June 2008

002houston | june 08 | volume 10 | issue 114

hip.current.cool

www.002mag.com

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

TABLE OF CONTENTS 4 table of contents 6 letter from the editor 8 houston map 10 downtown map

22 for art’s sake: brian neal sensabaugh 23 gish at the movies 24 non-profit: crossroads school 26 living smart: james hollis

28 DESTINATION: LOVE SHACKS 30 A MASTER CRAFTSMAN

28 12 002news | uptown map 14 calendar 16 exhibits+museums+art house listings

31 scene 33 on our radar 34 born cool. grow hip.

35 scene 36 people of houston 38 costumes for cocktails 39 4 greats 40 jewel box 41 retail resurrected 42 things I love 44 retail wrap: casa de novia 45 scene

48 76 chef’s special: alex padilla 75 super mario land 78 sipcodes 80 cd reviews | scene

46 PILLOW TALK 47 perfect scents

48 HERE COMES THE BRIDE ALL DRESSED IN… 50 WHITE WEDDING 53 scene

30 17 what’s up downtown 18 museum district 20 gallery: joan wich & co.

21 spacetaker

46 4 june08|002houston

54 PAPER SHOP

55 wedding listings 56 monthly goodies 58 kurt aichler 58 where to live 60 architecture+design: womb chair 62 where to live 64 business profile: ben shamooleian 65 scene 66 wise guy 67 finance 68 vroom vroom 69 tools+toys+gadgets 70 restaurant listings 72 dine write: zushi 74 new restaurants 75 super mario land

50 81 club review: 26ten 82 002 nightlife 84 recording: david bean 86 crossword puzzle

54

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EDITOR’S LETTER | WHO’S WHO IN 002HOUSTON

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

photography by sofia van der dys |hair by elia graves at jose eber salon and makeup by pati + trixi

volume 10 | issue 114 www.myspace.com/002houston alejandro martinéz ext 16 a.martinez@002mag.com

•PUBLISHER

LOVE IS IN THE AIR… It’s officially the most popular wedding month.

Most of you are going to one, in one, planning one or somehow involved indirectly in someone’s wedding.

We follow up with last year’s cover brides to get the scoop on their weddings. TURN TO PAGE 50 TO SEE THE LOVELY LADIES IN THEIR REAL WEDDING DRESSES WITH THEIR GROOMS.

Candice Alvarado talks to Lazaro and Ramona Keveza about their couture wedding dresses and bridesmaids dresses on page 48. Find out what a bride should keep in mind when shopping for her dress.

CARLA VALENCIA de MARTINEZ

DON’T FORGET WHAT GOES UNDER THE DRESS IS JUST AS IMPORTANT AS THE DRESS ITSELF! Josie Natori, head of the eponymous lingerie house, talks with Allison Bagley about her work, as does Attila Keczer, Head Artist at Herrend, of his famous bride gifts.

Guys, never fret, we’ve got some Tux Tips for you right next to the wedding-inspired crossword puzzle on page 86.

Local fashion sensation Chloe Dao dishes on a recent competition to design a wearable bridesmaid dress on page 41.

Still haven’t decided on wedding invitations? We’ve got some not so traditional options on page 54.

I had the opportunity to attend a cooking class with Mario Batali at Central Market. The famous orange clog wearing chef is a natural star. DOWN TO EARTH, FULL OF HUMOR AND HIGH ON LIFE. It’s always wonderful to meet and interview a star who is unfazed by his stardom. Turn to page 75 to read the interview.

carla valencia ext 13 c.valencia@002mag.com

•EDITOR AT LARGE | FASHION DIRECTOR

victoria bartlett

•CONTRIBUTING EDITOR

alex rosa ext 17 arosa@002mag.com

•ART DIRECTOR

beatrice valencia ext 11 bvalencia@002mag.com

•ASSOCIATE EDITOR | EVENTS

william king ext 18 w.king@002mag.com

•ADVERTISING SALES MANAGER

carlos valencia ext 12 cevalencia@002mag.com jarrod klawinsky ext 15 jklawinsky@002mag.com isabel terraso ext 14 isabel@002mag.com

•ADVERTISING EXECUTIVES

sofia van der dys, anthony rathbun, kim coffman, jill hunter, daniel ortiz, kennon evett, gabriella nissen, dax sunga, emily dwyer, steve harris, aaron m. sprecher, jack potts, michelle watson

•PHOTOGRAPHERS

jamie conlan, michelle romero, juliana franco, eric hester, melanie dunea, wwd, todd white

•CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

candice alvarado, michael andre adams, allison bagley, leigh bell, ryan clark, brant croucher, chris dunn, michael garfield, evan garza, sarah gish, patricia hal lynde, gras, magen moody, myles mellor, kristina vaqueronemec, pete radowick, lance scott walker

•CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

www.felixdoolitle.com

•CONTRIBUTING ILLUSTRATOR

IT’S A NICE DAY TO START AGAIN...

Photography by Sofia van der Dys 002 logo illustration by Felix Doolittle

And as always, read about our featured non-profit, gallery, restaurant, CD reviews, recording and everything you turn to 002houston for on a regular basis!

Thanks for reading!

002houston Magazine is published monthly by NODO Magazine, L.L.C., 1310 NANCE ST. STUDIO C, HOUSTON, TEXAS 77002. Copyright © 2008 by NODO Magazine L.L.C. All rights reserved. Reproduction without permission is strictly prohibited.

002houston Magazine does not knowingly accept false or misleading advertising or editorial, nor do the publishers assume responsibility should such advertising or editorial appear.

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

Love,

Carla Valencia - Editor at Large Fashion Director 6 june08|002houston

002houston magazine 1310 nance st. studio c | houston, tx 77002 713.223.5333 | fax 713.223.4884 letters@002mag.com | www.002mag.com

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HOUSTON MAP

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

8 june08|002houston

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

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002HOUSTON MAGAZINE DOWNTOWN MAP

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002 NEWS | UPTOWN MAP

NEWS ANYTHING NOTEWORTHY NAME CHANGE Mental Health Association of Greater Houston, one of the city’s primary nonprofit mental health education and advocacy organizations, ACQUIRED A NEW NAME, MENTAL HEALTH AMERICA OF GREATER HOUSTON, on May 1. mhahouston.org

BRIDAL BONANZA JULY 19 – 20TH IS THE BRIDAL EXTRAVAGANZA AT THE GEORGE R. BROWN CONVENTION CENTER. Calling all brides! They will be interviewing and taking photos for the next Spring 2009 Billboard Bride competition. A first ever for the Bridal Extravaganza. A group of semi-finalists will be selected by a panel of celebrity judges and the Billboard Bride will be announced in the spring. Turn to page 36 to see which People of Houston is this year’s winner. bridalextravaganzashow.com

TRAVEL NEWS THE HOUSTON AIRPORT SYSTEM IN PARTNERSHIP WITH CONTINENTAL AIRLINES announced a $1.2 BILLION RENOVATION PROJECT at George Bush Intercontinental Airport resulting in the expansion of the airport’s terminal B to 1.7 million square feet. QATAR AIRWAYS announced it will begin operating a nonstop flight between Houston and Doha three times weekly. EMIRATES now

offers daily non-stop flights to Dubai, just two months after inaugurating its Houston services. SINGAPORE AIRLINES offers four weekly flights nonstop to Moscow, Russia.

DEVELOPMENT THE HANOVER COMPANY in partnership with MetLife Inc. purchased land in Wulfe & Co.’s BLVD Place mixed-use development undergoing construction on Post Oak Blvd. at San Felipe. A 37STORY LUXURY LEASE HIGH-RISE WITH 236 RESIDENCES is in final planning stages. Included will be boutique hotel-style amenities and services, a private residence lounge and catering kitchen, screening room and library, fitness club and a 19,000-square-foot rooftop pool terrace.

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002HOUSTON MAGAZINE | CALENDAR

CALENDAR SUNDAY

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Hobby BIH: Sweeney Todd 2 & 7:30pm | Masquerade Theatre: Disney’s Beauty and the Beast 2pm Main Street Theatre Present Laughter 3pm Minute Maid Astros vs. St. Louis Cardinals 1:05pm Verizon Houston Roller Derby Summer Slaughter 5pm Wortham History in Motion—La Sylphide 2pm

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PERFORMING ARTS + CONCERTS + SPORTS + FESTIVALS + GENERAL INTEREST

MONDAY

Alley The Gershwins’ An American in Paris 2:30 & 7:30pm CWMP Tim McGraw 7:30pm Hobby TUTS: The Drowsy Chaperone 2 & 7:30pm Main Street Theatre Present Laughter 3pm Stages Repertory Theatre Mr. Marmalade 3pm Wortham HB: Three Classics, Five Tangos 2pm

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Warehouse Live Hit the Lights 7pm

June 2 – July 3, Immanuel and Helen Olshan TEXAS MUSIC FESTIVAL, at Moores Opera House & Cynthia Mitchell Woods Pavilion. 713.743.3313, or Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion, 713.629.3700.

Hobby BIH: Sweeney Todd 2 & 7:30pm Minute Maid Astros vs. New York Yankees 1:05pm Reliant Mexico vs. Belize 3:30pm Warehouse Live Rancid 8pm Wortham HB: History in Motion—La Sylphide 2pm

Hobby BIH: Sweeney Todd 8pm Meridian Augustana TBD MOT TUTS: Disney’s When You Wish…

11am Reliant Comets vs. San Antonio Silver Spurs 7:30pm Warehouse Live -X- 8pm

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June 1 & 29, Defenestration Unit, 1-3pm at Anheuser-Busch Amphitheatre @ Discovery Green Park.

Part of Sundays in the Park. discoverygreen.com.

June 1, Lee & Joe Jamail Skatepark Grand Opening, 1-10pm. Located on the north bank of Allen Parkway just west of the Sabine Street Bridge at the foot of downtown Houston.

For more information, visit houstonparks.org or call 713.942.8500.

Toyota The Cure 7:30pm Warehouse Live Demon Hunter 7:30pm

June 8, The 5th Annual Classy Chassis Vintage Auto Show, 10am-6pm at Reliant Park.

Benefiting United Cerebral Palsy. For more information, visit ClassyChassis.org or call 713.838.9050, ext.304.

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WEDNESDAY

TUESDAY

Hobby BIH: Sweeney Todd 8pm Jones SPA: Eddie Izzard 8pm MOT HYA: Hear Ye! Hear Ye! 11am Minute Maid Astros vs.

Milwaukee Brewers 7:05pm Verizon Lifehouse 8pm Warehouse Live RZA 9pm

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THURSDAY Hobby BIH: Sweeney Todd 8pm Main Street Theatre Present Laughter 7:30pm MOT TUTS: Disney’s When You Wish…11am Wortham Houston Bar Assn.: Night Court 2008 8pm | HB: History in Motion—La Sylphide 7:30pm

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4 H obby BIH: Sweeney Todd 8pm Meridian Matt Costa 8pm MOT TUTS: Disney’s When You Wish… 11am Wortham Houston Bar Assn.: Night Court 2008 8pm

June 4, MFAH Films at Discovery Green series, Rare Films from the Baseball Hall of discoverygreen.com.

Hobby BIH: Sweeney Todd 8pm Jones SPA: Eddie Izzard 8pm Meridian An Evening with Corey Smith 8pm Minute Maid Astros vs.

Milwaukee Brewers 7:05pm Verizon VIP Tour: Natasha Bedingfield with The Veronicas, Kate Voegele 8pm

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June 5, Mango Punch, 6pm at Anheuser-Busch Amphitheatre @ Discovery Green Park. Happy Hour series. discoverygreen.com.

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Hobby BIH: Sweeney Todd 8pm Minute Maid Astros vs. Milwaukee Brewers 1:05pm

6th Annual “Leukemia Cup Kickoff,” 5-9pm at The Drake. A happy hour benefiting The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. energy2cure.org.

The Chromatics & Picture Book, 6pm at Anheuser-Busch Amphitheatre @ Discovery Green Park.

Happy Hour series. discoverygreen.com.

Reliant Comets vs.

Atlanta Dream 7:30pm Warehouse Live Joshua James featuring Justin Townes Earle 8:30pm

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Minute Maid Houston Astros Stadium Tour

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Reliant Comets vs. Washington Mystics 7:30pm Warehouse Live The Roots 9pm

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MOT Gulf Coast Juneteenth 7:30pm Verizon Jonny Lang w/ Dave Barnes 8pm

June 19, Downhome Blues Festival w/ Grady Gaines, 6pm at Anheuser-Busch Amphitheatre @ Discovery Green Park. Happy Hour series. discoverygreen.com.

June 19 - 21, 12th Annual National Symposium for Children’s Grief Support at the Crowne Plaza Hotel Houston-Downtown. Contact Erin Hall at 713.942.8339 or symposium@bosplace.org bosplace.org.

CWMP Arrowfest w/ Boston, Styx, Night Ranger, Alan Parsons and more 2pm Hobby Annie Get Your Gun 3pm Jones An Evening With Tom Waits 8pm Meridian Sevendust 7pm

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Main Street Theatre YT: If You Give a Mouse a Cookie 11:30am MOT HYA: Hear Ye! Hear Ye! 11am Minute Maid Houston Astros Stadium Tour

Main Street Theatre YT: If You Give a Mouse a Cookie 11:30am Meridian The Almost 6pm MOT HS: Sounds Like Fun 11am Minute Maid Astros vs. Texas Rangers 7:05pm Toyota WWE presents Smackdown & ECW 6:30pm

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Main Street Theatre YT: If You Give a Mouse a Cookie 11:30am Minute Maid Astros vs. Texas Rangers 7:05pm

Check out the new permanent exhibit at

the Health Museum Yikes!

Get ready to get grossed out!

Main Street Theatre YT: If You Give a Mouse a Cookie 11:30am Minute Maid Astros vs. Texas Rangers 7:05pm Reliant Comets vs. San Antonio Silver Spurs 7:30pm Meridian Dubfire/ (Deep Dish) 9pm

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June 26, 2008 ADA Walk Leadership Council Mixer, 6-8pm at Onion Creek. onioncreekcafe.com.

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

JUNE 27 & 28, Kam’s Fine Chinese Cuisine celebrates their 20th anniversary with a special event menu and wine tasting. Call for more information, 713.529.5057.

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Minute Maid Astros vs. Boston Red Sox 1:05pm

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Main Street Theatre YT: If You Give a Mouse a Cookie 11:30am Minute Maid Astros vs. Los Angeles Dodgers 7:05pm Warehouse Live A Change of Pace 7:30pm

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

What's hip.current.cool? onDour PLAN AGet HEA : list, e-mail us at events@002mag.com to make sure you're invited.

JULY If You Give A Mouse A Cookie continues at Main Street Theater July 1, Dark Lotus 9pm at Warehouse Live What's hip.current.cool? Get on our list, e-mail us at events@002mag.com to make sure you're invited.

July 3, An Evening with Jill Scott 8pm at the Verizon

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

14 june08|002houston

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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CALENDAR | 002HOUSTON MAGAZINE NOT SURE WHAT TO DO? TRY ONE-STOP SHOPPING AT HOUSTONTHEATERDISTRICT.ORG

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

Hobby BIH: Sweeney Todd 8pm | Masquerade Theatre: Disney’s Beauty and the Beast 8pm Main Street Theatre Present Laughter 8pm Meridian Dark Tranquility w/ Divine Heresy 6:30pm MOT SDC: Polka Party 8pm Minute Maid Astros vs. St. Louis Cardinals 7:05pm Warehouse Live Robbie Seay 7pm Wortham Houston Bar Assn.: Night Court 2008 8pm June 5 - 7, 32nd annual Ima Hogg Young Artist Competition. For more information or to purchase tickets in advance, call the Houston Symphony Box Office at 713.224.7575.

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CWMP Houston Symphony Musical Road Trip 8pm H obby BIH: Sweeney Todd 8pm MOT STAGES: The Giver 11am & 7:30pm Minute Maid Astros vs. New York Yankees 7:05pm Warehouse Live Lunafest 7pm Wortham HB: History in Motion—La Sylphide 7:30pm

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Hobby BIH: Sweeney Todd 2pm & 8pm | Masquerade Theatre: Disney’s Beauty and the Beast 8pm Jones HS: Ima Hogg Young Artist Competition 7pm Main Street Theatre Present Laughter 8pm Meridian Ladytron w/ Datarock 8pm MOT Accordion Kings and Queens Concert 7pm Minute Maid Astros vs. St. Louis Cardinals 6:05pm Wortham Houston Bar Assn.: Night Court 2008 2pm & 8pm | HB: History in Motion—La Sylphide 7:30pm

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June 7, National Trails Day at the Houston Arboretum & Nature Center, 10 am. Learn about and celebrate local trails. HoustonArboretum.org CWMP Chicago & The Doobie Brothers 7:30pm Hobby BIH: Sweeney Todd 2 & 8pm Meridian Death Riders TBA MOT The Blew Notes Trio 8:15pm Minute Maid Astros vs. New York Yankees 6:05pm Reliant Comets vs. Seattle Storm 7:30pm Wortham HB: History in Motion—La Sylphide 2 & 7:30pm

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June 7, 23rd Annual Heights Fun Run, starts at 7:30am at Heights Blvd. at 18th Street. houstonheights.org or signmeupsports.com. Hurry: Deadline to register online is June 4 @ 8am!

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CWMP Texas Music Festival Orchestra 8pm MOT HS: Target Summer Symphony Nights 8pm Warehouse Live Kottonmouth Kings 9pm

June 20, Nights on Blue Bayou - Stargazing Series, 6-9pm at the Sabine Promenade at Sabine Street bridge on the north side of Buffalo Bayou. Admission is free. buffalobayou.org or call 713.752.0314.

June 21, Houston Juneteenth Multicultural Health Festival, 12pm-6pm at Jones Lawn. discoverygreen.com.

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Hobby Celebrate! 30 Years of Music, Visibility & Pride 7:30pm MOT HS: Target Summer Symphony Nights 8pm Minute Maid Astros vs. Boston Red Sox 7:05pm

CWMP True Colors – Cyndi Lauper, The B-52s, Joan Jett, etc. 6pm Jones Gay Men’s Chorus of Houston: Metamorphosis: Echoes of the Voyage 7:30pm Main Street Theatre YT: If You Give a Mouse a Cookie 1pm & 4pm Meridian Summer Monster Metal Showcase w/ Mistress Juliya TBD MOT HS: Target Summer Symphony Nights 8pm Toyota Katt Williams 8pm Warehouse Live Alien Sex Fiend 8pm Wortham Indo-American Assn.: Pandit Jasraj Ensemble 8pm

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CWMP Stone Temple Pilots w/ Black Francis 7:30pm Main Street Theatre YT: If You Give a Mouse a Cookie 1pm & 4pm MOT HS: Target Summer Symphony Nights 8pm Minute Maid Astros vs. Boston Red Sox 6:05pm Reliant Comets vs. Indiana Fever 7:30pm Meridian Teddy Geiger 7:30pm John Michael Montgomery theshowgrounds.com

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June 27 & 28, DockDogs, 12pm-8pm at Jones Lawn.

DockDogs competition consists of dogs jumping into water from a designated dock or jetty with the largest or highest leap earning that canine victory. discoverygreen.com.

invited.

e invited.

invited.

e invited.

June 28, MFAH Films at Discovery Green series, Red Balloon/White Mane, 8:30pm at Anheuser-Busch Stage. For more information, visit discoverygreen.com.

June 28, Mike James Scholarship Foundation “Evening of Cha nce,” 6-10 at the James Estate.

This is a private event. mikejames7.com.

TO PURCHASE TICKETS, PLEASE CONTACT: ALLEY THEATRE alleytheatre.org CWMP woodlandscenter.org HOBBY CENTER 713.315.2525 thehobbycenter.org JONES HALL 713.227.3974 joneshall.org MAIN STREET THEATER 713.524.6706 mainstreettheater.com MERIDIAN meridianhouston.com MILLER OUTDOOR THEATRE (MOT) milleroutdoortheatre.com

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

invited.

e invited.

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EXHIBITS+MUSEUMS+ART HOUSES

EXHIBITS+MUSEUMS+ART HOUSES opens June 7, Bonus Ball, Ggallery opens June 12, Texas Grassroots: Botanical Prints by David J. Webb, Museum of Printing History thru June 13, of Winter to Spring: Suzanne Manns | Observer’s Event Horizon: Stacey Neff, Art League Houston thru June 14, Nelda Gilliam, Koelsch Gallery thru June 21, Slower Still: Allison Hunter, Women & Their Work womenandtheirwork.org thru July 5, Ruth Pastine: Ever Present, Gallery Sonja Roesch thru July 25, flatbed press, Travis Tower Lobby thru August 2, Houston Area Exhibition, Blaffer Gallery thru May 26, EM-BARK-BODI-MENTS: Fernando Casas, Gremillion & Co. Fine Art thru May 28, J. Antonia Farfan: On the Nature of Time, Bering & James thru July 4, MARIPOLRAMA: Perverse City, Deborah Colton Gallery thru July 19, Houston Architectural Trilogy: Photography of Valentin Gertsman, Printing Museum thru July 30, Watercolors: Peihong Endris and Cheryl Walker, Urban Retreat Day Spa & Salon thru August 16, Comic Books: A Visual Journey, Museum of Printing History

1. blaffer gallery |2. printing museum | 3. g gallery | 4. koelsch gallery| 5. art league houston| 6. allison hunter

1.

2.

3.

EVENTS: June 4, noon – Brown Bag Gallery tour with Hana Hillerova, Hedwig Jacobs, Mindy Kober, Ariane Roesch June 7, 7 – 10pm Caroline Collective’s Opening Party

4.

MUSEUMS:

•Art Car Museum, 140 Heights Blvd. 713.861.5526 •Art League of Houston, 1953 Montrose 713.523.9530 •Blaffer Gallery, UH Campus, Ent. 16, 713.743.9530 •Heritage Society, 1100 Bagby 713.655.1912 •Houston Fire Museum, 2304 Milam 713.524.5395 •Museum of Printing History, 1324 W. Clay 713.522.4652 •Orange Show, 2402 Munger 713.926.6368 •Project Row Houses, 2501 Holman 713.526.7662 •University Museum, 3100 Cleburne Ave. 713.313.7145 ART HOUSES: •18 Hands Gallery, 249 West 19th St. 713.869.3099 •Aerosol Warfare Gallery, 2110 Jefferson www.aerosolwarfare.com •Anya Tish Gallery, 4411 Montrose 713.524.2299 •Archway Gallery, 2013 West Gray 713.522.2409 •ArtScan Gallery, 1836 Richmond 713.807.1836 •Barbara Davis Gallery, 4411 Montrose 713.520.9200 •Bering & James Gallery, 805 Rhode Place #500, 713.524.0101 •Booker-Lowe Gallery, 4623 Feagan St. 713.862.8364 •Canal Street Gallery, 2219 Canal St. 713.223.2219 •Community Artists’ Collective, 1501 Elgin 713.523.1616 •CTRL Gallery, 3907 Main St. 713.523.2875 •Dakota Gallery, 2324 Shearn 713.523.7440 •Deborah Colton Gallery, 2500 Summer St. 713.864.2364 •DeSantos Gallery, 1724 Richmond 713.520.1200 •DiverseWorks, 1117 East Main at Naylor 713.223.8346 •Ecclesia Gallery, 2115 Taft St. 713.622.1846 16 june08|002houston

•FotoFest, 1113 Vine Street 713.223.5522 •Ggallery 301, East 11th Street 713.822.4842 •Gallery 1724, 1724 Bissonnet 713.523.2547 •Gallery Sonja Roesch, 2309 Caroline 713.659.5424 •Goldesberry Gallery, 2625 Colquitt 713.528.0405 •Gremillion & Co. Fine Art, 2501 Sunset Blvd. 713.522.2701 •Guthrie Contemporary, 2734 Virginia St. 713.522.8086 •HCC-Central Gallery, 3517 Austin 713.718.6570 •Houston Landmark Gallery, 1200 McKinney 713.927.8800 •Houston Studios, 707 Walnut St. #100, 713.223.0951 •Hollywood Frame Gallery, 2427 Bissonnet 713.942.8885 •Joan Wich & Co. Gallery, 4411 Montrose 713.526.1557 •Kinzelman Art Consulting, 3909 Main Street 713.533.9923 •Koelsch Gallery, 703 Yale 713.626.0175 •Laura Rathe Fine Art, 1107 East Freeway 713.824.3575 •Laura U Collection, 1840 Westheimer 713.522.0855 •Lovett Inn Art Gallery, 501 Lovett Blvd. 713.522.5224 •McClain Gallery, 2242 Richmond 713.520.9988 •McMurtrey Gallery, 3508 Lake St. 713.523.8238 •Meredith Long Gallery, 2323 San Felipe 713.523.6671 •Midtown Art Center, 3414 La Branch 713.521.8803 •Mind Puddles, 2305 Dunlavy 713.529.MIND •Moody Gallery, 2815 Colquitt 713.526.9911 •Mother Dog Studios, 720 Walnut 713.229.9760 •Moxie, 2307 Dunlavy 713.807.7994 •Nauhaus Gallery, 223 E. 11th St. 281.615.4148 •Nolan-Rankin Galleries, 6 Chelsea Place 713.528.0664

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G GALLERY

•O’Kane Gallery, One Main St.@UHD 713.221.8042 •Peel Gallery Shop, 4411 Montrose Blvd. 713.520.8122 •Post Gallery, 2121 Sage, Ste. 165, 713.622.4241 •Redbud Gallery, 303 E. 11th St. 713.862.2532 •Retro Gallery, 1839 W. Alabama 713.522.7074 •Rudolph Projects I ArtScan Gallery, 1836 Richmond •Sicardi Gallery, 2246 Richmond 713.529.1313 •Space 125gallery, 3201 Allen Parkway 713.527.9330 •Studio, 1107 East Freeway 713.224.5555 •Talento Bilingue, 333 S. Jensen Drive 713.222.1213 •Tansu, 321-B West 19th 713.880.5100 •Thom Andriola, 2627 Colquitt 713.520.7053 •Thornwood Gallery, 1201 Birdsall 713.861.2787 •Wade Wilson Art, 4411 Montrose #200, 713.521.2977 •Watercolor Art Society, 1601 West Alabama 713.942.9966 •Winter Street Studios, 2101 Winter Street 713.862.0082 •Zarposh India Gallery, 1951 Richmond 713.668.2948

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WHAT’S UP DOWNTOWN

WHAT’S UP DOWNTOWN The national tour of Broadway’s revival of Sweeney Todd, The Demon Barber of Fleet Street comes slashing into town this month with a promise of a bloody good time for audiences at Hobby Center.

