Essentials is launching our two-part West University election coverage by offering the two mayoral and five council candidates — from which voters will choose four — a chance to introduce themselves, with responses on their background and qualifications and a 100-word-or-less statement on why they are running. The second part, appearing in our April edition and posted online, … [Read more...] about WEST U ELECTIONS/ The Candidates: Who they are, why they’re running

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Where being ‘down to earth’ is a matter of civic pride
Your guide to going ‘green’ in Bellaire and West U Focusing on the environment isn’t hard to do in Bellaire and West University this time of year. The temperatures are mild, trees are budding, azaleas and wildflowers are blooming (OK, yes — and the pollen is wafting). Earth Day on April 22 and the weeks leading up to it are full of outdoor events and special programs … [Read more...] about Where being ‘down to earth’ is a matter of civic pride
¡Salud! Round Top Tex-Mex favorite Mandito’s to open in Bellaire next week
A Round Top favorite will debut in Bellaire next week, with the owners of Mandito’s Tex-Mex announcing they will open their long-awaited 165-seat restaurant, bar and patio in Bellaire Town Center Thursday, April 13 — “elevated cuisine set against a casual backdrop.” The restaurant, 5101 Bellaire Blvd., boasts both traditional Tex-Mex favorites and a plant-based menu, seasonal … [Read more...] about ¡Salud! Round Top Tex-Mex favorite Mandito’s to open in Bellaire next week
Barnes & Noble opening new chapter at Weslayan Plaza
By Charlotte Aguilar Many bibliophiles were skeptical whether Barnes & Noble — when announcing the closing of the 28-year location in Vanderbilt Square last year — was sincere about its posted request for help in finding a new location nearby. It was. Rip Reynolds, leasing agent for Weslayan Plaza, confirmed to Essentials Saturday that the store is reopening on the west … [Read more...] about Barnes & Noble opening new chapter at Weslayan Plaza
Blessing of Animals open today in Bellaire for fish, fowl, 4-legged friends
Bellaire United Methodist Church will host its 11th annual Blessing of the Animals from 1-3 p.m. today (Saturday, March 25) on its front lawn at 4417 Bellaire Blvd. Humans of all faiths can bring their friendly and properly controlled pets — everything from dogs and cats to hamsters, reptiles, birds and fish — to receive an individual blessing from a pastor. The moment … [Read more...] about Blessing of Animals open today in Bellaire for fish, fowl, 4-legged friends