SB+ August 2023

TM

1 Anniversary st

issue

KP’s Kitchen

wows Spring Branch with its big burgers and scratch-made food

Two Spring Branch

restaurants

we love (and you will, too)

S p r i n g

B r a n c h

a n d

August 2023

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TM

/ August 2023

1stAnniversary issue

Send comments, thoughts or ideas to springbranchplus@gmail.com

KP’s Kitchen

wows sPring Branch with its Big Burgers and scratch-made food

two sPring Branch

restaurants

we love (and you will, too)

S p r i n g

B r a n c h

a n d

August 2023

B e y o n d

ON THE COVER

Learn more about the man behind KP’s Kitchen, Kerry Pauly, and how he carries on a family restaurant legacy right here in the Branch.

Read the full story on pages 4-6.

Cover photo by David Stutts Photography.

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Business profile: DonutNV

15

Houston Restaurant Weeks in the Branch

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After-school care options

Community calendar

17

Drunken Cyclist’s tour through France

Save the date for the SBEF style show and luncheon

19

Look back on 12 months of SB+

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Back to school: tips on handling the jitters Back to school: tax-free weekend

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Make sure your “go bag” is ready for hurricane season

10-11 12

T

Editor’s Letter to the Residents

Happy birthday to Spring Branch Plus! It’s been a blast for the past year publishing informative and fun content for the residents of the Branch, and we hope that you’ve gotten just as much enjoyment out of reading our neighborhood magazine. The encouragement we’ve received from you, our loyal readers, has kept us going through the ups and downs of running a publishing business, as well as our love of the area that we know so well. Please continue to send us your thoughts, comments, and any suggestions you may have for future content or spotlight features — we love to hear from you and welcome your emails. Let’s dive into the one-year anniversary issue with options for after-school care, hurricane season (not our favorite here on the Gulf Coast), and learning more about a popular Spring Valley restaurant and a new-to-the-area donut truck. With the heat, don’t forget that August also brings Houston Restaurant Weeks and tax-free weekend, just in time for SBISD’s first day in the classrooms.

Best wishes for back to school,

Advertising Contact: Dawn Gunther Email: springbranchplus@gmail.com Phone: 713.828.4604

Pink Seat Media, LLC

Publisher/Editor Dawn Gunther

Content Coordinator Liz Clearman

Cover Photographer

David Shutts Photography

KP’s Kitchen Carries on Restaurateur Legacy

By Liz Clearman

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K

owner Benjy Levit, Kerry expanded his repertoire to include the skills necessary to run a multimillion-dollar restaurant concept. Two years later, Levit promoted Kerry to managing partner and put him in charge of opening and running Benjy’s on Washington from concept to launch. That partnership lasted until 2013 when Kerry relocated to Austin to work with prepared meal mainstay Snap Kitchen, where he was the director of training and culture from 2013-2016 and oversaw operations for over 40 locations across Houston, Austin, Dallas, Philadelphia, and Chicago. No small feat, even for someone with his background.

After graduating from the University of Houston Hilton School of Restaurant and Hotel Management, Kerry expanded his reach in the hospitality industry in 2006 by taking over as general manager at the original Benjy’s restaurant in Rice Village. Working under

These days, Kerry is thrilled to be back in his hometown, living in Memorial and enjoying family time with his bonus twin teenage daughters. One of their favorite things to do together is travel and make lifelong memories. “My fondest memory on one of our family vacations by far is Ashford Castle in Ireland. Traveling keeps us fresh and it opens our eyes to new places, cultures, and cuisines. I come back inspired by a dish I thoroughly enjoyed and will ask my chef to try to recreate it for our menu.

erry Pauly is part of a restaurant dynasty, if you will. Owner of the popular local restaurant KP’s Kitchen in the heart of Spring Branch that recently celebrated its third anniversary, he’s had a passion for the industry since before his adult teeth popped out. His exposure to the restaurant business started in his childhood when his father, Fred Pauly, owned and operated several renowned Houston food and beverage concepts in the ‘80s and ‘90s, including Blue Ribbon Meat Packing Company, Metropol Club, and Square Meal Cafe. Kerry, not letting the apple fall far from the restaurantheavy family tree, ventured into the industry in the late ‘90s, opening Drink Bar with his best friend. It experienced such a smashing success that he soon opened a second watering hole, Bar Fly.

