The Heights Has a Fro, Yo

When I was in Massachusetts last month, I gained roughly six pounds in 3 weeks. There is just something about going home--- I crave the flavors and food rituals of my childhood. There is no home like the taste of home. Right? Sadly for my waistline, one of those tasty rituals is Friendly's.

Every kid in New England grew up with Friendly's. It's the Dairy Queen of the North, if you will. Started in 1935, it was founded not far from my home town and is a staple of small town New England life. It was also where I worked as a "soda jerk" (making ice cream and drinks) for a year when I was in high school. Friendly's is a definite ritual from my childhood and contributed mightily to the expansion of my vacation waist line. While in MA, we were heading to Friendly's after dinner 3-4 nights a week for something along the lines of a hot fudge sundae with their famous Buttercrunch ice cream.

I do enjoy sharing the same "go for ice cream" custom with my kids here in Houston. We often have a casual Saturday dinner out and then take the kids for treat. It's usually not a sundae though, more like a frozen yogurt at Swirll on West Gray. I have long lamented my inability to partake in the cold, after dinner treat ritual within the boundaries of my own neighborhood. I really dislike the fact that some weekends fro-yo is the only reason we get in the car. (Now, I know there are sno-balls/raspas available and a growing amount of baked goods, but I am talking about low sugar/low fat because I simply cannot gain 2 lbs a week, every week, forever.)

Looks like this is about to change and my griping will come to an end. Window peeking on 19th Street yesterday, I noticed a friendly, colorful sign where Dessert Shoppe used to be. It's for... wait for it... wait for it... a frozen yogurt shop! Giddly with excitement, I pulled in to the parking lot to see if I could get some scoop.

Looks like the Heights will be the newest addition to a chain of frozen yogurt shops called "Menchie's." I know. Chain. Eh. Still, I'd rather spend my fro-yo allowance at a shop in the Heights, which may employ some Heights area high schoolers (they're hiring now), than at a fro-yo chain in River Oaks. And I can save gas and work the treat off by walking!

One of the reasons we chose Swirll over places like the BerriPop on Washington is that at Swirll you pick your flavor, administer your own toppings and pay by weight. The smallest mandatory serving at some shops is still too much for my small kids. My older son, while capable of eating a large quantity of dessert, eats so slooooow that we have to give him a very small amount just to avoid being there for 2 hours. From the info on their website, Menchie's is going to work the same way. You pick, mix, top, weigh and pay.

Of course, you know I wish this was a local shop but it may actually be locally owned. The franchise owner may be some savvy Heights resident who didn't know a ton about frozen yogurt, but knew the neighborhood was missing it as an option. He or she searched on line, found a franchise that wasn't common around these parts and invested. Are you out there, new Menchie's owner? Tell us more!

What's Going Down

Ahhh. Back at the keyboard. Feels good!

As many of you probably know I was recently awarded the "Best Neighborhood Blog" prize at the inaugural Houston Web Awards from the Houston Press. What an exciting honor! I was back East with the family when I got the announcement and wasn't able to make the party. Bummer. I love a good party. Anyway, many thanks to all of you who read my ramblings here, chat with me on Facebook and tweet around on Twitter.

There are times when people around the Heights will ask me "Oh, so did you hear about this?" and my answer is often "Not yet. Tell me about it." See, I am not really here to break stories. I am here to follow up on how the story fits in our lives in the Heights. It would be way to stressful to always have to be the first to know. There have been a couple times, though, where my desire to be well informed so I can be a good resource has put me in the front of the knowledge line. This was the case with Down House. I was lucky enough to be among the first in the area to know some details about the new eatery on Yale. To back track the how and why, read here and then here.

Well, I have had the pleasure of brunching at Down House since the doors opened and it's quite good. My meal wasn't without it's "just opened" flaws, but my family enjoyed it. Initially the restaurant was only open for breakfast and lunch, with drinks available in the evening. Well, as of this week, they have gone full on.

Down House is now open daily from 7 am to 2 am, serving coffee, breakfast, lunch, small plates, and a quality-focused bar program. As far as the expanded hours and full menu, Chris is excited about the future of Down House in the neighborhood. He says Down House is about wanting "to bring high-quality products to the Heights in a comfortable environment you can visit daily.”

The restaurant utilizes local farms and vendors who deliver “nothing but the best" Headed by Executive Chef Chandler Rothbard, the kitchen works with folks like Black Hill Ranch, Utility Research Garden, Sabra Ranch, Knopp Branch Farm and others "to create some amazing dishes."

