on the case

Buzzworthy chocolate shop and bar sweetens up East End with booze-filled bites

A new chocolate shop is coming to the East End, and it’s doing something that’s a little different from every other Houston chocolatier.

CASE Chocolates will open later this spring at the Plant, the East End mixed-use development that’s home to James Beard Award-winning Thai restaurant Street to Kitchen, coffee shop Eden Plant Co., and Neighbors, a casual neighborhood bar that serves pizza and cocktails. The 900-square-feet location will serve as both a showroom for Case’s chocolates and a speakeasy-style bar.

Why a speakeasy? That’s what makes Case so special. Using a technique called Starch Casting, all of Case’s chocolates are filled with alcoholic spirits, cocktails, or a non-alcoholic equivalent. Currently, customers may purchase chocolates filled with rum, tequila, bourbon, or carajillo — the coffee cocktail that’s essentially an espresso martini for grownups.

Those looking for a more premium experience may opt for chocolates filled with whiskeys from the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection, widely considered to be some of the most coveted bourbons in America.

Photos by Dylan McEwan

The premium chocolates come in this cacao pod.

The speakeasy-style bar will offer chocolate and spirit tastings by reservation only. Customers will have the option of bar seating, booths, or tables.

Founder Casey McNeil is a UH Bauer College grad and serial entrepreneur. After getting bit by the chocolate bug, he traveled the world to find the right sources for Case’s chocolates, according to a release.

“Chocolates and spirits are a perfect pairing, but the only options have been sort of novelties. We’re changing that by creating unforgettably unique experiences and flavors that focus on the highest quality ingredients,” McNeil said in a statement. “Cacao is more nuanced than wine, and we want to emphasize the unique flavors that different origins offer. The journey gets more exciting when people see how those flavors pair with different spirits and cocktails. We’re redefining chocolate by creating new moments of ‘wow’ and joy.”

Although the storefront isn’t ready yet, Case is already selling chocolates online. It will also preview the speakeasy experience with a Valentine’s Day pop-up at Eden Plant Co. A few reservations are still available ($75 per person).

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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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