July 20 Section B

The Leader • Saturday, July 20, 2019 • Page 1B

Gastropubs grow in popularity Zarah Parker Managing Editor

There are two ways to define a gastropub. Some say it’s a place that equally emphasizes the quality of its food and drink options, while others say it’s simply a bar that serves good food.

Robin Stranahan at Shepherd Park Draught House, 3402 N. Shepherd Dr., stresses three characteristics that make a place a gastropub.

“It’s a public house that offers above-average bar food, a public house being a community meeting spot,” Stranahan said. “I think not only just a bar and restaurant, but having that aspect of community. “ In other words, gastropubs have good drinks, good food and good camaraderie.

Gastropubs have grown in popularity and become something of the norm in neighborhoods such as the Heights, Garden Oaks and Oak Forest.

“And that’s something I feel like Shepherd Park really capitalizes on because of our neighborhood and the vibe,” Stranahan said.

The growth of gastropubs in the area isn’t surprising to Stranahan.

With the boom of bars and restaurants, a level of quality has to be attained in every product. But as Stranahan pointed out, what sets a gastropub apart from a restaurant or bar is that communal feel.

A pub, short for public house, has long been part of European history. It

Contributed photo Customers enjoy food and drinks on the patio at Shepherd Park Draught House, 3402 N. Shepherd Dr. It is one of several area gastropubs, which have become increasingly popular among local residents.

served as the community hub where people could stop by, discuss an array of topics and have a cold brew.

Snacks, or “pub fare,” was served, with options like shepherd’s pie or fish and chips. In general, the fare

took a backseat to the brews and conversation.

“Gastropub” was coined shortly

before the turn of the 21st century.

While pubs may have begun to pay more attention to their food quality before the term gastropub came about, the trend didn’t come to America until the early 2000s.

“That’s the cool thing about Houston. You can’t get away with doing anything subpar anymore. It’s just not going to fly,” Stranahan said. “Everyone has to level up.”

Cuisine served at gastropubs ranges from fine-tuned pub favorites, like elevating the shepherd’s pie with fresh ingredients, to experimental items that push the envelope on what could be considered pub fare.

Gastropubs take pride in their food quality and taste, but as Stranahan mentioned, it doesn’t mean it’s expensive and unapproachable. It’s still a place of casual dining.

Shepherd Park’s menu has a variety of options, with small plates, shareable items, burgers and sandwiches. There is also a brunch menu.

“This is one of my favorite spots.

I love getting the turkey avocado sandwich,” said a Shepherd Park patron. “And the staff is always friendly.

It’s like the show ‘Cheers.’ Everyone knows your name.”

The Barking Pig, 2307 Ella Blvd., is a gastropub that seasonally rotates its craft beer and menu selections.

“There are a lot of bars, especially trendy bars, in the Heights, but Barking Pig is still a standout,” said Ryan Miller, a patron of The Barking Pig. “The patio has lots of seating and a nice view of the neighborhood. Inside it’s trendy, but still comfortable.”

See Gastropubs P. 12B

REVIEW:

Tomorrow’s another day ... to return to Heights gastropub

By Adam Zuvanich azuvanich@theleadernews.com

The name of the place doesn’t make sense, at least not to me. Because during each of my three visits to 544 Yale St., I never felt as if I had a lack of good fortune or would need some the following day.

Going to Better Luck Tomorrow, for fans of good food, good drinks and good times, feels like hitting the jackpot from the moment you walk in.

The popular Heights gastropub, which opened in 2017 and is owned by Bobby Heugel and award-winning chef Justin Yu, features a funkyyet-relaxed vibe and an eclectic crowd that can congregate in booths, at the bar or on one of two outdoor patios. No matter your preferences – in a seat, in a glass or on a plate – quality and attentive service are constants.

Another common thread, at least in my experience, is the fried chicken. I ordered it the first time I went to Better Luck Tomorrow and felt compelled to get it again the next two times.

It’s that good – maybe the best fried chicken I’ve ever eaten. It’s also the most unique.

The menu says the chicken is tossed with brown butter and seasoned schmaltz, which is rendered chicken fat, and it’s served cut into pieces, topped

with fresh dill and parsley and – and fresh mint, which brings with a lemon wedge on the the dish together without beside. It’s flaky, crispy, juicy and ing overpowering. tasty, with hints of both sweetThe dark red seasoning on ness and spice. the corn, though, was a little Better yet, the $17 dish is much, making it a little too accompanied by greens and salty and a little too messy. a starch served together as an But the corn was left on the equally scrumptious side dish. cob, cut into small pieces and A few Hasselback potatoes, grilled until parts of it turned which are baked and cut about black – which made it tender halfway through in several slices, are topped with The chicken is tossed with fresh watercress dressed in tangy, brown butter and seasoned lemony goodschmaltz. It’s flaky, crispy, juicy ness. I like to eat and tasty, with hints of both the two together, and they make sweetness and spice. for a perfect complement to the chicken.

I’ve tried four of the other and juicy – and the dental floss nine food options at Better pick served with it made for a Luck Tomorrow, and none dis- clever, thoughtful touch. appointed. The Wagyu Beef Gestures like that are comSalad is similar to a Caesar mon at Better Luck Tomor– with greens, herbs, pickled row, where guests are greeted peppers and a tamarind-but- with a glass of water before termilk dressing – and topped ordering. And while the place with tender, medium-rare specializes in serving quality steak. The Party Melt, with a foods and drinks, the staff isn’t beef patty, crispy cheese and too stuffy to cater to specific caramelized onions, is like a needs. patty melt but better.

Better Luck Tomorrow has See Better Luck P. 12B vegetarian options, too, including fried cauliflower and griddled corn. The former was hearty enough to be a meal, with the crunchy cauliflower mixed with almonds, raisins, a guajillo-tomatillo sauce that is equal parts spicy and sweet

Photo by Adam Zuvanich The fried chicken with Hasselback potatoes and watercress at Better Luck Tomorrow.

Cavatore’s Try our

LUNCH SPECIALS

Mango Chicken $6.50 Sesame Shrimp $7.50

Make your reservations i at the Leader Readers’ voted

Best Italian Restaurant!

FREE WI-FI • FREE DELIVERY LIMITED AREA ($12 MIN.)

2120 Ella Boulevard • (713) 869-6622

Order online at AUNTIECHANGS.COM

www.Cavatores.com

2621 S. Shepherd at Westheimer | 713.524.8410

Page 2B • Saturday, July 20, 2019 • The Leader

Art Valet: All work and no play makes for dull creatives Mitch Cohen Art Columnist

We’re all familiar with writer’s block. Movies, such as “The Shining” starring Jack Nicholson, love to shine a light on the wretched soul and anguish of a writer who cannot write. I suppose if you’re a writer with writer’s block, the answer is to write about it.

What about other creatives like painters, jewelry makers or ceramicists?

I asked artists not only about what they did to get out of a creative rut, but what inspired them to create in the first place? From the immediate response I got (15 responded via email in less than three hours), I’d say it’s a subject that all creatives are very, very familiar with.

Lisa Morales is a 2D collage artist living in Pearland.

“For me, personally, when I get a creative block, I know it’s my brain saying, ‘I need a break,’” Morales said. “I have learned not to worry when this happens. If I just get out of the studio, get out of the house or get out of town for a few days, it isn’t too long before my mind says, ‘I have a great idea, let’s get back to the studio and make something.’ ” Jeff Woodruff, a metalsmith and jeweler in Austin, was much more succinct about his block.

“I just procrastinate,” he said.

On the creative process, his tendency to be more verbose is obvious.

“I keep extensive design notebooks,” Woodruff said.

“I document everything I touch in the studio. I have an extensive pipeline of works. I organize photos into a design folder on the computer sorted in subfolders by year, month and item. That’s really a jour-

“Between the pages of a book is a lovely place to be.”

Your little shop around the corner!

