MarthaG

It's me, the Chronicle reporter again. I'm working on a followup story.

If you've sent e-mail or a letter to Weingarten or City Council, would you send me a copy? My address (slightly disguised, to protect me from spam) is lisa.gray(*at*) chron.com.

I've seen the houstonist petition, and I'm talking to the GHPA. But if you hear of any other save-the-theater organizing, would you let me know?

If you have any Weingarten email addresses we can send to, can you let us know. And would also appreciate info on any other organizing... Trust most of us will do anything to help.

No.

Are you over 20 years old?

Where are you from?

I want to cry...but first I have to thowup. This makes me sick... I had no idea this was going on.

I was at 3 brothers last week and realized there was a lot of empty spaces. I was clueless.

I will send emails to everyone on the list provided. And please keep us informed of anything else we can do. Even when the day comes to chain ourselves to the front door...I'll be there.

I just returned from a 2 week vacation to Walt Disney World with my teenage sons. As beautiful as WDW is, it is not geared toward teenagers. There is only a handful of exciting thrill rides in all 4 parks combined. My sons keep complaining about Astroworld being gone...and they wish another park would come to Houston.

Even though Astroworld had become a dump in the past few years, it still had the rides that that my sons loved. (I myself love roller-coasters and miss serial thriller, dungeon drop, and the others as much as them). I was disgusted with how nasty the park had become with the lack of maintenance. Not to mention the employees that worked there were mostly lazy and inconsiderate.

I have never been to Splashtown so I cannot comment on how it was, so if it left Houston I will not miss it. Actually, considering how Astroworld went down the tubes, I'd be happy to see it go.

I'm anxious to see the new Schlitterbahn in Galveston. We have been to the ones in Padre Island and New Braunfels. They are clean, family friendly, I feel safe letting my sons run around without me knowing exactly where they are all the time. If Galveston is anything like the others, most likely we will get the season pass for next year. But Water Parks does not make up for the lack of an Amusement Park.

And since I'm not a Tillman fan, I would have a problem spending my money on tickets to an amusement park that he had involvement with. (The only Tillman thing I saw at WDW as his restaurant...which I did not come close to.)

So, I'm hoping someone does step up the plate and brings Houston a great amusement park.

My 2 cents

Northwest mall needs a total makeover. Maybe something like Meyerland. Any other suggestions?

Native, you took the words right out of my mouth.

For the last couple of weeks I have spent a lot of time at the Meyerland shopping center. They have so many nice places to shop and eat that I was wishing we had a carbon copy of it on our side of town.

I've been going to NW Mall since it opened, and now it is mostly empty and the stores there are not where I choose to spend my money. I do still go on occassion to by tennies for the kids, or check the Palais Royal clearance rack, and pick up a sandwich at Chick fil- a (only one on this side of town).

On the other hand, I know that malls have become a thing of the past, but I have to admit that I like parking the car once and being inside moving from store to store. But if you are like myself and when you do go shopping, it is for some serious purchasing, then I want to be able to drop my bags off at the car after each store so I'm not dragging them around. Can't have it both ways, can I?

Anyway, does anyone know where we could lobby to get a Meyerland type center on our side of town? Who would be the right people to make a plea to?

Great info. Only thing is the location is Ella and 43rd. But it's obvious that it's the same shopping center.

My wishfull thinking would be for them to build it out to the street with parking in the back-for a change!

I can not visualize this. Can you give me an example (another shopping center) that is built this way?

How would the traffic flow from the Kroger parking area to the new parking area if the parking is in the back.

The sign out front says "Shops of Oak Forest" .

I just hope they get some good tenants. Wouldn't an Ice Cream shop be great? I'm really hoping a good restaurant takes a spot. My dream would be la'Madeline. But that is most unlikely.

If you could pick , who would you want to be there?

I was sitting in the drive thru line at Kroger Pharmacy a few days ago and the huge crane was taking out chunks of Eckards. It's a weird feeling to watch it come down. Like when they knocked down Kroger after building the new one.

bob h, you're right..we did spend a lot of time at that shopping center. Heck, I still do. Most weekends I never venture out of Oak Forest.

[would I be revealing too much about myself if I told you I make a killer Frito Pie-an original Tex-Mex dish if there ever was one.]