Travel also provides a sense of gratitude. The world is a beautiful place,” said Kerry. The Pauly family is also lucky to find peace in their tight-knit neighborhood, which Kerry claimed is like an oasis inside the city. “The people make this neighborhood. We have cultivated so many relationships with our neighbors, great families we’ve met through school and lacrosse, and our Wednesday Community Nights at KP’s Kitchen.” It’s probably not a stretch to say that he’s a staple at neighborhood cookouts.

“KP,” as he’s affectionately called by friends and family, keeps busy — because owning a restaurant isn’t enough on its own — corralling twin teens with a full lacrosse schedule, various community and charitable organization commitments, and travel.

Kerry’s personal dance card is also full; he’s on the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo’s International Committee as well as the board of directors for the Greater Houston Restaurant Association. Above all, he feels like he’s living his dream selling good food and being a neighborhood resource for people in the ideal location of Spring Valley. “We chose Spring Branch/ Memorial because it’s perfect. We live here, we dine here, and we love our communities. This is such a beautiful area and so accessible to all of our great city resources. The neighborhood really takes care of its own and supports local businesses. The residents really care about the community,” Kerry noted.

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If it’s not abundantly clear already, Kerry loves what he does, taking care of community members and making a difference in people’s lives through food and hospitality. His vision — both literally and figuratively — “is to create a neighborhood hub with good food and wine, and a place to gather with your favorite people in an inviting and comfortable atmosphere that is just as welcoming whether you want to drop by after a Little League baseball game or an elegant dinner before a concert,” he said. It would be hard to argue that he hasn’t achieved exactly that. His over 50 dedicated employees love to serve the residents of Spring Branch and Memorial, and whether you’re coming for a business meeting or after a sporting event with a big group of sweaty kiddos (and exhausted parents), the entire team is grateful for the patronage of this community. “I liken this to the old-school restaurants and taverns of Europe where the owners were always there to welcome all the neighborhood guests, friends, and family,” said Kerry.

KP’s Kitchen is located in Spring Valley at 8412 Katy Freeway, suite 350. They specialize in delicious, down-to-earth American cuisine with a unique, clientele-built wine and beverage list (yes, they take note of what their patrons bring in — they also offer BYOB for beer and wine — and cultivate those lists largely based on what they see. I’ve only been once but I see my fave, a New Zealand sauvignon blanc.

Bonus points for that). Popular menu items include hand-cut steaks, Gulf redfish, the KP burger (two bistro burger patties topped with American cheese, smoked bacon, and dijonnaise and served with hand-cut fries, natch), and their multitude of fresh salads.

It’s an elegant-casual concept that welcomes the entire family with kids eating free on Tuesdays, prime rib night on Wednesdays, and steak night on Thursdays. Brunch is served every Saturday and Sunday from 11 am-3 pm, sourcing food from other local businesses like Bagel Bob’s, Blue Horizon Wholesale Seafood, and the Bread Man Baking Co. Every Wednesday, KP’s Kitchen participates in a community night, where they pick a different charity in the area that receives 10% of that day’s sales. During the month of August until Labor Day weekend in September, the restaurant will be a part of Houston Restaurant Weeks, which gives a percentage of each meal sold at participating establishments during the month to the Houston Food Bank. Given Kerry’s propensity for giving back to the community, this should come as no surprise.

Kerry and his team encourage our readers to pop over, have a made-from-scratch meal, and say hi. For more information and to view the full menu, please visit kps-kitchen.com.

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Stressed about School?

Take a Deep Breath

By Liz Clearman

A

about math because she strongly dislikes the subject, so the thought of all the mathrelated unknowns sends her anxiety soaring.

Communication with teachers, as well as keeping an eye on whether your child needs extra help during the school year, is helpful.

Time and familiarity should help ease stress after a few weeks of routine.

Worrying about the future. For older kids, worrying about future plans — specifically getting into college or securing a job, since college isn’t for everyone — might be at the forefront of their developing brains. Not all caregivers have equal access to resources, so I highly recommend a visit with a school counselor to help develop a road map. SBISD’s T-2-4 plan for all students to graduate with a technical skill or head off to either a two- or four-year college is inclusive of families from all backgrounds.

It’s just too much. Know when to ask for help. School counselors are a fantastic resource for this, but if your child’s anxiety is disrupting their sleep or daily activities, it might be time to engage an outside professional for further evaluation. As a huge proponent of therapy and a sufferer of an anxiety disorder, it’s important to really listen to and keep an eye on your child for signs of something more than just run-of-the-mill nerves.

s a highly anxious mom of a highly anxious teen, we both know all too well that dreaded feeling of summer coming to a close (how does three months go by so fast?) and the school year jitters settling in. While I am no psychologist, I do have 15 years of experience as the parent of an almost-sophomore in high school, and we’ve navigated all kinds of experiences during her time in the classroom (and out). Here are some common stressors and corresponding tips to cope with the stress of starting a new school year. Breathe in, breathe out.

