santé, french gourmet!

Cherished River Oaks French bakery marks 50th anniversary milestone with modern new look

A River Oaks staple for French breads, pastries, and other sweets has a fresh new look. French Gourmet Bakery is celebrating its 50th anniversary with a comprehensive set of renovations to its location at 2250 Westheimer Rd.

Founded in 1973 by pastry chef Patrice Ramain and his wife Mary, French Gourmet Bakery features family recipes from Ramain’s parents, which were passed down to him during his childhood in France. Fast forward to now, when Mary, along with her daughter Lauren Ramain Montgomery, refreshed the bakery’s look.

“We wanted to add modern design elements while retaining the timeless feel of the space,” Montgomery said in a statement. “Mom incorporated feng shui principles and created the color palette, while I focused on implementing modern furnishings.”

Changes include marble-topped tables with wicker chairs and a lotus flower chandelier. Diners will also notice pops up teal and orange.

Thankfully, the contents of the pastry cases remain the same. That starts with breads such as Tuscan Wheat, Country French Loaf, baguettes, croissants, and dinner rolls. Those looking for something sweet will find eclairs, cupcakes, cookies, cakes, and more.

French Gourmet Bakery is also known for its seasonal specials. For Mardi Gras season, that makes both New Orleans and French-style king cakes. Throughout the year, the bakery prepares other holiday favorites such as 3-D Easter egg cakes, Thanksgiving pies, and Bûche de Noël for Christmas.

In addition to grab-and-go baked goods, French Gourmet serves breakfast and lunch. Start a morning with a quiche, kolache, or coffee cake. Lunch consists of a three-course, $15 prix fixe that includes choice of quiche or sandwich plus Caesar salad, coffee or tea, and a slice of cake.

“What sets us apart is our fresh products, beautiful presentation and our outstanding customer service,” Montgomery said. “Everything is baked fresh the same day it is served. It’s all about the little details.”

Photo by Jenn Duncan

Start breakfast with a pastry and coffee.

switcheroo

2-acre Houston patio bar rebrands with new name and family-friendly menu

Photo by Sean Rainer

The bar's patio includes 10,000-square-feet of turf.

A bar in Houston’s Near Northside neighborhood is switching things up with a new name and revised menu. Effectively immediately, Woodland Social is now known as White Oak Social.

Simply put, the new name is designed to end confusion about the bar’s location, which many people assumed was in The Woodlands. In fact, it’s located next to popular concert venue White Oak Music Hall, which is reflected in the new name.

“We wanted a name that truly represented where we are and the community we serve,” the bar’s owners said in a statement. “Many guests thought we were located in The Woodlands, so renaming the business to White Oak Social makes our location clear and aligns our brand with the neighborhood we love.”

Along with the new name comes a few improvements. They include an outdoor playground that’s designed to appeal to area families, many of whom are already regulars.

In addition, the restaurant has broadened its menu. While pizzas still remain, White Oak Social now offers burgers, chicken tenders, more entrees, and a kids menu. An all-new brunch menu includes updated cocktails and more options for kids.

Piper’s Hospitality Group (Preslee’s Southern Good Eatery) opened Woodland Social in 2024. Originally named for the Woodland Heights neighborhood, the two-acre property has an 8,000-square-foot main bar area, a 15,000-square-foot outdoor patio that includes 10,000-square-feet of turf, and more than 100 parking spaces.

“We’re excited for this next chapter,” the group said. “The new name, the expanded menu, and the playground show our commitment to being a neighborhood gathering place for all ages.”

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