The 03-18-23 Edition of The Heights Leader

TEA announces takeover of HISD

By Landan Kuhlmann landan@theleadernews.com

The state of Texas’ largest school district is now going to be under the state’s control.

On Wednesday, Texas Education Agency Commissioner Mike Morath announced that the state will be taking over Houston ISD, putting an end to a battle that has waged on for four years.

The efforts to enforce a takeover began in 2019, when TEA Commissioner Mike Morath began ef-

forts to replace the HISD board amidst allegations of board misconduct as well as nearly a decade of low academic performance at Wheatley High School. The district sued the TEA in 2020, and was

In full bloom

granted an injunction by a Travis County judge – which was later upheld by an appeals court. However, this past January, the Texas Supreme Court ruled in favor of the agency and threw out the injunction – clearing the way for the takeover.

Rumblings of the takeover began about two weeks ago, when Houston mayor Sylvester Turner dropped the bombshell during a city council meeting. And Wednes-

Baby girl killed in car crash near Acres Homes

By Landan Kuhlmann landan@theleadernews.com

Houston police have arrested and charged a man in connection with a car crash near Acres Homes last weekend that resulted in the death of a young girl and put two other children as well as another man in the hospital, according to the Houston Police Department.

Deadrian Baker, 33, has been charged with one count of murder and two counts of intoxication assault in connection with the crash, according to Harris County Court records. He remained in jail as of Tuesday, according to court records.

The young girl’s identity is pending an autopsy from the county’s medical examiner, according to the department.

Police say Baker was allegedly driving a black Honda Crosstour southbound at 8400 North Freeway near Acres Homes just after 10:30 p.m. last Sunday when he allegedly hit the concrete barrier and caused the car to roll over.

Two children, a 1-year-old girl and 3-year-old boy, were thrown from the car as it rolled, according to HPD. They were taken to local hospitals, police said, where the girl was pronounced dead.

Seven total people were in the car at the time of the crash, according to police – three adults and four children. Two other boys, ages 5 and 10, had minor injuries and were treated at local hospitals according to police, while a passenger – a man – was taken to an area hospital in critical condition.

Baker was detained at the scene and is alleged to have been intoxicated, according to police. He was out on a $40,000 bond on a previous charge of injury to a child under 15 at the time of the crash, according to court records.

Bayou City Art Festival is at Memorial Park next weekend

From Staff Reports

Next weekend, Memorial Park will be transformed into a tapestry of artwork displaying work from hundreds of artists all around the country.

From March 24-26, the South Picnic Loop at Memorial Park will host the annual Bayou City Art Festival courtesy of the Houstonbased Art Colony Association (ACA) as hundreds of artists from around the country showcase their work. The annual festival attracts at

We empower people to thrive.

least 20,000 attendees each year, according to the festival, and organizers say this year’s show is expected to do the same. The

featured artist for 2023 is Dewey

James, a mixed-media artist from Minneapolis, Minnesota

For more than 50 years, the

ACA has hosted the annual event as a way to showcase artists’ work as well as provide Houstonians a chance to see artists from around the country.

“As the nation’s premier spring outdoor art festival in the U.S., Bayou City Art Festival will provide patrons with the opportunity to personally meet artists, view original works, and purchase artwork from 19 art disciplines including world-class paintings,

Deadrian Baker

Mike Morath

Central Northwest house fire deemed accidental

By Landan Kuhlmann landan@theleadernews.com

A house fire in the Central Northwest area last week that caused about $50,000 worth of damage has been deemed unintentional, according to the Houston Fire Department.

There were no reported

injuries as a result of the fire, according to the department.

Crews from Stations 6, 13, 30, 31, and 50 responded to a house in the 1300 block of Sue Barnett Drive in the Central Northwest neighborhood at 6:19 p.m., HFD said, to find smoke and fire coming from an outdoor patio

with a fireplace attached. Crews were able to extinguish the fire and contain it to the patio, according to the fire department.

