December 2011

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002houston | december 2011 | volume 13 | issue 156

hip.current.cool guide

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

AY E D L I UID O G H IFT nside G i

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volume 13 | issue 156 letter from the editor

PUBLISHER ­alejandro­martinéz­ext­2­­a.martinez@002mag.com EDITOR-IN-CHIEF | CREATIVE DIRECTOR carla­valencia­de­martinéz­ext­3­­c.valencia@002mag.com CONTRIBUTING EDITOR victoria­bartlett ART DIRECTOR alex­rosa­ext­4­­arosa@002mag.com LIFESTYLE EDITOR beatrice­allen­ext­5­­bvalencia@002mag.com ASSOCIATE EDITOR pixie­ibañez­ext­6­­pixie@002mag.com ADVERTISING SALES MANAGER william­king­ext­7­­w.king@002mag.com ADVERTISING EXECUTIVE carlos­valencia­ext­8­­cevalencia@002mag.com jason­brown­­jbrown@002mag.com alex­perez­­perez@002mag.com martin­de­penne­rouge­­martind@002mag.com

Photography­by­Sofia­van­der­Dys­ Makeup­by­Edward­Sanchez­ Blowout­by­David­Michael­@­David­Michael­Salon­ Somabeads necklaces,­when­360­of­you­buy­$25­worth­of beads,­125­Ugandan­kids­can­be­put­in­school. www.somabeads.com

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s 2011 comes to a close I look back at this year and all the good and bad. From an addition to our family to watching business get better to how we deal, promote and help our clients grow and how that translates to providing our readers with a quality guide to the city. It’s been a full year! And I can’t wait to see what 2012 with throw at us.

We’ve been at this for thirteen plus year’s now and never missed a month of bringing you everything the city has to offer.

Thank you for letting us into your life another year.

CARLA VALENCIA DE MARTINEZ

Going into 2012 we bring you one of my favorite issues in January, the green issue!

Please share with me any innovative green habits, businesses or people you know of.

Drop me an email at c.valencia@002mag.com.

You’ll see this issue has our annual gift guide with tons of ideas and options for that someone on your list. Don’t hesitate to use it! Some of our retailers are even offering discounts.

And another annual is our cover contest. Congrats to this years winner Ryan Systma was the overwhelming winner with his collaged “H”. With over 35 qualifying cover submissions, I can say this year’s contest was a success!

Although I LOVE this time of year, it does get a little crazy with family, presents, parties – oh my! So I know I could use a good laugh; hopefully you’ll get one from Jason Poland’s comics made just for 002 on page 26.

And it is with great sadness that we say goodbye to Wise Guy extraordinaire and contributor Tim Moloney. This is his last installment for us. Stay tuned for Lance Scott Walker taking over in January.

Before I bid you adieu ‘til 2012, please go to our website at www.002mag.com and sign up on the right-hand top header for eblasts to get you into not only our events but also special events from our advertisers!

That’s all, folks!

rocco, the office "gato"

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE ext­9­­accounting@002mag.com WEB DEVELOPMENT mario­hernandez­jr.

PHOTOGRAPHERS cody­bess,­kennon­evett,­kim­coffman,­jill­hunter,­jaime­lagdameo, gabriella­nissen,­daniel­ortiz,­jack­potts,­anthony­rathbun,­ sofia­van­der­dys CONTRIBUTING WRITERS susan­bynam,­michael­garfield,­sarah­gish,­clayton­graves,­nadia­michel, tim­moloney,­greg­scheinman,­scott­ward,­jenni-rebecca­stephenson, lance­scott­walker CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS keven­alvarado,­chinh­phan,­micahl­wyckof,­kevin­marple,­nicholas baker,­dustin­downin,­herb­hochman,­vicky­pink,­for­lastnightpics.com: omar­mejia,­brad­sechler,­claire­learned INTERN elloria­lindley “H” Cover Contest Winner: Ryan Systma

002houston Magazine is published monthly by NODO Magazine, L.L.C., 1824 Spring Street, Studio 002, Houston, TX 77007. Copyright © 2011 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.

002HOUSTON MAGAZINE 1824 SPRING ST. STUDIO 002 | HOUSTON, TX 77007

Carla­Valencia­de­Martinéz Editor-in-Chief|­Creative­Director

4. december 11 | www.002mag.com

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

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COMING IN JANUARY 2012

table of contents

green issue

DECEMBER 2011

52 4 letter from the editor

34 things i love

6 table of contents

36 costumes for cocktails 37 familiar fornasetti

38 COVER CONTEST 42 HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE 48 wise guy

26 8 houston map

49 tools, toys + gadgets 57 architecture+design: alarm dock 50 destination: paris, la baule

10 downtown map

51 cutting edge

12 uptown + galleria map

52 002PROFILE: MICHAEL HOLTHOUSE

13 party pic 14 on our radar

54 where to live

16 calendar

56 it’s cool to savor the quiet times this holiday season

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58 DINE WRITE: IL MULINO 60 CHEF’S SPECIAL: CARLA SUSI 62 open 64 restaurant listings

18 museum district

68 washington way

20 art houses+museums+exhibits 22 for art’s sake: japan365: a drawing-a-day in 2011 23 gish at the movies

70 ssqq dance studio 72 club + lounge review: roak, otc +

24 phone shot 25 spacetaker

26 SEASON’S GREETINGS FROM THE GUNDERMANNS 28 nonprofit: the altus foundation

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29 party pic 30 born cool. grow hip.

hendricks pub & eatery

31 party pics

74 the scene

32 people of houston

78 002 nightlife 80 bea here now

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gift guide

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81 recording: tyagaraja 82 party pic | crossword puzzle

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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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...1 ..2 ..3 ..4 ..5 ..6 .7 ..8 ..9 .10 .11 12 .13 14 .15 16 17 18 .19 20 .21 22 23 24 25 26 27

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uptown+ galleria map

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Photography by Daniel Ortiz

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EVENT BUBBLES FOR BOOBIES WHY TO BENEFIT THE SUSAN G. KOMEN FOUNDATION WHERE Q CUSTOM CLOTHIER & RYE 51 WHEN OCTOBER 4 Friends celebrated an evening benefiting the Susan G. Komen Foundation at the aptly named Bubbles for Boobies event. Q Custom Clothier – the new bespoke fashion atelier at West Ave – and Rye 51, Q’s casual cousin, along with MAX’s Wine Dive hosted an evening of food, fashion and fun – all for a great cause.

The crowd enjoyed MAX’s famed truffle mac & cheese and champagne, sipped on some whiskey and got an exclusive first look at Houston’s hottest style outpost for men. 10% of all sales were donated to the Susan G. Komen Foundation.

Christian and Rachelle Skov

Kristen Cannon, Gavin Toravi, Rachel Walton

check out more pictures @ 002mag.com

Candice and Lonnie Schiller

Wanda Williams, Irena Hixson

Mark Sullivan, Gigi Huang, Jonathan Horowitz

Hasti Taghi, James Geitz

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002+magazine

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on our

By Elloria Lindley

radar

New to the Area THE BRITISH SHOE BRAND KNOWN FOR ITS ROYAL FOLLOWING, LK BENNETT, OPENS SHOP IN HOUSTON AT THE GALLERIA. FASHION STUDIO opens December 17. Michael Malik’s latest men’s and women’s fashion boutique will keep quantities low but variety high, ensuring customers exclusivity. 1111 Westheimer, www.fashionstudiohouston.com

foodie TESLA IN TEXAS. The innovative Tesla motor brings their electricity to the Houston area. From the design to the road Tesla is changing how Houstonians view electrical vehicles. With their new convenient location by the Houston Galleria you can now experience the practical advantages of driving a Tesla motor.

GREAT PLAY is a new, unique children’s gym combining learning and exercise in the most inventive way. From as young as 6 months old to 5th grade, Great Play helps construct competence and confidence bringing classes to life using computer technology, image projection and directional sound. The new facility will be opening in Sugar Land on November 2 at 4646 Highway 6 South. To register, go to www.greatplay.com/sugarland.

ROBERT REDFORD’S SUNDANCE CINEMAS OPENED LAST MONTH SPECIALIZING IN FILM PROGRAMMING, INDEPENDENT AND FOREIGN LANGUAGE FILMS AND – BEST OF ALL – THERE ARE NO ANNOYING COMMERCIALS! THE CINEMA ALSO HAS A BISTRO AND BAR OFFERING FOOD, DRINKS AND COMFORTABLE ROCKERS TO LAUGH, CRY OR SCREAM AT YOUR FAVORED FILMS. CHECK OUT YOUR FAVORITE SEAT WARMERS AT 510 TEXAS AVE. (THE OLD ANGELIKA FILM CENTER AT SMITH ST.).

WWW.SUNDANCECINEMAS.COM

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SAMBA GRILLE has a new heart behind its latest state-of-the-art South American menu. Chef Guerrero has been promoted to Executive Chef and with his promotion comes more palate-pleasing plates. With the recent change you will experience South America through your taste buds. • All dogs go to Tila’s.

You can now bring your four-legged friends in to enjoy some of Tila’s Mexican cuisine out on the patio. The restaurant is pleased to announce that they have received the permit allowing all dogs on the patio. So bring your dogs in and let them experience why Tila’s restaurant and bar is the talk of the dog park.

FRIENDS FOR GOOD WILL HOST A COOKING CLASS AT CENTRAL MARKET IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE RELEASE OF THEIR NEW COOKBOOK, GREEN BEANS AND GUACAMOLE, ON MONDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2011.

GUESTS ATTENDING THE CLASS WILL BE INTRODUCED TO PROMINENT HOUSTON CHEFS INCLUDING DAVID CORDUA OF AMERICAS, PHILIPPE SCHMIDT OF PHILLIPPE'S AND RANDY EVANS OF HAVEN, WHO WILL DEMONSTRATE THEIR FEATURED RECIPES. COST IS $65 PER PERSON. RSVP WWW.CENTRALMARKET.COM

Community BE A SANTA TO A SENIOR program runs through Dec. 20. You have a unique opportunity to help local senior citizens who might otherwise be overlooked this holiday season. Home Instead Senior Care is teaming up with nonprofit agencies and area retailers to sponsor Be a Santa to a Senior – a program that collects, wraps and delivers gifts to lonely and needy seniors in Houston.

For more information about the local program, visit www.beasantatoasenior.com.

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Few shows have touched audiences like RIVERDANCE, the Original International Phenomenon, now on its FAREWELL TOUR. This thunderous celebration of joyful music, song and dance will play at the Hobby Center Feb. 10 – 12, 2012, for 5 performances only! This not-to-miss performance is a special addition to the Gexa Energy Broadway at the Hobby Center 2011-2012 season. Tickets can be purchased by calling 800.982.ARTS or visiting www.BroadwayAcrossAmerica.com/Houston or www.TheHobbyCenter.org.

LEAH WHITE AND SARAH GISH HAVE RELEASED THEIR CD CALLED OUR ROOTS ARE STRONG! ITS RELEASE IS TIMED TO COINCIDE WITH HOUSTON’S 175TH BIRTHDAY. LEAH WROTE 14 ORIGINAL SONGS FOR THE CITY ABOUT HISTORIC HOUSTON LANDMARKS INCLUDING RIVER OAKS THEATRE, ASTRODOME, RICE HOTEL, NASA, VAQUERO STATUE IN MOODY PARK, JULIA IDESON LIBRARY, CHRIST CHURCH CATHEDRAL, BUFFALO BAYOU AND ALLEN’S LANDING, THE 1940 AIR TERMINAL MUSEUM, LIVE OAK TREES, DOWNTOWN AQUARIUM, GOODNIGHT HOUSTON (GOES WITH THE LYRICS OF A BOOK WRITTEN BY A HOUSTON AUTHOR), HERITAGE SOCIETY AND MORE! THE GOAL OF THIS MUSIC IS TO EDUCATE AND INSPIRE YOUTH IN HOUSTON ABOUT THE CITY’S HISTORY AND NEED FOR PRESERVATION.

Local Factoid Fall is here and with the gorgeous weather also come pesky pests invading our homes in every nook and cranny trying to find up a home for the winter. According to the THE NATIONAL PEST MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATION (NPMA; www.pestworld.org), the top two most challenging pests are house mice and yellow jackets while the most destructive are carpenter ants, roof rats and Eastern subterranean termites.

PEST FACT • Fleas can survive for months without feeding.

• Mice can fit through an opening the size of a nickel.

• Three percent of the American population is allergic to a stinging insect's venom.

• Mice can jump a foot high.

• More human deaths have been attributed to fleas than to all the wars ever faught.

• One colony of Formosan termites can eat up to 1,000 pounds of wood a year, compared to the 7 pounds that native termites eat. december 11 | www.002mag.com .15

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calendar december S U N DAY

M O N DAY

December 1, Houston Early Music presents the Dufay Collective: Christmas Revelry in Renaissance England, 4:15pm at Christ Church Cathedral. www.HoustonEarlyMusic.org or 713.432.1744 December 1, 2011 World AIDS Day Luncheon at Hilton Americas-Houston. www.AIDShelp.org December 1, John Waite at Stereo Live. www.stereolivehouston.com December 1-20, Be a Santa to a Senior ® Program.

Visit www.beasantatoasenior.com for more information and other event dates.

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Alley The Santaland Diaries 2:30 | A Christmas Carol 2:30 & 7:30pm HOB Dir En Grey 7pm Reliant Stadium Texans vs. Atlanta Falcons 12pm Stages Panto… 2pm | The Winter Wonderettes 3pm Toyota Cirque du Soleil: Dralion 1 & 5pm Warehouse Big Sean 8pm Wortham HB: The Nutcracker 2 & 7:30pm

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Alley The Santaland Diaries 2:30 | A Christmas Carol 2:30 & 7:30pm Hobby White Christmas 2 & 7:30pm HOB Christmas w/ Aaron Neville 7pm Jones HS: Very Merry Pops 2:30 & 7:30pm Stages Panto… 2pm | The Winter Wonderettes 3pm Toyota Aeros vs. Peoria Rivermen 5:05pm Warehouse The Chariot 6pm Thrash & Burn Tour 5pm

PERFORMING ARTS + CONCERTS + SPORTS + FESTIVALS + GENERAL INTEREST T U E S DAY

December 1-January 15, 2012, Fruitcakes! (a very special holiday special) at the Music Box Theatre. www.themusicboxtheater.com or 713.522.7722 December 1-3, 5 & 8-10, Mildred’s Umbrella Theater Company & Obsidian Art Space presents Museum of Dysfunction IV: a Showcase Shorts, 8pm at Obsidian Art Space. www.obsidianartspace.org or www.mildredsumbrella.com December 1-January 1, Macy’s Downtown Holiday Trolleys.

Park for free at Macy’s garage and then ride the free holiday trolleys to and from all the downtown holiday destinations. www.downtownhouston.org

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Toyota The Throne: Jay-Z & Kanye West TBD December 5, Fourth Annual Christmas Tail benefiting Lucky Dog Rescue, 6-8pm at Hotel ICON. Enjoy a showcase and auction of incredible and edible “gingerbread” doghouses created by some of the city’s most talented chefs. luckyrescue@gmail.com

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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: meridianhouston.com MILLER OUTDOOR THEATRE (MOT): milleroutdoortheatre.com

Alley The Santaland Diaries 7:30pm Hobby White Christmas 7:30pm Jones HS: Christopher Eschenbach Returns 7:30pm

December 6, Jeanette Williams Foundation Toy Drive for UTMB Hospital in Galveston, 5pm at Bakkhus Greek Restaurant in Kemah. www.jeanettewilliamsfoundation.org

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December 12-16, Gingerbread Build-Off Exhibition at Architecture Center Houston. www.aiahouston.org

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Alley The Santaland Diaries 7:30pm Hobby White Christmas 7:30pm Jones HS: A Linda Eder Christmas 7:30pm Warehouse Fearless Friends Tour 6pm

DISCOVERY GREEN DECEMBER EVENTS www.discoverygreen.com December 1-January 22, 2012, St. Joseph Medical Center’s Ice at Discovery Green presented by the Houston Chronicle and Momentum Luxury Auto Group.

Mondays @6pm- Skating with the Stars Tuesdays @ 7-9pm- Jazz on Ice

December 11, 6th Annual H-E-B Feast of Sharing, 1-4pm at the George R. Brown Convention Center.

W E D N E S DAY

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

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Alley The Santaland Diaries 7:30pm Hobby White Christmas 7:30pm Jones SPA: The Irish Tenors 8pm Stages Panto… 7pm | The Winter Wonderettes 7:30pm December 3, Messiah for Kids! 11am at The Church of St. John the Divine. Houston Chamber Choir in collaboration with ROCO. www.houstonchamberchoir.org or 713.224.5566

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Main Street Junie B… 11:30am Wortham HB: The Nutcracker 2 & 7:30pm

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Alley The Santaland Diaries 7:30pm | A Christmas Carol 7:30pm Main Street Junie B… 11:30am Stages Panto… 7pm Wortham HB: The Nutcracker 2 & 7:30pm

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Jones Shen Yun Performing Arts 7:30pm Wortham HB: The Nutcracker 2 & 7:30pm

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Alley A Christmas Carol 2:30 & 7:30pm | The Santaland Diaries 7:30pm Jones Shen Yun Performing Arts 7:30pm Stages Panto… 7pm Wortham HB: The Nutcracker 2 & 7:30pm

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Alley The Santaland Diaries 2:30 | A Christmas Carol 2:30 & 7:30pm Hobby White Christmas 2 & 7:30pm Jones Handel’s Messiah in Candlelight 2:30pm Reliant Stadium Texans vs. Carolina Panthers 12pm Stages Panto… 2 & 7pm | The Winter Wonderettes 3pm Toyota Aeros vs. Rochester Americans 5:05pm Warehouse Afton Live 6pm Wortham HB: The Nutcracker 2 & 7:30pm

Merry Christmas 16. december 11 | www.002mag.com

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Alley The Santaland Diaries 7:30pm | A Christmas Carol 7:30pm HOB Jerrod Niemann 7pm Stages Panto Red Riding Hood 7pm | The Winter Wonderettes 7:30pm Toyota Cirque du Soleil: Dralion 7:30pm Verizon Joe Bonamassa 8pm December 3, 10th Annual Toast to Living Well Masquerade & Casino Ball at Hilton Americas- Houston. Presented by ZT Wealth and Altus HMS. www.toasttolivingwell.com or 713.202.5780

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Alley The Santaland Diaries 7:30pm | A Christmas Carol 7:30pm Hobby White Christmas 7:30pm Stages Panto… 7pm | The Winter Wonderettes 7:30pm | Toyota Aeros vs. Oklahoma City Barons 11:05am | Verizon My Morning Jacket 7:30pm December 3, Public Poetry in the Park (in partnership with Houston Public Library), 2-4pm.

December 3, 6th Annual “Home Sweet Home” Gingerbread Bash, 6:30pm at the Children’s Museum of Houston. www.cmhouston.org

Alley The Santaland Diaries 7:30pm Hobby White Christmas 7:30pm Stages Panto… 7pm | The Winter Wonderettes 7:30pm Warehouse Max Bemis 7pm

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Alley The Santaland Diaries 7:30pm | A Christmas Carol 7:30pm Jones Shen Yun Performing Arts 7:30pm Main Street Junie B… 11:30am Stages Panto… 7pm | The Winter Wonderettes 7:30pm Toyota Aeros vs. Texas Stars 7:05pm Wortham HB: The Nutcracker 2 & 7:30pm

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Alley A Christmas Carol 2:30 & 7:30pm | The Santaland Diaries 7:30pm Jones Shen Yun Performing Arts 7:30pm Main Street Junie B… 11:30am Stages Panto… 7pm | The Winter Wonderettes 7:30pm Warehouse Afton Live 6pm Wortham HB: The Nutcracker 2 & 7:30pm

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Alley The Santaland Diaries 2:30 & 7:30pm HOB The Ruby Revue Burlesque 8pm Stages Panto… 7pm

Wednesdays @6:30pm - Zumba on Ice Thursdays @6:30pm - IKEA Houston’s Silver Screen at Discovery Green Fridays @ 6-8pm- Cool Tunes, Hot Ice Saturdays @ 5pm- Momentum Luxury Auto Group Skating with Santa with KUHFz 12-6pm.

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T H U R S DAY

Alley The Santaland Diaries 7:30pm HOB Robert Earl Keen, Ready for Confetti from the Fam-O-Lee 7pm Stages Panto… 7pm

Alley The Santaland Diaries 7:30pm | A Christmas Carol 7:30pm Hobby White Christmas 7:30pm HOB Vargas, Delagarza and Friends w/ Santana’s Andy Vargas and La Mafia’s David Delagarza 8pm Stages Panto… 7pm | The Winter Wonderettes 7:30pm Warehouse Afton Live 6pm Wortham HB: The Nutcracker 2 & 7:30pm

PLAN AHEAD: January 7, Ice Sculpting Competition, 10am-5:30pm January 14-15, Chevron Houston Marathon 2012. www.houston2012.com/ and www.chevronhoustonmarathon.com

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

WWW.HOUSTONTHEATERDISTRICT.ORG F R I DAY

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Alley The Santaland Diaries 6 & 9pm | A Christmas Carol 7:30pm Jones HS: The Night Before Christmas 10 & 11:30am Stages Panto… 7pm | The Winter Wonderettes 8pm Toyota Cirque du Soleil: Dralion 3:30 & 7:30pm Verizon Yo Gabba Gabba Live! It’s Time to Dance!

4 & 7pm Wortham HB: Jubilee of Dance 7:30pm

December 2-3, 2011 Houston Heights Association Holiday Home Tour, Deck the Heights. www.houstonheights.org

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Alley The Santaland Diaries 6 & 9pm | A Christmas Carol 7:30pm Hobby White Christmas 8pm Jones HS: Very Merry Pops 8pm Stages Panto… 7pm | The Winter Wonderettes 8pm Toyota Aeros vs. San Antonio Rampage 7:35pm Wortham HB: The Nutcracker 7:30pm

S AT U R DAY

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Alley The Santaland Diaries 2:30 & 7:30pm | A Christmas Carol 2:30 & 7:30pm Hobby Virtuosi: Inaugural Concert of 2011-2012 Season 7:30pm | Main Street Junie B. in Jingle Bells, Batman Smells 1 & 4pm | Stages Panto… 2 & 7pm | The Winter Wonderettes 8pm | Toyota Cirque du Soleil: Dralion 4 & 8pm | Verizon Buzzfestivus w/ Rise Against the Machine, Flobots, et al. 8pm | Warehouse Coffin Case/ Jetspeed Live Holiday Fashion Show & Concert 7pm | Ashleigh & Raven’s Metal Zone Showcase 6pm Wortham HB: The Nutcracker 2 & 7:30pm

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Alley The Santaland Diaries 2:30 & 7:30pm | A Christmas Carol 2:30 & 7:30pm Hobby White Christmas 2 & 8pm Jones HS: Very Merry Pops 8pm Main Street Junie B… 1 & 4pm Stages Panto… 2 & 7pm | The Winter Wonderettes 8pm Warehouse Girl in a Coma 8pm Wortham HB: The Nutcracker 2 & 7:30pm

December 10, Third Annual Gingerbread Build-Off, 10am–4pm at Market Square Park. Registration online bit.ly/pni2UU or arch@aiahouston.org December 10-11 & 17-18, Revels Houston presents The Christmas Revels - A Celebration of the Winter Solstice at the University of Houston’s Wortham Theater. www.revelshouston.org or 713.668.3303

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Alley The Santaland Diaries 6 & 9pm | A Christmas Carol 2:30 & 7:30pm Jones Shen Yun Performing Arts 7:30pm Main Street Junie B… 11:30am Stages Panto… 2 & 7pm | The Winter Wonderettes 8pm Toyota Trans-Siberian Orchestra: Winter Tour 2011, 7:05pm Verizon Maze w/ Frankie Beverly 7:30pm Wortham HB: The Nutcracker 2 & 7:30pm

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Alley The Santaland Diaries 6 & 9pm | A Christmas Carol 7:30pm Hobby White Christmas 8pm Jones Handel’s Messiah in Candlelight 8pm Stages Panto… 7pm | The Winter Wonderettes 8pm Toyota Aeros vs. Texas Stars 7:35pm Wortham HB: The Nutcracker 7:30pm

Alley The Santaland Diaries 6 & 9pm HOB Hayes Carll 8pm Stages Panto… 7pm Toyota Disney’s Phineas and Ferb: The Best Live Tour Ever!