Fear of the unknown. Kids aren’t always anxious about one thing in particular; it might be general uncertainty — even if they’re in the same school with the same group of people as last year. Nervousness about the workload, changes in social “status,” or lacking confidence in their abilities are very real worries, and can be very unsettling. Reassure them that most other children are feeling similarly, and don’t dismiss their concerns. Going over school-day routines, talking about anxieties, and even doing a trial run of the first day can help ease butterflies, as well as attending meet the teacher or orientation.

New teachers, new courses. The worry about difficult courses and teachers can be pervasive. My daughter gets incredibly anxious

What You Can Buy During Tax-Free Weekend

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hesitate to say this, but the time has come for back-to-school shopping. I can already hear the credit cards crying from the depths of parents’ wallets all across the Branch. If you enjoy saving your hard-earned dollars like I do, you’ll appreciate the upcoming tax-free weekend in Texas, typically geared toward back-to-school clothing, shoes, supplies, and other related items. This year’s tax holiday weekend is August 11-13 (ending at midnight) and any individual item purchased must be less than $100 to qualify — but your total can be well over $100 — which we all know is very easy to hit. I’ve included items below from the state comptroller’s website; for more detailed lists, please visit comptroller.texas.gov/taxes/publications/98-490.

School supplies, of course, make the grade and include: • Legal pads • Binders • Lunch boxes • Blackboard chalk • Markers • Backpacks and book bags • Notebooks • Calculators • Paper (loose leaf ruled notebook • Cellophane tape paper, copy paper, graph paper, • Compasses tracing paper, manila paper, • Composition books colored paper, poster board, and • Crayons construction paper) • Erasers • Pencil boxes and other school • Folders (expandable, pocket, supply boxes plastic, and manila) • Pencil sharpeners • Glue, paste, and paste sticks • Pencils and pens • Highlighters • Protractors • Index cards and index card • Rulers boxes • Scissors • Kits (taxability depends on the • Writing tablets value of exempt or taxable items in it; if the value of exempt items is more than the taxable items, the kit is exempt)

Qualifying items include almost all footwear and clothing (too many to list here), as well as disposable and cloth masks, with the exception of: • Items sold for $100 or more • Clothing subscription boxes • Specially designed athletic activity or protective use clothing or footwear

By Liz Clearman

• Jewelry, handbags, purses, briefcases, luggage, athletic/ duffle/gym bags, computer bags, umbrellas, wallets, watches, and other accessories

• Computers • Clothing or footwear rentals, alterations, and cleaning services • Software • Textbooks • Items used to make or repair clothing

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What Would You Take if You Had to Leave?

By Liz Clearman i ving in Houston — or really, anywhere within spitting distance • A multipurpose tool • Pet supplies (pet carriers, travel/ of the Gulf Coast — means that you have to be prepared in a disposable litter boxes, travel (Leatherman or Swiss Army are moment’s notice to evacuate due to flooding, high winds, and food bowls, collars, leashes, toys, great options) hurricanes. While you’ve hopefully got a solid emergency kit at your etc.) house, it’s equally critical to have a “go bag” that you can grab for each • Sanitation and personal hygiene • Activities for kids member of your family, as well as a go-to spot for any sentimental or items important items that you would be devastated to lose in the event of a • Extra set of keys (car and house) natural disaster and can grab quickly. Hurricane season officially started • Copies of important documents (medication lists, pertinent in June and lasts until November, but we usually see the most activity • Manual can opener in August and September. Now is the perfect time to evaluate what you medical information, the deed/ • Camping stove with canned fuel already have at home and then make a list of what you still need. lease to your home, passports, I’ve listed what the American Red Cross and Ready.gov have as part • Two-way radios/walkie talkies birth certificates, insurance of their evacuation essentials, but I’m also including some items I’ve policies) • Matches purchased over the years to make sure we’re prepared — just in case.

• Cell phones and other devices • Towels • A three-day supply of water • Battery-powered or hand-crank with chargers (don’t forget the pets!); plan on radio with NOAA Weather • Rain gear one gallon per person per day Radio, if possible • Family and emergency contact • Work gloves • Nonperishable, easy-to-prepare • Extra batteries info food items (plan on at least • Blankets and sleeping bags • A fully stocked first aid kit • Extra cash three days of food per person plus snacks for an evacuation.

