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002houston | march 09 | volume 11 | issue 123
hip.current.cool guide
002mag.com
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TABLE OF CONTENTS 04 06 08 10 12 13 14 16 18
table of contents letter from the editor houston map downtown map news worthy | uptown map scene calendar museum district art houses+museums+exhibits
56 44 wise guy 45 002 hits the streets
46 54 56 58
35 20 21 22 24 25 26 27 28 29
spacetaker living smart gallery: galleria perdida for art’s sake: marjon fatemizadeh-aucoin gish at the movies nonprofit: unicef scene art or fashion? scene
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FASHION SHOOT TEXAS ADVENTURES WATER DESTINATIONS CHIANG MAI
59 the consummate concierge 60 archichat: strasser|ragni
62 ARCHITECTURE + DESIGN: CORDELL HOUSE
58 63 64 65 66 67 68
where to live business profile: john l. nau III finance|scene vroom vroom tools+toys+gadgets restaurant listings
30 born cool. grow hip. 31 on our radar
62 70 DINE WRITE: INN AT DOS BRISAS
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72 new restaurants
73 CHEF’S SPECIAL: DOUG POLLARD
32 people of houston 34 costumes for cocktails
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35 RETAIL WRAP: ABEJAS 36 BAGGAGE ALLOWANCE 37 21museum hotel
38 IT’S COOL TO PACK YOUR CARRY-ON
74 sip codes 76 club review: sammy’s – spazmatics night 78 002 nightlife
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CORRECTLY 42 things i love 80 recording: bun b 81 cd reviews | scene 82 crossword puzzle | before we go
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Photography by Sofia van der Dys |Hair by Elia Graves at Jose Eber salon and Makeup by Pati + Trixi
LETTER FROM THE EDITOR
I
t’s actually PC to be monetarily conservative. With people slinging around phrases like “cash recession” and “this economic situation” – times they are a-changin’. I’ve even heard stories of women who can still shop with wild abandon (yes, I’m a little green at that thought) but have their purchases sent to their homes because of the “climate.” See dropped another one… Well, thanks, ladies. Please, PLEASE jumpstart the economy – ’cause I really don’t know how much more of this I can take. Let alone the fact that this is the fashion and travel issue and both require a certain amount of monetary distribution.
CARLA VALENCIA de MARTINEZ
But all in all, we have still got a great life here. Turn to this month’s nonprofit on page 26 to see just how lucky we have it.
If you are getting away, we’ll teach you how to pack that pesky carry-on on page 38, and we’ll show you some snazzy luggage options on page 36. If you can’t get away, we’ll take you as far as IAH for starters for our fashion shoot at the city’s beautiful and bustling airport. And if you’re thinking about getting away, we’ve got a variety of locations (and prices), some within reach, destinations exotic and near water – as well as some fantastic tips to getting the most out of your vacation with a little help from the Concierge on page 59. And locally, this month is the Bayou City Arts Festival. If you haven’t gone, this festival is all grown up and tons of fun! Jenny Wang takes you on a culinary adventure in Brenham in this month’s DineWrite on page 70. And she explores some new eateries on page 72. So, make yourself beautiful, put something nice on, and get out there and help us jumpstart this economy! A HUGE thank you to Melissa Sustaita at the Houston Airport System who coordinated the fashion spread starting on page 46. Thank you to Darian Ward, Rosalind Brown, Robert and Dannel Sangster also with HAS; Mike Davis with the Transportation Security Administration; Officer Paula A. Rivera and Yolanda Choates with Customs and Border Protection; Miguel with the Houston Police Department; ICE Currency Exchange; and Smarte Carte.
Carla Valencia - Editor at Large Fashion Director 6.
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PUBLISHER alejandro martinéz ext 16 a.martinez@002mag.com EDITOR AT LARGE | FASHION DIRECTOR carla valencia ext 13 c.valencia@002mag.com CONTRIBUTING EDITOR victoria bartlett ART DIRECTOR alex rosa ext 17 arosa@002mag.com ASSOCIATE EDITOR | EVENTS beatrice valencia ext 11 bvalencia@002mag.com ADVERTISING SALES MANAGER william king ext 18 w.king@002mag.com ADVERTISING EXECUTIVES carlos valencia ext 12 cevalencia@002mag.com jarrod klawinsky ext 15 jklawinsky@002mag.com terri-ann chen tchen@002mag.com
isabel terraso ext 14 isabel@002mag.com beenish ahmad beenish@002mag.com PHOTOGRAPHERS kim coffman, emily dwyer, kennon evett, jill hunter, gabriella nissen, daniel ortiz, jack potts, anthony rathbun, aaron m. sprecher, sofia van der dys, michelle watson CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS jenny antill, jaime ardiles-arce, bernard bauri, marco corsetti, fulton davenport, alexander flenner, marcus gortz, krause johansen, alex martinez, kevin mcgowan, dana neibert, kevin orpin, toutounji, jenny wang CONTRIBUTING WRITERS michael andre adams, shyla batwilla, leigh bell, michael garfield, sarah gish, patricia gras, sandra gunn, travis jones, hal lynde, myles mellor, nadia michel, margret miller, tim moloney, megan moody, sandra ramani, jenni rebecca stephenson, justin travis, lance scott walker, jenny wang INTERN wilbert chinchilla FOR SUGAR LAND SALES
Cover shot on location at IAH George Bush Intercontinental Airport Photography Gabriella Nissen|Photo Assitant Aaron Courtland|Styling Carla Valencia de Martinez + Beatrice Valencia|Hair + Makeup Edward Sanchez|Model Lauren Hansen for Page.713|Clothing Neiman Marcus|Jewelry Nancey Chapman
OOPS! none!
002houston Magazine is published monthly by NODO Magazine, L.L.C., 1310 NANCE ST. STUDIO C, HOUSTON, TEXAS 77002. Copyright © 2009 by NODO Magazine L.L.C. All rights reserved. Reproduction without permission is strictly prohibited. 002houston Magazine does not knowingly accept false or misleading advertising or editorial, nor do the publishers assume responsibility should such advertising or editorial appear. For subscription information, call 713.223.5333x14 or send a check or money order for $35.00 to 002houston Magazine, 1310 NANCE ST. STUDIO C, HOUSTON, TEXAS 77002.
002HOUSTON MAGAZINE 1310 NANCE ST. STUDIO C | HOUSTON, TX 77002 713.223.5333 | FAX 713.223.4884 | LETTERS@002MAG.COM WWW.MYSPACE.COM/002HOUSTON | WWW.002MAG.COM
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Downtown......................................1 Holocaust Museum.........................2 Galleria..........................................3 Uptown Park..................................4 River Oaks Park.............................5 Rice Village....................................6 Highland Village............................7 Memorial City................................8 Town & Country Village..................9 Loehmann’s................................10 Sam Houston Race Park..............11 Katy Mills...................................12 Sugar Land.................................13 Zoo ............................................14 Museum District..........................15 George Bush Intl. Airport............16 Hobby Airport.............................17 Space Center Houston.................18 Kemah........................................19 Miller Outdoor Theatre................20 Contemporary Arts Museum........21 Houston Museum of Fine Arts......22 Children’s Museum......................23 Houston Museum of Natural Science..24 Houston Arboretum.....................25 Houston Theater District..............26 The Woodlands............................27
HOUSTON MAP
What's hip.current.cool? Get on our list, e-mail us at events@002mag.com to make sure you're invited.
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NEWS WORTHY MOVIN’ ON UP Utopia MedSpa has moved to Uptown Park. It’s one of the few Medical Spas in the Houston area to be under the supervision of a board certified plastic surgeon. They offer a wide range of nonsurgical solutions for skin care, tightening, rejuvenation and more. Under direction of Dr. Rose – fresh off an appearance on Dr. Phil last month – they are able to offer great recommendations for continued results including non-invasive procedures like injectables, skin tightening and lasers to complement surgical procedures. plasticsurgeryrose.com
GASTRONOMIC PROMOTIONS Hotel ZaZa and Monarch restaurant announce the promotion of Aaron Neeley to Executive Chef. A 15-year veteran of the hospitality and culinary industries, Neeley was most recently Executive Sous Chef for Monarch and Hotel ZaZa, working alongside former Executive Chef Bradley Manchester, who resigned to pursue an opportunity with The Wit Hotel in Chicago. On the heels of a renovation and new menu debut, Chef Neeley brings fresh perspective with ZaZa style to the new Monarch.
PREPAREDNESS If anything has been learned from Ike, it’s the need to prepare for the worst, hope for the best. El Paso Corporation presents Preparedness on the Square Thursday, March 12, 11am to 1pm, at Hermann Square – Reflection Pool – 901 Bagby Street, Houston 77002. Hurricane season starts June 1. Red Cross staff and volunteers will teach you how to create a disaster supplies kit and communication plan to keep you and your family safe and in touch during an emergency. There will also be free CPR and First Aid demonstrations. $5 wristband includes a variety of food vendors to sample with purchase of the wristband. All proceeds will benefit the Greater Houston Area Red Cross Disaster Services. houstonredcross.org 4 THE PARK The Memorial Park Conservancy, in cooperation with the City of Houston and Houston Parks & Recreation Department, will host a first-ever “4 The Park” Fun Run and Picnic on Saturday, April 4, 2009. This four-mile run through Memorial Park will also include a festival style picnic featuring 35 local restaurants, beer and wine distributors, the Kids Emporium, the Nonprofit Expo. The Kids Run kicks-off at 7:30am; the Adult Run at 8am. To register, visit memorialparkconservancy.org.
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EVENT FASHIONABLY SOCIAL: A COOL PARTY CELEBRATING THE HOT WHY LAUNCH OF 2009 SOCIAL BOOK WHERE OMNI HOUSTON HOTEL-LEGENDS BALLROOM WHEN JANUARY 8 Social book owner and publisher, Scott Evans along with his colleagues held Fashionably Social, a party to celebrate the hot. Partygoers were introduced by the 2009 Treasurers who brought food and fashion together harmoniously complementing each other. Houston’s Premier Caterers provided food, while Page Parkes models strutted down an illuminated runway decked out in looks from Tootsies, Neiman Marcus, Elizabeth Anthony/Esther Wolf and Leonard Rutan.
Brian & Diane Kingshill
Carol Sawyer, Leisa Holland Nelson, Roz Pactor
Dallas Hill, Francie Willis
Dr. Franklin Rose, Erica Rose
Ford & Molly Hubbard
Jeff Henry, Scott Evans, Martin Spiek
Kristi & John Schiller, Jr
Lester & Sue Smith 13.
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march 2009
SUNDAY Alley Eurydice 2:30pm | The Man Who Came to Dinner 2:30 & 7:30pm Hobby BIH: Chitty Chitty Bang Bang 2 & 7:30pm Jones HS: Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 18 2:30pm Meridian Wednesday 13 7pm Minute Maid 2009 College Classic 11am Warehouse The Crooked, Drunken Sons Tour 8pm Wortham HB: Marie 2pm
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March 1, Menopause the Musical, 2 & 7pm at The Grand 1894 Opera House in Galveston. thegrand.com.
MONDAY
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Alley The Man Who Came to Dinner 2:30 & 7:30pm H OB Lisa Hannigan 8pm Jones HS: Bronfman’s Brahms Second 2:30pm Main Street The Pie Dialogues 3pm Reliant Stadium: RodeoHouston Go Tejano Day–Ramon Ayala & Alacranes Musical 3:45pm Stages Rabbit Hole 3pm Toyota Aeros vs. Rockford IceHogs 4:05pm Wortham HB: Masters of Movement- Leaves Are Fading, The Vertiginous Thrill of Exactitude, Soldier’s Mass 2pm
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Hobby HCS: Ancient Airs & Dances 7:30pm | BIH: Chitty Chitty Bang Bang 8pm
March 2, Rainbow Fish, 10am & 12pm at The Grand 1894 Opera House in Galveston. Recommended for grades pre-K to 3rd grade. thegrand.com.
Alley The Man Who Came to Dinner 2:30 & 7:30pm Jones HS: Music of The Beatles 7:30pm Main Street The Pie Dialogues 3pm Reliant Stadium: RodeoHouston Jonas Brothers 3:45pm Stages Rabbit Hole 3pm Toyota Rockets vs. Memphis Grizzlies 6pm Warehouse Juan De Marcos & Afro-Cuban All Stars 7pm Wortham HB: Marie 2pm
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PERFORMING ARTS + CONCERTS + SPORTS + FESTIVALS + GENERAL INTEREST
Reliant Stadium: RodeoHouston Lady Antebellum 6:45pm
March 7, Buffalo Bayou Regatta, 9am at Buffalo Bayou. Join in the fun at the 36th annual 15-mile canoe and kayak race through the heart of our city. buffalobayou.org. March 7, The 2009 Mutt Strut & Runway Race, 7am at George Bush IAH Airport. 5K Reliant Stadium: RodeoHouston Darius Rucker 6:45pm
WEDNESDAY
TUESDAY Alley The Man Who Came to Dinner 7:30pm Hobby Chitty Chitty Bang Bang 8pm Reliant Stadium: RodeoHouston Rascal Flatts 6:45pm Toyota Rockets vs. Toronto Raptors 7:30pm Warehouse The Expendables 8pm
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March 3-5, Chapelwood U nited Methodist Women’s 46th Annual Spring Thing Market. Free. chapelwood.org. Keyword: Spring Thing. Reliant Stadium: RodeoHouston Toby Keith 6:45pm Toyota Aeros vs. Quad City Flames 7:05pm
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Run/Walk, including dogs! A joint venture between the Houston Airport System and the Houston SPCA. fly2houston.com. March 7, “Music, Divas, and Desperados” presented by Houston Grand Opera Guild, 7pm at the Briar Club. For more information, call 713.781.6015 or visit hgoguild.org. ST. PATRICK’S DAY Alley The Man Who Came to Dinner 7:30pm Reliant Stadium: RodeoHouston Keith Urban 6:45pm
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Alley The Man Who Came to Dinner 7:30pm Hobby Chitty Chitty Bang Bang 8pm Jones HS: Explorer Concert 9:30 & 11:15am | SPA: Sir James Galway & Christopher O’Riley 7pm Reliant Stadium: RodeoHouston Alan Jackson 6:45pm Wortham De Camera: A Little Day Music 12pm
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March 4-5, Shecky’s Girls Night Out, 5-10pm at The Crystal Ballroom at the Rice. For ticket information, visit sheckys.com. Alley The Man Who Came to Dinner 7:30pm Reliant Stadium: RodeoHouston Reba McEntire 6:45pm Stages Rabbit Hole 7:30pm Toyota Rockets vs. Los Angeles Lakers 7:30pm
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March 7, Casseroles and Cocktails: A 1950s Themed Aurora House Party, 7-10pm at a private home. The second installment of Aurora’s popular House Party series is back. $60 for Non-members and $50 for Aurora members. Tickets can be purchased at aurorapictureshow.org.
