What we know right now about the HEB in the Heights:

I have been reading a lot of misinformation about the HEB-driven petition to allow off- premise sales in the dry section of the Heights. While there is still only speculation about the location, there are some actual facts. Here are the facts as I know them:

• The petition is backed by HEB, who hired a law firm to handle the drive. Some of the canvassers, who are paid and may or may not be your neighbors or Heights residents, may not know about HEB, only the firm that hired them. Either way, it's all about HEB.
• The petition itself does NOT actually change anything about the existing law. The petition puts the issue on the ballot to be voted on in November.
• You can only sign the petition and participate in the subsequent vote if you live in the dry zone.
• The petition/future vote are for *off premise sales of beer and wine only.* This means you can buy beer or wine at the store and take it elsewhere. You will not be able to drink at the store. 
• The petition and vote will NOT ALLOW hard liquor sales. 
• Restaurants and bars will still have to get a club license to serve on-premise beer/wine/alcohol in their establishment.
• The HEB on Washington Ave at Heights is a done deal. The store that is at issue will be in the Heights proper, obviously within the dry zone. 
• HEB will not build a store in the Heights if the off-premise beer and wine sales vote fails.
• This HEB, should it get built, will NOT be a Central Market. HEB will not be building any more Central Markets in the Houston area for the foreseeable future.
• The petition and subsequent vote are supported by both the Agricole and Treadsack restaurant groups. 

Whether or not this is beneficial to the Heights is still largely a matter of opinion. There are two reasons residents of the dry zone may want to sign the petition:

1) Because they support the off-premise sales and want and HEB.

2) Because they believe it should go to a vote, whether they support it or not.

There may or may not be more information, but this is what I know to be fact at this point from a source at HEB. If you are a stake holder in this process, i.e. live in the dry zone, please help spread facts, regardless of whether you are for or against the change.

It will be interesting to see how it all plays out. Personally, I like the off-premise limitation, because I whole heartedly support the dry zone, but see many benefits in this HEB. The HEB Washington location will actually be more convenient for me, but the (probable location) of the new store will serve a whole other area of the Heights, Shade Acres, Garden Oaks, Oak Forest, and Independence Heights.

Blockbuster Beauty

Since the day Blockbuster on Cavalcade at the five corners closed, everyone has been aflutter wondering what was going to go in to the space. The "For Lease" sign came down and work was seen in progress but no one could answer the question "What will it be?" 

Apparently, it will be the newest location for Sola Salons:

In 2004, Sola Salon Studios® was established with the opening of our first location. Now with over 200 desirable locations open nationwide, Sola Salon Studios® is proud to offer salon professionals the freedom and benefits of salon ownership without many of the risks associated with opening a traditional salon. Sola Salon Studios® is an innovative salon model in which experienced hairdressers, estheticians, nail stylists, massage therapists and other like-minded salon professionals come together under one roof to take their careers to the next level. To date, we have provided more than 5,000 professionals with premium, individual salon spaces in which they own and operate high-quality salons. If designing your own salon space, setting your own schedule and prices, and creating a larger profit margin with retail sales appeals to you, then follow your dreams with Sola – all for about the same price as renting a chair or booth (and maybe even less).   

We take pride in being the largest, fastest-growing salon studio business in the country. Join the Sola Salon Studios® community and experience a level of creative independence and career support you won’t find anywhere else.

So there it is. They have divided the building, built out a small space and a larger space, from what I could tell, and now have two front doors. Maybe Sola's concept will only be part of the complete build out? I guess we will just wait and see. According to a follower on FB, the whole building will be salons, possibly as many as 22 individual studios.

You can find out more about Sola Salon Studios on their website or Facebook page

What's also curious about Sola Salons going in to the old Blockbuster is the other new business opening in the strip just south of 20th. "Glam and Glow" at 1911 Studewood has paper over the windows and a sign promising blow outs, sunless tanning, and other beauty treatments. What they do not have is any on-line presence. It's like all of the sudden this part of the Heights is some kind of beauty vortex. It's interesting to me that these businesses turned up here, when the only other recent development in that area has been a dialysis center and beer (TownIn City brewery). 