• WaterBOB emergency water • A seven-day supply of any • Emergency blankets If you end up not using your storage: waterbob.com prescription medications stash, just keep it until next • LifeStraw (filters contaminants for everyone in your family • Valuable/sentimental items: hurricane season; once food gets (including pets), as well as any from water): lifestraw.com photos, artwork, stuffed close to its expiration date, if extra over-the-counter meds/ • Battery operated fans animals, jewelry, etc. you haven’t eaten it, donate it to medical supplies you might a local food bank) need (contacts, hearing aids, Sources: redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/survival-kit-supplies.html; ready.gov • Flashlights glasses, etc.)

L

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Back to school!

7 Studio Movie Grill Summer Series: “Kung Fu Panda” @ SMG CityCentre, 10 am Seminar: “Bond Investments in This High Interest Rate Environment” presented by Oppenheimer & Co. @ Trini Mendenhall Community Center, 1:30 pm Preschool Story Time @ Spring Branch Memorial Library, 2:15 pm

1 Studio Movie Grill Summer Series: “The Croods: A New Age” @ SMG CityCentre, 10 am Tuesday Nights @ the Library: Mending with Embroidery @ Spring Branch Memorial Library, 7 pm

8 Studio Movie Grill Summer Series: “Kung Fu Panda” @ SMG CityCentre, 10 am Page Turners Book Club @ Spring Branch Memorial Library, 6:15 pm “Ain’t Too Proud: The Life and Times of the Temptations” @ The Hobby Center, 7:30 pm

2 Cinemark Summer Movie Clubhouse: “Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile” @ Cinemark Memorial City, time TBA Studio Movie Grill Summer Series: “The Croods: A New Age” @ SMG CityCentre, 10 am Baby Time! @ Spring Branch Memorial Library, 10:15 am

9 Cinemark Summer Movie Clubhouse: “Puss in Boots: The Last Wish” @ Cinemark Memorial City, time TBA Studio Movie Grill Summer Series: “Kung Fu Panda” @ SMG CityCentre, 10 am Baby Time! @ Spring Branch Memorial Library, 10:15 am “Ain’t Too Proud: The Life and Times of the Temptations” @ The Hobby Center, 7:30 pm

Fandom Party! @ Spring Branch Memorial Library, 2 pm 3 Studio Movie Grill Summer Series: “The Croods: A New Age” @ SMG CityCentre, 10 am Toddler Time @ Spring Branch Memorial Library, 10:15 am Energy Corridor Farmers Market & More @ 1520 Eldridge Pkwy, 4 pm Teen Chess Club @ Spring Branch Memorial Library, 4:30 pm

10 Studio Movie Grill Summer Series: “Kung Fu Panda” @ SMG CityCentre, 10 am Toddler Time @ Spring Branch Memorial Library, 10:15 am Energy Corridor Farmers Market & More @ 1520 Eldridge Pkwy, 4 pm Summer Socials @ CityCentre, 5 pm Yoga for Beginners @ VFW Post 8790, 5 pm Toastmasters @ VFW Post 8790, 6:30 pm “Ain’t Too Proud: The Life and Times of the Temptations” @ The Hobby Center, 7:30 pm

Yoga for Beginners @ VFW Post 8790, 5 pm Spring Branch Super Neighborhood Central meeting @ 1560 Foley St., 6:30 pm 4

Friday Movies @ Spring Branch Memorial Library, 2 pm

3D Printer Orientation @ Spring Branch Memorial Library, 4 pm Steak Night @ VFW Post 8790, 6 pm 5

Second Anniversary Sidewalk Sale @ Freedom Floral, time TBA

Hotel Zaza’s Pup Palooza @ The Lawn at Memorial City, 8 am

11 Tax-free weekend!

“Ain’t Too Proud: The Life and Times of the Temptations” @ The Hobby Center, 8 pm

Memorial Villages Farmers Market @ First Congregational Church, 9 am American Shuffleboard Tournament & Queen of Hearts Drawing @ VFW Post 8790, 2 pm

