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TABLE OF CONTENTS 4 table of contents
41 scene
6 letter from the editor
42 things I love
8 houston map
46 in my world
10 downtown map
52 extended options
12 002news |uptown map
56 home products
14 calendar
60 archichat
16 exhibits+museums+art house listings
62 business profile: naked
17 what’s up downtown
63 scene
18 museum district
64 wise guy
20 gallery: caroline collective
65 finance
21 spacetaker
66 vroom vroom
22 for art’s sake: omar perez
67 tools+toys+gadgets
23 gish at the movies
68 restaurant listings
24 non-profit: periwinkle
70 dine write: shula’s
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40
46
26 scene | living smart: brene brown 28 destination: ritz carlton-grand cayman
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82 72 new restaurants 30 4 greats
73 chef’s special: michael kramer |
32 on our radar
voice
33 scene
74 sipodes
34 born cool. grow hip.
75 club review: pearl bar
35 scene
76 cd reviews | scene
36 people of houston
78 002 nightlife
38 costumes for cocktails
80 recording: sharks and
39 scene
sailors
40 retail wrap: mithcell gold + bob
82 crossword puzzle |
williams
before we go 4. august08 002houston
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LETTER FROM THE EDITOR
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Photography by Sofia van der Dys |Hair by Elia Graves at Jose Eber salon and Makeup by Pati + Trixi
Another summer has come and gone, and I can’t believe we are well into 2008. Fall and its turning leaves, cooler (ha! ha!) weather, a bevy of social events are right around the corner. But before I get ahead of myself, let’s enjoy August. It’s our home + design issue. We’ve got inspiration for your home through an unconventional home in an older suburb of Houston that is a true escape from the city shot by Jill Hunter on page 44. “In My World” is like falling through the rabbit hole in Lewis Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland, which was the inspiration for the editorial. CARLA VALENCIA de MARTINEZ
We also catch up with a handful of Houston’s real estate experts in “Extended Options” on page 52. Find out what these people in the know really think about buying a home. Destination takes you away to the Caribbean where you can opt to purchase (or dream) a luxurious 2nd Home. Page 28. Retail Wrap features Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams casual chic shop and they share not 5 but 12 design tips. Nadia Michel interviews Omar Perez, this month’s “For Art’s Sake” on page 22. Check out this furniture designer’s works of art.
volume 10
issue 116
PUBLISHER alejandro martinéz ext 16 a.martinez@002mag.com EDITOR AT LARGE | FASHION DIRECTOR carla valencia ext 13 c.valencia@002mag.com CONTRIBUTING EDITOR victoria bartlett ART DIRECTOR alex rosa ext 17 arosa@002mag.com ASSOCIATE EDITOR | EVENTS beatrice valencia ext 11 bvalencia@002mag.com ADVERTISING SALES MANAGER william king ext 18 w.king@002mag.com ADVERTISING EXECUTIVES carlos valencia ext 12 cevalencia@002mag.com jarrod klawinsky ext 15 jklawinsky@002mag.com isabel terraso ext 14 isabel@002mag.com lidia spaw ext 19 lidias@002mag.com PHOTOGRAPHERS sofia van der dys, anthony rathbun, kim coffman, jill hunter, daniel ortiz, kennon evett, gabriella nissen, dax sunga, emily dwyer, steve harris, aaron m. sprecher, jack potts, michelle watson CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS macduff everton, jenny antill, fanjoylabrenz, karen sachar, fulton davenport, wenjing zhang, katharine landmeier, kim christensen CONTRIBUTING WRITERS michael andre adams, brant croucher, chris dunn, michael garfield, sarah gish, patty gras, sandra gunn, travis jones, hal lynde, myles mellor, nadia michel, kristina vaquero-nemec, katia orellan, gina panis, pete radowick, ashley slayton, lance scott walker INTERNS regina panis, wenjing zhang
We’ve also got the latest tasty treats, waters, kitchen utensils and some décor options in a colorful shoot starting on page 56. Sandra Gunn chats with Kathy Heard for “Archichat” this month. Kathy shares her old world aesthetic in a new approach to design. It may still be hot outside, but there’s so much to do this month in the Bayou City. 002houston is your guide to it all – from a slew of happy hours benefiting many a worthy cause – turn to “On Our Radar” to see what 002 alum Jeff Kaplan’s been busy concocting along with the Beaver’s crew, on page 32. And Messina Hof Winery is always hosting tours and events as well as our great city’s birthday – read about that on “4 Greats.” Don’t forget the calendar which breaks it all down on page 14.
Carla Valencia - Editor at Large Fashion Director 6. august08 002houston
Down the Rabbit Hole Photography by Jill Hunter
OOPS: Sorry! In last months issue I over priced the Brazilian Blowout! If you went you probably thought you got an 002 discount! it's actually $325 and there are 2 stylists in town who can do it a K. Reneé Salon. Robert Guerra or Chris Marshall, 713.622.6444 002houston Magazine is published monthly by NODO Magazine, L.L.C., 1310 NANCE ST. STUDIO C, HOUSTON, TEXAS 77002. Copyright © 2008 by NODO Magazine L.L.C. All rights reserved. Reproduction without permission is strictly prohibited. 002houston Magazine does not knowingly accept false or misleading advertising or editorial, nor do the publishers assume responsibility should such advertising or editorial appear. For subscription information, call 713.223.5333x14 or send a check or money order for $35.00 to 002houston Magazine, 1310 NANCE ST. STUDIO C, HOUSTON, TEXAS 77002.
002HOUSTON MAGAZINE 1310 NANCE ST. STUDIO C | HOUSTON, TX 77002 713.223.5333 | FAX 713.223.4884 | LETTERS@002MAG.COM WWW.MYSPACE.COM/002HOUSTON | WWW.002MAG.COM
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Downtown......................................1 Holocaust Museum.........................2 Galleria..........................................3 Uptown Park..................................4 River Oaks Park.............................5 Rice Village....................................6 Highland Village............................7 Memorial City................................8 Town & Country Village..................9 Loehmann’s................................10 Sam Houston Race Park..............11 Katy Mills...................................12 Sugar Land.................................13 Zoo ............................................14 Museum District..........................15 George Bush Intl. Airport............16 Hobby Airport.............................17 Space Center Houston.................18 Kemah........................................19 Miller Outdoor Theatre................20 Contemporary Arts Museum........21 Houston Museum of Fine Arts......22 Children’s Museum......................23 Houston Museum of Natural Science..24 Houston Arboretum.....................25 Houston Theater District..............26 The Woodlands............................27
HOUSTON MAP
What's hip.current.cool? Get on our list, e-mail us at events@002mag.com to make sure you're invited. 8. august08 002houston
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NEWS ANYTHING NOTEWORTHY HOUSTON GOES GREEN greenhoustontx.gov is the City of Houston’s new tool to help citizens Go Green. The new website is designed to help teach how to become green while learning about what the City is doing – and quickly locate all the City’s green programs and services. Access the website from the City’s home page, houstontx.gov; just go to the Green Houston link on the right hand side. “The City of Houston is working harder than ever to make Houston green,” said Mayor White. “We have made a lot of progress, but more is needed. We need the help of every citizen of Houston to do their part. I would encourage everyone to take a little time and explore this website to learn what they can do to make Houston green.”
CALL FOR ARTISTS San José Clinic, a charity clinic that has provided healthcare to the Greater Houston Area’s uninsured since 1922, is having its 3rd Annual Art with Heart fundraiser. Local artists are asked to donate artwork for the fundraiser’s silent auction. The money raised supports San José Clinic’s mission of providing quality medical and dental care and education to Houston’s uninsured. For more information, visit sanjoseclinic.org; call Brenda Boral at 832.215.9471 or Sue Murchison at 713.627.2223. Midtown announces its photography contest – In Focus Midtown 2008 – and is seeking emerging and professional photographers to participate. The contest is open to photographers residing in the Houston metropolitan area. Photographs in a digital format may be in color or black & white and must be representative of this urban community. The application fee is $15 for up to two photos and $5 for each subsequent photo – up to 5 total photos. Postmark deadline is Tuesday, September 30, 2008. Prizes range from $250 for third place to $1,000 for first. For full details, visit the Midtown website at houstonmidtown.com and click on “In Focus Midtown 2008.” DEVELOPMENT Over in Midway Companies’ Town & Country CITYCENTRE, Bailey Banks & Biddle, Yard House and Sur La Table have committed to join the project. Together the three tenants will occupy over 20,000 square feet, with fine jeweler Bailey Banks & Biddle using its 7,000 square feet to introduce a prototype store, an original new design created specifically to fit the look and feel of the CITYCENTRE community. Upscale casual eatery Yard House will occupy 8,531 square feet introducing itself to Texas and the Houston market with its restaurant location at the project. Sur La Table, the premier retailer for creative cooking and artful entertaining, will occupy 4,700 square feet of space.
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CALENDAR
7/22/08
MINUTE MAID PARK houston.astros.mlb.com MUSEUM OF FINE ARTS mfah.org MUSEUM OF NATURAL SCIENCE hmns.org RELIANT PARK reliantpark.com STAGES REPERTORY THEATRE 713.527.0123 stagestheatre.com
ALLEY THEATRE Agatha Christie’s The Unexpected Guest 2:30pm | 7:30pm HOBBY Masquerade Theatre: Little Women 2pm JONES HALL Houston International Jazz Festival 4pm MERIDIAN H-Town Sneaker Summit 3pm MINUTE MAID PARK Astros vs. New York Mets 1:05pm MOT Houston Shakespeare Festival: Julius Caesar 8:30pm STAGES REPERTORY THEATRE Always...Patsy Cline 3pm TOYOTA The Wiggles Live! 1:30pm & 5pm WORTHAM I Can’t Fight the Feeling 8pm
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HOBBY BIH The Backyardigans Live!
11am & 2pm MOT Houston Shakespeare Festival: Cymbeline 8:30pm STAGES Always...Patsy Cline 3pm VERIZON Houston Roller Derby Ring Of Fire 5pm WAREHOUSE Kingdom Of Sorrow 8pm
CWMP Lyle Lovett, Asleep at the Wheel 7pm MINUTE MAID Astros vs. Arizona Diamondbacks 1:05pm MOT Ensemble Theatre: Ain’t Misbehavin’ 8pm STAGES Always...Patsy Cline 3pm September, Geox and Foot Locker open in Galleria II. September 6, The Woman’s Hospital of Texas 5th Annual Labor Day Luncheon & Style Show, 10am–3pm at The Westin Galleria, Main Ballroom. Information + Tickets: labordayluncheon.com or 713.964.5422.
PLAN AHEAD
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ADULT HEALTH & FITNESS: Pre-registration required. Call 713.366.0421 or visit houstonarboretum.org for more information.
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The week of August 4, Muse is encouraging customers to recycle Muse shopping bags and receive 10 percent off a purchase. For store information, visit www.musehouston.com or call 713.520.MUSE. MINUTE MAIDAstros vs. San Francisco
Giants 7:05pm WAREHOUSE Wild Sweet Orange 7:30pm
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CWMP Projekt Revolution 2pm MOT Women In Jazz 7:30pm STAGES Always...Patsy Cline 3pm TOYOTA American Idols Live 2008 7pm WAREHOUSE Matt Pryor 7pm
ADULT ARBORETUM ART SERIES: Register for the Arboretum Art Series (all three classes) and save $30! Register for Basket Weaving (Aug. 22), Chinese Brush Painting (Aug. 27 & 28) and Botanical Art (Oct. 16) at discounted rate of $170 for members or $225 for non-members.
MOT Houston Shakespeare Festival: Cymbeline 8:30pm STAGES Always...Patsy Cline 7:30pm VERIZON Seether w/ Red & SafetySuit 8pm WAREHOUSE The Jane Frequency 8pm
MINUTE MAID Astros vs. San Francisco
Giants 7:05pm WAREHOUSE The Hush Sound 6:30pm
MINUTE MAID Astros vs. San Francisco
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Giants 7:05pm STAGES Always...Patsy Cline 7:30pm
MERIDIAN Extreme: Take Us Alive Tour
2008 8pm MOT Three Nights of Classic Cinema Comedy “The Thin Man” 8:15pm
September 6, 3rd Annual FAAN Walk for Food Allergy: Moving Toward A Cure, 9am at Sam Houston Park in downtown Houston. Information + Tickets: foodallergywalk.org/houston.tx. September 7, 5th Annual Tour De Pink. Online registration is $25 with a $75 fundraising pledge. Information + Tickets: tourdepink.org 713.524.PINK.
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MINUTE MAID Astros vs. Cincinnati Reds
7:05pm
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STAGES
Always...Patsy Cline 7:30pm WAREHOUSE
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August 14, Brilliant Lecture Series, 6:30–8:30pm. Hotel Granduca hosts an elegant reception featuring former White House Executive Chef Walter Scheib. Tickets are $100 per person. brilliantlectures.com MOT Three Nights of Classic Cinema Comedy “Some Like It Hot” 8:15pm STAGES Always...Patsy Cline 7:30pm
Verizon Steely Dan 8pm MOT Three Nights of Classic Cinema Comedy “A Day At the Races” 8:15pm STAGES Always...Patsy Cline 7:30pm August 20, Sizzling Summer Soiree, 7–9pm Tootsies. Benefits Dress For Success’s Houston Division. Tickets are $35 to attend OR $55 to join Women of Wardrobe. 713.957.3779.
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CWMP Houston Symphony Zoot Suit Symphony 8pm
MINUTE MAID
Astros vs. Cincinnati Reds 7:05pm STAGES Always...Patsy Cline 7:30pm
August 26, Muse and Trees For H ouston Go Green Celebration, 6:30–8:30pm at Muse.
CWMP Sheryl Crow 7pm MINUTE MAID Astros vs. San Francisco Giants 1:05pm STAGES Always...Patsy Cline 7:30pm WORTHAM Melissa Etheridge 8pm
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August 27 & 28, Chinese Brush Painting, 7–9pm at Houston Arboretum & Nature Center. The week of August 25, Muse goers can bring used gardening gloves to donate to the Trees For Houston Trees for Schools Program.
MOT Houston Shakespeare Festival: Julius Caesar 8:30pm
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Jon Mclaughlin 8pm
JONES Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pops
Swing! w/ Big Bad Voodoo Daddy 7:30pm MINUTE MAID Astros vs. St. Louis Cardinals 1:05pm STAGES Always...Patsy Cline 3pm WAREHOUSE Anthony Green 7pm
August 5, 12, 19 & 26, Tai Chi, 5:45–6:45pm at Houston Arboretum & Nature Center. August 7, 14, 21 & 28, Yoga on the Way Home, 5:45–6:45pm at Houston Arboretum & Nature Center. August 16, Explore Buffalo Bayou by Canoe, 1–5pm at Houston Arboretum & Nature Center.
August 23, PIYOLET Health & Wellness Expo at The Houstonian: PIYOLET (PI-Pilates, YOYoga, LET-Ballet), 9am–3pm at The Houstonian Hotel, Club & Spa. Tickets are $65. Information + Tickets: 713.882.4017 | mbellishonline.com. August 23, Camp For All’s 4th Annual Casino Night, 8–11pm at Minute Maid Park. $50 per ticket for Young Professional Members; $60 per ticket for non-members. August 23, 2nd Annual Casino Night Fundraiser for the Health Museum, 8 pm to midnight at the Phantom Ballroom in Hotel ZaZa. Individual tickets are $100. Information + Tickets: casino@thehealthmuseum.org or thehealthmuseum.org.
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September 4–14, Houston Ballet, Onegin. Information + Tickets: 713.227.ARTS (713.2272787) houstonballet.org. September 5, Mercury Baroque Strings Of Fire, 8pm at Miller Outdoor Theatre. Information + Tickets: MercuryBaroque.org or call 713.533.0080.
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THURSDAY
August 5–24, Tuna Does Vegas at Galveston’s Grand 1894 Opera House. Tickets start at $11. 409.765.1894 or 800.821.1894, or visit thegrand.com.
The week of August 18, bring in old shoe boxes and receive 10 percent off your purchase.
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HOUSTON ARBORETUM & NATURE CENTER: SUMMER CAMPS for ages 5 to 12 Pre-registration required. Call 713.366.0421 or visit houstonarboretum.org for more information. August 4–8, Nature Trekkers Summer Camp: Living on the Edge Endangered Species, 9am–3pm at Houston Arboretum & Nature Center. August 11–15, Nature Trekkers Summer Camp: Nature Rangers to the Rescue 9am–3pm at Houston Arboretum & Nature Center.
MOT Houston Shakespeare Festival: Julius Caesar 8:30pm WAREHOUSE LIVE Nellie McKay 9pm
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WEDNESDAY
TUESDAY
THEATER DISTRICT OUTDOOR cityofhouston.gov TOYOTA CENTER 1.866.4HOU.tix houstontoyotacenter.com VERIZON THEATER verizonwirelesstheater.com WAREHOUSE LIVE warehouselive.com WORTHAM CENTER 713.237.1439 worthamcenter.org GENTE DE TEATRO gentedeteatro.org
The week of August 11, bring in gently used women’s clothes and receive 10 percent off a purchase. For store information, visit musehouston.com or call 713.520.MUSE.
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PERFORMING ARTS + CONCERTS + SPORTS + FESTIVALS + GENERAL INTEREST
MONDAY
TO PURCHASE TICKETS, PLEASE CONTACT:
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SUNDAY
ALLEY THEATRE alleytheatre.org CWMP woodlandscenter.org HOBBY CENTER 713.315.2525 thehobbycenter.org JONES HALL 713.227.3974 joneshall.org MAIN STREET THEATER 713.524.6706 mainstreettheater.com MERIDIAN meridianhouston.com MILLER OUTDOOR THEATRE (MOT) milleroutdoortheatre.com
3:22 PM
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MINUTE MAID
Astros vs. Cincinnati Reds 1:05pm RELIANT Tampa Buccaneers vs. Texans Pre-Season game 7pm STAGES Always...Patsy Cline
7:30pm
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NOT SURE WHAT TO DO? TRY ONE-STOP SHOPPING AT HOUSTONTHEATERDISTRICT.ORG
FRIDAY
ALLEY Agatha Christie’s The Unexpected Guest 8pm
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CWMP MercyMe Presented by KSBJ 7:30pm
HOBBY Masquerade Theatre: Little Women 8pm MERIDIAN George Acosta 9pm MINUTE MAID Astros vs. New York Mets 7:05pm
SATURDAY
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MOT Houston Shakespeare Festival: Julius Caesar 8:30pm STAGES Always...Patsy Cline 8pm VERIZON The No Fear Music Tour featuring Bullet For My Valentine 7:30pm WAREHOUSE RainChild 8:30pm WORTHAM I Can’t Fight the Feeling 8pm
MERIDIAN
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ALLEY Agatha Christie’s The Unexpected Guest 2:30pm & 8pm CWMP John Mayer 7pm HOBBY Masquerade Theatre: Forever Plaid 8pm JONES Houston International Jazz Festival 4pm
MINUTE MAID Astros vs. New
York Mets 6:05pm MOT Houston Shakespeare Festival: Cymbeline 8:30pm STAGES Always...Patsy Cline 8pm TOYOTA The Unforgettable Tour 9pm WAREHOUSE Candlebox 8pm WORTHAM I Can’t Fight the Feeling 8pm CWMP Kid Rock & Lynyrd Skynyrd w/ Reverend Run 6pm HOBBY BIH The Backyardigans Live! 3 & 6pm MOT Houston Shakespeare Festival: Julius Caesar 8:30pm RELIANT Denver Broncos vs. Texans Pre-Season game 7pm STAGES Always...Patsy Cline 8pm WORTHAM Houston Tidelanders Annual Show 2:30 & 7:30pm
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Devildriver 7pm MOT Houston Shakespeare Festival: Cymbeline STAGES Always...Patsy Cline 8pm VERIZON Bow Wow 8pm
WAREHOUSE
Brooke Fraser 8pm
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MERIDIAN Bittersweet 8pm MINUTE MAID Astros vs. Arizona Diamondbacks 6:05pm
MOT Ensemble Theatre: Ain’t Misbehavin’ 8pm RELIANT Kenny Chesney Concert 4pm STAGES Always...Patsy Cline 8pm TOYOTA Nine Inch Nails 8pm WORTHAM Dance Houston - 6th Annual Citywide Dance Festival 7:30pm
CWMP Dave Matthews Band 7pm
MINUTE MAID Astros vs. Arizona Diamondbacks 7:05pm STAGES Always...Patsy Cline 8pm WAREHOUSE
Harwin 7:30pm
WORTHAMDance Houston - 6th Annual Citywide Dance Festival
7:30pm
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JONES Plaza: Live After Five 5pm MOT Jazz: A Tribute to the Big Band Era 8pm STAGES Always...Patsy Cline 8pm
Appalachian Basket Weaving, 9am–4pm at Houston Arboretum & Nature Center.
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CWMP Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers 7pm
JONES Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pops Swing! w/
Big Bad Voodoo Daddy 8pm MERIDIAN GHB 3pm MINUTE MAID Astros vs. St. Louis Cardinals 7:05pm MOT Houston Ebony Opera Guild: Porgy & Bess 8pm RELIANT Texas 2008 Music Festival 7:30pm STAGES Always...Patsy Cline 8pm VERIZON Toadies 8pm WAREHOUSE The Octopus Project 8pm August 29, Robert Earl Keen in concert, 8pm at Galveston’s Grand 1894 Opera House. Tickets start at $18.50. thegrand.com.
CWMP Metal Masters Tour 5:30pm JONES Plaza: Red Bull Street Style Houston Qualifier MERIDIAN Richard Vission 9pm MOT Keeping the Music Alive: A Tribute to Luther Vandross, Gerald Levert & Barry White 7:30pm RELIANT DUB Magazine’s Car Show & Concert 3-9pm STAGES Always...Patsy Cline 8pm WAREHOUSE Honeybrowne 9pm
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August 23 & 24, Peter Max opens Colors of a Better World at Off The Wall Gallery. To RSVP, please call 713.871.0940 or email to rsvp@offthewallgallery.com.
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CWMP Gypsy Kings 8pm
JONES Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pops Swing! w/ Big
MINUTE MAID Astros vs. St. Louis Cardinals 6:05pm
Bad Voodoo Daddy 8pm
MOT Houston Ebony Opera Guild: Porgy & Bess 8pm STAGES Always...Patsy Cline 8pm
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EXHIBITS+MUSEUMS+ART HOUSES
•Art Car Museum, 140 Heights Blvd. 713.861.5526 artcarmuseum.com •Art League of Houston, 1953 Montrose 713.523.9530 artleaguehouston.org thru August 22, Thunder Within the Earth •Blaffer Gallery, UH Campus, Ent. 16, 713.743.9530 class.uh.edu/blaffer •Heritage Society, 1100 Bagby 713.655.1912 heritagesociety.org •Houston Fire Museum, 2304 Milam 713.524.5395 houstonfiremuseum.org •Museum of Printing History, 1324 W. Clay 713.522.4652 printingmuseum.org thru August, Modern Jackpot: Vintage Vegas Signs by Marilyn Davenport •Orange Show, 2402 Munger 713.926.6368 orangeshow.org •Project Row Houses, 2501 Holman 713.526.7662 projectrowhouses.org •University Museum, 3100 Cleburne Ave. 713.313.7145 tsu.edu/museum
art houses
•18 Hands Gallery, 249 West 19th St. 713.869.3099 18handsgallery.com thru August 31, The Table Show •Aerosol Warfare Gallery, 2110 Jefferson aerosolwarfare.com •Anya Tish Gallery, 4411 Montrose 713.524.2299 anyatishgallery.com •Archway Gallery, 2013 West Gray 713.522.2409 archwaygallery.com •The Artful Corner, 3423 White Oak Drive theartfulcorner.com thru August 30, 600 Faces •ArtScan Gallery, 1836 Richmond 713.807.1836 rudolphprojects.com •Barbara Davis Gallery, 4411 Montrose 713.520.9200 barbaradavisgallery.com thru August 9, Mie Olise Kjaergaard: Penetrating Pores of Construction thru August 10, Justin Berry: Malanorian Silk •Bering & James Gallery, 805 Rhode Place #500, 713.524.0101 beringandjames.com •Booker-Lowe Gallery, 4623 Feagan St. 713.862.8364 bookerlowegallery.com •Canal Street Gallery, 2219 Canal St. 713.223.2219 canalstreetgallery.com/joomla •Community Artists’ Collective, 1501 Elgin 713.523.1616 communityartistscollective.org •Commune on North, 2445 North Blvd. communeonnorth.com opens August 23, Release: Give-Away Project part III •CTRL Gallery, 3907 Main St. 713.523.2875 ctrlgallery.com thru September 6, Dan Kopp & Jay Davis •Dakota Gallery, 2324 Shearn 713.523.7440 dakotaframing.com/dfp/dakotagallery.asp •Deborah Colton Gallery, 2500 Summer St. 713.864.2364 deborahcoltongallery.com •DeSantos Gallery, 1724 Richmond 713.520.1200 desantosgallery.com •DiverseWorks, 1117 East Main at Naylor 713.223.8346 diverseworks.org •FotoFest, 1113 Vine Street 713.223.5522 fotofest.org •G gallery 301, East 11th Street 713.822.4842 redbudgallery.com/gGalleryIndex.html •Gallery 1724, 1724 Bissonnet 713.523.2547 gallery1724.com •Gallery Sonja Roesch, 2309 Caroline 713.659.5424 gallerysonjaroesch.com thru August 30, Sequence: Susanne Ackermann + Rossana Martinez •Goldesberry Gallery, 2625 Colquitt 713.528.0405 goldesberrygallery.com •Gremillion & Co. Fine Art, 2501 Sunset Blvd. 713.522.2701 gremillion.com •Guthrie Contemporary, 2734 Virginia St. 713.522.8086 •HCC-Central Gallery, 3517 Austin 713.718.6570 centralfinearts.info •Houston Landmark Gallery, 1200 McKinney 713.927.8800 houstonlandmarkgallery.com •Houston Studios, 707 Walnut St. #100, 713.223.0951 •Hollywood Frame Gallery, 2427 Bissonnet 713.942.8885 hollywoodframegallery.com •Hooks-Epstein Gallery, 2631 Colquitt St. 713.522.0718 hooksepsteingalleries.com thru August 16, Gladys Poorte •Joan Wich & Co. Gallery, 4411 Montrose 713.526.1557 joanwichgallery.com thru August 2, Jeanne Cassanova: In the Wake of Awake •Kinzelman Art Consulting, 3909 Main Street 713.533.9923 kinzelmanart.com •Koelsch Gallery, 703 Yale 713.626.0175 koelschgallery.com thru August 30, Ann Huey | Tad Lauritzen Wright •Laura Rathe Fine Art, 1107 East Freeway 713.824.3575 laurarathe.com •Laura U Collection, 1840 Westheimer 713.522.0855 lauraucollection.com •Lovett Inn Art Gallery, 501 Lovett Blvd. 713.522.5224 lovettinngallery.com
1. barbara davis gallery |2. CTRL Gallery | 3. Koelsch Gallery | 4. Hooks-Epstein Gallery | 5. Moody Gallery
museums
1.
