soifan

Hello all - I'm in the process of planning a birthday party for my husband. We've decided on doing a nice lunch in a private room at a restaurant in Katy or West Houston. I've already looked into Bistro 829 and Hasta La Pasta, but was wanting more ideas. My husband is very laid back and a casual place is fine as long as it has a private room so we can be together and hear each other. I'm looking for a room that could possibly hold 30-45 people. The size of the party will depend on menu costs, room rates, etc... So please share any ideas or knowledge you may have. Thanks!

Here's a link to a post I started last year on this very same thing. There's some good info there. I'm not sure about one in Katy. I do know that some streets in the front of Nottingham Country used to organized, elaborate themes -esp. the cul-de-sacs, but that's been gone for at least 10 years. http://www.houstonarchitecture.info/haif/i...mp;#entry133282

I just thought I'd let you know they've had a location open in Katy for about 4 years now. It's still the original family and delicious. Here's a link to their site: http://www.theoriginalmarinisempanadahouse.com/home.html

Kingsland Baptist Church across from Taylor High School is a wonderful, thriving church w/ great leadership. The childrens' programs are top notch. Here's a link to the website so you can find out alot more yourself. http://www.kingsland.org/ My mother in law had never been to a Baptist Church until she started attending w/ us on her visits to our home and she really enjoys the church alot and looks forward to hearing Pastor Alex Kennedy speak. She's a lifelong Methodist.

I remember Mountain Park well, but it wasn't at 6-10/ I-10, it was at 6-10 and 59 - across 6-10 from the old Houston Post building. I think I went a couple of times from 2nd-4th grade (early-mid 80's). I remember that the hill at that time was not ice, but that you went down either in bags or dry sled like things (it's hazy as it's been a long time). I just remember going down the hill fast. I also remember the ball pit now that you mention it and I remember doing cool crafts there. I think I went on a field trip and for a birthday party during those years. I'm not sure when it closed, but I know the hill was there for quite awhile - maybe used for something else later on. So, yes there are others that remember that place - you are not alone.

I remember this restaurant quite well. It was on Westheimer just inside the Loop across from what is now the Red Lion hotel. Unfortunately, it's been gone for at least 10 years - there is now an inexpensive chain hotel there. I remember going to a 2nd grade birthday there and sitting on those cushions to eat, crossing the bridge over the pond, and then doing a pinata -lol. I went to 2nd Baptist at that time and they always had "extravagant" kid birthday parties. I do remember it well though - I think I went one other time years later.

We went Saturday night too! It took us awhile to find the heart of the lights (entered in an area of PF where it was hit or miss), but I kept telling dh that there was a better area that I remembered where every street for blocks is covered and has a theme. We finally found it and spent another 1.5 hours in this section (off Prestonwood Forest Dr. between Schroeder and Cypresswood). I think TJones directions should get you there directly. The lights and themed decorations were great! My son loved it all and we may make this a yearly tradition. There were many groups doing "Hayrides" through the subdivision, a Santa on a motorized bicycle, and even a lady playing carols outside her home on her sax. You could hear people yelling "Merry Christmas" everywhere. It was a joyful night!

Clemens used to live in Katy in the 80's/ most of the 90's. (not sure exact year that he moved) I graduated high school in the early 90's and can remember friends of mine who worked at Randall's as sackers getting a $50 tip each (2 guys as it was a big order) one day. I also remember that he used to sit outside his house on Halloween and sign baseballs for trick or treaters. My neighbors kids played baseball w/ his kids when they were younger and an old coworker actually taught his wife (Debbie) as a child - I think in Spring Branch. So yes the Clemens call Houston home.

Okay, I just looked at a map and know the general area, but can anyone tell me where the main entrance is located (what street?). Thanks again. Last time I went I was with a big group and didn't drive - 12 years ago or so. We keep posting at the same time - lol. I guess Katy will be up there this weekend!

Wow! Thanks so much fo that info! I will be figuring it out on a map and we will go this weekend! Thanks again all - I knew you guys would know.