THURSDAY Alley The Man Who Came to Dinner 7:30pm Hobby Lorie Line 7:30pm | Chitty Chitty Bang Bang 8pm HOB The Derek Trucks Band 8pm Main Street Theatre The Pie Dialogues 7:30pm Reliant Stadium: RodeoHouston Clay Walker 6:45pm Toyota Aeros vs. Grand Rapids Griffins 7:05pm Warehouse Take Action Tour 6:30pm
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March 5-8, A Ride with Bob starring Ray Benson w/ Asleep At The Wheel The Grand 1894 Opera House in Galveston. thegrand.com.
Alley The Man Who Came to Dinner 7:30pm Jones HS: Bronfman’s Brahms Second 8pm Main Street The Pie Dialogues 7:30pm Reliant Stadium: RodeoHouston Brad Paisley 6:45pm Stages Rabbit Hole 7:30pm Wortham HB: Masters of Movement- Leaves Are Fading, The Vertiginous Thrill of Exactitude, Soldier’s Mass 7:30pm
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Meridian Airborne Toxic Event 8pm Reliant Stadium: RodeoHouston Gary Allen 6:45pm Stages Rabbit Hole 7:30pm Toyota Rockets vs. Detroit Pistons 8:30pm
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Main Street The Pie Dialogues 7:30pm Reliant Stadium: RodeoHouston Pat Green 6:45pm Stages Rabbit Hole 7:30pm Toyota Elton John & Billy Joel 7:30pm
Hobby TUTS: Les Miserables 8pm Miller Outdoor Theatre Houston Metropolitan Dance Co.: Swing, Jive, Pop! Into Dance 11am
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Hobby TUTS: Les Miserables 8pm Miller Outdoor Theatre Express Children’s Theatre: Kian Long, Texas Pioneer 11am
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March 15, Rob Landes - Music You Love, By Request, 3pm at The Grand 1894 Opera House in Galveston. thegrand.com. March 15, Video Salon: Discussing “Purple Hearts – Back From Iraq” with Photographer Nina B erman, 1pm at Aurora Video Library. Free admission. aurorapictureshow.org.
Jones Tchaikovsky’s Pathetique Symphony 2:30pm Main Street The Pie Dialogues 3pm Meridian Texas Metal Fest 11am Reliant Stadium: RodeoHouston ZZ Top 3:45pm Stages Rabbit Hole 3pm Toyota Aeros vs. Peoria Rivermen 4:05pm Warehouse The AP Tour 6pm Wortham HB: Masters of Movement- Leaves Are Fading, The Vertiginous Thrill of Exactitude, Soldier’s Mass 2pm
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H obby TUTS: Les Miserables 2 & 7:30pm Jones SPA: Alvin Ailey Dance Theatre 2pm Toyota Joan Sebastian 6pm
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Warehouse Chairlift 8pm
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Hobby TUTS: Les Miserables 8pm HOB Hollywood Undead & Senses Fail w/ Haste The Day, Brokencyde 8pm
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March 26, 3rd Annual Girls Night Out benefitting Bo’s Place “Champagne on the Champs Elysees,” 7pm at Advantage BMW Midtown. Featuring over 100 shopping vendors, food and frivolous fun! Contact Erin Hiltebrand Hall, 713.942.8339, erin@bosplace.org, for more information. March 26-28, Verdi’s Falstaff presented by Opera in the Heights, 7:30pm at Lambert Hall. Individual ticket prices range from $31 to $45. To purchase tickets, contact the box office at 713.861.5303. Toyota Britney Spears 8pm
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Hobby TUTS: Les Miserables 8pm PLAN AHEAD April 3, Verizon Craig Ferguson Stands Up for Houston’s Children 9pm April 4, Toyota WWE Hall of Fame 6pm Verizon Comedy Central Live: Stephen Lynch 3 Balloons Tour 8pm April 6, Minute Maid Astros Home Opener vs. Chicago Cubs 6pm | Toyota WWE RAW 6:30pm April 7, Minute Maid Astros vs. Chicago Cubs 7pm April 8, Minute Maid Astros vs. Chicago Cubs 7pm | Warehouse Live New Found Glory 7pm April 9, H OB Wonka presents the Bamboozle Road Show feat. Forever the Sickest Kids 6:30pm April 11, Jones Morrissey 8pm April 16, Toyota Nickelback 7pm April 25, HOB Etta James 8pm
Ma rch 29, Charity Chicks Run for the Rose at Reliant Park. Run for the Rose benefits The Marnie Rose Foundation. Registration is $25. For more information or to sign up for Run for the Rose, please visit charitychickshouston.com. 14.
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NOT SURE WHAT TO DO? TRY ONE-STOP SHOPPING AT HOUSTONTHEATERDISTRICT.ORG
FRIDAY
SATURDAY
Alley The Man Who Came to Dinner 8pm H obby Chitty Chitty Bang Bang 8pm HOB Big Head Todd & The Monsters w/ Joan Jones from Sun 60 8pm Jones HS: Music of The Beatles 8pm Main Street The Pie Dialogues 8pm Reliant Stadium: RodeoHouston Black Heritage Day w/ Gladys Knight & Solange 6:45pm Toyota Rockets vs. Phoenix Suns 7:30pm Wortham HB: Marie 2pm | SPA: Joe Goode Performance Group 8pm
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March 6-8, The 74th Annual Azalea Trail Home & Garden Tour, 11am-6pm. riveroaksgardenclub.org.
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Alley The Man Who Came to Dinner 8pm Jones HS: Bill Cosby 8pm Main Street The Pie Dialogues 8pm Reliant Stadium: RodeoHouston Clint Black 6:45pm Stages Rabbit Hole 8pm Toyota Aeros vs. Quad City Flames 7:35pm Warehouse Rebirth Brass Band 8pm
HOB Katy Perry w/ Alpha Beat 8pm Jones Tchaikovsky’s Pathetique Symphony 8pm Main Street The Pie Dialogues 8pm Reliant Stadium: RodeoHouston Taylor Swift 6:45pm Stages Rabbit Hole 8pm Toyota Rockets vs. Minnesota Timberwolves 7:30pm Wortham HB: Masters of Movement - Leaves Are Fading, The Vertiginous Thrill of Exactitude, Soldier’s Mass 7:30pm | Mercury Baroque: Baroque Meditation 8pm
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Hobby TUTS: Les Miserables 8pm Jones Brandenburg 5 Harpsichord 8pm | SAP: Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre 8pm Toyota Aeros vs. Rockford IceHogs 7:35pm Wortham De Camera: St. Lawrence String Quartet-Dreams & Prayers 8pm
Alley The Man Who Came to Dinner 2:30 & 8pm Hobby Chitty Chitty Bang Bang 2 & 8pm HOB One Night with Queen: A Tribute to Queen 8pm Jones HS: Aaron Copeland’s Rodeo 10 & 11:30am | HS: Music of The Beatles 8pm | Main Street The Pie Dialogues 8pm | Meridian 4 Strings 10pm Reliant Stadium: RodeoHouston Trace Adkins 3:45pm Stages Repertory Theatre Rabbit Hole 8pm Toyota Aeros vs. Chicago Wolves 7:35pm Warehouse Ludo 7:30pm Wortham HB: Marie 7:30pm
Alley The Man Who Came to Dinner 2:30 & 8pm Jones HS: Bronfman’s Brahms Second 8pm Main Street The Pie Dialogues 8pm Meridian Ten out of Tenn Tour 7pm Reliant Stadium: RodeoHouston Josh Turner 3:45pm Stages Rabbit Hole 8pm Toyota Rockets vs. San Antonio Spurs 7:30pm Warehouse Adele 8pm Wortham SPA: Salzburg Chamber Soloists 7pm | HB: Masters of Movement- Leaves Are Fading, The Vertiginous Thrill of Exactitude, Soldier’s Mass 7:30pm
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Hobby MUSIQA: Lighting the Way 7:30pm HOB Andrew Bird w/ Heartless Bastards 9pm Jones Tchaikovsky’s Pathetique Symphony 8pm Main Street The Reluctant Dragon 1 & 4pm | The Pie Dialogues 8pm | Reliant Stadium: RodeoHouston Brooks & Dunn 3:45pm Stages Rabbit Hole 8pm Toyota Aeros vs. Peoria Rivermen 7:35pm Verizon Taste of Chaos Tour featuring Thursday 6:30pm Wortham HB: Masters of Movement- Leaves Are Fading, The Vertiginous Thrill of Exactitude, Soldier’s Mass 7:30pm | De Camera: Roy Hargrove Quintet 8pm
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March 21, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, 8pm at The Grand 1894 Opera House in Galveston. thegrand.com. Hobby TUTS: Les Miserables 2 & 8pm Jones The Baroque Ball 11am | Red Priest vs. Leipzig Cantor 2pm | Brandenburg 4 & Vivaldi Gloria 3:30pm | Goldberg Variations 6pm | Brandenburg 1 & Magnificat 7:30pm | SPA: Alvin Ailey Dance Theatre 8pm Main Street Theatre The Reluctant Dragon 1 & 4pm Miller Outdoor Theatre Diaz Music Institute: Noche Caliente 8pm Toyota Rockets vs. Los Angeles Clippers 7:30pm
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March 27-29, B ayou City Art Festival Memorial Park, 10am-6pm. Admission is $10 for adults and free for children 12 and under. bayoucityartfestival.com.
March 28, Videos from Good Magazine, 2pm at the Wortham Theatre, Cynthia Woods Mitchell Center and the University of Houston. For tickets, please call the Mitchell Center at 713.743.5749.