The Tony Award®-winning reinvention of Stephen Sondheim’s musical thriller opens on the Sarofim Hall stage June 3 and runs daily through June 15 (except June 9) for a total of 15 performances. In this tale, the title character is a demonic, blade-wielding barber who is hell-bent on revenge. He and his partner concoct a delicious plot to slice their way through England’s upper crust.

The Broadway version took home 2006 Tony Awards for director John Doyle and orchestrator Sarah Travis.

Sweeney Todd headlines a sparse schedule in the Theater District this month as most resident performing arts companies have begun their summer siestas.

Houston Ballet concludes its 2007-2008 schedule with La Sylphide and A Doll’s House, which will be

Pete Radowick is Communications Manager for the City of Houston Convention & Entertainment Facilities Department.

presented on the Brown Theater stage at Wortham Center in the first two weeks of June. La Sylphide holds the distinction of being the oldest ballet, dating to 1836 when it was created by Danish choreographer August Bournonville. A Doll’s House is a little younger than that; this will be its world premiere. It was developed by Houston Ballet artistic director Stanton Welch. Together, the two appear from June 515.

Funnyman and actor Eddie Izzard brings his standup comedy routine to Jones Hall for two shows on June 10-11. Veteran singer-songwriter Tom Waits attracts his loyal followers for a June 22 show at Jones Hall.

Verizon Wireless Theater has some rock and pop fare on tap this month at the Bayou Place complex.

American band Lifehouse, which struck gold with its big hit “Hanging By A Moment,” appears on June 10, followed the next night by British pop vocalist Natasha Bedingfield. Blues-rock guitarist Jonny Lang returns to Houston for a June 19 gig that includes singer-songwriter Dave Barnes.

Across the way at Toyota Center, veteran British band The Cure performs on June 9 while comic Katt Williams, sometimes billed as the “next Richard Pryor,” takes the stage June 21.

Minute Maid Park will be site of two long-anticipated series as the New York Yankees and the defending World Series champion Boston Red Sox roll into town for their interleague series with the Astros. The Yanks come calling June 13-15 while the Bosox beckon June 27-29 for three games apiece with the local nine.

Despite upwardly mobile ticket prices, all six games are sure-fire sellouts. Expect a lot of buzz downtown during these two series.

Big doings at the George R. Brown Convention Center include the Wind Energy convention June 24. Look for a lot of media attention for this alternative energy group when it convenes downtown. The conference will also include outdoor exhibits in front of the building that will be hard to miss.

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MUSEUM DISTRICT

MUSEUM DISTRICT 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.

Felix Gonzalez-Torres - “Untitled” (Go-Go Dancing Platform), 1991

1. THE MENIL COLLECTION menil.org

Thru August 10, Max Neuhaus: Circumscription Drawings and Max Neuhaus: A New Sound Work highlight this pioneer in the use of sound in the visual arts. Sterne & Steinberg runs thru September 7; he’s the witty cartoonist for the New Yorker, while she has received the greatest attention as a painter associated with the Abstract Expressionists. The two often found inspiration in similar material: the city and country around them, as well as one another. NeoHooDoo: Art for a Forgotten Faith opens June 27.

5. HOUSTON CENTER FOR CONTEMPORARY CRAFT crafthouston.org

The fifth in a series, CraftTexas 2008 gives Texas artists the opportunity to be considered for inclusion in major national museum and private collections. Thru August 17.

6. LAWNDALE ART CENTER lawndaleartcenter.org

2. HOUSTON CENTER FOR PHOTOGRAPHY hcponline.org

9. CHILDREN’S MUSEUM OF HOUSTON cmhouston.org

Summer Hours start with the museum being open 7 days a week this summer through Labor Day. Celebrate Father’s Day on June 15; Dad gets in free.

Commemorate African American Freedom with a Juneteenth Celebration, June 16 – 19. June 20 – 25, see From Zero to Hero WonderWeek where Superheroes are not born—they are made. There’s a month left to catch Wendell Minor: in the American Tradition. Thru September 7, My Home, Planet Earth teaches kids how their choices affect the planet.

10. THE HEALTH MUSEUM thehealthmuseum.org

The latest in the permanent exhibits, You: The Exhibit, debuts this month. Visitors “scan” their internal organs and virtually see the inside of their bodies. 2008 Summer Discovery Camp takes place June 2 – August 22. Thru September 1, Grossology: The (Impolite) Science of the Human Body – the title speaks for itself.

11. HOUSTON MUSEUM OF NATURAL SCIENCE hmns.org

Mary Magsamen and Stephan Hillerbrand Forced Fields, 2007

John’s Kid Collection: a selection from the collection of John Cleary opens June 13, featuring the work of this spirited, self-educated specialist and mentor to many, including the Houston Center for Photography. June 13 – July 13 sees the 2008 Fellowship Exhibition by Mary Magsamen and Stephan Hillerbrand as well as PictureThis!, a collaborative program with The Children’s Hospital at The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Clinic successfully integrating photography into the hospital’s art curriculum.

3. THE ROTHKO CHAPEL rothkochapel.org

June 18, 12 – 1pm, Meditation and Healing A meditation is led by Jain practitioners Samani Akshay Pragya and Samani Vinay Pragya.

4. BYZANTINE FRESCO CHAPEL MUSEUM menil.org/Byzantine

Home to the only intact examples of 13th century Byzantine wall painting of this size and importance in the

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Thru June 14, Lawndale Artist Studio Program Show: Danny Kerschen, Teresa O’Connor, Lynne McCabe; 3 Months and 90 Days by Catherine Colangelo; The Suburbs of Emerald City by Joshua Smith; Drawing in Space by John Adelman, Daniel Adame, Annette Lawrence, The Art Guys and Cory Wagner.

7. BUFFALO SOLDIERS NATIONAL MUSEUM buffalosoldiersmuseum.com

The permanent exhibition chronicles the African American military experience from the American Revolutionary War to the Persian Gulf War. The collection pays particular attention to the contributions of the Buffalo Soldiers during the westward expansion of America. One visitor called it “The best little museum to see while in Houston,” on citysearch.com last month.

8. HOLOCAUST MUSEUM HOUSTON hmh.org

Darfur: Photojournalists Respond is up thru August 17 while Escaping Their Boundaries: The Children of Theresienstadt runs thru August 31.

Leonardo da Vinci: Man, Inventor, Genius

June 6, Mixers, Elixirs and IMAX® Dance under the dinosaurs, mingle among the marvelous minerals and flirt between the fossils. Thru September 1, Da Vinci: Man, Inventor, Genius and Lucy’s Legacy: The Hidden Treasures of Ethiopia.

12. HOUSTON ZOO houstonzoo.org

Go meet the zoo’s newest addition! A rare monkey (Schmidt’s red tailed guenon) was born at Wortham World of Primates, the first of its kind in 29 years. “The new arrival is a boy and his name is Matani,” said primate supervisor Dena Strange. “Matani (pronounced muh-TAN-ee) means ‘strength’ in Swahili and the baby is living up to his name.

13. RICE UNIVERSITY ART GALLERY ricegallery.org

June and August see the annual Summer Window Display while the gallery is closed for the summer.

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MUSEUM DISTRICT

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

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

European Castles, folk art such as toys, dolls and figurines, traditional costume, an extensive collection of Bohemian crystal and Czech porcelain and ceramics, antique jewelWhat's hip.current.cool?

Get on our list, e-mail us at events@002mag.com to make sure you're invited. ry, numerous paintings and hand painted pottery.

18. JOHN C. FREEMAN WEATHER MUSEUM to make sure you're invited.

History Room wxresearch.org What's hip.current.cool? Get on our list, e-mail us at events@002mag.com

at the Weather Museum City on the Bayou: How Flooding Has Shaped Houston spills over thru August. Learn how the weather, specifically the Houston area bayous’ propensity for flooding, has KEY TO SYMBOLS SHOPPING shaped Houston’s history and development as a communiWhat's hip.current.cool? Get on our list, e-mail us atPARKING events@002mag.com to SNACKS make sure you're invited. ty.



Feeling Material XXVII 2007, Mild steel Chaney Family Collection, Houston © Antony Gormley Photo: Todd-White Courtesy Jay Jopling/White Cube (London)

Pompeii: Tales from an Eruption wraps up June 15, while John Alexander: A Retrospective ends June 22. END GAME - British Contemporary Art from the Chaney Family Collection opens June 14. Visit the website for Mixed Media dates.

RESTAURANT

FREE ADMISSION

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

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

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

15. CONTEMPORARY ARTS MUSEUM HOUSTON camh.org

Check out 75 recent paintings, sculptures, drawings, photographs, installations and video works from nearly 20 artists and collaborative groups in The Old, Weird America thru July 20.

16. THE JUNG CENTER OF HOUSTON cgjunghouston.org

Soul-Making In Everyday Life, Herb Life June 2 - 21.

17. CZECH CULTURAL CENTER HOUSTON czechcenter.org

Works to preserve, record and celebrate the language, scholarship and arts of Bohemia, Moravia, Silesia and Slovakia. Housed in a beautiful Baroque-style building in the Museum District, the Center features a museum gallery with permanent exhibits of antique furniture from

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THE GALLERY

THE GALLERY

By Evan J. Garza Photography by Eric Hester

THERE’S NO PLACE LIKE HOME - JOAN WICH & CO. GALLERY KATIE JERNIGAN IS THE MANAGING DIRECTOR FOR JOAN WICH & CO. IN THE 4411 MONTROSE GALLERY BUILDING. I GOT TO KNOW KATIE WHEN I WAS THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR FOR ONE OF THE GALLERIES THERE, BUT OUR RELATIONSHIP CHANGED AFTER WE RAN INTO EACH OTHER AT A COSTUME PARTY FUNDRAISER FOR INFERNAL BRIDEGROOM PRODUCTIONS. WE BOTH WENT AS FRIDA KAHLO. She pulled the whole thing off quite a bit more than I did, she (of course) being an actual woman with a shawl and flowers in her thick braids, and I a man in a Mexican house dress and an enormous paper maché flower in his wig (but with a slightly more authentic unibrow). To our amusement, there were three other Fridas at the party. But it was held unanimously that Ms. Jernigan went home the most Frida-ish of all of us.

She and the Director of Exhibitions, Paula Webb, are the force behind Joan Wich & Co. Gallery in the 4411 Montrose gallery building. “Emerging and mid-career artists of this region,” Jernigan says, “is really our focus. Giving a leg up to people who are here in Houston.” Longtime Houstonian, collector, arts supporter and patron, Joan Wich opened the contemporary art space nearly ten years ago, and has since handed the reins over to Jernigan and Webb, whose programming is remarkably impressive given what some would consider a limited scope. The artists exhibited at Joan Wich reflect the diverse makeup of the city in cultural heritage, age and in perspective, showcasing the likes of Floyd Newsum, Katie Kahn and Kelli Vance (who sold out her first solo show at the gallery last summer, and was recently exhibited in the 2008 Masters Thesis show at the Blaffer).

In the summer of 2006, I happened upon one of the most visually splendid shows I’ve ever seen in the Joan Wich & Co. space: Anila Quayyum Agha’s Illuminated Spaces, an exhibition of intricately cut and sewn works on paper. The pieces featured several variations of cutout circles whose edges had been hemmed in red thread, and whose shape exposed colored layers of 20 june08|002houston

KATIE JERNIGAN

paper underneath, creating elegant geometric patterns.

This month, the Pakistani-born artist returns with When Words Aren’t Enough, a new body of works that retains the subtlety and tactile presence of Illuminated Spaces but with the addition of text, a less colorful palette and exciting new mediums (including tea on paper). Having once been a textile design student at institutions in Pakistan, Leicester, England, and in Paris, Agha’s new work is rich in context and cultural influence, featuring multilayered paper stitched together by thread and covered in beautiful fields of dark Arabic writing.

Joan Wich and Co., like the patron the eponymous gallery is named for, continues to enrich the Houston arts community by giving a voice to a burgeoning and diverse group of artists, while exposing audiences to unique and colorful perspectives.

Anila Quayyum Agha When Words Aren’t Enough June 6 – June 28, 2008 Joan Wich & Co. Gallery

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SPACETAKER

SPACETAKER ARTSCENE

by Chris Dunn

J

UNE AND MARRIAGES ARE LIKE PEAS AND CARROTS. THE INORDINATELY LARGE NUMBER OF MARRIAGES DURING THE MONTH CAN BE ATTRIBUTED TO THE GODDESS THAT JUNE IS NAMED AFTER, JUNO, OR THE GREEK VERSION, HERA. JUNO IS THE GODDESS THAT PROTECTS MARRIAGE AND A MARRIED COUPLE’S HOUSEHOLD, SO IT IS CONSIDERED GOOD LUCK TO BE MARRIED IN THIS MONTH. INSTEAD OF CELEBRATING MARRIAGE IN JUNE, SOME PEOPLE PARTY FOR BLOOMSDAY, WHICH IS A COMMEMORATION OBSERVED ANNUALLY ON 16TH OF JUNE IN DUBLIN AND ELSEWHERE TO CELEBRATE IRISH WRITER JAMES JOYCE AND REVIVE THE EVENTS IN HIS NOVEL ULYSSES, ALL OF WHICH TOOK PLACE ON JUNE 16, 1904, IN DUBLIN. THE HOLIDAY GETS ITS NAME FROM LEOPOLD BLOOM, THE CENTRAL CHARACTER OF ULYSSES. THE DAY INVOLVES A RANGE OF CULTURAL ACTIVITIES INCLUDING ULYSSES READINGS (SOME LASTING UP TO 36 HOURS) AND DRAMATIZATIONS, PUB CRAWLS AND GENERAL DRUNKENNESS. CELEBRANTS OFTEN DRESS IN EDWARDIAN COSTUME TO CELEBRATE BLOOMSDAY, AND RETRACE BLOOM’S ROUTE AROUND DUBLIN USING LANDMARKS SUCH AS DAVY BYRNE’S PUB. THIS MONTH MARRY LOVE OF ART WITH LOVE OF PARTYING. MONTH LONG – 30 YEARS OF PAINTING: TOM BERG This summer Houstonians can take a look back at nearly 30 years of Tom Berg’s paintings, most depicting the Santa Fe artist’s frequent subject of chairs, at Wade Wilson Art, May 30 – June 28.

A reception for the artist kicks off the exhibition on Friday, May 30, from 6 – 8pm. Nearly 20 works, dating from 1984 to 2008, are on view at the Montrose-area gallery. Most feature chairs ranging from bar stools to sling chairs, though the exhibition includes paintings of telephones, pears and umbrellas.

JUNE 5 – 7 & JUNE 12 – 14 8PM THE SPLASHER What happens when anarchists and artists become embroiled in a turf war over who owns the streets?

And how does society determine the winners and the losers? When mysterious paint splatterings begin appearing around the city, targeting the work of prominent street artists, an ironic cat-and-mouse game threatens to expose the toxic truth at the heart of today’s graffiti culture. And a vigilante finds

[

JULY

]

summer fashion

issue

BRING THE HEAT!

redemption and justice, but not the way he expected.

Based on true, recent events, The Splasher is a funny, intriguing and visually dynamic exploration of art, crime and punishment by Troy Schulze, the awardwinning writer/adapter/director of Me-sci-ah, Jerry’s World and Actual Air. Bear witness at DiverseWorks this June.

JUNE 18, 6:30PM THE ARTIST SALOON This month BBAP & Spacetaker, in conjunction with Winter Street Studios and Silver Eagle Distributors, present Troy Stanley, Nick Bontrager and Jason Nodler in the June edition of the Artist Saloon. Every third Wednesday of the month, the salon and the saloon meet at The Artist Saloon where artists and art aficionados gather for drinks and casual conversation about art. Two to three artists from varying disciplines (visual, performing, literary, etc.) present, in an informal atmosphere, creative conversations/ presentations about their work followed by a question and answer session where the audience can glean further insight into the artist, the artist’s aesthetic and creative process. The evening is designed not only to bring together artists and those who appreciate the arts, but also to introduce local artists to each other to encourage conversation and cross-discipline.

JUNE, 21 8PM-MIDNIGHT HARD HATS AND HOTTIES – A SNEAK PEEK CONSTRUCTION PARTY Get ready to help erect something. Come peruse Spacetaker’s new digs and help build traction for Spacetaker’s Artist Resource Center. Entertainment provided by DJ SUN & the Soular Grooves Crew with libation provided by Real Ale Brewing Company and light bites courtesy of BB’s, El Patio and Al’s Quick Stop. Event also sponsored by 002houston magazine and Winter Street Studios. Don your best Construction Zone-Friendly Attire. Suggested donation: $10.

713.223.5333 www.002mag.com Photography by Ricardo Merendoni

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FOR ART’S SAKE

FOR ART’S SAKE

By Evan J. Garza Photography by Kennon Evett

PRETTY IN PINK | BRIAN NEAL SENSABAUGH’S DEAR CAMP AT THE LAWNDALE

He studied at mortuary school and is a licensed mortician which, while somewhat surprising, makes sense within the context of the artist’s work. He has the incredible ability to bring life to seemingly dead things, be they tree limbs or taxidermy, even enlivening the sometimes-dull ‘white cube’ setting of a gallery. In addition, his previous bodies of work feature found objects and recyclable items that were used to create mixed media sculptural works.

BRIAN NEAL SENSABAUGH really likes the color pink (and rightly so). When we met for drinks recently, one complete side of the business card he handed me was the most brilliant shade of baby rose – the same color featured throughout much of his installation work at Dear Camp, his solo show at the Lawndale last winter. He filled the Grace Cavnar Gallery with a genuinely original body of work that explored a colorful dichotomy in the artist’s life: the hypermasculine and violent nature of his family’s Arkansas hunting heritage and his homosexuality.

So he did what any smart gay man would do: he turned it into a party.

Dear Camp became one of the most celebrated shows in the city, showcasing unique ideas in a relatable context, rife with humor and an overwhelming sense of sincerity. Deer antlers, organized in tight rows on a wall, donned lace trimming amid a multitude of suspended tree trunks, their bark coated in pallid cream pinks. Pristinely organized clear whiskey and scotch bottles, filled to the cork with light cherry-red and rosy liquids, rested in a corner behind a transplanted wooden bar complete with inked vulgarisms and newly added white lace curtains.

The whole thing was tongue-in-cheek, literal relationships everywhere (the gallery itself was even painted pink), and yet the inclination to emotionally identify with each piece was unavoidable. Of the small handful of large-scale photos on the gallery’s walls, one featured an ornate frame with edges lined in soft, rippled lace, gently encasing an image of Sensabaugh in hunting gear holding a 30-ought-6 rifle in front of an old Chevy pick-up. The entire gallery was reassembled into a highly effeminate antithesis to the Arkansas hunting culture of the artist’s youth, transforming a backwoods deer camp into a deft and acute pairing of polar extremes.

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This month Sensabaugh returns to the Lawndale Art Center with the second Dear Camp installment, an endearing 90-minute film which documents the artist’s return to his birthplace, Morrilton, Arkansas, and his laborious efforts to create the exhibited works. Directed, edited and produced by Lee Gamel, the documentary is a refreshing piece of subjective nostalgia, propelled forward by the thick (at times indecipherable) drawl of Sensabaugh’s father and the unique make-up of the state’s cultural landscape.

A remarkable trait of the film, and a huge contribution to its success, is Sensabaugh and Gamel’s desire to keep the depiction of Arkansas as genuine as possible. Fourwheelers, Confederate flags, abrasive hunting scenes and a small town aesthetic pervade throughout much of the film, offset by charming monologues and personal histories from the articulate (and designer glasses-clad) artist, ultimately culminating with the exhibition’s opening reception. And, despite some DIY flaws, the film is remarkably touching and Sensabaugh’s relationship with his father is captivating.

While walking through the tall thicket of woods with his brother, their father acknowledges his (and in doing so, Brian Neal’s) fondness for found objects. “Junk is art or antiques ... for me it is.”

Brian Neal Sensabaugh’s work is, in a way, more sincere than many emerging artists navigating their queer heritages in that his sexuality is explored through his upbringing rather than his sexual and emotional relationships. Mentioned in the film with the same infrequency with which his father and brother speak of it, his sexuality is more meaningful and tangible in its absence.

Dear Camp will be on view at the Lawndale Art Center for ONE NIGHT ONLY – Friday, June 20, at 8pm. Not to be missed.

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GISH AT THE MOVIES

GISH AT THE MOVIES

By Sarah Gish

ART FILMS ARE GOOD FOR THE SOUL… TAKE A FRIEND TO ONE! ARTHOUSES GALORE The Children of Huang Shi is coming June 6 and The Duchess of Langeais on June 13 to the historic Landmark River Oaks Theatre (landmarktheatres.com). No need to run to your computer to look up Huang Shi (it’s located in southeast China) or Langeais (it’s a French commune), as I already have (love that Wikipedia!). The River Oaks is continuing their midnight film series this month with The Neverending Story on June 6 and 7 and the classic and interactive The Rocky Horror Picture Show on June 14. When Did You Last See Your Father? will unspool at the Angelika Film Center (angelikafilmcenter.com) on June 20. The film is based on the book of almost the same title, And When Did You Last See Your Father?, a compilation of memories and stories by author Blake Morrison as he reflects upon his childhood when he learns his father is dying. Two of my fave English actors grace the screen: Colin Firth as the son and Jim Broadbent as the dad. The Alamo Drafthouse folks are busy: There’s a special free outdoor screening of Superman: the Movie at Mason Park on Saturday, June 14 at 8:30pm and a “Love Guru Aphrodisiac FEAST” at West Oaks on Wednesday, June 25 at 7:30pm in honor of Mike Meyer’s latest film.

view is “Four Color Sound” by occasional videographer Stephen Vitiello who worked with lighting designer Jeremy Choate to create a meditative “soundscape”, mixing light and audio tracks with images. Both shows are on view through June 14. Join Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. in the new IMAX® film, Grand Canyon Adventure: River at Risk, opening this month at the Houston Museum of Natural Science (hmns.org). Filmmakers use a journey down the majestic Grand Canyon as a backdrop to learning the challenges and opportunities that exist for conserving and restoring our waterways.

Joining the tour is celebrated author, anthropologist and explorer Wade Davis and daughters Kick Kennedy and Tara Davis.

MFAH AND SHORTS AT THE AURORA The Museum of Fine Arts (mfah.org) hosts the series “Korean Cinema Now (and Then),” on screen with several films through June 15, organized to complement the MFAH’s ongoing Korean Art and Culture Initiative, which was launched last December with the opening of the Arts of Korea gallery. They’re also showing French New Wave film Diva (Friday, June 13, at 7:30pm and Fridays, June 20 and 27, at 7pm) and the d o c u m e n t a r y, Alice Neel (Saturdays, June 21 and 28, and Sundays, June 22 and 29; all at DIVERSEWORKS and IMAX® 7pm).

The Aurora Picture Show (aurorapictureshow.org) is turning ten and they are still way into shorts! They are hosting the last hurrah for the dearly departed “Cinematexas International Shorts Film Festival” on Friday, June 13, at 8pm and Saturday, June 14, at 3pm. They then move over to Discovery Green on Friday, June 27, at 8pm for the “Best of Extremely Shorts: Audience Choice at Discovery Green.” The month wraps up with their popular annual “Extremely Shorts 11: Works 3 Minutes and Under” at the end of the month, with a picnic on Sunday, June 29, from 6I’m into film in any form and in any context, so go 9pm. check out what’s happening at DiverseWorks (www.diverseworks.org) this month. “A Problem of FILM WORLD NEWS Courage” is an installation of video and other works by Women in Film & Television Houston (wiftKara Hearn that looks at injustices of all kinds – real or houston.org) and the Ensemble Theatre present literary not – like her image of a woman who has been “shot”, agent Rima Greer on Tuesday, June 3, at 6pm at the lying with red yarn seeping out of her head! Also on Ensemble. Tickets are $10 at the door. june08|002houston 23

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NON-PROFIT

NON-PROFIT CROSSROADS SCHOOL: CELEBRATING 30 YEARS OF TEACHING EXCEPTIONAL CHILDREN CROSSROADS SCHOOL, INC., A PRIVATE NOT-FOR-PROFIT SCHOOL, IS ONE OF HOUSTON’S PREMIERE SCHOOLS THAT TEACH EXCEPTIONAL CHILDREN WITH LEARNING DISABILITIES. IN 1977, CROSSROADS SCHOOL OPENED ITS DOORS AS AN ALTERNATIVE FOR STUDENTS WHO DO NOT THRIVE IN THE TRADITIONAL SCHOOL ENVIRONMENT. THE SCHOOL STARTED WITH JUST FIVE STUDENTS AND CURRENTLY SERVES 43 STUDENTS. FOR 30 YEARS, TEACHERS HAVE BEEN PROVIDING HANDS-ON, ONE-ON-ONE TRAINING OF CHILDREN IN GRADES K-8TH, PLUS TRANSITIONAL 9TH AND 10TH GRADES, WITH A MISSION TO “PROVIDE STUDENTS WITH SPECIAL LEARNING DIFFICULTIES WITH A SAFE,

NURTURING

AND

ACADEMICALLY-FOCUSED

LEARNING ENVIRONMENT WHERE THEY CAN DEVELOP INDIVIDUALIZED SKILLS THAT WILL ENABLE THEM TO REALIZE THEIR FULL POTENTIAL AND BECOME PRODUCTIVE MEMBERS OF THE COMMUNITY.” Crossroads School was established by Carol Garnett, M.Ed., a Special Education teacher, who had a heart for children with learning difficulties. She believed that every child could grow and come to feel a sense of accomplishment, regardless of their learning differences.

