Foodie News

Chefs rally to help out owner of pie shop destroyed by post-Thanksgiving fire

Last week, a fire destroyed Houston restaurant My Dee Dee's Deli and Pie Shoppe. While the name of this Northside cafe may not be as widely well known as House of Pies or Flying Saucer Pie Company, anyone who's sampled the classic pies at Barbecue Inn can testify to My Dee Dee's deliciousness.

To make matters worse, owner Bella-Katharine Curtis's home, which was adjacent to the shop but not damaged by the fire, was burglarized the day after the fire in late November.

As Houston chefs heard about the damage and that Curtis hadn't insured the property, they sprang into action to help rebuild the local favorite. First, Kraftsmen Baking owner Scott Tycer donated a month of kitchen space to Curtis so that she can continue baking. To aid in the rebuilding, Fluff Bake Bar owner Rebecca Masson, Roost Bistro owner Kevin Naderi and Randy Evans of Haven joined forces to organize a benefit that will be held Saturday (Dec. 7) from 11:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. at Haven restaurant in Upper Kirby.

"It was heartbreaking to hear of Bella's shop burning down," Masson said in a statement. "She has been baking pies for over 22 years - they are a Houston institution."

But knowing that simply helping a business owner isn't always a way to attract a crowd, organizers are playing the ultimate trump card: really good barbecue. For the first time, Ronnie Killen will be selling his celebrated smoked meat inside the loop.

For $50, attendees will get a plate of Killen's barbecue and beer from local favorite St. Arnold. Even without paying, everyone is invited to attend to browse the bake sale and silent auction items put together by a who's who of Houston chefs including Chris Shepherd of Underbelly, Randy Evans of Haven, Kevin Naderi of Roost and pastry chefs Samantha Mendoza from Triniti, Johnny Wesley of Mr. Peeples, and former Textile chef Plinio Sandalio who's now at the AT&T Conference Center in Austin.

Looking for some pampering? A silent auction from the Hotel Zaza offers a one night’s stay for two in a “Mag 7” suite, dinner for two at the hotel's Monarch restaurant and a spa treatment for two.

Watch the video from KHOU below, in which Masson and Naderi discuss the fundraiser.

My Dee Dee's Pie Shoppe was destroyed by a fire on November 29.

My Dee Dee's Pie Shoppe fire November 2013

Photo courtesy of KHOU Houston Channel 11

My Dee Dee's Pie Shoppe was destroyed by a fire on November 29.

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need a hand?

Growing Houston sushi chain rolls into new Galleria-area development

Courtesy of Handies Douzo

Handies Douzo will brings its hand rolls to Uptown later this year.

A growing Houston hand roll restaurant has signed on to a new Galleria-area development. Handies Douzo is the fourth restaurant announced for Central Park Post Oak.

Opened in late 2019, Handies is known for wrapping its rolls in crispy seaweed that gives each bite a distinct crunch. The well-executed dishes and affordable prices helped Handies earn a nomination for Neighborhood Restaurant of the Year in the 2026 CultureMap Tastemaker Awards.

On track to open later this year, the Uptown location will be Handies Douzo’s fourth, joining its original in the Heights as well as restaurants in Montrose and Spring Branch. Like those siblings, it will serve Handies’ familiar menu of hand rolls (temaki), crudos, and sashimi that’s overseen by founding chefs and co-owners Daniel Lee and Patrick Pham.

Duckstache, the hospitality group behind Handies, is working with Houston’s Gin Design Group on the interior. Expect a slightly more upscale look than the restaurant’s other locations, with details such as matte black finishes and dark terrazzo to complement the 26-seat counter.

“We’re really intentional about the neighborhoods we choose and where we think Handies Douzo will feel like a natural fit,” Lee said in a statement. “Houston diners know what they like, and Uptown is such a vibrant, fast-growing area. Central Park Post Oak felt like the right match for our handroll experience and the way people in Houston live, work, and dine.”

Handies is the fourth restaurant that’s announced its plans to open at Central Park Post Oak. The others are:

Buck & Rider, an Arizona-based seafood restaurant known for its oyster bar and lively brunch
The Henry, the “ultimate neighborhood restaurant” from Flower Child owner Fox Restaurant Concepts
Sparrow Italia, an Italian steakhouse from Toca Madera owner Noble 33.

Announced last year, Central Park Post Oak will consist of three buildings with a combined 1.2 million square feet of office space separated by a three-acre lawn. Houston-based real estate development firm Midway, working with real estate investment firms 3Edgewood and Parkway, is developing the property. Construction is expected to be completed in the fall of 2026 with the restaurants openings to follow.

“Handies Douzo represents the kind of thoughtful, chef-driven hospitality we want at the heart of Central Park Post Oak,” Midway vice president Clayton Freels said. “Patrick, Daniel, and the Duckstache team have built a loyal following across Houston, and we are thrilled to help them extend that experience to Uptown in a way that feels authentic to both the brand and the neighborhood.”

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