TO PURCHASE TICKETS, PLEASE CONTACT: ALLEY THEATRE alleytheatre.org
CWMP- 20th Season Coming Soon! Check website for 2009 season! woodlandscenter.org HOBBY CENTER 713.315.2525 thehobbycenter.org
HOUSE OF BLU ES hob.com
JONES HALL 713.227.3974 joneshall.org MAIN STREET THEATER 713.524.6706 mainstreettheater.com
MERIDIAN meridianhouston.com MILLER OUTDOOR THEATRE (MOT) milleroutdoortheatre.com MINUTE MAID PARK houston.astros.mlb.com MUSEUM OF FINE ARTS mfah.org MUSEUM OF NATURAL SCIENCE hmns.org RELIANT PARK reliantpark.com STAGES REPERTORY THEATRE 713.527.0123 stagestheatre.com
THEATER DISTRICT OUTDOOR cityofhouston.gov TOYOTA CENTER 1.866.4HOU.tix houstontoyotacenter.com VERIZON THEATER verizonwirelesstheater.com WAREHOUSE LIVE warehouselive.com WORTHAM CENTER 713.237.1439 worthamcenter.org GENTE DE TEATRO gentedeteatro.org
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MUSEUM DISTRICT 1. THE MENIL COLLECTION menil.org
Opens March 19, Contemporary Conversations: John Chamberlain – American Tableau. Born in Rochester, Indiana, in 1927, John Chamberlain grew up in Chicago, Illinois. After serving in the United States Navy during World War II, Chamberlain studied at the Art Institute of Chicago and Black Mountain College near Asheville, North Carolina. He then moved to New York, where for the first time he created sculpture that included scrap-metal auto parts, shaping them at will, adding paint and welding the finished compositions to preserve their stability. The dismantled and reshaped auto body quickly became Chamberlain’s signature sculptural medium. Opens March 26, Marlene Dumas: Measuring Your Own Grave – Born in 1953 in Capetown, South Africa, Dumas has lived and worked in Amsterdam since 1976. In her work, she breaks away from the modernist abstract impulse, using the human figure as her subject matter. She traces the cycle of life from birth to death to probe a complex array of human emotions—love, sexual desire, despair and confusion. The exhibition will be the first mid-career survey of this critically acclaimed painter’s work to be mounted in the United States. 2.HOUSTON CENTER FOR PHOTOGRAPHY hcponline.org Through March 29, Beauty Knows No Pain:
Images by O. Rufus Lovett and Leah DeVun – Borrowing its title from the 1972 documentary by Magnum photographer Elliott Erwitt and the slogan of the Kilgore Rangerettes, this two-person exhibition addresses the perception of femininity in contemporary American culture. Texas photographer O. Rufus Lovett’s celebrated black and white photographs of the Kilgore Rangerettes dance drill team reveal a long-standing tradition of discipline and teamwork towards the achievement of youthful glamour, uniformity and synchronicity. Emerging artist Leah DeVun´s color portraits of young Houston girls dressed up as Hannah Montana depict a subset of popular culture fixated on emulating a young female icon. Unite and Untie: Photographs by Chris Sims, Toby Morris, Mark Bagge and Benjamin Lowy – Group exhibition addressing the civil unrest in the Middle East and its ripple effects throughout the world. 3. THE ROTHKO CHAPEL rothkochapel.org
March 3, 7 pm – Guest Speaker: Dahr Jamail. Independent journalist Dahr Jamail, who has reported from the Middle East for the last five years, will speak about the war in Iraq and the current situation in that region of the world and the implications for human rights. As well as writing for the Inter Press Service, Le Monde Diplomatique, among others, Jamail reports on radio for Democracy Now!, appearing on the BBC and NPR and numerous other stations around the globe. March 8, Udi Aloni, Filmmaker, 1pm – American-
Israeli filmmaker, writer and visual artist Aloni will be featured in an afternoon of screenings of his popular allegorical fantasy, Forgiveness (2006), and his 2002 documentary, Local Angel, both of which address the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and have provoked strong reactions in the Middle East and internationally. March 20, Salon Series: Baroque to Contemporary – Matthew Dirst, Harpsichord, 7 pm – A collaboration with Divas World Productions presents a salon evening consisting of music exploring the similarities and differences between Baroque and Contemporary music along with discussion on the topic. March 27, Music for Peace: A Sweeter Music – Sarah Cahill, Piano, 7 pm. 4. BYZANTINE FRESCO CHAPEL MUSEUM menil.org/Byzantine Home of the only intact examples of 13th century Byzantine wall paintings of this size and importance in the Western Hemisphere. 5.HOUSTON CENTER FOR CONTEMPORARY CRAFT crafthouston.org Through March
15, Hot Glass, Cool Collections showcases fantastic glass art from the homes of Houston collectors, representing the many styles and techniques of contemporary studio glass including hand-blown, kilnworked, torch-worked and cold-worked glass by such world-renowned artists as Dale Chihuly, Dante Marioni, Michael Schunke, Lino Tagliapietra, Bertil Vallien, Toots Zinsky and others. Environments: Form + Space features imaginative installations by three emerging glass artists who emphasize the importance of form over function. March 14, RED HOT! 8-11pm – join HCCC for a fun and fiery evening celebrating the closing weekend of the exhibition, Hot Glass, Cool Collections. Enjoy glass demos by featured artists Paul Stankard and Matt Eskuche; hot ‘n’ spICY entertainment; a mojito bar; bites by Ruggles Green; “soular” grooves by DJ Sun; a cash raffle and big board auction. $40 prior to event, $50 at the door. 6.LAWNDALE ART CENTER lawndaleartcenter.org
March 13 – April 18, Ritual Prototypes for the Afterlife – Opening Reception: March 13, 6:30-8:30pm; Artist speaks at 6 pm. Dennis Harper’s works are primarily large-scale objects that may include light, audio, video and kinetic components. March 13 – April 18, Ta Marmaruga is an experimental collaboration combining the drawing and stop-
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motion animation of Kelly Ulcak and David Waddell. The Listening Post – Tim Brown’s exhibition recreates a “semi-live” six-cubicle call center environment. 200 portraits and sketchbook pages completed over the last two years while working for a 1-800 call center in Austin, Texas, will also be on display. Silent Topographies – Brent Fogt’s exhibition for the Project Space consists of ink drawings that explore growth and metamorphosis at both the micro and macro levels. March 20, 21 & 22, Bayou City Art Festival Memorial Park 10 am – 6 pm, as a Non-Profit Partner of the Art Colony Association, Lawndale hosts a booth in the Creative Zone of the Festival. Lawndale Art Center’s booth offers a fun and easy art activity for children visiting the festival. March 28, Empty Bowls Houston, 11 am – 4 pm, is a unique lunch event and fundraiser that brings together the arts and crafts community to fight hunger in our area and benefits the Houston Food Bank. emptybowlshouston.org. 7. BUFFALO SOLDIERS NATIONAL MUSEUM A tribute to African American military history from the Revolutionary War to modern times. 8. HOLOCAUST MUSEUM HOUSTON hmh.org
Through July 5, Dr. Seuss Wants You! – Learn about the career of the life-long artist who served as chief political cartoonist for the New York newspaper PM from 1941-1943, a period in which the Nazi regime prospered – prompting more than 400 editorial cartoons from Geisel. Through July 26, A One-Man Army: The Art of Arthur Szyk – Arthur Szyk (1894-1951) was described by Eleanor Roosevelt as a “one-man army,” using art as a weapon to garner support for the social and political issues in which he believed. Szyk believed his art could make a difference in the world and became one of the 20th century’s most important political propagandists. 9. CHILDREN’S MUSEUM OF HOUSTON cmhouston.org March 14, Expansion
Grand Opening Celebration debuts a new, three-level building addition that will offer seven state-of-the-art, interactive exhibits, including the chance to build robots in Invention Convention; anchor the news; run a business; get elected as mayor in Kidtropolis; explore nanotechnology; portal through a mathematical quest in Cyberchase; take a wet, wild adventure into FlowWorks; and climb a three-story structure. 10. THE HEALTH MUSEUM thehealthmuseum.org New Permanent Feature: McGovern
4D Theater – Expedition 3D: The Cell. Zoom through
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the body and push through the cell wall with our exploration team as they take a closer look at how cells fight disease. Through May 10, Zap! Surgery: Beyond the Cutting Edge takes you behind-the-scenes to experience the science behind surgical techniques. Ever wonder how brain tumors are treated? Find out when you conduct simulated surgery with the Gamma Knife or perform simulated laser surgery to get an up-close look at how tattoos are removed. 11. HOUSTON MUSEUM OF NATURAL SCIENCE hmns.org
Through April 12, The Birth of Christianity: A Jewish Story – Through the display of ancient scrolls, objects and artifacts, this exhibit tells the fascinating story of two of the world’s most important religions. 12. HOUSTON ZOO houstonzoo.org March 5, Call of the Wild Lecture “Visual Advocacy: Photography as a Tool for Conservation” presented by National Geographic photographer Kevin Schafer. Meet the rare Lemur or Coquerel’s sifaka (of the primate family) born to the Houston Zoo.
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to the general public. This is the first large-scale exhibition to survey the overall theme of war and peace in the early-modern period of printmaking. Thru May 17, Afghanistan: Hidden Treasures from the National Museum, Kabul. 15. CONTEMPORARY ARTS MUSEUM HOUSTON camh.org
Through April 12, The Puppet Show features artworks displayed in a variety of media that explore the imagery of puppets. From actual puppets to works that evoke topics associated with puppetry and others that introduce new variations to this historical and global form of theater, The Puppet Show features works that are, in various ways, movable and/or moving objects that perform as alter-egos for the artist or as human surrogates – often with wicked good humor. Through May 3, Perspectives 165: Contents Under Pressure: Work From Houston Area Teens – Conceived by the
13. RICE UNIVERSITY ART GALLERY ricegallery.org
Opens March 26, Henrique Olivera: New Installation – Opening celebration: March 26, 5-7pm, remarks by Henrique Olivera at 6pm. Gallery Talk by Henrique Olivera, March 27, noon. Complimentary light lunch for all attendees. 14. THE MUSEUM OF FINE ARTS, HOUSTON mfah.org
Ongoing through 2009, MFAH Asian Galleries Expansion – Galleries for the art of India, China and Japan will open in May, September and December
KEY TO SYMBOLS
2009, respectively. Opens March 7, Pioneers of Contemporary Glass from the Barbara and Dennis DuBois Collection will examine significant aesthetic and technical contributions made by international artists to the studio glass movement. Thru March 22, Color into Light: Selections from the MFAH Collection focuses on the ways in which artists use color as a liberating force, from the high modernist era of the 1940s and 1950s to today’s digital revolutions. Thru May 10, The Plains of Mars: European War Prints, 1500-1825, from the Collection of the Sarah Campbell Blaffer Foundation – Centuries before television coverage forever transformed the public’s perception of war, earlier technology – printmaking, in the late 15th century – brought war, for the first time,
PARKING RESTAURANT SHOPPING SNACKS FREE ADMISSION
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Contemporary Arts Museum Houston’s Teen Council, the exhibition explores the dual theme of containers and containment. 16. THE JUNG CENTER OF HOUSTON gjunghouston.org Home to one of the finest collections of work in psychology, spirituality and comparitive mythology. 17. CZECH CENTER MUSEUM czechcenter.org Dedicated to the preservation, recording and celebration of the language scholarship and arts of Bohemia, Maravia, Silesia and Slovakia.
18. JOHN C. FREEMAN WEATHER MUSEUM wxresearch.org The first and only museum of its kind in the nation. A project of the Weather Research Center, a Houston-based non-profit educational and research organization, whose goal is to reach as many people as possible and educate them about weather and weather safety as well as make them weather-wise.
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ART HOUSES+MUSEUMS+EXHIBITS 1.
MUSEUMS ART CAR MUSEUM artcarmuseum.com 140 Heights Blvd. 713.861.5526
ART LEAGUE OF HOUSTON artleaguehouston.org 1953 Montrose 713.523.9530 opens March 6, Repository opens March 6, The Board Room BLAFFER GALLERY class.uh.edu/blaffer UH Campus, Ent. 16, 713.743.9530
GALVESTON ARTS CENTER galvestonartscenter.org 2127 Strand St. 409.763.2403 HERITAGE SOCIETY heritagesociety.org 1100 Bagby 713.655.1912
HOUSTON FIRE MUSEUM houstonfiremuseum.org 2304 Milam 713.524.5395 MUSEUM OF PRINTING HISTORY 1324 W. Clay 713.522.4652 printingmuseum.org thru March 21, The Vandercook Book thru April 25, Illustrated Fine Printing: Whittington & Matrix in America ORANGE SHOW orangeshow.org 2402 Munger 713.926.6368
PROJECT ROW HOUSES projectrowhouses.org 2501 Holman 713.526.7662 UNIVERSITY MUSEUM tsu.edu/museum 3100 Cleburne Ave. 713.313.7145
ART HOUSES 18 HANDS GALLERY 18handsgallery.com 249 West 19th St. 713.869.3099
AEROSOL WARFARE GALLERY aerosolwarfare.com 2110 Jefferson thru March 7, Broken Heart Erotic Show ANYA TISH GALLERY anyatishgallery.com 4411 Montrose 713.524.2299 thru March 14, Garland Fielder
APAMA MACKEY GALLERY mackeygallery.com 628 East 11th Street 713.850.8527 thru March 7, The Gladiator Show ARCHWAY GALLERY archwaygallery.com 2305 Dunlavy 713.522.2409 opens March 7, Rosanne Hudson ARTSCAN GALLERY rudolphprojects.com 1836 Richmond 713.807.1836
ART LEAGUE HOUSTON artleaguehouston.org 1953 Montrose Blvd. 713.523.4080
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ART STORM artstormhouston.com 4828 Caroline St. 713.568.8174 thru March 14, A Jewel-Encrusted Pathology opens March 21, Fidel Ordonez + Mural BARBARA DAVIS GALLERY barbaradavisgallery.com 4411 Montrose 713.520.9200 thru March 14, Danny Rolph: Accelerator
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BERING & JAMES GALLERY beringandjames.com 805 Rhode Place #500, 713.524.0101 opens March 14, Landscape Show BETZ GALLERY betzgallery.com 1208 W. Gray 713.576.6954 BLAFFER GALLERY 4800 Calhoun Rd. 713.743.9521 thru March 29, Texas Oil: Landscape of an Industry thru March 29, Electric Mud BOOKER-LOWE GALLERY bookerlowegallery.com 4623 Feagan St. 713.862.8364 CANAL ST. GALLERY canalstreetgallery.com 2219 Canal St. 713.223.2219 opens March 1, Honey Harrison
FOTOFEST 1113 Vine Street 713.223.5522 fotofest.org thru April 25, New Visualism
COMMUNITY ARTISTS’ COLLECTIVE 1501 Elgin 713.523.1616 communityartistscollective.org
GALLERY 1724 gallery1724.com 1724 Bissonnet 713.523.2547
COMMUNE ON NORTH communeonnorth.com 2445 North Blvd.