1, 4 & 7pm Warehouse Grupo Fantasma 8pm December 10 & 31, Architecture Center Houston and AIA Houston Presents Towers and Trees Downtown Walking Tour, 10am-12pm at City Hall at the reflection pool at Hermann Square. www.aiahouston.org/Tour.cfm or 713.520.0155.

Alley The Santaland Diaries 2:30 & 7:30pm | A Christmas Carol 2:30 & 7:30pm Hobby White Christmas 2 & 8pm Jones Handel’s Messiah in Candlelight 8pm Main Street Junie B… 1 & 4pm Stages Panto… 2 & 7pm | The Winter Wonderettes 8pm Verizon Randy Rogers Band 8:30pm Wortham HB: The Nutcracker 2 & 7:30pm

Alley The Santaland Diaries 2:30 | A Christmas Carol 2:30 Jones Shen Yun Performing Arts 2pm Stages Panto… 2pm | The Winter Wonderettes 3pm Wortham HB: The Nutcracker 2pm

New Year’s Eve

Alley The Santaland Diaries 6pm Hobby Ars Lyrica: Bach and Time 9pm HOB Blue October 8pm Reliant Stadium Meineke Car Care Bowl of Texas 11am | Arena Young Jeezy 9pm Stages Panto Red Riding Hood Naughty Panto (Adults Only) 9pm December 31, New Year’s Eve Live. www.newyearsevelive.com december 11 | www.002mag.com .17

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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

Imprinting the Divine: Byzantine and Russian Icons for the Menil Collection, on view thru March 18, 2012, is widely regarded by scholars in the field as one of the most important exhibits of its kind in the United States. The group of more than sixty works, many of which were acquired by Dominique de Menil in 1985 from the noted collector Eric Bradley, spans 600 years, from the 13th to the 18th centuries, and encompasses a number of distinct cultures including Greek, Slavic and Russian 2. HOUSTON CENTER FOR PHOTOGRAPHY www.hcponline.org

Magical Realism in Photography, on view thru January 14, 2012, is a collection of photographs that bring to mind the mysterious and beautiful aesthetic found in Latin American Magical Realism. Though some of these images are digitally altered and some are natural photographs, there is a consistent attachment to this aesthetic that begins with reality and then takes its own course.

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 13th-century Byzantine frescoes that had been looted from their original home in a small chapel in Lysi, Cyprus.

5. HOUSTON CENTER FOR CONTEMPORARY CRAFT www.crafthouston.org

Going Up? On view December 10, this exhibition of whimsical metal sculptures by Texas artist Lauren McAdams focuses on two of the artist’s most recent

18. december 11 | www.002mag.com

bodies of work, Flying Rings and the Women Series. In Flying Rings, McAdams’ fanciful interpretations of finger rings appear to whiz, fly and zip their way up and down the high-tension cables she has installed. Replete with feet, propellers and wheels, the Flying Rings are full of character. In the Women Series, McAdams continues her exploration into the potential capabilities of different individuals and again shows the viewer her sense of humor.

skin-crawling bugs we love to hate! Get close and personal to examine the what, why, when and how of mosquitoes, fleas, ticks, leeches and other parasites. See live mosquitoes and leeches in their home environment. Learn why bloodsuckers are important to the ecosystem, and how to keep them out and away from your system!

10. THE HEALTH MUSEUM www.thehealthmuseum.org

6. LAWNDALE ARTCENTER www.lawndaleartcenter.org

This is for You, on view thru January 7, 2012. Artist Darcy Rosenberger utilizes the medium of the gift throughout her work to explore and express the innumerable forms of love. The exhibition displays things that were made for very specific people, to capture the beauty of these fleeting individuals, experiences and relationships as well as the blindingly beautiful qualities of the present. A wide range of media is employed to make very personal, almost secret, communications to particular people with the hopes of connecting to the greater public through their own storehouses of personal experiences and relationships.

7. BUFFALO SOLDIERS NATIONAL MUSEUM www.buffalosoldiermuseum.com

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.

8. HOLOCAUST MUSEUM HOUSTON www.hmh.org

Ours to Fight For: American Jews in the Second World War, on view thru December 31. This exhibit examines and celebrates the role of Jewish servicemen and women who labored on and off the battlefield during World War II. The exhibit is based on video testimony gathered from more than 400 oral histories with Jewish servicemen and women. Their moving words, animated through historic film footage, videotaped interviews and hundreds of photographs and objects, make it clear that the war had special meaning for American Jews.

9. CHILDREN’S MUSEUM OF HOUSTON www.cmhouston.org

Attack of the Bloodsuckers, on view thru January 22, 2012. What’s biting you? Explore the science of the

Winter Discovery Camps, Dec.19-23. Enroll your child in a week long Discovery Camp at The Health Museum this winter. Every day will include a different educational and entertaining topic. Themes include Kid’s Kitchen Cook-off, Grossology, Winter Olympics, Kitchen Chemistry Camp and The Science of Celebration.

Preregistration is required.

11. HOUSTON MUSEUM OF NATURAL SCIENCE www.hmns.org

Discovering the Civil War, on view thru December.

Layers of time and memory obscure the American Civil War in a smoky haze. The real human beings, military and civilian, who lived through these years of travail and sacrifice are lost to us, but the records they left behind give us a pathway back to the past. The exhibit is divided into 12 thematic areas that combine great original treasures, engaging touchscreen interactive and social media tools, selected to illustrate the breadth of the conflict and to ask, “How do we know what happened?”

12. HOUSTON ZOO www.houstonzoo.org

Gift of Grub, thru December 31. Who would want the gift of 11,000 bales of hay this holiday season? The elephants at the Houston Zoo, that’s who. That’s how much hay the Zoo’s herd of 7 elephants consume in a year. Help feed all the animals when you donate to Gift of Grub at the Houston Zoo. Thanks to TXU Energy’s generous matching gift challenge, every dollar you give through December 31 up to $25,000 will be doubled.

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13. RICE UNIVERSITY ART GALLERY www.ricegallery.org

Salon of Beauty by Ana Serrano, on view thru December 11. Noticing parts of the urban landscape that most of us ignore, Serrano creates small sculptures of buildings that cull together what might catch her eye on a morning walk: handpainted signage and illustrations on a local business, the blue and turquoise colors of a house with a cord of a satellite dish snaking down the side. Ana Serrano enlarges these details in a cityscape of buildings that playfully mix together her observations.

14. THE MUSEUM OF FINE ARTS, HOUSTON www.mfah.org 

Tutankhamun: The Golden King and the Great Pharaohs, on view thru April 2012, features more than 100 artworks, most of which have never been shown in the United States prior to this tour. These spectacular treasures – more than half of which come from the tomb of King Tutankhamun – include the golden sandals found on the boy king’s mummy; a gold coffinette that held his stomach; golden statues of the gods; and King Tut’s rings, ear ornaments and gold collar.

veying nine important bodies of work that integrate and blur the definition of painting by incorporating non-traditional materials such as video and photography. The exhibition will also address Moffett’s political engagement.

16. THE JUNG CENTER OF HOUSTON www.junghouston.org 

Willy Wang Workshop, on view thru December 21. A tribute to the artists’ master, Willy Wang, who has taught the group on this subject for the past 19 years. The works include paintings, drawings and sculptures on human subjects and are done in different mediums.

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.

15. CONTEMPORARY ARTS MUSEUM HOUSTON www.camh.org 

18. JOHN C. FREEMAN WEATHER MUSEUM www.wxresearch.org 

Donald Moffett: The Extravagant Vein, on view thru January 8, 2012, is the first survey exhibition of this American artist’s prolific practice. The exhibition will present work created over the last two decades, sur-

2011 Winter Weather Camp, December 27-29

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 LEAGUE HOUSTON www.artleaguehouston.org 1953 Montrose Blvd. 713.523.9530 Thru February 24, 2012, Wallpaper as Art: If You Sprinkle When You Tinkle BARBARA DAVIS GALLERY www.barbaradavisgallery.com 4411 Montrose 713.520.9200

BLAFFER ART MUSEUM www.blaffer.org 4800 Calhoun Rd. 713.743.9521 Thru January 5, 2012, Born in the Bayou by Dennis Harper

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

HERITAGE SOCIETY www.heritagesociety.org 1100 Bagby 713.655.1912 HOUSTON FIRE MUSEUM www.houstonfiremuseum.org 2403 Milam 713.524.2526 MUSEUM OF PRINTING HISTORY www.printingmuseum.org 1324 W. Clay St. 713.522.4652 MUSEUM OF SOUTHERN HISTORY www.hbu.edu 7502 Fondren Rd. 281.649.3997 ORANGE SHOW www.orangeshow.org 2401 Munger 713.926.6368 PROJECT ROW HOUSES www.projectrowhouses.org 2521 Holman 713.526.7662 STATION MUSEUM OF CONTEMPORARY ART www.stationmuseum.com 1502 Alabama. 713.529.6900 Thru February 12, Crude by Andrei Molodkin UNIVERSITY MUSEUM www.tsu.edu/museum 3100 Cleburne Ave. 713.313.7145

ART HOUSES 18 HANDS GALLERY www.18handsgallery.com 249 West 19th St. 713.869.3099

2.

1. g gallery | 2. fotofest 3. hannah bacol busch gallery | 4. watercolor art society

ART CAR MUSEUM www.artcarmuseum.com 140 Heights Blvd. 713.861.5526

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

1.

BETZ GALLERY www.betzgallery.com 1208 W. Gray 713.576.6954 BOOKER-LOWE GALLERYwww.bookerlowegallery.com 4623 Feagan St. 713.880.1541 CANAL ST. GALLERY www.canalstreetgallery.com 2219 Canal St. 713.228.3848 CAROLINE COLLECTIVE www.carolinecollective.cc 4820 Caroline St. 713.825.4613

3.

G GALLERY www.ggalleryhouston.com 301 East 11th St. 713.822.4842

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

GALLERY 1724 www.gallery1724.blogspot.com 1724 Bissonnet St. 713.523.2547 Thru January 2, d ? b It’s a Secret

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

GALLERY SONJA ROESCH www.gallerysonjaroesch.com 2309 Caroline 713.659.5424

DAKOTA GALLERY www.dakotaframing.com 2324 Shearn St. 713.523.7440

GITE GALLERY www.thegitegallery.com 2024 East Alabama St. 713.523.3311

DARKE GALLERY www.darkegallery.com 5321 Feagan 713.542.3802

GOLDESBERRY GALLERY www.goldesberrygallery.com 2625 Colquitt 713.528.0405

DEBORAH COLTON GALLERY www.coltonfarbgallery.com 2445 North Blvd. 713.869.5151 Thru January 7, Truth: Sublime Beyond Words

GREEN HOUSE GALLERY www.greenhouseartgallery.com 716 W. Alabama St. 713.535.6462

DESANTOS GALLERY www.desantosgallery.com 1724 Richmond 713.520.1200 DIVERSEWORKS www.diverseworks.org 1117 East Freeway 713.223.8346 Thru December 17, My Life as a Doll by Tara Conley and Tira Wood

AEROSOL WARFARE GALLERY + BOUTIQUE www.aerosolwarfare.com 2110 Jefferson St. #113, 832.748.8369

DOMY BOOKS www.domystore.com 1709 Westheimer 713.523.3669

ANYA TISH GALLERY www.anyatishgallery.com 4411 Montrose Blvd. 713.524.2299

ELDER STREET GALLERY www.elderstreetartist.com 1101 Elder St. 281.250.4889

ARCHWAY GALLERY www.archwaygallery.com 2305 Dunlavy 713.522.2409 Thru January 5, Teaming with Fish

FOTOFEST www.fotofest.org 1113 Vine St. 713.223.5522 Thru December 22, International Discoveries III

GREMILLION & CO. FINE ART www.gremillion.com 2501 Sunset Blvd. 713.522.2701 H GALLERY www.hgallery.org 617 W. 19th 713.417.4888 HANNAH BACOL BUSCH GALLERY www.hannahbacolbuschgallery.com 2501 S. Shepherd Dr. 713.527.0523 Thru January 21, Information Age by Irene Abraham

HOOKS-EPSTEIN GALLERIES www.hooksepsteingalleries.com 2631 Colquitt St. 713.522.0718 HOUSTON LANDMARK GALLERY www.houstonlandmarkgallery.com 1200 McKinney 713.927.8800 HOUSTON STUDIOS 707 Walnut St. 713.223.0951 INMAN GALLERY www.inmangallery.com 3901 Main St. 713.526.7800 Thru January 8, Climate of the Heart: Paintings from the 1950s 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

HCC-CENTRAL GALLERY www.centralfinearts.info 3517 Austin 713.718.6600

M2 GALLERY www.gallerymsquared.com 339 W. 19th St. 713.861.6070

HOLLYWOOD FRAME GALLERY www.hollywoodframegallery.com 2427 Bissonnet 713.942.8885

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

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McMURTREY GALLERYwww.mcmurtreygallery.com 3508 Lake St. 713.523.8238 MEREDITH LONG GALLERY www.meredithlonggallery.com 2323 San Felipe 713.523.6671 MIDTOWN ART CENTER www.midtownartcenter.com 3414 La Branch 713.521.8803 MONTROSE ART SOCIETY www.montroseartsociety.com 4715 Main St. 713.316.0402 MOODY GALLERY www.moodygallery.com 2815 Colquitt 713.526.9911 Thru January 14, Pat Colville, New Work MOTHER DOG STUDIOS www.motherdogstudios.com 720 Walnut 713.229.9760 NAU-HAUS GALLERY www.texascollaborative.com 223 E. 11th St. 713.261.1409 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 POISSANT GALLERY www.poissantgallery.com 5102 Center St. 713.868.9337 POST GALLERY www.postgallery.com By appointment only, 713.622.4241 RECORD RANCH GALLERY www.cactusmusictx.com 2110 Portsmouth 713.526.9272

SPRING ST. STUDIOS www.springstreetstudios.info 1824 Spring Street 713.862.0082 STUDIO SEVEN 1107 East Freeway 713.224.5555 TALENTO BILINGUE www.tbhcenter.org 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 Thru January 7, Year End Group Exhibition VAUGHAN CHRISTOPHER GALLERY www.vaughanchristopher.com 1217 S. Shepherd 713.533.0816 WADE WILSON ART www.wadewilsonart.com 4411 Montrose #200, 713.521.2977 WATERCOLOR ART SOCIETY www.watercolorhouston.org 1601 West Alabama 713.942.9966 Opens December 9, Annual Small Paintings Exhibit WINTER STREET STUDIOS www.winterstreetstudios.net 2101 Winter St. 713.862.0082 XNIHILO GALLERY www.xnil.org 2115 Taft St. 713.622.1846 ZARPOSH INDIA GALLERY www.zarposhindia.com 5910 Southwest Fwy. 713.668.2948

4.

REDBUD GALLERY www.redbudgallery.com 303 E. 11th St. 713.862.2532 Thru December 30, Maria Smits 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 SPACE125 GALLERY www.haatx.com 3201 Allen Parkway 713.527.9330

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for art’s sake

By Susan M. Bynam

JAPAN365: A Drawing-A-Day in 2011 A WINNING PROJECT FOR JAPAN RELIEF EFFORTS, FOR THE SAKE OF ART, AND FOR YOU!

H

OUSTON ARTIST AND TEACHER J MUZACZ, inspirational and comforting images that both capture the TEACHING ENGLISH AND INTERNATIONhumanity of the situation and the incredible spirit of the ALIZATION TO SCHOOLCHILDREN FOR THE Japanese.” Leaning on support of local people, colPAST YEAR IN JAPAN, opted to document his leagues, Japanese friends and oftentimes total strangers, time in Japan with daily sketches created Muzacz meticulously chooses his subjects. Images range solely by ballpoint pen (hence the birth of JAPAN365: A from folk in Japanese history to current events to ancient Drawing-A-Day in 2011, a Japanese/English book comstraw huts, Bento food, wild plants, pop culture, landpilation that will feature all of his sketches in Japan for scapes, graffiti – the list goes on. “My work is partly a the past year) – a project largely inspired by his visual learning process with thorough meditation and Australian friend Joel Brewster, who previously recorded research to depict each drawing with accuracy and care.

365 electronic music tracks daily during his time spent in I solely use ballpoint pens to find freedom in simplicity Korea. Muzacz’s desire to share his humble interpretawith my artistry and as an attempt to master a medium tions of the wondrous beauty and mystery of that is perfect for long-term backpack traveling due Japan took on new meaning after the to its accessibility, light weight and sportability March 2011 earthquake off the Pacific for wherever my travels take me,” shares Check out Muzacz’s work coast of Tohoku, which triggered powMuzacz. on his blog at erful tsunami waves resulting in a jmuzacz.posterous.com.

Talk about “WIN” appeal! vast number of fatalities, a number To make your online pledge to of nuclear accidents at the JAPAN365: A Drawing-A-Day in 2011 Project, JAPAN365 will transcend far Fukushima Nuclear Power Plant learn of the amazing perks available and exorbitant devastation to beyond the creation of an art book for your monetary gift, please visit the Japan’s infrastructure and commucompilation. Seeking online pledges JAPAN365 campaign website: nities. Although Muzacz’s residence to support self-publication of the first in Japan was located far from the edition, coupled with his lofty goal of www.indiegogo.com/ destruction, the aftermath and shock selling 1,000,000 books, Muzacz anticiJAPAN365-Drawing-A-Daythat headlined daily news made it difficult pates gifting approximately $6,000,000 of Project. for him to draw anything other than still-life the proceeds to support the Japan Red Cross drawings of his breakfast. and ongoing relief efforts there.

“I pledged to document each day (i.e., a drawing a day starting January 1, 2011), initially, as part of a New Year’s Postcard project, yet my enterprise took on new meaning in the wake of the natural disaster,” said Muzacz. “After letting the shock of the disaster subside, I began to explore the web for the most illustrative photos.

I realized that if my project should remain an authentic retrospective, I would have to draw some of these current events. It was difficult seeing so much wreckage and thinking of the millions of people affected by this tragedy.”

Yet, as Muzacz moved forward, inevitably capturing iconic images of destruction, a fresher sequence of events began to unfold in Japan. “I have sought to find the most

22. december 11 | www.002mag.com

“New Year’s Eve 2011 will mark my last drawing of the year. Completing this journey is a WIN-WIN-WIN situation. Through pledge support, I anticipate successful selfpublication, marketing and promotion of JAPAN365 and its paperless e-book download and print purchase availability in early 2012. YOU win, by pledging and receiving a really cool book. I win by becoming a published artist/author. Most importantly, JAPAN wins by getting $6,000,000 for ongoing relief efforts when we meet our goal! It is my hope that my drawings and efforts to compile an attractive volume for purchase will make enough money to pay for the project itself AND have a few million dollars left to extend to Japan.”

J MUZACZ

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gish at the movies

By Sarah Gish

ART FILMS ARE GOOD FOR THE SOUL… TAKE A FRIEND TO ONE!

SURPRISE ME, BABY What a fun idea: The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston (www.mfah.org) Film and Video Curator Marian Luntz has cleverly scheduled a “surprise” film to unroll 12/16-17 at 7pm and 12/18 at 5pm! Their other films this month take us to France (“Rohmer x 2” series of Eric Rohmer films from 12/9-11) and Taiwan (“Spotlight on World Cinema” series running from 12/2-4). They wrap up the holidays with Being Elmo (12/27-31), a doc on Kevin Clash, creator of the redtopped cutie. Dovetailing nicely with that, Studio Movie Grill (www.studiomoviegrill.com) is screening The Muppets as their special needs film on 12/3, 11am. Also on 12/3, Stitched (www.stitchedfilm.com), the lovely film about quilters, is screening at the Central Librar y at 2pm. The holidays always feature feel-good movies – and this year’s winner (in my mind anyway) is We Bought a Zoo, based on the book We Bought a Zoo: The Amazing True Story of a Young Family, a Broken Down Zoo and the 200 Zoo Animals that Changed Their Lives Forever. It’s coming out 12/23 “to a theatre near you.”

BRAINS AND WAR Bring your brain to this month’s ever-provocative Cinema Bomar (www.cinemabomar.org) screening – it’s on 12/28 at Domy Books and features short films that include hostile stick figures being told that big business is best and an 89-year-old man that has been building a castle in Ohio for 50+ years (Orange Show creator Jeff McKissack’s long lost bro?).

Women and war is the subject of Lioness, this month’s pick for HoustonPBS’s “Community Cinema” (www.communitycinema.org) series on 12/14, 7pm at Rice Cinema (www.film.rice.edu). The Landmark River Oaks (www.landmarktheatres.com) will be screening The Skin I Live In; The Descendants; Like Crazy; and Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy (check with the theatre for showtimes). Their “Midnight Madness” series this month is the classic Home Alone (12/2-3); Rocky Horror Picture Show (12/10 only) and “Santa’s Cool Holiday Film Festival,” featuring Santa Claus Conquers the Martians (12/16-17).14 Pews (www.14pews.org) has two films this month: The Interrupters (12/2) – a film by Hoop Dreams director Steve James about “Violence Interrupters” who work to stop the spread of violence by treating it as an infectious disease – and The Autobiography of Nicolae Ceausescu (12/16-18).

TUBE-OFF TOURNAMENT Finally, YouTube being utilized well on the big screen! The Aurora Picture Show (www.aurorapictureshow.org) has turned their annual holiday party (12/15 at the El Dorado Ballroom) into a “Tube-Off Tournament” – the audience picks a theme and two contestants face off to find the most bizarre, funny, festive or heartfelt videos and present them to the audience in a series of fast-paced rounds complete with stopwatches and a huge gong. I’ll be there for sure. And in honor of holiday travel, APS brings us “The Only Way to Fly” with Skip Elsheimer and his A/V Geeks 16 mm educational collection of flying films, appropriately screening at the 1940 Air Terminal Museum on 12/3. If you haven’t been out to that very cool site, I recommend it! It’s on the grounds of the original Hobby Airport and is a great example of well-preserved art deco architecture. As you are reading this, the Sundance Cinema (www.sundancecinemas.net) will have been open for a few weeks. I hope that my fellow moviegoers are adjusting to the reserved seating and the ticket amenity fee while enjoying the gorgeous, woodsy beauty of this new theatre that has been completely redesigned and refurbished just for us. I can’t think of a better holiday present for film lovers in this city!

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

WHAT would

you do without

smartphones?

You’re

constantly

snapping shots

of food

tHe Homeless decided to come in and taKe naps. by tHe

Victoria bartlett

time tHe lady fell asleep, tHe wHite-HaiRed man in

,

parties, etc., and

Random, i Know. i just so Happen to be tHeRe wHen

municipal couRt juRy assembly Room.

tHe bacKGRound woKe up.

michael silva

sharing them

on facebook and twitter.

Here’s

what you

shared

us

with this month.

@ 59 e Garthok Gnarfle th enry Kody mcH

Gizzmo Gone loco monica Quintero

tHe GRass is GReeneR on otHeR side...

cadillac RancH, amaRillo texas

tRieR, GeRmany.

claudia farinola

danielle Greene

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spacetaker artscene

By Jenni Rebecca Stephenson

THE ART SCENE HAS GOTTEN HIP TO THE FESTIVE HOLIDAY SPIRIT, TOO… SO KNOCK BACK THE NOG AND VENTURE OUT TO ANY ONE OF THESE ARTFUL CELEBRATIONS THIS SEASON AND STIR UP A LITTLE TROUBLE WITH YOUR CULTURE. FELICES FIESTAS!

Suchu Dance presents Shhelkunchik December 1-4 @ 8pm “Shhelkunchik” is the Russian word for the Nutcracker ballet.

Loosely using source material from the original Hoffmann story, “The Nutcracker and the Mouse King,” Suchu branches out from its usual non-representational style to create a narrative dance delivered in a non-linear, collage format: a perfect alternative, semi-Christmas-ish event for dance lovers (and haters). Visitors can also enjoy the newest Suchu Holiday Market featuring an opportunity to purchase holiday gifts. 8pm. Barnevelder (2201 Preston)– $15-25. www.suchudance.org Communograph Bus Tour: Architecture and Community with Stephen Fox December 3 @ 2pm

Sketchy Neighbors in The Saddest Love Story Almost Never Told: Based on a True Idea, showcasing new work based on public submissions, as well as a multimedia collaborative installation.

