by Georgia

The folks in the City of Katy (aka Old Katy or Katy Proper) keep an eye on the Real Estate transactions watching for signs of a long heralded transformation. They speculate that one day Katy Proper will be a desired shopping destination (like Old Towne Spring), or better yet a profitable investment (like Bellaire). They watch with interest as one by one the old residences in the commercial zones convert into business enterprises.

In 2003, one such property was purchased by the Sierras, Katy residents with their roots in the Oil industry. Sylvia is a local artist and her goal to establish an art gallery for the community seemed a perfect match for the old house on nearly an acre. The Sierra’s spent a year and a ton of money restoring the 1910-built wood frame structure. Complying with City of Katy’s strict commercial codes and standards is no easy feat. The finished project was named The Pink Magnolia and opened its doors in December 2004. (more…)

by Georgia Duncan (edited by Ceci Duncan)

Forget everything you know about strip center dining; Bistro 829 has emerged as the refreshing alternative to all the cookie-cutter franchises and the fly-by-night start-ups in Katy’s flourishing culinary scene.

Dictionary definitions of Bistro describe “a small, informal or unpretentious restaurant serving wine; a tavern, “; Bistro 829 redefines the concept with a trendy menu accented by superior wines and spirits. (more…)

Think the Drive In movies are merely a nostalgic memory? Think again!
Can you believe there are 19 operating Drive In Theaters in the state of Texas, and two of them are in the Houston Area???!!!

The Duncan Team made a recent trip to Hockley, Texas to check out the Showboat Drive In! Owners Johnny and Chris Rumfolo dubbed their Drive In in honor of an old operation in Houston that was owned in the 50’s by their grandfather. They carved out an area on 34 acres of farmland and started construction in 2005. They opened in 2006 with a huge 40′ X 80′ screen and a concrete block projection house with snack bar and bathrooms. In 2007 they added a second screen.The parking area accommodates 400 vehicles and is undulated in order to give your car the proper angle for viewing. Patrons tune their car radios to FM 88.1 for the audio portion of the movie. We paid $5 each for a double feature. (more…)

It excites me to find a venue that is uniquely different; indeed Hunters’ Lair is Katy’s newest “best kept secret”! If you like a venue with a relaxed sophistication, adventurous menu and a handsome off-the-beaten-path decor, I’ve found it. If you prefer something dainty, pretentious or predictable, search on.

Don’t let “Hunters Lair” conger images of a smoky hunting lodge with canoe-paddle curtain rods and barstools made from rough-hewn timber. Instead, picture a cocktail party at a taxidermist’s uptown loft. I guess you’d have to classify this a “sports bar” due to the numerous video screens set to sports networks. But, unless you came to watch those TV’s, they are not what attract attention in the décor.. The TV screens alternate along the walls with glass cases full of awesome wildlife displayed in scenic natural settings. It’s like a trip to the nature museum! This uniquely classy setting is complete with glass top tables, ornate wrought iron chairs, tile floors, and ambient lighting. Perhaps it is the obvious absence of neon beer signs and NASCAR memorabilia that gives this place a testosterone matured to a delightfully tasteful level.

As the name implies, you can come here to watch televised sports. But you’d be equally comfortable meeting associates to conduct business or joining friends for laughs over a flight of wine, or a round of pool in the whimsically pink neo-classic pool “parlor”. And although sports and hunting are typically “male themes” I noted that women were comfortable gathering here. And I was delighted at the ceiling full of smoke eaters working effectively to eradicate any evidence of tobacco products. (Isn’t nice when we can all live together?)

The difference doesn’t stop there. You don’t want to miss the MENU!

More than just your typical pub fare, Hunters Lair has a wonderfully adventurous menu with offerings of exotic game… bison, ostrich, venison, quail, boar,…. even rattlesnake fritters! For the less adventurous, they also offer a selection of the standards, hamburger, pizza, shrimp po boys and salads. These are expertly prepared by renowned chefs. It is also fun to sample the “flights” of wine or cheese.

They have an impressive selection of beer on draught, as well.

Where is it? Old Katyites will recognize the locale if I say: “next to Landry’s” or formerly Charlie’s Pool Hall. It’s on the eastbound feeder road of I10 east of the Grand Parkway. Free Wi-Fi.

Check their website at: http://www.hunterslairkaty.com/index.html

I noticed a recurring theme among the speeches during the Academy Awards this year: Movies are best when viewed on the big screen with the shared reaction of an audience. It’s a notion that struck me. I miss the silver screen!

Ever since we discovered Netflix DVD rental with home delivery, I’ve been lulled into the comfort and convenience of viewing movies at home. What’s more, I did not miss those dirty theaters with their offering of overpriced candy and artery-clogging buttered popcorn.

Katy’s new Alamo Draft House is the solution that will re-ignite theater attendance for me. I have found a way to return to the big screen in a clean, comfortable setting as well as a reasonable menu! (more…)