Of course, if you drive around East Sunset Heights or even Monte Beach, you can see the rapid changes going on. Development has pushed quickly in to those neighborhoods, as original homes come down and townhouse, patio homes, and large single family homes replace them. It's still unusual to see these types of businesses be the trailblazers. Makes me wonder what will be next?

Seeing More Red: A quick look at the completed Red Dessert Dive on Studewood

As we all wait with bated breath for Red Dessert Dive on Studewood to actually open, here is a further look at the 961 sq ft bakery and coffee/wine bar. For background on Red read

my post from April- Sneak Peek: Red Dessert Dive

Here is the light fixture which inspired the interior design of the whole space. It hangs in front of the southern window and adds a lot of visual interest to a decidedly clean and organized space.

Coffee bar is ready to go. Staying true to her desire to be local, shop owner Jessica Lusk is using coffee products from Boomtown Coffee on 19th Street.

I love the view from a good window seat. Not everyone thinks Studewood is a view, but I adore living in the city and that means passing cars.

The night we crashed her party popped in, Lusk had invited a few friends and family to come by. The menu was limited but we were treated to samples of beer bread, cookies, and this dreamy thing: A kolache filled with bacon and cream cheese. I hate to admit that I went back for seconds and could have probably had a third. I hope these are regular menu items!

This blondie was also to die for. I don't even know what was in it other than a taste of heaven. My husband, who was born without much of a sweet tooth, enjoyed it immensely.

Giant jars of cookies that are a step above everyday seem to really exemplify what Red Dessert Dive will be- a comfortable, local spot that is just the other side of ordinary. 

I look forward to their opening in the next couple of weeks and will be sure to step across this threshold often!

Sneak Peek: Red Dessert Dive

Jessica Lusk grew up in Tomball, but with strong ties to the Heights. Her grandfather grew up here, her mother lived here until high school, and her family still owns her grandfather's Heights home. These ties make it no surprise that this community has drawn her in, this time to start a small business in Houston's most local-business-loving neighborhood.

While attending Texas A&M, where she would eventually graduate with an Environmental Design degree, Lusk left Texas to head to New York City for an architecture internship, where she fell in love with the small spaces occupied by unique businesses. So much in New York seemed "tiny and weird" compared to what she had always known in Texas, but she relished it. She returned to Texas and then stayed close to home, earning a Masters in Architecture at University of Houston.

When Lusk began her career in Houston, she soon realized that, despite her excellent education, the working environment of architecture was not where her heart was. She decided she wanted to be an entrepreneur and Stella Bakes was born. Stella Bakes, a homebaking cupcake business, was an experiment; a way for Lusk to see if she had the mettle to own her own business- to do all the work and assume all the risk. She decided she did and put together a business plan for... more work and even greater risk.

1045 Studewood, next to the new SOHO boutique

When Jessica Lusk was living in New York, one of her favorite places was the original Magnolia Bakery. Tucked in to a tiny space in the West Village, Magnolia Bakery was practically an institution the day the doors opened. Inspired by the Magnolia and encouraged by her experience with Stella Bakes, Lusk decided she wanted to own a dessert shop. Unlike both Magnolia and Stella Bakes, Lusk did not want this dessert shop to be "cute." She doesn't think that desserts, whether it's cupcakes or cheesecakes, need to always be so "girlie." She wanted something decidedly different and came up with the concept of Red, a business named for her grandmother, a "feisty redhead and amazing baker."

While the general aesthetic of Red will be very different from it's inspiration in New York, one similarity remains in Lusk's new venture: small. She knew she wanted the Heights area and she knew she wanted less than 1200 sq feet. What she has ended up with is a little sliver of Studewood, coming in at a very New York-ish 961 sq ft.

The state of 1045 Studewood 2 weeks ago, when Jessica invited me in to chat

Jessica Lusk's background in architectural design has definitely helped her dream of tiny become a big reality. Lusk did all the plans for Red herself and has plans to put every inch of the space to use. As plans developed, the concept became clear for Lusk. Red will have "classic American desserts with a twist" plus a nice selection of beer and wine. There will also be a strong coffee program from Boomtown Coffee on 19th Street. Coffee "was not am afterthought" for Lusk, and in it's final incarnation, Red be more "of a coffee shop with an emphasis on desserts" than a bakery itself.