Drawings, paintings and sculptures via a multitude of media including black velvet, found objects, custom snow globes and more come from neighbors Marisa Avelar, Anthony Butkovich, Brenda Cruz, Jordan Johnson, Katsola, Devon Moore, Melissa Perez, Chris Thompson and Jeff Whiteley. On December 21, local writers from flash fiction publisher NANO Fiction join in for Inky Improv, an experiment in collaborative exchange where scribes and sketchers draw inspiration from audience suggestions. With a strict time limit, each round of this creative throwdown pits artists’ and writers’ wits against each other in friendly fire promising entertainment and unexpected results.

Spacetaker ARC (2101 Winter)– free! www.spacetaker.org Ars Lyrica presents Bach and Time and a New Year’s Eve Gala December 31 @ 9pm

Join the Mitchell Center and local architectural historian Stephen Fox for an alternative bus tour, exploring John Biggers’ principle of “Good and Relevant Architecture.” Sites and stops include Emancipation Park, the historic Eldorado Ballroom, Cuney Homes and a special presentation by Alvia Wardlaw at TSU on the artwork and legacy of John Biggers. Meet at Project Row Houses (2521 Holman)– $10. RSVP required; call 713.526.7662. www.mitchellcenterforarts.org Sketchy Neighbors at Spacetaker ARC Opening December 10 @ 5pm w/ special appearance

by NANO Fiction December 21 @ 6:30pm Spacetaker presents Houston artist collective

Ars Lyrica rings in 2012 with Bach and Time, a program that juxtaposes Bach’s beloved Suite in D (with its famous “Air on the G String”) against vocal works by the great Baroque master on the subject of time, including a cantata on the idea of eternity and one for the new year. Featured soloists include soprano Melissa Givens, countertenor Ryland Angel, tenor Zach Averyt and bass-baritone David Grogan. A gala reception with champagne, delectable hors d’oeuvres and special musical entertainment follows, so make your plans now to spend New Year’s Eve with Ars Lyrica! Zilka Hall, Hobby Center for the Performing Arts– concert starting @ $31, gala $60. www.arslyricahouston.org

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Season's Greetings from the

Gundermanns

by Jason Poland

JASON POLAND is a cartoonist working in Houston, TX. His comics and illustrations have appeared in Film Monitor, NANOFiction, and other publications. His webcomic, Robbie and Bobby, can be found at robbieandbobby.com.

He lives in the Montrose area of Houston with his girlfriend Julai and their cat Wizard.

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THE ALTUS FOUNDATION

nonprofit

By Kimberly Crowder

IN

2010, MORE THAN 50 MILLION AMERICANS WERE REPORTED AS BEING UNINSURED. WITH THE STRUGGLING ECONOMY AND HIGH NATIONAL UNEMPLOYMENT RATE, THE NUMBER OF U.S. CITIZENS WITHOUT HEALTH INSURANCE IS GROWING CONTINUOUSLY. IN AN EFFORT TO PROVIDE HEALTHCARE FOR THE UNDERPRIVILEGED AND UNINSURED IN THE HOUSTON, BEAUMONT AND BAYTOWN AREAS, ALTUS HEALTHCARE MANAGEMENT SERVICES – A HEALTHCARE ORGANIZATION ESTABLISHED BY A DETERMINED GROUP OF MEDICAL AND FINANCIAL SPECIALISTS AT ZT WEALTH WITH THE GOAL OF ENSURING THE BENEFIT OF THE HEALTH CARE DOLLAR – HAS EXPANDED THEIR PHILANTHROPIC EFFORTS BY CREATING A NEW NONPROFIT, THE ALTUS FOUNDATION. The mission of the Altus Foundation is to develop resources for patients in need of healthcare services at an Altus healthcare facility utilizing philanthropic support and patient and community educational programs. The official announcement of the newly established foundation will happen December 3, during ZT Wealth's black-tie, invitation-only 10th Annual Toast to Living Well affair. Other scheduled activities for the gala will include a substantial gift to The Rose, a local nonprofit whose mission is to reduce deaths from breast cancer by providing screening, diagnostics and access to treatment for all women regardless of their ability to pay.

“Those goals are to partner with communities to provide financial support and educational opportunities for Altus patients, including cancer and hospice patients, and to build and establish collaborative interactions between Altus and the communities we serve, including physicians, our vendors and community members.

Also, we desire to provide cancer-screening and prevention services to the communities we live and work in, offer financial support for cancer patients undergoing treatment, and lastly, provide health-related educational programs for the communities we support.”

As a company, the executives of Altus HMS feel a personal responsibility to serve the community. “We at Altus have been fortunate and blessed. Establishing the Altus Foundation is our way of giving back to the community,” said Badar. “We strive to support those organizations whose missions dovetail with our foundation’s mission. Specifically, those who offer needed healthcare services to patients unable to pay for them.”

For over a decade, ZT Wealth has established powerful partnerships with clients seeking a comprehensive resource for financial freedom based on traditional, well-planned investing. Now, this trailblazing company is looking for ways to pay it forward, and their recent partnership with The Rose is just the beginning.

The establishment of the new Altus Foundation is a testament to their commitment of developing opportunities that will allow Altus Healthcare Management Services to reach out to Houston and its surrounding are as to provide quality healthcare without excluding those with low incomes.

“We wanted to establish a way for those who have received care at our facilities to get the help they need – whether at an Altus center or via our hospice program – and to provide support for others who need care and cannot afford it,” says Badar.

ZT Wealth’s partnership with this nonprofit organization is especially important as The Rose provided 9,000 free patient breast care navigation services to Houston’s uninsured women in 2010 alone. “This partnership with The Rose will be a tremendous asset for our patients, our physicians and the communities we serve,” said Taseer Badar, Chief Executive Officer of Altus Healthcare Management Services and ZT Wealth. “We are very proud to contribute to The Rose’s legacy of ensuring that women needing treatment for breast cancer receive the best possible care.”

As President of the Altus Foundation, Badar is both excited and proud to establish the foundation and to be able to help those who are less fortunate. “We have five major goals for instituting the Altus Foundation,” said Badar.

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To learn more about the Altus Foundation, visit www.AltusHMS.com.

Taseer Badar

Securities offered through EDI Financial, Inc., Member FINRA/SIPC/MSRB Advisory Services offered through EDI Investment Advisor Corporation 12221 Merit Drive, Suite 1020, Dallas TX 75251 214.528.4090 ZT Wealth, Inc. is not affiliated with EDI Financial, Inc./EDI Investment Advisor Corporation The Independent Advisors and Independent Registered Representative of ZT Wealth, Inc. are affiliated with EDI Financial, Inc./EDI Investment Advisor Corporation.

Photography by Keven Alvarado

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EVENT WINFIELD GATE DEVELOPMENT KICKOFF PARTY WHY TO BENEFIT PIN OAK CHARITY HORSE SHOW WHERE RIVER OAKS WHEN OCTOBER 16 The recent kickoff for the Winfield Gate development benefiting the Pin Oak Charity Horse Show doubled as a celebration for Willis Real Estate, Rohe & Wright Builders and Sudhoff Properties, with nearly half of their 21 River Oaks area townhomes already spoken for. About 150 guests mingled at the early evening garden party, bidding on items from Valobra, Messina Hof and artist Taft McWhorter while enjoying bites from Sorrel Urban Bistro, Benjy’s, Pinkberry, Samba Grille, The Counter and Trattoria Il Mulino plus sips from Roxor, Enchanted Rock, Tequila Cavalino and Casa Lapostolle. A stable of beautiful cars from BMW West surrounded the expansive tent on the Winfield Gate site.

Mark and Dawn Willis

Harrison Willis, Alli Willis

Tommy Kanarellis, Elizabeth King

Tremp Campbell, Peggy Brenner, Dee Dee Guggenheim

check out more pictures @ 002mag.com

Caroline Kanarellis

Nikki Heart, Edward Sanchez

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born cool. grow hip.

By Pixie Ibañez Photography by Gabriella Nissen Shot on location at Cáceres Luxury Townhomes Model: Devion Raye Pitts

cook, spill, eat... be merry!

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Kids have little hands and big imaginations. They love to explore and try new things – especially in the kitchen. But for many parents, kiddos in the kitchen is a no-no. The key is having the proper kid-friendly kitchen tools and setting boundaries as to what they can and can’t do. Cooking is the perfect family activity: It requires focused

attention – which is just what most children crave these days; it teaches them valuable skills; boosts their self-esteem; and improves their chances of becoming healthy adults. But perhaps more importantly, it creates memories of time together that last a lifetime. These holidays, why not take the time, make a mess and have some fun with your kids in the kitchen. Long term they’ll be healthier, food savvy and a sure hit with friends. Plus you might get some nights off!

• Mixing Bowl• Ollie whisk • Floura measuring cup • Sunny spatula. www.headchefs.com • Kuhn Rikon Swiss peeler • Fred Babushka measuring cups • Le Creuset revolution silicone brush • Smiley face flex turner • Fashionbrands StirStik • Red silicone mini mitt. www.surletable.com

Photography by Chinh Phan

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EVENT FELIX 55 GRAND OPENING WHY GRAND OPENING CELEBRATION WHERE RICE VILLAGE WHEN SEPTEMBER 17 The hottest new restaurant in Rice Village is finally open for business! Felix 55 welcomed a huge crowd of people, including members of the Young Texans Against Cancer, for their grand opening celebration. Guests sipped on specialty cocktails and enjoyed light bites, such as ceviche with leche de tigre on tortilla chips and delicious mini crab cakes. Owner Pejman “PJ” Jamea and Chef Michael Kramer definitely made a great impression on the young and hip crowd who were mingling inside the packed restaurant as well as on the spacious patio.

Kathy Mayell, Irena Hixson, Chef Michael Kramer

Andrea Willis

Catherine Sovany, Rochell Goodwin

Eric and Gaby Steel

check out more pictures @ 002mag.com

Mitch Cahill, Annie Ruscoe, Alexandra Munoz, Stuart Humphries

PJ and Farnaz Jamea

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1

2

VICTOR GARCIA age 49 sign Capricon origin Native Texan occupation

JONATHAN LUKE age 34 sign Virgo

origin raised in Houston area; 1/2 Czech and 1/2 Sicilian

Senior Client Advisor at Momentum BMW West

occupation Hairdresser at Sensia Studio, Music Artist, Actor, Video Editor

people of houston Photography by Anthony Rathbun

3 STEPHANIE PAGE age 30 sign Gemini

origin Houston, TX occupation Buyer/ Costume Jewelry Designer/ style blogger

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1. VICTOR GARCIA •IF YOU WON THE LOTTERY, WHAT IS THE FIRST THING YOU WOULD BUY? College education for my two sons, Mitchell (15) & Kendall (13).

•WHO IS YOUR FAVORITE MUSICIAN? Tony Bennett.

•WHAT CELEBRITY WOULD YOU LIKE TO GET STYLE TIPS FROM? David Beckham.

•WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE KEEPSAKE? I have my grandfather’s favorite shotgun…first fired it when I was 8 years old.

2. JONATHAN LUKE •IF YOU COULD MEET A CELEBRITY, WHO WOULD IT BE? Snoop Dog. •WHAT IS ONE THING YOU CAN’T LIVE WITHOUT? Self-dignity and raw organic grass-fed beef.

•WHAT DO YOU DO IN YOUR SPARE TIME? Write music and video editing.

•WHAT’S IN YOUR CLOSET THAT YOU JUST CAN’T LET GO OF? Uggs.

3. STEPHANIE PAGE •IF YOU COULD ONLY WEAR ONE COSMETIC PRODUCT, WHAT WOULD IT BE? Sunscreen.

•HOW DO YOU STAY IN SHAPE? Yoga and booty camps from Mod Your Body fitness.

•WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE SOUVENIR? I mail myself postcards from every trip with a reminder of a special moment that occurred there. Each one is dear to me.

•WHAT WAS YOUR MOST EMBARRASSING MOMENT? I fell down the stairs my first day of high school. I’m pretty sure I flashed some people my white Hanes.

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things i like love

By Carla Valencia de Martinez

Check out the pop-up shop called Gift in West Ave this month! With a focus on well-designed, luxury goods tailored around the five senses this shop is sure to send you into sensory overload! Expect designs from Thierry Lasry sunglasses, Alexa Rodulfo Candles, Pamela Love jewelry, Carmina Campus clutches, SUPER sunglasses, Seletti home products and Kyotofu-NYC Japanese desserts.

Gift. Curated Shopping by PEEL | 2800 Kirby Dr. 713.874.0025 | www.giftbypeel.com.

11am - 6:30pm Monday-Wednesday 11am - 9pm Thursday - Saturday 12pm - 5pm Sunday

I know I am not the only one who has been anxiously waiting for Phoenicia Market to open their YUMMY shop downtown, and now it’s here! Creamy bricks of feta, bags of hazelnuts, fresh baked Pita, labne – oh my!

Something about a collection called Copernicus enchants me. I love H. Stern’s constellation inspired baubles and would certainly be happy to find these in my stocking.

Available at Zadok Jewelers.

ANOTHER DESIGN FAVORITE, RESTORATION HARDWARE, OPENED THE GALLERY AT HIGHLAND VILLAGE SIMULTANEOUSLY WITH THE BRAND’S SECOND BABY & CHILD GALLERY IN THE NATION LAST MONTH. THEIR INNOVATIVE APPROACH OF HANDCRAFTED FURNISHINGS CAPTURING EFFORTLESS EUROPEAN LUXURY AND EXCEPTIONAL QUALITY IS INCOMPARABLE.

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Elaine Turner’s minaudiere is just the right amount of shine to any festive look, plus you can cross it over your body for a night that turns into dancing or into a clutch for a dressier occasion.

Photography by Gabriella Nissen

I don’t think I’ve been as excited about a restaurant opening as I am about Uchi’s impending launch at the end of this month. As a self-proclaimed Uptown Sushi loyalist, I have to preface this by saying that Uchi is unlike anything we already have in Houston. Rather than just one more sushi spot, it’s an amazing addition to what’s here. I recently went to Austin for a tasting with Chef Tyson Cole and although I knew of his fame, it wasn’t till the drive back home that I read his book and am forever a Cole Convert. His story, passion and phenomenal food will turn you all into Uchi-addicts. Opening at the old Felix’s on Westheimer.

THE FIND IS ONE OF THOSE SPECIAL THINGS THAT YOU SEE IN OTHER CITIES LIKE MIAMI OR LA THAT MAKES YOU WISH HOUSTON HAD SOMETHING LIKE THAT. BASICALLY, IT’S AN ECLECTIC OUTDOOR MARKET THAT NEVER FAILS TO IMPRESS ME WITH ONE-OF-A-KIND FINDS AS WELL AS FRESH NEW DESIGNERS. I NEVER WALK OUT EMPTY-HANDED. DON’T MISS THE CAREFULLY SELECTED (BY FOUNDER AND FASHIONISTA HERSELF CHELSEA DRYER) GROUP OF TALENTED, EMERGING DESIGNERS SELLING THEIR JEWELRY, HANDBAGS, SHOES AND READY-TO-WEAR COLLECTIONS IN THE BACKYARD AT HUGHES HANGAR SATURDAY, DECEMBER 3! FOR MORE INFORMATION, GO TO THE BLOG: THEFINDHOUSTON.BLOGSPOT.COM december 11 | www.002mag.com .35

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BHLDN - 4056 Westheimer Rd. 713.599.1917 Target - 2580 Shearn St. 713.331.0377 Neiman Marcus - 5085 Westheimer Rd. 713.621.7100 Zara - 5085 Westheimer Rd. 713.439.0995

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

A tuxedo blazer is a must in all closets. Dress up a tee and jeans or add a bit of cool to this cute ensemble, the possibilities are endless. Not to mention it’s a lightweight layer ideal for our mild winters.

Black Tuxedo Blazer @ Zara

Black and White

AND BLUE ALL OVER!

A wool version of the silk bow blouse gives the same look with shorter sleeves so you wont get too hot.

Thread Social top @ www.gilt.com The detail of this skirt is impeccable.

The wool chevron, satin waistband, plus flounce and pockets all make for a phenomenal piece.

Thread Social skirt @ www.gilt.com For the brave, mix in a patterned yet girly shoe to up the chic factor.

People will stop you for the shoe alone. The golden bow embellishment is made from vintage fabric.

Betty Muller bow top peep toes @ BHLDN Tie in the blue of the shoe with this eye-catching blue solid clutch.

DVF Resort 2012 Clutch @ www.dvf.com I couldn’t resist.

Teal Topaz Estee Lauder Pure color polish @ Neiman Marcus

N

OT ONE TO WEAR GREEN, RED, SILVER OR GOLD DURING THE HOLIDAYS? NO WORRIES! LOOK EVERY BIT FESTIVE IN BLACK AND WHITE WITH THE RIGHT GILDED ITEMS THAT WON’T LEAVE YOU LOOKING “BAH HUMBUG! 36. december 11 | www.002mag.com

Constantly chapped lips aren’t ideal for lipstick. I’m currently addicted to this lip gloss that is light, not goopy, with just a touch of color.

L’Oreal Color Riche le gloss in nude illusion @ Target

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n For t ase ti P -I mi

rofu nse nce Box

Fornasetti Scented Candle - Bacio Fornasetti Profumi - Large Scented Candle - Scimmie

Laurent Delafon, partner United Perfumes Limited

Familiar Fornasetti

By Carla Valencia de Martinez

Even if you are not instantly familiar with the name Fornasetti, chances are you’ve seen one of their 11,000 catalogued works. This Italian, familyowned design house has been churning out objects, furniture, interiors, theatre sets, fashion, magazine covers and books wrapped in its recognizable illustrations probably longer than you’ve been alive. In fact, the only sense Fornasetti has not engraved its designs on is smell – until now.

Photography by Jill Hunter

Through a new collaboration created by Barnaba Fornasetti, son of the brand’s creator Piero and United Perfumes Limited, Fornasetti is perfectly captured in an essence. Oliverie Polge, master perfumer toured the family’s home in Milan with Baranaba exploring the home’s aromas to create the scent. Notes of thyme, lavender, orris, cedarwood, balsam, incense, birch and labdanum immortalize Fornasetti in the final scent of smell.

Only the best in wax, incense and ceramic could grace the Fornasetti Profumi collection: the best wax from CIR, France’s oldest candle maker with over 300 years of experience; the finest incense maker, found in the Tokyo-based Nippon Kodod whose heritage goes back to the early 16th century; and ceramic containers come to life through Ceramiche Dal Prà in Nove, Vicenza.

All forms feature just one scent with the famed illustrations on them and are meant to be reused and kept as pieces in the home.

Available at Kuhl-Linscomb.

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WINNER: RYAN SYSTMA Ryan is a designer for Pop Labs, Inc., an awardwinning interactive agency in Houston. He graduated with a BFA in Graphic Design in 2006 from Montana State University. Only a few years ago, Systma was working at his first designer job at a small print shop in Bozeman, Montana. In September 2007, he moved to Houston, working at multiple jobs in design before his position as designer for Pop Labs in March 2010. At Pop Labs, which recently merged with local brand marketing agency BrightBox, Systma not only designs websites, but has a hand in design for social media applications as well as more traditional items such as logo and print work.

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Photography by Micahl Wyckoff - mwvisual.com

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EVENT 002HOUSTON COVER CONTEST WHY TO SELECT THE DECEMBER 2011 COVER WHERE THE DEBORAH COLTON GALLERY WHEN NOVEMBER 4

SECOND PLACE: TIFFANY H. CINTRON Tiffany H. Cintron is a Texas-based fashion and art photographer originally from Longview and currently living in Houston with her daughter and husband. She is an alumnus of the University of Houston where she majored in advertising and graphic design. The style of her photography can be best described as high fashion slapstick: funny and quirky with the attitude of Rrose Selavy. Tiffany currently freelances and works as the staff photographer for the first national magazine dedicated to modern Iranian American women, Zan. “Before I moved to Houston I fell in love with the city. I found the folk art sites such as The Orange Show and the Flower Man House very inspiring to my work. The artists who created these had no real education in the arts but had a deep need to create which is what happened to me while making the paper dress. I’m a painter, photographer and maybe a sculptor on occasion but had never been able to call myself a designer until now. The dress is constructed from Houston Chronicles and area Yellow Pages. I feel it is the perfect homage to the folk artists before me who have made this city so great.”

002houston aficionados descended upon the Deborah Colton Gallery for our 5th Annual December Cover Contest. Guests had the unique opportunity to vote for their favorite. Look at the cover – this was the winner! Once again we were overwhelmed with not only the number of submissions, but with the creativity of the work. No doubt this city is bursting with amazing talent. Guests admired the work while sipping on ice-cold Stella Artois beer, wine, champagne and scrumptious bites from Samba Grille. Thanks to all our supporters and participants. You guys rock!

Photography by Claire Learned for lastnightpics.com

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THIRD PLACE: WILEY ROBERTSON I started off painting and drawing explosions and monsters when I was a little kid and as I continued to paint throughout my youth I got into doing graffiti with friends around high school and started discovering street art and was able to reinvigorate my interest in art with this new medium. After I graduated high school I focused a lot of my time in graffiti for the next few years and it has forever left an impression on my work with both its bright colors and electrifying use of words and type in art. Soon after I started attending various art schools, until I got back to Houston and started working on making a style that I could call mine. I try my best to illustrate the space in my canvases with bright, visually striking compositions. I don’t attempt to write a narrative with my work, but rather make a visually striking show of color and a bold image that makes the Viewer of the Art interpret the meaning. My art has always been meant to be as visually appealing as possible; most of my imagery is very tongue-in-cheek although a lot of it is meant to strike up emotions and thoughts that are interpreted differently for each person who views the work. I hope to continue and pursue my abstract style, as well as also focus time on doing landscapes and portraits which I always enjoy doing because it gives me a variety of things to constantly keep me busy in my studio. www.wileyrobertson.com

COVER GALLERY

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FOURTH PLACE: ALEX BARBER A graduate from Rice University with a BA in Architecture and French, Alex started a career of organizing spaces on the printed page and screen. After a long run working inhouse and for a full-service agency, Alex moved exclusively to the online realm. He now works at Whiteboard Labs, designing and developing websites for hospitality and corporate clients. He also continues to create and build sites for freelance clients. Alex’s time behind a viewfinder goes to grade school.

Although it’s been over twenty years since he used an enlarger or held a sheet of Ilford paper in a bath with rubber tongs, he still remembers the smell of the chemicals. He’s enjoyed time shooting again, using lenses he bought originally for film cameras, on a Canon DSLR. The analog interest that goes back even further than photography is origami; Alex has been folding for over 30 years. The models he makes provide plenty of subjects for him to shoot and give him an excuse to try out a new lens, light stand or whatever else he finds at Camera Co-Op. www.alexbarber.com

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HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE

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LONGORIA COLLECTION Find all your holiday needs this season at Longoria. From the perfect baby gift, hostess gift, mother or mother-in-law gift or anyone on your list. Find the latest Tkees flip-flops gracing the feet of Jessica Alba, Jen Aniston, Lauren Conrad, Cindy Crawford, Angelina Jolie, just to name a very few of the celebs that wear them. Cosmetics for your feet, made up of foundations, liners, blushes, creams, shadows to suit skin tone. Or Alexis Bittar’s latest whimsical collection of jewelry inspired by the original Alice in Wonderland illustrations. Perfect for any cocktail party this season. (Tkees $45, tourmanile and gunmetal earrings $345) 1101 Uptown Park | 713.621.4241

BAR MUNICH Nestled in the heart of Midtown, Bar Munich is the only place in Houston that offers the full lineup of Hofbräu beer imported from Munich, Germany, served in the traditional liter steins. Customers also enjoy a large selection of other German imports and Texas craft beers with tasty Bavarian sausages in a sleek, contemporary space. Not a beer fan? A full bar offers anything from martinis to shots, including their signature creation: Jolly Rancher infused vodka. Sports fan? They open early for European soccer matches but also show football and more.

