Bay Area Houston Magazine

Ange Mertens

By Ange Mertens

Sometimes we take for granted the things that surround us in our hometown. We fall victim to the proverbial “the grass is always greener”school of thought. With the allure of Houston nightlife, restaurants and style within reach some may be enticed to pursue those entertainment options from our neighbor to the north. In this new column I will be exploring the Bay Area for The Best of The Best in entertainment, food, and fashion.

Fashions from Dress Galaxy

Tis the season for prom dress shopping!  2018 prom trends have a lot of dresses representing the past with bold patterns and romantic blush tones. Off the shoulder designs are in, even better if there’s a ruffle. And two piece designs are once again hitting the runways. Mothers and daughters make the yearly trek to outstanding Houston stores like Muzzies. But did you know that right here in League City we have the designer of one of the most popular brands of prom dresses, Precious Formals? Ruby Ashraf has had her design studio and buyer show room on The Landing Boulevard for over 26 years. Just over a year ago she opened the new show room, named Dress Galaxy, to the public. You are not going to believe this store when you walk in , with the  New York style runway and the shear size and inventory of this place! The savvy prom shopper, pageant queen or socialite can find thousands of designer dresses in stock from size 00 to 30!

We may not attract Ozzy Osbourne or Rage Against the Machine at our local venues,  but in March you can see some great tribute bands at The Scout Bar on Egret Bay, that honor them. Bands like Damn the Torpedoes – a tribute to Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, and Green for a Day- a tribute to Green Day, play to sold out crowds almost weekly. The 80s experience band The Spazmatics, which will have you jumping up-and-down and singing at the top of your lungs by the end of the first set. This place is certainly worth a try.

The Spazmatics – Texas – The Ultimate New Wave 80s Show

Tucked away in a little strip center on Bay Area Boulevard is a local gem. This area is rich in history and history is what makes the Red Oak Café so special. After the loss of her beloved son Justin, Kim Oravetz and her family planted a red oak tree in  honor of Justin’s strength in size and of character.. Kim and her son Ian opened the Red Oak Café with their love for Justin and his larger than life personality and endearing quality at the

Heart. Everyone is family once they walk through the door and love is definitely served in their food. The Texas themed menu is more something you would find in a trendy restaurant in the hill country than in a strip center in League City. You can start your day off with The Big Breakfast, Kitchen Sink Quesadillas, Homemade Biscuits and Gravy or you can be adventurous and choose from close to 20 fresh toppings like raspberries, pumpkin, white chocolate chips, or Nutella to top your mouth watering stack of pancakes. Lunch is an Adventure of tasty dishes like Rio Grande Grilled Cheese made with three different cheeses, Granny Smith apple slices and crisp bacon that will make any grown up rethink grilled cheese. Chisholm Trail Chicken Pot Pie and Cow Poke Beef Stew are their twist on stick to your ribs favorites, but their Rustic Tarts are a surprising concoction of sweet and savory with a flaky crust filled with creamy egg custard, fresh poblano peppers, onions and zesty salsa Verde that will make your week!

Well the saying that was actually made famous in our South of Houston suburbs, “Houston We Have A Problem” is still true today because we are giving Houston a run for their money with the Best of The Best of the Bay Area!