February 2009

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002houston | february 09 | volume 11 | issue 122

hip.current.cool guide

002mag.com

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TABLE OF CONTENTS 04 06 08 10 12 13 14 16 18 20 21 22 23

table of contents letter from the editor houston map downtown map news worthy | uptown map scene calendar museum district art houses+museums+exhibits scene | living smart spacetaker gallery: deborah colton gallery scene

56 ARCHICHAT: ISSAC PREMINGER

56 57 scene 58 architecture + design: ultra slim universal power adaptor kit 59 where to live 60 finance|scene

62 WISE GUY

24 24 FOR ART’S SAKE: PAT GRANEY’S HOUSE OF MIND 25 26 27 28 29

62 63 scene 64 vroom vroom 66 restaurant listings

68 DINE WRITE: BEDFORD

gish at the movies nonprofit: center for success –the yarn initiative scene destination: vancouver scene

68 70 FIRST CRUSH…AND A SUGAR RUSH

30 BORN COOL. GROW HIP

30 32 34 35 36

people of houston costumes for cocktails 002 hits the street rags into riches

70 72 new restaurants

73 CHEF’S SPECIAL: JEFFREY INMAN

38 IT’S COOL TO TIE A TIE 39 on our radar

73 38

74 sip codes

76 CLUB REVIEW: PRAVADA

40 retail wrap: willow 41 4 greats 42 things i love

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44 ENTREPRENEURIAL INSTINCTS

44 54 tools+toys+gadgets

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scene 002 nightlife recording: the tontons cd reviews | scene crossword puzzle | before we go

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Photography by Sofia van der Dys |Hair by Elia Graves at Jose Eber salon and Makeup by Pati + Trixi

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

I

don’t know about you, but most days, I feel like our model on the cover. In between

juggling work, fun, home, yoga, travel, I could go on and on. But ultimately that is what Life is all about: finding a happy fulfilling medium where we can live with the family we’ve been given and choose; doing something we enjoy and get paid for it so we can support aforementioned family; trying to stop and enjoy the moments that matter.

There is a common thread in most of our subjects for the business feature we’ve put togeth-

CARLA VALENCIA de MARTINEZ

er for this issue. They all not only do what they love, it seems they were destined to do it. And they are all not only happy, but successful.

I’ve been talking with colleagues over the last year in all realms of business and everyone seems to be saying the same thing. “We have to work harder to secure business, but that’s not a bad thing.” Had we gotten so accustomed to mediocre performance that we stopped being creative or giving our all in order for our clients and ourselves to succeed?

In a sense our global economic situation is because of our need for stuff that we don’t need. We just never have enough. Just when you get that shiny new MAC, a new one comes out and you just have to have it. I’ve learned (OK, am still trying) in this situation to not only live within my means, but I’ve had to be creative finding ways to diversify our business by adding new benefits and services.

I’ve seen so many friends close their doors in the last few months and it can’t be easy to watch something you love and have invested not only your time and money into fall apart.

Hopefully things will get better before they get worse and we’ll learn to spend more wisely. Not only our money, but our time.

Carla Valencia - Editor at Large Fashion Director 6. february09 002houston

volume 11

issue 122

PUBLISHER alejandro martinéz ext 16 a.martinez@002mag.com EDITOR AT LARGE | FASHION DIRECTOR carla valencia ext 13 c.valencia@002mag.com CONTRIBUTING EDITOR victoria bartlett ART DIRECTOR alex rosa ext 17 arosa@002mag.com ASSOCIATE EDITOR | EVENTS beatrice valencia ext 11 bvalencia@002mag.com ADVERTISING SALES MANAGER william king ext 18 w.king@002mag.com ADVERTISING EXECUTIVES carlos valencia ext 12 cevalencia@002mag.com jarrod klawinsky ext 15 jklawinsky@002mag.com terri-ann chen tchen@002mag.com

isabel terraso ext 14 isabel@002mag.com beenish ahmad beenish@002mag.com PHOTOGRAPHERS sofia van der dys, anthony rathbun, kim coffman, jill hunter, daniel ortiz, kennon evett, gabriella nissen, dax sunga, emily dwyer, aaron m. sprecher, jack potts, michelle watson CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS jenny antill, diane barber, aaron courtland, fulton deavenport, alexander flenner, juliana franco, eric hesterclaire learned, joan marcus, dan mohr, andrew murland, jack opatrny, pink posh alejandro saenz jr, jesus salvador, megan thomson CONTRIBUTING WRITERS michael andre adams, michael garfield, sarah gish, patricia gras, sandra gunn, hal lynde, tim moloney, myles mellor, nadia michelmargret miller, jenni rebecca stephenson, justin travis, lance scott walker, jenny wang INTERN wilbert chinchilla FOR SUGAR LAND SALES

Photography Sofia van der Dys Photography Assistant by Aaron Courtland Art Direction Alex Rosa Styling Carla Valencia de Martinez Hair and Makeup Edward Sanchez Clothes Yves Saint Laurent and shoes Chloe at Neiman Marcus

OOPS! we forgot to credit jenny wang and aaron courtland in last month’s contributors – sorry!!!

002houston Magazine is published monthly by NODO Magazine, L.L.C., 1310 NANCE ST. STUDIO C, HOUSTON, TEXAS 77002. Copyright © 2009 by NODO Magazine L.L.C. All rights reserved. Reproduction without permission is strictly prohibited.

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For subscription information, call 713.223.5333x14 or send a check or money order for $35.00 to 002houston Magazine, 1310 NANCE ST. STUDIO C, HOUSTON, TEXAS 77002.

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Downtown......................................1 Holocaust Museum.........................2 Galleria..........................................3 Uptown Park..................................4 River Oaks Park.............................5 Rice Village....................................6 Highland Village............................7 Memorial City................................8 Town & Country Village..................9 Loehmann’s................................10 Sam Houston Race Park..............11 Katy Mills...................................12 Sugar Land.................................13 Zoo ............................................14 Museum District..........................15 George Bush Intl. Airport............16 Hobby Airport.............................17 Space Center Houston.................18 Kemah........................................19 Miller Outdoor Theatre................20 Contemporary Arts Museum........21 Houston Museum of Fine Arts......22 Children’s Museum......................23 Houston Museum of Natural Science..24 Houston Arboretum.....................25 Houston Theater District..............26 The Woodlands............................27

HOUSTON MAP

What's hip.current.cool? Get on our list, e-mail us at events@002mag.com to make sure you're invited.

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NEWS WORTHY DOWNTOWN GREEN MARKET AT DISCOVERY GREEN MOVES TO SUNDAYS Central City Co-op’s weekly organic urban market featuring fresh fruits, vegetables and organic foods moved from Thursday afternoons to Sundays. The market will be open each Sunday afternoon from noon – 4pm.

A HISTORIC GEM The nonprofit Julia Ideson Library Preservation Partners (JILPP) launched a $38 million capital campaign, which has now reached more than 50% of its fundraising goal. The landmark Spanish Renaissance-style Julia Ideson Building’s archive wing broke ground last month and is expected to begin its ambitious, comprehensive restoration in 2010.

The archive wing will provide a historic venue for exhibits, meetings and special events and will also boast landscape upgrades and a unique outdoor reading room.

Located at 500 McKinney Street in downtown Houston, the three-story building is named after Houston’s first professional librarian and was designed by noted Boston architect Ralph Adams Cram, who also created the design for Rice University’s original campus.

FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL The Art Institute of Houston – North will hold its first day of classes on May 14, 2009. The new school will occupy approximately 25,000 square feet at 10740 North Gessner Drive, located in the northwestern section of Houston. The school will begin enrolling students immediately. Initially, The Art Institute of Houston – North will offer bachelor’s degree programs in Fashion & Retail Management, Graphic Design, Interior Design, Media Arts & Animation, and Photography and an associate’s degree program in Graphic Design. artinstitutes.edu/houston-north

RUB-A-DUB-DUB The Houston Arts Alliance (HAA) announced the edition of eight new Commissions to be added to Houston’s prestigious civic art collection to be installed by year-end 2009 by national and local artists.

Philadelphia art world’s Donald Lipski’s “Tubbs” (right) will adorn the traffic circle outside Houston’s new WaterWorks: Houston Water Museum and Education Center slated to open in northeast Houston in fall 2009.

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Photography by Michelle Watson for LastNightPics.com

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EVENT VINCENT KICKERILLO’S 80TH BIRTHDAY WHY TO CELEBRATE A MILESTONE WHERE KICKERILLO HOME WHEN JANUARY 8 & 9 Mary and Kelli Kickerillo hosted two nights of seated dinners for Vincent Kickerillo’s 80th birthday in January. Catered by City Kitchen, Kickerillo wanted to celebrate at home with friends and family. The first night featured a bevy of Houston guests and Saturday night was for their out-of-town guests from California including Barbara Sinatra, Veronique Peck, John Paul and Eloise DeJoria, Mayor Bill White and Andrea White and many more.

Vincent Kickerillo, Mayor Bill White

Hillary Marx, Barbara Sinatra, Veronique Peck

Mary Kickerillo, Dr. James Willerson, Gale Gross

Dr. Fred Aguilar, Carolyn Farb

Tommy & Silvia Dorsey

Paula Meehan, Anna Dittemore

Vincent Kickerillo, Eloise & John Paul DeJoria

Martha Long Lipsitz, Kelli Kickerillo, Trey Lipsitz

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february 2009 PERFORMING ARTS + CONCERTS + SPORTS + FESTIVALS + GENERAL INTEREST

SUNDAY

MONDAY

Alley Mrs. Warren’s Profession 2:30 & 7:30pm | Eurydice 7:30pm Hobby Masquerade Theatre: Man of La Mancha 2pm Meridian Ska/Reggae Fest: the Slackers 2pm Reliant Center: Houston Auto Show 12pm Stages Repertory Theatre Taking Flight 3pm Wortham HGO: Chorus! 2pm

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Alley Eurydice 2:30 & 7:30pm Hobby Masquerade Theatre: Man of La Mancha 2pm | BIH: A Bronx Tale 2 & 7:30pm H OB Tesla 8pm Jones Houston Symphony: Star Wars & more John Williams 7:30pm Reliant Arena: Sesame Street Live Elmo’s Green Thumb 2 & 5:30pm Stages Taking Flight 3pm

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WEDNESDAY

TUESDAY

Verizon The Killer w/m83 8pm

Alley Eurydice 7:30pm Hobby BIH: A Bronx Tale 8pm Toyota Rockets vs. Chicago Bulls 7:30pm

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Saturday, February 7: • “Razzle Dazzle Red” American Heart Association’s 2009 Heart Ball, 7pm at the Hilton Americas Hotel. americanheart.org/houstonheartball or email kathryn.noser@heart.org • CANTARE presents Mendelssohn and his Milieu, 7:30pm at HOB Howe Squire White of Yes 8pm Warehouse Live Devotchka 8pm

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Alley Eurydice 7:30pm Hobby TUTS: Legally Blonde 8pm Warehouse Live Joshua Radin 7pm

Alley Eurydice 7:30pm Hobby BIH: A Bronx Tale 8pm Stages Taking Flight 7:30pm Wortham Da Camera: A Little Day of Music 12pm | HGO: Midsummer Night’s Dream 7:30pm

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THURSDAY

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Belin Chapel at Houston Baptist University. cantarehoustonsingers.org • Tenth Annual Virtuosi Concerto Competition, 9am-4pm at The Virtuosi Studio, Memorial City Mall. virtuosiofhouston.org • Mark Twain Tonight! 8pm at The Grand 1894 Opera House in Galveston. thegrand.com Alley Eurydice 7:30pm Hobby TUTS: Legally Blonde 8pm Stages Taking Flight 7:30pm Toyota Rockets vs. Sacramento Kings 7:30pm Wortham HGO: Chorus! 7:30pm

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MISS BINDERGARTEN, 10AM & 12PM AT THE GRAND 1894 OPERA HOUSE IN GALVESTON. THEGRAND.COM

Alley Eurydice 7:30pm Hobby BIH: A Bronx Tale 8pm HOB Dr. John & the Neville Brothers 8pm Meridian Vintage Vaudeville & Pretty Things Peepshow 8pm Reliant Arena: Sesame Street Live Elmo’s Green Thumb 7pm Stages Taking Flight 7:30pm Warehouse Live David Barnes 8pm Wortham HGO: Concert of Arias 7pm

Alley Eurydice 7:30pm Hobby DWDT: Mixed Rep 7:30pm | TUTS: Legally Blonde 8pm Meridian Escape the Fate 7:30pm Stages Taking Flight 7:30pm FEBRUARY 12-28, COMPLEAT FEMALE STAGE BEAUTY PRESENTED BY MILDRED’S UMBRELLA THEATRE COMPANY AT MIDTOWN ARTS CENTER. MILDREDSUMBRELLA.COM.

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February Thursday 12 • Leipzig String Quartet w/ new violinist Stefan Arzberger, 8pm at Stude Concert Hall at the Alice Pratt Building on Rice University campus. Houstonfriendsofmusic.org • Musiqa, 6:30pm in conjunction with Perspectives 163: Every Sound You Can Imagine at the Contemporary Arts Museum Loft Concerts Alley Eurydice 7:30pm Hobby TUTS: Legally Blonde 8pm | Project Divisi: The Bold and The Belligerent 8pm Meridian Hank III 8pm Toyota Rockets vs. New Jersey Nets 7:30pm

Alley Eurydice 2:30 & 7:30pm Hobby TUTS: Legally Blonde 2 & 7:30pm HOB Citizen Cope w/ Alice Smith 9pm Stages Taking Flight 3pm Toyota Aeros vs. Chicago Wolves 4:05pm Verizon Joel McHale 7:30pm

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Photo Credit: Joan Marcus

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RIDERS IN THE SKY, 3PM AT THE GRAND 1894 OPERA HOUSE IN GALVESTON. THEGRAND.COM Alley Eurydice 2:30 & 7:30pm | The Man Who Came to Dinner 7:30pm Hobby TUTS: Legally Blonde 2 & 7:30pm Jones Houston Symphony: Helene Grimaud’s Beethoven 4 2:30pm Main Street Preview of The Pie Dialogues 3pm Meridian AftonLive Present 6:15pm Toyota Rockets vs. Charlotte Bobcats 4pm Verizon The Marriage Counselor 3 & 8pm

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16TH ANNUAL PARENTS AND FAMILIES LUNCHEON AT HILTON POST OAK BENEFITING THE CHILDREN’S MUSEUM, FEATURING SPECIAL GUEST SPEAKER KATHERINE PANNILL CENTER. CMHOUSTON.ORG/FUNDRAISING/

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Alley Eurydice 7:30pm Hobby TUTS: Legally Blonde 8pm HOB Cradle of Filth w/ Satyricon 8pm Verizon Robin Williams 8pm

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Alley Eurydice 7:30pm Hobby TUTS: Legally Blonde 8pm H OB Justin Nozuka & Missy Higgins w/ Ghost Town 7:30pm Toyota Aeros vs. Iowa Chops 7:05pm Verizon The Marriage Counselor 8pm Warehouse Live Matt Wertz 7pm

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ASH WEDNESDAY Alley Eurydice 7:30pm | The Man Who Came to Dinner 7:30pm Hobby BIH: Chitty Chitty Bang Bang 8pm Jones SPA: The Chieftains 8pm Verizon Slipknot 7pm

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Alley Eurydice 7:30pm | The Man Who Came to Dinner 7:30pm Hobby BIH: Chitty Chitty Bang Bang 8pm HOB Elefante 8pm Jones Mozart’s Piano Concerto No.18 8pm Toyota Rockets vs. Cleveland Cavaliers 7pm Verizon Slipknot 7pm Wortham HB: Marie 7:30pm

HOUSTON SYMPH ONY’S SALUTE TO EDUCATORS CONCERT WITH VIRTUOSI OF HOUSTON AS THE GUEST YOUTH ORCHESTRA IN A SIDE-BY-SIDE CONCERT, 7:30PM AT JONES HALL Alley Eurydice 7:30pm | The Man Who Came to Dinner 7:30pm Hobby BIH: Chitty Chitty Bang Bang 8pm HOB Cowboy Mouth 6:30pm Toyota Rockets vs. Portland Trail Blazers 7:30pm

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FEB RUARY 24-MARCH 1, MENOPAUSE THE MUSICAL AT THE GRAND 1894 OPERA HOUSE IN GALVESTON. THEGRAND.COM

FEBRUARY 26-28, WORLD’S CHAMPIONSHIP BAR-B QUE CONTEST AT RELIANT PARK. RODEOHOUSTON.COM

PLAN AHEAD: February 24, Neuter Scooter for a Nickel! 7am-6pm SNAP will celebrate the Spay Day USA with their annual Neuter Scooter for a Nickel event. They’ll neuter as many male cats as they can for just 5¢ each on that day. Open to the public, BUT it is by appointment only. For limitations and location information, please visit snapus.org in their Calendar section.

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March 3-22 – 2009 HOUSTON LIVESTOCK SHOW & RODEO March 6, Big Head Todd & The Monsters 8pm, HOB March 14, Adele 8pm, Warehouse Live March 19, Billy Joel & Elton John 7:30pm, Toyota March 20, Katy Perry w/ Alpha Beat 8pm, HOB March 30, Britney Spears 8pm, Toyota

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

FRIDAY

SATURDAY Alley Eurydice 2:30 & 8pm H obby Masquerade Theatre: Man of La Mancha 2pm | BIH: A Bronx Tale 2 & 8pm H OB Gov’t Mule & The Disco Biscuits 8pm Jones Houston Symphony: Star Wars & more John Williams 8pm Main Street Bud, Not Buddy 1 & 4pm Meridian Don Caballero 8pm Reliant Arena: Sesame Street Live Elmo’s Green Thumb 10:30am, 2 & 5:30pm Stages Taking Flight 7:30pm Toyota The Harlem Globetrotters 1:30pm | Rockets vs. Minnesota Timberwolves 7:30pm Wortham HGO: Chorus! 7:30pm | Da Camera: The Bad Plus 8pm

Alley Eurydice 8pm H obby BIH: A Bronx Tale 8pm | Masquerade Theatre: Man of La Mancha 8pm HOB Susan Tedeschi w/ James Hunter 8pm Jones Houston Symphony: Star Wars & more John Williams 8pm Reliant Arena: Sesame Street Live Elmo’s Green Thumb 10:30am & 7pm Stages Taking Flight 8pm Toyota The Harlem Globetrotters 7pm Verizon Amateur Cagefighting 8pm Wortham SPA: Cherryholmes 7:30pm | HGO: Midsummer Night’s Dream 7:30pm

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Alley Eurydice 8pm H obby DWDT: Mixed Rep 7:30pm | TUTS: Legally Blonde 8pm HOB Corey Smith 9pm Jones SPA: Pilobolus 8pm Meridian Millionaires 7pm Reliant Arena: H-Town Blues Festival 8pm Stages Taking Flight 8pm Warehouse Live Slightly Stoopid 8pm Wortham HGO: Chorus! 7:30pm FEBRUARY 13-24, MARDI GRAS! GALVESTON MARDIGRASGALVESTON.COM FEBRUARY 13-15, HADA’S SPRING 2009 SHOW AT THE GEORGE R. BROWN CONVENTION CENTER HALL B. HADAANTIQUES.COM FEBRUARY 13-15, TEXAS HOME & GARDEN SHOW AT RELIANT CENTER. TEXASHOMEANDGARDEN.COM

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Alley Eurydice 8pm | The Man Who Came to Dinner 8pm H obby Ars Lyrica: Women on the Verge 7:30pm | TUTS: Legally Blonde 8pm Jones Houston Symphony: Helene Grimaud’s Beethoven 4 8pm Toyota Rockets vs.

Dallas Mavericks 7:30pm Verizon The Marriage Counselor 7:30pm

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Alley Eurydice 8pm | The Man Who Came to Dinner 8pm Hobby BIH: Chitty Chitty Bang Bang 8pm | Da Camera: Cuarteto Casals: Musical Wanderers 8pm HOB Jonny Lang 9pm Main Street The Pie Dialogues 8pm Toyota Aeros vs. Rockford Ice Hogs 7:35pm Verizon (Rescheduled show from 9/25) Flogging Molly: Green 17 Tour 8pm

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February 28, Conoco Phillips Rodeo Run. conocophillipsrodeorun.com

VALENTINE’S DAY Alley Eurydice 2:30 & 8pm Hobby DWDT: Mixed Rep 7:30pm | TUTS: Legally Blonde 2 & 8pm Jones SPA: National Acrobats of China 2 & 8pm Main Street Bud, Not Buddy 1 & 4pm | Meridian Sweet Temptations 2 TBA | Stages Taking Flight 8pm Verizon Legends 4 Kids featuring Stars of the Grand Ole Opry 7pm Wortham Mercury Baroque: Birds, Bees & Brandenburg 8pm PARTNER YOGA AT YOGA ONE STUDIOS, 12PM-2PM. $50 PER COUPLE, IF REGISTERED

BY FEBRUARY 10; $65 AT THE DOOR. REGISTER AT YOGAONEHOUSTON.COM. Alley Eurydice 2:30 & 8pm | The Man Who Came to Dinner 2:30 & 8pm Hobby TUTS: Legally Blonde 2 & 8pm | Maggini: Beethoven Violin Concerto in D Major, Op. 61 & Mendelssohn Symphony #4 in A Major, “Italian” 8pm HOB Enrique Bunbury 8pm Jones Houston Symphony: Helene Grimaud’s Beethoven 4 8pm Main Street Preview of The Pie Dialogues 8pm | Bud, Not Buddy 1 & 4pm Toyota Aeros vs. Iowa Chops 7:30pm Verizon The Marriage Counselor 3pm Warehouse Live Lucinda Williams 8pm Wortham Houston Ballet 2009 Ball 7pm Alley Eurydice 2:30 & 8pm | The Man Who Came to Dinner 2:30 & 8pm Hobby BIH: Chitty Chitty Bang Bang 2 & 8pm HOB The Pretenders 8pm Jones Mozart’s Piano Concerto No.18 8pm Main Street The Pie Dialogues 8pm Warehouse Live G. Love & Special Sauce 8pm Wortham Dance Houston: Winter Formal 7:30pm | HB: Marie 7:30pm

PLANTING ALONG THE COLUMBIA TAP TRAIL BY THE PARK PEOPLE, 9AM-12PM. THIS EVENT IS FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC. FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT THE PARK PEOPLE AT 713.942.7275.

TO PURCHASE TICKETS, PLEASE CONTACT: ALLEY THEATRE alleytheatre.org

CWMP- 20th Season Coming Soon!

Check website for 2009 season! woodlandscenter.org HOBBY CENTER 713.315.2525 thehobbycenter.org

HOUSE OF BLUES hob.com

JONES HALL 713.227.3974 joneshall.org MAIN STREET THEATER 713.524.6706 mainstreettheater.com

MERIDIAN meridianhouston.com MILLER OUTDOOR THEATRE (MOT) milleroutdoortheatre.com MINUTE MAID PARK houston.astros.mlb.com MUSEUM OF FINE ARTS mfah.org MUSEUM OF NATURAL SCIENCE hmns.org RELIANT PARK reliantpark.com STAGES REPERTORY THEATRE 713.527.0123 stagestheatre.com

THEATER DISTRICT OUTDOOR cityofhouston.gov TOYOTA CENTER 1.866.4HOU.tix houstontoyotacenter.com VERIZON THEATER verizonwirelesstheater.com WAREHOUSE LIVE warehouselive.com WORTHAM CENTER 713.237.1439 worthamcenter.org GENTE DE TEATRO gentedeteatro.org

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MUSEUM DISTRICT 1. THE MENIL COLLECTION menil.org

Contemporary Italian artist Maurizio Cattelan (b.

1960) is known for his witty embrace of semantic shifts that result from imaginative plays with materials, objects and actions. Maurizio Cattelan opens on February 6. Thru March 1, Imaginary Spaces: Selections from the Menil Collection presents a selection of Giovanni Piranesi’s 19th-century etching series, Carceri d’Invenzione (Imaginary Prisons), Giorgio De Chirico’s paintings of alienating cityscapes and Michael Heizer’s drawings for sculptural space in the desert from 1969, among other examples. The premise of Imaginary Spaces, organized by Menil assistant curator Michelle White, derives from a series of exhibitions that the de Menils organized in the 1960s.

2 . HOUSTON CENTER FOR PHOTOGRAPHY hcponline.org Each year, HCP holds an annual print auc-

tion where artists, galleries and collectors from all over the world contribute high caliber photographic art which is auctioned for the benefit of HCP’s operating fund. One hundred percent of the sale proceeds go directly to HCP for exhibitions, educational initiatives, outreach programs and HCP’s SPOT magazine. Auction Exhibition and Auction ends on February 11. Opening February 20, Unite and Untie addresses the current political unrest in the Middle East and Western Asia.

3. THE ROTHKO CHAPEL rothkochapel.org

An intimate sanctuary available to people of every belief, this modern meditative environment was inspired by the paintings of American abstract expressionist Mark Rothko. Thursday, February 5, 7pm – Are Our Gods the Same God? Five scholars in Houston, Drs. Elias Bongmba (African religions), Gregory Kaplan (Judaism), Anne Carolyn Klein (Buddhism) and Elora Shehabuddin (Islam) from Rice University, and Dr. Lynn Mitchell, director of religious studies at the University of Houston, will discuss God from their religious perspectives. Thursday, February 19, 7pm, The Siege of Gaza, Dr. Rashid Khalidi, the Edward Said Professor of Arab Studies at Columbia University and author of numerous books including, most recently (2006), The Iron Cage: The Story of The Palestinian Struggle for Statehood, will speak about the siege of Gaza. Sunday, February 22, 2pm, Etan Boritzer Reads from What Is God? The Children’s book author will read for children and their parents from What Is God. Tuesday, February 24, 7pm, Cranes Have No Political Boundaries: Saving the

Cranes in North Korea. Founder of the International Crane Foundation (1973) Dr. George Archibald has devoted his life to researching and working with cranes, will speak about his recent work in North Korea to provide a safe winter home for the magnificent Red-crowned Cranes.

4 . BYZANTINE FRESCO CHAPEL MUSEUM menil.org/Byzantine The only intact examples of 13th-

century Byzantine wall painting of this size and importance in the Western Hemisphere, these masterworks were stolen by thieves from a chapel in the Turkish occupied town of Lysi, cut into pieces and smuggled off the island of Cyprus. Rescued and restored by the Menil Foundation, the dome and apse now reside on a long-term loan from the Church of Cyprus in an intimate chapel designed by award-winning architect Francois de Menil.

5. HOUSTON CENTER FOR CONTEMPORARY CRAFT crafthouston.org Hot Glass, Cool Collections (in

the large gallery) showcases fantastic glass art from the homes of Houston collectors. Works on view represent the many styles and techniques of contemporary studio glass – including handblown, kiln-worked, torch-worked and cold-worked glass. Environments: Form + Space features imaginative installations by three emerging glass artists who emphasize the importance of form over function. Both thru March 1. Hearts Afire Weekend, February 21 – 22, is a blazing weekend of events celebrating Hot Glass, Cool Collections and Environments: Form + Space.