Arson investigators say wood was mistakenly burned in a fireplace that was designed only for gas, according to the department, and so the excessive heat caused the fire -

place’s internal flue and chimney supports on fire.

Investigators said the fire was unintentional and classified it as a “misuse of product or material. About $50,000 of damage was caused, the department said, though the department also said about $1.15 million in property was saved.

Fire at abandoned tire shop under investigation

By Landan Kuhlmann landan@theleadernews.com

Authorities are still trying to determine what led to a fire at an abandoned tire shop in the Northside/Northline area last week, according to the Houston Fire Depart -

ment.

Nobody was reported injured in the fire, according to the department.

According to HFD, crews from stations 58, 31, 34, and 30 responded to the tire shop at 9333 Fulton St. in the Northside/Northline area

just before 2:30 a.m. on March 7 to find fire and smoke coming from the one-story shop.

Crews were quickly able to put the fire out, according to the department, though the fire still caused an estimated $5,000 worth of damage

to the building according to HFD. Arson investigators are still working to determine the cause and origin of the fire, according to the department, and the investigation remains ongoing.

PUBLIC NOTICE: Plumbers Local Union No. 68 Community Improvement Fund, which is a 501(c)3 tax exempt charitable organization, is opening the fund’s records for public inspection at 502 Link Road in Houston, Texas. Interested parties may review the records during the hours of 1 p.m. – 4 p.m., Monday – Friday.

Baseball/softball roundup: Rams continue perfect start to season

By Landan Kuhlmann landan@theleadernews.com

The Waltrip Rams have been a perennial playoff team in recent seasons, having made the postseason every year for nearly two decades and winning three district titles over the past four seasons. But this season’s start is among the best in school history, and they continued it last week.

Last week, Waltrip swept through four District 19-5A games, taking two games from Northside on March 7 (7-1) and March 10 (13-1) before taking down Galena Park by a score of 3-0 on Monday and 1-0 on Tuesday to move to 14-0 overall on the season and 6-0 in district.

Nick Russell had one of the standout performances of the week for the Rams, throwing a complete-game shutout in the win against Galena Park on Monday. Russell struck out six hitters in the effort and walked just two while allowing just five hits.

The 13-game winning streak to start the season is the best start for Waltrip in the program’s history, and the Rams were looking to

continue their perfect start with another scheduled game against Galena Park on Tuesday night.

Elsewhere in public school action, the Heights Bulldogs went 3-2 at the Fort Bend ISD Tournament March 9-11 before taking down district rival Lamar on Monday to improve to 10-6 on the season and 3-0 in District 186A. Brady Pro had two hits and an RBI against Lamar, and also threw a complete game on the mound with five strikeouts.

Robert Robinson and Paul Smith had six hits (including four extra base hits) and six RBIs in the FBISD Tournament, while Brady Pro reached base in seven of 13 plate appearances.

Ethan Lopez had the standout pitching performance of the weekend for Heights, giving up just two runs in

6.2 innings in a loss to Katy Taylor.

The Booker T. Washington Eagles were also perfect last week, taking down Wheatley 11-1 on March 8 and 17-0 on March 11 before beating Yates 19-1 on Monday to move to 5-0 overall and in district competition.

In private school action, St. Pius X split a pair of games last week, beating Pasadena 8-0 on March 8 before dropping an 11-6 decision to Milby in extra innings. The Panthers (8-4) will next travel to Louisiana for the Lutcher Tournament Thursday through Sunday.

Softball

In public school action, the Heights Lady Bulldogs were victorious in their only game of the week, a 5-4 win over Westide on March 10. Hayley Jaime and Kennedy Hill notched a hit and RBI apiece for the Lady Bulldogs (16-2-1, 3-0) in the win, while Jaime also struck out 11 batters in a completegame effort in the circle.

