Retrospect Coffee Bar Optimistic for Opening; Robert Del Grande in with the Cool Kids

MIDTOWN — Eater Houston spoke with Stephen Harrison, Operating Partner for the highly anticipated Retrospect (3709 La Branch) coffee bar near HCC Central about their hopeful plans for historic space. Harrison is optimistic, pending on approval from the city and anticipated renovation/construction time, the coffee bar will be open by late fall of this year. Retrospect sits directly across from the Station Museum of Contemporary Art, in an art deco former gas station from the 1920s. [EaterWire]

UPTOWN — Robert Del Grande (RDG + Bar Annie, The Lakehouse and The Grove) has recently been named one of "The 60 (plus) Coolest People in Food and Drink," by the The Daily Meal. Del Grande, a former biochemist turned restauranteur/chef returned to his scientific roots last year and concocted the first-ever Texas-made gin, called Roxor flavored with Texan botanicals. The project ran aground, but he plans to relaunch the gin later this year. [EaterWire]

TEXAS — Coupons for beer and wine are currently illegal in the state, but that might soon change. The Texas Retailers Association, which represents bigger supermarkets, is hopeful the Texas Alcohol Beverage Commission will approve coupons for beer and wine. Smaller shops have been vocally against the regulation, fearing their sales will suffer.  [KHOU]

HOUSTON — Caracol, Backstreet Café and Hugo's have won for their wine programs in Wine Spectator's, "2015 Restaurant Wine List Awards." Both Backstreet Café and Caracol won second-tier awards for Best of the Award of Excellence and Hugo's received Award of Excellence. All three wine lists/programs were created by and overseen by the incredibly friendly and talented Sommelier/Mixologist Sean Beck.