Based on that belief, she purchased the property at 5822 Dolores Street in 1977 and opened Crossroads School. To accommodate the school’s increasing enrollment, Garnett purchased an adjacent lot and added more classrooms and outdoor play areas in 1990. Garnett retired as Crossroads Director in 2001 but continues to serve as a Board member and advisor. Gila Arnoni, Ph.D. has served as the Director of the School since 2001.

Crossroads School accepts children at any time during the school year and students come from all over Houston and the surrounding areas (Missouri City, Sugar Land, League City, Stafford); and they come from a wide range of backgrounds, skill levels and previous school experiences. Students stay only until they are ready to transition to a traditional school setting. (Approximately 99% of Crossroads students return to traditional schools.)

•Dyslexia •Attention Deficit Disorder •Gifted and Talented •Mild Tourette’s •Mild Asbergers (Autism) •"Late bloomers" 24 june08|002houston

•Children who are experiencing learning issues associated with cancer treatment or adoption •Children who need individualized academics and a nurturing environment

Teachers use an “outside-the-box” teaching philosophy of individualized curriculum, a nurturing environment and small classes (1:6 teacher/student ratio) to accommodate students’ needs. The Crossroads School program is particularly suited for children with exceptional learning needs, including: With Crossroads School’s current capacity at 50 students, “Denim and Diamonds,” the annual gala, launched the “$30,000 for 30 Years Campaign” to expand the campus and serve more children. Proceeds from the gala and donations from individuals, corporations and foundations will help to fund a three-phase expansion project. Plans include two new buildings, upgrading playgrounds and adding more cutting-edge education resources such as a science lab and possible therapies and research opportunities.

CROSSROADS SCHOOL IS LOCATED AT 5822 DOLORES, HOUSTON, TX, 77057. FOR MORE INFORMATION, CALL 713.977.1221 OR VISIT CROSSROADSSCHOOLHOUSTON.ORG.

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ART | LIVING

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LIVING SMART

EVENTREBBUDS FIRST ANNUAL KENTUCKY DERBY PARTY WHYTO BENEFIT TREES FOR HOUSTON WHEREKOBAIN’S BAR

Photography by Kim Coffman

WHENMAY 3

A parade of hats and seersucker enjoyed a gorgeous day at Kobain’s for a great cause. Guests enjoyed southern food from Chatter’s, cooled off with frozen Woodford Reserve Bourbon Mint Juleps and cold Miller Light Beer. Blackjack earned guests raffle tickets to The “Millionaire Row” Raffle which included everything from a plasma TV to a Nintendo Wii to local restaurant certificates and more!

Campbell Eifler, Annie Criner

Errol McLaughlin, Sharon Aboussleman

James Galloway, Lauren Elizabeth Summerville, Amanda Jerniga, John Doe

John Andel

Kathleen Galvan, Amy Branch

Shauna Stern, Tristan Erford

Trish and Ty Whitcomb

Victoria Nelson

A

Smart airs on Sundays at 3pm and repeats Thursdays at 1pm.

LIVING SMART WITH PATRICIA GRAS Living

JAMES HOLLIS When I was a young adult I had certain expectations about who I would become as an adult and what I would do with my life. Then one day, decades later, I realized none of it had come true. Then I picked up some books on Carl Jung and began to understand myself a lot better. That’s why I invited Dr. James Hollis, PhD, the director of the Jung Center Houston, to Living Smart. I found his books enlightening and reasonable. One of his books, Creating a Life: Finding Your individual Path, is a guide to individuation. This usually happens in the second half of life when we are forced to reflect on who we really are and what we truly want. We ultimately have a choice to become authentic or, literally, sick.

Hollis, a Jungian analyst sees a lot of patients confronting mid-life issues. “That’s my work, helping individuals arrive at a better place in their life. No one happens to just sort of drop in to have a chat with me. They are usually there because their road map does not apply anymore or the good efforts they’ve had managing things are just not as effective as they are or as they once were and so often there is a sense of disorientation or defeat or confusion and you know …frankly that’s the beginning of wisdom because that’s what forces us to begin to reexamine our lives from a different perspective.”

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I DID NOT KNOW I WAS ON A SEARCH Hollis explains there are FOR PASSIONATE ALIVENESS. I ONLY KNEW I ways we recognize WAS LONELY AND LOST AND THAT SOMETHING something is wrong with WAS DRAWING ME DEEPER BENEATH THE SURFACE the way life is going.

PATRICIA GRAS + JAMES HOLLIS OF MY LIFE IN SEARCH OF MEANING. THERE IS A “When we get off track HUNGER IN PEOPLE TO GO TO THOSE DEEP DEPTHS; our psyche protests and TO KNOW THAT OUR LIVES ARE SACRED; THAT OUR and how do you separate that from all the we call those protests HEARTS ARE TRULY CAPABLE OF LOVE. IT IS A messages that are coming to you from the culYEARNING TO BE ALL THAT WE CAN BE. A symptoms.

Sometimes ture, or family of origin, even from your own hisLONGING FOR WHAT IS REAL. they turn up in our relationtory.

Ask yourself, which messages are more in Anne Hillman ships, sometimes they show up touch with my own inner life or with my own nature,” in our body and sometimes they says Hollis. show up in emotional storms that we have such as depression or anxiety disorders. And sometimes On Living Smart, Hollis will share how to they come to us in troubling dreams and the psyche is create a life worth living. always speaking, it’s always expressing its point of view, Living Smart airs on Sundays at 3pm and and our tasks as individuals is to try and say … I do, I Thursdays at 1pm.

For additional resources go to read the symptomatic response and perhaps I have neghoustonpbs.org/livingsmart under James Hollis. lected certain things in my life and I have to sort of bring If you miss this program, or if you would like to view that into greater play in my choices.”

I asked Hollis if it was difficult to live an authentic life. He explained to be authentic you must be in contact with a deep source within you. “There is something that is inherently true for us, an instinctual truth or your inborn truth or even your soul, if you will, trying to tell you something

streaming videos of past Living Smart shows on the Internet, go to Google Video and type in the search term “Living Smart” in quotation marks.

Patricia Gras is an Emmy Award-winning journalist, and the producer and host for “Living Smart with Patricia Gras”. patriciagras.blogspot.com.

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DESTINATION LOVE SHACKS

MANDARIN ORIENTAL RIVIERA MAYA On a 36-acre stretch of preserved habitation along the pristine, white sand that outlines the cerulean blue Caribbean Sea, Mandarin Oriental – a name synonymous with low-key, high-end luxury – made its debut in Mexico this past February. With mangrove reserves, tranquil blue lagoons and streams, a spectacular cenote (a deep, sacred, freshwater reservoir), this resort is the quintessential idea of a Caribbean escape.

128 guestrooms (including 12 suites) as well as strategically positioned beach front casitas, bungalows and two-story villas, welcome you with crisp white linen and cotton fabrics adorning both bedding and seating above the neutral bamboo hardwood floors.

Creature comfort options include 24-hour room service, bath amenities by Aromatherapy Associates, exterior garden bathtubs, plunge pools on the terrace (or rooftop), HD televisions, iPod sound decks and wireless Internet. OPTIONS BEYOND THE SHORE INCLUDE A 25,000-SQUARE-FOOT HOLISTIC AND HEALING HAVEN WHERE THE WELCOME RITUALS CONSIST OF A REFRESHING AROMATIC TOWEL AND A SIGNATURE MAYAN DRINK. IN A DELUGE OF SELF-INDULGENT LUXURY AND ROMANCE LIKE THIS, WHO NEEDS FOOD, RIGHT? Well, just in case at some time you do, Ambar, the resort’s roof restaurant, relies on local, organically grown products and fresh fish flown in from nearby waters. Executive Chef Ignacio Granda del Gallego’s unique style infusing Latin, Mexican and Asian culinary standards will seduce your palate like never before.

Seasonal Choices accommodation and breakfast packages available online; beachfront casita ($2,340 nightly).

Michael Andre Adams Km. 298.8 Careretera #307 | Playa Del Carmen, Quintana Roo Mexico, 77710 Phone: 52.984.877.3269 | mocun-reservations@mohg.com mandarinoriental.com

including an ocean-front wedding gazebo surrounded by a moat for exclusivity.

Upon arrival a WARM GREETING BY POISED AND VERY HUMBLE STAFF MEMBERS WILL CARRY YOU ACROSS THE THRESHOLD AND INTO THE STYLISHLY GRAND LOBBY AND RECEPTION AREA. Rooms throughout the all-suite resort are ornately furnished in contemporary, original works of wood, metal and marble from Mexican artisans. Relax in the oversized Jacuzzi bathtub, along with bath products by Bulgari (Club Level) and a complimentary in-suite bar restocked daily with your favorite libation.

Entertainment is plentiful. Each evening a movie follows a live stage performance in the open ocean air theater. And there’s always a live band bringing jazz and flavorful rhythms to be enjoyed either before or after dining at any of the eight predominantly a la carte restaurants.

Wedding coordinators are at your beck and call to facilitate plans with packages, which range from $850 for the basics to the $2,400 gold package including (among other things) a Mariachi trio, photos and a video, with hors d’oeuvres, cocktails, followed by dinner for 20 guests and a Love Birds Spa treatment for the couple.

An additional $600 (tax and gratuities included) Honeymoon Package includes champagne upon arrival, fresh flowers, an exotic fruit basket, a Champagne breakfast served in bed the morning after your arrival, an Aurum Couples Treatment at the resort’s renowned marine spa, and a private, beachfront dinner, followed by a romantic rose petal bath of essential oils and candles.

Throughout the month of June, for the nightly average rate of $722, an Excellence Club Level two-story rooftop terrace suite with a Jacuzzi on the roof can be yours, with the $600 Honeymoon Package courtesy of the resort.

Michael Andre Adams Prolongacios Bonampak, S/N, Punta Sam Lote Terrenos 001 MZ, 001 Sm. 003 Zona Continental de Isla Mujeres 77400 Quintana Roo Mexico Phone: 52.998.872.8600 | Toll-free from the USA: 866.540.2585 Playamujeres@excellence-resorts.com | excellence-resorts.com

HOTEL MARINA EL CID EXCELLENCE PLAYA MUJERES In the presence of a 20-mile stretch of gorgeous peninsula along the Caribbean Sea, Excellence Playa Mujeres, which debuted in November 2007, offers guests the ingredients for a surreal honeymoon,

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When desire insists on champagne and the checkbook whispers beer, place the four-star rated, all-inclusive Hotel Marina El Cid at the top of your list of options for a fabulous honeymoon experience.

The average all-inclusive rate during the month of June is just $326 for accommodations on the resort’s Platinum Level. THAT RATE INCLUDES AN OCEAN– OR POOL-VIEW SUITE WITH UPGRADED DÉCOR, BUTLER SERVICE, ACCESS TO THE PLATINUM ROOM featuring unlimited premium alcoholic beverages, Internet/computer access and wireless, big screen TVs and more. Platinum Level provides guests with South Beach style cabanas along the pool, in uninterrupted view of the beach and bar.

Honeymoon & Romance packages (including complimentary champagne and room category upgrade) at this extremely wellmaintained, two years young resort begin at just $240 per couple, per night.

If and when you are ready to come out of honeymoon hibernation, the El Cid offers complimentary bike tours, wind surfing and boogie boards. Additional charge and sign-up are required for tours of ancient Mayan ruins in Tulum and nearby Playa Maroma. The same holds true for the use of various other water craft (jet skis, sail boats, yachts, etc.) and half-day snorkeling excursions at Puerto Morelos National Reef park via the resort’s own catamaran.

El Cocay – the spa at El Cid – is best described as a spiritual oasis. Deeply rooted in the tradition of Mayan principles, it offers the perfect opportunity to align your soul with the Creator to facilitate a rebirth experience known as Temazcal Sacred Bath.

Inside the igloo-shaped building (indicative of a womb) a blend of fresh herbs is prepared by the shaman and poured over ancient volcanic rocks as the chant begins. With heat and humidity blending with the healing herbs to stimulate blood circulation, the will and desires of self are encouraged to die so that the will of God can assume its rightful position within the two of you.

Exiting the womb, you are reborn as a spirit-filled being. What a perfect way to enter a new and lasting union.

Michael Andre Adams Av. Camaron Sabalo s/n | P.0. Box 813 Mazatlan, Sinaloa, Mexico 82110 Phone: 52.998.872.8999 or 888.733.7308 reserve.cancun@elcid.com.mx | elcid.com

IXCHEL BEACH HOTEL, ISLA MUJERES Ask.com’s list of “Most Searched Honeymoon Destinations” credits the Mexican Coast as one of the Top Ten Honeymoon Destinations. Whether it’s the pristine beaches, the culture, the friendly people or really the best bang for your buck –

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DESTINATION

Isla Mujeres is another great option.

WHAT MAKES THIS DESTINATION STAND OUT AMONG THE MANY TO CHOOSE FROM IS THAT IT NEVER FEELS LIKE A HOTEL (OK, except for when your bed is made, clothes put away, etc.), rather like your very own second home. (Which it could very well be since these condos are also for sale.) The condohotel offers the option of suites with fully equipped kitchenettes.

Accommodations include individual AC control, two double beds or one king size, electronic key, wide screen remote control TV including international cable, CD and DVD player, telephone, wireless Internet, radio alarm, marble bathroom, bath amenities, vanity area, hair dryer and digital deposit box.

There is no need for a car on this island and there are fantastic restaurants, cafes and shops within walking distance. There are two restaurants on site. Comono is the pool restaurant with delicious ceviches perfect for beachside lounging and fresh grilled shrimp plus the DELISH Piña Coladas. Sunset Grill is the beachfront palapa where breakfast, lunch and dinner are served. You can also pick up your groceries a couple of blocks from the hotel and stock your kitchenette. There’s scuba diving, deep sea fishing, whale shark swimming and many sites to visit.

Ixchel’s accommodations in 117 rooms are clean and spacious and are the perfect escape to be with the one you love and get back to the bare essentials.

Rates start at about $140 for a standard room and go up to $385 for a two-bedroom suite penthouse oceanfront.

Carla Valencia de Martinez Calle Guerrero & Playa Norte Isla Mujeres, Q. Roo. 77400, Mexico | 52.998.999.2010 resrvation@ixchelbeachhotel.com | ixchelbeachhotel.com

HOTEL ST. GERMAIN Can’t make it to Paris for your honeymoon? Take a quick flight to Dallas to the Hotel St. Germain. Nestled in the heart of the gallery district along Maple Avenue, just off McKinney Avenue lies an award winning EUROPEAN-STYLE BOUTIQUE HOTEL. Its seven luxury suites, two parlors, two dining rooms and a New Orleans-style courtyard are lavishly decorated with turn-of-the-century French antiques. In each suite, guests will find feather beds elabo-

rately canopied from fourteen-foot ceilings and working fireplaces, Bulgari toiletries, soaking or Jacuzzi tubs, and signature terry cloth robes. Additionally, guests have access to 24-hour concierge, a butler, room service, valet parking, white gloved service and by request the infamous St. Germain romance packages.

Suite packages offer complimentary breakfast as well as champagne and hors d’oeuvres upon arrival. “Dinner has always been a romantic, old world experience at this jewel of a boutique hotel with its pristine antiques and hushed, palatial ambience. It ranks among the city’s most elite restaurants,” said If you’re looking for old world romance and European elegance, but can’t quite handle the Euro right now, the St. Germain is a great option.

Carla Valencia de Martinez 2516 Maple Avenue | Dallas, TX 75201 For reservations and information, please call 214.871.2516 or visit hotelstgermain.com

FAIRMONT GOLD DALLAS Another Dallas option is the luxurious “hotelwithin-a-hotel” concept at the Fairmont. Guest enjoy private check-in and attentive, personalized service when staying on one of the three Fairmont Gold floors. Large, luxuriously appointed rooms and suites are paired with butler service, private staff and a dedicated concierge. THIS IS YOUR HONEYMOON AFTER ALL! Fairmont Gold’s lounge offers a complimentary Continental breakfast featuring hot & cold selections and coffee, tea, sodas, juices and water throughout the day, or a place to wind down with cocktail canapés in the evening and an honor bar. Occupying the three top floors of the Hotel’s North Tower, Fairmont Gold features 47 guest rooms including two junior suites, five one-bedroom suites and the Hotel’s new luxury Presidential Suite. The cost to upgrade to Fairmont Gold and enjoy these exclusive amenities and services varies by season and starts from $100. Other amenities include: pillow-top Stearns & Foster beds, fine Egyptian cotton linens, an extensive “pillow menu” and personalized wake-up call delivered with the guest’s morning drink of choice.

Carla Valencia de Martinez 1717 N Akard St. | Dallas, TX 75201 For more information or for reservations, please call 214.720.2020 or 1.800.874.3006 or visit fairmont.com/dallas.

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BRIDAL EDITION

A MASTER CRAFTSMAN MEET THE YOUNGER GENERATION OF HEREND, THE 182-YEAR-OLD HUNGARIAN CHINA COMPANY EVERY AVID COLLECTOR OF HEREND FINE CHINA FANTASIZES ABOUT A PILGRIMAGE TO THE FACTORY IN HUNGARY TO WATCH THE ARTISTS WORK. ALMOST AS THRILLING AS TAKING A TRIP TO THE MECCA IS MEETING A HEREND ARTIST IN THE STATES WHO WILL PERSONALIZE A PIECE TO SHOWCASE IN A COLLECTION. And so the disciples flocked to Neiman Marcus for an appearance by a fresh Herend talent, Attila Keczer. After shopping and socializing, the women formed a line, with figurines in hand, to watch in reverence as Keczer expertly painted a message on the underbelly of a tiny piglet or the foot of a rabbit.

by Allison Bagley

“Father” to four pet cats, Keczer collects Herend figurines shaped like felines and other animals. When he isn’t working in the studio, he relaxes by painting pictures of landscapes and animals at his home in Herend, a small town of about 3,500 people. The handsome artist keeps a lean physique by running and swimming.

One of Herend’s youngest artists, 27-year-old Keczer landed a coveted position in the factory in Herend, Hungary, by beating out hundreds of other applicants. He tested into the esteemed Mor Fischer College of Porcelain, part of the Herend company, at age 18.

Attila Keczer

There he mastered the company’s intricate traditional techniques as an apprentice in the world’s largest porcelain manufactory.

“As students, we learned everything about porcelain-making,” he explains. But since he has drawn since childhood, Keczer gravitated towards a career as a painter. Just before he joined the ranks as an employed artist at Herend, he was awarded the prestigious prize for professional expertise.

Keczer says, for a Hungarian-born artist, there is no greater honor than a career at Herend. A source of national pride, rulers the world over have collected the brand since its inception in 1826. Some of the popular patterns bear the name of the customer that custom-ordered them, such as Queen Victoria and Rothschild.

Love Birds

“People work in the factory their whole lives,” Keczer says. “It’s an honor. We are a big family.”

His second tour in the United States was a chance for Keczer to practice his English while learning about a culture vastly different from his.

Every piece of Herend is crafted, molded and painted by hand. It can take Keczer up to eight hours to paint a Queen Victoria dinner plate, due to numerous firings. A yellow butterfly is fired in the kiln before a blue flower is painted next to it, for example, so the hues won’t blend to form green.

"YOUR COUNTRY IS AMAZING," HE SAYS. HIS FAVORITE SPOT SO FAR IS SAN FRANCISCO, BUT HE FINDS TEXAS INTERESTING AS WELL.

Keczer has also mastered the difficult freeform fishnet pattern, the signature look of Herend figurines. This renowned design was first used centuries ago on Chinese porcelain to represent feathers and fish scales. Although he is versed in several methods, Keczer specializes in painting floral and fruit patterns.

In anticipation of Keczer’s arrival, Neiman Marcus pre-sold over $75,000 worth of merchandise in Houston and Dallas. Collectors took advantage of exclusive pieces available at the events, lining up for new introductions in lavender, black and turquoise.

Paperweight

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When asked what he does to correct a mistake during the laborious decorating process, Keczer answers in heavily accented English, “I don’t make mistakes.” Watching him personalize a plate in steady cursive using the hair of a squirrel’s tail while anxious buyers hover around, one is inclined to believe him.

“More Herend is sold in Texas than just about anywhere in the United States,” Cheryl Chantilis, regional sales manager for Herend, tells me. “It’s a lifestyle here in the South, especially Houston. A bride knows what Herend is before she registers for her wedding. She is raised with Herend and has an appreciation for it.”

June Cullom, a collector who lives in Tanglewood, once made a trip to the Herend factory with a group of girlfriends. “We spent all day in the factory – it’s the most amazing thing to watch the artists,” she recalls. “We were just spellbound to see how many steps go into making one piece. It’s an art form passed down from generation to generation. Herend is this little town made up of these incredible artists.”

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EVENTPARTY LIKE A ROCK STAR WITH A “SEX” STAR WHYPLANNED PARENTHOOD GALA KICKOFF PARTY WHEREMOSAIC AT HERMANN PARK WHENMAY 9 Hundreds of fashionably and rock star dressed revelers flocked to the 002houston sponsored party at the Mosaic to get a glimpse of Sex and the City’s David Eigenberg aka “Steve.” Thanks to Patron who rocked the house with their delicious concoctions and The Original Ninfa’s for their appetizers. David had the crowd in stitches as he addressed guests from his VIP area provided by Bo Concept.

Miki & Michael Malik, Shan Stevens, Kristi Rew

Mackenzie Spelling, David Eigenberg, Daniela Rojas

Photography by Michelle Watson for lastnightpics.com

?

Whitney Arp, Stacey Tester

Marika Horn, Rebecca Costello, Emily Dreis

Diane Kopelman, Justin Penard, Missy Stevens

Jonathan Morrow, Annette Daidler, Ashley Brown, Eric Rozelle

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ART | LIVING

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ON OUR RADAR

ONOUR RADAR MAX Factor JUNE 27 – 28 CELEBRITY MAKEUP ARTIST JAKE BAILEY FOR MAX FACTOR WILL BE MAKING IN-STORE APPEARANCES WITH COMPLIMENTARY MAKEUP CONSULTATIONS. BAILEY HAS WORKED WITH RENEE ZELLWEGER, PARIS HILTON AND MANDY MOORE, TO NAME A FEW. GET SOME TIPS JUST IN TIME FOR YOUR WEDDING OR A SUMMER PARTY. ULTA, 1600 LAKE WOODLANDS DRIVE, JUNE 28, 12 – 4PM.

Miss USA Houston’s own Neal Hamil model Crystle Stewart won the title of Miss USA last month! The graceful beauty was 002houston’s profile last year. Congratulations!

We have no doubt she’ll be a fitting role model for young women as well as a fantastic representative of Houston.

ON THURSDAY, JUNE 19, AT 7:30 PM, J. SILVER LAUNCHES HIS SUMMER COLLECTION, THE PREPhotography by Jill Hunter MIERE OF THE NEW MEN’S LINE PLUS STYLE AND HAIR ADVICE FROM LOCAL EXPERTS. LUSH WINDOW DISPLAYS WILL HELP THE STORE LITERALLY “GO GREEN” FOR THE PARTY. “THE SEASON IS ALL ABOUT BOLD COLOR,” SAYS STORE OWNER J. LANDA, WHO ALSO DESIGNS THE COLLECTIONS. “I WENT ON A MORE ENVIRONMENTALLY CONSCIOUS JOURNEY WITH THESE PIECES; ON THE OTHER HAND, THE NEW MEN’S LINE FEATURES CASUAL, YET SOPHISTICATED PIECES MIXING LEATHER, BLACK DIAMONDS AND 18KT GOLD IN LONG CHAINS, RINGS AND MORE.” 713.819.1922 OR JLJSILVER@AOL.COM.

gastronomy People, please sit down for this news: Scott Tycer of Aries fame, owner of Kraftsman Baking and co-owner of Gravitas restaurant, announced the opening of Textile, his upcoming signature 30-seat restaurant which will be located in the new Kraftsman Baking facility in The Heights.

Located in Houston’s 9th oldest building, the turn-of-the-century textile mill will be a reservations-only establishment scheduled to debut on August 1. Textile is located at 611 West 22 Street in The Heights. The restaurant is open Tuesday through Saturday for dinner only. For reservations, please call 832.209.7174.

community

Shop talk Susan Nethero, the brain behind {Intimacy} who has appeared on Oprah and The Today Show numerous times and is the expert bra fitter for the runaway hit TV series “How to Look Good Naked,” has opened shop in the Galleria.

WHOLE FOODS MARKET TEAMS UP WITH TOMS SHOES FOR TOMORROW TO PROVIDE CHILDREN IN NEED WITH A FREE PAIR OF SHOES – AND SHOPPERS WITH A PERSONALIZED, ECO-FRIENDLY PAIR OF THEIR OWN. AN EXCLUSIVE LINE OF ECO-FRIENDLY, VEGAN SHOES WILL BE AVAILABLE AT WHOLE FOODS MARKET. AS WITH ALL LINES OF TOMS SHOES, FOR EVERY PAIR PURCHASED, THE COMPANY DONATES A PAIR OF SHOES TO A CHILD IN NEED. IN CELEBRATION OF THE BIG LAUNCH DAY, HOUSTON WHOLE FOODS MARKETS WILL BE HOSTING A “STYLE YOUR SOLE” EVENT, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 11, 2008, FROM 3 – 7PM. STORES INCLUDED ARE: 6401 WOODWAY DRIVE, 2955 KIRBY DRIVE, 11145 WESTHEIMER ROAD AND 15900 SOUTHWEST FREEWAY, SUGAR LAND, TX. FOR MORE DETAILS ON TOMS SHOES, VISIT TOMSSHOES.COM. FOR A LISTING OF STORES, VISIT WHOLEFOODSMARKET.COM. june08|002houston 33

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BORN COOL. GROW HIP.