365 W 19th St

713.868.5438 (LIFT) Shown here is the “Pug & Hedgehog Cannon” by Pearland 2-D artist Lisa Morales.

nal. I pull images out of the monthly journals and place them into a ‘design book’ that is organized by type - earrings, drawings, etc. - and by project. So I have an ongoing project of transforming the way I wire wrap jewelry. The images associated with this process go into the textured wire or framed wrap folders.

Sifting through this makes me crazy with ideas. I then go back to playing video games.

That would be a productive night when I have a creative block.”

Francisco Mireles is a jeweler.

“As a jewelry artist I find inspiration pretty much on everything thing that catches my eye,” he said. “Personally, I like minimal and geometric shapes. That being said, sometimes buildings, machinery and shapes in nature have helped me get inspiration.”

Mireles takes his lead from writers to escape creative block if taking a walk doesn’t help.

“I heard a writer say that the best way to get new writing ideas was to keep writing,” Mireles said. “So that’s

what I do now. I keep making designs even if I’m not completely satisfied with the result. I’ll leave it on the side and make another one and another one. By the end of the day, I’ll have a creative brainstorm that is very helpful.”

To get past her creative block, Holli May Thomas took a tip from Julia Cameron’s book “The Artist Way.” “How it works is you take yourself out on a date to an activity or location related to your interests or what you are working on,” Thomas said.

“For example, I am thinking about a new series related to reading so I am visiting public libraries in the Houston area that I have never seen.

I visit various sections and sit on the floor with books I have found on the shelves and spread them around me to peruse the pages.”

Doni Langlois creates functional and decorative pottery.

“I’m inspired by witnessing surprising or joyful, hopeful things in nature,” Langlois said. “Robins hopping along looking for bugs. A trill from See Art Valet, P. 4B

Thank You for voting for us in 3 categories!

Best Wine Bar Best Specialty Food Store Best Place to Host a Party

249 W 19th Street Suite B, Houston, Texas 77008

832-516-8230

info.houston@weolive.com

#1 SHIPLEY DO-NUTS IN HOUSTON Thank you for making us Number One again!

Best Donuts/Kolaches

3410 Ella Blvd. at 34th St. • (713) 682-4343

FREE DOZEN DONUT HOLES

Buy a dozen donuts and get • 1 dozen donut holes FREE! ALL offers Good at Ella location only. One coupon per visit.

Tax not included. Not valid in conjunction with other coupons.

Have you had the best lately?

www.thelifton19th.com

Thank you for being a friend! ~ The Height’s Best Brewery

The Leader • Saturday, July 20, 2019 • Page 3B

Zuvie’s Brews: Affinity for beer is rooted in soda

After 54 years in northwest Houston/Heights area, we are closing our Pinemont location. But we aren’t going away. Just moving a few miles away near the Galleria. We will supply everything needed from the “Floor Up!”

Adam

Zuvanich Editor

By Adam Zuvanich azuvanich@theleadernews.com

My love for beer developed at an early age.

And before you start criticizing my parents, let me clarify: I’m talking about root beer and not the stuff made from grain, hops and yeast that contains alcohol. I got into that much later in life.

I’ve enjoyed drinking root beer for as long as I can remember, and I can’t recall ever tasting a brand I didn’t like. Either A&W, Barq’s or Mug was almost always in the fridge when I was growing up, partly because I pleaded for it.

I especially liked A&W because of its creamy taste, and Barq’s is among the few root beer brands that provides a jolt of caffeine. As for Mug, I didn’t like it quite as much, but it was usually the cheapest and I didn’t mind because it was still root beer.

My dad helped foster this affinity, always keeping glass mugs in the freezer so they would be frosty. As good as root beer is by itself, pouring it into a frosty mug takes it to another level.

It was served the same way at Chili’s, the restaurant chain where my dad worked as a manager when I was a kid. And I’ll never forget when Chili’s added IBC root beer to its drink selection.

I wanted to go there just so I could drink some IBC, which became my new favorite brand at the time.

I’ve since tried several other brands of root beer, including Boots, Boylan, Dad’s, Fitz’s, Frostie, Jones

Buffaloe Floor Covering is now

Sales staff, installers, and all employees are the same--just a new name and a new location at 4305 A Richmond. Just inside Loop 610 directly across from the Ragin’ Cajun Restaurant.

Same phone number we have had since 1965:

713-686-3589 Come check out our beautiful new showroom! floorsandup.com

Soda’s version and Stewart’s.

They’re all a little different, and they all taste really good.

With that said, it’s bad to drink too much of the stuff just like it’s bad to drink too much of the traditional beer that contains alcohol. Root beer, like all sodas, contains lots of sugar.

So moderation is key, and it’s OK to treat yourself now and again. For example, while writing from home

late one night earlier this week, I needed a pick-me-up and some liquid inspiration.

So I opened the fridge and grabbed a bottle of another root beer brand I recently found, Penny Frosted, which is made in California.

I poured it in a frosty glass, of course, and it tasted like sweet, fizzy nectar. It also made me feel like a kid again.

Outside Cavatore’s Italian Restaurant

2120 Ella Blvd.

EVERY SATURDAY Year Round

8am - 12pm p

713-869-6622 71371 3-8 86 699 66 662 22 2 info@eleanorasmarket.com info in fo@e @ le @e lean anor orras asma ma ark r et et.c .com om

www.eleanorasmarket.com

Thank you for voting for us!

Best resale shop in The Heights Just around the corner of 19th street

1815 Rutland St. - 713-868-6970 Mention THE LEADER for a 10% discount

• Best Steak House • Best Service • Best Brunch • Best Patio • Best Cocktail • Best Date Place

Page 4B • Saturday, July 20, 2019 • The Leader

Art Valet, from P. 2B a cardinal in the morning.

Chrysalises transforming to butterflies.”

I can really relate to Langlois’ cure for block.

“Show up. The muse is never always there - but you have to be there working when she comes,” Langlois said. “So, I may clean up the shop, work on a different project in a different medium or what often helps the most is to go back to something I’ve done before. Any of those things can jar loose an idea!“ Finally, I asked my friend, Martin de Vore, to give me his top-five list of movies about artists. I couldn’t get past the plethora of movies about writer’s block, you know.

“I have always loved movies about artists and have seen about 50 or so,” de Vore wrote in an email. “These are a few that I enjoyed for multiple reasons and watch routinely when I need to jumpstart my creativity.”

Look up these artists on my website and to read even more accounts of creative block.

Here is a list of the top movies about artists, according to de Vore.

1. “Lust for Life” (1956) A film about Vincent van Gogh starring Kirk Douglas (who does an awesome job) as van Gogh and Anthony Quinn as Paul Gauguin. It was filmed on location in France and The Netherlands. A big bonus is that technical advice came from people who knew van Gogh.

2. “Moulin Rouge” (1952) An embellished account of French artist Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec. José Ferrer does a good Lautrec, detailing all the issues he had to deal with. Like “Lust for Life,” technical advice came from people who were still alive who knew Lautrec.

3. “Frida” (2002) A biography of artist Frida Kahlo. Salma Hayek was the perfect Frida.

4. “Artemisia” (1997) Artemisia Gentileschi (1593-1653) was one of the first well-known female painters. The movie tells the story of her youth. Interesting look

Houston Heights for nominating our faith community and lead pastors for a Readers’ Choice Award!

“Dane & Songbird Cannon” by Lisa Morales.

Each Sunday we host two identical gatherings.

Kicking off your week with an hour at Village Heights will surely leave you refreshed and recharged for whatever is ahead.

So bring your family, friends and neighbors with you this Sunday at 9:00 or 10:30am to enjoy a Christ-centered, community crafted and audaciously generous gathering!

A sculpture by Doni Langlois.

at a female painter during the Renaissance.

5. “Modigliani” (2004) A m e r i c a n - Fr e n c h - G e rman-Italian drama starring Andy García as Modigliani.

