Coffee gives many of us that boost of energy at the start of the day while, for others, coffee gets them through the mid-afternoon lull. The variety of coffee offerings and flavors though, ensures that we all have a delicious cup of Joe. Saturday, September 29th celebrates all things java and what better way to celebrate the day than to support one of the coffee shops in the Memorial District?
Fellini Cafe offers some wonderful gourmet coffees, from espressos to mochas. Enjoy a French pastry with your coffee at La Madeleine or maybe you’d prefer a crepe with your cappuccino at the Sweet Paris Crêperie? Or, would you rather earn more Starbucks stars? Not to worry, we’ve got two locations in the District.
If you want to enjoy your coffee over breakfast then check out our post on great breakfast locations in The District or head to our directory.
Whether you like your coffee strong like an espresso, chilled like an iced coffee, or black or with cream we hope you take a few minutes to stop and enjoy a good cup of coffee on International Coffee Day.
September is National Breakfast Month and we couldn’t be more excited! They say breakfast is the most important meal of the day and studies have shown that eating breakfast has several health benefits including providing fuel to get you through the day, helping control your blood sugar, improving your memory and concentration levels and even helping you maintain a healthy weight.
You don’t have to convince us about the goodness of a yummy breakfast. We’ll be celebrating the deliciousness all month long here in The District.
Think international with breakfast from France at La Madeleine or the Sweet Paris Crêperie then enjoy some Italian flavor with an espresso at Fellini Cafe. Make your officemates’ day by grabbing bagels for the whole office at Einstein Bros. Bagels or freshly baked pastries from Panera Bread.
If you are in a little less of a hurry, The District also has some restaurants that specialize in breakfast and brunch offerings. Choose from the classic Le Peep or The Egg & I or check out the new kid on the block, Snooze. All offer a great alternative to the traditional lunch.
Not a morning person? No problem. Denny’s serves you breakfast 24 hours of the day.
From crepes to waffles, from bagels to omelets, you won’t run out of options. Get a great start to your day with a great-tasting breakfast. For more information about restaurants in the District, visit our directory.
Notice to Property Owners in Harris County Municipal Management District #1 aka Memorial Management District.
The Memorial Management District is issuing a call for utility burial projects in accordance with its established term sheet (found below). Qualified projects could receive up to 60% reimbursement for actual construction costs. Interested property owners must respond to this notice by October 1, 2018 to be eligible for 2019 reimbursement. Please send your request and project description to:
Memorial Management District
Attn: Pat Walters
9821 Katy Freeway, Suite 180
Houston, TX 77024
patw@3.214.207.131
Term Sheet for Utility Burial Reimbursement Agreement
I. Call for Projects
a. At the end of each fiscal year, the Board will determine available funds for utility burial reimbursement projects for the following fiscal year. Based on the availability of funds and any outstanding reimbursement obligations, the Board will issue a request to all District property owners for application to the District for utility burial projects expected to be completed during the following fiscal year.
b. All applications must be submitted to the District within 30 days of the request issued by the Board.
c. Property owners must respond to the District's notice of award within 60 days indicating owner's intent to participate in the Program for the following fiscal year.
d. The Board will enter into a reimbursement agreement with applicants for reimbursement of up to sixty percent (60%) of the construction costs (not design costs) to bury overhead utility lines within the District, subject to all of the following criteria:
i. The overhead utilities to be relocated must be located within the boundaries of the District and adjacent to public streets.
ii. The overhead utilities must be relocated underground within either public street right-of-way or a utility easement.
iii. Reimbursement will be for out-of-pocket construction costs only (not design costs). Applicants will be required to provide the necessary easement(s) and design engineering at their sole cost and expense.
II. Allocation of Reimbursement
a. If the District enters into reimbursement agreements with more than one applicant in the first fiscal year, the Board will determine the allocation of available funds for reimbursement during the first year of the project's reimbursement period based on estimated reimbursable project costs.
b. In subsequent years, project owners which were not fully reimbursed for a utility burial reimbursement project in the prior fiscal year(s) will be reimbursed pro-rata in the same proportions prior to reimbursements being made for projects to be completed that fiscal year.
c. Any project which is the subject of a reimbursement agreement which is not completed during the fiscal year designated in such reimbursement agreement will be required to reapply for reimbursement during a future fiscal year.