OH DADDY!

HE’S AGREED TO TAKE CARE OF THE NEW MUNCHKIN EVERY SATURDAY MORNING SO YOU CAN GET BRUNCH WITH THE GIRLS; TO CHANGE POOPIE DIAPERS SO YOU DON’T MUSS-UP YOUR MANICURE; AND EVEN TO SHARE MIDNIGHT FEEDINGS SO YOU CAN CATCH SOME ZZZZZS TOO… WHAT A GUY! SO, FOR HIS VERY FIRST FATHER’S DAY, REWARD HIM WITH HIS VERY OWN – VERY MASCULINE – BABY BAG STOCKED WITH ALL THE “MANLY” MUSTHAVES OUT THERE…. BECAUSE YOU CAN’T EXPECT HIM TO TOTE AROUND YOUR ZEBRA PRINT MIA BOSSI AT THE NEXT DADDY AND ME CLASS.

by Kristina Vaquero-Nemec Photography by Gabrielle Nissen

7.

8.

5.

9.

6.

10.

11.

1. Skip Hop Camo bag, $29.99 at Target Stores 2. Plain Mary “Gross” burp set – set of four: Gross, Puke, Tinkle, Poop; $40 at plainmary.com 3. Clean Well Natural Sanitizing Wipes – kills 99% of germs, yet are non-toxic and safe for any age $12.99 for a box of 20 at Target Stores 4. Mascot Books “Hello, Hook ’Em” and “How ’Bout Them Cowboys!”; $14.95 at Baby’s 1st Furniture 5. Plain Mary Brooklyn bib – $40 for a set of two at www.plainmary.com 6. Itzbeen Baby Care Timer – Helps new parents remember and time basic baby care $25.99 Itzbeen.com 7. JJ Cole Paci Pod – pacifiers finally have a clean and accessible home, $7.95 at Babies’R’Us 8. Start ‘Em Early Longhorn Pacifier at Baby’s 1st Furniture 9. Luna Lullaby “To the Moon” swaddling blanket – $42 for a set of three, lunalullaby.com 10. Robeez Trainers; $27.95 at robeez.com 11. Aristabrat “Bring My Tricycle Around” onesie; $80 aristabrat.com 12. Rockabye Baby Green Day and U2 CDs – lullaby renditions that rock! $16.99 Baby’s 1st Furniture

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12.

4.

3.

Just For Dad?

2.

1.

AHAVA, creators of innovative mineralbased skincare products, has launched AHAVA for Men – a new product line that addresses the specific needs and challenges of men’s skin. The products are infused with a wide variety of minerals, marine extracts and other natural energizing agents such as ginseng and gingko biloba. All of the products in the series are hypoallergenic and are formulated to cleanse, sooth and invigorate…not to mention make your man smell fantastic! A gift for MOM’S senses. Prices range from $15-$28 at ahavaUS.com.

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ART | LIVING

EVENTHOPE LUNCHEON WHYRIVER OAKS COUNTRY CLUB WHEREFOR BIRTH DEFECTS RESEARCH WHENMAY 1 The third annual luncheon and style show was chaired by Paula Mischer and Kelli Kickerillo with well over 270 attendees. Nearly $100,000 was raised to support birth defects research at the Texas A&M Health Science Center’s Institute of Biosciences and Technology located in the Medical Center. Friends, mothers and grandmothers with their children modeled clothes by Mint in Uptown Park

Cathy Fitzpatrick, Cathy Hill.

Mary and Vincent Kickerillo

Janet Morrow

Annabelle Pursley

Dr. Laura Mitchell, event co-chair Paula Mischer, Dr. Richard Finnell, and event co-chair Kelli Kickerillo

Sofia Castore, Francesca Vitelli

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PEOPLE OF HOUSTON

LAURA McDUFFIE

DYLAN MOORE

age 38 sign Aries origin Florence, South Carolina occupation Educational Trainer

age 38 sign Taurus origin Houston occupation Designer and Owner of Tupelo Grease Co. Clothing

PEOPLE OF HOUSTON COURTNEY KEITH age 31 sign Aquarius origin Houston, TX occupation Bridal Extravaganza Fall 2008 Billboard Bride

Photography Aaron M. Sprecher

–LAURA McDUFFIE -If you could meet a celebrity, who would it be? Sidney Poitier.

-What is one thing you can’t live without? Fresh fruit.

-If you never had to work, what would you do? Educational charity.

-Where do you plan to go on your next vacation? Hilton Head, South Carolina.

-How would you describe your style? Dresses and flip-flops.

–DYLAN MOORE -If you won the lottery, what is the first thing you would buy?

My grandparents’ former home in Houston and my greatgrandparents’ ranch outside of Austin.

-If you never had to work, what would you do? Travel, playing golf and poker for a year or so, then come home and start a family – of course, I’d need a little help with that part.

-How do you stay in shape? Stationary bike, push-ups and that damn rubber ball.

-What was your most embarrassing moment? Telling my parents I’d never drive a piece of shit car like our neighbors had for sale, then learning they had already gotten it for me for Christmas. I have apologized a million times and it will never be enough.

–COURTNEY KEITH -What’s your favorite trend? Red lips.

-What is the worst fashion trend you loved? HUGE bangs.

-If you never had to work, what would you do? Go nuts.

-Where do you plan to go on your next vacation? Hawaii for my honeymoon!

-What was the best concert you ever attended? Gypsy Kings.

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FASHION | LIVING

COSTUMES FOR COCKTAILS

Styling by Beatrice Valencia Photography by Gabriella Nissen

BROWN EYES BLUE BOUTIQUE 2427 Rice Blvd. 713.520.5577 + AMERICAN APPAREL 1665 Westheimer Rd. 713.521.7171 + NEIMAN MARCUS 2600 Post Oak Blvd. 713.621.7100

California state of mind…

I can’ t stop wearing hoops. Gold ones particularly. I have all shapes and sizes but no matte gold. The matte gold is elegant and the thin hoop is a delicate t wist. Matte gold hoops $50 (stylist’s own)

The cotton jersey makes this scarf feel cool even in the hottest weather. It’ s long enough to wrap repeatedly and drapes beautifully. H&M cotton jersey scarf $12.90

AFR

The watercolor floral pattern and tiny matte sequin detail provide enough interest that I can forgo accessorizing. The lightweight cotton is a plus! Rebecca Taylor watercolor floral blouse $324

I tried on this perfume at Sephora to see how it would react with my skin and was hooked. It’ s a sweet masculine smell. It’ s not sweet/cute but sweet/sexy. And it lingers all day long.

Armani Code eau de parfum 1.7 oz $58 @ Neiman Marcus

I get shiny as it is with the heat. I use this makeup as concealer and spot control to keep oiliness at bay.

Added SPF is always a must in the scorching sun. Remember, UV rays can affect you through windows too! Chanel Mat Lumiere long-lasting soft makeup w/ SPF 15 $52 at Neiman Marcus.

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High-waisted and formfitting, it’ s the perfect balance to my blouson top. And it’ s a refreshing option to shorts or minis. American Apparel black interlock pencil skirt $30

I get instantly tan legs with the help of this bronze cream. It absorbs quickly and the various shades help you avoid orange legs. Armani Bronze Mania # 2 $ @ Neiman Marcus

Oversize clutch? Check! A straw clutch is quintessential summer chic. Metallic touches can add sophistication to any outfit, casual or dressy. An added plus: if you get tired of carrying it, there’ s a chain shoulder strap tucked inside. Elaine Turner straw clutch w/ metallic gold trim $325

Keeping up with the gladiator sandal trend is a cinch with these. Not to mention pewter and gold details make them überversatile. Dolce Vita pewter gladiator sandals $135

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4 GREATS

ONE GREAT SERIOUS ARTIST, Wendy Wagner – whose cover won our annual December 2007 issue contest asking: What is meaning of holiday? – is the most recent recipient of the $50,000 Hunting Art Prize for 2008.

Her piece was selected from over 100 final juried participants in the 28th annual award program sponsored by the oil services company. Wagner’s art can’t help but make you smirk! Her pieces, although whimsical, are full of realistic detail and seem to never take themselves too seriously. “The Hunting Art Prize will be a huge catapult for me to expose my playful and creative works as serious art,” said Wagner after the announcement. “The artwork selected for the competition was outstanding and I am honored to be among these great artists. I also hope to inspire children and adults to pursue art through my work, whether as a career or a collector.”

Wagner’s works have been exhibited at a number of solo shows in Houston at the New Gallery, and she has been part of group exhibitions in Houston, Austin, New York and Monterrey, Mexico. She also taught in the Multi Visit Program at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston. wendywagner.com

ONE GREAT ACCIDENT Jane Hamidi, wedding designer extraordinaire, took some time from her trunk show to talk about wedding dress with me. Based in Chicago with her sons, Hamidi says a “wedding dress says a lot about a person.” How long have you been designing? “Since I could grab a pencil! I would scribble but just as a hobby, I never took it seriously. I started designing sportswear and bought a bolt of off-white fabric, which I never did anything with. It layed around for years and I finally did something with it in the late 90s. I made a long summer dress and hung it in my store window. People started asking about it and I asked what they were wearing it to, turns out they were wearing it for weddings!” Her dresses are now carried in 20 stores and each collection consists of about 12 – 16 dresses. “I want people to put on my dress and feel like a superstar!”

Pictured is the inside lining of my dress which she signed. Who’s the superstar now?

Carla Valencia de Martinez

ONE GREAT STORY

EVERYONE HAS ONE, OR KNOWS SOMEONE WHO HAS ONE. YOU’VE WITNESSED PERFECT STRANGERS MAKING COMPLETE FOOLS OF THEMSELVES AT CLUB MINOR, HAVE BEEN ONE OR HAVE ENDED UP CREATING A LASTING FRIENDSHIP WITH AFOREMENTIONED FOOL. GET YOUR STORY PUBLISHED IN THE FIRST EVER BOOK ABOUT CLUB NO MINORS! NOW IS YOUR CHANCE TO NOT ONLY BE PUBLISHED IN A BOOK, BUT TO SHARE YOUR HILARIOUS, RAUNCHY, GROSS AND PROBABLY EMBARRASSING STORY FROM A NIGHT OF MARGARITAS AT THE INFAMOUS CLUB NO MINORS (EL PATIO). YOU’VE ALL EXPERIENCED THE “BLUE MARGARITA” AND ITS EFFECTS ON YOUR GLAMOUR OR LACK THERE OF. IT’S SIMPLE...SUBMIT YOUR STORY TO CLUBNOMINORS@GMAIL.COM. TELL THEM A STORY ABOUT YOU, THE GROUP YOU WERE WITH, THE CRAZY PEOPLE NEXT TO YOU OR WHATEVER YOU WANT TO WRITE ABOUT. NOTHING IS OFF-LIMITS! DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSIONS IS SEPTEMBER 1.

ONE GREAT TRASH SESSION Last year we told you about the Trash the Dress Events that were taking place all over the nation. Houston is getting its first. Protography Studios along with Cimo Productions is proud to present our First Annual Trash the Dress event. I am not sure I am quite ready to trash my dress, but, ladies, if you had a stressful wedding and are ready to get some anger out, here’s some free anger management. Held in Downtown Houston at Bayou Place, the free event will include live photo sessions with recent brides and some models. The after-party will be at Hard Rock Cafe. It’s certainly an original way for brides to “show their ‘True Love and Devotion’ by trashing their dress in water, mud, dirt, leaves, beach or whatever may happen in the session.” Grooms are invited to join in the session. protographytx.com/blog/ or online at protographytx.com. june08|002houston 39

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JEWEL BOX

by Kristina Vaquero-Nemec

Photography by Gabrielle Nissen

JEWEL

1

BOX Vow

to be

different!

Remember the moment you vowed to give your bridesmaids a meaningful gift to show how much you appreciate that they just forked over big bucks for a dress they’ll never wear again? Come on – yes, you do. You know, when you opened that giftwrapped box harboring a homemade “purse” matching the prom-worthy dress you had to wear in the wedding of your third cousin? Ah, there it is. So, now that it’s your turn on the marriage-go-round, make sure to adequately thank the girls. I’m quite sure any of these would be very well received!

10

2 11 8 4

9 13

5 7 6 12

CHEAP CHIC! 40 june08|002houston

1. Jewelry roll by Graphic Images $124 – Kuhl-Linscomb 713.526.6000 2. Initial pendant by Pyrrah $88 – Kuhl-Linscomb 3. Stone & cord earrings by Dori Csengeri $128 – Kuhl-Linscomb 4. Turquoise & silver bracelet by Chan Luu $76 – Kuhl-Linscomb 5. 18K & Emerald bracelet by Ashley Darryl $184 – Kuhl-Linscomb 6. Pearl & emerald bracelet by Ashley Darryl $72 – Kuhl-Linscomb 7. Diamond oxidized cross by Ila & I $332 – Kuhl-Linscomb 8. Heart earrings by Nashelle $35 – J.Silver 713.807.1644 9. 14K woven crystal earrings by Misha $225 – J.Silver 10. Pastel sapphire necklace by Kristina Vaquero $150 – Kristina@002mag.com 11. Pearl & 14k gold fill necklace by Kristina Vaquero $110 12. Sapphire bracelet by Kristina Vaquero $98 3 13. Kynite & 14K vermiel hoops by Kristina Vaquero $160

Too many bridesmaids, too little cash? These lovely little necklaces by Dogeared make the perfect token for any bridesmaid, flower girl or female member of the house party… and at $27 (on cord) to $60, they won’t break the bank. Available at J.Silver and Kuhl-Linscomb.

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Retail Resurrected

BRIDAL EDITION

by Allison Bagley Photography by Phyllis Hand

HOUSTON’S “MAKE IT WORK” GIRL BREATHES NEW LIFE INTO SOME BAD BRIDESMAID DRESSES.

WHAT WAS YOUR REACTION WHEN THE BRIDAL SYMPOSIUM ASKED YOU TO DO THE BRIDESMAID CHALLENGE? ‘I just hope these dresses are butt-ugly so I can do a real change!’

chloe dao designer lot 8 boutique + salon

HOW DID YOU DECIDE WHICH FROCKS NEEDED A MAKEOVER? Women submitted photos, and two stuck out as especially challenging – one was a bias gown and another was the most basic dress I’ve ever seen. The third was this “ginormous” turquoise explosion.

I thought it was an 80s prom dress, but then I realized it was current.

OUT OF THE THREE YOU PICKED TO REVAMP, WHICH WAS THE WORST? They were all kind of bad in their own way, but it has to be the turquoise.

DID THE ’MAIDS TELL ANY TALES? No, they were all really good bridesmaids. You’re doing it because you love your friend. No horror stories about the brides or anything!

HOW DID THIS BRING BACK MEMORIES OF PROJECT RUNWAY? It was totally like the show – I ripped them all apart and I was thinking, ‘What can I use? How many yards of fabric is this?’ I really had to make it work.

UM, DID YOU JUST SAY “MAKE IT WORK”? I guess I did! I put extra challenges on myself too. I didn’t buy any additional fabric. So I would cut off a seam to use for a strap. And I gave myself only three hours for each one. As a designer, you have to limit yourself or it could go on forever. I had to add fabric to the turquoise one though.

It was really short – she had a little bit of the Basic Instinct thing going on.

WERE THE GIRLS PLEASED WITH THEIR NEW LOOKS? They were! They walked the catwalk at the Symposium – it was exciting for them. And now they have something they wear in a totally different way.

HOW MANY TIMES HAVE YOU WALKED THE AISLE? DO YOU HAVE 27 DRESSES YET? Eight times! I can’t believe it’s that many.

HOW MANY OF THOSE WERE SISTERS? Six. HAVE YOU EVER BEEN TOLD BY A BRIDE, ‘DON’T WORRY - YOU CAN CUT IT OFF AND WEAR IT AGAIN’? I actually made all the bridesmaid dresses I’ve worn. And I always said to the other girls, you can chop it off and wear it later! But, I don’t think anyone ever did.

WHAT’S THE WORST ONE YET? It was probably one of my sister’s. Her favorite flower was daisies, so she wanted a strapless dress with appliqué flowers. I didn’t like it even then, but I compromised and did it for her. I mean, it was her theme!

DID ANY OF YOUR DESIGNS LOOK LIKE A TYPICAL BRIDESMAID DRESS? No, I never did anything that was 80s poof or anything.

Except for the daisies, every one was simple and classic and I still love them to this day.

HAVE YOU EVER BREATHED NEW LIFE INTO ANY OF YOUR OLD OUTFITS? No. I’m very clear cut in my aesthetic. If I love it in the very first place, there’s very little chance I won’t like it in ten years. But I am that kind of girl that tries to squeeze into something from ten years ago.

HOW CAN A BRIDE FIND A DRESS HER BRIDESMAID CAN WEAR AGAIN? Don’t go to David’s Bridal or a shop like that, just because it’s the same shape over and over again. No one really wears polyester satin for evening – unless it’s prom. If you really want to be nice to your bridesmaids, go shopping at a boutique like mine, or Saks or Neiman’s. There are great cocktail dresses out there. Find something they would actually buy for themselves.

SWITCHING GEARS, HAVE YOU MET THE RECENT P.R. CHAMP, CHRISTIAN? No, I wish I had! But not yet.

WHAT WOULD CHRISTIAN DESIGN FOR A BRIDESMAID? Oh my gosh, I’m a little scared already. He would do over-the-top. There’s gonna be a lot of detail. There’s gonna be ruffles, draping, feathers, pintucking, pleating.

SO, IT WOULD BE FIERCE? Very fierce.

WHAT DO YOU THINK OF THE RUMORED SWITCH OF P.R. FROM BRAVO TO LIFETIME? It’s so tragic! I feel a lot of love for Bravo and for what Bravo stands for. It’s queer and fabulous – and creative. Every one of their shows – like Top Chef and Step It Up & Dance – have people following their dreams, against all odds. It’s kind of a switch for P.R. to go to a “woman’s channel.” I mean, I’m a woman but I only watch Lifetime when I’m on my period. You know, when I’m moody and depressed and want to cry. I watch Bravo all the time.

But, I’m a major P.R. fan and I’ll watch it on any station.

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THINGS I LIKE, LOVE

THINGS I LIKE LOVE WHETHER YOU’RE A BRIDE, A BRIDESMAID, THE MOTHER OF THE BRIDE, THE SISTER, A FRIEND, THE HAIRSTYLIST, MAKEUP PERSON – BASICALLY ANYONE IN CONTACT WITH THE BRIDE, YOU’LL NEED AT LEAST SOMETHING ON THIS PAGE. SHE, ON THE OTHER HAND, NEEDS THEM ALL.

t hi ngs f or f un

The Original Ninfa’s on Navigation has the YUMMIEST candy at the door rather than the regular mint. Their Pulparindo individual candies are the kind we eat in Mexico. Tamarind-flavored candy, mango or chamoy. I LOVE how creative they are with their goodbye candy, and it’s FREE! This tiny tin carousel is adorable! It actually spins. It’s the little things, people! tinmantintoys.com

OH, HOW WE TORTURE OUR POOR FEET FOR THE SAKE OF BEAUTY! I KNOW ALL OF YOU HAVE RUSHED OUT TO SEE SEX AND THE CITY THE MOVIE AND ARE EVEN MORE INSPIRED TO STRAP ON YOUR SEXIEST STILETTOS. FOOT PETALS IS GENIUS AND CAN HELP MAKE THOSE STILETTOS A LITTLE MORE FRIENDLY ON THE FEET. THE LAVENDER-SCENTED KILLER KUZHIONZ FULL INSOLES ARE NOT ONLY PRETTY AND SCENTED, BUT THEY WORK. THERE’S ALSO TIP TOES TO PREVENT YOUR TOES PULLING A FRED FLINTSTONE ON THE PAVEMENT AND SO MUCH MORE. FOOTPETALS.COM

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th in g s to re c ov e r. . . i n s ty l e , of c ou r se !

You’ll all need to hydrate if you drank the boxed wine – do it in style with Bling H20. This stuff is all the rage in LA, but I think it rocks as the bottled water for your wedding!

Start at $20 at blingh20.com

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THINGS I LIKE, LOVE

By Carla Valencia Photography by Sofia van der Dys

t h in g s to d ri nk

You will need wine. Lots of wine for the showers, toasts – oh yeah – and stress. Gone are the days of cheap trailer park boxed wine. This pre-packaged Cabernet Sauvignon is delish. I keep one in the fridge at all times. It’s the equivalent of two bottles (yup) and it lasts about six weeks. $29 at Antone’s Market in River Oaks. 2311 West Alabama.

OK, SO A COOZIE IS, WELL, A COOZIE AND YOU DON’T WANT THE BRIDE LOSING HER BOOZE. $8 AT MARYPHILLIPSDESIGNS.COM

I Love Goody’s hair accessories! Not only for their versatility, but their pricepoint is unbeatable! And every season they create collections to match fashion tendencies. I love the gold elastic multiheadband and the braided mesh copper hair band. At drug stores.

COSABELLA’S KNOWN FOR ITS FUN GIRLY UNDERPINNINGS. WE LOVE THE LACE ON THIS THONG, AND THE COLOR IS HOT! AVAILABLE AT MORE THAN YOU CAN IMAGINE. 2817 WESTHEIMER

al l th i ng s v a i n

Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate. This one’s for your locks. Pureology’s NanoWorks Luxury Hair Masque smells divine and works like a dream. Its anti-aging, anti-fading complex will revitalize and leave your hair happy and shiny. Bella Rinova Spa & Salon in Uptown Park.

SK II Hydrating Cream is just the thing to keep skin perfectly plump and moisturized so everyone can shine for the big day. Available at Saks Fifth Avenue.

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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RETAIL WRAP

RETAIL WRAP

Photography by Juliana Franco

name luvi wheelock boutique casa de novia bridal couture address 3331 d’amico street | phone number 713.523.9090 website www.casadenoviabridal.com | years in operation 4 CURRENT OBSESSION: My daughter DESIGN INSPIRATION | ICON: Not a fair question for someone in the industry…I have like 10!

HOW DID YOU GET INTO THIS BUSINESS? I found beautiful dresses in every salon that I visited in Houston when searching for the perfect wedding dress but….. I was looking for something sleek and sophisticated yet not a slinky bias cut gown, and on the other hand, I didn’t want a big gown. The inbetween dresses weren’t around then! It’s also pretty fair to say that my obsession with fashion didn’t make things easier for me!

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WHAT SETS YOU APART FROM OTHER BOUTIQUES? The dresses here are fabulous in the sense that they aren’t the typical dresses that you see everywhere.

Having said that, they aren’t avant garde either.

They are just fabulous dresses for girls who want a fashion element to their wedding dress! I have all the coolest types of fabrics in my dresses, Mikado, linen blend, English net, silk tulle, chantilly lace, velvet chiffon. I could go on forever!

WHAT ARE YOU COVETING THIS SEASON? The perfect white dress (short, of course), something that can make an easy transition from day to night.

5 RULES OF STYLE 1. I really only have one…walk out the door in whatever makes you feel like you look the best in.

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002HOUSTON MAGAZINE

EVENTSUMMER LIKE IT’S HAUTE WHYTO BENEFIT HOUSTON AREA WOMEN’S CENTER WHERETHE DRAKE WHENMAY 17 Gazelle-like models graced the runway for a happy hour/fashion show displaying summer’s most coveted beach wear from La Mode Lingerie. The crowd was packed with the city’s most fashionable peeps kicking off their Saturday night with some fashion. Guests brought gently worn “business attire” and accessories for the Houston Women’s Center.

Leann Bratcher, Jodi Giammalva

Jessica Teachout, Danielle Walker

Photography by Michelle Watson for lastnightpics.com

Crystal Shultea, Janell Stringham

Paul Getty, Suzanne Corpus

Models

Dr. Samer Fakhri, Nadia Michele

Sarah Sbaiti, Nadine Boutros, Tony Cortez, Dina Sbaita june08|002houston 45

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Pillow Talk

BRIDAL EDITION

By Allison Bagley Photo courtesy of WWD

WE CAUGHT UP WITH LINGERIE LEGEND JOSIE NATORI, IN TOWN FOR A NEIMAN MARCUS EVENT, TO FIND OUT WHAT THE DESIGNER WEARS TO BED, HOW TO PROPERLY PACK PANTIES, AND WHAT’S HOT FOR THE WEDDING NIGHT. After 30 years in the intimate apparel business,

Josie

Natori

knows what women want. She’s so in touch with their needs, in fact, that she has expanded her line to include home decor, loungewear, ready-towear and, debuting next year, a fragrance.

Josie Natori

“Today, Natori is really about a total lifestyle,” she says. “The hallmark of what made us very distinctive is the craftsmanship, the details and the embellishments. That all connects through the line.”

A woman’s Natori chemise, for example, can blend with the throw pillows on her couch, the towels in her bathroom and the sheets on her bed. The pieces are inspired by an east-west sensibility, and it’s true that the line has a trademark look.

strapless bra and next she helps them choose a beautiful pair of underwear that fits their personality.

The native Filipino, whose couture lingerie collection commands up to $2,700 for a silk cotton robe at doors like Bergdorf Goodman, Saks Fifth Avenue and Neiman Marcus, says her work is all about indulgence.

“It doesn’t have to be white either,” she adds.

Her pieces come in soft pastels – even blue, for brides looking to cross that “something” off their list. There are endless options to celebrate the wedding night – from animal print PJs to sequin silk caftans and lace boy shorts.

“We don’t make anything that a woman really needs, she wants it,” she says. “Except underwear, she needs underwear.”