12 Tax-free weekend!

Memorial Market @ The Lawn at Memorial City, 9 am

Queen of Hearts Game @ VFW Post 8790, 5:30 pm

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August Memorial Villages Farmers Market @ First Congregational Church, 9 am Coffee and Coloring @ Spring Branch Memorial Library, 10 am “Hope for Our Future” Back 2 School Spring Branch community event @ Splat Zone, 12 pm “Ain’t Too Proud: The Life and Times of the Temptations” @ The Hobby Center, 2 pm & 8 pm American Shuffleboard Tournament & Queen of Hearts Drawing @ VFW Post 8790, 2 pm Queen of Hearts Game @ VFW Post 8790, 5:30 pm

Memorial Villages Farmers Market @ First Congregational Church, 9 am American Shuffleboard Tournament & Queen of Hearts Drawing @ VFW Post 8790, 2 pm Queen of Hearts Game @ VFW Post 8790, 5:30 pm 21 Studio Movie Grill Summer Series: “Spirit Untamed” @ SMG CityCentre, 10 am 22 Studio Movie Grill Summer Series: “Spirit Untamed” @ SMG CityCentre, 10 am

13 Tax-free weekend!

“Ain’t Too Proud: The Life and Times of the Temptations” @ The Hobby Center, 2 pm & 7:30 pm

23 Studio Movie Grill Summer Series: “Spirit Untamed” @ SMG CityCentre, 10 am

14 Studio Movie Grill Summer Series: “Sing 2” @ SMG CityCentre, 10 am Tech Help Hour @ Spring Branch Memorial Library, 2 pm

24 Studio Movie Grill Summer Series: “Spirit Untamed” @ SMG CityCentre, 10 am Energy Corridor Farmers Market & More @ 1520 Eldridge Pkwy, 4 pm Advanced Gmail @ Spring Branch Memorial Library, 4:30 pm Summer Socials @ CityCentre, 5 pm Yoga for Beginners @ VFW 8790, 5 pm Toastmasters @ VFW Post 8790, 6:30 pm

15 Studio Movie Grill Summer Series: “Sing 2” @ SMG CityCentre, 10 am 16 First day of school for SBISD students!

Studio Movie Grill Summer Series: “Sing 2” @ SMG CityCentre, 10 am

25 Blood Drive @ Memorial City Mall, 1 pm

17 Studio Movie Grill Summer Series: “Sing 2” @ SMG CityCentre, 10 am Energy Corridor Farmers Market & More @ 1520 Eldridge Pkwy, 4 pm Yoga for Beginners @ VFW Post 8790, 5 pm Spring Branch Super Neighborhood East meeting @ 1414 Wirt Rd., 7 pm

26 Tax Free Weekend @ Freedom Floral Nosegay Floral Workshop @ Freedom Floral, time TBA Memorial Villages Farmers Market @ First Congregational Church, 9 am Paws for Literacy @ Spring Branch Memorial Library, 2 pm American Shuffleboard Tournament & Queen of Hearts Drawing @ VFW Post 8790, 2 pm Queen of Hearts Game @ VFW Post 8790, 5:30 pm

18 Parachute Play Time @ CityCentre, 9 am Parents’ Night Out @ Splat Zone, 5:30 pm Hamburgers & hot dogs @ VFW Post 8790, 6 pm Jazz+: A Summer Sunset Series @ The Lawn at Memorial City, 7 pm

28 SBISD board of trustees regular meeting @ Wayne Schaper Sr. Leadership Center, 6 pm

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Spring Branch Education Foundation Style Show and Luncheon Planned for September 15

o-Chairs Stephanie Pancioli and Kristin Thomas invite you to join them for the Spring Branch Education Foundation Style Show and Luncheon Una Giornata di Moda on Friday, September 15 at the Marriott Marquis Downtown. Last year’s soldout event set records as a crowd of more than 670 joined together to raise more than $138,000 for the students and staff members of Spring Branch ISD. Stephanie Pancioli looks forward to another successful event, “The SBEF Style Show and Luncheon kicks off the school year with an opportunity for the community to come together to support our teachers and kids. Friends celebrate the end of summer while shopping and getting a preview of great fall fashions modeled by SBISD staff and other familiar faces.”

In addition to vendors selling unique fashion and home items, members of the SBISD community will hit the runway with pieces from talented designers. Current models include Laura Anderson, Jay Beasley, Nadine Boutros, Gina Coulter, Tom DeBesse, Melissa Gibbens, Jocelyn Good, Annie Ickes, Dana Johnson, Jamie Kelley, Nick Luton, Stevi Maytubby, Heather Morse, Kelly Nolan, Tam Osentowski, Rich Pancioli, Lacey Dalcour Salas, Monica Sanchez, Gloria Seeberger, David Slattery, Selina Stanford, Pam Townsend, and Melissa Treadway.

