#Restaurants

The use of screens to entertain children in public spaces, particularly restaurants, is sparking fresh debate among parents and experts, as new research sheds light on the nuanced role of digital devices in family life. A widely-shared recent opinion article—“I let my children watch screens in restaurants – don’t lecture me if you don’t have kids”—has ignited conversations both online and offline, reflecting shifting attitudes and growing scientific interest in how screens are woven into everyday parenting choices, especially in situations that call for calm and cooperation.

Genesis Steakhouse & Wine Bar, a landmark of Houston’s Jewish dining scene and a gathering place for the Meyerland area, announced its closure after 12 years in business, citing the devastating loss of its kosher certification as the turning point. The restaurant’s last day will be April 30, 2025, drawing a bittersweet close for staff and patrons who cherished its mix of tradition, food, and community events (Eater Houston).

For the Jewish community, the news hits hard. Genesis wasn’t just a steakhouse; it had become a cornerstone of local Jewish life, hosting simchas, birthdays, and holiday meals, and ensuring those who keep kosher could enjoy high-quality dining out. The closure follows a dispute with the Houston Kashruth Association (HKA), the local body responsible for kosher certification. In January 2025, after Rabbi Nosson Dubin discovered a missing invoice for frozen fish during an inspection and was not provided with the required documentation, the HKA swiftly revoked the restaurant’s kosher status. Owner Jason Goldstein explained that key staff responsible for documentation were unavailable at the time, though he maintained that all meat and fish were sourced from certified kosher vendors and overseen by an onsite kosher supervisor.