Waltrip’s Lady Rams dropped a couple of tough games last week, losing 7-6 in eight innings to Galena Park on March 7 and dropping a 12-5 decision to

Splendora on March 10, but bounced back with a 16-0 win over Sharpstown on Monday. Cinthia Castillo hit for the cycle and had three RBIs for Waltrip (9-4, 6-1) in the loss to Galena Park, while Gabby Thomas-Brice added three hits of her own along with two RBIs.

Booker T. Washington’s Lady Eagles split two games

last week, losing 14-6 against Furr on March 8 before winning via forfeit by Yates in their scheduled March 11 game. The Lady Eagles are now 4-1 on the season and in district play.

On the private school side, St. Pius X’s Lady Panthers had a tough week, going 2-4 at the San Marcos Tournament March 9-11,

though they did also register a 13-7 win against Lutheran South Academy on March 7. Margo Kieschnick had a grand slam and five RBIs for SPX (16-9) against Lutheran South, while Brooke Landry and Jade Velez notched two hits and two RBIs apiece. Kennedy Flenner also had seven strikeouts in three innings in the circle.

Photo by Landan Kuhlmann

A Waltrip base runner leads off during a game of the Katy ISD Tournament at Cinco Ranch High School on Feb. 25. The Rams continued to roll early in the season, winning all four of their games last week to improve to

season

True Greatness

By Pastor Will Cover Arise Baptist Church

803 Curtin St. Houston TX 77018

713-659-9697 • www.arisebaptistchurch.org

Here we are at another rodeo season in Houston! We had a lot of fun with our family looking at the animals, visiting the booths, and watching the rodeo. It is amazing to watch the skill and ability of both the animals and the people that work with them. I am always astounded by the amount of organization and coordination that it must take to put on the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo every year. This is truly a massive community effort to pull off such a fun event for all ages. It takes many people working together to serve the many guests that come every day to visit the rodeo. Jesus Christ had a lot to say about serving others. In fact, when two of his disciples came to him, seeking positions of power and influence, Jesus taught them

a very important lesson about service. He told that that if they wanted to be great, they needed to serve. He said if they wanted to be in charge, they needed to be a servant to all.

Jesus gave us the greatest example of true service. He came to this earth not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many. Jesus served those who couldn’t serve him back and he served those who wouldn’t serve him back. He truly was the servant of all. I wonder, are you seeking greatness by trying to get other people to serve you, or are you following Christ’s example of greatness by serving others?

If you would like to discuss this further or have questions, Pastor Will Cover can be reached at Arise Baptist Church at 803 Curtin St., or www.arisebaptistchurch.org, or 713-659-9697.

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Baptist Temple / “Heights Church”

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Edward Crowell 713.628.2468

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Hymns and Hers.

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We are a church for the Heights.

Bible Study @10am | Worship @11am 230 W. 20th St.

Everyone is welcome at Heights Church. We are an exciting blend of old and new, and we warmly invite you to visit.

HHA hosting blood drive March 28

By Landan Kuhlmann landan@theleadernews.com

The Houston Heights Association will be hosting another blood drive in the area later this month as it continues to encourage neighbors to help others, according to the organization.

On March 28, the HHA will host its March blood drive from 10 a.m.2:30 p.m. at the historic Heights Fire Station, 107 W. 12th St. in the Heights.

The HHA began host -

1

ing blood drives in May 2020, and has continued to host a number of monthly drives over the last few years even as the area emerges from the pandemic.

It has become a hub of sorts for the Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center, which provides blood for 140 hospitals in 26 counties in the Houston region. Each donation can save three lives, because a pint of donated blood can be mined for plasma, platelets and red blood

day, the TEA said it has made its final decision.

“I have carefully reviewed the Texas Supreme Court’s opinion. I have also considered the information presented by the district during the previously granted formal review,” Morath said in a letter sent to the HISD board of trustees on Wednesday morning. “As a result of those deliberations, and to best support the students, teachers, parents, and school community of Houston ISD, I am appointing a Board of Managers to the district as an intervention action required by law.”

