DECEMBER 2010

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002houston | december 2010 | volume 12 | issue 144

hip.current.cool guide

www.0 0 2 m a g . c o m

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volume 12 | issue 144 letter from the editor Photography by Sofia van der Dys Hair by Elia Graves at Ceron Salon Tunic shirt by Rebecca & Drew

As

I stood at the delicatessen counter at Central Market waiting for my Jamon Serrano,(for 30 minutes), I came pretty close to missing my number (29) come up.

I was mesmerized by the diversity of the crowd of people waiting before me. I have never heard so many accents in one small space, all waiting for deli meats and cheeses. British, Scottish, Arabic, Spanish, American – you name it and it was present waiting for proscuitto and havarti along with me.

I take for granted how lucky we are in Houston to be exposed to so many different cultures, languages and ways of life right in our own backyard. This month’s cover embodies this diversity.

We had an abundance of cover submissions for our fourth annual cover contest, CARLA VALENCIA DE MARTINEZ and we are proud to share the overwhelming winner, The Community Cloth. The group empowers women who are given government assistance temporarily until they stand up on their own two feet. Community Cloth gives them the opportunity to use their cultural skills, in this case knitting, to make money. Their mission and message is a perfect example of what should be to come in 2011.

Although it’s easy to get wrapped up in holiday shopping, maybe try to pick up a few gifts that give back.

Localite Cindi Harwood Rose’s silhouettes shine in Paperscape shot by Cody Bess on page 38.

And underground artist Coolidge talks about his inspiration in this month’s For Art’s Sake. It might make you stop and notice your surroundings. I can’t leave you without mentioning all the Halloween post-event coverage in this month’s Scene starting on page 70. Get ready to laugh.

Happy Holidays from 002houston! See you in 2011.

PUBLISHER alejandro martinéz ext 16 a.martinez@002mag.com EDITOR-IN-CHIEF | CREATIVE DIRECTOR carla valencia de martinéz ext 13 c.valencia@002mag.com CONTRIBUTING EDITOR victoria bartlett ART DIRECTOR alex rosa ext 17 arosa@002mag.com LIFESTYLE EDITOR beatrice allen ext 11 bvalencia@002mag.com ASSOCIATE EDITOR rocco, the office gato pixie ibañez ext 10 pixie@002mag.com ADVERTISING SALES MANAGER william king ext 18 w.king@002mag.com ADVERTISING EXECUTIVES carlos valencia ext 12 cevalencia@002mag.com ACCOUNTS PAYABLE ext 14 accounting@002mag.com PHOTOGRAPHERS cody bess, kim coffman, kennon evett, jill hunter, jaime lagdameo, gabriella nissen, daniel ortiz, jackson potts, anthony rathbun, sofia van der dys CONTRIBUTING WRITERS susan bynam, michael garfield, sarah gish, sarah hill, travis jones, tim moloney, greg scheinman, jenni rebecca stephenson, lance scott walker, scott ward CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS jenny antill, patrick bertolino, mark britain, ben desoto, david elizondo, danny kamin, kh studio, bill olive, mauricio ramirez uribe, for www.lastnightpics.com: anthony hynes, hunter jones, kemmy kim, brad sechler INTERN ashley-marie tobar

THE COVER CONTEST WINNER THE COMMUNITY CLOTH

BY JOSEPH WEST OOPS: In last month's issue we failed to credit Susan Bynam, the writer for the fabulous piece on the Cinema Film Festival. Our apologies, Susan!

002houston Magazine is published monthly by NODO Magazine, L.L.C., 1310 NANCE ST. STUDIO C, HOUSTON, TEXAS 77002. Copyright © 2010 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

Carla Valencia de Martinéz Editor-in-Chief| Fashion Director

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713.223.5333 | FAX 713.223.4884 | LETTERS@002MAG.COM WWW.002MAG.COM | FACEBOOK: 002HOUSTON TWITTER.COM/002HOUSTON

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table of contents

JANUARY

green issue

december 2010

50

4 letter from the editor 6 table of contents 7 scene

45 party pics 46 things i like love

48 DESTINATION: ACAPULCO 50 HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE

22 8 houston map 10 downtown map 11 scene 12 uptown map + party pics 14 on our radar 16 calendar

54 55 56 57 58

002 profile: jon deal party pics tools + toys + gadgets websites MENtertainment

66 32

59 wise guy 60 restaurant listings 64 dinewrite: red pier

66 CHEF’S SPECIAL: LAURENZO’S 68 new restaurants

18 museum district 20 art houses + museums + exhibits

70 THE SCENE 74 CLUB REVIEW: HOUSE OF DERÉON

22 FOR ART’S SAKE: COOLIDGE 24 25 26 27 28 29 30

nonprofit: encouragement program gish phone shots spacetaker born cool. grow hip. party pics little wonders learning center

76 recording: rapper k and sniper 78 nightlife

32 COVER CONTEST

70

34 people of houston 80 bea here now 81 cd review 82 crossword puzzle

48 36 costumes for cocktails 37 candy canes

38 A PAPERSCAPE 6. december 10 | www.002mag.com

74

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houston map

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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 CityCentre.........................................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

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uptown+ galleria map

EVENT TEXAS CHILDREN’S CANCER CENTER CASINO NIGHT WHY TO BENEFIT TCCC WHERE ABOARD FANTASEA YACHT AND THE KEMAH AQUARIUM WHEN OCTOBER 8 Oh, what a night for the Texas Children’s Cancer Center! Key donors kicked off the evening on board a luxurious cocktail cruise on The FantaSea Yacht, enjoying a gorgeous sunset and perfect sailing weather before returning to the Kemah Aquarium Restaurant where they joined the rest of the party. Chairman Kolja Rockov, an avid supporter, personally donated a custom-made jacket by U-Rock Couture in Miami to the gentleman with the most chips at the end of the night.

Guests dined and gambled to their hearts’ content. The raffle consisted of fabulous items including a six-night stay in Jackson Hole and a trip to Las Vegas at Pelican Hill. Guests partied until the wee hours of the night all for a great cause.

Paula Beasley, David Poplack, Kristin Crum

Greg Smothers, Kristan Spivey

check out more pictures @ 002mag.com

Doug Liftman

Kelli and Eddy Blanton

Shari and Tofigh Shirazi

Kolja Rockov, Roxanne Murcia 12. december 10 | www.002mag.com

Arden and Virginia Walker

Photography by Jenny Antill

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Photography by Jenny Antill

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on our

002+magazine

radar Foodie Last month, H-E-B announced The Pavilion as the winning store design for the new H-E-B Montrose. More than 200 residents attended a neighborhood meeting to learn about H-E-B’s new store plans, view design and landscape architect designs, offer comments and finally, cast their votes for their favorite of three designs. Out of 206 votes, 88 votes were cast for The Pavilion. Interactive elements included in the store design are an outdoor patio with seating; an event plaza for concerts and artisan markets, but which will function as parking spaces on a daily basis; a bandstand and movie screen for evening and weekend entertainment; and five-foot sidewalks. Store construction will start in the spring of 2011 and be completed in the fall of 2011.

The oldest and best known cheese shop in New York – Murray’s Cheese – has landed in Houston. The Kroger in River Oaks to be exact. Known for its huge selection of imported and domestic artisan cheeses and specialty foods, locals will now be able to enjoy what Martha Stewart Living has called “the temple to cheese.” Two more shops are set to open in West U and the Heights through an exclusive partnership with Kroger.

As if we needed another choice in our array of cupcake shops in town. But just in case you haven’t found your sweet tooth soulmate, DC’s destination for gourmet cupcakes, Georgetown Cupcake, is now available at Saks. Made with Valrhona chocolate, Madagascar Bourbon vanilla and European sweet cream butter.

The Galleria area Whole Foods we’ve been daydreaming about is official.

Mark Dixon, president of the Whole Foods Market’s Southwest Region, and Ed Wulfe, president of Wulfe & Co., announced the finalization of a new lease for a 48,500sf urban “landmark” Whole Food Markets in BLVD Place at the southwest corner of Post Oak Boulevard at San Felipe. “The BLVD Place complex will be a pedestrian-friendly place and ultimately contain over 400,000sf of specialty shops and restaurant venues along with approximately 325,000sf of upscale office space on the upper floors above the retail,” said Wulfe.

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Hospitality Longtime hotel executive Mark Weatherill has been named General Manager for the Starwood Hotels & Resorts Memorial City Complex featuring three distinct Starwood brands including Four Points by Sheraton Houston Memorial City, Sheraton Houston West and The Westin Houston Memorial City & Residences, opening in Spring 2011.

The Galleria and The University of Texas MD Anderson Children’s Cancer Hospital opened an inspirational art gallery and inviting family lounge located on the second level in The Galleria. The space is adjacent to The Little Galleria Play Area and stretches 1,700sf featuring family-friendly amenities in addition to the colorful artwork and heartwarming stories of MD Anderson Children’s Cancer Hospital patients and survivors. The combination art gallery and lounge is an ideal place for families to relax in the midst of their shopping. The lounge has a soft seating area with furniture from BoConcept, flat screen televisions, standard and kid-sized sinks to keep little and big hands washed, kid and adult-sized restrooms, a parking area for strollers, changing stations and private nursing areas. It also will feature a custom fish tank provided by Fish Gallery.

The Sugar Land Regional Airport announced the re-branding of its FBO as Global Select. “Launching a new name will allow us to market the FBO independently from the City’s airport,” said Phillip Savko, Director of Aviation for Sugar Land Regional Airport. “This new campaign will help us spread awareness throughout the industry.” Under its new name, Global Select will continue to offer the same red carpet, VIP service it has always provided.

Retail TRACY AYALA AND JUSTIN TIMBERLAKE’S AMAZING BOOTYENHANCING DENIM LINE, WILLIAM RAST, WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR WOMEN AND MEN AROUND THE COUNTRY WITH THE WILLIAM RAST FOR TARGET COLLECTION THIS DECEMBER. GROUNDED IN ICONIC ELEMENTS OF AMERICAN DENIM HERITAGE AND BIKER CULTURE, THE LIMITED EDITION WILLIAM RAST FOR TARGET COLLECTION BRINGS ATTITUDE AND EDGE TO LEATHER JACKETS, OUTERWEAR AND PREMIUM DENIM. THE ENTIRE COLLECTION RETAILS UNDER $200 WITH KEY STYLES INCLUDING PREMIUM DENIM AND LEATHER JACKETS.

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calendar DECEMBER SUNDAY

PERFORMING ARTS + CONCERTS + SPORTS + FESTIVALS + GENERAL INTEREST

MONDAY

Alley The Santaland Diaries 7:30pm Hobby TUTS: Dr. Seuss’ How The Grinch Stole Christmas: The Musical 7:30pm HOB Belanova 7pm Jones SPA: Handel’s Messiah Rocks 7:30pm Stages Panto Pinocchio 7pm Toyota Rockets vs. Los Angeles Lakers 7:30pm

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TO PURCHASE TICKETS, PLEASE CONTACT

ALLEY THEATRE: alleytheatre.org CWMP: woodlandscenter.org HOBBY CENTER: 713.315.2525 thehobbycenter.org HOUSE OF BLUES: hob.com JONES HALL: 713.227.3974 joneshall.org MAIN STREET THEATRE: 713.524.6706 mainstreettheatre.com MERIDIAN: meridian.com MILLER OUTDOOR THEATRE (MOT): milleroutdoortheatre.com

MINUTE MAID PARK: astros.mlb.com RELIANT PARK: reliantpark.com STAGES REPERTORY THEATRE: 713.527.0123 stagestheatre.com TOYOTA CENTER: 1.866.4HOU.TIX toyotacentertix.com VERIZON THEATRE: verizonwirelesstheatre.com WAREHOUSE LIVE: warehouselive.com WORTHAM CENTER: 713.237.1439 worthamcenter.org

Alley The Santaland Diaries 2:30pm | A Christmas Carol 2:30 & 7pm Main Street The Heidi Chronicles 3pm Hobby TUTS: Dr. Seuss’ How The Grinch…

11am, 2 & 5pm | Virtuoisi’s Inaugural Concert of the Season 7:30pm Reliant Center Los Magnificos Low Rider Car Show & Concert 11am | Arena Fantasia 7:30pm Stages Panto Pinocchio 3pm | The Marvelous Wonderettes 3pm Toyota Trans Siberian Orchestra 3 & 7:30pm Verizon Buzzfestivus 7pm Warehouse Darkest Hour 6pm

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HOB Sam Adams w/ guest LA Riots 7pm Warehouse Insane Clown Posse 7pm

Alley The Santaland Diaries 2:30pm | A Christmas Carol 2:30 & 7pm Jones HS Pops: Very Merry Pops 2:30 & 7:30pm Main Street The Heidi Chronicles 3pm Stages Panto Pinocchio 3pm | The Marvelous Wonderettes 3pm

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Alley The Santaland Diaries 2:30pm | A Christmas Carol 2:30 & 7pm Hobby GEB: Burn the Floor 2 & 8pm | SODC: Amahl and the Night Visitors 2:30 & 7:30pm Jones HS: Handel’s Messiah in Candlelight 2:30pm Main Street The Heidi Chronicles 3pm Stages Panto Pinocchio 3pm | The Marvelous Wonderettes 3pm Toyota WWE Pay Per View: Tables, Ladders & Chairs 6pm

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KWANZAA BEGINS 27 BOXING DAY

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Alley The Santaland Diaries 2:30 & 7:30pm | A Christmas Carol 2:30 & 7pm HOB Rad Rromance- The 1 All Male Lady Gaga Tribute Band 8pm Stages Panto Pinocchio 3 & 7pm Toyota Aeros vs. Texas Stars 4:05pm

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HOB Allstar Weekend 5pm Reliant Park Texans vs. Baltimore Ravens 7:30pm

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HOB Dimmu Borgir 7:30pm Toyota Rockets vs. Detroit Pistons 7:30pm Verizon Buzzfestivus 8pm Warehouse Job For A Cowboy 6pm

Alley The Santaland Diaries 7:30pm Hobby Gexa Energy Broadway: Burn the Floor 7:30pm HOB Trapt 7pm Jones BCPA: Hear the Bells- A Holiday Card from Houston 7:30pm Toyota Rockets vs. Sacramento Kings 7:30pm

Alley The Santaland Diaries 7:30pm | A Christmas Carol 7:30pm Hobby TUTS: Dr. Seuss’ How The Grinch…7:30pm | HOB Attack! Attack! w/ Emmure, Pierce The Veil, etc. 6:30pm Main Street The Heidi Chronicles 8pm Stages Panto Pinocchio 7pm | The Marvelous Wonderettes 7:30pm Toyota Aeros vs. Rockford IceHogs 11:05am

Alley The Santaland Diaries 7:30pm Hobby GEB: Burn the Floor 7:30pm HOB Apocalyptica 8pm

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Alley The Santaland Diaries 7:30pm Jones Shen Yun Performing Arts 7:30pm Stages Panto Pinocchio 7pm | The Marvelous Wonderettes 7:30pm

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WINTER SOLSTICE 22

Alley The Santaland Diaries 2:30 & 7:30pm HOB Frontiers- A Tribute to Journey 7:30pm Warehouse Hayes Carll 8pm

HANNUKKAH BEGINS

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THURSDAY

Alley The Santaland Diaries 7:30pm Stages Panto Pinocchio 7pm Toyota Andre Bocelli 7:30pm Warehouse Street Dogs 7pm

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Alley The Santaland Diaries 7:30pm | A Christmas Carol 7:30pm Jones Shen Yun Performing Arts 7:30pm Toyota Aeros vs. Hamilton Bulldogs 7:05pm

Alley The Santaland Diaries 7:30pm | A Christmas Carol 7:30pm Toyota Rockets vs. Washington Wizards 7:30pm

WEDNESDAY

TUESDAY

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Alley The Santaland Diaries 7:30pm HOB Better Than Ezra 7pm Reliant Park Texas Bowl 5pm Stages Panto Pinocchio 7pm | The Marvelous Wonderettes 7:30pm Toyota Rockets vs. Miami Heat 7:30pm Warehouse 100 Monkeys 7:30pm

Alley The Santaland Diaries 7:30pm | A Christmas Carol 7:30pm Main Street The Heidi Chronicles 7:30pm Stages Panto Pinocchio 7pm | The Marvelous Wonderettes 7:30pm

Alley The Santaland Diaries 7:30pm | A Christmas Carol 7:30pm Hobby GEB: Burn the Floor 7:30pm HOB Soulfly w/ Straight Line Stitch, Incite & Desperate Union 7pm Main Street The Heidi Chronicles 7:30pm Stages Panto Pinocchio 7pm | The Marvelous Wonderettes 7:30pm

Alley The Santaland Diaries 2:30 & 7:30pm | A Christmas Carol 2:30 & 7:30pm Jones Shen Yun Performing Arts 7:30pm Stages Panto Pinocchio 7pm | The Marvelous Wonderettes 7:30pm

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Alley The Santaland Diaries 2:30 & 7:30pm Stages Panto Pinocchio 7pm | The Marvelous Wonderettes 7:30pm

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NOT SURE WHAT TO DO? TRY ONE-STOP SHOPPING AT

WWW.HOUSTONTHEATERDISTRICT.ORG FRIDAY Alley The Santaland Diaries 6 & 9pm | A Christmas Carol 7:30pm Hobby TUTS: Dr. Seuss’ How The Grinch…5 & 8pm Main Street The Heidi Chronicles 8pm Stages Panto Pinocchio 7:30pm | The Marvelous Wonderettes 8pm Toyota Aeros vs. Rockford IceHogs 7:35pm Wortham HB: Jubilee of Dance 7:30pm | Inprint: Salman Rushdie 7:30pm

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Alley The Santaland Diaries 6 & 9pm | A Christmas Carol 7:30pm Hobby GEB: Burn the Floor 8pm HOB Bruce Robinson 7:30pm Jones HS: Handel’s Messiah in Candlelight 8pm Main Street The Heidi Chronicles 8pm Stages Panto Pinocchio 7:30pm | The Marvelous Wonderettes 8pm Toyota Rockets vs. Memphis Grizzlies 7:30pm

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Alley The Santaland Diaries 2:30 & 7:30pm | A Christmas Carol 2:30 & 7:30pm Hobby TUTS: Dr. Seuss’ How The Grinch…

11am, 2, 5 & 8pm Jones HS Family Concert: The Snowman 10 & 11:30am Main Street Madeline’s Christmas 1 & 4pm | The Heidi Chronicles 8pm Stages Panto Pinocchio 3 & 7:30pm | The Marvelous Wonderettes 8pm Toyota Chayanne 8pm Verizon IXFA- Extreme Fighting 7:30pm Warehouse 6400 Christmas Bash w/ DJ Mike Snow 9pm Wortham Da Camera: Anat Cohen Quartet Clarinetworks 8pm

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HUMAN RIGHTS DAY 11

Alley The Santaland Diaries 6 & 9pm | A Christmas Carol 7:30pm Hobby Kia Motors presents Yo Gabba Gabba! Live!

There’s a Party in My City! 2:30 & 6pm Jones HS Pops: Very Merry Pops 8pm Main Street The Heidi Chronicles 7:30pm Stages Panto Pinocchio 7:30pm | The Marvelous Wonderettes 8pm Toyota Aeros vs. San Antonio Rampage 7:35pm Wortham Mercury Baroque: Handel’s Messiah 8pm

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SATURDAY

Alley The Santaland Diaries 2:30 & 7:30pm | A Christmas Carol 2:30 & 7:30pm Jones HS Pops: Very Merry Pops 8pm Main Street Madeline’s Christmas 10:30am, 1 & 4pm | The Heidi Chronicles 8pm Reliant Park America Cheer Power Championships 11am Stages Panto Pinocchio 3 & 7:30pm | The Marvelous Wonderettes 8pm Toyota Rockets vs. Cleveland Cavaliers 7:30pm Warehouse Toys for Tha Hood 8pm Wortham Mercury Baroque: Handel’s Messiah for Families! 10:30am | Mercury Baroque: Handel’s Messiah 8pm

Alley The Santaland Diaries 2:30 & 7:30pm | A Christmas Carol 2:30 & 7:30pm Hobby GEB: Burn the Floor 2 & 8pm | Sandra Organ Dance Comp: Amahl and the Night Visitors 2:30 & 7:30pm Jones HS: Handel’s Messiah in Candlelight 8pm Main Street The Heidi Chronicles 8pm Stages Panto Pinocchio 3 & 7:30pm | The Marvelous Wonderettes 8pm Verizon Robert Earl Keen 8pm Wortham Talento Bilingue: Las Reynas del Comal 6:30 & 9pm

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CHRISTMAS EVE 25

CHRISTMAS DAY

Alley The Santaland Diaries 2:30pm | A Christmas Carol 2:30pm Jones Shen Yun Performing Arts 2pm Stages Panto Pinocchio 2pm

NEW YEAR’S EVE Alley The Santaland Diaries 6pm Hobby Ars Lyrica: Musical Resolutions 8:30pm Reliant Park: Cedric the Entertainer 8pm Stages Naughty Panto! Adults Only! 10pm Toyota Rockets vs. Toronto Raptors 6pm Wortham Trendsetters Inc NYE Affair 8pm

2011

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museum district

By Pixie Ibañez EXHIBITS EMAIL US AT PIXIE@002MAG.COM

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1. The Menil ColleCTion www.menil.org

Ready Made Africans by David McGee, on view thru January 30, 2011, is a portfolio of lithographs by Houston-based artist David McGee (b. 1962). The portfolio is composed of five portraits of Hip Hop performers, including 50 Cent, Notorious B.I.G, a.k.a.

Biggie Smalls and Ghostface Killah. “These prints,” said McGee, “reflect my belief that the theories and principles of Dada are similar to those that dictate the theories of American-born Hip Hop, an African-American form of music whose influence crosses racial divides. These prints cross-pollinate word and image, blurring the line between Hip Hop and Dada identities.”

2. housTon CenTer for PhoTograPhy www.hcponline.org

Rose Marasco: Projections, on view thru January 10, 2011. Rose Marasco pulls images from everyday material – magazines, posters and advertisements – to create work that becomes less familiar through alteration yet retains recognizable elements from the original. In Interior Projections, Marasco investigates the ubiquitous images that surround us in contemporary life. Projecting media images on domestic scenes, the resulting tableaus exemplify how much of one’s sense of identity comes from interaction with consumer culture representations.

3. The roThko ChaPel www.rothkochapel.org

The Rothko Chapel, founded by John and Dominique de Menil, was dedicated in 1971 as an intimate sanctuary available to people of every belief. A modern meditative environment inspired by the mural canvases of Russian-born American painter Mark Rothko (1903-1970), the Chapel welcomes thousands of visitors each year, people of every faith and from all parts of the world.

4. ByzanTine fresCo ChaPel MuseuM www.menil.org/visit/byzantine.php

Intimate in scale, the Byzantine Fresco Chapel Museum is the repository of the only intact Byzantine frescoes of this size and importance in the Western Hemisphere.

It’s also a manifestation of the redemptive power of art: The chapel was expressly built to house 13-century Byzantine frescoes that had been looted from their original home in a small chapel in Lysi, Cyprus.

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5. housTon CenTer for ConTeMPorary CrafT www.crafthouston.org

The Color of Enamel: New Work by Leighelena, opens December 4. Austin jewelry artist Leigh Navarro, of Leighelena, creates beautiful enamel jewelry through a process of applying powders and various fragments of glass onto the surface of hand-cut copper shapes and then firing the pieces in a kiln. As an artist, Navarro is interested in the unpredictable chemical reactions that occur with different materials, and she experiments with enamel and frit. Many of her finished pieces feature bright color and intricate patterns inspired by the leathers and animal skins that she incorporates into her work.