Frito Pie is on our menu for tomorrow night. The traditional kind...but baked in the oven, with lots of onions and cheese. Wish my kids would eat something fancy like the kind you make.

I like Tila's on Shepard. I have not been in a while, but the times I've been the food was great. The atmosphere is very nice too.

Tony's on Ella use to be my favorite. Loved the shrimp and crab enchiladas When a chef left there and started his own place on 290, I moved with him. I think the name was Chapalla's. I would eat there at least once a week. Now they have changed names again, and the food has gone down hill..so I'm trying to find another place now.

If I'm in a quick hurry I go to a little place around the corner called Don Teos on W 34th. I like their Queso which has little pieces of celery and is not "Yellow".

At work we often go to Ninfa's. I'm not a fan, but it's walking distance from our office. Sometimes we venture out to Chuy's, but again, I'm not a real fan.

I do have to give Berryhill two thumbs up for their tamales and fish tacos.

I miss the original Cyclone's on Durham. In my mind nothing will ever compete with their Tacos el Carbon.

I'm relatively new to the area (since 2003). I was wondering if the public pool at Love Park is operated during the summer. If so, is it all free swim for kids, or would I be able to do some laps?

Where do other Heights swimmers go?

Any input is appreciated...

I'm not sure about the Heights, but in Garden Oaks there is a private swim club, Garden Cove, which is a bit pricey, but great if you use it. They have both family time and adult swim only. Laps are not usually a problem to do (if you stay away from peak hours). AND you can bring in liquid "refreshments" as long as they are in containers.

Check it out : http://gardencoveswimclub.com/

How old are you?

Much younger than you ... he graduated Waltrip in 75. Hope you know I'm just givin you a hard time.

And you are right, it would be great if Palais Royal moved into the new strip and got somemore room, but somehow I doubt that will happen.

Change of subject...are you going to the Get together tomorrow at Berryhill? I'm going to try and make it.

Bob, your memory is so different (or better) than mine. I do not remember the ice cream shop or the bowling alley, or the grill at Weingartens.

Update: the shopping center is really starting to come down now. The fronts are all of the buildings (except Eckards) and some of the dividing walls are gone.

I'm getting anxious to see what the new place is going to look like...

Just remember the golden rule when it comes to Tilman:

It all revolves around his restaurants. Dispite his foray into seemingly disparate forms of business, it always comes back to the restaurants.

When he bought the Nugget in Vegas, the first thing he did was permit through the City to expand the public areas to add space for one of each of his themed restaurants. This was merely an entree into Vegas with the hope of expanding to a much wider audience beyond the casino.

Kemah is the same way. It is a group of restaurants that happens to have an amusement park surrounding it. Whatever he can do to bring people in to eat. Brilliant strategy.

A Galveston boardwalk/amusement park would be the same thing.

There may be other activities surrounding his investments, but always look closely and you will see that the core of any of them is the food.

He never strays from his strategy and that's why he is successful.

TNJ

It's a shame the food is not that good. But I agree that it's all about the restaurants. They look nice, but I am always disappointed with the quality.

Tell me this.... does Tilman ever do anything for anyone other than Tilman? I'm sure everyone here knows I'm not a fan of this guy. I do secretly hope he turns out to be a good guy, but I'm not holding my breath.

I was at Galveston on Saturday. The Strand seems to be doing just fine. It 4:30 I had problems finding a parking place. Which makes me wonder where are they going to park all the cars if they keep adding to the Pier area? Hope they include in their plans a monster parking garage.

As far as gambling.... I think if anyone can get it done, it will be Tilman. I'm not sure if that is a good thing or not.

Finally they are going to tear down the strip shopping center on W. 43rd at Ella and re-build. This center has been mostly vacant and an eyesore for many years.

Word is tenants just found out last week that they have to be out by March. Owner says it will be a year before new center is ready for move in. This leaves the few tenants there in a fix.

Radio Shack is moving inventory to their W 34th St. location. The 99 cent store has reduced prices to 89 cents (hurry in for your big savings). Hallmark is probably getting the hardest hit. They have been in this center for at least 20 years and had the nicest spot. They are hoping to relocate in N. Shephard.