III. Request for Reimbursement
a. Upon completion of a utility burial project, project owners must submit the following documentation for payment:
i. Summary of payment of eligible costs
ii. Proof of contractor payments and waivers of liens
iii. Evidence of project acceptance by applicable utility provider’s
b. A reimbursement audit will be prepared by the District's auditor prior to release of funds.
The summer may be wrapping up but the fun hasn’t stopped in the Memorial District. We are lucky to have not just one, not two, but three great open-air event spaces in the District that offer year-round activities for the whole family including boot camps, concerts, festivals and fireworks. The Memorial District is THE place for fun events and great entertainment.
At Memorial City Mall, The Square is a outdoor green space located on the west end of the mall. With a 28' X 14' high-definition video screen, the space hosts unique events such as puppet shows, high-flying circus groups, country and western dances, movies and museum Mondays.
Another mall open space is The Lawn, located off I-10 and Bunker Hill. The newly opened space is almost double the size of The Square. The area hosts a variety of family-friendly events and activities including weekly music entertainment, lawn games, festivals and fitness classes.
Last but not least is CityCentre’s Plaza, a beautifully designed green space in the heart of the center surrounded by great places to eat and shop. Bring the kids to parachute play, take some time for yourself and join a yoga class or bring friends and enjoy a live concert. Be sure to come back for the various art festivals and holiday events.
As you can see, all the entertainment you need is right here in the Memorial District. See you at the next event!
Visit our calendar for more detail.
Altar'd State is an energetic fashion boutique that offers a distinctive shopping experience for women interested in the latest fashion finds, the most anticipated accessories and that next great gift. Whether she is 16 or 60, the common thread is her desire to share her personality through stylish, comfortable, on-trend clothes, shoes and accessories. Altar'd State guests can enjoy supporting an organization that promotes confidence, civic involvement and positivity through its merchandise and philosophy of giving back. Altar'd State more than a store, it's a movement.
This fall, the on-trend fashion lends to the romantic side with floral and crochet/lace with a bohemian flare. Plaid, denim and looking effortlessly chic are definitely in style this fall; these looks provide a more casual look. Women will fall in love with our soft colors in knot front sweaters, open back and eyelash cardigans – layering is a must this fall with our kimonos, cardigan sweaters, and plaids. Stylists offer individualized service whether it’s help to find a single piece or build a whole outfit.
Altar'd State began with a mission to fill the gap in the retail industry and change the world for the better. We started with one store in Knoxville, Tennessee, but learned and adapted into the nearly 100 stores today. We are constantly inspired by the idea of improving the self-esteem and self-image of our customer and creating a movement to stand out, for good.
Altar’d State seeks to inspire through action and supports a mission of standing out for good in the world. From day one, Altar’d State has pioneered connecting retail with goodwill through efforts ranging from donations in local communities, offering a generous volunteer program for employees, and funding child-focused, global initiatives that support social development efforts in underserved areas in Peru. Altar’d State is a globally-minded company that is dedicated to creating not only a unique retail environment that is inspiring and uplifting, but also giving back to the world around us through philanthropic efforts of every kind.
You don’t have to go inside the Loop to enjoy great theater. In fact, you don’t even have to venture outside of our very own Memorial District. Founded in 1956, The Queensbury Theatre offers exceptional productions featuring local talent. Much like the Memorial District area, the theatre has grown throughout the years and most recently, moved into a state-of-the-art facility that houses both a 250 seat proscenium theatre and a 100 seat black box theatre.
“We are very excited to announce our 2018/19 Mainstage Season, and we hope you will join us at Queensbury for these four high-quality, professional, and affordable musicals which will feature all local talent,” said, Marley Singletary, Producing Executive Director. “Our lineup includes one blockbuster title, two musical theatre favorites, and one world premiere. Dedicated to telling meaningful stories on our stage, each show tells the story of the human experience. Whether you have heard of the titles before or are discovering them for the first time, we invite you to experience something new at Queensbury Theatre.