Hello everyone! I'm hoping you can help me out. I remember about 10-15 years ago traveling to northwest Houston to see a spectacular display of lights in a subdivision called Prestonwood or Prestonwood Forest (something like that). My son is three and REALLY is into Christmas lights this year. I was wondering if this subdivision still has a great display like they did in years past. I remember that the streets would be themed and such. Do you know what I'm talking about? If so, can you tell me if they still do it? If not, when did this end? Also, any others areas that are great (w/o driving to the College Station lights)? I live in the Katy area. Thanks in advance for your help!

There's still a Mason Jar on I-10 near Bunker Hill - I think the Houston original. I remember Strawberry Patch -YUM! I think that is where Pappas Bros. Steakhouse is now.

You're speaking of Deerfield Village - it reminds me very much of Nottingham Country (trees, houses, and all).

This was a suicide and he died at the hospital. He did not aim at any other students. It was done outside in a courtyard at lunch time. So very sad... Many prayers for the family and staff/students at SLHS. Here's a news link: http://www.click2houston.com/news/10096768/detail.html

I'm not 100% sure what you are trying to say, but I think you are telling me that I have no say since I graduated in the early 90's. If so, did you read the rest of my post? My siblings graduated later on and I was a teacher in Katy until 2 years ago. We attend a church with MANY Taylor kids and have contact with many of them. They are not all druggies. How can one person say everyone at a school does drugs unless they are close friends w/ every person? Believe me, there are still many "clean" kids in the world today, but the others overshadow them b/c noone wants to talk about kids who are doing things right -sad but true. I know drugs exist, but it's not everyone. Please read my whole post again. Have a good day. Great post! I agree 100% -love your last sentence.

Okay, I only have a minute, but I wanted to add a little more about Nottingham Country. Yes, it's true -no sidewalks -my only drawback as I have a young child. The original part of NC between I-10 and Kingsland (north to south) and Fry Rd to Dominion (street on east side of Taylor) all have alleyways instead of driveways. My husband likes this look, but I don't like it with young kids b/c then there's nowhere safe to play on ride-on toys and such. (My parents had a long driveway where we would rollerskate, shoot hoops, etc...) It all depends on what you want in that regard. The houses with the alleys are the oldest in the subdivision (early-mid 70's). The trees in this part are huge and very lush, but most of Nottingham Country has large trees as most of the building was finished in the 80's. The houses range from about 150K-260K in Nottingham Country itself (there will be a few exceptions on both price ends). Kelliwood Nottingham runs about 300-450K and was mainly built in the mid to late 80's. Both areas feed to Taylor High School, but feed to several elementaries and 2 junior highs I believe. The largest houses in Nottingham Country (not Kelliwood) are near Highland Knolls and Fry intersection - more in the price range you stated. I had friends who lived all over so I've been in many of these houses over the years and they were all very nice - just different features. The ones built later towards the back are more open and built with amenities similar to today's new builds. The older ones are custom homes with alot of wood block paneling and more individual rooms (once again-exceptions in both areas). It's just what your tastes are. The lots VARY GREATLY in size. My parents have an average size lot for NC -not small, not large. (They live in the middle of NC - not the oldest part and not the very large houses in back.) The backyard is definitely big enough for a standard backyard pool w/ a little green room too. I had several friends w/ huge lots though 10,000 sq ft+ -most of them lived on cul-de-sacs or backed up to the bayou that runs through there. One friend had a lot big enough for an Olympic size pool -no joke - it was huge! They had a ride on lawnmower for the yard. Homeowners fees are low - I think $200 or $250/ year. I pay $350+ in my north I-10 neighborhood. Cinco Ranch fees run from $750-900 (OUCH!) depending on where you live so NC is a good deal there. If you have any other questions, PM or post here. I'm glad to help however I can. Oh, one more quick add about Taylor. Memorial Parkway subdivision kids go there too so it's not just "rich" kids. I had many friends who lived in MP too. BTW I grew up in NC and we were far from "rich" -lol.