GALLERY SONJA ROESCH gallerysonjaroesch.com 2309 Caroline 713.659.5424 opens March 7, Frozen Light
CAROLINE COLLECTIVE carolinecollective.com 4820 Caroline 713.825.4613 CTRL GALLERY ctrlgallery.com 3907 Main St. 713.523.2875
DAKOTA GALLERY 2324 Shearn 713.523.7440 dakotaframing.com/dfp/dakotagallery.asp
GITE GALLERY thegitegallery.com 2024 Alabama St. 713.523.3311
DARKE GALLERY darkegallery.com 5321 Feagan 713.542.3802 March 5, 12, 19 and 26, Dream Analysis: A workshop to invigorate your creativity, insight and problem solving. opens March 7, Digital Fusion by David Miller & New Works by Stacy Hosrich DEBORAH COLTON GALLERY 2500 Summer St. 713.864.2364 deborahcoltongallery.com
DESANTOS GALLERY desantosgallery.com 1724 Richmond 713.520.1200 DIVERSEWORKS diverseworks.org 1117 East Main at Naylor 713.223.8346
G GALLERY 301 East 11th Street 713.822.4842 redbudgallery.com/gGalleryIndex.html
GOLDESBERRY GALLERY goldesberrygallery.com 2625 Colquitt 713.528.0405 thru March 14, Edward Lane McCartney: Reclamation opens March 28, Let Me See: Tara Conley GREEN HOUSE GALLERY greenhouseartgallery.com 716 W. Alabama St. 713.535.6462 opens March 6, Rites of Spring opening April 3, Bark for Art, benefits the Red Collar Rescue GREMILLION & CO. FINE ART gremillion.com 2501 Sunset Blvd. 713.522.2701 thru March 29, Lionel Kalish opens April 2, Christian Renociat GUTHRIE CONTEMPORARY 2734 Virginia St. 713.522.8086
HCC-CENTRAL GALLERY centralfinearts.info 3517 Austin 713.718.6570
DOMY BOOKS domystore.com 1709 Westheimer 713.523.3669
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HOUSTON LANDMARK GALLERY 1200 McKinney 713.927.8800 houstonlandmarkgallery.com HOUSTON STUDIOS 707 Walnut St. #100, 713.223.0951 HOLLYWOOD FRAME GALLERY 2427 Bissonnet 713.942.8885 hollywoodframegallery.com
HOOKS-EPSTEIN hooksepsteingalleries.com 2631 Colquitt St. 713.522.0718 thru March 21, José Chardiet and Paul Schwieder JOAN WICH & CO. GALLERY joanwichgallery.com 4411 Montrose 713.526.1557 thru March 21, Diagnostic Landscapes opens March 27, Dawolu Jabari Anderson KINZELMAN ART CONSULTING kinzelmanart.com 3909 Main Street 713.533.9923 KOELSCH GALLERY koelschgallery.com 703 Yale 713.626.0175
LAURA RATHE FINE ART laurarathe.com 2707 Colquitt 713.527.7700
LAURA U COLLECTION lauraucollection.com 1840 Westheimer 713.522.0855
LOVETT INN ART GALLERY lovettinngallery.com 501 Lovett Blvd. 713.522.5224
M2 GALLERY m2-houston.com 325 W. 19th St. 713.861.6070
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1. goldesberry gallery| 2. fotofest | 3. art storm McCLAIN GALLERY mcclaingallery.com 2242 Richmond 713.520.9988
McMURTREY GALLERY mcmurtreygallery.com 3508 Lake St. 713.523.8238 thru March 21, Ellen Berman: Sustain opens March 28, Sydney Philen Yeager MEREDITH LONG GALLERY 2323 San Felipe 713.523.6671 meredithlonggallery.com opens March 26, William Anzalone MIDTOWN ART CENTER midtownartcenter.com 3414 La Branch 713.521.8803 MOODY GALLERY moodygallery.com 2815 Colquitt 713.526.9911 opens March 28, Pat Colville
MOTHER DOG STUDIOS 720 Walnut 713.229.9760 home.earthlink.net/~motherdogstudios/ motherdogstudios MOXIE moxiehouston.com 2307 Dunlavy 713.807.7994
NAUHAUS GALLERY texascollaborative.com 223 E. 11th St. 281.615.4148
RETRO GALLERY retrogallery.com 1839 W. Alabama 713.522.7074 RICE UNIVERSITY ART GALLERY 6100 Main St. 713.348.6069 ricegallery.org RUDOLPH PROJECTS I ARTSCAN GALLERY 1836 Richmond 713.807.1836 rudolphprojects.com SICARDI GALLERY sicardi.com 2246 Richmond 713.529.1313
SPACE 125GALLERY haatx.com 3201 Allen Parkway 713.527.9330 thru March 6, Civic Duty: Building Art, Building Houston STUDIO 1107 East Freeway 713.224.5555
TALENTO BILINGUE tbhcenter.com 333 S. Jensen Drive 713.222.1213 TANSU tansustyle.com 321-B West 19th 713.880.5100
THE ARTFUL CORNER theartfulcorner.com 3423 White Oak Drive THOM ANDRIOLA newgallery.net 2627 Colquitt 713.520.7053
NOLAN-RANKIN GALLERIES 6 Chelsea Place 713.528.0664 nolan-rankingalleries.com
THORNWOOD GALLERY thornwoodgallery.com 1201 Birdsall 713.861.2787 thru March 14, Onyeka Ibe @ Colquitt Gallery
PARKERSON GALLERY artnet.com 3510 Lake St. 713.524.4945
VAUGHAN CHRISTOPHER GALLERY 1217 South Shepherd 713.533.0816 vaughanchristopher.com opens March 5, Midnight in the Garden of Warhol and Haring
O’KANE GALLERY uhd.edu One Main St.@UHD 713.221.8042
PEEL GALLERY SHOP peelgallery.org 4411 Montrose Blvd. 713.520.8122 POST GALLERY postgallery.com 2121 Sage, Ste. 390, 713.622.4241 "by appointment only"
POISSANT GALLERY poissantgallery.com 5102 Center St. 713.868.9337
PROJECT ROW HOUSES projectrowhouses.org 2519 Holman St. 713.526.7662 REDBUD GALLERY redbudgallery.com 303 E. 11th St. 713.862.2532
WADE WILSON ART wadewilsonart.com 4411 Montrose #200, 713.521.2977 opens April 4, Knut Pani WATERCOLOR ART SOCIETY 1601 West Alabama 713.942.9966 watercolorhouston.org
WINTER STREET STUDIOS winterstreetstudios.net 2101 Winter Street 713.862.0082 XNIHILO GALLERY 2115taft.org 2115 Taft St. 713.622.1846
ZARPOSH INDIA GALLERY zarposhindia.com 1951 Richmond 713.668.2948
EVENTS+NEWS March 6 – 8, The 2009 Art and Wine Festival in Old Town Spring. Come and enjoy several Texas wineries as they offer tastes of some of their finest wines. Visit with talented artists who will be showing off their original art and enjoy over 150 unique shops that line the streets. FREE GENERAL ADMISSION! oldtownspring.com 19.
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By Jenni Rebecca Stephenson
"B
EWARE THE IDES OF MARCH” RING THE FAMOUS WORDS UTTERED TO JULIUS CAESAR BY THE SOOTHSAYER, DIVINING THE DICTATOR PERPETUO’S ULTIMATE DOWNFALL AND ASSASSINATION. TO THIS DAY, THESE WORDS CARRY WITH THEM A SENSE OF FOREBODING, BUT IN ACTUALITY, THE WORD ‘IDES’ SIMPLY SIGNIFIES THE 15TH — ONE OF THREE DAYS AROUND WHICH THE MONTHS IN THE EARLY ROMAN CALENDAR WERE ORGANIZED. THE OTHER TWO DAYS, KALENDS AND NONES, STAND FOR 1ST AND 7TH, RESPECTIVELY. TO FURTHER COMPLICATE MATTERS, IDES’ AND NONES’ DESIGNATIONS ONLY PERTAIN TO
MARCH, MAY, JULY AND OCTOBER, AND IN OTHER MONTHS, POINT TO THE 5TH AND 13TH. IT’S ONLY REASONABLE THAT THE IDES ALONE HAVE REMAINED IN THE PUBLIC CONSCIOUSNESS, AND THEN, ONLY DUE TO SHAKESPEARE’S TEXT. THIS YEAR, THE MOST FOREBODING ASPECT OF THE IDES OF MARCH IS OUR SHAKY ECONOMY. NO STRANGER TO TROUBLED ECONOMICS, THE ARTS SCENE NONETHELESS THRIVES. STIMULATE YOUR LOCAL ECONOMY AND SUPPORT YOUR FAVORITE STARVING ARTISTS BY PARTAKING IN ONE OF THE COUNTLESS ART EVENTS MARCH HAS IN STORE FOR YOU — MANY ARE FREE OR YOURS FOR A SONG.
March 13, 6:30pm Openings @ Lawndale Drop in on Lawndale’s March openings to savor a taste of enlightened truths, anonymity and metamorphosis… but not before a glimpse of the afterlife. Step into Dennis Harper’s sculpture installation, Ritual Prototypes for the Afterlife, an installation evocative of a tomb and revealing the ritual preparations of an aggressive and indulgent culture anticipating a hereafter lacking in the activities and amenities it has grown accustomed to in life – sex, entertainment and highspeed internet. Then, experience Ta Marmaruga, created by collaborators David Waddell and Kelly Ulcak and inspired by the dazzling things an escaped prisoner encounters in Allegory of the Cave from Plato’s Republic. Through narrative and stop-motion, the tale suggests the latent truths lying under the surface of things. From there, connect to The Listening Post by Tim Brown, in which connections are made between the caller and the call-center operator. Part illustrative documentation, part confessional, part sociological experiment, The Listening Post examines the domain in which ‘the anonymous is personal and the personal is anonymous.’ And finally, move on to Silent Topographies by Brent Fogt, presenting detailed drawing of macro and micro worlds from near and far. Lawndale Art Center – Free lawndaleartcenter.org
March 20-21, 8pm & 22, 2pm – The 10th Muse with Divergence Vocal Theater Celebrate the equinox on a swirling journey where tales of ancient Mediterranean women are illuminated through opera, poetry and dance. Scenes and arias from Gounod’s opera Sapho and Berlioz’ Les Troyens intermingle with piano works of Viardot and Boulanger. Add Sappho fragments, poetry of Jill Alexander Essbaum and contemporary dance for spice. (Sapho and Les Troyens selections sung en français, but Anglophone-friendly via supertitles.) Join the cast after each performance for a Divergence Equinox Soiree with surprise musical guests. Otherwise, raise a glass on Sunday, March 22nd, following the matinee for a special AIDS Foundation Houston Benefit ($40). Barnevelder Movement/Arts Complex, 2201 Preston – Tickets $20. divergencevocaltheater.org
March 14, 4pm – A Musical Pleasure Garden @ Bayou Bend Imagine the poetry of a garden path, green and growing, alive with color and light and add to it the timelessness of voices raised in song. That’s the promise of Ars Lyrica’s A Musical Pleasure Garden, which will be held at the Museum of Fine Arts Houston’s Bayou Bend. With songs and sonatas of Handel, Arne, William Shield and their contemporaries, the afternoon will showcase the best of early music by Houston’s premiere early music ensemble. Led by artistic director Matthew Dirst, the Ars Lyrica musicians will ring in the spring with this joyous concert presentation. Presented as part of the MFAH’s “House and Garden Days at Bayou Bend” celebration. Bayou Bend – Tickets $10. arslyricahouston.org
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March 20-21, 8pm – The Objectification of Things @ Diverseworks Described as hilarious, neurotic, quirky and brilliant, choreographer Michelle Ellsworth presents a multimedia study of life through a very different, scientific lens in her newest piece. Employing performance art, ritual and ethnography, she uses everything from a miniature green screen to shadow puppets to illuminate the importance, impact and fragile nature of simple objects and the material world. Sex, Astro-Turf, carbon biochemistry and synchronized back-up dancers are all bedfellows in this seven-sectioned, full-length, collaborative, object-centric event. With original music and video by Michael Theodore, science by Jason Neff, set by Priscilla Cohan, lights by Bob Shannon, costume by Ann Piano and co-choreography and dancing by Erika Randall and Jessica Meeker. Diverseworks Art Space – Tickets $15 diverseworks.org March 27-29 - Kick-off party March 26, 7pm – Systems of Sustainability: Art, Innovation, Action Three-day event organized by the Mitchell Center and Blaffer Gallery. Both arts festival and academic symposium, S.O.S. explores creative enterprise as an integral tool for cultural growth and social change. The program presents a range of innovative practices from local, national and international participants including prominent artists, researchers, activists and scholars. Wortham Theatre, Cynthia Woods Mitchell Center, University of Houston – Registration $35. soshouston.org
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Living Smart with Patricia Gras airs on Sundays at 3pm and Thursdays at 10:30pm on HoustonPBS Ch. 8.
LIVING SMART WITH PATRICIA GRAS MASTER JIAN XIAO SHIH
What is happiness? How do we get it? Is it realistic to be sad. If you are thinking lonely, then you will be lonely. So happy all the time? These are common questions we if we can determine our thoughts, then we can determine humans tend to ask ourselves often. For me, happiness our happiness and to do this we must master our mind.” means inner peace. For others it may be lots of money, or a spouse, or a new job. Whatever Zen meditation is one of the ways Master we define as happiness is very personal. The Shih advises his students to master their SUCCESS IS NOT THE KEY fact is most of us want to be happy. The minds and cultivate happiness. He TO HAPPINESS. HAPPINESS IS question is how. believes it is impossible to have constant THE KEY TO SUCCESS. IF YOU happiness without a Zen mind. He calls Scientists recently discovered that the hap- LOVE WHAT YOU ARE DOING, the Zen mind the true mind, intrinsic in all YOU WILL BE SUCCESSFUL. piest person on the planet was a Buddhist of us. Albert Schweitzer monk living in Tibet. They found the monk’s brain waves were off the chart on the happiness “Zen is the highest state of the mind, the mind scale, so I decided to invite a Buddhist monk to Living that reaches perfection. So the Zen mind is full of bliss. Smart so he could share his thoughts on cultivating happi- If we manifest and abide by the Zen mind we will be the ness. happiest right now and we don’t have to wait for paradise after death,” says Master Shih. Master Jian Xiao Shih is now the Vice Abbot at the Chung Tai Zen center in Houston. He is also the dharma instructor In his classes, the master teaches not only Zen meditation of Zen meditation. His goal is to help guide his students to but meditation while you walk and while you eat. understand their minds and overcome life’s obstacles. “We have many techniques here. We teach three techMaster Shih reminds us our thoughts play a big role in our niques and the first one we use is breathing and we call happiness. “If you have happy thoughts, then you are numbers and use the numbers to replace all wondering happy. If you have sad thoughts, then you are going to be thoughts. The mind, we call it the monkey mind, like a
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MASTER JIAN XIAO SHIH + PATRICIA GRAS
monkey. The ten numbers are like a rope that ties the monkey. We keep counting the ten numbers and disregard the wondering thoughts. Then the monkey mind will feel tired and you will settle down and have a peaceful and a tranquil mind and wisdom and compassion. In Living Smart, Master Jian Xiao Shih shares some of the tools he uses to teach his students the path to happiness and inner peace.