Modigliani is based on the life of the Italian artist Amedeo Modigliani and his contemporaries in Paris of the 1920s.

My favorite scene is when Modigliani and Picasso go to meet Renoir.

6. (bonus) “Berthe Morisot” (2012) With Marine Delterme, Malik Zidi and Alice Butaud.

A French biography on the French impressionist painter

Berthe Morisot and her relationship with Manet.

I have a favorite go-to art film as well. I find the soundtrack as inspiring as the movie.

“The Moderns” (1988) With Keith Carradine, Linda Fiorentino and Wallace Shawn. A struggling artist is hired to forge paintings, causing him to cross paths with his ex-wife and her powerful new husband.

Cohen is an artist and founder of First Saturday Arts Market and the Market at Sawyer Yards, find him at ArtValet. com.

318 W. 18th St. Houston Heights (HITS Theater)

Boutique & Gifts

WE’RE IN THE PEOPLE BUSINESS. WE JUST HAPPEN TO B E A B A N K .

A little something for everyone

for voting us winners in 8 categories!!!

Unmatched service. Sound advice. And peace of mind knowing your money is well cared for.

Now, how can we help you today?

Visit us at 4606 N Shepherd in Houston or call (713) 388-7600.

1st Place • Best Women’s Clothing Store • Best Children’s Clothing Store • Best Home Goods Store • Best Bridal Store • Best Boot/Shoe Shop • Best Toy Store 2nd Place • Best Gift Shop 3rd Place • Best Jewelry Store

MEMBER FDIC

Lucy’s in the Heights 11th & Shepherd

In the Kroger shopping center next to Petco

Follow us online

www.ILoveLucys.com

Readers’ Choice 2019 The Leader • Saturday, July 20, 2019 • Page 5B

And the winners are...

AUTOMOTIVE SERVICES/PRODUCTS

Best Frozen Treat 1st Place – Sweet Frog 2nd Place – Steel City Pops 3rd Place – Baskin Robbin

Best Auto Repair 1st Place – Liberty Hoepfl Garage 2nd Place – Kar Hospital 3rd Place – T&S Auto Repair

Best Brewery 1st Place – Eureka Heights 2nd Place – Great Heights Brewing 3rd Place – Karbach

Best Auto Dealer 1st Place – Tommie Vaughn 2nd Place – Ella Blvd. Motors 3rd Place – Doggett Ford

Best Bar 1st Place – Sassafras 2nd Place – Petrol Station 3rd Place – Cottonwood

Best Auto Parts 1st Place – Discount Tire-1902 E. TC Jester 2nd Place – Auto Zone-W. 43rd St.

Best Coffee Shop 1st Place – Slowpokes 2nd Place – Boomtown Coffee 3rd Place – Grind House

Best Oil Change 1st Place – Liberty Hoepfl Garage 2nd Place – Jiffy Lube – Ella Blvd.

3rd Place – Kar Hospital

Best Happy Hour 1st Place – Union Kitchen 2nd Place – Brass Monkey Bar & Grill 3rd Place – Hughie’s

GENERAL SHOPPING Best Bookstore 1st Place – The Book Scene 2nd Place – The Lift 3rd Place – Kaboom

Best Wine Bar 1st Place – Plonk!

2nd Place – Sonoma 3rd Place – We Olive & Wine Bar

Best Bridal Store 1st Place – Lucy’s Boutique and Gifts 2nd Place – Ventura’s 3rd Place – Bliss on 19th

Best Sports Bar 1st Place – McIntyres 2nd Place – Wakefield Crow Bar 3rd Place – Providence

Best Children’s Clothing Store 1st Place – Lucy’s Boutique & Gifts 2nd Place – The Pure Parenting Shop 3rd Place – Thread Best Antique Store 1st Place – Alabama Furniture 2nd Place – AG Antiques 3rd Place – Lovejoys Best Local Furniture Store 1st Place – Jubilee 2nd Place – The Pure Parenting Shop 3rd Place – Alabama Furniture

2nd Place – Darlene’s Flower and Gift Shop 3rd Place – Branche Best Boot/Shoe Shop 1st Place – Lucy’s Boutique and Gifts 2nd Place – Urban Soles 3rd Place – Branche

BEST PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

ANIMALS & PET SERVICES Best Animal Hospital 1st Place – Oak Forest Vet 2nd Place – Forest West Animal Clinic 3rd Place – Bayou City Vet Best Veterinarian 1st Place – Dr. Hallie Moore 2nd Place – Dr. Beverly Crocker 3rd Place – Dr. Tina Han

Best Attorney 1st Place – Phyllis A. Oeser 2nd Place – Chris Thornhill 3rd Place – Tony Parada

Best Pet Emergency 1st Place – Vergi 2nd Place – Gulf Coast Veterinary Specialists 3rd Place – South by South Vets

Best Gift Shop 1st Place – Darlene’s Florist and Gift Shop 2nd Place – Lucy’s Boutique and Gifts 3rd Place – Jubilee

Best Bank/Credit Union 1st Place – Allegiance Bank Heights 2nd Place – Prosperity on Yale 3rd Place – Frost on N. Shepherd

Best Day Care/Boarding 1st Place – Paws Pet Resort 2nd Place – Oak Forest Veterinary Clinic 3rd Place – Molly’s Mutt House

Best Grocery Store 1st Place – HEB on 24th 2nd Place – Kroger on 43rd 3rd Place – Whole Foods 365

Best Dry Cleaners 1st Place – Bells Myown Cleaners 2nd Place – DJ Ella Cleaners 3rd Place – Stan’s in Oak Forest

Best Pet Sitter Service 1st Place – Paws Pet Resort 2nd Place – Pupotropolis (Dog Walking & Pet Sitting Service) 3rd Place – Pet Pals of Houston

Best Health Food Store 1st Place – Whole Foods 365 2nd Place – Sprouts 3rd Place – HEB on 24th

Best Insurance Agent 1st Place – Tony May 2nd Place – Lane Lewis 3rd Place – Henry Devlin

Best Home Goods Store 1st Place – Lucy’s Boutique 2nd Place – Jubilee 3rd Place – Eclectic Homes

Best Cleaning Service 1st Place – You’ve Got Maids 2nd Place – NaturalCare Cleaning Service 3rd Place – Healthy Home Cleaning

Best Jewelry Store 1st Place – JVP Jewelers 2nd Place – Erica DelGardo Jewelry Designs 3rd Place – Lucy’s Boutique and Gifts Best Liquor Store 1st Place – Spec’s 2nd Place – UP Liquor 3rd Place – Roma Liquor 18th St. Best Mattress Store 1st Place – The Pure Parenting Shop 2nd Place – Mattress One 3rd Place – The Foam Store Best Men’s Clothing Store 1st Place – Manready mercantile 2nd Place – Men’s Wearhouse 3rd Place – Proper on 19th

Best Florist 1st Place – Darlene’s Flower and Gift Shop 2nd Place – Heights Floral Shop 3rd Place – Sicola’s Best Funeral Home 1st Place – Pat H. Foley 2nd Place – Heights Funeral Home 3rd Place – Woodlawn Funeral Home Best Photographer 1st Place – Sarah Morris/Light Fantastic 2nd Place – Lot 5 Studios 3rd Place – Dalton DeHart

Best Musical Instrument Store 1st Place – Fullers Guitar 2nd Place – Fleming Used Instruments 3rd Place – Guitar Center

Best Financial Advisor 1st Place – Jonathan Kolmetz Oaks Wealth Management 2nd Place – Danyel T. Ramelow – Edward Jones 3rd Place – Starvis and Cohen

Best Music/Record Store 1st Place – Vinal Edge Records 2nd Place – Fleming Used Instruments 3rd Place – Cactus Music

Best Computer Service 1st Place – Computer Hospital 2nd Place – Experimac in the Heights 3rd Place – Vic Chavez