In the letter, Morath said the board and superintendent Millard House II will be replaced with a state-appointed board on two grounds. He cited one of the district’s campuses – Wheatley High School – receiving “unacceptable” academic performance

Bayou City from P. 1 prints, jewelry, sculptures and more at prices for everyone,” the organization said.

The show will also showcase the work of the top 30 students from the festival’s annual Middle School Art Competition, with an awards ceremony set to announce the top three winners as well as the People’s Choice Award on Sunday.

Among the festivities will be a Stella Artois Main Stage, a food truck park, a craft beer and wine garden, a scotch tasting, a fourhole mini putt-putt course, and more according to the organization.

Tickets are $20 for adults and $5 for children ages 6-12, while those under five years old will get in free. They can be bought on-

cells.

In order to register, those interested in donation can go to https:// www.facebook.com/ HoustonHeightsAssociation and scan the QR code on the flyer to sign up. All successful donors will receive a free e-gift card, the HHA said, as well as a general admission ticket to Big Rivers Waterpark and Adventures.

from 2011-2019, which he says requires the TEA to either close the campus or appoint a board of managers if it happens for at least five consecutive years. He also cited that the district has had a conservator assigned for more than two consecutive school years.

HISD Superintendent Millard House II issued a statement in response to the announcement Wednesday.

“I stepped into my role understanding the obstacles we faced as a district including a looming TEA intervention. My team and I remained focused on building a framework that prioritized a high quality educational experience supported by world class talent for all students,” he said.

“I am proud to say, in the last 19 months, we have already seen vast improvements. Because of the hard work of our students,

line at bayoucityartfestival.com.

A portion of the proceeds will go towards Houston nonprofits such as ArtReach, Fresh Arts, National Alliance on Mental Health Greater Houston, Second Servings, The Museum of Fine Arts Houston, and more.

Since its inception, the annual art festival has raised more than $3.7 million for local nonprofits according to the organization.

For more information on the festival, to buy tickets, or see the top 30 finalists from the Middle School Art Competition, visit the festival’s website at bayoucityartfestival.com.

teachers, and staff, we have lifted 40 of 50 schools off the D or F TEA accountability ratings list.”

And Wednesday’s announcement, House said, does not take away from the progress officials say the district has made over the last several years.

“I am confident our educators and staff will continue to do the necessary work to ensure positive student outcomes at every level.  For our students and families, it is education as usual, and the school year continues as normal,” he said.

In the letter, Morath cited the initial reasons for the initiation of efforts for a takeover under the previous board, which he said “did not focus on improving student outcomes.” And while several new board members have since been elected, he said that does not change the reasons the TEA believes a takeover is neces-

sary. “I recognize that several members of the board of trustees have been newly elected since 2019 and that current board members, individually and as a team, have tried to make progress since then,” he wrote. “I certainly commend the current board for voting last week to end its lawsuit against TEA, yet another indication that the current members of the board of trustees are trying to move forward for students. But prior academic performance issues continue to require action under state law.”

Morath said in the letter that the state-appointed Board of Managers and superintendent will be named later this year, and that they will keep the state apprised of the district’s status and performance.

“It is my sincere desire that the agency, the district, the board of

trustees, the board of managers, and the community work together in a cooperative and productive manner for the best interest of Houston ISD students during the current period of transition and throughout the period of the board of managers appointment,” he wrote.

And for House II, he said his only desire is to do what is in the best interests for the nearly 200,000 students and their families who are part of HISD’s 173 schools.

“As we wrap up this school year, my focus will be on working with our board of trustees and the TEA to ensure a smooth transition without disruption to our core mission of providing an exceptional educational experience for all students,” he said.

Takeover from P.