Visit sbef.springbranchisd.com/events/style-show-luncheon or call 713-251-2381 to learn more about the SBEF Style Show and Luncheon

(l. to r.) Minda Caesar, Chris Gonzalez, and Karen Peck

or to support the event. Tables and event sponsorships are available now and will be sold out quickly.

Since 1993, Spring Branch Education Foundation has worked alongside Spring Branch ISD to support both students and educators.

SBEF partners with Spring Branch ISD and the community to fund programs that enhance education and prepare our students for the future. For the last eight years, SBEF has given more than $1 million to Spring Branch ISD annually. In 2023, SBEF also funded every SBISD teacher grant request, provided school supplies for each economically disadvantaged student at every SBISD Title I and non-Title I prekindergarten, elementary, and middle schools, and awarded $319,500 in scholarships to graduating SBISD seniors.

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Spring Branch Business Profile:

DonutNV

By Liz Clearman

I

’m not sure I can imagine a more fun food truck than a mobile donut trailer, and I’m in luck.

DonutNV of West Central Houston, TX, owned and operated by Mike Sadler, is a unique concept that brings hot, fresh, mini donuts with over 16 tasty topping choices and seven flavors of fresh-squeezed lemonade to your events or parties — or, just for a fun Tuesday summer morning in your neighborhood. The philosophy behind the DonutNV franchise is to operate a S.W.E.E.T. business based on Smiles, Wow-ing, Enticing, Engaging, and Thanking each customer. A mobile donut truck with tasty options that offers refreshing ice-cold lemonade? Bringing smiles and enticing customers sounds like a pretty easy task when your business model involves sweet pastries and toppings that everyone loves.

In 1991, Mike and his then-girlfriend/soon-to-be-wife, Lynn, were at a ski resort in Canada where they came across a business that offered delicious flat, flavored, donut-like pastries that the couple fell in love with. “The food was amazing, and the line was around the corner, so I half-jokingly suggested to Lynn that we buy and operate one of those businesses instead of finishing our engineering degrees,” Mike remembered fondly. “We talked about it all day and both came to the conclusion that what that business really needed was to be mobile, not brick and mortar in a single location. Ironically, 32 years later, when DonutNV hit my radar screen out of the blue, I immediately thought back to 1991 and knew this was no coincidence.”

Mike’s inspiration for jumping into the donut biz more than three decades after encountering that pastry shop in Canada was to “find a way to bring some fun into people’s lives, and to be able to give back to the community — offering great products and services that people love, a way to partner with local organizations and charities to support their fundraising efforts, and to create fun well-paying jobs for locals of all ages and skill levels.” The Sadlers moved to the Spring Branch area in 1997, and have two children, William and Ashley, who attended both Spring Branch Middle and Memorial High schools. They’re fully integrated into the community via Spring Branch Memorial Sports Association and their church, St. Martin’s Episcopal, and they love the people, atmosphere, sense of community, and enthusiasm that exists here.

He’s especially grateful to the friends and acquaintances who showed up in droves to support him and his children when Lynn was diagnosed with cancer, went through treatments at MD Anderson, and sadly passed from the disease in 2021. “It’s been a really hard transition, and the amazing people here in Spring Branch really showed their true hearts to help us through. We were overwhelmed by the love and outpouring of support in all its forms after Lynn passed,” Mike said.

Call or text Mike at 832.558.8114, email westcentralhoustontx@ donutnv.com, or visit DonutNV’s website at donutnv.com to book the West Central Houston-based food truck for your next party, school, corporate, or charity event. The DonutNV team looks forward to serving our readers and bringing smiles (and delicious donuts) to the community.

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Houston Restaurant Weeks has arrived with TWO of our Top Picks right here in Spring Branch

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Look No Further for After-School Care Options in SBISD

By Liz Clearman

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t’s hard to believe that summer is almost over (well, not weather-wise as that pesky heat continues to stick around) and that, much to the dismay of our kids, school starts in the middle of this month. If you’re a working parent or just need some help after the school hours end, peep this list for a bit of help deciding where to enroll your kiddos so that you don’t have to stress about what they’re doing after class lets out. Several schools in the district have programs that meet on-campus, making it even easier for your child to transition from the school day to after-school care, and other options have transportation from certain campuses to their locations, where parents then pick up their children at the end of the day.