Breakfast is available from 7am- 3 pm, Monday through Friday. Evenings bring the small plates menu created to pair with the house cocktails, craft draft beers, and wines. Wondering how Down House gets to have a full bar in the dry part of the Heights? The restaurant holds a private-club liquor license.

Photo: Down House

I think this is a welcome addition to the neighborhood. Be warned: how much you'll enjoy it may depend on your Hipster Tolerance Level. Personally, for good food and a good drink, I can deal. Hope to see you there!

Down House

1801 Yale St, 18th @ Yale.

713-864-3696

info@downhousehouston.com

Coming off vacation status for "The Magic of the Morning"

If you follow me on Facebook, you know that I am kind in the middle of a summer "brown out," spending time with the kids and generally shirking as much responsibility as possible. However, I wanted to reemerge briefly to tell you/remind you of a great event coming up this Wednesday, June 29.

The Lift on 19th St will be hosting a "book lift-off event" for a delightful picture book, The Magic of the Morning by Laura Lightfoot Tilley. Tilley is a Houston Heights native, who wrote and illustrated the book about a young boy who loves to sleep in until his father convinces him there is, well, magic to be had in the morning. The lift off starts at 6:30 pm, with refreshments and a reading by the author.

The Lift

365 W 19th St

713-868-5438

Rewind: Proctor Park

Recently, the City Of Houston closed serval park clubhouses and public pools. None were "safe" and any was just as likely to get closed as the next. A group of parents from all over the Heights, as well as State Rep Jessica Farrar, all wrote letter on behalf of the wonderful Pam Foote and Proctor Park. This park is more than just a play place. It is central to life and community in the Proctor Plaza/ North Norhill neighborhood. It is also a favorite of families from all over the Heights and even outside the Heights. There is truly something special about it!

Whether our letters made an impact or not, we can't really know. What we do know is that Proctor will remain open and staffed. In celebration I am bringing back another early post from this blog, which talks about Proctor Park and it's role in the neighborhood.

Before the Proctor reboot, I do want to add that the only other Heights area parks to be effected are Love Pool, which is being closed, and Milroy Park, which will have reduced clubhouse hours. According to this Click2 Houston report, the Mayor based these decisions on usage. I am surprised, then, to see Cherryhurst in Montrose on the list. That is an amazing park that is all well attended when I get south of I10 with my own kiddos.

This little quote also baffles me:

All city-funded youth sports leagues are being eliminated, officials said. However, youth baseball will continue due to funding provided by the Houston Astros.

It's not like sports keep kids out of trouble or anything. Now we'll be spending money cleaning up mischief rather than letting kids do something productive with their summer. Makes perfect sense. Ugh. Well, I digress. Here's Proctor:

When we were house shopping several years ago, we did it with an eye toward raising a family. We found the perfect neighborhood for us- Proctor Plaza. There were so many things that appealed to us about the area. Knowing we would likely sacrifice green space for square footage, public areas were of particular interest. We were thrilled to find a roomy bungalow just 2 blocks from a public park. I knew that I wanted to be near a park, but I had no idea how central the park would become to my life as a stay-at-home mom of a toddler.

Proctor Park is nestled snugly in to the middle of the Proctor Plaza neighborhood, better known to many as North Norhill. The park is a full city block complete with community center and is a hub of activity for our little neighborhood, as well as a destination for families from all over the Heights. Gifted to the neighborhood in 1924, a sign near the path states the purpose: “so that the kids would have a place to play.” Simple enough!

Daily, from morning ‘til the sun goes down, families like mine are making the most of Proctor Park. However, neighbors say this wasn’t always the case. A large covered area, now a learning ground for new bikes and a canvas for sidewalk chalk artists, was once a basketball court. The local lore is the court attracted people from outside the neighborhood- people who didn’t care that this was a quiet subdivision beginning to blossom with young families. The players brought drinking, drugs and general bad behavior, usually leaving the trash of their habits behind. Fights broke out often and the police were often "invited" by neighbors. Parents never felt safe bringing their young children by. Prompted by concerned members of the Proctor Plaza Neighborhood Association (PPNA), the park took the hoops down and change came quickly. Seemingly overnight, it became the park we now know and love.

Spending a lot of time at the park and being active in my neighborhood association, I learned an interesting fact: parks in Houston get funding based on use. While this park has been highly used by families since the hoops were removed, there was no one really working on the park’s behalf. Enter Pam Foote, Proctor’s Recreation Supervisor since 2005.