Celebrate the holidays Oktoberfest style with live German entertainment on Saturday, December 17. On New Year’s Eve, usher in 2012 with their resident DJ and complimentary midnight champagne toast. Read about other unique offerings like Das Boot, Beat the Clock Fridays and more at www.barmunich.com.

OLD WORLD FUN, NEW WORLD STYLE…a liter at a time, prost!

2616 Louisiana - Houston, TX 77006 | 713.523.1008 Weekdays 4pm-2am | Weekends 12pm-2am

LE MISTRAL RESTAURANT

THE MARQUE

Celebrate the holidays with a French accent at Le Mistral Restaurant! Le Mistral offers a prix fixe Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve menu, but book your table early as they fill up quickly! The award-winning French restaurant has something to offer everyone during the holidays. For a more personal culinary experience, have dinner at the chef’s table while you watch the excitement in the kitchen. The banquet room transforms from a classy cocktail dinner to a professional board meeting, with views of the courtyard below. The wine cellar is intimate and perfect for groups up to 10. Let Le Mistral handle all the details with its full-service catering, so you can relax this season! Most recently recognized as Best Food in Houston by Zagat 2012 for the second time in a row, Le Mistral continues to exceed expectations. Located at 1400 Eldridge, between Memorial and Briar Forest.

This holiday season the Marque introduces a venue like nothing else the city has to offer. The 15,000-square-foot elaborately planned private club sets the new standard as Houston’s most opulent member’s only destination.

Featuring lavish design, world-class service and luxurious amenities, members can start the evening in the Cocktail Lounge with mixologist-prepared tableside cocktails. Visit with the Cigar Sommelier in the Grand Havana Cigar Lounge, browse the Library – where no books are available – but shelves of tequila volumes maintained by the librarian light up the night. Uncork a favorite vintage from your private collection in the Wine Cellar, reserve the Poker Room for a high-stakes game of Texas Hold’em, or venture into the luxurious Billiards Room and cue it up with your band of brothers. All the meticulous details come together to create one amazing masterpiece.

For information: 832.379.8322 or visit www.lemistralhouston.com.

1400 Eldridge Parkway - Houston, TX 77077 (between Memorial and Briar Forest)

THE MARQUE, IT’S NOT FOR THE ORDINARY. membership@marquehouston.com

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Membership is the perfect gift for those with consuming passions. Treat yourself for the holiday, as member applications are now being accepted.

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PINOT’S PALETTE

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 2012 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 2012 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 19, 2012 event, enjoy samples of the winning wines along with scrumptious bites from more than 60 Houstonarea 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.

BOGO FREE 50% and BOGO 25% gift cards are here again! Pair our Gift Card with a bottle of wine for a unique holiday gift even the “person with everything” will love. Perfect for date nights, girls’ night out and private events. Pinot’s Palette is a BYOB painting studio where you bring the wine and we provide the canvases. Local artists lead you step-by-step through the featured painting. Paint.

Drink. Have Fun! Purchase BOGO gift cards at www.PinotsPalette.com.

• • • • • •

11/28 – 11/30 BOGO FREE CODE: HOLIDAYBOGO100 12/1 – 12/12 BOGO 50% off. CODE: HOLIDAYBOGO50 12/13 – 12/25 BOGO 25% off. CODE: HOLIDAYBOGO25 Gift card is valid for all of 2012.

Limit 1 per person.

Gift cards are redeemable at all Pinot’s Palette locations!

(Galleria – Houston, TX; Katy, TX; Montrose – Houston, TX and more) • Additional “fine print” online.

For more information on any Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo International Wine Competition winners or events, please contact wine@rodeohouston.com.

www.PinotsPalette.com

PIATTO RISTORANTE

For more information: www.piattoristorante.com or call either location.

Piatto Ristorante wishes you and yours a splendido holiday season!

FRAMECRAFTERS, INC. It doesn’t matter if you are buying a gift for your loved ones or business associates — everyone loves art and to see their precious memories preserved!

Stop by Framecrafters to see our vast selection of Frames, original artwork, giclees, and custom mirrors. Work one-on-one with experienced designers.

Mention this ad and receive 20% discount.

THE ULTIMATE FRAMING and ART SOURCE. 1410 Campbell Rd. Houston, TX. 77055 713.973.1333 dmunk@framecraftersinc.com

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HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE

Two Houston locations. Four generations of recipes. Homestyle Italian cuisine. Carrabba family. Enough said! Owned and operated by John Marion Carrabba, the home-style cooking found at Piatto Ristorante pleases the palate, as well as touches the heart.

Book your holiday party now!

Piatto Galleria offers a private dining room that seats up to 30 guests; Piatto Royal Oaks offers two private dining rooms that seat up to 25 and 50, but can be combined to accommodate 75. Full-service catering, private banquet rooms, box lunches and delivery are available at each location: Royal Oaks, 11693 Westheimer, 281.759.7500 and Galleria, 4925 W. Alabama at Post Oak Blvd., 713.871.9722. Let Piatto cook for you on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve with specials offered each night; reservations strongly recommended.

HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE

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ABRAHAMS ORIENTAL RUGS

This holiday season, find that perfect gift at Tootsies, a Houston institution. Narrow it down to a piece from their fabulous collection of original jewelry like this BuJu cuff with South pacific pearls, nested in chain with deer lace overlay, on a hammered zinc metal cuff, $375. BuJu designer, Shelly Kidney, will be in the store for a personal appearance and trunk show December 2nd and 3rd. You can also pick up a Gillian Julius bracelet, made of multi silver plated tubes, strung together onto waxed cotton and highlighted with Swarovski handblown tonal pearls and secured with her signature buckle closure, $365. Gillian’s designs, worn by an extensive list of celebrities, are a must have on every wrist!

has long set the standard for “Fine Oriental Rug Stores” in Houston. For over 3 decades, Abrahams has amassed one of the largest collections of fine carpets in the state. Their dedication to placing the right rug in the right setting has propelled them to the forefront of Houston’s design community. At both of their full-service showrooms, they feature an outstanding collection of rugs from around the globe, with every color, shape, size and design imaginable. Every rug sold is a handmade work of art. This is not the case with all retailers. Abrahams is well versed in spotting forgeries, with their expertise quoted by many national trade magazines. As a leading direct importer of fine oriental rugs, Abrahams’ impeccable reputation for both quality and integrity ensures your acquisition is one of lasting value. Whatever your requirement, depend on Abrahams for your investment in the perfect rug.

2601 Westheimer Rd. | 713.629.9990

www.abrahamsrugs.com

TOOTSIES

BULLRITOS Give the gift of Bullritos this holiday season and get a FREE Burrito – for you! For the entire month of December, purchase a $25 Gift Card and receive 10 points on your Herd Card for a FREE burrito! Bullritos Gift Cards can be purchased in any denomination and are valid at all Bullritos locations.

Want something new and fun for your holiday get-together?

We now offer Bullritos by the tray! Our delectabull trays are available in full or half-sized burritos, in a variety of fresh ingredients, with tortilla chips and Arriba! Red Salsa – sure to please any crowd. Check out www.bullritos.com/bulkorders to download the order form.

J SILVER

Bullritos ingredients are always fresh, never frozen. Just grab a bag, select all the delicious goodness you can handle, and you’ll have a customized burrito, bowl or tacos bagged in a matter of minutes.

Wrap yourself in Chan Luu! And everyone else on your list. J Silver carries the largest collection of Chan Luu’s designs thanks to the owner’s longtime friendship with the fabulous designer. Exclusive designs are available both in the store and online. Luu’s wrap bracelets are instant smile-inducing gift. So this season, don’t waste time looking for that perfect gift. J Silver already has it. Buy two and receive 20% off the 2nd wrap!

To find your nearest Bullritos, visit www.bullritos.com.

2412 Rice Blvd. | 713.807.1644

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HOTEL SORELLA AND BISTRO ALEX HOLIDAY SPECIAL: Limited Time Offer Take advantage of the holiday savings for stays December 18-30, 2011, and receive rates as low as $129. This special Holiday Hotel Deal includes stylish accommodations for two and continental breakfast in the lobby area. Enjoy the shopping and dining at CITYCENTRE, just steps from Hotel Sorella. This offer is available for a Limited Time, is based on availability, exclusive of taxes and subject to blackout dates and restrictions.

The Believe in the Eve Package starts from $499 per room, per night, double occupancy, plus additional taxes for the 6pm seating and from $579 per room, per night, double occupancy, plus additional taxes for the 9pm seating. Make your reservations now; call toll-free 866.842.0100 and mention the Believe in the

Bistro Alex is open for breakfast from 6:00am to 10:00am, for lunch Monday thru Saturday from 11:30am to 2:00pm, for Sunday brunch 11:00am to 9:00pm and for dinner, Sunday through Saturday from 6:00pm to 10:00pm.

Eve Package. Guests must be 21 years of age or older. Non-refundable after December 28, 2011.

Cancellations must be received by 6pm CST on December 28, 2011. Cancellations received after 6pm CST will forfeit one night package rate plus tax.

Extend your stay through Friday night from $139 or Sunday night from $99.

QUITE THE NIGHT New Year’s Eve Monnalisa Package Package includes: • Luxurious accommodations for two • Complimentary champagne upon arrival • Entry for two into the Monnalisa Bar party on December 31, 2011 • Live music by the Norma Zenteno Band • A balloon drop and glass of champagne The Quite the Night Monnalisa Package starts from $289 per room, per night, double occupancy, plus additional taxes. Make your reservations now; call toll-free 866.842.0100 and mention the Quite the Night Monnalisa Package. Guests must be 21 years of age or older. Non-refundable after December 28, 2011. Cancellations must be received by 6pm CST on December 28, 2011. Cancellations received after 6pm CST will forfeit one night package rate plus tax.

Extend your stay through Friday night from $139 or Sunday night from $99. www.hotelsorella-citycentre.com

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HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE

Christmas Dinner in Bistro Alex: CHRISTMAS DINNER PACKAGE Choice of: SMOKED CHICKEN GUMBO YAYA or WINTER SALAD and GRILLED LAMB CHOPS - 65 or GRILLED BLACK ANGUS FILET OF BEEF - 45 or CRISPY WHOLE RED SNAPPER - 42 and CARAMELIZED APPLE CRISP With Calvados caramel ice cream or BANANAS FOSTER & WAFFLE Bacardi rum tossed bananas and vanilla ice cream

BELIEVE IN THE EVE New Year’s Eve Bistro Alex Package 6pm or 9pm Seating Package includes: • Luxurious accommodations for two • Complimentary champagne upon arrival Dinner for two in Bistro Alex and two glasses of champagne per person the evening of December 31, 2011 • Entry for two into the Monnalisa Bar on December 31, 2011, which includes live entertainment and a balloon drop • Brunch for Two in Bistro Alex on New Year’s Day

HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE

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AZUR WEST Give the gift of luxurious hair this holiday season with a gift card to Azur West.

Azur West, located in West Ave, is a Shu Uemura Art of Hair salon, just one of three such Sanctuary Salons in the U.S. Treat yourself or a loved one to the ultimate in pampering with an opulent Shu Uemura hair and scalp treatment ceremony in a private Sanctuary Room. Clients will relax and escape the stresses of the holidays with champagne and a lengthy scalp and shoulder massage featuring precious Absolue oils. The treatment mirrors the values of the Japanese tea ceremony; each step of these processes is targeted and choreographed to the specific needs of each client’s hair, achieving unparalleled results. Partner it with a haircut and style by one of Azur West’s talented stylists for the ultimate makeover. Looking for something else for that special hair goddess? Try our limited edition Shu Uemura Essence Absolue Holiday Gift set. The set includes a full-size and a travel-size Essence Absolue, for just $68.

To order gift cards, purchase products or make an appointment, call 713.400.2987 or visit azurwest.com.

M PENNER This is the perfect accessory for the secret agent’s wardrobe – 4GB USB Flash Drive Cufflinks. Not only practical but they look great, too! Available in Woven Black Matte or Hammered Silver finish. This is just a sample of the large selection of unique cufflinks at M Penner as well as a variety of other gift items for both men and women. $225 at M PENNER in Uptown Park. mpenner.com 713.527.8200

TEN THOUSAND VILLAGES Celebrate the spirit of giving this holiday season with one-of-a-kind treasures you won’t find in Santa’s workshop. Hand-crafted mirrors, candles, bags, scarves, jewelry, toys and more are awaiting you at Ten Thousand Villages in Rice Village.

Indulge in Fair Trade chocolates, coffees and teas, or snuggle up in a soft handwoven blanket. Got stockings to stuff? We have many items to choose from to fit every holiday budget and please every picky little elf. Give the gift that gives twice: All items are made by fairly paid artisans in developing countries who use their earnings to provide for their families and educate their children.

Visit us at 2424A Rice Boulevard and on Facebook at tenthousandvillageshouston. 713.533.1000. www.tenthousandvillages.com

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ARAYA CHOCOLATE This winter indulge yourself and your loved ones with fine chocolates locally handcrafted. From small boxes of beautifully hand-painted chocolates or French macarons to decadent gift baskets, you will find the perfect holiday gift. Find also treats for kids, gourmet chocolate bars, spreads, nuts dipped in chocolate and much more to satisfy every palate. Online orders above $50 get free shipping in Texas. www.arayachocolate.com 2013 W. Gray St. Houston, TX 77019 1575 W Grand Parkway S., Suite 1000, Katy, TX 77494 T. 832 967 7960 / 35

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CRICKET WIRELESS Looking for the perfect gift for the gadget or music lover in your life?

Muve Music from Cricket Wireless, the first unlimited music service to be included as part of a wireless rate plan, is now available on the Android-powered Samsung Vitality, and is the ideal gift for the person on your list who is looking for a way to listen to their favorite music on-the-go. The Vitality is Cricket’s first Muve Music-enabled Android smartphone powered by an 800MHz processer, making it both fast and user-friendly. The phone comes preloaded with a special 4GB SanDisk flash memory card, which holds up to 3,000 songs and has a 1GB memory.

The best part? Unlimited music downloads, ringtones, and unlimited nationwide calling, text, picture and video messaging, for just $65 per month.

CHECK OTHER OUTFITTERS Check Other Outfitters is a lifestyle boutique in Houston’s Midtown offering a variety of accessories for men and women as well as men’s clothing and a smaller collection for women. The name Check Other describes individuality and creativity and represents open-minded individuals who are above the cutting edge when it comes to fashion. The boutique is the exclusive Texas carrier of such brands as Pink Dolphin and Singapore-based HDLN. Other brands include Imking, Vestal, Mishka, Kid Robot and Freshjive. Check Other is located at 2507 Bagby (at McGowen) in the Plazas at Midtown shopping center (next to Coffee Groundz).

Hours of operation are Tuesday-Saturday 11-8, Sunday 12-6, closed Monday. www.checkotheroutfitters.com 713.521.5880 | Twitter: @COOutfitters

LOLA G BOUTIQUE Lola G Boutique is a unique chic boutique. Stop by and shop the latest California-style fashions from Casual Chic to Trendy Cocktail attire!

Free 30-minute Style Consultation (1 per customer, please; $50 Value).

For appointment: 713.521.2624. Open Wednesday-Saturday 11-6.

Muse is a treasure trove of carefully selected women’s wear, accessories and select home items. Presmer’s python cuff and bangles are a one-hit-wonder – timeless and always makes an impression. It can pull any ensemble together on its own, and looks great thrown in with your go-to jewelry. So light you hardly know it’s there... until people stop and ask where you found that killer cuff.

The perfect gift for yourself or that someone who has everything on your list. 2411 West Alabama | 713.520.6873

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HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE

MUSE

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wise guy

By Tim Moloney

I DID IT MY WAY

AS

famous Wise Guy Kenny Rogers (pre-plastic surgery) once crooned, “You’ve got to know when to hold ’em, know when to fold ’em.” And that’s why I’m folding. That’s right, folks, this is my last Wise Guy column. I’ve reached a point in my life where my idea of fun is going to dinner or staying home and watching TV with my dog, so I really don’t know what is new or now or next in Houston. It’s time for some new blood to keep this column relevant.

Little did I know that on that fateful day in 2002 when I walked into my neighbor 002houston’s office volunteering to write something, anything, that I would be given a self-indulgent platform that has allowed me to meet my idols, travel to great places, dine with celebrity chefs, go behind the scenes at Fashion Week in New York and Paris, and even learn to fly fish at an Orvis school. Along the way, I’ve had the spectacular opportunity to meet Philippe Starck, James Dyson, Tim Gunn, Mark Badgley, James Mischka, Robert Horry, Reem Acra, David Yurman, Dylan Lauren…and the

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THAT’S RIGHT, FOLKS, THIS IS MY LAST WISE GUY COLUMN.

one and only Joan Rivers, who scared the hell out of me, but was one of the kindest people I’ve ever encountered.

We got dating advice from Adrian at RDG (the woman never pays), style advice from Stefano Ricci (it’s all about the French cuff), diamond-buying advice from Franco Valobra (go big but only if you can afford it), hair trends from David Michael, floral counsel from my ersatz wife Rebekah Johnson, a harrowing afternoon skating on the ice with the Aeros, and a few hours of throwing the ball with ex-Texan David Carr. Oh, and all the artists – James Surls, William Betts (who became one of my closest friends), Wayne Gilbert, The Clayton Brothers (Christian Clayton taught me that everyone looks good in pink), the tarot card paintings of Linda Hofheinz, and Franco Mondini-Ruiz, whose cookie and pancake sculptures sit in my living room.

I wouldn’t trade any of these experiences for anything, and I can’t thank Carla Valencia de Martinez and Alex Martinez enough for making this possible. I would also

like to thank my dear friend and master chef Victoria Bartlett for making me sound literate (God, I hope) each month. And finally, I couldn’t have done this without Stuart Rosenberg and Gail Rubin at Studio Communications, Mark Sullivan at On The Mark, PR samurai Ashley Wehrly. Gretchen Ferguson and Karen Henry at the PR Boutique, Terry Zmyslo and Sylvia Forsythe at Saks, and Stacey Swift and Megan Acosta Townsend at Neiman Marcus.

Amy Popp also turned me on to the shoeshine guy at Houston Center. They are the ones who truly know what’s going on in this town – the real Wise Guys.

So now I pass the baton to the one and only Lance Walker, my esteemed colleague and old friend who I grudgingly admit is a much better writer than I am. He truly knows what’s happening these days, and his book is coming out soon (maybe with the time off, mine will also). I thank you all for reading, and hope to see you around town on the rare occasions when I make a cameo. STAY WISE!

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tools+toys+ gadgets

LINKSYS E4200 HOME NETWORKING ROUTER We have so many devices throughout our home and are just now finding ways to share content on them all. Wireless is the way to go and the Linksys E4200 Dual-Band Router is a must-have tool for high-speed media sharing. This sleek-looking router is thin, glossy black and can be placed anywhere throughout your home. Designed for optimum home theater performance, the router works with the latest entertainment devices including Internet TVs, iPads, game consoles, smart phones, eReaders and VoIP devices. The included software provides a simple three-step setup and network management tools such as parental controls and guest access. Now it is simple to stream music or video on your PC to most any device within range of the router. $179 | homestore.cisco.com

PANDORA/ DMX INTERNET RADIO I remember making fun of Muzak-style songs piped into stores and elevators. Though it sometimes puts me to sleep, many businesses rely on services like this to enhance sales and stimulate customer senses.

Pandora Internet Radio has partnered with consumer branding company DMX to create a personalized Internet radio solution for businesses. The DMX media player lets business owners play audio using a fully licensed music designed for their commercial setting. Car dealerships, medical offices, restaurants and coffee shops – among others – use this service to make shopping and listening experiences more pleasurable. Signing up for the service is done online. Once you receive the media player simply connect it to the Internet and activate it online. You can then create, play and refine your stations from any Internet browser.

DMX media player – $75 | Pandora Internet Radio monthly service – $25 | dmx.com/pandora

LOOXCIE WEARABLE VIDEO CAM I first saw the Looxcie video cam about a year ago and got a kick out of the unique idea of wearing a small Bluetooth camera on your ear to capture everything that you see. It was a bit too large and heavy but I figured the second version would have more improvements. Ta-da! The new Looxcie 2 is lighter and easier to use so be careful if you see me wearing this; I may not be on the phone but rather capturing video of everything in my sight. It does act as a typical Bluetooth headset for hands-free phone conversation but primary use is for capturing hands-free video. This new model can store up to 10 hours of 320p video and has the capability of instantly sharing video clips with others via email, Facebook and Twitter.

The coolest feature of the Looxcie is the free app that can be downloaded to an iPhone, iPad or Android smartphone. When Looxcie is connected to your Bluetooth smartphone the app acts as a viewfinder so you can see what the camera is capturing and then quickly edit the video. $179 | Looxcie.com

Michael Garfield is known as “The High-Tech Texan®.” His radio program airs on The 9-5-0 weekdays from 10am-12pm and Saturdays 11am-2pm. Visit his website at www.hightechtexan.com. Follow him on Facebook and on Twitter @hightechtexan. december 11 | www.002mag.com .49

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destination

By Sandra Ramani Photography provided by Premium PR Photos

2

1

Paris

F

La BauLe

1. Suite Panoramique, Shangri-La Hotel, Paris | 2. Hotel Hermitage Barriere 3. Restaurant La Bauhinia, Shangri-La Hotel, Paris | 4. Place Leclerc Nuit

(Two Sides of Historic French Hotels)

RANCE HAS NO SHORTAGE OF HISTORIC HOTELS, FROM FAMILY-RUN INNS TO GRAND DAME ICONS THAT HAVE HOSTED GENERATIONS OF REGULARS. ON A RECENT TRIP OVER THE ATLANTIC, WE CHECKED IN TO TWO GALLIC SPOTS THAT OFFER DIFFERENT PERSPECTIVES ON WHAT MAKES A HOTEL “HISTORIC.” ONE IS A BRAND-NEW FIVE-STAR SET IN A FORMER BONAPARTE RESIDENCE; THE OTHER, A LONGTIME FAVORITE THAT HELPED PIONEER THE CONCEPT OF SEASIDE RETREAT. TOGETHER, THEY MAKE FOR THE PERFECT TOWN-AND-COUNTRY EXPERIENCE FOR TRAVELERS WHO LIKE A LITTLE BACKSTORY WITH THEIR MORNING CROISSANT.

On the dining front, the hotel is home to the gourmet L’Abeille, where Chef Phillippe Labbé serves a modern take on French classics in an ultra-refined setting. The gorgeous bi-level La Bauhinia lounge is the place for an East-meets-West all-day menu and a decadent afternoon tea (don’t miss the gravity-defying cakes), while Shang Palace is the first authentic, upscale Cantonese eatery in Paris. And the hotel has more in store, too: Next up is a spa and wellness center, with a 50-foot pool set in what were once Prince Roland’s stables. www.shangri-la.com

3

THe SHangri-La, PariS Back in 1891, Prince Roland Bonaparte—grand-nephew to Napoleon—built his family home on a prime piece of land in Paris’ chic 16th arrondissment, near the Seine river and overlooking the Eiffel Tower. The opulent palace featured a mix of 17th- and 19th-century touches, from an elaborate carved façade and ornate gate to a vaulted ceiling emblazoned with zodiac symbols and a dramatic “Stairway of Honor” made from brass and forged steel. For years, the house buzzed with activity, as the cultured Prince was a key player in Paris’ academic, scientific and artistic communities. After his death, the palace was turned into apartments, then office space, until Shangri-La Hotels picked it up in 2006.

Lucien-Barriere HoTeLS, La BauLe

After years of meticulous restoration work, the 81-room Shangri-La Paris opened to guests in December 2010. The first thing the Hong Kong-based hotel group had done when it bought the building was to register it as a historical landmark, so it’s no surprise that the hotel honors the integrity of the original palace. Past the impressive all-marble, dome-topped entryway, you’ll find original wood floors, stained glass windows and hand-carved mahogany panels, plus that famous staircase. The top Suite Imperiale is set in Prince Roland’s former apartments, and boasts beamed ceilings, decorative carvings and period furnishings.