6. LAWNDALE ART CENTER lawndaleartcenter.org

Aram Nagle transforms the Mezzanine Gallery into a jungle-gym-battleground-parody of the Iraq War in Battle Play Set, thru February 28, 2009. Creating lifesize toy army men and “Weeble wobble” soldiers as well as Iraqi civilians out of styrofoam, Nagle constructs an interactive diorama depicting a slice of life for the men and women of all nationalities in Iraq. The subject matter’s seriousness is accentuated by portraying it in innocent, child-like, pop imagery, both threeand two-dimensional. Also thru February 28: Space of Absence – Kathy Kelley and Highway 71 Revisited – 16. february09 002houston

Barry Stone.

7. BUFFALO SOLDIERS NATIONAL MUSEUM buffalosoldiersmuseum.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. Cavalry were nicknamed “Buffalo Soldiers” for their fierce fighting ability and bravery.

8. HOLOCAUST MUSEUM HOUSTON hmh.org

The first institution of its kind in the Southwest, Holocaust Museum Houston is a living memorial and education center promoting awareness of the dangers of hate, prejudice and apathy against the backdrop of the Holocaust. The Museum includes exhibition areas, memorials, a theater and a full-service library. The Museum’s permanent exhibit, “Bearing Witness: A Community Remembers,” features authentic film footage, artifacts, and photographs and documents life in pre-war Europe, the Nazi move toward the “Final Solution” and life after the Holocaust. A rail car used by the Nazi regime to carry millions of people to their deaths is on display as well as the Museum’s newest addition to its permanent collection – an authentic fishing boat used to ferry Jews from the Danish coast to safety in Sweden during World War II.

9. CHILDREN’S MUSEUM OF HOUSTON cmhouston.org Swoosh into FlowWorks and become a

plumber or an engineer, inspecting, operating and maintaining the elements of this action-packed exhibit.

Snap your picture at the museum’s brand-new photo booth and become a part of history! Find your photo amongst thousands in a block-long picture mosaic exhibit, titled A Playground for Your Mind™. The mosaic will be unveiled in the John P. McGovern Kid’s Hall during the Museum’s historic Expansion Grand Opening on March 14, 2009! The exhibit hallway will unite the Museum’s past to its future as it will lead the way to the Museum’s brand-new building. So take your best picture now! Upload your photo from your home computer to cmhouston.org/photos (Kids must ask their parents for permission). Or, visit the Children’s Museum of Houston and snap a picture in the photo booth!

10. THE HEALTH MUSEUM thehealthmuseum.org Thru May 10, Zap! Surgery: Beyond

the Cutting Edge takes you behind-the-scenes to experi-

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ence the science behind surgical techniques. Ever wonder how brain tumors are treated? Find out when you conduct simulated surgery with the Gamma Knife.

Perform simulated laser surgery to get an up-close look at how tattoos are removed. Test your hand-eye coordination using simulated endoscopic instruments and more!

11. HOUSTON MUSEUM OF NATURAL SCIENCE hmns.org Gunther von Hagens’ BODY WORLDS 2 & The

BRAIN – Our Three Pound Gem is on exhibit thru February 22. Dr. Gunther von Hagens and his wife, Dr. Angelina Whalley, have created a holistic meditation on the brain that merges anatomy, neuroscience and philosophy that resonates with everyone. Be sure to check out “Fly Me to the Moon,” “Dinosaurs 3D” and “Grand Canyon Adventure: River at Risk 3D” at the Wortham IMAX® Theatre. The Birth of Christianity: A Jewish Story thru April.

Page 17

16. THE JUNG CENTER OF HOUSTON cgjunghouston.org The Jung Center, a nonprofit educa-

tional institution founded in 1958, houses one of the Southwest’s finest collections of work in psychology, spirituality and comparative mythology, offering those who treasure the world of ideas and learning fresh perspectives and deeper insights into the human condition.

17. CZECH CENTER MUSEUM czechcenter.org

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

12. HOUSTON ZOO houstonzoo.org Explore a naturally wild world of adventure, education and fun at the Houston Zoo. Set in a 55-acre lush tropical landscape, the Zoo is home to more than 4,500 animals representing more than 800 exotic species.

13. RICE UNIVERSITY ART GALLERY ricegallery.org Rice Gallery is dedicated to the creation

and exhibition of site-specific installation art. The gallery is located on the ground floor of Sewall Hall, near the main entrance to one of the nation’s most beautiful college campuses. Exhibition Three will be on exhibit thru March 1.

14. THE MUSEUM OF FINE ARTS, HOUSTON mfah.org In the mid-90s, Mrs. C. Dudley Sharp, Sr., a

generous MFAH supporter, left the museum a rare, historically important pair of 17th-century Japanese screens as a bequest. Several years ago, The National Research Institute for Cultural Properties, Tokyo, selected these panels to be conserved by experts in Japan, as part of a program to preserve cultural legacies outside of the country. Art Unfolded: The Gift of Conservation from Japan is on view thru February 22.

15. CONTEMPORARY ARTS MUSEUM HOUSTON camh.org Perspectives 164, on exhibit thru February 22,

KEY TO SYMBOLS

PARKING RESTAURANT SHOPPING SNACKS FREE ADMISSION

features San Francisco-based artist Stephanie Syjuco.

International in scope, The Puppet Show, on view thru April 12, brings together contemporary artworks in a variety of media that explore the imagery of puppets.

February 26, 6:30 – 9pm, opening reception of Perspectives 165: Contents Under Pressure Exploring the dual theme of containers and containment, works

by Houston area teens.

17. february09 002houston

1 8 . JOHN C. F R E E M A N W E A T H E R M U S E U M wxresearch.org The

John C. Freeman Weather Museum, the first and only museum of its kind in the nation, is a project of Weather Research Center, a Houston-based nonprofit educational and research organization, whose goal is to reach as many people as possible and educate them about weather and weather safety as well as make them weather-wise.

On February 2 come join the meteorologists who will put out an outlook for the winter and compare their forecasts to the different animals that will look for their shadows.

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ART HOUSES+MUSEUMS+EXHIBITS 1.

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

ART LEAGUE OF HOUSTON artleaguehouston.org 1953 Montrose 713.523.9530 thru February 20, Museum of Unnatural History thru February 27, Gift of the Spirit BLAFFER GALLERY class.uh.edu/blaffer UH Campus, Ent. 16, 713.743.9530

GALVESTON ARTS CENTER galvestonartscenter.org 2127 Strand St. 409.763.2403 HERITAGE SOCIETY heritagesociety.org 1100 Bagby 713.655.1912

HOUSTON FIRE MUSEUM houstonfiremuseum.org 2304 Milam 713.524.5395

ART STORM artstormhouston.com 4828 Caroline St. 713.568.8174 thru February 7, Mindy Kober: Politics and the Weather BARBARA DAVIS GALLERY barbaradavisgallery.com 4411 Montrose 713.520.9200 opens February 13, Danny Rolph: Accelerator BERING & JAMES GALLERY beringandjames.com 805 Rhode Place #500, 713.524.0101 thru February 6, No Mountains, No Waterfalls: Angilee Wilkerson

BOOKER-LOWE GALLERY bookerlowegallery.com 4623 Feagan St. 713.862.8364

MUSEUM OF PRINTING HISTORY 1324 W. Clay 713.522.4652 printingmuseum.org thru February 21, Branched & Rooted ORANGE SHOW orangeshow.org 2402 Munger 713.926.6368

COMMUNITY ARTISTS’ COLLECTIVE 1501 Elgin 713.523.1616 communityartistscollective.org

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

ART HOUSES 18 HANDS GALLERY 18handsgallery.com 249 West 19th St. 713.869.3099 opens February 7, Confluence of Four AEROSOL WARFARE GALLERY aerosolwarfare.com 2110 Jefferson opens February 7 – 27, paper ballet ANYA TISH GALLERY anyatishgallery.com 4411 Montrose 713.524.2299

APAMA MACKEY GALLERY mackeygallery.com 628 East 11th Street 713.850.8527 ARCHWAY GALLERY archwaygallery.com 2305 Dunlavy 713.522.2409 opens February 7, David Connolly ARTSCAN GALLERY rudolphprojects.com 1836 Richmond 713.807.1836

ART LEAGUE HOUSTON artleaguehouston.org 1953 Montrose Blvd. 713.523.4080 Thru February 20, Elaine Bradford: Museum of Unnatural History

2.

BETZ GALLERY betzgallery.com 1208 W. Gray 713.576.6954 opens February 7, Wearable Art

CANAL ST. GALLERY canalstreetgallery.com 2219 Canal St. 713.223.2219 thru February 28, Katherine Houston: Colors of the World thru February 21, Hedwidge Jacobs opens February 27, Get a Rope

PROJECT ROW HOUSES projectrowhouses.org 2501 Holman 713.526.7662

3.

COMMUNE ON NORTH communeonnorth.com 2445 North Blvd.

CAROLINE COLLECTIVE carolinecollective.com 4820 Caroline 713.825.4613 CTRL GALLERY ctrlgallery.com 3907 Main St. 713.523.2875

DAKOTA GALLERY 2324 Shearn 713.523.7440 dakotaframing.com/dfp/dakotagallery.asp DARKE GALLERY darkegallery.com 5321 Feagan 713.542.3802 opens February 7, Raquel & Frank Kriepe

G GALLERY 301 East 11th Street 713.822.4842 redbudgallery.com/gGalleryIndex.html GALLERY 1724 gallery1724.com 1724 Bissonnet 713.523.2547

GALLERY SONJA ROESCH gallerysonjaroesch.com 2309 Caroline 713.659.5424 thru February 28, Accrochage Exhibition GITE GALLERY thegitegallery.com 2024 Alabama St. 713.523.3311

GOLDESBERRY GALLERY goldesberrygallery.com 2625 Colquitt 713.528.0405 opens February 23, New York: Real and Reflected GREEN HOUSE GALLERY greenhouseartgallery.com 716 W. Alabama St. 713.535.6462 opens February 6, Love Vibe

DEBORAH COLTON GALLERY 2500 Summer St. 713.864.2364 deborahcoltongallery.com

DESANTOS GALLERY desantosgallery.com 1724 Richmond 713.520.1200 thru February 7, Elaine Duigenan: Archeology

GREMILLION & CO. FINE ART gremillion.com 2501 Sunset Blvd. 713.522.2701 thru February 22, Phillippe Garel opens February 26, Lionel Kalish

DIVERSEWORKS diverseworks.org 1117 East Main at Naylor 713.223.8346

GUTHRIE CONTEMPORARY 2734 Virginia St. 713.522.8086

FOTOFEST 1113 Vine Street 713.223.5522 fotofest.org opens February 5, New Visualism opens February 9, Traveling Exhibition

HOUSTON LANDMARK GALLERY 1200 McKinney 713.927.8800 houstonlandmarkgallery.com

DOMY BOOKS domystore.com 1709 Westheimer 713.523.3669

HCC-CENTRAL GALLERY centralfinearts.info 3517 Austin 713.718.6570

18. february09 002houston

HOUSTON STUDIOS 707 Walnut St. #100, 713.223.0951 HOLLYWOOD FRAME GALLERY 2427 Bissonnet 713.942.8885 hollywoodframegallery.com HOOKS-EPSTEIN GALLERYhooksepsteingalleries.com 2631 Colquitt St. 713.522.0718 thru February 14, The Bookkeeper JOAN WICH & CO. GALLERY joanwichgallery.com 4411 Montrose 713.526.1557 thru February 14, Vivika Barnett opens February 20, Brian Moss KINZELMAN ART CONSULTING kinzelmanart.com 3909 Main Street 713.533.9923 KOELSCH GALLERY koelschgallery.com 703 Yale 713.626.0175 thru February 23, Byron Spicer

LAURA RATHE FINE ART laurarathe.com 2707 Colquitt 713.527.7700

LAURA U COLLECTION lauraucollection.com 1840 Westheimer 713.522.0855

LOVETT INN ART GALLERY lovettinngallery.com 501 Lovett Blvd. 713.522.5224 M2 GALLERYm2-houston.com 325 W. 19th St. 713.861.6070

McCLAIN GALLERY mcclaingallery.com 2242 Richmond 713.520.9988

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1. art storm| 2. aerosol warfare gallery | 3. mcmurtrey gallery McMURTREY GALLERY mcmurtreygallery.com 3508 Lake St. 713.523.8238 thru February 14, Sandi Seltzer Bryant MEREDITH LONG GALLERY 2323 San Felipe 713.523.6671 meredithlonggallery.com opens February 26, Martin Kline MIDTOWN ART CENTER midtownartcenter.com 3414 La Branch 713.521.8803 MOODY GALLERY moodygallery.com 2815 Colquitt 713.526.9911 opens February 21, Al Souza

MOTHER DOG STUDIOS 720 Walnut 713.229.9760 home.earthlink.net/~motherdogstudios/ motherdogstudios MOXIE moxiehouston.com 2307 Dunlavy 713.807.7994

NAUHAUS GALLERY texascollaborative.com 223 E. 11th St. 281.615.4148 NOLAN-RANKIN GALLERIES 6 Chelsea Place 713.528.0664 nolan-rankingalleries.com

O’KANE GALLERY uhd.edu One Main St.@UHD 713.221.8042

PARKERSON GALLERY artnet.com 3510 Lake St. 713.524.4945

PEEL GALLERY SHOP peelgallery.org 4411 Montrose Blvd. 713.520.8122 POST GALLERY postgallery.com 2121 Sage, Ste. 390, 713.622.4241 "by appointment only"

RICE UNIVERSITY ART GALLERY 6100 Main St. 713.348.6069 ricegallery.org RUDOLPH PROJECTS I ARTSCAN GALLERY 1836 Richmond 713.807.1836 rudolphprojects.com SICARDI GALLERY sicardi.com 2246 Richmond 713.529.1313

SPACE 125GALLERY haatx.com 3201 Allen Parkway 713.527.9330 thru March 6, Civic Duty: Building Art, Building Houston STUDIO 1107 East Freeway 713.224.5555

TALENTO BILINGUE tbhcenter.com 333 S. Jensen Drive 713.222.1213 thru February 28, Entre La Carpa Adriana Garcia TANSU tansustyle.com 321-B West 19th 713.880.5100 THE ARTFUL CORNER theartfulcorner.com 3423 White Oak Drive THOM ANDRIOLA newgallery.net 2627 Colquitt 713.520.7053

THORNWOOD GALLERY thornwoodgallery.com 1201 Birdsall 713.861.2787 thru February 7, New Year Show VAUGHAN CHRISTOPHER GALLERY 1217 South Shepherd 713.533.0816 vaughanchristopher.com

WADE WILSON ART wadewilsonart.com 4411 Montrose #200, 713.521.2977 thru February 15, Virgil Grotfeldt thru February 20, Jill Moser and Lucinda Cobley opens February 21, Yigai Ozeri

POISSANT GALLERY poissantgallery.com 5102 Center St. 713.868.9337 opens February 13, Patrick Renner

WATERCOLOR ART SOCIETY 1601 West Alabama 713.942.9966 watercolorhouston.org opens February 13, People and Figures

PROJECT ROW HOUSES projectrowhouses.org 2519 Holman St. 713.526.7662 thru February 8, para/site

WINTER STREET STUDIOS winterstreetstudios.net 2101 Winter Street 713.862.0082

REDBUD GALLERY redbudgallery.com 303 E. 11th St. 713.862.2532 RETRO GALLERY retrogallery.com 1839 W. Alabama 713.522.7074

XNIHILO GALLERY 2115taft.org 2115 Taft St. 713.622.1846

ZARPOSH INDIA GALLERY zarposhindia.com 1951 Richmond 713.668.2948

EVENTS+NEWS

FEBRUARY 21, SYNERGY GALA AT WINTER STREET STUDIOS, 2101 WINTER STREET, 7-11PM 713.862.0082 19. february09 002houston

Photography by Daniel Ortiz

002houston February 09:002houston

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EVENT KEEP HOUSTON RICH WHY CELEBRATING THE LAUNCH WHERE PEEL GALLERY WHEN NOVEMBER 21

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Keep Houston Rich is a slogan – now mantra – created by graphic designer Vernon Caldera whose design is creating a fan base in Houston.

The design embodies the font of the American dollar bill and its correlation to an oil derrick in the word “rich.” The celebration included Austin’s DJ Chicken George, a signature drink (courtesy of Distiguido Tequila) aptly called “The Millionaire” and a 3-foot tall ice sculpture of an oil derrick. With Neal Hamil models walking around in “Keep Houston Rich” merch and guests that included Erin Flourescu, Claudia Solis, Elaine Jefferson, Jeff Shell, Kristy Phillips, James Glassman, the party ended with every guest asking the same question, “What recession?”

Beth Wolff

Kim Padgett

Maria Caldera, Eleanor Williams

A

LIVING SMART WITH PATRICIA GRAS

Tamara Hardikar, Jennifer Jones

Elaine Jefferson, Christina Garza

Adam Gibson, Steven Hempel

Christopher Lyons, Vernon Caldera, Soleil Manzo

Living Smart with Patricia Gras airs on Sundays at 3pm and Thursdays at 10:30pm on HoustonPBS Ch. 8.

MANISHA THAKOR After I got my MBA, I found many credit card offers in my mailbox. Fortunately, I quickly moved to Europe and worked there a few years without one credit card. A few years later, I moved back to the US and at age 27 I got my first credit card and my life was never the same! I began to spend a lot more money than I had in the past, but many of my graduate school friends were already in serious financial debt by that time, so I decided not to do the same.

predilections but we don’t talk openly and honestly about our money so people don’t admit that they don’t understand it. Later, on top of this are two other items. We’re bombarded 24/7 by unrealistic media images and – this is the real toxic sauce – unlike previous generations, today we all have relatively easy access to credit cards.”

"NEVER SPEND YOUR MONEY BEFORE YOU HAVE IT."

Manisha earned her MBA degree from Harvard Business School and is a Thomas Jefferson, Chartered Financial Analyst with exten70 percent of Americans live paycheck to 3rd president of US sive experience in the financial services paycheck. We spend more than we make (1743 - 1826) industry. She realized her MBA did not and save little in comparison to other industrialteach her financial basics and that most people ized nations. What we were never taught in high have no idea how to manage their finances. “First of school was basic financial literacy. That’s why I invited finanall, with these many credit cards, nobody, no matter how cial advocate and author Manisha Thakor to Living Smart to hard you try, can keep track of what you’re spending. But discuss how to live well today with the need to save and invest the even bigger reason not to do it is if you’re only making for tomorrow. Her no-nonsense financial approach explains the minimum monthly payment on your credit cards, then how much income to save, how to avoid perils of credit card you have effectively doubled the purchase price of whatever debt and create a budget you can live with. it is you charged to your card. Credit cards are not free money,” says Thakor.

How did so many of us end up in debt? Manisha warns, “The first reason is that financial literacy is a subject that is just not “The biggest difference between what’s going on today and generally taught. And on top of that we in the society talk 20 or 30 years ago is easy access to credit…today we can about everything else: our childhood angst, our sexual trot to our mailbox in our pj’s and rip open a credit card 20. february09 002houston

MANISHA THAKOR + PATRICIA GRAS

application,” says Thakor. If you use credit cards effectively, they can be a great resource, but most of us don’t. She believes, “When money is an enabler of your dreams – not a source of stress – you are living from a position of financial strength.”

On Living Smart, Manisha will tell us how to become financially responsible and money wise.

For more information on this topic go to houstonpbs.org/livingsmart under Manisha Thakor. Share your experiences by either calling 713.743.8513 or emailing livingsmart@houstonpbs.org. If you miss this program, or if you would like to view streaming videos of past Living Smart shows on the Internet, go to our website and search for the show topic or guest. Patricia Gras is an Emmy Award-winning journalist and the producer and host for Living Smart with Patricia Gras. You can reach her at www.patriciagras.blogspot.com.

002houston February 09:002houston

SPACETAKER ARTSCENE

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12:47 PM

Page 21

By Jenni Rebecca Stephenson

F

EBRUARY IS THE SEASON OF ROMANCE. AND VALENTINE’S IS EITHER A DAY OF CHAMPAGNE, CHOCOLATES AND PASSION – OR A NIGHT OF DROWNING ONE’S SORROWS IN BEN AND JERRY’S OR JACK DANIELS. EITHER WAY, THE BARRAGE OF CHEESY CHICK-FLICKS IS ABOUT AS UNAVOIDABLE AS THE EXPLOSION OF FLOWER STANDS ON EVERY CORNER. IF THE HOLIDAY SEEMS AN UNFAIR STRAIN ON YOUR POCKETBOOK, GENTLEMEN, YOU MIGHT CONSIDER MOVING TO JAPAN OR SOUTH KOREA, WHERE ON FEBRUARY 14TH, WOMEN ARE EXPECTED TO OFFER GIFTS OF CHOCOLATE TO NOT ONLY THEIR PARTNERS, BUT ALL THEIR MALE COWORKERS. THEN AGAIN, MEN ARE NEVERTHELESS OBLIGATED TO RECIPROCATE ON MARCH 14TH, KNOWN AS ‘WHITE DAY.’ Take pleasure in this celebration of l’amour! If coupled, revel in your relationship with your sweetheart. If single, relish the opportunity to take a different date to each one of this month’s fabulous art events. Remember that art – when coupled with wine and roses – is the elixir of love.

February 4 & 11, 6pm – Transparency: Exposing Graphic Design The Rice Design Alliance continues its lecture series exploring the wide range of cognitive, experiential and aesthetic skills involved in graphic design as a discipline and practice, including typography, identity, branding, print design, interaction/experience, information and sustainability. The February lectures feature graphic innovators Ellen Lupton, Director of the Graphic Design MFA Program at Maryland Institute College of Art, and Michael Rock of the design firm 2x4 in New York.

MFAH Brown Auditorium; tickets $10 (RDA, MFAH members, senior citizens and students w/ ID $7). rda.rice.edu February 7, 8pm – The Bad Plus with Da Camera “The Bad Plus embrace sonic adventure without selfish avant-gardism...seething with funky new-millennium rhythms and succulent harmonic flights,” says Entertainment Weekly. The category-defying piano trio presents original repertoire alongside their renditions of mainstream pop “standards” including ABBA, Black Sabbath, the Bee Gees, Queen, Blondie, Aphex Twin, Neil Young and Björk. “Playing covers never has been a gimmick,” says drummer David King. “It starts as a tune we like. We don’t believe music has to end with Cole Porter and George Gershwin.” Cullen Theater, Wortham Theater; for tickets, call 713.524.5050 or go to dacamera.com.

February 12-28, 8pm - Compleat Female Stage Beauty Mildred’s Umbrella Theatre Company brings us the Houston premiere of the psycho-sexual backstage historical comedy by playwright Jeffrey Hatcher. Adapted into a movie starring Claire Danes and Billy Crudup, Compleat Female Stage Beauty, set in Elizabethan England, illuminates the long-standing theatrical tradition of males playing female roles before women were ordered on stage by Charles II. Turning gender roles and rules on

their ears, the play revolves around a male actor best known for his portrayal of Desdemona and Cleopatra and what he learns from his female replacements. Midtown Art Center; tickets $13. mildredsumbrella.com February 12-14, 7:30pm – Pat Graney’s House of Mind @ DiverseWorks Taking over DiverseWorks with her latest exhibition and performance is internationally renowned choreographer Pat Graney. In House of Mind, an amalgamation of female memory, collective unconscious, and family and cultural histories, Graney takes the audience on an intense and thought-provoking journey through her past, her mother’s battles with Alzheimer’s and her quirky imagination. Read this month’s For Art’s Sake on page 24 for more information. DiverseWorks; tickets $15. diverseworks.org February 20, 7:30pm – Women on the Verge by Ars Lyrica Houston Take three of classical music’s celebrated femmes fatales, add timeless songs about betrayal and revenge, and watch the vocal fireworks. Ars Lyrica presents the stories of women loved and abandoned, scorned and bent on revenge. Joining the Ars Lyrica ensemble to sing arias, duets and trios by Monteverdi through Haydn are Melissa Givens, Marie Lenormand and Sonja Bruzauskas. Matthew Dirst leads Houston’s premier early music ensemble in this exploration of passion and despair. Zilkha Hall at Hobby Center; tickets $25, $30, $35 (students w/ ID $15), 713.315.2525 or visit thehobbycenter.org.

Through February 28 – Project Row Houses: Round 29 Thunderbolt Special - Celebrating Houston’s Sam “Lightnin’” Hopkins, one of the most prolific and highly acclaimed blues musicians in the world, Project Row Houses presents Round 29 THUNDERBOLT SPECIAL: The Great Electric Show and Dance. Terry Adkins curates and unites artists James Andrew Brown, Sherman Fleming, Charles Gaines and George Smith to create original installations in the project houses commemorating the life and art of Lightnin’ Hopkins. Closing reception at 2505-2521 Holman, followed by performances by Lone Wolf Recital Corps, Blanche Bruce, The Sacred Order of the Twilight Brothers and the Anti-Formalist Reclamation Organization at the historic Eldorado Ballroom (2310 Elgin). Free. projectrowhouses.org 21. february09 002houston

002houston February 09:002houston

THE GALLERY

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By Margaret Miller

DEBORAH COLTON GALLERY address 2500 summer st, houston, tx 77007 | phone 713.869.5151 | website deborahcoltongallery.com | hours tues. – sat. 10:30am to 5pm mission statement

DEBORAH COLTON GALLERY IS FOUNDED ON BEING AN INNOVATIVE SHOWCASE FOR ONGOING PRESENTATION AND PROMOTION OF STRONG HISTORICAL AND VISIONARY CONTEMPORARY ARTISTS WORLDWIDE, WHOSE DIVERSE PRACTICES INCLUDE PAINTING, WORKS ON PAPER, SCULPTURE, VIDEO, PHOTOGRAPHY, AND CONCEPTUAL AND FUTURE MEDIA INSTALLATIONS. THE GALLERY ASPIRES TO PROVIDE A FORUM THROUGH CONNECTING TEXAS, NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL ARTISTS TO MAKE POSITIVE CHANGE.

DEBORAH COLTON ON DEBORAH COLTON GALLERY

L

ocated in the Upper Kirby – Museum District, Deborah Colton Gallery is well known for pushing the limits of contemporary art in Houston, introducing the city to the most current, forward work being done internationally. In the past 28 years, Deborah and her husband Bill have lived in Houston, New York/New Jersey, Miami, Dallas, Tokyo and Bangkok. They have two daughters.

When we moved back to the New York area, I was involved in launching high tech products for the company, work that’s not unlike helping artists achieve their shortand long-term goals in the international art world. My background in high tech international communications systems is probably one of the reasons we show a great many scientific-based artists, a group that takes the use of digital technology and contemporary art to the highest level.

My life and work as an Art Patron started during the eight years I lived in Tokyo and Bangkok, where I worked with a group of Contemporary artists who introduced me to others in Europe and New York. After moving back to Houston in 2000 and making the decision to open a gallery, I determined that the vision of the gallery should be fully international since this was my personal background, rather than just focusing on Asia or being a local gallery representing mainly Texas artists.