Pam came to our little park after 15 years at the Mecca of Houston Parks, Memorial Park. Under Ms Pam’s watch, a Park Advisory Council, or PAC, called Friends of Proctor Park was formed. Every park in the city can have one, but Pam is certain Proctor’s is the best. The PAC does fundraising and also hosts events that get the park exposure. In the two years since the PAC was formed, the park has hosted annual events like an easter egg hunt and a fall festival. The park also hosts the neighborhood wide Heights Kids’ Group every Monday, PPNA monthly meetings and other special events. The flurry of activity is generating results- a fresh coat of paint on the playscape and new swing seats are just the beginning of what Pam and the PAC have in store!

In addition to being a fabulous playground, the park offer programs like a free after school program and free t-ball and soccer. For more information on any of these activities, call Pam @ 713.862.6907. [Edit: As stated above, these programs are no longer avaiable due to budget cuts]

Part of what makes this park so appealing to the families from all over The Heights is the air conditioned club house and working bathrooms. As any mom will tell you, access to a restroom can make or break a day at the park! The clubhouse has a small kitchen and can be rented out for events- stipulations include 30 days notice, fee of $90/3 hours use of facilities, plus the cost to hire security. Pam has even charmed a bargain out of one officer, who offers a discounted security rate for regulars at the park. Non-profits can use the facility during the week free of charge.

If you’ve never been by Proctor Park, it’s time for a visit. Play tennis, throw a ball to your dog or just relax in the grass. This is one of the most alive yet peaceful places where you’ll find The Heights at play!

Heights Happenings: May 18- May 25, 2011

Thursday, May 19, 6-9 PM: Gallery Mixer at The Artful Corner

• Join Margarete for drinks, snacks and live music from singer/songwriter Sarah Golden.
• If it's been a while, this will be a great way to explore the gallery, while meeting new friends and reconnecting with old ones.
• 3423 White Oak

Ravenscourt Landscaping, 1646 Harvard

Saturday, May 21 and Sunday, May 22, Noon- 5 PM: Front Porch Art Show hosted by Ravenscourt Landscaping

• Open air art show featuring Houston hometown artists: Michelle Hoting - jewelry; Tanna Bennett - paintings; Elizabeth England - mixed media; Clory Martin - singer/songwriter
• Hosted at the beautiful home of Laurin Lindsay and Shawn Slater, owners of Ravenscourt Landscaping

Saturday, May 21, 5 PM- 10 PM: Great Taste of the Heights

• Hands down, one of my favorite events in the Heights, if not all of Houston. This great sampling of Heights restaurants (and near-Heights-orbit restaurants) is fun, family friendly and a great place to see folks from around the neighborhood.
• This year some of the restaurants participating will be sneak previews before their new locations open in the Heights, including Christian's Tailgate and Tacos A Go Go.
• Over 25 participating restaurants
• Beer and wine for sale
• Live music
• Don't miss it! Tickets on sale at Chatter's, Eclectic Home and C&D Hardware. On line ticket sales are closed.
• 215 E 10th

OUTSIDE THE HEIGHTS:

Friday, May 20, 5:30 PM- 8:30 PM: Green Mixer at West Houston's New Center for Greener Living

• Houston Green Scene invites you to "indulge yourself and be among the first to see Houston's new Center for Green Living." Join them for a casual mixer, great networking with good people and enjoy the sights and sounds of nature--waterfalls, birds, the wind in the bamboo. "Nestled in the protection of mature trees and beautiful plant life, Green Planet Sanctuary is one of Houston's best kept secrets."
• Hosted by Houston Green Scene at Green Planet Sanctuary - West Houston's new Center for Green Living
• $10 suggested donation for Houston Green Scene members and advance RSVPs - proceeds will benefit Green Planet Sanctuary's new Rainwater Harvesting System Project.
• Food and drinks generously provided by Garden Dreams
• 13424-B Briar Forest Drive Houston, Texas 77077

Saturday, May 21, 11 AM- 6 PM: East End Studio Gallery presents Frida Festival 2011 "Viva La Vida"

• The 7th Annual Frida Festival "Viva La Vida" aims to unite the community through creative expression by collaborating with local artists and businesses to celebrate the life of one of Latin America's most highly respected and influential visual artists - Frida Kahlo.
• The Festival was established in 2005 as not only a celebration of the Birthday of Frida, but an exploration into her life, art and passions.The celebrations will showcase our community talents in art, music, dance, poetry and other forms of expression. Guests will also enjoy the food, refreshments and merchandise provided by the vendors and surrounding businesses.
• Over 20 artists and writers- Frida Look alike Contest - Art - Vendors - Spoken Word - Aztec Dancers - Children Activities & DJ Gracie Chavez (DIRB!/Bombón/HTX)
• HIFC East End Studio Gallery, 708 Suite C Telephone Rd.