Boasting a distinctive Anglo-Norman façade, the hotel features over 200 Old World-style rooms, two heated saltwater pools, beach access and the poplar Eden Beach waterside restaurant, where signature dishes include fresh fish cooked in locally mined sea salt. From the Hermitage, it’s a short walk to the Tennis Country Club Barriere, built in 1928 and considered one of the loveliest tennis facilities in France, as well as to sister hotels, the RoyalThalasso Barriere and the Castel MarieLouise. The former is a true wellness resort, complete with doctor-overseen health programs and seaweed- and seawater-based clinical treatments, while the latter is a 32room inn—set in an Edwardian-era manor— that’s known for its gourmet fine dining.

Though each Barriere hotel is different, guests at each feel a palpable sense history—and that they are continuing the traditions of nearly a century’s worth of relaxation-seekers. www.lucienbarriere.com

While history and elegance are an integral part of the hotel, the place also offers all the must-haves for modern luxury travelers—as well as some first-in-Paris touches that have made it a hotspot with locals. Forty percent of the hotel’s rooms and 60 percent of its suites feature sweeping Eiffel Tower views (sometimes even from the bathtub!); many also have terraces to up the romance factor, while all have gorgeous custom furnishings, heated bathroom floors, rainfall showers and free Wi-Fi. The sexy lobby Le Bar, designed to evoke a posh tent Napoleon may have taken on a campaign to Egypt, has become a favorite for the creative cocktails that feature unique ingredients like wasabi, ginger or Szechuan pepper.

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A scenic three-hour train ride from Paris brings you to La Baule, a seaside town on France’s west coast, at the gateway to Brittany. La Baule was developed as an oceanside getaway in 1879, but it wasn’t until casino magnate Francois Andre brought his signature mix of luxury hotel/casino/sports facility to town in 1918 that its popularity really took off. Now known as Groupe Lucien Barriere, Andre’s company still oversees three properties in La Baule, including that original hotel, the Hermitage Barriere.

4

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CUTTING EDGE:

THE HOUSTONIAN STAYS AHEAD OF THE CURVE WITH THE BEST OF GROUP EXERCISE

By Nadia Michel Photography by Sofia van der Dys

IT’S NO SECRET. THE HOUSTONIAN IS A GLAM PLACE TO SWEAT IT OUT. BUT IN A CITY CHOCK-FULL OF QUALITY GYMS, IT’S THE EVER-EVOLVING ROSTER OF GROUP FITNESS CLASSES THAT REALLY MAKES THE POSH HEALTH CLUB STAND OUT. SITTING ON THE RESISTANCE BALL THAT SUBSTITUTES FOR HER OFFICE CHAIR, GROUP EXERCISE DIRECTOR KELLEY BETTIS SHARES THE SECRETS TO CREATING FITNESS CLASSES THAT ARE TOO COOL FOR SCHOOL. cific areas of expertise, work with our team. Our vision is ‘creating relationships for life.’ Our instructors want to change lives; they want to help people improve their fitness so they feel better about themselves and are happier. This is not a ‘come in, stick your music in, teach a class and go home’ facility. Not by any means.

Our staff has time to travel, go to conventions and workshops and bring back the trends. We want to be a trendsetter, not a follower.

WHAT ARE THE CURRENT TRENDS IN GROUP EXERCISE? We just launched a new class called BARRE CODE. It involves the use of a ballet barre for strengthening, stretching and toning but it’s combined with cardiovascular movements. It’s a great core and full body workout. You know from looking at ballet dancers’ bodies it’s just a phenomenal workout. Many clubs have started going back to the basics with their workouts. Also, two years ago we opened a studio for small group training called Studio 360. It’s about taking fitness full circle in your life. These are fee-based classes for our members who want to take it to the next level, want more challenge and guidance. That has been a very successful program and we continue to bring in the most cutting-edge equipment. We just added a fantastic new piece of equipment called the TRX Rip Trainer. We have another new one called the Viper, which is a large weighted device we are using in conjunction with our Power Plate and our Kinesis. When you pass by that room, it really catches your eye.

WHAT ARE SOME OF THE MORE POPULAR CLASSES? We have a class called Synergy, which is a dance class that draws a ton of people. And they just dance and move and sweat and the instructor’s energy and enthusiasm motivates our members.

WHAT’S SO SPECIAL ABOUT GROUP EXERCISE AT THE HOUSTONIAN? We offer over 150 classes per week. We also have a very large yoga program – 40 yoga classes a week, which is huge for a multipurpose fitness center. Many private yoga studios don’t have nearly that many offerings a week. The experience and knowledge within our yoga program is just tremendous. There is so much depth of knowledge in every area at our club, whether in Pilates, yoga or traditional group exercise.

When new members come in, I have a consultation with them. I assess them, get to know them and their schedules. I introduce them to the instructors who inquire about their needs. Our service is so personalized.

One of the things that makes us unique is we have people who are in fitness fulltime. Melissa Shippy (Group Exercise Manager), Kim Kilway (Pilates Manager) and Misha Laird (Yoga Program Coordinator) oversee the operations of their spe-

YOU CAME BACK ON BOARD IN 2009 AS GROUP EXERCISE DIRECTOR. HOW HAS GROUP EXERCISE CHANGED SINCE YOU WERE AN INSTRUCTOR HERE FROM 1992-94?

The most obvious change to me is that our members are very knowledgeable.

Twenty years ago, you just wanted to come in, break a little sweat and look cute in your leotard. Now, it’s much more focused: people are wearing their heart rate monitors, they want to know exactly how many calories they are burning, they’re much more concerned about safety issues. Also, people want to come in and get the biggest bang for their time. Time is really of the essence. A class like Studio 360 offers an intense workout in as little as 30 minutes. H-45 Xtreme is designed to pack a very challenging workout in 45 minutes, and we are adding a class called HIIT and Run that is also designed to max you out in a short time. And we often laugh at the big thick headbands and shiny tights and our legwarmers back then.

WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES OF GROUP EXERCISE VS. WORKING OUT ON YOUR OWN? I think what keeps our members coming back is the fact our instructors are so knowledgeable, so experienced, so passionate, so motivated that it’s truly contagious. Some people consider a club membership a ‘want’ and not a ‘need, but really when you are going through a stressful time such as a recession, exercise and being healthy is so important.

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002 profile with greg scheinman

Photography by Jill Hunter

Greg Scheinman is an Associate at Insgroup Inc., the 4th largest independent insurance agency in Houston. Greg also plays host to some of Houston’s most influential CEOs, entrepreneurs and risk-takers on his PBS television talk show, Profile with Greg Scheinman, which airs Thursdays at 10:30pm on Houston PBS Ch.8 (gscheinman@insgroup.net).

michael holthouse CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD/FOUNDER LEMONADEDAY.ORG + PREPAREDFORLIFE.ORG

michael holthouse

michael holthouse A TWO-TIME INC. 500 FASTEST GROWING COMPANY WINNER AND FORMER INC. ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR, MICHAEL HOLTHOUSE HAS PROVEN THAT HE NOT ONLY THINKS BIG, HE DELIVERS BIG AS WELL. HE STRUCK OUT ON HIS OWN AT THE AGE OF 33, LAUNCHING HIS FIRST COMPANY, PARANET, A HOUSTON-BASED COMPUTER NETWORK SERVICES FIRM, WITH $20,000. HE GREW THE FIRM FROM ONE EMPLOYEE TO OVER 1,400, WITH REVENUES IN EXCESS OF $100 MILLION, IN JUST SIX YEARS. IN 1997 HE SOLD THE COMPANY TO SPRINT FOR $375 MILLION. NOW, HE SEES THE REVITALIZATION OF AMERICA THROUGH A SIMPLE LITTLE LEMONADE STAND AS THE VISIONARY BEHIND LEMONADE DAY. PROFILE W/GREG SCHEINMAN SAT DOWN WITH HOUSTON’S CHIEF LEMONHEAD TO LEARN ABOUT BOTH HIS PAST AND HIS TELL ME A BIT ABOUT YOUR BACKGROUND AND HOW YOU GOT STARTED? I went to Indiana State University and was involved in just about every campus activity there was. I have a degree in economics and computer science. I got a job with Pennzoil in programming but after a while telling computers what to do and then watching them do it, just gets pretty boring. So I joined a startup company called Chromatix and within 2 years accounted for 40% of the company’s sales. I then jumped to Palo Computers; that startup took off from $18 million to $800 million and sold to Hewlett Packard where I became an executive. At that point I knew I needed to get out on my own. So I started Paranet. The worst year in our history was 110% growth. We were profitable from day one. We were going to take the company public when Sprint called and made an offer.

WHAT DID YOU DO NEXT? At that point, a lot of things changed in my life. So I started thinking, “OK, hot shot, you’ve done this great startup company, entrepreneur, fastest company…so what are you gonna do now?” I read this book called Success to Significance, which asks, “What are you going to do with your life that’s really going to be meaningful for the

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planet? What are you going to leave behind?” and I started thinking really hard about what it is that I really care about. I love businesses, I could do business all day long so I started an organization called the Holthouse Foundation for Kids. The thing that I cared most about was at-risk youth. At-risk kids are as bright and as capable as all the world but for a whole host of reasons they can’t even see the opportunities in front of them.

So, I went on a one-year learning journey around the country, looking at programs that are renowned for having big impact on the at-risk community. I had this notion that just as there are downward spirals in life there are upward spirals and that I could have an impact. After a year, I came back to Houston and started a 501(c)3 called Prepared 4 Life to proactively teach kids life skills, character and entrepreneurship. And that’s what I’m doing now.

DO YOU RUN YOUR NOT-FOR-PROFIT ORGANIZATIONS ANY DIFFERENTLY THAN YOU RAN YOUR FOR-PROFIT BUSINESSES? They’re not-for-profits, yes, however we don’t run them like a business, they are a

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business. Our business is creating the next generation of entrepreneurs for America. It’s not about generating a profit per se but we absolutely run this like a P&L, as any company would. We just measure ourselves a bit differently.

TELL ME ABOUT LEMONADE DAY AND HOW THAT GOT STARTED? Lemonade Day came about when my then 10-year-old daughter Lissa decided she wanted a turtle. I wasn’t having it. So, bright and early 6am one Sunday morning Lissa comes bounding into the bedroom with this great idea of doing a lemonade stand. At 6am I hadn’t yet connected that there was a relationship between the turtle and the lemonade stand but she had a goal and a path on how she was going to get this turtle so I sent her on her way to make a sign. Next thing I know we’re on Memorial Drive with a lemonade stand and Lissa starts asking a lot of questions. Instead of just answering her, I just started asking her back. What’s the best location? Should we move our sign? What about fixed costs? Variables? It was amazing. By the end of the day we’re at the kitchen table doing a balance sheet in crayon and she makes money and it really got me thinking. The next day I’m in a meeting about what Prepared 4 Life can do as an organization and this lemonade stand story comes pouring out. We all just stopped and said, “Wow, that’s pretty good. We should do that!”

HOW HAS LEMONADE DAY GROWN? In our first year we had 2,600 lemonade stands, then 11,000, then 28,000, then 36,000 and last year 54,000. We’re now in 34 cities across the country; we had over 250,000 youth involved in Lemonade Day. Our goal now is to get to 1 million youth by 2013. And we’ll get there.

To find out more about Lemonade Day and to get involved, go to www.lemonadeday.org.

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where to live CÁCERES

RISE LOFTS

WEST BELL TERRACE

LOCATION 207½ REINERMAN HOUSTON, TX 77007

2000 BAGBY UNIT 5412 HOUSTON, TX 77002

1405 STANFORD HOUSTON, TX 77019

An architectural gem, true to tradition yet imbued with the best of today, Caceres is a guard-gated community of custom homes, luxury villas and townhomes.

Sophisticated, stylish, sleek, sexy

Townhomes complete with well-tailored finishes situated in vibrant Montrose, crowned with spacious rooftop terraces offering sweeping views of Downtown.

White stucco, Spanish-inspired architecture. Up to five floors with private elevator! Eco-friendly homes, expansive rooftop terrace views, 24-hour manned gate 365 days a year, island kitchen with Viking stainless steel appliances open to dining & living room. Entire floor dedicated to master suite. Wood flooring, unique granite countertops.

Two impeccably furnished courtyards, with Zen fountain, cozy fireplace, stainless steel grills and shady umbrellas for outdoor entertaining. Take a dip in the rooftop infinity pool while enjoying the unobstructed view of the Downtown skyline.

Meticulous attention to detail summarizes this inviting home designed by revered architects, Sullivan, Stevens, & Henry, and built by Farb Homes. Amenities include lushly landscaped yards, 5” oak hardwoods, marble countertops, Thermador appliances, balconies, designer lighting packages, soaring ceilings, dry bar, built-in storage compartments, luxurious master bath with jetted tub and spacious showers, and roof terrace with city views.

UNITS/ROOMS

3 – 4 bedrooms | 3.5 – 4.5 baths

This 1 bed/1 bath, two-level loft is reminiscent of a trendy European flat. Floor-to-ceiling windows in this 5th floor unit offer unparalleled views and crisp natural light.

All homes are 3 bedrooms/3.5 baths/2-car garage.

WITHIN REACH

In Rice Military, within walking distance to both Restaurant Row on Washington Avenue and Memorial Park.

Bike to Discovery Green, MetroRail to the Medical Center, walk to popular restaurants & bars (Farrago, Tasting Room, Cyclone Anaya’s, BW3s, Christian’s Tailgate, Front Porch, Li’l Woodrow’s) and on Monday...it puts you right at your Downtown office!

Conveniently located in the heart of inner loop living. Close to restaurants, Downtown, museums, parks and nightlife.

$230,000

$468,700–$478,700

DEVELOPERS

+ BUILDERS PLACE YOUR P R O P E RT I E S HERE – EMAIL

US AT WHERETOLIVE @002MAG.

COM LOCATION

AMBIENCE

AMENITIES

PRICE CONTACT

Prices start in the $600’s.

Donna Sonne | Joel Bickley 3050 Post Oak Blvd., Houston, TX 77056 donna.sonne@sudhoffproperties.com joel.bickley@sudhoffproperties.com 713.783.4633 ext 1069 www.caceresliving.com

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Sandra Gunn/Brandi Leveque Boulevard Realty 1545 Heights Boulevard sandra@gunn.net 713.224.2777 www.houstonlofts.com

Vinod Ramani 5023 Washington Ave. vramani@urbanliving.com 713.868.7226 www.UrbanLiving.com

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Savor the quiet times It’s Cool to ________________ this holiday season!

Photography by Jaime Lagdameo Shot on location at the Houstonian Hotel Club & Spa. www.houstonian.com

E

NJOY YOUR HOLIDAYS WITH FAMILY AND FRIENDS BUT DON'T FORGET TO TAKE SOME TIME TO APPRECIATE THE YEAR GONE BY AND ENJOY THE DOWNTIME! SEE YOU BACK HERE IN 2012!

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architecture + design Photography by Gabriella Nissen

ALARM DOCK

It doesn’t get more simple than this: a perfectly carved wooden base that you slip your iPhone into and connect to charge. No speakers, no electronics – just a beautiful chunk carved from sustainably harvested, new growth, beech wood.

We downloaded a basic flip clock app that turns the whole thing nostalgic.

Available at Kuhl-Linscomb or www.areaware.com

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NYC INSTITUTION CALLS HOUSTON HOME

dine write

1. pasta plate: gnocci pesto + porcini ravioli + sausage | 2. osso bucco 3. il mulino interior | 4. executive chef michele mazza

By Beatrice Allen Food photography

by Kim Coffman Interior + Chef Photography

by Kevin Marple

945 GESSNER RD. inside the westin hotel, memorial city HOUSTON, TX 77024 832.358.0600 | www.ilmulino.com

2

1

MENU SELECTIONS pizza • Rustica- 15 • Meatbal-l 15

antipasti • Mozzarella in Carrozza- Fried buffalo mozzarella w/ marinara sauce 11 • Sausage Broccoli Rabe- w/ hot peppers 10

insalate • Endive- Fresh endive w/ lemon and olive oil 7 • Arugula Salad- Baby Arugula w/ olive oil and fresh lemon topped w/ shaved aged parmesan cheese 7

pasta e risotto • Penne Rigate & Ricotta- 15 • Rigatoni con Funghi- Cherry peppers & garlic 16 • Spaghetti Carbonara- Pancetta, onions and parmesan cheese 16

pesce • Dentice- Seared red snapper 26 • Shrimp Francese- 21

THE

WEST SIDE OF TOWN IS HAVING A RESURGENCE OF SORTS. WITH THE INDUCTION OF CITY CENTRE AND THE GROWTH AROUND MEMORIAL HERMANN WITH THE WESTIN, WE ALSO RECEIVED AN ITALIAN CUISINE GEM. WITH SISTER LOCATIONS IN NEW YORK, ASPEN, VEGAS, TOKYO, WE ARE AMONG THE LUCKY LIST TO HAVE TRATTORIA IL MULINO CALL HOUSTON HOME.

Located inside said Westin, their space is very clean, modern yet inviting. A lounge area is right at the entrance that also encompasses the bar. The hostess stand and a waiting area are also located in the same area. The lighting, resembling large heating lamps, provides just the right golden orange glow to create a warm ambiance in the dining room and bar.

Separating both areas is a grappa infusion area. Jars are filled with grappa fermenting with all sorts of fruits. A lemoncello jar surrounded by an ice block is at a constant chill in a copper bucket on display as well. The grappa infuses for months at a time with the fruit changed out as needed. The longest has been steeping for 7 months! On our visit we had the luxury of tasting quite a few and the flavors are phenomenal! And I was terrified of trying grappa after my first throat “burning” introduction years ago. The fruit takes the bite right out of the grappa making it a smooth and pleasant experience. An experience everyone should partake in, especially if you’ve never tried grappa. This is the place to do it.

Once seated, their knowledgeable staff, including our waiter Carlos and general manager Donna, guided us through their menu. Among their many recommendations was a glass of

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Le Diffese red wine carried exclusively by them. I’m a fan of big reds but most of the time my stomach is not. This provided that full character minus the acidity that sometimes comes with it.

While looking over their numerous options and narrowing down our choices, we decided to start with the arancini, meatballs and an arugula salad for some greens.

Their arancini are a must. Most of the time these fried risotto balls are just that – fried dough and risotto which leaves them being pretty dry in my opinion. Their version is a garlic-laced dough shell with a layer of risotto and then a surprise center of Bolognese. This surprise center makes for a much more tender, flavorful fried ball. On the side is a bit of marinara for dipping.

Their acclaimed meatballs are also a hit. Offered as an antipasto or with pasta or pizza, these meatballs are worth it. Made with ricotta and parmesan, served with some marinara and a sprinkle of basil, these meatballs are tender and juicy. However you prefer to order them, with that many options, you can’t go wrong.

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4

3 For our entrées, we ordered new additions to their menu from their New York location. From the pastas, we tried the ravioli porcini, gnocchi pesto and the pappardelle with sausage.

Each is on the menu separately but, for our particular tasting, we were served the grappa pairing menu version. On this special menu, only if you choose to do their grappa pairing dinner, you are served both the gnocchi pesto and the pappardelle on the same plate. These both pair with their green apple grappa. Since we ordered the ravioli as well, they added it to the same plate to save room on the table.

Each pasta is positively divine in its own right. The ravioli, stuffed with porcini in champagne truffle cream sauce, is knock-your-socks-off decadence. The gnocchi pesto, tossed in a parmesan basil sauce with pinenuts, are little pillows in a bright, intense mix of butter and garlic. It will awaken your taste buds. The pappardelle with sausage topped in a light tomato sauce with mushrooms and onions makes for a meaty and smoky combination. All three of these paired with the green apple grappa (with no sugar added) are magnified in their distinct flavors. A grappa pairing dinner is an ideal way to taste their various savory dishes.

Per recommendation we ordered their famous Osso Bucco, popular Veal Milanese and their New York classic/favorites, Branzino and deep sea scallops.

The Osso Buco – with a tender, falling off the bone veal shank that has been roasted in red wine sauce with porcini mushrooms and served with saffron risotto – is a marriage of velvet and butter. It’s rich and indulgent. If you are looking to do something after eating this delight, think again. The only thing you’ll want after this is your bed. It’s literally an intoxicating combo with the sumptuous saffron risotto.

Another dish that was surprisingly luxurious is their deep sea scallops. Wrapped in

pancetta and accompanied by spinach, the scallops are accompanied by a garlic butter, white wine sauce. The pancetta manages to add such depth to the scallops that even without it, the flavor remains. The spinach has a punch of garlic that combined with the sauce turns a usually light green into a rich knockout.

On the simple side, their Veal Milanese is pounded thin, breaded and topped with chopped arugula, diced tomatoes and red onion. It’s like eating your greens at the same time as your entrée. I’m a fan of this style of dish. Although breaded it’s an extremely light, effortless dish. The only accompaniment is a squeeze of lemon to brighten the ingredients.

The Branzino, Italian sea bass stuffed with garlic and rosemary baked in Sicilian sea salt, is another uncomplicated dish that is prepared wonderfully. Served out of the skin, the “meat” is flaky, light and fluffy. It’s a clean dish that is good for the calorieconscious. Although you might be missing out on the rich factor, the fish is done so expertly that although simple it is just as decadent.

Should you have room after your meal, the desserts are equally impressive. With seasonal delights like pumpkin cheesecake made with ricotta to fan favorites like tiramisu, there is something for everyone. This is also a great time to pair your dessert with a grappa. We had our pumpkin cheesecake with their fig grappa, an ideal winter combo.

Hours:

This winter, escape the cold and find refuge in this Trattoria. Treat yourself to some luxurious dishes in a warm setting.

Breakfast 6:30-11am every day Lunch 11:30am-2pm every day Dinner Sun-Wed 5-10pm Thu-Sat 5-11pm

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Roadie food truck

the chef’s special Photography by Kennon Evett

CARLA SUSI RESTAURANT ARAYA ARTISAN CHOCOLATE CUISINE HANDCRAFTED CHOCOLATES 2013 W. GRAY ST., HOUSTON, TX 77019 832.967.7935 | WWW.ARAYACHOCOLATE.COM

FAVORITE LATE NIGHT SPOT FOR A BITE? Nothing better than Escargot Gratin at Brasserie 19.

BEST BREAKFAST? “Arepa.” Just like Mexico has their tortillas, Venezuela has the Arepa; it is made of corn and they are the perfect container for gourmet or comfort food. People fill it with all type of ingredients. For me, the best breakfast is a homemade arepa with queso fresco, an espresso and orange juice.

Arepa

BEST BRUNCH? I had the best brunch at Hugo’s. Loved the Ceviche de Atun with avocado and mango.

WHAT INGREDIENT CAN YOU NOT LIVE WITHOUT IN THE KITCHEN AND WHY? Chocolate!! Viva el chocolate!! It’s not only the base ingredient at the laboratory, but at home, I use chocolate not only to bake or to spread on top of pancakes or croissants, but also with salty food. My favorite is a chocolate barbecue sauce similar to Mole that my husband prepares.

Araya chocolates

WHAT UTENSIL CAN YOU NOT LIVE WITHOUT? The whisk. It even works to keep the family straight!

WHAT’S YOUR PET PEEVE? Negative people.

FAVORITE AFFORDABLE WINE? Montes Alpha, Cabernet Sauvignon from Chile.

It’s not the most affordable, but its a great value for the quality.

FAVORITE PLACE FOR DESSERT? That is an obvious one: Araya, of course!

However, my favorite cakes are from Epicure Bakery, our neighbor. The Pistachio Cake is too much!

ON WHAT MAGAZINE COVER, OTHER THAN 002’S, WOULD YOU LIKE TO BE FEATURED? Gourmet.

WHO ARE YOUR FAVORITE CHEF, RESTAURANT AND DISH? Chef Danny Trace at Brennan’s. His Jumbo Lump Blue Crabcakes are simply amazing. Last year we did a special project and invited some of Houston’s chefs to make chocolate with us and we had great fun working along with Chef Danny.

WHAT IS YOUR COMFORT FOOD? Linguini al pesto, freshly made pesto.

DO YOU USE A RECIPE OR WING IT? If I am creating a new dish or chocolate flavor I just follow my instincts, which actually used to be a challenge when we needed to document it. But once this is done we always follow the recipes for consistency.