Best Resale Shop/Consignment 1st Place – Retropolis 2nd Place – Houston Junior Forum 3rd Place – Thread

Best Travel Agent 1st Place – Julie Sherber Vitol Travel 2nd Place – Culturally Creative Travel 3rd Place – Dana Munoz

Best Toy Store 1st Place – Lucy’s Boutique & Gifts 2nd Place – Big Blue Whale 3rd Place – Misfit Toys Best Women’s Clothing Store 1st Place – Lucy’s Boutique and Gifts

Best Security 1st Place – Always Home Security & Sound 2nd Place – Black Gold Guns 3rd Place – Precinct One Constable’s Office

Best Pet Store 1st Place – PetsMart on 43rd 2nd Place – Natural Paws 3rd Place – Krisers on 20th Best Grooming 1st Place – Paws Pet Resort 2nd Place – Critter Cleaners 3rd Place – Molly’s Mutt House Best Pet Treats and Food 1st Place – Paws Pet Resort 2nd Place – Doggie Express 3rd Place – Wabash Best Pet Waste Removal 1st Place – Scoop Le Poop 2nd Place – Poo to the Rescue 3rd Place – Doody Calls

BEAUTY

Best Hair Salon 1st Place – Top Knot Salon 2nd Place – Valor 3rd Place – Flowe Studio Best Stylist 1st Place – Mary McKenzie 2nd Place – Joey Cox 3rd Place – Kathryn Thompson Best Day Spa 1st Place – LV Nails Spa 2nd Place – Revive Salon and Spa 3rd Place – Petite Retreat Best Tanning Salon 1st Place – Glo Girl 2nd Place – TanSpire Spray Experts 3rd Place – ProTan Sunless Spray Tanning

Greater Heights 2nd Place – Houston Methodist Hospital 3rd Place – St. Joseph Medical Center

Best Cocktail Bar 1st Place – Brass Monkey Bar & Grill (Delmar Lanes) 2nd Place – Johnny’s Gold Brick 3rd Place – Rainbow Lodge

Best Physician 1st Place – Dr. Jaclyn Harrison 2nd Place – Dr. Anna Torres 3rd Place – Dr. Shahid Rahman

Best Dive Bar 1st Place – Sassafras 2nd Place – Big Star Bar 3rd Place – Shady Acres Saloon

Best Assisted Living Home 1st Place – The Village of the Heights 2nd Place – The Vosswood 3rd Place – The Forum Best Chiropractor 1st Place – Dr. Junkin at Northwest Chiropractic 2nd Place – Dr. Nataly Perez 3rd Place – Pioneer Chiropractic Best Cosmetic Surgeon 1st Place – Dr. Scott Reis Best Dentist 1st Place – Dr. Naftis 2nd Place – Bayou City Smiles – Dr. Marcus de Guzman 3rd Place – Dentistry of the Oaks Best Dermatologist 1st Place – Dr. Alpesh Desai Heights Dermatology 2nd Place – Dr. Tejas Desai 3rd Place – Dr. Renee Jogi Best Eye Care Provider 1st Place – Dora E Cantu MD 2nd Place – Dr. Lisa Woo 3rd Place – Dr. Watkins Best Massage Therapist 1st Place – Marcy Basile – Connect Massage 2nd Place – Tom at Heights Spa 3rd Place – Massage Envy

Best Community Theater/ Performing Arts Venue 1st Place – HITS Theatre 2nd Place – Opera in the Heights 3rd Place – Theatre Under the Stars Best Live Music Venue 1st Place – Heights Theater 2nd Place – White Oak Music Hall 3rd Place – Last Concert Best Local Museum 1st Place – Art Car Museum 2nd Place – Menil Collection 3rd Place – Museum of Natural Science Best Art Gallery 1st Place – Redbud Gallery 2nd Place – The Whimsy Artisan Boutique 3rd Place – Museum of Fine Art Best Local Artist 1st Place – Christina Todaro 2nd Place – Brigette Moyahen 3rd Place – Chris Silkwood

FOOD & RESTAURANTS

Best Pediatrician 1st Place – Dr. Kenya Parks 2nd Place – Dr. Daniel Ivan 3rd Place – Dr. Thakkar

Best Donuts/Kolaches 1st Place – Shipley’s Donuts 2nd Place – Hugs and Donuts 3rd Place – Queen Donut

Best Urgent Care 1st Place – Memorial Hermann Greater Heights 2nd Place – Signature Care The Heights 3rd Place – Urgent Care

Best Asian Restaurant 1st Place – Hughies 2nd Place – Heights Asian Cafe 3rd Place – Rice Box

Best Wellness Center 1st Place – Northwest Chiropractic Center 2nd Place – The Torres Center 3rd Place – Heights of Health Best Weight Loss Facility 1st Place – The Torres Center 2nd Place – A New You Health and Wellness 3rd Place – Foye MD and Spa

Best Esthetician 1st Place – Sandee Trevino 2nd Place – Myra Salas 3rd Place – Kalia Broussard at Abbie Starr Skin Bar

BEST OF FOOD, DRINK, ENTERTAINMENT

Best Hospital 1st Place – Memorial Hermann

Best Family Entertainment Center 1st Place – Del Mar Bowling Entertainment Center 2nd Place – HITS Theatre 3rd Place – Speedys Fast Track

Best Women’s Health Provider 1st Place – Dr. Stephanie Fulton 2nd Place – Texas Lactation Consultants 3rd Place – Dr. GiGi Doan

Best Manicure/Pedicure 1st Place – LV Nails Spa 2nd Place – Brush Box 3rd Place – Heights Salon

HEALTH

ENTERTAINMENT & FINE ART

Best Smoothies 1st Place – Juiceland 2nd Place – Smoothie King 3rd Place – Revolucion Coffee & Juice

Best Bakery 1st Place – Ashley Cakes 2nd Place – El Bolillo 3rd Place – Artisana Bread

Best BBQ Restaurant 1st Place – Gatlins 2nd Place – Gabby’s 3rd Place – Pinkerton’s Best Hamburger 1st Place – Mytiburger 2nd Place – Hubcap Grill 3rd Place – Miller’s Cafe Best Hot Wings 1st Place – Dream Wings 2nd Place – Wings N Things 3rd Place – Pluckers Best Hot Dogs 1st Place – Good Dog 2nd Place – James Coney Island 3rd Place – Mytiburger

CONTINUED P. 6B

Page 6B • Saturday, July 20, 2019 • The Leader Best Ice Cream 1st Place – Fat Cat Creamery 2nd Place – Baskin Robbins 3rd Place – Sweet Cup Gelato

Best Lunch 1st Place – Ploughman’s Deli 2nd Place – Les Ba’get 3rd Place – Bella Green

Best Italian 1st Place – Cavatore 2nd Place – Spaghetti Western 3rd Place – Coltivare

Best Date Place 1st Place – Coltivare 2nd Place – Plonk!

