Center for Law, Engagement, and Politics

Firearm Possession, Sexual Abuse, and Drug Possession on Tap for SHSU Courtroom

Although Huntsville residents have their share of exposure to the criminal justice system, they rarely have a chance to see an appeals court in action. That changes this Wednesday, April 1, when the Center for Law, Engagement, And Politics hosts the Texas 10^th Court of Appeals at Sam Houston State University, with hearings at 10am, 11am, and 1:30pm. The cases involve possession of a firearm by a felon, charges, sexual abuse of a minor, and possession of a controlled substance.

SHSU, LEAP Center, LEAP Ambassadors, 10th Court of Appeals, Chief Justice Tom Gray,

“The cases are interesting to the local community and students alike,” notes LEAP Ambassador Michelle Cardenas. “It’s a rare chance to see our appeals court in action, and this year’s cases are especially intriguing.”

The 10^th Court of Appeals typically meets in Waco, where they hear cases two-three times a year. But the Texas Legislature allows the appellate courts to travel to county seats within their jurisdiction. The 10^th Court of Appeals’ jurisdiction extends to some 18 counties, including Walker County, and they have travelled to SHSU every year since 2012 to hear three or, sometimes, four cases.

In addition to changing the venue, the justices also alter the courtroom procedures slightly to suit the educational setting. Attorneys for both the plaintiff and the defendant have three minutes to turn, face the audience, and provide the facts of the case. Although this component of the hearing has no impact on the justices’ decision, it is designed to allow those in attendance to better follow the legal arguments that will be put forth.

This year’s cases involve diverse issues and will take place at the times listed below:

10am: Milton Rederick Miller v. State of TX : This appeal involves possession of a firearm by a felon, with the legal issues addressing, among other things, whether barring guns from non-violent felons violates the 2^nd amendment and whether the defendant was competent to represent himself.

11am: Tacoby Davis v. State of TX: this appeal involves charges of sexual assault of a child. The legal issue involves the question of what constitutes a “public trial” and whether barring a testifying witness from the courtroom compromises that constitutional guarantee.

1:30pm: Tyrone Shepard v. State of TX—This appeal involves a conviction for possession of a controlled substance. The legal issues involve the relevance of the defendant’s previous arrest for controlled substance and his right to a speedy trial.

Unlike trial courts, which select juries and are presided over by a single judge; the 10^th Court of Appeals is presided over by a three-justice panel: Chief Justice Matt Johnson, Justice Steve Smith and Justice Lee Harris. In appeals hearings, there are no juries, no witnesses, no direct or cross-examinations, and no outcome is decided immediately at the end of the hearing. Rather, each side is given 20 minutes to argue their case, with the justices often interjecting to ask questions, challenge an interpretation, or to seek additional information.

The cases will be heard at the Kerper Courtroom in the CJ Center at Sam Houston State University. Although the courtroom rarely reaches capacity, it has occurred, and seating is provided on a first-come, first-served basis. Local residents are welcome to attend. For more information, contact Mike Yawn at 936-294-1456 (or by email at mike.yawn@shsu.edu).

Please note there is a dress and etiquette code enforced by the court. It is:

Dress Code – All persons attending any portion of the oral argument sessions must wear proper attire. The following is a list of inappropriate attire that includes, but may not be limited to:

Shorts (includes cut-offs, running shorts, Daisy Dukes)
Tank tops; Halter tops
Caps/hats
Mini skirts; Sweat pants, leggings
T-shirts with any type of inappropriate language or picture

Weapons – Weapons of any type are NOT allowed in the room where the oral arguments are taking place.
Electronic Devices –ALL electronic devices must be either turned off or set to silent.
Recording– No photos, broadcasting or recording devices are allowed during the oral argument session.
Food and/or Drink – No food or drink is allowed during the oral argument session. This also includes tobacco products and chewing gum.
Behavior – Any person who disrupts the proceedings by talking, making noise, public display of signs, or similar conduct will be required to leave the courtroom.
Entrance and Departure – The Court strongly discourages the entering and departure of the courtroom during hearings. The bailiffs will permit entry at the top of the hour, at the beginning of hearings, and at 50 minutes past the hour.

Past as Prologue: An Evening with Jon Meacham

By Allie Plunk

Saturday, February 28th was an eventful day for LEAP students! We travelled to the Royal Sonesta Hotel in Houston for a book talk on Pulitzer Prize Winner Jon Meacham’s new anthology American Struggle, which explores the history of politics.