IS THERE A FOOD YOU WON’T EAT? Morcillas. Tried them once and… no way, I will leave that for my husband.

Montes Alpha

WHAT DO YOU SEE AS THE NEXT FOOD TREND? It is interesting to see the whole food truck movement, and I like to see people embracing the notion of good food cooked fast (very different from fast food). On the dessert side, I hope people will agree with me that there is a new trend in gourmet chocolate, focus on healthy dark chocolate, where unusual and unexpected combinations are created. Also on desserts, the introduction of French macarons as a serious alternative to the cupcakes. No question why I am so passionate about Araya.

AT HOME, WHAT DO YOU KEEP ON HAND TO SERVE DROP-IN GUESTS? Wine, prosciutto and cheese, while I create something special.

WHAT WOULD PEOPLE BE SURPRISED TO FIND IN YOUR HOME REFRIGERATOR? Southwest Dip from Robert’s Reserve. I put it on almost everything.

FAVORITE SANDWICH Roasted peppers and goat cheese on a baguette. Just make it simple! FAVORITE ICE CREAM MIX-IN/TOPPING The guys from Petit Sweets make wonderful custard and when topped with their chocolate fudge….it is worth every calorie. FAVORITE TRUCK FOOD: Roadie is the new truck from Central Market. They just launched a few weeks ago and I had the privilege to be there the first day. You will not be disappointed. FAVORITE SPOT TO EXERCISE/RUN The Terry Hershey Park. The name is a mere coincidence. It is a beautiful park to run and bike. My kids love to ride their bikes while my husband and I run.

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EMAIL US AT

new

new

RESTAURANT NEWS

8

B.VALENCIA@002MAG.COM

new

TEXAS TAMALE CO. www.texastamale.com 3340 FOUNTAINVIEW | 713.953.9770 CUISINE MEXICAN This little shop located off Fountainview has actually been operating since the late ’80s. More of a to-go shop, the Mexican Deli specializes in tamales and puts out 100-300 breakfast tacos each morning. SHOULD YOU STAY AND EAT, YOUR OPTION IS ONE OF THREE TABLES. We received our tamales and tacos in a cute Styrofoam cooler to keep them warm on the go. The cooler has their logo on one side and the saying “Mi Masa es su Masa” (masa = corn dough) on the other. So clever. Their tamales are made with vegetable shortening rather than lard making this healthier version not only delicious but better for your heart. They are small in size so it’s easy to try various tamales. The chicken version is shredded chicken in a red sauce packed into a tamale with that delicious masa flavor. They also offer beef, pork, spinach and black bean. The breakfast tacos are the same. A flour tortilla bursting with bar-b-que bar egg and your choice of potato, chorizo, sausage, bacon and numerous other fillings start at…$1.39!

Breakfast tacos are served from 710:30am while supplies last. Make it a rounded out meal with some of their queso, beans or rice.

Looking for a good Mexican meal at a great price, this Mexican Deli offers that and more. You can place orders for tamales for your holiday parties or give them as a present. Check out their website for more gift ideas for that homesick Texan.

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Photography by Alex Rosa

web site

PINEWOOD CAFE www.pinewoodcafe.com

CHAMA GAÚCHA www.chamagaucha.com

6104 HERMANN PARK DR. | 713.429.5238

5865 WESTHEIMER RD. | 713.244.9500

CUISINE AMERICAN

CUISINE BRAZILIAN STEAKHOUSE

CHEF N/A

CHEF N/A

LOCATED IN HERMANN PARK IN FRONT OF THE POND IS THIS LITTLE CAFÉ. WITH FLOOR TO CEILING WINDOWS, EVEN IF YOU CAN’T SCORE A PATIO TABLE THE VIEW IS MAGNIFICENT AND YOU CAN WATCH exterior THE PADDLE BOATS. Counter-style ordering and high tables with stool seating round out the interior décor thus far. We had a beautiful cool day for our lunch visit that found us sitting at one of the tables.

Kids and adults will cheer for their build your own grilled cheese or burger menu. We experimented with rye bread, gouda cheese, shrimp, avocado, tomato and sprouts, as well as a French loaf with cheddar, mushrooms and jalapeños, and a sweet sourdough with Velveeta and tomatoes. With 6 different breads, 8 cheeses, 7 proteins and 6 add-ons, your possibilities are almost endless! And if you don’t like your combo, well, you only have yourself to blame. One thing you will have no complaints on is their bread. From a local bakery, all the options are standouts. Should you build your own burger, you can choose from either an 8oz Angus beef or 8oz grilled chicken with your choice of veggies on said bakery bun with cheese or bacon as add-ons. Not on the menu but amazing is the Olivia burger. It’s an 8oz Angus burger with havarti cheese, caramelized onions and mushrooms. The flavors are so buttery and delicious together. No condiments required with this baby! Another notable was the Texas wrap with flank steak. The steak is marinated (daily) in pineapple juice and yellow curry, then it’s wrapped with lettuce, pico de gallo and jalapeño in a spicy cilantro dressing.

The flavor of the steak and dressing is sweet but savory.

If a good, personalized meal is what you’re after, Pinewood Café has options for you.

Chama, meaning “flame” in Portuguese, is the essence of an authentic Brazilian steakhouse. The “flame” also describes the passion the gauchos, Brazilian cowboys, have for their culture and tradition. THIS SAME PASSION IS FOUND IN THE FOOD AND SERVICE AT THIS STEAKHOUSE. FROM THE MOMENT YOU ARE SEATED TO THE MOMENT YOU LEAVE, THE SERVICE IS IMPECCABLE. We not only had our waitress keeping an eye on our table but every other waiter that walks by, if he sees the need for something, will bring it or do it. It’s like having ten waiters. I’ve never experienced that kind of service anywhere. For lunch, around $20, you can eat from their expansive salad bar area that offers already mixed salads, build-your-own, vegetables, cheese, bread, cured meats, a Brazilian black bean soup and rice. Once you are ready for the meats, a little card on your table (one side red for stop, the other green for go) is your way of letting their gauchos know. A parade of 15 cuts starts.

Everything from filet mignon, top sirloin, ribeye, ribs, chicken, lamb and pork are available at a limitless amount. Should you need a break, just flip your card to the red side. It’s no wonder all eyes are on your table constantly. My favorite cut, aside from their filet, was the Fraldinha. It’s the bottom sirloin ribeye that is flavorful, lean and tender. The house specialty, Picanha, the prime cut of the sirloin, is also a standout. You can’t miss out on their homemade lemonade. The whole lemon is used for this fresh and frothy version. If you like to get your money’s worth, Chama Gaúcha is that and more. With impeccable service and succulent meat cuts at limitless amounts, you won’t be disappointed.

Photography by Nicholas Baker

By Beatrice Allen

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Photography by Nicholas Baker

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restaurant listings houston | sugar land | the woodlands

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

51fifteen 51FIFTEEN | inside Saks Fifth Avenue 5115 Westheimer. 713.963.8067 www.51fifteen.com AMERICAS •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 AVA KITCHEN+WHISKEY BAR 2800 Kirby. 713.386.6460 www.avaalto.com BARNABY’S 5 Houston locations www.barnabyscafe.com

COURSES | At the Art Institute of Houston 1900 Yorktown. 713.353.3644 www.artinstitutes.edu

QUATTRO 1300 Lamar. 713.276.4700 www.fourseasons.com

HONG KONG DINER "Now Dim Sum" 909 Franklin St. 713.236.1688 www.hongkongdinerhouston.com

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

CROSSROADS | HOB 1204 Caroline. 888.402.5837 www.houseofblues.com

RDG | Bar Annie 1800 Post Oak Blvd. 713.840.1111 www.rdgbarannie.com

KAM’S [chinese] 4500 Montrose Blvd. #C. 713.529.5057 www.kamscuisine.com

ZAKE 2946 S. Shepherd. 713.526.6888 www.zakehouston.com

DAILY REVIEW CAFÉ 3412 West Lamar. 713.520.9217 www.dailyreviewcafe.com

RELISH 3915 San Felipe. 713.599.1960 www.relishhouston.com

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

ZUSHI 5900 Memorial Dr., #102. 713.861.5588 www.zushihouston.com

DANTON’S GULF COAST SEAFOOD 4611 Montrose. 713.807.8889 www.dantonsseafood.com

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

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

BROOKSTREET BBQ 10705 Westheimer. 713.783.3600 www.brookstreetbbq.com

EDDIE V’S PRIME SEAFOOD •12848 Queensbury Ln. 832.200.2380 • 2800 Kirby@West Ave. 713.874.1800 www.eddiev.com

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

FELIX 55 5510 Morningside. 713.590.0610 www.felix55.com

THE CHELSEA GRILL 4621 Montrose Blvd. 713.942.9857 www.chelseagrill.com THE GROVE 1611 Lamar. 713.337.7321 www.thegrovehouston.com

foundation room

FOUNDATION ROOM | HOB 1204 Caroline. 832.667.7800 www.houseofblues.com GLASSWALL 933 Studemont. 713.868.7930 www.glasswalltherestaurant.com HAVEN 2502 Algerian Way. 713.581.6101 www.havenhouston.com

BISTRO ALEX 800 W. Sam Houston Pkwy., CityCentre 713.827.3545 www.bistroalex.com BLACK FINN AMERICAN GRILL 1910 Bagby., #100. 713.651.9550 www.blackfinnamericangrille.com BOWL 607 Richmond. 832.582.7218 www.eatatbowl.com CAFE EXPRESS 12 convenient locations in Houston www.cafe-express.com CANOPY 3939 Montrose Blvd. 713.528.6848 www.canopyhouston.com CINQ | at La Colombe d’Or 3410 Montrose Blvd. 713.469.4750 www.lacolombedor.com

hearsay

THE LAKE HOUSE 1600 McKinney. 713.337.7320 www.thelakehousehouston.com VOICE | Hotel Icon 220 Main. 832.667.4470 www.hotelicon.com WHICH WICH 711 Louisiana St. 713.222.2999 www.whichwich.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

GOODE COMPANY TX BARBECUE 5109 Kirby. 713.522.2530 www.goodecompany.com

les givral’s kahve

LES GIVRAL’S KAHVE [vietnamese] 801 Congress St. 713.547.0444 www.lesgivrals.com MAI’S [vietnamese] 3403 Milam. 713.520.5300 www.maishouston.com NIT NOI [thai] 8 Houston locations www.nitnoithai.com

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

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

BLUE FISH SUSHI 550 Texas. 713.225.3474 www.thebluefishsushi.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 NOE Four Riverway. 713.871.8177 www.noerestaurant.com

CONVEY SUSHI 803 Congress. 713.518.7219 www.conveysushi.com FISH [sushi] 309 Gray St. 713.526.5294 www.fishhouston.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 ARAYA artisan chocolate 2013 W. Gray St. 832.967.7960 www.arayachocolate.com

NORI SUSHI BISTRO 700 Town and Country Blvd. 713.467.0400 www.norisushibistro.com

AVALON DRUG CO. & DINER •2417 Westheimer. 713.527.8900 •12810 Southwest Frwy. 281.240.0213 www.avalondiner.com

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

CAFÉ BRASIL 2604 Dunlavy. 713.528.1993 www.brasilcafe.net COCO’S CREPES 218 Gray St. 713.521.0700 www.cocoscrepes.com

ra sushi

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

bar-b-que

CRAVE CUPCAKES 1151 Uptown Park Blvd. 713.622.7283 www.cravecupcake.com

RA SUSHI •3908 Westheimer. 713.621.5800 •12860 Queensbury Ln. #234, CityCentre 713.331.2792 www.rasushi.com

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

RED PIER [asian fusion] 2701 Milam St. 713.807.7726 www.theredpier.com

DOWN HOUSE 51801 Yale St. 713.864.3696 www.downhousehouston.com

STRAITS [singaporean] 800 W. Sam Houston Pkwy. N. 713.365.9922 www.straitsrestaurants.com

EMPIRE CAFÉ 1801 Yale St. 713.528.5282 www.empirecafe.net

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

FOUNTAIN VIEW CAFÉ 1842 Fountain View.

713.785.9060

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FUEL KITCHEN+HEALTH BAR 1005 Waugh Dr., #C www.fuelhealthbar.com

•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

HARRY'S RESTAURANT CAFE 318 Tuam St. 713.528.0198 www.harrysrestaurantcafe.com 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. 713.524.3737 www.kraftsmenbaking.com KRAFTSMEN CAFE 611 West 22nd St. 713.426.1300 www.kraftsmencafe.com MORE THAN CAKES 1100 West Dallas. 713.652.5135 www.morethancakes.com

TINY BOXWOOD’S •3614 W. Alabama St. 713.622.4224 •3636 Rice Blvd. 713.667.3402 www.tinyboxwoods.com

cajun+creole +southern THIS IS IT SOULFOOD 2712 Blodgett St. 713.521.2920 www.thisisithouston.com TREEBEARDS 5 Houston locations 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

OCTANE COFFEE+WINE LOUNGE 3402 N. Shepherd. 281.974.1693 RUSTIKA CAFÉ 3237 Southwest Frwy. 713.665.6226 www.rustikacafe.com

BRASSERIE 19 [french] 1962 W. Gray. 713.524.1919 www.brasserie19.net

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

BRASSERIE MAX + JULIE [french] 4315 Montrose. 713.524.0070 www.maxandjulie.net

SPRINKLES CUPCAKES 4014 Westheimer. 713.871.9929 www.sprinkles.com

CHARIVARI [european] 2521 Bagby. 713.271.7231 www.charivarirest.com

SUGAR BABY’S CUPCAKES 3310 S. Shepherd. 713.527.8427 www.ilovesugarbabys.com

FEAST [european] 219 Westheimer. 713.529.7788 www.feasthouston.com

SWEET CityCentre.

713.647.9338 www.sweethouston.com

LE MISTRAL [french] 1400 Eldridge Parkway. 832.379.8322 www.lemistralhouston.com

THE BREAKFAST KLUB 3711 Travis. 713.528.8561 www.thebreakfastklub.com THE BUFFALO GRILLE •3116 Bissonnet. 713.661.3663

66. december 11 | www.002mag.com

VALENTINO Hotel Derek 2525 West Loop South. 713.850.9200 www.valentinorestaurantgroup.com

indian

latin

ASHIANA 12610 Briar Forest Dr. 281.679.5555 www.ashiana.cc

ARGENTINA CAFE 3055 Sage Rd. 713.622.8877

CHUTNEY’S INDIAN 1010 Lamar. 713.571.2010 www.chutneyshouston.com KIRAN’S 4100 Westheimer. 713.960.8472 www.kiranshouston.com NARIN’S BOMBAY BRASSERIE 3005 West Loop South. 713.622.2005 www.narinsbombaybrasserie.com

OPORTO [european] 3833 Richmond. 713.621.1114 www.oporto.us PHILIPPE REST+LOUNGE [french] BLVD. Place. 713.439.1000 www.philippehouston.com

BERRYHILL [texmex] 10 Houston locations www.berryhillbajagrill.com BISTRO BAR [puerto rican] 800 W. Sam Houston Pkwy. CityCentre 713.973.1601 www.houstonsorella-citycentre.com BULLRITOS 5 Houston locations www.bullritos.com

PONDICHERI 2800 Kirby@West Ave. 713.522.2022 SHIVA 2415 Times Blvd. 713.523.4753 www.shivarestaurant.com

italian ARCODORO 5000 Westheimer. 713.621.6888 www.arcodoro.com

european BISTRO LE CEP [french] 11112 Westheimer. 713.783.3985 www.bistro-lecep.com

TAFT STREET COFFEE 2115 Taft. 713.522.3533 www.taftstreetcoffee.org

THE QUEEN VIC PUB [european] 2712 Richmond. 713.533.0022 www.thequeenvicpub.com

ARTURO BOADA CUISINE 6510 Del Monte. 713.782.3011 www.boadacuisine.com BRIO TUSCAN GRILLE CityCentre. 713.973.9610 www.brioitalian.com CANDELARI’S 14545 Memorial Dr. 281.497.0612

cafe piquet CAFÉ PIQUET [cuban] 5757 Bissonnet. 713.664.1031 Dine-In/Catering www.cafepiquet.net CHAMA GAÚCHA [brazilian] 5865 Westheimer. 713.244.9500 www.chamagaucha.com CYCLONE ANAYA’S [mex] 4 Houston locations www.cycloneanaya.com DECCO CAFE 5120 Woodway Dr. 713.963.8273 www.deccocafe.com

PIATTO RISTORANTE 2 houston locations www.piattoristorante.com

EL GRAN MALO [mex] 2307 Ella Blvd. 832.767.3405 www.elgranmalo.com

RISTORANTE CAVOUR 1080 Uptown Park. 713.418.1000 www.granducahouston.com

EL MESON [cuban] 2425 University. 713.522.9306 www.elmeson.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.

EL PATIO [mex] 6444 Westheimer. 713.780.0410 www.elpatio.com

TONY MANDOLA’S 1212 Waugh. 713.528.3473 www.tonymandolas.com

EL TACO TOTE 6154 Westheimer. 713.706.3233 www.tacotote.com

TRATTORIA IL MULINO 945 Gessner Road. 832.358.0600 www.ilmulino.com

EL TIEMPO CANTINA [mex] •3130 Richmond. 713.807.1600 •1308 Montrose. 713.807.8996 www.eltiempocantina.com

EL REY [cuban-mex] 4 Houston locations www.elreytaqueria.com

FREEB!RDS WORLD BURRITO 17 Houston locations Catering 888.392.2287 www.freebirds.com Sugarland | Katy | Beaumont Nederland | Conroe GUADALAJARA HACIENDA [mex] 4 Houston locations 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.irmassouthwest.com LAS VENTANAS [mex] 14555 Grisby Rd. 281.752.6990 www.lasventanas.net LATIN BITES CAFE [peru] 1302 Nance St. 713.229.8369 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 NINFA’S THE ORIGINAL 2704 Navigation Blvd. 713.228.1175 www.ninfas.com OCEAN’S [cevicheria] 819 W. Alabama. 713.520.7744 www.oceansceviche.com RIOJA [spanish] 11920 Westheimer. 281.531.5569 www.riojarestaurant.com RUBY TEQUILA’S 2616 Louisiana. 713.522.7829 www.rubytequilas.com SAMBA GRILLE (south american) 530 Texas. 713.343.1180 www.sambagrillehouston.com TACOS A GO-GO 3704 Main. 713.807.8226 www.tacosagogo.com

December 11_002houston 11/17/11 7:15 PM Page 67

THE LEMON TREE [peru] 12591 Whittington. 281.556.0690 www.thelemontreeonline.com

BOMBAY PIZZA CO. 914 Main St. 713.654.4444 www.bombaypizzaco.com

TILA’S [mex] 1111 S. Shepherd. 713.522.7654 www.tilas.com

DOLCE VITA PIZZERIA ENOTECA 500 Westheimer. 713.520.8222 www.dolcevitahouston.com FRANK’S PIZZA 417 Travis. 713.225.5656 www.frankspizza.com

tintos

XUCO XICANA [mex] 2416 Brazos. 713.523.8181 www.elpatio.com

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

PINK’S PIZZA 4 houston locations www.pinkspizza.com 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

steak+chops FLEMING’S •788 W. Sam Houston Pkwy.

713.827.1120 •2405 W. Alabama. 713.520.5999 www.flemingssteakhouse.com

baklava MEDITERRANEAN TREATS mediteraniantreats@gmail.com www.etsy.com/shop/mediterraneantreats

MORTON’S •5000 Westheimer. 713.629.1946 •1001 McKinney. 713.659.3700 www.mortons.com MO’S 1801 Post Oak Blvd. 713.877.0720 www.mosaplaceforsteaks.com PAPPAS BROS. STEAKHOUSE 5839 Westheimer Rd. 713.780.7352 www.pappasbros.com

niko niko’s NIKO NIKO’S •2520 Montrose. 713.528.1308 •301 Milam @ Market Square. www.nikonikos.com PHOENICIA DELI [lebanese] •12151 Westheimer. 281.558.0416 •1001 Austin St. 832.360.2222 www.phoenicia-deli.com

pizza ALTO PIZZERIA 2800 Kirby Dr. 713.386.6460 www.avaalto.com

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

SUGAR LAND BROOKSTREET BBQ 1418 Highway 6. 281.313.4000 www.brookstreetbbq.com CAFE INDIA 2319 Williams Trace Blvd.

281.565.5881

BROOKLYN CAFÉ •4775 W. Panther Creek Dr. 281.298.7488 •3091 College Park Dr. 936.273.8880 www.thebrooklyncafe.com

CARRABBA’S 2335 Highway 6. 281.980.4433 www.carrabbas.com

TINTOS [spanish] 2015 West Gray. 713.522.1330 www.tintosrestaurant.com YELAPA PLAYA MEXICANA 2303 Richmond Ave. 281.501.0391 www.yelapatime.com

THE WOODLANDS

STRIP HOUSE 1200 McKinney. 713.659.6000 www.theglaziergroup.com

RUTH’S CHRIS STEAKHOUSE 6213 Richmond Ave. 713.789.2333 www.ruthschris.com

CUPCAKE CAFE 16525 Lexington Blvd. 281.242.2744 www.cupcakecafeoftexas.com GRIMALDI’S PIZZERIA 16535 Southwest Freeway.

281.265.2280 www.grimaldispizzeria.com

SPENCER’S STEAKS + CHOPS 1600 Lamar. 713.577.8325 www.spencersforsteaksandchops.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

JAPANEIRO’S [sushi+latin] 2168 Texas Dr. 281.242.1121 www.japaneiro.com

GENGHIS GRILL [asian] 9300 6 Pines Drive. 281.363.4745 www.genghisgrill.com

LA MADELEINE 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

GURI DO SUL STEAKHOUSE 1400 Research Forest Dr. 281.907.4146 www.guridosul.com HONEY BEE HAM + DELI 4747 Research Forest Dr. 281.364.9200 www.honeybeehamthewoodlands.com

PHO MAI NOODLE HOUSE 16200 Kensington Dr. 281.491.1528 www.phomainoodlehouse.com

MASA’S SUSHI 4775 W. Panther Creek Dr. 281.298.5688 www.sushimasahouston.com

RAJIN CAJUN 16100 Kensington Dr. 281.277.0704 www.ragin-cajun.com

P F CHANG’S 1201 Lake Woodlands Dr. 281.203.6350 www.pfchangs.com

THAI COTTAGE II 4723 Sweetwater Blvd. 281.313.0707 www.thai-cottage.com

SITAR CUISINE OF INDIA 25701 Interstate 45. 281.364.0200 www.sitarcuisineofindia.net

THE BURNING PEAR 16090 City Walk. 281.275.5925 www.theburningpear.com

SWEET BELLA ITALIAN KITCHEN 202 Sawdust Road. 832.585.0066 www.sweetbellaitalian.com

WASABI [sushi] 14019 Southwest Freeway.

281.242.3899

THE MELTING POT 19075 Interstate 45. 936.271.7416 www.themeltingpot.com

ruth’s chris

SHULA’S STEAKHOUSE Hyatt Hotel 1200 Louisiana St. 713.375.4777 www.donshulas.com

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

281.298.1228 www.caffe-di-fiore.com

WILLIE’S GRILL + ICE HOUSE 945 Highway 6. 281.242.2252 www.williesrestaurants.com

for more restaurant listings go to 002mag.com december 11 | www.002mag.com .67

December 11_002houston 11/17/11 6:39 PM Page 68

002houston magazine If you haven’t caught the Wave, here’s what you should do. With traffic conditions, construction and road closures from special events, it is best to call about 20 minutes before you are ready for a pickup to see how long it will be before a bus is outside. info@thehoustonwave.com

washington

way

TM

THE WASHINGTON CORRIDOR BUSINESS ASSOCIATION provides business owners, entrepreneurs and professionals with the opportunity by way of a forum to educate, equip and empower their businesses by networking and communicating their needs within the boundaries of the WCBA and its community.