IN OTHER NEWS:

Sweet Tea Cafe and Tea Bar has extended hours and an expanded menu!

• This great local, family owned cafe has some heartier foods to their menu and is now open for dinner Tuesday thru Saturday.
• Mon: Closed
• Tues - Fri: 11:00 am-3:00 pm & 5:00 pm-8:00 pm
• Sat: 11:00 am -8:00 pm
• Sun: 12:00 pm -4:00 pm
• Don't forget to "Like" them on Facebook
• 325 A W 19th

Heights Happenings: May 10- May 17, 2011

Something happened to this post thanks to the crapshoot of using Blogger. My apologies to anyone who is finding it after the fact and thinking "lame." Hopefully you all got to see the good stuff last week, when it was current. Now, off to investigate Wordpress some more...

IN OTHER NEWS:

From the Houston Heights Association FB page:

‎Heights 5k Fun Run needs your help. We need 15-25 people to attend the taping of their show on May 19th to promote the Fun Run. Contact Linda Sandel Eyles for more information. We will alos post a note with details.

Blue Line Bike Lab

Oh Snap! Is it really already time for another Wednesday Night Ride? Why yes, yes it is. 7pm, start at the shop. One group goes fast, the other group goes medium. And don't forget, next week we'll be meeting up with the Ride of Silence so wear a plain white Tshirt for next weeks ride.

Heights Snapshot: Amen.

Feeder road construction. 11th St construction. Behind Someburger construction. Pro preservation. Anti preservation. Pro Walmart. Anti Walmart. A neighborhood divided. Name calling and general ugliness. Class sizes increasing. Schools closing. Parks closing. City redistricting. State redistricting. Sigh.

With all the bickering and insanity, Healing Waters Fellowship Church on 11th kept it in perspective. I want to thank them for reminding me...

Call To Action

Read this amazing letter from a coalition of neighborhood associations, including Super Neighborhoods 15 and 22.

Then join your friends and neighbors at this protest. We can't allow the City to ignore resident concerns about the safety of the Yale St bridge, the impact of the Bass St extension, rerouting 18 wheelers down Heights Boulevard and more! Hope to see you there!

Change of Address

A few weeks ago, I was driving home from who knows where and came across this:

House chained to a truck with a sign for a moving company

A couple of neighbors were outside watching and I thought I would park for a minute and see what was going on. I figured it would be pretty cool to see a house get hoisted up on a truck or something like that. At first it looked as though this old yellow truck was going to be the carrier. I soon realized that was wrong. There was no way this old tow truck was going to hoist up and carry a house. There was another truck tethered to the house by a chain, but it looked like it was just the cab section of an 18wheeler with some kind of winch on the back. Was a bigger machine coming, I wondered?

The guys working the job stopped the trucks and were finding old pieces of plywood and board around the house, putting them down on the ground on the other side. What was going on? Whatever they were trying to do, it clearly wasn't working.

They fiddled and made adjustments. I started to think I wasn't going to get to see anything worth bragging to my kids about.

But then they changed their tack, moving Mr Old Yellow over to the other side and confirming Mr Blue Cab was ready to rumble.

At this point, one of the guys who seemed to be in charge walked my way and I stopped him to see where the house was going.

"It's not being moved anywhere," he told me. "It's just changing direction."

"On this same lot?" I asked. Basically, it was just a change of address. The house was currently 933 Herkimer; soon it would have a new address on 10th St.

"Interesting." I muttered. "It has something to do with the historic district," he told me, but he didn't know what or why. I don't know what or why either. I can figure only 2 possible scenarios.

1) 10th is the border to a historic district. By giving the house an address on 10th, the property owners are ensuring it doesn't get torn down.

or

2) 10th is outside of a historic district, but the 900 block of Herkimer is in a HD. Moving the house to have a 10th St address means the house can be demoed.

Can anyone think of any other reason for the property owners to move the house? Does anyone know the borders of the district? Considering that area of the Heights is far more new homes than old, I was surprised to think there was a Historic Designation over there at all.

In any case, they rearranged the trucks in to a formation that seemed to be working. Both trucks hit the gas, causing Yellow to smoke and Blue to loose his footing.

But the house did move, sliding on huge steel beams and random pieces of plywood...

Eventually landing here, 90 degrees from where it had sat for the last ~80 years.

In the middle of typing this post, I got up from my computer and drove over to 10th @ Herkimer. The house is still there, has new piers under it and an orange tag on the front door. I'm guessing whomever owns this house is trying to save it. I still don't know the answer about the Historic District and moving the house. I was wondering if I could find HCAD records for the owners, see if it was a business like Bungalow Revival, but then I realized... I don't know the new address.