Introduced by World Affairs Council CEO Maryanne Maldonado…

…and moderated by Chief Programs Officer Ronan O’Malley…

…Meacham discussed American political history, getting into the nitty gritty of the division of party lines with witty humor and anecdotes.

In addition to the United States’ religious roots, he explored the impact of African Americans as far back as the Civil War, such as Frederick Douglass, on the development of political ideology– more specifically, the creation of the Republican party.

Meacham had several interesting points on the distinction between an “anti-slavery” and “abolitionist” person in the 1800s. These two ideas were once very different, yet today, most Americans would consider them the same thing. This kind of trend is frequent in politics, as ideology and morality evolves. He also unpacked the lasting effect of the World Wars, Great Depression, and Cold War, describing the general idea of modern American politics as “a vigorous debate, from 1932 to 2016, between [the ideas of] FDR and Reagan.”

He also reflected on the development of factions within the two major political parties, such as the John Birchers of the 1950s. On today’s politics, he determined that while we do live in a time of political upheaval due to party extremism, this “crisis” is not unprecedented. America’s political history has been littered with events that were perhaps more destabilizing than what we experience today, such as the Great Depression, the rise of the Ku Klux Klan, and the fight for Civil Rights in the 60s. These events shook Americans to their core. While today’s Americans may feel like they exist in a space of political turmoil, the moral and financial roots of a nation were shaken during these events. He suggested that history serves not as a roadmap, but as a diagnostic tool, helping citizens understand how democratic institutions have survived moments of extremism in the past.

Following the talk, we were surprised to see Jean Becker, whose book event we had attended at the Bush School of Government and Public Service just days earlier. After a brief conversation and a quick selfie, we had the opportunity to introduce ourselves to Meacham– a memorable end to a day that brought American political history to life.

Pre-Law Society hosts Dr. Rhonda Beassie

Written By Madison Thurkettle

Pre-Law Society is back in session for Spring 2026! PLS held its first meeting of the semester and welcomed 133 members, who came back in style. As part of a goal to promote professional development in our students, Pre-Law Society members were encouraged to participate in the “Bearkats in Blazers” initiative—with many students doing so!

Once the meeting officially began, President Olivia Discon introduced our guest speaker for the evening, Dr. Rhonda Beassie, Vice President for Administration at Sam Houston State University. While her current role covers a diverse range of departments such as procurement, human resources, Title IX, and many more–it only begins to shine a light on the breadth of her impressive career. Indeed, she explained that her career was truly a “non-linear” path to where she is today.

Dr. Beassie highlighted her career, emphasizing that paths in law and related fields are rarely linear. She described her journey as “circuitous,” in that she began in real estate, then moved into various levels of the legal—without the initial plan to attend law school.

After working as a legal secretary, Dr. Beassie earned her paralegal degree and worked as a paralegal, a role she described as one of her most fulfilling due to the collaborative nature of litigation. She later returned to school for her undergraduate degree before attending law school.

Once she completed law school, Dr. Beassie worked in legal education and student legal services, then served as General Counsel for the Texas State University System. Her advisory experience led to leadership roles in administration at Sam Houston.

Dr. Beassie emphasized that flexibility and openness to opportunities shaped her career and encouraged students not to feel pressured to follow a traditional path directly from undergraduate studies to law school.

Dr. Beassie encouraged students not to let uncertainty or lack of confidence prevent them from pursuing opportunities in the legal field, reminding members: “You deserve a seat at the table.” She highlighted the importance of initiative, networking, and embracing new challenges, even when they seem intimidating. Many of her own career advancements, she explained, came from accepting opportunities that required extra research, preparation, or learning new subjects.

After her presentation, students asked various questions about Dr. Beassie’s career path and her experiences in legal and leadership roles.

Members asked about:

how she decided to pursue law school after initially working in other fields
Managing responsibilities such as family while attending law school
Whether a paralegal background strengthens a law school application
What roles did she find more fulfilling throughout her career

Dr. Beassie said that while law schools focus on GPA and LSAT scores (most important), practical experience, such as paralegal work, can help applicants stand out when qualifications are similar or competitive, and provides valuable preparation for legal work. She also encouraged students to pursue internships and volunteer opportunities, and that even unpaid roles build professional credibility and transferable skills.