I WANTED TO BRING SOMETHING TO HOUSTON THAT HAD NEVER BEEN HERE BEFORE and to enhance the art community rather than to compete with any of the spaces already here.

We represent local, regional and international artists. Many have received Rockefeller and Guggenheim Awards, have shown in the Whitney and are collected by some of the finest collectors internationally. Many have participated in such events like the Venice Biennale and have had solo exhibitions in astute museums in Europe, the States and Asia. We also represent younger emerging artists whom we believe have great potential, a few of whom are from Texas.

This September, we moved the gallery to the Upper Kirby – Museum District since we were uncertain about the future of our building on 2500 Summer Street. Molly Gochman believed in the vision of our gallery and kindly offered her exceptional gallery space for lease. Its large, multiple room format is ideal for our installation, video and experiential programming, as well as display areas for twodimensional works. The new gallery also has access to an AstroTurf patio outside and a performance space next door. Visual artists today are doing a lot of interactive work so that the audience essentially becomes part of the art. In experiential art you’re not necessarily sure what will take place. It’s very exciting. That’s the most forward movement in the international art world today.

My formal education is business-based—I have a BS degree in marketing management with a minor in psychology. My first career was in the 3M Business Communications Products Division as a Sales Supervisor of the Houston branch.

We also work with collectors and curators and art institutions from all over the world. For example, we just did an exhibition on contemporary artists from the Arab world of The State of Qatar and are working very closely with the institutions there. We’ve always worked closely with many countries in Asia. The gentleman we’ve hired for our OUTPOST: NY DCG (in New York) is a well-known curator and writer from Europe. We’re also planning a significant Latin American Exhibition soon. We’re truly a virtual international gallery with the main exhibition spaces in Houston.

The gallery is open to all, whether they’re educated contemporary art collectors or art lovers who want to begin experiencing and learning about international contemporary art. OUR PATRONS RANGE FROM THE HIGHEST REGARDED COLLECTORS AND MUSEUMS TO PEOPLE THAT KNOW NOTHING ABOUT CONTEMPORARY ART BUT ARE CURIOUS AND READY TO LEARN. It’s a wonderful experience for us to open the world of contemporary art up to new people. We treat everyone with respect when they walk into our gallery. It’s like an epiphany for them to see the world through this new set of eyes.

22. february09 002houston

Photography by Eric Hester

002houston February 09:002houston

1/21/09

12:49 PM

EVENT VOICE TOAST WHY VOICE RECOGNIZED BY ESQUIRE MAGAZINE AS BEST NEW RESTAURANT FOR 2008 WHERE HOTEL ICON WHEN NOVEMBER 20

Page 23

During a very limited engagement at Hotel ICON, VOICE was recently recognized by Esquire magazine as one of the Top 20 Best New Restaurants for 2008. With delicious morsels created by Executive Chef Michael Kramer and cocktails for all, an intimate, well-deserved celebration was held.

Brook Baker, Annie Durbin

Caitlin Putnam, Shelly Schneider

Shane and Kristen Woodwick

Terrance Lovely, Monique Sam

23. february09 002houston

Claudia Monks, Maricela Kruseman

Chef Michael Kramer, Sandy Collet, Ludovic Poirer

Elizabeth Jensen, Jane Williams, Ali West, Isla McConn

002houston February 09:002houston

FOR ART’S SAKE

1/21/09

12:50 PM

Page 24

By Nadia Michel Photography Diane Barber

PAT GRANEY’S HOUSE OF MIND: EXPLORING MEMORY thru feb. 21 | performances: feb. 5-7, 7:30pm | diverseworks main gallery, project space and theater commissioned by diverseworks with dance theater workshop and npn

M

emory can be a tricky thing. It sometimes escapes us and often morphs into a whole new version of reality.

Ultimately, it always falls prey to interpretation. In House of Mind, an exhibition/dance performance, choreographer Pat Graney invites us into the quirky recesses of her own mind.

Audiences can tour the elaborate installation through February 21 at DiverseWorks. A 100,000 button waterfall and a room filled with 4,000 books are some of the highlights. As Graney explains via cell phone on her way to L.A., the show promises plenty of surprises throughout the large 6,000 sq. ft. space.

“People that walk through this find it a very magical, light environment,” she says. Upon entering, visitors are greeted by the silhouette of a woman taking a bubble bath and a floor full of sand.

On select nights, a choreographed performance follows the tour: five dancers (Michelle De La Vega, Sara Jinks, Jody Kuehner, Trinidad Martinez and Jenny Peterson) illustrate the memory theme in the meditative genre Seattle-based Graney is known for.

Houstonians in the know might remember Graney’s past Houston performances, The Vivian Girls (2005) and Sleep (1998). “This is completely and utterly different,” she says. “There was more formal dance in The Vivian Girls.” The choreography in House of Mind is more theatrical-movement than dance, including specifically choreographed walking and a series of sharper and more dramatic sequences on chairs.

Video footage illuminates whole walls of the exhibit space. In what is a close reproduction of Graney’s childhood bedroom, a video projection shows a girl on the bed, although there’s no one really there. Like the footage of trees playing in lieu of a window, much of the installation aims to play with one’s mind.

Next is an area filled with giant, 10-ft. dresses, intended to present a child’s perspective while in her mother’s closet. “A lot of people bring their kids, who love the giant dresses and silliness of it all.” The show is an audacious and complex physical manifestation of childhood memories, sensations, collective unconscious and family and cultural histories.

Rounding out the multi-sensory experience is a musical score that alternates between recorded tunes by Amy Denio (often called an unclassifiable avant-

garde jazz musician) who collected a lot of sounds and interviews for the show. These include conversations with Graney’s mother, who was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s last March. “It’s sad but beautiful,” she says of her mother describing what it’s like to lose one’s memory. The diagnosis added a whole new dimension to House of Minds, which was already in progress. “It’s about the accumulation and dissolution of memory,” she explains of her elaborate installation, which took three months to construct. To illustrate the latter, the loss of data, a “cold room,” monochromatic and sparse, symbolizes memories that cannot readily be accessed.

As in one’s mind, this show is filled with compartments, tiny details and emotion. There is a room of small drawers, filled with tiny objects. Random sitcoms from the fifties and sixties play on a small screen. In Dad’s room, police reports are plastered all over the walls and sounds of a typewriter click away in the corner. (Graney’s father was a detective in Chicago.)

In post-performance talkback sessions, audience members are invited to share their thoughts – which often revolve around old memories that have been stirred up or personal experiences with Alzheimer’s. The response to this unique installation has been great. “It sold out in Seattle, so if you have any remote interest, you should make a reservation ASAP,” suggests Graney without a hint of boastfulness. And don’t hesitate to bring the niños.

The installation for House of Mind will be on view during gallery hours. Admission is free and open to the public.

TICKETS TO THE HOUSE OF MIND PERFORMANCES ARE $15 FOR GENERAL ADMISSION, $10 FOR DIVERSEWORKS MEMBERS AND $8 FOR STUDENTS AND SENIORS. 24. february09 002houston

002houston February 09:002houston

GISH AT THE MOVIES

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12:55 PM

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By Sarah Gish

Rauschenberg, Frank Stella and Andy Warhol before they became famous, see Painters Painting: New York Art Scene 1940-1970, which the MFAH is screening at 7pm, February 14 and 15. This definitive documentary on the painters of the New York School features footage of all the major figures of the New York art world during a span of thirty years. And the MFAH is collaborating with their across-the-street neighbor, the Contemporary Arts Museum (camh.org), AURORA PICTURE SHOW & ASTRODOME STUDIOS for the CAMH Teen Council Film presentation of Big news at the Aurora Picture Show (aurorapicBrazilian film City of God on Friday, February 13, at tureshow.org): founder Andrea Grover retired with a 7pm, and one of my faves, the ever-quirky Harold & rockin’ tribute party while Executive Director Delicia Maude on Friday, February 20, at 7pm. Speaking of Harvey has been joined by Mary Magsamen as teens, the Houston Central Library Curator and Rachel Blackney as Associate Director. In (houstonlibrary.org) is taking entries through February addition to personnel changes, the Aurora will no 21 for their “Teen Film Festival” which will be on longer be screening at their 800 Aurora Street locaSaturday, March 28, 2009. The Central Library is tion but instead will have screenings at venues all over also hosting “Teen Movie Night” on Tuesdays at town. This month’s lineup will be at very cool spots 6:30pm in their new 4th floor teen room that features indeed – there will be a free pancake supper and cool egg chairs!

“Films Al Fresco” on Saturday, February 7, 5-8pm (rain date February 15) at the Mirabeau B, Houston’s ALAMO DRAFTHOUSE and RAVE MOTION PICTURES first LEED certified luxury apartment building, located at 2410 Waugh Drive. The night will be spent celebrating green building and community building, consummated with pancakes and maple syrup! And they’ll be rolling over to the Junkyard Drive-In for “Texas Oil on Film” on Saturday, February 28, 6-8pm (screening at 6:30pm) at 723 N. Drennan Street (next door to Houston Biodiesel). Plans to transform the historic Houston Astrodome into Astrodome Studios, a full-service film and media production complex, are Sports are a big deal at Rave Motion Pictures (ravestill moving forward, which is exciting news for all of motionpictures.com) this month as they try something us. To sign a petition of support, log onto astrodomes- new at their Yorktown 15 location. On February 14 tudios.net. at 7pm they are projecting the “NBA All Star MUSEUM OF FINE ARTS and TEEN FILMS The Museum of Fine Arts (mfah.org) is presenting “Artists on Film” for two weekends only – FridaySunday, February 6-8, and Saturday-Sunday, February 14 and 15. Louise Bourgeois: The Spider, the Mistress, and the Tangerine will be screened at 7pm, February 6-8. This 2008 documentary gets inside the mercurial mind and dramatic life of sculptor Louise Bourgeois, the first woman honored with a major retrospective at New York’s Museum of Modern Art. For a glimpse at well-known artists such as Jasper Johns, Kenneth Noland, Robert

Saturday Night Live” event featuring the 3 Point, Slam Dunk & Skills Contests – making this the first ever sporting event broadcasted to the public in LIVE 3-D on a nationwide basis. Tickets will be around $18/person – stay tuned for more such events!

Alamo Drafthouse (alamodrafthouse.com) is getting into TV viewing with large screen showings of “Lost” (Mason/West Oaks), “24” (Mason/West Oaks) and “Battlestar Gallactica” (West Oaks only) each week they are on air. And if you’re looking for Academy Award® viewing buddies, head over to their free “Red Carpet Viewing Party” at both Mason and West Oaks on Sunday, February 22, at 7pm (seating begins at 6:15pm). They will have prizes and games to go along with the event as well as menu specials inspired by the Oscar nominees. For your home screen, Karma Police (karmapolicemovie.com) is a Texas-made film that’s being released on dvd this month – the good guys get rewards and the bad guys get punished – it’s all about the karma, baby.

ART FILMS ARE GOOD FOR THE SOUL… TAKE A FRIEND TO ONE! 25. february09 002houston

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NON-PROFIT

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By Tim Moloney

CENTER FOR SUCCESS AND INDEPENDENCE address 3722 pinemont dr., houston, tx 77018 | phone 713.426.4545 | email info@tcsi.org | website tcsi.org

CALL IT A NEW SPIN ON THERAPY FOR TROUBLED GIRLS IN HOUSTON. AT THE CENTER FOR SUCCESS AND INDEPENDENCE, A NONPROFIT, CO-ED SOUTHWEST CHARTER SCHOOL THAT OFTEN SERVES AS A LAST RESORT FOR KIDS WHO’VE BEEN THROUGH THE COURT SYSTEM, CHILDREN’S PROTECTIVE SERVICES AND PROBATION OFFICES, RESIDENTS ARE WEAVING A NEW LIFE FOR THEMSELVES THROUGH A PROGRAM CALLED THE YARN INITIATIVE.

“A year ago, one of our girls came in and started crocheting as a coping strategy for dealing with her own issues, and she taught the other girls in the program how to do it,” says Becka Whitson, one of the Center’s counselors. “It was totally spontaneous, but it gave the girls a way to channel their anger and energy into a meditative, quiet experience. It also gave them a way to be successful when they completed blankets, sweaters, hats and scarves. It’s turned their lives around.”

You think of crocheting and you conjure up images of sweet grandmas in easy chairs watching TV. Change the channel: these crocheters have been involved in drugs, gangs and violence. For many of them, their families have given up hope. Their tattoos, piercings and swagger make you think that maybe they’re too far gone to save. But through The Yarn Initiative, they are saving themselves.

Originally, the girls, who range in age from 13 to 17, made their creations for each other and the Center’s staff (who donated yarn to the cause), but soon a new

idea took shape: donating baby blankets to Texas Children’s Hospital and Ben Taub. “Before we came to the Center, we’d get in trouble,” says one of the girls, “and now this provides us with a way to give back. Some families can’t even afford blankets.”

Yet as much as their crocheting is benefiting others, the girls are aware how much it is helping them as well. “The other day, I was mad and so I sat down to crochet,” says another girl, “and it was really soothing. It clears your mind.” She laughs, “I never thought I would sit around crocheting with friends for fun.”

MUSE WILL HOLD A TRUNK SHOW FEATURING BABY BLANKETS, SCARVES AND OTHER ITEMS CRAFTED BY STUDENTS AT THE CENTER FOR SUCCESS AND INDEPENDENCE. ONE HUNDRED PERCENT OF SALES OF THE HAND-WOVEN ITEMS WILL BENEFIT THE YARN INITIATIVE, ENABLING THE CENTER TO CONTINUE THIS HEART-WARMING PROGRAM. MUSE BOUTIQUE IS ALSO DONATING TEN PERCENT OF THE EVENING’S CLOTHING SALES. WEDNESDAY FEBRUARY 4, 6 – 8PM. 2411 WEST ALABAMA, 713.520.6873

THE SCARVES THE GIRLS MAKE ARE ALSO AVAILABLE FOR SALE LOCALLY, AT MUSE BOUTIQUE, AND HAVE BECOME FASHION MUSTS. The girls also take special orders. “What the experience has taught me is that there are ways to make 26. february09 002houston

Muse tote

money instead of selling drugs or getting in trouble,” says a third girl. “It’s a big deal,” she says. “It’s peers doing it for themselves.”

It’s just one of the ways that the Center for Success and Independence, now nine years old and founded by former Oiler Robert Woods, engages kids and keeps them motivated during their sixto seven-month stays. Treatment includes individual counseling, family counseling and drug counseling, if necessary. The boys in the program are not too involved in the crocheting therapy, but some try it “to meet girls,” says Whitson.

The Yarn Initiative has changed lots of minds about what kids in trouble can do, both inside and outside the Center. “I kind of wish the crocheting was mandatory,” says another girl, “but you know, if it was, I probably wouldn’t want to do it.”

Photography by Daniel Ortiz

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EVENT REBECCA & DREW GRAND OPENING WHY BENEFITING THE HOUSTON SPCA WHERE REBECCA & DREW WHEN OCTOBER 16 With food and tunes, the grand opening of the new boutique, Rebecca & Drew, supported the Houston SPCA, proving fashion and animals can get along. The food was prepared by Gigi’s Asian Bistro and Dumpling Bar and the tunes where compliments of musician Danny Osterwisch. Those weren’t the only things being cooked up and served: both founders made a special appearance to introduce their sizing system called the TrioFit™ to help solidify their mantra of dressing “successful women with a discerning sense of taste and style.”

Beth Flame, Barbara Smith

Brian and Jessica Laviage

Drew Paluba, Lindsay Aronstein, Rebecca Matchett

Nesi Andrews, Tranette Whitfield, Julie Brinkley

Mary Hart, Laura Mitchell

Heather Pitts, Zaina Van Loan

Eric Beasley, Michael Kemper

Jenny and Pablo Franco

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DESTINATION

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By Sandra Ramani Photography tourismvancouver.com

VANCOUVER | AN INTRODUCTION grouse mountain

BOTANICAL GARDEN and DR. SUN YAT-SEN CLASSICAL CHINESE GARDEN. STANLEY PARK’S jogging paths take you along the seawall and past the iconic totem poles honoring the region’s First Nations tribes.

Shoppers, meanwhile, will find plenty of distractions.

Downtown is where to go for all the name brands chains like Roots, Lush and Lululemon, as well as department stores like The Bay. In Yaletown you’ll find stylish home decor and furniture outlets—plus the stellar Skoah spa and skincare emporium (skoah.com)—while South Main’s got the independent boutiques and one-of-a-kind designers. Granville Island is the place for handmade jewelry, pottery and glassware, as well as local edible products like honey, wine and baked goods from the farmer’s market.

With its wealth of outdoor and cultural activities, great food and top-notch shopping, Vancouver has long been a hot destination, but these days things are really heating up in British Columbia’s largest city. In less than a year, Vancouver—and its ski town sister, Whistler—will host the 2010 Winter Olympics, and in recent weeks the preparations have kicked into high gear with hotel openings, Olympic pre-trials and a slew of new developments. Add to that the city’s long-standing commitment to “green” tourism and its year-long calendar of events, and there are plenty of reasons to check out this stunning city before the international masses descend. Here’s a quick primer on the city, along with some of our (not Olympic-related) top picks.

THE BASICS Vancouver is set on a peninsula on Canada’s west coast, just 24 miles north of the U.S. border. The postcard-perfect city is bordered on three sides by water (the Burrard Inlet harbor, English Bay and Fraser River), while inside, 1,000-acre Stanley Park forms the city’s “green heart.” GROUSE MOUNTAIN, a favorite skiing spot, is just 15 minutes from town.

The city is divided into several neighborhoods, including downtown—home to the cruise ship terminals, convention center and shopping mecca, Robson Street—and cobblestoned Gastown, a historic area enjoying a comeback with art galleries, bookshops and late-night pubs. Chinatown boasts some of North America’s most authentic eateries, while in YALETOWN, former warehouses have been transformed into high-end apartments, restaurants and boutiques. Trendy Kitsilano enjoys a prime location near the beach, and on weekends the crowds head to GRANVILLE ISLAND to browse the artisan workshops and vast farmer’s market.

WHAT TO DO Those into the outdoors are in luck. In the winter, Grouse Mountain beckons skiers and snowboarders with its extensive trails (and, thanks to its large snowmaking fleet, an extended ski season), but there’s fun for non-skiers, too: along with snowshoeing and a skating rink, there’s something called a “Sno-Limo,” which lets you experience the same runs as the skiers without having to do the work. Back down in the city, there are parks and gardens galore, including standouts like the VANDUSEN

For a detailed list on upcoming happenings—from Olympic pre-trial events to summertime Shakespeare-on-the-beach performances—visit tourismvancouver.com.

WHERE TO EAT Vancouver’s commitment to green living extends to its eateries, too. THE GREEN TABLE NETWORK is a collective of restaurateurs and suppliers dedicated to sustainability and the use of fresh, seasonal and, when possible, local ingredients.

Members range from modern Chinese place Wild Rice and the Indian market/restaurant Rangoli to restaurants on Grouse Mountain and at the Vancouver Aquarium. Search greentable.net for a complete list.

WHERE TO STAY After a 14-month, $11 million renovation, the historic ST. REGIS HOTEL in downtown has recently re-opened its doors and now features sleek, fully-loaded guest rooms and complimentary breakfasts. Rates start at $171 US. (stregishotel.com) In late January, Hong Kong-based SHANGRI-LA HOTELS opened their first North American property just blocks from the water, taking up the first 15 floors of the city’s tallest building. Inside you’ll find gorgeous rooms with Asian-inspired furnishings and a signature CHI Spa (shangri-la.com).

Over in Yaletown, the stylish OPUS HOTEL is one of the city’s real gems—and a familiar name on “Best Of” lists by magazines like Forbes and Condé Nast Traveler.

A celebrity favorite, the modern boutique features 96 rooms done up in five vibrant décor themes, a happening lobby bar scene (with DJs on the weekends) and the much-praised Elixir bistro (a member of the Green Tables Network) serving contemporary French cuisine. Opus’s sister hotel, Adara, is both the coolest place to stay in Whistler and one of the closest to the main run—making it the perfect perch come Olympics time. Adara also offers a number of unique packages that include everything from rate discounts to three-course dinners; visit opushotel.com for more info.

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opus hotel

Photography by Kim Coffman

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EVENT NEAL HAMIL AGENCY AND MAYO-HILL CENTRE FOR MODELING CELEBRATE 15 YEARS WHY TO CELEBRATE 15 YEARS OF MODELING AND TO BENEFIT CASA DE ESPERANZA WHEN DECEMBER 19 All invited guests brought a gift – totaling a donation of over 300 toys to Casa de Esperanza, a nonprofit organization aiming to end domestic abuse among Latino communities. The Shell family (owners of the agency), models, talents, clients and friends helped make Christmas special for many children and celebrated the holidays and the 15-year milestone well into the evening.

Aashish Shah, Roseann Rogers

Shaun Smith, Chris Goins, Bubba McNeely

Jeff, BJ, Bob and Ally Shell

Andre Sam-Sin, Claudia Solis

Kelly Brown, Kendall Hightower, Estefania Vasquez

Jenny Wang, Nicole Haagenson, Heather Wagner

Aaron Courtland, Sofia van der Dys

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You don’t have to break the piggy bank for super-cute baby gear!

Who wants to spend a fortune when they grow so quickly anyway?

We found most of this at Marshall’s and NOTHING is over $27.

born cool. grow hip.

Photographed by Sofia van der Dys Styled by Carla Valencia de Martinez

Calvin Klein toile print onesie $6.99; an assortment of shoes from fairy tale shoes, plush squeeky shoes and even sheepskin-lined Croc-inspired clogs as well $4.99 – 5.99, braided storage basket $24.99, super-plush baby blanket inside $9.99, Carter & Son’s set of 12 wash clothes $5.99, plastic piggy bank $1 at Fiesta, ceramic piggy bank at East End Urban Market $27, robot bookends $12.99, Dr. Seuss’ Are You My Mother? $5.99, round flower pillow $12.99, Babygear set of 6 onesies $12.99, Katie Little baby blanket and hat $12.99, Chick Pea 6-piece set $9.99, blue baby bottle dryer $14.99

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1

PEOPLE OF HOUSTON

2

LESLIE KARP

MARI GRAHAM

age 23 sign Sagittarius origin Houston, TX occupation Teacher

age 37 sign Virgo origin San Antonio, Texas occupation Landscape Designer/ Proprietor of East End Urban Market

Photography by Aaron M. Sprecher

3 K.C. GIFFORD age 27 sign Pisces origin New Orleans, LA occupation Project Manager, Crawford Renovation

1. LESLIE KARP WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE TREND? Happy hour sushi!

WHAT ATTRACTS YOU TO A PERSON? Modesty, humor, honesty IF YOU WON THE LOTTERY, WHAT IS THE FIRST THING YOU WOULD BUY? A frozen yogurt machine WHAT IS ONE THING YOU CAN’T LIVE WITHOUT? The gym!

WHAT WAS THE BEST CONCERT YOU EVER ATTENDED? Michael Bublé HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR STYLE? Basic with a touch of leslie

2. MARI GRAHAM WHERE IS YOU FAVORITE PLACE TO SHOP? Unique boutiques, not so cookie cutter WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE TREND? Go Green, anything to get the message across WHAT IS THE WORST FASHION TREND YOU LOVED? Jeans with holes; it’s recycled clothing past its prime.

IF YOU WON THE LOTTERY, WHAT IS THE FIRST THING YOU WOULD BUY? A vineyard – it’s on the list even if I don’t win.

WHERE DO YOU PLAN TO GO ON YOUR NEXT VACATION? San Augustinillo, Oaxaca

3. K.C. GIFFORD WHAT IS ONE THING YOU CAN’T LIVE WITHOUT? Boots for work and play WHO IS YOUR FAVORITE MUSICIAN? Right now, Kings of Leon (Sex on Fire has to be the greatest song ever!)

WHAT WAS YOUR MOST EMBARRASSING MOMENT? My dad gave me a really bad haircut in elementary school. I had to wear a hat for weeks.

WHAT WAS YOUR MOST MEMORABLE MOMENT? Building and opening the first renovation design center in Texas 32. february09 002houston

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2

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COSTUMES FOR COCKTAILS

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Styling by Beatrice Valencia Photography by Gabriella Nissen Illustration by Cynthia Bogart

More Than You Can Imagine 2817 Westheimer Rd. 713.668.8811 I have to rave about the quality and selection of this boutique.

It has consignment pieces as well as new pieces. The majority of consignment items are brand spanking new or maybe used a few times max. Did I mention the MAJOR price cut? If you ever had the desire to own designer pieces but like moi, might never make the bills to afford them full price, this is the next best option.

Neiman Marcus- 2600 Post Oak Blvd. 713.621.7100

TAKING CARE OF BUSINESS,

AKA TCB’N…

SECOND MONTH OF THIS NEW YEAR AND IT’S TIME TO KICK IT INTO HIGH GEAR. THIS OUTFIT STRICTLY SAYS, “I’M ALL BUSINESS, ALL DAY.” I HAVE TO LOOK THE PART IF I’M GOING TO STAY ON TOP OF BUSINESS. GOING TO WORK HAS NEVER LOOKED SO GOOD. 1. This blouse is perfect business wear with the scarf but could also be boho chic with jeans later. Marc Jacobs Polka Dot Blouse | 2. Pencil skirts don’t flatter my shape due to my hips. The cut on this skirt balances out that width with the flare bottom. Not to mention, the knit is tremendously comfortable. Etro belted knit skirt | 3. Work shoes don’t have to be boring or a pain. The bow and thicker heel make this the type of heel you can walk 5 blocks to the office or stop by happy hour after work. Dolce Gabbana patent leather bow pumps | 4. The size and color are the perfect complement to my lady-like outfit. It’s not oversized which can be overwhelming in certain work situations. Marc Jacobs leather quilt metallic eggplant handbag | 5. Only a few accessories are really needed for this look. With the various patterns, you don’t want to look too distracting. Bangles & Cocktail ring | 6. This perfume is intoxicating. I know I mention perfumes all the time but I can’t commit to one scent. Every time I catch a whiff of this, I get all scatter-brained. A mix between sweet and masculine, it’s not overwhelming in the least. Dolce Gabbana L’Eau The One parfum $60 @ Neiman Marcus 34. february09 002houston

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002houston magazine hits the streets

HOUST

Interview and Photography by Wilbert Chinchilla

ON CE NTER

MELISSA SCHOFFNER, Sr. Customer Support Analyst-Energy

JONATHAN COLUNGA, IT Project Manager IF YOU COULD MAKE A CAREER CHANGE NOW, WHAT WOULD IT BE? I would still stay in technology.

IF YOU COULD MAKE A CAREER CHANGE NOW, WHAT WOULD IT BE? I just put in my two weeks notice. I am going back to school to teach because I have a passion for children.

FRAISY GEORGE Application Analyst-Energy MYREE FRANCIS, Human Resources IF YOU COULD MAKE A CAREER CHANGE NOW, WHAT WOULD IT BE? I would want to be an actress because that has been my life-long goal.

IF YOU COULD MAKE A CAREER CHANGE NOW, WHAT WOULD IT BE? Real estate. I like building and designing homes. Maybe I can get a 5-acre piece of land and build my own house.