3rd Place – Rainbow Lodge

Best Mediterranean 1st Place – Aladdin 2nd Place – Niko Nikos 3rd Place – Kojak’s

Best Caterer 1st Place – Aladdin 2nd Place – Kojaks 3rd Place – Lupe Tortilla

Best Mexican 1st Place – El Tiempo 2nd Place – Alma Latina 3rd Place – Superica

Best Service 1st Place – Rainbow Lodge 2nd Place – Union Kitchen 3rd Place – Tia Maria’s

Best Tacos 1st Place – Tacos-A-Go-Go 2nd Place – Torchy’s 3rd Place – El Rey

Best Takeout 1st Place – Rice Box 2nd Place – Tarka 3rd Place – Los Cucos

Best Pizzeria 1st Place – Pink’s Pizza 2nd Place – Brother’s Pizza 3rd Place – Cane Rosso

Best Place to Host a Party 1st Place – Harolds 2nd Place – Delmar Lanes 3rd Place – We Olive & Wine Bar

Best Sandwich Shop 1st Place – Ploughman’s Deli 2nd Place – Antone’s 3rd Place – Doyle’s

Best Patio 1st Place – Cottonwood 2nd Place – Rainbow Lodge 3rd Place – Cedar Creek

Best Seafood 1st Place – La Lucha 2nd Place – BB’s 3rd Place – Flying Fish

BEST OF HOME & REAL ESTATE

Best Specialty Food Store 1st Place – We Olive & Wine Bar 2nd Place – Olive & Vine 3rd Place – Golden Bagels Best Steak House 1st Place – Rainbow Lodge 2nd Place – Taste of Texas 3rd Place – B&B Butchers Best Sushi 1st Place – Ka Sushi 2nd Place – Soma 3rd Place – Blue Fish Best Breakfast 1st Place – Snooze 2nd Place – Yale Street Grill 3rd Place – Jackie’s Kitchen Best Brunch 1st Place – Union Kitchen on Ella 2nd Place – Rainbow Lodge 3rd Place – Snooze

Best Architect 1st Place – Cusimano 2nd Place – Studiomet Architects 3rd Place – Brad Strickland Best Custom Home Builder 1st Place – Tradition Custom Designs 2nd Place – Covington Signature Homes 3rd Place – Jamestown Estate Homes Best Developer 1st Place – RE:VIVE Development 2nd Place – Andrew Adams Covington Signature Homes 3rd Place – Avenue CDC Best Appliance Store 1st Place – Nor West Appliance 2nd Place – Trulite Gas Products 3rd Place – Sears Best Electrician 1st Place – Deuce Electrical 2nd Place – Bravenec Electric 3rd Place – John Kuenstle

Best Flooring Store 1st Place – Buffaloe Flooring 2nd Place – Traditional Designs 3rd Place – Floor Coverings International Best Garden/Landscaping Company 1st Place – Wabash 2nd Place – Sicolas 3rd Place – Mora Landscaping (Saul Mora) Best Tree Care/Removal 1st Place – Sicolas 2nd Place – Wilber Tree Service 3rd Place – Bartlett Tree Experts Best General Contractor 1st Place – Glenn Ferrell 2nd Place – Let Luke Do It Remodeling 3rd Place – Tradition Custom Designs Best Plumbers 1st Place – Joe Petrovich 2nd Place – Budget Home Services 3rd Place – Best Plumbing Best Heating & Air Conditioning Service 1st Place – ASR Mechanical 2nd Place – Heights A/C and Heating 3rd Place – Optimal Air Solutions Best Home Decorating Store 1st Place – Elizabeth Cole Design, Décor & Furniture 2nd Place – Bliss on 19th 3rd Place – Eclectic Home Best Interior Design/Decorator 1st Place – Susan Kostelecky – SK Designs 2nd Place – Elizabeth Cole Design, Décor & Furniture 3rd Place – Thornpatch Designs Best Hardware Store 1st Place – C&D Hardware 2nd Place – Stokes Hardware 3rd Place – Lowes Best Pest Control Company 1st Place – Cherokee Pest Control 2nd Place – Natran Pest Control 3rd Place – Mosquito Joe (Robert Torres) Best Washateria 1st Place – Soap N Suds on N. Main 2nd Place – 11th Street Cleaners & Laundry

3rd Place – Washateria Lounge on Antoine

BEST REAL ESTATE SERVICES Best Mortgage Company 1st Place – Fidelty 2nd Place – Gobe Team - Envoy Mortgage 3rd Place – Amcap Home Loans Best Real Estate Agent 1st Place – Patrick Bilnoski 2nd Place – Ashley Day 3rd Place – Kristi Kolmetz Best Real Estate Company 1st Place – IndyQuest Properties 2nd Place – Century 21 Top Realty 3rd Place – Circa

COMMUNITY

Best Church 1st Place – Arise Baptist Church 2nd Place – Village Heights Church 3rd Place – Houston First Baptist Best Minister 1st Place – Pastor Will Cover 2nd Place – Pastors Bill & Hannah White 3rd Place – Gregg Matte Best Non-Profit 1st Place – Animal Justice League 2nd Place – Leather Apron 3rd Place – Houston Community College Foundation Local Politician 1st Place – John Whitmire 2nd Place – Dan Crenshaw 3rd Place – Mayor Turner

EDUCATION

Best Nursery/Day Care 1st Place – St. Rose Early Childhood Center 2nd Place – St. Ambrose Early Childhood Center 3rd Place – Immanuel Lutheran ECE Best Learning Center 1st Place – Johnson Memorial School 2nd Place – The Family Garden 3rd Place – Susan Sessions Tutoring Best Private/Parochial School 1st Place – St. Ambrose Catholic School 2nd Place – Our Savior Lutheran School 3rd Place – St. Rose of Lima

Best Public School 1st Place – Durham Elementary 2nd Place – Hogg Middle School 3rd Place – Garden Oaks Montessori Magnet Best Community College 1st Place – HCC 2nd Place – Lone Star Victory Best After School Program 1st Place – After 3 After School Program 2nd Place – Hogg Heaven 3rd Place – Kidventure Best Tutor 1st Place – Susan Sessions Tutoring 2nd Place – EPIC Tutoring – Bryan Malone 3rd Place – Reaching Greater Heights

SPORTS & FITNESS

Dance Studio 1st Place – Houston Dance Works 2nd Place – Dance House Fitness 3rd Place – Nia Moves Golf Course 1st Place – Fifty Fifty Acorn Golf Driving Range 2nd Place – Memorial Park Park 1st Place – TC Jester Park 2nd Place – Shepherd Park 3rd Place – Candlelight Park Sporting Goods Store 1st Place – Academy 2nd Place – Lululemon Workout Facility/Gym 1st Place – Harriet and Joe Foster YMCA 2nd Place – The Cage Houston 3rd Place – The League Elite Fitness Group Fitness/Aerobics 1st Place – Body Rock Pilates 2nd Place – Harriet and Joe Foster YMCA 3rd Place – LA Fitness on N. Shepherd Yoga 1st Place – Move Yoga 2nd Place – Harriet and Joe Foster YMCA 3rd Place – Yoga at Studio Fitness

OUR VETERANS The Heights, Garden Oaks, Oak Forest and North Houston

A Pictorial Book Coming This Fall The Leader is seeking photos of those in our area who have served in our nation’s armed forces. These photos will be compiled into a handsome, full color hardback book to be published later this year.

We are seeking all types of photos (headshots and snapshots) and military documents like maps, letters, draft cards, etc.

For snapshots, we need a caption describing what is happening, where the photo was taken, and who is in it.

For headshots, we need: Name Branch of Service Dates served Rank Job (like Rifleman or Pilot) Where they served Accommodations (medals)

Deadline for photo submission is July 31.

To send photos you can email them to: veterans@theleadernews.com or bring them to our office at 2020 North Loop West, Suite 220.

Ask for Zarah.

You may also call 713-686-8494 for more information.

The Leader • Saturday, July 20, 2019 • Page 7B

Make easy, delicious ice cream for your favorite dog “Frosty Paws” TasteA-Like Ice Cream (adapted from Food With Feeling) 1/3 cup of peanut butter (Note: PLEASE make sure the peanut butter doesn’t contain Xylitol, which can be deadly to dogs. The more natural the peanut butter, the better.)

16 oz. of plain yogurt 1 ripe banana Place all ingredients in a blender or food processor and blend until smooth. Pour the mixture into ice cube trays or popsicle molds and freeze for several hours until hard.

milk can cause bloating, diarrhea, constipation and other digestive distress.

Also, many ice creams made for humans contain ingredients that are downright harmful to dogs. Chocolate can be toxic to dogs, as can Xylitol, a sugar replacement often found in lower-calorie ice creams.

The good news is that it’s ridiculously easy to make ice cream for your dog that is, not only good for him, but also rather tasty! (Yeah, go ahead and try it yourself--all of these recipes are humantested and dog approved!)