3.
2.
4.
•M2 Gallery, 325 W. 19th St. 713.861.6070 m2-houston.com •McClain Gallery, 2242 Richmond 713.520.9988 mcclaingallery.com •McMurtrey Gallery, 3508 Lake St. 713.523.8238 mcmurtrey gallery.com thru August 16, Julon Pinkstonn | Sarah Williams •Meredith Long Gallery, 2323 San Felipe 713.523.6671 meredithlonggallery.com •Midtown Art Center, 3414 La Branch 713.521.8803 midtownartcenter.com •Mind Puddles, 2305 Dunlavy 713.529.MIND mindpuddles.com •Moody Gallery, 2815 Colquitt 713.526.9911 moodygallery.com thru August 9, Sean Healy •Mother Dog Studios, 720 Walnut 713.229.9760 home.earthlink.net/~motherdogstudios/motherdogstudios •Moxie, 2307 Dunlavy 713.807.7994 moxiehouston.com •Nauhaus Gallery, 223 E. 11th St. 281.615.4148 texascollaborative.com •Nolan-Rankin Galleries, 6 Chelsea Place 713.528.0664 nolan-rankingalleries.com •O’Kane Gallery, One Main St.@UHD 713.221.8042 uhd.edu •Peel Gallery Shop, 4411 Montrose Blvd. 713.520.8122 peelgallery.org •Post Gallery, 2121 Sage, Ste. 165, 713.622.4241 postgallery.com •Poissant Gallery, 5102 Center St. 713.868.9337 poissantgallery.com thru August 2, Voices: Haden Garrett and Distant Memories: Randall Reid •Redbud Gallery, 303 E. 11th St. 713.862.2532 redbudgallery.com •Retro Gallery, 1839 W. Alabama 713.522.7074 retrogallery.com •Rudolph Projects I ArtScan Gallery, 1836 Richmond rudolphprojects.com •Sicardi Gallery, 2246 Richmond 713.529.1313 sicardi.com 16. august08 002houston
5.
•Space 125gallery, 3201 Allen Parkway 713.527.9330 haatx.com •Studio, 1107 East Freeway 713.224.5555 •Talento Bilingue, 333 S. Jensen Drive 713.222.1213 tbhcenter.com •Tansu, 321-B West 19th 713.880.5100 tansustyle.com •Thom Andriola, 2627 Colquitt 713.520.7053 newgallery.net •Thornwood Gallery, 1201 Birdsall 713.861.2787 thornwoodgallery.com •Wade Wilson Art, 4411 Montrose #200, 713.521.2977 wadewilsonart.com thru August 16, Helene Rene Pfeffer: Linear Series •Watercolor Art Society, 1601 West Alabama 713.942.9966 watercolorhouston.org •Winter Street Studios, 2101 Winter Street 713.862.0082 winterstreetstudios.net •XNihilo Gallery, 2115 Taft St. 713.622.1846 2115taft.org thru August 25, In the Soil: Nicaragua •Zarposh India Gallery, 1951 Richmond 713.668.2948 zarposhindia.com
other events AUGUST 2, OPENING RECEPTION AT KOELSCH GALLERY IN CONJUNCTION WITH WHITE LINEN NIGHTS IN THE HEIGHTS. 5 – 10PM
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WHAT’S UP DOWNTOWN As surely most downtowners know by now, Discovery Green is a huge hit. The 12-acre downtown park, located near the George R. Brown Convention Center, is drawing regular traffic during weekdays and big crowds for special events. Outdoor yoga and Pilates courses, in particular, are very popular. A big event slated for Discovery Green this month is the 18th annual International Jazz Festival, which is set for August 23 at the park’s Anheuser-Busch Stage and Fondren Performance Space. American Idol winner Ruben Studdard highlights the first day’s show, while the multicultural ensemble Hiroshima headlines the next day’s acts. Music both days is from 4 – 10pm. Check the events calendar at discoverygreen.com to learn about more activities. Turning to other forms of popular music, some of the big concerts taking place downtown this month include metal band Bullet for My Valentine at Bayou Place’s Verizon Theater on August 1, kiddie favorites The Wiggles at Toyota Center on August 3, rapper Bow Wow at Verizon on August 8, Melissa Etheridge at Wortham Center on August 14, Nine Inch Nails at
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PETE RADOWICK IS COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER FOR THE CITY OF HOUSTON CONVENTION & ENTERTAINMENT FACILITIES DEPARTMENT.
Toyota Center on August 16 and 1980s icon Boy George at Verizon on August 22. Events taking place at the George R. Brown Convention Center this month include two perennial conferences plus several familiar shows that are open to the public. Texas Nursery and Landscape Association (August 15-18) and NAPE Expo (August 26-28) are groups that convene at the GRB on a regular basis and draw large throngs of visitors to downtown Houston. Shows open to the public include two High Caliber Gun & Knife Shows (August 2-3 and 30-31), Houston Home Show (August 8-10), India Fest (August 9) and Janmastami Celebration (August 30). Opening its collective doors for the 13th year in a row, the Theater District Open House is slated for Sunday, August 24, from noon – 5pm. The free family event will be spread out, allowing families to roam between Alley Theatre, Hobby Center, Wortham Center and Jones Hall. Houstonians can take backstage tours, view live performances by professional and community entertainers, see sneak previews of the 2008-2009 season, 17. august08 002houston
participate in question-and-answer sessions with performers, and kids can rummage through costume trunks and enjoy an instrument petting zoo. Attendees also can register to win exciting prizes. After the Open House, the first performing arts company to get started with the new season is Houston Symphony, which performs three swing-oriented shows August 2931 at Jones Hall. Pops conductor Michael Krajewski will lead the orchestra as it plays alongside the 1940s swing revival band Big Bad Voodoo Daddy. And, finally, August is always the month in which the City of Houston celebrates its founding. This year the annual birthday celebration is set for August 19 at the GRB. Honorees will include the new Houston Hall of Fame inductees – the George R. Brown Family, Mathew and Tina Knowles, Bill Archer and the Rev. William Lawson. The Discovery Green Conservancy will accept the 2008 Spirit of Houston Award for its vision to make Discovery Green a reality in downtown Houston.
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MUSEUM DISTRICT 1. THE MENIL COLLECTION menil.org
Thru August 10, Max Neuhaus: Circumscription Drawings and Max Neuhaus: A New Sound Work show how through sound as an invisible medium Neuhaus alters the way we see and experience the world. From August 22 thru March 1, Imaginary Spaces: Selections from The Menil Collection exhibits a selection of Giovanni Piranesi’s 19th-century Carceri d’Invenzione, Giorgio De Chirico’s paintings of alienating cityscapes and Michael Heizer’s drawings for sculptural space in the desert from 1969. Thru September 7, Sterne & Steinberg exposes the artists and couple, and how they often found inspiration in similar material. NeoHooDoo: Art for a Forgotten Faith, thru September 21, brings together a group of artists who address ritual in the artistic process and the wider implications of spirituality in contemporary art.
2. HOUSTON CENTER FOR PHOTOGRAPHY hcponline.org
The 26th Anniversary Juried Membership Exhibition will run thru the entire month of August.
Erika Nusser
3. THE ROTHKO CHAPEL rothkochapel.org
6. LAWNDALE ART CENTER lawndaleartcenter.org
ONE OF THE COOLEST SHOWS TAKES CENTER STAGE thru August 9, The Big Show, the annual opencall, juried exhibition. Starting August 22, Vision Fields by Mary Magsamen and Stephan Hillerbrand, an experimental video installation that examines perceptions of childhood, memory and parenting, exhibited thru September 27. Other exhibits thru September 27 are What’s in a Line? by Judith Cottrell and Alex Lopez, a two-person exhibit of independent and integrated sculptural drawings; The Grand Tour, Texas by Omar Vera, a grouping of charcoal and ink drawings and terracotta maquettes executed on site in the small and obscure Texas cities that take their names from iconic European meccas; and Re: Construction; A Visual Preservation by Shannon Duncan, an installation of a directionally accurate decal map of Houston’s Inner Loop.
7. BUFFALO SOLDIERS NATIONAL MUSEUM buffalosoldiersmuseum.com
The permanent exhibition chronicles the African American military experience from the American Revolutionary War to the Persian Gulf War. The collection pays particular attention to the contributions of the Buffalo Soldiers during the westward expansion of America. One visitor called it “The best little museum to see while in Houston,” on citysearch.com last month.
8. HOLOCAUST MUSEUM HOUSTON hmh.org
4. BYZANTINE FRESCO CHAPEL MUSEUM menil.org/Byzantine
Home to the only intact examples of 13th century Byzantine wall painting of this size and importance in the Western Hemisphere, these masterworks were stolen by thieves from a chapel in the Turkish-occupied town of Lysi, cut into pieces and smuggled off the island of Cyprus. Rescued and restored by the Menil Foundation, the dome and apse now reside on a long-term loan from the Church of Cyprus in an intimate chapel designed by award-winning architect Francois de Menil.
5. HOUSTON CENTER FOR CONTEMPORARY CRAFT crafthouston.org
The fifth in a series of juried exhibitions CraftTexas 2008, thru August 17, reflects participating artists who work in clay, fiber, glass, metal, wood media, etc., giving Texas artists the opportunity to be considered for inclusion in major national museum and private collections.
into a ghetto (or Theresienstadt in German), after Nazi Germany occupied Czechoslovakia in 1941, where Jews were gathered before being sent to extermination camps. It exhibits children’s ability to transcend their physical boundaries through art, games and marionettes, many of which have never before been on display.
9. CHILDREN’S MUSEUM OF HOUSTON cmhouston.org
MAKE THE MOST OF SUMMER BEFORE IT ENDS by attending the Summer Countdown Wo n d e r We e k e n d from August 21–27, bringing kids a twist to counting down what’s left of their summer with easy mathinspired activities, surprising them at how incredibly fun math can be when it relates to everyday life. Thru September 27, attend My Home, Planet Earth—a bilingual, hands-on traveling exhibit designed to help children understand how the choices they make regarding food, water and air impact their health.
10. THE HEALTH MUSEUM thehealthmuseum.org
Grossology: The (Impolite) Science of the Human Body, thru September 1, will explore the good, the bad and the downright ugly about how the human body works.
11. HOUSTON MUSEUM OF NATURAL SCIENCE hmns.org
"Landscape" by Milena Deiml, born December 1932. Deiml was deported from Klatovy with her parents to Theresienstadt on November 26, 1942. Her mother died in Theresienstadt from typhus and scarlet fever. Milena and her father were deported to Auschwitz-Birkenau in 1944. Neither survived. Courtesy, Beit Theresienstadt
Thru August 17, the exhibit Darfur: Photojournalists Respond features 30 photographs from eight photographers, all featured in the book “Darfur: Twenty Years of War and Genocide in Sudan.” Both show the Holocaust was not the world’s first genocide and it has not been the last. Escaping Their Boundaries: The Children of Theresienstadt, thru August 31, shows how Terezin turned 18. august08 002houston
Experience Grand Canyon 3D: River in Peril, which takes audiences on an exhilarating river-rafting adventure down the Colorado River, or immerse yourself in Galápagos 3D. Perhaps Dinosaurs are more your thing. All at the Wortham IMAX® thru August 21. Adults can let loose and sip cocktails every Friday thru August 29; 6–10pm at Mixers, Elixirs and IMAX® (21 and up). Da Vinci: Man, Inventor, Genius, displays da Vinci’s brilliance. Or, discover the rich history and culture of Ethiopia, the cradle of mankind, through Lucy’s Legacy: The Hidden Treasures of Ethiopia. Catch both thru September 1.
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UNITED STATES from August 2 – October 5, will show how one of the leading YBAs (Young British Artists) of her generation came to prominence in the mid-1990s through compelling psychological portraits that tap into the ethos of our times.
has shaped Houston’s history and development as a community.
16. THE JUNG CENTER OF HOUSTON cgjunghouston.org
17. CZECH CENTER MUSEUM czechcenter.org
12. HOUSTON ZOO houstonzoo.org
The zoo had its first ever birth of an endangered species last month: a rare Barbirusa pig named Hadiah – meaning “gift” in an Indonesian language. The newborn can be seen with her mother daily.
18. JOHN C. FREEMAN WEATHER MUSEUM wxresearch.org
Thru all of August, City on the Bayou: How Flooding Has Shaped Houston demonstrates how the weather, specifically the Houston area bayous’ propensity for flooding,
13. RICE UNIVERSITY ART GALLERYricegallery.org
While Rice Gallery is closed for the summer, that doesn’t mean you can’t take a peek and enjoy the Summer Window Display thru August, through the front glass of the gallery during regular building hours.
14. THE MUSEUM OF FINE ARTS, HOUSTON mfah.org
Audiences get a fresh look at the radical London art scene in END GAME – British Contemporary Art from the Chaney Family Collection thru September 28. Thru October 19, go check out In the Forest of Fontainebleau: Painters and Photographers from Corot to Monet, which showcases landscape paintings inspired by and created in the Forest of Fontainebleau. Also visit Houston Collects: African American Art, which examines the institutional and private efforts at collecting, documenting and preserving African American art during the 20th and 21st centuries in Houston, and The Black List Project: Timothy Greenfield-Sanders and Elvis Mitchell, pairing the photographer with the public radio commentator and film critic Mitchell in presenting the stories of influential contemporary African Americans through photographic portraits and film interviews, both thru October 26.
15. CONTEMPORARY ARTS MUSEUM HOUSTON camh.org
The Sam Taylor-Wood exhibit, THE FIRST MAJOR MUSEUM EXHIBITION OF TAYLOR-WOOD’S WORK IN THE 19. august08 002houston
KEY TO SYMBOLS
PARKING RESTAURANT
SHOPPING SNACKS FREE ADMISSION
002houston August 08:002houston
THE GALLERY
7/22/08
By Regina Panis
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CAROLINE COLLECTIVE: A COWORKING COLLABORATIVE CREATIVE COMMUNITY IN HOUSTON? Memberships are available for renting spaces, too. “Before construction, five out of seven workspaces were already taken,” says Monica Danna of Vinyl Creative, who handles PR for Caroline Collective, “and the other two spaces were filled by opening night.” Danna, who “posted events on Facebook© stating the need for gardening, painting and other jobs, received an outpour of responses from Houstonians who wanted to help with the development of Caroline. “They don’t even have a space; they just wanted to volunteer,” says Danna. While Caroline Collective is not exactly an art gallery, ArtStorm has made them their new home. They are now occupying part of the south wing where they will showcase artists and host events. The north wing contains office spaces and desks, which are available for varying paid memberships. SugarHill Records Studios, the oldest continuously operating facility in the Southwest United States, has also settled down in Caroline’s north building (as a “Professional Pilgrim” member), with a dedicated desk.
WHO KNEW HOUSTONIANS WERE SO FRIENDLY AND GIVING? AND CURRENT? WHILE HOUSTON DOES HAVE ITS PLACE ON THE MAP, IT HAS BEEN A STRUGGLE TO GET THERE. MOSTLY BECAUSE WE’VE BEEN KNOWN AS A ‘BIG CITY WITH A SMALL TOWN MENTALITY.’ WE HAVEN’T ALWAYS BEEN OPEN TO CHANGE. Houstonians are changing that, too. Maybe because our city was voted numero uno of 2008 by Kiplinger Magazine to live, work and play, that’s pumping our community cravings. Including the outpouring community effort of Houstonians that helped Caroline Collective’s overnight success (it just opened this summer,) the first of its kind in Houston and, at over 15,000 sq. ft., the largest known in the world.
Wettergreen says, “It’s staggering how many people check out the space every day.” They also have plans to “meet with different companies to talk about office productivity solutions while addressing benefits of coworking.” He says, “I’m not saying that coworking is a solution for everyone; I want to put it out there as an option. It will be called ‘Save the Cube People.’” Caroline Collective is already working towards contributing their part to save the planet by using things green. They use all eco-friendly cleansers and paints supplied by New Living, another Houston first. “Caroline is reflective of the masterminds behind it,” says Danna. “We really believe in this project; the goal for us is to improve the city of Houston,” Wettergreen says. Is there a number above ‘numero uno’ on Kiplinger’s list?
So what exactly is the concept of a coworking space? Coworking allows freelancers to work in an environment where they can network and share resources, technologically and creatively. Instead of working in a cafe with no one to communicate or collaborate ideas with, people can use Caroline as the kind of resource that will allow them to do just that. This concept has proved successful in other coworking venues in cities such as San Francisco, Philadelphia and Paris. The success of other coworking venues turned on co-founders Matthew Wettergreen and Ned Dodington to the idea of opening a collaborative workspace and the security to open Caroline Collective. Wettergreen, who recently received a PhD in bioengineering, and Dodington, currently working towards a graduate degree in architecture, met as students at Rice University. As an architecture student, Dodington was taught in studio classes with the same concept of a social environment, also fueling the idea. Here, “you get constructive feedback to develop better products,” says Wettergreen. Together, they started “Craft Night,” a once-a-week tete-a-tete between two friends getting together to work on projects, etc. From that seed, Caroline Collective branched out into a productive community space. “Craft Night” is now an ongoing event at Caroline Collective every Tuesday, and anyone can join. It is also free daily for drop-ins (or ‘Digital Drifters’) to use available workspaces.
MEMBERSHIP INFO
Enjoy free wiFi with any membership DIGITAL DRIFTERS (aka Drop-ins):
FREE LAPTOP NOMAD:
$125/mo. (monthly leases available, unlimited) PROFESSIONAL PILGRIMS:
$300/mo. (6-month lease, 10 total, 7 available) COWORKING COHABITORS:
$450-$600/mo. (6-month lease, 7 total, 0 available)
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CAROLINE COLLECTIVE 4820 Caroline carolinecollective.cc ned@carolinecollective.cc matthew@carolinecollective.cc 713.825.4613
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by Chris Dunn
A
UGUST HAS HISTORICALLY BEEN A MONTH CHOCK FULL OF THE CREATIVE. AUGUST 9, 1965 – SINGAPORE SEPARATED FROM THE FEDERATION OF MALAYSIA AND BECAME ITS OWN COUNTRY. AUGUST 10, 1822 – ECUADOR, AS WE KNOW IT, IS CREATED. AUGUST 14, 1947 – PAKISTAN BECAME INDEPENDENT. AUGUST 15, 1947 – INDIA BECAME AN INDEPENDENT COUNTRY. AUGUST 17, 1945 – INDONESIA BECAME AN INDEPENDENT COUNTRY. AUGUST 21, 1959 – HAWAII BECAME THE 50TH STATE OF THE USA. AUGUST 25, 1825 – URUGUAY BECAME INDEPENDENT FROM BRAZIL. AUGUST 31, 1957 – MALAYSIA BECAME AN INDEPENDENT COUNTRY. THE EDINBURGH FESTIVAL, WHICH IS THE LARGEST ARTS FESTIVAL IN THE WORLD, WAS ESTABLISHED IN AUGUST IN 1947 TO PROVIDE A PLATFORM FOR THE FLOWERING OF THE HUMAN SPIRIT. HELP THE ARTS BLOSSOM THIS MONTH AND TAKE PART IN ONE OF THE MANY ARTISTIC OFFERINGS. AUGUST 1 – 10, 8:30PM HOUSTON SHAKESPEARE FESTIVAL Now celebrating its 34th season, the Houston Shakespeare Festival has grown into one of the major events on Houston’s summer entertainment calendar. Festival audiences are as diverse as Houston itself. Un-curtaining at Miller Outdoor Theater. Free. This year the festival offers Julius Caesar (August 1, 3, 5, 7 & 9) and the romantic tragicomedy Cymbeline (August 2, 6, 8 & 10). AUGUST 2, 4PM WHITE LINEN NIGHT IN THE HEIGHTS Sultry, steamy, exotic and artfully provocative, White Linen Night is coming again. This year art lovers will wear white linen, discover Heights treasures, and take to the Heights streets. The event, a celebration of art, culture and community, will offer complimentary cooling summer drinks and recipes sponsored and provided by Bacardi and St. Arnold’s Brewery, entertainment, boutiques and shops, art galleries, some of the best restaurants in Houston and eclectic bars – with free pedicabs, motorized rickshaws and shuttles for transportation. Admission, transportation and parking are free.
Sponsored generously by Spanish Flowers Mexican Restaurant, Wind Water Gallery, Coldwell Banker Realtors and The Heights Pages. AUGUST 16, 6PM CINCO YEAR 4 Come celebrate this Blow Out Summer Art Bash. Each Bering & James artist will create 5 new pieces of art for this Summer Extravaganza. AUGUST 22, 6PM MARTHOUSE’S 5X7 ON THE ROAD: HOUSTON 5x7 is an exhibition and art sale benefiting Arthouse at the Jones Center. Hundreds of recognized and emerging contemporary artists with strong Texas ties create unique works of art measuring 5x7. The show opens at Inman Gallery with a preview and sale. Works will continue to be on view and available for purchase Saturday, August 23, 11am – 6pm. With a twist on traditional exhibitions, all works are displayed anonymously – buyers discover the creators of their works only after the pieces have been purchased. Each work of art is $100 per board. Houston-based participating artists include: 2007 Arthouse Texas Prize Recipient Katrina Moorhead, Al Souza, Nicole Svoronos, Stanley Kaminsky, Ariane Roesch, Allison Hunter, Joseph Havel, Chris Walker and John Adelman.
AUGUST 23, 4PM CLOSING RECEPTION – THE LAURA U COLLECTION PRESENTS SPACETAKER SUMMER The Laura U Collection (1840 Westheimer Road) is pleased to present Spacetaker Summer, a painting exhibition featuring talent from the Spacetaker Artist Registry, Thursday, July 17, thru Saturday, August 23. Several new artists will be featured every two weeks during the exhibition. A portion of the total sales from this exhibition will benefit Spacetaker. AUGUST 28, 12PM ARTIST TALK ”DUST“ @ RICE U. ART GALLERY In 2001, Mark Fox felt burdened by the possessions that crowded his Cincinnati studio, sometimes wondering if he owned them or they owned him. Rather than sell, give or toss them away, however, Fox embarked on what he describes as a ”meditation on ownership.” Using black ink on white paper, over the next two years, he drew each of his belongings (around 2,000 ”things“) at full size or larger. Then, he meticulously cut out each object and painted its underside a shade of bright green, a color Fox recalls seeing when, as a child, he experienced a tornado. The Installation will be on view all month long. 21. august08 002houston
Photography by Gabrielle Nissen
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FOR ART’S SAKE
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By Nadia Michel Photography by Katharine Landmeier
CHISELED TO PERFECTION: OMAR ANGEL PEREZ
developed a unique line of furniture collected by the most discerning connoisseurs. Most of his pieces are commissioned, take 3-6 months to complete and some, like a Lacewood, hand-carved and rubbed radial top dining table that sits in his dining room, can cost upwards of $12 000.
