I've heard more than a handful of people in the last week marvel about the beauty of SPEC's, a Houston-based liquor/wine/beer/snacks emporium that recently planted its flag in Austin. The place is great, and was essential for some holiday cheer this past week. It's basically a Target for drinkers, stocked with every alcoholic beverage you could want. Plus, tons of snack options to go along with your imbibing. It almost makes you feel the need and desire to host more cocktail parties.

When I lived in Houston, my apartment was three blocks away from the main Specs store (near Grey and Smith). I miss that place. There really isn't anything like it here in the Northeast.