Dr. Beassie concluded her presentation at 7:15 PM. President Olivia Discon thanked her and transitioned to the business portion of the meeting…

Treasurer Nataly Elizondo provided a finance update, Secretary Madison Cawthon presented the meeting minutes, and VP of Membership McKenna Nonnenmann and VP of Marketing Jackie Balbuena shared their updates as well. Pre-Law Advisor Jean Loveall also informed members of upcoming changes to the LSAT beginning in August 2026, noting that while the exam’s structure will remain the same, students will be required to take the LSAT in person, with the option to test either on computer or paper.

With a lot of good information and high spirits, the meeting adjourned with excitement for the semester and our futures ahead.

Filling Empty Bowls: A Community Tradition

By Jacob Wessels

It is a LEAP Center tradition to assist the Wynne Home Arts and Visitor Center with their Empty Bowls fundraiser each year–and it is a tradition that dates back to 2008, when a LEAP intern initiated the project. This year, some 250 people stopped by the Wynne Home for a community lunch while raising approximately $7,000 for Meals on Wheels.

For our part, almost 20 LEAP students–under the direction of Wynne Home Program Coordinator Angela Robinson–volunteered to help ensure a positive guest experience.

This involved greeting guests as they arrived, inviting them to select a unique ceramic bowl, accepting payment, and directing them to the various food stations, which featured culinary options by HEB, Sam’s Table, Meals on Wheels, Five Loaves Deli, Huntsville High School Culinary Team, and City Hall Cafe.

It’s a great way for the community to come together in support of the arts while also fighting food insecurity. This year’s event brought together a record number of participants, and the guests seemed to linger longer, enjoying one another’s company, getting their first tour of the Wynne Home, or otherwise just enjoying the event.

For most people, Empty Bowls is a single-day event, but it actually is planned almost year-round. In the fall of each year, Angela Robinson begins scheduling bowl-making classes, which are open to the public. Residents can register for a class, learning from one of the talented instructors, which this year featured Dakota Dube, Leara Phillips, Kathy Crowell, Molly Campbell, and Lauren Clay, (and Canvas and Cork generously provided additional bowls).

After making the bowl, they return to glaze it, and then they have the option of purchasing their bowl or donating it. If donated, it becomes part of the bowls selected by “walk-up” customers on the day of Empty Bowls–and it was quite a selection this year!

The event is one of LEAP’s favorites, and our involvement is multi-faceted. We signed up to make bowls, glaze bowls, and we also volunteer monthly at the Senior Center. This year, many of us made bowls in our own registered class with Lauren Clay, and then made bowls again at the Senior Center, with the congregants. To cap things off, we volunteer at the Wynne Home on the day of Empty Bowls.

That longitudinal process allows us to see the volunteerism at multiple time points, and see the project through to its completion–from the creation of the bowls, to the glazing of the bowls, to the event itself, to the donation to Meals on Wheels–where the money is used to provide meals to seniors in the community. And it was inspiring to see so many people come together, from artists and students to local leaders and supporters, all working toward the same goal of helping others.

For those interested in more opportunities related to the Arts and/or the Wynne Home, see the Spring Classes:

CHSS Wall of Honor ceremony and Speakeasy celebration

By: Michelle Cardenas

LEAP’s mission has always been to stay engaged. For us, that does not mean just attending events. It means showing up fully, celebrating others, and honoring the people who have shaped our lives, university and our communities. That is exactly what we had the privilege of doing at the College of Humanities and Social Sciences Wall of Honor ceremony this year.

This year’s ceremony felt especially personal. Among the honorees was our own advisor, Professor Mike Yawn, and the halls were filled with former LEAP Ambassadors, current students, and family members of the honorees.

What began as a formal university event quickly turned into something that felt like a reunion, homecoming, and celebration of legacy all at once.

The Ceremony took place at the Katy and E. Don Walker Education Center. As we walked into the foyer, the plaques of the evening’s honorees, Herbert H. O’Quinn, Dr. Donald Vernon Coers, and Professor Mike Yawn, stood proudly on display. Soon the space came alive with conversation. Alumni embraced, former ambassadors reconnected, and community members gathered to celebrate. It was one of those moments where you look around and realize how leaders rooted in service have the ability to connect people from all walks of life.