OMAR ANGEL PEREZ KNOWS HOW TO KEEP A SECRET. THE GUARDED FURNITURE DESIGNER REFUSES TO DIVULGE THE NAMES OF HIS CLIENTS AND PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS, EVEN IF THEY MIGHT ADD TO HIS OWN PRESTIGE. But make no mistake: Perez is indeed in demand. His latest project is a custom frame for a painting set to be shown in the Museum of Fine Arts Houston’s upcoming show, Houston Collects: African American Art. Commissioned by a private collector, the Wenge wood frame for Mequitta Ahuja’s Deepest Darkest is classic Omar Angel Perez: sinuous, precise carving and exquisite wood grain. It’s all in a day’s work for the artist, who has created everything from an impressive dining table for 12 to wall sconces and shoe sculptures. His home is a testament to his sleek aesthetic sense and scope of capabilities. Perez and his wife Katharine designed and executed the modern 2,900-square-foot Montrose home they share with sons Nate, 12, and Mateo, 1. Beginning with a prefab panelized, four-story shell, the couple created custom floating shelves and concrete counters encrusted with mother of pearl. In between disagreements with contractors, they lovingly ebonized the wood flooring themselves. The walls and ceilings are all custom wood construction, as is the rooftop patio where the Perez family entertains friends. Overlooking the downtown skyline is a large Perez-designed daybed, hinting at the stylish soirees the couple loves to host. On the ground floor is Perez’s workshop, a tidy room where he saws, carves and grinds pieces of functional art to furniture perfection. Wearing designer jeans and a black t-shirt, Perez makes a point of slipping on his special work shoes over his bare feet before he enters the woodworking room. His hands show no signs of hard labor – another indicator of Omar Angel Perez’s meticulousness. He tells me he gets somewhat of a workout while moving all the pieces around. That’s how he keeps his slender 6’1” frame in peak form. The fact that there is no air-conditioning probably adds to the therapeutic effect. Partly self-taught, and partly shaped by University of Houston’s Print and Graphic Design program, Perez’s “Aha!” moment came while watching PBS’s This Old House during his college days. Fifteen years later, Perez has turned vision into reality and
2.
Perez’s signature pieces are substantial, however. They are crafted from rare, exotic woods and special veneers shipped from New York. Thin veneers allow Perez to create intricate designs on tabletops. Veneering was developed in Egypt, where it was used to produce coffin cases of great durability. The Romans too used veneers, though mostly for decorative purposes. But it is Perez’s way with woodworking tools that makes his work stand out. He flawlessly carves intricate, organic lines. His work is true art that somehow manages to disguise itself as sleek, timeless furniture. Perez prides himself on solid construction that can withstand life’s rowdy moments. His work has been featured in Fine Woodworking and Woodwork Magazine, among others. He is lauded not only for his sensuous artistry but also for his impeccable craftsmanship. Perez also has a less practical side though. His series of shoe sculptures is a testament to his penchant for sexy shoes, perhaps even a soft-core foot fetish. Using wife Katharine’s size nine stilettos as reference, Perez fashioned his sky-high woodveneered masterpieces from solid wood and sable blades. The metal blades in lieu of straps look almost lacy. If he made a pair instead of just one shoe at a time, a fashion victim somewhere would undoubtedly insist on wearing these beauties, despite the inevitable ensuing blood. And that’s the point: women relate to these sculptures. Men, on the other hand, can appreciate the ingenuity and materials that went into the construction. Aptly, the sculpture is entitled “My Feet Are Killing Me”. Perez is currently working on expanding his line of killer footwear. Watch out, Christian Louboutin! And if you decide you simply must have an Omar Angel Perez shoe, don’t worry. He won’t tell. You can view more of Omar Angel Perez’s work at omarangelperez.com.
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• Houston Collects: African American Art is on view at MFAH’s Caroline Weiss Law Building August 3–October 26. • “My Feet Are Killing Me” is on view as part of CraftTexas at the Houston Center for Contemporary Arts, through August 17.
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GISH AT THE MOVIES
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By Sarah Gish
MUSEUM FILMS
As usual, there are lots of great film happenings at the Museum of Fine Arts (mfah.org) this month – I can’t list them all, so check their website for details. They celebrate “Jazz Month” with photographer Bruce Weber’s critically acclaimed documentary, Let’s Get Lost, about jazz trumpeter and heartthrob Chet Baker. They’re premiering four films: a Texas production, August Evening (Saturday, August 9, at 7pm), La France (Friday, August 15; Saturday, August 16; and Sunday, August 17, at 7pm), Alice’s House (Friday, August 29, at 7pm; Saturday, August 30, at 7 and 9pm; and Sunday, August 31, at 5 and 7pm). Fun films this month are Saturday Night Fever (oh, yeah, baby!) on Friday, August 1, at 8pm and Sunday, August 3, at 7pm and for you ADD folks that have only the attention span for movie trailers, there’s Movie Trailers: Trash or Treasure?. The Burke Baker Planetarium at the Houston Museum of Natural Science (hmns.org) has changed so much since my childhood days there! Gone are the shows that have little dots for stars on a black background – you can now experience “full-dome films” such as Ice Worlds (screening all this month) in which we’ll tour icy landscapes throughout our solar system and on our own dynamic planet and its ever-changing climate. Hopefully we won’t learn we’re heading to another “Ice Age” soon! OTHER SCREENS
See how Japanese toys, fashion and punk rock intersect and influence each other in New Orleans native and Houston filmmaker Chris Nelson’s film, Toypunks, playing at the Aurora Picture Show (aurorapictureshow.org) on Saturday, August 16, at 8pm and Sunday, August 17, at 3pm; Chris will be in atten-
dance at both screenings. The Aurora folks continue to frolic in the grass at the Menil Park with a screening of Cinema of Imaginary Spaces on Saturday, August 23, at 8pm. Rice Cinema continues the “Global Lens” series with screenings at the end of August and early September. This series kicked off at the Museum of Fine Arts in July and is a co-presentation of the Museum of Fine of Arts, Rice Cinema, the Chao Center for Asian Studies, and the Transnational China Project. This month Rice Cinema is screening The Fish Fall in Love (Friday, August 22, and Saturday, August 23, at 8pm), which is about the struggles of a restaurant owner desperate to keep the doors open. Also on is The Bet Collector (Sunday, August 24, and Wednesday, August 27, at 8pm); and Luxury Car (Friday, August 29, and Saturday, August 30, at 8pm).
SHOW US WHAT YOU'VE GOT
002 IS ACCEPTING ENTRIES
FOR THE DECEMBER HOLIDAY COVER. A JURY OF ARTISTS, GALLERY OWNERS,
DELIVERY MEN AND US. WILL PICK THE COVER FOR THE 2008 HOLIDAY ISSUE.
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FOR DETAILS OR
covercontest@002mag.com HAPPY BIRTHDAY HOUSTON! The historic Landmark River Oaks Theatre (landmarktheatres.com) is hosting a cash bar reception for “Happy Birthday Houston” on Thursday, August 21, from 6-8pm. Our fair city was founded by the Allen Brothers on August 30, 1836, so Jill Brooks and I have organized a city-wide, communitybased celebration called “Happy Birthday Houston: Honoring Our Past, Inspiring Our Future.” Part of our mission is to encourage preservation of city-designation (and other) landmarks, such as the River Oaks – whose fate is still in grave danger according to my sources. Check saveourlandmarks.org for all the details on “Happy Birthday Houston” and the latest preservation news. For films this month, the River Oaks is screening American Teen on August 8; Man on Wire on August 15; Frozen River on August 22; and Hamlet 2 on August 22. Midnighters this month will be The Rocky Horror Picture Show on Saturday, August 9, and the dubbed version of the anime film My Neighbor Totoro on August 15 and 16. The Angelika Film Center (angelikafilmcenter.com) is opening Baghead on August 8.
ART FILMS ARE GOOD FOR THE SOUL… TAKE A FRIEND TO ONE! 23. august08 002houston
froggee and his secret bunny 2007 cover winner wendy wagner
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NON-PROFIT
7/22/08
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By Ashley Slayton Photography by Kim Christensen
PERIWINKLE
periwinklefoundation.org
THE NAME PERIWINKLE COMES FROM THE PERENNIAL VINCA MINOR, A LIFE-GIVING PLANT WHOSE COMPONENTS ARE USED IN THE TREATMENT OF CANCER. MARY BETH STAINE HAD NO IDEA WHAT SHE WAS GETTING INTO WHEN SHE BECAME EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR FOR THE PERIWINKLE FOUNDATION IN APRIL OF 2008. STAINE DIDN’T KNOW THAT SHE’D DEVELOP AN EMOTIONAL ATTACHMENT TO THE ORGANIZATION. SHE DIDN’T KNOW THAT EACH CHILD POSSESSED A ZEST FOR LIFE THAT WAS CONTAGIOUS. AND SHE DIDN’T KNOW THAT SHE’D FIND AN EXTENDED FAMILY IN THE FOUNDATION. “It’s hard to come in touch with this organization and not want to give in some way,” Staine says. “When you see the pictures of the kids, you can’t help yourself. You want to get involved. They radiate joy.” Texas Children’s Hospital is the largest pediatric hospital in the nation. The Foundation’s mission is to provide cancer patients at the hospital and their families with camping opportunities and other recreational activities that allow them emotional healing. It’s the backbone of the hospital and driving force that pushes patients to embrace life and begin the healing process. And the program that sparked this outpouring of love was Camp Periwinkle. Founded in 1983 by Dr. Paul Gerson, Camp Periwinkle provides patients and their siblings a week-long break from the hospital and an opportunity to challenge themselves physically. Activities range from swimming and biking to horseback riding and archery. Each child that attends the camp is sponsored by a $1000 donation. And the best part about the experience is the full-time medical staff on hand – a crucial component in what’s enabled Camp Periwinkle to flourish every year.
Camp YOLO is another program the Foundation sponsors. This weekend camp in April and September for teens ages 13 to 18 allows teenagers to take ownership of their medical care. YOLO is an acronym the first campers assigned and stands for “You Only Live Once.” Another popular program the Foundation provides, and accessible to the patients on a weekly basis, is Making a Mark. It’s an art and creative writing program that allows patients to express their emotions and fears through art and writing. Brochures with information about the program go out in February and admissions are accepted throughout the summer. In the future, the Foundation wants to have a long-term survivor program and be able to reach children all the way through college. “As a mom with teenagers I’m aware of the college environment and the pressures and stress of it. And then to add cancer on to that… [The program] will be designed to provide a way for them to support each other emotionally.” The Foundation also plans to have a family camp to address the emotional needs of the kids and the family, Staine says. The camp will give siblings of cancer patients a chance to interact with others like them and will provide an environment where everyone can be together. As for the taboo that seems to be surrounding open discussion of cancer, Staine says that it’s important to be open about it. THERE’S NO NEED FOR HUSHED VOICES. “I think you have to free yourself up to talk. It’s a reality…living with a disease is a part of life and things happen in life that you have to deal with. They have come a long way in the treatment of cancer, light years, and they will continue to do so.”
Because Texas Children’s Hospital draws people from all over the country, the patients and their families are very diverse. “You see how they embrace life and work their way through the fears. There’s something so unique about the way they compartmentalize things and embrace life despite their diagnosis. It pulls at your heartstrings.” This year’s camp, which launches in August, is already maxed out. Supporting 165 children is no easy task, Staine notes, and the Foundation’s staff of 125 volunteers could use expansion. Staine says many of the campers have grown up through the program and come back as counselors. “They come back and share experiences and give the children hope and joy. They let them know they can get through this and that they’re not alone in this,” said Staine, who’s an experienced veteran in dealing with the emotional havoc cancer can wreak. In the last three years she’s lost three family members to cancer and her mother passed away 25 years ago from cancer. “I learned a lot about the emotions [of family members] when people are diagnosed with cancer.” 24. august08 002houston
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Photography by Kim Coffman
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EVENT CRAFT TEXAS 2008 WHY 5TH SERIES OF JURIED EXHIBITIONS OF THE BEST IN TEXAS-MADE CONTEMPORARY CRAFT WHERE HOUSTON CENTER FOR CONTEMPORARY CRAFT WHEN MAY 23
More than 450 people attended this outstanding event of Texas-made craft. Over 370 submissions came in for the exhibition but only a lucky 84 made it in. Pieces included clay, fiber, glass, metal, wood or found/recycled materials. Works ranged in style from traditional to cutting-edge contemporary.
Harlan Butt, Kate Bonansinga, Julie Farr, Gwynne Rukenbrod
Marlene & Wayne Picard
Marie Weichma
Tersa Perez, Wendy Thiessen
Marlene Picard, Alton Steiner, Susan Budge, Tom Andriola
Wells Mason
Leigh Wyatt, Jason Lawson
Jillian Haskins, Joey Sanchez, Kelly McKinney
A
LIVING SMART WITH PATRICIA GRAS
Living Smart airs on Sundays at 3pm and repeats Thursdays at 1pm.
BRENE BROWN, PHD Many of us will experience shame in our lives. I know I have and it is certainly more painful than feeling guilt. This is because shame is about who we are whereas guilt is about what we have done. I invited shame and empathy researcher Brene Brown, PhD, to Living Smart so she could explain why she refers to shame as the master emotion, the impact it has in our lives, and how to heal it and move forward.
I like this definition because the impact of shame is disconnection. This is deeply frightening and why Brown calls it the master emotion that affects all others. “I think shame is probably the most primitive human emotion that we experience. If you look how we are built, we are built for connection to each other. Neuro-biologically hardwired to be in connection and so one helpful way to think about shame is the fear of disconnection. So if connection is the primary reason we are here, if that gives pur“IT’S TIME TO RECLAIM THE GIFTS OF IMPERFECTION – THE COURAGE TO BE REAL, THE pose and meaning to our lives, the fear that COMPASSION WE NEED TO LOVE OURSELVES AND OTHERS, AND THE CONNECTION THAT GIVES TRUE PURPOSE AND MEANING TO LIFE. THESE ARE THE GIFTS THAT BRING LOVE, something about who we are or what we’ve done or failed to do, the idea that it can LAUGHTER, GRATITUDE, EMPATHY AND JOY INTO OUR LIVES.” Brene Brown (shame and empathy researcher) threaten connection really underlines almost everything,” says Brown. My dictionary defines shame as a painful emotion caused by a strong sense of guilt, embarrassment, What’s so ironic about shame is that all of us are unworthiness or disgrace. Brown defines it in a way I imperfect and generally that is what connects us to can better understand: “Shame is this intensely each other. Yet when we are ashamed of our own painful feeling or belief that we are flawed somehow imperfections, we remain disconnected. “I think if we and inadequate or unworthy of connection.” can find the courage to talk about our lives honestly and our struggles. I think it frees us to give other people the freedom to be more authentic and real as well. 26. august08 002houston
PATRICIA GRAS + BRENE BROWN, PHD
I don’t think that connection is possible without authenticity,” Brown emphasizes. Brown often talks to women who have just gotten out of prison and are starting new lives. “Most of the women I met while doing their story had been sexually or physically abused. The shame they felt about that led them to addictions and ultimately crime. Shame therapy is helping them recognize the culprit of their bad decisions. Shame corrodes the part of us that believes we can change,” Brown says. That may be why it is so important to recognize the emotion and move to heal it. For more information go to houstonpbs.org/livingsmart under Brene Brown, PhD, or write to Livingsmart@houstonpbs.org. If you would like to view streaming videos of past Living Smart shows on the Internet, go to Google Video and type in the search term “Living Smart” in quotation marks. You can reach Patricia Gras at patriciagras.blogspot.com.
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DESTINATION
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By Carla Valencia Photography by Macduff Everton
RITZ-CARLTON, GRAND CAYMAN
This
destination has been a long time coming. I had the opportunity to visit the famed Seven Mile Beach during the construction of the $500 million resort. To have this sort of comparison of a resort is rare because you are seeing a vision, an idea that is not quite there yet. On my visit in 2004, I was among the first journalists to preview the concept of the Seven Wonders on Seven Mile Beach. This was pre-Ivan, which lashed its wrath on The Cayman Islands a few months after my visit. I toured the 20,000-sq.-ft. shell that would become the one-of-a-kind Silver Rain La Prairie Spa and walked the vast hall that would connect the 365 rooms and suites to the lobby and restaurant area. I walked the undisturbed beach, lined with palm trees and lush vegetation. We walked over planks of wood on a floor of suites with hardhats to get to the finished Residences at the end of one of the towers and held our breaths at the beautiful space overlooking the flawless Caribbean waters – IT WAS EASY TO SEE DEVELOPER AND OWNER MIKE RYAN’S VISION. Fast forward to 2008 and a fresh visit to the resort during the Legends Tennis Championship. As we drive up to the entrance of the resort I see the familiar shape of the resort I had experienced 4 years before only now it’s filled in. Like a coloring book that has been filled in, the lines to perfection. Ryan’s vision is so perfectly revealed I feel like I know this place inside and out. Every step leads to an unaltered plan. Which leads me to believe the idea was so well thought out that there was no need to falter.
is the Jean Michel Cousteau Ambassadors of the Environment program. The program introduces children and adults to the natural wonders of the island.
4.The Nick Bollettieri tennis center which was the “star” for the Legends Championship.
5.The exceptional quality and service renowned of the Ritz Carlton 6.The La Prairie Spa, Silver Rain 7.The Endless Service Program created for The Residences at the Ritz-Carlton which allows homeowners to focus solely on their vacation There are 69 oceanfront homes depicting the ultimate in luxury – the aforementioned Endless Service Program including top-of-the-line design packages from finishes, fixtures and furnishings to china, crystal and cookware. Use of a BMW 6 or 7 series and crewed Intrepid powerboats, which by the way were made specifically for this resort. There’s also the 24-hour private concierge service. Half the residences were sold prior to construction. On that first visit of mine, we were told the legend of people strolling along the beach and coming up to the construction phase into the sales offices out of curiosity and strolling back out having purchased a residence on that walk on the beach.
THE SEVEN WONDERS ARE THE BEST OF THE BEST IN THEIR CHOSEN FIELDS UNIFIED IN A RESORT.
1.
The environmentally sensitive 120-acre, 9-hole golf course designed and constructed by Greg Norman
2.
Eric Ripert, co-owner of the Michelin three-star le Bernardin in New York, created two of the resort’s restaurants – Blue, for fine dining, and Periwinkle, the Mediterranean grill.
3.
One of the most innovative programs created for children – and reason alone to bring your children –
BUT wait, Ryan isn’t finished. His team traveled the Caribbean on a 6-day, 12-country, 32-property tour looking for the best of island living and created the DeckHouses. A private community on a peninsula featuring 19 single-family homes with over 6,300 sq. ft of living space connected by navigable waterways surrounded by water and a golf course.
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Coincidentally on my way back home in 2004, while waiting at the airport wearing my Ritz-Carlton cap, a couple asked me if I had been at the property. I explained that I had. They were that couple strolling along the beach on their way home having just made their Residence Purchase – Ryan’s vision is not only easy for just me to envision. This is so much more than a hotel or even a resort. It’s a way of life. IT’S WHAT CAN HAPPEN WHEN THE BEST OF THE BEST COME TOGETHER IN ALL THEIR PERFECT GLORY. The property is large but you never feel overwhelmed. There are families with their children, couples expecting their first child and taking that one last couple’s holiday, newlyweds on their honeymoons, and the gal or guy trip. The property can fulfill any whim…any dream.
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ONE GREAT GUIDE FOR HUNGRY HOUSTONIANS.
ONE GREAT CITY!
HOUSTON IS NOT ONLY A GREAT CITY TO LIVE IN, BUT THE PEOPLE OF THIS GREAT CITY DINE OUT MORE THAN ANY OTHER CITY IN AMERICA! WE HAVE THE STATS TO PROVE IT, PER THE EDITORS OF THE ZAGAT RESTAURANT SURVEYS. SO IF WE DINE OUT SO OFTEN, HOW COME WE ARE ALWAYS ASKING, “WHERE SHOULD WE GO TO DINNER TONIGHT?” THERE ARE ABOUT 10,000 CORRECT ANSWERS TO THAT QUESTION. THIS MONTH, GET YOUR HANDS ON THE ULTIMATE FOOD LOVER’S GUIDE TO HOUSTON, FROM THE PUBLISHERS OF MY TABLE – HOUSTON’S DINING MAGAZINE, TO HELP BOTH LOCALS AND VISITORS NAVIGATE OUR CULINARY CITY. AVAILABLE AT BARNES & NOBLE, BORDERS, DOMY BOOKS, KUHL-LINSCOMB, CENTRAL MARKET, KROGER AND MANY MORE. MY-TABLE.COM.
Photography by Daniel Ortiz
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And no, we aren’t the only ones who know this! Houston landed the No. 1 spot on Kiplinger’s Personal Finance list of “10 Best Cities to Live, Work and Play” in its July ‘08 issue. Strong economy, abundant jobs, reasonable living costs and plenty of fun things to do helped Houston steal the show from nine other cities. Pegging Houston as “the comeback kid,” the article boasts about Houston’s world-class museums, incredible job growth and living standards, and ‘the biggest damn liquor store on the planet.’ (Thanks to GHCVB for this info.) On that note…read on!
ONE GREAT LECTURE SERIES.
ONE GREAT BIRTHDAY! August 21 – 30 Celebrate Houston’s 172nd Birthday. Houston just might be the only city that celebrates its birthday publicly with its citizens. Two women felt it was important to elevate public awareness about the importance of preserving Houston’s historical and cultural heritage through an annual city-wide, community-based celebration of the City’s founding. “Happy Birthday Houston: Honoring Our Past, Inspiring Our Future” was first brought to life in 2007 with an event at Houston’s Founder’s Cemetery and Freedman’s National Historic District. The idea sprang from the 2006 recommendations by the Mayor’s History Task Force and was spearheaded by Sarah Gish with Save Our Landmarks (saveourlandmarks.org) and Jill Brooks with the Alexander Love Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (texasdar.org/chapters/AlexanderLove/). Look out for citywide celebrations planned. For more information, call 713.492.1173.
THE BRILLIANT LECTURE SERIES BRINGS WALTER SCHEIB, THE WHITE HOUSE EXECUTIVE CHEF FROM 1994 – 2005, TO THE HOTEL GRANDUCA ON AUGUST 14. SCHEIB WILL TALK ABOUT HIS EXPERIENCES AT THE WHITE HOUSE, SERVE SAMPLINGS OF DISHES HE PREPARED FOR OFFICIAL WHITE HOUSE EVENTS AND SIGN COPIES OF HIS BOOK – WHITE HOUSE CHEF: ELEVEN YEARS, TWO PRESIDENTS, ONE KITCHEN. IN 2005 HE SAID, “FOR THE LAST ELEVEN YEARS, I HAVE HAD THE HONOR OF DOING DAILY WHAT MOST CHEFS WOULD BE LUCKY TO DO ONCE IN THEIR LIFETIME. THAT HONOR WAS SERVING THE FIRST FAMILY OF THE UNITED STATES,” OF HIS EXPERIENCE. FOR TICKET INFORMATION, BRILLIANTLECTURES.ORG OR EMAIL INFO@BRILLIANTLECTURES.ORG.
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ONOUR RADAR
002+magazine
HIGHLAND VILLAGE IS BEING MADE OVER INTO A PEDESTRIAN’S SHOPPING HAVEN WITH SLOPING SIDEWALKS AND LUSCIOUS LANDSCAPING. SOON VISITORS WILL PERUSE STOREFRONTS AND EATERIES WHILE ENJOYING TUNES PIPED THROUGH THE CENTER AS WELL AS ENJOY THE NEW COMPLIMENTARY AIR-CONDITIONED TROLLEY.
GASTRONOMY New Living Green Home & Supply Co. – aka New Living – teams up with next-generation Ice House Beaver’s to spread the green gospel while quenching the mean summer thirst. Houston’s source for ecofriendly supplies is taking an out-of-the-toolbox approach to Going Green by going back to the basics: Drinking Green. From 5–10pm all summer long on Wednesdays. The open forum brings together like folk to talk about environmental solutions for 21st century lives, and— well— drink. Beavers, 2310 Decatur St. August 11 – 17 Houston Restaurant Week features participating restaurants who create a 3-course, prix-fixe dinner for $35 of which $5 is donated to Houston’s End Hunger Network. Arcodoro, Bistro Lancaster, Carmelo’s, Del Frisco’s, Dharma Café, El Meson, Hungry’s Bistro (2 locations), Monarch, Olivette at The Houstonian Hotel, Smith & Wollensky, Sullivan’s Steak House, The Oceanaire, Daily Review Café, to name a few, are participants. endhungernetwork.org
COMMUNITY ANNUAL FREE DAY OF YOGA WILL BE HELD THIS YEAR AT DISCOVERY GREEN ON SEPTEMBER 1, AT 9AM. A “108 SUN SALUTATIONS ON THE GREEN” WILL BE HOSTED BY THE YOGA TEACHERS ASSOCIATION OF HOUSTON. VARIOUS STUDIOS WILL BE OFFERING FREE YOGA CLASSES THAT DAY. VISIT YOGA-HOUSTON.ORG FOR A LIST OF PARTICIPATING STUDIOS.