WWW.WCBA-HOUSTON.COM

Photography by Dustin Downing

GUATEMALAN FAST-FOOD CHAIN POLLO CAMPERO‘S NEW-PROTOTYPE RESTAURANT WILL SOON BECOME THE FOURTH STANDALONE DRIVE-THRU IN A ROW ALONG A SECTION OF THE SOUTH SIDE OF WASHINGTON AVE. IT WILL ALSO DEBUT THEIR EXPANDED LATIN MENU ENRICHED WITH LATIN AMERICAN HERITAGE. CENTRAL TO THE CHAIN’S SUCCESS TO DATE IS THE SECRET FAMILY RECIPE FOR ITS MARINATED AND HAND-BREADED FRIED CHICKEN AND ITS FLAVORFUL GRILLED CHICKEN SEASONED WITH A COMBINATION OF LATIN SPICES. THE POPULAR AUSTIN-BASED HOT SPOT – J. BLACK’S FEEL GOOD LOUNGE IS COMING

TO WASHINGTON, TAKING OVER THE FORMER PHIL’S BBQ SPACE. IT WILL PROVIDE A TRUE NEIGHBORHOOD LOUNGE EXPERIENCE FEATURING EASY-TO-SHARE MENU ITEMS, CREATIVE COCKTAILS, A DIVERSE WINE LIST AND AN ATTENTIVE, FRIENDLY STAFF.

68. december 11 | www.002mag.com

December 11_002houston 11/17/11 6:39 PM Page 69

WASHINGTON

SPOTS…

ABSOLVE WINE LOUNGE 920 Studemont St. 281.501.1788 www.absolvewinelounge.com

KEEP IT CLEAN CARWASH 3700 Washington. 713.426.3877 www.keepitcleancarwash.com

ANDY’S 1115 E. 11th St. 713.861.9423

KWIK KAR 2710 Washington. 713.869.9008 www.kwikkarofhouston.com

AMERICAN TITLE-HEIGHTS 5225 Katy Frwy., #510.

713.864.5335 www.americantitleheights.com

ROCKEFELLER HALL 3620 Washington. 713.869.3344 www.RockefellerHall.com

AT&T 920 Studemont, #700.

713.802.9950 BEDROCK CITY 4602 Washington, #A. 713.862.0100 www.bedrockcity.com CAMERA CO-OP 801 Durham Dr. 713.522.7837 www.cameracoophouston.com CHASE 4720 Washington, #A. 713.802.0100 CRICKET 4922 Washington. 713.862.8775 FIRESTONE 1502 Washington. 713.224.1733 www.FirestoneCompleteAutoCare.com

INTEGRITY BANK 4040 Washington. 713.335.8700 www.ibanktx.com I SOLD IT HOUSTON 4720 Washington. 713.426.4266 www.isoldithouston.com IVISION 920 Studemont, #800.

713.862.0500 www.ivisionhouston.com JAMES CRAIG FURNISHINGS 4500 Washington, #100.

713.741.2266 www.jamescraigfurnishings.com

SSQQ DANCE STUDIO

AEON THEATRIX 1824 Spring, #222.

1-888-669-AEON (2366) www.aeontheatrix.com

ROCKEFELLER HALL

AEON THEATRIX

business

KATIE & CO. 4500 Washington. 713.802.1345 www.katie-co.com

BEAVER’S 2310 Decatur St. 713.864.2328 www.beavershouston.com BEER ISLAND 2631 White Oak. 713.862.4670 BERRIPOP FROZEN YOGURT 3939 Washington. 713.861.7171 www.berripop.com BIG STAR 1005 W. 19th. 281.501.9560 www.bigstarbar.com BLOCK 7 WINE COMPANY 720 Shepherd Dr. 713.572.2565 www.block7wineco.com BRANCH WATER TAVERN 510 Shepherd Dr. 713.863.7777 www.branchwatertavern.com

SSQQ DANCE STUDIO 1431 W. 20th. 713.869.0777 www.ssqqdance.com

BRC 519 Shepherd Dr. 713.861.2233 www.brcgastropub.com

STATE FARM INSURANCE 22 Waugh Dr. #340.

713.426.4440

BRIXX BAR 5110 Washington. 713.864.8811

THE AMISH CRAFTSMAN 5555 Washington. 713.862.3444 www.amishcraftsmanfurniture.com THE RESERVE SUPPLY CO.

2205 Washington. 713.750.9582 www.reservesupplycompany.com T-MOBILE 4720 Washington. 713.868.5866 www.t-mobile.com URBAN CLEANERS 9200 Studemont, #200.

713.880.9910 WABASH ANTIQUE & FEED STORE 5701 Washington. 713.863.8322 www.wabashfeed.com

WEST END CLEANERS 4918 Washington. 713.864.2365 www.westendcleaners.com

BUFFALO WILD WINGS 3939 Washington. 832.356.2980 www.buffalowildwings.com CANDELARI’S 6002 Washington. 832.200.1474 www.candelaris.com CANYON CREEK CAFÉ 6603 Westcott St. 713.864.5885 www.onioncreekcafe.com CATALINA COFFEE 2201 Washington. 713.861.8448 www.catalinacoffeeshop.com CEDAR CREEK CAFÉ 1034 W. 20th St. 713.808.9623 COPPA 5555 Washington. 713.426.4260 www.copparistorante.com

food+drink

DAN ELECTRO’S GUITAR 1031 E. 24th St. 713.862.8707 www.danelectrosguitarbar.com

360 SPORTS LOUNGE 4601 Washington. 713.677.0398 www.360sportslounge.com

DARKHORSE TAVERN 2207 Washington. 713.426.2442 www.dhtavern.com

december 11 | www.002mag.com .69

December 11_002houston 11/17/11 6:41 PM Page 70

SSQQ DANCE STUDIO www.intownhouston.com | 1431 WEST 20TH ST. | 713.869.0777 BUSINESS TWO STEPS ITS WAY INTO THE HEIGHTS

S

By Nadia Michel Photography by Jaime Lagdameo

low-slow-quick-quick. That is the first thing one might learn in a foxtrot class at World Famous SSQQ Dance Studio.

Not to be confused, of course, with the two-step, which has a quick-quick-slow-slow rhythm.

“Dancing with the Stars and shows like it have given people the false sense you can learn to dance in a week,” says Linda Cook, an instructor at SSQQ for the last 18 years. “It doesn’t work that way,” she remarks. “It can take a long time.” Cook began as a student herself at the former SSQQ location in Bellaire before she became a teacher.

Owners Daryl and JoAnne Armstrong opened the new studio in August 2010, and the place has been bustling ever since.

SSQQ has an impressive schedule of six classes each day, seven days a week, taught by a roster of 40 instructors. The variety of dance styles pretty much runs the gamut, ensuring there’s something for everyone who might have a penchant for getting on the dance floor. Think country western, all the Latin styles and everything in between.

More than a place to practice dance moves, SSQQ also offers plenty of opportunities for socializing. There are parties every last Sunday of the month, which can last until the wee hours of the morning. They also have a Happy Hour Mondays through Fridays from 6-7pm. “Neighborhood people come and have a beer or a wine. They watch the dancing and decide if they want to dance.

They can be a little shy at the beginning,” says Cook. That can easily be remedied with a few dance sessions. “All the ones who are quiet and shy, this is excellent for them. It’s amazing how you get out of that shell,” she says.

Students also tend to bond and socialize outside of school, often gathering Saturday nights after a class for a group dinner. “Everyone makes lifelong friends here.”

SSQQ also serves as a rental space for special events. Weddings, cheerleading tryouts and fraternity parties are just some of the action the studio has seen. Cook suggests calling far ahead to reserve a spot for your next function.

JASON BROWN jbrown@002mag.com ALEX PEREZ perez@002mag.com

OR CALL

713.223.5333 70. december 11 | www.002mag.com

MAX’S WINE DIVE 4720 Washington. 713.880.8737 www.maxwinedive.com

www.hickoryhollowrestaurant.com

LIBERTY STATION 2101 Washington. 713.640.5220

NOX 4701 Nett. 281.701.4248 www.noxhouston.com

EL TIEMPO CANTINA 5602 Washington. 713.681.3645 www.eltiempocantina.com

HUGHES HANGAR 2811 Washington. 281.501.2028 www.hugheshangar.com

LUPE TORTILLA 1511 Shepherd. 713.231.9040 www.lupetortilla.com

FITZGERALD’S 2706 White Oak. 713.862.3838

KING FU SALOON 5317 Washington. 713.864.0642 www.kungfusaloon.com

MANOR ON WASHINGTON 4819 Washington. 713.426.0123 www.manoronwashington.com

LAURENZO’S 4412 Washington. 713.880.5111 www.laurenzos.net

MARDI GRAS GRILL 1200 Durham. 713.864.5600 www.mardigrasgrill.net

FOX HOLLOW 4617 Nett St. 713.869.2117

EL REY TAQUERIA 910 Shepherd Dr. 713.802.9145 www.elreytaqueria.com

HICKORY HOLLOW 101 Heights Blvd. 713.869.6300

FIVE GUYS 3939 Washington. 713.426.5558 www.fiveguys.com

PAGODA BISTRO & BAR 4705 Inker St. 832.673.0400 PANDORA 1815 Washington. 832.296.6220 PATRENELLA’S 813 Jackson Hill St. 713.863.8223 www.patrenellas.net

PIZZITOLA'S BAR B CUE 1703 Shepherd Dr. 713.227.2283 www.pizzitolasbbq.com PORCH SWING PUB 69 Heights Blvd. 713.880.8700 www.porchswingpub.com

WASHINGTON SPOTS...WASHI

FOR ADVERTISING

LES GIVRAL’S KAHVE 4601 Washington. 832.582.7671 www.lesgivrals.com

EI8TH 5102 Washington. 713.880.3500

PIZZITOLA’S BAR B CUE

This month, SSQQ will be hosting its Christmas party December 17 and a New Year’s bash on the 31. Bring your dancing shoes. Check out www.ssqqdance.com for more information.

ZOES KITCHEN 4000 Washington. 713.861.9637 www.zoeskitchen.com

RAIA’S 4500 Washington. 713.861.1042 www.RaiasItalian.com

health+beauty

SALT BAR 4216 Washington. 713.868.5155 SAM’S CAFÉ 920 Studemont. 713.861.1109 SANCTUARY LOUNGE 2420 Washington. 713.861.7300 www.sanctuaryhouston.com SAWYER PARK SPORTS BAR 2412 Washington. 713.398.8442 www.SawyerParkHouston.com SOMA 4820 Washington. 713.861.2726 www.somasushi.com STAR PIZZA II 77 Harvard St. 713.869.1241 www.starpizza.net TAPS HOUSE OF BEER 5120 Washington. 713.864.0650 www.tapshouseofbeer.com THE COUNTER 4601 Washington. 713.966.6123 www.thecounterburger.com THE DUBLINER 4219 Washington. 713.861.2300 THE LOT 4212 Washington. 713.868.5688 www.thelothouston.com TQLA 4601 Washington. 281.501.3237 www.tqlahouston.com W GRILL 4825 Washington. 713.861.9933 www.wgrilltogo.com WASHINGTON DRINKERY 4115 Washington. 713.426.3617 www.washavedrinkery.com

CROSSFIT H-TOWN 1919 Silver. 281.989.8740 www.crossfithtown.com

SAWYER DENTAL 1919-3A Taylor St. 713.864.3993 WASHINGTON AVE PILATES 2203 Washington. 281.352.5791 www.wapilates.com

WEST-END PILATES 4219 Koehler. 832.867.1059 www.westendhoustonpilates.com

home

CURA YOGA "Infrared Heated Studio" 1824 Spring. 713.839.9642 www.curayoga.com DESIGN DENTAL GROUP 4500 Washington, #700.

713.869.0334 www.Design-DentalGroup.com EGMA’S SALON 4620 A Washington. 713.880.8319 EXPERT NAILS 4120 Washington. 713.864.5525 JOY YOGA CENTER 4500 Washington, #900.

713.819.9390 www.joyyogacenter.com MEMORIAL HEIGHTS DENTAL CENTRE 920 Studemont, #500.

713.869.0600 www.ddsforyou.com MEMORIAL PARK VISION 5535 Memorial Dr. #1.

281.888.9256 www.memorialparkvision.com

MEMORIAL BY WINDSOR 3131 Memorial Ct. 713.864.7602 www.windsorcommunities.com ROSE TEAM REALTY

ROOSEVELT 5219 Washington. 713.869.8779

BLISS DAY SPA 701 Shepherd Dr. #100.

713.864.8787 www.blissdayspa.biz

SATORI SALON 3616 Washington. 713.869.2444 www.satorisalons.com

ROSE TEAM REALTY 4720 Washington, #B-1.

713.880.8444 www.intownhouston.com SABINE ST. LOFTS

REIGN LOUNGE 4105 Washington. 713.869.0404

CROSSFIT H-TOWN

REBEL’S HONKY TONK 5002 Washington. 713.807.7040 www.rebelshonkytonk.com

BAYOU CITY SMILES 4000 Washington, #201.

713.518.1411 www.BayouCitySmiles.com

MERCER SALON 5555 Washington, #R. 281.888.9810 www.mercersalon.com

WEST-END PILATES

QUIZNOS 920 Studemont. 713.880.1401 www.quiznos.com

CURA YOGA

WASHINGTON SPOTS...WASHINGTON SPOTS...WASHINGTON SPOTS...WASHINGTON SPOTS...WASHINGTON S

WASHINGTON SPOTS...WASHI

December 11_002houston 11/17/11 6:41 PM Page 71

SABINE STREET LOFTS 150 Sabine Street. 713.221.3400 www.SabineStreetLofts.com TEXAS REAL ESTATE & CO. 2420 Washington. 713.337.1410 www.txreco.com URBAN LIVING 5023 Washington. 713.868.7226 www.urbanliving.com

december 11 | www.002mag.com .71

December 11_002houston 11/17/11 6:42 PM Page 72

hendricks pub + eatery

roak lounge

club+lounge review

By Clayton Graves Photography by Daniel Ortiz

roak, otc + hendricks pub & eatery the triple threat 3320 kirby dr. | houston, tx 77098

GOOD THINGS COME IN THREES: 1. THE TRIPLE LINDY; 2. CAPTAIN KIRK’S EARS (THE LEFT EAR, THE RIGHT EAR AND THE FINAL FRONT EAR); 3. THE HANSON BROTHERS (IF YOU JUST IMAGINED THE BOY BAND AND NOT THE MOVIE SLAP SHOT, BLESS YOUR HEART). TO THIS EFFECT, THE OWNERS OF ROAK, OTC AND HENDRICKS PUB & EATERY HAVE CREATED A TRIUMVIRATE OF ENTERTAINMENT FOR US MERRYDWELLERS ON UPPER KIRBY, JUST NORTH OF 59.

We start the day at OTC, a beauty of a patio bar, where Texas-sized drinks and Texas-sized drinking are aplenty. You can choose from ten different over-sized margaritas, complete with an array of flavored sugars and salts; a bevy of cocktails including the Mo-ji-t-Ohhhh and the Sir Sony Brambler with lime, Sapphire and simple syrup; or go full-on Frank the Tank with a Sunday Funday Special, the OHT-C Bucket, a bathtub filled with 18 bottles of your favorite barley and hops. The theme of indulgence carries over onto their menu as well. The OH-T-C Wing Bucket comes with 50 wings and your choice of sauce. So many tasty little chickens, so little time. To note, you can order anything off the Hendricks menu and they’ll walk it right across the parking lot to you.

Smart. OTC also delivers on your favorite outdoor drinking activities: corn hole, ping pong, pool table and, my personal favorite, people watching. Natalie, the GM, has provided a stylish touch to a great bar space, which the ladies will appreciate, while making sure the guys are happy with multiple big screens and all the sports packages you can think of.

ALL IN ALL, YOU CAN SPEND A FULL WEEKEND AT THIS TRIPLE THREAT OF BAR MAGIC AND I SUGGEST YOU DO JUST THAT.

roak lounge

Time for a change of scenery? Walk 25 feet over to Hendricks Pub & Eatery, an English-style pub with the best eats and drinks from across the pond and beyond. Inside you’ll find many leather-bound booths and the smell of rich mahogany. A perfect setting to enjoy their three-part menu: “all day,” “late night” and “brunch.” Start in England with bangers & mash, move on to Greece with a gyro pita and always end in the good ol’ U S of A with the Hendricks original pub burger. Make sure to come back for brunch and grab some Belgian waffles with your crab cake eggs benedict. Tasty. There is no shortage of options at Hendricks, which includes their list of draft beer. Owning Taps House of Beer on Washington also helps when populating behind bar. They’ve brought over the staples like Stone, St. Arnold’s and Sam, but also some lesser-knowns like Victory Golden Monkey and Wasatch White Label.

Upper Kirby. Indeed, an interesting mixture. During the day, you can enjoy the pool scene with 8 different cabanas, poolside service and a full offering of sunshine drinks like frozen Bellinis and Sangria. But, when the sun sets, it’s time for the show – marble bar tops when you enter on the blue carpet, LED lighting synced up to the music, booths for bottle service only and eye candy galore. Opulence, it has it. I do enjoy an over-the-top club when done well and ROAK is hitting the mark. There’s more than a good chance you’ll see a few local and even non-local celebs enjoying the bubbly, so be cool and give them a head nod like you know them. I love doing that, so confusing.

Now that our belly is full and our liver working overtime, it’s time to find the nearest dressing room/SUV and put on our fancy duds for ROAK. It’s a little South Beach, meets Vegas, meets LA – on

All in all, you can spend a full weekend at this triple threat of bar magic and I suggest you do just that.

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EVENT HEARSAY GASTRO LOUNGE BIRTHDAY BASH WHY 2ND ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION WHERE 218 TRAVIS ST. WHEN OCTOBER 22

Guests partied into the night celebrating Hearsay’s 2nd anniversary, dancing to hot music spun

by DJ Remix. Refreshing classic and specialty cocktails were served all night by mixologist Hal Brock including the “Hal”-apeño which was a huge hit. Chef Nick complemented this by serving mouth-watering appetizers including seared ahi tuna bites, mini crab cakes and, for the healthconscious guests, caprese salad bites. It was a fun-filled evening – looking forward to another successful year.

Compiled by Pixie Ibañez

Events / Photo Credit HEARSAY GASTRO LOUNGE BIRTHDAY BASH Photography by Omar Mejia for lastnightpics.com MEN’S ISSUE RELEASE PARTY Photography by Brad Sechler for lastnightpics.com YAPPY HOUR AT BARKITECTURE HOUSTON Photography by Omar Mejia for lastnightpics.com 27TH ANNUAL CAESAR SALAD COMPETITION Photography by Omar Mejia for lastnightpics.com

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EVENT MEN’S ISSUE RELEASE PARTY WHY JUST FOR FUN WHERE PORSCHE WEST HOUSTON WHEN NOVEMBER 3

002houston supporters and fans of our annual Men’s Issue flocked to Porsche Audi West for a night of debonair entertainment. Guys arrived fancifully dressed, while the girls dazzled with their sophisticated autumn attire. It might have been chilly outside, but inside the party was buzzing. Live music by Anthony Caceres Legacy Band set the mood as guests strolled around admiring the hot rods, all while sipping on IKAL wine, Palomas by Izkali Tequila, ice-cold Shiner beer, and for the adventurous souls, some Kubler Absinthe…yes, there were green fairies in the house! After all that drinking a little yummy grub was essential and as always Freebirds was on site. Special thanks to InMotion Marketing Group, Zadok Jewelers, J.Hilburn Men’s Clothier, Q Custom Clothier, Porsche West Houston, Gaylord Texan Resort and Chip Hight Cigars.

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

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In its third year, Barkitecture Houston at Houston Pavilions kicked off with a festive Yappy Hour with dogs and the humans who love them. Barkitecture Houston is an artful exhibit and silent auction of whimsical, funky, chic and one-of-a-kind doghouses built by Houston’s most creative dog lovers. Proceeds for auction benefit Pup Squad, an animal rescue group whose goal is to nurse the rescues to health and find them loving homes.

Guests enjoyed specialty cocktails and food from McCormick & Schmick’s Seafood Restaurant.

EVENT YAPPY HOUR AT BARKITECTURE HOUSTON WHY TO BENEFIT PUP SQUAD WHERE HOUSTON PAVILIONS WHEN OCTOBER 14

CHECK OUT ALL THE PARTIES IN HOUSTON @ 002MAG.COM Hail Caesar! Houstonians joined the fun at the year 27th Annual Caesar Salad Competition held at the Four Seasons Hotel. Houston-area chefs chopped, cooked, tossed and served up their best Caesar creations, which ran the gamut from the traditional classic Caesar to Caesar Cotton Candy and Caesar Salad Profiteroles, just to name a few. Event attendees strolled and sampled salads, enjoyed fine wines and beers, bid at the extensive silent auction and voted for their favorite salad, which received the coveted People’s Choice Award. A panel of celebrity judges voted for winners in three categories: Best Classic Caesar Salad, Best Creative Caesar Salad and Best Presentation. Even Caesar Cardini would be proud of this year’s winners!