THE TOPICS. State hoops tournament a reminder of youth sports’ purity and unifying nature

By Landan Kuhlmann landan@theleadernews. com

Think about the purest, most unblemished thing you can imagine. Maybe it’s a baby’s smile and the innocence of a child, or maybe the sweet smell of your favorite food. It can be absolutely anything. For me, that thing is – and always will be –the unifying and cleansing nature of sports. If I wasn’t in school or doing homework as a young

child and teenager, I was on a court or field. Playing sports allowed me to take my mind off a fight with a friend, an upcoming test, or anything that was vexing or frustrating

me on that particular day or night.

And as I’ve gotten older, that feeling has only intensified. It grows with each high school football, baseball, basketball, and softball game or soccer match that I’ve covered since beginning my journey as a reporter nearly eight years ago. There’s something so unifying, inspiring, and pure about seeing these young men and women competing simply because they love the game – and about the support they receive

from the communities that they unite.

Last weekend, I had the privilege and honor of following the Booker T. Washington boys’ basketball team to the Alamodome in San Antonio as they embarked on their first trip to the state tournament as a member of the UIL. And though they would lose in the Class 4A final to Oak Cliff Faith Family Academy, the trip reminded me of something. It took me back to my days as a young athlete, and also to

Don’t fence me out

Ah, yes. Frolicking in the Gulf coast waters.

Sun, sand and sea gulls, and all for free because every Texan own those beaches and no one can stop us. But wait. State Sen. Mayes Middleton of Galves ton can stop us. He has intro duced Senate Bill 434 which would allow beach-front home owners to basically fence off their property for themselves. There is an as terisk to this proposed fenceoff. You can sue the home owner. Texas has more than 370 miles of coastline along the Gulf of Mexico. Granted, not all of it is snowy sand dunes and frothy waves. Blame the Mississippi River which daily dumps tons of mud into the west side of the Gulf while leaving Tampa & Co. pristine free. Indeed, six Galveston County beaches are listed as the most unsafe places to swim in Texas, per a water quality report released by Environment Texas. Every travel magazine and vacation website lists “the best beaches,” and Texas’ sandlots don’t rank very high, but be careful. One travel company recommends Reynisfjara Beach in Vik, Iceland.

“Come to sunny Iceland and enjoy the blistering climate!”

No doubt every Texan has visited our beaches at one time or another, and most Houstonians have gone to Galveston. Growing up in Dallas, my family made an annual trip to Galveston. We always stayed at the Jack Tar Hotel, which is long gone. Actually, much of Galveston has changed since then, which reminds me of a line spoken by Burt Lancaster as an aging small-time gangster in the movie, “Atlantic City.” From the Boardwalk, Lancaster looks at the waves and sighs, “You should have seen the Atlantic Ocean back then.” Well, you shudda seen the Gulf of Mexico before Rep. Middleton (of Galveston, no less), kicked you off the beaches. His idea is so draconian that even three former Texas Land Commissioners, David Dewhurst (Republican), Garry Mauro (Democrat) and Jerry Patterson (Republican) wrote a blistering op/ed piece to various Texas newspapers against tampering with our beaches. “If SB 434 passes, don’t be surprised if you show up at your favorite beach spot and you’re confronted with a fencedoff beach or ‘no trespassing’ signs,” the op-ed reads. The former land commissioners argued that Middleton’s bill would also hurt the General Land Office’s ability to maintain the coastline on land that’s open to the public. If the beaches become private property, there goes the landscaping. And the three amigos note, “beachfront property owners can’t claim ignorance of the public beach easement. Since 1986 they have received notice of the public beach easement in the documents they signed

Lynn ashby

needs help. In 1900, before the Galveston Storm, that island city was the biggest in Texas -- 37,789 people. Today it isn’t even the biggest in Galveston County. Galveston has 50,446 residents. League City has more than twice that: 115,747 residents.