STAY Break bread with one of the most celebrated authors of this century from the 4 – 7th at Las Ventanas al Paraiso, A Rosewood Resort. Guests will be able to mingle and chat one-on-one with Salman Rushdie, recipient of the Booker Prize and author of The Enchantress of Florence. lasventanas.com
Photography by Wenjing Zhang
SOUL, MEAT AND BODY – WITH ITS SOLID 12 OUNCES OF PRIME SIRLOIN, MORTON’S BURGER SHOULD MAKE ANY FAN OF THIS CLASSIC AMERICAN DELICATESSEN PROUD AND SATISFIED. IT’S PERFECTLY COOKED TO A JUICY MEDIUM-RARE, (THAT’S HOW I ROLL, AT LEAST), SERVED WITH AN ABUNDANCE OF FRENCH FRIES. LET YOUR SENSES TAKE YOU THROUGH EVERY BITE OF THIS CULINARY PLEASURE OF SINFUL MEATY DELIGHT; $5 FROM EACH MORTON’S BURGER SOLD WILL BENEFIT THE MAKE-A-WISH FOUNDATION. AVAILABLE ON SUNDAYS THROUGH SEPTEMBER ONLY.
RETAIL Saks Fifth Avenue Houston is expanding its designer shoe salon, and of course, like the flagship store in NYC, is taking on their very own ZIP code –10022SHOE. The build-out is expected to be complete in October. Brian Atwood will visit the new shoe salon on October 23 with the event benefiting the Houston Grand Opera Opening Nights for Young Professional Group. LUSH HAS OPENED ITS FIRST OUTPOST IN HOUSTON’S BAYBROOK MALL. THE BRITISH BRAND OF FRESH HANDMADE COSMETICS BRINGS THEIR WAY-AHEADOF-THE-TREND “GREEN” PRODUCTS TO THE SPACE CITY. SINCE 2002 ITS PHILOSOPHY HASN’T CHANGED: PRODUCE THE MARKET’S MOST EFFECTIVE BEAUTY PRODUCTS WHILE STILL MAINTAINING A MINIMAL ENVIRONMENTAL FOOTPRINT. LUSH PRODUCTS ARE 100% VEGETARIAN, 74% VEGAN, 65% PRESERVATIVE-FREE, 58% FREE OF WASTEFUL PACKAGING, AND ARE NEVER TESTED ON ANIMALS.
BLOGS Messina Hof Winery and Resort recently launched their online forum and blog aimed to share the culture, tradition and experience of Messina Hof and wine, according to Paul and Merrill Bonarrigo, co-founders of the Messina Hof Winery. The online discussion forum and blog is a repository of resources for cooking, wine and special event planning. blog.messinahof.com.
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HOTEL GRANDUCA, HOUSTON’S ONLY MEMBER OF THE LEADING HOTELS OF THE WORLD®, RECENTLY COMPLETED THE PRESTIGIOUS 2,100-SQ.-FT. IMPERIAL SUITE WHICH COMBINES LUXURIOUS SOLITUDE IN AN ELEGANT SETTING WITH A PRIVATE ENTRANCE AS WELL AS AN ENTRANCE FROM THE MAIN LOBBY. THIS CHIC, INVITING SUITE IS THE CREATION OF ERMY BORLENGHI BONFIELD, WHO CREATED THE ITALIAN AMBIENCE THROUGHOUT THE HOTEL. GRANDUCAHOUSTON.COM
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1.
2. by Kristina Vaquero-Nemec Photography by Gabrielle Nissen
4.
3. REFRESH POCKETS – These insulated bags are sold with an ice bag that’s frozen overnight to keep your goodies fresh all day. Made in different sizes for snacks, drinks and even a make-up bag…genius! tintamar.com
for the beach baby!!
5.
7.
6. 9.
FOR MOM OR DAD
10.
Say goodbye to summer stink! Lavilin – a unique hypoallergenic, underarm deodorant is applied just once for protection from odor for up to 7 days and is water-resistant. That means no worries about reapplying! $15 lavilin.com
8.
1. SWEET CHEEKS BODY BALM AND BUM BUM BALM – 100% natural moisturizing balm for baby’s chapped cheeks or dry patches, and an all natural diaper salve relieves skin from rashes. $12 each tickletickle.com 2. RETRO BANZ – 100% UV protection and an adjustable and comfortable neoprene strap will make your kid feel like a star....perfect for hiding from the paparazzi! $25 tickletickle.com 3. BLA BLA FRUIT RATTLES – Absolutely fantastic knit rattles are made of natural fibers...soft, bright and ready to eat! $35 tickletickle.com 4. B BALL similar ones available at drugstores 5. HAPPY SIT AND SPIT CLOTHS AND BIB – Wipe noses, mouths and any other baby-related mess with these cloths. Bonus: they’re great as change pads on the go. $15.50 cloths and $9 bib. tickletickle.com 6. BABY GAP SWIM TRUNKS - gap.com 7. BABY SILK SPF 30+ SUNSCREEN AND CLEANSING TOWELETTES – Award-winning products by MD Moms combine a pediatrician’s knowledge with a mom’s loving care. Both are safe for even the youngest infant plus the cleansing cloths double as make-up
removers! $26/$12 available at Doodles, The Right Start or mdmoms.com 8. TRUE LEMON, LIME AND ORANGE – Add one or two packets to your bottled water for real citrus taste. 100% all-natural and great for on-the-go without the mess of fresh fruit…LOVE THESE!! Available at Kroger, or get a free sample at truelemon.com 9. TINTAMAR’S WET SWIMSUIT BAG AND TOWEL BACKPACK – Sac = bag; Serviette de bain mouille = wet towel. They do what they say on the bag… in French! Chic summer colors in ultralight fabric, makes returning from the beach so much easier. tintamar.com 10. FLIP N’ FLOPS! – Fun, wearable flip-flops with secret compartments with storybooks printed on durable water-resistant paper. Keep your tot entertained while teaching them compassion and empathy. $29.99 flipnflops.com 11. XXL BEACH BAG – Organized at last on the beach! A pocket for a parasol, two for magazines and sun cream and a zipped interior pocket. Light, foldable, washable, made of strong polyethylene waterproof fabric and large enough for all the family. tintamar.com
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Photography by Anthony Rathbun
EVENT 1st ANNUAL LADIES & LITTLE ONES FASHION SHOW & LUNCHEON WHY TO RAISE AWARENESS AND FUNDS FOR PEDIATRIC SARCOMA RESEARCH WHERE HOTEL GRANDUCA | WHEN MAY 20 Ristorante Cavour at Hotel Granduca housed an extraordinary event for a special cause. Houston’s most fashionable mommy and toddler duos strutted down the runway in the latest fashions from powerhouses Dimensions, Muse and Janie & Jack. A trunk show followed the event where guests were able to shop for fashion straight off the runway. Proceeds benefited Amschwand Sarcoma Cancer Foundation’s pediatric research.
Margaret Morris, Lindsay Morris
Missy Amschwand-Bellinger and Mary Anna Grace
Carrie Miller and Maggie
Erin Heath, Helena and Conner
Lisa Hopkins, Sherry Levy
Erica Rose, Anna Feinsilver, Nicole Fertitta
Jill Collins, Charlotte and Kelly
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1
PEOPLE OF HOUSTON
2
JENNIFER BRUGH
DAVID STERNBAUM
age 38 sign Cancer origin California occupation Idea Architect
age 35 sign Aries origin occupation Real Estate Sales & Investments
Photography Aaron M. Sprecher
3 DANIEL CUELLAR age 40 sign Sagittarius origin Houston, TX occupation Store Director for AREA
1. JENNIFER BRUGH -If you won the lottery, what is the first thing you would buy? 1992 Screaming Eagle Cabernet. -If you never had to work, what would you do? Lobby to raise teachers’ salaries. -What was the best concert you ever attended? Me singing in the shower. -How would you describe your style? Vintage Halston meets Roberto Cavalli. -What is your favorite movie? Anything that makes me think.
2. DAVID STERNBAUM -What attracts you to a person? Success. -What is the worst fashion trend you loved? Fluorescent shoe laces. -If you could meet a celebrity, who would it be? Brian Grazer. -What was your most memorable moment? My wedding. -Where is your favorite place to hang out? Waikiki Beach.
3. DANIEL CUELLAR -If you could meet a celebrity, who would it be? Chelsea Handler. -How do you stay in shape? Walking the store. -What was your most memorable moment? Sailing the Spanish Mediterranean Sea. -What was the best concert you ever attended? The Eagles at Rice University. -Where is your favorite place to hang out? With friends at El Tiempo on Richmond.
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COSTUMES FOR COCKTAILS
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Styling by Beatrice Valencia Photography by Gabriella Nissen * Illustration by Cynthia Bogart
AMERICAN APPAREL 1665 Westheimer Rd. 713.521.7171 + MACY’S 2727 Sage Road 713.968.1985
7 5
4 3
TWO WORDS: BOILING, HOT. AS THE MERCURY RISES, FINDING WAYS TO STAY COOL AND “COOL” ARE MINDBOGGLING. YOU CAN ONLY WEAR THOSE CUTE HIGHWAISTED SHORTS SO MANY TIMES BEFORE PEOPLE CATCH ON…
COOL & Collected…
1. The shape is adorable and the elastic waistband isn’t a negative. Plus it has pockets! It’s a good option for those of us who feel a denim mini is too mini. *American Apparel Polyester Micro-fiber Tulip skirt $28 2. These sandals are on fire! The color is like a burst of sunshine and the bronze compliments tan legs. *Sinela bronze leather gladiator sandals $310 @ sinelagallery.com 3. Thin tank blend is breathable and delicious against my skin. Not to mention, it carries on perfectly into the “cooler” months. *St. Grace Demi tank in hyde $82 @ saintgrace.com 4. I am not one to use makeup sponges. When I saw this one on my desk though I was curious; once I tried it to blend my concealer, I was hooked. Bonus: clean and reuse! *Beautyblender & beautycleanser Duo Pack $35 @ beautyblender.net 5. This scent is strong but feminine. Not strong
1
6
in the sense that you’ll knock out someone with one whiff but strong like, should you want to knock someone out, you could. All in six-inch stilettos and a smile, of course! Jean Paul Gaultier Madame Eau de Toilette Natural Spray 3.3 oz. $87 @ Macy’s 6. This bag is the perfect touch of boho chic. It’s a satchel and screams I don’t have time to sweat the small stuff. *the sak Silverlake Leather Flap in teak $199 – available on thesak.com 7. Who says you can’t wear nice jewelry in the daytime! These earrings would be gorgeous with a gown and add a touch of girly-ness to my look. Peruvian Connection 18k gold vermeil with a faceted garnet Hummingbird Earrings $189 @ peruvianconnection.com 38. august08 002houston
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EVENT THE CHRISTI HARRIS BEAUTE’ PLAYGROUND WHY GRAND OPENING WHERE MICHAEL KEMPER SALON
Photography by Jenny Antill
WHEN JUNE 4 The beautiful and fabulous turned up to a grand opening hosted by Carolyn Farb, Michael Kemper and Christi Harris. While guests had bites from Smith & Wollensky and sipped champagne, famed make-up artist Craig McLemore dished tips on how to enhance the face plus perfecting your brow arch. Guests went home with a gift bag full of Christi Harris products.
Lexie Chase, Nicole Fertitta
Megan Dodge, Katie Lindley, Linda Pinsent
Brad Brandt, Joel Quinones, Chris Olivier
Jeanie Janke and Whitney Janke
Marilyn Ingham, Carol Ince
Craig McLemore, Christi Harris, Michael Kemper, Carolyn Farb
Mary Hart, Mandy Zuniga
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RETAIL WRAP
7/22/08
Photography by fanjoylabrenz
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NAME MITCHELL GOLD AND BOB WILLIAMS | BOUTIQUE MITCHELL GOLD + BOB WILLIAMS
years in operation opened the Houston store in early ’08, although the company has been in business for 19 years address 3303 kirby drive, houston, tx 77098 phone 832.242.9470 | website mgandbw.com
5 RULES OF HOME STYLE – OK, 12 1. FURNISH FOR COMFORT FIRST. Don’t just sit—curl up or lie down like you would at home. 2. TO LOWER STRESS, THINK “COLLECTING” RATHER THAN “DECORATING.” Find furnishings you’ll want to live with in 5 or 10 years so that updating will mean only rearranging a few pieces or changing pillows. 3. FOR A SENSE OF CALM, LIMIT COLORS IN A ROOM. We use no more than three or four, with at least two being accents. 4. STRIVE FOR BALANCE. Don’t over-furnish.
5. VARY THE TYPES OF SEATING. Help everyone feel at home by including a range of seating.
6. INCLUDE CLUTTER CONTAINERS. Little things can have big impact: a coffee table with drawers and a shelf can keep the top clear for “TV dinners,” or a storage ottoman with lift-off lid.
mitchell gold + bob williams
CURRENT OBSESSION: Bob: I am in the process of renovating and decorating a Georgian-style manor house in Hickory, North Carolina, so I am obsessed with everything having to do with this house. The architectural lines of the house were my inspiration in designing some of the recent casegood pieces we added to the line. I’m always on the lookout for great flea market finds and antiques which will be part of the “mix” in my new house. Mitchell: I’ve been slightly obsessed with the re-do of Carrie Bradshaw’s apartment in the Sex in the City movie. It’s a touch dressier than what we are accustomed to in our look, but I love the bold pattern on the sofa, the white furniture, the saturated robin’s egg-ish blue walls, the mirrored furniture…it’s a happy, fun, quirky space like her fashion sense…still COMFORTABLE and modern, but so glam… DESIGN INSPIRATION | ICON: Bob: I don’t really pay attention to things like that. I
8. WHEN IN DOUBT, OPT FOR SLIPCOVERS. Slip-covered upholstery gives you freedom to change your mind and can be easily removed for cleaning.
9. ENCOURAGE LOUNGING. Include relaxationready pieces. 10. MAKE ENTERTAINING EASIER. A bench ottoman before a sofa is not only a comfortable cocktail table for putting feet on. It’s also extra seating. 11. INCORPORATE EVERYDAY LUXURIES. What are yours? The privacy of a master bedroom with a small sitting area for morning coffee and a bed with padded headboard for late-night reads? 12. SURROUND YOURSELF WITH THINGS YOU LOVE. Photos of family and friends make a home especially welcoming, as do collections of your favorite things arranged in groups, helping give them the feel of antiques.
7. LOVE YOUR IMPERFECTIONS. We like wood furniture with some distressing – no worries about making the first mark. tend to like things simple and classic, not too trendy. I have to admit, black cashmere sweaters are a secret indulgence of mine. Mitchell: For me, too, it’s not so much about one person’s style…what attracts me is when people are not pretentious, when they look and seem relaxed. HOW DID YOU GET INTO THIS BUSINESS? Mitchell: Bob and I met in NYC in the 80s and became life partners (we are now best friends and business partners). Mitchell had been in the furniture industry for a long time and had been a buyer at Bloomingdale’s and I was an art director at Seventeen magazine when we met. We decided to start a furniture business together and move to North Carolina. It was a bold move at the time, but we were willing to take the risk as we wanted to have our own company and do business with people we liked. We never dreamed our small furniture company that started making upholstered dining chairs would turn into a $100 million business with 40. august08 002houston
over 750 employees and 700,000 square feet of manufacturing and warehouse space! WHAT SETS YOU APART FROM OTHER BOUTIQUES? Mitchell: We’d like to think that our stores are an oasis of calm and serenity which is why we keep the decoration to a minimum – we really want the furniture to be the stars, so most of our freestanding stores feature limestone floors or painted white floors and walls, white curtain dividers and we get shots of color by painting certain walls with our signature colors for the season. There is a lot of white space in the stores so that customers can really envision the furniture settings in their own homes. I don’t think there are too many other home furnishings stores out there with our design aesthetic and overall store concept. WHAT ARE YOU COVETING THIS SEASON? Bob: A 1936 Magic Chef 8 Burner range with 3 ovens. I got one to go in my new kitchen.I can’t wait to use it!
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Photography by Daniel Ortiz
EVENT DOUCETTE DUVALL TRUNK SHOW WHY TO INTRODUCE THE UP AND COMING LINE WHERE CASA DE NOVIA WHEN JUNE 12 Annabet Duvall, half of the Doucette Duvall duo and a former Houstonian, came back with partner Stephanie Doucette to introduce their spring collection consisting of only dresses to a gaggle of anxious fashionistas. The duo’s designs graced the “Sex and the City” movie and the local crowd was sure to pick up pieces of their own.
Allie Fields, Luvi Wheelock, Molly Johnson
Isabel David
Natalie Stomel, Tova Boyko
Kristen J Cannon, Iris Arce
Melissa Snow, Pilar Psenda
Robin Reimer
Susan Elias
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THINGS I LIKE LOVE
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By Carla Valencia de Martinez Photography by Sofia van der Dys
Apply to damp skin and the resulting hydrating effect is luscious. The Hydrating Infusion – La Mer, $95 at Neiman Marcus.
I just got back from a trip to France (you’ll hear about that in a later issue) and took along Bliss’s latest addition to my arsenal of beauty booty – the triple oxygen instant energizing eye mask. 3 forms of oxygenation are released to brighten, de-puff and hydrate. Just thinking about the 10hour flight back home made my eyes droop, but Bliss came thru. And these pads rock … er, rather pop! $54 for a pack of 4. Blissworld.com
ONE OF OUR FAVORITE UNEXPECTED WEDDING GIFTS! THIS CHRISTOFLE SERVING TRAY HAS SEEN MORE DAYS OF USE THAN OUR BLENDER! NEIMAN MARCUS
ELSA PERETTI FOR TIFFANY & CO.’S LACQUER BANGLES ARE DECADENT. I LOVE THEM! PINE, PERSIMMON AND ORCHID LACQUER OVER CARVED JAPANESE HARDWOOD. $395 42. august08 002houston
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BAZURA’S PLACEMATS MADE OF NONBIODEGRADABLE TRASH ARE STELLAR. IT’S LIKE A PARTY ON A TABLE. BAZURASHOP.COM
Annick Goutal’s Les Orientalistes collection of four new fragrances is a portal to another time and place. Amber Fetiche is my favorite. The intoxicating warm scent is like a wine. Distilled to perfection and it changes as the fragrance lingers on your skin, through the heat of the day or a rain shower. $175, available in September at Neiman Marcus.
Oops!
GOLD LEATHER KEY HOLDER DRESSES UP A CAR KEY! $32, KEWISTYLES.COM 43. august08 002houston
Sorry! In last months issue I over priced the Brazilian Blowout! If you went you probably thought you got an 002 discount! It's actually $325 and there are 2 stylists in town who can do it a K. Reneé Salon. Robert Guerra or Chris Marshall, 713.622.6444
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IN MY WORLD, THE BOOKS WOULD BE NOTHING BUT PICTURES.
Autumn Forest ((4-068), Komar Photo Murals, Vol. 9 distributed by Brewster Wallcovering Company 8’x10” H: 6’4” $109 | 12’9” x H: 8’10” $149); Allison Hunter’s giraffe chromogenic photograph mounted to sintra board Untitled #5; flowers by Houston Flowery; one-of-a-kind vintage French table, Anthropologie
CHARTREUSE WALL antique mirror, West Elm wood slice $29 cut in half and applied as shelf; Kid Robot limited edition, Shiva; Diptyque Baies candle at Kuhl-Linscomb
NESTLED IN THE STREETS OF HILSHIRE VILLAGE SITS A SLEEPY, FORGOTTEN STREET OF HOUSES WHERE TIME SEEMS TO STAND STILL. A TRUE ESCAPE FROM THE CITY, LIKE FALLING DOWN THE RABBIT HOLE IN ALICE IN WONDERLAND TO WIND UP IN A PEACEFUL REFUGE. 45. august08 002houston
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Vintage bar from Metro Modern, West Elm’s natural tree stump side tables $199; Firework, Black on Silver Foil from Glamour, Anna French, $90 per single roll; Ikea pendant lamp
Vintage chair from Metro Modern; Teak table at Neiman Marcus; Sergio Bustamante’s Egg
glass blown sculpture at Kuhl-Linscomb
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Inside kitchen cabinets Cut Paper in Aqua, Tea House, $36 per single roll; Thibaut Wallpaper, knobs Anthropologie
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Peacock blue silk euro shams, Kuhl-Linscomb; branch in vase, David Brown; Headboard upholstery by Vandrick James
Original sunken bathtub with custom Portuguese hand-painted tiles brought back from a trip made by the previous owner are kept intact. The large window gives the feeling of an outdoor shower.
IF I HAD A WORLD OF MY OWN, EVERYTHING WOULD BE NONSENSE. NOTHING WOULD BE WHAT IT IS, BECAUSE EVERYTHING WOULD BE WHAT IT ISN'T. AND CONTRARY WISE, WHAT IS, IT WOULDN'T BE. AND WHAT IT WOULDN'T BE, IT WOULD. YOU SEE? 48. august08 002houston
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Kartell aqua Chandelier at Kuhl-Linscomb
Photography by Jill Hunter Styling by Carla Valencia de Martinez and Beatrice Valencia Quotes from Lewis Carroll’s
Rockwood Toile in Hunter on Taupe, Toile Resource $36.99 per role by Thibaut. Iron bird mirror and towel holder, Marshall’s; sink from Neiman Marcus Last Call
Little Black Book WALL PAPER THIBAUT thiba utdesign.com or 1.800.223.07 04 BREWSTER brewsterwallcoverin g.com or 800.366.1701 ANNA FRENCH annafrench.co .uk or 1.800.379.6587 The best wallpaper inst aller – CHRIS JONHSON 936 .760.8667 LANDSCAPE SCOTT BEAN AT OUTDOOR DEVELOPMENT 281 .395.LAWN POND MAINTENANCE BY BUZZ WORM 713.594.3255 UPHOLSTERY VANDRICK JAM ES (To the Trade Only, meaning you need an interior designer) – 713.426 .2500 Store Websites: WESTELM.com | MARSHALLS.com | KUHL-LIN SCOMB.com | HOUSTONFLOWERY.com
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Flat chaise lounges; Hyacinth bolster pillows, cushions and terry cloth covers, all at West Elm; Moroccan poufs $88, Karma People at KuhlLinscomb
ALL LANDSCAPING BY OUTDOOR DEVELOPMENT, PLANTS FROM TREE SOURCE
table from Marshall’s
ALL GOLDEN IN THE AFTERNOON
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BEFORE...
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EXTENDED OPTIONS
9 OF HOUSTON’S PRIME REAL ESTATES EXPERTS SHARE SOME TIPS.
Interviews by Regina Panis | Photography by Wenjing Zhang
FAVORITE NEIGHBORHOOD: Any Kickerillo community! Our communities, currently five in the HOUSTON’S BEST KEPT SECRET: Houstonians are so welcoming to new people and businesses, and
FAVORITE NEIGHBORHOOD: My favorite neighborhood in Houston is Rice Military. It is
emerging as one of Houston’s best addresses and is re-inventing itself from a sleepy borough to a vibrant community filled with activity. On any given day you can meet your neighbors as they jog, walk their dogs, stroll and bike to Memorial Park. There’s also the exciting social scene that is the Washington Corridor. HOUSTON’S BEST KEPT SECRET: Houston has an incredible entrepreneurial spirit, great quality of life and many avenues for success. FAVORITE HOME DECOR STORE: Kuhl-Linscomb.
we are fortunate that our local economy is diversifying and that new people are coming into the city every year. To these newcomers, Houston’s best kept secret is its relative affordability compared to other cities in the country. FAVORITE HOME DECOR STORE: Longoria Collection is my favorite store for home decor in the city! They have everything for the home from amazing furniture and gorgeous linens, to beautiful candles, frames and books.
THREE TIPS YOU’D GIVE TO A HOME BUYER:
1. Don’t read the headlines. Houston’s real estate market is sustaining in these difficult economic times. 2. Look outside the Loop. With the improvements on I-10 and the construction of the fabulous Westpark Tollway, people can live on the west side of Houston and still enjoy entertainment in the inner loop and Downtown and first-class care in the Medical Center. 3. Buy a home that you can see yourself building a life in…don’t just make an economic investment, make an investment in your future happiness. WHAT HAVE YOU SEEN CHANGE THE MOST AND HOW? At Kickerillo Companies, we see home building trends change all the time. We have recently seen an emphasis on outdoor living spaces such as outdoor living rooms, kitchens and family areas. There has also been a trend in specialty rooms such as home gyms, top-of-the-line home theaters, meditation dens and even Christmas tree rooms. There has also been a big shift towards green living. Our customers always ask for features that will ensure a green lifestyle, but truthfully, Kickerillo went green a long time ago. We use renewable products such as engineered and new growth wood. Also, Tech Shield roof sheathing is a standard feature in all Kickerillo homes to minimize heat gain in the summer and to minimize heat loss in the winter.