EVENT 27TH ANNUAL CAESAR SALAD COMPETITION WHY TO BENEFIT THE FOOD & BEVERAGE MANAGERS’ EDUCATION ENDOWMENT WHERE FOUR SEASONS HOTEL WHEN OCTOBER 21 76. december 11 | www.002mag.com

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BARS + CLUBS + LOUNGES + WINE BARS LUCKY STRIKE LANES L F 1201 San Jacinto. 713.343.3300 www.bowlluckystrike.com MAINSTAGE B LM 2016 Main St. 713.751.3101

downtown C&F DRIVE INN B 6714 N. Main. 713.861.0704 CHAPEL SPIRITS B 534 Texas St. 281.300.1568 www.chapelspirits.com CHAR BAR B F 305 Travis. 713.222.8177 DIVE LOUNGE @ Aquarium L 410 Bagby St. 713.223.3474 EIGHTEEN TWENTY B 1820 Franklin. 713.224.5535 www.myspace.com/1820bar ETTA’S LOUNGE L LM 5120 Scott. 713.528.2611 FLYING SAUCER B 705 Main St. 713.228.7468 www.beerknurd.com

MOLLY’S PUB B 509 Main. 713.222.1033 www.mollyspubs.com PBR HOUSTON A COWBOY BAR B 500 Texas St. 281.300.1568 www.pbrhouston.com PETE’S DUELING PIANO BAR B 1201 Fannin. 713.337.7383 www.petesduelingpianobar.com RESERVE 101 B 1201 Caroline. 713.655.7101 www.reserve101.com SAM BAR | inside Alden Hotel C 1117 Prairie. 832.200.8800 www.aldenhotels.com SAMBUCA JAZZ CAFÉ B LM 909 Texas Ave. 713.224.5299 www.sambucarestaurant.com

HOUSE OF BLUES

SHARK BAR B 534 Texas. 281.300.1568 www.sharkbartx.com SHAY MCELROY’S B 909 Texas Suite A. 713.223.2444 www.mcelroyspub.com

HOUSE OF BLUES B LM 1204 Caroline. 1.888.40.blues www.hob.com/houston JAZZ @ THE MAGNOLIA B LM 1100 Texas St. 713.221.0011 JET LOUNGE L LM 1515 Pease. 713.659.2000 www.thejetloungehouston.com LA CARAFE W 813 Congress. 713.229.9399 LONE STAR SALOON B 1900 Travis. 713.757.1616 LUCIE’S FABULOUS LIQUORS Bl 500 Texas St. 281.300.1568 www.luciesliquors.com

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SKYLINE BAR & GRILL B 1600 Lamar. 713.739.8000 STATE BAR & LOUNGE B+L 909 #2-A Texas. 713.229.8888 www.thestatebar.com THE BREWERY TAP B 717 Franklin. 713.237.1537 THE B.U.S. BAR SB 1800 Texas. 713.222.2287 THE DIRT B 1209 Caroline. 713.426.4222 www.dirtbar.com TOC BAR C 711 Franklin. 713.224.4862 www.tocbar.net VENUE C+L 719 Main. 713.236.8150 www.venuehouston.com

galleria+uptown BAR 12•21 @ MORTON’S L F 5000 Westheimer. 713.629.1946 www.mortons.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 CLUB 26 TEN C F 2610 Sage. 713.974.4000 www.myspace.com/club26ten PAPARRUCHOS B F 3055 Sage. 713.212.3178 www.paparruchos.com PLANETA BAR-RIO C 6400 Richmond. 832.251.3178 REMINGTON BAR B F St. Regis Hotel 1919 Briar Oaks Ln. 713.403.2631 www.stregis.com/houston RICHMOND ARMS B 5920 Richmond. 713.784.7722 www.richmondarmsonline.com ROXY C 5351 W. Alabama. 713.850.0703 www.clubroxy.com THE BLACK SWAN |Omni Hotel C 4 Riverway. 713.871.8181 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 WINETOPIA W 6363 San Felipe St. 832.858.1149 www.winetopiatx.com

heights 6TH STREET BAR & GRILL B F 2701 White Oak. 713.880.5999 ANDY’S B F 1115 E. 11th St. 713.861.9423 BEER ISLAND B L W 2631 White Oak. 713.862.4670

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

CONTINENTAL CLUB B 3700 Main. 713.529.9899 www.continentalclub.com

RICH’S C 2401 San Jacinto. 713.759.9606 www.richsnightlife.com

BOOM BOOM ROOM B F 2518 Yale. 713.868.3740 www.myspace.com/ boomboomroomhouston

DOGHOUSE TAVERN B 2517 Bagby. 713.520.1118

SAINT DANE’S BAR + GRILL B F 502 Elgin. 713.807.7040 www.saintdanes.com

CEDAR CREEK CAFÉ B F 1034 W. 20th St. 713.808.9623 DAN ELECTRO’S GUITAR BARLM 1031 E. 24th St. 713.862.8707 www.danelectrosguitarbar.com

DOUBLE CROSS LOUNGE

002 night life

SHOT BAR B 2315 Bagby. 713.526.3000 www.shotbarhouston.com

DOUBLE CROSS LOUNGE L 114 Gray. 713.526.3423

C

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

FITZGERALD’S B LM 2706 White Oak. 713.862.3838 www.fitzlivemusic.com

EPIC LOUNGE L C 3030 Travis. 713.522.2531

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

FOX HOLLOW L F 4617 Nett St. 713.869.2117 www.foxhollowhouston.com

ESCOBAR L C 2905 Travis. 281.701.4248 www.escobarhouston.com

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

PORCH SWING PUB B 69 Heights. 713.880.8700 www.porchswingpub.com

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

UNION BAR B+L 2708 Bagby. 281.974.1916 www.myspace.com/unionlounge

PROHIBITION B L 5175 Westheimer. 281.940.4636 www.craftofcocktails.com

GLITTER KARAOKE B 2621 Milam. 713.526.4900 www.glitterkaraoke.com

WHISKEY CREEK B 2905 Travis. 713.526.9985 www.whiskeycreekhouston.com

THE CORKSCREW 1308 W. 20th St. 713.230.8352 www.houstoncorkscrew.com

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

WONDER BAR B L 2416 Brazos. 281.974.5083 www.wonderbarhouston.com

midtown

JUNCTION SB 160 W. Gray. 713.523.7768

montrose + shepherd

KHON’S WINE W 2808 Milam St. 713.523.7775 www.khonsbar.com

611 B 611 Hyde Park. 713.528.1582

13 CELSIUS W 3000 Caroline. 713.529.8466 www.13celsius.com 3RD BAR B F 2600 Travis. 713.526.8282 BAR MUNICH B sb f 2616 Louisiana. 713.523.1008 www.barmunich.com BRAZOS RIVER BOTTOM B F 2400 Brazos. 713.528.9192 www.brbhouston.com CHRISTIAN’S TAILGATE B F 2000 Bagby. 713.527.0261 www.christianstailgate.com COACHES SB 2204 Louisiana. 713.751.1970 www.coachesjv.com COMMUNITY BAR B 2703 Smith St. 713.526.1576

KOMODO’S B 2004 Baldwin. 713.655.1501 LITTLE WOODROW’S SB 2306 Brazos. 713.522.1041

F

NOUVEAU ANTIQUE ART BAR B 2913 Main St. 713.526.2220 www.art-bar.net PUB FICTION SB F 2303 Smith. 713.400.8400 www.pubfiction.com RED DOOR C L 2416 Brazos. 713.526.9383 www.reddoormidtown.com REPUBLIKA L 2905 Travis. 713.526.4225

ABSINTHE L F 609 Richmond. 713.528.7575 www.absinthelounge.com AGORA B F 1717 Westheimer. 713.526.7212 www.agorahouston.com ANVIL+REFUGE B F 1424 Westheimer. 713.523.1622 www.anvilhouston.com AVANT GARDEN B+L LM 411 Westheimer. 832.519.1429 www.avantgardenhouston.com BLUR BAR B 710 Pacific St. 713.529.3447 www.blurbar.com BOHEME WINE & CAFÉ BAR W F 307 Fairview. 713.269.0859 www.barboheme.com

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ICON KEY

BOONDOCKS B C LM 1417 Westheimer. 713.522.8500 www.myspace.com/boondocksbar

POISON GIRL L 1641-B Westheimer. 713.527.9929 www.myspace.com/poisongirlbar

BYZANTIO B F 403 W. Gray. 713.520.6896 www.byzantiohouston.com

RED LION PUB B 2316 S. Shepherd. 713.782.3030 www.redlionhouston.com

CATBIRDS B 1336 Westheimer. 713.523.8000 www.catbirds.com

ROEDER’S PUB B 3116 S. Shepherd. 713.524.4994 www.roederspub.com

CECIL’S B 600 W. Gray. 713.524.3691

RUDYARD’S B F 2010 Waugh. 713.521.0521

CEZANNE JAZZ CLUB B LM 4100 Montrose. 713.522.9021 www.cezannejazz.com

SHERLOCK’S B F 1952 W. Gray. 713.521.1881

ETRO LOUNGE B 1424-A Westheimer. 713.521.3876 www.etrolounge.com GRAPPINO DI NINO M 2817 W. Dallas. 713.528.7002 GRIFF’S SB 3416 Roseland. 713.528.9912 www.griffshouston.net GUAVA LAMP L 570 Waugh. 713.524.3359 www.guavalamphouston.com

SIDEBAR @ GRAVITAS B 807 Taft. 713.522.0995

F

SONOMA WINE BAR W 2720 Richmond. 713.526.9463 www.sonomahouston.com SOUTH BEACH C 810 Pacific. 713.529.7623 www.southbeachthenightclub.com THE FLAT B 1702 Commonwealth. 713.521.3528 www.barflathouston.com

J.R.’s B 808 Pacific. 713.521.2519

THE HARP B 1625 Richmond. 713.528.7827 www.theharphouston.com

LOLA’S DEPOT B 2327 Grant. 713.528.8342

THE NEXT DOOR B L 2020 Waugh. 713.520.1712

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

THE STAG’S HEAD B 2128 Portsmouth. 713.533.1199 www.stagsheadpub.com THE TAVERN SB F 1340 W. Gray. 713.522.5152 www.thetavernongray.com

MONTROSE MINING CO. B 807 Pacific. 713.529.7488

VELVET MELVIN PUB B 3303 Richmond. 713.522.6798

NUMBERS C 300 Westheimer. 713.526.6551 www.numbersnightclub.com

VINTAGE L 2108 Kipling. 713.522.4200 www.vintageloungehouston.com

ORANGE SPORTS BAR SB 1613 Richmond Ave. 713.528.4920

ZIMM’S B L 4321 Montrose. 713.521.2002 www.zimmsbar.com

PJ’S SPORTS BAR B 614 W. Gray. 713.520.1748 www.pjssportsbar.com

ZIMM’S LITTLE DECK B L 601 Richmond. 713.527.8328

C

B

W

L

SB

LM

F

CLUB

BAR

WINE BAR

LOUNGE

SPORTS BAR

LIVE MUSIC

FOOD

museum district MONARCH LOUNGE Hotel ZaZa L 5701 Main 713.526.1991 www.monarchrestauranthouston.com

outer loop 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 FIREHOUSE SALOON C LM 5930 Southwest Frwy. 713.977.1962 www.firehousesaloon.com HUSH C 15625 Katy Frwy. 713.330.4874 www.hushonline.com THE DERRICK TAVERN B LM 1127 Eldridge. 281.759.4922 www.thederricktavern.com THE TASTING ROOM W CityCentre. 281.822.1500 www.tastingroomwines.com VINE WINE ROOM W 12420 Memorial Dr. 713.463.8463 www.vinewineroom.com YARD HOUSE B F 800 W. Sam Houston Pkwy.

CityCentre. 713.461.9273 www.yardhouse.com

rice village ARMADILLO PALACE B F 5015 Kirby. 713.526.9700 www.thearmadillopalace.com BAKER STREET PUB B LM 5510 Morningside. 713.942.9900 www.bakerstreetpub.com BRIAN O’NEILL’S B 5555 Morningside. 713.522.2603 www.brianoneills.com BRONX BAR B 5555 Morningside. 713.520.9691 ERNIE’S ON BANKS SB 1010 Banks. 713.526.4566 www.erniesonbanks.com HUDSON LOUNGE L 2506 Robinhood. 713.523.0020 www.hudsonlounge.com

KAY’S LOUNGE L 2324 Bissonnet. 713.528.9858

LOBBY LOUNGE B L InterContinental Hotel 2222 W. Loop South. 713.627.1132

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

LIZZARD’S PUB B C 2715 Sackett. 713.529.4610

SALENTO WINE CAFE W F 2407 Rice Blvd. 713.528.7478 www.salentowinecafe.com

LUMEN LOUNGE L 5000 Kirby, Houston, TX 77098 281.807.7567

SIMONE ON SUNSET W 2418 Sunset. 713.636.3033 www.simoneonsunset.com

MERCER LOUNGE C 3302 Mercer. 713.627.1132 www.mercerhouston.com

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

MEZZANINE LOUNGE SB F 2200 Southwest Frwy. 713.528.6399 www.mezzaninelounge.com

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

MUGSY’S B 2239 Richmond Ave. 713.522.7118 www.mugsyshouston.com

criver

RON’S PUB B 1826 Fountainview. 713.977.4820 www.ronspub.com

oaks + kirby BAR MALATESTA B 1080 Uptown Park. 713.418.1000 BIG WOODROW’S B F 3111 Chimney Rock. 713.784.2653 www.bigwoodrows.com BLANCO’S B 3406 W. Alabama. 713.439.0072 BLVD LOUNGE B F 1800 Post Oak Blvd. 713.840.1111 CAPONE’S B LM 4304 Westheimer. 713.840.0010 www.caponeshouston.com CHAMMP’S SB F 1121 Uptown Park. 713.627.2333 www.champps.com COVA W •5600 Kirby. 713.838.0700 •5555 Washington. 713.868.3366 www.covawines.com CRU W 2800 Kirby. 713.528.9463 www.cruawinebar.com DOWNING STREET B L 2549 Kirby. 713.523.2291 www.downingstreetpub.com KENNEALLY’S IRISH PUB B 2111 S. Shepherd. 713.630.0486 www.irishpubkenneallys.com

warehouse district EIGHTEEN TWENTY L 1820 Franklin. 713.224.5535 LUCKY’S PUB SB F 801 St. Emanuel. 713.522.2010 www.luckyspub.com THE GREEN ROOM C LM 813 St. Emanuel. 713.225.5483 WAREHOUSE LIVE LM 813 St. Emanuel. 713.225.5483 www.warehouselive.com

SAM’S BOAT B 5720 Richmond. 713.781.2628 SIGNATURE LOUNGE L 5959 Richmond. 713.636.2087 www.signatureloungehouston.com SPOTLIGHT KARAOKE B 5901 Westheimer. 713.266.7768 www.spotlightkaraoke.com STEREO LIVE 6400 Richmond. 832.251.9600 www.stereolivehouston.com THE BAR B InterContinental Hotel 2222 W. Loop South. 713.627.7200 THE BIG EASY B LM 5731 Kirby. 713.523.9999 www.thebigeasyblues.com THE RAILYARD B 4200 San Felipe. 713.621.4000 www.railyardhouston.com THE RED ROOM L 2736 Virginia St. 713.520.5666 www.redroomhouston.com UNDER THE VOLCANO C 2349 Bissonnet. 713.526.5282 W XYZ BAR B 5415 Westheimer. 713.622.7010

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Bea Here Now By Beatrice Allen

“HAPPY HOLIDAY! HAPPY HOLIDAY! MAY THE CALENDAR KEEP BRINGING, HAPPY HOLIDAYS TO YOU.” I BET I’VE USED THIS BEFORE THROUGH THE YEARS AROUND THIS TIME. I MIGHT BE THE ONLY PERSON WHO CAN LISTEN TO HOLIDAY MUSIC NON-STOP FROM THANKSGIVING THRU CHRISTMAS WITHOUT EVER GETTING TIRED OF IT. THIS QUALITY DRIVES MY HUSBAND NUTS! “HOW CAN YOU POSSIBLY KNOW THE WORDS TO ALL THESE SONGS?!” HE ASKS IN BEWILDERMENT. THE ANSWER: SINCE I WAS A LITTLE GIRL, MY MOTHER AND FATHER HAVE PLAYED EVERYTHING FROM FRANK SINATRA, DEAN MARTIN, PAUL MCCARTNEY TO THOSE A VERY SPECIAL CHRISTMAS ALBUMS WITH VARIOUS ARTIST REMAKES THROUGHOUT THE HOLIDAYS. IF WE WEREN’T AT HOME TO HEAR IT, IT WAS ON IN THE CAR TOO. EVEN NOW, I CAN WALK THROUGH THEIR DOOR AND EXPECT NOTHING LESS.

EL REAL DEAL XUCO XICANA 2416 Brazos St. 713.523.8181. www.elxucoxicana.com Among the numerous inviting dishes you can order on their menu are these authentic tacos. Choose your meat from carne “desebrada” (pulled), smoked lengua (tongue), barbacoa, carnitas, pollo asado or beef fajita. Order them Mexican style on a double corn tortilla with cilantro, onion and lime or guero style on a flour tortilla with lettuce, pico and queso fresco. Either way, they are flavorful, in particular the chicken and the carnita. And at $3 a taco, you’re getting a deal for gourmet tacos. Perfect for a Saturday on their patio with an ice cold one.

THE GIFT THAT KEEPS ON GIVING. WILLIAMS-SONOMA www.williams-sonoma.com My sister started this addiction, obsession, tradition.

Call it what you will, this family is hooked. And I’m here to share this indulgent delight with you. First order some of their chocolate and plain croissants.

Just defrost overnight on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper as well as covering them in a sheet of parchment paper and you wake up to a fluff of dough ready for baking.

The most flakey, buttery, fluffy pastry is what you

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get in a matter of minutes. It’s a touch of France in your kitchen in 10-15 minutes. They also make a sweet holiday gift.

IRISH OASIS CELTIC GARDENS 2300 Louisiana St. 713.900.2500 www.celticgardenshouston.com From the same people who brought you Pub fiction (their neighbor), this beer garden offers more. Seating options are offered inside but the beauty is enjoying their expansive outside “garden” that wraps almost the whole building. Should we be having awesome weather, this is where you want to have yourself some cocktails. If not for the cool patio, then you have to go for their food options. I’ve never seen a menu with items that aren’t fried and aren’t salads or sandwiches. After hours of watching football and drinking beer, I’d like to eat something that isn’t another million calories. I especially love their Ahi tuna sliders.

The tuna bits are tossed in sesame oil and seeds, soy glazed and then served with arugula and a wasabi aioli on a bun with a spicy Sriracha sauce for dipping. Another hit was almost this same combo available in “nachos.” I liked this place for their “oasis” patio but those sliders made me love them.

NEW DELIGHT AT AN OLD SITE. CHATTER’S CAFÉ & BISTRO 140 South Heights Blvd. 713.864.8080 www.chatterscafe.com I LOVE discovering new items from places I frequent.

Too lazy to cook dinner we ordered the Baja Chicken Pita and their Pacific Rim Salad for delivery. I’ve eyed this particular salad before but never dealt with ordering just in case it turned out bad. Turns out, the only bad thing was me waiting so long to order it! A bunch of Romaine lettuce, green onion, fried wontons, tomatoes, toasted sesame seeds and your choice of chicken breast, shrimp or Ahi tuna are tossed in a spicy Asian dressing. Unfortunately we devoured it before I could get a picture. Equally delicious, our Baja pita is a house favorite. Grilled chicken breast, sliced avocado, lettuce and tomato are sandwiched in a pita with aioli spread. All the ingredients (a substantial amount) warm up and meld together for a tasty treat.

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recording

By Lance Scott Walker Photography Anthony Rathburn

TYAGARAJA By time folks are reading this, you’ll be on Indian soil and you’ll have performed a couple of dates after a long preparation. Where will your head be at that point? Do you plan for that part of it?

Tyagaraja: Wow, well... I try my best to completely live in the present moment.

Especially going to India, whether I am performing or seeking pilgrimage and silence, I simply concentrate on my breath and allow my feet to feel the rhythm of the earth and be guided toward the path that opens up to us. I do also recognize that this is very special and I respect this oncein-a-lifetime opportunity enough to know what is at stake. It is my responsibility to conjure motivation and make use out of every single second we spend in India and to make use of the support we have received from back home to even get here in the first place. We intend to completely make the most of it. The moments that pass in India are absolutely precious; I have so much unfinished business, so many places to see and rocks left unturned. We are making loads of plans, and still the majority of it will be done once we reach India itself. It’s a total experiment, and to me that’s truly Living...

Gunjen: At that point there’s really no telling where our heads will be. As Tyaga mentioned, we’ll just go wherever the path unfolds for us or wherever we feel drawn to at the moment. Mainly though we’ll be hitting the ground running once we get there, continuing to make contacts and planning for more shows. I do feel that there won’t be much time to stop and reflect much in Mumbai because it’s such an epicenter of Indian pop culture, art, music, film, dance, etc., and we have to keep up! After all, we’ll be in the “Big Apple” of India!

TYAGARAJA PLAYS ACOUSTIC GUITAR AND SINGS, AND GUNJEN MITTAL EMPLOYS A MIXTURE OF CLASSICAL AND MODERN INDIAN DANCE ONSTAGE WHEN THEY PERFORM, OFTEN JOINED BY A WIDE CROSS SECTION OF HOUSTONIANS ON EVERYTHING FROM SITAR TO LAP STEEL. THIS MONTH, THEY ARE OFF AS A DUO ON THEIR SECOND TRIP TO PERFORM IN INDIA IN AS MANY YEARS. Gunjen: From my experience in the dance and now music scene, it seems that the U.S. has a lot of catching up to do. I don’t necessarily mean that in a bad way, but there’s a cornucopia of music, art and dance artists and events going on outside of the States that Americans aren’t even aware of and they’’re being followed by thousands and millions of people. And the kinds of things going on are far more advanced and/or progressive.

Once it reaches its popularity elsewhere, America usually catches on after the fact. On the other hand, I know that Americans (including myself) are also just as hungry for intellectual and progressive art, music or dance and there are a lot of amazing things happening right here in Houston as well. But sometimes we really have to seek it out as opposed to having full and easy access to the arts. Not to mention, our public transportation system (or the lack thereof) doesn’t help in this equation of linking the public to the arts or any other necessary social services for that Tyagaraja matter! In many foreign countries the artists Gunjen Mittal have a lot more governmental support to fund huge festivals/events no matter how underground the scene. There’s an appreciation for What’s the biggest difference between the audiences art that goes beyond the audience or the over there and anywhere here in the States? individual artist, which is integral to its success. Indian Tyagaraja: India’s audience is hungry for music and audiences also have that sort of access to all kinds of art. The people there are also constantly blossoming music and dance. There’s an intense underground and flowering with it. India has its own obstacles and fusion alternative art and rock scene brewing in India struggles just like any place on earth, and at the same for the past decade or longer that may even be contime it’s completely booming right now. There is a huge sidered a sort of artistic rebellion, which is good for underground indie rock scene; of course hip-hop and us because we’re all about the Revolution! So the dance music is there too. The mass audiences are way audience is definitely ready for something crazy to more open to experimental and avant-garde music and come along with some depth and unique performance art. That’s where I think we fit in. As individuality to take them on a “Glory Ride” (title of diverse and interesting as music is here in the U.S., I one of Tyagaraja’s songs) because we bare our souls feel that the style of show that we share will be more when we perform and we can only hope that understood by the Indian audience, and hopefully that they experience that as well. will help spawn the interest and understanding we need in our U.S. audience. www.tyagaraja.com

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december 11 | www.002mag.com .81

Photography by Herb Hochman, Vicky Pink

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EVENT KAREN AND ROLAND GARCIA’S ANNUAL HALLOWEEN BASH WHY TO BENEFIT THE ROSE RIBBON FOUNDATION WHERE GARCIA’S MEMORIAL AREA HOME WHEN OCTOBER 29 Over 200 elaborately costumed guests filled the Memorial area home of Karen and Roland Garcia during their Annual Halloween Bash. As guests approached the home they navigated a blue forest of pines and oaks hazy with mist and fog camouflaging the skeletons, fake dead bodies, bats, ghouls and myriad of creepy crawlers. The backyard pool area, grotto and ravine served as the backdrop for the spectacular light and video shows produced by LD Systems. Guests were also treated to silhouettes by artist Cindi Rose, astrology readings by Herb Hochman and a backyard photo booth by Phlash Phactory. Barbara McKnight’s Culinaire Catering provided the Halloween-themed feast and libations.

Aaron Blomquist, Kristin Garcia

Philamena and Arthur Baird

Brynn McCleery, Danielle Inman, Cynthia Chan

Franklin and Cindi Rose

Karen and Roland Garcia 82. december 11 | www.002mag.com

check out more pictures @ 002mag.com

Shane and Debi Rhodes

Cynthia Garcia and David Langer

OO2CROSSWORD ACROSS 1. Fragrant resin 6. Woman of both European and Native American ancestry 13. Amount of money 16. Museum artifact 17. Brings into harmony 18. School support gp.

19. They may be white elephant or Secret Santa 21. Illuminated 22. Service charge 23. ___ Aviv, Israel 24. Scrabble unit 25. Category in the game Clue 29. Steady and confident 32. Parables 34. __ out a living 35. Epidermis 36. Holiday beverage 37. Eggs, to a biologist 38. Have obligations 41. One of California’s Santas 43. Everyday article 45. Training unit 46. Mover’s rental 47. They’re essential for safe travels to holiday happenings 52. Wrath 53. In demand 54. Prevarication 55. Title for Elton 56. Neon, for one 57. King conqueror 58. Chess piece

60. The Red and the Dead 63. Inquire 64. Intimate conversation 67. Abbreviated literature 71. In a precise manner 72. Asset for a diplomat 73. Springsteen’s “Born in the ___” 74. Speller’s contest 75. Aardvark morsel 76. Champagne, or the ghost of Christmas present 83. Adversary 84. Hardly lavish 85. Worshiped ones 86. In shape 87. Bermuda and St. Augustine 88. Block, legally DOWN 1. Fraction of a joule 2. Luau souvenir 3. Santa’s little helper 4. Cambridge univ.

5. Driving hazard in winter 6. Spice made from nutmeg 7. Old English letter 8. It may be a bust 9. Stereo components 10. Fireplace 11. The mark of Zorro 12. Burro 13. Champagne unit 14. Of service

15. Won a chess match 20. Element in headlights 24. Little piggy 25. “How ___ I to know?”

26. Wapiti 27. Rap sheet info 28. Old Finnish coin 29. The eyes have it 30. You’re sick when you run one 31. Giraffe’s cousins 33. Take turns 37. Severe trial 38. Get stuffed 39. Simple card game 40. Printer’s measures 42. Shocked and amazed 44. Conger 47. Use a shovel 48. Chapter in history 49. They’re at the non-pointy ends of arrows 50. In an indistinct

By Scott Ward

manner 51. Panorama 59. Canonical hour 61. The whole enchilada 62. Something to look up to 63. Louvre exhibit 64. States, as a fact or supposition 65. Decrees from a sultan 66. Tearjerker 67. Employees 68. Vietnam’s capital 69. Group of eight 70. Oklahoma city 74. Tournament exemptions 76. Crone 77. Sharer’s pronoun 78. “__ we there yet?”

79. They’re checked at the door 80. Decay 81. UN worker protection gp.

82. Recipe amt.

NOVEMBER ANSWERS

December 11_002houston 11/17/11 6:46 PM Page 83

December 11_002houston 11/17/11 6:47 PM Page 84