Much of this dispute centers on the Texas’ Open Beaches Act, passed by the Legislature in 1959. The law is one of the strongest of its kind nationwide, guaranteeing public beach access. In 2009, 77 percent of Texas voters chose to enshrine the Open Beaches Act into the Texas Constitution. Three points about all of this bother me. First, what does Rep. Middleton know that we don’t know? Does he own beach front property or maybe his heavy campaign donors own some? Second, why now after all decades does he want to change a law approved by 77 percent of Texans? If it ain’t broke, don’t mess with Texas beaches.

Third, like you, I am opposed to almost any bill proposed by the Republicans in the Texas Legislature. Remember these are our duly elected (gag) lawmakers who are even now pushing to eliminate tenure in state universities, ban the teaching critical race theory and Daylight Saving Time. Our legislature leads all other lawmakers with at least 36 anti-LGBTQ bills. State Rep. Jared Patterson (R-Frisco), has filed a bill that would eliminate the City of Austin government and establish the District of Austin in its place. HB (House Bill) 436 would prevent parents from seeking appropriate medical care for a transgender child, while HB 643 would equate drag performances with strip clubs, which must collect a $5 per patron state tax.

One bill being considered would forbid state agencies from subscribing to newspapers and magazines while another bill would prevent universities from supporting nonprofit news organizations. A bill before the Senate would impose tight if not impossible restrictions on wind and solar facilities.

Remember Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick’s infamous bathroom bill he keeps pushing? It’s being re-introduced again. And we have the never-ending proposal for Texas to secede from the Union. We tried that once. Lawmakers, can you spell “Appomattox?” Prob-

ably not. Then, of course, there are those bills which forbid school libraries from allowing students to check out anything deemed as “obscene.” There goes the Bible. It contains all sorts of racy

Fencing off Texas’ beaches sounds too goofy, but it is being considered by the same group that wants to control women’s reproductive rights, take taxpayers’ money from public schools and give it to private schools. Hey, let’s put our money in Silicon Valley Bank. None of them seems to worry that, according to US News, Texas ranks 31st among the states in health care, 34th in education, 37th in crime and corrections and 40th in natural environment.

We, the beach-lovers and anyone else who likes to disobey their dermatologist and get a good case of sunburn, need to fight back. Move to Galveston and vote Rep. Middleton out of office. Jump in the Gulf near

Corpus Christi and swim off shore to Galveston. Bring your own beach. And remember that you can sue, so the next time you head to the beach, take along your kids, sunscreen, beer and, of course, your lawyer.

Ashby is sunning at ashby@comcast.net

what it meant to have the support of those around me. Whether it was my parents, my sister, or my school – that feeling as an athlete is second-to-none next to winning a championship.

What’s more, it served to remind me of the healing and unifying nature of sports. Booker T. Washington wasn’t just playing for themselves – they were playing for an entire school, and for the entire community in Houston. As I spoke with head coach Vincent Grayson and several players prior to the tournament, you could tell that they knew just how much the run meant to not just them, but their school and community.

With the turmoil regarding a takeover of the district - which was announced Wednesday morning - I feel like the Houston community as a whole needed something to rally behind. And they found it in this playoff run, and it showed in their support.

As I sat there along press row at floor level of the Alamodome and looked behind me and across the arena – especially Saturday night in the state title game – nearly every seat that

could be filled was filled. Barely an empty seat in the house. That was a continuation of the spirit shown just days earlier, when a contingent showed up to send the Eagles off to San Antonio.

All in all, it was an amazing weekend. And not just because I got to cover a state tournament for the first time in my reporting career – though that was certainly a thrill, and I am blessed beyond measure that The Leader gives me an opportunity to have such chances.

No, I’d mainly like to thank the Booker T. Washington Eagles boys’ basketball team, their coaches, and the community who supports them that we all hold most dear.

This past weekend, you all reminded me about the purity of youth sports, and about the unifying and healing nature I have always known they possessed – but can sometimes lose sight of in the hustle and bustle.

leader Puzzlers.