6. lawndale arT CenTer www.lawndaleartcenter.org

Fugitive Emissions

by David Sullivan, on view thru January 15, is an installation of large-scale animated paintings with sound that poetically probe the hidden life of petrochemical production. In these animations, abstract gestural brushstrokes collide with the realism of 3D computer graphics. These moving paintings are virtual worlds that blur the distinction between technology and biology. The dependence of our ways of life, especially along the Gulf Coast, on petrochemical processing and the effects of this production on living systems are the inspiration for this work.

take you on a whirlwind adventure to the Far East through the lives of four children who live in Hangzhou, China. The exhibit bridges the gap of acknowledgement and understanding between our two genuine cultures. Hangzhou is one of the seven ancient capitals in the history of China and has become one of the most modern civilizations of time. With Children of Hangzhou you will leave with a better understanding of life on the other side of the world. You will discover that we share the same values no matter the distance or how different our lifestyles and cultures are.

10. The healTh MuseuM www.thehealthmuseum.org

Planet You 3D- Imagine exploring an alien world where odd creatures roam bizarre terrain in search of food.

Then witness the attack and counterattack of viral bacteria at a cellular level. Now imagine it all in 3D! It is an experience that will take you to a world you never knew existed before – a world that is so much closer than you think. It is a microscopic journey into the foreign landscape that is your own…SKIN! (Permanent exhibit.)

11. housTon MuseuM of naTural sCienCe www.hmns.org

The Buffalo Soldiers National Museum pays tribute to African-American military history from the Revolutionary War to modern times. During the 1860s, soldiers of the 10th U.S. Calvary were nicknamed “Buffalo Soldiers” for their fierce fighting ability and bravery.

Real Pirates: The Untold Story of the Whydah from Slave Ship to Pirate Ship, on view thru February 6.

This exhibit tells the true story of the Whydah – a pirate ship that sank off the coast of Cape Cod nearly 300 years ago. Real Pirates is an 8,400sf interactive touring exhibition organized by National Geographic. It showcases more than 200 artifacts from the first fully authenticated pirate ship discovered in U.S. waters, including treasure chests of coins from around the world (some of which visitors can touch), jewelry, daily life items and technically advanced weaponry of the time – 18th-century cannon, pistols and swords.

8. holoCausT MuseuM housTon www.hmh.org

12. housTon zoo www.houstonzoo.org

The Holocaust: An Artist’s Glimpse of the Past by Dallas Hill, on view thru December 17, is an exhibit inspired by the amazing story of Anne Frank. Hill captures the beauty and youth to memorialize the young woman. In addition to the Frank portrait, the exhibit also includes images of two of the men responsible for her death – Adolf Hitler and Adolf Eichmann.

The African Forest, opening December 10, will vividly recreate an awe-inspiring wilderness habitat featuring chimpanzees, rhinos and giraffes in an environment reminiscent of the forest landscape of western equatorial Africa. Exciting “immersion” exhibits with virtually invisible barriers between guests and the animals will provide an extraordinary adventure for Zoo guests.

The African Forest will take visitors on an entertaining journey through one of the world’s most mysterious and beautiful places. A must-see!

7. Buffalo soldiers naTional MuseuM www.buffalosoldiermuseum.com

9. Children’s MuseuM of housTon www.cmhouston.org

Children of Hangzhou: Connecting with China, on view thru January 3. This interactive new exhibit will

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13. rice university art gallery www.ricegallery.org

Sarah Oppenheimer D17, thru December 5. Sarah Oppenheimer rethinks and reinvents the most takenfor-granted elements of architectural space: planes and holes. Within existing spaces she creates new walls, passages and shaped holes to investigate how different kinds and configurations of perforated planes affect our perceptual experience of built space.

14. the MuseuM oF Fine arts, houston www.mfah.org 

Cosmopolitan Routes: Houston Collects Latin American Art , on view thru February 6, is an exhibit that celebrates the 10th anniversary of the establishment of the museum’s Latin American art department and International Center for the Arts of the Americas (ICAA). Cosmopolitan Routes comprises more than 100 masterworks on loan from private holdings in Houston and Latin America, including paintings, works on paper, photography, sculpture, assemblage, installations and video projections.

15. conteMPorary arts MuseuM houston www.camh.org 

view thru January 30, is a retrospective of the artist’s career, which now spans nearly fifty years. This, his first major exhibition, brings together a multitude of works never before seen in the United States. It also underscores the significant contributions of this artist, whose presence within the dynamic constellation of Fluxus is palpable. This exhibition provides audiences with their first comprehensive look at this artist’s work and explores his contributions to both Fluxus and the larger contemporary art landscape.

16. the Jung center oF houston www.junghouston.org 

Imagine: Texas Doll Artists, on view thru December 22. Let your imagination take flight with the wonderful work of the artists of TAODA (Texas Association of Original Doll Artists). The enchanting figures are created from many mediums: clay, porcelain, wood, fiber and other materials. Each piece is one-of-a-kind sculpture.

17. czech center MuseuM www.czechcenter.org 

The Czech Center Museum Houston works to preserve, record and celebrate the language, scholarship and arts of Bohemia, Moravia, Silesia and Slovakia.

18. John c. FreeMan Weather MuseuM www.wxresearch.org 

Benjamin Patterson: Born in the State of FLUX/us, on

KEY TO SYMBOLS



Parking restaurant shoPPing snacks Free aDMission

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art houses+museums+exhibits

8

EXHIBITS EMAIL US AT PIXIE@002MAG.COM

MUSEUMS 1940 AIR TERMINAL MUSEUM www.1940airterminal.org 8325 Travelair Rd. 713.454.1940 ART CAR MUSEUM www.artcarmuseum.com 140 Heights Blvd. 713.861.5526 BLAFFER ART MUSEUM www.blaffer.org 4800 Calhoun Rd. 713.743.9521 Opens December 4, 2010 School of Art Annual Student Exhibition

ART LEAGUE HOUSTON www.artleaguehouston.org 1953 Montrose Blvd. 713.523.9530 BARBARA DAVIS GALLERY www.barbaradavisgallery.com 4411 Montrose 713.520.9200 Thru December 31, Cocky by Anthony Thompson Shumate

BETZ GALLERY www.betzgallery.com 1208 W. Gray 713.576.6954

HERITAGE SOCIETY www.heritagesociety.org 1100 Bagby 713.655.1912

CANAL ST. GALLERY www.canalstreetgallery.com 2219 Canal St. 713.223.2219 Opens December 3, Decoration by Gordon Phillipson

HOUSTON FIRE MUSEUM www.houstonfiremuseum.org 2403 Milam 713.524.2526

CAROLINE COLLECTIVE www.carolinecollective.cc 4820 Caroline St. 713.825.4613

MUSEUM OF PRINTING HISTORY www.printingmuseum.org 1324 W. Clay St. 713.522.4652

COLTON & FARB GALLERYwww.coltonfarbgallery.com 2445 North Blvd. 713.869.5151 Thru January 29, Tributaries, solo exhibit by Terence La Noue

MUSEUM OF SOUTHERN HISTORY www.hbu.edu 7502 Fondren Rd. 281.649.3997

COMMUNITY ARTISTS’ COLLECTIVE www.thecollective.org 1413 Holman 713.523.1616

ORANGE SHOW www.orangeshow.org 2401 Munger 713.926.6368

COMMUNE ON NORTH www.communeonnorth.com 2437 North Blvd. 713.526.3875

PROJECT ROW HOUSES www.projectrowhouses.org 2521 Holman 713.526.7662

CTRL GALLERY www.ctrlgallery.com 3907 Main St. 713.523.2875 Thru December 23, More Reasons Than One by Emilio Perez

18 HANDS GALLERY www.18handsgallery.com 249 West 19th St. 713.869.3099 December 3, Holiday on 19th Street December 4, Mistletoe Madness (a Heights-wide event) AEROSOL WARFARE GALLERY + BOUTIQUE www.aerosolwarfare.com 2110 Jefferson St. #113, 832.748.8369 ANYA TISH GALLERY www.anyatishgallery.com 4411 Montrose Blvd. 713.524.2299 Thru November 13, Orna Feinstein: Tree Dimensional ARCHWAY GALLERY www.archwaygallery.com 2305 Dunlavy 713.522.2409 Opens December 4, James Myres

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3.

BERING & JAMES GALLERYwww.beringandjames.com 805 Rhode Place #500, 713.524.0101

BOOKER-LOWE GALLERYwww.bookerlowegallery.com 4623 Feagan St. 713.880.1541 Thru January 26, Puuya Kuntha, Strong Heart

ART HOUSES

2.

1. mcmurtrey gallery | 2. inman gallery 3. barbara davis gallery | 4. winter street studios

GALVESTON ARTS CENTER www.galveston.com 2127 Strand St. 409.763.2403

UNIVERSITY MUSEUM www.tsu.edu/museum 3100 Cleburne Ave. 713.313.7145

1.

DAKOTA GALLERY www.dakotaframing.com 2324 Shearn St. 713.523.7440 DARKE GALLERY www.darkegallery.com 5321 Feagan 713.542.3802 Opens December 3, Tara Conley and Laura Castriotta Jewelry DESANTOS GALLERY www.desantosgallery.com 1724 Richmond 713.520.1200 DIVERSEWORKS www.diverseworks.org 1117 East Freeway 713.223.8346 Thru December 18, Gravity Was Everywhere Back Then by Brent Green DOMY BOOKS www.domystore.com 1709 Westheimer 713.523.3669 ELDER STREET GALLERY www.elderstreetartist.com 1101 Elder St. 281.250.4889

FOTOFEST www.fotofest.org 1113 Vine St. 713.223.5522 Thru December 11, B-Sides: Continuing the Contemporary U.S. Dialogue G GALLERY www.ggalleryhouston.com 301 East 11th St. 713.822.4842 Opens December 4, Fire Drawings by Bill FitzGibbons GALLERY 1724 www.gallery1724.blogspot.com 1724 Bissonnet St. 713.523.2547 GALLERY SONJA ROESCH www.gallerysonjaroesch.com 2309 Caroline 713.659.5424 Thru December 31, Present Fugitive by Ruth Pastine GITE GALLERY www.thegitegallery.com 2024 East Alabama St. 713.523.3311 GOLDESBERRY GALLERY www.goldesberrygallery.com 2625 Colquitt 713.528.0405 Opening December 5, Annual Jewelry and Metal Arts Invitational GREEN HOUSE GALLERY www.greenhouseartgallery.com 716 W. Alabama St. 713.535.6462 GREMILLION & CO. FINE ART www.gremillion.com 2501 Sunset Blvd. 713.522.2701 Opens December 9, Bruce Brainard H GALLERY www.hgallery.org 617 W 19th 713.417.4888 HCC-CENTRAL GALLERY www.centralfinearts.info 3517 Austin 713.718.6600

HOUSTON LANDMARK GALLERY www.houstonlandmarkgallery.com 1200 McKinney 713.927.8800 HOUSTON STUDIOS 707 Walnut St. 713.223.0951 HOLLYWOOD FRAME GALLERY www.hollywoodframegallery.com 2427 Bissonnet 713.942.8885 HOOKS-EPSTEIN www.hooksepsteingalleries.com 2631 Colquitt St. 713.522.0718 Opens December 4, Kermit Oliver INMAN GALLERY www.inmangallery.com 3901 Main St. 713.526.7800 Thru January 8, Coconut Tree and Deer by Yuko Murata KINZELMAN ART CONSULTING www.kinzelmanart.com 3909 Main St. 713.533.9923 KOELSCH GALLERY www.koelschgallery.com 703 Yale 713.626.0175 LAURA RATHE FINE ART www.laurarathe.com 2707 Colquitt 713.527.7700 LAURA U COLLECTION www.lauraucollection.com 1840 Westheimer 713.522.0855 LAZZARA ART GALLERY www.gallerialazzara.com 5400 Mitchelldale St. 713.681.0681 M2 GALLERY www.gallerymsquared.com 339 W. 19th St. 713.861.6070 Opens December 11, Boarded Up: The Art of Surf and Skate

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McCLAIN GALLERY www.mcclaingallery.com 2242 Richmond Ave. 713.520.9988

4.

McMURTREY GALLERY www.mcmurtreygallery.com 3508 Lake St. 713.523.8238 Opens December 4, Holiday Group Show MEREDITH LONG GALLERY www.meredithlonggallery.com 2323 San Felipe 713.523.6671 MIDTOWN ART CENTER www.midtownartcenter.com 3414 La Branch 713.521.8803 Opens December 8, The Museum of Dysfunction by Mildred Umbella Theater Co. MONTROSE ART SOCIETY www.montroseartsociety.com 4715 Main St. 713.316.0402 MOODY GALLERY www.moodygallery.com 2815 Colquitt 713.526.9911 Opens December 4, Sarah Greene Red MOTHER DOG STUDIOS www.motherdogstudios.com 720 Walnut 713.229.9760 NAUHAUS GALLERY www.texascollaborative.com 223 E. 11th St. 713.261.1409 Opens December 4, Camp-Out by Joe Barrington and Carter Ernst NOLAN-RANKIN GALLERIES www.nolan-rankingalleries.com 6 Chelsea Blvd. 713.528.0664 O’KANE GALLERY www.uhd.edu One Main St.@UHD 713.221.8042 PARKERSON GALLERY www.parkersongallery.com 3510 Lake St. 713.524.4945 PEEL GALLERY www.peelgallery.org 4411 Montrose Blvd. 713.520.8122 Thru December 30, Pamela Love and Esque Design POST GALLERY www.postgallery.com 2121 Sage, Ste. 390 713.622.4241 POISSANT GALLERY www.poissantgallery.com 5102 Center St. 713.868.9337 RECORD RANCH GALLERY www.cactusmusictx.com 2110 Portsmouth 713.526.9272 REDBUD GALLERY www.redbudgallery.com 303 E. 11th St. 713.862.2532 RETRO GALLERY www.retrogallery.com 1839 W. Alabama 713.522.7074

RUDOLPH PROJECTS I ARTSCAN GALLERY www.rudolphprojects.com 1836 Richmond Ave. 713.807.1836 SICARDI GALLERY www.sicardi.com 2246 Richmond Ave. 713.529.1313 Thru December 18, Eduardo Gil SPACE125 GALLERY www.haatx.com 3201 Allen Parkway 713.527.9330 STUDIO SEVEN 1107 East Freeway 713.224.5555 TALENTO BILINGUE www.tbhcenter.com 333 S. Jensen Dr. 713.222.1213 THE ARTFUL CORNER www.theartfulcorner.com 3423 White Oak Dr. 713.426.4278 THOM ANDRIOLA www.newgallery.net 2627 Colquitt 713.520.7053 THORNWOOD GALLERY www.thornwoodgallery.com 2643 Colquitt St. 713.528.4278 Opening December 4, Year End Exhibition VAUGHAN CHRISTOPHER GALLERY www.vaughanchristopher.com 1217 S. Shepherd 713.533.0816 Thru December 31, Philip Dvorak WADE WILSON ART www.wadewilsonart.com 4411 Montrose #200, 713.521.2977 Thru December 11, Peter Sacks: Recent Paintings WATERCOLOR ART SOCIETY www.watercolorhouston.org 1601 West Alabama 713.942.9966 WINTER STREET STUDIOS www.winterstreetstudios.net 2101 Winter St. 713.862.0082 December 11-12, Interior/Exterior Views by Ian Anderson and Lindsay Peyton XNIHILO GALLERY www.xnil.org 2115 Taft St. 713.622.1846 ZARPOSH INDIA GALLERY www.zarposhindia.com 5910 Southwest Fwy. 713.668.2948

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for art’s sake

COOLIDGE | www.coolidgevandal.com

Interview by Lance Scott Walker Photography by David Elizondo

CHANCES HAVE IT

YOU’VE SEEN THE WORK OF DO YOU LOOK AT YOUR PIECES AS SEPARATE STORIES, SEPARATE PERSPECTIVES, OR ARE THEY ALL ONE GREATER PIECE OF WORK? A lot of the work is related. Animals, dinosaurs, you know, there are some common themes for sure. I’m not committed to any one theme or concept though. Occasionally I’ll decide to do something totally unrelated, a Johnny 5 or Frankenstein. I think I’ll do holiday-specific stuff as well for the people to be on the lookout for. I don’t get too super analytical about my stuff and no one else should either. If you’re having any deep and profound discussions about the meaning of a Coolidge stencil, well, you’re probably missing the point.

WHAT IS IT ABOUT HOUSTON THAT LENDS ITS SURFACES SO WELL TO YOUR WORK? It’s sprawling, lots of concrete, lots of abandoned buildings. Oh, and a lot of traffic, which means more people will see your stuff. There are millions of spots in this city. I take a lot of time picking spots. I love when I can find an old wall with grass growing at the bottom. That way I can make the animal or creature look like its really fitting into the environment. Placement is key sometimes.

DO YOU THINK IT WOULD WORK IN ANY OTHER CITY? Yeah. I mean, as long as there are walls and humans, I think it would pretty much work. Get rid of the walls or the humans though and it’s not gonna work.

DOES STREET ART REFLECT MAINSTREAM CONSCIOUSNESS AT ALL NOW, OR ARE WE GETTING TOO SPREAD OUT AS A SOCIETY? I wouldn’t say mainstream consciousness, no, although it has gained a lot of recognition over the past few years. I think there is a good group of people in this city who are really into street art, they know the artists, they follow new work and they really appreciate good stuff. Even so, I would bet that at least 90% of the population passes street art or graffiti every day without even giving it a thought. I was driving around with my dad the other day and we passed a few of my pieces and he didn’t notice a thing. I thought it was funny. And you know – that’s not a bad thing. I mean, let’s be real here: It would be a lot less cool if your parents were into it.

Oh, two Houston street art notes. David Elizondo recently put out a great book featuring several artists working in Houston. You can get a copy of “Stay Up: A Collection of Houston Street Art” at www.blurb.com. Alex Luster has also been working on a very cool documentary about Houston street art called “Stick ‘em Up” which should come out next year.

22. december 10 | www.002mag.com

COOLIDGE ON WALLS AROUND TOWN. THAT’S ALL THERE IS TO SAY ABOUT

COOLIDGE IN ADVANCE.

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A LOT OF PEOPLE MIGHT THINK THE ANONYMITY IS JUST FOR THE SAKE OF NOT GETTING CAUGHT, BUT ANY STREET ARTIST WHO VIES TO REMAIN ANONYMOUS ALSO HAS HIS OR HER OWN SET OF PERSONAL REASONS. WHAT ARE YOURS? Oh, I love the alter-ego thing. I would totally be Iron Man but my soldering skills aren’t up to par. No, mainly I don’t want to be hassled by the cops or anybody else. I don’t know; I do this mainly for myself. Something to break up the monotony of life and add some fun and excitement. It’s separate from my normal life though, and I like to keep it that way.

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nonprofit

’TIS THE SEASON ALL YEAR-ROUND... REJOICE AND BE GLAD!

THE ENCOURAGEMENT PROJECT

Interview by Susan M. Bynam

WHAT WOULD YOU DO IF, WHILE SEARCHING FOR CHANGE TO PAY FOR A CUP OF COFFEE AT A LOCAL COFFEE SHOP, A COMPLETE STRANGER POLITELY NUDGED YOU ON THE ARM AND INFORMED YOU THAT YOUR COFFEE BILL WAS COVERED? WOULD YOU SMILE OR GASP WITH UNBELIEF? WHAT WOULD YOU DO IF, WHILE STANDING IN THE CHECKOUT LANE AT YOUR LOCAL GROCERY STORE, SOMEONE TAPPED YOU ON THE SHOULDER AND SAID, “ALLOW ME TO TAKE CARE OF YOUR GROCERY BILL TODAY.” WOULD YOU STAND SPEECHLESS IN SHOCK FROM SUCH GENEROSITY? SUPPOSE YOU NEED A NEW WASHER & DRYER TO DO LAUNDRY FOR YOUR FAMILY OF FOUR, BUT LACK THE FINANCIAL RESOURCES. WHAT WOULD YOU DO IF YOU RECEIVED A KNOCK ON YOUR FRONT DOOR AND SEE TWO SMILING FACES, ALERTING YOU THAT A BRAND NEW WASHER AND DRYER AWAITS A DESERVING FAMILY OUTSIDE AND THAT DESERVING FAMILY HAPPENS TO BE YOURS? WOULD YOU SCREAM WITH EXCITEMENT OR ABRUPTLY CLOSE YOUR DOOR TO THESE FOLKS WHO YOU HAVE QUICKLY DEDUCED ARE SCAM ARTISTS LOOKING FOR THEIR NEXT VICTIM? With the steady stream of crime in Houston, it’s often hard to ascertain when Houstonians will be the target of vicious behavior or simply the personal objects of good Samaritans in our midst doing their best to extend a benevolent hand. The good news is that in spite of the criminal misconduct that lurks in the paths where we often work and play, our city still delivers a squadron of givers who make it their customary business to tender kindness towards others.

Just ask Brian James Figat, Michigan native and founder and chief executive officer of The Encouragement Project (EP), a 501(c)(3) organization founded in June 2009, designed to use positive giving projects and encouraging acts to influence the city of Houston to think more positively – with the primary objective of making the fourth largest city in the United States a better, friendlier place to live. And,

24. december 10 | www.002mag.com

EFFECTUATING POSITIVE CHANGE IN HOUSTON THROUGH ENCOURAGING ACTS & RANDOM DEEDS OF KINDNESS such deeds of kindness are not solely extended during the Christmas season – when the art of giving seems to be most prevalent – but, rather implemented year-round. Talk about blissful!

Figat, a creative, think-outside-the-box kind of guy, discovered early on that his years at Texas A&M University would be short-lived due to his yearning for a more artistic, non-restricted lifestyle, with an emphasis on music. Per Figat: “While in school, I could never find a subject area of interest to embrace professionally, so I began to hone in on my childhood gift of playing music (having mastered at an early age the electric guitar, bass guitar and drums – just to name a few) at local conferences, churches and just about any other venue that would receive me and my talent.” Figat’s ability to touch lives through music, his exuberant style and bold discernment for creativity, coupled with his faith and obedience to the church (having studied worship for a dozen-plus years), ultimately led him to the Baypoint Church (formerly Baypoint Community Church) in Texas City in January 2008. He was initially hired as the church’s Creative Arts Director, yet his creative style of outreach to the community and tenacious abilities quickly led to his promotion as Worship Pastor, just one month later. It was during his tenure as Worship Pastor (February 2008-June 2009) when Figat launched his vision of developing a surge of community outreach through acts of kindness and benevolent rewards to deserving persons in the Houston community. Yet, in order to properly nurture this baby to fruition, Figat severed his relationship as Worship Pastor to give his endeavor full-time attention. And, with the support of a few faithful, equally creative friends and a small pool of associates (who would later transition in service as the nonprofit’s advisory team), Figat gave birth to The Encouragement Project in June 2009, and since inception, this thriving nonprofit has been bringing wondrous joy and opening doors of opportunity to many lives throughout Houston.