1. Look for quality finishes…this is huge with the advent of so many design shows on televisions…many buyers are more aware of style and fashion than any point in our history. 2. Look for great floor plans. Versatile rooms and outdoor living spaces….rooftop terraces are hot! 3. Look for a trusted friend and adviser to guide you through the process. WHAT HAVE YOU SEEN CHANGE THE MOST AND HOW? The largest change I have seen in the last decade concerning the Houston marketplace is the level of sophistication of the Houston home buyer, from their knowledge of the market and the process of buying to design and construction. The advent of the Internet and popular television shows have helped create a new generation of sophisticated home buyer.
BRYAN K. TAYLOR
Reuther Homes
5120 Woodway, Suite 7029 713.266.4424 bryan@reutherhomes.com reutherhomes.com
THREE TIPS YOU’D GIVE TO A HOME BUYER:
KELLI KICKERILLO Kickerillo Companies
Chief Marketing Officer/Executive Vice President 713.9510666 | kickerillo.com info@kickerillo.com
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Zhang
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FAVORITE NEIGHBORHOOD: Rice Military/Memorial Park. HOUSTON’S BEST KEPT SECRET: Rice Military is a secret to most Houstonians; the majority of Houstonians
KELLI COLBERT
moving into the area don’t even know about it. It’s not even on most maps. Rice Military really is “the living” of Memorial Park. It is one of the city’s hottest and most desirable real estate markets inside the Loop. FAVORITE HOME DECOR STORE: The Great Indoors.
Apex Group| Keller Williams 832.419.3292 apexrealestate.net kellidcolbert@yahoo.com
THREE TIPS YOU’D GIVE TO A HOME BUYER?
1. Before looking, meet with a mortgage professional. 2. Choose a real estate agent that specializes in the area you are looking at and ask for more references. 3. Don’t try to make the Home work; if it’s not “Home” to you, then you’ll know the minute you set your eyes on it! WHAT HAVE YOU SEEN CHANGE THE MOST AND HOW?
Different today from 12 years ago when I began in Real Estate is the level of experience and knowledge required today to be successful because of the Internet and information that is easily obtained by most all home buyers today. An agent must stay educated and informed to better serve their clients.
ROBERT GRAY
The Metropolitan – Keller Williams 550 Post Oak Blvd., Suite 350 713.298.1481 GrayHomeTeam.com robert@grayhometeam.com
FAVORITE NEIGHBORHOOD: Oasis Intown, because it offers the bene-
FAVORITE
NEIGHBORHOOD
Currently, I’m keen on Live Oaks, the neighborhood just north of the River Oaks Shopping Center – Brentwood Dr. This neighborhood is obviously well-developed. It’s proximity to shops and restaurants enable it to be pedestrian-friendly for its residents, which is so rare in this automobile-dependent city of ours. HOUSTON’S BEST KEPT SECRET:
Likely this is not a secret to some, but for being the 4th largest city in the country our cost of living index is quite affordable when compared with other major metropolitan cities. FAVORITE HOME DECOR STORE:
Design Within Reach on W. Gray, mod but classic. THREE TIPS YOU’D GIVE TO A HOME BUYER:
1. If you buy new construction, research the builder/developer. There are plenty of websites, former homeowners and other avenues
that can assist you. In a volatile market, a solid builder with strong financials and experience is essential. 2. Hire an experienced, knowledgeable agent. I don’t understand why anyone wouldn’t do so on such a large investment, plus it’s no cost to purchasers. 3. Hire a 3rd-party inspector. The results of an inspection can either give the buyer peace of mind or keep them from making a bad investment. WHAT HAVE YOU SEEN CHANGE THE MOST AND HOW?
Obviously, the mortgage industry has tightened its belt on who they are lending to. The days of overzealous lenders loaning money to whomever are over. Luckily in the Houston Inner Loop, we have been sheltered from the dramatic tailspin of home values in other parts of the country like Florida and Southern California.
fits of inside the Loop with true single-family, 2-story detached homes with large backyards priced from the low $200’s. Oasis Intown is a gated enclave of 39 luxury garden homes featuring its own community park. It is also strategically located on the future light rail line, giving it direct access to Downtown, Midtown, Reliant Stadium, the Texas Medical Center and the Galleria. HOUSTON’S BEST KEPT SECRET: The parks and public spaces around the theatre district. It must be a secret because I rarely see anyone outside enjoying them. FAVORITE HOME DECOR STORE: Design Expo. Not too many agreed with me, since they are no longer in business. THREE TIPS YOU’D GIVE TO A HOME BUYER:
1. Make sure the home is of high quality. 2. Make sure the builder is reputable. 2. Buy inside the Loop. WHAT HAVE YOU SEEN CHANGE THE MOST AND HOW? Suburban home prices
(have changed the most). All the more reason to buy inside the Loop where prices are stable and the market is still vibrant. There is a finite amount of land inside the Loop and the demand and prices will only increase as Houston grows.
ED TARAVELLA Oasis Intown
713.242.7900 | oasisintown.com etaravella@taracorp.net 53. august08 002houston
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FAVORITE NEIGHBORHOOD?
The Heights. I love the style of the homes and the tree-lined streets. And that even though it’s so close to Downtown, it has a relatively secluded and cozy feel to it. HOUSTON’S BEST KEPT SECRET?
I think people assume that if you move to a home within the Loop you have to sacrifice having a backyard. While it is true that lots aren’t going to be of the suburban size, there are many homes on the market with plenty of room for a pool. FAVORITE HOME DECOR STORE?
Z Gallerie. THREE TIPS YOU’D GIVE TO A HOME BUYER?
1. The sales price of the home isn’t the only number to look at – a property’s ability to maintain its value and potential for appreciation are important factors to consider when making your decision. Tricon Homes builds homes within the Loop offering developments in the various neighborhoods with
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potential for appreciation increasing in the more newly developed areas. 2. Make a list of “must-haves” so you don’t end up settling for something that isn’t going to fit your long-term needs. Be realistic with your list and then start looking. 3. Have fun – buying a home should be an enjoyable experience! WHAT HAVE YOU SEEN CHANGE THE MOST AND HOW?
The largest change I’ve seen is definitely the Washington Corridor – the level of development, as well as the quickness in which it has been occurring, has been impressive. It’s been exciting to watch the area transform with new restaurants, bars, retail centers and homes popping up all the time. It allows people to discover something new every time they’re there.
GEORGIANNA SIWEK Tricon Homes
711 East 20th St. 713.334.6060 georgianna@triconhomes.com triconhomes.com
FAVORITE NEIGHBORHOOD:
Downtown, where I make my home at Bayou Lofts; it’s a walking neighborhood, very little driving (and with gas prices, this is important!). HOUSTON’S BEST KEPT SECRET:
Downtown, be close to work, hours added without all the driving to make more time for other things. The history of Houston as well as the revitalization of new life in the core of our great city. It’s also amazing how many people don’t know about all the residential properties downtown and the 7-mile tunnel system underground. Every day, I hear people say, “I didn’t know there were so many places to live downtown.” FAVORITE HOME DECOR STORE:
High Fashion Home on Milam in Midtown. THREE TIPS YOU’D GIVE TO A HOME BUYER:
1. Use a realtor that lists and sells in the area where you’re interested in living. 2. When choosing a realtor, use your gut instinct when in doubt. 3. Ask lots of questions. WHAT HAVE YOU SEEN CHANGE THE MOST AND HOW?
I thought when the Super Bowl came and the rail and streets were developing, things would peak from there. But it didn’t. Now that there’s the Houston Pavilion, restaurants, retail shopping, the Discovery Green and four new office towers built…it’s exciting for Downtown revitalization, which should’ve happened a long time ago. It’s such an exciting development for Downtown. I have had record-breaking months this year regardless of the negative press we hear constantly on the real estate market. Houston’s real estate market is strong and the future looks very bright.
“HOUSTON’S REAL ESTATE MARKET IS STRONG AND THE FUTURE LOOKS VERY BRIGHT.” -TERRY STANFIELD
TERRY STANFIELD Heritage Texas Properties
Historic Cotton Exchange Building 202 Travis, Suite 400 713.227.5406 | tstanfield@heritagetexas.com heritagetexas.com 54. august08 002houston
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“DO YOUR HOMEWORK AND SELECT A REALTOR YOU FEEL YOU CAN CONNECT WITH. A HOME PURCHASE IS A BIG INVESTMENT AND SHOULD NOT BE TAKEN LIGHTLY.” -RONNIE KEE
JENNIFER HAMELET Mirador Builders
1302 Waugh Drive #327 713.520.0932 jenniferhamelet@aol.com miradorbuilders.com
FAVORITE NEIGHBORHOOD: RIVER OAKS/UPTOWN AREA. I LOVE THE “URBAN FLAIR.” IT’S A GREAT, WALKABLE NEIGHBORHOOD; YOU CAN WALK TO FOUR DIFFERENT RESTAURANTS FROM HERE. ANOTHER THING I REALLY LIKE IS THAT IT’S MAINTAINED ITS HISTORY, YET HAS STILL BEEN ABLE TO CHANGE. HOUSTON’S BEST KEPT SECRET: THE BEST KEPT SECRET IS GOING JUST OUTSIDE THE LOOP, BECAUSE INSIDE THE LOOP—THE PRICES ARE GETTING A BIT TOO HIGH—LAND VALUES ARE TOO EXPENSIVE. YOU CAN GET SOMETHING JUST OUTSIDE THE LOOP FOR A GREAT PRICE AND BE JUST MILES FROM TOWN. FAVORITE HOME DECOR STORE: I GET MOST OF THE STUFF FOR MY HOME FROM EBAY AND MARBURGER FAIR, WHICH IS AN ANTIQUE FAIR THAT HAPPENS TWICE A YEAR. OTHER THAN THAT, HIGH FASHION HOME AND JOYCE HORN ANTIQUES. THREE TIPS YOU’D GIVE TO A HOMEBUYER: 1. DON’T WAIT BECAUSE I’VE NEVER SEEN PRICES AS LOW AS RIGHT NOW WITH CORRESPONDING INTEREST RATES. 2. BUY TIMELESS QUALITY IN BOTH HOMES AND DECOR. 3. MAKE A WISH LIST OF WHAT’S IMPORTANT TO YOU IN A HOME AND PRICE IT BEFORE YOU COMPROMISE. WHAT HAVE YOU SEEN CHANGE THE MOST AND HOW? PEOPLE’S ATTITUDES ABOUT BUYING HAVE CHANGED. THEY USED TO NOT BUY A HOUSE UNTIL THEY WERE MARRIED, BUT NOW, THERE ARE A LOT OF SINGLES BUYING BECAUSE PEOPLE ARE REALIZING THEY NEED TO START BUILDING THEIR EQUITY.
FAVORITE NEIGHBORHOOD? My current favorite neighborhood is Rice Military/Memorial Park Area because of the close proximity to Memorial Park and Downtown. I always loved the metal art houses in this once transitional area. This area has exploded with development and values have gone up quite a bit over the last 5 years. The variety of housing choices and growth of Washington Avenue has made this a favorite area for me and my clients. HOUSTON’S BEST KEPT SECRET: Low cost of housing prices compared to other major cities and such a wide choice of housing close to the city center. FAVORITE HOME DECOR STORE? West Elm. THREE TIPS YOU’D GIVE TO A HOUSTON HOME BUYER? 1. Enlist the services of an experienced Realtor. Do your homework and select a Realtor you feel you can connect with. A home purchase is a big investment and should not be taken lightly. 2. Before you even start looking, get pre-approved for a mortgage and find out exactly what you qualify for. Your Realtor can usually recommend a mortgage person to work with who has a proven track record. There may be issues with your finances that you need to
work on to get pre-approved. Don’t wait until the last minute. 3. Buying now vs. waiting is usually your best choice. Get a local expert opinion about the local real estate and mortgage situation before jumping to conclusions. With all of the talk about real estate in the media and at the watercooler, you might think you should just rent forever. Not so in the local market. Every situation is different, but the Houston market remains strong and is expected to continue growing, especially inside and near the Loop WHAT HAVE YOU SEEN CHANGE THE MOST AND HOW? The largest change I have seen is in the revitalization of so many older Inner Loop neighborhoods over the past 10 years. The demand for housing inside and near the Loop has been phenomenal! With gas prices going up every day, it makes sense to put the savings from commuting towards housing closer to where you work and are most active. The growth of retail, commercial and mixedused developments to accommodate the influx of Inner Loop residents has also been phenomenal! As a native Houstonian, it is very exciting to see the growth of Houston overall.
RONNIE KEE, CRS
InnerLoopLiving.com, Realtors Team
55. august08 002houston
1939 West Gray, Suite 100 713.526.5777 ronnie@innerloopliving.com InnerLoopLiving.com
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PHOTOGRAPHY BY Sofia van der Dys PRODUCT STYLING BY Carla Valencia de Martinez PHOTO ASSISTANT Aaron Courtland
MARSH ALL’S wood bowl $19.99 – $49.99r DRY SODA’S chic un-soft drinks $25 for a dozen drysoda.com KYOCERA ADVANCED CERAMICS Everything Peeler and Knife Sharpener KyocerAdvancedCeramics.com ARMANI COSMETICS Python collection compact
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KAZAK hand knotted rug made by fairly paid adults, one of many of the rugs that will be featured at Ten Thousand Villages Oriental Rug Event September 25 – 29, $525 rugstenthousandvillages.com PRACTICALLY POSH – the budget babes’ guide to the good life book, $18.95; TWIST all organic USDA certified premium Lemon water, about $1.49 at grocery stores, talkingrain.com HOLA FRUTA! Mango all natural sherbet about $4, holafruta.com ISSEY MIYAKE PERFUME – L’Eau D’Issey 57. august08 002houston
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BAZURA BAG designs and sells eco-friendly bags and accessories made from non-biodegradable clutter. $29.95 Bazurashop.com K HALL DESIGNS screen printed glass candle $32 khalldesigns.com A YEAR IN TH E GARDEN a monthly gardening guide for the Gulf South $14.95 friendsofthemagnoliamound@cox.net BE FRIENDS PINOT NOIR $14.99 at Central Market SK-II Facial treatment Essence moisturizes and stimulates skins natural renewal process $130 at Saks Fifth Avenue.
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ARCHICHAT
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By Sandra Gunn Photography by Wenjing Zhang
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SANDRA GUNN IS A NATIVE HOUSTONIAN AND REALTOR. HER FIRM, SANDRA GUNN PROPERTIES, SPECIALIZES IN THE UNIQUE AND PRIDES THEMSELVES ON BEING ARCHITECTS OF COMMUNITY. sandragunn.com
SOUP TO NUTS FROM THE MOMENT I MET KATHY HEARD, ARCHITECT AND CEO OF OPEN RESTAURANT DESIGN AND HER RESIDENTIAL/COMMERCIAL ARM - KATHY HEARD DESIGN, IT WAS OBVIOUS WHAT A WIDE VARIETY OF INTERESTS AND LIFE EXPERIENCES SHE BRINGS TO THE TABLE FOR HER CLIENTS. Born in Longview, Texas, her first big restaurant design client was in Citicorp Center in Manhattan in the mid-70s when she was “just a kid” working with a major NYC architectural firm. Drawn to Houston in 1978 by the quality of life, she settled at the iconic Isabella Court in Midtown for 14 years. Her love for old buildings led her to restore what is T’afia as her first local office and to her current base in an amazing 1953 MidCentury Modern space (destined for demolition due to the Richmond MetroRail) where her vintage white Checker cab is a perfect fit. OPEN is the force behind Houston’s Rickshaw, Wolfgang Puck Express, 713, Kubo’s; Via Cucina in Virginia; and Argosy Casino in Kansas City. Current projects include restoration of a preNapoleonic farmhouse in the foothills of the Pyrenees in France and a new restaurant for Lynette Hawkins who started La Mora on Lovett years ago. TELL ME ABOUT OPEN. My commitment to restaurant design is a specialty unto itself in the technical aspects, but every restaurant requires a new approach to the design. Although restaurants require frequent tweaking and updating to keep them current, the basic design should be classic so that the “bones” of the space are always right. I am a frustrated restaurateur at heart! HOW DID YOU CHOOSE THE NAME? I hate open signs. They are ugly and unnecessary. There are so many other ways to let people know like turning on the lights or opening the door. I REMEMBER YEARS BACK WHEN YOU DESIGNED BERTHA’S ON MONTROSE AFTER SHE FINALLY MOVED THOSE “PRE-SEX IN THE CITY” HIGH-HEELED MULES AND FABULOUS ENCHILADAS OUT OF DOWNTOWN. SHE WASN’T WELL FINANCED; HOW DID YOU ACHIEVE THE “POP” THAT YOU DID IN THAT SPACE? I am known for adding equity to property through creative use of materials, especially gypsum board, and a focus on rich, though not expensive, palettes which provide a background for the people and the food. I also believe there is no separation between interiors and architecture. HOW DO WE EDUCATE PEOPLE ABOUT ARCHITECTURE? Like the Food Network has helped educate regarding chefs, food and restaurant design, we have come a long way in design knowledge with TV and magazines like Dwell. However, I do not believe you can teach someone to be an architect or a designer; you can teach them to appreciate history and technical things. I believe some of us are born with the head and heart for design; I was pouring through my mother’s interior decorating books, which I still have, when I was a little girl. We built a house when I was seven. My mother worked and paid for the house herself.
KATHY HEARD
The woman who owned the lumberyard did the drawings. I just always knew women could build. From the age of eight, I knew I would be an interior decorator. We had no art classes in my school and I had to fight to take drafting my senior year. They would not let me take wood shop where the guys each built a piece of furniture where I could’ve learned a lot. I was studying interior design in the School of Home Economics at UT when I was strongly encouraged by several professors in the School of Architecture to change my major. I had been a National Officer in the Future Homemakers of America when I was in high school, so architecture school in 1968 was a breath of fresh air. TYPICALLY, THERE ARE ARCHITECTS AND PEOPLE WHO SPECIALIZE IN INTERIORS & GRAPHIC DESIGN INVOLVED IN CREATING A RESTAURANT EXPERIENCE. WHAT SETS YOU APART FROM OTHER FIRMS? When I can be involved with a restaurant project from concept to opening night – site selection, branding, drawing plans, overseeing the restoration or build-out of the space – the client is making the best use of my abilities. I bring in glass and photomurals from China, design custom furniture, menus, even the carpets. One of my greatest strengths is my attention to detail and accuracy of my documents. Every inch in a restaurant is critical. SO YOU TAKE THE CLIENT FROM “SOUP TO NUTS”? That’s it! WHAT’S YOUR MOTTO? Since the client dictates the outcome, my motto is “pick your battles”!
FAVORITES: NEIG HBORHOOD MIDTOWN. IT IS A PART OF DOWNTOWN AND HAS CURBS AND SIDEWALKS. FOOD ALBERT’S FAMOUS MEXICAN HOT SAUCE FROM KILGORE, TEXAS. MY FATHER SOLD THEM THE TONGUE THAT THEY MADE THE TACOS WITH. ARCHITECT LUIS BARRAGAN AND THE WAY HE TOOK BAUHAUS TO THE TROPICS. BUILDING TO RESTORE 1934 MODERNIST WEEKEND HOUSE ON CROSS LAKE NEAR SHREVEPORT, LOUISIANA, BY WILLIAM B. WIENER OR ANY ART DECO OR MODERNIST BUILDING ON THE MALECÓN IN HAVANA. 60. august08 002houston
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BUSINESS PROFILE
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Photography by Jack Potts
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NAKED BODY+BATH | JANINE ABMAYR, FARAH JUMSHYD AND DENA LADNER
Naked Body+Bath is the brainchild of 3 professional businesswomen, each with a unique set of talent and skills – Farah Jumshyd, Dena Ladner, Janine Abmayr – who saw an opportunity to redefine the bath and body industry by taking the retail experience to a completely new level of customer fulfillment. Farah is the driving force behind Naked Body+Bath. A self-proclaimed visionary, Farah admits that her best and worst quality lies in her drive and persistence to see the vision through to the end. Dena is the idealist and backbone of the group. Janine is the pragmatic organizer, staying in tune with upcoming consumer trends and the daily needs of the business. Farah, who grew up in the UK, US and Pakistan, is also a wife and mother. Dena is a Houston native, an active supporter of local small businesses, a wife and mother to a collegeaged son. Married and a busy mother of two small children, Janine grew up in Texas and has been in Houston for over 10 years.
IS THIS YOUR INTENDED CAREER PATH? IF NOT, HOW DID YOU GET HERE? FARAH I had geared myself toward a business career in a large corporation, but I never thought that I’d find passion and a level of personal fulfillment in my own business. I’m still doing both - corporate job by day and small business owner in the evenings and weekends. Only time will tell how things ultimately work out! DENA Absolutely, Naked body+bath is the ultimate destination. WHAT DID YOU WANT TO BE WHEN YOU GREW UP? JANINE A psychologist – I thought it would be nice to help people. FARAH I loved to read and yearned to be a writer when I was a kid. But I had a friend whose dad owned an advertising agency where I did a summer internship. I really liked the creativity so I ended up choosing a marketing career. DENA First an opera star, then own a book store/own a library...at any rate access to as many books as I wanted.
WHY HOUSTON? JANINE My family is here and I wanted to be close to them. It has really paid off, because my parents watch the kids while I work. And, I met my business partners, whom I am also proud to call friends, here. So, clearly Houston was a good choice! FARAH I married a petroleum engineer so Houston was a good career move for him. Plus, my folks live here and their help has been invaluable taking care of my daughter as I try to juggle two careers. DENA Hometown advantage!
FAVORITE BOOK? JANINE There are so many that I like that I can’t choose a favorite. Of what I have read recently, I was most touched by The Kite Runner.FARAH A Woman of Substance by Barbara Taylor Bradford. I can relate to Emma Harte, the lead character, who ends up building a huge business empire out of nothing. DENA The Stand, Stephen King | The Fifth Discipline, Peter Senge.
WHO WAS YOUR ROLE MODEL? JANINE My parents – without a doubt. FARAH Emma Harte. (See Favorite Book answer.) DENA Mrs. Feller, my 6th grade teacher. FAVORITE BAND? JANINE I really can’t pick just one. But I can tell you that my favorite genre, without a doubt, is Disco. Put on Gloria Gaynor – or a good ABBA song – and I’ll be on my feet dancing! FARAH Can’t choose a favorite, I listen to all kinds of music. My favorite is retro stuff from the ’70s and ’80s. DENA Pink Floyd.
WHAT DEFINES HOUSTON AS YOUR “HOMETOWN”? JANINE My family. We’re all here, and I love it!FARAH My entire family lives here, my daughter was born here, and I’ve lived here for over 10 years. DENA Southern Hospitality....I remember Bob Hope on the Tonight Show saying that people in Houston were the nicest he’d met. Really stuck with me.
BIGGEST LIFE LESSON LEARNED? JANINE At the end of the day, you have to live with yourself. So make the best decisions you can, stand by your values, and be proud of who you are. Even if it means making less money, being less popular, or taking the road less traveled. Do what’s right, not what’s easy. FARAH Personal fulfillment is the secret to happiness, not money. I believe as human beings, we are always striving for fulfillment and that is what keeps us going every day. DENA It doesn’t matter what other people think.
WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE SPOT IN HOUSTON TO SHOW OFF TO A VISITOR? JANINE Rice Village and the Rice University campus. FARAH I love showing off Rice Village to show a place where Houstonians actually walk around. And the surrounding West University neighborhood is amazing! DENA Our store. Then the Uptown area.
WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST JOB? WHAT DO YOU PLAN ON DOING WHEN YOU RETIRE? JANINE I was a cashier at KFC! When I retire, I’m moving to Italy. I’m just going to hang out, drink wine and eat prosciutto. FARAH My first job was as an Associate Marketing Manager at Clorox in San Francisco. I would love to try my hand at something I’ve never done before when I retire. DENA I sold the Houston Post by telephone in high school. Retirement = travel! WHAT LUXURY (ITEM OR SERVICE) DO YOU WISH YOU COULD INDULGE YOURSELF WITH? JANINE A live-in housekeeper! DENA A month-long spa visit!
TEXANS STILL HAVE A REPUTATION FOR BRAGGING. WHAT WOULD YOU BRAG ABOUT? JANINE My kids, of course! I’ve got the 2 best in the entire world. FARAH Our cost and standard of living. Dollar for dollar, everything is more affordable in Texas. DENA That Texas is special in a way no other state can be, having been its own country and having the right by treaty to do so again. WHAT DO YOU CONSIDER A HIDDEN TREASURE OF HOUSTON ? JANINE Naked Body+Bath – but not for long. We aim to unhide it. FARAH Naked Body+Bath, of course! You gotta experience it to believe it! DENA The Mercer Arboretum.