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FOOD

COURT

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RAGS INTO RICHES RATHER THAN GOING OUT TO BUY A DRESS TRY RE-MAKING ONE YOU ALREADY HAVE. YOU’LL BE GREEN BY REUSING, SAVE MONEY AND BE ORIGINAL. SOMETIMES THE SILHOUETTE, FABRIC AND COLOR OF A DRESS ALL COMBINE FOR AN OVERPOWERING EFFECT—ESPECIALLY WITH THE TRENDS OF YESTERYEAR. RATHER THAN PASS UP VINTAGE GEMS LIKE THE ONE SHOWN HERE, TONE IT DOWN FOR AN UPDATED LOOK. HERE, WE CHANGED THE SILHOUETTE

BY ADDING NEW FABRIC FOR A FULLER SKIRT AND REMOVING SOME OF THE OLD FABRIC TO CREATE A SEXY, BACKLESS LOOK. THOUGH IT STILL SAYS VINTAGE, IT IS NOW WEARABLE FOR A NIGHT OUT AND NO LONGER RELEGATED TO THE ANNUAL COSTUME PARTY!

THINGS YOU’LL NEED 11⁄2 YD (1.4M) OF COORDINATING FABRIC + RULER + TAILOR’S CHALK OR FABRIC PEN + SCISSORS + COORDINATING THREAD + SEWING MACHINE + VINTAGE DRESS WITH PRINCESS SEAMS AND HIGH NECK + STRAIGHT PINS + SEAM RIPPER

INSTRUCTIONS 1.

8. Machine-stitch

2. Measure and mark two godets, or inserts, on the folded fabric. The godets should measure 2” (5cm) wide at the top, 17” (43cm) long and 7” (18cm) wide at the bottom. (This includes a 1⁄2” [13mm] seam allowance.)

each side of the insert to the dress, starting at the hem and using a 1⁄2” (13mm) seam allowance. Repeat for the remaining inserts.

Remove the pins.

Fold the 11⁄2 yd (1.4m) of fabric in half lengthwise.

3. Cut out the 2 shapes. There will be a total of 4 inserts, since the fabric was folded.

10. Determine how low you want the back of the dress to be and mark it at the center back. From there, work outward to mark the whole shape of the back cutout. Start cutting from the mark at the center back and cut up to each armhole.

4. Fold under the bottom of the inserts 1⁄4” (6mm) so the wrong sides are together and lightly press. Fold under again 1⁄4” (6mm) and press.

Machine-stitch the hem at the bottom of the inserts.

11. To shape the front of the dress, measure and mark a 1” (2.5cm) width from both sides of the neckline toward the shoulders and cut diagonally down to the armholes.

5.

Lay the dress flat on your work surface with the front facing up. At each side seam, measure and mark a line 16” (40.5cm) from the bottom of the dress and cut straight up.

6. Repeat at the back princess seams.

7. With the right sides together, match the unfinished edges of the insert with the one of the cuts in the dress.

Pin into place.

9. To create the halter, first open the shoulder seams and carefully remove the back of the bodice from the collar with a seam ripper. Re-hem the back of the collar by folding the raw edge under and topstitching close to the edge.

12. Turn down the unfinished edges 1⁄4” (6mm) on the front and back bodices and topstitch close to the edge to finish the hems.

Reprinted from

by Bridgett Artise and Jen Karetnick. Copyright © 2008 Bridgett Artise and Jen Karetnick.

Published by Potter Craft, a division of Random House, Inc. 36. february09 002houston

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IT’S COOL TO ________. tie a tie

THIS KNOT IS A CLASSIC KNOT AND IT IS THE EASIEST OF ALL. IT IS THE MOST VERSATILE OF ALL SINCE IT WORKS WITH MOST JACKETS AND COLLARS.

1) Wrap tie around collar and start with wider end extending a foot below the opposite end.

5) Hold the front of the knot with your index finger; pass the wide end down through the loop.

2) Wrap the wide end under and around the narrow end.

6) Adjust the knot as centered as possible. If the ends are not even, start over.

3) Bring the wide end back over in front of narrow end again.

7) Ta-Dah!

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As told to knot-challenged, well-dressed man by VICTOR PUENTES for Label at M2M Style Lounge (who also provided the clothes.)

Photography by Gabriella Nissen

4) Pull the wide end up and through the back of the loop.

DON’T FALL SHORT IN DANDINESS! Be careful with the length of your tie as well as your choice of tie and shirt combo – you don't want to look ridiculous!

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[TREASURES]

ON OUR RADAR [SUCH GREAT HEIGHTS] Finger Company’s One Park Place, the 37-story luxury high-rise rental tower facing Discovery Green, has two models now open for tours. Starting March, residents will begin to move in, and its occupancy is expected to increase the downtown residential population by 18%.

Stay tuned for the lush and expansive resort-style pool area inspired by the pool and gardens of the Ritz Carlton, Maui. oneparkplacehouston.com

[IN THE NAME OF LOVE] ESCAPE THE USUAL VALENTINE’S FARE WITH MERCURY BAROQUE WHO WILL BE PERFORMING BIRDS, BEES, AND BRANDENBURG ON FEBRUARY 14 AT 8PM AT THE WORTHAM CENTER’S CULLEN THEATER. WIDELY REGARDED AS A HIGH POINT IN BAROQUE MUSIC, THE BRANDENBURG CONCERTOS ARE BELOVED BY CLASSICAL MUSIC FANS AND CASUAL LISTENERS ALIKE. MERCURY BAROQUE ARTISTIC DIRECTOR ANTOINE PLANTE, NAMED THE HOUSTON CHRONICLE’S ULTIMATE VIOLA DA GAMBA PLAYER AND HAILED FOR “MAKING THE OLD-FASHIONED FASHIONABLE,” WILL CONDUCT AS WELL AS JOIN THE ENSEMBLE ON THE VIOLA DA GAMBA. TICKETS ARE $20 – $47. CALL 832.251.0706 OR VISIT MERCURYBAROQUE.ORG.

For one weekend only, shopping enthusiasts and antiques aficionados will be able to peruse antiques from the 1750s through Art Deco and MidCentury Modernism when more than 150 of the world’s finest dealers offer the rare, the unusual, the precious and the bizarre for the 45th SemiAnnual HADA Antiques Show & Sale. Friday, February 13, 11am – 7pm; Saturday, February 14, 11am – 7pm; Sunday, February 15, 11am – 5pm, George R. Brown Convention Center, Hall B. Tickets $10; valid for all three days.

HadaAntiques.com. The 27th Annual HADA Lecture at the Museum of Fine Arts is Thursday, February 12, with presenter Maureen Cassidy Geiger, an independent scholar and curator of the Arnhold Collection, speaking about “Meissen, a Fragile Diplomacy,” 3pm and 6:30pm.

[NEW SHOPS] INTIMATE APPAREL TARGETING TEENS, GILLY HICKS OF THE ABERCOMBIE & FITCH FAMILY, OPENS LATE FEBRUARY IN GALLERIA I, 2ND LEVEL. GILLYHICKS.COM. OTHER OPENINGS SLATED FOR FEBRUARY INCLUDE ZEGNA IN GALLERIA I, BETWEEN CHANEL AND CARTIER; VALENTINO, NEXT TO ST. JOHN’S; BCBG SWITCHES LOCATIONS WITH THE DISNEY (NO EXACT DATE FOR FINAL REOPENING AS OF PRINT).

[ARCHITECTURE] Cite magazine and the Rice Design Alliance have launched OffCite.org, a new blog with news, commentary and links about architecture and design in Houston and around the world. Launched concurrently with the release of Cite’s Fall 2008 issue, the blog currently features a review of the Brochstein Pavilion by Stephen Fox, round-ups of recent architectural news, an article on public housing in Galveston after Ike and a podcast of an interview with Hanif Kara, the engineer behind London’s future Olympic Bridge.

[BOOKWORM] Dallas Author Perla Sarabia Johnson will be signing her sci-fi thriller, Global Warning, set in Texas, February 21 from 2 – 5pm at Barnes & Noble, Galleria, 5000 Westheimer.

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Photography by Jenny Antill

NAME JILL FAUCETTA | BOUTIQUE WILLOW BOUTIQUE

years in operation 4th Anniversary in June - thank you, Houston | address 2611 greenbriar drive suite one houston, tx 77098 phone 713.527.7100 | website coming soon..............willowstyle.com

CURRENT WILLOW OBSESSION: Nautical and Navajo inspired jewelry and belts, large statement earrings that are fun, flirty and affordable.

Current personal obsession – Finishing the book “Shattering Orthodoxies” by Haag Sherman. What a great history lesson and a non-intimidating read….called the current economic state a mile away.

DESIGN INSPIRATION | ICON: Besides my Mom and the Frank Lloyd Wright “Ennis house” in Los Feliz, California, it has to be Tony Duquette. He was a set decorator, designer and jewelry master – Duquette could pluck ideas from a Souk in Marrakech to a Los Angeles 99 cent store and still make anything look fabulous.

WHAT SETS YOU APART FROM OTHER BOUTIQUES? I like to discover accessories and pieces with no easily identifiable pedigree.

Instead, beauty not luxury is what is value. More and more I try to bring to Willow less designer items and more interesting or idiosyncratic pieces worthy of a conversation.

WHAT ARE YOU COVETING THIS SEASON? The “boyfriend style” shirt by Claridge+King, beautifully crafted bold earrings by Karan Chopra and-vintage inspired Magazine clutches by Pappa Razzi.

HOW DID YOU GET INTO THIS BUSINESS? I was schooled as a photographer – fashion editorial mainly – and while traveling for shoots I was always on the lookout for the unique, hard to find pieces of jewlery, clothing, furniture or lighting to bring home. I was obsessed with the hunt and still am, finding “the” piece that no one had or was so unusual – jewelry in particular became a form of expression for me and was also the easiest to pack!! After I moved from New York to Houston I needed an outlet for those excursions. I had come across so many artisans that I also wanted to showcase – Willow has sort of become their voice and also an extension of my own closet that I wanted to share with others.

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RULES OF STYLE USE CLOTHING AS A CANVAS TO SHOWCASE YOUR INDIVIDUAL STYLE THROUGH JEWELRY AND – ADORNMENTS BEAUTY (WHATEVER KIND) NOT LUXURY IS WHAT TO VALUE

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ONE GREAT EDUCATION IN ART.

CKC StART Street & Urban Arts’ innovative approach to the city’s current art scene is taking urban art to an academic format, offering educational and professional development programs for all ages with a range of courses from stencilmaking and screenprinting to graffiti art forms and murals. In addition, CKC StART offers urban art-themed event services, production products and activities such as live interactive art creation with audience participation and large backdrops for staging, events or Gonzo247 private purposes. Supervised by successful local leading artists, these event services give CKC StART students professional and volunteer opportunities to assist and apply their artistic knowledge. Students participate in an annual student art exhibition featuring their artwork.

The 2008-2009 CKC StART Annual Student Exhibition will be hosted by Aerosol Warfare Gallery & Boutique on Saturday, March 28, from 5pm – 9pm. ckcstart.com

Photo by Daniel Ortiz

ONE GREAT GALVESTON MARDI GRAS!

Be king for the day in France, leave hay for camels in Spain or let women have a day of rest in Ireland. It all happens around the world on January 6, 2009. Three Kings Day, also known as Epiphany, is a Christian feast that falls on the last day of the twelve days of Christmas and marks the beginning of Mardi Gras, a time of revelry and merrymaking. People around the world will celebrate this historic tradition with a King Cake, a symbol of the Mardi Gras tradition of celebration, hospitality and generosity.

Galveston Island began celebrating Mardi Gras in 1867, and the now 98-year tradition takes place February 13 – 24. Galveston needs your support now more than ever, come out and help revive post-Ike! More than 250,000 people attend Mardi Gras! For more information about Mardi Gras!

Galveston 2009, visit mardigrasgalveston.com.

ONE GREAT BIRTHDAY

celebration and debut.

Houston artist David Adickes celebrated his 82nd birthday at Pictures Plus Gallery last month and debuted the latest edition of his U.S. President Head Sculptures, President Barack Obama.

Photo by Andrew Murland

Photo by Alejandro Saenz, Jr.

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ONE GREAT SOURCE

of information. The Greater Houston Convention and Visitors Bureau (GHCVB) has launched an online concierge service – Ask Veronica – featuring Veronica Nielsen, the GHCVB’s longtime visitor information manager. Veronica has been answering visitor questions via phone for eight years and recently expanded her role to the Web. Since the launch of the Ask Veronica portal on VisitHoustonTexas.com, nearly 300 people, from Houston to Moscow, have logged on to ask questions including: “I read something about 36-ft. tall statues of The Beatles somewhere in or around Houston’s Katy Freeway and North Shepherd? Do you know if this is true and, if so, how to get there?”

“Looking for some places I can take a puppy other than Molly’s Mutt House. Any suggestions?” “What is Texas famous for? Like Canada is famous for maple syrup...” “I want to go out tonight. Can you park on the street overnight in downtown Houston?” VisitHoustonTexas.com/AskVeronica, or click on the Ask Veronica icon on the homepage. Most questions are answered within 24 hours.

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THINGS I LIKE LOVE

By Carla Valencia de Martinez Photography by Sofia van der Dys

I USUALLY IGNORE VALENTINE’S DAY, BUT SOMEHOW ALL MY THINGS HAD SOMETHING TO DO WITH THE DAY OF LOVE, PINK, FRANCE, CHOCOLATE, WHOLE FOODS – OH, MY! 1. Love these beautiful and yummy chocolates by Yves Thuriès, considered the best craftsmen in France for their cocoa confections.

They are as yummy as they look. Mint Marbled Dark Chocolate, Pear Marbled Dark Chocolate and the delish Rose Violet Petal with Dark Chocolate. At Whole Foods $4.99 $5.99.

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2. Slatkin & Co.’s sexy Sandalwood Vanilla candle will make you melt, salivate, drool…OK, turn you into a mushy mess… $9.50 at Bath & Body Works and bathandbodyworks.com 3. Noisette + Cacao Pate. Being the Pescatarian (ha!ha! Yes, it has a name, saw it on the Today Show, made me laugh) that I am, I will never be chic enough to eat pate, so I am excited that I can indulge in hazelnut + cocoa pate spread and get my chic on! $4.99 – $5.99, available at Whole Foods.

4. My friend Marzi turned me onto this stuff. Synergy’s organic & raw Passionberry Bliss Kombucha is a handmade Chinese tea that is delicately cultured for 30 days forming essential nutrients like active enzymes, viable probiotics, amino acids, antioxidants and polyphenols all combined as an elixir that works with the body to restore balance and vitality.

Think I just like drinking an elixir, and trust me, with the nasty sinus infection I had during the holidays I needed balance and vitality stat! $3.45 at Whole Foods.

5. Love solid perfumes or thick oils and Tocca’s newest fragrance screams clean and fresh, almost like fabric softener. Inspired by Bardot, is chic as can be!! $30 at Sephora.

6. Jello Sugar-Free Chocolate and Vanilla Swirl is my latest indulgence! Now there really is $3 at the grocery store.

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7. Costco sells this giant tub of Tiger Balm which helps me with all my ailments. A week straight of snowboarding was soothed to oblivion…well, slightly. $7 at Costco.

8. I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE my Sharpies!!!! And now they won’t bleed thru my planner. The Sharpie Fine Tip pens make me so happy. Staples.

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9. AmorePacific (See what I mean! Love again.) lip treatment keeps lips hydrated for 6-8 hours. Mine are in a constant state of disarray so I keep balms everywhere. Usually it’s Kiehl’s, by Terry and now this one’s been added to the stash. $35 at Neiman Marcus.

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10. One of my favorite homekeeping companies parlays into personal care this March. Caldrea’s first-ever fragrance collection for the body is just as intoxicating as their home collection. Only now rather than spritzing myself with the Linen Spray or Countertop Cleaner, I’ll be using the fairy tale-inducing Fiddlehead Fern body spritz.

Caldrea.com 11. Hands down one of my favorite polishes on the market, Barielle’s spring 2009 collection is so sexy and nude-y you’ll find it hard to pick one. All the neutral shades are perfection and flattering. $8 at barielle.com

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12. How cute is this lingerie bag? The perfect gift for your girlfriends or – guys, if you’re going to give lingerie, at least take it out of the Victoria’s Secret bag and place it in one of these! It’s the green thing to do and she can reuse it for travel. $46 at devinetoys.com or call 281.501.2623 to order.

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13. GDI tanks are simply the best! Goddess Tank $20 at gottadigit.com.

Another great option for Valentine’s Day!

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A

business is defined as a legally recognized organization designed to provide goods and/or services to consumers, predominant in capitalist economies, most being privately owned and formed to earn profit to increase the wealth of owners – by Wikipedia.

Rather than interviewing corporate giants, we’ve taken a few moments out of the following people’s schedules to ask how it’s going. And coincidentally most are entrepreneurs. President Barack Obama was inaugurated to massive fanfare in Washington, DC. The country has not been this involved in the government or looked so forward to the future in decades. This positivity and hope for the future could not have been more apparent than in the accomplishments of those featured in the following pages.

The underlying commonality with all our subjects was that they are all doing something they love.

I don’t think that means their jobs are any easier, but at least they can wake up day after day and face each day with smiles on their faces and in their voices.

By Carla Valencia de Martinez

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WHITNEY CASEY Media Personality and Author Glamazon turned relationship expert Whitney Casey, who you may remember from her Great Day Houston days, packed up and moved to Austin about a year ago when Penguin offered her a book deal she couldn’t refuse. Fast-forward to January 2009 and Casey has been on a whirlwind promotion tour for The Man Plan: Drive Men Wild, Not Away.

Casey is an Emmy award-winning journalist turned Relationship Insider for Match.com who has interviewed U.S. presidents, foreign kings and princes to Paris Hilton and P. Diddy. Her years as a CNN journalist, TV personality and most currently Houston Chronicle columnist and blogger have allowed her personality to capture an audience and a following!

“I’m like the harbinger of bad news!” says Whitney of her tenure as a television news journalist for CNN. The September 11 terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center occurred her first day on Channel 2 in New York. Prior to that she started in Macon, Georgia, and moved to Miami where her first story was the Elian Gonzalez custody battle story, followed by the infamous Florida 2000 Presidential Election recounts.

Needless to say, Casey sort of soured on the whole news thing and prior to the Great Day Houston gig, went to work for President Clinton on the first year of his Global Initiative.

In January, when The Man Plan released, she had the #1 Dating Book on Amazon, was named to Google’s #1 Trend and AOL.com’s “Hot List” as well as New York Daily News #1 Self-Help Book for 2009.

Casey has relationship experience. She has been married and divorced.

She did the whole 6-year courtship and married her college sweetheart.

For the book she interviewed 250 men from SoHo to St. Louis about their likes, dislikes and found out some pretty interesting facts. For one, they don’t like it when you smell floral; this reminds them of their grandmothers. They want you to smell like a pastry – think Cinnabon.

And by the way, with Super Bowl coming up, “Half time is not your time,” reminds Casey.

For more of her Whitticism, you’ll have to get the book!

JO MOUSSELLI President and Founder of Xtreme Lashes® LLC THIS SUCCESSFUL ENTREPRENEUR HAS ALWAYS CONNECTED WITH WOMEN, FROM HER CAREER AS A KINDERGARTEN TEACHER – GARNISHING THE TRUST OF MOTHERS AND THEIR FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL JITTERS – TO CONSOLING MOTHERS WHOSE CRITICALLY ILL CHILDREN WERE UNDER HER CARE AS A PEDIATRIC ICU NURSE AT TEXAS CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL. MOUSSELLI HAS ALWAYS, WELL, NURTURED. Today, she runs her company, Xtreme Lashes, like the intensive care unit.

Mousselli has seen her company expand from her home and spread across the globe into 24 countries, with Greece joining her empire shortly. Xtreme Lashes currently has over 40 employees, 20 trainers located nationwide, with Mousselli’s husband, her daughter and son also involved.

WHY LASHES? When I was a registered nurse in the ICU, I worked hand in hand with women, including the nurses, pediatricians, mothers, aunts and grandmothers of these patients. The eyes are the windows to the soul. When women look good and feel good, they are more confident. There’s no time to apply makeup in this environment, so I decided to offer something to women that was hassle-free. What better way to do this than with the eyes?

BUT HOW DID YOU GO FROM ICU NURSE TO LASHES? DID YOU INVENT THE LASH EXTENSION? I came across the concept of lash extensions, which was something developed in Asia, and I pursued it. I did research in the US and could not find much information. I struggled to find techniques that were safe and hygienic, so I talked to my husband, a chemical engineer, and with our daughter we col-

Photography by Pink Posh

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laborated and developed the technique and application process. Emphasizing safety, hygiene and hands-on training. Doctors and nurses are trained daily in process and procedure. A step-by-step process. I applied this to the training.

HOW LONG DID DEVELOPMENT TAKE? We researched the product and developed the process in about a year, so we launched in 2005.

HOW HAS GROWTH SURPRISED YOU? We are growing beyond any of my expectations – in just a little over 3 years, 5,000 clients trained, and over 24 countries. We have 40 corporate employees and are proud to be Houston-based and owned. What’s impressive to me is that I didn’t expect to have so many professionals despite the rigorous credentials. (Xtreme Lashes limits sales exclusively to licensed and credentialed health and beauty professionals. Credentials are required.)

HOW DID YOU GO FROM AN ICU NURSETO THIS? When I was leaving the ICU, it was easier to let the women know what I was going to do; it was more difficult to convince a male doctor. I went from saving babies lives to this. I left right after Katrina, so needless to say it was not an easy time to convince a guy that this was therapeutic. I also conducted a survey at the hospital prior to leaving and included all the women employed there, asking if they would have this procedure if it were available. The answer was a unanimous YES. This really helped me finalize the decision to start Xtreme Lashes.

DO YOU OR YOUR DAUGHTER USE THEM? Oh, yes, it’s very addictive! If I get them removed I look at my lashes and say, oh my god, my lashes are so short! But I don’t feel like I need to wear any makeup now. I can wash my face and go.

PLANS FOR 2009?

We already have the largest selection of eyelash extensions and consumer products on the market. In 2008 we added some cosmetic products, and in ’09 we will expand on high-performance cosmetics developed to go with our eye shadows, eye treatments and more. We’ll also launch a new campaign to promote our lash stylists’ success.

HOUSTON PAVILIONS

Photography by Jack Opatmy

Geoffrey Jones and William Denton

FOR 25 YEARS, WILLIAM DENTON, CO-DEVELOPER OF HOUSTON PAVILIONS, HAS BEEN EXCLUSIVELY INVOLVED IN RETAIL REAL ESTATE DEVELOPMENT AND IS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF OVER 13 MILLION SQUARE FEET OF COMMERCIAL SPACE. HIS PASSION AND EXPERTISE IS FOUND IN ALL ASPECTS OF REAL ESTATE DEVELOPMENT, FROM FINDING NEW OPPORTUNITIES AND LARGE ACQUISITIONS FOR REDEVELOPMENT, TO MANAGING OVER ONE BILLION DOLLARS OF NEW CONSTRUCTION. When Denton worked with Homart Development Co., one of the nation’s largest commercial real estate companies, he was responsible for some well-known Houston landmarks, such as Deerbrook Mall, Willowbrook Mall and the expansion and renovation of Baybrook Mall.

In 1998, he developed Denver Pavilions on two blocks in downtown Denver. The $107 million, 350,000-squarefoot urban entertainment retail project has won numerous awards, including the prestigious International Council of Shopping Centers Design and Innovation Award in 2002.

Geoffrey Jones, co-developer of Houston Pavilions, individually and as CEO of Houston-based Texas Real Estate Fund, Inc., has developed, owned and invested in shopping centers, office buildings, warehouses and residential projects in the metropolitan Houston area since the 1980s.

Included among these projects are the Compass Bank Building and the Cedarstone Office Complex in The Woodlands, Northdale Plaza in Kingwood, April Pointe Plaza on Lake Conroe, Theiss Oaks Square in the FM 1960 area and a separately gated residential enclave of luxury homes located inside the Gates of West Oak, where President George H. W. Bush currently resides.

Jones’ real estate career spans 35 years. Previously he worked for Gerald Hines Interests on two separate occasions where he participated in the rehab of Philadelphia’s historic 30th Street Station and also served as one of the development managers of Houston’s famed Galleria.

HOUSTON PAVILIONS’ UNIQUE TENANT MIX INCLUDES: The House of Blues, XXI Forever, Books-A-Million, McCormick & Schmick’s Seafood Restaurant and Lucky Strike Lanes, making it one of Houston’s number one downtown destinations. For more information on Houston Pavilions, visit houstonpavilions.com.

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If you’ve been in Houston for even a year, you are familiar quickly. You have to be flexible these days, and be able to with Café Express. The home-grown eatery began as a cult quickly change with the trends and customer demands to café in the Pavilion Center (what will now be the new Blvd. maintain your position.”

Place) flanked by Saks Fifth Avenue, Versace, Cartier and the And it’s no surprise that last year Café Express placed secrest of the luxury stores now moved to the Galleria. The ond in Fast Casual magazine’s Top 100 Movers and Shakers relaxed order yourself a la fast food and serve yourself conof 2008. But Lilley is no newcomer to the restaurant scene. cept quickly took ahold of Houstonians, becoming a He began his career in the late 1970s while workhot spot years ago. And we weren’t the only ing at various hot spots on the Houston nightones to smell success: in 2004 Café Express club circuit. In the early 1980s, Lilley had a became a subsidiary of Wendy’s brief stint with Glazer’s wine division. One International, then divested in 2006 and of his customers was Houston’s Restaurant reacquired in a partnership by original on Fountainview. This led not only to a owners, Schiller-Del Grande and Redstone position with the company, but also Lilley Companies. meeting his wife. He continued in the When Schiller-Del Grande retook the restaurant and hospitality realm moving to President, Café reigns, Lilley was named President and Chicago and Wisconsin in the ‘90s but ultiExpress continued a relationship with founders mately returning to Houston in early 2000.

Robert Del Grande and Lonnie Schiller, In response to the turbulent economy, rather along with talented professionals from than offering deals, Café Express continues to offer Redstone Companies, Ron Millard, Jeremy customers what they have come to expect – “Fresh, gourZykorie, Bob Henricksen, Steve Lerner and Tracy met, quality, handmade food, reasonable prices, clean, O’Neil, in what has positioned Café Express attractive, ambient restaurants and outstanding service as a leader once again in the gourmet, selfhave been our primary focus all along,” emphazes Lilley. service fast casual niche. “We are back to Choosing to focus on growth plans for 2009, “We will be operating as an independent, entrepreneurial launching fully integrated on-line ordering late March, currestaurant company vs. a subsidiary of a large rently offer complimentary WiFi, have started to implement a publicly held organization,” Lilley shares. “Our morning breakfast day part in select restaurants and will be relationships with our founders and financial showcasing new entrée selections through limited time offers partner are truly the best of both worlds. Menu and new desserts very soon. We are laser-focused on offerdevelopment, facilities improvements, operations ing more value right now vs. tightening our offers.” enhancements are all conceived from within our SO WHAT’S LILLEY’S FAVORITE ITEM ON THE MENU? organization from people who know Café Express very “Salad – Shrimp and Avocado; appetizer – our Handmade well and have a true vested interest in Café Express for the Guacamole; soup – our Southwest Turkey Chili; pasta – Pasta long haul. Certain IT functions have definitely improved; we Capri; sandwich – Chicken Rustica with Sweet Potato fries; were not able to offer complimentary WiFi before due to Burger- California with Angus on White; grilled and roasted strict Wendy’s IT security protocols, as an example. entrée- – Mediterranean Salmon; dessert – our outstanding Now we review with the primary decision makBread Pudding and a big glass of sweet tea with lemon and ers, gain swift alignment and implement mint leaves. OK, now I’m hungry!”