Share your thoughts at 713.743.8513 or e-mail us at livingsmart@houstonpbs.org. For more information on cultivating happiness, go to www.houstonpbs.org/livingsmart under Master Jian Xiao Shih. If you miss this program, or if you would like to view streaming videos of past Living Smart shows, go to our website houstonpbs.org/livingsmart. You can contact Patricia Gras at www.patriciagras.blogspot.com.
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By Magen Moody
GALERIA PERDIDA COMES BACK TO HOUSTON address 22 calle nacional, chilchota, michoacán méxico | website galeriaperdida.com | info info@galeriaperdida.com
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ost Gallery – the translation of this gallery’s name – is a collaboration between the gallery and Project Row Houses with a sister gallery space called para/site. The exhibit runs through May 2009 and features various national and international artists. Andres Janacua, director of Perdida, shares the “overall goal is to get the community involved in going towards a disposition of the typical atmosphere. The idea is to get the city and Project Row Houses involved. We would like both entities to work together for the common cause of understanding art.” Galería Perdida is a group of individuals with a fluctuating roster all seemingly interested in the exchange of ideas between cultures and languages. The artists featured in the exhibit are a diverse group, working in their particular areas, not necessarily addressing site-specific concerns but rather exhibiting a body of work that reflects their current position and mode of operating. This is imperative as the Project Row Houses is a forceful character to contend with on these grounds. The group views themselves as architectural: a loose and unstable structure that depends on a series of existing systems to reconcile itself. “At any given point we come together to present our own arts of work. Our goal is to promote accessibility through various forms of art, ranging from literature and workshops that are not specific to each project,” shares Janacua. The group chooses random areas in the city to display their work. Last year an exhibit was set up at a vacant home soon to be remodeled. Artists are in residence every summer in Mexico and Los Angeles; each year they showcase their work in Houston. Para/site is a galleria of works in relation to Project Row Houses. Artist Alvaro Parra – sound artist in residence – explores, captures and executes sounds of the ever-evolving culture found within Chilchota, Michoacán. Infused with indigenous texture, folkloric
flavor and European influence, the sounds and noises heard across this quaint town create a challenging and eclectic array for Parra’s use alongside his film and live performances. The piece of art that viewers are raging about is local artist Elona Billera’s piece – The Bronze Cast of Bread. Pillsbury dough in a can is frozen and painted with gold. “It’s unnatural to see the Pillsbury bread frozen and it’s interesting to see it captured blossoming out,” says Janacua. All artists began in Michoacán, México, functioning like a gallery presenting contemporary works of art to the community. Their activities began to morph into social projects, hosting screenings, luncheons and so on in cities like Los Angeles and Houston as well as Japan. Galería Perdida blurs the lines of how artists and a gallery operate. Projects address their surroundings, which are often shifting and shaping according to the world around them. They do not see themselves as colonizers coming in to set up camp and remain a permanent influence. Rather they feel replaceable, malleable to those same forces that carve out their language and community. The local artists are Kara Hearn and Elonda Billera. Other artists include Jordi Ferreiro, Claire Fontaine, Joseph Lehman Morris, Harrell Fletcher/the Social Practice Students and Emilie Halpern. TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THE GROUP OF ARTISTS, PLEASE VISIT GALERIAPERDIDA.COM.
EXHIBIT SCHEDULE •Claire Fontaine – thru March 22 •Joseph Lehman Morris – Harrell Fletcher/The Social Practice Students | Reception March 28, 5 – 7pm •Emilie Halpern – May 2 – May 24 | Reception May 2, 5 – 7pm Hours are Wednesday – Sunday, 12 – 5pm
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FOR ART’S SAKE
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By Sarah Gajkowski-Hill Photography Jack Potts
ARTIST/ILLUSTRATOR: MARJON FATEMIZADEH-AUCOIN website marjonillustration.com | email marjon@marjonillustration.com
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muse is never far away for Marjon Fatemizadeh-Aucoin. Depending on your coloring, features or posture you could easily be approached on the street to model for one of her photo-realistic paintings. Always captivated by the romantic world of folklore and fairy tales, Marjon walked right up to one girl who, with her milky skin, red cheeks and doe-like eyes, would eventually pose for a series of Snow White paintings. “She was Snow White!” Marjon exclaims. Aucoin’s gift for classical technique was sealed with a double piece entitled “Looking out” and “Looking In.” In one panel, you see Snow White’s stark face, looking like a raven-haired Lady of Shallot, staring up from the glass coffin. The next panel is from the perspective of Snow White herself. Every gray hair of each dwarf is backlit with sunlight and the effect takes one’s breath away. If it weren’t a fairy tale, you would think it was a photograph. After graduating from the University of the Arts in Philadelphia, she came to Houston and used her well-honed figure drawing skills to become a medical artist. Drawing the skeleton, nerves and muscles for doctors helped her understand the human form even more intimately, and her portraiture became increasingly more realistic. Although this was not her first passion she felt as though the technical plying of her craft helped her to become the creative artist she is today. In her words, “It is great practice in understanding our anatomy and of course, to constantly be drawing is great practice too. You should never stop drawing... it is what keeps you technically and mentally prepared to create a more advanced piece.”
These days, Aucoin has put aside the fairy tale theme of her college portfolio and is looking for a different sort of presence in her figure drawing models—a mysterious, phantom-like quality to use in her new series featuring mermaids. Aucoin explains: “You know, I have always had issues with water. When I was young, I was extremely scared of it. I hated the deep end because you couldn’t see the bottom and I always thought there were sharks or something lurking down there. Of course, I eventually grew out of this, but the mystery of the water and what actually does exist in its very depths is very interesting to me. So, I guess a series on mermaids was the perfect compromise between this curiosity of the ocean and my love for the human figure.” The mermaid paintings in progress are each extremely distinctive and are representative of the three layers of the underwater ocean – the sunlit layer, the middle layer or Disphotic Layer and the third layer, the complete darkness of the abyss. One painting features a fire-haired mermaid with heavy-lidded eyes, languidly wrapped around an octopus. The strange creatures have a hypnotic effect on the viewer and the fastidious detail of the underwater habitat is so realistic, their appendages seem to be gently swaying. The abyss will be represented by a woman with pale skin surrounded by tube worms, anemone-like animals in an array of bright colors, along with ghost-like, albino creatures feathering the ocean floor in a rich carpet.
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Aside from just the ocean-bound mermaids, Aucoin plans to reinterpret classic paintings such as the Sleeping Women by Gustav Klimt, the Rape of the Sabine Women by Giambologna and other works by Alfons Mucha, Jan van Eyck and Frederic Lord Leighton. Although these paintings are not ready to view, they will feature the mermaids as characters in the well-known paintings. In this way, Aucoin will put her own unique spin, that of a professional artist, on the classical paintings she studied and loved as an art student.
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GISH AT THE MOVIES
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By Sarah Gish
MUSEUM OF FINE ARTS AND FRENCH ALLIANCE March not only brings spring, but a rare opportunity to camp out at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston (mfah.org) to view the 1927 silent film Napoleon (Napoléon Bonaparte) with Part I on Friday, March 20, at 7pm and Part II on Friday, March 27, at 7pm. Director Abel Gance focuses his lens on the monumental rise of Napoleon and is replete with technical innovations and climaxes in a three-panel triptych. The version to be screened is film historian Kevin Brownlow’s color-tinted 1980 American release version of the film and it screens in conjunction with the “The Plains of Mars: European War Prints, 1500-1825” on view at the MFAH through May 10, 2009. The Museum collaborated again with the Jewish Community Center (jcchouston.org) to bring us the 5th annual Jewish Film Festival which is featuring four films from March 17-29: Monster Among Us (3/17, JCC); A Secret (3/21, MFAH); Lemon Tree (3/22, MFAH); and Beau Jest (3/29, JCC). These recent films range from serious matters such as the Holocaust in Monster Among Us to the humorous Beau Jest, in which an actor is hired to play a Jewish girl’s Jewish boyfriend to cover up the fact that she is dating a gentile – oh gawd! Over at L’Alliance Française, they are celebrating “Francophonie” in conjunction with the Consulate of Switzerland with a free screening of Du Rouge sur la Croix (Red on the Cross: The Story of the Red Cross) on Sunday, March 15, at 5pm at their offices at 427 Lovett Boulevard. CARTOONS, WAR AND KID STUFF Friday, March 13, through Thursday, March 19, Alamo Drafthouse West Oaks (alamodrafthouse.com) is hosting “Spike and Mike’s Festival of Animation” – this is the best of the best in the animation world and has been a cult favorite for over 25 years. Cartoons will run the full gamut, including cutting-edge animation, quirky hand drawn gems and elaborate computer-generated productions. And there’s good news for kids: Monsters vs. Aliens 3 opens 3/27 at Rave Yorktown (www.ravemotionpictures.com) and the Houston Public Library (www.houstonlibrary.org) hosts “Movie Time” events on a weekly basis which includes a free movie and snack at several branch locations (hop online for the full list). As part of that series, the Central Library is hosting “Teen Movie Night” for cool kids 13-18 years only on March 31 at 6:30pm. Beyond the Walls: The Battle for Iraq’s Future will be onscreen thanks to Houston Indymedia (houston.indymedia.org/) and Rice Cinema (ricecinema.rice.edu) on Saturday, March 21, at 8pm. Filmmaker Rick Rowley will be in attendance. You’ll want to see this – it’s an uncensored view of Iraq that we never get to see on mainstream media. AURORA PICTURE SHOW FUN No one’s sittin’ still at the Aurora Picture Show (aurorapictureshow.org)! To kickstart the month, they’re stepping back in time with a fundraiser in a private home on March 7: “Casseroles and Cocktails: A 1950s Themed Aurora House Party”. Tickets are $60. There will be hula hoops and films from the 50s in a ranch style home – I’m seeing cat eye glasses and martinis! Then on Sunday, March 15, 1pm at the Aurora Video Library, there will be a video salon discussing “Purple Hearts – Back From Iraq” with photographer Nina Berman, who is the artist behind the monograph “Purple Hearts – Back From Iraq“ and the subject of a feature-length documentary of the same name. Berman’s project is a collection of portraits and interviews with U.S. soldiers wounded in the war. She will show a short video made from this series of photographs. And on March 28 at 2pm, Aurora presents a special screening of videos from Good Magazine, an integrated media platform for people who want to live well and do good, as part of the symposium “Systems of Sustainability: Art, Innovation, Action (S.O.S)” organized by Blaffer Gallery, the Art Museum of the University of Houston and the University of Houston Cynthia Woods Mitchell Center for the Arts (mitchellcenterforarts.org).
ART FILMS ARE GOOD FOR THE SOUL… TAKE A FRIEND TO ONE! 25.
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NONPROFIT
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By Shyla Batliwalla Photography by UNICEF/NYHQ2007-0804/Toutounji
UNICEF: EAT DINNER IN HOUSTON—SAVE LIVES IN SUDAN address 520 post oak blvd., suite 280, houston, tx 77027 | phone 713. 963.9390 | email houston@unicefusa.org | website unicefusa.org or tapproject.org
$1 TO PROVIDE A CHILD WITH CLEAN DRINKING WATER FOR FORTY DAYS
Water is life. Without clean, safe water, we die. In the United States the fresh, hygienic water that flows from our taps and the ice-cold glasses delivered to our tables is too often taken for granted. We are privileged to live, breathe and exist knowing that a glass of fresh H2O is just a drinking fountain away. Outside the Land of Liberty, that privilege does not exist so readily. Globally, over one billion people are denied the basic human right to a glass of clean water. Another 2.6 billion people are denied the right of basic hygiene. The lack of sanitation and the presence of infection make water a deadly weapon. The absence of a water source at all is a lethal equation. However, there is one silver lining to this murky, soiled cloud – the cost of providing safe water to a child for 40 days is $1—just $1. In 2007 UNICEF created the Tap Project in New York City. The concept of the Tap Project is to engage restaurants to encourage customers to donate $1 or more towards the clean water we habitually enjoy for free. All proceeds collected will directly provide sanitary water to millions of children worldwide. The Project started with 300 restaurants in New York in ’07 and grew to over 2,300 in ’08—needless to say, it’s become a national movement with an international impact. March 22–28 is World Water Week. During this week, the Tap Project will be take place in Houston and all around the country. Every year over 4,200 children die of water borne diseases – the second largest killer of children under five years of age. Water-related diseases range from rabies and typhoid to malaria and cholera. Children have had less time to develop a strong immune system, making them more susceptible to forms of illnesses. Furthermore, in proportion to their weight,
children breathe more air, drink more water, and eat more food than adults. This again puts them in a highrisk group for contracting a water-related illnesses. While this reality may seem a bit harsh – and a lot grim – it is one we must face. The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) states, “No child should ever die from a preventable cause. Every day 25,000 do.” As the leading organization saving the lives of children, UNICEF believes in zero. They believe that not one child should die from a preventable cause—including being poisoned by contaminated water. UNICEF has dedicated itself to ensuring hygienic, safe water is accessible to millions of families around the world, in over 90 countries. In the past 15 years, over one billion people’s right to clean water and sanitation was granted by the tireless work of organizations like UNICEF. UNICEF pledges to reduce the number of people without safe water and basic sanitation by 50 percent—a bold goal. They work vigorously to educate communities about the importance of water hygiene. They pro-
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vide oral rehydration salts in places where children are suffering from unsafe water. They train teachers to teach their students about clean water and basic sanitation. During a time of crisis, UNICEF supplies hygiene kits to help families stay clean, safe and healthy. Karen Turney of UNICEF’s Houston office urges Houstonians to get involved. “Volunteers are the heart of the project.” Turney says that volunteers are needed to recruit their favorite local restaurants and encourage their community to participate in the movement. It’s simple to volunteer, log onto tapproject.com to learn more about the numerous opportunities. After all, it only takes $1—just $1 to give a child clean water for 40 days. Imagine if your dollar is the one that saves a life. !" 520 Post Oak Blvd., Suite 280, Houston, TX 77027, 713. 963.9390, houston@unicefusa.org.