Speaking of panties, Natori says one can never have too many in her suitcase. “I believe in having a lot of underwear. That’s number one. I will have enough for the entirety of the trip.” Natori offers more than honeymoon packing tips for bridesto-be. She helps special clients choose their wedding day undergarments and says what’s inside the dress is just as important as what’s outside.

I’M 61, BUT I WEAR CHEMISES EVERY NIGHT.”

“You spent thousands on your wedding gown. You should really pay attention to the underthings as well.”

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Natori herself was married 36 years ago in New York City and spent her wedding night at The Carlyle Hotel.

“I remember buying this long, flowing yellow gown,” she says. “I didn’t know any better, and that was the kind of nightgown that was available – very traditional, frumpy and, in a way, older. I think I almost tripped on it! When I think about what I wore then compared to what I would wear today, it’s like night and day.

“I think we did a lot to make lingerie more fashionable and more modern, and I’m proud of that,” she says.

Natori, who recently created a $5,000 couture ensemble for a client’s anniversary night, says her philosophy is simple: Women shouldn’t feel guilty about indulging themselves with something a little impractical, on the wedding night or for no occasion at all. “To me, it’s clothes – do whatever you want to do in them,” she says. “We make them, you decide where to wear them.” Minutes before our interview, in fact, she approached someone in the Galleria wearing one of her lace tanks as a top.

With hooded knit sets, tropicalinspired tunics and smocked cotton chemises that resemble a sundress, Natori says she often sees her underwear as streetwear, and that’s exactly as she intended it.

In other words, a honeymooner can get around that pesky airline baggage limit by packing things that go from day to night, bed to beach. “Brides should have a wardrobe to bring on the honeymoon,” Natori says. “It’s not just what you’re sleeping in. When it’s just the two hanging out, what are you wearing? Not jeans, I hope.”

“I’m so adamant about that,” she continues. “You can be comfortable without looking sloppy. Take one of our cover-ups for the pool, sleep in it, lounge in it and then wear it with pants to go out at night.” The name Natori has become synonymous with a luxurious lifestyle, and her success is due to a distinctive look that, above all, celebrates girlyness.

She sums it up this way: “Lingerie is universal.

Femininity has no nationality and no age.”

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BRIDAL EDITION

Perfect

Scents

by Carla Valencia de Martinez Photography by Sofia van der Dys

Bond No. 9 was founded in 2003 by Laurice Rahme and features perfumes inspired by various New York City neighborhoods. Laurice was born in Paris but has lived in New York for over 25 years. Originally an art student from the Louvre, Laurice started in the beauty business over 15 years ago; she was sent to New York to work on a project and stayed. Bond No. 9 was born from the ashes of 9/11. The city smelled burnt and she decided to make NYC smell good again making scents of New York. The response was astounding, with fans clamoring for their neighborhood to be immortalized. The president of Creed USA has also worked for Annick Goutal and Lancome – I had the opportunity to chat with the charming parfum mogul on a recent visit to Saks Fifth Avenue where fans were able to have her sign the coveted bottles.

HOW IMPORTANT IS FRAGRANCE FOR A BRIDE? Fragrance is an important element for a bride because it is a special day that she will want to remember forever, and scents are one of the best ways to preserve memories. She will forever associate that particular fragrance with one of the most important days of her life.

IS THERE ANYTHING SPECIAL SHE CAN DO FOR THE DAY IN TERMS OF PERFUME? First, she should pick a special fragrance. We do custom blending, so the bride can create her very own unique scent for the day. In terms of application, it’s always best to apply to pressure points on warm skin.

WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE SCENTS? My favorite scent is always the new one I am creating.

WHAT IS A REGULAR DAY IN THE LIFE OF LAURICE, CREATOR OF BOND NO. 9?

Busy…I am always working on a new fragrance, and there is much to be done. I find there are never enough hours in the day!

WHERE WILL YOU TRAVEL TO NEXT? I’ll be in San Francisco in mid-May for a personal appearance.

TELL US WHAT MAKES BOND NO. 9 SO SPECIAL AND WHAT SETS THE PERFUME HOUSE APART FROM OTHER MASS-PRODUCED PERFUMES. Bond No. 9 is a niche luxury perfumery dedicated to the city of New York. Each fragrance is named for and evokes the sensibility of a particular New York City neighborhood. We make different fragrances for different places, moods, ambiences and people. Our perfumes are high-concentration, long-lasting and inspired by the diversity of New York City.

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Here comes the bride, all dressed in . . .

BRIDAL EDITION

by Candice Alvarado | DW Photography

WHAT SHOULD BE ONE OF THE MOST EXCEPTIONAL AND MEMORABLE PURCHASES OF HER LIFE. THIS DAY SHE WILL WANT TO REMEMBER AND CHERISH FOREVER. AND, WHEN 30 YEARS SEEMS LIKE FOREVER, SHE SHOULD STILL BE ABLE TO LOOK AT THE DRESS AND NOT HAVE THE URGE TO YELL, “WHAT WAS I THINKING!” 002houston had the opportunity to sit down with renowned bridal designers Lazaro and Romona Keveza. Both designers revealed insights to their collections and shared helpful tips on what a bride should keep in mind when dress shopping for this special day.

Lazaro’s keen sense of style and fit has led him to be considered an innovator of the contemporary-classic look. His elegant and timeless designs are accented with beading, embroidery and lace that create a soft and delicate romantic look “a look of infinite simplicity combining the perfect cut with sumptuous fabrics, romantic grace and light modern movement,” says Lazaro.

Romona Keveza continues to enhance her worldwide reputation with her creative innovations. Her gowns have appeared on the covers of numerous magazines as well as red carpet and VIP clients. Her designs reflect a “timeless look giving it a special twist for the modern bride,” Keveza explains.

002Houston: DO YOU HAVE ANY STYLE ICONS YOU KEEP IN MIND WHEN DESIGNING? LAZARO: I incorporate input from brides-to-be, as they provide my inspiration. Working closely with customers during trunk shows gives an accurate picture of what real brides desire.

ROMONA KEVEZA: Timeless fashion icons such as Jackie Kennedy and Grace Kelly. It is my responsibility to create a gown that is just as fashionable in 2005 as it is in 2028.

002Houston: WHAT DO YOU SEE AS THE TRENDS AND INSPIRATIONS IN WEDDINGS AND DRESSES? LAZARO:Making brides beautiful, making a good fit. I use brides as inspirations for ideas and trends; expanding on prior collections based on what was missing in the past. I feature everything from slimming silhouettes to ball gowns and styles that range from simple to extravagant.

ROMONA KEVEZA: The desire many women have for timeless bridal silhouettes in luxurious fabrics. Using white evening gowns as destination wedding dresses.

002Houston: WHAT ELEMENTS WILL BE REVEALED IN YOUR 2008 COLLECTION? WHAT WILL SET YOUR COLLECTION APART FROM OTHERS? LAZARO: My collection shows my signature beading, embroidery and hand-work. 2008 will be a floral motif inspired by flowers. The trumpet has been the silhouette of the season. I have always liked to use color.

ROMONA KEVEZA: The legends collection focuses on the woman who has fabulous taste with a modest budget. I believe you don’t have to spend a huge amount of money to look fabulous or timeless. My dresses are made with a real woman’s body in mind; a dress for the sexy, confident, fabulous older woman as well as someone younger.

002Houston: WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO A FUTURE BRIDE? LAZARO: Do what you want. If you want the big full gown on the beach, go for it! Keep an open mind, be unique, be your own person. Don’t forget to sit back, enjoy and take it in.

ROMONA KEVEZA: You will be immortalized in your wedding dress.

It’s the dress people will remember you in; it’s the picture that will be passed down through generations. Don’t deviate from the day-to-day style. What you want to do is be the best that you already are; enhance the natural self.

Be sure to check out Lazaro and Romona Keveza’s websites for any upcoming trunk shows or events in the area, as well as what local shops carry their collections. lazarobridal.com romonakeveza.com

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002HOUSTON MAGAZINE

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BRIDAL EDITION

White Weddings I

Illustrations by Felix Doolittle felixdoolittle.com Cover Photography

by Sofia van der Dys

T'S BEEN A YEAR SINCE SINCE

WE TOOK REAL ENGAGED GALS AND PUT THEM ON THE COVER OF OUR WEDDING ISSUE TO SHARE THEIR

WEDDING STORIES WITH YOU. NOW MOST OF LADIES ARE MARRIED.

HERE WE CATCH UP WITH A FEW

WHO GRACIOUSLY SHARED THEIR BIG DAY WITH US.

EmilyMoglovkin &JoshuaMintz Josh and Emily, both Houston natives, tied the knot in Savannah, Georgia, at the Mansion on Forsyth Park, a funky but sophisticated hotel that initially attracted the couple to Savannah. After an outdoor ceremony, the 160 guests joined the couple for dinner and dancing in the stunning hotel ballroom.

White orchids and calla lilies adorned the room, and the band (The Dickens) rocked the house all night long. Following the reception, the newlyweds and many of their guests continued the celebration at the after-party which consisted of more food, music, fun and laughter. It truly was the most magical night of Josh and Emily’s lives.

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Donna Von Bruening Photographer

February 9, 2008 Savannah, Georgia

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BRIDAL EDITION

Laura Damasheck & Jared Christal

August 12, 2007 | Houston, Texas

Laura and Jared were married in a double ring ceremony held at the Briscoe Manor Chapel, Houston. The bride wore a mermaid cut Mikado silk gown by Junko Yoshioka and carried a cluster of white flowers. The six bridesmaids wore periwinkle tea length dresses by Vera Wang. The guests were treated to a reception immediately following in the ballroom at Briscoe Manor where the elegant centerpieces popped with a variety of blue, pink and orange flowers. After a long night of dining and dancing, the guests were given personalized BBQ sauce as favors to top off the elegant Texan wedding.

Chris Wineinger Phot ograp hy

Adriana M. Caballero & Jose Miguel Berlanga May 31, 2008 The Corinthian Houston, Texas

Nhanphotography | nha np hot ograp hy.com

AS THIS ISSUE IS PUT TO BED, ADRIANA AND PEPE ARE TAKING THEIR VOWS! WE WISH THEM THE BEST! ADRIANA’S INVITATIONS WERE VERA WANG AND HERE’S A SNEAK PEEK AT HER BRIDAL PORTRAIT.

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BRIDAL EDITION

Sof ia van der Dys Pho togra phy & Daniel Orti z

March 1, 2008 Houston, Texas

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BENEATH A CHUPPAH ADORNED WITH CANDLES AND A THOUSAND RED ROSES AND CALLA LILIES, JOHN AND STACEY WERE MARRIED EXACTLY ONE YEAR FROM THE DAY HE PROPOSED. THE LEGENDS BALLROOM AT THE INTERCONTINENTAL HOTEL WAS AWASH IN WARM RED AND GOLD TONES. OVER 300 GUESTS CHILLED OUT AT THE MARTINI ICE LUGES, SIPPED COCKTAILS AT HAND-CARVED BARS OF ICE, FEASTED ON HAND-ROLLED SUSHI MADE ON SITE AND DANCED TO THE TUNES OF THE PICTURES. FLOWERS WERE FLOWN IN FROM NEW ZEALAND, WHICH WAS THEIR HONEYMOON DESTINATION. A PERFECT WEDDING, BEYOND EVEN THEIR IMAGINATIONS.

Carla Valencia & Alejandro Martinéz

November 24, 2007 Cancún, México

On a perfect evening in Cancún, México, among family and friends who flew in for their day, Alejandro and Carla had the most glorious wedding. At a semi-outdoor chapel beachside, the two took their vows with a picturesque sunset as the backdrop. Friends and family were welcomed beachside at the InterContinental for the reception. Sandra Salazar and the team at the hotel helped turn the beach into a über- chic lounge complete with lounge area seating, a dance floor illuminated by white Chinese paper lanterns and the dining area. The majority of the guests stayed at the InterContinental making the experience a truly intimate one. As guests arrived to the beach area, they were met by a shoe valet who replaced dress shoes with flip-flops. A full moon provided the perfect lighting for the dancefloor where guests got down until 5 in the morning! It was a magical evening.

Michael Carr Phot ograp hy

Stacey Frank & John Cook

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EVENT6th ANNUAL LATIN WOMEN’S INITIATIVE LUNCHEON & FASHION SHOW WHYRAISE FUNDS FOR CASA ESPERANZA WHEREINTERCONTINENTAL HOTEL WHENMAY 9

Photography by Michelle Watson for lastnightpics.com

The most awaited luncheon came and went with over 10 Frida Kahlos on hand to celebrate the Latin Women’s Initiative’s success this year. Luncheon chairman Ericka Bagwell welcomed and thanked guests for giving generously. During the luncheon, designer Maria Rosario Mendoza Verduzco’s fashions awed the crowd. The sold-out event saw the end of Patty Dominguez’s Presidency but she welcomed Claudia Contreras as the new one.

Patty Dominguez, Erika Bagwell

Judd Miller, Patty Herrera, Adair Miller-Spinks

Marisol Leiva, Diana Struve, Alexandra Cevallos

Shephali Perkins, Gina Gaston, Ilona Carson

Betty Perez, Eleanor Loosbrock, Alina Garcia, Yamilia Halfon, Michelle Perez, Karyn Enriquez

Melissa Mithoff, Laura Spalding, Elizabeth Peterson

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Mix and match colored cards with envelopes – Marie Papier $13 at Kuhl-Linscomb. 713.526.6000

Paper Shop

Custom thank you card, invitation, reception card, napkin and program Papercraze 713.461.2730

Set of , set of 50, $30 at felixdoolittle.com

Save the Date coaster cards, $12 at PH Design Shop, 713.522.8861; orange and blue lovebirds across these customizable invitations, kenziekate.com; light blue with chocolate ribbon invitation, Papercraze; continued, light blue with tree save the date card, PH Stationery.

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

Custom invitation, poster and program created by PH Shop. Pricing for invitation design starts at $500, paper and printing not included.

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3 different invitations by Papercraze.

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BRIDAL EDITION

WEDDING LISTINGS Keely Thorne Events

2421 Tangley Street, Suite 111 Houston, Texas 77005 713.807.8188 | www.keelythorne.com

We specialize in Banquets-Rehearsal dinners OUTSIDE CATERING AS WELLLET US CATER

Kosta | Catering Director Niko Niko’s Catering 713.528.0966 Niko Niko’s 2520 Montrose 713-528-GYRO www.nikonikos.com

YOUR NEXT FIESTA

Las Alamedas Restaurant 8615 Katy Fwy. Houston TX, 77024 Tel.713-461-1503 Fax.713-461-8635 www.lasalamedas.com

BRIDES FREE! - weight loss - botox - juvederm - lipo-dissolve (see details on our website)

Papercraze 5910 Fairdale ln.

Houston TX, 77057 713.781.1905 www.houstonmedicalaestheticclinic.com

FINE INVITATIONS FOR LIFE’S EXTRAORDINARY EVENTS 713.461.2730 phone 713.461.9750 fax tysh@papercraze.com www.papercraze.com

Phone: 713.478.7274 Email: prftch@aol.com www.perfecttouchpromotions.com june08|002houston 55

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Ext en d sp ri ng a l i t t l e l o n g e r with David Brown Florist’s quince blooming branch $24 and lichen branch $45. 713.664.0466

{

D o g o o d . Luella Bartlett Robin Tee for Tonic t-shirt, $45 at tonicgen.com. Each t sold provides a pair of sneakers to a student in Abricots, Haiti. For students in Abricots, shoes are one of the most expensive needs since they have to walk miles through mountainous and rocky roads and trails to get to school every day.

}

MONTH AFTER MONTH ALL SORTS OF GOODIES PASS THROUGH OUR OFFICES; THIS MONTH WAS NO DIFFERENT. THESE WERE TOO GOOD TO NOT SHARE WITH YOU! D o n ’t s w e a t i t ! Origins Organics™ Totally Pure Deodorant is certified organic by the USDA National Organic Program. Origins.com

You sh oul d a lr eady be usi ng reusa ble b ags at th e g r o c e r y s t o r e . The purchase of a FEED 100 bag provides 100 healthy school meals for children in Rwanda through the FEED Projects’ FEED Foundation and the UN’s World Food Programme. Bag available exclusively at Whole Foods at $29.99.

Photography by Sofia van der Dys

I n f u s e y o u r h o u s e w i t h i n t o x i c a t i n g s c e n t s l i k e Antica Farmacista’s Filo d’Erbe (Blade of Grass), $58, Nordstrom.com O r p e r k u p a p o w d e r b a t h w i t h Voluspa’s mini ceramic candle, $13 at Houston Flowery.

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}

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ARCHITECTURE

KURT AICHLER

By Sandra Gunn Photography by Jill Hunter

PEOPLE PASS BY KURT AICHLER’S RESIDENTIAL WORKS TIME AFTER TIME HOW DID YOU COME TO LIVE/WORK IN HOUSTON AND WHY HAVE YOU CHOSEN TO MAKE THIS YOUR HOME? I grew up in the East BEFORE THEY NOTICE THEM…AND THAT IS JUST THE WAY HE WANTS IT! I MET WITH KURT AT ONE OF HIS DESIGNS, A LOUISIANA-STYLE HOME REMINISCENT OF A. HAYS TOWN’S WORK, THAT ALMOST FOOLED ME INTO THINKING THAT IT HAS BEEN ON THAT VERY CORNER FOR 50 YEARS OR MORE. KURT, I THINK ONE OF THE STRONGEST ATTRIBUTES OF THE SOUTHAMPTON AREA IS THE ABUNDANCE OF OLDER HOMES THAT HAVE BEEN LOVINGLY RENOVATED SO THAT THE INTEGRITY OF THE NEIGHBORHOOD STAYS INTACT. I AM AWED THAT YOU WERE ABLE TO BUILD A NEW HOME THAT NOT ONLY LOOKS OLD, IT FEELS OLD. HOW DID YOU MAKE THAT HAPPEN? The home is visually divided into 3 sections that give it the feel of evolving from a main house which had the sunporch enclosed, a family room addition, and finally the portion which looks like the garage was also attached to create the home today. Of course, all a part of the design. I added exterior shutters to the inside entry of the home to mimic the sunporch addition, created a step down into the living area and changed from brick floors to wood. There are brick interior walls, which A. Hays Town often did, that were tumbled on the edges, with a mortar that was finished to look rough and aged – not perfect. We

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increased the ceiling heights to enhance the transition. I added a third exterior finish inside the house, by wrapping the garage addition with HardiePlank™. The spaces left between the buildings created small courtyards that can be seen from interior spaces. It is a house of three buildings and four courtyards. The courtyards really expand the living spaces of the house.

WHY IS ARCHITECTURE YOUR PASSION? I find meaning in the adaptive and additive nature of domestic architecture. I like the different regional interpretations of architecture in the US. I look at a house as more of an expression of domesticity than a need to make an architectural statement. I hope the many homes that I have done over the years not only express my personality, but my clients’ also. The relationships created during the design process are what I remember most. The house is a product of that relationship.

Coast and graduated from Iowa State School of Architecture in 1976 and came here during the oil boom days of the seventies. I became a licensed architect in the State of Texas in 1982. I started building custom homes, designing remodels and additions in 1985, primarily in the West University Place, Southampton and River Oaks areas. We live in Southampton and I like the neighborhood because it reminds me of neighborhoods in the East. I hope the character and the scale of the neighborhood doesn’t change radically as new homes replace the original homes built here.

You and Dana live close by in a home that was built in the 1930’s, complete with a picket fence, a basset hound and a pick-up truck.

Well, it is mostly new! I kept the front and added on about 1800 feet of new construction in the back, which I tried to maintain with the character of the original bungalow, with a two-story addition. I took a cupola from the original house and put it on top of the roof of the addition to tie it together. I added the picket fence many years ago. That is probably the last picket fence I will build myself. I am a hands-on person. I restored a small Texas farmhouse outside New Ulm where we spend time as well. I am just looking for the right grapes so I can start a vineyard!

HOW CAN CHILDREN BE ENCOURAGED TO APPRECIATE ARCHITECTURE? I grew up in the East so I would say tour historic homes.

Sandra Gunn is a native Houstonian and Realtor. Her firm, Sandra Gunn Properties, specializes in the unique and prides themselves on being architects of community. www.sandragunn.com

FAVORITE: ARCHITECTRobert Stern, Hugh Newell Jacobsen, John Staub and A. Hays Town MEALFrench Cuisine from the Alsace-Lorraine region of France MOVIELast of the Mohicans… have watched it 20 times. Braveheart is #2. STOREWabash Antiques STRUCTUREMonticello CITYSanta Fe LAST PLACE YOU WANT TO GO BEFORE YOU GO The 1st tee at St. Andrew’s

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ARCHITECTURE + DESIGN

ARCHITECTURE+DESIGN

WOMB STYLE CHAIR | EUROSPACE

Now that you’ve decided to get hitched, you are probably thinking to yourself, “at least we won’t get asked ‘when are you getting married?’ anymore.” Brace yourself, because there’s a new question coming your way: “When are you going to have babies?” Trust us, people will ask. If you’re like most couples who like to wait about a year (to the utter dismay of the inlaws and parents), you’re probably more comfortable with any “womb” talk relating to this chair than

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your or your bride’s actual womb. And this one won’t cost you the latest stats on how much one child costs thru college.

Womb chair $999.99 vs. a child thru college: an estimated million.

AVAILABLE AT EUROSPACE|2405 SOUTHWEST FREEWAY, HOUSTON TX, 77098|EUROSPACEHOUSTON.COM

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WHERE TO LIVE

WHERE TO LIVE

LOCATION

YALE PARK VILLAS

THE BROWNSTONES@CITYCENTRE

MEMORIAL CONDOS

8 MILES NORTH OF DOWNTOWN, EXIT YALE/ PARKER OFF I-45

858 ROSASTONE, HOUSTON, TX 77024

6551 WESTCOTT, HOUSTON, TX 77007

The Brownstones at CityCentre, in the midst of a pedestrian-friendly atmosphere, offer residents a unique sense of community within an urban environment of upscale retail shops, fine dining and world-class hospitality.

A luxury condo complex for lease within walking distance to Memorial Park that lets you experience the convenience of Downtown, Galleria and West End restaurants.

Gated community of 40 custom-designed homes

AMBIENCE

AMENITIES

UNITS/ROOMS

WITHIN REACH

PRICE CONTACT

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Stainless steel appliances, slab granite counters, 42-inch cabinets, walk-in closets, wood floors, lush landscaping, sabal palms, gated community, attention to detail inside and out.

3- to 5-bedroom homes, 1900 to 2800 square feet

20 blocks north of Garden Oaks and the Heights

The Brownstones at CityCentre are located in Houston’s premiere new development in the Memorial area, CityCentre. Residents will enjoy a multitude of amenities from upscale retail shopping and fine dining to casual cafes and fitness areas all within walking distance of their front door. The Brownstones will afford beautiful details, exquisite craftsmanship, custom-designed kitchens with the latest appliances, elevators in each residence, wine rooms and flex rooms for home theatres and an array of other features that have been inspired to suit your every desire.

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Located in the heart of west Houston, CITYCENTRE is ideally positioned for future growth. Two million people can access CITYCENTRE in just 20 minutes. Even its name will resonate for years to come — a name as prepared for the future as its design.

CityCentre’s harmonious blend of business, home and culture was born out of thoughtful research, strategic planning and timeless architectural design. Upscale retail shops, fine dining and casual cafes, upscale movie theatre, a boutique hotel, markets, businesses, fitness areas and much more.

Ra Sushi, Sur la Table, Wine Loft, Eddie V’s, Brio, Yard House, Studio Movie, Lifetime Fitness, Potbelly, Jamba Juice, Chipotle.

Luxury features throughout: granite countertops with undermount sinks, whirlpool tub, stainless steel appliance package including refrigerator, full-size washer and dryer in each unit, upgraded lighting and plumbing fixtures, hardwood, tile, carpet, spacious closet space, assigned parking in covered garage, secure entry, elevator, 9- and 10-foot ceilings. Four unique floor plans to choose from.

14 units available for June occupancy!

1 bed/1 bath

Memorial Park and minutes to Galleria, Downtown and Midtown.

$165,000 to $254,000

From the $800s

Starting at $1600

JENNIFER HAMELET 713.520.0932, MIRADORBUILDERS@AOL.COM, WWW.MIRADORBUILDERS.COM

713.465.4205, CW AUSTIN

DIANE CASS 281-386-7017, WWW.ANCHOMES.COM

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BUSINESS PROFILE

BUSINESS PROFILE

Photography by Jamie Conlan

BEN SHAMOOLEIAN | HOUSTON FLOWERY Born in the city of Esfahan, into a large family, Ben Shamooleian has “a great loving and caring family and great life” he says. But since he was an adventurous person, always looking for something challenging and daring, he convinced his parents to let him leave home. At 17 Ben arrived in Houston where his uncle who is like a father to him lives. Wanting to work while in school, Ben’s uncle gave him his first job in the flower industry. And what began as a temporary job turned into his career. After several months of work, he obtained some skills, learned English and was promoted from labor worker to salesperson, and then earned promotion to Assistant Manager. Not long after that he became General Manager and started buying into the company, currently owning two of the most prestigious flower shops in Houston with his uncle. Being in the service business, Ben believes the key to success is persistence in striving for customer satisfaction. By doing this, by going the extra mile, and by having loyal customers is how a small flower business has grown to where they are today. “By the end of each day what brings us satisfaction is when we see truly happy customers in whose lives we have made a difference and touched a heart, no matter what occasion they have chosen us to be part of,” shares Ben.

IS THIS YOUR INTENDED CAREER PATH? IF NOT, HOW DID YOU GET HERE? No, I was studying to be an engineer, but started a good job opportunity with my uncle.

WHAT DID YOU WANT TO BE WHEN YOU GREW UP? Family therapist.

WHY HOUSTON? My uncle and the friendly Houstonians.

