SB+ August 2023

KP’s Kitchen wows sPring Branch with its Big Burgers and scratch-made food

two sPring Branch restaurants we love (and you will, too)

August 2023

Spring Branch and Beyond

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ON THE COVER

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

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

10-11 Community calendar

12 Save the date for the SBEF style show and luncheon

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15

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Editor’s Letter to the Residents

THappy 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

KP’s Kitchen

Carries on Restaurateur Legacy

By Liz Clearman

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

StreSSed about School? take a deep breath

By Liz Clearman

As 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

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.

What You can buY during tax-Free Weekend

Ihesitate 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.

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

• Clothing or footwear rentals, alterations, and cleaning services

• Items used to make or repair clothing

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

• Computers

• Software

• Textbooks

By Liz Clearman

School supplies, of course, make the grade and include:

• Binders

• Blackboard chalk

• Backpacks and book bags

• Calculators

• Cellophane tape

• Compasses

• Composition books

• Crayons

• Erasers

• Folders (expandable, pocket, plastic, and manila)

• Glue, paste, and paste sticks

• Highlighters

• Index cards and index card boxes

• Kits (taxability depends on the value of exempt or taxable items in it; if the value of exempt items is more than the taxable items, the kit is exempt)

• Legal pads

• Lunch boxes

• Markers

• Notebooks

• Paper (loose leaf ruled notebook paper, copy paper, graph paper, tracing paper, manila paper, colored paper, poster board, and construction paper)

• Pencil boxes and other school supply boxes

• Pencil sharpeners

• Pencils and pens

• Protractors

• Rulers

• Scissors

• Writing tablets

What Would You take iF You had to leave?

By Liz Clearman

Li ving in Houston — or really, anywhere within spitting distance of the Gulf Coast — means that you have to be prepared in a moment’s notice to evacuate due to flooding, high winds, and hurricanes. While you’ve hopefully got a solid emergency kit at your house, it’s equally critical to have a “go bag” that you can grab for each member of your family, as well as a go-to spot for any sentimental or important items that you would be devastated to lose in the event of a natural disaster and can grab quickly. Hurricane season officially started in June and lasts until November, but we usually see the most activity in August and September. Now is the perfect time to evaluate what you already have at home and then make a list of what you still need. I’ve listed what the American Red Cross and Ready.gov have as part of their evacuation essentials, but I’m also including some items I’ve purchased over the years to make sure we’re prepared — just in case.

• A three-day supply of water (don’t forget the pets!); plan on one gallon per person per day

• Nonperishable, easy-to-prepare food items (plan on at least three days of food per person plus snacks for an evacuation. If you end up not using your stash, just keep it until next hurricane season; once food gets close to its expiration date, if you haven’t eaten it, donate it to a local food bank)

• Flashlights

• Battery-powered or hand-crank radio with NOAA Weather Radio, if possible

• Extra batteries

• A fully stocked first aid kit

• A seven-day supply of any prescription medications for everyone in your family (including pets), as well as any extra over-the-counter meds/ medical supplies you might need (contacts, hearing aids, glasses, etc.)

• A multipurpose tool (Leatherman or Swiss Army are great options)

• Sanitation and personal hygiene items

• Copies of important documents (medication lists, pertinent medical information, the deed/ lease to your home, passports, birth certificates, insurance policies)

• Cell phones and other devices with chargers

• Family and emergency contact info

• Extra cash

• Emergency blankets

• LifeStraw (filters contaminants from water): lifestraw.com

• Pet supplies (pet carriers, travel/ disposable litter boxes, travel food bowls, collars, leashes, toys, etc.)

• Activities for kids

• Extra set of keys (car and house)

• Manual can opener

• Camping stove with canned fuel

• Two-way radios/walkie talkies

• Matches

• Towels

• Rain gear

• Work gloves

• Blankets and sleeping bags

• WaterBOB emergency water storage: waterbob.com

• Valuable/sentimental items: photos, artwork, stuffed animals, jewelry, etc. Sources:

• Battery operated fans

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back to school!