Photography by Fulton Davenport
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EVENT 30 YEARS OF I WILL SURVIVE WITH GLORIA GAYNOR WHY AFTERPARTY BENEFITTING MUSIC MATTERS! WHERE ON THE STAGE AT JONES HALL WHEN JANUARY 23 Everyone knows Gloria Gaynor to be one of the best voices in music and after her performance a chorus of voices rang throughout The Houston Symphony while 150 guests were transported back 30 years, reviving the disco scene in Houston for the night. Jackson and Company catered, the ambiance was fitted with psychedelic lighting, disco balls and DJ Pooks & Tego.
Milton Townsend, Rob Rutherford, Gloria Gaynor, Melissa Mithoff, Mark Sullivan
Greg Sibley, Mauney Mafridge
Holly Waltrip, Jon Evatz
Lesli Pendergraft, Colleen Amling
Edward Sanchez
Rob Rutherford, Michael Mithoff
Liz Glanville, Judy Oudt
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ART OR FASHION? JOAN EDELSTEIN’S TEXTILES OFFER BOTH AT THE BAYOU CITY ART FESTIVAL MEMORIAL PARK. MARCH 27-29, 10AM TO 6PM | ADMISSION IS $10 FOR ADULTS AND FREE FOR CHILDREN 12 AND UNDER. | BAYOUCITYARTFESTIVAL.COM By Nadia Michel
B
ayou City Art Festival Memorial Park drops this month, and the artist selection process might have made for a great reality show. “Some other artists have been there in the past but didn’t make it this year,” says textile artist Joan Edelstein. “I am thrilled about being selected. The competition was quite fierce,” she adds.
A record 1100 artists applied for the 300 available spots this year. The criteria for being one of the chosen ones: “Jurors pay special attention to the quality of the work, keeping in mind the nature of our event and always looking for the “wow!” factor,” says Kim Stoilis, executive director of the Colony Association, which organizes the event. It will be Edelstein’s first time as an exhibitor in the festival, but she’s been a fan for a long time. “In my kitchen, on my wall, is a poster from the 1998 edition of the festival. Rusty Specks was the featured artist,” says the former owner of Houston’s Jaffa shop, an antiques and collectibles treasure trove. In fact, while checking out the booths several years ago, Edelstein found some interesting items that later made their way into her shop. “I found a clock designer that I bought wholesale from and sold in my store.”
As to whether Edelstein’s work is art or fashion, that is a matter of interpretation. “I started out thinking of these as for wearing. But soon, home décor shops and galleries started telling me they should be hung on the wall or draped on a table. When they are sold in boutiques, they usually end up being worn,” she explains. “It took me a really long time to say ‘I am an artist’ without feeling like a total impostor,” she adds. When she’s not producing scarves and shawls, Edelstein creates sculptures from found objects, giving her somewhat more street-cred as an artist. Also, her inclusion in the festival is a pretty solid indicator. Kim Stoilis puts it like this: “I think you could interpret art by intention. Any jewelry, fabric art or furniture in our show was created by an individual artist as an expression of their unique aesthetic viewpoint. The most certain pieces of art have been created out of love, with talent and by hand to be shared and bought and sold in an intimate and unique setting.” The Festival has been receiving national and international accolades, including being ranked #3 in the U.S. by the readers of AmericanStyle magazine, which hits newsstands next month. The Festival also garnered some international awards last year: two IFEA (International Festival & Events Association) Gold Pinnacle Awards, considered very prestigious in the art fest world.
Now, Austin-based Edelstein is banking on selling some of her own creations. Not that she needs the business so badly. “My stuff is probably in about 21 states. It’s pretty widespread. It’s sold at a museum in Pennsylvania and boutiques around the country. I’ve been really lucky,” she says. Her scarves and shawls have also been picked up by the Museum of Fine Arts Houston’s Shop and the Smithsonian’s Renwick Gallery in Washington, D.C. Not too shabby for stuff sometimes made from thrift store finds.
In addition to Edelstein, about one third of the artists are new to this year’s Bayou City Art Festival. The popular Children’s Creative Zone has been expanded, there are more varied culinary offerings, and Diverseworks is planning a special performance. It’s the kind of festival where one might find a captivating oil painting, a silly toilet-paper holder or that one-of-a-kind silver ring.
“In my work, I utilize all types of fabrics and fibers: the trim off my Mom’s jacket that now has moth holes in it, the pleated metallic fabric from that dress my girlfriend’s mom wore to a wedding, the gorgeous silk charmeuse gleaned from a very stained but glamorous 1930’s bed jacket I found at a flea market. I can’t resist any of it,” says Edelstein, whose sole no-no is wool, as she is allergic. She also uses scanned photographs to print vintage images on her designs, which sell for $60 to $300.
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Photography by Bernard Bauri for LastNightPics.com
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EVENT HOUSTON MERRY MARTINI MIXER 2009 WHY BENEFIT FOR EQUALITY TEXAS WHERE MOMENTUM AUDI WHEN FEBRUARY 5 Momentum Audi hosted The Merry Merry Martini Mixer benefit for Equality Texas, which advocates and lobbies for the elimination of discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity/expression. Other companies helping benefit Equality Texas included Whole Foods who provided hors d’oeuvres, Stockholm Crystal Vodka who provided signature martinis, Barefoot Wine, The Linen House and Flair Event Production (event creator).
Richard Cayman, Kenneth Lester, Robert Hilliard
Stephanie Alloy, Jerome Kaiser, Bahara Jamea
Nicole Alvarez, Grace Yung
Cyril Thomas, Jim Jacobs, Steven Tesney
Kimberly Gilbert, Jared Lang, Stephanie O'Keefe
Alex Martinez, Cindy Durham, Mark Haukohl
Momentum Audi 29.
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BABY STYLE – YOU MAY BE A WRECK RACING THRU TERMINALS TO GET TO YOUR GATE JUGGLING THE FAMILY’S LUGGAGE, BUT YOUR BABY CAN BE AS CHIC AS SURI.
born cool. grow hip.
Elaine Turner baby bag tote $295 with pink knit blanket (peeking out of bag) $88 Shi Shu Baby @ Neiman Marcus * Elaine Turner messenger baby bag $245 available at Elaine Turner Boutique, 2439 University Blvd. 713.255.0052 * Juicy Couture pink traveler $228 @ Neiman Marcus * Crochet dress Victoria Kids $68 @ Neiman Marcus * Pink baby booties $80 @ Penolopewildberry.com * Set of 3 baby legs $12 – $28 @ babylegs.com
Photographed by Sofia van der Dys Styled by Carla Valencia de Martinez
Think leg warmers for babies. Created by pro-extreme snowboarder Nicole Donnelly when her daughter Sara was facing a diaper rash that would not quit, Nicole cut the feet off of a pair of snowboarding socks and fitted Sara, from hip to ankle, with a homemade set of legwarmers. Sara was now able to be diaper-free and rash-less, crawl safely on her knees, and debut what would become a trendsetting fashion accessory.
Pink bathing suit Cabanalife $68 @ Neiman Marcus * Pink cardigan Barefoot Dreams $65 @ Neiman Marcus * Green and pink ruffled dress Flowers by Zoe $76 @ Neiman Marcus
Love the items we feature in born cool. grow hip? If you’re a concerned parent, you’re aware of the new Consumer Products Safety Improvement Act for child product safety regarding lead and phthalates. Children’s toys and child care articles cannot contain more than 0.1% of six phthalates (DEHP, DBP, BBP, DINP, DIDP and DnOPA) regardless of when they were manufactured. None of us want to poison our kids, but the cost of requirements for third-party testing and labeling will also elim30.
inate many artisan and mom-and-pop businesses that we love for their uniqueness, variety and, yes, quality. Enforcement has been delayed to February 2010 but the guidelines are effective now. PLEASE write your Representative, Senators and the CPSC to voice your opinion about safeguarding our children AND our entrepreneurs! www.cpsc.gov OR writerep.house.gov/writerep/welcome OR www.senate.gov/general/contact_information/
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ON OUR RADAR 002+magazine
Donald J Pliner has enlisted local jewelry designer Shamaine Pleczko, founder of Shamaine Klein Design, to create a line of sleek, modern pendants and bracelets for his stores. The proceeds from the sale of the Donald J Pliner pieces benefit the Pliner Peace for the Children Foundation, which helps advance peace, care and welfare to children in need all over the world. Shamaine’s father opened cornerstone Michael Klein’s Fine Jewelry in 1969, so she was raised on jewelry. skleindesign.com.
[TARGET COLLABORATION] [QUICK FIX]
SURFER TURNED FASHION DESIGNER TRACY FEITH IS THE NEXT LIMITED-EDITION DESIGNER FOR GO INTERNATIONAL®, FOR TARGET. FEITH WILL LAUNCH AN EXCLUSIVE COLLECTION AVAILABLE AT MOST TARGET STORES NATIONWIDE ON MAY 17 AND BE AVAILABLE THROUGH JUNE 27. HIS FABULOUS BOHO CHIC PIECES ARE A MUST FOR ANY GAL ON THE GO!
WITH ALL THE DOWNTURNS IN OUR ECONOMY, THIS IS THE YEAR EVERYONE NEEDS A VACATION, A PLACE WHERE THEY CAN GO TO BE HAPPY. VIB (PRONOUNCED VIBE) IS QUITE LITERALLY YOUR VACATION IN A BOTTLE. THE LIGHTLY CARBONATED, REFRESHING POMEGRANATE-BERRY FLAVORED FUNCTIONAL BEVERAGE PROMISES TO TAKE YOU AWAY FROM THE DAILY HUSTLE AND BUSTLE WITH A COMBINATION OF VITAMINS AND AMINO ACIDS.
[ADDITIONS]
[DO-GOODERS] Marnie Greenwood of Marnie Rocks recently debuted the Designer Handbag. The jewelry designer, mother of four, adoption advocate and founder of the nonprofit organization Marnie Rocks Beading Cancer started with a plain, white canvas bag, and printed the words “Designer” and “Bag” on it and asked the likes of Paris Hilton, Susan Sarandon,Robin Williams, Ewan McGregor and Felicity Huffman, to name a few, to “Design a bag for my charity.” The Beading Cancer volunteer teams make weekly visits to pediatric cancer hospitals across the country and bead jewelry with kids battling cancer and their families providing a much-needed creative distraction while they receive chemotherapy treatments. MRBC originated in Texas and will expand to Los Angeles, Nashville and New York City this spring. marnierocks.com.
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Katy Mills announced three new retailers. In late spring 2009 Forever 21, with more than 22,000 square feet, Papaya and Victoria’s Secret will offer shoppers a new selection of trendy clothing, the hottest accessories and fashionable finds.
[JUST FOR FUN] GLOBE-TROTTING SISTERS, MEISHA STRYKOWSKI AND BRYONY PROCTOR, ARE THE LADIES BEHIND MOOVBOOTS. AFTER TRAVELING THE WORLD AND SPENDING YEARS GETTING WET IN THEIR UGGS AND COLD IN THEIR WELLIES, THEY CREATED THE SHEEPSKINLINED LUXURY WELLINGTONS. MOOVBOOTS.COM
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1
2 NICK
JULIE FONT
NIKOLOVSKI age 34 sign Leo origin Argentina occupation Wine Director
PEOPLE OF HOUSTON
age 35 sign Capricorn origin Republic of Macedonia occupation Owner of Bliss Nail Spa / IT Professional
Photography by Aaron M. Sprecher
3 ANDREA RECK age 26 sign Taurus origin El Campo, Texas occupation Marketing for Emergency Health Centre
1. JULIE FONT •WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE TREND? Pashmina •IF YOU COULD MEET A CELEBRITY, WHO WOULD IT BE? Nelson Mandela •IF YOU WON THE LOTTERY, WHAT IS THE FIRST THING YOU WOULD BUY? Winery •WHAT DO YOU DO IN YOUR SPARE TIME? I love to cook. •WHO IS YOUR FAVORITE MUSICIAN? Eros Ramazzotti
2. NICK NIKOLOVSKI •WHERE IS YOUR FAVORITE PLACE TO SHOP? Via Monte Napoleone, Milan – Italy •WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE TREND? The downward stock market, lot of good buys out there (j/k); “Go Green” awareness and education of the masses •WHAT WAS YOUR MOST MEMORABLE MOMENT? Having my 2-day-old daughter Sofia fall asleep on my chest for the first time – a moment I will cherish for the rest of my life! •WHAT WAS THE BEST CONCERT YOU EVER ATTENDED? U2 in Harbour Yard, Thessaloniki – Greece ’97; wait, it was Depeche Mode in Chicago ’05; maybe it was the 2004 Ultra Music Festival in Miami; or was it the one in Ibiza…forget it, I just love going to concerts.
3. ANDREA RECK •WHERE IS YOUR FAVORITE PLACE TO SHOP? Anywhere that sells food •WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE TREND? Big purses, so I can carry everything with me •WHAT IS THE WORST FASHION TREND YOU LOVED? Bangs, bangs and more bangs •IF YOU WON THE LOTTERY, WHAT IS THE FIRST THING YOU WOULD BUY? A new identity. To avoid any “long lost” friends or relatives. •WHAT WAS YOUR MOST MEMORABLE MOMENT? A surprise ice cream social with my mom when I was little •What was the best concert you ever attended? Guitar Hero jam sessions 32.