WORD SCRAMBLE

Columnist

Art Valet: Let your mind wander, on Heights Boulevard

Mitch cohen Art Columnist

Recently I’ve been thinking it might be time for a break, even a short one. A change of scenery is good for everyone and resets our creativity. Perhaps spring break has something to do with this? When I can’t get away I know little changes to our daily routines can help reset or rewire those neurons.

Sometimes those little needed breaks are just around the corner. Recently while driving Heights Boulevard I spotted tall, narrow mosaic sculptures on the esplanade in the 400 block. I follow True North sculpture project on Instagram, (@truenorthheightsblvd) and knew what I was looking at, yet I had to stop and see this up close. For the uninitiated, True North is a temporary outdoor public art installation on the Heights Blvd trail. This is the 10th year. To celebrate the anniversary and tenth instal lation, the organizers brought eight of the artists that previ ously created sculptures back for this special exhibition. There have been a total of 74 participants.

amored with, “Street Cred,” is by Marsha Dorsey-Outlaw, who built a sculpture titled ”Blood Relations” for True North’s fifth installation in 2018.

“Street Cred,” is eight “old style street post” depictions, in crossroad formation, made of multi-color glass and ceramic mosaic, Hardie and treated wood. Each post bears words

Photo from Facebook

“Street Cred” by Marsha Dorsey-Outlaw, in the 400 block of Heights Blvd.

Review: Triola’s Kitchen really brings it home

By Dan Greer For The Leader

Every once and a while you come across a place that is special. They check all the boxes. Triola’s may just be such a place.

From the moment you walk in the door, you see that they are a throwback to a different era. You are met with not just a smile, but a heartfelt greeting, like your Italian aunt that hasn’t seen you since your cousin’s wedding.

They were packed when we arrived. People were lined out the door when we left. There are reasons for the instant amore’ being lavished on this little place. The word of mouth and online adoration has been nearly nonstop since they recently opened. And it is well deserved. They have an impressive legacy in Houston via the much beloved Azzarelli’s, one of the first Italian restaurants in Houston.

We started off by looking over the options for appetizers. Our server, Arturo, must’ve sensed out inability to commit to an appetizer so he offered a genius solution. Get them all! Who were we to argue?

So we ordered multiple appetizers and expected them to come out in tiny serving plates scattered around the table. What we received was a cornucopia of the most artfully arranged servings you could imagine on a single enormous platter.

We made the right choices with the appetizers. The baked mozzarella with marinara sauce was amazingly flavorful. The calamari was lightly breaded, tender and delicious. The Shrimp Azzarelli consisted of large shrimp with roma tomatoes, basil,

garlic, radicchio on grilled bread. Absolutely delicious. The west wing of the platter was devoted to the pasta chips. They were covered in alfredo sauce, mozzarella, pepperoncini, tomatoes, red onions and tender chicken. Delightful. The crown jewel for me were Papa’s Mushrooms. They were stuffed with delicious veal and breadcrumbs and topped off with Fontina cheese and a lemon butter basil sauce.

I’m not kidding you when I say they are the best I’ve had. And just when you thought things couldn’t get any better, we courageously moved ahead with the entrees. We decided to go with family style shar-

ing. This became somewhat controversial when the time came to share my Osso Buco. My friend dutifully split his Chicken Triola in four sections. This little piece of engineering managed to stuff a chicken breast with delicious Italian sausage and mozzarella. It was topped with marsala sauce and served on sauteed spinach. Excellent.

My lovely dining partner opted for the grilled Salmon Matthew. It was an embarrassment of riches with added blueberry vinaigrette, lemon butter and balsamic glaze. Oh, and topped with bountiful, luscious crabmeat. The salmon was cooked perfectly and melted in your mouth.

The surprise of the night for us was the Seafood Lasagna. The surprise being we had no idea how much we would love this delicious interpretation of the classic dish. The layered pasta was stuffed with shrimp, crab and lobster. To put an exclamation point on it, they top it with pesto cream and – this is not a typo – lobster bisque. It was so rich and crazy good.

