Although she graduated from the Thurgood Marshall School of Law in Houston, Billings said she was much more interested in opening a bar than taking the bar exam.
“It’s just always been a dream and desire—a goal,” she said. “There was nothing really like this in the area. We always had to go either to Sugar Land or to Houston to enjoy a nice night out.”
Billings said she wanted B’s Wine Bar to stand out, and part of that includes hosting several events throughout the month, including karaoke night, wine tastings, live music entertainment and private parties. The social component is a big draw and part of wine culture, she said.
“I like the fact of meeting new people [and] getting to know people,” Billings said. “I think this is a good social setting for that. You make a lot of new friends over a glass of wine.”
In addition to the bar’s wine menu, on which she consults with a sommelier—or wine expert—Billings also developed an array of food selections. The most popular seller is the crab cakes, which are served with coleslaw and topped with a Creole aioli.
“I collaborated [on the menu] with a friend of mine,” Billings said. “She and I sat down one Sunday and just said, ‘Let’s look at some different charcuterie boards, and let’s think of some things that would pair well with wine.’”
Sauvignon blanc pairs well with pasta dishes, and merlot pairs well with steak, she said. Billings herself prefers to pair red wines, such as pinot noir and cabernet sauvignon, with meat and cheeses.
In the future, Billings hopes to open other locations in the Greater Houston area and start a franchise.
“We consider ourselves an upscale Cheers,” Billings said. “People feel, when they come, like they’re at home.”
B’s Wine Bar
8770 Hwy. 6, Ste. 300, Missouri City
541-946-3227
Hours: Mon.-Thu. 3-10 p.m., Fri.-Sat. noon-1 a.m., Sun. noon-10 p.m.
www.bswinebar.com