“It is our belief that by changing individual lives, we change a city. Unlike many charitable organizations, what makes The Encouragement Project so unique is that walls and parameters to our outreach and giving are non-existent. At this juncture, we are not bound by a set agenda of activities; our core team merges our creative juices to perform random acts of kindness in unexpected, fun and unique ways to simply brighten the days of others. And, when we have touched the life of someone else in a positive way, we encourage that person to respond kindly to someone else in return. We believe that if we touch enough people in our communities and convince others to perform likewise, the results will be contagious,” states Figat.

The Encouragement Project insists that ’Tis the Season Year-Round with its current “One-in-a-Million Campaign” – a project implemented to perform and inspire one million good deeds in the city! Simply perform good deeds with family, friends, church members and/or other charitable organizations and visit the EP website to add the good deed to the EP counter or alternatively, make a donation on the EP website to increase the impact EP will yield with its acts of kindness. EP has also partnered with the Crowne Plaza Hotel (The “Create-A-Home” Project) to provide clean medical accommodations to recovering patients from the Texas Children’s Hospital Bone Marrow Plant Unit. Additionally, EP’s collaboration with The Perfect Gentleman organization (The “Be” Project) targets youth in Houston, affording them opportunities to indulge in powerful speakers, multimedia and hands-on, practical experiences to promote personal development and encourage them to work towards achieving their respective goals in life.

EP also embraces nominations online of individuals in the community who are deemed worthy to receive a personal “EP” giving project.

The Encouragement Project P.O. Box 130788 Houston, Texas 77219 www.encouragehouston.org

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gish at the movies ART FILMS ARE GOOD

By Sarah Gish

FOR THE SOUL…

TAKE A FRIEND TO ONE!

DECEMBER IS DEEP Who says films have to be fluffy and feelgood over the holidays? My friends in the indie film world often screen films tackling more difficult subjects and this December is no exception. On December 3 and 4 at 7pm, 14 Pews (www.14pews.org) screens Family Affair, an intensely personal documentary in which director Chico Colvard examines his own troubled family history and struggle with forgiveness for his parent’s past crimes. Their other December entry is equally compelling: Marwencol is a documentary about the fantasy world of Mark Hogancamp, who, after being beaten into a brain-damaging coma by five men outside a bar, builds a replica of a World War II-era town in his backyard. It’s screening December 9-12 at 7pm. The thorny immigration issue is the subject of this month’s Reel Films (www.reelfilms.org) entry – The Other Side of Immigration screens December 4, 7pm at the HCC/Spring Branch Campus Performing Arts Theatre. The film asks why so many Mexicans come to the U.S. and what happens to the families and communities they leave behind; it’s based on over 700 interviews made in Mexican towns.

COMMUNITY CINEMA It’s the most religious time of the year (well, it’s SUPPOSED to be anyway!) so HoustonPBS’ “Community Cinema” (www.houstonpbs.org) brings us The

Calling, a behind-the-scenes look at young Christian, Jewish, Catholic and Muslim Americans who are preparing to become America’s next generation of religious leaders. The screening of Race to Nowhere (www.racetonowhere.com) that

was set for last month was moved to December 2; it’ll still be at the Alamo Drafthouse West Oaks (www.alamodrafthouse.com). I was still reeling from the news that the Angelika had closed when I got word that local cool video store MOVIES.The Store was closing.

Owner Rob Arcos threw one heck of a goodbye party where we were serenaded by gorgeous drag queens and got to do the “Time Warp” together! Stay in touch with Rob via his twitter account, @moviesthestore. At the end, he had amassed over 3,000 members and was voted the city’s best video store twice in four years by the Houston Press. I say let’s all work better at not taking these cultural gems for granted – their doors will remain open only as long as we continue to walk through them.

MFAH and THE AURORA PICTURE SHOW

I Love You Phillip Morris is coming to Houston theaters this month and is based on a book by homeboy and true crime author Steve McVicker, who has done time with the Houston Chronicle, Houston Press, KTRH-AM, KUHF-FM and KFPT-FM. It’s the crazy, often hilarious story of two Texas inmates whose love for each other

“can’t be contained by any prison.” The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston (www.mfah.org) is screening the unsettling, for-mature-audiences-only, Greek comedy Dogtooth (12/16 & 12/18 at 7pm; 12/19 at 5pm) which is a darkly funny look at three teenagers confined to their parents’ isolated country estate.

They’re also screening Boxing Gym (12/21-12/23 at 7pm; 12/26 at 2pm and 5pm). Landmark River Oaks Theatre (www.landmarktheatres.com) is showing Made In Dagenham starting December 17. And the Aurora Picture Show (www.aurorapictureshow.org) weighs in with several films this month: Sam Green shorts through 12/18 at the DiverseWorks (www.diverseworks.org) “Flickerlounge”; “Tenth Annual Media That Matters Film Festival” on 12/3, 7pm; “The Best of the Fest! Children’s Film Festival Seattle 2010” on 12/4, 4pm; and a special “Christmas Pops! Sing-A-Long Fundraiser Holiday Party and Raffle” on 12/16 at 7pm at the El Dorado Ballroom, 2310 Elgin Avenue.

december 10 | www.002mag.com .25

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phone shot submit your shot at phoneshot@002mag.com

WHAT would

you do without

smartphones?

You’re

constantly

Chow Time (at the Houston Premium Outlets) Edgar Cuevas

snapping shots

of food

,

parties, etc., and

Rocco is a fan of “Warriors” Alejandro Martinez

sharing them

on facebook and twitter.

Here’s

what you

shared

us

with this month.

Ghostland observatory concert Daniel Ortiz

"ACL Natives" Lindsey George

Chicken Mobile David Heck

26. december 10 | www.002mag.com

Note discarded in gazebo Mandy Trichell

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spacetaker artscene If there’s one word to sum up thIs month In houston’s art scene, It’s dIVersItY! LeaVe It to the ephemeraL cItY to mIx It up a LIttLe. enjoY!

December is all about indulgences – not trafficable transgressions, but the variety of excess involving your spinster aunt’s spirituous eggnog recipe, a third helping of green bean casserole, and a few extra pounds of cheer by the end of the month.

But you deserve it! You’ve survived over 8 weeks of preemptive holiday decorations and plenty of heavy-handed hinting about the gifts you’d better buy your loved ones if the month is to be merry. So, if you’ve grown weary of the dancing sugar-plums in your head and are looking for an alternative this December, look no further than Houston’s art scene.

bration of storytelling . . . a colorful, kickup-your-heels delight.” The reading will be followed by an on-stage interview, book sale and signing. Jones Hall (615 Louisiana) – Tickets $5. www.inprinthouston.org

Open House @ Houston Studio Glass – December 3-5 Houston Studio Glass, Houston’s longest running hot glass studio opens its doors to the public for their 12th Museum of Dysfunction III Annual Holiday – December 2-4 and 9-11 Open House @ 8pm and Sale. This free event offers glassblowMildred’s Umbrella ing demonstrations and hosts local glass Theater Company and artists who will be present to talk about Obsidian Art Space pres- their work and all things glass. 610 ent Museum of Dysfunction Jackson Hill Street – Free! Visit III: a SHOWCASE OF www.HoustonStudioGlass.com or call SHORTS written by local 713.802.0500 for schedule and details. writers, directed and produced by the talented Main Street Theater presents The Heidi members of Mildred’s Chronicles – Through December 19 Umbrella Theater Wendy Wasserstein’s 1989 Pulitzer PrizeCompany. This year’s shorts focus on the winning play chronicles the glory days of agony of love and relationship roller the feminist movement through the characcoasters. Not recommended for children ter of art historian Heidi Holland. Over a under 16. Obsidian Art Space (3522 25-year period – from high school in the White Oak Drive) – Tickets – pay as you mid-sixties through the “having-it-all” era can! www.mildredsumbrella.com of the late eighties – the experiences of Heidi and her friends and lovers chart the Inprint presents Salman Rushdie – transformative political and social changes December 3 @ 7:30pm of that exhilarating period. 2540 Times The 2010/2011 Inprint Margarett Root Blvd. – Tickets $26 - $40 ($5 on Brown Reading Series presents internaDecember 3). For tickets, call tionally celebrated author Salman 713.524.6706 or visit Rushdie, author of more than ten novels, www.mainstreettheater.com. including Midnight’s Children, winner of the Booker Prize, and the controversial Ars Lyrica presents Musical Resolutions – The Satanic Verses. Knighted by Queen December 31 @ 8:30pm Elizabeth II for his services to literature, This festive program of Musical Resolutions Rushdie was ranked 13th by the London mixes concerti and suites by Bach and Times on their list of “the Telemann with Handel’s sublime dramatic 50 greatest British writcantata Apollo e Dafne, featuring a numers since 1945.” He will ber of Ars Lyrica’s favorite soloists. A gala share his new novel, reception with champagne and delectable Luka and the Fire of Life, hors d’oeuvres follows, so make your a companion to Haroun plans now to spend New Year’s Eve 2010 and the Sea of Stories. with Ars Lyrica! Zilka Hall, Hobby Center Kirkus Review calls Luka, for the Performing Arts – Tickets $30+. written for Rushdie’s www.arslyricahouston.org youngest son, “A cele-

Matthew White

By jenni rebecca stephenson

december 10 | www.002mag.com .27

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born cool. grow hip.

By Pixie Ibañez Photography by Gabriella Nissen

All

Bundled up

Gotta love this time of year! We can finally say goodbye (at least for a while) to the scorching hot, humid Houston weather. Sure, there are one or two more barbecues to be had, but there’s a nice chill in the evening air that can only mean one thing: Winter is on its way! So trade your flowy sundresses and jean shorts for cozy sweaters and corduroy jeans – you never know, we might get lucky again this year and see some snowflakes. Here are some pretty cool wardrobe must-haves to keep your kiddos nice and bundled up this season.

Cable knit trim sweater, Kanga tunic sweater, velour plush pants, Bobble striped scarf, striped trapper hat, Tail leather boots. www.gapkids.com

Heathered blue gingham shirt, Intarsia skull sweater, warmest puffer vest, skinny jeans, striped knit hat, hi-top sneakers. www.gapkids.com

28. december 10 | www.002mag.com

Photography by Ben DeSoto

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EVENT SHANGHAI HEIST WHY 39TH ANNUAL BAYOU CITY ART FESTIVAL WHERE DOWNTOWN HOUSTON WHEN OCTOBER 9 This year, honorary co-chairs Ed Gonzales and Laura Spanjain hosted more than 250 guests at the Bayou City Festival’s Shanghai Heist. The evening was a fanfare for art lovers. The evening began with performances by Lee’s Golden Dragon Dance Troop, which set the mood with the beating of the drums and appearances of lions and dragons. The highlight of the evening was the art heist in which 50 lucky guests were randomly selected to “steal” a piece of art donated by a Bayou City Art Festival Downtown artist. Five guests at a time were allowed in the roped area to claim their favorite artwork.

check out more pictures @ 002mag.com

Lee’s Golden Dragon Dance Troupe

Aaron Courtland, Nicola Parente

Roseann Rogers, Kim Stoilis, Maria Todd

Bob and Betty Bellomy

Ginny Whitaker, Randy McKinney, Terry Leavitt-Chavez

Quentin Johnson, Stephanie Johnson, Clint Langford, Waylon Porter

Kristyn Hogan, Erica Rose, Beth Bryant, Ashley Foret, Cortney Cole, Rachel Walton

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LITTLE WONDERS LEARNING CENTER 4743 Lexington Blvd. | Missouri City, TX 77459 | 281.208.9545 info@littlewondersschool.com | www.littlewondersschool.com

By Sarah Gajkowski-Hill Photography by Jill Hunter

S

O MANY PARENTS COMPLAIN THAT, WITH THE ADVENT OF TECHNOLOGY AND ELECTRONICS THAT HAVE REPLACED OLD-FASHIONED GAMES AND WITH THE SPEED OF EVERYTHING GAINING MOMENTUM EACH SECOND, THEY ARE AFRAID THAT KIDS AREN’T REALLY ALLOWED TO EXPERIENCE BEING A KID ANYMORE. IT’S A WHOLE OTHER WORLD AT LITTLE WONDERS LEARNING CENTER IN THE MISSOURI CITY/ SUGAR LAND AREA. THE DAYCARE CENTER AND PRIMARY SCHOOL IS BASED ON THE REGGIO EMILIA APPROACH TO LEARNING. DEVELOPED IN THE ITALIAN VILLAGES SURROUNDING THE AFFLUENT TOWN OF REGGIO EMILIA AFTER WORLD WAR II, THE CONCEPTS OF RESPECT, COMMUNITY AND RESPONSIBILITY ARE INCORPORATED INTO A SELF-GUIDED CURRICULUM WHERE CHILDREN ARE THE LEADERS AND THE WELL-EDUCATED TEACHERS ARE THE FACILITATORS. The Reggio Emilia approach is one of full integration of all of a child’s learning styles, including kinesthetic, emotional and moral.

The programming director at Little Wonders, Maryam Lumpkin, demonstrates how one child’s curiosity can determine an entire unit of study for a classroom of toddlers. If a child sees a butterfly on the way to school and discusses it with their classmates and teachers, the adults incorporate the theme into several projects. For instance, one such activity may be a round table discussion of butterfly attributes and its life cycle in a scientific context. Next, butterfly artwork may be created by all the children who are interested while some of the children instead spend time categorizing the butterflies and making note of the similarities and differences between butterflies, dragonflies and moths. Afterwards, all the young children dress up in butterfly wings and spend their playground time “being” butterflies in the school’s garden.

Another example is when the students in the toddler class began talking about feelings. Since Halloween was near and they were also learning about jack o’ lanterns, the children themselves decided to make a pumpkin patch with jack o’ lanterns each painted and displaying a different emotion on the face.

Another program that incorporates the senses and is very appreciated by tactile learners is an early childhood approach to cooking. Learning about seasonal foods lets the children explore all types of recipes such as pumpkin pie in the fall and gingerbread in the winter. The children, under close supervision, do the actual cooking themselves in the classroom and sometimes even perform on their own “cooking show.” Often, the garden at the school provides the raw materials for their tasty treats. A green approach to living is evident in the artwork that decorates the bright, cheery foyer of the Learning Center – children are very encouraged to ask questions about nature and the way things work. The children feel they are a part of helping the world – for instance, donating their own pennies to saving a polar bear and composting for their garden. With literacy programs, a partnership with the Language Factory next door, whose employees teach Spanish to the children once a week, and a top-of-the-line art program, the little ones at Little Wonders are learning to appreciate the world and what it has to offer on many levels.

Parents are a huge part of the curriculum development at Little Wonders, and the teachers keep up a constant conversation with them through a unique

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blogspot which is updated often with pictures of all the classrooms and daily activities. One such blog shows the toddlers taking care of their “babies” – a daily routine where baby dolls are “fed” breakfast. During the Halloween season, children design their very own costumes and parents shop for the materials and bring them into the Center.

There they are sewn and pieced together as per the “plans” the children drew themselves. And during the Winter International Festival, parents talk with their children about their background and ancestry. Each family designs a snowman that is dressed up in clothes depicting their family’s nationality. They bring special dishes from each of their backgrounds while kids play in 10,000 pounds of snow.

The family feel of a program such as this requires closeness in the staff members. Lumpkin, along with her sisters, aunt and mother, are the primary program creators. Combined they have backgrounds in education, bilingual education and even business. To maintain the intimacy of the school, slow growth is required, so the numbers of students are limited. Still, the program, consisting currently of five classrooms, extends its arms to new members. Positive guidance and the piqued interest of the child still reign in this beautiful program.

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4th Annual

cover contest

THIS YEAR WE HAD A PLETHORA OF COVER ART SUBMISSIONS, AND FOR THE FIRST TIME AN ART OPENING WAS HELD AT 18HANDS GALLERY WHERE READERS WERE INVITED TO VOTE FOR THEIR FAVORITE PIECE. VOTERS STARTED SHOWING UP AS EARLY AS LUNCHTIME TO VOTE BUT BY OFFICIAL OPENING TIME, 18HANDS WAS IN FULL SWING, FEATURING COLD BEER, THANKS TO SILVER EAGLE, AND FREEBIRDS FARE.

2nd plAce Olive the Great Dane

by Judy Babinski

The Winner The Community Cloth

by Joseph West

Inspiration – Let’s focus in 2011 on what brings joy into our lives: pets, home and family. Olive, the Great Dane, is a rescue dog. She now has a loving owner who lets her wear bling and live in a very colorful house. Thanks to Liz Simmons for the well-decorated dog and house.

3rd plAce Left by Tiffany Cintron

The Community Cloth is a microenterprise empowering refugee women in Houston. It targets economic, educational and social goals through the provision of seed grants, training and peer support by expanding market opportunities for refugee women artisans. As a collaborative of several refugee-led and refugee-serving organizations, and their supporters, The Community Cloth supports women who want to create and sell handmade, indigenous arts and crafts such as woven bags, scarves and flatware, knitted scarves, flower accessories and baby items and more. Through producing and selling their wares, the women have an opportunity to express their culture and heritage, learn new skills that will assist them in transitioning to life in the US and obtain much-needed supplemental income. All profits from sales go directly to the artisans. www.thecommunitycloth.org

Joseph West has been attempting to capture beautiful things since the age of 15 with his first camera – a Polaroid 600. A childhood spent on a farm played a key role in West’s appreciation for nature, which is evident in his photographs that serve as visual odes to the sun. His approach is unusual – he uses the sun as a type of capture as opposed to turning away from and using it merely as a light source. West’s ambient light use and experimental hobbies in photography complement his retro-active exploration of film in the age of a digital world.

His images have been described as “romantic” pictorials of people and places but his mark on photography can be found in his portraiture, freezing an emotional state into one exquisite image. e is a current student at Glassell School of Art, a member of Houston Center for Photography and a proud supporter of local arts.

Joseph is available for special events such as weddings upon request. www.josephwashere.com | www.josephwashere.com/blog

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The transition from one year to the next is vividly expressed in this metaphorical landscape bounded by what is left behind and what lies ahead. The youthful young lady dressed in virgin white and ready for a clean start is surrounded by large trees naturally aged through the passing centuries. She stops to reflect at the right end of a very long and unsteady wooden suspension bridge. Her thoughts and hopes are ahead on the right side of the bridge but she does not let go of the wonderful memories and lessons she acquired on the left side, which she now carries in her left hand, symbolized by the delicate and colorful balloons.

4Th plAce Untitled

by Janean Johnson and Mark Bradley This image was a collaborative between Janea Jonhnson, M Bradley Photography and model Sabrina Sin. M Bradley is the graphic artist of the image and I am the designer of the white and blue collar piece. I create unique women’s clothing and accessories. This piece was inspired by a chilly holiday ornament perspective and executed in a fantasy wonderland style. Janean Johnson – JaJo Couture, www.JaJoCouture.com | Mark Bradley – M Bradley Photography

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Event: 002houston 4th Annual Cover Contest Exhibit Why: To vote for our readers’ choice Where: 18Hands Gallery in the Heights When: November 5

This piggy went to market by Tony Valadez

Texas Gold by Aaron Courtland

by Isabella Simon

by Lisa Chow

by Omar Mejia

Keep It Green by Zoey Willougwby

By Karen Stokes

Foxxy Chuca by Lorenzo Chuca

by Ashley Tobar

The Sky is the Limit by David Brown

State of Denial by Kelly Allison

Babilonia by Cristian Hernandez Pacheco

More than 200 of 002houston magazine’s loyal readers gathered at 18Hands Gallery in the Heights for our 4th Annual December 2010 Cover Contests. Guests had the unique opportunity to vote for their favorites. To our surprise, readers began voting the day prior, bringing the tally of votes to more than 300. Look at the cover – this was the winner! We were overwhelmed this year not only with the amount of submissions, but with the quality of the work. Guests mixed and mingled while sipping on some ice-cold Stella Artois beer, perfectly chilled wines and refreshing SmartWaters, munching on yummy Freebirds burritos, chips and salsa. Thanks to all that stopped by… you guys, rock!

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Photography by Anthony Hynes for www.lastnightpics.com

RunneR-ups

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1

2

AMILA SALIHBASIC

CHASE M. ROBERTSON

age 33 sign Taurus origin Bosnian occupation Architect/ Recruiting Partner at The Creative Group

age 27 sign Leo origin Houston, TX occupation Sr. Relationship Banker at IBERIA Bank

people of houston Photography by Anthony Rathbun

3 BHAVIKA PATEL age 33 sign Virgo origin Born in India, but grew up in PA occupation Business Owner, European Wax Center (Clear Lake)

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1. AMILA SALIHBASIC •IF YOU WON THE LOTTERY, WHAT IS THE FIRST THING YOU WOULD BUY? Chrysler Building.

•IF YOU COULD CHANGE ONE THING ABOUT YOURSELF, WHAT WOULD IT BE? To have a better poker face.

•IF YOU COULD ONLY WEAR ONE COSMETIC PRODUCT, WHAT WOULD IT BE? YSL #1 lipstick.

•HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR STYLE? Alexander McQueen all the way.

2. CHASE M. ROBERTSON •IF YOU NEVER HAD TO WORK, WHAT WOULD YOU DO? Become a winemaker.

•WHAT WAS YOUR MOST MEMORABLE MOMENT? My father initiating me into the Sigma Chi Fraternity.

•WHERE IS YOUR FAVORITE PLACE TO HANG OUT? The Tasting Room.

•IF YOU COULD ONLY WEAR ONE COSMETIC PRODUCT, WHAT WOULD IT BE? Visible Changes Hair Pomade.

3. BHAVIKA PATEL •WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE TREND? Pencil skirts.

•WHAT ATTRACTS YOU TO A PERSON? Their heart.

•WHAT IS THE WORST FASHION TREND YOU LOVED? Jelly sandals.

•WHAT WAS YOUR MOST EMBARRASSING MOMENT? Saying “ditto” in my wedding speech to my husband.

•IF YOU COULD CHANGE ONE THING ABOUT YOURSELF, WHAT WOULD IT BE? My abs…don’t have any but want some!

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2

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J.Crew – 5085 Westheimer Rd., 713.626.2739 Neiman Marcus – 2600 Post Oak Blvd., 713.621.7100

costume for cocktails Styling by Beatrice Allen Photography Gabriella Nissen Illustration by Alexandre Rosa

Happy Holiday!

HAPPY HOLIDAY, HAPPY HOLIDAY WHILE THE MERRY BELLS KEEP RINGING MAY YOUR EV’RY WISH COME TRUE… BING CROSBY

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It’s cold. Look every bit in the spirit in a cute, original pant with a touch of sparkle up top. Stay warm in this mauve jacket without looking like you’re an abominable snowman. DVF rabbit fur coat @ Neiman Marcus Add a touch of sparkle in muted tones to avoid feeling like the disco ball of the party. Vince sequin top @ Neiman Marcus This camo skinny can be tricky. Make sure to add feminine touches to keep it girly.Camo skinny pant @ J.Crew A simple heel in a satin champagne tone helps add another feminine touch. Casadei platform satin pump @ Neiman Marcus

A golden clutch brings out the copper sequins in the top.

DVF studded gold clutch @ Neiman Marcus Keep accessories minimal. With this much sparkle, a big button earring of baubles is captivating.

Bauble earrings @ J.Crew Feeling extra thankful? This cute correspondence box is full of paper and envelopes. Let your hostess know what an unforgettable evening you had or thank a friend for their help. It only takes a few kind thoughts to brighten up someone’s day.