KEITH LILLEY

LESLIE TYLER-FINK CEO, stylegloss.com This self-proclaimed socialite turned entrepreneur, like many of the others on these pages, turned what she loved into a successful business. “I’ve always traveled the world from Milan and New York to LA so when I graduated from Rice University with a marketing degree I merged my love of all things beauty and fashion to create the shopping site StyleGloss.com.”

Leslie started local. She featured Houston designers and, following a year of rapid growth, she expanded the concept of the site to include Houston-area boutiques, specializing in mainly women’s high-end stores.

Today, the site gets a consistent number of returning customers. “Now I have thousands of fashionistas from New York to LA and Miami that shop my site and visit it on a weekly basis,” Fink says. She contributes the success to the fact that “besides finding the best in women’s fashion and beauty you also have access to fashion and beauty tips, personal shopping, delivery service of the clothing to your home, office or hotel, and videos on the latest in fashion style and beauty!” Most recently, Fink added a Corporate Gifts component where beautiful custom baskets can be created for anyone.

In 2009, she will be launching a collection of Liplicious Lipgloss – “a new lip plumping gloss, that I designed with a beauty chemist, with special staying power ingredients that give you instant glossy plump lips with a kissable finish for your special love!”

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Photography by Jesus Salvador

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Photography by Emily Dweyer

“It was in Corporate Strategy where I had the idea for Genesys.” In the summer of 2001, Alvarez attended a graduation ceremony for a charter high school as a member of the school’s board. He was at the graduation ceremony talking to high school students and came to realize that the majority of them were going to continue in their minimum wage jobs. And he thought to himself, how powerful for them to have the opportunity, while they are still in high school and before they make the critical decision of what to do the rest of their lives, to discover that they can break the cycle of poverty that their family has been in for generations, by joining corporate America as a professional.

Genesys Works is an example of what education reform needs to be. At the essence of Genesys is the fact that there needs to be a change in mindset, culture and society’s expectation of what underprivileged students are capable of achieving.

Genesys has grown from 1 client when it started to now half of all Fortune 500 companies in Houston, and from 10 students the first year to 200 in 2008.

THE SOCIAL ENTREPRENEUR Rafael Alvarez CEO, Genesys Works

What would it take for a man to leave a lucrative job and a burgeoning career at one of the top computer companies in the nation? For Rafael Alvarez, it had a little to do to with 9/11. “9/11 shook us all, and made us think what it is that we are here to do”. A month later he decided to start Genesys Works.

In essence Genesys Works “is a nonprofit that trains and hires underprivileged high school students to do entry-level computer support, engineering drafting and accounting services for Fortune 500 and other prestigious companies. After their training, students work as professionals in major companies during the afternoons throughout their senior year. By working in environments that they thought were out of reach, and discovering what it feels to be a successful professional, they come to discover by themselves that they can indeed succeed in the corporate world and enter a path to a much better lifestyle. They also realize, first hand, the value of pursuing a higher education after high school, and that with dedication and hard work they can participate in the economic mainstream,” Alvarez says.

It must be working. Last year 100 percent of Genesys Works’ graduates went to college, compared to only 10 to 15 percent of their peers.

Alvarez spent 11 years working for Compaq in various aspects of the business.

From a financial standpoint, Genesys Works is also truly innovative. Their corporate clients value the services the students provide and therefore are willing to pay for them. With that earned income, Genesys Works is able to cover 83 percent of all expenses. “We do not break even, but being able to pay for most of our bills with earned income allows us to dedicate 100 percent of the donations we get to providing the training and support that our students need in order to succeed in their transition into the corporate world.”

Hector was one of the first students to enroll at Genesys while he was working at a sandwich shop and never even contemplated going to college. In 2008 he graduated from Texas A&M University and is now working for a Fortune 50 company. What’s more, his younger sister also enrolled into Genesys and is now in college and his youngest brother wouldn’t dream of doing differently. The cycle of poverty in that family has been broken forever.

URBAN SPEED Vinod Ramani, CEO

It has long been said that true happiness comes from doing what you love, and this couldn’t be truer in business. Vinod Ramani, known for Urban Living in the Real Estate community for his “one-stop shopping” approach to home buying including buying, selling, financing and interior design, has added Urban Speed to his already successful lineup. Urban Speed “started off as an excuse to take the cars out and hang out with friends. When you own your own business it is hard to take time to enjoy a hobby – so the club solved this issue.” The monthly driving and social event for car aficionados draws over 100 automotive fans who come together to “celebrate the finer things in life. We desire the comfort of good friends and good conversation. We race each other, show our prized possessions, and conduct rallies, autocrosses and tours,” says Ramani.

Ramani’s choice of speed is a Porsche Carrera GT. With a lagging economy, it could only makes sense for us to ask about the effect on Urban Speed, but Ramani quickly explains, “It is affecting all of us in some manner; Urban Speed is still in its infancy so it’s difficult to answer, but if others feel the way I do they probably do not want to take time to enjoy cars when they need to focus on business.” His focus on reality has allowed Ramani to remain a top at his game for over 10 years.

For more information on Urban Speed and how to become involved, visit UrbanSpeed.com.

Photography by Dan Mohr

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SIRTIFIED DESIGN LLC Partners Camilo Boada, Kyle Hall, Juan Boada

LAUNCHED IN AUGUST 2008, SIRTIFIED DESIGN, LLC, WAS STARTED BY TWO INDUSTRIAL DESIGNERS AND AN ENTREPRENEURSHIP MAJOR FROM THE UNIVERSITY OF HOUSTON. “WE KNEW WE WANTED TO START A WEBSITE INVOLVING DESIGN,” EXPLAIN JUAN BOADA, CAMILO BOADA AND KYLE HALL, AND FROM THERE THE CONCEPT EVOLVED. “OUR GOAL IS TO HELP PEOPLE FIND GIFTS THAT EVERYONE WILL LOVE. WE’RE NOT TALKING ABOUT THE AVERAGE MUNDANE GIFTS HERE. WE’RE TALKING ABOUT SMART DESIGN THAT MAKES PEOPLE SAY ‘THAT’S REALLY COOL’.”

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Photography by Dan Mohr

Out of Sirtified.com grew a family. I can’t help but wonder how on earth they came up with the name.

Juan and Kyle were working in studio one night thinking of names. “It’s funny actually. We had no idea what to call the thing. We started reading words on everything we could (Coke bottles, chip bags, you name it), trying to find a cool name that was possibly a play on words that had an available domain name (that we wouldn’t have to pay $10,000 for). Then, we finally found “sirtified.” As soon as we found this, the logo, the market, everything fell into place right there. Then, a few nights later, Kyle is laying in bed ideating (and not sleeping, as usual) and it hits him. We have to do “misstified” for girls. At this point we hadn’t planned on having other brands. He jumped out of bed and bought the domain. From there we thought of “passified” for kids, and even one for pets (but we’re not telling you the name just yet)!”

So how do y’all find all this cool stuff that we just have to have?

Being product design majors, Juan and Kyle have a constant catalog of these types of things. When we decided to go for it, we knew exactly where to find our products.

Since launching, however, we have had quite a few smaller companies coming to us wanting us to carry their products.

How has business been?

Since launching, we’ve done pretty well.

You know, the economy isn’t the best right now, but people still seem to be buying online. We had a pretty good Christmas season, and now we are here. Sales are going up and not down, so I guess we can’t argue with that. Just yesterday, we had over 14,000 hits in two days. Not too bad for being online for only five months.

What will you be adding to the site?

The Flexible Love chair is awesome. We have one on demo. Come by and we’ll show it to you. It will blow your mind! We are looking to find a lot of products that are green, recycled, eco-friendly, etc. We are currently in Dallas attending a convention to scope out cool new products. We’ve also got some of our own design in the works.

We hope to be releasing them soon as well.

Sirtified also runs a blog to supplement their store – Sirtifiedblog.com : a design + lifestyle resource, accessible from their store (sirtified.com/blog).

Starting in January, they are going to be visiting art shows and galleries around Houston, taking pictures, recording video interviews and reviewing local artists + designers. “We want to help promote local art and our community.”

KEVIN & GARY KELLEHER, THE KELLEHER BROTHERS ARE DOING WHAT THEY WERE DESTINED TO DO. VODKA MAKING IS IN KELLEHER GENETICS: THEIR GREAT, GREAT GRANDFATHER WAS THE VODKA MAKER FOR INFAMOUS RUSSIAN CZARINA CATHERINE THE GREAT. SO INHERENTLY IT WAS IN THEIR BLOOD; THE FACT THAT EACH HALF BRINGS AN IMPORTANT ASPECT TO THEIR COMPANY SAN LUIS SPIRITS WASN’T LUCK EITHER. KEVIN KELLEHER RUNS THE OPERATIONS INVOLVED IN PRODUCING DRIPPING SPRINGS VODKA, AND HIS BROTHER GARY CONTRIBUTES A VITAL PIECE OF THE VODKA MAKING PUZZLE AS HE DOUBLES AS THE MASTER DISTILLER. After building a career overseas, Kevin wanted to come back to his native Texas. With his brother’s distilling know-how and a common desire to start their own business, the two were able to blend their skills to create Texas’ first premier luxury vodka, Dripping Springs Vodka. Gary saw a niche for a premium vodka only he wanted to use his special ingredient, Texas Hill Country artesian water.

Kevin has been in the vodka business for three years but spent the majority of his career developing overseas markets for American and British-based International Machine Tool groups he co-owned with other brother Tim. After selling the company in 2001 he worked as a consultant to Kia Machine Tool, a subsidiary of Kia Motors, and as a buyer and seller of aircraft and aerospace machinery in Asia.

Gary, meanwhile, honed a life’s career in the bar and restaurant industry. And as a dedicated vodka drinker – and that bloodline proves it – the Dallas native became a self-taught distiller. Gary previously worked for Boston Market and was able to take his 51. february09 002houston

Partners, San Luis Spirits

restaurant and marketing experience and apply it to Dripping Springs.

But how has Dripping Springs been received on a national level? “We’re in six states at this time: Colorado, Arizona, New Mexico, Louisiana, Oklahoma and Texas,” says Kevin. “We’ve had presence in outside states for a few months and early returns are great. Going into our third year, the growth is amazing. Year two was more than double year one, and year three will double year two.”

The Kellehers developed a first-of-its-kind distillation process with the invention of proprietary copper stills that hold a mesh chamber and unique shape allowing the vodka to be micro-distilled over twenty times. “It took two years to perfect the still design and achieve the final recipe. A 100% copper still is difficult to work with and the process is more of an art than a science. The value of copper is that it reacts with the spirits to make superior vodka in a way that stainless steel can’t,” says Gary.

SO HOW DO THE KELLEHERS DRINK THEIR VODKA? “In winter, Dripping Springs Vodka straight from the freezer poured into an unchilled martini glass served with an olive. For summer, in a tall iced glass topped with sparkling mineral water, no lime.”

Gary Kelleher “I keep a bottle in the freezer. I pour Dripping Springs Vodka into a chilled glass with one or two pieces of ice. Four to five quick swirls with a spoon, take out the ice, add a few olives and that’s it.”

Kevin Kelleher

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MELISSA STEVENS

President, FKM Agency

MELISSA STEVENS EMBODIES BRAINS, BEAUTY AND GRACE. SHE HAS BEEN IN THE PUBLIC RELATIONS, COMMUNICATIONS AND MARKETING SECTOR FOR OVER 17 YEARS. AS PRESIDENT OF FKM HOUSTON, SHE RUNS ONE OF THE COUNTRY’S LARGEST INDEPENDENT, FULL-SERVICE MARKETING COMMUNICATIONS FIRMS. SHE ALSO FOUNDED STEVENS FKM, THE AGENCY’S PUBLIC RELATIONS GROUP. Stevens came on board 6 years ago running the PR side of the business. She is recognized internationally as a communications innovator and for the originality and effectiveness of the campaigns she directs. Described as “a leader in the new era of public relations,” she brings fresh perspectives to a wide range of public relations and advertising issues.

Although FKM has been in business for 28 years with offices in Dallas, Austin and Houston, there is a family culture in day-to-day business. With over 50 clients and new ones being added on an almost daily basis, Stevens still learns something new every day and thrives on it. She is currently obsessed with social media. “In a sense it’s like the Internet was years ago,” says Stevens explaining that there is so much out there in terms of communication/information and the way we read, process and devour it. “For example, for Mission Life Balance tortillas (one of their clients), we used mom bloggers.” And not just any random bloggers, the FKM team researched and found the most respected mom bloggers and tapped into them to feed the product to that market. On another level, a celebrity chef who was once Martha Stewart’s partner was linked with the campaign, adding the element of a media tour with demos which were then recorded and podcasted on the chef’s site.

This sort of multi-level campaign is what Stevens shines at, transcending a regular media company. “The future is more and more online and the social media.” She stresses the necessity of first becoming relevant to diverse audiences. “We must become experts in understanding human nature and how the cross-pollination of cultures and diverse ethnic groups presents new challenges.”

Multiculturalism requires venturing off the beaten path.

“We must be willing to go against the grain of established norms to disseminate the information audiences will appreciate and pay attention to. And we must create media strategies that help us transcend boundaries of geography, ethnicity and culture.”

She’s even trademarked the concept of the Anthropublicists™. “If anthropology is the study of human culture, then we must become Anthropublicists – finding ways to communicate effectively within that culture. As professionals, we must be able to connect media, consumers and messages, so that we can provide relevant, remarkable coverage.”

Steven’s refreshingly positive outlook on the future is rare these days. “We see a lot of opportunity right now with this economy. We just feel like we have really great talented people. I think we have such broad capabilities that we can offer so much more because we have invested in people. What clients want now is to know that if they are spending that kind of money that they are getting the results!”

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“Sometimes less is more when it comes to furniture so it’s all about finding the right piece to fit that exact space and your budget. We always say we don’t sell anything to our customers, we are only here to help them satisfy their furnishing needs. It’s called “needs analysis” and our store is #1 at this, from all the over-250 BoConcept stores worldwide, based on internal BoConcept rankings.”

Based on my conversation with Justin Schnurr, a furniture store is not where he imagined himself. With a background in music and his own company – Mountain Face Productions – where he booked tours, promoted shows and managed bands for a while in Colorado already under his belt, he eventually moved back to Houston to work in real estate and to be closer to his family. Real estate was not fulfilling Schnurr. Meanwhile, his family already owned and ran the successful Surprises store which coincidentally specialized in home items from candles to gifts to hand-picked décor items – many of which could only be found at Surprises.

Houstonians were incredibly loyal to the store for years. Justin’s father and now mentor, Jerry Cohen, offered him an opportunity to build a business from the beginning with his guidance. And in March of 2007 they opened one of the first BoConcept franchises in the States in a modern building built from the ground up where the family’s famed Surprises had been.

JUSTIN SCHNURR Partner, BoConcept

BoConcept is a recognized brand in Europe and has been a leader in the furniture world since opening its first store in Paris in 1993. But as Schnurr was aware, BoConcept was virtually unknown in the US. Denmark’s most global retail furniture chain boasts more than 220 Brand Stores and 120 Studios in 45 countries. “Opening a Brand store in which there is little to no brand recognition wasn’t the easiest thing to do but it was the first real challenge thrown our way,” says Schnurr.

“What works in Spain or France doesn’t always work in Houston, Texas, so we’ve had to find out what our market is looking for and adapt to its needs.”

Needless to say, as soon as Schnurr realized how much he could learn and do with his own business, he jumped in, completely immersing himself. “My father wanted me to learn every aspect of the business so I’ve been a sales person, delivery person, manager and now I am the Operations Manager/Partner and generally oversee every aspect of the business.” The 27-year-old admits the transition from music to furni-

ture hasn’t been easy. “It’s two completely different worlds and lifestyles.

Over time I adjusted and life is getting to be a little more normal these days.” The quiet Schnurr is a constant presence at BoConcept, observing operations and finding creative ways to better his business. “From selling on the floor to delivering furniture I’ve attempted to make every part of the business run a little more efficiently, but to be honest, our success comes from the hard work our employees put into it. Our sales manager, Philip Ngo, went out and found large accounts such as real estate developers and homebuilders that now showcase our furniture in bars, restaurants, hotels and corporate housing.”

And immersing himself in the business includes regular trips to Denmark for continued education and updates in the Brand. 2009 brings with it some growth and changes Schnurr is sure will facilitate US business. “I was in Denmark last month for the BoConcept Inspirational Camp (think Mac World but with Danish furniture) and there are a lot of exciting things to come in 2009. They’ve added a spring collection so from now on there will be new products released, design upgrades and new fabrics available twice a year instead of the one big change when the new catalog comes out. We’ve also been working with the other franchise owners and corporate on updating the inventory that is kept at the warehouse in Bayonne, New Jersey. This will allow for more of our most popular pieces to come in a matter of weeks instead of waiting for it to come over from Denmark.”

Schnurr’s plans for 2009 also include more time on the floor. The selfproclaimed natural at being behind-the-scenes needs “to see what the customer expects and wants from us so that BoConcept is doing everything we can possibly to do to make sure the home furnishing experience is enjoyable for our clients.”

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Photography by Emily Dwyer

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TOOLS+TOYS+GADGETS

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By Michael Garfield Michael Garfield photography by Kennon Evett

A MINORU 3D WEBCAM Just when we got used to the idea of HD webcams, here comes the world’s first 3D webcam. While figuring out exactly why we need a device like this, I did find it fun to use. The Minoru 3D Webcam is a single piece with two cameras spaced roughly the same distance apart as human eyes, for the stereoscopic effect. The Webcam has a multi-position stand that can sit or stand on a desk or perch on a monitor. Like traditional 3D movies, viewers wear special colored glasses to see the image, and five pairs are included. The Minoru can be used with Windows Live Messenger, Skype, AOL Instant Messenger and other video conferencing packages.

The camera can also be used to take still pictures or record 3D video for YouTube. And it can also be used the low-tech way as a normal 2D webcam. $89 | Minoru3D.com

A

ezSPACE UFO WALL MOUNT

I already liked the ezSpace UFO power strip released last year, turning one socket into six while leaving room for the clunkiest of adapters. Now there’s a wall-mounted version that plugs directly into an AC outlet.

With its patented design, there are things that you can do with the UFO that can’t be done with any other expander. It allows you to fit a power transformer on every plug in the most compact configuration. The inverse slanted design allows you to use the least amount of space to plug in large power transformers. See how many devices you can think of in your kitchen or bathroom – odds are they will all fit together in the UFO. $29 | ezgear.com

A

HP MINI-NOTE

A new category of laptop computers is taking the marketplace by storm – the Netbook. These very small, light and portable machines are great for surfing the Internet from most anywhere but are also full-fledged, energy-efficient systems. HP offers different models geared toward the business and consumer users. Each weighs about 2.6 pounds and measures a svelte 1” thin. The high-definition screen measures almost 9” diagonal, and HP managed to keep the keyboard at almost full-size. The business-oriented 2133 model has several USB ports, integrated Wi-Fi, hard drive capacity up to 160GB and a Vista operating system. The consumer version – Model 1000 – offers much of the same but with lower hard drive and memory specs and a Microsoft XP system. If you are looking for a lighter load to carry when traveling or even at school, it may be time to go Mini. $359 - Mini-Note 1000 | $499 - Mini-Note 2133 | hp.com

BLOOM A EASY PLANT SENSOR Who says you need a green thumb to make your garden grow? The Easy Bloom Plant Sensor takes the guesswork out of planning and maintaining a perfect garden. The device, which looks like a tall, thin plastic flower, can also help diagnose why a plant is not doing well or how much water is needed in a certain area. You plant the sensor anywhere in your yard where you would like to grow a plant, and let it soak up the environmental data over a 24-hour period. Then pull it apart and plug the USB end into your computer’s USB port (I’d probably clean it off first) where the sensor data is uploaded to the Easy Bloom web site. So if your roses suffer from root rot or your cactus isn’t blooming in that kitchen window, you’ll soon find out why. $59 | easybloom.com

MICHAEL GARFIELD IS KNOWN AS "THE HIGH-TECH TEXAN®" TO MILLIONS OF RADIO LISTENERS AND TV VIEWERS. HE CAN BE HEARD AND SEEN ACROSS MANY MARKETS DISPERSING TECHNOLOGY NEWS AND TIPS. HIS RADIO PROGRAM AIRS IN HOUSTON ON THE 9-5-0 EVERY SATURDAY AT 11AM. VISIT HIS WEBSITE AT HIGHTECHTEXAN.COM. 54. february09 002houston

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ARCHICHAT

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By Sandra Gunn, a native Houstonian and Realtor. Her firm, Sandra Gunn Properties, specializes in the unique and prides themselves on being architects of community. sandragunn.com Photography by Gabriella Nissen • Photography by Megan Thompson #1,2,3 | Photography by Jack Thompson #4 •

He is the guy that drives by in the Porsche, dark glasses, long hair or the one you see at parties with a beautiful blonde on his arm (his wife, Cynthia) dressed in black Prada from head to toe (he loves shoes!), that you stop and wonder…who is that guy and what does he DO? Issac Preminger is the creative force behind most of Houston’s hottest restaurants such as Uptown Sushi, Escalante’s in Highland Village, The Fish, La Strada, Cyclone Anaya’s as well as Indulge, Cynthia’s fabulous cushy home store on River Oaks Boulevard. He is a founding member of the Miami Design & Preservation League which documented all of the buildings in the Art Deco District (aka South Beach). They registered the area as historic, thus preserving its character, and were instrumental in its resurgence as it is now known to be an international style destination. We have known each other for about 20 years but there is so much more to Issac than meets the eye. He is a native of Israel, schooled in Europe and South America.

HONORS/AWARDS Credited with experience of broad range of projects with concentration on hospitality design, my firm has been recognized with numerous honors and awards including winner of the 2000 ASID National Interior Design Award for eCity Suites.

SPECIALTY My firm specializes in Hospitality design. Our philosophy is to approach the design as if it was a theatrical production in which all the participants have a role to play. I believe that the dining experience should be an event. We pay close attention to the procession of the participants as they find their place on the “stage”. Using various materials and space, I try to create some positive tension between feminine and masculine, old and new. With the use of light, I try to create some mystery, and a sense of discovery.

WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT IT? The ability to start with a blank page and weave all of the above elements into a new story.

HOW DID YOU COME TO HOUSTON? I came to Houston in the late ‘70s to finish my architectural degree at University of Houston. At the time, Houston was booming and a lot of famous architects were making their mark here. I thought it to be a good spot to learn, and provide opportunity for networking. I think the greatest asset Houston has, besides Intercontinental Airport, is its people.

WHICH OF YOUR PROJECTS ARE YOU MOST PROUD OF? My next one. I guess what I am saying is that each project has its own identity and authenticity. I custom tailor each project to reflect each client’s singular vision and unique brand of hospitality, yet maintain the same basic approach to the design. The story is different but the technique of telling it is the same. This way I am not locked in with a certain look, as many of my counterparts are. It can be futuristic or take place in the 18th century, the ‘20s or ‘40s as many of my projects do.

CURRENT PROJECTS A new restaurant in Highland Village above Waterworks and another restaurant/bar in West Ave. on Kirby and Westheimer.

WHAT CHALLENGES HAVE THE CURRENT ECONOMIC CLIMATE BROUGHT HOSPITALITY ARCHITECTURE AND HOW ARE YOU ABLE TO BENEFIT FROM THEM? I believe that now more than ever owners should be more selective as to how they spend their money. I also believe that bad design costs the same or more than good design.

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issac preminger | uptown sushi

1 + 2. the fish in dallas 3 + 4. indulge linens décor in houston

1

2

3

hi

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ISSAC PREMINGER AIA | INTERNATIONAL MAN OF MYSTERY COMPANY ISSAC PREMINGER ARCHITECTURE AND DESIGN

Therefore, if people become more selective as I think they should, there’s a lot of opportunity for me.

WHICH PARTS OF HOUSTON DO YOU THINK HAVE THE GREATEST POTENTIAL FOR GROWTH? Houston has a herd mentality. We have seen that with Downtown, Washington Ave., etc. I have always believed that these dining/entertainment venues should be a destination. It adds to the elements of discovery and mystery that I talked about in my design philosophy. Therefore, I encourage new venues to open anywhere but where the herd is going, and when the herd gets there, move on.

WHAT HOTEL DO YOU WISH YOU HAD DESIGNED, WHY? I think this question begets envy, and I have none.

YOUR HOME IF ONE OF MY MOST FAVORITES EVER. ITS CHARM AND CHARACTER FLOW FROM EVERY PARTICLE. Cynthia and our 3 French Briards live in Southampton in a Spanish stucco that was built in the early ‘20s. It is wonderfully old and full of character. We have “remodeled” several portions of it. Although I am probably known for a more cutting-edge modern design, I was very careful not to do that in this case. We strived to respect its architecture and feel, and maintain its original design intent and the wonderful effects the passing of time have created.

I believe that one should be humble enough to respect and maintain the character and design that others before us created.

Unfortunately, Houston’s neighborhoods are being destroyed and defaced by monuments that certain self-centered, arrogant “modernist” architects are erecting in their honor. I pity the owners for not understanding the difference between a house and a home.

WHAT STAMP OR IDEA DO YOU WANT TO LEAVE ON THE WORLD? That I left this world a better place than I found, and that I brought joy to others as others brought joy to me.

Itching to work on...my next project Recent splurge.....my wife’s Christmas present Just discovered.....sadness Can’t quit listening to.....my dogs’ barking Next stamp on passport....Bahamas Every day I have to have.....the best day I ever had Fantasy dinner guests.....Adam Tihany, Renzo Piano, Jaques Garcia, Philippe Stark, Alberto Pinto, Eileen Gray. (COUNT ME IN. SG)

4

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ARCHITECTURE + DESIGN

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By Tim Moloney Photography by Gabriella Nissen

ULTRA SLIM UNIVERSAL POWER ADAPTOR KIT

Right now I'm looking at my phone, which has a 10% charge, and wishing I hadn't left my charger at home.

If only I had this Tumi Ultra Slim Universal Power Adaptor kit...I'd never be powerless again! This is the ultimate power tool for mobile computer and electronics users. Compact and lightweight, it allows you to use a wall, automobile or airline connection to power up wherever you are. The kit comes with a variety of tips to charge all your electronics while on the road, and its foldable carrying case can be packed flat in a brief or snapped close for travel.

Kit, $195, saks.com or tumi.com.