As always, please be sure to do your due diligence and check with each program individually to ensure that they have a relationship with your child’s campus (I’m not responsible for any mishaps!), and remember that this is by no means an exhaustive list.

Adventure Kids Playcare: adventurekidsplaycare.com/locations/memorial-city-houston-tx (located at 10403 Katy Freeway #220) After3: after3asp.com (located on-campus at Frostwood, Meadow Wood, Memorial Drive, & Rummel Creek elementaries) Boys and Girls Club Spring Branch: bgcghprograms.com/clubexperience (located at Buffalo Creek, Housman, Spring Branch, Westwood, & Woodview elementaries, Spring Oaks Middle, & the Spring Branch Family Development Center) Family Point Resources: familypointresources.com (located at 725 Bateswood Drive) Idea Lab Spring Branch: idealabkids.com/programs/classes (located at 8404 Katy Freeway) iKids U: ikidsinc.com/ikids-u (located at Bunker Hill, Cedar Brook, Hunters Creek, Nottingham, Sherwood, & Wilchester elementaries) Kid Fit Memorial: kidfit.club/daycare (located at Nottingham & Meadow Wood elementaries & Spring Forest Middle) Kidventure: kidventure.com/after-school-programs (located at Holy Spirit Episcopal School & The Kinkaid School) KinderCare: kindercare.com (located at 937 Bunker Hill Road & 10170 Emnora Lane) YMCA of Greater Houston ymcahouston.org/programs/childcare-and-camps/after-school (typically offered at different school sites; none listed at the time of publication)

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A Quick Tour of the Loire Valley

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By Jeffrey M. Kralik, PhD (The Drunken Cyclist)

nderstanding French wine is not easy. Sure, there are regions like Burgundy where it is rather straightforward: red is Pinot Noir and white is Chardonnay. But then there are regions like, say, Châteauneuf-du-Pape where there are six varieties allowed in the white version and thirteen in the more widely available red.

And don’t even get me started on the Languedoc, where there are no hard and fast rules. Somewhere in between on the difficult-to-understand scale is the Loire Valley where, for the most part, Melon de Bourgogne is in the far west, Chenin Blanc is mostly in the center, and Sauvignon Blanc dominates the eastern third of the appellation. Similarly, Cabernet Franc is grown in the center of the appellation while Pinot Noir and, increasingly, Gamay, can be found in the east (the western third of the appellation does not produce red wines). I recently made a bike trip through the Loire Valley, focusing on the towns and vineyards in the east and central parts of the appellation (and visited a few castles along the way).

Sancerre

2021 Henri Bourgeois Sancerre Les Baronnes, Loire Valley, France: Retail $30. Under screw cap. 100% Sauvignon Blanc. The combination of fruit and racy acidity defines for me the queen of Sauvignon Blanc.

Outstanding. 93 Points.

Cheverny

2021 Domaine du Salvard Cheverny Delaille, Loire Valley, France: Retail $22.5. 5% Pinot Noir, 43% Gamay, 2% Côt. Two words on the bottle convinced me to buy this wine from a producer that I did not know: “Kermit Lynch”, one of the best importers of French wine in the US. Tart, “dirty” cherry dominates, but the balance is fantastic and when paired with some food? This is close to other worldly. Excellent.

92 Points.

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Vouvray

2019 Domaine Pichot Vouvray Domaine Le Peu de la Moriette, Loire Valley, France: Retail $20. 100% Chenin Blanc. A classic wine from a noted producer, this is, in many ways, the essence of Vouvray. Racy and fruity, but also a bit sweet, this has been the soul of Vouvray for centuries.

The key to balance the sweetness, of course, is a zingy acidity, and this wine has it in spades, along with tree fruit a go-go. Excellent. 91 Points.

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Chinon

2017 Couly-Dutheil Chinon La Baronnie Madeleine, Loire Valley, France: Retail $22. 100% Cabernet Franc. This wine is spectacular, particularly after some time open. Dark in the glass in both color and aroma, it is loaded with plum, blackberry, and a whole rack of spice. One of my go-to Cab Francs. Outstanding. 93 Points.

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Saumur

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NV De Valloie Crémant de Loire Brut Rosé, Saumur, France: Pale to medium pink in the glass with oodles of red raspberry. The fruit dominates initially, but then the tartness comes in on the mid-palate, as does an ever-so-slight level of sweetness. Excellent 91 Points.

