ToolMan

It looks like this store is about to open across fron the Houston Pavillions. You can now find high-end sneakers/running shoes downtown if you need them.

You are forgeting there will be 47 floors occupied by tennants and they would benefit during lunch time. It has worked with other buildings; however, after 5:00pm is another topic.

The crack shack on the corner is closed today, but I don't know if that is a permanent thing or not.

Were you there Friday night? Travis was flooded...literally. They had it blocked off because the bayou overflowed onto Travis. I was at a happy hour at Cotton Exchange a couple of months ago and it was great; however, the music started around 9:00pm and they began the cover charge and the loud music.

I heard a rumor that Hines (or some big developer) bought the entire block, which includes The Old West building. Not sure if that's true or not...

Slurpees are much better thae Icees. I believe Stop & Go had the Icees too - too bad I have to drive to Austin to get a Slurpee now.

Agora...across Cafe Brasil?

Motrose/Kirby: Try Absenthe in the Motrose area if you want something different - they have pretty good food there too. The Harp, L Z Pub, Mugsy's Midtown: Big Top, Dog House, Front Porch, Leon's Lounge (but the shuffleboard table is now gone damnit), Of course you can't go wrong with Market Square, Warren's, and Charbar. You could also venture out to La Carafe, Brewery Tap, or Shay McElroy's.

There's still a chance with the area around Irma's - nothing but surface lots and a few warehouses. Those Nabisco building lofts will be ready to move in by the early part of next year.

I beleive the po' boys were first made in New Orleans during the great depression. I have eaten the best po' boy in my life in NO.

Here is a link to your story: Ninfa's Fajitas

Cuban is the George Steinbrenner of basketball.

That rumor was going on 4 years ago...

I'll take the Dinner No. 1, the Chicken Enchiladas (order of 3), and 12 tamales to go for a grand total of $1.65

Iwood, I really like the building due to the character and preservation...it's a unique building and is a "true" loft conversion. They are restoring the 100 year old floors, keeping the windows (the ones that don't have bullet holes), some units have balconies, high ceilings, columns, ect... Free guest parking is also included which is rare for downtown - 54 units with 120 parking spaces. The only negative thing I can see is all of the units with downtown views are already sold, the location of the halfway house, and it's a bit of a walk to the hot spots of downtown. The sales agent does and excellent tour while taking about the history of the building and how they are trying to preserve everything. I looked at the Herrin Lofts a while ago and wasn't too impressed - they just seemed too cookie cutter.

Cityview Lofts had an open house this weekend and I took a look at these lofts. Cityview says they are 65% sold and the units should be complete by early 2008. The prices aren't too bad (for dowtown) and the maintenance fees are only $.20 per sq. ft. They are also trying to preserve as much of the building as they can. This area seems prime for development wth the ballpark so close and all of the surface lofts. I figured this side of downtown would be a miniture Wriglyville by now but that hasn't hapened. Does anyone see this area booming within the next few years? Do the Astros own all of these parking lots, or are they privately owned?

I believe that stuff is made from chihuahua cheese. It's very popular in Mexico and muy bueno - you can find it at Fiesta.

I like Felix's queso as well. The last time I went there my co-worker had a heart attck a day later after eating the queso...true story. I'm not saying the queso was the only contributor, but all of that fat couldn't have helped. If you ever go to Austin go to Magnolia Cafe off of Lake Austin Blvd. - get the sonora queso.

Well that sucks! I would delete this thread, but I guess up to the mods...

I recieved this email. This is your chance to give your opinions on what downtown needs. http://www.zoomerang.com/survey.zgi?p=U26QRV7JZMRK We need your help! The Houston Downtown Management District is collecting feedback to help us with marketing, programming and leasing efforts. Your input will help us identify components of a downtown lifestyle and determine what is authentic and great about downtown and also what is missing! We hope you will take a few moments from your busy day and complete the following questions. All responses are completely CONFIDENTIAL, so please answer each question openly and honestly. The survey may take up to 10-15 minutes to complete. In appreciation for your time, survey respondents are eligible to win Downtown Gift Cards that can be used at over 75 participating downtown businesses ranging from Treebeards to Macy

I can name some I use regularly: #1 Theater District...umm I guess that's about it. I usually say north, south, east, and west side of downtown. I occassionly use Historic District when talking about the north side toward the Market Square area.

I haven't actually been in any lofts you listed, but you may want to visit the Herman Lofts located across the Bayou Lofts too.

They tried it last year and the year before, but nobody ever showed up...there we booths and some food vendors. Downtown is trying, but people aren't participating.

^^^^^^ Well that sounds like a good deal. If it's a decent meal and I lived close by I would try it out. A good special will always bring me out. Would I be a regular at this chain? Only if I wanted quick meal and didn't care for something different, or if it was damn good food. It seams like all if the chains taste and feel the same to me. Is it because they all use the same Sysco products? The only exception of chain restaurant I visit regularly is the Pappas chain, but each of their chains has a specialty (unlike a Chillie

You have to have more than just one to be a favorite of mine. For me, it's the food and atmosphere. The location is a plus also. I also categorize my restaurants: - Date place - Lunch place - Happy hour - Cheap eats But remember, "People can get a cheeseburger anywhere, ok? They come to Chotchkie