Mercantile Opens in Montrose; Speed Rack Prep at Goro

OPENING REPORT— Montrose's newest coffee shop Mercantile will open to the public this Saturday, March 29 at 7 a.m. with live music and free samples. The original Rice Village location has only been open for about six months; this new location will be different in that it will offer indoor seating, wireless internet, and a selection of wine and beer. (See the map at top right for directions.) [Eaterwire]

DOWNTOWN— Support local lady bartenders this Sunday (March 30) at Goro & Gun, when Speed Rack Texas Wild Card competitor Jojo Martinez will get some last-minute training to compete in New York City. The event organizers for this prep session and send-off party are flying out former Houston bartender and Speed Rack champion Yael Vengroff to help prepare Martinez for the big competition. Go order drinks and keep Martinez busy so she'll be ready to represent Texas. More info here. [Eaterwire]

RIP— The founder of the Taqueria Arandas chain Jose Camarena has died at the age of 60. Here, the Chron describes his ascent in the local dining scene: "Camarena pawned most of his belongings 30 years ago to start what would become the $40-million-a-year Taqueria Arandas chain of Mexican restaurants." [Houston Chronicle]