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Twelve Reasons Why

SB+ is Your Go-To Magazine for Staying Informed

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By Liz Clearman

appy one-year anniversary to us! We cannot fathom how it’s already been a full 12 months since our very first issue debuted in the community, and we’ve received fantastic feedback from our readers (thank you wholeheartedly to those who take the time to message or email us). We thought it would be fun to look back on some of the stories, people, and events we’ve covered over the past year. We pride ourselves on bringing you content about happenings both in and around Spring Branch, local restaurants and watering holes and the people behind the scenes, the small businesses that help our community run, keeping you up-to-date on SBISD happenings, and informing you about anything else that we think residents might want to know. Thank you for your loyal readership over the past year, and we hope that you’ll continue to think of us as your go-to source in the Branch.

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Our inaugural August 2022 issue featured an Alfred Hitchcockian For the month of love (i.e., February) SB+ interviewed Freedom Floral photo of Noel Tolentino, owner of The 800 Club and SAT shop owner Chelsea Wrobel about her passion for all things floral and tutor/coach extraordinaire. You now also know about the history of design. Rodeo time made its way into the mag as well, and we got to know Memorial City as well as the German roots of Spring Branch. a Spring Branch cookoff team.

September’s issue brought you the buzz on the multitude of Spring Branch’s The Hair Lab owners MariaElena and Mario Salazar mom-and-pop coffee shops in the area for your daily caffeine fix, graced our March cover, giving residents a glimpse into both their hair which fit nicely with our main story about the mamas who are loyal and business acumen. Eleven new and upcoming restaurants showed us members of the Spring Shadows Moms Club. how highly sought after commercial space is in our neighborhood.

In October, we highlighted local business owner and basketball In April, residents learned that Spring Branch has the nation’s firstconnoisseur Jay Coleman (The Branch by SWAG Elite) as well as ever 3D-printed house being built – er, printed – right here in our local wineries, distilleries, and breweries. Who knew we had one of backyard! In addition, the second annual Color Run was a smashing each in the SB/Memorial area? success and gave students at both Spring Woods and Northbrook high schools the proms of their dreams.

November profiled Memorial kid hero Lily DuBose, who founded nonprofit Lily’s Toy Box after the devastation of May brought the annual SBISD board of trustees election, and Hurricane Harvey in 2017. The business profile shined the spotlight local realtor J. Carter Breed told us about the rebranding of his on newcomer restaurant Low Tide Kitchen & Bar in Spring Branch, business to NewTrust Real Estate. We also introduced a new columnist, owned by South Carolinian and low country maven Alli Jarrett.

The Drunken Cyclist, and his oenophilic knowledge.

Unofficial “Mayor” of Spring Branch and well-loved owner June’s issue featured an eggs-citing new restaurant, The Toasted of former bar and kitchen The Branch, Kyle Pierson, was our Yolk Café, that landed in Spring Valley by the hand of owner Perry December feature, and we also highlighted the reopening of L. Jordan III, bringing us a delish place to get breakfast, brunch, lunch, Orangetheory Fitness as well as nonprofit Sleep in Heavenly Peace’s and yes, even adult beverages. We also highlighted several happenings in search for a Spring Branch facility.

SBISD, including Stratford’s sweep of the Tommy Tune Awards as well as several educators who won both district and state awards.

To kick off January 2023 and all those “new year, new me” gym resolutions, we listed out eight different gyms/fitness centers For July, Spring Branch-based remodeling company Home Remedy in Memorial and Spring Branch – including brand-new EMS graced our cover and gave us a peek into why they’re a highly sought Enhanced – as well as some tried and true tips on minimalism and after business for renovations of all kinds. We also talked to Ken Brunecke, organizing. owner and operator of Kolache Kings and local nonprofit Kidz Grub.

Reader praise: “I just wanted to drop you a quick note to tell you thank you for highlighting so many school events and cool things happening in SBISD in the SB+ magazine. We have started to get them at my house, and although I get no other magazines, and mail piles up in our mailbowl, I’m always excited to stop what I am doing to check out the magazine. Thank you so much for shining a positive light on our district and what we accomplish in it.” – Stephanie W. “Just a note to say thank you for putting out the SB+ magazine! I look forward to reading every issue. I love that you highlight different individuals and happenings in the area! Keep up the great work!” – Maria F. “I was just reading the latest edition and was overjoyed to see both a ‘Happy Pride Month’ greeting, and a short article explaining Juneteenth and its importance. THANK YOU for being inclusive and recognizing that the neighborhood is broad and varied — and that that variation makes us better and stronger. Please go on including ALL people in Spring Branch.” – Kathryn H.

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