The Fredricksburg light fixture that is dictating the interior design of Red

Red will share parking with SOHO Boutique, eeking out just enough to allow permitting for eating and drinking in house. Right now, there isn't much to see inside, but that isn't stopping Lusk from holding to a May opening. What you will be able to expect come May is a "a funky, fun, eclectic bakery," where the Rolling Stones provide the soundtrack and funky versions of desserts you love will satisfy your sweet tooth. Lusk has drawn interior design inspiration from an amazing light fixture she found outside of Fredricksburg, TX. A subway tile wall will give focus to the service area, where you'll find eight bar stools and a window bench for enjoying your sweet with your beverage of choice. Materials like reclaimed wood and cast iron piping will create an environment, Lusk hopes, that bucks the trend of cutesy when it comes to desserts.

Service area will be on the south wall,
eye catching white subway tile and rustic elements for an almost masculine aesthetic

Plans for the finished space, including a micro-office for Lusk

True to the neighborhood, Lusk is focusing on using local vendors for everything from beer selection to coasters to employee uniforms. While she is getting help on the wine list, Lusk will be putting the beer list together herself. And she is no longer doing the baking. Focusing on operations is where she thinks she's best used, so she has a pastry chef, as well as a barrista to handle the front of the house. When the doors open for business, Red is going to be open from roughly 7 am until 8 pm. Lusk is open to changing this as she is able to see what her customer base prefers. With hours and some other aspects of the business, Lusk is willing to remain flexible and experience some trial and error "until we find our sweet spot." Pun intended?

As of today, April 16, some good progress toward Red's anticipated May opening

Red Dessert Dive + Coffee Shop

1045 Studewood

Houston Heights

Twitter/ @Red_HoustonTX

Facebook/RedHouston

A Short and Sweet Valentine's Story

More than a decade ago, a woman named Tanita lived on Harvard Street in the Houston Heights. A mere three blocks away, a nice young man named Keith was living the bachelor life on Columbia. The nearby-neighbors met, fell in love, got married, had a daughter, and that is how the rest of us got the Heights Candy Bar.

OK, maybe that is too short, although no less sweet.

Gorgeous gifts from Hammond's

Tanita Gumney met her husband while they were both single and living in the Heights. Soon after they got married and settled in to his house on Columbia, Keith's mother opened a small shop in the neighborhood. You may be familiar with it: Oa La La on Studewood. When I moved to the Heights Judy Pfardresher's beautiful gift shop was still young, yet was one of the very first Heights landmarks that I knew well, even before the shops on 19th Street or Onion Creek.

Since Oo La La opened in 2003, the space has seen some changes. Pfardresher has subdivided the building in to three shops. On the north side is Tulips and Tutus, helmed by another Judy, Judy Meyer (allowing me to refer to my visits to the shops as "Going to see The Judys."). In a rare location switch, Meyer actually left the 19th Street retail district to join OoLaLa. While that meant a reduction in foot traffic, it almost doubled the space for precious baby gifts, thoughtful toys, and adorable clothes. On the south side, we've had the first incarnation of Kaboom Books. When Kaboom relocated to Houston Ave, Frosted Betty cupcakes moved in.

A few months ago, Frosted Betty closed up shop. As Gumney and Phardresher sat around one evening talking about what new thing they would love to see in the vacant space, the concept of a candy shop was stuck in Phardresher's head. One thing lead to another and her daughter-in-law agreed to helm the shop. Heights Candy Bar was born.

"I really wanted all natural candy," said Gumney, but when she got to picking stock, couldn't get away from traditional candy because, well "[it] is so much fun!" In the end, she decided to go with all of the above. "Life is a balance, and there is room for both."

Gumney is optimistic about the community supporting another locally owned business, especially one that is unique in the neighborhood right now. "Everyone needs a little sweet something-something every now and then, right? I've tried to get a good mix of traditional candy, natural candy and gift-y items." She thinks the space feels good when you walk in, and hopes it will be a destination, "somewhere worth the stroll or drive over."

Giant heart shaped lollipops

Although she has barely been open a week, she/s already having fun with the concept. Opening right before Valentine's Day has helped make the first few days a lot of fun, despite the stress of opening a new business. 