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COSTUMES FOR COCKTAILS
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Styling by Beatrice Valencia Photography by Gabriella Nissen Illustration by Cynthia Bogart
*Abejas Boutique- 5600 Kirby Dr. 713.522.3025 All clothing and accessories available @ www.abejasboutique.com.
BRING ON THE HEAT!!! I MUST BE CRAZY, RIGHT? I KNOW, COME MAY I’LL BE SORRY FOR THIS BUT I’M READY FOR THE WEATHER TO STAY WARM. THIS HOT/COLD SITUATION IS OFFICIALLY MAKING ME NUTS! I’M READY TO WEAR FEWER LAYERS AND NO SHOES!
The hippie vibe and airiness of the crochet are perfect for outdoor lounging. *Katherine Story handmade one-of-a-kind crocheted wrap dress | I’ve become a tie dye junkie. I don’t mean the rainbow tie dye but the subtle version. There’s something classic and nostalgic about it. *Glam Vintage 100% silk tie-dye slip | Cotton and silk blend scarf is perfect for those blinding sunny days with that breeze that leaves a slight chill in the air. *Matta Dupatta w/ tassel scarf | I prefer to be barefoot but if I have to wear “shoes,” please make them sandals. There’s nothing like the feeling of spring cool grass on the bottom of my feet. *K. Jacques t-strap sandals | An oldie but goodie that everyone should own. They just make you look that much more put together. | *RayBan Aviator sunglasses | I am enamored with the pieces of this jewelry line. You can find pieces that are vintage inspired, rock n’ roll chic or instant classics. Dannijo Amadora rings, Harrison earrings, Blakely necklaces and Colette cuffs. All available @ dannijo.com | I just recently started using this shampoo line and it has become a favorite of mine. The smell is heavenly especially in the morning. The mint is so invigorating; just what I need to wake me up. The sulfate-free formula leaves my hair feeling fantastic and less frizzy. L’Oreal EverPure Moisture Shampoo & Conditioner in Rosemary Juniper, available at drugstores and grocery stores nationwide.
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RETAIL WRAP
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Photography by Anthony Rathbun
NAME CHRISTINA NICODEMUS | BOUTIQUE ABEJAS BOUTIQUE
years in operation ten years!!!! | address 5600 kirby, s-4 houston, tx 77005 phone 713.522.3025 | website abejasboutique.com Christina Nicodemus is the first to say she “selfishly decided to open Abejas Boutique to expand her own closet.” And this is probably the case with the nation’s best boutiques. A back surgery keeps her from skiing with her family in Aspen leading to experimental puff painting on t-shirts which are quickly snatched up by P.E. 1010 in Aspen – and she was in business. Capitalizing on the status of her mom’s friends at a Christmas bazaar, she sells 100s of tees in the holiday craze. She then purchases sewing machines, splurging on outrageously expensive Gingher scissors creating Ralph Lauren-esque wrap skirts and floral shorts galore. The rest is history.
CURRENT OBSESSION: Shrunken metallic lambskin EVERYTHING !!! (We manufacture our own line that is sold to more than 150 stores throughout the globe.) The Abejas hobo, headbands, cosmetic bags and clutches.) DESIGN INSPIRATION | ICON: The natural elements that surround us as well as all things relaxed and easy.
RULES OF STYLE
HOW DID YOU GET INTO THIS BUSINESS? I followed my passion . . .
TOSS THE RULES OUT THE DOOR AS QUICKLY AS POSSIBLE AND DO WHAT MAKES YOU FEEL INDIVIDUALLY CONFIDENT . . . BE YOUR OWN PERSON!!!
WHAT SETS YOU APART FROM OTHER BOUTIQUES? Our enthusiastic team that supports everything about style and nothing about labels. WHAT ARE YOU COVETING THIS SEASON? I continuously covet . . . vintage ketohs and Kalo Soma leather woven bracelets from Mexico.
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Photography by Jill Hunter
allowance
Haute Spots wheeled duffle weekender, Brighton, brighton.com | Luxe Collection rouge 22� mobile traveler, Hartmannn @ Woodlake Travel Store, 713.840.8500 | Townhouse black traveler, Tumi at Neiman Marcus | Navy blue and yellow traveler, Nautica, nautica.com | Upright Al2, Samsonite Black Label by Alexander McQueen at Neiman Marcus
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museum hotel rendering | austin, tx a penguin welcomes diners to proof on main, the louisville hotel's hip restaurant.
By Leigh Bell
MUSEUM HOTEL | AUSTIN YOU DON’T JUST START A BUSINESS IN AUSTIN, TEXAS. FIRST, YOU HAVE TO UNDERSTAND THE CULTURE. AUSTIN IS WEIRD, AND THAT’S A SELF-IMPOSED DESCRIPTION.
The city leads a double life. It’s a growing metropolis in one moment, a bohemian sanctuary the next. A barhopping haven on one side, the heart of state politics on the other. Businesses here are cut from the same quirky cloth, including one called 21c. It’s coming to Austin. The idiosyncratic boutique hotel/art museum originally opened April 2006 in Louisville, Kentucky (yes, we said Kentucky). The concept immediately injected life into the city’s wilting downtown and brought art down to our level – in the hotel lobby. Art pours through the hotel, like guests do. The concept was so successful, 21c decided to expand it. First stop? Austin, Texas. “Austin was No. 1 on our list,” says Chief Executive Officer Michael Bonadies, formerly with The Myriad Restaurant Group, a company that owns and operates dining hits like Nobu and Tribeca Grill in New York. The Louisville hotel recently tied for No. 16 in the Reader’s Choice Awards Top 100 Hotels in the United States by travel magazine Condé Nast Traveler. But like everything in this great state, 21c Austin will be bigger. The flagship location has about 90 rooms and a 5,000square-foot contemporary art museum. The Austin endeavor should be a 16-story hotel, a 49-story residence tower and office space on the southwest corner of Cesar Chavez and Red River. Ground was supposed to break, well, about now. But like most construction endeavors these days, 21c Austin is feeling this economic downturn. Construction is now scheduled to begin in early 2010 and take about 20 months. Banks just aren’t making construction loans right now, Bonadies says. The 21c team is being “conservative and realistic.” Although other condominiums, lofts and other inner-city dwellings are sprouting up in Austin like Texas wildflowers, Bonadies says he’s not worried. “The more competition, the better,” he says, adding that quality business-
es will thrive in Austin, a city with more sophistication than the nation perceives. Bonadies joined the 21c team after the original developers, co-owners and life partners, Steve Wilson and Laura Lee Brown, decided to take 21c to the big leagues. Brown is the wealthy great-granddaughter of George Garvin Brown, founder of the multibillion-dollar Brown-Forman liquor company – as in Jack Daniel’s and Southern Comfort. The couple’s love of contemporary art and preference of urban living over suburban sprawl became the 21c concept. Brown and Wilson opened 21c with works from their private collection (they also feature many artists), but most conspicuous are the 3-foot-tall(ish) red penguins. The couple had scores of the cherry-red birds from the Venice Biennale and scattered them throughout the hotel. On rooftops, eaves, stairwells. Around corners, sitting at tables in the swanky restaurant downstairs. And if you’re lucky, a penguin will show up in your hotel room. The funky bird is synonymous to the hotel, just like its two-way mirror in the men’s room, 500-thread count sheets, iPods loaded with music of your choice, and a doorman who says, “Welcome home,” when you arrive. Austin’s penguins will be bright green. Lots of penguins and lots of art, Bonadies says. He says the Austin project will begin with the hotel/museum and add condos later. A restaurant/bar – sure to attract hippies and hipsters – is also planned for the art museum/hotel. 21c is also negotiating deals in other locations, Bonadies says, but he wouldn’t divulge where. Now, Austin. That was a sure thing. “The first time I came to Austin, I fell in love with it,” he says. “It’s a place people want to visit, live and do business.” And one day understand. www.21cmuseumhotel.com/austin
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n o y r r a c IT’S COOL TO _____________. correctly pack your
Photography Jill Hunter All clothes by Nautica as well as compact clam-shaped duffle – nautica.com
We’ve all seen it, experienced it, you might even be the culprit: that person who has not traveled in far too long, who is not aware of all the hassles of making it thru security checks. Some helpful tips for 002houston’s jet-setting man who has all the components for his recession-friendly getaway, but is lacking the common sense to put it all together.
OK, I’ve got it all, now what? When you bring your bag on board, you save time – avoiding lines at the check-in counter and waiting at baggage claim so you can ease in and out of the airport.
To save space, try rolling your clothes rather than the regular flat fold. This also decreases wrinkles.
Place shoes inside shoe bags to keep everything clean from the soles of the shoes, while keeping the inside of your carry-on neat and organized.
3.4 ounces means tiny sized bath products, not the CostCo versions. But the market has responded and they’re readily available where you’d regularly stock up on lotions and potions.
On board, only trial-size toiletries are allowed – that’s 3.4 ounces or less and they must fit comfortably (meaning it must close, NOT bust open) in one, quart-size clear plastic Ziploc® bag.
Don’t even think about sharp objects, guns, ammo, knives, matches, etc.! Anything explosive or aggressive won’t even make it thru in your checkedb a g g a g e . Ye s , t h i s includes your trusty Swiss army knife you always carry around just in case you need to bust out with a MacGyver.
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See? Bon Voyage! For more details on your carry-on, refer to continental.com or your airline’s website. march09 002houston
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THINGS I LIKE LOVE I’VE ALWAYS WONDERED WHAT YOU COULD DO WITH THE REMANANTS OF RECYCLED BILLBOARDS AND THIS IS A GREAT SOLUTION! RECYCLED TOTE AT BUFFSPEC.COM
By Carla Valencia de Martinez Photography by Sofia van der Dys
KIEHL’S TO ME IS SYNONYMOUS WITH PEOPLE+EARTH AWARE PRODUCTS. SO WHEN THEY EMAILED ME TO LET ME KNOW ABOUT THEIR NEW MARVELOUS MINERAL MASCARA – YES, MY HEART SKIPPED A BEAT. THE LUSCIOUS FORMULA LENGTHENS, VOLUMIZES AND LOOKS GREAT. $16.50, AVAILABLE IN APRIL.
Like most women, we’re all trying to extend a good blow-out, but it’s not like we can go 3 days without a shower (OK, if you are, you really shouldn’t be!). Unfortunately a workout, a Mexican restaurant or a shower can leave you with nasty hair. Here are two tools that will change your life. 1. The Perfect Shower Cap lined with terry cloth to absorb steam. 2. Faux Dry ™ – a dry shampoo made of a pure protein blend that cleanses hair, absorbs oil and volumizes. $25 & $20 @ blowNY.com
LOVE ME MY WINE…HATE THAT I OPEN A BOTTLE AND DON’T USUALLY DRINK THE WHOLE THING BY MYSELF. PRESERVINO INJECTS ARGON GAS (WHICH IS HEAVIER THAN AIR) INTO AN OPENED BOTTLE OF WINE PRESERVING THE WINE FOR UP TO 2 WEEKS. THE CLICK-AND-POUR STOPPER TAKES THE PLACE OF THE CORK AND IS USED TO INJECT THE GAS AND ALSO POURS THE WINE. $69.95 @ PRESERVINO.COM
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CurlRod is a professional hair curling tool that you wrap your hair around. No clamping, rolling, etc., necessary. It takes a bit to get used to, but once you get the hang of it, the curls produced are Giselle-esque. It offers a greater range in curl size and bounce, even curling straight flat hair. Available at Neiman Marcus.
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By Terry has long been my favorite lip balm, but now they have a new mineral powder collection that I can’t stop raving about! Brush + mirror + powder, all in 1 compact. Rose Sexy is my fave! $55 at KuhlLinscomb
Just when I thought my Clarisonic brush couldn’t get any better, it does! The Plus Skin Care System & Spot Therapy Kit comes with an attachment for spot body treatment plus more speed options. My brush has seriously been face altering. It cleans deep into the pores, removing a day’s worth of makeup and life. $225, available at Sephora.
LOVE THE ANISE FLAVORED BELLA PIZZELLES! MADE FROM SCRATCH DAILY USING A FAMILY RECIPE BY THE DINORSCIA CLAN, THE PIZZELLES ARE HEAVEN AND BEAUTIFUL! BELLAPIZZELLE.COM
Lavilin’s hypo-allergenic underarm and foot deodorants are miraculous. The foot deodorant has been my savior this winter with my Ugg boots. I’ve tried powders and perfumes, sprays and even fabric softener cloths (and wear socks) but nothing helped. Lavilin works for 7 days. Apply to clean feet (it’s a cream) before going to bed. Wake up and slip them into the Uggs, no more stink! $15 at Lavilin.com
La Mer – a brand firmly established in its own right. Their classic Cremé de la Mer is universally associated with flawless skin. The Cremé is ultra lux but a little too rich for my skin. But lately nothing is humectant enough to satiate my skin…until now. La Mer’s new SPF 30 UV protecting fluid has a delicious consistency and applies flawlessly. It’s genius. $65 at Neiman Marcus
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WISE GUY by Tim Moloney
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STYLIST TO THE STARS SPEAKS!