And, what better way to celebrate “National Ice Cream Day,” which is July 21?

You’ll notice that all of the recipes below contain yogurt, which is considered better and easier for dogs to digest, since it is fermented and contains less lactose. So, without further ado, here are three recipes for doggie ice cream that are sure to knock your dog’s socks off !

Dear Tabby, Is it safe to feed our dog ice cream? He always begs for it when we are enjoying a cone, but we aren’t sure if it’s a good idea to give him some.

Ice Cream for Dogs in The Heights Dear Ice Cream for Dogs, You’re right to be hesitant about giving dogs ice cream.

Ice cream that is made for humans just isn’t the best thing for our pooches. For starters, according to the American Kennel Club, most dogs aren’t equipped to digest cow’s milk in even moderate amounts.

Feeding your dog too much

Doggie Ice Cream (adapted from Fake Ginger) 32 oz plain, whole milk yogurt 1/2 cup pureed pumpkin (NOT pumpkin pie filling--too much sugar!)

2 tablespoons of all-nat-

ural peanut butter--no sugar added (see above note about Xylitol) 2 tablespoons honey In a large mixing bowl combine the pumpkin, peanut butter and honey (Fake Ginger recommends slightly

warming honey and peanut butter to make them easier to blend). Fold in yogurt. Freeze in portioned containers for several hours. Enjoy!

Do you have a question for Tabby? Email her at deartabbyquestions@gmail.com

Pet of the Week Meet Lisa If you’re looking for a social, people-loving cat, this 2-yearold ball of love is the cat for you! Lisa got mixed up in a feral colony, but her feeder could tell right away that this friendly gal didn’t belong there.

So, Lisa is living the high life in foster care, but would really love her new beginning to begin...like yesterday! To learn more, go to www.saveacatrescue.org.

Carob Chip Ice Cream (adapted from The Dogington Post) 1/3 cup carob chips 12 oz. plain yogurt 1 tablespoon of honey Mix ingredients in a bowl or blender until combined and then freeze in ice cube trays for perfectly portioned ice cream treats.

Pumpkin Peanut Butter

• LIMIT THREE COUPONS PER TABLE •

Full Service Bar - 13 oz. Regular Margaritas $3.50 All Day – Everyday!

Mexican Restaurant

FAJITAS FOR TWO

2095

$

Carlos Is Back!

5305 Antoine @ Pinemont 53 713-682-3853

$

WITH THIS COUPON DINE IN ONLY.

VALID MON.-FRI. 3 PM TIL CLOSING AND ALL DAY SAT. AND SUN.NOT VALID WITH OTHER OFFERS. OFFER EXPIRES 7-27-19

Mexican Restaurant

Party Room Available Par

5 OFF DINNER

Buy One Dinner And Receive $5 Off Second Dinner Of Equal Or Lesser Value.

DINE IN ONLY. THIS COUPON GOOD MON. THRU FRI. 3PM TIL CLOSING. THIS COUPON ALSO GOOD SATURDAY AND SUNDAY 11:00 UNTIL CLOSING. EXCLUDES ALCHOLIC BEVERAGES NOT VALID WITH OTHER OFFERS. OFFER EXPIRES 7-27-19

PURCHASE

HOURS Thurs & Fri: 11am - 10pm Sat-Wed: 11am - 9:30pm

A HAMBURGER, FRIES AND A MEDIUM DRINK

GET A REGULAR HAMBURGER

FREE

Southwell’s HAMBURGER GRILL

Good at this location only. One coupon per visit. Tax not included. Not valid in conjunction with other coupons.

4

OFF SECOND ENTREE $ 95 Buy 1 Dinner Get $4.95 OFF Second Dinner Dine-In Only. No Takeout Orders. Good 3-10 p.m. only.

4618 Dacoma

Register for any class and bring a guest for FREE!

$

ENJOY OUR HAPPY HOUR

Juanita’s

We invite you to our Sweet Summer Gala on July 27th 1331 Yale St. Houston, TX 77008 • 832-831-3156

2728 West T.C. Jester @ 610 713-680-8011

We offer various classes for painting, pottery, yarn crafts and more.

Don’t forget to check out our summer classes calendar at:

Coupon good at this location only. Open Mon.-Sat. 11-10, Sun. 11-9

A Reputation of Integrity since 1946 Give us a call

Sunny Summer

Savings!

Did you know that by doing regular maintenance you can extend the life of your car by 1000s of miles? Most models need special maintenance at 30K, 60K, 90K, 120K. Let us educate you!

4610 N. Shepherd

$

713.695.50711

29

95

A/C Check Special

Complimentary maintenance inspection including: Tire check, rotation upon request . Brake check . Battery health report .

Check all fluid levels & refill . Check all lights . Check belts and hoses.

Includes up to 5 quarts of synthetic blend oil and standard filter. Specialty filter may be extra.

Mon - Fri 7:30 am - 5:30 pm, Sat 8:00 am - 4:00pm

TheLibertyGarage.com

Like us on Facebook/AdolfsGarage Expire 8-9-19. Must present Coupon at time of service. Cannot combine with any other offer. Limited time offer.

Authentic Mej icano Cuisine

20% OFF TICKET up to $10.00

(Excludes alcoholic beverages)

With this coupon • Dine In Only • Expires 7-27-19 DAILY LUNCH SPECIALS BAR FACILITIES TAKE-OUT ORDERS AVAILABLE

Mexican Restaurant

Bring in this coupon or mention THE LEADER at registration to redeem this offer.

Monday- Friday 11am - 7pm Saturday & Sunday - All Day

Mexican Restaurant & Cantina

at Our New Garage

LIVE MUSIC Thursday - Sunday 6 til Close

(Between Hwy. 290 and Mangum)

OFF SECOND ENTREE Buy 1 dinner and get 5 Off second dinner of equal or lesser value.

• Dine-In Only • This coupon good Mon.-Fri. 3 p.m.-10 p.m.

• This coupon also good all day Sat. & Sun. • One coupon per party • Excludes alcoholic beverages • Not valid with other specials, special dinner menu or half orders • Expires 7-27-19

(713) 682-4343

(713) 680-0825

Next to PetSmart

5

Buy a dozen donuts and get 1 dozen donut holes FREE!

3410 Ella Blvd. at 34th St.

Happy Hours: Mon-Thur 3-8

1909 Taylor Street Suite #A 713-862-6611

$

With purchase of one dozen glazed donuts.

* Lunch Specials Daily * Take Out Orders Available * Complete Bar Facilities * Party Room Available (Seats 85)

White Oak

10

FREE with purchase of one dozen donuts or more.

• Not available on Senior Citizens or Kids Menu • One coupon per table / one coupon per family ORIGINAL COUPON ONLY! No copies accepted • Must be presented before ordering • Expires 7-27-19

Take Out Available

Taylor

FOR

FREE DONUTS 2 KOLACHES FREE DOZEN FREE DONUT HOLES Get 1/2 dozen glazed donuts

2615 Ella Blvd. @ 27th

713-868-5232

OPEN Monday - Saturday 8am - 10pm & Sunday 8 am - 4pm

serenityartstudiostx.com

Page 8B • Saturday, July 20, 2019 • The Leader

Fast, Dependable Home Repairs & Service

WE CAN FIX IT! Some of our Services Painting/Staining Decks/Fences Gutter Cleaning/Repair Patch drywall (Sheetrock) TV Wall Mount Installation Child-proofing your home Furniture Assembly/Repair Door Install/Repair/Adjustments Doorknob/Lock Installation Curtain Hanging Fence and garage repair Light Bulb Change Ceiling fan replacement/repairs Hang Shelves Organizing Garages Faucet Installations Garbage disposal replacement

Get your “To-Do” list done at your convenience

* AND MUCH MORE - Just ask!