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

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 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

11 Tax-free weekend!

“ain’t too proud: the life and times of the temptations”

@ The Hobby Center, 8 pm

12 Tax-free weekend!

Memorial Market @ The Lawn at Memorial City, 9 am

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

13 Tax-free weekend!

“ain’t too proud: the life and times of the temptations” @ The Hobby Center, 2 pm & 7:30 pm

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

tech help hour @ Spring Branch Memorial Library, 2 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

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

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

19 Spring branch american legion post 654 75th anniversary celebration @ Post 654, time TBA

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

23 Studio Movie grill Summer Series: “Spirit untamed” @ SMG CityCentre, 10 am

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

25 blood drive @ Memorial City Mall, 1 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

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

31 energy corridor Farmers Market & More @ 1520 Eldridge Pkwy, 4 pm

Spring Branch Education Foundation Style Show and Luncheon

Planned for September 15

Co-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

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.

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

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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look no Further For aFter-School care optionS in SbiSd

By Liz Clearman

It’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)

Fact:

The Grass isn’t Greener where you water it...

act: The Grass isn’t Greener where you water it

Kidventure: kidventure.com/after-school-programs (located at Holy Spirit Episcopal School & The Kinkaid School)

The Grass is Greener where it’s Arti icial

The Grass is Greener where it’s Arti

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)

Oppenheimer is in Houston

© 2023 Oppenheimer & Co. Inc. Transacts Business on All Principal Exchanges and Member SIPC. 5784900.1

A Quick Tour of the Loire Valley

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

Understanding 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.

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.

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.

Saumur

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.

Twelve Reasons Why

SB+ is Your Go-To Magazine for Staying Informed

By Liz Clearman

Happyone-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.

1 Our inaugural August 2022 issue featured an Alfred Hitchcockian photo of Noel Tolentino, owner of The 800 Club and SAT tutor/coach extraordinaire. You now also know about the history of Memorial City as well as the German roots of Spring Branch.

2 September’s issue brought you the buzz on the multitude of mom-and-pop coffee shops in the area for your daily caffeine fix, which fit nicely with our main story about the mamas who are loyal members of the Spring Shadows Moms Club.

7 For the month of love (i.e., February) SB+ interviewed Freedom Floral shop owner Chelsea Wrobel about her passion for all things floral and design. Rodeo time made its way into the mag as well, and we got to know a Spring Branch cookoff team.

8 Spring Branch’s The Hair Lab owners MariaElena and Mario Salazar graced our March cover, giving residents a glimpse into both their hair and business acumen. Eleven new and upcoming restaurants showed us how highly sought after commercial space is in our neighborhood.

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In October, we highlighted local business owner and basketball connoisseur Jay Coleman (The Branch by SWAG Elite) as well as local wineries, distilleries, and breweries. Who knew we had one of each in the SB/Memorial area?

4 November profiled Memorial kid hero Lily DuBose, who founded nonprofit Lily’s Toy Box after the devastation of Hurricane Harvey in 2017. The business profile shined the spotlight on newcomer restaurant Low Tide Kitchen & Bar in Spring Branch, owned by South Carolinian and low country maven Alli Jarrett.

5 Unofficial “Mayor” of Spring Branch and well-loved owner of former bar and kitchen The Branch, Kyle Pierson, was our December feature, and we also highlighted the reopening of Orangetheory Fitness as well as nonprofit Sleep in Heavenly Peace’s search for a Spring Branch facility.

6 To kick off January 2023 and all those “new year, new me” gym resolutions, we listed out eight different gyms/fitness centers in Memorial and Spring Branch – including brand-new EMS Enhanced – as well as some tried and true tips on minimalism and organizing.

9 In April, residents learned that Spring Branch has the nation’s firstever 3D-printed house being built – er, printed – right here in our backyard! In addition, the second annual Color Run was a smashing success and gave students at both Spring Woods and Northbrook high schools the proms of their dreams.

10 May brought the annual SBISD board of trustees election, and local realtor J. Carter Breed told us about the rebranding of his business to NewTrust Real Estate. We also introduced a new columnist, The Drunken Cyclist, and his oenophilic knowledge.

11 June’s issue featured an eggs-citing new restaurant, The Toasted Yolk Café, that landed in Spring Valley by the hand of owner Perry L. Jordan III, bringing us a delish place to get breakfast, brunch, lunch, and yes, even adult beverages. We also highlighted several happenings in SBISD, including Stratford’s sweep of the Tommy Tune Awards as well as several educators who won both district and state awards.

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For July, Spring Branch-based remodeling company Home Remedy graced our cover and gave us a peek into why they’re a highly sought after business for renovations of all kinds. We also talked to Ken Brunecke, 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.