Emma Zone and Harmony Keel, along with their husbands, Andy and Ben, wanted to do something to honor the heath of their sons, who were born with congenital kidney issues.

Mitch Zone, Emma and Andy’s 21-month-old son, had three surgeries by the time he was 6 months, ending with a Nephrectomy of his right kidney. Josiah Keel had to have a blockage removed from his kidney to help it drain properly at two months of age.

“That is why we formed the Katy Kidney Beans,” explained Zone. “I saw information about the National Kidney Foundation’s Kidney Walks held around the country, so I called Harmony to see if she wanted to join forces to raise money and awareness, knowing that we had personally dealt with kidney issues in our families.”

The Katy Kidney Beans will participate in the Houston Kidney Walk on April 30, 2011, honoring Mitch Zone, and Josiah and Kennan Keel. “We have a lot of exciting things planned—from a Facebook silent auction, a Kindermusik with Kathy benefit Playdate, and other fundraising ideas in the works—all in the effort to raise money for our team,” said Keel.

The Katy Kidney Beans has set a goal to raise $5,000 for the Southeast Texas chapter of the National Kidney Foundation. “We are so humbled by the outpouring of support by our family, friends, and the Katy Community,” said Zone. “We hope those on Facebook will go to the Katy Kidney Beans Facebook page and “Like” the Katy Kidney Beans for fun updates.

We are currently in first place for fundraising for all of Houston, so we hope the Katy community will help us stay in the lead!” If you would like to make a tax-deductible donation to the Katy Kidney Beans, please visit: http://donate.kidney.org/goto/katykidneybeans

Lucy Gascon and Fe Myrna Peña opened Salt & Pepper Restaurant located at 5068 Fifth Street in the heart of Katy in 2009. They have recently moved to their new location at 1st Street and Avenue D.

Both ladies came from Mexico, where they took cuisine classes in addition to their careers and families. Lucy was a legal assistant, and Fe Myrna was an architect. They met and soon became best friends. Their common interest in cooking and the shared dream of owning a restaurant led them to join forces to reach that goal. With the full support of their families, they started out as a party catering business before opening the restaurant in Katy in 2009. They grow their own fresh herbs, which are central to the delicious dishes they offer their patrons.

Two friends and I decided to give Salt and Pepper Restaurant a try. When we entered the restaurant all three of us felt this unexplainable calm. The decor, table arrangement, lighting, and music all made for a pleasant atmosphere to relax from a hectic week.

Excellent service from our waiter was an unexpected bonus. He was attentive, humorous, and catered to our every whim. Our glasses were kept full and our food was delivered at a timely manner.

Many have asked me if this is a kid-friendly place. Although I have three children of my own, and since I'm a single mother they are normally with me everywhere, I'll have to say that I would reserve this restaurant for a date night or adult get together. There are very few places in Katy where you can experience an island of calm. I think that was part of the draw for me. Everything was quiet and calm... something I rarely experience in my daily life. I was able to sit, talk and enjoy the delicious food without interuption.

I left knowing I would to return for not only the culinary excitement I found in my enchiladas, service that is rare in today's restaurants, but for the grown-up pleasures of fine dining without fuss. From the sliced bread with olive oil to the not so normal house salad to the green enchiladas that melted in my mouth, Salt and Pepper feels like an island of calm in our busy city of Katy.

- Live Music: Thursdays 6 pm
- Happy Hour:  Weekdays 4 - 7 pm
- Soon: Live Music on Fridays
- Private Room available for up to 60 guests.
- Hours: M-Sat 11am-10pm, Sun 11am-8pm
- Phone: 281-702-8262

Giveaways on Facebook
This is the time to join

Starting next month, we'll be holding regular contests and sweepstakes including gift certificates and even free birthday parties! This will be done via Facebook in the begining. And so, this is the best time to join us there. Simply click here to become a fan, send us a message, and you'll be entered in our system with a free open bounce pass! Then keep an eye on all the announcements there. While you're at it, check out our blog: BounceU Buzz. Spread the news by forwarding this to a friend.

Bounce Till U Drop
For only $5 per child

The weather will soon be nice and the kids will surely be enjoying the great outdoors during the spring break. Until then, bring them to bounce indoors for only $5 during our following weekly sessions: Tuesday AM (9:30-12:30) and Wednesday PM (3:30-6:30). That's $2 off the regular weekday price and valid through March 10. Mention you saw it on our customer eblast.

Can't make it on these days? Head to our SW store where the same deal is good for Mon AM and Thu PM sessions.