FAVORITE BOOK? Firm, Yes! Angry, Never!

FAVORITE BAND? DJ Buddah.

WHO IS YOUR BIGGEST INSPIRATION? Bar. My dad.

BIGGEST LIFE LESSON LEARNED? Don’t judge others.

WHAT DEFINES HOUSTON AS YOUR “HOMETOWN”?

The southern hospitality.

HOW DO YOU WANT TO BE REMEMBERED? An inspiring human being.

WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE SPOT IN HOUSTON TO SHOW OFF TO A VISITOR? My stores.

WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST JOB? I had my own business at 6 selling accessories.

TEXANS STILL HAVE A REPUTATION FOR BRAGGING. WHAT WOULD YOU BRAG ABOUT? You can’t get better flowers than what we have.

WHAT DO YOU PLAN ON DOING WHEN YOU RETIRE? I plan on helping children in need.

WHAT LUXURY (ITEM OR SERVICE) DO YOU WISH YOU COULD INDULGE YOURSELF WITH? Nothing, thank God. I love my life.

WHAT DO YOU CONSIDER A HIDDEN TREASURE OF HOUSTON? Houston Flowery.

IF YOU OWNED A HOUSTON SPORTS TEAM, WHAT WOULD YOU CALL THEM? The Braves.

FAVORITES: MEAL STEAK CAR RANGE ROVER CITY JERUSALEM COLOGNE KENNETH COLE TV SHOW 64 june08|002houston

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EVENTSUSHI COMPETITION WHYRAISE AWARENESS OF HOUSTON NON-PROFITS WHERERA SUSHI WHENAPRIL 1 Various local non-profits converged at the same spot for one night to create history. Oh yes, a special sushi roll by the winning non-profit team to be placed on their menu for a month with a portion of that roll’s proceeds benefiting their cause. This year The Sunshine Kids won the show with their Sunshine roll. It consisted of Tuna, cream cheese and mango, rolled and topped with avocado and snow crab, finished with tempura flakes and served atop spicy mayo sauce. Yum!

Sara Stewart, Liz Vallette

Jose Grinan, Shannon Gilliam

Photography by Michelle Romero with lastnightpics.com

MJ Suehs, Brittnee Henry, Nicole Quinn

Nicole Laurent, Brooke Webster, Wade Smith

Tricia Onufer

Lisa Liles, Scott Brogan, Dedee Enqvist

G.W. Bailey, Wayne Kammerl, winning Sunshine Roll june08|002houston 65

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WISE GUY

S

UMMER IS JUST AROUND THE CORNER, TIME TO MAKE WAY FOR THE GRITTY SAND OF GALVESTON, POOL PARTIES, SUNDAYS AT THE LAKE… AND WEDDINGS? THERE ARE MORE WEDDINGS IN JUNE THAN ANY OTHER

MONTH. DON’T FEEL BAD IF YOU DIDN’T ALREADY KNOW THAT – YOU’RE A GUY. CERTAIN LEVELS OF IGNORANCE ARE PERMISSIBLE (IF NOT EXPECTED). TO MOST GUYS (MYSELF INCLUDED), ATTENDING WEDDINGS IS AN ARDUOUS TASK THAT MUST BE ENDURED, A NECESSARY EVIL IN THE CIRCLE OF LIFE. JUST REMEMBER: WITH ADVERSITY COMES GREAT OPPORTUNITY. WEDDINGS OFFER AN OPPORTUNITY TO TRAVEL TO NEW PLACES, MEET NEW PEOPLE AND BOOZE IT UP FOR FREE. A TRUE

wise guy

WISE GUY KNOWS HOW TO EXCEL IN EVERY SOCIAL ENGAGEMENT. HERE ARE A COUPLE OF ITEMS THAT WILL ENSURE YOU’RE THE TALK OF THE GRANDIOSE AFFAIR (FOR ALL THE RIGHT REASONS).

By Brant Croucher

Narrow down your choices by choosing a style.

Brut is dry, Sec is slightly sweet and Demi-Sec is the sweetest. If you choose to venture outside of France, How many wedAlright cavemen, it’s time to put to bed look for a label that says “methode champagnoise” dings have you the notion that champagne is a girly or “traditional method”. This means it was made in sat and listened drink. While it is no ‘scotch on the the true way it is made in France and not “in huge to a half-drunk rocks’, it is something all Wise Guys vats that are carbonated like soft drinks, which is best man butchshould know how to order. It makes a the Charmat method.” Most bottles are designated er the English great housewarming or congratulatory NV (non-vintage), making Vintage bottles a particulanguage while gift and it’s a staple of the wedding larly special find (and by special I mean expensive). he stumbles season. I caught up with the lovely If you’d rather not step out on a limb, try one of through an Allison Beegle, a Champagne these sure-to-impress recommendations from Ms. unprepared Specialist for Republic Beverage What's hip.current.cool?

Get on our list, e-mail us at letters@002mag.com to make sure you're invited.

Beegle. toast? George Company, for a few expert tips on the Schramsberg Blanc de Blanc (brut) or Cremant Davidson’s new bottles of ’bub’. Much in the same (demi-sec) – $25-$35 book, “Perfect Wedding Speeches and way Texans call every soft Perrier Jouet Blason Rose – $50-$70 hip.current.cool?

Get on our list, e-mail us at events@002mag.com to make sure you're invited.

Toasts: All You NeedWhat's to Give a Brilliant drink a ‘Coke’, champagne has become the Taittinger Brut Millesime – $60-$80 Speech,” ensures you won’t ever have to be pseudonym for all sparkling wines. that guy. The 143-page go-to guide for all According to a runner in the Treaty of things oratory includes advice for dealing Versailles, a sparkling wine can only be What's hip.current.cool? Get on our list, e-mail us at events@002mag.com to make sure you're invited. with your nerves (t-t-t-today, junior) and called “champagne” if it comes from the WHEN GIFTING, REMEMBER TO offers such menial but essential details as the Champagne province in France. However, BUY SOMETHING BOTH YOUR traditional order of speeches and even when since it was never officially ratified by BUDDY AND HIS BRIDE WILL and how to thank members of the attendingGet on our list, e-mail us atCongress, “American wine cansure be you're calledinvited. ENJOY. HOW MUCH TO SPEND? What's hip.current.cool? events@002mag.com to make families. Who knew it was this involved? champagne but must be denoted as Napa ACCORDING TO ASKMEN.COM, Odds are that the groom won’t really care Valley Champagne or California Champagne “THE RULE OF THUMB IS TO GIVE what you say, but the bride’s sister’s best if made in the traditional method.”

THE EQUIVALENT OF THE COST friend that’s in townWhat's from Manhattan for theGet on our list, e-mail us atI don’t parle vu francais, so I have aboutinvited. as hip.current.cool? events@002mag.com to make sure you're OF YOUR MEAL, SO IF YOU’RE weekend might. Again, think opportunity. much luck sifting through a cornucopia of ATTENDING AS A COUPLE, DOUFrench labels as I do translating Egyptian BLE THE AMOUNT.” AND, YES, hieroglyphics (read: not well). In lieu of that, EVEN IF YOU ARE UNABLE TO What's hip.current.cool? Get on our list, e-mail us atI’llevents@002mag.com to make sure you're invited. make this as painless as possible.

ATTEND, YOU SHOULD STILL

HERE’S TO YOU

CHAMPAGNE FOR THE CAMPAIGN

OH, AND

SEND A GIFT … CHEAPSKATE. ENJOY THE WEDDING SEASON!

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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FINANCE

FINANCE

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

CHOOSING A BENEFICIARY FOR YOUR IRA OR 401(K) SELECTING BENEFICIARIES FOR RETIREMENT BENEFITS IS DIFFERENT FROM CHOOSING BENEFICIARIES FOR OTHER ASSETS SUCH AS LIFE INSURANCE. WITH RETIREMENT BENEFITS, YOU NEED TO KNOW THE IMPACT OF INCOME TAX AND ESTATE TAX LAWS IN ORDER TO SELECT THE RIGHT BENEFICIARIES. ALTHOUGH TAXES SHOULDN’T BE THE SOLE DETERMINING FACTOR IN NAMING YOUR BENEFICIARIES, IGNORING THE IMPACT OF TAXES COULD LEAD YOU TO MAKE AN INCORRECT CHOICE. In addition, if you’re married, beneficiary designations may affect the size of minimum required distributions to you from your IRAs and retirement plans while you’re alive.

child receives your income-tax-free Roth IRA, the bottom line is different for each of them.

NAMING OR CHANGING BENEFICIARIES When you open up an IRA or begin participating in a 401(k), you are given a form to complete in order to name your beneficiaries.

Changes are made in the same way – you complete a new beneficiary designation form. A will or trust does not override your beneficiary designation form. However, spouses may have special rights under federal or state law.

hal lynde

PAYING INCOME TAX ON MOST RETIREMENT DISTRIBUTIONS Most inherited assets such as bank accounts, stocks and real estate pass to your beneficiaries without income tax being due. However, that’s not usually the case with 401(k) plans and IRAs. Beneficiaries pay ordinary income tax on distributions from 401(k) plans and traditional IRAs. With Roth IRAs and Roth 401(k)s, however, your beneficiaries can receive the benefits free from income tax if all of the tax requirements are met. That means you need to consider the impact of income taxes when designating beneficiaries for your 401(k) and IRA assets.

For example, if one of your children inherits $100,000 cash from you and another child receives your 401(k) account worth $100,000, they aren’t receiving the same amount. The reason is that all distributions from the 401(k) plan will be subject to income tax at ordinary income tax rates, while the cash isn’t subject to income tax when it passes to your child upon your death.

It’s a good idea to review your beneficiary designation form at least every two to three years. Also, be sure to update your form to reflect changes in financial circumstances. Beneficiary designations are important estate planning documents.

Seek legal advice as needed.

DESIGNATING PRIMARY AND SECONDARY BENEFICIARIES When it comes to beneficiary designation forms, you want to avoid gaps. If you don’t have a named beneficiary who survives you, your estate may end up as the beneficiary, which is not always the best result.

Your primary beneficiary is your first choice to receive retirement benefits. You can name more than one person or entity as your primary beneficiary. If your primary beneficiary doesn’t survive you or decides to decline the benefits (the tax term for this is a disclaimer), then your secondary (or “contingent”) beneficiaries receive the benefits.

To attend a free workshop on estate planning and wills, asset allocation or 401k rollovers, please call 713-8403640 or visit our website at www.hal.lynde.mkadvisor.com. Each attendee of our wills workshop receives a living will at no charge!

Similarly, if one of your children inherits your taxable traditional IRA and another DON’T MISS HAL’S MARKET UPDATES AT 6:40AM AND 3:40PM AS CAPTAIN CASH ON 94.5 THE BUZZ.

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VROOM, VROOM

VROOM, VROOM

With temperatures and humidity on the rise, here it is – Part I of the cool list of what’s hot this summer…

by Michael Andre Adams

2008 HONDA S2000 CR MANUAL TRANSMISSION "SUN OF A GUN"

– well, close to it – are the words that came to mind in the process of squeezing my 5’11”, 180-pound body through the doorways of the sexy, winged S2000 CR with attached hard top on. It takes two to remove the top, a piece of cake in comparison to the task of re-attaching. In fact, be forewarned to send the kids in the house (with ears covered) prior to any attempts to reattach.

SIMILAR TO A NIGHT OUT AT THE CLUB, AS IN BIG FUN WHILE TURNING LOTS OF HEADS IN THE PROCESS!

So, I got over that, climbed back in and pushed the button to ignite the 4-cylinder 2.2-liter DOHC engine with 237 HP and 162 pounds of torque. The depth of vroom coming through the dual exhaust pipes brought instant spark to my soul, leading me to the closest freeway where I could set it off!

Tight and agile, the S2000 adheres to driver command like white on rice. The combined six-speed close-ratio manual transmission and vehicle stability assist (VSA) makes maneuvering through traffic (freeway and city streets) similar to a night out at the club, as in big fun while turning lots of heads in the process!

Can you deal with the absence of a navigation system, the cup holders I obviously missed and the clever dashboard gadgets typically found on upscale vehicles? If the answer is no, then this ain’t for you; however, if you’re the petite, back-to-basics type, the S2000 (now in its ninth year of production) is the perfect summer roadster.

MSRP $36,300 | NICELY LOADED $37,300 | MPG 18 city / 25 highway | ANNUAL FUEL $2,142 (15,000 miles @ $3.00/gallon) | FAVORITE STANDARDS 100K+/-miles no scheduled tune-ups | SUGGESTED OPTIONS Air conditioning and audio system (8-speakers) | COOL POINTS Handling!

2008 NISSAN 350Z ROADSTER ENTHUSIAST POWER AND GLORY is the story behind this 30-

ADULT SIZE SEATS, SPACIOUS LEG, HIP AND ELBOW ROOM 68 june08|002houston

year legend! Under the hood she sports a 3.5 liter DOHC V6, boasting 268 pounds of torque, courtesy of 306 horses delivering 0 to 60 in six seconds! Her curvaceous exterior lines command attention whether soaring up and down the freeway, dominating city streets or standing still at a red light in an unabashedly vogue pose without even trying.

With five beverage holders, lockable storage behind the passenger seat and two rear parcel boxes, the interior offers ample space for “stuff,” without mention of the decent-sized trunk. Adult size seats, spacious leg, hip and elbow room, one-touch power windows (up and down) and a smooth ride courtesy of independent multi-link front and rear suspension makes for an always comfortable journey.

Standard on all trim packages (Enthusiasts, Touring, Grand Touring and top-of-the-line NISMO) is Nissan’s Continuously Variable Valve Timing Control System (CVTCS), optimizing engine performance and fuel economy by gauging intake flow and rpm and adjusting valve breathe accordingly.

A navigational system is available as an option in both the Touring and Grand Touring packages. But with the top down, sexy shades on and your favorite CD playing at dusk or the break of dawn, the issue of options is an inconsequential matter when you drive a Z.

MSRP $35,630 | NICELY LOADED Packaged deal here at $35,630 | MPG 17 city / 24 highway | ANNUAL FUEL $2,250 (15,000 miles @ $3.00/gallon) FAVORITE STANDARDS Dual power seat controls located beside the center console, Bi-Xenon HID headlights, a power rag-top convertible that closes in 20 seconds!

SUGGESTED OPTIONS None needed on this model! | COOL POINTS A hot, everyday convertible whip with a sticker in the mid-$30’s!

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TOOLS+TOYS+GADGETS Photography by Kennon Evett

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

JOTT Ever had a great idea while you’re stuck in traffic? No problem. Pick up your phone and Jott yourself an email. Reading and typing while driving are no-no’s but talking is still allowed (for now, at least). Enter a free web-based service called Jott.

You can “jott” by calling a toll-free number from your cell phone, specifying who should receive your message (for example, “myself” or “family”) and dictating for up to 30 seconds. Within minutes, your message or reminder is transcribed and e-mailed or text-messaged to the appropriate parties. Jott is a fantastic productivity tool that every busy mobile professional and soccer mom should try. You’ll probably end up assigning Jott a one-touch button on your cell phone. jott.com • Free!

3

PHOTOWATCH Just in time for Father’s Day, Brookstone has one way for dad to carry his favorite family photos without bulking up his wallet. Have him wear up to 60 color pictures on his wrist with the Photowatch.

The watch has a stainless steel case and a black leather band but the “wow” factor is watching a slideshow of photos that can easily be uploaded. Just drag and drop photo files on your computer desktop. It’s also simple to crop and edit pictures. The Photowatch comes with a rechargeable USB cord with up to 8 viewing hours per charge. It can be set to display the time, photos or even superimpose the time over the pictures. brookstone.com• $99

EXHAUST AIR JACK

When you get a flat tire you have a couple of options… you can tackle it like a man and just jack up the car or you can be a wimp and call AAA to do it for you. Here’s a better idea…The Exhaust Air Jack is a bright orange bag which you throw under the side of your car. You then hook up the pipe to your exhaust and switch on your engine. The exhaust fumes that are pumped out go in to the bag and will jack up the car within 30 seconds. The bag can lift the car 17 inches off the ground which is plenty of space to allow you to get the wheel off. To prevent exhaust fumes escaping there is a one-way valve into the bag which allows you to switch off the engine while keeping the bag inflated. airjackusa.com • $88 – $108

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ZVBOX Internet TV and movie downloads are booming but you really don’t want to watch them on your small PC monitor. So how do you get that content onto your TV? ZeeVee has a new product called ZvBox that allows consumers to watch anything they can get online or on their computers on all the HDTVs in their homes.

Hook up the box to the monitor’s output and it will turn the signal into a new HDTV channel known as Zv. It will then be broadcast across the existing cable wiring in your home to all the HDTVs. Just one ZvBox for your home will distribute most everything from your computer to your TV sets including photos, music and home movies. And no subscriptions are needed. zeevee.com • $499

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RESTAURANT LISTINGS

RESTAURANT LISTINGS r AMERICAN

Antone’s •810 Capitol 713.224.4679 •2724 West T.C. Jester 713.686.4338 •4520 San Felipe 713.623.4464 •2311 West Alabama 713.523.4440 •Antone’s Catering 713.977.4000 BEAVER’S 2310 Decatur St. 713.864.2328 www.beavershouston.com

Polo's Signature 3800 Southwest Fry. 713.626.8100 Post Oak Grill 1415 S. Post Oak 713.993.9966

artista

Quattro@The Four Seasons Hotel 1300 Lamar St. 713.276.4700 Reef 2600 Travis 713.526.8282

oceanaire

Ruggles Grill 903 Westheimer 713.524.3839

Tart Café 4411 Montrose 713.526.8278

Benjy’s 2424 Dunstan 713.522.7602

beaver’s

THE OCEANAIRE SEAFOOD ROOM 5061 Westheimer 832.487.8862 www.theoceanaire.com

Bistro Lancaster 701 Texas Ave. 713.228.9502

Skyline Bar & Grill 24th Floor Hilton-Americas 1600 Lamar St. 713.577.6139

BOOM BOOM ROOM 2518 Yale St. 713.868.3740 www.theboomboomroomhouston.com

Gravitas 807 Taft 713.522.0995

SPINDLETOP Hyatt Regency Houston 1200 Louisiana Street Houston, TX 77002 713.375.4775 www.spindletopathyatt.com Spindletop, atop the Hyatt Regency Houston, features innovative steak and seafood fare. The elegant atmosphere and superb service create the perfect setting for business dinners and special occasions.

La Strada 322 Westheimer 713.523.1014

SoVino 507 Westheimer 713.524.1000

Daily Review Cafe 3412 West Lamar 713.520.9217

boom boom room

Farrago 318 Gray 713.523.6404

Glass Wall 933 Studemont 713.868.7930

Max’s Wine Dive 4720 Washington 713.880.8737

Voice 220 Main St. 832.667.4481

r ASIAN Auntie Chang’s Dumpling House 2621 S. Shepherd 713.524.8410

Monarch @ Hotel ZaZa 5701 Main St. 713.527.1800 NOÉ @ The Omni Hotel Four Riverway 713.871.8177

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Azuma [japanese] •909 Texas 713.223.0909 •5600 Kirby 713.432.9649

Pesce 3029 Kirby Dr. 713.522.4858

ARTISTA 800 Bagby 713.278.4782 In the Hobby Center www.cordua.com

spindletop

kubo’s

Fish [japanese] 309 Gray St. 713.526.5294

Gigi’s Asian Bistro 5085 Westheimer 713.629.8889 KAM’S [fine chinese cuisine] 4500 Montrose Blvd. #C 713.529.5057

Franklin Street Coffee House 913 Franklin 713.236.8433

coffee groundz

Onion Creek Coffeehouse 3106 White Oak 713.880.0706 Raindrop Chocolate 810 Waugh 713.524.2864

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

q BREAKFAST

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

Avalon Drug Co. & Diner •2417 Westheimer 713.527.8900 •12810 SW Frwy. 281.240.0213 Breakfast Klub 3711 Travis 713.528.8561

Mak Chin’s [pan asian] 1511 Shepherd 713.861.9888

Buffalo Grille •3116 Bissonnet 713.661.3663 •1301 S. Voss 713.784.3663

Mo Mong [chinese] 1201 Westheimer 713.524.5664

ra sushi

The Coffee Groundz 2503 Bagby 713.874.0082

Empire Cafe 1732 Westheimer 713.528.5282

Monsoon Wok & Lounge 1200 McKinney, Suite 103 713.571.SAKE

Rickshaw [chinese/japanese] 2810 Westheimer 713.942.7272

Fountain View Cafe 1842 Fountain View Dr. 713.785.9060

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

Kahn's Deli 2429 Rice Blvd. 713.529.2891 Rustika Cafe 3237 Southwest Frwy. 713.665.6226

Uptown Sushi Uptown Park 713.871.1200

zushi

r EUROPEAN

Zaké [japanese] 2946 S. Shepherd 713.526.6888

Shade 250 W. 19th St. 713.863.7500

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

r CAJUN Zydeco 1119 Pease 713.759.2001

niko niko’s

r FRENCH Bistro Moderne at Hotel Derek 2525 West Loop S. 713.297.4383 Bistro Toulouse 5750 Woodway 713.977.6900

r GREEK q BAKERY & COFFEE Cafe Artiste 1601 West Main 713.528.3704 Cafe Brasil 2604 Dunlavy St. 713.528.1993

NIKO NIKO’S 2520 Montrose 713.528.1308 www.nikonikos.com

les givral’s kahve

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RESTAURANT LISTINGS

r ITALIAN ARCODORO 5000 Westheimer 713.621.6888 ARTURO’S ITALIANO Uptown Park 713.621.1180 www.arturosuptown.com Bice 5085 Westheimer 713.622.2423 www.bicehouston.com

arcodoro

Mia Bella 320 Main St. 713.237.0505

Mingalone Italian Bar & Grill 540 Texas Ave. 713.223.0088 Spaghetti Warehouse 901 Commerce 713.229.0009

r LATIN 1308 CANTINA [mex] 1308 Montrose 713.807.8996 www.1308cantina.com Café Piquét [cuban] 6053 Bissonnet 713.664.1031

el tiempo

El Meson [cuban] 2425 University 713.522.9306

El Patio [mex] •6444 Westheimer 713.780.0410 •2416 Brazos St. 713.523.8181 El Rey [cuban-mex] 233 Main St. 713.225.1895 EL TIEMPO CANTINA [mex] •3130 Richmond 713.807.1600 •5602 Washington 713.681.3645 www.eltiempocantina.com Escalante’s [mex] 4053 Westheimer 713.623.4200 Ibiza [spanish] 2450 Louisiana 713.524.0004 Irma’s [mex] •22 N. Chenevert 713.222.0767 •1314 Texas Ave. 713.247.9651 Las Alamedas [mex] 8615 Katy Frwy. 713.461.1503

Lucio’s [new american latin] 905 Taft 713.523.9958 Maria Selma [mex] 1617 Richmond Ave. 713.528.4920 Molina’s Cantina [mex] 4220 Washington 713.862.0013 NINFA'S THE ORIGINAL 2704 Navigation Blvd.

713.228.1175 Catering 713.977.4000

713.652.0058 •919 Milam - Bank One Center 713.571.6800 Saffron Moroccan Cuisine 2006 Lexington 713.522.3562

Candelari’s 6002 Washington 832.200.1474 Dolce Vita Pizzeria y Enoteca 500 Westheimer 713.520.8222 Frank’s Pizzeria 417 Travis 713.225.5656

Rioja Spanish Tapas [spanish] 11920 Westheimer 281.531.5569

Star Pizza •77 Harvard 713.869.1241 •2111 Norfolk 713.523.0800

The Lemon Tree [perú] 12591 Whittington Dr. 281.556.0690

r MEDITERRANEAN Droubi Bros.

•507 Dallas St. @ Brazos St.

Strip House 1200 McKinney 713.659.6000 SHULA'S STEAKHOUSE

r PIZZA

Picazo Restaurant Bar & Grill 1421 Preston@La Branch 713.236.1300

Tacos a Go-Go 3704 Main St. 713.807.8226

Spencer’s Steaks & Chops 1600 Lamar St. 713.577.8325

NEW

Hyatt Regency Houston 1200 Louisiana Street 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 occashula’s sions.

r STEAKS & CHOPS Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse 2405 West Alabama 713.520.5959 Morton’s •5000 Westheimer 713.629.1946 •1001 McKinney 713.659.3700

r SOUTHERN Treebeards •315 Travis 713.228.2622 •1117 Texas 713.229.8248 •1100 Louisiana 713.752.2601 •700 Rusk 713.224.6677

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DINE WRITE

DINE WRITE ZUSHI RESTAURANT GIVES SUSHI LOVERS MANY OPTIONS

1. zushi restaurant 2. puff the magic dragon 3. waipahu carpaccio

5900 Memorial Dr. #102 Houston, TX 77007 | 713.861.5588 www.zushihouston.com

HOURS:

Mon - Wed: 11am - 10pm Thurs - Sat: 11am - 12 midnight Sun: 5pm - 10pm

HAPPY HOUR:

Mon - Fri: 4pm - 7pm Sun: 5pm - 10pm

sample menu selections cold appetizers

•Beef Sashimi $14 •Salmon Tiradito Juicy, Omega-3 rich fresh salmon, with pickled fennel, naga negi, a drop of habanero miso, yuzu kosho, soy vinaigrette and garlic chips $10

hot appetizers

•Grilled Jumbo Prawns with Spicy Lemon Garlic Sauce $15

sashimi

(3 pieces)

•Maguro-Tuna $7.50 •Tai-Red Snapper $7.50

house specialty rolls

•Surf and Turf (4pc) finely sliced grilled rib eye, wrapped around carrot, fine slices of jalapeno and avocado dressed in soy vinaigrette. Topped with sweet lobster that has been dressed with lemongrass cream and chive. $19 •Foxy Brown (6pc) fresh salmon and asparagus on the inside with brown rice, shrimp and avocado on the outside of the roll $10

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W

hen you see the word “Zushi” you might say to yourself that “sushi” is spelled incorrectly.