Check out their upcoming season below which offers something for everyone and subscribe for the whole season or purchase individual tickets online:
Violet – September 6-23, 2018
Inspired by the short story, The Ugliest Pilgrim by Doris Betts, “Violet” is multi-award-winning musical that follows a scarred woman who embarks on a cross-country bus trip to be healed by a minister, discovering the true meaning of beauty along the way. Featuring show-stopping anthems, ranging from American-roots to folk to gospel, Violet has been astounding audiences since 1997.
Elf the Musical – December 6-23, 2018
A holiday tradition for many theater lovers, “Elf the Musical” follows the story of Buddy, a would-be elf raised by Santa unaware that he is actually a human, as he embarks on a journey to New York City to find his birth father and discover his true identity. Now, “Elf” is a modern day holiday classic that is sure to make everyone embrace their inner elf.
For Tonight – February 7-24, 2019 (World Premier)
An enchanting story of a family, love and embracing the unknown, "For Tonight" - inspired by the author’s great-great-great grandfather’s journals - is magically recounted by a band of Romani musicians. Through a riveting indie-rock/folk score, "For Tonight" explores the indelible power of home.
Side Show – March 28-April 14, 2019
Based on the true story of Siamese twins Violet and Daisy Hilton and told almost entirely in song, “Side Show” is a moving portrait of two women joined at the hip who became stars during the Depression. With a completely reworked plot and new songs, this 2014 revival delves deeper into the back story of the Hilton twins.
The Memorial District proudly thanks MetroNational’s President, Jason Johnson, for helping raise part of the over $260,000 recently donated to the Fire Fighters Foundation of Houston. The funds were used to purchase much needed emergency equipment for the Houston Fire Department including several rescue boats and trailers, and two high-water vehicles for rescues and evacuation, in preparation for the 2018 hurricane season.
“We are grateful for all of the tireless work from our firefighters and first responders during Hurricane Harvey,” said Johnson. “MetroNational is honored to donate these funds to such a deserving group of men and women.”
As Houstonians, we all know someone or were ourselves personally affected by the various flooding disasters our city has had to face recently. This show of support by local community leaders like MetroNational exemplifies what makes us #HoustonStrong and why we are proud to call Houston home.
“The generosity of private citizens and corporations through the Foundation has certainly helped to save the lives of citizens as well as our brave men and women fire fighters,” Houston Fire Chief Sam Peña, said. Learn more about the Fire Fighters Foundation of Houston and how you can support their efforts.
Are you ready to transform your body, unleash your inner power and boost your confidence sky-high in a safe, smart and personal workout environment?
Then you’ll want to check out The Bar Method Houston - Memorial, the District’s newest fitness provider. Located at 12850 Memorial Drive, Suite 1135, in Town and Country Village (above Zoe’s), The Bar Method offers a personalized workout like no other.
Owner Dana Abramovitz started working out at The Bar Method in 2012 because she wanted to go beyond her running routine and change her body shape in a challenging and supportive environment.
“The method works, and the exercises are transformative,” Abramovitz said. “The Bar Method exercises are designed with physical therapists to build strength in the form of long, lean muscles through low impact, high-intensity movements and we include active stretching in between each segment - so it's like a cross between HIIT (High Intensity Interval Training) with Pilates and Yoga. In one hour you work and stretch every muscle group surrounded by your "Bar friends" and leave class feeling amazing.”
Bar Method is designed to work for every body because there are modifications and adjustments that can be made to make sure each person is working the right muscle group targeted by the particular exercise. It's low impact so Abramovitz's 70-year-old mother can do it, and intense enough to provide a cardio workout to even the most conditioned athlete.
Abramovitz plans to hold a grand opening celebration in September when the studio is fully ready for students. In the meantime, free classes are being offered at two nearby locations:
Cornerstone Academy on Westview Drive and The Domain at City Centre.
