upping the lower

Bustling Lower Heights mixed-use development adds breakfast, healthy fare, spas, and more

Familiar names are coming to the development.

Courtesy of Lower Heights District

A Heights-area mixed-use development is expanding with new restaurant and retail tenants. Gulf Coast Commercial Group has signed the new arrivals to the Lower Heights District, the 24-acre, Kroger and Home Depot-anchored development that's located just south of the Heights near the intersection of Studemont and I-10 .

Leading the list is Flat Top Grill, which is scheduled to open in December. Part of the Dallas-based Mongolian Concepts Restaurant Group (Genghis Grill), the restaurant provides diners with the ability to build-their-own meals from more than 80 ingredients, including vegetables, scratch-made sauces, proteins, and spices. The flexible menu caters to those seeking keto, low carb, gluten-free, vegan, and vegetarian options. Diners can pair their creations with cocktails, beer, or wine.

The development recently welcome the ninth Houston-area location of brunch concept First Watch. Known for signature items like lemon-ricotta pancakes, superfood kale salad, and million dollar bacon, the restaurant serves breakfast, brunch, and lunch daily. An extensive beverage program includes juices, coffee, and cocktails.

Also new to the development is Houston’s first Scissors & Scotch. The men’s grooming concept pairs haircuts and beard trims with a cocktail lounge. Regulars sign up for memberships that bring discounts on services and other perks.

Finally, local favorites Thrive Drip Spa and Salon Lofts will also open new locations at the development. Slated to open in early 2023, Thrive, which offers IV vitamin infusion therapy, will occupy a 2,000-square-foot space. Salon Lofts will occupy more than 5,100-square-feet when it opens in February or March 2023.

“We’re excited to continue expanding the mix of premium dining, retail and service offerings at Lower Heights District, which is ideally positioned to serve businesses and residents in and along the adjacent First Ward Arts District, Washington Corridor and The Heights, which is linked to the project via a hike and bike trail extension,” Gulf Coast vice president of leasing Danny Miller said in a statement.

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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.

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