Great Pet Grooming with Connie’s Groom N Board
The precious puppy pictured here is Sugar, my one-eyed Maltese-Poodle, or “Malti-Poo”. She has two sisters: a Lhasa Apso named Madeleine and a beautiful white Husky named GiGi. You might guess that I love my canine daughters, and that like many dog lovers, I care very much about the treatment they receive. While medical treatment is of utmost importance, grooming is a constant battle as well. My white dogs get so dirty so fast and so badly (especially Sugar), that it takes patience and skill for a groomer to impress me. Read more
The Hidden Gym of Katy: Mary Jo Peckham Park Fitness Center
They say the best things in life are free… and that is certainly true when you consider all of the great things at Mary Jo Peckham Park Fitness Center, located right at the Avenue D and Franz Road juncture in Old Katy. The park itself is a mecca for Katy residents who live active lifestyles and enjoy the outdoors, featuring a stocked fishing pond surrounded by a jogging trail, a very large playground area, numerous picnic areas and a covered pavilion, a putt-putt golf course, and a fully-staffed gym and indoor pool facility. Oh, and did I mention it is completely free?
If you have yet to join a local health club, or are considering doing so, Mary Jo Peckham might be worth a visit. The gym facility has all of the essential workout equipment you would expect: Read more
H.B. Japanese Steak & Sushi
While a big night out at a hibachi grill is usually a planned ordeal, mine was not that sort of case when I visited H.B. Japanese Steak and Sushi for the very first time. Traveling down South Mason with my husband and pondering where we would eat for the millionth time is how we happened upon the brand new, enormous oriental-style building at 1235 South Mason Rd. Read more
Pat’s Katy Area Restaurant Reviews: Antonia’s and Bistro 829
One of my many interests is gourmet cooking and dining in restaurants that provide excellent food and service in appealing surroundings. I have above average culinary tastes and skills for a lay-person and a cookbook collection that would make the people at Harris County Library drool. Read more
∑antorini and Spalato Gelateria: A Night at the Villagio
The Villagio, right on Westheimer Parkway in Cinco Ranch, rivals the likes of La Centerra and other outdoor shopping centers, with the twist of locally owned occupants - always a plus in my book. This particular night, I visited ∑antorini (Santorini), a Greek restaurant at 22760 Westheimer Parkway, #350, and Spalato Gelateria, a crêperie and gelato ice cream parlor located at 22758 Westheimer Parkway, #200. Read more
Antonia’s Restaurant Cucina Italiana
Now, I know we use the term “gem” around OnlyKaty quite a bit, but I’m going to go ahead and hit this one running and say that Antonia’s Restaurant Cucina Italiana is a spectacular surprise. This Italian restaurant, bar, and lounge spites its less-than-flattering surroundings in the Katy Mills strip center, right next to our classy Walmart. Even with a misleadingly near-drab exterior, as soon as you walk in, you are pushed out of Katy and swiftly pulled into Northern Italy when you take your first bite! Read more
Katy Hardware: A Quaint Adventure
By: Mystery Teacher
I have unclogged many toilets without fanfare and moved on. Boy was I worried when my new state of the art plunger didn’t do the job. Who hasn’t heard the scary stories about plumbers costing more than lawyers? I was tipped off about an instrument called a snake, and further tipped to go down to Katy Hardware to get one. It so happens that Katy Hardware was closer to me than Walmart. Read more
Phở What? A Guide to Vietnamese Restaurants in Katy
Most have noticed the number of Vietnamese “Pho” restaurants popping up around Katy over the past few years. Some, like myself, have ventured out and tried a few, while others are afraid of what they do not know.
From Pho Mai to Pho Saigon and everything in between, you may be wondering if there’s a difference, or more simply, what the heck pho is. Pho can be a refreshing alternative to the “heavier” restaurants around Katy and if it hasn’t already, may easily become a new favorite of yours! Read more
Cool Café in Katy?!
Yeah… NO. I hate to bring down my hometown, but unless there’s some hidden Mecca of caffeinated goodness I just haven’t happened upon yet, Katy gets a big fat ‘F‘ in coffee shops. Maybe this rant will reach someone out there who can take my woes away, but at this moment, the pickin’s are slim.