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WHERE TO LIVE

LOCATION

AMBIENCE

AMENITIES

UNITS/ROOMS

WITHIN REACH

PRICE

CONTACT

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DEVELOPERS + BUILDERS PLACE YOUR PROPERTIES HERE – EMAIL US AT LETTERS@002MAG.COM

WEST BELL VILLAS

RENOIR LOFTS #602

ALEXAN TANGLEWOOD

1127 AND 1129 WEST BELL MONTROSE AREA

1005 S. SHEPHERD, ON THE CORNER OF W. DALLAS AND S. SHEPHERD

TANGLEWOOD AT VOSS, 7510 BURGOYNE ROAD, 77063

2 freestanding Spanish-inspired homes located on a tree-lined street in Montrose.

In the prestigious River Oaks, the Renoir Lofts offer a European-inspired facade, surrounded by lush gardens, elegant marble lobby, sparkling resort-style pool, on-site management and private parking.

Luxe Living in Every Way; Tanglewood at Voss where membership adds luster to your life.

By Apex Group, these homes feature arched passages through kitchen and dining room, private driveways, 25x30 backyard, stainless steel Jenn-Air appliances, island kitchen, large deck off kitchen for outdoor entertaining, gas log fireplace, cedar beam ceiling accents, master bedroom and bathroom with vaulted ceilings, 2 separate master closets, granite counters, travertine tiles, high ceilings and clay tile roof accents. Completion date: late February 09.

Floor-to-ceiling windows showcase this unit’s AMAZING DOWNTOWN VIEWS! Grand living area with soaring ceilings, Australian Cypress floors, exposed duct work, flexible floorplan and a private balcony. Fully equipped kitchen features granite countertops and island with breakfast bar, superior stainless appliance package, SubZero refrigerator and wine chiller. Private bedroom downstairs with spacious custom closet and full bath. 2nd level offers an open concept loft, perfect for the home office. The large master suite also features a California Closet system, relaxing whirlpool tub, separate walk-in shower and dual vanities.

Additional upgrades include electronic air filtration system, water softener and private storage unit.

There is a posh new address on Voss. Sleek and sophisticated. Polished and pampered. With designer finishes in each residence and two chic clubhouses that feel like fine hotels.

Luxe living in every way because style matters. Inside your home: slab granite countertops, faux stainless appliances, a cooking island, plantation window blinds, plus plank flooring if you choose. And a private patio or balcony. High profile. High style. High gloss. Haven’t you waited long enough?

2 houses, each 2375 sf, 3 bedrooms/3.5 bathrooms

2-story loft offers 2653 sq ft (per builder) with 2 private bedrooms, 2 full baths, 2nd level loft, private balcony with direct Downtown views, gourmet equipped kitchen and dramatic living area.

Haute home finishes in every 1- and 2-bedroom floor plan with multi-level parking garage.

Montrose, Midtown, Downtown, River Oaks Shopping Center

Renoir Lofts are just minutes from Downtown and Galleria. Blocks from the River Oaks Shopping Center with restaurants, shopping and entertainment.

Tanglewood at Voss is the thoroughfare to everywhere and minutes from Memorial, The Galleria, Uptown, Greenway, Town & Country and the Westchase District.

$509,000 per house

$485,000

From $1,000s per month

Kelli Colbert 832.419.329 kellidcolbert@yahoo.com

Sandra Gunn, Sandra Gunn Properties, 713.224.2777 sandragunn.com

TanglewoodatVoss.com 713.789.4554 TanglewoodatVoss@Greystar.com

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FINANCE

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By Hal Lynde, Managing Director, Morgan Keegan Photography by Daniel Ortiz

BEFORE YOU INVEST, ASK ABOUT RISK UNDERSTANDING YOUR OWN TOLERANCE FOR RISK The concept of risk tolerance is twofold. First, it refers to your personal desire to assume risk and comfort level with doing so. This assumes that risk is relative to your own personality and feelings about taking chances. If you find that you can’t sleep at night because you’re worrying about your investments, you may have assumed too much risk. Second, your risk tolerance is affected by your financial ability to cope with the possibility of loss, which is influenced by your age, stage in life, how soon you’ll need the money, your investment objectives and your financial goals.

EVENT TEXAS CHILDREN’S CANCER CENTER DEC MY ROOM: COCKTAILS WHY TO RAISE MONEY FOR THE CENTER’S DEC MY ROOM PROGRAM WHERE RALPH LAUREN AT GALLERIA WHEN DECEMBER 2 Ralph Lauren donated 15% of the proceeds from all sales of the event to the Cancer Center’s program Dec My Room. Nikki Napier, Sharon Lovell, Susan Plank, Holly Dinsmore, Jamie Luna, Elizabeth King, Ursaline Hamilton, Lacy Baird, Mindy Peters, Kara Childress and Laura Spalding were among the shoppers on hand helping make the decorating dreams of the cancer patients a reality.

hal lynde

REDUCING RISK THROUGH DIVERSIFICATION Don’t put all your eggs in one basket. You can potentially help offset the risk of any one investment by spreading your money among several asset classes.

Diversification strategies take advantage of the fact that forces in the markets do not normally influence all types or classes of investment assets at the same time or in the same way. Swings in overall portfolio return can be moderated by diversifying your investments among assets that are not highly correlated, i.e., assets whose values may behave very differently from one another. In a slowing economy, for example, stock prices might be going down or sideways, but if interest rates are falling at the same time, the price of bonds likely would rise.

Nikki Napier, Sharon Lovell

Susan Plank, Holly Dinsmore

EVALUATING RISK: WHERE TO FIND INFORMATION ABOUT INVESTMENTS You should become fully informed about an investment product before making a decision. There are numerous sources of information. You can find information in third-party business and financial publications and websites, as well as annual and other periodic financial reports.

Obtain a prospectus if the investment is a mutual fund or an initial public offering, or an offering circular if the investment is a limited partnership or hedge fund. The prospectus for a mutual fund provides a vast amount of information, including the fund’s investment objectives, the types of securities it invests in, its risks, past performance, expenses, charges and financial reports. The prospectus can be obtained from the fund; read it and consider it carefully before investing. If you are considering investing in an initial public offering (IPO), it’s also extremely important that you read its prospectus, which contains information about the company’s products and/or services, operating history, future prospects‘ and management.

The offering circular of a limited partnership or hedge fund should contain information similar to that of a prospectus for an IPO, as well as information regarding the general partner, special risks of investing in the product and liquidity.

You can also check with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). There, you can obtain reports disclosing significant events (e.g., the CEO plans to sell a large amount of shares; an investor plans to purchase a large amount of shares for a takeover) and financial reports. One of the easiest ways to get information is to go to the SEC’s website.

Shelley Barineau, Ned and Tommie Torain

Elizabeth King, Ursaline Hamilton

Lacy Baird, Mindy Peters, Kara Childress

Mike Plank, David Poplac

Laura Spalding

Need help with a retirement plan roll over? Are you planning to retire in the next ten years?

For a free review of your current investment situation, contact Hal Lynde / 713-840-3640. hal.lynde@morgankeegan.com. Listen to Hal’s daily stock market report at 6:45am & 3:45pm on 94.5 The Buzz.

DON’T MISS HAL’S MARKET UPDATES AT 6:40AM AND 3:45PM AS CAPTAIN CASH ON 94.5 THE BUZZ. 60. february09 002houston

Photography by Fulton Davenport-PWL Studios

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Photography by Fulton Davenport-PWL Studios

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PACK YOUR BAGS march is our fashion + travel issue * destinations near and far * how to pack * travel tips & more!

*special rates available for fashion or travel related business please call 713.223.5333 for details 61. february09 002houston

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WISE GUY

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by Tim Moloney Photographed by Gabriella Nissen

Business

CLASS Guess who’s back? Just like recessions, wars and wine stains, there are just some things you can’t get rid of, including me. That’s right…the original Wise Guy has returned after a much-needed sabbatical. Since this issue of 002 focuses on business, I thought I’d find some sweet home and office products for today’s hard-charging execs and desk jockeys, or at least those that haven’t been laid off (yet).

Like all successful businessmen, I delegated the work: I turned to our friends at Alexandra Knight, Saks Fifth Avenue, Neiman Marcus, DeVille Fine Jewelry and Sloan/Hall for help (and to bachelor artist/arbiter William Betts for color commentary).

Here’s what they came up with. Let’s get that consumer spending going again!

TIME PUNCH I’m one of those people who always needs to know exactly what time it is. That’s why I love the new 24 Hour Fitness at Elgin and Louisiana (24hourfitness.com).

They have giant three-way clocks suspended from the ceiling on all floors. Now, that probably wouldn’t work in your office, so why not opt instead for this heavy, retro Cartier desk clock. Hey, sport, since you’re on a spending spree, why not get the Cartier pen, too? Or the A.G. Spalding gel ballpoint? You’re too old for a Bic Stick.

From Left: Barker Black velvet shoes ($825), Neiman Marcus, neimanmarcus.com; Prada keychain, Saks Fifth Avenue, saks.com; Salvatore Ferragamo Briefcase, Saks; Edwina Hunt desk blotter ($925), letter box ($220) and pencil cup ($170), Sloan/Hall, sloanhall.com; Cartier desk clock, Saks; A.G. Spalding & Co.’s retractable pearlized gel ballpoint ($56), Sloan/Hall; DeVille Fine Jewelry rough-cut diamond ring and dogtag with chain, (call for prices) devillefinejewelry.com or call

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BACK IN BLACK

BOOB JOB

You can’t go wrong with black accessories, whether it’s a fine Salvatore Ferragamo briefcase, an alligator business card holder or even some jaunty skull-and-crossbones evening shoes. “Black is always correct, always elegant,” says the well-dressed (and straight, ladies!) Betts. “And it’s perfect for uncertain times like these. But man cannot live by black alone. For

The Big Book of Breasts is probably more suited to a home office (you don’t want a sexual harassment suit this early in the year).

“Who doesn’t love breasts?” marvels Betts. “And the great thing about Taschen Books is that they put a respectable veneer on racy subjects. You could even leave this one out when Grandma comes over.” Shannon Hall concurs. “Leave it to Benedikt Taschen and his notorious and noteworthy publishing house to launch a tome devoted to this universal male obsession,” says Hall. “All hail woman!” Throw in one of Alex Knight’s flasks (in ostrich or alligator) and you’ve got one hell of an office party.

understated bling, check out the rough diamond (uncut, unpolished) dogtag and ring from DeVille Fine Jewelry. Owner Liz Glanville (she of Cartier and Bulgari fame) found them in New York, but her travels take her around the world in search of one-of-a-kind pieces. (Maybe she should pick up an Alexandra Knight passport case in black alligator?) Like the shiny objects? The magnificent black-and-white diamond cufflinks were discovered by Glanville in Thailand. “Black diamonds are one of those things that if you know what they are, you know,” says Betts. “They’re somewhat subtle.”

713.858.9713; Alexandra Knight orange lizard valet tray ($325), alexandraknightonline.com; DeVille Fine Jewelry black-and-white diamond cufflinks; DeVille Fine Jewelry sterling-coated seashell cufflinks with citrine; Alexandra Knight flasks, small in kango tabac ostrich ($225) and large in brown glaze alligator ($350); Houston skyline snowglobe, Saks; Cartier pen, Saks; Ralph Lauren glass die paperweight, Saks; The Big Book of Breasts ($59.99), Sloan/Hall; Alligator business card case ($350), Alexandra Knight; Alligator passport cover with red calf interior ($395), Alexandra Knight.

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*

Keep up the good work, guys!

See you next month!

002houston February 09:002houston

VROOM, VROOM

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By Michael Andre Adams

SWEET CARS for SWEET HEARTS!

R

2009 DODGE CHALLENGER R/T

PRICE: $29,320 base / $35,875 righteous!

ANNUAL FUEL: $1,310 (15,000 miles @ $1.66/gallon-regular) FLOSS POINTS: Daisy Dukes, baby!

This car turns more heads than any other car you will drive this year at this price!

etro body curves give it sex appeal from yesteryears, a time when we teetered on the edge, leaving something to allow the imagination of others to run wild.

Add to that the modern day materials and technology, the depth of the roaring engine from the moment it starts, far greater gas mileage and performance in general and the winner at $35K is The Challenger RT! • Beneath the hood rests a 5.7 litre, 372 horse-powered Hemi V8 engine yielding 16 mpg in the city/25 on the highway. Imagine the fun to be had when in combination of a six-speed manual transmission… • Challenger offers nearly every conceivable interior comfort for a car in its class.

Heated and leather appointed bucket seats (think old school), UCONNECT for Bluetooth phone connectivity, navigation system, iPod connection, push to start/stop engine, and power foldaway mirrors are just a few. Certain models with Performance Page Display will time you on 0 to 60 miles per hour. Exterior mirrors and door handles that are small and somewhat uncomfortable for a ladies’ man with big hands are body colored, with a polished chrome gas cap that coordinates well with the 18-inch cast aluminum wheels – especially if you opt for the custom Mopar wheels with super high gloss finish, all of which serves to further enhance the sizzle of the new Challenger.

M

ercedes, BMW, Lexus, Audi…sure, they’re all nice and come a dime a dozen. But, I bet you can count on one hand the times an Aston Martin has pulled up alongside you at a traffic light. So, if baby’s been good to you, this one is definitely him, or her. • To drive an Aston Martin is to love an Aston Martin, for very few cars compare.

From the moment you set eyes on one your heart will begin to race with excitement. The look alone suggests the person behind the wheel is someone of status and means. The view beneath the hood revealing the words “Hand made,” as well as the name of the human being at the factory who made the final inspection confirms it. And while under the hood take note of the engine—positioned more towards the center of the vehicle to balance the weight of the car. An ingenious safety feature for a vehicle with a maximum speed potential of 190 mph. • Entering the main cabin of this road-hugging masterpiece is nowhere near as challenging as with other more affordable sport coupes. That alone is a green light for sports players and other seasoned citizens. • As with the exterior, the interior is all hand made as well, with full size/full leather, heated – but not cooled – hand stitched seats and aluminum dashboard dials. A thumping premium audio system bears unbeatable clarity in comparison to nearly every other car audio system on the market. The Bluetooth is a cinch to pair a Treo, with an equally simple to operate navigation system. • The magic of Aston Martin’s six-speed automated manual transmission sounds and feels as though someone is somewhere in the car shifting for you. Couple that with the power of a 420 hp engine rolling on 19-inch wheels and this car will blow your mind!

2009 ASTON MARTIN V8 VANTAGE

PRICE: $121,800 base / $138,265 righteous!

ANNUAL FUEL: $1,921 (15,000 miles @ $1.92/gallon-premium) FLOSS POINTS: Sleekness 64. february09 002houston

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RESTAURANT LISTINGS Post Oak Grill postoakgrill.com 1415 S. Post Oak. 713.993.9966

american

*17 inside Hotel Alden 1117 Prairie. 832.200.8800 aldenhotels.com

Quattro fourseasons.com inside The Four Seasons Hotel 1300 Lamar. 713.276.4700

Artista In the Hobby Center 800 Bagby. 713.278.4782 cordua.com

The Oceanaire 5061 Westheimer.

832.487.8862 theoceanaire.com

UPTOWN SUSHI uptown-sushi.com Uptown Park.

713.871.1200 ruggles green

Zake [japanese] 2946 S. Shepherd. 713.526.6888

Shade shadeheights.com 250 W. 19th St. 713.863.7500

Benjy’s benjys.com 2424 Dunstan. 713.522.7602

Bistro Lancaster 701 Texas Ave. 713.228.9502

RA SUSHI [japanese] rasushi.com 3908 Westheimer. 713.621.5800

Tart Café tartcafe.com 4411 Montrose. 713.526.8278

Americas cordua.com •1800 Post Oak Blvd. 713.961.1492 •21 Waterway Ave. 281.367.1492

Bowl eatbowl.com 607 Richmond. 832.582.7218

Daily Review Café dailyreviewcafe.com 3412 West Lamar. 713.520.9217 Glass Wall glasswalltherestaurant.com 933 Studemont. 713.868.7930 Gravitas gravitasrestaurant.com 807 Taft. 713.522.0995

ZUSHI JAPANESE CUISINE 5900 Memorial Dr., #102.

713.861.5588 zushihouston.com

Skyline Bar & Grill Hilton-Americas 1600 Lamar. 713.577.6139

spindletop

Boom Boom Room 2518 Yale St. 713.868.3740 theboomboomroomhouston.com

SPINDLETOP Hyatt Regency Houston 1200 Louisiana St. Houston, TX 77002 713.375.4775 spindletopathyatt.com Spindletop, atop the Hyatt Regency Houston, features innovative steak and seafood fare.

The elegant atmosphere creates the perfect setting for business dinners and special occasions. CLOSED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE. SoVino sovinowines.com 507 Westheimer. 713.524.1000

The Grove thegrovehouston.com 1611 Lamar. 713.337.7321

McCORMICK AND SCHMICK’S •1151 Uptown Park. 713.840.7900 •1201 Fannin St. [Houston Pavilions] 713.658.8100 mccormickandschmicks.com/houston.com

Auntie Chang’s Dumpling House 2621 S. Shepherd. 713.524.8410 auntiechangs.com Gigi’s Asian Bistro 5085 Westheimer.713.629.8889 Kam’s [fine chinese cuisine] 4500 Montrose Blvd. #C 713.529.5057

Diedrich Coffee diedrich.com 4005 Montrose. 713.526.1319

Inversion Coffee House 1953 Montrose, #A. 713.523.4866 inversioncoffee.com

ra sushi

LES GIVRAL’S KAHVE [vietnamese] 801 Congress St. 713.547.0444 lesgivrals.com

les givral’s kahve

bar-b-que

Beaver’s beavershouston.com 2310 Decatur St. 713.864.2328 Goode Company Texas Barbecue goodecompany.com 5109 Kirby. 713.522.2530

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Luling Bar-B-Q Bar 138 West Gray. 713.520.6400

Pizzitola’s Bar-B-Cue pizzitolasbbq.com 1703 Shepherd. 713.227.2283

breakfast Avalon Drug Co. & Diner •2417 Westheimer. 713.527.8900 •12810 Southwest Frwy. 281.240.0213 Baby Barnaby’s barnabyscafe.com 602 Fairview. 713.522.4229

indian

Kiran’s kiranshouston.com 4100 Westheimer. 713.960.8472 Narin’s Bombay Brasserie 3005 W. Loop South. 713.622.2005 narinsbombaybrasserie.com Shiva Indian Restaurant 2415 Times Blvd. 713.523.4753 shivarestaurant.com zushi

italian

Crave Cupcakes couture-cupcakes.com 1151 Uptown Park Blvd. 713.622.7283

ARCODORO arcodoro.com 5000 Westheimer. 713.621.6888

The Breakfast Klub thebreakfastklub.com 3711 Travis. 713.528.8561

ARTURO’S ITALIANO arturosuptown.com Uptown Park. 713.621.1180

The Buffalo Grille thebuffalogrille.com •3116 Bissonnet. 713.661.3663 •1301 S. Voss. 713.784.3663

Mia Bella 320 Main. 713.237.0505

Empire Café empirecafe.net 1732 Westheimer. 713.528.5282 Fountain View Café 1842 Fountain View. 713.785.9060 Rustika Café 3237 Southwest Frwy.

713.665.6226

Café Brasil 2604 Dunlavy. 713.528.1993

Taft Street Coffee 2115 Taft. 713.522.3533

Kubo’s [japanese] 2414 University Blvd. #200 713.528.7878 kubos-sushi.com mccormick and schmick’s

Bright & Early 4825 Washington. 713.934.8234

Tiny Boxwoods tinyboxwoods.com 3614 W. Alabama St. 713.622.4224

26TEN SUSHI [japanese] 2610 Sage. 713.974.4000

Max’s Wine Dive maxswinedive.com 4720 Washington. 713.880.8737

Antidote Coffee 729 Studewood. 713.861.7400 myspace.com/antidotecoffee

The Coffee Groundz coffeegroundz.net 2503 Bagby. 713.874.0082

asian

Lake House Waterside Cafe Discovery Green North Side. thegrovehouston.com

bakery+ coffee+others

DON DIEGO COFFEE NEW 208 Travis 713.228.3560 dondiegocoffee.com

Voice inside Hotel Icon 220 Main. 832.667.4470 hotelicon.com

La Strada lastradahouston.com 322 Westheimer. 713.523.1014

Polo’s Signature 3800 Southwest Frwy.

713.626.8100 polosignature.com

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

RUGGLES GREEN rugglesgreen.com NEW 2311 West Alabama 713.533.0777

Antone’s •810 Capitol. 713.224.4679 •2724 West T.C. Jester. 713.686.4338 •4520 San Felipe. 713.623.4464 Antone’s Catering. 713.977.4000

Monarch inside Hotel ZaZa 5701 Main. 713.527.1800 monarchrestaurant.com

Mak Chin’s [pan asian] makchins.com 1511 Shepherd. 713.861.9888

pagoda

cajun+creole+ southern

BB’s Kitchen thebetterbite.com 2710 Montrose. 713.524.4499 Houston’s This Is It Soulfood 207 W. Gray. 713.659.1608 thisisithouston.com Treebeards •315 Travis. 713.228.2622 •1117 Texas. 713.229.8248 •1100 Louisiana. 713.752.2601 •700 Rusk. 713.224.6677 Zydeco Louisiana Diner 1119 Pease. 713.759.2001

european+french Brasserie Max and Julie [french] 4315 Montrose. 713.524.0070 maxandjulie.net Charivari Specialty Restaurant [european] 2521 Bagby. 713.271.7231 charivarirest.com

Mingalone Italian Bar & Grill 540 Texas. 713.223.0088 mingalone.com RISTORANTE CAVOUR inside Hotel Granduca. granducahouston.com 1080 Uptown Park. 713.418.1000

latin 1308 CANTINA [mex] 1308cantina.com 1308 Montrose. 713.807.8996 Café Piquet [cuban] 6053 Bissonnet. 713.664.1031 El Meson [cuban] 2425 University. 713.522.9306 El Patio [mex] •6444 Westheimer. 713.780.0410 •2416 Brazos. 713.523.8181 El Rey [cuban-mex] •233 Main. 713.225.1895 •910 Shepherd. 713.802.9145 EL TIEMPO CANTINA [mex] •3130 Richmond. 713.807.1600 •5602 Washington. 713.681.3645 eltiempocantina.com

Escalante’s [mex] escalantes.net 4053 Westheimer. 713.623.4200

Irma’s [mex] •22 N. Chenevert. 713.222.0767 •1314 Texas. 713.247.9651

Las Alamedas [mex] lasalamedas.com 8615 Katy Frwy. 713.461.1503

el tiempo

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The Lemon Tree [peru] 12591 Whittington. 281.556.0690 TILA’S tilas.com 1111 S. Shepherd 713.522.7654

TIO PEPE [spain] 5213 Cedar St. Bellaire, TX 77401 tio pepe 713.667.4409 tiopeperestaurant.net Best PAELLA and SANGRIA in Houston!

Houston’s original and still most authentic Spanish cuisine.

Newly renovated. Under new management.

Lucio’s [new american latin] 905 Taft. 713.523.9958 Ninfa's The Original 2704 Navigation Blvd. 713.228.1175 Catering 713.977.4000 Picazo Restaurant Bar & Grill 1421 Preston. 713.236.1300 picazodowntown.com Tacos a Go-Go tacosagogo.com 3704 Main. 713.807.8226

mediterranean+ greek Droubi Bros.

919 Milam. 713.571.6800

Niko Niko’s nikonikos.com 2520 Montrose. 713.528.1308 Saffron Moroccan Cuisine 2006 Lexington. 713.522.3562 saffronhouston.com

pizza

Candelari’s candelaris.com 6002 Washington. 832.200.1474 Dolce Vita Pizzeria y Enoteca 500 Westheimer. 713.520.8222 dolcevitahouston.com Frank’s Pizza frankspizza.com 417 Travis. 713.225.5656 Romano’s Flying Pizza 1528 W. Gray. 713.526.1182

Star Pizza starpizza.net •77 Harvard. 713.869.1241 •2111 Norfolk. 713.523.0800

steak+chops Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steak House delfriscos.com 5061 Westheimer. 713.355.2600

Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse 2405 W. Alabama. 713.520.5999 flemingssteakhouse.com

Morton’s mortons.com •5000 Westheimer. 713.629.1946 •1001 McKinney. 713.659.3700

Pappas Bros Steakhouse pappasbros.com 5839 Westheimer Rd. 713.780.7352 Strip House theglaziergroup.com 1200 McKinney. 713.659.6000

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SHULA'S STEAKHOUSE Hyatt Regency Houston 1200 Louisiana St. Houston, TX 77002 Reservations: 713.375.4777 Private Dining: 713.375.4709 Shula's is known for serving premium steaks as well as an impressive roster of seafood

and chops. Reserve one of three private dining rooms for business meetings or special occasions. shula’s

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DINE WRITE

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By Jenny Wang of imneverfull.com Photography by Alexander Flenner

DELIGHTS IN THE HEIGHTS | BEDFORD

1. chef/owner robert gadsby 2. icelandic halibut 3. seared scallops 4. bedford fried chicken

1001 Studewood St. | Houston, TX 77008 713.880.1001 | bedfordrestaurant.com

HOURS:

lunch: 11am - 2:30pm daily, dinner: 5:30PM – 10:30PM sun-wed; 5:30pm 11pm fri + sat

sample menu selections beginnings • Green Papaya Chicken Salad | Chef Gadsby’s Classic Mimosa Dressing 14 • Bedford Signature Rolls | Tuna Mushroom Tapénade | Mixed Field Greens | Fine Herbs 12

fish + crustaceans • Gulf Shrimp & Crab | Mixed Vegetables | Kaffir Lime Shellfish Sauce 27 • Manilla Clams | Potato Gnocchi | Chorizo & Leek Fondue | Indian Breads 24

poultry + meat • Boneless Beef Short Ribs | Button Mushrooms | Fingerling Potatoes | Root Vegetables 26 • Cut Your Own Steak | New York or Beef Tenderloin Priced by the Ounce – see server

desserts + finales • Banana Dessert | Vanilla Wafer Shell | Chocolate Sauce | Caramelized Bananas 8 • Warm Indian Style Cheese Donuts | Shaved Pistachio | Edible Gold Leaf 8

2

1

I

n the beginning there was a trio of acclaimed Noé restaurants whose moniker was taken from his own first name. Sometime in between he battled Batali “Iron Chef”-style (he lost but made Houston proud) and did a stint as consulting chef at Soma.

CHEF ROBERT GADSBY has found his fairy-tale ending in Bedford. Not Bedford, England, where he grew up but at his new eponymous signature resto in The Heights. This was his abridged Houston-centric story; I’d need another article to write a full bio which would include names like Keller, Colicchio, Chapel, Robuchon and Ducasse. But now I’m just name-dropping.

Built from the ground up, Bedford is mansion-esque in stature. It boasts of 1.65 million (yes, MILLION) carats of cut Brazilian emeralds set inside magnificent, illuminated bar tops in the lounge and chef’s table. The dining room and wrap-around patio can hold about 200 covers – and that’s just the first floor. The vibe is casual, contemporary even though the waitstaff looks like they belong on a bowling team together.