Find out more:
Houston Restaurant Weeks is back this year starting August 1st and, as in the past, the Memorial District has an impressive list of participating restaurants. The event benefits a wonderful local cause, the Houston Food Bank, which distributes 83 million nutritious meals and feeds 800,000 individuals each year throughout the southeast Texas region.
For each gourmet meal you enjoy, a portion of the funds helps to feed those in need in our community. The menus are also often a wonderful value so it's a great way to treat yourself. Make it a romantic date or use it as an excuse to get together with friends. The event will take place for a month so you can pick a restaurant or two per week and enjoy a culinary adventure right here in the Memorial District.
Memorial District restaurants confirmed for 2018. Check the website to see the special menus offered during this time.
This summer, treat yourself to some much deserved rest and relaxation without the hassle of airport security lines or spending hours in a car by planning a “staycation” right here in the Memorial District.
The first step is choosing luxurious accommodations at one of the many hotels in the area. Don’t want your pooch to be left behind? They can join you at the stylish Hotel ZaZa. Making it a fun-filled family vacation? Enjoy a kitchen in each suite or grill dinner on the on-site gazebo grill at the Candlewood Suites. Want to be connected to Memorial City Mall and all the fun and shopping it offers? Stay at the Westin Memorial City. Or are you looking for a romantic or relaxing getaway? The Hotel Sorella has several packages from which to choose. They've also generously offered our readers the opportunity to win a one-night stay at the hotel! Simply like and comment “I want a staycation” by August 5, 2018, on the associated Memorial District’s Facebook post and you'll be entered to win a free night at the Hotel Sorella.
Next is the hard part - choosing what to do! With so many options there is definitely something for everyone. Grab some ice skates and head to the rink at Memorial City Mall, catch the latest blockbuster and a meal at the Studio Movie Grill or practice your bowling skills at Bowl & Barrel.
If you want to take it a little slower then book a spa appointment at Beautique Day Spa or a mani/pedi at Bora Bora Pedi-Spa Nails. Don’t forget to check the event calendars for The Square at Memorial City and the Plaza at CityCentre where live music and other summer activities are on the schedule throughout the day and evening.
Of course, be sure to leave some time to go shopping at Memorial City Mall or stroll around the walkable CityCentre. Take a break and cool off with a chilled wine at The Tasting Room or satiate your sweet tooth with a macaron at Sweet. Wrap the evening up one of the many bars and pubs in the areas like The Yard House.
Whether it’s a short one-night staycation or a multi-day vacation, The Memorial District has plenty of things to do right here in your own backyard. So what will your plans be?
I scream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream! July is National Ice Cream month and there are plenty of places in the Memorial District where you can grab a cone to celebrate. Ice Cream Month was established by the American Dairy association in conjunction with President Ronald Reagan and Walter Dee Huddleston, a Senator from Kentucky.
If you are out shopping at Memorial City Mall, you can pick from Yogurtland, Marble Slab Creamery, TCBY or try a popsicle at Popfancy Pops.
At CityCentre you can choose between refreshing gelato while you grab a coffee at Fellini Gelato & Café or self-serve frozen yogurt at Red Mango.
There are more options in the Memorial District like Orange Leaf Frozen Yogurt. And Creamistry ups the ante on the ice cream experience by offering made to order liquid nitrogen ice cream.
Here’s to National Ice Cream Month. We think every month should be Ice Cream month.
There are so many great ways to celebrate the 4th of July in the Memorial District, we may try to do them all!
At Memorial City Mall, the Fourth of July celebrations start at 1 p.m. with the Snow & Ice Celebration at The Square, continue on The Lawn with the Waterworks Spectacular (bring your swimsuit) and wrap up with the Stars & Stripes tribute. Want to see fireworks? CityCentre is the spot for an evening of live music and a 15-minute fireworks spectacular!
Prefer to stay close to home and celebrate in your own backyard? Then head to the Memorial District’s H.E.B. or Randall's for all of your grilling needs!