Correspondence box @ www.kenziekate.com

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by Reyne Haines Photography by Gabriella Nissen

The hisTory of The

y

Candy Cane

The candy cane actually dates back to the 17th century, when the European Christians were celebrating Christmas by decorating trees with food and candy type items. Originally, they were sugar stick candy. In 1670, a choirmaster in German bent the stick candy to represent a shepherd’s staff. They were given to the children during the nativity services at church to keep them busy. Then candy canes were solid white.

OU MIGHT BE SURPRISED TO KNOW THAT THE CANDY CANE, OR CONCEPT OF, WAS NOT CREATED BY A LARGE AMERICAN CANDY MANUFACTURER.

The act of handing out candy canes during the holiday services became quite popular and spread all across Europe. We did not see the candy cane in America until the mid-1800s. A German immigrant in Ohio named August Imgard decorated his Christmas tree with candy canes.

No one is exactly sure who added the red stripes to the candy cane. Images of candy canes on postcards and Christmas cards prior to 1900 all illustrate a white cane; however, images dating after 1900 begin showing the red and white striped canes we know today. It was after 1900 that candy cane manufacturers began experimenting with peppermint flavoring in their candy canes. Apparently, this flavor was a hit with consumers.

One of the first companies to mass produce the candy cane in the United States was Bob’s Candies of Georgia. “Bob” didn’t set out to produce candy for consumers; he started out making candy canes with the red stripes for friends in the 1920s. Eventually his plans were to sell to shopkeepers, but making candy canes was very time-consuming, and he quickly realized he would be unable to sell beyond the local stores.

Bob’s brother, Gregory Keller, determined they needed something to produce candy canes faster. He created a machine to expedite the procedure and today Bob’s Candies has become the largest producer of candy canes in the world. Bob’s Candies was also one of the first companies to use cellophane to protect their candy from moisture damage.

And just how popular is the candy cane in the 21st century? It is estimated 1.7 billion candy canes are sold every year!

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IN THIS LANDSCAPE INSPIRED BY THE CITY OF HOUSTON, CINDI HARWOOD ROSE TAKES HER SILHOUETTE CUTTING SKILLS TO ANOTHER LEVEL CREATING THE PERFECT BACKDROPS. FROM A DAY AT THE ROTHKO CHAPEL TO ICE SKATING AT DISCOVERY GREEN OR PICKING UP LOCAL FARES AT A FARMER’S MARKET – THIS PAPERSCAPE DEPICTS A PERFECT DAY IN THE CITY.

Photography by Cody Bess Assisted by Ryan Booth Styled by Carla Valencia de Martinez Model Magen Ellis for Page. 713 Hair and Makeup by Nikki Bartlett for The Perfect Face 38. december 10 | www.002mag.com

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A PAPERSCAPE

YSL trenchcoat and Chanel pumps at Neiman Marcus. december 10 | www.002mag.com .39

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APPLES OR ORANGES?

Joe’s cargo pants, Vince tshirt, Theory fur vest and Hunter boots, all at Neiman Marcus. Feed Bag, www.feedprojects.org

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DIRTY MARTINI, PLEASE.

Haute Hippie striped t-shirt and cardigan, Joe’s jeans, Lanvin flats, all at Neiman Marcus.

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THE PERFECT SILHOUETTE‌ Alice and Olivia dress, diamond hoop earrings at Jewelry Mart 281.579.9233.

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SNOWFLAKES AND ICE SKATING AT DISCOVERY GREEN

Cityscape silhouette by Catherine Winkler Rayroud, www,catherinewinkler.com.

White Vince long sleeve t, Pucci puffer vest, and Joe’s jeans, all at Neiman Marcus.

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CINDI HARWOOD ROSE began cutting silhouettes when she was 16. The self-taught artist knew she would be good at the age-old tradition and to this day continues to create her silhouettes in the ancient French tradition with no sketches.

She simply looks at her subject, pulls out her trusty scissors, her favorite French paper (which was discontinued years ago so she set out to snap up what remained) and within minutes creates a perfect silhouette. Her skill has not only paid her way through college, it’s raised money for various local nonprofits as well as put her in the company of countless influentials including Elvis, Liberace and Barbara Bush to name a few.

Today she donates the proceeds to various nonprofits as well as her own foundation, The Rose Ribbon. There are a handful of Silhouette artists remaining today and Cindi is not only proud of her work, but of her counterparts as well. The Houston landscape was created by another Silhouette artist Cindi greatly respects – Catherine Winkler Rayroud.

For more information about the art of Silhouette making or either artist, please visit their websites: www.silhouettesbycindi.com and www.catherinewinkler.com.

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Photography by Patrick Bertolino

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EVENT RECIPE FOR SUCCESS FOUNDATION KICKOFF PARTY WHY TO CELEBRATE THE NONPROFIT’S FUNDRAISER, BLUE PLATE SPECIAL CAFÉ HARVEST LUNCH & MARKET WHERE HIGHLAND TOWER WHEN SEPTEMBER 21 Recipe for Success founder Gracie Cavnar welcomed more than 200 friends, supporters and Houston notables to the fabulous fête held atop Highland Tower’s fifth-floor terrace. Partygoers were treated to complimentary wines as well as tasty bites created by four of the Recipe for Success chefs, Scott Castell, David Grossman, Ruffy Sulaiman and LJ Wiley. Recipe for Success Foundation is dedicated to combating childhood obesity.

Gracie Cavnar, Derek Darnell

Sebastian Conti, Patty Hatton

check out more pictures @ 002mag.com

Melicia Tjoa, Nancy Mathe, Rachel Rosson

Christina Sacco, Christy Kern

Valerie Palmquist, Tracy Dieterich

Amanda Crump, Ashley Tisius

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things i like love By 002 Staff + Contributors

Rocco doesn’t care if these are canine coats, she demands one! Mulberry winter coat. www.mulberry.com Rocco, the office cat

The $99 peace symbol door wreath from Pier 1.

Victoria Bartlett, copy editor

My house is full of quirky Kid Robot touches so it’s no surprise that I’m obsessing over this ‘Stache Labbit Stool 30-Inch.

Totally quirky, totally cool. ‘Stache Labbit Stool 30-Inch @ www.kidrobot.com Beatrice Allen, lifestyle editor

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One of the things I would love :) Michael Kors’ oversized acrylic purple watch. Pixie Ibañez, associate editor

This smallest, most powerful portable wireless speaker hasn't even been release yet and its already creating sound wave (pun intended) all over the web. Hype? Good marketing? For all I care, I can’t wait to pump up the volume. I want one. Pre order at www.jawbone.com/product-speakers Alex Rosa, art director

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BOOKS those that lead me inward during the crazy holiday season!

• The Gifts of Imperfection: Let go of who you think you are and embrace who you are, Brené Brown (brand new!)

• The Laws of the Spirit: A Tale of Transformation, Dan Millman • A Short Guide to a Happy Life, Anna Quindlen • Instant Karma: 8,879 Ways to Give Yourself and Others Good Fortune Right Now, Barbara Ann Kipfer Sarah Gish, contributing writer

I would love Somo Beads for the holidays! Fell in love with the vibrant colors while photographing David Peck. He uses them for his Uganda CrOP collection.

The proceeds of sale of the necklaces go back to the children affected by the civil war in Gulu, Uganda.

Sofia van der Dys, contributing photographer

I want the Malm Freestanding Fireplace in white from Design Within Reach! www.dwr.com Carla Valencia de Martinez, editor-in-chief

The only thing I can think of is to take a weekend off at a restful cottage in Wimberly with my sweetheart. www.texashillcountryreservations.com Gabriella Nissen, contributing photographer

The double buckle monk strap shoes by Brooks Brothers Black Fleece.

Amazing with dark jeans.

Tim Moloney, contributing writer

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destination

By Pixie Ibañez

ACAPULCO’S

REVIVAL

THIS YEAR I ONCE AGAIN EMBARKED UPON MY ANNUAL PILGRIMAGE TO MY HOMETOWN OF ACAPULCO (IN SPITE OF ALL OF THE NEGATIVE PRESS). I STUMBLED UPON AN UNEXPECTED AND LOVELY SURPRISE: AFTER YEARS OF STAGNATION, THE ONCE CROWN JEWEL OF THE PACIFIC COAST IS AS VIBRANT AS EVER AND SHOWING PROMISING SIGNS OF A REVIVAL. While it no longer evokes the star-studded image of its heyday, the rich and famous continue to drop in on a regular basis.

Acapulco still possesses a magic that is nearly indescribable. In spite of all the newfangled resorts that pop up throughout Mexico, visitors always come to the same conclusion…there is no place like Acapulco.

It possesses the perfect elements for a laidback, yet classic experience…in short, if you want the “real” Mexico, visit Acapulco.

Investors are once again recognizing Acapulco’s true potential. Their belief in this town’s future has been manifested in the VILLA AT BANYAN TREE form of two new ultra-luxurious hotels in Punta Diamante and a nostalgic restoration that would even make Elvis shimmy. This along with the existing collection of ultra-deluxe resorts, très chic restaurants and legendary nightlife makes Acapulco a prime tourist destination.

GETTING THERE: Continental Airlines offers two non-stop flights to Acapulco from Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental Airport. If you book early you can find airfares as low as $300 approximately. www.continental.com 48. december 10 | www.002mag.com

WHERE TO STAY: BANYAN TREE CABO MARQUÉS This resort is located amidst the jungle, strategically perched on one of the most scenic cliffs of Acapulco. The architecture and décor are primarily Asian-inspired but incorporate indigenous local design like local textiles and Mexican artisans. The villas are magnificent, each with its own pool, outstanding views and super luxurious amenities. This cliff top resort is the only five-star, internationally branded, private all-pool villa resort in Acapulco. It offers the quintessential Banyan Tree service standards and the rejuvenating Banyan Tree Spa experience for which the award-winning Asian brand is recognized. The resort possesses a Zen-like vibe; it is the perfect sanctuary for those longing for a break. The service is by far among the best. They implement various traditional Thai customs and the attention to detail is impeccable. The property offers two dining options. Saffron is the hotel’s signature restaurant with modern Thai food.

The views are breathtaking; thousands of simmering lights cover the mountains that surround the bay of Santa Lucia giving it a soft glow. Perfect for a romantic evening. www.banyantree.com

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ACAPULCO STILL POSSESSES AMAGIC THAT IS NEARLY INDESCRIBABLE

HOTEL BOCA CHICA BANYAN TREE CABO MARQUÉS Special thanks to Acapulco Destination Marketing Office, Grupo Habita and CIIC. For more information, visit www.visiteacapulco.com

HOTEL ENCANTO

HOTEL ENCANTO

SUITE AT HOTEL ENCANTO

POOL AT HOTEL ENCANTO

Perched atop Brisas Marqués, Hotel Encanto will wow you with its all-white minimalistic architecture and its spectacular views. If you arrive at night, you’ll be driving down the winding road surrounded by lush vegetation, and all of the sudden you’ll be struck by this large white structure that glows with a vibrant blue light. It’s like nothing you’ve ever seen before. The hotel was built by Mexican architect Miguel Angel Aragones as a tribute to the sea. Its exceptional design allows you to encounter the ocean in every corner. The hotel is intimate, featuring only 44 rooms, 22 of which include private pools. The open spaces and unique architecture provide a sense of peace and serenity. The design is very modern: You won’t find any light fixtures here. All the lighting is projected onto the walls by a groove lighting system that emits specific colors to trigger different moods. The pool area is chic, with lounge beds, decked floors and trees that seem to come out from under the pool. The vibe here is relaxation (no kids allowed). The service has such a personal touch, that you’ll feel more like a guest at a friend’s house. The culinary experience here is authentic with Mexican Chef Mónica Patiño’s custom menu – every single item is delicious. You must try the tostada de ceviche verde; it is out of this world! www.hotelencanto.com.mx

One of Acapulco’s most beloved properties, Hotel Boca Chica, is once again considered one of the best hideaways, thanks to its latest retro revival. The hotel re-opened its doors back in March 2010 thanks to Group Habita, the trend-setting Mexican hotelier group, and architect Fernando Romero who fully renovated and restored the property’s 36 guest rooms back to the original 1950’s glamour. This retro beach hotel embodies Acapulco’s golden days, when luminaries such as Elvis Presley, Frank Sinatra, John Wayne and, much later, Elton John were regulars. The rooms are charming with cool-white décor, splashes of aqua greens and latticed brickwork. The private terraces overlook the bay and Roqueta Island (a protected nature reserve). Hammocks provide guests with their own little haven. There are also organic and fair-trade Dr. Bronner Magic Soaps, free wireless WiFi and 24-hour room service for allround indulgence. The hotel’s famous poolside terrace is the heart of the hotel; it is quiet, quaint and very relaxing. You can choose to socialize or simply enjoy a good read while you doze into a traditional Mexican siesta. There is no beach here, but the natural inlet pools are the perfect place to snorkel and kayak. I was pleasantly surprised to see that in the siesta area the mural my parents created in 1966 remains intact! Under the huge thatched palapa, you will find one of the most popular restaurants in town. The menu consists of first-class sushi led by head chef Keisuke Harada. It is so good in fact, that locals have made it a Sunday brunch tradition. Love it! www.hotel-bocachica.com

Mural created

by Gail Clyde and El Gitano

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LIVE A LITTLE. FUDGE A LOT. Here in the big state of Texas, we like to do things just a little bit bigger. So, you might be a tad confused ’bout the small size of our Big Little Fudge. Truth is, there’s more crunchy, nutty, coconutty per square inch than a Texas mile.

That’s OUR fudge factor – where small isn’t really small at all. One taste and you’ll know we’re not messin’ around. 1 Spunky Little Fudge, 12 seriously “BIG” flavors.

Big Little Fudge, $19.95 per tin (12) pieces 1.888.54FUDGE or www.biglittlefudge.com.

HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE • HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE • HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE

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BLUE LEAF Leading Los Angeles designer Danielle Welmond’s jewelry is truly original.

The one-of-a-kind necklaces are hand woven with beautiful silk threads, cords, fine gold and silver wire and personally selected gems.

Find these, and more unique gifts, at Blue Leaf in Rice Village.

Blue Leaf has been outfitting Houston homes with elegant and unique furnishings for more than a decade. Classic and traditional beds nestle alongside sleek and modern chairs and sofas.

You’ll also discover one-of-a-kind merchandise from around the world – whimsical accessories, custom florals, fine linens, draperies and upholstery, exotic lighting, captivating jewelry, stylish beauty products, men’s and children’s products, and unique holiday gifts.

Blue Leaf | 5504 Morningside Drive 713-520-9975 | www.blueleafhouston.com Monday – Saturday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

THE REV HOLIDAY ECO-PASS is available online just in time for the holidays. Your family, friends and co-workers will love these awesome stocking stuffers and they’ll be helping to save the environment as well. REV Eco-Shuttle is the only short trip shuttle service in Houston using all-electric vehicles. Use the Eco-Pass next time you need a ride in Downtown, Midtown or Washington Avenue. Load an Eco-Pass with as little as $5, plus earn a point every time you ride and for every 10 points you get a free ride! In addition, local businesses such as Byrd’s Market offer discounts for showing your Eco-Pass.

Get yours now at www.gorevgo.com and click on the Eco-Pass.

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HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE • HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE • HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE

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THE EVERLON™ DIAMOND KNOT COLLECTION is a tribute to the unfailing strength of love. For centuries the knot has been a symbol of strength and for countless cultures it embodies the unbreakable bond of love. Held fast with all these traditions, the Everlon™ Diamond Knot Collection, based on the Hercules Knot, showcases the strength of love forged in a knot, a symbol that even in the toughest of times, the strength of your love will never waver.

The Everlon™ Diamond Knot Collection is available nationwide. For retailers, visit ADiamondIsForever.com.

Contact: ADiamondIsForever.com Adelaide Polk-Bauman Adelaide.polk-bauman@jwt.com

Everlon Diamond Knot Pendant Silver-plated, .20 ct Estimated retail: $229

FLEMING’S PRIME STEAKHOUSE

Raise a holiday toast to friends and family, clients and colleagues, with a Fleming’s Gift Card. It’s the perfect way to celebrate the season, and right now you can receive a $20 Bonus Card for every $100 in Fleming’s Gift Cards you purchase. Gift Cards and Bonus Cards can be redeemed at all Fleming’s locations. Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar is an ongoing celebration of exceptional food and wine, featuring the finest prime beef and an award-winning collection of 100 wines by the glass.

Gift Cards are available at both Houston restaurant locations: River Oaks (2405 West Alabama Street) and Town & Country (788 West Sam Houston Parkway North) FlemingsSteakhouse.com.

HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE • HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE • HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE

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Not sure what to buy for your loved one this holiday season? Women love lingerie! Shop at Fun & Flirty, where you‘ll find the sexiest lingerie in town. With a fine selection of lingerie, shoes, plus fun & flirty gifts for the man or woman in your life, it should be a cinch to find all your gifts. At Fun & Flirty you‘ll experience a warm and welcoming atmosphere.

Are YOU Fun & Flirty?

1648 FM 1960 W, Houston 77090 281.580.1843 Shopping center next to Whataburger

HOUSTON LIVESTOCK SHOW AND RODEO™ Just in time for the holidays!

Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo™ Season and MiniSeason Tickets are on sale now. Guarantee your seats today to see – Brad Paisley, Selena Gomez, Sugarland, Zac Brown Band and more.

2011 Show Dates are March 1–20.

To purchase tickets, visit www.rodeohouston.com or call 832.667.1080.

HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE • HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE • HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE

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HOUSTON LIVESTOCK SHOW AND RODEO™ INTERNATIONAL WINE COMPETITION Looking for a gift for a wine lover? Need a great bottle of wine for your friends or neighbors? We have great gift solutions for all of the wine enthusiasts in your life. The 2011 Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo™ International Wine Competition winners have been selected. Add the winning wines to your holiday shopping list. A full listing of the 2011 winning wines can be found at www.rodeohouston.com.

Looking for the perfect stocking stuffer? Tickets to Rodeo Uncorked! Roundup and Best Bites Competition are ideal. At the February 20, 2011, event, enjoy samples of the winning wines along with scrumptious bites from more than 60 Houston-area restaurants and catering institutions. Vote for your favorites in the Best Bites Competition that evening. Tickets and tables may be purchased by calling 832.667.1128. For more information on any Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo International Wine Competition winners or events, please contact wine@rodeohouston.com. december 10 | www.002mag.com .51

BARTON CREEK RESORT & SPA SWING, SPA, SAVOR AND STAY, ALL-IN-ONE BREATHTAKING HILL COUNTRY LOCATION. Heralded as the #1 golf resort in Texas, Barton Creek Resort & Spa boasts four championship courses, as well as the state’s only Callaway Performance Center. For the golfer on your gift list, nothing beats a round on nationally acclaimed courses, skillfully designed by legends of the game.

For a more serene experience, the recently renovated spa provides an allencompassing retreat.

Quiet the mind, heal the body and renew the spirit through uncommon therapies and guided meditation. Or take an epicurean journey at one of the resort’s renowned restaurants where the chef of 25 years creates spectacular seasonal menus.

To order gift cards, call 512.329.4000 or visit bartoncreek.com.

HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE • HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE • HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE

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MARNIE ROCKS Keep it simple this holiday season with these new Marnie Rocks jewels. The Forever Bracelet ($75) mixes chain and leather to create a cool, easy to wear piece. The Love Drop bracelets ($45) and necklaces ($65) are handmade with leather and fresh water pearls. Choose between classic white, smokey grey or gold.

All available at Marnie Rocks, Houston and Dallas 1415 South Voss Road Suite 225, Houston, 713.533.0550 marnierocks.com

ONE GREEN STREET BE THE FIRST ON THE BLOCK WITH THE MUCH SOUGHT AFTER “CELEBRITY” MAKEUP SPONGE, BEAUTY BLENDER. The Beauty Blender, Kit and Cleanser are all available at One Green Street, your onestop shop and gateway to living an Organic Lifestyle. This HOT pink, latex-free sponge is a must-have as part of your beauty arsenal. The elliptical shape was specially designed to match Beauty Blender Kit $34.95 the contours of your face allowing for perfect makeup application every time. Purchase the kit complete with the Blender Cleanser or buy each separately! This all-natural cleanser is perfect to clean your sponge and other makeup tools so they will stay cleaner and last longer. One Green Street offers everything from makeup to mattresses – all good for you and the planet too! Stop by this holiday season, fill out an X-mas Wish List and all of your Eco-Friendly holiday wishes will come true. www.onegreenstreet.com 52. december 10 | www.002mag.com

HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE • HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE • HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE

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FAMOUS BERRYHILL TAMALES Order now by the dozen, frozen or cooked, for your friends, family or the hostess that has everything!

ORDER TODAY OR TAMALE MAY NEVER COME! It’s holiday time in Texas and, by tradition, that means tamale time. How many? Well, the famed tamales at Berryhill Baja Grill and Cantina will be leaving at a rate of more than 8,000 a week from Thanksgiving to Christmas, meaning at least 35,000 of the tasty cornhusk-wrapped treasures will be sold.

And here’s another Texas tradition thanks to Berryhill: Seasonal Turkey Tamales with spicy brown gravy has temporarily joined the usual family of beef, pork, chicken and spinach with roasted corn.

For more information, call your nearest Berryhill location or go online at berryhillbajagrill.com.

JAMES CRAIG FURNISHINGS is a unique lifestyle design center (located on the Washington Ave. Corridor) that offers fashion-forward upscale home furnishings where you can design what YOU want! With a vast selection of living room, bedroom, dining room, home office, home entertainment & outdoor furnishings including lighting, rugs, accessories & “green” memory foam mattresses in transitional, modern, contemporary & traditional styles. Situated in a gorgeous showroom, customers can select highquality stylish home furnishings from Vanguard, Lee Industries, Stanley, Saloom, Michael Weiss, Thom Filicia, Annie Selke & Coastal Living, among others, using thousands of fabrics, leathers & finish samples.

Check out our multimedia website or come visit the beautiful showroom to see just how James Craig Furnishings can help you find exciting new furnishings for your home & lifestyle! 713.741.2266 www.jamescraigfurn.com Address: 4500 Washington Ave., Suite 100, Houston, Texas 77007

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TEN THOUSAND VILLAGES THE GIFTS THAT GIVE TWICE: SOCIALLY CONSCIOUS SHOPPING AT TEN THOUSAND VILLAGES BRIGHTENS YOUR HOME AND THE LIVES OF GLOBAL ARTISANS. Discover a world of gift-giving possibilities, literally! This holiday season serve up your homemade cookies in style with a side of fairminded goodwill in a unique handcrafted leaf plate that sets a shimmering backdrop to feature your best holiday treats. Or, browse our collection of other fair-traded, quality handmade housewares, jewelry, instruments, toys and more. Our products, representing over 130 artisan groups in more than 38 countries, ensure you’ll find just the right gift for even the toughest receivers. Celebrate world spirit with special holiday gifts and décor to set the mood for good cheer.

2424 Rice Blvd., Houston, 77005, 713.533.1000

SECRET SLEEVES IS THE NEW FASHION ESSENTIAL TM

GET ONE FOR EVERY WOMAN ON YOUR HOLIDAY LIST! Secret Sleeves is an innovative scarf with hidden pockets that can be worn as a scarf, a shrug or a wrap. It will be the most versatile accessory in any woman’s closet this year and in future years.

Add a touch of elegance to everything from jeans to evening wear.

• Perfect for any woman • Available in four fabulous colors • Pretty and practical Secret Sleeves is made from luxurious stretch velvets that drape perfectly.

From $39.99, available online at WWW.SECRETSLEEVES.COM.