FAVORITE CANDY: FARAH: MINT AERO CANDY BARS DENA: ATOMIC FIRE BALLS JANINE: THOSE CARAMELS THINGS WITH SUGAR IN THE MIDDLE 62. august08 002houston
Photography by Karen Sachar, Fulton Davenport, Kim Coffman
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EVENT 2008 ALLEY BALL WHY TO CELEBRATE THE WORLD PREMIERE OF THE GERSHWINS ‘ AN AMERICAN IN PARIS WHERE UNIVERSITY BUSINESS PARK MOVIE STUDIOS WHEN MAY 9 Almost a whopping 600 guests attended this year’s highly successful ball. Guests enjoyed tunes by Frank Sinatra, Jr., singing selections from the Gershwin songbook as well as songs of the late Frank Sinatra, while perusing and bidding on fabulous auction items from the likes of Chanel, Cartier, Continental, Louis Vuitton, etc. The goody bag was not one to disappoint with a fabulous Hermes scarf and signature Cartier stationery!
Cartier Pages with Cynthia Petrello
Cornelia and Meredith Long, Lynn Wyatt and Brad Wyatt
Kitch Taub, Laurel Naughton, Christopher and Courtney Sarofim
Jennifer Wingo, Maine Goodfellow
Isabel and Danny David
Lisa Abiola, Kicia Carpenter
Honoree Meredith Long, Las Vegas Showgirls
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APPY AUGUST, FELLOW WISE GUYS. THIS MONTH I DECIDED TO DEVIATE FROM THE NORMAL FORMAT OF THIS COLUMN AND BRING YOU AN INTERVIEW WITH LOCAL SPORTS WISE-ASS, ADAM CLANTON. YOU’VE PROBABLY HEARD HIS OCCASIONALLY ABRASIVE ANTICS ON HIS NEW “ANYTHING GOES” MORNING RADIO SHOW ON SPORTS RADIO 610AM. HE’S ALSO A SPORTS PRODUCER/REPORTER FOR KPRC CHANNEL 2 IN THE EVENINGS. I CAUGHT UP WITH THE 27-YEAR-OLD TO GET A COUPLE TAKES ON LIFE IN THE SPORTS BIZ, THE TEXANS’ UPCOMING SEASON, AND HIS UNAPOLOGETIC INDIFFERENCE TOWARDS BASEBALL AND THE WNBA.
H wiseguy By Brant Croucher
SO YOU’RE PRETTY MUCH AN OVERNIGHT SUCCESS, RIGHT? [Laughs] In both jobs, I was lucky with timing and in this business – as much as I hate to say it – for anyone who wants to get into it you almost need luck as much as anything. It’s all about taking advantages of opportunities when you find them and when they are presented. HOW DO YOU PREPARE FOR YOUR SHOW? Basically, my preparation is to sit down and pull stuff out of my backside and hope that people think that it’s funny. [Laughs] My show follows a talk show I’m already a part of so I already get what I’m going to talk about – I just put my own spin on it. The only thing I have to worry about is the people I say stuff about coming after me at a practice or something. UHH, YEAH, VERY LARGE MEN. YOU’VE AMASSED QUITE A REPERTOIRE OF VOICE IMPERSONATIONS. HAVE ANY OF THE PEOPLE YOU IMPERSONATE EVER HEARD YOUR IMPRESSIONS OF THEM? I was doing an impression of [former Rockets coach] Jeff Van Gundy on 610, and he happened to be listening. The producer told me to pick up one of the telephone lines and it was Van Gundy and he was like, “That’s some funny stuff,” laughing on the other end of the line. WHO SHOULD HOUSTON HATE MORE – JOHN STOCKTON, FRANK REICH OR ALBERT PUJOLS? Stockton. There’s not much to like about the guy. He’s dirty. He played with an even dirtier player and he never really ever won anything so I don’t really respect him. WORST HOUSTON SPORTS MOMENT? Well, talking about John Stockton, that was a pretty low point when he hit the 3-pointer to beat the Rockets in 1997 because that would have been the matchup everyone wanted to see – the Bulls and the Rockets.
WHICH HOUSTON PRODUCT WILL HAVE THE BETTER SEASON, THE TEXANS OR VINCE YOUNG? I’ve got to go with the Texans this season. They haven’t beaten him and they are going to have a better overall team this year. TEXANS RECORD PREDICTION? 9-7. I don’t think 9-7 will be good enough for a playoff bid, but if it is, that would be nice and I think they are capable of doing that, even with the first 5 games being absolutely brutal. NAME YOUR FAVORITE COMETS PLAYER. That would definitely have to be…umm… jeez. I’LL LET YOU THINK ON THAT. DOES THE WNBA REALLY HAVE A CHANCE? No. I think the only reason it is still afloat is because it is constantly being put on life support by NBA commissioner David Stern’s henchmen. YOU’VE BEEN IN HOUSTON FOR MOST OF YOUR LIFE. Since 1989. WHAT IS IT THAT YOU LIKE ABOUT HOUSTON? We always complain about the fans and how it’s a transplant city, but there’s a lot of tradition here that people just don’t recognize. I like that it’s diverse, there are a lot of things to do. And obviously I have an affinity for the sports teams. SO WOULD YOU SAY THAT MUCH LIKE OUR SPORTS TEAMS, HOUSTON IS SOMEWHAT UNDERRATED? Definitely. It gets a bad rep, but if people give it a second look or a fair chance, they’ll recognize that too. It beats Dallas, I’ll tell you that much.
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ADAM CLANTON
AMEN. ANY PARTING SHOTS, ANYTHING YOU’D LIKE TO GET OFF YOUR CHEST? I would like baseball season to be reduced in half. It’s the dog days of summer and I’m ready for the Texans training camp to start.
Clanton’s show ’The Adam Clanton Experience’ airs weekdays from 10am-11am on 610AM.
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FINANCE
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by Hal Lynde, Managing Director, Morgan Keegan Photography by Daniel Ortiz
ALTERNATIVE ASSET CLASSES – A WIDE RANGE OF POSSIBILITIES FOR YOUR PORTFOLIO. GREAT FOR ALL AGES $1,000 at 8 percent, you – INVEST 411 will earn $80. By reinvestWhy do so many people ing the earnings and never obtain the financial assuming the same rate of independence that they return, next year you will desire? Often it’s because earn $86.40 on your they just don’t take that $1,080 investment. The first step – getting started. following year, $1,166.40 Besides procrastination, will earn $93.31. Use the other excuses that people Rule of 72 to judge an make are that investing is investment’s potential. too risky, too complicated, Divide the projected return too time-consuming and hal lynde into 72. The answer is the only for the rich. The fact number of years that it will is, there’s nothing complicated about take for the investment to double in common investing techniques, and it usuvalue. For example, an investment that ally doesn’t take much time to underearns 8 percent per year will double in 9 stand the basics. Investing is for everyyears. one, not just the rich. And the biggest risk you face is not educating yourself. CONSIDER WORKING WITH A FINANCIAL PLANNER Whether you need a financial planner SAVING VERSUS INVESTING depends on your own comfort level. If Both saving and investing have a place you have the time and energy to educate in your finances. But don’t confuse the yourself, you may not need any assistwo. With savings, your principal typicaltance. However, don’t underestimate the ly remains constant and earns interest or value of the experience and knowledge dividends. Savings are kept in certificates that a professional financial advisor can of deposit (CDs), checking accounts, offer. A financial planner can help you money market accounts and passbook define your goals and objectives, make a savings accounts. By comparison, investnet worth statement and a spending ments can go up or down in value and plan, decide the level of risk that’s right may or may not pay interest or divifor you, and work with you to create a dends. Examples of investments include comprehensive financial plan. For many, stocks, bonds, mutual funds, collectibles, working with a professional advisor is precious metals and real estate. the single most important investment that they make. WHY INVEST? You invest for the future, and the future is REVIEW YOUR PROGRESS expensive. For example, college expensFinancial management is an ongoing es are increasing at double the rate of process. Keep good records and recalcuinflation. Also people are retiring earlier late your net worth annually. This will and living longer. Because everyone has help you for tax purposes and show you different goals and expectations, everyhow your investments are doing over one has different reasons for investing. time. Once you take that first step of getHowever, it simply comes down to manting started, you will be better able to aging your money to provide a comfortmanage your money to help afford able life and financial security for you today’s needs and pay for tomorrow’s and your family. goals. UNDERSTAND THE IMPACT OF TIME Take advantage of the power of compounding. Compounding is the earning of interest on interest, or the reinvestment of income. For instance, if you invest
Financial Planning and Investment seminar schedule at hal.lynde.mkadvisor.com orsend an email to hal.lynde@morgankeegan.com. For additional investment information and decision making calculators, visit hal.lynde@mkadvisor.com.
DON’T MISS HAL’S MARKET UPDATES AT 6:40AM AND 3:40PM AS CAPTAIN CASH ON 94.5 THE BUZZ. 65. august08 002houston
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VROOM, VROOM VACATE THE CITY IN STYLE
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by Michael Andre Adams
SURELY YOU REALIZE THE RISE IN FUEL PRICES HAS HAD A DETRIMENTAL EFFECT ON AIRFARES AS WELL. AND DEALS ARE HARDER AND HARDER TO COME BY AS AIRLINES REDUCE THE NUMBER OF FLIGHTS TO INCREASE THE DEMAND AND PRICE. SO IF YOU’RE SEARCHING FOR VALUE THIS SUMMER FAMILY VACATION SEASON, YOU MAY AS WELL PACK UP AND HIT THE ROAD IN A HOT WHIP. AND IF YOU’RE TALKING SUVS, WELL, IT’S A BUYERS’ MARKET!
2008 RANGE ROVER SUPERCHARGED It’s the daddy of them all...the one all SUVs hope to grow up and become one day…the one all full-size SUV owners envy – regardless of gas prices! It’s stately presence commands respect for long ago it set the bar in its class and continues to uphold the standard. • Behind the wheel nothing compares to a Rover in terms of stability, comfort, ruggedness and glam – as in the unspoken language stated when you roll But to truly appreciate the capabilities of a
vehicle this amazing one MUST take the Land Rover Driving Experience course. Offered at luxury resorts throughout the USA (with one in Canada), this multi-day experience complete with professional driver by your side will introduce you to the steep ascends and descends, mud and ruts on two or four wheels while completely stable, which is legend behind this icon. (See landroverusa.com.)
MSRP: $96,600 | Fill-up: $101.84 (27.6 gallons @ $4.10) | MPTank: 348 | Seating: Five | Floss Points: Rear DVD system with dual headrest monitors
2008 TOYOTA LAND CRUISER WAGON Imagine you, your spouse, the kids (2), another couple and their two kids in one vehicle with one of the best lit rear cameras, an uncomplicated touchscreen navigation system with live traffic updates and voice guidance that will not interfere with your integrated (Bluetooth) phone or music…if only the others would follow! • Unlike its more style sensitive predecessors, the exterior of this 381 hp V8 machine is reminiscent of a workhorse from outer space.
The interior is comfortable, absent of unnecessary bling, and practical, which has its advantages when utilizing the hydraulic lift of the second row seat for access to the third row and to raise/lower the third row. A central DVD screen can be lowered to entertain rear passengers, all of which have plenty of air vents, cup holders and storage. Front seat passengers reign with a refrigerated compartment beneath the armrest.
MSRP: $71,617 |Fill-up: $93.73 (25.4 gallons @ $4.10) | MPTank: 343 | Seating: Eight | Floss Points: Rear 110-power outlet (3 prong)
2008 LINCOLN MKX AWD Crossing over, this one sits much lower than a full-size SUV, offers far greater gas mileage by way of a 3.5L V6 engine with grandeur and a sticker 10s of thousands of dollars less. • Since we get what we pay for, what will you get? I’m glad you asked. How about cooled (and heated) seats, adaptive headlights that turn when you turn to help locate what might otherwise be overlooked with traditional lighting and a
(ELITE & LIMITED EDITION PACKAGE)
panoramic moon-roof (Vista Roof) providing a skyline view to both front and rear seat passengers. • It’s a whole different animal in comparison to the much larger and heavier Rover or Cruiser in terms of its ability to self-correct handling and stability, yet it does have rollover detection. Nevertheless, it lives up to Lincoln’s reputation as possessor of style and a comfortable ride.
MSRP: $42,900 | Fill-up: $73.80 (20 gallons @ $4.10) | MPTank: 324 | Seating: Five | Floss Points: Power Liftgate, 20-inch chrome clad wheels 66. august08 002houston
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TOOLS+TOYS+GADGETS
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by Michael Garfield Michael Garfield photography by Kennon Evett
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MICHAEL GARFIELD IS KNOWN AS “THE HIGH-TECH TEXAN®” TO MILLIONS OF RADIO LISTENERS AND TV VIEWERS. HE CAN BE HEARD AND SEEN ACROSS MANY MARKETS DISPERSING TECHNOLOGY NEWS AND TIPS. HIS RADIO PROGRAM AIRS IN HOUSTON ON THE 9-5-0 EVERY SATURDAY AT 11AM. VISIT HIS WEBSITE AT HIGHTECHTEXAN.COM.
I2I STREAM
Being a radio broadcaster has its joys, including letting a large audience hear your favorite songs. But if you can’t afford to buy a radio station then i2i Stream may be the next best thing. The i2i Stream sends music from most portable music players, including the iPod, wirelessly to other i2i Stream devices in the area. This device allows you to digitally broadcast sound or music wherever you want. Two i2i Stream devices are needed – one to broadcast and the other to receive the signal. Plug one device into any audio player, select a colored channel and press “Send.” For others to receive your music, have them plug earphones into their i2i device, select the same colored channel and press “Receive.” Congrats. You are a DJ. i2igear.com • $99 per pair
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SPOT SATELLITE MESSENGER
GPS isn’t only for getting direction. The SPOT Satellite Messenger is the first personal messaging device that just might save your life. Spot incorporates both GPS and commercial satellite technology so no matter where you are it can send help if needed. Press the Alert 911 button to dispatch emergency responders to your exact location. Other buttons include “Ask For Help” to request help from your family or friends. “Check In” lets your circle of friends/family know where you are and that you are OK. SPOT is already credited with saving lives, and since it floats, is waterproof and works between -40 and 185 degrees, the device is suitable for hurricanes and doesn’t depend on any cellular service. If you travel frequently or do some extreme vacations, this device is for you. findmespot.com • $169 plus $99 annual service 67. august08 002houston
Summer vacations are wrapping up and you need somewhere to dump all those photos and videos you took. There are many online storage websites but Flickr offers several easy-to-use features with a simple and fast upload utility. Flickr provides tools for both personal (for memory preservation) and social (for community-based) photo sharing. I was impressed with tagging and geotagging. They allow members to add descriptive keywords to their own photos or public photos. The tags better enable members to search, find and explore their own photos and digital imagery from around the globe that they may not have otherwise discovered. The Yahoo-owned company offers a free account with up to 100MB of photo upload per month. A Pro account allows for unlimited photo and video storage for about $25 per year. flickr.com
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PINNACLE VIDEO TRANSFER
Ever wished you could easily record your favorite TV show to your iPod without a computer? With Pinnacle Video Transfer you can record from your TV, DVD, PVR, camcorder to your iPod or computer hard drive. I repeat – without a computer. With one-touch recording and a setup process that redefines simple, I had a blast hooking up this box to game consoles, video cameras and just about every analog video source that I could find. It comes with its own RCA audio-video cables and power adapter. It even charges your iPod during the recording process so your portable player will not conk out after a long afternoon of converting VHS tapes or camcorder moments. pinnaclesys.com • $129
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RESTAURANT LISTINGS american
*17 inside Hotel Alden 1117 Prairie. 832.200.8800 aldenhotels.com ARTISTA In the Hobby Center 800 Bagby. 713.278.4782 cordua.com Antone’s •810 Capitol. 713.224.4679 •2724 West T.C. Jester. 713.686.4338 •4520 San Felipe. 713.623.4464 Antone’s Catering. 713.977.4000
Fish [japanese] 309 Gray. 713.526.5294 fishhouston.com
Polo’s Signature 3800 Southwest Frwy. 713.626.8100 polosignature.com Post Oak Grill 1415 S. Post Oak. 713.993.9966 postoakgrill.com
artista
AMERICAS cordua.com •1800 Post Oak Blvd. 713.961.1492 •21 Waterway Ave. 281.367.1492
Quattro inside The Four Seasons Hotel. 1300 Lamar. 713.276.4700 fourseasons.com Reef 2600 Travis. 713.526.8282 reefhouston.com
Benjy’s 2424 Dunstan. 713.522.7602 benjys.com
Tart Café 4411 Montrose. 713.526.8278 tartcafe.com
Bistro Lancaster 701 Texas Ave. 713.228.9502
THE OCEANAIRE SEAFOOD ROOM 5061 Westheimer. 832.487.8862 theoceanaire.com
Boom Boom Room 2518 Yale St. 713.868.3740 theboomboomroomhouston.com Daily Review Café 3412 West Lamar. 713.520.9217 dailyreviewcafe.com Farrago 318 Gray. 713.523.6404 farragohouston.com
Shade 250 W. 19th St. 713.863.7500 shadeheights.com Skyline Bar & Grill HiltonAmericas 1600 Lamar. 713.577.6139
La Strada 322 Westheimer. 713.523.1014 lastradahouston.com
SoVino 507 Westheimer. 713.524.1000 sovinowines.com
Monarch inside Hotel ZaZa 5701 Main. 713.527.1800 monarchrestaurant.com
Noe Restaurant inside The Omni Hotel Four Riverway. 713.871.8177 noerestaurant.com Pesce 3029 Kirby. 713.522.4858 pescehouston.com
Auntie Chang’s Dumpling House 2621 S. Shepherd. 713.524.8410 auntiechangs.com Azuma [japanese] •909 Texas. 713.223.0909 •5600 Kirby. 713.423.9649 azumajapanese.com
Mak Chin’s [pan asian] 1511 Shepherd. 713.861.9888 makchins.com
Monsoon Wok & Lounge 1200 McKinney, #103. 713.571.SAKE monsoonhou.com
kubo’s
Taft Street Coffee 2115 Taft. 713.522.3533 Te House of Tea 2402 Woodhead. 713.522.8868 teaagora.com
les givral’s kahve
BEAVER’S 2310 Decatur St. 713.864.2328 beavershouston.com Goode Company Texas Barbecue 5109 Kirby. 713.522.2530 goodecompany.com ra sushi
Pizzitola’s Bar-B-Cue 1703 Shepherd. 713.227.2283 pizzitolasbbq.com
ZUSHI JAPANESE CUISINE 5900 Memorial Dr., #102. 713.861.5588 zushihouston.com
bakery+
Teahouse •104 Main. 713.228.3063 •2089 Westheimer. 713.526.6123 teahousebeverage.com
Thelma’s 1020 Live Oak @ Lamar. 713.228.2262 zushi
coffee+tea
breakfast 11th St. Café 748 E. 11th St. 713.862.0089
Antidote Coffee 729 Studewood. 713.861.7400 myspace.com/antidotecoffee
Avalon Drug Co. & Diner •2417 Westheimer. 713.527.8900 •12810 Southwest Frwy. 281.240.0213
Bright & Early 4825 Washington. 713.934.8234
Baby Barnaby’s 602 Fairview. 713.522.4229 barnabyscafe.com
Café Brasil 2604 Dunlavy. 713.528.1993 The Coffee Groundz 2503 Bagby. 713.874.0082 coffeegroundz.net Deidrich Coffee 4005 Montrose. 713.526.1319 deidrich.com
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Rustika Café 3237 Southwest Frwy. 713.665.6226
cajun+creole+ southern BB’s Kitchen 2710 Montrose. 713.524.4499 Brennan’s of Houston 3300 Smith. 713.522.9711 brennanshouston.com Houston’s This Is It Soulfood 207 W. Gray. 713.659.1608 thisisithouston.com Mardi Gras Grill 1200 Durham. 713.864.5600 mardigrasgrill.net
bar-b-que
RA SUSHI [japanese] 3908 Westheimer. 713.621.5800 rasushi.com
Zake [japanese] 2946 S. Shepherd. 713.526.6888
spindletop
Voice inside Hotel Icon 220 Main. 832.667.4481 hotelicon.com
asian
KUBO’S [japanese] 2414 University Blvd. #200 713.528.7878 kubos-sushi.com
Fountain View Café 1842 Fountain View. 713.785.9060
Kraftsmen Baking 4100 Montrose #C. 713.524.7272 kraftsmenbaking.com
Uptown Sushi Uptown Park. 713.871.1200 uptown-sushi.com
Gravitas 807 Taft. 713.522.0995 gravitasrestaurant.com
Max’s Wine Dive 4720 Washington. 713.880.8737 maxswinedive.com
Inversion Coffee House 1953 Montrose, #A. 713.523.4866 inversioncoffee.com
Kam’s [fine chinese cuisine] 4500 Montrose Blvd. #C 713.529.5057
oceanaire
SPINDLETOP Hyatt Regency Houston 1200 Louisiana St. Houston, TX 77002 713.375.4775 spindletopathyatt.com Spindletop, atop the Hyatt Regency Houston, features innovative steak and seafood fare. The elegant atmosphere and superb service create the perfect setting for business dinners and special occasions.
Glass Wall 933 Studemont. 713.868.7930 glasswalltherestaurant.com
Gigi’s Asian Bistro 5085 Westheimer. 713.629.8889
LES GIVRAL’S KAHVE [vietnamese] 801 Congress St. 713.547.0444 lesgivrals.com
Ruggles Grill 903 Westheimer. 713.524.3839 rugglesgrill.com
Empire Café 1732 Westheimer. 713.528.5282 empirecafe.net
Franklin Street Coffee House 913 Franklin. 713.236.8433
The Breakfast Klub 3711 Travis. 713.528.8561 thebreakfastklub.com The Buffalo Grille •3116 Bissonnet. 713.661.3663 •1301 S. Voss. 713.784.3663 thebuffalogrille.com
beaver’s
Soul On The Bayeaux 3717 Dowling. 713.528.0732
Treebeards •315 Travis. 713.228.2622 •1117 Texas. 713.229.8248 •1100 Louisiana. 713.752.2601 •700 Rusk. 713.224.6677 Zydeco Louisiana Diner 1119 Pease. 713.759.2001
european+french Bistro Toulouse 5750 Woodway, #174. 713.977.6900 bistrotoulousehouston.com Brasserie Max and Julie [french] 4315 Montrose. 713.524.0070 maxandjulie.net Café Montrose [belgian] 1609 Westheimer. 713.523.1201 cafemontrose.com Charivari Specialty Restaurant [european] 2521 Bagby. 713.271.7231 charivarirest.com Feast [rustic european fare] 219 Westheimer. 713.529.7788 feasthouston.googlepages.com
indian Indika 516 Westheimer. 713.524.2170 indikausa.com
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Kiran’s 4100 Westheimer. 713.960.8472 kiranshouston.com Narin’s Bombay Brasserie 3005 W. Loop South.713.622.2005 thebombaybrasserie.com Shiva Indian Restaurant 2415 Times Blvd. 713.523.4753 shivarestaurant.com
italian ARCODORO 5000 Westheimer. 713.621.6888 arcodoro.com
arcodoro
ARTURO’S ITALIANO Uptown Park. 713.621.1180 arturosuptown.com Bice 5085 Westheimer. 713.622.2423 bicehouston.com Divino Italian Restaurant 1830 W. Alabama. 713.807.1123 divinohouston.com Mia Bella 320 Main. 713.237.0505 Mingalone Italian Bar & Grill 540 Texas. 713.223.0088 mingalone.com
latin 1308 CANTINA [mex] 1308 Montrose. 713.807.8996 1308cantina.com Café Piquet [cuban] 6053 Bissonnet. 713.664.1031 El Meson [cuban] 2425 University. 713.522.9306 El Patio [mex] •6444 Westheimer. 713.780.0410 •2416 Brazos. 713.523.8181
Picazo Restaurant Bar & Grill 1421 Preston. 713.236.1300 picazodowntown.com
Irma’s [mex] •22 N. Chenevert. 713.222.0767 •1314 Texas. 713.247.9651
Rioja Spanish Tapas 11920 Westheimer. 281.531.5569 riojarestaurant.com
Las Alamedas [mex] 8615 Katy Frwy. 713.461.1503 lasalamedas.com
Tacos a Go-Go 3704 Main. 713.807.8226 tacosagogo.com
The Lemon Tree [peru] 12591 Whittington. 281.556.0690
El Rey [cuban-mex] •233 Main. 713.225.1895 •910 Shepherd. 713.802.9145 EL TIEMPO CANTINA [mex] •3130 Richmond. 713.807.1600 •5602 Washington. 713.681.3645 eltiempocantina.com Escalante’s [mex] 4053 Westheimer. 713.623.4200 escalantes.net Hugo’s [mex] 1600 Westheimer. 713.524.7744 hugosrestaurant.net
Ibiza [spanish] 2450 Louisiana. 713.524.0004 ibizafoodandwinebar.com
Lucio’s [new american latin] 905 Taft. 713.523.9958
Droubi Bros. •507 Dallas. 713.625.0058 •919 Milam. 713.571.6800
Maria Selma [mex] 1617 Richmond. 713.528.4920 mariaselma.com
La Fendee Mediterranean 1402 Westheimer. 713.522.1505
Molina’s Cantina [mex] 4220 Washington. 713.862.0013 molinasrestaurants.com NINFA'S THE ORIGINAL 2704 Navigation Blvd. 713.228.1175 Catering 713.977.4000
el tiempo
mediterranean+ greek
NIKO NIKO’S 2520 Montrose. 713.528.1308 nikonikos.com Saffron Moroccan Cuisine 2006 Lexington. 713.522.3562 saffronhouston.com
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pizza Candelari’s 6002 Washington. 832.200.1474 candelaris.com Dolce Vita Pizzeria y Enoteca 500 Westheimer. 713.520.8222 dolcevitahouston.com
Morton’s •5000 Westheimer. 713.629.1946 •1001 McKinney. 713.659.3700 mortons.com Perry's Steakhouse & Grille 9827 Katy Freeway. 832.358.9000 perrysrestaurants.com
Frank’s Pizza 417 Travis. 713.225.5656 frankspizza.com
Spencer’s Steaks & Chops 1600 Lamar. 713.577.8325 spencersforsteaksandchops.com
Pink’s Pizza 1403 Heights Blvd. 713.864.PINK pinkspizza.com
Strip House 1200 McKinney.713.659.6000 theglaziergroup.com
Romano’s Flying Pizza 1528 W. Gray. 713.526.1182
SHULA'S STEAKHOUSE Hyatt Regency Houston 1200 Louisiana St. Houston, TX 77002 Reservations: 713.375.4777 Private Dining: 713.375.4709 Shula's is known for serving premium steaks as well as an impressive roster of seafood and chops. Reserve one of three private dining rooms for business meetings or special occasions.