The thing I like best, so far, is people coming in to buy Valentine's for a sweetheart - and I know both people (giver and receiver). Glad to be sharing sweet love! I really like recommending the all natural chocolates, then someone tries them for the first time, enjoys them as much as I do, and gives them to their sweetheart. I got a text from one customer that simply read, "Oh my" and my response was, "I know!"

Stop in to see the shop for yourself and make your sweetie happy many days a year, not just this one prescribed to us. Whether you're a hard core chocoholic, fan of retro dime store candy, or need a gift in a pinch, I think Gumney's hope will be realized: Heights Candy Bar will be a great, local destination.

Marich is a California based, family owned company that has been making premium candies for over 30 years

Hammond's, made in Denver, was skyrocketed into the national consciousness when Williams Sonoma started putting the candies in their ubiquitous catalogs

Heights Candy Bar - 833 Studewood 77007

Hours are 10-6 Tuesday-Saturday (closed Sunday & Monday)

Follow them on Facebook Heights Candy Bar

ilovecandy@heightscandybar.com

P.S. Oo La La has started a Facebook page as well. Follow Judy here: OoLaLa 

Last Minute Local Shopper: Father's Day

Yesterday, I tootled around the neighborhood looking for Father's Day presents. I found a wealth of fun gift options, even if I didn't seem to find just the right thing for my boys' dad. Now it's Friday and I have nothing. If you're in the same boat as me, here are some of the great ideas I found in the Heights. Maybe this procrastinator can make it a little easier for the others last minute shoppers out there...

For information on availability and pricing, give the stores a call. Your local business owners are always happy to help! 
(and please forgive the crappy formatting as Blogger is being even more annoying than usual, sending text for no known reason outside of the frame)

Casa Ramirez

241 W 19th St  (713) 880-2420 Sometimes I forget that Casa Ramirez has so much more than just cool  Dio De Los Muertos stuff. These great guayabera shirts come in a bunch of light, tropical colors  and there was a good assortment of sizes.

Or how about father/son shirts for extra fun? Kids sizes I saw started at 2t.

Also, everyone loves Dad as "King of the Grill." 

Casa Ramirez has an amazing selection of books, including cookbooks of all kinds.

Bliss on 19th

235 W 19th St 

(832) 673-0099

My husband had once mentioned wanting a bowl for his work desk 

to keep some pieces of fresh fruit in.

While this key bowl isn't food safe for that purpose, 

it is a great size for mail or other junk dads probably keep on their desks.

I bought one of these for my husband last year. 

It's a diffuser but without "all those sticks coming out" that he didn't want. 

Also, spill proof so safe for use around his work computer and paperwork.

Desk/mantle clocks are always a good gift if you're looking for more of a keepsake.

Grace Hart and Company

313 W 19th St

I almost feel bad sending anyone in here. 

I can literally lose hours of my life in this expansive store full of

things you don't need but feel compelled to own anyway. 

I loved these vintage card glasses!

There is one seller in GH who carries sports memorabilia and had this cool rack of old comic books. Great stuff if Dad is a "collector."

Does Dad dig Mad Men style? 

This 2 piece mid-century corner table was only $145. 

With MCM being so on trend, it's hard to find pieces at affordable prices any more!

Dramatika

331 W 19th St (713) 868-5050 Known mostly as a frame shop, Dramatika is always worth a peek when gift shopping. They carry some nice greeting cards, fancy papers, some framed art,  and little gift items like these.

Eclectic Home

345 W 19th St

(713) 869-1414

This masculine and surprisingly sturdy table at Eclectic Home 

would look great in the corner of a man cave or office.

It doesn't come cheap, though. This would have to be a pretty special year!

If you're looking to spend less than a high end occasional table costs, there are these super cool sand art pieces. There is a variety of sizes and, therefore, a variety of price points. The one at the top of this photo is roughly 3' wide, to give you an idea. These were originally brought in to the shop at Father's Day gifts a couple years ago and have done so well, they now keep them year round.

CODA

355 W 19th St

(713) 864-4411

CODA is packed full of fun entertaining gifts. These aprons go back to the whole "King of The Grill" notion.

Eco-friendly and Dad-ish, these drinking glasses are made from exactly what they look like they're made from- beer bottles. There are also non-alcoholic versions from soda bottles and wine glasses.