Proudly manufactured in Houston.

HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE • HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE • HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE

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INSTYLE Santa Shops Here!

Hear the sleigh bells ringing this holiday season all month long with 20% Holiday Savings on unique collections and accessories from InStyle Furniture & Design. With new shipments arriving daily, make your list, check it twice and send Santa to pick out the perfect gift for the naughty or nice. Choose from a variety of hand-made vases, unique accent furniture and accessories galore!

Located in the heart of West University at 5213 Kirby Drive, Houston, TX 77098.

Mention 002houston magazine for discount. Expires December 31, 2010.

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002 profile with greg scheinman Photography by Mauricio Ramirez Uribe

JON DEAL | OWNER DEAL CO. DEVELOPMENT + INVESTMENTS

Greg Scheinman is an insurance agent with Insgroup Inc. and the host of PROFILE on Houston PBS. PROFILE airs Thursday evenings at 10:30pm on PBS Ch.8. Greg can be reached at gscheinman@insgroup.net (gregscheinman.com)

jon deal

WITH A NAME LIKE JON DEAL, YOU’VE GOT A LOT TO LIVE UP TO IN THE DEAL-MAKING WORLD AND JON HAS DONE JUST THAT. WHILE YOU MAY NOT BE FAMILIAR WITH HIS NAME, AND THAT’S THE WAY HE PREFERS IT, YOU’VE MOST LIKELY HEARD ABOUT HIS VARIOUS PROJECTS INCLUDING WINTER STREET STUDIOS, BEAVER’S ICE HOUSE, EL PATIO, 13 CELSIUS, PROSPECT STREET APARTMENTS AND THE FORTHCOMING SPRING STREET STUDIOS. PROFILE WITH GREG SCHEINMAN SAT DOWN WITH THIS PROLIFIC ENTREPRENEUR WHO COMBINES A MIX OF OLD SCHOOL, BUSINESS-ON-AHANDSHAKE INTEGRITY WITH NEW WAVE ARTISTIC VISION AND PASSION FOR THE COMMUNITY. YOU’RE INVOLVED WITH MANY DIVERSE PROJECTS. HOW DO YOU CHOOSE WHICH DEALS YOU WANT TO BE INVOLVED WITH? I have to believe that we can really bring something to the table, that it’s a sound business deal with good people and that, most importantly, I have a good gut check for the opportunity. If I don’t feel good about it, I don’t do it. greg scheinman | jon deal

WHAT ARE YOU CURRENTLY WORKING ON? Spring Street Studios is our latest project. It’s a big project and one that is different in all aspects – financially, time, scale. However, it’s a testament to our track record that in these economic times we’ve been able to get incredible support. I tend to go one project at a time so I can give it 150% of my focus. There’s tremendous interest in Spring Street already and we’re looking to be able to get partial occupancy as of December.

WITH WINTER STREET AND NOW SPRING STREET, YOU’RE DEALING WITH A LOT OF ARTISTS. WHAT ARE SOME OF THE CHALLENGES YOU FACED MIXING THE CREATIVE WITH THE BUSINESS? First we had to prove that we could legitimize the art studio business. With Winter Street we had to overcome the perception that art was temporary and show that you could really build a community around it. Once we were able to accomplish that, the community energy really drove demand. Sandi Seltzer Bryant was really responsible for getting the community going, and to date we’ve only had just 3 months of uncollected rent – and the project and all the events it’s created have been successful for us.

AS DIFFERENT AS YOUR PROJECTS SEEM TO BE, GOOD REAL ESTATE SEEMS TO BE THE COMMON FACTOR BETWEEN THEM ALL. IS THAT HOW YOU SEE YOURSELF, AS A REAL ESTATE GUY? I’ve had fun with restaurants, nightclubs and other projects, but real estate is me. I

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have a background as a commercial real estate appraiser so I have the ability to analyze a deal, and I grew up in real estate. I used to spend my weekends painting apartments and my very first project was buying and self-renovating a duplex with money I’d borrowed from my father.

WHAT’S THE BIGGEST RISK YOU’VE TAKEN? Well, walking away from a six-figure job at the time in order to try my hand at buying and renovating a building was probably the biggest risk I’ve taken, but there’s risk in every project we take on. Once I’ve gotten comfortable with a decision on an investment though, I sleep pretty well.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE AN ASPIRING ENTREPRENEUR? For real estate, you’ve got to be able to “buy right.” I also learned that you’ve got to delegate – you can’t do everything on your own so find good people and let them work. I also have great partners and that’s important. Lastly, balance the personal and professional. One of the reasons I moved a little further out was that I used to live right by my projects and I couldn’t separate from them…Having quality family time is important.

SO WHO HAS THE BEST FRIED CHICKEN IN TOWN? That would be Beaver’s of course…

Photography by Brad Sechler for www.lastnightpics.com

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EVENT 002HOUSTON & AFLAC COCKTAIL MIXER WHY A NETWORKING EVENT WHERE NABISCO BUILDING WHEN NOVEMBER 2 Jobs are scarce nowadays, so 002houston and Aflac, a Fortune 500 company, joined forces to help our fellow Houstonians explore the possibilities of a career and hopefully achieve financial independence. Guests gathered at Silvestri’s latest project in conjunction with Sudhoff Properties, the old Nabisco Building downtown. The cozy and historical building provided attendees with a relaxed, yet professional networking ambience. Guests nibbled on some tasty treats from Blue Apron Catering, super healthy popsicles and fresh watermelon juice from The Fruit Palette and ice-cold Bud Light.

check out more pictures @ 002mag.com

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tools+toys+ gadgets

CLAMCASE FOR IPAD

By Michael Garfield

WORLDCARD MOBILE BUSINESS CARD READER APP Collecting business cards is so last century.

Manually entering all that information into your contact database is even older school. So whip out your iPhone and organize your life. Yep, there’s an app for that. WorldCard Mobile utilizes several functions found on an iPhone to quickly enter information found on business cards. Just place a business card on a flat surface in a well--lit area and fire up the app. Press the camera button on the screen and hover your phone over the business card until you get a clear view of the card. If the pic looks good just press the recognize button to capture the data. From there you can preview the info and make any required tweaks before adding it to your contacts. The whole process takes about 30 seconds, and is definitely easier than manually typing it in. $5.95 | www.penpowerinc.com

PENTAX K-R It may look like a toy on the outside but it’s what’s underneath that counts. So it goes with the Pentax K-r digital SLR camera. This entry-level model is perfect for newcomers to this field as the compact design makes it lightweight when lugging it around. The picture quality is excellent as it sports a 12.4 megapixel sensor and captures widescreen HD video. I found it very easy to use with Auto Picture, Scene and Custom Image Processing modes that take the guesswork out of shooting. Once you get used to the automatic settings, flip it into manual control mode for improved frame rate and sensitivity. Transferring photos from the K-r is simple with the Pentax infrared data transmission system. $799 | www.pentax.com

I’M NOT THE BIGGEST FAN OF THE IPAD AS ITS FEATURES ARE SOMEWHAT LIMITED COMPARED TO A LAPTOP. BUT AN ACCESSORY THAT IS SOON TO HIT THE MARKET SHOULD MAKE THE IPAD MUCH MORE USEFUL. CLAMCASE IS AN ALL-IN-ONE KEYBOARD, CASE AND STAND WITH MORE FEATURES UNDER ITS SHELL. THE CASE IS MADE FROM STRONG ABS PLASTIC AND FEATURES 360DEGREE HINGES FOR FLEXIBILITY AND FIXED ANGLES FOR DIFFERENT MODES OF OPERATION. WATCHING A MOVIE ON AN IPAD CAN BE DAUNTING IF YOU HAVE TO HOLD THE DEVICE. THE CLAMCASE ALLOWS IT TO STAND IN AN ENDLESS COMBINATION OF POSITIONS TO ACCOMMODATE YOUR DESIRED TASKS. AND FOR THOSE WHO JUST DON’T LIKE TYPING ON A VIRTUAL SCREEN, THE CLAMCASE HAS A BLUETOOTH KEYBOARD SO YOU CAN COMPOSE AND TYPE QUICKLY. CLAMCASE IS EXPECTED TO HIT SHELVES MID-DECEMBER. WWW.CLAMCASE.COM

ARCHOS 70 INTERNET TABLET Apple is not the only company pumping out cool gear with a sleek design that you may or may not need. The French company Archos has been as innovative with portable media devices and its new Internet tablet continues to impress. The 7” Archos 70 has a 1 GHz processor, 8GB of flash storage and runs the latest Android operating system. WiFi allows for fast surfing and you can tether your cell phone for connectivity when not in a WiFi hotspot. A built-in webcam and microphone (take THAT, iPad!) lets you conduct live video chats, and movies look spectacular on the high-resolution screen. There’s also a microSDHC card slot for expanded memory. Apple should take notes. $275 | www.archos.com

MICHAEL GARFIELD is known as “The High-Tech Texan®.” His radio program airs on The 9-5-0 weekdays from 9am-11am and Saturdays 11am-2pm. Visit his website at www.hightechtexan.com. Follow him on Facebook and on Twitter @hightechtexan.

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E-COMMERCE YOUR STORE HAS MOVED TO YOUR DESKTOP. THERE ARE VARYING WAYS THAT E-COMMERCE STORES WORK. SOME ARE STRICTLY ABOUT SALES WHILE OTHERS FOSTER A COMMUNITY TO GIFT LOVED ONES.

AROUND THE WORLD, SITES POP UP AS FAST AS A ZIT TO BRING YOU THE BEST IN CHEAPER LOCAL SERVICES AND PRODUCTS. WHETHER YOU CALL IT “E-COMMERCE”; “GROUP BUYING,” “SOCIAL COMMERCE,” ETC., THE DEAL IS COMMANDING THE ATTENTION OF HOUSTON ENTREPRENEURS LIKE ANY INDUSTRY WITH LOCAL PLAYERS – THE BIGGEST CONSUMER BEING THE FEMALE POPULATION. THEY ARE THE IDEAL MARKET TO BUY DISCOUNTED ITEMS AND SERVICES BECAUSE WHO CAN RESIST A GOOD DEAL ON SOMETHING YOU ALREADY BUY AT FULL PRICE? NOW OTHER WEBSITES ARE NOT JUST BARGAIN SITES BUT ARE TRADING, SWAPPING, SUBSCRIBING MACHINES. THE ANONYMITY OF WHAT YOU BUY IS GONE. HERE ARE SOME PLACES TO LOOK FOR THOSE ITEMS AND MORE:

By Wilbert Chinchilla

I-Ella.com It’s a place where you can buy, trade, swap, sell or lend the latest apparel (and more at a discounted price) with a philanthropic twist.

Ten percent of every transaction from I-Ella.com goes to a charitable organization or social venture.

It’s free to join and you will be sure to feel way better about yourself while you shop for a nice cocktail dress (on the cheap).

GROUP-BUYING WEBSITES YOU NEED SOME FRIENDS/STRANGERS TO GET YOU THAT MASSAGE. IT’S THE SHOPPER’S DESPAIR/EXCITEMENT WHEN A DAILY DEAL ONLY LASTS FOR ONE DAY AT AROUND 50-90% OFF. IT’S NOT JUST A WAR FOR SHOPPERS, BUT THE WEBSITES GIVING YOU THE DEAL – IT’S AN ARMS RACE. THESE SITES OFFER SIMILAR DEALS FROM LOCAL SERVICES FOR HOUSTON.

GetGrouby.com It’s a locally owned and operated group-buying daily deal website that goes to local businesses and puts a twist that separates the group buying space – multiple daily deals from the same business for the same day. GetGrouby has more twists to come ahead as they push towards other cities in Texas and intend to sell more “high-ticket” items.

Living Social It’s the Lindsay Lohan of the group- buying websites. It’s literally second to Groupon in every aspect. It does very similar things in the space, but has a definitely better social media aspect and is in various cities in the U.S.

Birchbox.com This website has a very different, but similar idea to group buying – a subscription fee. Birchbox.com lets you subscribe to their e-commerce store for $10 and what you get is oversized samples of highend beauty products – like NARS, Cargo, Benefit, etc. – you would like to try out. If you then decide to purchase an actual product, you can go ahead and do so through the actual store that is online while reading their editorials, videos and content. Samples are customized and handpicked for customers based on any trait (skin-type, etc.).

Elfster.com Secret Santa’s will be scheduled.

Elfster.com manages to take that holiday tradition and streamline it online in order for anyone to secretly gift and anticipate what you will be getting for the holidays. You can organize your group’s Secret Santa online, stress-free and quick.

BuyWithMe.com Another player in the groupbuy space is BuyWithMe.com.

It’s probably the Nicole Richie of group buying website.

Despite its following, there isn’t much innovation for this website. It’s just managed to raise enough money to move in cities around the U.S.

Groupon They are synonymous with the daily deal. It’s one of the first companies to expand upon the daily deal idea and put it in motion (with the help of a very wealthy investor). It’s the fastest growing corporation giving deals in cities around the world. december 10 | www.002mag.com .57

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Persol re-launched its 714 folding sunglasses immortalized by the legendary Steve McQueen. Classic then and now (no wonder it is the most sought after Persol ever), the brand celebrates the actor’s legacy and fashion gravitas with a collector’s item. Only 10,000 were hand made; get your hands on a pair pronto! www.persol.com

We dig Merrell’s Westcott coat! The stylish military coat is easy to dress up or down for work or exercise. The breathable waterproof material guarantees comfort without compromising in warmth and protection against the elements. www.merrell.com

MENtertainment

Limited Edition With all the hectic weather changes, allergies and colds can’t be far behind. It’s hard not to be tough on your runny nose. To avoid the Rudolph effect, Achooz moisturizes and refreshes with a gentle cool menthol scent and the saline formula in these wipes will help you combat that yucky mucus without sacrificing your nose. Available at www.achooz.com or drug stores.

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THE ART MAVERICK FOLKS FROM NEOPOPSTREETFUNK PRODUCTIONS ARE GATHERING LOCAL AND NATIONWIDE TALENT TO HELP RAISE FUNDS FOR THE SURFRIDER FOUNDATION, A NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION DEDICATED TO THE CLEAN UP AND PROTECTION OF OCEANS, IN THIS CASE OUR GULF COAST. (THEY HAVEN’T FORGOTTEN A THE A CERTAIN SPILL A FEW MONTHS BACK.) OVER 250 ARTISTS CUSTOMIZED SKATEBOARD DECKS AND SURFBOARDS, WHICH WILL BE ON SALE THE NIGHT OF THE OPENING EXHIBITION. Boarded Up - The Art of Surf and Skate runs December 11 – January 2, 2011, at Gallery MSquared, 339 W. 19th Street, 713.861.6070.

Opening night is December 11, 7pm.

For more information, visit www.neopopstreetfunk.com.

Count on Poketo to bring art and fun to your pocket. These limited edition Gary Baseman wallets are a conversation starter whenever you reach out to get that check. Available at www.poketo.com.

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wise guy

GLITTER AND GLUTTONY: A HOLIDAY GUIDE

By Tim Moloney

WISE GUYS AND WISE MEN (ALL THREE OF YOU), HAPPY HOLIDAYS! IF YOU PLAN ON EATING HEALTHY AND CONTINUING YOUR WORKOUT PROGRAM FOR THE NEXT MONTH, I WISH YOU ALL THE LUCK IN THE WORLD, BUT AS FOR ME, I THINK I’M JUST GOING TO GIVE UP AND GIVE IN UNTIL MY NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS REAR THEIR UGLY HEAD. SO, LET’S BLOW IT OUT – AND TRY SOME NEW PLACES ALONG THE WAY. To me, nothing says Christmas like tequila shots. So let’s start out at TQLA, the new restaurant and cocktail lounge at 4601 Washington, next to Les Givrals.

TQLA boasts a selection of 167 tequilas and features an in-house “tequilier” – one of only 40 such certified tequila experts in the country. The food is under the direction of Tommy Birdwell, an alumnus of Southwestern pioneers Stephan Pyle’s (Star Canyon, Samar) and Mark Miller of Santa Fe’s famed Coyote Café, so you know it’s going to be outstanding, and not just some crappy bar nachos.

Join the mailing list at www.tqlahouston.com.

THAT’S ITALIAN! I am constantly on the search for the best spaghetti and meatballs in town, and recently, I believe I’ve found them – at Stella Sola, Bryan Caswell and Bill Floyd’s place in the Heights. Made of beef, pork and lamb, these are some spicy meatballs – and they’re gigantic, too. Smothered in a rich tomato sauce and fontina cheese, this Christmas miracle will have you saying “Mama Mia!” www.stellasolahouston.com | 1001 Studewood, Houston, TX 77008 | 713.880.1001 BOOZE NEWS

Photo by Jack Thompson

In my opinion, there aren’t really many “nice” places to go out in the Village. Sure, I like dives as much as anyone, maybe more than anyone, but sometimes a change of pace is warranted. That’s exactly what you’ll find at Hudson Lounge, a former mid-century office building turned sophisticated bar and event venue.

Alexander, Adam and Andre Kliebert

Brothers Adam and Alexander Kleibart, the owners of award-winning Southampton Homes, have found a new way to direct their design energies during the slow-

down in the real estate market. Hudson Lounge at 2506 Robinhood has presented the duo an opportunity to showcase their creative and business talents in an entirely new way and with a concept that is decidedly different from existing bar offerings in Houston, beginning with its architecture and expanding into the lounge’s menu, music, programming and interior design. Their brother Andre is also a silent partner in the venue.

“We wanted to build a bar that did not look like anything else in Houston,” explains Adam. “I’ve traveled a lot over the years and lived in Barcelona and Milan. Our vision for Hudson Lounge was inspired by the architecture I’ve seen in the Mediterranean, South America, Southeast Asia and other places worldwide that evoke the light, airy vibe we’ve created here.”

OLD SCHOOL YULE It’s a whole different vibe over at Barcadia at 2600 Travis in Midtown. This time, the drinks come with a side of classic video games – PacMan, Centipede, Qbert, Galaga, Tron, DigDug, etc. – basically every game you wanted for Christmas when you were a kid. Barcadia also has skeeball. Does it get any better than this? www.barcadiahouston.com CHRISTMAS SPECIALS Forget silent nights: Tune into some great electronics deals this season. If you’ve been holding out for a new big screen TV ,you’re in luck. On Oct. 30, Sony Corporation announced they gave up on a goal to profit from televisions this fiscal year. Similar announcements followed from Panasonic, Samsung and LG Electronics. In this competitive market, a price war should drive discounts as much as an additional 25 percent, say our friends over at Bloomberg Business Week. Their loss is your gain. Be a Wise Man and get your TV now!

HAPPY HOLIDAYS TO ALL. Stay safe, don’t drive drunk (call a cab or get a designated driver). Be generous with your friends and family and take time to celebrate whatever this season means to you. And if you’re still not worn out on the 26th, be sure to take in the concert

by Rad Bromance, the first all-male Lady Gaga Tribute Band at the House of Blues.

Should be weird. See you in the new year!

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restaurant listings houston | sugar land | the woodlands

american *17 | inside Hotel Alden 1117 Prairie. 832.200.8888 www.aldenhotels.com

BRANCH WATER TAVERN 510 Shepherd Dr. 713.863.7777 www.branchwatertavern.com

MARIPOSA inside Neiman Marcus 2600 Post Oak Blvd. 713.621.7100 ext.2166 www.neimanmarcus.com

BRC 519 Shepherd Dr. 713.861.2233 www.brcgastropub.com

McCORMICK AND SCHMICK’S •1151 Uptown Park. 713.840.7900 •1201 Fannin St. 713.658.8100 • 791 Town & Country Blvd. 713.465.3685 www.mccormickandschmicks.com

BYRD’S MARKET + CAFE 420 Main St. 713.225.0100 www.byrdsmarket.com CAFE EXPRESS 12 convenient locations in Houston www.cafe-express.com CANOPY 3939 Montrose Blvd. 713.528.6848 www.canopyhouston.com

51fifteen 51FIFTEEN | inside Saks Fifth Avenue 5115 Westheimer. 713.363.8067 AMERICAS •1800 Post Oak Blvd. 713.961.1492 •21 Waterway Ave. 281.367.1492 •2010 West Gray. 832.200.1492 www.cordua.com ARTISTA | inside the Hobby Center 800 Bagby. 713.278.4782 www.cordua.com BARNABY’S •5750 Woodway. 713.266.0046 •1701 S. Shepherd. 713.520.5131 •414 West Gray. 713.522.8898 •604 Fairview. 713.522.0106 •602 Fairview. 713.522.4229 www.barnabyscafe.com

CAVA BISTRO 300 Main St. 713.229.9504 www.cavabistrohouston.com COURSES | inside the Art Institute of Houston 1900 Yorktown. 713.353.3644 www.artinstitutes.edu DAILY REVIEW CAFÉ 3412 West Lamar. 713.520.9217 www.dailyreviewcafe.com DANTON'S GULF COAST SEAFOOD 4611 Montrose. 713.807.8883 www.dantonsseafood.com EDDIE V’S PRIME SEAFOOD 12848 Queensbury Ln. 832.200.2380 www.eddiev.com FOUNDATION ROOM | HOB 1204 Caroline. 832.667.7800 www.houseofblues.com

BENJY’S •2424 Dunstan. 713.522.7602 •5922 Washington Ave. 713.868.1131 www.benjys.com BISTRO ALEX 800 W. Sam Houston Pkwy., CityCentre 713.827.3545 www.bistroalex.com BLOCK 7 WINE COMPANY 720 Shepherd Dr. 713.572.2565 www.block7wineco.com BOOM BOOM ROOM 2518 Yale St. 713.868.3740 www.theboomboomroomhouston.com BOWL 607 Richmond. 832.582.7218 www.eatatbowl.com

60. december 10 | www.002mag.com

foundation room

FISH [sushi] 309 Gray St. 713.526.5294 www.fishhouston.com KAM’S [chinese] 4500 Montrose Blvd. #C. 713.529.5057 www.kamscuisine.com

POLO’S SIGNATURE 3800 Southwest Frwy. 713.626.8100 www.polosignature.com

KONA GRILL [japanese+american] •501 Westheimer. 713.877.9191 •16535 Southwest Freeway. 281.242.7000 www.konagrill.com

POST OAK GRILL 1415 S. Post Oak. 713.993.9966 www.postoakgrill.com

KUBO’S 2414 University Blvd. #200. 713.528.7878 www.kubos-sushi.com

QUATTRO 1300 Lamar. 713.276.4700 www.fourseasons.com RDG | BAR ANNIE 1800 Post Oak Blvd. 713.840.1111 www.rdgbarannie.com

les givral’s kahve

RUGGLES GREEN •2311 West Alabama. 713.533.0777 •CityCentre 713.464.5557 www.rugglesgreen.com

LES GIVRAL’S KAHVE [vietnamese] •801 Congress St. 713.547.0444 •4601 Washington Ave. 832.582.7671 www.lesgivrals.com

SHADE 250 W. 19th St. 713.863.7500 www.shadeheights.com

PAGODA [vietnamese] 4705 Inker St. 832.673.0400 www.pagodabistro.com

TART CAFÉ 4411 Montrose. 713.526.8278 www.tartcafe.com

THE GROVE 1611 Lamar. 713.337.7321 www.thegrovehouston.com

GLASSWALL 933 Studemont. 713.868.7930 www.glasswalltherestaurant.com

THE LAKE HOUSE 1600 McKinney. 713.337.7320 www.thelakehousehouston.com

HAVEN 2502 Algerian Way. 713.581.6101 www.havenhouston.com

VOICE | Hotel Icon 220 Main. 832.667.4470 www.hotelicon.com

HEARSAY GASTRO LOUNGE 218 Travis St. 713.225.8079 www.hearsayhouston.com

YARD HOUSE 800 W. Sam Houston Pkwy., CityCentre 713.461.9273 www.yardhouse.com ZELKO BISTRO 705 E. 11th St. 713.880.8691 www.zelkobistro.com

hearsay

AUNTIE CHANG’S DUMPLING HOUSE 2621 S. Shepherd. 713.524.8410 www.auntiechangs.com

NOE Four Riverway. 713.871.8177 www.noerestaurant.com

THE CHELSEA GRILL 4621 Montrose Blvd. 713.942.9857 www.chelseagrill.com

BEAVER’S 2310 Decatur St. 713.864.2328 www.beavershouston.com

asian

ZAKE 2946 S. Shepherd. 713.526.6888 www.zakesushilounge.com ZUSHI 5900 Memorial Dr., #102. 713.861.5588 www.zushihouston.com

bar-b-que BEAVER’S 2310 Decatur St. 713.864.2328 www.beavershouston.com BROOKSTREET BBQ 10705 Westheimer. 713.783.3600 www.brookstreetbbq.com GOODE COMPANY TX BARBECUE 5109 Kirby. 713.522.2530 www.goodecompany.com PIZZITOLA’S BAR-B-CUE 1703 Shepherd. 713.227.2283 www.pizzitolas.com

breakfast+coffee+ diners+juice bars 11TH ST. CAFÉ 748 E. 11th St. 713.862.0089 ANTIDOTE COFFEE 729 Studewood. 713.861.7400 www.antidotecoffee.com AVALON DRUG CO. & DINER •2417 Westheimer. 713.527.8900 •12810 Southwest Frwy. 281.240.0213 www.avalondiner.com CAFÉ BRASIL 2604 Dunlavy. 713.528.1993

ra sushi

RA SUSHI •3908 Westheimer. 713.621.5800 •12860 Queensbury Ln. #234 CityCentre 713.331.2792 www.rasushi.com RED PIER [asian fusion] 2701 Milam St. 713.807.7726

CAFÉ ROSÉ CityCentre 800 W. Sam Houston Pkwy. 713.827.3545 www.bistroalex.com/cafe-rose COCO’S CREPES 218 Gray St. 713.521.0700 www.cocoscrepes.com CRAVE CUPCAKES 1151 Uptown Park Blvd. 713.622.7283 www.cravecupcake.com

STRAITS [singaporean] 800 West Sam Houston Parkway N., 713.365.9922 CityCentre www.straitsrestaurants.com

DIRK’S COFFEE 4005 Montrose. 713.526.1319 www.diedrich.com

SUSHI RAKU 3201 Louisiana. 713.526.8885 www.sushi-raku.com

DON DIEGO COFFEE 208 Travis. 713.228.3560 www.dondiegocoffee.com

UPTOWN SUSHI Uptown Park. 713.871.1200 www.uptown-sushi.com

EMPIRE CAFÉ 1732 Westheimer. 713.528.5282 www.empirecafe.net

for more restaurant listings go to 002mag.com

002houston December 10:002houston 11/17/10 2:53 PM Page 61

•15% off your entrÊe when you bring in this 002 ad

december 10 | www.002mag.com .61

FOUNTAIN VIEW CAFÉ 1842 Fountain View.