When we moved into the auditorium, Dean Li introduced the proceedings, congratulated the winners…

…and turned over the proceedings to the emcee, Chris Tritico. He reminded us that the Wall of Honor recipients are individuals who have dedicated their lives to serving others and strengthening their communities.

As the evening unfolded, it became clear that each honoree embodied that description in a profound way.

First, we honored Dr. Donald Vernon Coers, a scholar and academic leader whose impact on Sam Houston State University spanned three decades.

After earning his doctorate in English Literature, he joined SHSU in 1969 and later served in key leadership roles, including Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs and Student Services. He was also the first President of the SHSU Faculty Senate and a nationally recognized scholar on John Steinbeck. Beyond his professional accomplishments, he was deeply engaged in the Huntsville community and devoted to his family. His legacy lives on through the many students and colleagues he mentored.

Herbert H. O’Quinn was also recognized. A proud Bearkat alumnus, he graduated in 1963 with a degree in Sociology and Industrial Relations.

He went on to build a 40-year career in human resources and operations management, leading large-scale projects both in the United States and internationally. Throughout his life, he remained closely connected to Sam Houston State University, serving on the Alumni Board and as a founding member of the CHSS Advisory Board.

Above all, he was remembered as a devoted husband, father and man of faith whose legacy reflects integrity, service, and commitment to community. His family accepted the award on his behalf, honoring a life well lived.

Then it was time for Professor Mike Yawn to be inducted into the Wall of Honor.

As the video began, the screen filled with testimonials and memories, including words from Megan O’Flaherty and Mac Woodward–not to mention some fun photos from earlier years.

It was difficult not to become emotional.

For those of us in the room who have been shaped by LEAP, this was more than a professional milestone. It was a reflection of the man who has poured decades into mentoring students, creating opportunities, and teaching us what engaged citizenship truly means.

Professor Yawn founded and led programs that have transformed student experiences, including the Center for Law, Engagement, And Politics. Through internships, civic programming, travel opportunities, and community partnerships, he has shown generations of students that leadership experience is gained through serving others. Watching him receive this honor was one of the most meaningful moments many of us have experienced as ambassadors.

When he spoke, he did what he typically does. He redirected attention to others. He highlighted the contributions of O’Quinn and Coers in his own life and reflected on the people who helped shape his journey. His words were heartfelt and sincere, and the room was filled with pride and gratitude. There was a deep sense that we were witnessing something bigger than an award ceremony. We were celebrating lives that reflect the very best of Sam Houston State University.

With such a large LEAP presence in town, we knew the night could not end there, although we did make the most of photo opportunities…

…we decided to continue the celebration with a LEAP style after party at the speakeasy at Sam’s Table. What followed was everything you would expect from a room full of current and former ambassadors. Laughter, storytelling, and the kind of conversations that pick up right where they left off, even if years have passed.

One of my favorite parts of the night was playing LEAP Bingo, a game I created filled with classic LEAP experiences we all know too well. From memorable trips to unforgettable classroom moments, it was a reminder of the shared experiences that connect us across graduating classes. Watching alumni laugh and point at squares that described moments from years ago was such a full circle moment.

Also fun were the cookies that alumna Maggie Denena commissioned from Denley Sweets & Decor, featuring various facets of LEAP, including a “Yawn Cookie,” modelled after a photo of him taken at Acadia National Park.

We also had a chance to take home pillows stitched by “Team Mom” Stephanie, who made them out of LEAP t-shirts, fashioned from prior trips and activities.

It was a fun night, one that validated a lot of time and effort into a program that produces real results in people and communities.

The Wall of Honor Ceremony reminded us why we stay engaged. It reminded us that leadership is not about titles but about service, relationships, and lasting impact. And the speakeasy after party reminded us that LEAP is more than a program. It is a family.

It was a night focused on legacy, gratitude, and community. And for all of us who have been shaped by LEAP and the College of Humanities and Social Sciences, it was a night we will not forget.

Jean Becker and Tom Collamore Discuss Advance Work in ‘Don’t Tell the President’

The Bush Foundation: Jean Becker and Tom Collamore &

In a special event hosted by the George and Barbara Bush Foundation, authors Jean Becker and Tom Collamore took the stage to discuss their new book, “Don’t Tell the President.” And as with all Bush Foundation events, the setting and the audience proved to be as interesting as the main attraction.

That was certainly the case this time, as we ran into Secretary Andrew Card…

…and photographer Mark Burns before even entering the auditorium! Both were generous with their time, discussing their favorite stories concerning President Bush.