Star Pizza •77 Harvard. 713.869.1241 •2111 Norfolk. 713.523.0800 starpizza.net
steak+chops niko niko’s
Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse 2405 W. Alabama. 713.520.5999 flemingssteakhouse.com
shula’s
002houston August 08:002houston
DINE WRITE
7/22/08
3:53 PM
Page 70
By Katia Orlane Photography by Kim Coffman
SHULA’S STEAKHOUSE SHINES SUPERBLY
1. executive chef – jesse gamboa 2. "surf and turf" with 8 oz. filet 3. BBQ Shrimp
Hyatt Regency Houston 1200 Louisiana St. | Houston, TX 77002 713.375.4777 | donshula.com
HOURS:
Lunch: Mon – Fri: 11am - 2pm Sat – Sun: 12pm - 2pm
Dinner: Mon – Fri: 5pm - 11pm Sat – Sun: 5pm - 11pm
sample menu selections appetizer
• Lobster Bisque • Jumbo Lump Crab Cake • Blackened Tenderloin Tips
lunch salads
• Black & Blue Salad Blackened tenderloin tips, gorgonzola cheese, tomatoes and crispy onions on mixed greens served with house made blue cheese dressing • Crispy Tempura Shrimp Salad Three large shrimp fried crisp on a bed of napa cabbage and mixed greens with pickled ginger, julienne carrots, red onions and peppers served with a gingersesame dressing
the shula cut®
• 22 oz Cowboy Steak • 12 oz Filet Mignon • 20 oz Kansas City Steak • 48 oz Porterhouse Steak
sides
• Double Baked Potato, Fresh Asparagus Grilled or Steamed, Crab Mac & Cheese
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hula’s Steakhouse at the Hyatt Regency Houston Downtown conjures up two of the oldest adages, one a Texas favorite—“Everything is bigger in Texas” – and the other remains an old adage in sports—“A team can’t win without good players.” These two sayings greatly represent what Shula’s has to offer – winning steaks and outstanding service. Situated in the heart of downtown, Shula’s is themed after the 1972 Miami Dolphins’ “Perfect Season” – the only team in NFL history to finish a season undefeated. AS PART OF THE HYATT’S $35 MILLION RENOVATION, THE NEW RESTAURANT FEATURES WOOD FLOORS, WALLS ADORNED WITH SPORTS MEMORABILIA AND HAND-PAINTED MENUS on official NFL game footballs to complement the theme. As one enters the restaurant, the hustle and bustle of a hotel lobby bounces off the walls, mingling with the boisterous conversation of the diners. Rather than the minimalist or modern décor that is typical of many new restaurants in Houston, the large light fixtures, rich wood furniture and artwork inspired by the great Don Shula give the place a sense of timelessness. Once seated, our friendly waiter Juan promptly greeted us, ready to take our drink order. The recommendation was their signature drink – the “Absolut Perfection” martini – Miami Dolphin Blue with an orange slice. It was sweet, smooth and still light enough to be a wonderful aperitif. On first down, an order of Barbecue Shrimp and Calamari Fries was a great call. The gulf shrimp were tender, moist, flavorful,and had a wonderful texture—the way gulf shrimp should be. The shrimp were then sautéed in a barbecue sauce featuring a smoky molasses tang that ideally complimented the shrimp. The Calamari Fries were divine. Shula’s pride themselves on these “fries” because, indeed, they look almost like potato wedges. The calamari had no tentacles and was all meat. Each bite possessed crispiness on the outside while retaining their moistness inside. The Beefsteak Tomato and Gorgonzola salad was a toothsome treat on second down made with a generous serving of mixed lettuces, with big chunks of Gorgonzola in light vinaigrette. 70. august08 002houston
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When preparing to order the entrée, Juan graciously rolls around the corner and up to our table a metal cart that showcases the different meats available. This is when the real games begin right before our eyes. It is important to note that the pride of Shula’s Steak House is in serving The SHULA CUT ®, more discriminating and selective than USDA prime or choice. The SHULA CUT ® is an exclusive beef program for Angus type cattle, that has to meet eight science-based qualifying specifications in marbling, maturity, consistency, flavor, leanness, appearance and tenderness. Seven of these standards exceed those of USDA PRIME and all eight exceed those of USDA choice. If it’s third and long and you want to splurge, order a sensational and simple dish: the Surf and Turf entrée. The combination is a very indulgent dish that offers a 8-ounce filet paired with a substantial lobster tail. THE SHULA’S CUT WAS MEDIUM-RARE, AS ORDERED, AND FULL OF DEEP, WELL-AGED FLAVOR FORMIDABLE RIGHT DOWN TO THE VERY LAST BITE. And, in keeping with steakhouse tradition, our steak came with ... steak. So on the side, Shula’s of course offers your standard selection of fresh vegetables, but what shines is the Lobster Mashed Potatoes and the Crab Mac & Cheese. Accordingly, the dinner menu covers all the (meaty) bases; though, Shula’s featured entrée – the 48-ounce Porterhouse is a fan favorite. Those who finish it join Shula’s 48-Ounce Club, which currently has more than 30,000 members. While Shula’s is without a doubt dedicated to serving fantastic chops and steaks, it should never be assumed that they are lacking in other selections from the sea. The menu features Florida Red Snapper, Mahi Mahi, Salmon and Jumbo Lump Cakes. The crowning conclusion to a Shula’s meal is the Chocolate Molten Lava Cake – offering proof positive that, no matter where one may decide to go when in search of prime steaks, outstanding service and no fumbles, it will be difficult to make a wiser choice than Shula’s Steakhouse.
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002houston August 08:002houston
NEW RESTAURANTS
7/22/08
3:53 PM
Page 72
Pagoda + Table 7, photography by Wenjing Zhang
NEW RESTAURANT? EMAIL US AT LETTERS@002MAG.COM
CRAVE CUPCAKES
PANCHERO’S MEXICAN GRILL
1151 UPTOWN PARK BLVD. 713.622.7283 www.couture-cupcakes.com
17756 KATY FWY, STE 5 281.398.4705 www.pancheros.com
CUISINE cupcakes
PAGODA VIETNAMESE BISTRO+BAR
TABLE 7
4705 INKER ST. 832.673.0400 www.pagodabistro.com
720 FANNIN ST. 713.227.4800
CUISINE mexican grill
CUISINE vietnamese
CUISINE american cuisine
CHEF N/A
CHEF N/A
CHEF N/A
CHEF ANTHONY BOLT
I crave many things. Good wine, cheese, sleep, vacation, I could go on and on. ONE THING I CRAVE AND REQUIRE IS DESSERT…ANYTIME. Imagine my excitement when I walked into my office and there like a treasure chest was a box of Crave cupcakes. Even better, it was going to be my breakfast! I’m a strong believer in throwing caution to the wind and enjoying yourself while you can. How terrible would it be to get to the Pearly Gates and have missed out on dessert for breakfast because of calories! This is why we have legs. To then run off all those calories and that moral hangover. In this box of goodness were samples of their chocolate on vanilla, vanilla, lemon, banana, coconut and strawberry cupcakes. Lots of fruits for breakfast! Cupcakes are baked every day in small batches only from the finest and most fresh ingredient to ensure only the best quality. You won’t find any Betty Crocker or Pillsbury around here. These are gourmet cupcakes right down to the icing. Better yet, they don’t include preservatives or hydrogenated oils. My favorite from the batch I tried was strawberry surprisingly. I like my cupcakes to be cupcakes and muffins to be muffins. This combo though of a fruity cupcake with bits of strawberry, and the icing – oh, the icing was delectable. Sweet but savory. Exactly what I crave…
OK, so what about the OTHER build-yourown burrito spots? Do they make ‘handrolled, fresh pressed-to-order tortillas?’ Nope. After all, Panchero’s motto is “It’s about the tortilla!” THEY’RE MADE THIN, YET STRONG TO HOLD A HEAP OF YOUR CHOOSING. If the tortillas aren’t enough, Panchero’s homemade array also includes their signature queso and four types of salsa (served with blue corn tortilla chips). A steak and black bean burrito with sweet roasted corn salsa called my name. I only ate half; the size alone could intimidate Mr. Jolly Green himself. Speaking of green, did I mention they make fresh guacamole twice daily? For all you carb-cutters and veggielovers, Panchero’s has options for you, too. Get your fixin’s in a burrito bowl, sans tortilla. Also, their menu makes a point to mention the vegetarian-friendly items. PS: A fresh whipped scoop of sour cream comes with all entrées.
THIS, HANDS AND CHOPSTICKS DOWN, IS MY NEW FAVORITE RESTAURANT. Located not two minutes from the up-and-coming Washington Avenue is the ultimate spot for the “urban dweller” who thinks going anywhere outside of Beltway 8 is too far. Authenticity should be and probably is its middle name. I haven’t to this day found better Vietnamese food. Anyone who decides to partake in the melt in your mouth caramelized catfish would instantly decide they were in heaven. Only something so good could be found there. It is served in its own bowl which is fresh out of the oven when it arrives, with fresh greens and white rice. If you aren’t in the mood for surf, the turf is equally an excitement for the taste buds. The filet mignon is served on a bed of greens, red onions, herbs and spices, which was so fresh I could swear it was grown in the garden outside and chosen especially for meal. As my birthday is this month you will certainly find me taking advantage of their party room upstairs, sipping on the lychee martinis with thirty of my closest friends (which is about how many they can hold upstairs). And for pièce de résistance...both of those dishes mentioned above will definitely not break the bank. Did I mention brunch? Yes, you will probably find me there and Sundays too. Price point $6-$20.
Walking in on a Thursday night you would think that any restaurant in Houston would be filled, but surprisingly, it was completely empty except for a smattering of hotel guests. Table 7 is centrally located downtown at the Club Quarters hotel. THE LARGE BAR, OPEN KITCHEN AND PLASMA TV ARE COMFORTABLE AND RELAXING. If you aren’t very hungry then the personal size pizza served on its own pie plate is a great choice. FOR THOSE OF US WHO ARE HEALTH CONSCIOUS YET STILL WANT SOME GOOD OLD-FASHIONED AMERICAN EATS, then the turkey burger and fries is the way to go. Steak, fish and pasta can also be found on the menu. The excellent prices and fast service make it a great place to watch the game or grab a bite to eat with your friends after work.
Beatrice Valencia
Regina Panis
Jarrod Klawinsky 72. august08 002houston
Jarrod Klawinsky
002houston August 08:002houston
THE CHEF’S SPECIAL
7/22/08
3:54 PM
Page 73
Photography by Emily Dwyer
CHEF MICHAEL KRAMER | RESTAURANT VOICE cuisine modern american | attire business casual | catering no | private room yes | address 220 main st. (hotel icon) | phone 832.667.4470 FAVORITE LATE NIGHT SPOT FOR A BITE? Favorite late night spot is at home with my two dogs, eating a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. My wife Sheldon is always asleep when I get home so I come home and chill out with my dogs, Buddy and Roxy! BEST BREAKFAST? Ina’s in Chicago. I have not found one here yet. BEST BRUNCH? Brunch at ZaZa. It is a great atmosphere on the patio, and the food is good too. WHAT INGREDIENT CAN YOU NOT LIVE WITHOUT IN THE KITCHEN AND WHY? Can’t live without fleur de sel. I love salt and the way it brings out the flavor in food. We use 3 kinds of salt here. WHAT UTENSIL CAN YOU NOT LIVE WITHOUT? My Nenox fish knife from Japan. It’s badass!!! WHAT’S YOUR PET PEEVE? My biggest pet peeve is when someone on my team is being lazy. It creates a mediocre product. FAVORITE AFFORDABLE WINE? Cosentino "The Poet.” It’s around $90 a bottle, but it’s damn good. FAVORITE PLACE FOR DESSERT? VOICE is my favorite for desserts, because my pastry chef Charles does amazing desserts. WHO ARE YOUR FAVORITE CHEF, RESTAURANT AND DISH? Raymond Blanc at the Manoir aux Quatre Saisons in England. It’s a Michelin 2 Star Inn and restaurant. I had the “salt crusted squab” served tableside. It was amazing, as was the whole dining experience. LAST BUT NOT LEAST, TELL US YOUR WORST CLIENT EXPERIENCE? My worst client experience was when one of my servers got a bad tip, and he chased them down the street to see why they did not tip him better.
VOICE Restaurant opened in the spring of 2008 at the famous Hotel Icon in downtown Houston. Chef Michael Kramer brings his Modern American Cuisine to VOICE, incorporating the freshest, most seasonal and local ingredients he can find. CHEF KRAMER’S FLAVORS ARE SIMPLE, CLEAN AND PURE, COMBINING FAMILIAR FLAVORS WITH PROGRESSIVE IDEAS. VOICE has a contemporary feel with an octagonal bar which serves signature cocktails, artisan beers, supported
FAVORITES: ATHLETE LANCE ARMSTRONG CITY NAPA VALLEY SONG "HANDS DOWN" BY DASHBOARD CONFESSIONAL HOLIDAY ANY DAY I’M NOT WORKING THING TO DO ON A DAY OFF RIDE 50 MILES IN THE MORNING AND HANG OUT WITH SHELDON AND MY DOGS THE REST OF THE DAY by an impressive wine list. VOICE serves breakfast, lunch and dinner, with a late night bar menu. The name VOICE reflects the restaurant’s status as the new culinary VOICE of Houston, finding a new “niche” in Houston dining. Chef Kramer, a native Californian and former semi-pro cyclist, recently came from Charleston, South Carolina, where he led McCrady’s restaurant to national acclaim.
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VOICE
002houston August 08:002houston
SIP CODES
By Beatrice Valencia
7/22/08
3:56 PM
Restaurateurs, club/bar owners, pubbers, etc., if there is a special event or something you would like the public to know about, email me at bvalencia@002mag.com and I will help spread the word for you. See you out!
ORDERING IN HAS BECOME AN ART FORM. ONE THAT I HAVE YET TO PERFECT. IT SEEMS AS THOUGH EVERY TIME I GET AN URGE TO ORDER IN, VERY FEW PLACES COME TO MIND. YES, YOU CAN ORDER TO-GO VIRTUALLY EVERYWHERE AND I DO, BUT THE CONVENIENCE OF DELIVERY IS SOMETIMES THE MOST SATISFYING OF MEALS. THE ANTICIPATION OF WAITING FOR THE DOORBELL TO RING AND HAVING HOT, DELICIOUS FOOD BROUGHT TO YOU IN THE COMFORT OF YOUR HOME IS A FEELING ONE MUST EXPERIENCE. YOU PROBABLY KNOW THIS FEELING WAITING FOR PIZZA DELIVERY. ADDED PERKS INCLUDE FINISHING ANY HOME TASK OR MOVIE YOU WERE WATCHING, EVEN SAVING GAS. SOME PLACES REQUIRE MINIMUM ORDERS TO DELIVER. NOT A PROBLEM WITH MY APPETITE. IF DELIVERY IS NOT AN OPTION, MANY RESTAURANTS OFFER SPECIAL TO-GO AREAS SO YOU AVOID THE CHAOS, GET YOUR FOOD AND SCOOT OUT. I’M NOT FICKLE WHEN IT COMES TO FOOD. I WILL TRAVEL FOR IT. I’M AWARE OF “TAKE OUT-TAXI” BUT AFTER BEING IN A TAXI, I’M JUST NOT SURE I WOULD LIKE MY FOOD IN ONE OR EVEN ASSOCIATED WITH THE WORD. THEN THERE’S THE EXTRA CHARGE FOR DELIVERY THAT I’D LIKE TO PASS ON. REMEMBER, I HAVE THE “BUDGETS”; I CAN’T ADD A FEE TO MY TAB.
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CHATTER’S CAFÉ & BISTRO 140 South Heights Boulevard 713.864.4040 houstonrestaurantcafe.com You could call me a Chatter’s fanatic. I eat Chatter’s at least twice a week. Some say it’s hit or miss. I say you don’t know what to order. I stick to basics. Nothing fancy because I’m not a fan of disappointment. Another tip: don’t be afraid to ask for things how you want them. If something is too cheesy when you get it and the menu said “covered in cheese”. Next time you should know to say, “Light on the cheese, please.” This way, you avoid that situation all together. The service is accommodating so it doesn’t hurt to ask. I love their hummus. My personal opinion, it’s the most tasty I’ve had. I have a tendency to order it everywhere to compare. From the appetizer section, it comes with diced tomato, basil and a drizzle of olive oil on top. The point is to combine them. The plate is adorned with pita, cucumber, carrots and celery for dipping. Chances are you’ll need more pita bread to dip. Right now I’m on a health kick so I’ve been ordering the Golden Chicken Kabob entrée with extra lemon. Three hearty pieces of chicken are gilled in saffron butter, served with jeweled rice and grilled veggies. I get the extra lemon to douse everything in it. It’s light, good and satisfying. It reminds me of meals my mother would make. Another safe bet is the Baja Chicken Wrap. It’s actually a pita but I order it as a
wrap instead. See, accommodating. You have the option of a wholewheat wrap or spinach. I’m a whole-wheat girl. Sliced grilled chicken breast, avocado, lettuce, tomato and a mayo complete the wrap. When everything is a bit warm, all the flavors meld together amazingly. Great lunch choice and easy to eat on the go. If I’m feeling extra light, I order the Chicken Salad plate. Two scoops of chicken salad made with walnuts, apples and celery in a light mayo dressing with fresh fruit and some pita bread is as healthy as I can get. If that even counts really. If you are vegetarian (which clearly I’m not), they have a plethora of items on their menu catered to you. The first time I tried Chatter’s was delivery and for the most part, I only get it delivered. It’s great at home or there…I just prefer the comfort of my home.
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CARRABBA’S ITALIAN GRILL 3115 Kirby Drive 713.522.3131 carrabbas.com Although they don’t deliver, their Carside Carry Out is the next best thing. This cuts out even having to get out of the car and walk into the restaurant. The process is quite simple. You call in your order, drive to the location and park in their Carside Carry Out spots and almost instantly, your food is there and all you have to do is sign for it. Brilliant! I can do that in my PJs! And I have! The food is piping hot too. They don’t lie when they tell you from your kitchen to you. I’ve been one to forget and place it on my lap. Not a good idea. Being an enormous fan of pasta, I stick to that area of the menu. Although, just looking at the Piatto di Pollo, I know what I’m ordering next time. I always have to get a house salad. Iceberg lettuce with a bit of carrot, an olive and a peppercino are tossed with their famous Parmesan dressing. Its makes for a crunchy, refreshing salad. This usually helps me to avoid the warm baked bread you get with your meal even if you order Carside. They also include the olive oil and herb mix! If you can eat, it’s a must. I have an enormous attachment to the Shrimp Rafaello. It’s actually an appetizer but it’s enough for me after a salad. Shrimp is sautéed in garlic, herb butter sauce and served doused in it with bread for dipping. It’s awesome but garlicky. I reek for days but it’s worth it to me. Carside Carry Out meals are exactly what you would expect in restaurant on your table. STAR PIZZA 77 Harvard @ Washington 713.869.1241 www.starpizza.net Their menu alone makes decision making difficult. Then add in, will I pick up or have them deliver (in a limited area) and you’ve got a doozy. I typically do delivery but recently I went in to pick up and they are ! I wanted to pat myself on the back for thinking to order to go. If you opt for delivery, it typically takes any where from an hour to an hour and a half. (Probably because
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they are so busy at the restaurant as it is – without you there too.) Our order usually consists of pizza and butter penne pasta. I like to get extra Parmesan for my butter pasta. I get a plastic container nearly full of pasta that I then sprinkle with Parmesan and shake up to mix. Delicious! The pasta comes with a choice of dinner or Caesar salad. I like to get the dinner salad so I can douse it in vinaigrette. The Caesar is a little potent and thick for my taste. The pizza is a thicker crust with doughy bread slathered in marinara with pepperoni and jalapenos. This is no thin crust, crispy pizza. When picking up your order, be sure to check you have all your items and any extras. The Parmesan cheese comes wrapped in aluminum foil so if you see a wad of that don’t throw it away! It’s your extra cheese. Another takeout meal you do not want to put in your lap. Also good to know, do not place boxes on an angle because the pizza/pasta juices will spill. I learned this the hard way. After reading a sign that warned me about this, I ended up with butter juice on one side of my skirt. You have been warned. P.F. CHANG’S 4094 Westheimer Rd. 713.627.7220 pfchangs.com Aside from having to go inside to pick it up, ordering take out is not a bad idea. The valet lets you park curbside while you run in to pick up – just ask. Take-out orders are at the bar so go straight to the bar to the right corner. There you can pick up your order and pay your tab. You are also out of the way from all the bar patrons. If you order the lettuce wraps, which I normally do, they ask you how you like your sauce. They make it, put it in a small plastic cup, and then place it in a plastic bag to avoid spillage. Love the attention to detail ! My food is typically still extremely hot when I get home even if I show up after the estimated time of completion. My absolute favorite entrée is Chang’s Spicy Shrimp. It’s most likely not that healthy for you but it’s so spicy that it speeds up my metabolism so it balances out…at least that’s what I tell myself. Your order comes with a box of white or brown rice. I like the brown rice.
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002houston August 08:002houston
7/22/08
CLUB+LOUNGE REVIEW
3:56 PM
Page 75
By Travis Jones Photography by Daniel Ortiz
PEARL BAR | 4210 WASHINGTON AVE. | 713.868.5337 PEARLBARHOUSTON.COM
CRACKING THE SHELL ON A HOUSTON GEM
PEARL
Bar on 4216 Washington Avenue is a proud oxymoron. Hardly polished or classically pretentious like the stones around your mother’s neck, this place is more of an oyster on the half shell: FULL OF A SWEET GRIT AND SALTY CHARACTER THAT GOES DOWN EASY WITH A COLD BEER ON A SULTRY HOUSTON NIGHT. You’d miss the place completely if it weren’t for their neon green sign out front. It’s that unassuming. And don’t be confused by the valet parking – the place is devoid of affectation. The service is simply a nicety that comes in handy on a busy weekend evening.
The guts of Pearl Bar are far from flashy. SLATE GRAY FLOOR AND EXPOSED DUCT WORK AND RAFTERS GIVE THE PLACE A SOMEWHAT BARREN, OLD WAREHOUSE FEEL, but Pearl Bar manages to retain a cozy and welcoming atmosphere because it gets it right where it counts. Billiards. Golden Tee. Shuffleboard. There’s even a DJ on weekend nights, but when he’s not there, it still sounds like the coolest person you know got to choose all the songs on the jukebox. All this, plus ample elbow room and seating, are making Pearl Bar a contagiously refreshing rebellion against stuffy, pseudo-trendy night scenes in Houston. In fact, the only claim to flashiness in the entire joint is a lonely disco ball, casting bits of light over everyone from high overhead. Maybe this is what puts “the pearl” in the place, but whatever it represents, it spins all night as an ever-present pun – like when punk bands started wearing neckties. Pearl Bar’s atmosphere is undeniable. IT SERVES AS A UNIQUE MIDDLE GROUND FOR A HIP MIX OF YOUNG HOUSTONIANS, A CHIC PLACE TO SEE AND BE SEEN FOR THE CASUAL, FLIP-FLOP CLAD FUN-SEEKER, AND A LAID BACK RESPITE FOR DONE-UP GENTS AND HONEYS IN
HIGH HEELS. On a typically busy night, you’ll be met with excellent service and you might even have the chance to chat it up with the hard-workin’ owner, Bridget. On nights when the place is slammed, the staff at the main bar seems a bit taken aback by their own success, and you might have to clamor a bit for their attention. However, once you get it, you couldn’t ask for a friendlier face to hand you an always-stocked and icy Pearl brand beer or mix you one of their signature Pearl Bar Martinis, a brilliantly crafted cocktail of vermouth, vodka and pearl onions. The drink is as delicious and audaciously straightforward as the bar itself. PEARL BAR’S UNIQUE LIST OF POTENT, PEARL-THEMED POTIONS IS A REASONABLY PRICED ADVENTURE THAT WILL MAKE YOU WANT TO SPOUT CHEESY JACK SPARROW JARGON. Refrain from that. It’s been done.