ZUSHI (ZUSHI-SHI) IS ACTUALLY THE CORRECT SPELLING AND THE NAME OF A CHIC AND CONTEMPORARY JAPANESE RESTAURANT LOCATED AT MEMORIAL AND WESTCOTT. This restaurant has nothing incorrect about it; everything is on point from the atmosphere to the food.

At the entry you are welcomed by a large gold Buddha, also present in the various niches throughout the restaurant. The space lends itself for festive gatherings among families, couples and friends. A LAVISH VIP ROOM IS SEPARATED BY BAMBOO STICKS CREATING A SECLUDED ATMOSPHERE where customers have the opportunity to take off their shoes while relaxing to the sounds of the soothing music.

Presentation and quality is key to the friendly staff at Zushi.

Chris Nemoto, Executive Chef, and Jay Estolonio, Head Chef, are food artists whose overall goals are to give an amazing experience. Both of them are known for creating specialty rolls for customers and knowing their regular customers on a first-name basis.

The menu is on the modern edge of sushi with a variety of options. They feature cooked sushi for those newbies who tend to fear the “raw” aspect and have many vegetarian dishes. THEIR GOAL IS TO MAKE THEIR SUSHI DIFFERENT THAN ANY OTHER SUSHI RESTAURANT IN THE AREA. Nemoto enjoys the way sushi is going and says that with sushi you can play with so many flavors. They offer customers Zushi’s own brand of flavors. The Foxy Brown is for the health-conscious sushi lover and has brown rice instead of white rice, hence the name.

The Waipahu Carpaccio is a great appetizer and is the most sought after. Grape seed oil, pickle fennel, ginger sprout enhance a Hawaiian Albacore Tuna seared and finely sliced, topped with guerito, peppers and citrus soy. The Waipahu was created by Nemeto in honor of a friend.

By Magen Moody Photography by Emily Dwyer

3

THE NUMBER ONE ROLL IS THE DEADLIEST CATCH WHICH IS A SOFT SHELL CRAB AND SPICY SALMON, WITH HABANERO-MISO INSIDE AND TOPPED WITH AVOCADO. Warning: this one’s spicy! I had a Pinot Noir from France to stabilize the heat.

Each item on the menu has a meaning behind the name. The Deadliest Catch is based on the habanero-miso, a very spicy sauce that can be ‘deadly’ to some people. Green Eggs and Ham consist of Wasabiko, which are flying fish eggs that are green. The ham signifies the Hamachi yellow tail. The Surf and Turf is just like the name, a finely sliced grilled rib eye, with sweet lobster that has been dressed with lemongrass cream and chive, wrapped around carrot, fine slices of jalapeno and avocado dressed in soy vinaigrette.

If you have room for dessert, the Puff the Magic Dragon roll (snow crab puff, cucumber, topped with avocado and strawberries) IS A GREAT DESSERT ROLL THAT DOESN’T MAKE YOU FEEL GUILTY. They also have green tea ice cream, a favorite among the customers.

If you’re wondering what to pair with these decadent dishes, Head Server and Assistant Manager Joseph Montana suggests Sake. There are as many price points and bodies in Sake as there are in wine. Just ask your server who should be able to lead you on a Sake adventure helping you pair a great Sake with your sushi of choice. There is also a great selection of white and red wines available in case Sake is not your choice. The happy hour features $1.25 sushi and a variety of drinks including their Chocolate Martini.

Want to learn how to make sushi? Zushi offers customers the opportunity to learn how to make sushi with their cooking classes.

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DINE WRITE

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NEW RESTAURANT

NEW RESTAURANTS

FUEGOVIVO CHURRASCARIA 11681 WESTHEIMER | 281.597.8108 www.fuegovivo.com

SWIRL 1944 A WEST GRAY | 2531 UNIVERSITY 15955 CITY WALK | 5000 WESTHEIMER www.swirlls.com

Photography by Dax Sunga NEW RESTAURANT EMAIL US AT letters@002mag.com

AMERICAS IN THE WOODLANDS 21 WATERWAY AVENUE | 281.367.1492 www.cordua.com

CUISINE brazilian steakhouse

CUISINE frozen yogurt

CUISINE new world cuisine

CHEF KARLO SOLYOM

CHEF YOU!

CHEF JONATHAN JONES

It’s an evening of feasting at Fuegovivo!

THIS BRAZILIAN STEAKHOUSE OFFERS A GOURMET SALAD BAR OF A 50+ SELECTION OF CHEESES, SALADS, AND UNIQUE CUISINE FROM VARIOUS COUNTRIES. Executive Chef Karlo Solyom calls it a “cosmopolitan” and it very well is! What a perfect mix of thin asparagus, mushrooms, salami and mussels – it is so hard to choose. I enjoyed the Heart of Palm – a vegetable that is harvested from the inner core of a palm tree – a fantastic choice for your plate. It’s overwhelming at first but you can visit the gourmet salad bar an unlimited amount of times – sampling and tasting creamy mashed potatoes, and delicious beans. And just when your belly has had enough, flip your table card to green and Gauchos will circle to your table with SKEWERS OF 15 DIFFERENT MEATS! The thinly sliced meat is exquisite as it is roasted and grilled slowly. The selection is unbelievable: lamb, beef, pork, chicken and sausage!

P.S. Drink – Caipirinha; Dessert – Passion Fruit Mousse Dana Harm

THIS PLACE ROCKS! FIRST OF ALL, THE MAJORITY OF THE FROZEN YOGURTS HERE ARE FAT-FREE BUT YOU WOULDN’T KNOW IT JUDGING FROM THE TASTE! The Peanut Butter flavor is decadent and has a few grams of fat that are well worth the indulgence. Basically all the locations are self-service except the University Blvd. spot. (Sugar Land is slated to open up shop late summer so check back at the website for updates.) Here’s how it works: You walk in and step up to the “container” section, pick your size (there are sample cups and spoons to pick out your favorite before making a decision). Then you walk down the flavor wall where the first half of self-ervice yogurt machines are tart flavors and the second half are sweet. Mix and match as you please! For every two, there is the “swirl” option. Next up is the topping station made up of fruit or candy, cereal, etc. Then you check out. They charge based on weight, $.43 an ounce.

You can take it home or sit in the lounge area and enjoy!

Michael Cordúa teamed up with celebrated architect Ilan Waisbrod of Studio Gaia (think W Hotels) to design the second location of his renowned restaurant Américas in The Woodlands. AT THE HELM IS HIS SON, DAVID CORDÚA, WHO IN CONJUNCTION WITH EXECUTIVE CHEF JONATHAN JONES, IS NOT AFRAID TO INTERMINGLE LATIN PALETTES WITH JAPANESE, EUROPEAN AND EVEN INDIAN. The design is contemporary and warm with stone water walls sprinkled with glistening gold glass tiles. Rainforest panels grace the ceilings pivoting overhead. On the entry level is a lounge reminiscent of the “Miami scene” with beds and pillows in reds and oranges. The descent down the stairs into the dining room opens up to glass windows offering views of the riverway. THE CEVICHES SHINE ON THIS MENU, WITH OVER FIVE TO CHOOSE FROM. We tried the Ahi Tuna Brule and were pleasantly surprised by the Miso, key lime, pickled mustard seed combination; next was the Kona Kampachi (a Hawaiian yellowtail) citrus seared with Serrano chile and crispy corn served dry ice style; and finally the Lobster which was inspired by a piña colada, and oddly tastes like one! All three were so fresh and perfect for Houston’s summers. Next up we tried the famous empanadas, which didn’t fail to impress. That’s day’s flavors were spinach, goat cheese and corn; a Kobe beef cheek; a duck; and my favorite was the yucca with black beans.

Old favorites like the classic Churrasco center cut beef tenderloin and the Encamisado of plantain-crusted chicken remain on the menu. But newbies like the Kampachi a la Plancha shine. Dessert, which many will argue could not get any better than the Cordúa Tres Leches, has. THE PICARONES ARE BEIGNET-STYLE SWEET POTATO SERVED WITH AJI AMARILLO HONEY AND BROWN BUTTER ICE CREAM – LIFE-CHANGING! And the Guanaja Chocolate Torchon will have chocolate lovers in a tizzy. Liquid açai fill the middle of a chocolate tunnel topped with chocolate “Pop Rocks®” (yes, Pop Rocks!) and vanilla anglaise. This one’s got to be a riot when the dining room is full. I think they’ll have us driving to The Woodlands, not only for the food but the ambience.

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Carla Valencia de Martinez

Carla Valencia de Martinez

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SUPER MARIO LAND WHO WOULD HAVE THOUGHT THAT PROBABLY THE NATION’S MOST RECOGNIZABLE CHEF STARTED OUT STUDYING THE GOLDEN AGE OF SPANISH THEATER AT RUTGERS? LUCKY FOR US, SOON AFTER GRADUATION, HE TRAINED AT LE CORDON BLEU IN LONDON AND ALTHOUGH HE WITHDREW (DUE TO A “LACK OF INTEREST”), HE WAS BIT BY THE COOKING BUG. THIRTEEN RESTAURANTS, TV, PRODUCTS AND FIVE COOKBOOKS – MARIO BATALI IS ONE BUSY CHEF, HUSBAND AND FATHER…BUT HE LIKES IT THAT WAY. ON A RECENT VISIT TO HOUSTON’S CENTRAL MARKET FOR A DEMO FROM HIS LATEST BOOK ITALIAN GRILLING, I CAUGHT UP WITH THE CELEBRATED CHEF. COINCIDENTALLY I WAS IN NEW YORK LAST WEEKEND AND SAW YOU AT THE SPOTTED PIG ON FRIDAY NIGHT RIDING OFF ON YOUR VESPA. No! YES, I WAS GOING TO GET UP AND INTRODUCE MYSELF, BUT BY THE TIME I NOTICED IT WAS TOO LATE. Oh, I wish you would have.. It would have been nice to meet you!

WHAT DO YOU THINK IT IS ABOUT THE PIG THAT DRAWS SUCH A FOLLOWING? The reason people go there is that it’s fun and hip. The food delivers. You can have a hamburger or something that is a little more complicated. April (Bloomfield, one of Batali’s partners in one this sought-after dinner spots) does a great job, with appetizers, and the food is easy and honest; the price point is right as well.

HOW DOES IT FEEL TO BE RECOGNIZED BY FANS? AND HOW DO YOU DEAL WITH THE PAPARRAZI? Mostly, it f e e l s pretty

By Carla Valencia Photography by Melanie Dunea

good. Particularly in NYC, it’s never a big issue. When I’m with my family they leave me alone. And look, if they come up, I just tell them ‘I’m with my family today’ and they go away. They are respectful. And you know, it’s not that tough to find me! I’m very accessible, it’s easy to find me. I’m usually at one of the restaurants. It’s not like I’m Sean Penn, or big like that. And I don’t punch the paparrazi…(laughing).

WHAT IS IT ABOUT THE ORANGE CLOG? YOU’VE CREATED SUCH A PERSONALITY AND ARE TRULY ASSOCIATED WITH THE FOOTWEAR. It’s true. My wife gave them to me 20 years ago. The first pair came from an operating supply company out of Italy. The Crocs™ came out about 8 years ago and I’ve been wearing them since. I don’t really wear them for fashion sense, ’cause I don’t really pay attention to fashion. They are the easiest and most comfortable to wear. My kids love them!

HOW MANY PAIRS DO YOU HAVE? 50. They send you a lot once you make a deal with them.

HAVE YOU EVER BEEN TO HOUSTON? I have, but it’s been since about the second book that I haven’t been.

AND YOU’RE ABOUT ON THE 5TH BOOK RIGHT? Yes, I’ve been talking to the guys over at HEB and this is the real deal!

WHAT SHOULD GUESTS EXPECT TO EXPERIENCE AT THE CLASS? Well, I am going to talk about simple food and Joe (Bastianich, Mario’s partner in La Mozza, a 100 acre property located in the maremma region of Tuscany where they produce unique wines.) is going to talk about food and wine and how they pair. You can have something that is superior to either of the two by themselves when you can put them together. Something spectacular. That’s what it’s all about.

TELL US A “REGULAR DAY IN YOUR LIFE,” FROM WAKE-UP TIME TO WHEN THE ORANGE CLOGS COME OFF? I wake up at 6:30am, wake up the kids at 7:30am, make them breakfast and take them to school. I come home, work out and then walk around city. I go to my office, which happens to be right across the street from my house, where I meet with Pam (Batali’s righthand) and figure out what I need to do, want to do and can do – then I head to one of the restaurants for lunch. Twice a week I pick up the kids and we play some baseball. I head to one of the restaurants at 5:30 – 6:15pm for dinner and close one of them at about 12 – 1am. I have a drink and am usually home by 2am.

SO TELL US ABOUT THE RACHAEL RAY CONTEST – MARIO’S ULTIMATE GRILLING CHALLENGE? That’s cool. The contest is you submit a favorite grilling recipe to Mario, then I have judges who choose it, and the winner and their friends come to tailgate with Rach and me at the Texas Motor Speedway at a NASCAR race in November. NASCAR is remarkable and when you go with me, it’s absolutely kick.

YOUR CALENDAR IS JAM-PACKED WITH APPEARANCES. HOW DO YOU PREPARE FOR THEM ALL? I am naturally excited by life, so that’s the easiest part!

I don’t know how people don’t have busy days! I can’t imagine what they aren’t doing in their cubicles all day! I’m luck enough to be in an environment where there is an insatiable hunger for what I do. When you break it down into 15 minute segments it isn’t so much and it just happens. You can’t take a lot of naps, that’s for sure. I get free sleep when I fly.

FAVORITES: FOOD ANYTHING ANYONE ELSE MAKES DRINK WATER OR TOCAI WHITE WINE FROM NORTHEASTERN ITALY DESTINATION BOLOGNA SHOE NO SHOE VEHICLE VESPA june08|002houston 75

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THE CHEF’S SPECIAL

THE CHEF’S SPECIAL

Photography by Anthony Rathbun

executive chef alex padilla | restaurant the original ninfa’s on navigation | cuisine tex-mex | attire casual catering ninfa’s catering | private room back patio | address 2704 navigation blvd. | phone 713.228.1175 WHAT WOULD PEOPLE BE SURPRISED TO LEARN ABOUT YOU? I am an avid fisherman.

IF A SANDWICH WAS NAMED AFTER YOU, WHAT WOULD THE INGREDIENTS BE? Roasted Pork with Chipotle sauce.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE SPOT TO GET AWAY IN HOUSTON? Galveston.

WHERE DID YOU TAKE YOUR LAST VACATION? San Francisco.

WHERE DO YOU WANT TO TAKE YOUR NEXT ONE? Next one: Spain.

WHAT’S THE LAST BOOK YOU READ? The One-Minute Manager Meets the Monkey.

WHAT INVENTION DO YOU THINK THE WORLD NEEDS? Natural Gasoline Machine.

WHAT’S THE LAST SONG YOU DOWNLOADED OR CD YOU PURCHASED? A San Francisco Symphony CD.

WHAT’S ON YOUR NIGHTSTAND? Bottle of water.

WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE ICE CREAM MIXIN’?

Rum & figs.

HAVE YOU EVER CRASHED A PARTY? Many times.

WHAT’S THE ONE DISH YOU CAN COOK BETTER THAN ANYONE? Meatloaf.

WHAT MOVIE CAN YOU QUOTE DIALOG FROM? Lion King.

WHOM DO YOU ADMIRE? AND WHY? My mom because she means everything to me.

HOW DO YOU LIKE YOUR COFFEE? Hot and black with no sugar.

WHAT DO YOU REGRET? Not going to college.

WHAT’S THE DEFINITION OF A PERFECT DAY? Spending time with my kids all day.

FAVORITES: SKYLINEMANHATTAN DESTINATIONPARIS GUM BRANDWRIGLEY SPEARMINT RESTAURANTFRENCH LAUNDRY CARLAMBORGHINI Alex Padilla is Executive Chef at Houston’s Mecca of Tex-Mex, the original Ninfa’s on Navigation. Prior to working in his current position, Chef Alex trained extensively under James Beard Award Winner Nancy Oakes, one of San Francisco’s most renowned chefs as head of both L’Avenue and Boulevard. Padilla was born and raised in San Pedro, Honduras, and at 16 moved with his family to Houston where he attended Westfield High School. In 1988, Padilla relocated to San Francisco and found work at Oakes’ L’Avenue as a dishwasher and quickly moved up the ranks, becoming a line cook after just two months on the job. Training as an apprentice under the revered San Francisco chef, Padilla started traveling through Europe on food and wine expeditions

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with his mentor, further expanding the foundation of his knowledge of world cuisines. Padilla ultimately became executive sous chef at Oakes’s acclaimed Boulevard restaurant, and in 2003 he would meet Eduardo Rallo.The two launched Consuelo restaurant on Santana Row in San Jose. Six months later they would go on to open Colibri Mexican Bistro in San Francisco.

Chef Alex returned to Houston in 2006 to helm the kitchen at Ninfa’s on Navigation and has been turning heads with new menu items—such as the much-talked about chocolate-covered jalapenos—while retaining the flavors and nuances that made Ninfa’s on Navigation the Houston institution it has become.

NINFA’S ON NAVIGATION

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SIPCODE

SWEETCODE

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!

By Beatrice Valencia

SWEETCODE! SWEETS BRING A LITTLE VERSE FROM A SONG TO MIND, “I LOVE YOU LIKE A FAT-KID LOVES CAKE.” WELL, I’M THAT KID. I LOVE CAKE! I LOVE SWEETS PERIOD. I CAN’T HAVE DINNER WITHOUT DESSERT. I CAN’T EVEN THINK DINNER IF THERE’S NO HAPPY ENDING, I.E., DESSERT. WHEN I WAS RESEARCHING MY SIPCODE THIS MONTH, 77098, I CAME ACROSS SEVERAL SWEET SPOTS! IT WAS LIKE ICING ON A CAKE. I FEVERISHLY EMAILED CARLA, MY EDITOR, REQUESTING A NAME CHANGE THIS MONTH. HENCE, “SWEETCODE.” I TOOK MY JOB SERIOUSLY AND GOT KNEE-DEEP IN CAKES, COOKIES, CUPCAKES, CANDY, ETC. I MAY HAVE A FEW EXTRA PIMPLES OR LBS BUT IT WAS NOT IN VAIN! SHOULD I EVER HAVE A SWEET ATTACK, NEED A CAKE OR PARTY IDEA, I’M COVERED!

1

THE COOKIE JAR BAKERY- 1846 Westheimer Rd. 713.874.0877 www.thecookiejarbakery.com This quaint little cookie spot transforms me into a five-year-old.

Tables for kids and adults adorn the inside and the sweet smell of baking fills the air. You can even peek into the kitchen and see the master bakers at work. The counter houses beautifully decorated cookies and cupcakes – treats just waiting for you to take them home. You would think the decision process would be simple, chocolate or vanilla or just your favorite. You’re an adult and know what you like, right? Not so, folks! I wanted one of everything. I almost wish it was like Baskin-Robbins and I could taste it all! With cupcake flavors like Nutella fudge, Ho Ho cupcake and Cookies ’N’ Cream, your taste buds are sure to be entranced. You can also design your own dozen cookies. You pick your dough and two mix-ins. It takes 20 minutes and runs you $16.75 for fresh customized cookies! You can check out their amazing work and flavors, cookie, cupcake or cake, on the website. The decorative touches are truly outstanding and sure to be memorable for any occasion or just to put a smile on your face. The possibilities for fun are endless here.

Note: Moms looking for a different kids party, start here!

2

AMY’S ICE CREAM & COFFEE- 3816 Farnham 713.526.2697 www.amysicecreams.com It’s H-O-T outside. Why not cool off with some ice cream and be pleasantly entertained by the service and location. It’s hard not to get giddy walking into Amy’s under two enormous cows pouring a giant coffee cup. Even the crazy colors make me giddy! Once inside, the employees are all characters themselves, making the experience

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all encompassing! I am a huge fan of their Mexican Vanilla ice cream. The ice cream is addictive. The proof is in the lines. Don’t be surprised if you end up waiting to get your hands on your flavor of choice.

Bring your inner child with you too. Chances are there will be lots of young folk hanging out. Then take that inner child and get into the photo booth. If it works, it’s genius! Nothing like sugar to get a little silly. Serious folks avoid this spot unless you know how to unwind. It’s literally fun in a big bright box! Visit the website for more flavors and a peek at the wackiness!

3

SUGARBABY’S CUPCAKE BOUTIQUE3310 S. Shepherd 713.527.8427 www.ilovesugarbabys.com This place is ADORABLE! It’s every girl’s dream.

Pink walls, black and white checkered flooring, Victorian-inspired wall decals and ornate chandelier-like candelabras!

I’m a sucker for sparkly objects. Armoire- and bookcase-like shelving in green accent the main room with non-edible giftS and trinkets on display. The cupcakes come in traditional and “couture” flavors. They offer 10-12 flavors on a daily basis; 5-6 favorite flavors are offered on a daily basis and the rest rotate every other day. I would visit their website to know what day your favorite flavors will be available.

The menu can change on a monthly basis so be sure to check! At press time summer favorites like Dippity Doodahs and S’mores are on the menu along with old-fashioned favorites like Va-va-vanilla and Velvet Rouge. You can special order but make sure to call ahead of time.

They can’t make you 2 dozen cupcakes on the spot! You can wash down the deliciousness with some Dean & Deluca Coffee or tea too! A party room is available for shared baking bliss. For more information on special orders and the menu, check out their website ASAP!

4

THE CHOCOLATE BAR- 1835 W. Alabama St. 713.520.8599 www.theoriginalchocolatebar.com Located next door to Candylicious, this is death by chocolate. They offer everything from a chocolate brick, a chocolate champagne magnum/ split to chocolate dipped fortune cookies. Anything you can ever imagine in the form of chocolate can be

found here. The chocolate menu alone is a bit overwhelming. In the mood for pizza, why not have chocolate pizza. That’s right. Or for the healthy types, there’s sugar-free chocolate or fruit dipped in chocolate. As if their extensive chocolate menu wasn’t enough, they have a dessert menu consisting of cakes. With names like, Midnight Decadence, Really Rocky Road and Tuxedo Cheesecake, gourmet dessert reaches a whole new meaning. I love sweets and some of these cakes were downright sinful! The creaminess of frostings and the chocolatiness were intoxicating, giving a whole new meaning to “bar.” If you need some help to wake up, they can make you special hot chocolate, various coffee beverages or exciting espresso drinks. Looking for something more on the cold side? Oh yes! They have ice cream!!! The madness doesn’t end. Gourmet ice cream is a new thing to me. The creaminess is unexplainable. I’m a sucker for a brownie and the Brownie Supreme is just that. Supreme. They couldn’t have said it any better by stating, this is “where every hour is happy hour.”

5

CANDYLICIOUS- 1837 W. Alabama St. 713.529.6500 If you are looking for a specific candy, this is your place.

Everything from gummies to hard candies, to sweets, sours, etc., is here. Even stuff you’ve probably never seen! I could have sworn I saw Kinder Eggs. These chocolate eggs with a hidden toy inside that you build are a hit in Mexico. My boyfriend loves his gummies and this place has an endless array of options. My decision process will probably take longer than him devouring them. Between the 55 Jelly Belly flavors and 16 Haribo Gummy flavors it’s a daunting task for anyone. If you don’t see what you like, they do their best to find and get it to you if it’s available. They also have chocolate for you chocolate lovers. As a matter of fact, they have 21 different M&M colors to choose from!

Should you be a collector of Pez Dispensers, they have the largest array around town. Need a gift for that sweet someone in your life?

They make custom “cakes,” multi-level frame bases filled with flavors or the candy of your choice. The possibilities are truly endless. You might even find a golden ticket a la Willy Wonka on your visit.

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

nvited.

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CD REVIEWS

CDREVIEWS If Indian Jewelry has been furiously ripping the corners off of larger sheets of music and collecting them in a jar on the shelf, they have now taken down that jar and gently tapped it with a hammer to allow the pieces to scatter and coalesce. Whereas 2006’s was choppy in its overall shape—billowing at points and then flattening out, perhaps for too short, perhaps for too long— has a handshake rhythm to it. All of the standard IJ elements are there: the feedback, the drum machines, the drum that is Rodney Rodriguez, the noise and pedal factory that is Brandon Davis, Erika Thrasher’s melodic texture and Tex Kerschen’s unforgivingly removed narrative. All of those elements are in place, but arguably more measured out. As soon as it drifts off, someone straightens it up. As soon as it gets dark, someone flips on the lights. As listless, as murky as some of the tracks may get (in a good way), there are poppier songs in place to bring the album back to the surface. But IJ’s real punch lies in the way in which they bury their melodies under this big static canopy of noise and raining gravel. adheres to that all the way until the 10th

track, “Everyday,” at which point they strip themselves down to an acoustic and the echo of their voices kicking down a hallway before the thump and growl of “Hello Africa” takes root. But as much as the more orthodox layout (not approach) of might point it towards a massive, overthe-top payoff, it instead spirals downwards into the relative calm of “Seventh Heaven,” a massive, layered instrumental more reminiscent of Tangerine Dream than of Suicide. Alan Vega would still be proud.

Santogold Santogold (Downtown/Lizard King) The problem with hearing a lot of hype about a record is that it clouds one’s expectations of what’s inside.

Someone has already told you that this album jams. In fact, there are probably a lot of people that have told you that the debut album by Brooklyn’s Santogold jams. It does. And in a lot of 80 june08|002houston

ways. Vocalist Santi White herself calls it a ‘mashup,’ which is somewhat accurate, but misleading.