Of course, they were also there to see Jean Becker, and while we may not be members of the Jean Becker Fan Club….

….we make the opportunity to see her speak.

Don’t Tell the President: The Best, Worst, and Mostly Untold Stories from Presidential Advance

Alice Gonzales Yates, President of the George and Barbara Bush Foundation…

…introduced the event, and it was a pleasant and unexpected surprise when she introduced us!

The most enjoyable part of the evening, of course, was hearing from Jean Becker and Tom Collamore–and contributing authors Robbie Aiken, Jay Allison, and Greg Jenkins–discuss a blend of behind-the-scenes chaos and the concomitant responsibility that comes from preparing the nation’s most important figure for public engagements.

The engagements discussed ranged from the picayune to the momentous, from an imposter surreptitiously boarding the press plane for a presidential trip to getting just the right setting to support Solidarity in Poland with Lech Walesa and the destruction of the Berlin Wall in Germany.

This was the perfect pairing with our visit to the Bush Presidential Library earlier in the day, providing insights into some of the history we had observed while also reminding us of the importance of event planning, even in our own small events.

Adding to the fun of the evening was seeing Ms. Becker be recognized as an honorary member of the TAMU Singing Cadets, who sang “America the Beautiful” as an honor to the United States as part of the country’s 250th anniversary of independence.

Tour: The Foundation Offices

Following the event, we approach Ms. Yates to thank her, and she graciously spent more time with us, even as she had additional work to do. During the conversation, she offered to give us a tour of their offices, tell us more about the Foundation, and let us see the “Bush Apartment.”

We had already had a wonderful day: seeing the Bush Presidential Library, hearing from Kathryn Meyers at the Bush School of Public Service, and attending the Becker and Collamore event. So, the opportunity for something on top of all that was certainly unexpected, and while we didn’t want to delay Ms. Yates from her work any further, this was an opportunity we couldn’t decline.

Ms. Yates provided an overview of the Foundation’s work, while also givinga wonderful tour of the Foundation’s space. It was a beautiful space, one that has been preserved since the President’s passing, and one that is still used for myriad purposes. It was an honor to be given the tour, and it was the perfect way to end our time at the Bush Presidential Library.

Dinner

While the tour was an ideal cap to our day at the Bush Library, we all believed that dinner would be the perfect way to end our; accordingly, we headed to Shiraz Shish Kabob. On LEAP field trips, we do our best to eat at restaurants themed with our learning opportunities, and after spending a day at the Bush Library–where the Middle East was much on display–we enjoyed diverse fare from one of our favorite College Station places.

For many, it was the first time to try Baklava or Shawarma or even Hummus, and it was met with great approval.

With full stomachs, on a high of a fantastic nine-hour learning sprint, and a renewed spirit of public service, we returned to SHSU.

Public Service Lessons from George H.W. Bush

By Isis Hollis

Public service is something LEAP students know well, but that knowledge was reinforced, expanded, and reaffirmed during a recent visit to the George H.W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum. The Museum, with its emphasis on President Bush’s long career of service, was ready-made for the eleven students on this LEAP trip, and the subject matter and the mix of students made this one of the best LEAP field trips in recent memory.

The experience started with a tour from a lovely SHSU alumna who guided us to the museum theatre, where we got to watch a short film on the highlights of President Bush’s career.

Following the movie, we went through a chronological tour of Bush’s life, which in many ways, is a tour of the 20th century. His early life was highlighted by photos of family, including his father, a US Senator from Connecticut.

His Navy career was strikingly told through video, excerpts of letters, and a replica of the Navy TBM Avenger that he piloted in WWII–and in which he was shot down.

The letters lining the museum walls gave us a glimpse into how 20-year-old Bush dealt with such a life-changing event and who was important to him during that time of his life.

Arguably, the most important person in President Bush’s life, his wife, Barbara Bush, had many portions of the museum dedicated just to her wonderful work. Her efforts and contributions to literacy programs such as the Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy are remembered through the many panels detailing just how many lives she changed with her avid community work.

The many campaigns and careers leading to President Bush’s time in office were another prominent aspect in the museum. Details about his role as Director of Central Intelligence for the CIA, an often overlooked aspect, offered a sneak peek into the intricacies of dealing with classified information.