One Green Street

3423 White Oak Dr

(281) 888-9518

These great hankies are sold at OGS and made by another local business, Paule Hewlett's Beyond Her. Paule also makes incredible knit scarves, tank dresses, and dish towels. Buy yourself a little something while you're at it! Double local shopping whammy!

These stainless steel wallets are pretty funky, too. If they're at OGS, you can bet they have a cool story about how they're upcycled!

Artist made key chains are a nice token gift if Dad doesn't already have a lanyard made by his kiddo (like mine does).

While at One Green Street, you can also check out their great line of men's skin care and buy some fresh coffee beans roasted by Boomtown Coffee. Another double Heights shopping prize!

Heights Vinyl

3122 White Oak Dr

(281) 974-1234

Is Dad a rocker, or just nostalgic? Heights Vinyl has cool headphones and turntables. 

Tons of records--- if he doesn't want to listen to vinyl, 

his fave record can still make cool wall art!

They also carry a lot of band t-shirts, 

although they are sold out of the "I'm not moving to Austin" shirt.

Hello Lucky 1025 Studewood St (713) 864-3556 I didn't actually go in to Hello, Lucky yesterday  because my husband has about a dozen t-shirts from there. I had to share this HL Facebook photo though,  because if Dad doesn't have one of these bad boys, he needs one! Saw a guy at the Galleria in one a couple weeks ago and it brought a huge smile to my face. They come in kiddo sizes and women's cut as well.

Did you find something fun or creative for Dad in the Heights? Share in the comments!

Shop Til You Drop

4/4: Scroll to bottom for update

Studewood has become quite the shopping destination in the last few years. Many of us can remember when Oo La La was the only game in town along the corridor between White Oak and 11th Street. Tulips & Tutus left the tiny space on 19th (now occupied by Bespoke by GJCD) to join Oo La La, making it one of my favorite destinations for new babies and girlfriends' birthdays.

Photo: oolalagifts.com

Then Hello Lucky graced us with its presence. In the last five years, Teresa's shop and it's "Its OK to Houston" tshirts have become iconic. Her handmade, eco-friendly designs have made national news and all of us proud.

From Hello, Lucky's FB page

Most recently, a home-based soap making business converted a drab duplex in to the wonderfulness that is Sparrow and The Nest. Offering funky art pieces, handmade jewelry, man scented candles and toiletries, and delightful craft classes, this eye-catching gray and yellow shop cemented Studewood at 11th as the place you can go to get a great gift for someone else or get yourself a perfect pick-me-up.

Photo: sparrowandthenest.com

Now, it looks like we're getting another shopping destination.

I haven't been able to call to verify, but based on the font (real scientific, huh?) looks like it could be a new location of the SoHo boutique chain, with stores in Rice Village, Memorial, Woodway, and 2 locations in Florida. They have a couple of concepts, but the one I am familiar with is the Rice store, which specializes in trendy, high end clothes for girls, tweens, and women. I haven't been in the Studewood space (does anyone else remember when it had the painting of the woman masturbating in the window? Followed by an Obama as Jesus on the cross? Yeah, don't miss that...) but I'm sure it's not as big as their Rice space. If I had to guess, I would say this high end boutique chain may have noticed the success of La Camella and is aiming for the late 20s- early 30s crowd's money. Again, I don't know if it is the same (Will update as soon as I find out), but I can't imagine that someone would use the same name... Then again, crazier things have happened. Whether this is the kind of place I will shop or not, more retail is a great thing for the neighborhood, and with each successful new shop another one will find the neighborhood appealing. I hope someday to reach my goal of never having to go south of I10 to shop. 

4/4/13: UPDATE-- We have confirmation. Ally at the Woodway store was able to confirm for me that this is, indeed, another location in their boutique family. Opening date is probably June, although they are not set on anything at this point. She isn't certain, but guesses it will be the general "Contemporary" concept, as opposed to Couture or Tween. If you want information updates, Ally said friending their Facebook page is the best place to keep up.

It does make me sigh a little-- another not-unique-to-the-Heights concept, but we desperately need to build our retail market here, so bring it on, SoHo. Can't wait to see what you have to offer!