Partially because of current connotations of that term, but also because Santogold’s songs have a continuity and fluidity to them that altogether defies any genre. White wrote every song on this record, but she employed the services of about a dozen producers to shape an album that shifts between new wave, punk, reggae, dub and straight pop. And although such genre-bouncing typically weakens an album as a whole, it is White’s voice that strings it all together so seamlessly. While she will suffer shallow, reckless comparisons to M.I.A. (lazily based on gender and skin color), they occupy different ends of the pop spectrum. While M.I.A. sounds unapologetically ‘now’ and will arguably sound so in ten years, White is less spastic, while pulling from a much deeper catalog of influences. She is more Aimee Mann, Cyndi Lauper and Peter Gabriel than she is anything contemporary. And that doesn’t just refer to the production. White’s smooth, sticky-sweet voice has a way of floating effortlessly over her songs with her nod to the pop sensibilities of the 80s in her melodies and hooks. And that’s more a testament to the elements of 80s pop that have survived the 80s, the timeless ones. And that’s where she succeeds here. In “L.E.S. Artistes,” “Lights Out” and “I’m a Lady,” you have a trio of some of the best pop songs of recent years. This album will sound as fresh in a decade as it would have when Santi White’s influences were still making records.

EVENTCINCO DE MAYO WHYREVEAL THE NEW DECK PATIO WHERENINFA’S ON NAVIGATION WHENMAY 5 Despite the wet muggy weather throughout the day, Ninfa’s loyals packed the newly finished deck patio to celebrate Cinco de Mayo with 002houston. Refreshing Cincoritas and Ninfaritas made the rounds compliments of the house. Nachos, stuffed jalapenos, quesadillas and more were all delicious bites tempting the crowd to stay for dinner.

Mudhoney The Lucky Ones (Sub Pop) Jerry Lewis was in the middle of an interview one time—later era Jerry Lewis, mind you, smoking, scowling and jowlladen chin pressed to his chest—when he started clowning around for a second, erupting into that same high-pitched caterwaul for which he had once been known. And so the interviewer made mention of how Lewis hadn’t done comedy in a good, long time. Lewis straightened back up and then waxed for a moment, gazing off and then looking back at the interviewer, responding: “Sometimes, you just gotta know when to hang it up.”

Photography by Dax Sunga with lastnightpics.com

Indian Jewelry Free Gold (We Are Free)

By Lance Scott Walker

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CLUB + LOUNGE REVIEW

CLUB+LOUNGE REVIEW

CLUB 26TEN | 2610 SAGE RD. | 713.974.4000

H

ey – what rules about the circus, that good olde fashioned institution of wholesome entertainment? It isn’t the big tent, or the unique confectionary treats they call peanuts (which actually have nothing to do with Carter’s craft), or even the morbid curiosity inspired by grown men dressed as clowns (who may have actually gone to Clown College no less). Nope.

Circuses are clutch ’cause they have three rings – three different things going on at once that your mind and eyes can browse at your leisure. Tired of the juggling? Here’s some Norwegian twins in sequined tights doing somersaults on the back of Lipizzaner Stallions. That’s kinda why 26Ten rules – cause it’s got three pretty distinct environments for when your mind or feet need to do some wandering.

Photography by Dax Sunga with lastnightpics.com

Passing the Bronx Bar, which shares a building with 26Ten in the western shadow of the Galleria, you’ll enter the club through black glass, flanked by tropical flowers in Spud Webb-sized stone vases. Once inside, the size of the club is startling, and even this initial view belies the cavernous space hiding upstairs and around corners. You are most assuredly in the center ring. You’ll find a small seating area fit for a pasha, offering a commanding view of the dance-floor opposite – close enough for all the riffs, nicely separated from the raff. The main bar (one of three) is just a step from your softshoe, gently bending like cupid’s bow, pulsing backlit red and canopied with quilted earthtone luxury above. The stomping ground for your fav ring-tones writ-large is adequately sized, and completely packed on the weekends. The sound is crisp, the jams are tite and how about that aces lighting design?! A few ottomans and glass tables ring the side to rest that pedicure before exploring further.

By Ryan Clark Photography by Daniel Ortiz

quiet drink at a quiet table with a quiet friend. It’s summer, so savor a nice Riesling and contemplate the… wait a sec. What are you sitting around for?!

Get back to the dance club!

A third, smaller room downstairs also has the sanctuary feel, though more intimate. Large enough perhaps for a few small parties, it’s decidedly classy, and probably the first use of an indoor meditation fountain you’ll ever see and not roll your eyes at.

Ring #3 is the upstairs, which is strictly VIP, broken up into several areas with a quieter tone and seating arranged for being apart with your group. There’s a bar, but it should be assumed that bottle service will be requisite and the cocktail waitresses can attend to your every auto-tipping need. 26Ten has marketed itself expertly to the decidedly upscale hotels in the area, so keep your eye out for the traveling celeb holding court-in-exile. Which brings us back to the circus – in content and character, 26Ten certainly is not. It has class, it has style – don’t expect to get in with big goofy red shoes or smelling of an elephant. But by all means, pack as many of your clown friends as you can fit in your car and rock that trapeze.

Peeking around a corner to the left of the entrance, you’ve suddenly stumbled into another club. Akk! Don’t worry, you won’t need to re-valet the clown car: you’re in the second ring. One of the real strengths of 26Ten is this side area, deceptively large, and outfitted like an Andelusian wine cellar, complete with casks embedded in the wall. While the bar in this sequestered (from sight and sound) quarter is fully stocked, the vino ambience is unmistakable, with its faux-gaslight sconces, dark woods and arched accents. Who would think here, in the midst of uptown swishy swank, that you would find such a perfect place for a

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002NIGHTLIFE

Photography by Monica Kressman and Anthony Rathbun

DOWNTOWN +A BAR 1117 Prairie.832.200.8800 www.aldenhotels.com

702 702 W. Dallas.713.654.8040 www.702houston.com BANK BAR 220 Main.832.667.4477 www.hotelicon.com

CABO 419 Travis.713.225.2060

COPA CABANA 114 Main St.713.223.COPA www.copacabanalounge.com C & F DRIVE INN 6714 N. Main.713.861.0704 CHAR BAR 305 Travis.713.222.8177 www.charbarhouston.com CLUB ICE / MANTRA 711 Main.713.225.3500 www.mantrahouston.com DIVE LOUNGE 410 Bagby.713.223.3474 FLYING SAUCER 705 Main.713.228.7468 www.beerknurd.com

G.R.A.B. 809 Pierce.713.655.0707 GLO 505 Main.713.223.3456 www.club-glo.com

GRASSHOPPER 506 Main.713.222.1442 www.grasshopperhouston.com HEAT 511 Main.832.283.1600

JAZZ AT THE MAGNOLIA 1100 Texas.713.221.0011 www.MagnoliaHotels.com

JET LOUNGE 1515 Pease.713.659.2000 www.jetloungehouston.com

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LA CARAFE 813 Congress.713.229.9399 LEVEL 412 Main 713.227.0410 www.levelhouston.com

LIVE SPORTS CAFÉ 407 Main.713.228.5483

LONE STAR SALOON 1900 Travis.713.757.1616 LUCKY’S PUB 801 St. Emanuel 713.522.2010

RED CAT JAZZ CAFE 924 Congress.713.226.7870 www.redcatjazzcafe.com

THE COTTON EXCHANGE 202 Travis.713.213.1141

www.cottonexchangelounge.com

THE OFFICE 310 Main.713.222.9900

THE VAULT 723 Main.713.224.6891

TOC 711 Franklin.713.224.4862 VENUE 719 Main.713.236.8150 www.venuehouston.com

HEIGHTS & WASHINGTON BLUR 710 Pacific St.713.529.3447 BOOM BOOM ROOM 2518 Yale.713.868.3740

RESERVE 101 1201 Caroline.713.655.7101 www.reserve101.com

RICH’S 2401 San Jacinto.713.759.9606 RUBY ROOM 509 Main.713.222.1033 www.rubyroomhouston.com

SAMBUCA JAZZ CAFÉ 909 Texas Ave.713.224.5299 www.sambucarestaurant.com SHADOW BAR 213 Milam.713.221.5483 www.theshadowbar.com SHAY MCELROY’S 909 Texas.713.223.2444 www.mcelroyspub.com SKYLINE BAR & GRILL

(inside Hilton Americas) 1600 Lamar.713.577.6139 SLAINTE IRISH PUB 509 Main.713.222.1033 www.slainteirishpub.com

STATE BAR & LOUNGE 909 Texas.713.229.8888 www.thestatebar.com

CHAISE LOUNGE 4219 Washington Ave. 713.861.2300

CITIZEN 4606 Washington Ave. 713.862.4448

COSMOS CAFÉ 69 Heights.713.802.2144 www.cosmoshouston.com

DAN ELECTRO’S GUITAR BAR 1031 E. 24th Street 713.862.8707 DARKHORSE TAVERN 2207 Washington Ave. 713.426.2442

EL TIEMPO CANTINA 5602 Washington Ave. 713.681.3645 www.eltiempocantina.com KOBAIN 33 Waugh St.713.862.9911

MAK CHIN’S 511 Shepherd Dr. 713.861.9888

MOLINA’S 4720 Washington Ave. 713.862.0013 www.molinasrestaurants.com THE DIRT 222 Yale.713.426.4222

ONION CREEK 3106 White Oak 713.880.0706 www.onioncreekcafe.com PEARL BAR 4216 Washington Ave. 713.863.5337

THE CORKSCREW 1919 Washington Ave. 713.864.9463 www.houstoncorkscrew.com THE DRAKE 1902 Washington Ave. 713.861.9600 www.thedrakebar.com

WAREHOUSE DISTRICT

EIGHTEEN TWENTY 1820 Franklin.713.224.5535

PASHAA 2010 McKinney.713.344.0305

NEXT 2020 McKinney.713.221.8833 www.whatsnexthouston.com THE MERIDIAN 1503 Chartres.713.225.1717 www.meridianhouston.com WAREHOUSE LIVE 813 Saint Emanuel St. 713.225.5483 www.warehouselive.com

MIDTOWN

13 CELSIUS 3000 Caroline.713.529.8466 3RD BAR 2600 Travis.713.526.8282 www.reefhouston.com

BOND 2700 Milam.713.529.2663 www.bond2700.com

SWIVEL 2621 Milam www.swivelhouston.com

CHRISTIAN’S TAILGATE 2000 Bagby.713.527.0261

THE MINK 3718 Main.713.522.9985 www.themink.org

COACHES 2204 Louisiana.713.751.1970

DECO 510 Gray.713.659.4900

DOG HOUSE TAVERN 2517 Bagby.713.520.1118

EL PATIO 2416 Brazos.713.523.8181 www.elpatio.com EPIC 3030 Travis.713.862.4810 ESCOBAR 2905 Travis.281.701.4248 www.escobarhouston.com

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

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

IBIZA LOUNGE NEXT DOOR 2450 Louisiana.713.520.7300 KOMODO 2004 Baldwin.713.655.1501

LEON’S LOUNGE 1006 McGowen.713.659.3052 RED DOOR 2416 Brazos.713.225.0640 www.reddoorhouston.com RICH’S NIGHTCLUB 2401 San Jacinto 713.759.9606

SAMMY’S 2016 Main St.713.751.3101 www.sammysat2016main.com STATUS 2404 San Jacinto 713.659.5400

THE MAPLE LEAF 514 Elgin.713.520.6464

THE ROOF 2600 Travis.713.522.4900 www.roofbarhouston.com

THE WET SPOT 160 W. Gray.713.523.7768 TIPSY CLOVER 2416 Brazos.713.524.8782 WHISKEY CREEK 2905 Travis.713.526.4225

XO BAR & LOUNGE 2611 San Jacinto.713.651.9900 www.xohouston.com

ZEPPELIN 3101 San Jacinto.713.521.7300 www.zeppelin713.net

MONTROSE/ SHEPHERD

ABSINTHE 609 Richmond.713.528.7575 www.absinthelounge.com AGORA 1712 Westheimer 713.526.7212 www.agorahouston.com

AVANTGARDEN 411 Westheimer.832.519.1429 BARTINI 1318 Westheimer 713.526.2271 BOONDOCKS 1417 Westheimer 713.522.8500

BYZANTIO 403 W. Gray.713.520.6896 CROME 2815 S. Shepherd 713.523.3100

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CATBIRDS 1336 Westheimer 713.523.8000 www.catbirds.com

CEZANNE 4100 Montrose.713.522.9621

FAME 4704 Montrose.713.520.0020 GUAVA LAMP 570 Waugh Dr.713.524.3359

THE DAVENPORT 2115 Richmond.713.520.1140

POISON GIRL 1641-B Westheimer 713.527.9929

THE NEXT DOOR 2020 Waugh.713.520.1712

THE PROLETARIAT 903 Richmond.713.523.1199 www.theproletariathouston.com SOUTH BEACH 810 Pacific St. 713.529.7623 www.southbeachthenight club.com

THE FLAT 1702 Commonwealth 713.521.3528

SLIDER’S BAR & DAIQUIRIS 1424 Westheimer 713.528.2788 www.slidersbar.com

ETRO 1424 Westheimer 713.529.3449

THE STAG’S HEAD 2128 Portsmouth 713.533.1199

ERNIE’S ON BANKS 1010 Banks.713.526.4566

ETTA’S LOUNGE 5120 Scott.713.528.2611

GRIFF’S SHENANIGANS 3416 Roseland.713.528.9912 www.griffshouston.com

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

LZ PUB 2239 Richmond.713.522.7118 MARFRELESS 2006 Peden St.713.528.0083

McELROY’S PUB 3607 Sandman.713.524.2444 www.mcelroyspub.com METEOR 2306 Genesee.713.521.0123 www.meteorhouston.com NUMBERS 300 Westheimer 713.526.6551

PRIVE 910 Westheimer.713.522.2542 www.privelounge.com

SCOTT GERTNER’S SKYBAR 3400 Montrose.713.520.9688

THE TAVERN 1340 W. Gray.713.522.5152 www.thetavernongray.com

VELVET MELVIN 3303 Richmond.713.522.6798

GALLERIA & UPTOWN

AZTEC LOUNGE 2207 Richmond.713.526.1702 BLANCO’S 3406 W. Alabama 713.439.0072

BELVEDERE 1131 Uptown Park 713.552.9271 www.belvedereinfo.com

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

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

VINTAGE 2108 Kipling.713.522.4200 ZAKÉ LOUNGE 2946 S. Shepherd 713.526.6888 www.zakerestaurant.com

ZIMM’S 4321 Montrose.713.521.2002

THE OUTER LOOP

FIREHOUSE SALOON 5930 Southwest Frwy.

713.977.1962 www.firehousesaloon.com HUSH 15625 Katy Freeway 713.330.4874 www.hushonline.com THE DERRICK TAVERN 1127 Eldridge Pkwy.

281.759.4922

RA SUSHI 3908 Westheimer 713.621.5800 www.rasushi.com

REMINGTON BAR AND GRILL (inside St. Regis Hotel) 1919 Briar Oaks Ln. 713.403.2631 ROXY 5851 W. Alabama 713.850.ROXY www.clubroxy.com

THE BLACK SWAN 4 Riverway Dr.713.871.8181 THE TASTING ROOM 1101-18 Uptown Park Blvd.

713.993.9800

UROPA 3302 Mercer.713.627.1132 www.cluburopahouston.com

WILD WEST 6101 Richmond.713.266.3455

RIVER OAKS/ UPPER KIRBY BAMBÚ 2810 Westheimer 713.942.7272

THE BIG EASY 5731 Kirby.713.523.9999 www.bigeasyblues.com

DOWNING STREET 2549 Kirby.713.523.2291 www.downingstreetpub.com KENNEALLY’S IRISH PUB 2111 S. Shepherd 713.630.0486

LIZZARD’S PUB 2715 Sackett.713.529.4610

MEZZANINE LOUNGE 2200 Southwest Frwy.

713.528.MEZZ www.mezzaninelounge.com MUGSY’S 3200 Kirby.713.526.5595

RIVER OAKS THEATER/ LOUNGE 2009 W. Gray.713.528.4608 ROLL-N SALOON 4200 San Felipe 713.622.7487

TACO MILAGRO 2555 Kirby.713.522.1999

BAKER STREET PUB 5510 Morningside 713.942.9900 www.bakerstreetpub.com BAM BOU 2540 University Blvd.

713.521.7222

THE LOUNGE AT BENJY’S 2424 Dunstan.713.522.7602 BRIAN O’NEILL’S 5555 Morningside 713.522.2603 www.brianoneills.com BRONX BAR 5555 Morningside 713.520.9690

JOHNNY’S SPORT BAR 2511 BISSONNET 713.521.9928

KAY’S LOUNGE 2324 Bissonnet.713.528.9858 LITTLE WOODROW’S 5611 Morningside 713.521.2337 www.littlewoodrows.com

THE GINGER MAN 5607 Morningside 713.526.2770 www.gingermanpub.com

VOLCANO 2349 Bissonnet.713.526.5282

MUSEUM DISTRICT

MONARCH LOUNGE @ HOTEL ZAZA 5701 Main St.713.526.1991

THE WINE BUCKET 2311 West Alabama 713.942.9463

RICE VILLAGE ARMADILLO PALACE 5015 Kirby.713.526.9700

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RECORDING

RECORDING

DAVID BEAN THE JUDY’S AREN’T A BAND; THE JUDY’S WEREN’T A BAND. AT LEAST NOT IN THE TRADITIONAL SENSE; AT LEAST NOT IN THE TRADITIONAL SENSE. REALLY, THOUGH, FOR THE BETTER PART OF THE EARLY 80S, THE JUDY’S WERE AS RIGHTEOUS A POP ICON AS HOUSTON HAS EVER HAD, AND “GUYANA PUNCH” BECAME A SORT OF IDIOSYNCRATIC ANTHEM FOR THE LEGIONS OF FANS THAT ‘GOT’ THEM. LATE LAST YEAR, LEAD SINGER DAVID BEAN RE-RELEASED THE BAND’S CATALOG, A MOVE THAT CULMINATED IN THEM APPEARING AT THE AUSTIN MUSIC AWARDS DURING THIS PAST SOUTH BY SOUTHWEST MUSIC CONFERENCE. I DIDN’T ASK HIM ABOUT THE FUTURE OF THE JUDY’S BECAUSE HE PROMISED HE WOULDN’T ANSWER THAT. BUT HE ANSWERED EVERYTHING ELSE. So what inspired the music awards show in Austin?

Well, we were releasing the albums on CD and launching the Wasted Talent Records website, and Ken Lieck who writes—or wrote—for the Austin Chronicle sent me an email saying that he thought we could play the South by Southwest Conference or the music awards or something if we wanted.

by Lance Scott Walker Interview by Lance Scott Walker Photography by Anthony Rathbun Photography by Anthony Rathbun | Location courtesy of Taco-a-Go-Go

make any donation they want.

Family and friends ended up being hundreds of people…

Yeah. Well, when we started talking about that we thought ‘well, maybe having an audience, like a full audience, will be a good thing—you know, maybe we’ll feel a bit more like a show and not just one row of people sitting there.’

There weren’t a whole lot of seats in the place and we all had friends and family that wanted to come so we just started emailing people. Friends of friends type-thing. It was a full house but we couldn’t accommodate the general public. It was really for him. He ended up being very sick that night and almost didn’t make it so we were pleased that he showed up and apparently it lifted his spirits and his health for a few weeks after that.

How do you knock the dust off after a period like that?

The last reunion before that was what… 1993, 1994?

What did they say… that this year it had been like 15 years or something?

Yeah, so 1993. It had been at least 12 years since you’d played that show.

The show we did in ’93 was kind of a reunion-type show.

I mean it wasn’t like we were still playing at that point and we did our last show. We had gotten back together for that.

Yeah but your band’s been on the shelf for twelve years and you get back together for this benefit… for those of

That’s pretty bold of him.

Yeah! And in the meantime he ran around the SXSW offices and said ‘I think these guys will play,’ kind of working both ends. And we have a friend who was actually putting together the music awards and she emailed and said ‘do you really want to do this?’ And we said ‘you tell us—we’re not asking to be on it and we’re not saying we will or we can but if it’s something that you really are interested in, let us know.’ She contacted us later and said ‘we’re interested if you’re interested,’ and so we passed it around with each other and said ‘yeah, we’ll do it.’ And that’s basically it.

You actually did a full set back in Pearland back in 2005—that was for a friend, wasn’t it?

Yeah—originally we were going to do it just for him and maybe his family in the old auditorium of our elementary school. But it’s now owned by Alvin Community College and they told us that if it was for a benefit that the hall would be half that price—the rental fee would be half as much.

So we decided well ‘yeah, let’s do a benefit,’ for the cancer center that was doing his treatment and we just decided to invite family and friends and tell them that it was a benefit and they could

84 june08|002houston

us who didn’t see The Judy’s back in the day, it still sounded fresh…

Well, I think that—two things. One thing is that we had played together for so long that it was just a matter of basically practicing a couple of times and getting a groove again. The other thing was that we’ve known each other so long, we’ve worked together in different capacities through the years and we’ve seen each other through the years, that through the comfortableness of getting together—we just know who each other are and it doesn’t take long for us to fall into our roles that we’ve always used to work with each other.

So for any of the three reunions—were any of them a big deal?

The Austin Music Awards show was a big deal to us in a sense because we weren’t playing to our audience. We didn’t know what to expect or who was going to be there.

We didn’t know the other people on the bill and had nothing in common with them and we didn’t know basically what kind of reception we’d be getting because we didn’t know who our audience was going to be. That was nervewracking. And because it was SXSW it wasn’t a typical show and it wasn’t laid-back in any regard. So that just added extra pressure and the fact that we were going to do a twenty-minute set, which was fine with us because we didn’t have to practice that much, but at the same time it’s like ‘how do you represent yourself in twenty minutes?’

You throw punch all over the audience. That’s how you do it.

Not if you don’t know who’s in the audience!

You have to think ‘oh… how’s throwing punch going to be…’

So how did it go? You threw that punch in Austin. I saw it.

I threw a little bit out the first time, but then I just decided to throw it way up, so that it was just kind of arcing over my head and it wasn’t so much on the audience as it was making this nice splash or rain down on me. I just changed the direction of it.

What was actually in the pitcher?

It was just water.

Bummer.

Yeah… I liked using Kool-Aid but this girl wrote us once that we had ruined a sweater that her grandmother gave her because she couldn’t get the Kool-Aid stain out. I felt really bad. You know, it was her grandmother’s sweater…

“I AM NOT AN ANIMAL. I AM A MAN!” David Bean

www.wastedtalentrecords.com

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002HOUSTON MAGAZINE

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CROSS WORD

BEFORE WE GO...

Photography by Jake Potts

TUX TIPS FROM AL’S FORMAL WEAR (WE THINK THEIR OVER 55 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE MAKES THEM A RELIABLE SOURCE!)

OO2CROSSWORD ACROSS

36. Where eyeliner goes

5. Chivalrous

40. Dawn time

1. Wedding star

39. University head

6. Go to the wrong church, perhaps....

41. What the bride does down the aisle

4. After the reception

41. Main man 43. Every wedding day is _____

7. Silk fabric

42. Be compatible

9. French gold

8. Lacelike fabric

44. Rings

45. Wonder

11. Finance exec

47. Ask to attend

12. Spanish for uncle

46. “__ Are The Champions” – Queen

49. They are forever

14. As an answer (2 words)

16. “We’re In This Love Together” singer Jarreau

52. It’s a wonderful ___!

17. “Anna Karenina” writer

53. Date first word, perhaps

18. Goes with the sea and sand, hopefully

21. They are exchanged at a wedding

54. ____ this is my Dad!

10. Responds to a proposal 13. “____ Jones’s Diary” 15. Alien flier

24. Yours and mine 25. Luxury car last name 26. Needed for the new home

55. For example, briefly 56. Possessive thou 57. Asks for her hand in marriage

DOWN

29. Gemstone for the bride?

30. One, en francais 31. Internet intro question (age, sex, location?)

33. Illumination

1. How the bride looks 2. Having hues (2 words) 3. Extrasensory Perception 4. Goes with hers

19. Three-way

49. Reception food often 50. Shows where to go 51. Beatle bride

20. Us (3 words) 22. D and F followers 23. Arch city, for short 27. Single 28. Each, for short 32. Spanish Mrs. 34. All cool 35. Right turn 37. Period of time 38. Bridesmaids’ wear

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48. Mother-in-law

• MAY ANSWERS •

• START EARLY! SIX MONTHS BEFORE THE WEDDING, MAKE A LIST OF ALL YOUR GROOMSMEN AND USHERS. DON’T FORGET YOUR FATHER AND THE FATHER OF THE BRIDE, RING BEARER AND ANYONE ELSE NEEDING TO WEAR A TUXEDO. • FIND OUT IF YOUR TUX STORE HAS A HELPFUL SITE LIKE AL’S (ALSFORMALWEAR.COM). IT’LL HELP YOU KEEP TRACK OF THE WEDDING PARTY, SAVING TIME IN THE STORE AND KEEPING YOU ORGANIZED. • NEXT, ASK THE BRIDE TO HELP YOU SELECT THE TUXEDO. IF YOU CAN DO IT ON-LINE YOU’LL SAVE THE BRIDE SOME TIME AND SANITY. • ONCE YOUR SELECTION HAS BEEN MADE, VISIT THE STORE WITH THE BRIDE AND MAKE SURE THE CHOICE IS EXACTLY WHAT YOU BOTH WANT. • HAVE YOUR WEDDING PARTY MEASURED, EVEN IF THEY ARE FROM OUT OF TOWN. HAVE THEIR SIZES SENT TO THE TUX STORE SO THEY CAN PICK UP THEIR TUXEDOS IN TOWN AND AVOID LEAVING SOMETHING BEHIND AT HOME. • BEFORE THE WEDDING, MAKE SURE EVERYONE TRIES THEIR ENTIRE TUXEDO ON SO THAT THERE ARE NO LAST MINUTE SURPRISES THE DAY OF THE WEDDING.

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