713.785.9060 INVERSION COFFEE HOUSE 1953 Montrose, #A. 713.523.4866 www.inversioncoffee.com ISLAND GRILL + JUICE BAR •5709 Woodway. 713.334.4036 •4024 Bellaire Blvd. 713.665.5388 www.islandgrillhouston.com KRAFTSMEN BAKING 4100 Montrose, #C. 713.524.7272 www.kraftsmenbaking.com MORE THAN CAKES 1100 West Dallas. 713.652.5132 www.morethancakes.com OCTANE COFFEE+WINE LOUNGE 3402 N. Sheperd. 281.974.1693 RUSTIKA CAFÉ 3237 Southwest Frwy. 713.665.6226 www.rustikacafe.com SALENTO WINE CAFE 2407 Rice Blvd. 713.528.7478 www.salentowinecafe.com SPRINKLES CUPCAKES 4014 Westheimer. 713.871.9929 www.sprinkles.com SUGAR BABY'S CUPCAKES 3310 S. Shepherd. 713.527.8427 www.ilovesugarbabys.com TAFT STREET COFFEE 2115 Taft. 713.522.3533 www.taftstreetcoffee.org THE BREAKFAST KLUB 3711 Travis. 713.528.8561 www.thebreakfastklub.com THE BUFFALO GRILLE •3116 Bissonnet. 713.661.3663 •1301 S. Voss. 713.784.3663 www.thebuffalogrille.com THE COFFEE GROUNDZ 2503 Bagby. 713.874.0082 www.coffeegroundz.net THE FRUIT PALETTE 2413 Rice Blvd. 713.523.7848 www.thefruitpalette.com

cajun+creole+ southern MARDI GRAS GRILL 1200 Durham. 713.864.5600 www.mardigrasgrill.net THIS IS IT SOULFOOD 207 W. Gray. 713.659.1608 www.thisisithouston.com TREEBEARDS •315 Travis. 713.228.2622 •1117 Texas. 713.229.8248 •1100 Louisiana. 713.752.2601 •700 Rusk. 713.224.6677 www.treebeards.com ZIMM’S LITTLE DECK 601 Richmond Ave. 713.527.8328 www.zimmslittledeck.com ZYDECO LOUISIANA DINER 1119 Pease. 713.759.2001 www.zydecolouisianadiner.com

european BRASSERIE MAX + JULI [french] 4315 Montrose. 713.524.0070 www.maxandjulie.net CHARIVARI [european] 2521 Bagby. 713.271.7231 www.charivarirest.com FEAST [european] 219 Westheimer. 713.529.7788 www.feasthouston.com THE QUEEN VIC PUB [european] 2712 Richmond. 713.533.0022 www.thequeenvicpub.com OPORTO [european] 3833 Richmond. 713.621.1114 www.oporto.us

indian KIRAN’S 4100 Westheimer. 713.960.8472 www.kiranshouston.com NARIN’S BOMBAY BRASSERIE 3005 W. Loop South. 713.622.2005 www.narinsbombaybrasserie.com SHIVA 2415 Times Blvd. 713.523.4753 www.shivarestaurant.com

italian TINY BOXWOOD’S 3614 W. Alabama St. 713.622.4224 www.tinyboxwoods.com

for more restaurant listings go to 002mag.com

ARCODORO 5000 Westheimer. 713.621.6888 www.arcodoro.com ARTURO’S Uptown Park. 713.621.1180 www.arturosuptown.com

MINGALONE 540 Texas. 713.223.0088 www.mingalone.com RISTORANTE CAVOUR 1080 Uptown Park. 713.418.1000 www.granducahouston.com SPAGHETTI WAREHOUSE 901 Commerce @ Travis.

713.229.9715 www.meatballs.com A Warehouse Full of Food, Friends, Families and Fun! Great Kids Menu!

Large and Small Groups Welcomed.

Open 7 Days A Week. Deliveries and Catering Available.

VALENTINO Hotel Derek 2525 West Loop South.

713.850.9200 www.valentinorestaurantgroup.com

latin ARGENTINA CAFE 3055 Sage Rd. 713.622.8877

FREEB!RDS WORLD BURRITO 9 Houston locations Catering 888.392.2287 www.freebirds.com GUADALAJARA DEL CENTRO 1201 San Jacinto. 713.650.0101 www.guadalajarahacienda.com HABANEROS MEX-GRILL 3017 Milam. 713.523.1010 www.habanerosmexgrill.com IRMA’S [mex] •22 N. Chenevert. 713.222.0767 •1314 Texas. 713.247.9651 www.irmasouthwest.com

CYCLONE ANAYA’S [mex] 309 Gray St. 713.520.6969 www.cycloneanaya.com EL MESON [cuban] 2425 University. 713.522.9306 EL PATIO [mex] •6444 Westheimer. 713.780.0410 •2416 Brazos. 713.523.8181 www.elpatio.com EL REY [cuban-mex] •233 Main. 713.225.1895 •910 Shepherd. 713.802.9145 www.elreytaqueria.com EL TACO TOTE 6154 Westheimer. 713.706.3233 www.tacotote.com EL TIEMPO CANTINA [mex] •3130 Richmond. 713.807.1600 •5602 Washington.713.681.3645 •1308 Montrose. 713.807.8996 www.eltiempocantina.com EL TORO [mex] 11920 Westheimer. 281.920.4840 www.eltorotexmex.com

Michael Cordúa and son David welcomed more than 350 guests for the grand opening of the new Américas River Oaks, benefiting Casa de Esperanza. Guests and friends pranced around the gorgeous new 9,150sf in awe of the décor. Michael partnered once again with architect and designer Jordan Mozer who designed the original Americas on Post Oak back in 1993. Guests celebrated the new dining hot spot while nibbling on mixed, mouth-watering ceviche, smoked lamb ‘lollichops’ and their signature mojito cocktails. Congratulations!

THE LEMON TREE [peru] •12591 Whittington. 281.556.0690 •207 Gray St. 713.655.0430 www.thelemontreeonline.com TILA’S [mex] 1111 S. Shepherd. 713.522.7654 www.tilas.com

BODEGAS TACO SHOP 1200 Binz #160. 713.528.6102 www.bodegastacoshop.com CAFÉ PIQUET [cuban] 5757 Bissonnet. 713.664.1031 www.cafepiquet.net

EVENT GRAND OPENING OF AMÉRICAS RIVER OAKS WHY TO BENEFIT CASA DE ESPERANZA WHERE RIVER OAKS SHOPPING CENTER

Eduardo Elizando, Christina Bouysett, David Cordua tila’s TINTOS [spanish] 2015 West Gray. 713.522.1330 www.tintosrestaurant.com LAS VENTANAS [mex] 14555 Grisby Rd. 281.752.6990 www.lasventanas.net

Michael Cordua, Jenny Lewis, Jessica Foote

las ventanas

LATIN BITES CAFE [peru] 1302 Nance St. 713.22.98369 www.latinbitescafe.com LUCIO’S [new american latin] 905 Taft. 713.523.9958 www.luciosbyob.com MARIA SELMA [mex] 1617 Richmond. 713.528.4920 www.mariaselma.com

Pamela and Stephen St.Martin

NINFA'S THE ORIGINAL 2704 Navigation Blvd. 713.228.1175 www.ninfas.com OCEAN’S [mex] 819 W. Alabama. 713.520.7744 www.oceansceviche.com

Maryann Whitsett, Mary Cohn 62. december 10 | www.002mag.com

Photography by Bill Olive

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Photography by Bill Olive

002houston December 10:002houston 11/17/10 2:54 PM Page 63

ocean’s DIEGO'S [mex] 1421 Preston. 713.236.1300 www.diegosrestaurantbar.com RIOJA [spanish] 11920 Westheimer. 281.531.5569 www.riojarestaurant.com

FRANK’S PIZZA 417 Travis. 713.225.5656 www.frankspizza.com PINK’S PIZZA www.pinkspizza.com •710 West Gray. 713.521.7465 •1403 Heights. 713.864.7465 PIOLA 3201 Louisiana St. 713.524.8222 www.piola.it STAR PIZZA •77 Harvard. 713.869.1241 •2111 Norfolk. 713.523.0800 www.starpizza.net

samba grille SAMBA GRILLE (south american) 530 Texas. 713.343.1180 www.sambagrillehouston.com TACOS A GO-GO 3704 Main. 713.807.8226 www.tacosagogo.com YELAPA PLAYA MEXICANA 2303 Richmond Ave. 281.501.0391 www.yelapatime.com

mediterranean + greek CAFE LILI [lebanese] 5757 Westheimer. 713.952.6969 www.cafelili.com

steak+chops FLEMING’S •788 W. Sam Houston Pkwy. 713.827.1120 •2405 W. Alabama. 713.520.5999 www.flemingssteakhouse.com

fleming’s

LAURENZO’S GRILLE 4412 Washington. 713.880.5111 www.laurenzosgrille.com MO’S 1801 Post Oak Blvd. 713.877.0720 www.mosrestaurants.com MORTON’S •5000 Westheimer. 713.629.1946 •1001 McKinney. 713.659.3700 www.mortons.com

niko niko’s NIKO NIKO’S •2520 Montrose. 713.528.1308 •301 Milam @ Market Square www.nikonikos.com SAFFRON [moroccan] 2006 Lexington. 713.522.3562 www.saffronhouston.com

pizza BOMBAY PIZZA CO. 914 Main St. 713.654.4444 www.bombaypizzaco.com CANDELARI’S 6002 Washington. 832.200.1474 www.candelaris.com DOLCE VITA PIZZERIA ENOTECA 500 Westheimer. 713.520.8222 www.dolcevitahouston.com

PAPPAS BROS. STEAKHOUSE 5839 Westheimer Rd. 713.780.7352 www.pappasbros.com SHULA'S STEAKHOUSE Hyatt Hotel 1200 Louisiana St. 713.375.4777 www.donshulas.com SPENCER’S STEAKS + CHOPS 1600 Lamar. 713.577.8325 www.spencersforsteaksandchops.com

STRIP HOUSE 1200 McKinney. 713.659.6000 www.theglaziergroup.com

SUGAR LAND AMICI RISTORANTE [italian] 16089 City Walk Drive. 281.242.2800 www.amicitownsquare.com BROOKSTREET BBQ 1418 Highway 6. 281.313.4000 www.brookstreetbbq.com

CAFE INDIA 2319 Williams Trace Blvd. 281.565.5881 CARRABBA'S ITALIAN GRILL 2335 Highway 6. 281.980.4433 www.carrabbas.com CHANDNI RESTAURANT [steak] 11102 S. Highway 6. 281.530.9200 www.gochandni.com CUPCAKE CAFE 16525 Lexington Blvd. 281.242.2744 www.cupcakecafeofsugarland.com GRIMALDI'S PIZZERIA 16535 Southwest Freeway. 281.265.2280 www.grimaldispizzeria.com JAPANEIRO'S SUSHI BISTRO & LATIN GRILL 2168 Texas Dr. 281.201.5294 www.japaneiros.com LA MADELEINE FRENCH BAKERY & CAFE 2675 Town Center Blvd. N. 281.494.4400 www.lamadeleine.com NAPA GRILLE URBAN WINE BAR 14019 Southwest Freeway. 281.277.2599 www.napagrille.net PERRY'S GRILL 2115 Town Square. 281.565.2727 www.perryssteakhouse.com PHO MAI NOODLE HOUSE 16200 Kensington Dr. 281.491.1528 www.phomainoodlehouse.com RAJIN CAJUN 16100 Kensington Dr. 281.277.0704 www.ragin-cajun.com THAI COTTAGE II 4723 Sweetwater Blvd. 281.313.0707 www.thai-cottage.com THE BURNING PEAR 16090 City Walk. 281.275.5925 www.theburningpear.com WASABI JAPANESE GRILL + SUSHI BAR 14019 Southwest Freeway. 281.242.3899 WILLIE’S GRILL + ICE HOUSE 945 Highway 6. 281.242.2252 www.williesrestaurants.com

THE WOODLANDS BENIHANA [asian] 1720 Lake Woodlands Dr. 281.292.0061 www.benihana.com

TO GO Landmark Houston Hospitality Group (LH2G) has done it again. The brains behind Hearsay Gastro Lounge downtown and 51fifteen Restaurant and Lounge at Saks Fifth Avenue in The Galleria launched their first Midtown concept, DOUBLE CROSS LOUNGE. With a licensing deal in place with DOUBLE CROSS VODKA, LH2G is prepping a chic frozen bar concept set to change the landscape of the Midtown nightlife scene. The space located on Gray near Baldwin Street features a special bar top with a river of ice carved into it, indoor and outdoor covered patio seating, chilled vodka on tap served at 0 degrees, and frosted glassware for specialty cocktails and beer. A new food menu featuring Hearsay’s popular Kobe beef hotdog is also in the works.

114 Gray Street | 713.526.3423 BROOKLYN CAFÉ [american] •4775 W. Panther Creek Dr. 281.298.7488 •3091 College Park Dr. 936.273.8880 www.thebrooklyncafe.com

HONEY BEE HAM + DELI 4747 Research Forest Dr. 281.364.9200

CAFE DI FIORE [italian] 10110 Woodlands Pkwy., Ste. 900.

281.298.1228 www.caffe-di-fiore.com

www.massassushiandrobatabar.com

DICKEY'S BARBECUE PIT 10700 Kuykendahl Road. 281.298.8422 www.dickeysbarbecuerestaurants.com

DIMASSI'S [ethnic] 1640 Lake Woodlands Dr. 281.363.0200 www.dimassisbuffet.com GENGHIS GRILL [asian] 9300 6 Pines Drive. 281.363.4745 www.genghisgrill.com GURI DO SUL STEAKHOUSE 1400 Research Forest Dr. 281.907.4146 www.guridosul.com

MASSA'S SUSHI 4775 W. Panther Creek Dr. 281.298.5688

P F CHANG'S CHINA BISTRO 1201 Lake Woodlands Dr. 281.203.6350 www.pfchangs.com SITAR CUISINE OF INDIA 25701 Interstate 45. 281.364.0200 www.sitarcuisineofindia.net SWEET BELLA ITALIAN KITCHEN 202 Sawdust Road. 832.585.0066 www.sweetbellasatllc.com THE MELTING POT 19075 Interstate 45. 936.271.7416 www.themeltingpot.com TIN STAR [american] 300 Six Pines Drive. 281.465.9800

december 10 | www.002mag.com .63

002houston December 10:002houston 11/17/10 2:55 PM Page 64

TRADITIONAL ASIAN DINING IN A NOT SO TRADITIONAL SETTING… dine write

1. Interior 2. Com Ga Nurong Xa 3. Com Ga Nurong Xa 4. Bo Luc Lac

By Beatrice Valencia Photography by Kim Coffman

2

RED PIER |

ASIAN BISTRO

2704 Milam, Suite 6C Houston, TX 77006 | 713.807.7726

HOuRS: Sunday-Thursday 10 am-10 pm Friday-Saturday 10 am-11pm

1

3

SAMPLE MENU SELECTIONS

appetizers • Cánh Gà Chiên Nuóc Mam- Chicken Buffalo Wings (6)- Chicken wings are covered in fish sauce and hot sauce to create this tasty dish that ensures your taste buds will get a real kick.

classic noodle soup • Hu Teiu Mi (Kho Nuroc)- A combination of rice and egg noodles topped with shrimp and pork, served wet or dry.

• Pho Chay-Vegetable Pho- Rice noodle soup topped with tofu, broccoli, snow peas, carrots and cabbage in chicken broth.

stir fried noodles • Mì Xào Dòn Do Bien- Deep fried crispy egg noodles topped with seafood and vegetables.

classic recipes • Bò Nuróng Xa- “Vietnamese Fajitas”: Chargrilled lemongrass beef served with a boat of garden fresh vegetables, rice paper and fish sauce for dipping.

• Bò Lúc Lac Dac Biêt- “Special Garlic Beef”: Our traditional platter plus asparagus, mushrooms and snow peas.

vegetarian+vegetable delights • Dâu Hu Xào Xa Ot- Lemongrass Tofu- Tofu stir-fried with minced lemongrass and hot and spicy chili sauce.

64. december 10 | www.002mag.com

F

ROM THE OUTSIDE OF THIS SHOPPING CENTER ESTABLISHMENT, YOU WOULD THINK IT’S LIKE ANY OTHER ASIAN RESTAURANT AROUND TOWN. PICTURES OF THE DISHES OFFERED ON THE WINDOWS, CHECK; SMALL SPACE, CHECK; LOCATED IN A SHOPPING CENTER, CHECK. BUT DON’T JUDGE THIS “BOOK” BY ITS COVER; A CONTEMPORARY HAVEN WITH TRADITIONAL DELIGHTS IS HIDDEN INSIDE.

At first glance, the gray wall with red slash painted across it with ropes crossed diagonally in front catches your eye.

The entire wall was turned into an art installation. An idea that seems to be gaining ground in the industry, rather than putting up framed art, but turning the establishment into art is a new, welcomed concept. The restaurant is set up in an Lshape with wood paneling along the back wall that morphs into an inconspicuous restroom door. Along the base of the bar, rectangular wood panels stick out every so often in a 3D effect. Its organic nature with contemporary touches is a modern atmosphere to enjoy this traditional fare.

Unlike its sister restaurant, Les Givrals Cafe on Milam (a staff favorite): Red Pier’s menu reads like an encyclopedia of offerings. Your choices are never-ending from classic recipes to specials to vegetarian delights. They aim to have something for everyone.

We started with the Banh Xèo. This Vietnamese crepe with its crispy outer shell and soft center is filled with shrimp and assorted vegetables (we also had pork in ours; if you don’t

want any, I suggest you stress that) and served with their house blend of light fish sauce. When served it also arrives with a plate of romaine lettuce leaves, mint sprigs, parsley and vinegary carrots. The assembly process is romaine leaf, herbs of your choice, crepe piece, fish sauce and if you please, a red pepper sauce, paste or oil. Essentially a lettuce wrap with a crepe. The crunchy texture of the lettuce is a plus with the soft crepe. The flavor of the mint only helps heighten it all to a crisp, clean delight. It’s a large serving with plenty to share.

For our entrée portion of the meal, we decided on a variety of traditional plates. No worries if you don’t know which plates are traditional when you walk in, as the menu has a description of each plate to guide you through the ordering process.

We had the Hu Tieu Xào Bò Cai Làn, Com Gà Nu’ó’ng Xa and the Bò Lúc Lac. Yes, I don’t know how that reads either.

LUCKILY, THE MENU DESCRIBES THE DISH.

002houston December 10:002houston 11/17/10 2:56 PM Page 65

4

We were first served the Com Gà Nu’ó’ng Xa – a perfect mound of sticky rice served alongside BBQ chicken with lemon grass and little salad of tomato, cucumber and butter lettuce in a vinegary, lemon dressing. This isn’t BBQ in the Texas sense of a savory sauce. It’s the technique the chicken is prepared. Crispy outside, tender center. There’s no sauce except for their everpresent house blend light fish sauce and the sriracha, soy, red pepper oil and paste that is on every table to use at your own discretion. One of my favorite dishes, the flavor is light, the rice is perfect and the serving is enough for one for a light lunch or dinner. It’s a simple flavored dish with lemon crispness to it without being overwhelming.

Next out was the Bò Lúc Lac. A traditional garlic beef dish and one of the their most famous dishes, it’s chunks of filet mignon, stir-fried with garlic cloves, onions and bell peppers, atop a bed of lettuce and tomatoes served with a lemon sauce. They are not kidding when they say garlic cloves. It’s full of cloves, onions and seared but tender chunks of filet. The lemon sauce comes in a small dish with salt and pepper and a lemon wedge. You combine the juice from the lemon with the salt and pepper and it’s that simple.

The flavor of the meat is like it just came right off a grill. It’s uncanny.

Another dish that shines on its perfect preparation.

