Follow That Pita. The conveyor belt that transports fresh hot pita bread from the on-premises oven through the store and into the hands of eager customers is just one of the eye-catching amenities featured at the new Phoenicia Specialty Foods—Downtown. In addition to offering all the products available at your neighborhood grocery, the 28,000-square-foot facility also offers a sleek seating area, a shawarma station, and free Wi-Fi. 1001 Austin St. • 832/360-2222.
More than Romance. Seeking to transform the online landscape for gay women everywhere, LezbeLinked.com is a new social media website hoping to unite the estimated 10 million lesbians in the United States and overseas. In addition to offering opportunities for socializing and news of lesbian-focused events, the site also emphasizes discussions on fertility processes, raising children from other relationships, bullying in school/work, coming out to your employer or parents, and more. lezbelinked.com.
Fur Trade. Buffalo Exchange’s Coats for Cubs program collects used furs to provide bedding for injured wildlife. Through April 22, customers are encouraged to donate real fur apparel, including trims, accessories, and shearling, regardless of condition, to be passed along to wildlife rehabilitators. 1618 Westheimer Rd. • buffaloexchange.com • 713/523-8701.
Green Practices. Pride of Persia Rug Company owners, Mehdi Abedi and Lisa Slappey, celebrated the opening of their new contemporary and custom rug gallery, Postmodern Traditions, in the Houston Design Center. The celebration, called a “Sustainable Luncheon,” featured Carol Isaak Barden discussing eco-friendly design practices. Tim Payton, founder of RAM Window, which manufactures “green” eco-friendly windows, joined in discussion. 7026 Old Katy Road • 713/750-9891 • postmoderntraditions.com.
Blinding Praise. In October, Budget Blinds of Missouri City was selected for the 2011 Best of Missouri City Award in the Window Treatments category by the U.S. Commerce Association (USCA). The USCA “Best of Local Business” award program recognizes outstanding local businesses throughout the country. Located at 1306 FM 1092, Budget Blinds serves customers in Missouri City, Rosenberg, Rosharon, Beasley, Angleton, Lake Jackson, and Houston Heights. budgetblinds.com • 281/416-8499.
Philanthropic Pop. Classical Theatre Company announced in October that it is the recipient of a Pepsi Refresh Project grant in the amount of $10,000. CTC’s executive artistic director, John Johnston, stated the funds are to be used to compensate artists and technicians working on CTC’s upcoming production of Anton Chekhov’s Uncle Vanya. As much as $20 million has been donated to more than 123 schools, 78 parks and playgrounds, 21 foster homes and housing facilities, and other charitable endeavors through the Pepsi Refresh Project. refresheverything.com.

