albertnurick

Near the train tracks; anyone remember this place? (I'm not 100% sure about the name; it could have just been "Mel's". My parents referred to the place as "Mel & Bunny's"; I think Bunny was Mel's partner or perhaps his cook. Mel's Bar B-Q At 4113 Willowbend Blvd. Edit:

Right across Beechnut from Meyerland Center, at the end of the strip center, across the parking lot from the carwash. Great place. "Zappo's _andwich Land", IIRC, the S was missing for a long time. I think my parents got tired of my wanting to go there; Schlotzky's is a pale imitation, of the Zappo sandwich.

We received excellent service from Sharon Krantz at Martha Turner properties. 713-854-2129. If she asks, you can tell her that Albert Nurick recommended her.

I think most of these criticisms come from urbanites who object to the Woodlands on principle. When we're out in the neighborhood in the evening, we invariably run into neighbors, and end up talking for an hour or two.

We love George's Pastaria just down Dairy Ashford; it'll be interesting to see how the two compare.

In Houston, a question you need to ask yourself is scooter or motorcycle. There are advantages to both. Take the MSF course, you'll learn a lot (even how to shift, it's really not hard) and can make a more informed decision. My story: I had been considering a big Aprillia scooter, but after taking the MSF, I decided on a motorcycle. I ended up with a Honda Pacific Coast, an older bike that is very scooter-like in terms of storage. It was infinitely superior to a scooter when you get on the highway, and if you enjoy riding, you'll want to.

Our home backs up to Gosling; our back door faces the street with an approximately 50' greenbelt and approximately 75' of open space. In general, traffic noise isn't a problem. The greenbelt seems to absorb normal traffic noise. The exceptions: Occasional loud diesel trucks. Motorcycles with loud pipes. An epidemic on nice weekend mornings. I've been a motorcycle rider for 20+ years, and I really wish there would be a crackdown on these asshats who feel that they don't get enough attention on their precious toys, so they have to do the equivalent of putting a playing card in the spokes to get more attention.

As much as we'd like to think the architecture matters, it seems painfully obvious that the location, demographics of the neighborhood, and nearby competitors have a far greater impact on the success or failure of a mall. Heck, if interesting architecture mattered, Westbury Square would still be a thriving shopping center.

I grew up in the business. My father would turn over in his grave if I paid retail for jewelery. I've been very impressed with Pamela Wright at Wright Pawn and Jewelry on Westheimer. She and her husband Jack have been running the place for years. Drop by and browse; this is not like any pawn shop you've ever been in.

Sammy's in midtown is one of our favorite spots to go dancing (we were there last weekend). We've heard the buzz on the Spazzmatics, but we always go on Friday or Saturday to see Faye Robinson and the Mid City Players. Excellent band, cool crowd, great atmosphere, and even easy parking. We'll check out Sammie's new place, but we have no plans to stop going to Sammy's.

If you're in Midtown, you're about 10 minutes from Thelma's, one of the best BBQ joints in Houston. Give 'em a try, and I doubt you'll be going back to McLuling's any time soon.

IMO the Chronicle is a perfect example of why newspapers in America are failing. Any bozo with a web site can republish AP stories these days. If the Chron doesn't do original reporting, it's worthless. We're in the fourth largest city in the country, and the heart of the world petrochemical industry. Why can't we have a first-class newsroom? The "neighborhood" sections are pretty good, and allow someone to get truly local news. That's a plus. The reader blogs make me cringe. They range from fair to dreadful. If you find a journalist with a Houston bent in the blogosphere, hire him and put him on staff. Without a good editor, what's the advantage over a generic web site? (I base my comments on the chron.com web site. Does anyone actually read the dead tree edition?) P.S. I am really tired of the weekly litter that appears in my driveway, tossed from their van. I don't ask for it, and I don't want it.

City Market in Luling is one of the best BBQ joints on the planet. I think their pork ribs are the best anywhere. If you drive to San Antonio, it's worth the 5-minute drive up Hwy 183. Luling City Market here is slightly-better-than-average city BBQ. In other words, nothing special at all. I'd rate it slightly above Pappas but well below Goode.

I remember that article... it came a couple of years after we discussed the topic on houston.eats.

Last time I was in Luling, at the real City Market, I asked 'em if they were involved with Luling City Market in Houston. The short answer: No. The long answer: Not printable in a family forum. Ever since then I've refused to patronize these establishments. Why trade on someone else's reputation?

I didn't -- what's the URL?

Rick Astley Avenue. Try explaining that to the grandkids.

We went to this place all the time when I was a kid. Great fried shrimp. Oddly, I heard recently that this wasn't associated with the "real" Christie's.

Great game last night (we had wonderful seats, right by third base, four rows back). We were loving the offense -- it's been forever since I've watched an Astros team that could hit the ball. And the baserunning was excellent as well; they took risks that payed off, which is another thing I don't remember seeing in the past. Looks like 2008 may be a fun year. I like what I'm seeing so far.

Good suggestions. We went to Joe's a couple of times, but had a feeling they wouldn't make it. It was OK, but we weren't compelled to return. The Grotto isn't bad, but I can't avoid comparing it to how the Grotto used to be when Tony Vallone owned it, or how good his son's Amici is... in Sugar Land's Town Square. I agree that our Grotto is a bit too expensive for what you get.

That's not an issue in our Indian Springs neighborhood. Our Life Forms house appreciated 9.5% on the tax appraisal we just received.

One thing that we've yet to find is a really good Italian place out here. Amerigo's has gone WAY downhill, and is coasting on its reputation. Sweet Bella on Sawdust had promise, but (IMO) the food and service just aren't up to par. Pallotta's is mediocre. The chains are, well, chains: Olive Garden, Macaroni Grill, Carrabba's, etc. The best we've found is Grazi, on 2920 about a half mile west of Kuykendahl. It's not real close, but it's where we end up going lately when we're in the mood for Italian. Suggestions?

I went to Pier 21 with my parents regularly; it was "their" seafood place. Jackie was our waitress. The Polynesian doesn't ring a bell, although we did frequent Albert Gee's PolyAsian on S. Main.

Best Hamburger in town- Farrago's Best Milkshake- 59 Diner Best Pizza in Town (Chicago style, New York style, any other style)- No truly outstanding pizza in Houston Best Chinese Food in town- Daniel Wong's Kitchen Best Sushi- Uptown Sushi Best Barbecue- Thelma's Best Seafood- Fried Shrimp at Cap'n Benny's Best French- Bistro Provence Best 5 Star- Tony's Best Steak- Akaushi at Tony's. But it ain't cheap.

We live in Trace Creek, and love the neighborhood. Safe, quiet streets, lots of kids in the age group you mentioned. I really love Lifeforms; a pity they went out of business. Treehouse is what Lifeforms called the homes with the primary living areas upstairs. Our house has the living room, dining room, kitchen, breakfast room, office, master suite, and sunroom upstairs. Downstairs is the den and the other three bedrooms.