A hot, mound of stir-fried rice noodles mixed with beef and Chinese broccoli – the Hu Tieu Xào Bò Cai Làn – was presented next. Astounding! The rice noodles are hidden beneath a mountain of steaming beef and broccoli all drenched in a beef stock-based sauce. These are not typical noodles. A much softer, gelatinous texture is the nature of this noodle. The beef is tenderized down to flat pieces to mix with the noodle. The broccoli is not little tree shapes but vibrant green leaves. Almost like a kale. The savory flavor of this dish, with the soft noodle, tender beef and crunchy broccoli, is a classic. These noodles should definitely be shared. The portion is a mountain.

The service is very friendly and helpful so don’t be shy to ask questions. This dining experience is more about learning about delicious Asian classics and creating some new classics of your own that you’ll want to revisit at this contemporary yet traditional Asian nook.

december 10 | www.002mag.com .65

002houston December 10:002houston 11/17/10 2:56 PM Page 66

the chef’s special Photography by Jaime Lagdameo

sandy underwood | kris brown

CHEFS SANDY UNDERWOOD+KRIS BROWN

FAVORITES

restaurant laurenzo’s | cuisine modern american | 4412 washington ave., houston, tx 77007 713.880.5111 | www.laurenzos.net

MUFFIN KRIS: BLUEBERRY SANDY: ChOCOLAtE

SONG KRIS: O.B.E. – “RABBIt IN thE MOON” SANDY: “MARY JANE’S LASt DANCE” – tOM PEttY AND thE hEARtBREAKERS

WRITING UTENSIL KRIS: fOUNtAIN PEN SANDY: ShARPIE

DESTINATION KRIS: ALL Of SOUthERN fLORIDA SANDY: AUStIN

SHOE KRIS: CLOgS OR ADIDAS SANDY: CROCS

FAVORITE LATE NIGHT SPOT FOR A BITE? Kris: Vietnam Coast on 19th in the Heights.

Sandy: Chacho’s.

BEST BREAKFAST? Sandy: The Breakfast Klub.

BEST BRUNCH? Sandy: Benjy’s.

WHAT INGREDIENT CAN YOU NOT LIVE WITHOUT IN THE KITCHEN AND WHY? Kris: Salt for sure, because everything that tastes good has it. Salt brings out or highlights almost all other flavors.

Sandy: Salt; it enhances every ingredient and every dish.

FAVORITE PLACE FOR DESSERT? Sandy: Andre’s.

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WHAT UTENSIL CAN YOU NOT LIVE WITHOUT? Kris: Chef’s knife!

Sandy: Chef knife.

WHAT’S YOUR PET PEEVE? Kris: I hate when a chef thinks that he or she is finished learning or somehow knows enough. The culinary world is huge; it would take 3 or 4 lifetimes to learn it all.

People who have a true passion for this field of work constantly evolve.

Sandy: Laziness.

FAVORITE AFFORDABLE WINE? Kris: Martini and Rossi champagne has a great flavor.

Sandy: Blue Jay Pinot Noir.

WHO ARE YOUR FAVORITE CHEF, RESTAURANT AND DISH? Kris: My favorite chef is Hubert Keller; he’s also a really good DJ. My favorite restaurant right now is Kasrah; it’s a great chefowned Persian place. Everything on the menu is great.

Sandy: I have to be cliché and say Thomas Keller, Kirin’s and Red Beans and Rice.

LAST BUT NOT LEAST, TELL US YOUR WORST CLIENT EXPERIENCE? Sandy: The worst would have to be when I had a picky customer that claimed they were allergic to green – really?

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new restaurants By Beatrice Allen

NEW RESTAURANT? EMAIL

US AT

LETTERS@002MAG.COM

8

Photography by KH Studio

PIOLA www.piola.it 3201 LOUISIANA ST. #103 | 713.524.8222

AMERICAS RIVER OAKS www.cordua.com

OCTANE COFFEE + WINE

2010 WEST GRAY | 832.200.1492

3402 N. SHEPHERD DR. | 281.974.1693

CUISINE ITALIAN

CUISINE MODERN PAN-AMERICAN

CUISINE PANINIS+FLATBREADS

CHEF N/A

CHEF MICHAEL CORDUA

CHEF N/A

I’d heard of Piola from my sister and her visits in Miami. She raved about the pizza and the place, so I was thrilled to hear we would have one here.

Located in “The Mix,” Piola is hard to miss with its bright vibrant colors and contemporary décor.

Think Alessi style. We picked up to-go but from the looks of it, they have their share of followers who found this new location fast. Busy on a Saturday night, one taste of my food and I understood the fervor. We ordered the Diavola pizza, Gnocchi Pompei and the Caprese with mozzarella di bufala. The Caprese salad came with a huge ball of fresh, soft buffalo mozzarella. The cheese texture with perfectly ripe tomato slices and olive oil drizzle was perfection. The meal only got better as we progressed. The gnocchi was in this chunky tomato sauce and every bite or so, you got a bit of garlic. The chunky with the soft gnocchi pairs nicely. Gnocchi fans: EVERY 29TH OF EACH MONTH IS “LUCKY GNOCCHI DAY.” COME IN AND ENJOY ALL-YOU-CAN-EAT HOMEMADE GNOCCHI. Our Diavola pizza (aka pepperoni) is on their famous thin, crispy crust, layered deliciously with tomato sauce, cheese and slices of Italian spicy salami. The salami has bits of peppercorns in it giving this nice, crisp spice. It’s worth the visit and worth the wait to try some of their original pizza combinations or favorite classics.

This is an all-encompassing dining experience.

YOU’LL BE JUST AS OVERWHELMED BY THE FOOD AS YOU WILL BE TAKING IN ALL THE ATTENTION TO DETAIL IN THE DÉCOR. It’s literally out of this world. And the experience begins the moment you step into the elevator. The railing is like none other: A silver branch-like rail with bright lighting, dark wood floors take you up to this modern “terrain.” Felt organic pods cover pendants, felt patches cover walls, leather folds over columns, chairs with “hoodies” adorn the bar area and dining room and pod-like “booth” tables rise up out of the floor in the main dining room.

Felt chandeliers hang like clouds over tables and circular “clouds” hug air vents, speakers and ceiling lights. It’s as aesthetically pleasing as it is hypnotizing (especially the bathrooms). The flavor of the dishes parallels. Ceviches with salmon, ahi tuna, crab and shrimp and mixed – or try all 4 like we did as a flight; the taquitos (four to try as well) are also available as a flight; lobster corndogs (wow!); smoked lamb “lollichops” and pork arepas – oh my! It’s all whimsically delicious. AND THE PRESENTATION EQUALLY SUCH WITH LOBSTER CORN DOGS ON THIN SKEWERS PROTRUDING OUT OF A DICE-LIKE WOOD BLOCK. For my entrée I had a little surf n’ turf, scallop and short rib. A seared diver sea scallop (four total) is served atop a slice of grilled beef short rib, which is then all served atop a crisp yucca cake sprinkled with a béarnaise. It’s divine. Contain yourself through the plantains and starters to enjoy a masterfully prepared, out-of-this-world dining experience.

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A WELCOME ADDITION TO THE GARDEN OAKS NEIGHBORHOOD, THIS HIP COFFEE AND WINE OUTPOST IS CHANGING THE TERRAIN. The interior is raw, with bricks and pipes exposed, highlighted with industrial era sconces and a cluster of globe pendants over a couch area. All the lighting is sprinkled with low wattage vintage bulbs that create a warm, tinged glow on the deep navy grand armchairs and couches. Tables in the entrance have an organic quality with branch-like legs and bundles of branch stumps with flat tops.

Toward the back are metal bar height tables and some banquet seating along the wall. There’s no shortage in finding a nook to enjoy the fuel of your choice in. They offer coffee in any version you take it: latte, chai, macchiato, cappuccino, etc., in super or supreme. This doesn’t translate to size, rather the amount of espresso shots. Caffeine not your thing? They also have wine and beer for the late risers. To complete your breakfast they have various muffins, scones, breads and such. For lunch or dinner they really shine with their options from paninis (Serrano ham and gouda, wow!) to flatbreads to sandwiches like an Octane Club with turkey, ham, pancetta, garlic aioli and a balsamic reduction on a croissant. These gourmet combos are made with locally sourced vendors supporting our local economy. Do your part and go get some Octane!

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EVENT 2ND ANNUAL BARKITECTURE HOUSTON WHY TO BENEFIT PUP SQUAD WHERE HOUSTON PAVILIONS WHEN OCTOBER 22 AND 23 Houston’s best architects, designers, builders and artists created whimsical, funky, chic and one-of-a-kind doghouses for the annual Barkitecture Houston, which were later auctioned off. Profits benefit Pup Squad, an animal rescue group whose goal is to rescue orphaned pups and kittens, nurse them to health and then place them in loving homes. Visitors enjoyed a weekend of fun with a Yappy Hour hosted by McCormick & Schmick’s Seafood Restaurant, a silent auction and spectacular shopping.

Compiled by Pixie Ibañez

Events / Photo Credit 2ND ANNUAL BARKITECTURE HOUSTON Kemmy Kim for www.lastnightpics.com 002HOUSTON & OCEAN’S HALLOWEEN PARTY Hunter Jones for www.lastnightpics.com HOUSTONIAN HALLOWEEN BASH Kemmy Kim for www.lastnightpics.com WICKED HALLOWEEN COSTUME BALL 2010 Photography by Mark Britain RUN FOR YOUR LIFE Photography by LBPR HOT UNDIES RUN Photography by Danny Kamin

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EVENT 002HOUSTON & OCEAN’S HALLOWEEN PARTY WHY WHY NOT? WHERE OCEAN’S RESTAURANT WHEN OCTOBER 30

Hundreds of Halloweenians flocked to Ocean’s Restaurant for a night of ghoulish fun. As always, guests dressed to impress the judges in some pretty amazing and creative costumes in hopes of winning the contest. This year the prizes included an overnight stay at the Driskill Hotel in Austin, Cirque du Soleil and Rockets tickets and gift certificates from El Tiempo Restaurant, Sushi Raku, Yard House and Studio Movie Grill. The costumes were simply amazing! So many cool ones in fact, that I won’t dare mention only a few, just check out www.lastnightpics.com to get the skinny. The Phlash Phactory photo booth was a hit, guests simply could not get enough! Oceans’ previous incarnation as a brothel in the 1930’s was the perfect backdrop for the soiree. DJ Jeremy Keas set the mood with his thrilling spins and kept the crowds partying till the wee hours. For those party hoppers, Houston Wave provided a safe ride to Hotel Zaza. To fuel the party, guests sipped on premium Avion Tequila, Deep Eddy Sweet Tea Vodka, Veuve Cliquot and Belvedere Vodka.

CHECK OUT ALL THE PARTIES IN HOUSTON @ 002MAG.COM

EVENT HOUSTONIAN HALLOWEEN BASH WHY TO CELEBRATE IN STYLE WHERE THE HOUSTONIAN HOTEL WHEN OCTOBER 29

Neither ghosts nor goblins could scare away the hundreds of partygoers that attended the Club 111 Houstonian Halloween Bash at The Houstonian Hotel, always a big hit! Members were encouraged to hang their suits and dresses and embrace the Halloween spirit… and so they did! Houstonian Club Members and their guests hit the dance floor and boogied the night away. A cash bar and light hors d’oeuvres provided guests with much needed fuel to keep going and going. december 10 | www.002mag.com .71

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EVENT WICKED HALLOWEEN COSTUME BALL 2010 WHY JUST FOR FUN WHERE HOUSE OF BLUES WHEN OCTOBER 31 Thousands of costumed revelers followed the yellow brick road to the biggest and most amazing Halloween party, Wicked Halloween Costume Ball 2010 in Houston at the entire House of Blues facility and Lucky Strike. Some of the best costumes competed for a total of $10,000 cash for best single/couple and group categories. There was a flying monkey, huge walking tree, Wizard of Oz projection wall and other amazing props and decor. Amazing!

CHECK OUT ALL THE PARTIES IN HOUSTON @ 002MAG.COM EVENT RUN FOR YOUR LIFE WHY TO SUPPORT SCIENCE-BASED EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS WHERE THE HEALTH MUSEUM WHEN OCTOBER 23 More than one thousand participants grabbed their running shoes and costumes and headed to The Health Museum for the 5k-sanctioned fun run and the 1k family walk though the Museum District. Runners literally ran for their lives at the festive, wellness-focused event that raised funds to support science-based educational programs at the Museum through the John D. Hawkins Memorial Scholarship Fund. Runners enjoyed a post-race party, a spook-tacular celebration for the whole family.

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EVENT HOT UNDIES RUN WHY TO BENEFIT CHILDREN’S TUMOR FOUNDATION WHERE RICE VILLAGE WHEN AUGUST 21 Over 500 brave Houstonians gathered on a blazing hot afternoon for the first ever Hot Undies Run, sponsored by Brian O’Neill’s Running Club. The event was a complete success! Proceeds will benefit the Children’s Tumor Foundation. Anchored at Brian O’Neill’s Traditional Irish Pub and Restaurant in Rice Village where runners began to gather around noon for a pre-party before stripping down to their undies for the 2-mile fun run. Runners returned to a festive environment filled with music, tasty snacks and plenty of beverages to hydrate the soul. The “Best Dresses” title was awarded to the Long Johns who braved the brutal 107 degree heat index and sported long johns as their undies of choice. Good runnings!

OM

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club+lounge review

By Travis Jones Photography by Daniel Ortiz

THE HOUSE Of DERéOn MEDIa CEnTER | THE “E wORD” nEvER fElT SO RIgHT 2204 crawford st., houston, tx 77002 | 713.772.5175 | www.musicworldent.com/properties/houseofdereon

I

N A WORD, THE HOUSE OF DERÉON IS EXCLUSIVE. I KNOW WHAT YOU’RE THINKING. EXCLUSIVE IS JUST ANOTHER BUZZWORD USED TO HYPE PLACE AFTER PLACE AFTER PLACE. IT’S A TERM THAT WRITERS AND PUBLICISTS USE AS A CRUTCH AND IT NEEDS TO GO BY THE WAYSIDE LIKE LAST WEEK’S LEFTOVERS, MICHAEL CERA MOVIES AND “THAT’S WHAT SHE SAID” JOKES. I AGREE, AND AFTER THIS GO-ROUND, I’LL DO MY BEST TO WEAN MYSELF FROM IT, BUT FRANKLY, THE HOUSE OF DERÉON MEDIA CENTER THRIVES ON THE “E WORD,”

You’ve probably driven by the House of Deréon Media Center a hundred times and never understood exactly what it is. Tucked away on 2204 Crawford St., it certainly doesn’t look like any house you’ve ever seen. Media Center could mean just about anything and now it’s popping up in a bar and lounge review in your, dare I say, favorite magazine. What gives? Truth be told, the HOD isn’t very easily classified.

Casually referred to by the staff as a “campus,” an exclusive, full-scale entertainment university comes closer to hitting the nail on the head.

The name, “House of Deréon,” pays homage to the grandmother of Houston’s favorite daughter, Beyoncé Knowles. The late Agnèz Deréon has inspired generations of ladies (and let’s be honest, Mama pulls the strings in this house, so she’s inspired the menfolk too) to pursue their talents, dreams and aspirations, resulting in the family clothing line in 2004, and the House of Deréon Media Center in 2006. With that kind of pedigree, it’s obvious why some of the biggest names in the business have stopped by to use the stateof-the-art recording facilities and dance studios. But what does that mean to Joe Q. Houston? It means that should you ever have the opportunity to attend a get-together at the HOD, don’t be shocked by the footsteps you’ll be walking in or the elbows you may get to rub yours against.

Able to comfortably accommodate raucous crowds of over 1,000, and yet designed to provide intimacy for smaller groups too, the HOD is booked consistently for various events including corporate holiday get-downs and concert after-parties. Remaining aligned with their own generous, philanthropic ideals, the HOD is also a perfect venue for charity balls and fundraisers.

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Venturing inside from the elegant, wrought iron and greenery wrapped courtyard, visitors will find an entertainment Xanadu.

Bathed in an icy glow, a backlit stage, a spacious dance floor and a DJ booth with all the bells and whistles are waiting to be manned. The second floor of the HOD erupts into a lounge that would make Hugh Hefner salivate. The décor rides a fun line between eclectic funk and suave sophistication, but never sacrifices comfort or accessibility. Designed by the reigning matriarch, Tina Knowles herself, every fabric and design, from the plush seating to the iconic HOD symbol screams “exclusive.” A pool table, Xbox and PlayStation gaming systems, satellite television, wi-fi, multiple flatscreen televisions and an incredible sound system ensure that the HOD is ready to rock for whatever sort of shindig patrons may be into.

Music, entertainment, food and libations can be provided on a renter’s own accord, but the HOD is more than happy to work alongside all sorts of clientele to create custom events. From burning roof bashes to laid-back lounging, the friendly and meticulous staff is just a phone call or email away.

To book your next corporate party, charity drive or private party with the HOD, act quickly, and call 713.772.5175 or email hod@musicworld.net.

Let’s see, by my count, that’s four uses of the term “exclusive.” Not a bad ode to the overused, go-to term, in my opinion. If this truly ends up as a final farewell to the word as I attempt to expand my repertoire, at least I went down using it correctly. Not that it matters though, because with or without the “e word,” the House of Deréon will continue to speak for itself.

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recording

By Lance Scott Walker Photography by Anthony Rathbun

RAPPER K AND SNIPER

How did you guys come together?

Sniper: I’ve known K-Rino and Rapper K for a long time. We always tried to do something together, man, but it was always kind of that we were on different paths and when we kind of started coming around and doing some recording and stuff with Rino, and me and Rapper K just finally got together to do 1 or 2 songs, and right after that it was like, well, the chemistry was there. We did a few more and before we knew it we were trying to do an album.

K, you were rapping for 20 years before your first full release in 2008.

Rapper K: Yeah, but I was on the business end for a long time, and with K-Rino I was doing features here and there. We always rapped together, me and K-Rino, since high school. It’s crazy that in 2008, wasn’t nobody talkin’ about nothing. It seemed like everybody was just talking about they rims on they cars or how much weed they done smoked and just this nonsense. I was tired of hearin’ all of the garbage and I knew what I could bring to the table lyrically, so that’s why I decided to go in and do my own thing. I did a song with KRino and I just got the bug.

Then I did another song and next thing I knew there was a whole new album.

Sniper, how does your approach to it, and in particular your writing, change when working with Rapper K, just the two of you?

Sniper: Well, really, I’ve always kinda been more on the hip-hop side, but when I teamed up with Rapper K I really wanted something to be more on a street level and of course, with his reputation and everything and the name, I kinda wanted to show a different side. Rapper K, you know, he’s a very good storyteller, and one of his fortes is that he can tell you a story out of experience or stuff that he’s seen or he’s done. I already kinda wanted to showcase that side and keep it more on a street, G level,

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at the same time.

Because most of my writing, it just comes basically from what I feel, and I listen to the beat to kind of tell me what to say.

And like Rapper K was saying, there was a bunch of stuff that wasn’t being touched on by artists, so I’m gonna kinda just take his experience and what he brings to the table and then my style is very different so it was kind of complicated to just say ‘let’s drop this whole album,’ but we kinda just had to make something different, something new and to be honest at the time we didn’t really know what we were going to do, but like I said it just went from one song to another.

You both kind of touched on this, where people are out there rapping about nothing, and now we’re deep into this recession and people are getting tired of hearing rappers rapping about bling and all the ways in which they waste money while nobody else out there has any. Do you think that the lyricism on the mainstream level is ever going to come back around to storytelling?

Rapper K: I honestly don’t, because you gotta realize that the guys that’s doin’ the mainstream and writin’ about the bling and the garbage, they got the money! They not in the recession. When you makin’ 20 million dollars off some garbage, you gotta love money. You not in the recession. You can go out and buy all these…

20 cars, and do what you wanna do, but us, being underground, we’re not selling those kind of units.

But we’re talking about something that people that can relate to us wanna hear. We’re not out here selling these dreams, tellin’ you that you–we’re not saying that you can’t get out there and be a multimillionaire, but we lettin’ you know that there’s a

right way to do it. We don’t glamorize no negativity. We talk about getting it the right way.

Sniper: I’m not going say that all of our music is on the positive side, because you got some things out there that we touch on that’s street level. A lot of these guys that are out on the streets and do what they do, whatever type of business they do, I mean, we’ve both done it.

As your tenure as an artist goes on, and you have these people that are growing up with your music, do you feel more of a sense of responsibility in what you’re rapping about?