BONDED & INSURED

Call • (713) 686-4936 Book us at • www.ItJustBroke.com A division of Home Hands Group LLC

The Leader • Saturday, July 20, 2019 • Page 9B

Thanks for choosing us as the

#1 Dance Studio Pupotropolis Dog Walking & Pet Sitting Service

Bestt After S School ch hool Prog Program

3500 E. T.C. Jester, ter, S Ste. e. G

■

After 3 at Oak Forest Elementary Thanks our Parents and Students for making us a Favorite in the Readers’ Choice Awards.

713.956.4870 7 3 956.4870

Pupotropolis wants to thank the community for your continued support as we enter our 5th year of business. We look forward to serving you and your pets.

Serving Areas:

Garden Oaks, Oak Forest and The Heights Lazy Brook and Timber Grove Mangum Manor and Forest Pines & More!

Like us on Facebook

Stephanie Campbell

www.after3asp.com

w w w. h o u s t o n d a n c e w o r k s . c o m

832-878-2578

Thanks for voting us USE US U SE E EL ELIZABETH LIZ IZA AB BET E COLE PREVIOUS AD, CHANGE EMBLEM TO 2019 AND ADD CH C HA AN NG GE EE MBL LOGO LO L OGO GO FOR FO OR R EC C DESIGNS INCLUDING Paws Pet Resort is your pet’s home away from home!

We provide doggie daycare, dog and cat boarding and grooming services in our beautiful 1+ acre facility.

Paws Pet Resort has been ranked #1 in The Leader News’ Reader’s Choice awards for the past 5 years, as Best Doggie Daycare / Boarding, and Best Grooming.

This award covers Heights, Garden Oaks, Oak Forest, Shepherd Forest, Timbergrove and more.

We are conveniently located just off Ella Blvd. and Loop 610 on the north side of Houston.

Boarding, Doggie Daycare and Grooming Services 3415 Couch St., Houston 77018 Call today! 713-636-9715

Let us take care of your pet when you can’t!

T Thank you for voting for us!

By appointment only.

Introductory special for all NEW clients 60 minute customized facial for $45 Visit us at 5836 N. Main Street, Houston, TX 77009.

We are located in Studio 13 inside Sola Salons Heights.

281.917.0102. abbiestarrskinbar.com

We Practice What We Pledge.

Voted #1 Best Bank AllegianceBank.com

THANK YOU FOR TH T HA AN NK Y YO OU FO F O VOTING US BEST DECORATING STORE AND BEST D DE EC CO OR RA ATI TIING NG N GS INTERIOR DESIGN/DECORATOR IIN NT TE ER RIIO OR RD ES S Best Home

Decorating Store and

Best Interior Design/Decorator

713.366.7900

713.725.2405

Page 10B • Saturday, July 20, 2019 • The Leader

Thank you for voting us the

2019 Best Dermatologist in the Leader area.

Services include

• General Dermatology • Skin Cancer Treatments • Cosmetic Dermatology • Aesthetic Cosmetics

Dr. Alpesh Desai

Dr. Tejas Desai

Thank You for Voting us Best Dermatologists in Our Community!

We Strive to Provide the Very Best in Dermatology.

HEIGHTS DERMATOLOGY & AESTHETIC CENTER 2120 Ashland Street Houston, Texas 77008 (713) 864-2659 www.heightsskin.com

The Leader • Saturday, July 20, 2019 • Page 11B

Neighbors: Celebrations with family keep Goodsons young at heart

By Elizabeth Villarreal elizasgarden@outlook.com

Happy, happy birthday to Margaret Goodson, who celebrated her 85th birthday on June 30. The festivities began a day early with a birthday luncheon with daughter Kathy Bowers at Seasons 52 and continued with a family gathering which included a delicious dinner from Fajita Pete’s on Margaret’s special day.

Margaret was joined in the celebration by her husband Earl, daughter and son-inlaw, Kathy and Ricky Bowers, and grandson, Ruhl, as well as her granddaughter and grandson-in-law, Dana and Emmanuel Gallegos and her great grandchildren, Esmé, Lennon, and Luka. Many of the family members are Waltrip High School alumni and Oak Forest residents.

Margaret retired from her job as a travel agent last year after 20-plus years in the industry. She enjoys bridge club, traveling and gardening.

Margaret and Earl enjoyed a week-long cruise along the Columbia and Snake Rivers in Washington and Oregon in May prior to celebrating their 64th wedding anniversary on June 10. Earl, who turns 87 on July 28, will keep the celebrations going through July.

Earl is a master gardener who likes to spend his days making his yard beautiful. Their son, Steve Goodson (of San Marcos), and granddaughter, Alaine (of Austin), both former Timbergrove residents and graduates of Waltrip and Lutheran High North, respectively, will be joining in the ongoing festivities this month.

Margaret and Earl were Shepherd Forest residents for 35 years. They moved to Georgetown Colony in 1992 and, during Hurricane Harvey, their home took on 3 feet of water. They were displaced for six months while repairs were made and, despite losing most of their material possessions, they were grateful to be able to come back to their newly renovated home in February

of last year. Both remain active in their church and community and look forward to celebrating for many years to come!

The Oak Forest Homeowners Association’s inaugural Fourth of July parade in T.C. Jester Park was a booming success! With the help of outstanding community partners Rob Ryan Custom Builders, Super Cuts Oak Forest, Rhonda Power of Boulevard Realty, David Piccarilli and the Houston Astros, iCycle Bike Shop, The Pure Parenting Shop, Voltage Youth Recreation Center, Silberman Law Firm, PLLC, GeekLife, SweetFrog Oak Forest, Frost Bank, Sam’s Soccer Jam, CycleBarHouston Heights, Elizabeth Villarreal of RE/MAX Metro, and Chick-fil-A at Loop 610 and Shepherd Drive, OFHA’s Director of Community Relations Sara Heald made sure all the bases were covered and then some! Waltrip’s Ram Band set the tone with patriotic music, Chick-fil-A’s cow made a mooooo-ch anticipated appearance, and bikes, trikes, wagons and strollers were decorated to the nines and ready to roll. Starbucks coffee, Chick-fil-A chicken and biscuits, a photo booth, two amazing facepainters and a gorgeous red, white and blue balloon arch just dialed up the fun. More than 60 area families participated and an excellent time was had by all.

Best Esthetician - Sandee Trevino Thank you to all the wonderful clients this Esthetician could ever wish for!

Xoxo!

Contributed photo The Oak Forest Homeowners Association’s inaugural Fourth of July parade in T.C. Jester Park featured fun for the whole family.

Your #1 Dry Cleaner

Thanks For Your Votes The Last 7 Years and Patronage For Over 73 Years.

It is a privilege to serve our community.

Bells MyOwn Cleaners

Thank you for choosing us the 2019 Best Custom Home Builder

We are thrilled that the readers have voted us Best Custom Home Builder! We appreciate all the amazing people who give us the opportunity to build their dream home. This neighborhood is where our heart is. We are honored to be part of this wonderful community. Thank you!!

• DRY CLEANING SERVICE •

2 Convenient Locations

A young girl plays with balloons during a Fourth of July event at T.C. Jester Park.

1362 West 43rd • Houston 77018 713-680-8404 2908 Fulton • Houston 77009 713-227-5461

www.tcd-homes.com

713-419-8092

GIFT CARDS AVAILABLE!

THANKS FOR BEING THE BEST CUSTOMERS! To show our love, bring in this ad

A rc hi tec t

8 3 2 - 4 88- 7746

FOR A FREE GIFT with purchase of $25 or more.

MoSo.c om

Thank you for voting us as one of the Best Pet Day Cares, Boarding and Groomers in The Leader Readers’ Choice contest.

