. If there is one word that personifies St. Jude, it’s hope.”

The charity event will be an evening of dinner and cocktails, live and silent auctions with one-of-a-kind experiences, live entertainment and inspiring stories of St. Jude patients and

ordeal into a smoother affair. Here are some pro tips to transform your pup’s bath time blues into a more tolerable experience—for all involved:

• Familiar space: Introduce your pup to the bathing area beforehand. Encourage exploration with treats, making it a happy space.

• Non-slip surface: Shower tiles and bathtubs can be slippery (especially if you add soap), and make your dog feel insecure and uncomfortable. Placing a towel or a rubber mat on the bottom surface will provide traction and stability, alleviating their discomfort.

• Distraction Techniques: Invest in a licking mat that sticks to the side of the tiles or tub’s side. Spread something sticky and yummy –

peanut butter, cream cheese or that horrible squeezing cheese all work great. Your dog will get a good association with the special treat, and it will keep them calm and still.

• Start Slow: Begin with short sessions, gradually increasing the exposure to water. Maybe just run the water near them at first of wet one part of the body. Avoid overdoing it and poisoning the experience. Slower is faster!

Temperature Check: Ensure the water temperature is just right – cold water is not pleasant and hot water can scald your dog. Be Mindful of Sensitive Areas: Keep the running water away from your pup’s eyes and ears. Water in ears may result in ear infections, especially in dogs with long, floppy ears. Use a wet towel to gently wipe their face and head.

• “Emergency” Bath Protocol: Sometimes, despite all efforts, a rogue mud puddle demands immediate action. In such cases, opt

for an alternate bathing spot and reward generously.

• Time To Get Dry(er): Remember to reward for toweling off!

Super-Secret Tip: Once you’re done with the spa time, give your dog a chewing stick or a filled Kong toy. This can be their big reward for enduring the ordeal and, more importantly, it will keep your wet, overexcited dog from doing zoomies all over your house!

With these tactics in your arsenal, you’ll soon find bath time becoming less of a battleground and more of a bonding opportunity with your four-legged companion. After all, every dog deserves to feel pampered—even if they’re not convinced at first splash!

Joanna Wachowiak-Finlaison is the owner of High Five Animal Training and a certified dog and cat trainer as well as a behavior consultant based in the Heights. Please submit your pet behavior questions via email to info@highfiveanimaltraining.com.

their families. All proceeds from this event will benefit St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, where families never receive a bill for treatment, travel, housing or food so they can focus on helping their child live. St. Jude’s lifesaving mission is to find cures for childhood cancers and other life-threatening diseases.

“The St. Jude Houston Gala is one of Houston’s most important fundraising events for St. Jude and for children battling cancer,” said Neil Billingsley-Michaelsen, St. Jude Houston Gala Chair. “It not only brings the philanthropic Houston community together, it brings families across the nation together. One of the most remarkable

aspects of St. Jude is that it shares all of its research and treatment protocols freely with hospitals and treatment centers in Houston and around the world to cure childhood cancer.” Guests will have a chance to contribute to St. Jude through live and silent auctions featuring a spectacular group of packages including a sunset boat cruise, private wine class, 7-night stay in Manciano, Italy, $10,000

Peter Olsson, MD

Image courtesy of Bucket Listers

With First Saturday Arts Market celebrating 20 years last month and returning this Saturday, while announcing the closing of The Market at Sawyer Yards, I’ve had some very interesting conversations lately.

What drives me to keep going with outdoor markets? I joke that if you add the days up they don’t even equal a year, but you know that isn’t it. There’s so much that goes on in between that can’t be dismissed. There are two things that I know are “addictive” enough to keep me returning for more.

First and foremost is the rush of activity. Much like theater, with so many people on a production, all doing different things and then at showtime, it magically all comes together. If you’ve ever arrived in the middle of a market or festival setup and experienced that chaos, you know exactly what I mean. I love that!

The second thing that drives me are the artists themselves and meeting new artists. Their excitement and creativity is palpable. Visitors notice this and tell me about it. I felt it when I visited the Bayou City Art Festival downtown.

Just this Saturday there are four artists joining the market for the first time and six others that have only attended a handful of times. Here are the four.

Thomas David Carr spent 10 years honing his art skills while living in New York City. I just know he’s got some sto-

By DAN GREER Food Critic

A new Basque-styled restaurant has arrived here in The Heights, and it has been a hot ticket. If you are like us, you may have difficulty finding Baso. Even though it is on uber-popular 19th Street in old downtown Heights, we drove and walked around for a bit before finally locating it. Turns out it is tucked away in a 2-story, non-descript little building that belies the treasure within.