Rapper K: Definitely, but that’s with anybody. When you’re young, you don’t think of the consequences of doin’ wrong and this and that. And so once you’re a little older, it’s your responsibility – I feel – I feel it’s my responsibility to tell you to do the right thing. And like I say, I’m not knockin’ these guys that’s out there hustling and trying to get it, but I mean, there is another way. So I can’t get on my CD and rap about getting out there hustling to make it. Because I’ve got kids, and I don’t want my kids to hear me talking about that, so I’m not gonna tell nobody else’s kids that. We touch on bein’ in the street, but we’re not glorifying the negativity. We can rap about it all day long, but that’s not sayin’ that we’re out there doin’ it right now. Because we’ve been through it. Trust me–we’ve done dirt, and I ain’t sayin’ we’re angels by any means. We’ve done our share of dirt, but we’ve lived and learned. We can sit back and tell you what we’ve been through, so you don’t have to go through it. southparkcoalition.webs.com rapperk1@yahoo.com sniper-onpoint@hotmail.com

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002night life sponsored by

BARS + CLUBS + LOUNGES + WINE BARS 002 night life

LUCKY STRIKE LANES L F 1201 San Jacinto. 713.343.3300 www.bowlluckystrike.com MINT C 511 Main. 713.221.8855

downtown A+ BAR | inside Alden Hotel C 1117 Prairie. 832.200.8800 www.aldenhotels.com C&F DRIVE INN B 6714 N. Main. 713.861.0704

MOLLY’S PUB B 509 Main. 713.222.1033 www.mollyspubs.com POLK STREET PUB B F 1201 Polk St. #140. 713.652.4044 www.polkstreetpubhouston.com

CHAR BAR B F 305 Travis. 713.222.8177 www.charbarhouston.com CORK WINE BAR W 1201 San Jacinto. 713.936.1000 www.corkpavilions.com THE COTTON EXCHANGE B+L 202 Travis. 832.507.5906 www.cottonexchangelounge.com

PETE’S DUELING PIANO BAR b 1201 Fannin. | Houston Pavilions 713.337.7383 www.petesduelingpianobar.com RED CAT JAZZ CAFÉ B+L LM 924 Congress. 713.226.7870 www.redcatjazzcafe.com RESERVE 101 V B 1201 Caroline. 713.655.7101 www.reserve101.com

DIVE LOUNGE |inside the Aquarium L 410 Bagby St. 713.223.3474

SAMBUCA JAZZ CAFÉ B LM 909 Texas Ave. 713.224.5299 www.sambucarestaurant.com

ETTA’S LOUNGE L LM 5120 Scott. 713.528.2611 FLYING SAUCER B 705 Main St. 713.228.7468 www.beerknurd.com HOUSE OF BLUES B LM 1204 Caroline. 1.888.40.BLUES www.hob.com/houston

SHADOW BAR C 213 Milam. 713.221.5483 www.theshadowbar.com SHAY MCELROY’S B 909 Texas Suite A. 713.223.2444 www.mcelroyspub.com STATE BAR & LOUNGE B+L 909 #2-A Texas. 713.229.8888 www.thestatebar.com THE BREWERY TAP B 717 Franklin. 713.237.1537

JET LOUNGE L LM 1515 Pease. 713.659.2000 www.thejetloungehouston.com

THE B.U.S. SB 1800 Texas. 713.222.2287

LA CARAFE W 813 Congress. 713.229.9399

TOC BAR C 711 Franklin. 713.224.4862 www.tocbar.net

LIVE SPORTS CAFÉ SB 407 Main. 713.228.5483 www.livesportscafe.com LONE STAR SALOON B 1900 Travis. 713.757.1616

VENUE C+L 719 Main. 713.236.8150 www.venuehouston.com

002mag.com your guide to the best of houston

78. december 10 | www.002mag.com

BAR 12•21 MORTON’S L F 5000 Westheimer. 713.629.1946 www.mortons.com BLANCO’S B F 3406 W. Alabama. 713.439.0072 www.houstonredneck.com BELVEDERE L 1131 Uptown Park. 713.552.9271 www.belvedereinfo.com BLVD 610 LOUNGE B+L 3005 West Loop. 832.875.3997 www.blvd610.com THE BLACK SWAN |Omni Hotel C 4 Riverway. 713.871.8181

DEAN’S CREDIT CLOTHING B 316 Main. 713.227.3326 www.myspace.com/ deanscreditclothing

EIGHTEEN TWENTY B 1820 Franklin. 713.224.5535 www.myspace.com/1820bar

galleria+uptown

CLUB 26 TEN C F 2610 Sage. 713.974.4000 www.myspace.com/club26ten

WINETOPIA w 6363 San Felipe St. 832.858.1149 www.winetopiatx.com

ONION CREEK B f 3106 White Oak. 713.880.0706 www.onioncreekcafe.com

heights + washington

PANDORA L 1815 Washington. 832.296.6220

FRONT PORCH PUB B 217 Gray. 713.571.9571 www.frontporchpub.com

360 SPORTS LOUNGE SB 4061 Washington. 713.667.0398 www.360sportslounge.com

PEARL BAR B 4216 Washington. 713.863.5337 www.thepearlbarhouston.com

HOWL AT THE MOON L 612 Hadley. 713.658.9700 www.howlatthemoon.com

PORCH SWING PUB B 69 Heights. 713.880.8700

IBIZA LOUNGE NEXT DOOR L F 2450 Louisiana. 713.520.7300 www.ibizaloungenextdoor.com

ABSOLVE WINE LOUNGE l 920 Studemont St., #150 281.501.1788 www.absolvewinelounge.com

REBEL’S HONKY TONK B 5002 Washington. 713.807.7040 w

BEER ISLAND B W L 2631 White Oak. 713.862.4670

PLANETA BAR-RIO C 6400 Richmond. 832.251.9600

BIG STAR B 1005 W. 19th. 281.501.9560 www.bigstarbar.com

PAPARRUCHOS B F 3055 Sage. 713.212.3178 www.paparruchos.com

BLUE LABEL LOUNGE C 4500 Washington. 713.861.9910 www.bluelabellounge.com BOOM BOOM ROOM B F 2518 Yale. 713.868.3740 www.myspace.com/ boomboomroomhouston

RA SUSHI b f 3908 Westheimer. 713.621.5800 12860 Queensbury. 713.331.2792 www.rasushi.com REMINGTON BAR B

F

St. Regis Hotel

1919 Briar Oaks Ln. 713.403.2631 www.theremingtonrestaurant.com RICHMOND ARMS B 5920 Richmond. 713.784.7722

www.richmondarmsonline.com ROXY C 5851 W. Alabama. 713.850.ROXY www.myspace.com/roxyhouston THE TASTING ROOM W •1101-18 Uptown Park.

713.993.9800 •2409 W. Alabama. 713.526.2242 www.tastingroomwines.com WILD WEST C 6101 Richmond. 713.266.3455 www.wildwesthouston.com

DAN ELECTRO’S GUITAR BAR B LM 1031 E. 24th St. 713.862.8707 www.danelectrosguitarbar.com DARKHORSE TAVERN B 2207 Washington. 713.426.2442 www.dhtavern.com DUBLINER LOUNGE B 4219 Washington. 713.861.2300 EI8TH B 5102 Washington. 713.880.3500 FOX HOLLOW l f 4617 Nett St. 713.869.2117 KOBAIN B 33 Waugh. 713.862.9911 www.kobain.net MANOR ON WASHINGTON L 4819 Washington. 713.426.0123 www.manoronwashington.com NOX C 4701 Nett. 281.701.4248 www.noxhouston.com

FIX LOUNGE L 2707 Milam. 832.281.2101

www.rebelshonkytonk.com

KOMODO’S B 2004 Baldwin. 713.655.1501

REIGN L 4105 Washington. 713.869.0404

LEON’S LOUNGE L 1006 McGowen. 713.659.3052

SAWYER PARK SPORTS BAR SB 2412 Washington. 713.863.9350 www.sawyerparkhouston.com

NOUVEAU ANTIQUE ART BAR B 2913 Main St. www.art-bar.net PUB FICTION L SB 2303 Smith. 713.400.8400 www.pubfiction.com

SANCTUARY LOUNGE L 2420 Washington. 713.861.7300 www.sanctuaryhouston.com

RICH’S C 2401 San Jacinto. 713.759.9606

THE DIRT B 222 Yale. 713.426.4222 www.dirtbar.com

SAINT DANE’S BAR + GRILL B 502 Elgin. 713.807.7040

THE DRINKERY B 4115 Washington. 713.426.3617

STATUS C 2404 San Jacinto. 713.659.5400 www.myspace.com/statushouston

THE LOT B 4212 Washington. 713.868.5688 www.thelothouston.com

SWIVEL L F 2621 Milam. 713.222.2057 www.swivelhouston.com

midtown 13 CELSIUS W 3000 Caroline. 713.529.8466 www.13celsius.com

THE MAPLE LEAF B 514 Elgin. 713.520.6464 www.themapleleafpub.com

3RD BAR B F 2600 Travis. 713.526.8282

THE MINK/THE BACKROOM B 3718 Main. 713.522.9985 www.minkonmain.com

COACHES SB 2204 Louisiana. 713.751.1970 www.coachesjv.com

THE WET SPOT SB 160 W. Gray. 713.523.7768

CHRISTIAN’S TAILGATE B F 2000 Bagby. 713.527.0261 www.christianstailgate.com DOUBLE CROSS LOUNGE L 114 Gray. 713.526.3423 EL PATIO C F 2416 Brazos. 713.523.8181 www.elpatio.com EPIC C+L 3030 Travis. 713.522.2531

F

TIPSY CLOVER B 2416 Brazos. 713.524.8782 C

UNION BAR B+L 2708 Bagby. 281.974.1916 www.myspace.com/unionlounge VOW LOUNGE C+L 2700 Milam. 832.566.5776 www.vowlounge.com

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bars, clubs, lounges + wine bars

WHISKEY CREEK B 2905 Travis. 713.526.4225 www.whiskeycreekhouston.com XO BAR & LOUNGE C 2611 San Jacinto. 713.651.9900 www.myspace.com/xohouston

ICON KEY

C

B

W

L

SB

LM

F

CLUB

BAR

WINE BAR

LOUNGE

SPORTS BAR

LIVE MUSIC

FOOD

LZ PUB B 2239 Richmond. 713.522.7118 MCELROY’S PUB B 3607 Sandman. 713.524.2444 www.mcelroyspub.com METEOR B 2306 Genesee. 713.521.0123 www.meteorhouston.com

montrose + shepherd

ZIMM’S MARTINI & WINE L 4321 Montrose. 713.521.2002 www.zimmsbar.com

ERNIE’S ON BANKS SB 1010 Banks. 713.526.4566 www.erniesonbanks.com

outer loop

HUDSON LOUNGE L 2506 Robinhood. 713.523.0020 www.hudsonlounge.com

300 HOUSTON BOWLING B 925 Bunker Hill. 713.461.1207 www.300houston.com DENIM BAR B F 16090 City Walk. 281.275.5925 www.theburningpear.com

ABSINTHE L F 609 Richmond. 713.528.7575 www.absinthelounge.com

THE NEXT DOOR B+L 2020 Waugh. 713.520.1712

AGORA B F 1717 Westheimer. 713.526.7212 www.agorahouston.com

NUMBERS C 300 Westheimer. 713.526.6551 www.numbersnightclub.com

ANvIL+REfUGE B F 1424 Westheimer. 713.523.1622 www.anvilhouston.com

ORANGE SPORTS BAR SB 1613 Richmond Ave. 832.675.9569

fIREHOUSE SALOON CB LM 5930 Southwest frwy. 713.977.1962 www.firehousesaloon.com

PRAvADA C 2815 S. Shepherd. 713.533.1200 www.pravadahouston.com

HUSH C 15625 Katy frwy. 713.330.4874 www.hushonline.com

PRIvE L 910 Westheimer. 713.526.6551 www.privelounge.com

vINE WINE ROOM W 12420 Memorial Dr. 713.463.8463 www.vinewineroom.com

POISON GIRL L 1641-B Westheimer. 713.527.9929

vINO 100 W 11693 Westheimer. 281.759.4100 www.vino100houston.com

www.myspace.com/thenextdoorgallery

AvANTGARDEN B+L LM 411 Westheimer. 832.519.1429 www.avantgardenhouston.com BOHEME WINE & CAfÉ BAR W 307 fairview. 713.269.0859 www.barboheme.com

F

BOONDOCKS B+C LM 1417 Westheimer. 713.522.8500 www.myspace.com/boondocksbar BYZANTIO B F 403 W. Gray. 713.520.6896 www.byzantiohouston.com CATBIRDS B 1336 Westheimer. 713.523.8000 www.catbirds.com CEZANNE JAZZ CLUB B LM 4100 Montrose. 713.522.9021 www.blacklaboradorpub.com GUAvA LAMP L 570 Waugh. 713.524.3359

www.myspace.com/poisongirlbar.com

SOUTH BEACH C 810 Pacific. 713.529.7623 www.southbeachthenightclub.com SCOTT GERTNER’S SKYBAR L 3400 Montrose. 713.520.9688 www.msypace.com/scottgertnersskybar

THE RED ROOM L 2736 virginia St. 713.520.5666 www.redroomhouston.com

THE GINGER MAN B 5607 Morningside. 713.526.2770 www.gingermanpub.com

THE WINE BUCKET W 2311 W. Alabama. 713.942.9463 www.thewinebucket.com

THE LOUNGE AT BENJY’S B F 2424 Dunstan. 713.522.7602 www.benjys.com

UNDER THE vOLCANO C 2349 Bissonnet. 713.526.5282 www.cabomixmex.com

vOLCANO B 2349 Bissonnet. 713.526.5282

warehouse district

river oaks + kirby

EIGHTEEN TWENTY L 1820 franklin. 713.224.5535

BLANCO’S CB 3406 W. Alabama. 713.439.0072

LUCKY’S PUB SB 801 St. Emanuel. 713.522.2010 www.luckyspub.com

ARMADILLO PALACE B F 5015 Kirby. 713.526.9700 www.thearmadillopalace.com

DOWNING STREET W F 2549 Kirby. 713.523.2291 www.downingstreetpub.com

vELvET MELvIN B 3303 Richmond. 713.522.6798

BAKER STREET PUB B LM 5510 Morningside. 713.942.9900 www.bakerstreetpub.com

KENNEALLY’S IRISH PUB B 2111 S. Shepherd. 713.630.0486 www.irishpubkenneallys.com

BAM BOU C+L 2540 University. 713.521.7222 www.bambouhouston.com

LIZZARD’S PUB B+C 2715 Sackett. 713.529.4610

vINTAGE L 2108 Kipling. 713.522.4200

GRIff’S SB 3416 Roseland. 713.528.9912

museum district

LOLA’S B 2327 Grant. 713.528.8342

SALENTO WINE CAFE w f 2407 Rice Blvd. 713.528.7478 www.salentowinecafe.com

THE TAvERN SB F 1340 W. Gray. 713.522.5159 www.thetavernongray.com

www.myspace.com/thevelvetmelvinpub

MONARCH LOUNGE | Hotel ZaZa L F 5701 Main 713.526.1991 www.monarchrestauranthouston.com

BRIAN O’NEILL’S B 5555 Morningside. 713.522.2603 www.brianoneills.com BRONX BAR B 5555 Morningside. 713.520.9690

THE RAILYARD B F 4200 San felipe. 713.621.4000 www.railyardhouston.com

THE GALLANT KNIGHT B lm 2511 Bissonnet. 713.942.9940 www.thegallantknight.com

rice village

THE fLAT B 1702 Commonwealth. 713.521.3528

THE HARP B 1625 Richmond. 713.528.7827

YARD HOUSE B f 800 W. Sam Houston Pkwy., CityCentre. 713.461.9273 www.yardhouse.com

THE BIG EASY B LM 5731 Kirby. 713.523.9999 www.thebigeasyblues.com

LITTLE WOODROW’S B 5611 Morningside. 713.521.2337 www.littlewoodrows.com

COvA W 5600 Kirby. 713.838.0700 5555 Washington. 713.868.3366 www.covawines.com

THE STAG’S HEAD B 2128 Portsmouth. 713.533.1199 www.stagsheadpub.com

www.guavalamphouston.com

THE DAvENPORT L 2115 Richmond. 713.520.1140

THE DERRICK TAvERN B LM 1127 Eldridge. 281.759.4922 www.thederricktavern.com

KAY’S LOUNGE L 2324 Bissonnet. 713.528.9858

MUGSY’S B 2239 Richmond Ave. 713.522.7118

MERCER LOUNGE C 3302 Mercer. 713.627.1132 www.mercerhouston.com MEZZANINE LOUNGE SB F 2200 Southwest frwy. 713.528.MEZZ www.mezzaninelounge.com

THE GREEN ROOM C LM 813 St. Emanuel. 713.225.5483 THE MERIDIAN C LM 1503 Chartres. 713.225.1717 www.meridianhouston.com WAREHOUSE LIvE LM 813 St. Emanuel. 713.225.5483 www.warehouselive.com

downtown

galleria+uptown

midtown montrose + shepherd museum district

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Bea Here Now

I LOVE THE HOLIDAYS. ALTHOUGH I DO FIND MYSELF EATING AT HOLIDAY PARTIES, AFTER HOLIDAY PARTIES, EATING AT HOME BEFORE OR AFTER HOLIDAY PARTIES IN AN EFFORT TO SAVE MONEY. IT CAN GET COSTLY AND TIME-CONSUMING ATTENDING THESE PARTIES AND THEN STILL HAVING TO EAT DINNER AFTERWARD. MY EATING SCHEDULE IS OUT OF WHACK! NO WONDER WE GAIN A LITTLE CUSHION AROUND THE HOLIDAYS. IT’S NEAR IMPOSSIBLE TO STAY ON TRACK WITH REGULAR “FEEDING” TIMES WITH ALL THE COMMOTION. BUT IT’S ALSO NEAR IMPOSSIBLE TO NOT ENJOY THE FOODS, SMELLS AND MEMORIES WE CREATE THIS TIME OF YEAR WITH THOSE THAT WE LOVE AROUND US. I’LL TAKE A LITTLE CUSHION FOR SPENDING TIME WITH THOSE I LOVE DURING THIS TIME OF YEAR ANY DAY. HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

By Beatrice Allen

Mom’s “green” habit

makes them most notable is their consistency; the fajitas are always good as are the ritas and queso.

There are more hits and the misses are rare. It’s what keeps people coming back in droves. This combo fajita tower, with queso and guacamole and a side of refried black beans, is my favorite way to go. This reminds me, I need some queso and a rita – stat!

Where are you, Friday?

Best Kept Secret Ruggles Green City Centre, 801 Town and Country Blvd.

713.464.5557 www.rugglesgreen.com Along with being my mother’s new obsession, it seems I’m hooked too. Their fish tacos – best way to order them is fried; I’ve tried the grilled version and it’s just not the same. Served in mounds of green cabbage, micro greens, pico de gallo, herb aioli, queso fresco and spicy mango chipotle sauce on crisped corn tortillas served with a side of homemade habanero sauce, there’s no wonder they’re a favorite on the menu. The crunch of the lettuce/cabbage mix with the crunch of the tempura fried shell of the tender fish and corn taco with just a bit of lemon (I squeezed some on to awaken the flavors) is delicious.

It’s a mash of texture and flavors that is sure to satisfy.

It’s why we’re all in Texas, right?!

El Tiempo Cantina 5602 Washington Ave. 713.681.3645 www.eltiempocantina.com Oh how I’ve missed queso, guacamole, fajitas and ritas. It’s been so long since I’ve visited and now I’m like “prodigal daughter” coming back home. What

80. december 10 | www.002mag.com

a pita with grilled chicken, avocado, tomato and aioli spread to make this awesome Baja California Pita. It’s huge, it’s fresh and perfect for a healthy lunch or dinner. I get a side salad because they have some of the freshest produce I’ve ever consistently received (in house or delivered) in my salads.

Rabbit Food Obsession

The Chelsea Grill 4621 Montrose Blvd. 713.942.9857 www.chelseagrill.com I can’t stress enough about this hidden gem. They’re another one of the consistently delicious places I frequent. Last discovery made – this yummy, fresh half/half lunch special. I had half a turkey club with hickory smoked bacon, sprouts, tomatoes, avocado, olive oil and mayo. Yum! And half a crunchy romaine-based Caesar with croutons, bacon sprinkles and Parmesan cheese. The crunchy combo is satisfying and the perfect portion to avoid siesta-mode.

Fresh Favorite Chatter’s Café & Bistro 140 S. Heights Blvd. 713.864.8080 www.chatterscafe.com This pita is a favorite of mine and recently “discovered” by my husband. (Although, I did use to order it in a wrap rather than in its original state, a pita.) Go with the original: A mountain of lettuce is wrapped in

Byrd’s Café & Market 420 Main 713.225.0100 www.byrdsmarket.com I’m apparently on a crunchy yummy salad kick.

Check out the size of this crispy romaine lettuce salad! It’s big! And had I known it was this big, I might have avoided gorging on hummus and fried bread goodness. This Avocado Caesar comes loaded with romaine lettuce, avocado, roasted anchovy dressing, queso fresco and crispy fried bread croutons. You can add a protein like shredded chicken and your meal is complete. You might want to order dressing on the side due to the sheer size, because you could save some and have it for lunch the next day. Super fresh, it’ll keep for another meal.

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cd reviews By Lance Scott Walker

H.I.S.D. | The Weakend (PeaceUvMine) It’s beautiful that this record has not been promoted and marketed with the tag “concept album,” because it very obviously is one, and yet the idea will still sneak up on some. This, Hueston Independent Spit District’s second fulllength, can be interpreted in about a hundred ways – the most encompassing of which being a sort of science fiction hip-hop epic about H.I.S.D. being dragged into a parallel dimension and engaging in a battle with “The Weak.” Aside from the story (which can’t effectively be summarized), the most compelling thing about The Weakend is the way in which this album breathes through its 13 tracks. There is a brilliant use of space, of dialogue, even hints of the skits that typically (not here) slow down most hip-hop records, all wrapped into the tracks in a way that moves it along in a series of segues between movements that keeps you listening from start to finish without realizing it. Big, warm synths dress nearly every track, serving as a drone to fill the space in some areas, with beats that swing like a great jazz drummer instead of just hitting hard. Every track is packed full of melodic line after melodic line layered over one another, with instrumentation that expands and contracts as would a real band, and a careful use of sound effects that fill the space moves the story along and even merges into the percussive movements. Lyrically, H.I.S.D. has a way of summing up Houston in ways that only residents of Houston can appreciate, and that commentary and those references are here, but they’ve extended it in a way that pushes this album past all of the history references and odes to other Houston rappers. They do that by dropping in bits of the work of those rappers in a history lesson that has been evolving within the body of work of these four rappers for the past several years. But these songs don’t feel like rappers spitting on top of tracks. These are songs, sounding as if they were written in the garage rather than in the studio. Producers King Midas and E-Classic obviously put in a ton of work, but the raw melodic simplicity of every track on this record argues for songwriting as the strongest force in place here. Did I mention that they can all rap?

K-Rino | Annihilation of the Evil Machine (Black Book International) And then there’s K-Rino, whose every album is a series of warped concepts wrapped within sound ones. This one is twisted, a two-disc, 29-track explosion that addresses love, hate, religion, sex, growth, death, responsibility, crime, conspiracies… very little in the end that he doesn’t touch. Prominent on Annihilation is his, the most wicked laugh in all of hip hop, thorough with wisdom and venom in a way that stokes the fear with trust. Or the trust with fear. Then there’s the 11-minute closer, “Spit Somthin’,” a dark, organdrenched dirge with the South Park Coalition chiming in. What’s encouraging is not just the direction in which K-Rino is moving; it’s that he’s taking people with him.

Superchunk | Majesty Shredding (Merge) Fans of Superchunk, no matter how dedicated, are always afraid that the next record is going to suck, that the band will become homogenous and repetitive. Not so here, not even after an 8-year break since their last. In fact, the middle of this record is some of the band’s best work ever, with “Slow Drip” sounding like something straight off No Pocky for Kitty. Far be it from Superchunk to dig back into a bag of tricks, but it never hurts to remind folks, right?

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OO2CROSSWORD THE DICKENS YOU SAY?

ACROSS 1. House wine orders 8. With 8 down, make a sharp turn 11. Clock setting for most of TX 14. Actress Russell from “Black Widow” and “The Razor’s Edge” 15. Prefix with metric 16. Nebraska native 17. Hushed hymn for the holidays 19. Moon jumper 20. Cat from Chihuahua 21. France’s ___ Polytechnique 23. High mark 27. Skinny pasta 30. Dog walking accessories 32. Grease target 33. Former “Z” car brand 34. Thrilla in Manila participant 35. Network on the telly 38. Ghostly holiday tale 42. Understand 43. Sch. with a Providence campus 44. Old Ford named for an Italian city 45. “Felicity” actress Russell 47. Some treasure

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hunters’ destinations 48. Puzzles 52. Corpulent 53. Japanese beer brand 54. 100 for an I.Q. 56. CBS show set in Las Vegas 57. Popular yuletide holiday song 64. Some wide shoes 65. Physician’s org.

66. What Doris Day would have us avoid eating 67. Opposite of NNW 68. Pile by a pitchfork 69. High spirits DOWN 1. Dollar parts: Abbr.

2. Hawaiian tuna 3. Sis or cuz 4. “__ you serious?”

5. Literally, “wind and water” 6. “¿Cómo __ usted?”

7. They’re seen in malls in December 8. With 8 across, move defensively 9. Campfire residue 10. “___ It On the Mountain” 11. Winter warmer 12. Popular vodka, familiarly

13. ___ of London 18. Charged particle 22. Guerilla leader Guevara 23. Actor Alan and family 24. Quiet partner 25. Wood shaping machine 26. Cold War rival of the USA 28. Big celebration 29. Lives and breathes 31. Make certain 34. ___ my brother’s keeper?

35. Salty water 36. Portfolio portion 37. Intimate 39. Cereal “for kids” 40. Equatorial nation

41. Spirited horse 45. Metric speed abbr.

46. Wood of “Lord of the Rings” 47. Wagner’s “Tristan und __” 48. Treasure map distances 49. There are a lot of them in Mississippi 50. Up the ante 51. High school subj.

55. Authentic 58. “__ little teapot...”

59. Dissenting vote 60. NYC hours 61. 52, in old Rome 62. August zodiac sign

63. Taxpayer ID

NOVEMBER ANSWERS

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