On those shoulder-to-shoulder nights, the mellowness of the back patio can be a perfect getaway from the frenetic front-of-house. Lined with tin roofing and Christmas lights, people take a break to play board games, ping pong and enjoy some lively conversation. And hula-hoop. THAT’S RIGHT, I SAID HULA-HOOP. No, it’s not a gimmicky attempt at retro-funkyness, the toys prove to be the perfect drinking game and lend even more to the backyard barbecue feel of Pearl Bar’s back porch. Even for bystanders, watching the scantily clad shimmy and twist with a drink in hand, while the crowd shouts in support, can be more kooky fun than a late-night Japanese game show.
Doesn’t matter what you’re in the mood for, this place delivers on multiple fronts and has staked its claim on bustling Washington Avenue. DESPITE ITS RAW PERSONALITY, PEARL BAR DOES IN FACT SHARE ONE QUALITY WITH ITS GLOSSY NAMESAKE – an undeniably classic character that will last for years to come. 75. august08 002houston
CD REVIEWS
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By Lance Scott Walker
EVENT RED BULL ART OF CAN GALA WHY ART EXHIBITION WHERE THE ICE RINK @ THE GALLERIA WHEN JULY 11
SEBASTIEN GRAINGER American Names EP (Saddle Creek) The Toronto duo Death From Above 1979 had a five-year run as a band, but they just as easily could be remembered as DFA 2005—because that’s exactly what they sounded like: that moment. When Sebastien Grainger and Jesse F. Keeler finally did split as a duo in early 2006, it was the end of a short, annoying era that they, to their credit, had successfully carved out for themselves. It was time to move on before it was more than time to move on. Few too many bands do that. And it’s excellent that they did. What Grainger is doing here is infinitely more timeless, more mature. Gone is the wall of fuzzy bass and howling from behind his disco beats. There are guitars, there are pianos, there is singing. The lyrics don’t make you feel like you’re at a party. A dirty one. And the funny thing is that when you take all of that distortion away from behind him, he’s got a really kind of nice voice. It’s got smoothness to it, one that doesn’t make him sound as much like his equally annoying fellow Canadian, Hot Hot Heat lead minstrel Steve Bays. Well—at least on tracks 2 through 4. The first track? He’s working on it.
Cocktail attired guests arrived at The Galleria after hours to view remarkable pieces of art. All works were inspired by and created with Red Bull cans. This private opening night reception proved Red Bull “gives you wings” and more! The elegant event featured delectable bites and champagne flowed all night. The party was the talk of the town.
CANSEI DE SER SEXY Donkey (Sub Pop) When I wrote about CSS in these very pages two years ago, I said that they were going to be huge. That was correct, and easy to predict. But I also made no such forecast as to how they might mature musically. I didn’t even give it a thought. Nor did they.
A LOOK BACK: JKETTLE Momentary Delights (Soul Sharde) Ever hear a record that so thoroughly blows you away that you can’t understand why the entire world doesn’t know about it? And then how about once that blows over, you begin the long wait for a second release from said artist. And it doesn’t come. Ever. Oh wait! A new beat. Not song. A few new mixes. But no new album. Los Angeles producer Jeff Kettle released this collection of low-key, beat-heavy tracks that scatter themselves through dub, trip hop and acid jazz back in 2003. Since then, pretty much nothing from this multilayered sound chemist. Some DJ gigs, remixes. A few new beats. No new album. So go find this one. My personal favorite of 2003. 76. august08 002houston
Photography by Wenjing Zhang
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002NIGHT LIFE downtown
702 702 W. Dallas. 713.654.8040 702houston.com A+ BAR inside Alden Hotel 1117 Prairie. 832.200.8800 aldenhotels.com BANK BAR 220 Main. 832.667.4477 hotelicon.com
CABO 417 Travis. 713.225.2060 cabomixmex.com COPA CABANA 114 Main. 713.223.COPA copacabanalounge.com
C&F DRIVE INN 6714 N. Main. 713.861.0704 CHAR BAR 305 Travis. 713.222.8177 charbarhouston.com CLUB ICE/MANTRA 711 Main. 713.225.3500 mantrahouston.com
THE COTTON EXCHANGE 202 Travis. 713.213.1141 cottonexchangelounge.com
DEAN’S CREDIT CLOTHING 316 Main. 713.227.3326 myspace.com/deanscreditclothing
DIVE LOUNGE inside the Aquarium 410 Bagby. 713.223.3474 EIGHTEEN TWENTY 1820 Franklin. 713.224.5535 myspace.com/1820bar ETTA’S LOUNGE 5120 Scott. 713.528.2611 FLYING SAUCER 705 Main. 713.228.7468 beerknurd.com
GLO 505 Main. 713.223.3456 club-go.com
HEAT 511 Main. 713.225.8020 myspace.com/clubheat_houston JAZZ AT THE MAGNOLIA 1100 Texas. 713.221.0011 magnoliahotels.com
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BARS + CLUBS + LOUNGES + WINE BARS JET LOUNGE 1515 Pease. 713.659.2000 myspace.com/jetlounge
LA CARAFE 813 Congress. 713.229.9399 LEVEL 412 Main. 713.227.0410 myspace.com/levelhouston LIVE SPORTS CAFÉ 407 Main. 713.228.5483 livesportscafe.com
LONE STAR SALOON 1900 Travis. 713.757.1616 MOLLY’S PUB 509 Main. 713.222.1033 mollyspubs.com
NOTSUOH 314 Main. 713.237.8220 myspace.com/notsuohmusic
RED CAT JAZZ CAFÉ 924 Congress. 713.226.7870 redcatjazzcafe.com
TOC BAR 711 Franklin. 713.224.4862 myspace.com/tocbarhouston VENUE 719 Main. 713.236.8150 venuehouston.com
galleria + uptown
BLANCO’S 3406 W. Alabama. 713.439.0072 houstonredneck.com
BELVEDERE 1131 Uptown Park. 713.552.9271 belvedereinfo.com THE BLACK SWAN 4 Riverway. 713.871.8181 (inside the Omni Hotel)
CLUB 26 TEN 2610 Sage. 713.974.4000 myspace.com/club26ten
IDENTITY BAR 5959 Richmond. 713.785.0999 RESERVE 101 1201 Caroline. 713.655.7101 reserve101.com
SAMBUCA JAZZ CAFÉ 909 Texas Ave. 713.224.5299 sambucarestaurant.com SHADOW BAR 213 Milam. 713.221.5483 theshadowbar.com
SHAY MCELROY’S 909-A Texas. 713.223.2444 mcelroyspub.com SKYLINE BAR & GRILL 1600 Lamar. 713.577.6139 (inside Hilton Americas)
STATE BAR & LOUNGE 909 #2-A Texas. 713.229.8888 thestatebar.com
THE TREEHOUSE Discovery Green 1611 Lamar. 713.337.7321 thegrovehouston.com THE VAULT 723 Main. 713.224.6891
THE TASTING ROOM 1101-18 Uptown Park. 713.993.9800 114 Gray. 713.528.6402 2409 W. Alabama. 713.526.2242 tastingroomwines.com
PLANETA BAR-RIO 6400 Richmond. 832.251.9600 bar-rio.com PAPARRUCHOS 3055 Sage. 713.212.3178 paparruchos.com
RA SUSHI 3908 Westheimer. 713.621.5800 rasushi.com
REMINGTON BAR 1919 Briar Oaks Ln. 713.403.2631 (inside St. Regis Hotel) theremingtonrestaurant.com ROXY 5851 W. Alabama. 713.850.ROXY myspace.com/roxyhouston
UROPA 3302 Mercer. 713.627.1132 cluburopahouston.com
WILD WEST 6101 Richmond. 713.266.3455 wildwesthouston.com
heights + washington
BOOM BOOM ROOM 2518 Yale. 713.868.3740 myspace.com/ boomboomroomhouston
CHAISE LOUNGE 4219 Washington. 713.861.2300 chaiseloungehouston.net
CITIZEN LOUNGE 4606 Washington. 713.862.4448 THE CORKSCREW 1919 Washington. 713.864.9463 houstoncorkscrew.com CORELEONE BAR & GRILL 813 Jackson. 713.863.8223 (behind Patrenella’s) patrenellas.net COSMOS CAFÉ 69 Heights. 713.802.2144 cosmoshouston.com
DAN ELECTRO’S GUITAR BAR 1031 E. 24th St. 713.862.8707 danelectrosguitarbar.com
DARKHORSE TAVERN 2207 Washington. 713.426.2442 dhtavern.com THE DIRT 222 Yale. 713.426.4222 myspace.com/dirtbar
THE DRAKE 1902 Washington. 713.861.9600 thedrakebar.com
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FRONT PORCH PUB 217 Gray. 713.571.9571 frontporchpub.com EL TIEMPO CANTINA 5602 Washington. 713.681.3645 eltiempocantina.com KOBAIN 33 Waugh. 713.862.9911 kobain.net
MAK CHIN’S 511 Shepherd. 713.861.9888 makchins.com
MOLINA’S 4720 Washington. 713.862.0013 molinasrestaurants.com ONION CREEK 3106 White Oak. 713.880.0706 onioncreekcafe.com
PEARL BAR 4216 Washington. 713.863.5337 pearlbarhouston.com
THE SOCIAL 3730 Washington. 713.426.5585 thesocialinfo.com
midtown
13 CELSIUS 3000 Caroline. 713.529.8466 13celsius.com
3RD BAR 2600 Travis. 713.526.8282 reefhouston.com
BOND 2700 Milam. 713.529.2663 bond2700.com
COACHES 2204 Louisiana. 713.751.1970 CHRISTIAN’S TAILGATE 2000 Bagby. 713.527.0261 DECO 510 Gray. 713.659.4900 decohouston.com
EL PATIO 2416 Brazos. 713.523.8181 elpatio.com EPIC 3030 Travis. 713.862.4810
FIX LOUNGE 2707 Milam. 832.281.2101 fixlounge.com
HOWL AT THE MOON 612 Hadley. 713.658.9700 howlatthemoon.com
IBIZA LOUNGE NEXT DOOR 2450 Louisiana. 713.520.7300 ibizaloungenextdoor.com KOMODO’S 2004 Baldwin. 713.655.1501
LEON’S LOUNGE 1006 McGowen. 713.659.3052
THE MAPLE LEAF 514 Elgin. 713.520.6464 themapleleafpub.blogspot.com THE MINK/THE BACKROOM 3718 Main. 713.522.9985 themink.org
OPEN CITY 2416-A Brazos. 832.483.8357 ochouston.com RED DOOR 2416 Brazos. 713.225.0640 reddoorhouston.com
RICH’S 2401 San Jacinto. 713.759.9606 richshouston.com
SAMMY’S 2016 Main. 713.751.3101 sammysat2016main.com
STATUS 2404 San Jacinto. 713.659.5400 myspace.com/statushouston SWIVEL 2621 Milam. 713.222.2057 swivelhouston.com THE ROOF 2600 Travis. 713.522.4900 roofbarhouston.com
THE WET SPOT 160 W. Gray. 713.523.7768 wetspot-houston.com TIPSY CLOVER 2416 Brazos. 713.524.8782
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WHISKEY CREEK 2905 Travis. 713.526.4225 whiskeycreekhouston.com
XO BAR & LOUNGE 2611 San Jacinto. 713.651.9900 myspace.com/xohouston
ZEPPELIN 3101 San Jacinto. 713.521.7300 myspace.com/zeppelin713
montrose + shepherd
ABSINTHE 609 Richmond. 713.528.7575 absinthelounge.com
AGORA 1717 Westheimer. 713.526.7212 agorahouston.com AVANTGARDEN 411 Westheimer. 832.519.1429 avantgardenhouston.com
BARTINI 1318 Westheimer. 713.526.2277 clubbartini.com BOHEME WINE & CAFÉ BAR 307 Fairview. 713.269.0859 barboheme.com
BOONDOCKS 1417 Westheimer. 713.522.8500 myspace.com/boondocksbar BYZANTIO 403 W. Gray. 713.520.6896 byzantiohouston.com
CROME 2815 S. Shepherd. 713.523.3100 cromelounge.com CATBIRDS 1336 Westheimer. 713.523.8000 catbirds.com CEZANNE JAZZ CLUB 4100 Montrose. 713.522.9321 blacklaboradorpub.com
GUAVA LAMP 570 Waugh. 713.524.3359 myspace.com/guavalamphouston THE DAVENPORT 2115 Richmond. 713.520.1140
THE FLAT 1702 Commonwealth. 713.521.3528
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ETRO 1424 Westheimer. 713.529.3449 myspace.com/etrohouston
VELVET MELVIN 3303 Richmond. 713.522.6798 myspace.com/thevelvetmelvinpub
THE HARP 1625 Richmond. 713.528.7827
ZAKE LOUNGE 2943 S. Shepherd. 713.526.6888 zakerestaurant.com
GRIFF’S 3416 Roseland. 713.528.9912 griffshouston.com
LOLA’S 2327 Grant. 713.528.8342
LZ PUB 2239 Richmond. 713.522.7118 MARFRELESS 2006 Peden. 713.528.0083
MCELROY’S PUB 3607 Sandman. 713.524.2444 mcelroyspub.com METEOR 2306 Genesee. 713.521.0123 meteorhouston.com
THE NEXT DOOR 2020 Waugh. 713.520.1712 myspace.com/thenextdoorgallery NUMBERS 300 Westheimer. 713.526.6551 numbersnightclub.com PRIVE 910 Westheimer. 713.526.6551 privelounge.com
POISON GIRL 1641-B Westheimer. 713.527.9929 myspace.com/poisongirlbar.com SOUTH BEACH 810 Pacific. 713.529.7623 southbeachthenightclub.com
SLIDER’S BAR 1424 Westheimer. 713.528.2788 slidersbar.com
SCOTT GERTNER’S SKYBAR 3400 Westheimer. 713.520.9688 msypace.com/scottgertnersskybar THE STAG’S HEAD 2128 Portsmouth. 713.533.1199 stagsheadpub.com THE TAVERN 1340 W. Gray. 713.522.5159 thetavernongray.com
VINTAGE 2108 Kipling. 713.522.4200
ZIMM’S MARTINI & WINE 4321 Montrose. 713.521.2002
museum district MONARCH LOUNGE 5701 Main (inside Hotel ZaZa). 713.526.1991 monarchrestauranthouston.com
outer loop
DENIM BAR 16090 City Walk. 281.275.5925 (inside the Burning Pear) theburningpear.com THE DERRICK TAVERN 1127 Eldridge. 281.759.4922 thederricktavern.com
FIREHOUSE SALOON 5930 Southwest Frwy. 713.977.1962 firehousesaloon.com HUSH 15625 Katy Frwy. 713.330.4874 hushonline.com JAPANIERO’S 2168 Texas Dr. 281.242.1121 japaniero.com KONA GRILL 16535 Southwest Frwy. 281.242.7000 konagrill.com
MI LUNA 2298 Texas Dr. 281.277.8272 mi-luna.com
OLIVES MARTINI BAR & GRILLE 2268 Texas Dr. 281.980.2823 olivesmartinis.com
VINE WINE ROOM 12420 Memorial Dr. 713.463.8463 vinewineroom.com VINO 100 11693 Westheimer. 281.759.4100
rice village
ARMADILLO PALACE 5015 Kirby. 713.526.9700 thearmadillopalace.com
BAKER STREET PUB 5510 Morningside. 713.942.9900 bakerstreetpub.com BAM BOU 2540 University. 713.521.7222 bambouhouston.com
BRIAN O’NEILL’S 5555 Morningside. 713.522.2603 brianoneills.com BRONX BAR 5555 Morningside. 713.520.9690 myspace.com/buddhalounge ERNIE’S ON BANKS 1010 Banks. 713.526.4566 erniesonbanks.com
THE GINGER MAN 5607 Morningside. 713.526.2770 gingermanpub.com JOHNNY’S SPORTS BAR 2511 Bissonnet. 713.521.9928 myspace.com/joialounge
KAY’S LOUNGE 2324 Bissonnet. 713.528.9858
LITTLE WOODROW’S 5611 Morningside. 713.521.2337 littlewoodrows.com THE LOUNGE AT BENJI’S 2424 Dunstan. 713.522.7602 benjys.com
VOLCANO 2349 Bissonnet. 713.526.5282
river oaks + kirby
AZTECA’S BAR & GRILL 2207 Richmond. 713.526.1702 aztecasbarandgrill.com THE BIG EASY 5731 Kirby. 713.523.9999 bigeasyblues.com
COVA 5600 Kirby. 713.838.0700 5555 Washington. 713.868.3366 covawine.com
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DOWNING STREET 2549 Kirby. 713.523.2291 downingstreetpub.com
KENNEALLY’S IRISH PUB 2111 S. Shepherd. 713.630.0486 irishpubkenneallys.com LIZZARD’S PUB 2715 Sackett. 713.529.4610
MEZZANINE LOUNGE 2200 Southwest Frwy. 713.528.MEZZ mezzaninelounge.com MUGSY’S 3200 Kirby. 713.526.5595
RICKSHAW BAMBU 2810 Westheimer. 713.942.7272 rickshaw-bambu.com ROLL-N SALOON 4200 San Felipe. 713.622.7487 TACO MILAGRO 2555 Kirby. 713.522.1999 taco-milagro.com
THE WINE BUCKET 2311 W. Alabama. 713.942.9463 thewinebucket.com
warehouse district
EIGHTEEN TWENTY 1820 Franklin. 713.224.5535 1820bar.com
LUCKY’S PUB 801 St. Emanuel. 713.522.2010 luckyspub.com THE MERIDIAN 1503 Chartres. 713.225.1717 meridianhouston.com
NEXT 2020 McKinney. 713.221.8833 whatsnexthouston.com PASHAA ULTRA LOUNGE 2010 McKinney. 713.344.0305 myspace.com/pashaahouston
WAREHOUSE LIVE 813 St. Emanuel. 713.225.5483 warehouselive.com
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RECORDING
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Interview by Lance Scott Walker Photography by Anthony Rathbun
much more excitable than when she’s at the helm from the start.
S H A R K S A N D S A I L O R S SHARKS. SAILORS. THE TWO HAVE LITTLE IN COMMON EXCEPT THAT THEY GENERALLY TRY TO AVOID ONE ANOTHER. BUT THE MEMBERS OF SHARKS AND SAILORS THE BAND HAVE EVERYTHING IN COMMON WITH ONE ANOTHER. SO MUCH, IN FACT, THAT THEY EXERCISE THEIR RIGHT TO THE ROYAL “WE.” AN ATTEMPT AT AN EMAIL EXCHANGE WITH ALL THREE MEMBERS RESULTED IN RESPONSES FROM THE BAND’S EMAIL ACCOUNT USING “WE” AT EVERY JUNCTURE. A SUBSEQUENT ATTEMPT TO PRY THOSE RESPONSES APART AND IDENTIFY THEIR RESPECTIVE AUTHORS WAS SUCCESSFUL ONLY IN TRIGGERING AN EXPLANATION THAT WE (THEY) ALL WROTE IT. So they will be known as We, but they (We) do consist of three parts: Melissa Lonchambon (bass, vocals), Michael Rollin (guitar, vocals) and Phillip Woodward (drums and cymbals). They actually came together in early 2005 as a quartet—which included guitarist Allen Hendrix, who departed last summer and thus backed the band into a corner of either finding a new guitar player or continuing on as a trio. They braved it, opting for the latter. As We (they) wrote: We decided to continue working as a trio because we already knew we worked well together and have a good work ethic established. Working as a trio allowed us to leave a little bit of breathing room in the music. We started exploring different kinds of songs and different sounds as well as focus and refine things. We also put a little more focus on refining vocals. When the band first started, it was concentrated on volume and was more aggressive sounding, but now that type of song is one card in our pocket, rather than being our defining sound. We are enjoying just working on whatever we like and whatever we happen to create, rather than trying to write a specific type of song. That specific type of song that they (We) refer to is all over the map. Sharks and Sailors has a sound, to be sure—something which is laden with a combination of
screeching guitars and those that provide a warmer backdrop, anchored by the hardhitting Woodward (who is considerably louder when seen playing live).
That which was just described all culminates in the release this month of Builds Brand New, the band’s first full-length and the follow-up to their 2006 self-titled EP. Sharks and Sailors had everything in place musically before recording, but where Builds Brand New really shines is in its Michael Rollin, Melissa Lonchambon, and Phillip Woodward sequencing. Every song shakes hands with the next in a convincing testament to good album flow. There are moments where they (We) get lost, but it never ends up boring the listener. It does end with a dirge, yes—the almost 8-minute “Condor”—but even that is set up by the tracks preceding it in a way that makes it welcome. And it screeches to a halt all by itself instead of fading out.
“WE ALL KIND OF SHARE A BRAIN ANYWAY.”
But as much as the direction or tone of a song might be set by the guitars and driven along by the drums, it is Lonchambon’s bass playing that defines Sharks and Sailors. Strong, thick and melodic, her bass lines never get lost in the songs and in fact bring an entirely commanding dynamic to them—complementing the guitars and keeping in rhythm with the drums but at the same time heading off in directions most bassists wouldn’t consider. She finds room on the scale, depth in the notes, and in that takes every part of every song forward. Part of that audible presence can be attributed to the mixing done by engineer Chris Ryan, but it is ultimately her choice of notes that pushes everything along, even when it’s slowing down.
And then there are the voices. Lonchambon sings smooth and cool, at almost speaking level—never coming close to peaking out. Rollin, by contrast, sounds frenzied and bothered—and the combination totally works. In fact, in the parts of songs where Lonchambon follows Rollin, she takes it up a notch, singing in much longer, expanded notes, sounding 80. august08 002houston
Builds Brand New will be released by the band. They had conversations with a handful of labels and consensus, which is becoming altogether more often the case, was that they’d be better off doing it themselves via both limited CD pressing and (of course) limitless digital distribution. As We (they) wrote: We’ve had advice from other bands on various midlevel labels and they advised to do as much as we can on our own. I mean, unless you’re on a big indie, like Matador or Sub Pop or Merge or something, you can be afforded lots of bigger and better things. However, it’s not like they’re knocking on our door or anything, ha!
Sharks and Sailors plays Friday, August 1st at Walter’s on Washington with UME and The Jonx ($6 at the door). Copies of Builds Brand New will be available at the show, at Sound Exchange and sharksandsailors.com. Digital download available through iTunes, Amazon MP3, Rhapsody, Napster and emusic.
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OO2CROSSWORD
ACROSS 1. Triangular wall sections 5. Kitchen pot 10. Mined metal 12. Very beautiful (2 words) 13. Fireplace light 14. Sound bounce back 15. Where the steaks get eaten (2 words) 20. Obtain 21. Bird nesting area (3 words) 24. __ Prado, Spanish museum 25. Very dark color
26. Support for the television (2 words) 28. Curve 29. Deja __ 30. Compass point 31. Line on trousers 32. Heart (of the matter) 34. Old Algerian ruler 37. Aesthetics 38. Bible judge and priest 39. Fancy dressing ingredient (2 words)
41. Tree DOWN 1. Very attractive 2. Exist 3. It’s by the ocean 4. Right-angled extension 6. As regards the building design 7. 10__ (band) 8. Headrests
17. Provide a rough surface (2 words)
BEFORE WE GO...
27. Boudoir 28. Entryway
THE HILLS IS HEADED FOR HOUSTON.
18. Light hardwood
29. Venture Capital, for short
YOU READ THAT RIGHT. LAUREN “L.C.”
19. House building materials
33. Roman pot
AUGUST 16TH TO BRING A LITTLE
35. Egg centers
SOCAL COOL TO THE LONE STAR
36. Peter the Great, for example
STATE. A HOLLYWOOD STYLE PARTY
22. Good life (2 words) 23. Vigor and liveliness 25. “It’s cold!” expression
39. Tinge
• JULY ANSWERS •
CONRAD WILL BE IN OUR CITY LIMITS
WILL TAKE PLACE AT HOTEL ZAZA FROM 9PM TO 2AM TO WELCOME HER AND HER CLOTHING LINE, THE LAUREN CONRAD COLLECTION, TO HOUSTON. PRE-SALE TICKETS WILL BE
9. Modern
AVAILABLE AT PREMIERE SHOPPING
11. Visible (2 words)
DESTINATIONS, SAKS FIFTH AVENUE (WHO WILL ALSO BE CARRYING HER
16. Born as
LINE FOR THE EVENT AND TOOTSIES.)
40. Stone color (2 words)
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