Okay, I feel I have a good perspective since I grew up in Nottingham Country in the 80's/ early 90's, my parents still live there, I taught in KISD for years, and still spend alot of time there. Dh and I live in north Katy now (Mayde Creek zone), but WANT to live in Nottingham Country -probably will be a few more years. First, to address the issues about Taylor from a former student and educator perspective. I graduated in the early 90's and the same stuff was said about Taylor and drugs back then (as well as the Katy grows it, MC deals it, Taylor buys it addage). Everyone is NOT a druggie despite what people say. I've never done a single drug in my life (besides alcohol and that wasn't until college) and neither did any of my friends (well, I had one freind who smoked pot occassionally, but not around us). We were not the nerds, but weren't the jocks either. We were the middle of the road kids and got along w/ everyone. We were always on the go, always together, but NEVER did a single drug. I'm not talking about 5-10 kids, but quite a large group. So, don't let people tell you everyone at Taylor does drugs b/c that's simply not true. Maybe it's everyone they hang out w/ b/c druggies tend to hang out together. Drugs will be everywhere, unfortunately, but it's far from everyone. I have siblings from later classes and the story is the same with them -NOT everyone. As far as academics, Taylor is a top-notch school. You can't go by an OVERALL accountability rating alone. As an educator, I know how these ratings work. If you have ONE sub population who doesn't make the 80 or 90% passing rates needed for a certain rating, the whole school is at their score level DESPITE the overall score. A sub pop might only have 3-5 kids in it, so if ONE fails, the whole school will be effected. This happened w/ Pattison Elementary a few years back. One special education population that had a VERY small number of children taking the test had one or 2 fail that made THAT sub pop's passing rate below 80%. Because of this one sub pop, the whole school was ranked acceptable that year despite having been exemplary the year before and the year after. Some schools/ districts get around this by exempting many special ed kids from taking the tests, but Pattison had high goals set and b/c of this they were penalized. This is just one example of why you can't go by a one word rating -look at the overall pass rates, graduation rates, scholarship rates, other academic awards (like National Academic Decathalon winners -Taylor has been several times), etc about ANY school and don't go by one word alone. It was named on a list of the top high schools in America not long ago (I will see if I can find that link) and one of the top 10 in Houston. I have to go now and see about my son. I will get back later to give more info about the subdivision itself. Overall, NC is great and we are eager to move there someday -LOVE the established feel, big trees, non cookie cutter homes, etc...

I noticed the same thing last week and pointed it out to my passenger. If I lived in that HOA, I would be asking why they spent our money on signs that most will never notice. It's very backwards and just plain strange.

La Madeliene is going in at The Grande (by Cinemark movie theater) last I heard. My mother is a huge LM person (frequents the T&C location) and asked them about it last year. We have lunch about 2-3/month and she oftens wants to go there. It will be nice to have it in Katy.

You are going to roll your eyes at me (LOL), but we haven't personally eaten there. HOWEVER, we have several different friends and some family members who have been there on multiple occassions and all have LOVED it. My dh and I are going for our anniversary this year. We have a little one at home so fine dining isn't a top priority these days except for special celebrations. I have been inside though to buy a gift certificate for my parents and it was very nicely done. We are excited to try it as many friends have given it great reviews.

Have you tried Bistro 829? It's a very nice place to have dinner -much fancier than Johnny Carino's. I would call it fine dining -don't let the strip center location fool you. I know there are several more that are better than JC. Here's the link to Bistro 829. http://www.bistro829.com/

I've been following this post w/ interest since I'm a native Houstonian and love the River Oaks shopping area. I also have a great memory of seeing Casablanca there for the first time in high school w/ a friend. I've also been following it b/c Fred (Uncle Bob to me -still makes me smile to hear him called Fred - can't remember how that started) is my uncle and Allrecords his lifelong work. He's had that store (was at different spot) as long as I can remember. I also loved his record room at their old house as a kid. It was an amazing collection! Anyway, hearing him and his store mentioned made me smile. I missed him last few trips to RO, so your post has inspired me to go down before it's too late. Thanks.

See my other post above yours. I answered this question as well as I could.

I remember there being two theatres there as a kid. One of them was on the ice rink level in the corner. We stood in line for over 2 hours to see E.T. there in 1982. The line for tickets wrapped halfway around the ice rink. I think the theater was 3 screens, but I don't remember for sure. I'm not sure where the other one was, but I think it was down from the towers elevator bank in the center of the Galleria.