The Regulation State?

TABC party fouls again: Wine.com prohibited from shipping to its Texas customers

The Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission has been famously frustrating to craft beer lovers, and has been making enemies of winos for years as it has continued its crackdown on Texas imports.

Most recently, state officials have partnered with shipping companies including FedEx and UPS to confiscate shipments being sent to Texans by websites that lack proper permits.

That sounds fair enough, but it's caused major retailers — including Wine.com — to cease sales to Texas buyers, deeming the state's regulations just too much a of hassle to be worth it.

Wine.com is exploring opening a Warehouse in Houston to better its chances for a state permit.

Wine.com sent its customers an email this month letting them know that the company had halted shipments to Texas completely.

As we've had to make clear in the past, the law blocking out-of-state wines from entering Texas isn't new, but the level of TABC enforcement is.

Wine.com CEO Rich Bergsund told the Austin American-Statesman that the company believes the situation to be temporary. "We are in active and productive discussions with the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission on how to resume service as soon as possible," he said.

Wine.com is also reportedly exploring opening a Warehouse in Houston to better its chances for a state permit.

Tell us: Do you ship hard-to-find wine to Texas, or do you just casually pick up your wine at the grocer?

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street food inspired

Veteran chef opens affordable new Thai restaurant in West Houston

A new restaurant serving Thai street food is opening in the Westchase District. Osha Thai Kitchen will begin serving customers on Tuesday, December 10.

Located in the West on West development (12230 Westheimer Rd.), Osha Thai Kitchen is the latest project from Saranya Danvetnukroh, who owns Nua Thai in downtown Houston. Named for the Thai word that means “delicious,” the restaurant takes inspiration from dishes served in street markets in different regions of Thailand as well as some items for those seeking more familiar flavors.

Meals at Osha could start with items such as crispy spring rolls, crab rangoon, or Thai chicken wings. Three papaya salads — traditional Thai, one with salted egg, and another that’s Lao style with salted crab — join chicken larb in the salads section.

Notably, Osha makes all of its noodles in-house. They’re utilized in dishes such as pad Thai, pad see ew, and pad woo sen. The restaurant also makes its curries in-house. They include red curry, green curry, and panang curry.

Part of Osha’s appeal will be its affordable prices. Only two entrees, crab fried rice and whole fried red snapper, cost more than $20.

Danvetnukroh has recruited sous chef Afridi Zama to lead the kitchen. His resume includes time with Pappas restaurant and at The Nicolette, a restaurant in Lubbock that earned a James Beard Award semifinalist nomination in 2022.

“This project is a culmination of dedication to our craft and creativity to elevate Thai cuisine,”

Danvetnukroh said in a statement. “It’s an homage to our roots and a celebration of our heritage in the modern age.”

West on West is home to number of food-related business. Its anchored by a 99 Ranch grocery store and includes restaurants such as cake bakery Lady M and Tokyo-based ramen shop Tsujita Artisan Noodle.

Photo by Becca Wright

Osha Thai Kitchen opens December 10.

openings news-you-can-eat osha thai kitchen