Boarding • Grooming • Doggie Daycare • Natural Pet Foods

• Taste of the Wild • Stella & Cheweys • Dog Toys • Supplements • Hollistic Select • Hemp Treats

1737 W. 34th, Ste. 600 Houston, TX 77018 713.999.1920

HEIGHTS

social@brancheallday • brancheallday.com

3410 North Shepherd 713.426.6888

www.mutthouse.com

3 YEARS IN A ROW! Receive a

FREE

GloGirl Tank AND GloGirl Drawstring Tote ($30 value) thru July 31 when you sign up for our UNLIMITED TANNING

Dr. George Junkin D

MONTHLY MEMBERSHIP for only $100/mo

Use our booking app at:

www.vagaro.com/glogirlspraytanning or call/text:

281.798.4696

Dr. Junkin would like to thank everyone who voted him their favorite Chiropractor & Northwest Chiropractic Center their favorite Wellness Center!

Northwest Chiropractic Centerr is celebrating 40 years in business.

NORTHWEST CHIROPRACTIC CENTER 11500 NW Fwy. Suite #201 • 713-686-0828 w w w. d r j u n k i n . c o m

Page 12B • Saturday, July 20, 2019 • The Leader

Area lineup set for ‘Restaurant Weeks’

By Zarah Parker zarah@theleadernews.com

all over the Greater Houston area.

According to the Houston Restaurant Weeks website, participating restaurants make donations directly to the Houston Food Bank depending on how many brunches, lunches and dinners they sell during the event.

Participating restaurants in our area include:

The first draft of the Houston Restaurant Weeks (HRW) lineup has been posted and many area restaurants are participating.

The list will be updated until Aug. 1, which is when HRW begins. It continues until Sept.

2.

HRW is a month-long fundraiser benefiting the Houston Food Bank that includes specially priced lunches, brunches and dinners from restaurants

BCK, 933 Studewood St. Cavatore Italian Restaurant, 2120 Ella Blvd.

Cyclone Anaya’s, 1710 Durham St. Ginger and Fork, 4705 Inker St. Harold’s Restaurant & Tap Room, 350 W. 19th St. La Lucha, 1801 N. Shepherd Dr. Liberty Kitchen & Oyster Bar, 1050 Studewood St. Maison Pucha Bistro,

Open Court Reading, Rich in Literature, Grounded in Phonics Core Knowledge Social Studies and STEM Daily Spanish, Music, Movement (PE), & Art

1001 Studewood St. Mastrantos, 927 Studewood St.

The Kenworthy School is a Conscious Discipline School

Kindergarten Enrollment Open for Fall 2019

Superica, 1801 N. Shepherd Dr.

Before & After School, Lunch & Snacks included in Tuition.

12 Month Program Options

The Barking Pig, 2307 Ella Blvd.

Call to schedule a tour 713.999.8028.

880 W 28th Street, Houston, TX 77008 www.kenworthyschool.com

The set pricing is $20 for brunch, $20 for lunch and $35 or $45 for dinner.

Each restaurant’s HRW menu can be found at www. houstonrestaurantweeks.com.

The Leader Readers’ Best Jewelry Store

7 YEARS IN A ROW

Gastropubs from P. 1B As The Barking Pig website indicates, the name means someone or something that changes the world for the better. They don’t go along with the norm and they won’t let the world tell them how to act and what they can or can’t do. It is someone who sets the tone, isn’t afraid to show emotion and is a star.

Britney Gomez, a first-time Barking Big visitor, thought the name was a perfect fit for the establishment. She explained how she’s been to plenty of bars in the area, but loved the vibe of The Barking Pig, but more importantly thought the menu had simple options that were given an extra something to make them unique.

Menu favorites include the

The Kenworthy School

fried pickles, which are flash fried with parmesan, truffle oil and balsamic glaze, the “OG Burger,” which comes with the choice of beef or grilled chicken, and pizza options such as “The Man,” which comes with ground beef, pepperoni, grilled onions and a red pepper and jalapeno blend.

Many gastropubs will have a signature burger on their menu, a strong showcase of craft beers and plenty of fried food.

Cottonwood, 3422 N. Shepherd Dr., can be considered a gastropub. It has extensive drink and food options, plus the huge patio makes it an ideal spot for gathering with friends.

For snacks, Cottonwood of-

fers fried boudin balls, salmon deviled eggs and chicken fried steak bites. For something bigger, you can grab a boudin burger, which has an 8-ounce patty of boudin fried in crispy panko cumbs on a housemade burger bun with remoulade, lettuce, red onion and sliced pickled.

“The patio is great. I bring my dog with me all the time,” said Nora Little, a frequent Cottonwood customer. “Everyone is so laid back, and sometimes I feel like I’m hanging out in my own backyard.”

The more Americanized the gastropub becomes, the vaguer the definition is. Instead of being a bar at heart that also serves good food, it’s becoming more of a restaurant and

peel and chilled with one big ice cube.

The bar offers red, white and sparkling wine as well, along with a small-but-solid selection of local craft beer.

There are two pale ales, a cream ale made by Heightsbased Eureka Heights Brew Co., a wheat beer, a grapefruit radler and a coffee porter.

Along with a weekday happy hour, Better Luck Tomorrow offers a trio of Houston-specific specials. When it’s hotter than 95 degrees outside, highballs are half off.

When it’s colder than 40, hot toddies are half-off. And when it’s raining, hurricanes are halfoff.

Good luck finding a better place to eat, drink and be merry – today, tomorrow or any time – and don’t forget to try the fried chicken with the potatoes and watercress. It’ll keep you coming back.

bar, serving American classics.

“I’m not concerned with the definition,” another Cottonwood supporter said. “I like this place, and any other gastropub I go to, because I can trust that I’ll be able to eat, drink and hang out and be happy with my experience.”

Ask about our summer diamond sale!

#1 Full Service Jeweler

2150 W 18th St #206, Houston, TX 77008 713-862-5419 • www.jvpjewelry.com

Your Community Bank

Better Luck from P. 1B For example, the bartender during my most recent visit created an off-the-menu, nonalcoholic cocktail based on a brief description of personal preferences. She blended raspberry syrup, ginger beer and a splash of Topo Chico into a fizzy concoction that was refreshing, slightly sweet and garnished with fresh mint and lemon peel.

Better Luck Tomorrow has a full bar with 12 craft cocktails, including a Cold-Fashioned, which is its take on an Old-Fashioned. It includes a balanced mix of bourbon, rum, Brandy de Jerez, piloncillo (raw cane sugar) and bitters, garnished with an orange

Better Luck Tomorrow Address: 544 Yale St. Hours: 3:30 p.m.-2 a.m.

Monday-Friday, 11 a.m.-2 a.m. Saturday-Sunday Food pricing: $6-$17 Kid-friendly: No Alcohol: Yes Healthy options: No Star of the show: Fried chicken with Hasselback potatoes and watercress

We have been voted

Readers’ Choice Winner for Best Bank/Credit Union by our Leader readers. What an honor!

The type of service and hands on attention that you expected and appreciated years ago is still reflected in the way we handle our customers.

We know you feel it and it makes us proud.

HOUSTON HEIGHTS

2310 Yale Street | 713-861-1125

w w w. pros p eri t yb a nk us a . com

Thank You for voting me the Reader’s Choice

2019 Best Physician Dr. Jaclyn Harrison • Chronic Disease Management • Acute Infections • Telemedicine Visits • In-House Lab Draws • Certified Dietician Dr. Jaclyn Harrison - “Personable, unhurried, and thoughtful. A fantastic primary care physician.”

- “Felt so comfortable with Dr. Harrison. She really took her time to get to know me and listen to my concerns. I can’t wait to come back!”

- “I was completely engrossed by the professionalism, medical knowledge, and shear comfort connection. I’m so happy I now have Dr. Harrison on my side.”

- “I’ve already recommended Dr. Harrison. My wife will be scheduling an appointment.”

(Current patient testimonials)

Dr. Jaclyn Harrison

Primary Care Physician Board Certified in Internal Medicine

1900 North Loop West, Suite 580

713-714-5376 www.whiteoakmedicalassociates.com