While Starbucks and Dunn’s Bros. have their place and can even maybe serve some great coffee (I won’t get into that debate), they just don’t give off the vibe and comfort I’m looking for. Read more
Palma de Cera South American Restaurant on Mason Road
The Palma de Cera is not only the Columbian National Tree; it’s also an oh-so impressive Latin American Restaurant in Katy, Texas!
In order to quench my craving for South American food, my husband and I recently visited Palma de Cera Latin Cuisine. Even though I was sitting at 2004 South Mason Road in the Royal Montreal Plaza on a chilly night in Katy, my taste buds had been transported to a much warmer place. Read more
Review: Austin 300 Restaurant on 5th Street
For those of you who need brushing up on your Texas history, shame on you, but here you go: The Austin 300 were the original 300 families that Stephen F. Austin helped settle in Texas. While I could go on, I suggest visiting the Austin 300 Restaurant at 5415 5th Street in the heart of Katy and reading the insert in their menu to learn more.
Austin 300 pays homage to the original Texas colonists with historic décor including the “Come and Take It” flag and maps of our state as well as with absolutely outstanding food through their restaurant and catering. Read more
The Pink Magnolia and the Price You Pay
The Pink Magnolia in Old Town Katy has been an object of question for many passers-by for a few years now. The business wears many hats, offering an art gallery, small gift/art shop, a quaint tea bar, and a beautiful garden including a cabana that hosts weddings, receptions, and more. Located on Avenue A and being owned by a local, The Pink Magnolia seemed like it was the place for me right off the bat. Unfortunately, things took a turn. Read more
Review: El Jarrito Mexican Restaurant
By Mystery Teacher.
The headlines in the newspaper were pretty grim last Saturday. The banks have all failed and the apocalypse is eminent, but Katy residents were letting the good times roll at El Jarrito Mexican Restaurant near the Mason and Highland Knolls intersection. I was there with a friend because somebody said the food there was quite delicious. I usually go to Las Rosas or Los Cucos.
El Jarrito is a family owned business. Gildardo Leon, the owner, was once a waiter in Houston. He opened up his first restaurant in 1998. The current location, which opened in 2005, is in its own lovely building with a dome that looks like it belongs in Mexico. Inside, all of the furniture is handmade by Read more
Ooh La La Bakery: Best Dessert Boutique?
Just got word from Freckletown about the nomination of Katy’s own Ooh La La dessert bakery in the list for best Houston dessert place on CitySearch.com. This dessert boutique specializes in homemade jumbo cupcakes (the signature dessert), cakes, cookies, pies, pastries and more created by pastry chef Vanessa Newbill. The bakery also offers many specialty drinks and coffee, including espresso, lattes, cocoa, tea and smoothies. They have an outdoor patio, free Wi-Fi, and a drive-through… Just in case you need a jumbo cup cake on the run (who doesn’t?). Read more
Review: Fish City Grill at La Centerra
Fish City Grill recently opened up at La Centerra on Cinco Ranch Boulevard, and although they’re new to Katy, the owners certainly aren’t new to the seafood business. Having transformed from modest beginnings as a Dallas coffee bar and café to a big-time seafood chain spanning six states, this restaurant should make Texans proud. Expect to be greeted by an energetic and enthusiastic staff upon entering! Located in Building ‘S’ in the back left corner of the shopping center, Fish City Grill is a hidden gem worth seeking out. Read more
Dining Review: The Twisted Fig
Well, let’s hope that three times a charm for the Twisted Fig. This is the third restaurant in the exact location, but is far from being the exact same restaurant. It is just getting its legs beneath it but is up and going. It was called BJ’s Grill and Red River Grille. Now 20680 Westheimer Parkway is Twisted Fig. It is located near the corner of Westheimer Parkway and Fry Rd. next to CVS Pharmacy; even though the banner or sign is not present. This does not take away from some of the most delicious food I have ever eaten at this quaint wine and dine place. When Twisted Fig gets finished with their plans of drapes, décor and add-on bar; this place will be filled to the max. Read more
Open Your Mind, Soul, and Menu…
Ask a citizen of Katy what his or her favorite place to eat is, and I doubt it will take them long to answer. As a matter of fact, I’ll bet most would have a nice long list of favorite eateries (I know I do). As we all know, one thing Katy does not lack is a variety of great places to dine. However, I do find myself in the same old dining-rut time and time again. I have a huge problem with change. I almost never find myself in a new restaurant, much less ordering something other than “the usual” where I already go. I have a hunch that I’m not the only one out there in this sad situation. Read more