This foreign-policy bent was reinforced by Bush’s time as Ambassador to China and Ambassador to the UN, the latter exhibit gave us a chance to pose with the man himself (or at least his statue).

The replica of the Oval Office seemed most popular, with nearly everyone taking a turn to sit where the president would, and pretending to answer the phone or read important papers.

Further into the museum, we found that President Bush’s term in office is remembered by all the good he did for the people of not only America, but for those in Kuwait, Germany, and other places across the globe as well. With pieces of the Berlin Wall standing tall over us, we felt the impact of all the work that went into tearing it down.

Sand from the land of Kuwait, alongside the war tools turned into art, left a lasting impact on us, giving us an understanding of the many points of view Bush was able to incorporate into his foreign policy vision.

Each of us took something different from the Museum. Luke, Brianne, and Michelle spent more time reviewing Bush’s military life; Mikaela, as a Model UN student, focused on the international scope of the Museum; Gavin, a history student, soaked it all in; Zackery, a political junkie, enjoyed the electoral exhibits; and all of us enjoyed learning more about the major events from 1941-1993, and beyond.

The Library reminded all of us the importance of public service–as Bush referred to it, a “Noble Service”–while also reminding us that doing good in the world requires taking risks, making sacrifices, and working hard–all good lessons.

Mexican Delights & Mediterranean Bites: Retreat Eating, Done Right

Food is comfort, culture, community, and one of the many things LEAP explores. In Houston for the weekend for a retreat, the LEAP Ambassadors and other students enjoyed some local flavors.

Cochinita & Co

Written by Isis Hollis

We kicked off our retreat’s first food experience with a very enjoyable meal from Cochinita & Co. This brick-and-mortar location blends traditional Mexican cuisine with modern dining to bring Houston delicious bites for all to enjoy!

Victoria Elizondo, a two-time James Beard Award nominee, is the owner and chef of the restaurant that started out as just a small food truck. Her experience helped her curate an undoubtedly top-quality menu for the restaurant, ranging from appetizers to desserts. To start, we enjoyed the flavorful dishes of elote (roasted corn with cheese and morita aioli), totopos (freshly made seasoned chips), and guacamole.

With the appetizers quickly gone, the main courses came out hot, fresh, and so visually appealing we could hardly resist digging in before the photos. At the suggestion of LEAP Ambassador Michelle, two of us got the signature entrée, the Cochinita Pibil. The dish consisted of pulled pork, a citrus marinade, and pickled onions, with excellent additions of side dishes of rice and beans.

Professor Yawn indulged in the breakfast chilaquiles. The crispy tortilla chips paired with the spices from the chorizo made for a tasty meal that nearly everyone at the table tasted. Avocado, fresh cheese, cilantro, and other toppings not only decorated the plate but also served as even more flavor enhancers.

After the relished meal and engaging conversations, everyone credited the great experience at Cochinita & Co set the stage for a productive day of “retreating”!

Phoenicia Specialty Foods

Written by Jacob Wessels

We also visited Phoenicia Specialty Foods in downtown Houston on the second day of our weekend retreat, and that experience also exceeded our expectations.

From the moment we entered the market, it was clear that this store had an enormous selection, making decisions on what to eat very difficult. Filled with international snacks, spices, sauces, cheeses, and deli meats that are clearly a curated selection from around the world, it’s easy to come in for one item and leave with several others, each unique and carefully chosen.

As impressive as the market is, the real highlight for our group was the hot meal bar. Phoenicia makes it easy to grab a full meal, whether you’re looking for something quick or want to sit down and enjoy your food. The options range from shawarmas to plated meals, with enough variety that you’ll likely reconsider what you planned to order.

Many of our members chose different entrees (such as shrimp pasta, salads, hummus, dolmas, and falafel)…

…but the shawarma stole the spotlight–those who chose this dish agreed on the warmth, level of seasoning, and that it was a dish packed with flavor. In fact, we each agreed our choices had unique attributes, from bold spices to satisfying textures, but all had that “made with love” feel.

Throughout the entire meal, it was clear we all genuinely enjoyed the experience. Phoenicia Specialty Foods is more than a lunch stop; it’s a downtown Houston experience. Between the global variety on the shelves and the meal options that truly deliver, it’s the kind of place that feels worth the visit. Several of us plan on returning; if you’re looking for something different, flavorful, and fun to explore, it’s a spot you should add to your list.

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