just in time for valentine's

Beloved Houston bakery and home for sweet treats opens in The Woodlands

Residents of The Woodlands have a new destination for sweet treats — just in time for Valentine’s Day. Dessert Gallery has opened its second Houston-area location in The Woodlands Waterway.

First announced last year, Located in the new Dessert Gallery occupies a former Nestle Toll House Cafe (25 Waterway Ave.). The intimate, 1,150-square-foot space offers indoor seating for 12 along with an 8-seat outdoor patio. As with the bakery’s Upper Kirby location, the interior features purple and turquoise throughout.

The new location features all of the same desserts as the inner loop outpost, including cakes, cookies, and pies. Some of Dessert Gallery’s most popular items include tres leches, the Old-Fashioned Diner Cake, Billionaire Brownies, and French silk pie with an Oreo crust.

“We are so excited to officially open The Woodlands location of Dessert Gallery,” Dessert Gallery owner Sara Brook said in a statement. “We have been creating sweet memories with the Houston community for nearly 30 years, and expanding into The Woodlands was the natural next step. We are so lucky to have found a great location that’s close to staples like The Woodlands Waterway Marriott Hotel & Convention Center, The Westin at The Woodlands, Cinemark movie theater and Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion, and we look forward to being part of The Woodlands community.”

As Brook notes, she founded Dessert Gallery almost 30 years ago in 1995, but her roots go back even farther. In 1983, she opened The Executive Sweet out of her parents house. It evolved into Sara Brooks Desserts in 1988.

In an appearance last year on CultureMap’s “What’s Eric Eating” podcast, Brook discussed how the classic nature of her desserts has contributed to Dessert Gallery’s success.

“There have been times in my 40-year career when there have been different trends that come and go with things flying out of a dessert or all sorts of weird accessories. They’re fun to look at or order once, but it’s not something you’d want again,” Brook said. “You want the thing that reminds you of what your grandma made for your birthday. Those are the things that inspire memories and good feelings.”

Photo by Dylan McEwan

Sara Brook founded Dessert Gallery in 1995.

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blinded with science

New York's science-themed holiday bar shakes up the Museum District

Courtesy of Drunken Lab

Conduct holiday-themed science experiments at the LIT-Mas Spectacular.

A taste of Manhattan has made its way to Houston with the immersive LIT-Mas Spectacular holiday pop-up. From now until January 12, Houstonians can discover the hype behind New York City’s The Drunken Lab that's known for its unique blend of science and cocktails.

This pop-up marks the first expansion for The Drunken Lab’s parent company, Science and Sip, a concept created to make science accessible and unforgettable. Attendees can dive into holiday-themed science experiments — including explosive endothermic reactions — while enjoying festive cocktails in a winter wonderland setting enhanced with a live DJ. Appropriately, the pop-up is located in the Museum District at 4715 Main Street.

“Houston was the perfect next step for Science and Sip,” founder Cautney Nelson said in a statement. “The city’s vibrant culture, love of celebration, and ties to science through world-famous programs like NASA aligns beautifully with our mission to blend entertainment with discovery.”

Visitors enter a world filled with larger-than-life gingerbread decor and candy-inspired installations where light bulbs and laboratory flasks have been transformed into quirky beverage containers. Admission includes one cocktail or mocktail, a lab coat and goggles, and two to three science experiments. Add-ons like cocktail-filled ornament “Booze Balls” and Grinch-inspired pouches in festive red and green add an extra dose of holiday charm.

“We’re thrilled to host guests for an immersive holiday experience that merges festive fun with curiosity,” Nelson added. “With each pop-up, we aim to create a space where a great party and exploration come together, and we’re excited to see how Houston embraces The LIT-Mas Spectacular.”

A portion of the proceeds from LIT-Mas will benefit Millennial Scnce, a nonprofit founded by Nelson that provides students with accessible STEM resources and educational opportunities.

Tickets are available for Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, with showtimes at 2:30 pm, 6 pm, and 9 pm. Private party and group bookings are also available.

Courtesy of Drunken Lab

Conduct holiday-themed science experiments at the LIT-Mas Spectacular.

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