Cheers

It’s not always a pleasant surprise the  e-announcements you receive, but a couple of weeks ago I got an announcement that Charlie Prause would be playing at a Thursday social from 7 to 10 PM at a new neighborhood deli Sorelle. Sure, Charlie is such a talented musician. But it was extra special in that Charlie lived next door to John and I when we first moved to Houston in 1972.

Those were heady times in Houston. Houston was really starting to take off . . . and the Galleria was the big deal—the place to see and be seen. Charlie had an evening gig at the piano bar near the ice rink. A prime place, with mover and shaker customers . . .the Scanlans were regulars as well.

Charlie would preside at the baby grand piano, with his trio. It was big city, sophisticated and international.  But it was also a little like a very upscale Cheers bar with regular customers, but add more travelers and visitors. And Charlie always knew your name . . . or made you feel welcome if he didn’t. He has that extremely rare combination of a light touch on the piano, mellow cornet, good showmanship and a winning, hospitable personality.

Charlie moved on to the Petroleum Club so we hadn’t seen Charlie play for more than ten or fifteen years when he was playing at the San Luis in Galveston. And it was like Cheers again.  So as excited as we were about seeing Charlie, there’s always trepidation—will he still “have it?” We’ve all seen the faded musicians who aren’t bad . . . but they don’t quite “have it” anymore. Well, Charlie still “has it” and he was backed by a stand up bass player and drummer.

But the great thing, it was in the neighborhood . . . and it was packed to capacity. With “bring your own bottle” there was a lot of talking and laughing and tables pushed together.  And Charlie has a wide repertoire that encourages requests.

Good for the neighborhood and for Sorelle. It’s a colorful, clean “mom and pop put your life savings into a dream” with a wide variety of sandwiches, salads and dolci including Gelato and Italian Cream Cake, an Italian flair to the menu. (and look carefully in the picture above--that's fresh basil Venerando (he goes by Bennie) grows himself--and all the food is fresh from various Farmer's Markets).

They really need to charge a corking or decanting fee because it was a fun evening of laughter and high spirits. We’re always saying we want to see the corner of Cartwright and Cypress Point cleaned up. Well, the Venerando Gonzaleses have stepped up to the bat. They are open every day for lunch . . . and every day but Saturday and Sunday for dinner.  And talk about bringing cheer and value—there’s the social on Thursday night from 7 to 10 PM.  

Support your local retail merchants. Look for the ones bringing value to our neighborhoods and community. Who invests? Who is on committees? Who has their names on the shirts of the teams and school groups that support your kids and grandkids—various events? Make sure you patronize them too.

And what’s the TIRZ plan for Cartwright? Texas Parkway is coming along, so it’s time to start planning on Cartwright. Gone is the time that TIRZ #1 can be without focus, a plan, and private partners—if we want to see positive change, energy, and more cheer in Missouri City.

From Musings column in the 8/17/2011 Fort Bend Independent. 

More thoughts,  ideas and a menu!

It's amazing what a little imagination and entrepeneurship can bring to a neighborhood. Bennie took a property in San Antonio and his leadership turned a neighborhood around. Now in Missouri City neighbor Joan Fox got the word out . . . Charlie Prause was willing because he had his birthday party at Sorelle . . . and that's the kind of thing you can do and not spend an arm and a leg or have to clean house before or after!

Look at how clever and creative the interior is . . . now the owner of the center needs to follow through with a new awning he promised . . . Let's expect something . . . but be willing to give back ourselves. Let's support businesses that bring value and have a track record of believing in something everyone else has given up on!

You can bring your own bottle and glasses if you wish . . . It's time for some energy and good cheer in Missouri City . . .

And here's a menu with all the details. Download Sorelle Menu

The awning . . . Sorelle's awning isn't as bad as the rest of the center.

Can't understand why merchants aren't clamoring to move here! Bennie believes the owner will follow through eventually, because you see in the pictures above, it certainly doesn't reflect his A restarant rating for cleanliness by Missouri City or his sense of style and presentation.

Thanks to Jim Young for last two photos and the great photo of the crowd and the band (the second photo in the article, which was taken on 8-18-2011 and conveys the energy and fun of both events).

More good news. The owner has started repairs  (as of 8-18-2011) on the front of the building and promises the awning is next. We'll keep you up-to-date if and when it is finished!

Update . . . painting is done, awnings are almost complete . . . and signage is next. Click here to learn about the Sweet Celebration for the new Missouri City Recreation Center.

Comments

[Jim Young]

Hello Janice – How sweet it is to read your Musings concerning Bennie’s new Sorelle’s Deli at the corner of Cartwright Rd. and Cypress Point. Thank you for sharing your positive opinion of Sorelle’s Music, Food and Fun times we are having visiting with Quail Valley neighbors we have not seen or visited with in many year’s. Also as you know, Miss Iris’s live in Chef passed sway about 15 years ago and it is really nice to be able to drive 1 mile down Cypress Point to the Sorette’s Corner and eat one of Mr. Bennie’s Hot Meals. Janice thanks again and PRESS-ON. ---- Jim Young

[Janice]

Thanks Jim, I've had several personal emails where others have expressed the same sentiments . . . and how much they enjoyed getting to hear neighbors Charlie and Pat Prause as well as drummer Shawn Clark . . . let the good times roll!

[Janice]

PS. The stand up bass player who played the first session was terrific as well . . . someone send me his name!