THE MOST COVETED SEATS IN THE HOUSE ARE FACING AN ELEVEN-SEAT CHEF’S TABLE (THINK GLORIFIED SUSHI BAR) WHERE “THE GREAT GADSBY” IS CENTER STAGE IN HIS OWN PRIVATE KITCHEN. Guests get full attention and an extemporaneous seven- to nine-course tasting menu with wine pairings. Gadsby is prepared to handle vegan, pescatarian, gluten-free and even kosher special requests. Chef’s table (aka “Table One”) is open for one seating a night Thursday through Saturday. On off-nights the chef’s counter is nicknamed “The Beggars Bar” – where Gadsby groupies can “beg” for specific dishes not on the à la carte menu.

TASTING MENU HIGHLIGHTS ONE EVENING INCLUDED 68. february09 002houston

3

TUNA TARTARE ON AVOCADO “FONDUE.” THE VELVETY TARTARE TOWER WAS CROWNED WITH BLACK AND WHITE SESAME SEEDS THAT ADDED A DELICATE NUTTY TEXTURE. Sesame oil perfumed each bite and was punctuated with a tease of wasabi on the finish.

Cauliflower “air” (a somewhat pretentious word for “foam” that I like) was more form than function.

“Shanghai-style” duck ravioli stuffed with duck confit and house-made duck sausage was topped with more duck, shiitakes and julienned Asian vegetables. Gadsby’s sublime mimosa sauce – with a recipe so hush-hush that Chef makes it at home and brings it in – adorned the plate. It had a wonderful brightness (which I suspect comes from yuzu, a Japanese citrus fruit) and was rich and creamy, yet GADSBY IS KNOWN TO NEVER USE BUTTER OR CREAM (EXCEPT IN DESSERTS). After asking him three times, he revealed that the creaminess came from egg yolk. Yet I beseiged him with the same question on a follow-up visit and he declared there was no trace of egg in it and the texture came from potatoes! I have been assured the recipe will debut in his cookbook which he is working on now. Until then, I remain deluded.

THE BEST DISH OF THE NIGHT WAS A WHIMSICAL PLAY ON “BACON AND EGGS.” Ask me what could be better than house-cured bacon and soft-scrambled eggs drizzled with truffle oil? Seared foie gras on top, of course!

This symphony of decadence was set atop a small slice of buttery brioche. Each bite I carved became smaller and smaller as I never wanted the course to end.

I explored the à la carte menus on my second visit. THE BAR MENU TAUNTED ME WITH CHICKEN AND WAFFLES. Fried chicken was actually Cornish game hen and had the flakiest, tastiest crust.

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4

The crispy waffle was made from sweet potatoes and had only a hint of sweetness. The duo was escorted by a pair of gravies. The brown gravy was a showstopper with deep brown butter and caramel overtones. I can’t say I’ve had better fried “chicken” anywhere else.

GADSBY’S CLASSIC MIMOSA SALAD IS A SIGNATURE DISH. A colorful timbale arrived composed of crumbled egg yolks on top of diced egg whites atop a mélange of finely minced red onion, red bells, green onions, cilantro, chicken, bacon and buckwheat noodles (dressed in top-secret mimosa sauce, of course). The salad had an enjoyable crunch from veggies and buckwheat, and Korean chili peppers packed a slight bit of heat.

Chinese duck ravioli from the main menu yielded gyoza-style, pan-fried dumplings not nearly as exciting as the ravioli from the tasting menu. Braised beef short ribs were rich and hearty but not as tender and fall-apart as I prefer them. Spicy curry duck – a tad chewy – had me wishing for a crispy skin and the red curry was milder than I like.

Both desserts were memorable. Apple strudel was less strudel and more egg roll with a delicate, deep-fried, crepe-like wrapper filled with diced apples and raisins poached in cardamom. The accompanying white chocolate-ginger frozen crème anglaise was an inspired finishing touch. Warm Indian-style cheese donuts benefited from a goat cheese batter and were presented wading in rosewater and gilded in gold leaf. Even though a deep fryer and cheese were involved, the dessert wasn’t as heavy as one would expect.

GADSBY DESCRIBES HIS CUISINE AS "CROSS-CULTURAL." I SIMPLY DESCRIBE IT AS "DAZZLING." 69. february09 002houston

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FIRST CRUSH… and a Sugar Rush!

By Allison Bagley | Photography by Julie Soefer

W

hen L.A. filmmaker Elizabeth Harrison went on an unsuccessful hunt through her native Houston to find a cupcake bakery in which to shoot her first-ever feature, an idea struck. Why not open up shop and serve Houstonians the gourmet mini-cakes she loved to bake?

As filming for the movie (titled Love and Mary) wrapped up, Harrison set out with her husband, Peter Cooper, also in the film industry, and Houston-based partner Brad Dorsey to create Crave Cupcakes in Uptown Park, which opened last summer to finger-licking good reviews. Chicly attired visitors to the sleek boutique love peering through the glass at a fleet of staff working behind the scenes. “We wanted to focus on the comfort of cupcakes in an environment where you could feel like you were a part of their creation – kind of like when I would watch my grandmother bake,” says the petite, reserved Harrison, a Kinkaid grad. The cupcakes (many based on recipes from Harrison’s grandmother) are made fresh all day long, and the artisan ingredients make them a standout in the Houston dessert scene.

In the movie, Mary, a Texan living in L.A., is fulfilling her dream of running her own bakery. (Any of this sounding familiar?) After she receives a bad review and at her grandfather’s insistence, she heads back home for a visit, with her fiancé in tow (actually, it’s her fiancé’s twin brother pretending to be her fiancé). It’s been years since she’s been back, but the colorful set of characters she calls family still has the twang and big hair that sent her fleeing in the first place. Ultimately, of course, she finds there what she needs to feel happiness – in both love and career.

“Some would call it a chick flick, but I can’t tell you how many guys have told me they loved the movie!” says Harrison, who picked a strong cast led by smiling blonde Lauren German and hunky Gabriel Mann.

As Crave was attracting buzz, Harrison was working on two other new ventures: her first child, daughter Isabelle, was born the day before Crave opened for business and, after a sold-out 2007 premiere at Austin’s SXSW film fest, Love and Mary was starting to reach a wider audience with DVD distribution.

It’s clear as you learn more about her experience as “the filmmaker/cake baker,” as her mom called her as a child, that life certainly imitates art for Elizabeth Harrison – with one exception: “In the movie you only get to see the baked goods, but at Crave you actually get to taste them!”

Harrison and her team are currently working to get Love and Mary on pay per view and ondemand cable, plus in-flight on airplanes.

Harrison is also writing a coming-of-age romantic comedy, and producing The Numbing of Johnny Walker, a film her husband Peter wrote.

The busy couple lives in Beverly Hills with their daughter, and all three frequently travel from Hollywood to Houston to visit family and their other baby, Crave.

Harrison wrote, directed and produced her feature film debut, a romantic comedy with the tagline, “True love never tasted so sweet.” With scrappy determination and using two things she loves as subject matter – her hometown and baking – Harrison created a film critics say has all the quality of a blockbuster Kate-and-Owen type flick, with all the charm of an indie hit.

The film was set and shot in the Houston area, and her cast was almost entirely made up of Texas natives. “The local cast made working feel like I was home,” Harrison says. Scenes shot at Tootsies, Felix Restaurant, Numbers nightclub and around town give Houstonians a rare glimpse of their home turf on the “big screen,” making an already feel-good movie even more comforting. “I think people have been pleasantly surprised by the film. It follows a familiar tale, but in not such a familiar setting – Houston is rarely the setting for movies. Houstonians are very interesting and often misrepresented in the media.”

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Oh, and Peter, are you taking note? Harrison tells us her idea for “a perfect Valentine’s – Crave Cupcakes and a good chick flick (like Love and Mary!)” loveandmary.com

LOVE AND MARY IS AVAILABLE ON DVD AND ITUNES. JUST IN TIME FOR VALENTINE’S DAY, A "SWEET" ROMANTIC COMEDY – FILMED IN HOUSTON BY THE OWNER OF CRAVE CUPCAKES IS AVAILABLE ON DVD.

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Elizabeth Harrison 71. february09 002houston

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NEW RESTAURANTS

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2:15 PM

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Photography by Daniel Ortiz• Photography by Alexander Flenner +

NEW RESTAURANT? EMAIL US AT LETTERS@002MAG.COM

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DORO BAR

TRADIÇÃO BRAZILIAN

5000 WESTHEIMER 713.621.6888 arcodoro.com

McCORMICK & SCHMICK’S

CIELO

6800 SOUTHWEST FWY 713.339.1122 tradicaobraziliansteak.com

1201 FANNIN ST. [HOUSTON PAVILIONS} 713.658.8100 mccormickandschmicks.com

300 MAIN ST. 713.229.9500 cielomexicanbistro.com

CUISINE italian

CUISINE brazilian/steakhouse (churrascaria)

CUISINE seafood

CUISINE mexican bistro

CHEF GIANCARLO FERRARA

CHEF N/A

CHEF N/A

CHEF YOUSSEF NAFAA

Although Arcodoro has been around for over 11 years, it’s the bar that’s been reborn for the first time. The structure is still the same, but you won’t find the tables set with linens as they used to be. What you’ll find are hand-picked stools, ottomans, sofas, loveseats and comfy chairs with coffee tables and end tables set up in various mini living rooms. Mind you this is no lounge. You will not be losing your glamour and dancing on the coffee tables or anything like that – go to a club for that.

This is a comfortable place to sit have a glass of wine and very limited fingerfoods (NO PIZZA EITHER, AND KNOWING THE OWNER WON’T GET YOU ONE EITHER. TRUST ME, I KNOW.) Doro has its own patio with über comfy seating. The whole patio manages to achieve an intimate home away from home feeling even though in reality you really are in the middle of a parking lot on one of Houston’s busiest streets!

For most of us these days, a visit to Fogo is a “no-go” unless the corporate credit card is coming out too. Recession concessions involve finding meal deals lighter on the wallet and still heavy on the taste and pleasure scale. I’M HAPPY TO REPORT THAT HOUSTON HAS A NEW, MORE AFFORDABLE CHURRASCARIA. The digs are humble with mustard-stained walls, gaucho-themed paintings and wooden ceiling beams which lend a rustic feel about the place. The restaurant is casual and the service attentive, but more “a-night-out-with-the-boys” than “impress-a-date.”

Cheese bread was nom. Salad bar and sides were disappointing, but let’s focus here: We’re here for the meat. It’s good and there was plenty of it. I enjoyed some of the best filet mignon, juicy beef ribs and tender parmesan pork tenderloin I’ve had rodiziostyle. Gauchos with skewers of Picanha, lamb chops, pork ribs, linguiça (pork sausage) and shrimp also glided by the table. Not a single item was overcooked or over salted – as they can tend to be at churrascarias – and I was able to enjoy all my red meat at a lovely medium-rare without having to beg for it that way.

Best part? Dinner is $29.50 per person (lunch is $19.50). I recommend washing down all this protein with a Brazilian Xingu beer.

Purveyors of fresh fish, McCormick & Schmick’s print their menu twice daily and feature more than 30 varieties of fish flown in daily. If you’ve been to one of the more than 80 locations then you know they don’t disappoint. As Downtown dwellers 002 staff is excited to have them in the neighborhood. (More options!) The space itself is, well, very McCormick & Schmick’s. THE NIGHT WE HAD DINNER THERE PARKING WAS EASY; WE HAD A WINDOW BOOTH AND HAD DINNER WITH ANOTHER COUPLE. The lighting and ambiance is very cozy making it easy to interact, talk and just enjoy your company. We started with oysters, which I could have eaten all night they were so fresh! And followed with a perfectly cooked filet mignon and a seafood sampler plate with, of course, more oysters, scallops, shrimp, salmon, mussels and clams. Dessert included an apple pie and chocolate cake – both were great!

In the former downtown digs of St. Pete’s, Cielo is the newest dining destination from Bella Restaurant Group (Mia Bella, Saffron, Cava). THE DÉCOR IS SULTRY, CONTEMPORARY MEXICAN WITH A MENU TO MATCH. Jalapeno-balsamic glazed salmon was superb with an expert balance of smokiness from chipotle and sweetness from a balsamic vinegar reduction. The bed of roasted vegetables (including rutabagas and turnips) was sublime. Chimichurri steak shines with a milder-than-average chimichurri and roasted wild mushrooms, mozzarella and fried onions which bring along the unexpected. I agree that the flavors sound a bit muddled together, but not only does it work – it has a $13.95 price tag.

Cielo easily wins over my affections (and pocketbook) with one of the best happy hours downtown (until 6:30pm) and then AGAIN after 9. Enjoy $2.50 margaritas, mojitos or sangrias and over 20 small plates for $1.95 each including tuna/beef tartare tostadas, ceviche, tacos and tamales.

Jenny Wang

Carla Valencia

Jenny Wang

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Carla Valencia

002houston February 09:002houston

THE CHEF’S SPECIAL

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2:17 PM

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Photography by Anthony Rathbun

CHEF JEFFREY INMAN | RESTAURANT HOUSE OF BLUES cuisine american cuisine with a southern flair | private room bronze peacock room, foundation room, elwood, music hall | catering yes | attire casual address 1204 caroline street, houston, tx 77002 | phone 832.667.7772 | website hob.com

BORN IN A TRADITIONAL, HARDWORKING LOUISIANA FAMILY, CHEF JEFFREY INMAN GREW TO APPRECIATE THAT HARD WORK AND SIMPLY COOKED, FRESH INGREDIENTS WERE AN AVENUE TO REAL JOY – AND SHARING THAT JOY BECAME HIS PASSION. HIS CUISINE AS WELL AS CULINARY STYLE GREW OUT OF 15 YEARS OF LIVING AND WORKING IN LAKE CHARLES AND BATON ROUGE, LOUISIANA. IT CAN BE CATEGORIZED ONLY AS MODERN SOUTHERN CUISINE THAT IS VIBRANT AND RESPECTFUL TO THE INGREDIENTS’ NATURAL FLAVORS WITH INFLUENCES BY THOSE EXPERIENCES. “I ENJOY INGREDIENTS FROM ALL OVER THE GLOBE, WHILE UTILIZING THE TECHNIQUES OF SOUTHERN LOUISIANA AND ITS HISTORY AS AN INSPIRATION FOR MY CONTEMPORARY CUISINE.” PRIOR TO JOINING THE HOUSE OF BLUES HE HONED HIS LEADERSHIP SKILLS AS AN EXECUTIVE CHEF OF SUCH RESTAURANTS AS COPELAND’S CHEESECAKE BISTRO AND THE RAINFOREST CAFÉ AT THE SAN LUIS RESORT.

FAVORITE LATE NIGHT SPOT FOR A BITE? Mai’s Restaurant

WHAT’S YOUR PET PEEVE? Disorganization

BEST BREAKFAST? Kelley’s Country Cooking

FAVORITE AFFORDABLE WINE? Cakebread Chardonnay

BEST BRUNCH? Gospel Brunch at the House of Blues

FAVORITE PLACE FOR DESSERT? Empire Cafe

WHAT INGREDIENT CAN YOU NOT LIVE WITHOUT IN THE KITCHEN AND WHY? Garlic, it’s the bridge between flavors.

WHO ARE YOUR FAVORITE CHEF, RESTAURANT AND DISH? Favorite Chef – Thomas Keller; Restaurant – Bouchon (Las Vegas); Dish – Gnocchi

WHAT UTENSIL CAN YOU NOT LIVE WITHOUT? 8-inch global chef’s knife

LAST BUT NOT LEAST, TELL US YOUR WORST CLIENT EXPERIENCE? Having a grilled cheese thrown at me in the middle of the dining room for being cut wrong.

FAVORITES: SONG U2-

BOOK WAR AND PEACE- TOLSTOY QUOTE FROM A MOVIE “KEEP YOUR FRIENDS CLOSE, BUT YOUR ENEMIES CLOSER” (GODFATHER II) ACTION HERO INDIANA JONES SWEET BANANAS FOSTER

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002houston February 09:002houston

SIP CODES

By Beatrice Valencia

1/21/09

2:18 PM

Restaurateurs, club/bar owners, pubbers, etc., if there is a special event or something you would like the public to know about, email me at bvalencia@002mag.com and I will help spread the word for you. See you out!

I AM OFFICIALLY SELLING OUT. I USUALLY LIKE TO KEEP SIPCODES MUSH FREE BUT WITH AN INFLUX OF EMAILS REGARDING VALENTINE’S DAY SPECIALS, DEALS, IDEAS, ETC., I HAD TO GIVE IN. DON’T WORRY, I’M NOT GOING TO GO OFF THE DEEP END AND SPEW NOTHING BUT SUNSHINE, FLOWERS AND BUSHY TAILS. I AM AWARE THAT THIS IS HALLMARK, THE FLOWER AND JEWELRY INDUSTRIES CONSPIRACY HOLIDAY. NOW, I’M NOT TOTALLY AGAINST THOSE THINGS, SEEING THAT I DO HAVE A SIGNIFICANT OTHER AND ANY OR ALL FORMS OF THOSE WOULD PUT A SMILE ON MY FACE. THESE ARE HARD TIMES SO TAKE THESE FOR WHAT THEY ARE WORTH, JUST SUGGESTIONS. THERE’S NO HARM IN ATTEMPTING TO COOK FOR YOUR LOVED ONES OR EVEN SOMETHING SPECIAL HOMEMADE EITHER. ANY GESTURE IS A SIGNIFICANT GESTURE IF THERE’S LOVE. WHETHER YOU’RE ATTACHED OR NOT, TAKE THIS DAY TO JUST REMIND THOSE WHO MAKE YOU SMILE – FRIENDS, FAMILY OR FIDO – THAT YOU LOVE THEM. HAPPY VALENTINE’S TO YOU AND YOURS!

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A LITTLE BIT OF THIS AND THAT…

Any “holiday” is a good one to have champagne. Why not try a Rose for this “holiday.” VEUVE CLICQUOT’S NONVINTAGE ROSÉ is a pink champagne with aromas of fresh fruits including raspberry, wild strawberry, cherry and blackberry along with hints of dried fruits. Your significant other, friends or family will be grateful they made your list of loved ones to toast to! Retails for $65.

Need to take it on the go? With the ROSÉ CITY TRAVELLER, the chic way for your bottle to travel in style. This pretty pink cooler is designed to hold a bottle while keeping it cold for at least 2 hours. Now you can have cold champagne ANYWHERE! Retails for $75.

In the mood for a little entertainment? MERCURY BAROQUE’S at the Wortham Center will be a romantic treat for you. Escape the usual Valentine’s fare and be transported to the Baroque era and the brilliance of Johann Sebastian Bach. Tickets for are $20 - $47. For more information, or to purchase tickets, call 832.251.0706 or visit mercurybaroque.org.

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SWEET THINGS…

Inject a little humor into your celebration with a gift basket from Cookies in Bloom- 5184 Buffalo Speedway 713-266-5437 For any ex on your list, why not send them a decorated basket full of cookies that got broken in the decorating or packing process with at least one broken heart shape. It sends the message, “That’s the way the cookie crumbles.” An added perk: the basket costs less than the usual $52 and up because, well, you know, “breaking up is cheaper.”

Thinking of sending flowers? Why not send a half dozen blooming roses (large cookies shaped and decorated like roses). They don’t wilt, drop petals, need water and a vase, have to be tossed after several days or taste funny when eaten. Starting at $52, it’s more practical than real flowers.

Are you more naughty than nice? Send a basket of bear cookies in sports themes including some cheerleaders in fishnet stockings. The idea behind the basket you ask?

“You want to score some lovin’ this Valentine’s???” Also $52. A little cheeky, a whole lot of fun!

Ooh la la! Dessert Boutique- 23920 Westheimer Pkwy. 281.391.2253 Get your orders in! The Valentine’s Day menu includes red velvet cheesecake, strawberry cheesecake with chocolate covered strawberries on top, chocolate-covered cherry cupcake (white cake with cherries folded in, topped with a pink butter cream and a chocolate-covered cherry), white chocolate raspberry cheesecake and Linzertorte heart-shaped cookies. I hear the heart-shaped cookies are adorable!

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RESTAURANT LOVIN’…

MCCORMICK & SCHMICK’S SEAFOOD RESTAURANT- 1201 Fannin Street 713.658.8100 McCormick & Schmick’s in the Houston Pavilions downtown has raised privacy to a whole new level. For romantics or those craving privacy, reserve an exclusive “cubby” table.

Located in niches along the restaurant walls, you can hide from the restaurant behind velvet curtains and enjoy your company away from prying eyes. For a night cap, order off the menu – “a chocolate bag.” It’s a chocolate-molded bag filled with fresh fruit and white chocolate mouse. Sounds like a winner!

RA SUSHI BAR RESTAURANT- 3908 Westheimer Rd. 713.621.5800 RA has concocted a love potion called “RA-berry Romance.” This recipe of love for two will be offered February 8-14. This citrusinfused, raspberry-flavored cocktail is served in an ice-filled fishbowl and garnished with fresh raspberries and comes with 2 straws, of course!

BACKSTREET CAFÉ- 1103 South Shepherd 713.521.2239 Backstreet is a romantic setting to enjoy your Valentine’s dinner. With its al fresco patio, cozy fireplaces and intimate tables you are sure to enjoy Chef Hugo Ortega’s four-course menu. A peek from first course options – Skewered Grilled Shrimp with tabbouleh, tomatoes and feta; Baconwrapped Quail with jalapeno cheese grits; and Wild Mushroom sauté with goat cheese toast – is making my mouth water. Cost is $70 per person plus tax and gratuity.

HUGO’S- 1600 Westheimer @ Mandell 713.524.7744 Hugo’s puts a Latin spin to your Valentine’s Day dinner with a four-course menu featuring Huachinango Zarandeado – grilled red snapper seasoned with guajillo sauce and served with Mexican rice – as one of your main course options. Cost is $70 per person plus tax and gratuity.

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HOW COULD WE LEAVE OUT HOTEL PACKAGES?!

YOU’RE RIGHT, WE CAN’T…

HOTEL ZAZA- 5701 Main St. 713.526.1991 Hotel ZaZa has a package for just about anything you need: make-up, break-up or going down on bended knee. They’ve got you covered. Note: this is for those who have money to spare or bills to burn. Useful tip from the hotel itself: 82 percent of all engagements occur between Christmas Eve and Valentine’s Day according to The Wedding Report. Book your 74. february09 002houston

romantic getaway such as the ZaZa Romance package with votive candle turndown; the ZaZalicious package’s Grande Balcony accommodations; and the Together Forever package complete with a 50-minute “Ménage a Deux” Swedish massage. All packages include much more indulgent details to smother your loved one with. Check out all packages at www.hotelzaza.com.

MONARCH AND HOTEL ZAZA have prepared a dinner and optional overnight package that will have your sweetie thanking you for a long time. Enjoy a four-course, prix fixe menu dinner at Monarch at one of two seatings – 6pm or 9pm – for $80. Feel like staying for the evening, check out their Amore or XOXO package to keep the love going all night long.

For more information about how to create an evening to remember, or to make a reservation, call 713-526-1991 or visit www.hotelzaza.com/houston.

HOTEL ALDEN- 1117 Prairie St. 832.200.8800 Hotel Alden has it figured out!

Valentine’s Day falls on a Saturday this year. Now you can go the total romantic route or hit up a Valentine’s PARTY!!! Dubbed “Saturday Night Love” and tagged with whether you are in love or looking for love, Valentine’s Party on the Veranda.

Now, I don’t know about you but I really need no excuse to go to a party! The party starts at 8pm and goes to 11. Admission is either $15 in advance or $20 at the door. Think DJ, dancing, cash bar, signature drinks, the possibility of finding love…sounds like a stellar V-Day to me! Check out overnight packages, “love shack,” “beaus and arrows” and “be mine,” on their website.

For an intimate beginning to the evening, why not start the night with a four-course dinner at their award-winning 17 Restaurant.

Dinner starts at $85 per person with seatings at 6:30pm and 8:30pm.

MESSINA HOF WINERY & RESORT4545 Old Reliance Rd. Bryan, TX Get away to Bryan and wine and dine your sweetie at Messina Hof’s Vintage House Restaurant. They have put plenty of love, care and thought into their sumptuous five-course dinner menu with wine pairing to match. Dinner starts at 6:30pm at $69.50 per person plus tax and gratuity. Here’s a bit of a teaser from the menu which sounds amazing! First course: heart-shaped Ravioli stuffed with lobster and tossed in a light olive oil-butter sauce, laced with Unoaked Chardonnay and fresh thyme. In the words of Rachael Ray, “YUMMO!” For more details or to make a reservation, call 800.736.9463, ext.

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CLUB+LOUNGE REVIEW

H

1/21/09

3:48 PM

Page 76

By Travis Jones Photography by Daniel Ortiz

PRAVADA | 2815 s. shepherd | houston, tx 77098 | 713.533.1200 | pravadahouston.com

CAPTURING THE HEART OF HOUSTON

ouston is an intriguing beast. Every culture and creed on the planet seems to have representation here, and like organ systems in a living, breathing body, they all do their part to keep Houston thriving. When you walk into Pravada on 2815 S. Shepherd, you’re walking into the beating heart of H-Town.

And you can hear that heart beat well before you reach the front door.

THE THRASHING BASS PALPATES THRONGS OF ANXIOUS PARTY-SEEKING HOUSTONIANS EVERY THURSDAY THROUGH SATURDAY night when the doors open at 10, and the party doesn’t flatline till the wee hours.

The inner workings of this ventricular wonder lend themselves nicely to even further comparison to a pounding, pulsating heart of a proud city; they give the location that was once the famed Houston club Chrome new life. Bathed in an electric crimson glow from lights high ahead, the velour padded nooks and crannies of Pravada provide visitors every opportunity to lose themselves within, like Dennis Quaid in Innerspace. (Remember that movie? Guy gets miniaturized and injected into someone’s body in a little submarine thingie and roams around? Classic.)

Make no mistake though, Pravada is a dance club. Don’t come expecting to sit for long, because the sounds of DJ Red and DJ Bizz on Friday and Saturday nights, respectively, are downright aerobic. The bass pumps, the lights flicker and the dance floor seems to undulate in time, flooded with the young and well-dressed lifeblood of Houston.

Just as Houston pulls from so many multicultural walks of life, Pravada pulls from the far reaches of the U.S. to bring the people what they want.

D.J. Peter Parker, an NYC staple, flies in occasionally to add Big Apple attitude. THE SULTRY STYLES AND THE OUTSIDE PATIO MINI-LOUNGE,

LACED WITH PALMS AND WHITE UPHOLSTERED BEDS, IS DECIDEDLY MIAMI-ESQUE. COCKTAIL WAITRESSES LEND VEGAS-STYLE SASS TO PRAVADA, serving up drinks in skimpy lingerie and complementing a very reasonable bottle service that starts at $150. Pravada is an amalgam of club-cultures that synergistically takes on a Houston-ish vibe, giving patrons whatever their hearts desire.