And finally my choice. The Osso Buco. My litmus test for Italian food. And this one was among the best I’ve tasted. The “cutwith-a-fork” tender veal shank was covered with a chianti reduction with delectable mushrooms, carrots, peas, red onion and roma tomatoes. It’s served on a bed of marsala risotto. The risotto just soaked up all the goodness of that sauce and marrow and, well, I hated the sharing idea at this point.

If you don’t like paying outrageous amounts for wine, you are in luck. They are BYOB with no corkage fee. I love this place and think you will too. Tell Chef Frank and the crew, “Ciao”. And get reservations while you can.

Triola’s Kitchen

Address: 4606 N. Main St.

Dining options: Dine-in, takeout

Hours: 11 a.m.-10 a.m. Wednesday through Friday; 5-10 p.m. Saturday

Entrée prices: $22 - $56

Kid-Friendly: Yes

Alcohol: BYOB

Healthy Options: Yes Star of the show: Osso Buco Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

By Landan Kuhlmann landan@theleadernews.com

A longstanding Heights bakery is closing its fullservice kitchen this weekend, according to the restaurant. Kraftsmen Baking & Café announced Wednesday that the bakery will cease the full-service menu at the Heights café location on Sunday, citing the impending end of its lease at 611 W. 22nd St. in the Heights.

However, the retail bakery store will remain open Tuesday through Saturday from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. with sales of breads, pastries, and other baked goods.

Originally founded by Tycer in 2001, a news release from the bakery said it was the first original artisan bakery in Houston, and has breads served at more than 200 restaurants in the Houston, Galveston and Austin areas.

“We will continue to serve our artisan breads to both retail customers and our wholesale accounts, and hope to share plans for our new location in the near future.  We very much enjoy the café portion and intend to jump back in when we can,” Tycer said in the release. “As to our employees, we will use our wholesale client list of restaurants to help them find employment. I would like

to thank all our wonderful customers who have supported us through the years.”

New barbecue spot, general store coming to Houston Farmers Market

According to a news release from MLB Capital Partners, construction is now underway on the second Houston area location of Henderson and Kane General Store. It is cur-

rently scheduled to open this spring, according to the release.

According to the market, Henderson and Kane will offer a full barbecue menu for customers as well as local goods and grocery options. This will be the second location in Houston for the store, with the original spot located at 715 Henderson Street in the Fourth Ward area. When it opens, it will join existing spots such as Crawfish and

Noodles and Underbelly Hospitality’s Wild Oats restaurant in the farmers market.

“We’re thrilled to continue diversifying the offerings at The Houston Farmers Market,” Todd Mason with MLB Capital Partners said in the news release.

“With a dynamic mix of curated local businesses, inspiring activations, and engaging programming, we are cultivating a sense of community our visitors

have come to love and appreciate.”

Bollo Woodfired Pizza now open at Stomping Grounds

A new pizza spot is now open at one of the area’s quickly-growing developments.

According to its website, Bollo Woodfired Pizza is now open at the Stomping Grounds development in Garden Oaks in the 1200 block of West 34th Street.

The pizza spot will be open to Stomping Grounds customers, and has a dozen different types of pizza as well as salads and desserts that will be available to-go and through various delivery services, according to its website.

For more information or to see a menu for the Stomping Grounds location, visit Bollo Woodfired Pizza’s website at bollohouston.com

Photo by Dan Greer

The appetizer sampler has a perfect pre-meal mix of options for all taste buds, and satisfied every food craving.

Photo by Heights Kraftsmen Baking and Cafe

Kraftsmen Baking and Cafe is ceasing full service at its Heights location, but the retail bakery store will remain open for purchases of breads, pastries, and more.

Photo by Michael Craft

Construction of barbecue spot and general store Henderson and Kane has begun at the Houston Farmers Market.

Photo by Dan Greer

The Osso Buco was the star of the show during the visit to Triola’s Kitchen in the Heights.