I feel bad for the business owners but I am thrilled that they are finally doing something. Maybe we can get some good retail to come into the hood.

I've always liked the thick plates, platters and cups that restaurants use. I wish that I could find a store that sells them.

There is a new store/warehouse place at the intersection of 18th/TC Jester/Ella - where K-Mart use to be. Some sort of Restaurant supply place.... anyone know anything about this?

Who remembers Sambos? I remember they had "Tiger Butter", a whipped butter (with maybe a bit of honey in it) served with every stack of pancakes or waffles.

We use to go to one by NW Mall on Dacoma @ 290.

Frank's on Mangum (between 18th and Dacoma) - Great for Breakfasts and Hamburgers

Keep in mind that these older neighborhoods established their deed restrictions a long time ago.

I live in Oak Forest. I have no idea if it has been updated since, but 20 years ago when I was (temporarily) involved in the neighborhood politics, I checked out our deed restrictions and found there was a very racial remark included.

This saddens my heart as well.

I have been going to Kaplan's for as long as I remember. If I'm ever needing a classy gift for someone, I can find it at Kaplan's. And be sure to get it gift wrapped because they have the best bows!

I remember getting my first two piece swimsuit there as a small child. I remember my father was not too happy about the ideal, but my mom had made a big deal about going to Kaplan's and getting something "nice". I was probably about 9 or 10 yrs old.

And I can remember my dad taking me there to pick out gifts for my mom. Again, you can always find just the right thing at Kaplan's.

And what is a trip to Kaplan's without going across the street to Yale St. Pharmacy for a Chocolate Malt?

I will truly miss this wonderful establishment!

I graduated from high school in 1976. I found out that had I stayed in Houston, I would have attended Milby. Are you familiar with that school?

I have heard of Milby... but not familiar... what part of town?

Tradewinds is my old skating grounds. "ALL SKATE" and the next song will be "COUPLES ONLY".

And the next song will be LADY's Choice.

There use to be an area that was upstairs at Sharpstown Mall that had bars and resturants. Anyone remember that? Names of any of them? I use to go see live music there sometimes.

Thanks Red... you are correct about the name. I did not take the time to look it up and was splelling it phonically (and not doing a great job at that).

I sort of remember Square Pan Pizza. But the best Pizza in Oak Forest (IMO) is Doyles...which is still in operation.

I forget you are younger than me. I graduated Waltrin in 77. By 1982 I had already been married and divorced. (not something to brag about, but the truth)

But it still cool that we remember alot of the same things.

The Fat Earnies I'm referring to was across the street from the Hyatt Regency. When I worked downtown, we would take the tunnels to the Hyatt, then cross the street to the restaurant. Why is it that I remember the drinks more than the food at these places? Singleporsalings at Fat Earnies... I was not even 20 at the time, that's my excuse and I'm sticking to it.

TJ we definatly ran in the same circles.

I was a rink rat at Tradwinds for many years. Every Friday and Saturday nights... we even stayed for the Late Session. This was early 70's. I broke my wrist during a race one Saturday when I was in 3rd grade.

When my sons were younger I took them there for a school party and could not believe how "funky" it was inside. Poor place really looks bad. I'm guessing there is so much asbestos in that building that it will have to be torn down.

My favorite was the Cyclone Anaya's that was on Durham at Center (Washington). I know they have opened a new one on Woodway and now even one on Durham, but they will never compare to the one I use to visit on a regular basis. I can remember getting out of the car in the cruddy parking lot in back and smelling the meat cooking. My favorite was the Tacos el Carbon they served with Black Beans. And the Top Shelf Margarita.... one would make you wobble a bit and two could put you down. So Chuy, if you are reading this...we don't want a fancy place, we just want the good food and drinks that use to be. And Rico, I liked the salsa that your dad use to make.

I remember the Rail Head. I remember the Velvet Hammers for desert.

Do you guys remember Fat Ernies that was Downtown?

I always wanted to go on the Kitirik show. Remember the little merry-go-round that would stop so each child talked to her? Didn't she give them presents for thier birthday or something?

I did manage to get on the Don Mahoney and Jeana Clair show once. Early 60's, my dance class did a tap number. The one and ONLY time I made it on TV.