Fittingly (if you paid attention in anatomy), a gray velvet curtain splits the beating heart of Pravada into two distinct atriums: the aforementioned front of house, and a slightly more mellow back room – a perfect escape for those with two left feet or anyone looking for a place to chillax a bit.

Equipped with its own, well-stocked bar and ample seating, the space is perfect for a more intimate affair, but big enough to get as raucous as you please.

THE REAL PRIZE IN THE BACK, HOWEVER, IS THE PLATINUM ROOM, A ROPED OFF NICHE EQUIPPED WITH ITS OWN SECURITY AND WAITSTAFF. JUST ABOVE YOUR HEAD IN THE PLATINUM ROOM, YOU AND 15 FRIENDS CAN ARRANGE TO BE ENTERTAINED BY YOUR VERY OWN GO-GO DANCER-IN-A-BOX. Or be the host with the most (booze, that is) by ordering a magnum bottle of liquor or having a three-foot bottle of top-notch champagne flown in from Las Vegas. Seriously…Pravada will do that for you. Call a couple weeks in advance to lockdown the Platinum Room, though, because missing out on this hotspot-within-ahotspot would be…well…heartbreaking.

Well, I’m just about out of heart references, so let’s sum things up. We are all part of the creature that is Houston. We bring it to life with an indisputably unique energy that pulls from every imaginable background. Most importantly though, Houston has heart, and places like Pravada prove it.

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Photography by Claire Learned for LastNightPics.com

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11:58 AM

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EVENT GRAND OPENING OF FLOSS DENTAL WHY TO INAUGURATE A NEW SPACE WHERE FLOSS WHEN JANUARY 15

Family and friends were invited by Dr. Herzog to celebrate the grand opening of Floss Dental’s first outpost outside of headquarters in Dallas. Cocktails and hors d’oeuvres flowed freely all night while guests enjoyed the beautiful new space and mingling. The modern dental offices feature eye-catching art as well as plasma screens at dental stations.

Clint and Breah Herzog

Yvonne Boustany, Dow Hickam

Janie, Nicole Giglio, Jessica Johnson, Nancy Camden, Daniella Giglio, Sara Brown, Cougar Moore

Lizzy Lozano, Gracie Oberti

Courtney Cox, Dianna Wilde

Ryan Herraera, Dana Herraera, Ryan Christensen

Brent Everett, Marsol Monasterio, Armondo Moya

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002NIGHT LIFE downtown

702 702 W. Dallas. 713.654.8040 702houston.com A+ BAR inside Alden Hotel 1117 Prairie. 832.200.8800 aldenhotels.com BANK BAR 220 Main. 832.667.4477 hotelicon.com

CABO 417 Travis. 713.225.2060 cabomixmex.com COPA CABANA 114 Main. 713.223.COPA copacabanalounge.com

C&F DRIVE INN 6714 N. Main. 713.861.0704 CHAR BAR 305 Travis. 713.222.8177 charbarhouston.com CLUB ICE/MANTRA 711 Main. 713.225.3500 mantrahouston.com

THE COTTON EXCHANGE 202 Travis. 713.213.1141 cottonexchangelounge.com

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

DIVE LOUNGE inside the Aquarium 410 Bagby. 713.223.3474 EIGHTEEN TWENTY 1820 Franklin. 713.224.5535 myspace.com/1820bar ETTA’S LOUNGE 5120 Scott. 713.528.2611 FLYING SAUCER 705 Main. 713.228.7468 beerknurd.com

GLO 505 Main. 713.223.3456 club-glo.com

HEAT 511 Main. 713.225.8020 myspace.com/clubheat_houston HOUSE OF BLUES 1204 Caroline. 1-888-40-BLUES hob.com/houston

BARS + CLUBS + LOUNGES + WINE BARS JAZZ AT THE MAGNOLIA 1100 Texas. 713.221.0011 magnoliahotels.com

TOC BAR 711 Franklin. 713.224.4862 myspace.com/tocbarhouston

LA CARAFE 813 Congress. 713.229.9399

galleria + uptown

JET LOUNGE 1515 Pease. 713.659.2000 myspace.com/jetlounge

LEVEL 412 Main. 713.227.0410 myspace.com/levelhouston LIVE SPORTS CAFÉ 407 Main. 713.228.5483 livesportscafe.com

LONE STAR SALOON 1900 Travis. 713.757.1616 MOLLY’S PUB 509 Main. 713.222.1033 mollyspubs.com

NOTSUOH 314 Main. 713.237.8220 myspace.com/notsuohmusic

RED CAT JAZZ CAFÉ 924 Congress. 713.226.7870 redcatjazzcafe.com

RESERVE 101 1201 Caroline. 713.655.7101 reserve101.com

SAMBUCA JAZZ CAFÉ 909 Texas Ave. 713.224.5299 sambucarestaurant.com SHADOW BAR 213 Milam. 713.221.5483 theshadowbar.com

SHAY MCELROY’S 909-A Texas. 713.223.2444 mcelroyspub.com SKYLINE BAR & GRILL 1600 Lamar. 713.577.6139 (inside Hilton Americas)

STATE BAR & LOUNGE 909 #2-A Texas. 713.229.8888 thestatebar.com

THE TREEHOUSE Discovery Green 1611 Lamar. 713.337.7321 thegrovehouston.com THE VAULT 723 Main. 713.224.6891

VENUE 719 Main. 713.236.8150 venuehouston.com

BAR 12•21 MORTON’S 5000 Westheimer. 713.629.1946 mortons.com

BLANCO’S 3406 W. Alabama. 713.439.0072 houstonredneck.com

BELVEDERE 1131 Uptown Park. 713.552.9271 belvedereinfo.com

THE TASTING ROOM 1101-18 Uptown Park. 713.993.9800 114 Gray. 713.528.6402 2409 W. Alabama. 713.526.2242 tastingroomwines.com

UROPA 3302 Mercer. 713.627.1132 cluburopahouston.com

WILD WEST 6101 Richmond. 713.266.3455 wildwesthouston.com

heights + washington

THE BLACK SWAN 4 Riverway. 713.871.8181 (inside the Omni Hotel)

BLUE LABEL LOUNGE 4500 Washington. bluelabellounge.com CLUB 26 TEN 2610 Sage. 713.974.4000 myspace.com/club26ten

IDENTITY BAR 5959 Richmond. 713.785.0999 PLANETA BAR-RIO 6400 Richmond. 832.251.9600 bar-rio.com PAPARRUCHOS 3055 Sage. 713.212.3178 paparruchos.com

RA SUSHI 3908 Westheimer. 713.621.5800 rasushi.com

REMINGTON BAR 1919 Briar Oaks Ln. 713.403.2631 (inside St. Regis Hotel) theremingtonrestaurant.com ROXY 5851 W. Alabama. 713.850.ROXY myspace.com/roxyhouston

BLOCK 21 2420 Washington. 713.337.1410 BOOM BOOM ROOM 2518 Yale. 713.868.3740 myspace.com/ boomboomroomhouston

CHAISE LOUNGE 4219 Washington. 713.861.2300 chaiseloungehouston.net

CITIZEN LOUNGE 4606 Washington. 713.862.4448 THE CORKSCREW 1919 Washington. 713.864.9463 houstoncorkscrew.com CORLEONE BAR & GRILL 813 Jackson. 713.863.8223 (behind Patrenella’s) patrenellas.net COSMOS CAFÉ 69 Heights. 713.802.2144 cosmoshouston.com

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

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DARKHORSE TAVERN 2207 Washington. 713.426.2442 dhtavern.com

DECO 510 Gray. 713.659.4900 decohouston.com

THE DRAKE 1902 Washington. 713.861.9600 thedrakebar.com

EPIC 3030 Travis. 713.862.4810

THE DIRT 222 Yale. 713.426.4222 myspace.com/dirtbar

EL TIEMPO CANTINA 5602 Washington. 713.681.3645 eltiempocantina.com KOBAIN 33 Waugh. 713.862.9911 kobain.net

MOLINA’S 4720 Washington. 713.862.0013 molinasrestaurants.com ONION CREEK 3106 White Oak. 713.880.0706 onioncreekcafe.com

PEARL BAR 4216 Washington. 713.863.5337 pearlbarhouston.com

THE SOCIAL 3730 Washington. 713.426.5585 thesocialinfo.com

midtown

13 CELSIUS 3000 Caroline. 713.529.8466 13celsius.com

3RD BAR 2600 Travis. 713.526.8282 BLOCK 21 2420 Washington Ave.

EL PATIO 2416 Brazos. 713.523.8181 elpatio.com

FIX LOUNGE 2707 Milam. 832.281.2101 fixlounge.com FRONT PORCH PUB 217 Gray. 713.571.9571 frontporchpub.com

HOWL AT THE MOON 612 Hadley. 713.658.9700 howlatthemoon.com

IBIZA LOUNGE NEXT DOOR 2450 Louisiana. 713.520.7300 ibizaloungenextdoor.com KOMODO’S 2004 Baldwin. 713.655.1501

LEON’S LOUNGE 1006 McGowen. 713.659.3052

THE MAPLE LEAF 514 Elgin. 713.520.6464 themapleleafpub.blogspot.com THE MINK/THE BACKROOM 3718 Main. 713.522.9985 themink.org

OPEN CITY 2416-A Brazos. 832.483.8357 ochouston.com RED DOOR 2416 Brazos. 713.225.0640 reddoorhouston.com

RICH’S 2401 San Jacinto. 713.759.9606 richshouston.com

BOND 2700 Milam. 713.529.2663 bond2700.com

COACHES 2204 Louisiana. 713.751.1970 CHRISTIAN’S TAILGATE 2000 Bagby. 713.527.0261

SAMMY’S 2016 Main. 713.751.3101 sammysat2016main.com

SAINT DANE’S BAR + GRILL 502 Elgin. 713.807.7040

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STATUS 2404 San Jacinto. 713.659.5400 myspace.com/statushouston SWIVEL 2621 Milam. 713.222.2057 swivelhouston.com THE ROOF 2600 Travis. 713.522.4900 roofbarhouston.com

THE WET SPOT 160 W. Gray. 713.523.7768 wetspot-houston.com TIPSY CLOVER 2416 Brazos. 713.524.8782 WHISKEY CREEK 2905 Travis. 713.526.4225 whiskeycreekhouston.com

XO BAR & LOUNGE 2611 San Jacinto. 713.651.9900 myspace.com/xohouston

ZEPPELIN 3101 San Jacinto. 713.521.7300 myspace.com/zeppelin713

montrose + shepherd

ABSINTHE 609 Richmond. 713.528.7575 absinthelounge.com

AGORA 1717 Westheimer. 713.526.7212 agorahouston.com AVANTGARDEN 411 Westheimer. 832.519.1429 avantgardenhouston.com

BARTINI 1318 Westheimer. 713.526.2277 clubbartini.com BOHEME WINE & CAFÉ BAR 307 Fairview. 713.269.0859 barboheme.com

BOONDOCKS 1417 Westheimer. 713.522.8500 myspace.com/boondocksbar BYZANTIO 403 W. Gray. 713.520.6896 byzantiohouston.com

CATBIRDS 1336 Westheimer. 713.523.8000 catbirds.com

1/21/09

3:32 PM

CEZANNE JAZZ CLUB 4100 Montrose. 713.522.9321 blacklaboradorpub.com

GUAVA LAMP 570 Waugh. 713.524.3359 myspace.com/guavalamphouston THE DAVENPORT 2115 Richmond. 713.520.1140

THE FLAT 1702 Commonwealth. 713.521.3528 ETRO 1424 Westheimer. 713.529.3449 myspace.com/etrohouston GRIFF’S 3416 Roseland. 713.528.9912 griffshouston.com

THE HARP 1625 Richmond. 713.528.7827 LOLA’S 2327 Grant. 713.528.8342

LZ PUB 2239 Richmond. 713.522.7118 MARFRELESS 2006 Peden. 713.528.0083

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

THE NEXT DOOR 2020 Waugh. 713.520.1712 myspace.com/thenextdoorgallery NUMBERS 300 Westheimer. 713.526.6551 numbersnightclub.com PRIVE 910 Westheimer. 713.526.6551 privelounge.com

POISON GIRL 1641-B Westheimer. 713.527.9929 myspace.com/poisongirlbar.com SOUTH BEACH 810 Pacific. 713.529.7623 southbeachthenightclub.com

SLIDER’S BAR 1424 Westheimer. 713.528.2788 slidersbar.com

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SCOTT GERTNER’S SKYBAR 3400 Westheimer. 713.520.9688 msypace.com/scottgertnersskybar THE STAG’S HEAD 2128 Portsmouth. 713.533.1199 stagsheadpub.com THE TAVERN 1340 W. Gray. 713.522.5159 thetavernongray.com

VELVET MELVIN 3303 Richmond. 713.522.6798 myspace.com/thevelvetmelvinpub VINTAGE 2108 Kipling. 713.522.4200

ZAKE LOUNGE 2943 S. Shepherd. 713.526.6888 zakerestaurant.com

museum district MONARCH LOUNGE 5701 Main (inside Hotel ZaZa).

713.526.1991 monarchrestauranthouston.com ZIMM’S MARTINI & WINE 4321 Montrose. 713.521.2002 zimsbar.com

outer loop

VINO 100 11693 Westheimer. 281.759.4100

rice village

ARMADILLO PALACE 5015 Kirby. 713.526.9700 thearmadillopalace.com

BAKER STREET PUB 5510 Morningside. 713.942.9900 bakerstreetpub.com BAM BOU 2540 University. 713.521.7222 bambouhouston.com

BRIAN O’NEILL’S 5555 Morningside. 713.522.2603 brianoneills.com BRONX BAR 5555 Morningside. 713.520.9690 ERNIE’S ON BANKS 1010 Banks. 713.526.4566 erniesonbanks.com

THE GINGER MAN 5607 Morningside. 713.526.2770 gingermanpub.com JOHNNY’S SPORTS BAR 2511 Bissonnet. 713.521.9928 myspace.com/joialounge

KAY’S LOUNGE 2324 Bissonnet. 713.528.9858

300 HOUSTON BOWLING 925 Bunker Hill 713.461.2431 300houston.com DENIM BAR 16090 City Walk. 281.275.5925 (inside the Burning Pear) theburningpear.com THE DERRICK TAVERN 1127 Eldridge. 281.759.4922 thederricktavern.com

FIREHOUSE SALOON 5930 Southwest Frwy. 713.977.1962 firehousesaloon.com HUSH 15625 Katy Frwy. 713.330.4874 hushonline.com

VINE WINE ROOM 12420 Memorial Dr. 713.463.8463 vinewineroom.com

LITTLE WOODROW’S 5611 Morningside. 713.521.2337 littlewoodrows.com THE LOUNGE AT BENJI’S 2424 Dunstan. 713.522.7602 benjys.com

VOLCANO 2349 Bissonnet. 713.526.5282

river oaks + kirby

AZTECA’S BAR & GRILL 2207 Richmond. 713.526.1702 aztecasbarandgrill.com THE BIG EASY 5731 Kirby. 713.523.9999 bigeasyblues.com

COVA -5600 Kirby. 713.838.0700 -5555 Washington. 713.868.3366 covawine.com

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DOWNING STREET 2549 Kirby. 713.523.2291 downingstreetpub.com

KENNEALLY’S IRISH PUB 2111 S. Shepherd. 713.630.0486 irishpubkenneallys.com LIZZARD’S PUB 2715 Sackett. 713.529.4610

MEZZANINE LOUNGE 2200 Southwest Frwy. 713.528.MEZZ mezzaninelounge.com MUGSY’S 3200 Kirby. 713.526.5595

RICKSHAW BAMBU 2810 Westheimer. 713.942.7272 rickshaw-bambu.com ROLL-N SALOON 4200 San Felipe. 713.622.7487 TACO MILAGRO 2555 Kirby. 713.522.1999 taco-milagro.com

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

warehouse district

EIGHTEEN TWENTY 1820 Franklin. 713.224.5535 1820bar.com

LUCKY’S PUB 801 St. Emanuel. 713.522.2010 luckyspub.com THE MERIDIAN 1503 Chartres. 713.225.1717 meridianhouston.com

NEXT 2020 McKinney. 713.221.8833 whatsnexthouston.com PASHAA ULTRA LOUNGE 2010 McKinney. 713.344.0305 myspace.com/pashaahouston

WAREHOUSE LIVE 813 St. Emanuel. 713.225.5483 warehouselive.com

002houston February 09:002houston

RECORDING

1/21/09

2:27 PM

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Interview by Jeremy Hart Photography by Anthony Rathbun

THE TONTONS

(Star Wars-Loving Psychedelic Soul Rebels?)

SOMETIMES IT CAN BE HARD TO FIT A BAND INTO AN EASY BOX. FOR MUSIC WRITERS, LABELS ARE GOLD—SHORTHAND THEY CAN USE TO DESCRIBE SOMETHING WITH ONE WORD THEY’D NEED TEN TO TALK ABOUT OTHERWISE. THERE ARE BANDS, HOWEVER, THAT STUBBORNLY DEFY THOSE KINDS OF ATTEMPTS AT CATEGORIZATION. That’s certainly the case with The Tontons. They touch everything from psychedelia to soul to jazz to blues, sounding like a crossbreed of Billie Holiday and the Jimi Hendrix Experience both live and on their 2007 Sea and Stars EP on Esthetic Noise Records. Singer Asli Omar provides the soulful side, shifting effortlessly from an alluring whisper in one moment to a blues-belter howl the next, while bassist Tom Nguyen and brothers Adam (guitar) and Justin Martinez (drums) spit out shards of earthy, ‘60s-influenced psych-rock.

“We have a hard time telling people what we sound like,” Nguyen admitted when pressed for a description of his band’s sound. Omar agreed, declaring that the

Tom Nguyen

Asli Omar

band isn’t enough of any one style, which triggered a half-serious debate about The Tontons’ future direction.

“We should be more psychedelic,” Adam Martinez declared, to which Omar and Nguyen both jokingly threw out responses: “I think we should be more punk rock.” “Metal?”

It may be wiser to view the band’s sound not as an intentional creation but as a happy-accident collision of the members’ previous bands. Nguyen and Adam Martinez had been in Helicopter Jones, a psychedelic blues band, while Omar sang for the softer-edged Colonia del Soul until the two bands played together, after which the latter imploded. Helicopter Jones followed not long after, and the ex-members of both bands found one another, recruited Adam’s brother to play drums, and fumbled their way into what would become The Tontons’ sound.

“Accidental” seems to describe the band’s life as a whole, really. Not that the The Tontons haven’t worked hard to get where they are now, but the whole thing just seemed to fall into place. The band didn’t even have a name until the week before the EP was released; finally deciding on “Tontons” after a late night spent watching “The Empire Strikes Back” (and yes, Star Wars nerds, the misspelling of the band’s name is intentional). After that, the band saw a slow build, with people finally discovering the band and the music a year after the EP came out.

“It’s cool,” Omar said, laughing.

“We’re still riding on that little EP machine. We’re going to ride it as long as we can.”

“On the EP, we really didn’t know what we were doing,” Omar explained. “We 80. february09 002houston

Justin Martinez

Adam Martinez

recorded the EP before we were on a record label, before any other stuff was happening, just to have it recorded. And we didn’t really know what we were doing.”

“It was supposed to be a demo,” Nguyen agreed. “I think it’s very cool that people seem to be enjoying it,” Omar continued, “because when we wrote it, it was like, ‘‘what songs are we even going to put on the EP? What’s going on?’‘” For the EP, Nguyen and the Martinez brothers came up with the music and just handed it off to Omar to come up with lyrics, a process they’ve attempted to change for the full-length they’re currently writing.

“There’re a couple of songs where we’ll come up with a riff and we’ll all work on it. That’s what we’re we’re trying to do more of,” said Nguyen. “When [Omar] was gone,” he continued, referring to Omar’s absence from town until relatively recently, “we just couldn’t do that very much.”

With Omar now back in Houston full-time, the band is in motion, planning to release the new album this month and follow up with “a proper tour,” as Nguyen put it.

Naturally, the The Tontons have hit the usual obstacles along the way, citing sound problems at the 2008 Houston Press Awards ceremony (they won Best New Act) where they were simultaneously excited and embarrassed to meet and clink awards with legend Bun B. “Bun B got to see us sucking royally,” Omar moaned, before shifting gears yet again and proclaiming the band’s solidarity with the Houston hip-hop scene: “Shout out to Bun B! Maybe he’ll read this, and then he’ll be like, ‘‘Come on tour!’‘”

myspace.com/thetontons

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By Lance Scott Walker

EVENT SNAPSHOTS CELEBRATION AND FASHION SHOW! WHY TO BENEFIT SNAP WHERE HOUSTON STUDIOS WHEN DECEMBER 5

SCARFACE Emeritus (Rap-A-Lot)

Supporters, fans and friends glammed themselves to attend this fashionable féte for a cause. Models strutted their stuff down the runway showcasing key pieces from Chloe Dao’s collection with accents from Elaine Turner’s latest handbag collection. Guests perused the silent auction items while enjoying delicious bites, beverages and tunes. The money raised at the event, more than $50,000, will enable SNAP to expand spaying and neutering services and provide additional free community resources.

Chloe Dao, Elaine Turner

CD REVIEWS

I’ll say it: it doesn’t feel like a suicide note. And that’s not a reference to the best track on Face’s last effort, 2007’s Made; it’s an acknowledgement of his proclamation that this release will be his last.

Rappers ‘retiring’ has become a sort of joke in the industry—to try and name one who truly has is to go down the long list of those who have threatened to do so and reneged (with Mase being a notable exception). Face, like fellow ‘retirees’ Jay-Z and Dr. Dre, still has more to offer, and this is proof. That rough, smoky, matter-of-fact gangsta gruff is still in place, echoing recollections of stories from moments past such as he’s always done. Flawless, such as he’s always done. The beats are top-notch, such as he’s always had. The drops are top shelf, such as he’s always drawn, and he even bridges the gap on this one by arranging for a surprise appearance by South Park Coalition leader K-Rino and North Side denizen Slim Thug on the same track. And then you have Bun B and Lil’ Wayne, The Product and a fistful of other drops that fall into place perfectly against Face’s storylines. It’s just not time. “Redemption Song” and “High Note” might hold lyrically true to the promise of departure, but even the title track itself, though followed by an instrumental outro, doesn’t issue the last word. It feels temporary, static, as if leading to something else. And there are other lines that indicate such elsewhere on the record: “I’m too hard to kill/I refuse to die,” maybe it’s reading between the lines. Maybe we just don’t want to believe Scarface will retire; it could be that simple. But in the end, we all probably have an idea about how one of the best and most enduring rappers in history would go out. And this isn’t it.

ANIMAL COLLECTIVE Merriweather Post Pavilion (Domino)

Brett Chisholm, Ryan Rice

Andre Branch, Chris Goins, Jeff Shell, Chris Hancock

The lines are becoming really blurry between Animal Collective and Panda Bear. Not just because of the way that the sound of their records has become homogenous, but because Panda Bear himself seems to have written a follow-up song on this record that alludes to a song on his last solo record. And like that record, it’s the best song on this one. “My Girls” clocks in at only half the length of “Bros,” from Panda’s 2007 solo release Person Pitch, but it gets the same point across—an intense but floating rainstorm of pop melodies with percussion taking a backseat like water dripping off the gutters. It’s difficult to tell whether or not it’s as sample-heavy as its predecessor, but the connotation (especially on the lyrical tip) is there. And that’s the case with the entire record, save two key features: the production and the synth work, both of which outrun any of their collective (no pun intended) releases combined.

Problem is that even though the fidelity of the album is markedly higher, the songwriting has gone soft, with a criss-crossing of melodies that leaves some of the tracks lacking the direction heard on last year’s Strawberry Jam. That watery, ethereal quality of it allows for the melodies to sort of trail off and into one another, sneaking up on you instead of exploding from one ear to another like their work customarily does.

“Taste” is a perfect example, with Avey Tare’s stronghold melody not really surfacing until you’re halfway through the track. And then, he begins to layer himself over himself, with every melody eventually falling on top of one another like blanket over blanket over blanket. And that’s not exactly bad, it just lacks the punch of their last effort, which, by all accounts, did away with their previously spastic approach in favor of a more melodic pulse. This one takes it a step further, only without the pulse.

It’s still a circus, it’s just that now the sides of the tent have been pulled back—and the air is blowing right through it. Bring a scarf.

ROMANCE The Divide (Thin-Lipped Music)

Anna Winter, Leanne Little

It would be way cool if these Seattle boys sported Romantics haircuts and called their band Romance but pretended they’d never heard “Talking In Your Sleep.” Such is the not the case. But they are informed by those who were informed by things coming out of Manchester in the late ’70s on Factory Records. In short, it doesn’t really sound like Joy Division—more like it sounds like the bands who were influenced by Joy Division. Except the lyrics need some fire. As is the case with the bands influenced by Joy Division, who in turn influenced Romance.

Funny thing about starting a fire—it burns every time you re-light it, but you’re still burning someone else’s old ashes.

Michelle Mantor, Neil Sackheim, Linne Giraurd

Tony Livesay, Dana Tyson

81. february09 002houston

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2:31 PM

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OO2CROSSWORD

Crossword by Myles Mellor

ACROSS 1 Period of economic contraction 6 Drop in sales 10 Dentist tool 11 Salaries 12 It became an economic crisis point in 2008 15 Green light 16 Excessively 18 Fool 19 Wrong color for the books 21 Mortgage with an adjustable rate 22 Shell out cash for 24 For example, abbr.

25 Absorb, as a cost 27 These have been reduced by drops in stock values 30 Company reaction to falling business

BEFORE WE GO

SAVE THE DATE 32 “Terrible” czar 34 “We’ve been ___!”

35 Sets spending limits 39 Reduction 41 Sushi bar order 42 Prefix with angle 43 Big coffee holder 44 Carry out 47 Identify 48 Evil or No? 50 Ecological community 52 Have coverage 56 Try (2 words) 59 Vane direction 60 Hire 63 Reputation 64 Used to be the backing for currency 65 Cartridge contents 66 Economic pessimist

DOWN 1 Credit card enticements 2 Minor player 3 Assisting environmental survival, broadly 4 Earnings 5 Demands 6 Buyer’s action, with a card 7 ___ 40 – rock group 8 Kind of shot 9 Returns from investments 13 Copy, for short 14 Gymnast’s goal 17 Quebecois gold 20 Company payouts to shareholders 23 Shortfall 26 Audio frequency, for short 28 4th in the family

29 African antelope 31 Appropriate 33 Weight measure, for short 34 The global economic crisis started in this sector of the US economy 36 Owing 37 Loss of ____ has cut people’s spending ability 38 Comes from 40 It’s done to belts, in hard times

45 Radio type 46 Pedicurist’s concern 49 Felt bad about 51 Volcano located in Pompeii 53 “The Matrix” hero 54 Room, for short 55 Prefix with center 57 Blade 58 Hesitant expression 61 Lane, for short 62 Approve

4|4|2009 memorial park conservancy's

FIRST 4K FUN RUN

4 the park

memorialparkconservancy.org

JANUARY ANSWERS

Photo of Huston Arboretum & Nature Center by Michael Chmura, age 18 Winner of 2008 Youth Nature Photography Contest 82. february09 002houston

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