Upon entering, the first thoughts amongst our dining group was how intimate it is. I would guess they can accommodate perhaps 50-60 diners at most. In addition to tables and booths, there is a 10-seat chef’s counter which provides a close-up view of the magic occurring in the stylish, open kitchen and adds to the chic ambience. The chefs at the helm of this kitchen bring some serious Michelin-starred experience to the table. Their menu changes on occasion, but we were pleased with our choices on this night. We started off with the “bread service”, which set

ries to tell. I call his work abstracted. It’s bright, though, and there’s a lot of movement.

“My paintings are energetic abstractions with a concentration on movement and color themes,” Carr wrote. “Making them is what I would think playing jazz would be like, or dancing with color.”

Liliana Delgado was one of the early artists at The Market at Sawyer Yards. I have one of her colorful portraits of a woman with hair that looks like sunflower petals. A gift from my girlfriend. Delgado has been attending many of the larger festivals the past few years and I’m excited that she’s joining us in the Heights.

mentation with experimenting with clay. Her unique style also shows influences from her childhood creations. Monica Ortiz has a background in entertainment on many levels. I’ll be sure to ask her about her awards and TedX talks!

In the Dec. 5 issue of The Leader I introduced you to Vera Hashem. She is a former molecular biologist turned ceramic artist.

“Growing up in a remote area in Lebanon, I spent my childhood on hillsides entertaining myself by using the natural environment to make

“My Latin American origins heavily influence my work,” Delgado writes in her bio. “I pay homage in all my paintings to the diversity of the women in the world, including indigenous people, artists, and the everyday fighter. My work is colorful and often includes hidden words, messages, and poems I wrote to give each piece a unique feel and a deeper meaning. My goal is that every piece brings color and history to their future forever home.”

off a lively discussion in our group. Since the bread service comes with a $12 price tag, it was assumed that something more than simply bread would come with some side accompaniments…a charcuterie perhaps? When it arrived, it was merely several slices of sourdough bread and a dollop of salted butter. Don’t get me wrong, the bread and butter were tasty, but since we were paying for a starter item that is complimentary at many highend restaurants, we were expecting something more. Oh, well.

We brushed the bread controversy aside and moved on to three shareable staters; the lettuce, potato and cabbage.

The bowl of lettuce was large, easily enough for four diners. It consisted of romaine, red leaf and other varieties, and was topped with a light glaze of white soy and citrus. It was light and very fresh.

The potatoes were enjoyed by all, although they went a bit heavy on the mimolette cheese which somewhat overpowered the potatoes. Also, a bit pricey for the portion re-

ceived. But the surprising, yet undisputed star of the night, was the cabbage. We literally fought over it and could’ve easily handled another order (or two!) of it. The cabbage itself is cooked just perfectly, but along came some culinary genius who decided to add thick, savory lamb bacon strips all over the top. When combined with a sweet and thick apple molasses, it was something you would expect to see on Top Chef.

We ordered two entrees for the table, the first of which was the flounder. It was prepared in a way I had never seen. The delicate, sweet and flaky fish was topped with a sauce consisting of brown butter and calamansi, which is a tart citrus fruit similar to a mix

art, creating miniature villages using twigs, mud, pebbles, seashells and other flotsam,” writes Hashem in her artist statement. “Bullet casings and exploded shrapnel afforded excellent miniature construction material.” Hashem replaced her profession in scientific experi-

of a kumquat and mandarin orange. But the finely chopped pecans were the knockout ingredient on this flounder. Next came the pork. Its appearance is not that of a “normal” pork chop. It looked more like a ribeye steak to me. It had a nice exterior char and great taste, but was perhaps a tad overcooked. Like most of the unique spice and season-

am an artist who is also a singer, songwriter, and awardwinning writer and producer in the entertainment industry. I love the canvas because to me it represents a clean slate for inner

ing combinations at Baso, I would not think of using fresh chamomile as an option, but it definitely worked well with this pork. I guess that’s why I am doing the eating and not the cooking. We ordered two of the tarta de queso. A Basque cheesecake. A dark char on top gave way to a wonderfully thick and creamy, slightly porous cake. It was simultaneously sweet and salty. Freshly brewed cappuccino, was the perfect partner to this dreamy dessert. Baso is not inexpensive. It is a wonderfully unique restaurant for our area, but some will consider it to be more of a special-occasion kind of place. We ordered tapas-style and

shared all of the dishes, bringing more bang for the buck. It is a distinctive and welcome addition to the neighborhood.