THIS MONTH, I THOUGHT WE’D TAKE A BREAK FROM MY PRONOUNCEMENTS AND PONTIFICATING, AND BRING IN A GUEST STAR WHO REALLY KNOWS HER STUFF: YENDI THOMPSON, A SEXY AND FUNNY LOCAL “PERSONAL LUXURY STYLIST” WHO WORKS WITH SOME OF THE TOP GIRLS IN THE CITY (MANY OF WHOM YOU’LL FIND ON THE HOUSTON CHRONICLE BEST DRESSED LIST). BUT GUESS WHAT? SHE STYLES GUYS, TOO, AND BEING A GIRL, SHE KNOWS WHAT SHE LIKES TO SEE MEN WEARING. SO LET’S CALL HER THE WISE GIRL FOR THIS MONTH. HEREWITH, HER ANSWERS TO THE MOST PRESSING QUESTIONS FROM 002HOUSTON READERS: Q: WHAT SHOULD A GUY WEAR ON A FIRST DATE? – Sincerely, Hopeless in the Heights
your fourth date at a lunch spot which just “happens” to be around retail shops. You could continue the date with a little light shopping and using that as an opportunity for small suggestions. Women shouldn’t start making suggestions before three dates; it’s not worth the investment. Q: WHAT ARE FIVE THINGS EVERY MAN NEEDS IN HIS WARDROBE? – Clueless in Conroe A: With this weak economy, not every guy has the money to invest in ultra high-end clothing and accessories. So, I suggest saving your money and investing in quality items either on sale or at a reasonably priced store. Fashion has taken such a turn that it is now easy to find designer-inspired looks for way less than some of the luxury brands.
A: Ideally, we’d like for all of our dates to look like a model who just stepped off a runway, but the reality of it is... they’re not. So, women want to see a man’s, what I like to call, “AGE” (Appeal, Groomed, Effort). At the end of the day, all women want to know that their date has some type of sex appeal about himself. Also, there is nothing better than a man who is fully groomed. So take the effort when getting dressed for the date. Focus on garments that highlight your best features. If it’s your skin tone, then wear colors that complement it. If it’s your body, then wear garments that show off your “assets.” Dress with intent and direction and do not simply just throw something on. That attitude will be evident when you’re on the date. And no one likes that on a first date.
1. A man always needs a good-looking watch. It doesn’t have to be expensive, but something that catches a woman’s eye. 2. A great pair of jeans... jeans always save the day. Invest in a new fashionable pair and don’t try to hold on to your old Levis you had in high school. 3. A great pair of shoes – and stay away from exaggerated lines like super square toe shoes or super pointy shoes.... YIKES!!! It looks like you’re trying too hard. 4. A quality collared shirt. Boxy cuts are out. Women do not want to date their dad. Again we want some appeal. Buy a shirt with a nice collar (not oversized) and a tailored look for your body type. 5. Last but not least, invest in a quality blazer/sport coat. Pick fashionable fabrics, and clean lines. Jackets and blazers are a staple – they can go over a great t-shirt or a buttondown for a polished look.
Q: WHAT SHOULD A GUY NOT WEAR ON A FIRST DATE? – Mixed Up in Montrose A: Men shouldn’t scare a woman off. So, when you’re getting prepped and dressed, concentrate on not wearing something that is a turn-off. Be subtle and have some discretion. For example, if you have a great physique, then don’t go find the ‘meat head’ shirt in your wardrobe. We do not want to see you in a shirt more fitted than ours. Save those types of looks for later in the relationship. Men should be aware of their limitations and their fashion boundaries. On some occasions, it’s OK to push the envelope a bit. If you’re ultra-conservative, fashion it up a bit. If you’re a super racy guy, tone it down at bit. Find a fine medium between what your normally do and this first date look. Q: HOW LONG CAN A GIRL DATE A BAD DRESSER BEFORE SHE CAN START “HELPING HIM OUT” IN THE STYLE DEPARTMENT?
A: A man can always tell when a woman is a stylish chick. We just can’t hide it... it’s in our nature. So he’ll know right off what he has in store for him. I think a woman has to feel a guy out first. If he is not totally open to suggestions and stuck in his ways, then he’s probably not the guy for you anyway. If you recognize that you have a man who is a little bit experimental or has the ability to be, then wait at least three solid dates before you start making subtle comments. In fact, try planning
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Q: WHAT ARE THE TOP SPRING/SUMMER TRENDS FOR MEN? – Perplexed in Pearland A: Color, Color, Color. Men, stay away from your safe black this season. If you have the desire, put on grays. The nice thing about them are they work like a black. Also, spring/summer 09 is focusing on neutrals and highly saturated shades of blue and orange. Blues with purple tones have a lot of emphasis on the runway. I also think fashion is going back to the look of vintage, when fashion was golden. We’re seeing lots of smoking style jackets paired with jeans and cool trousers. Layering for spring is very hot. Key point: don’t put on everything in your closet. Make it look effortless, that’s the ticket. If you’re looking for some inspiration, turn on a good Turner Classic Movie and study, study, study.... Those men bled style.......
The lady has spoken. If you’d like personal style advice from the talented Ms. Thompson, you can contact her at yendiveri@hotmail.com. See you next month, guys.
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002houston magazine hits the streets BUSH INTER CONTINEN
TAL AIRPOR T
MELISSA SUSTAITA, ROYDEN BUCIL, WHERE ARE YOU TRAVELING NEXT? London and Paris for 2 weeks IF YOU COULD BUY ANYTHING YOU WANTED, WHAT WOULD IT BE? Christian Louboutin shoes and Louis Vuitton bags!
WHERE ARE YOU TRAVELING NEXT OR WOULD LIKE TO? France, Italy or Germany WHERE DO YOU LIKE TO SHOP? Probably the Galleria. I don’t shop a whole lot.
DARIAN WARD, ANTHONY MARTINEZ,
WHERE ARE YOU TRAVELING NEXT OR WOULD LIKE TO? Belize IF YOU COULD BUY ANYTHING YOU WANTED, WHAT WOULD IT BE? I like Chloe Dao.
WHERE ARE YOU FLYING TO RIGHT NOW? Um, where am I going? I don’t know. WHERE DO YOU LIKE TO SHOP? Banana Republic
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A QUEST FOR
FASHION SPRING IS FULL OF COLOR AND HOPE. SO DON始T FEAR COLOR OR CHANGE AND SHAKE UP YOUR WARDROBE! USE THE FOLLOWING PAGES ON YOUR QUEST FOR FASHION!
PHOTOGRAPHY GABRIELLA NISSEN PHOTO ASSISTANT AARON COURTLAND MAKEUP + HAIR EDWARD SANCHEZ STYLING CARLA VALENCIA DE MARTINEZ + BEATRICE VALENCIA ART DIRECTION ALEX ROSA MODEL LAUREN HANSEN FOR PAGE.713 CLOTHING FROM NEIMAN MARCUS (EXCEPT WHERE MENTIONED)
ALL JEWELRY BY NANCEY CHAPMAN FOR SALES AND INFORMATION, PLEASE CALL NANCEY CHAPMAN AT 888.523.7787
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Nautica anchor sweater. Everything else Neiman Marcus + Nancey Chapman.
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Vintage suitcases stylist own.
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Green rain coat draped on luggage Nautica. Everything else Neiman Marcus + Nancey Chapman.
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Traveler Nautica. Everything else Neiman Marcus + Nancey Chapman.
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dallas + lajitas
By Carla Valencia de Martinez | Lajitas photography by Krause Johansen
WITH GAS PRICES SIGNIFICANTLY LOWER IT COULDN’T BE A BETTER TIME TO GET TO KNOW TEXAS. GRANTED THE STATE HAPPENS TO BE THE SECOND LARGEST IN THE US AND SPANS 268,820 SQUARE MILES – BUT DON’T WORRY, WE’RE GOING TO KEEP IT QUITE LITERALLY WITHIN REACH. WITH LANDSCAPES VARYING FROM PINEY WOODS OF OAK AND CROSS TIMBERS, ROLLING PLAINS AND PRAIRIE TO THE DESERT OF BIG BEND, THERE’S MORE THAN ENOUGH TO GET AWAY TO WITHOUT LEAVING THE LONE STAR STATE. OK, SO THE DRIVE TO DALLAS IS BASICALLY FLAT. YOU CAN BE THERE IN ABOUT 3 AND A HALF HOURS, ALTHOUGH WE ARE TOLD 4 IS MORE REALISTIC. THE FOURTH-LARGEST METROPLEX (WHICH INCLUDES FT. WORTH) IN THE NATION IS THE PERFECT DESTINATION FOR A WEEKEND GETAWAY. THERE’S ENOUGH VARIETY TO MAKE IT HARD TO CHOOSE WHERE TO STAY, EAT AND PLAY.
WHERE TO STAY + EAT You can’t go to Dallas and not experience the folklore that is THE ROSEWOOD MANSION (rosewoodhotels.com) on Turtle Creek. The journey leading to the hotel’s modest entry itself is idyllic. Winding roads where only those who are in the know seem to find the way culminating at a terraced hill at the corner of Turtle Creek Boulevard. There sits a small half circle drive with 2 entries flanked in cabana-esque covered walkways: One leading to the hotel’s world-class restaurant transformed over 29 years ago by Caroline Rose Hunt. The other to your home away from home for a few days. There is nothing modest about the 32-foot-high marble rotunda foyer beckoning guests to
look up and just as swiftly beckoning them to take in visually and scent-uously the intoxicatingly beautiful flower amalgamation. Fresh ginger snaps and hot apple cider sit waiting on a buffet (on this particular day after a rare freeze). The reception area and staff are discreet and friendly keeping their voices at a minimum almost in an attempt to not stir the mansion. The lobby area feels more like a beautifully appointed living room with a fireplace and antiques that one would find in one of Texas’s lush oil mogul homes. The property evokes old money steeped in rich history dating to 1925 with its original owner – a mogul of other sorts, cotton – Sheppard King who built the mansion. With 127 guest suites, the property simply does not feel that large. The marble baths and vanity areas along with the amenities created exclusively for The Mansion by Lady Primrose reinforce the lush digs. There are also about 16 suites available. The restaurant and bar are in a class all their own. Flanking the main entrance are two signature grape leaves from the original Sheppard King home. The juxtaposition of antiques with contemporary chandeliers and sconces with impressive artwork by Texan artists creates a sophisticatedly cozy dining room. Again, the staff executes flawless service, suggestions and recommendations. A few musts: start with the Alaskan king crab with two garlic butters, creamer potatoes, parsley puree and garlic foam – get your own, trust us. Try the Mansion Tortilla Soup; it’s been on the menu since 1980. Follow dinner with a nightcap at the bar. It’s old-school clubby at its best. Another option, albeit much younger is the shining JOULE HOTEL (starwoodhotels.com) in Downtown next door to the original Neiman Marcus. This über-chic boutique hotel is phenomenal. You will not want to leave the hotel and you probably don’t need to. The suites can only be defined as “super pimp.” Ask for the loft suite: it boasts a downstairs area with a dining area, living area with flat screen TV, remote controlled window controls for the drapery covering the floor-to-ceiling views. There’s a master bath with Japanese tub, a vast shower with two showerheads, double vanity and bar – yes, in the bathroom. Told you it was P-I-M-P. Walk up the dark wood floors to the bedroom with its ultra fluffy cloud-like bed with another large bathroom. Now, try getting out of that bed for dinner…. A CHARLIE PALMER (charliepalmer.com) restaurant might be able to get you out. We’ve been several times and it never, ever disappoints. Palmer is a culinary genius – I think we’re in love. The Brussels sprouts are beyond words; the table next to ours ordered them because they overheard us raving – and they didn’t even like Brussels sprouts! A visit to the Joule would never be complete without a drink at their basement nightclub PM (pmnightlifelounge.com). What can only be
pm lounge | joule hotel
the joule hotel
lajitas resort + spa |boardwalk
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described as a salacious journey into late night activity. The titillating décor is unlike anything we’ve seen. It’s curious and dark verging on gothic. A staircase leads down to the lounge passing by a wall of butterflies and beetles. There are beautiful gilded pillows with rabbits fornicating, burlesque velvet chaises on a stage-like level where a pink lady can be seen on a good night. Mirrors tilt off the majority of the walls inviting voyeurism. PM captivates all the senses. Brunch at DRAGONFLY is the perfect end to your little getaway. Located in the HOTEL ZAZA (hotelzaza.com) the menu is as eclectic as the hotel. The ZaZa Beignets with powdered sugar and Creole coffee anglaise are not to be missed. THE JOULE, A LUXURY COLLECTION HOTEL Eggs Sardou is perfection with their Tabasco hol1530 Main Street landaise, and the Creole Scrambled Egg Dallas, TX 75201 | 214.261.4491 Sandwich with sausage on toasted sourdough thejoule@luxurycollection.com should be shared.
www.starwoodhotels.com
LAJITAS RESORT & SPA HC 70, Box 400 Lajitas, Texas 79852 | 432.424.5000 reservations@lajitas.com www.lajitas.com HOTEL ZAZA DALLAS 2332 Leonard Street Dallas, TX 75201 | 800.597.8399 www.hotelzaza.com
ROSEWOOD MANSION ON TURTLE CREEK 2821 Turtle Creek Boulevard Dallas, TX 75219 | 214.559.2100 themansion@rosewoodhotels.com mansiononturtlecreek.com ROSEWOOD CRESCENT HOTEL 400 Crescent Ct. Dallas, TX 75201 | 214.871.3200 crescent@rosewoodhotels.com www.crescentcourt.com POMODORO RESTAURANT 2708 Routh St Dallas, TX 75201 | 214.871.1924 pomodoro@arcodoro.com www.arcodoro.com
POMODORO (arcodoro.com) Dallas is perfect for one of those long, lazy lunches. Don’t even think about a quick one-hour experience. Francesco Farris – brother of Arcodoro Houston’s Efisio Farris – runs the show in Dallas. And his fare is rustic and downright delicious. Mini Pizettes and perfect Bruschetta made their way to our table followed by a seafood salad so fresh you’d think we were seaside. No doubt Francesco was at the fish market at the crack of dawn making his picks. Our server, Tom, had been with the family-owned restaurant since ’92, a good sign in this business. Plate after plate pulled out of the wood burning oven, from mussels to the classic pesce a la sal, to rib eye cooked both ways – there’s a reason this one’s been around over 20 years.
calms guests as they walk into reception and are led to the Big Chill, a large cozy waiting area stocked with teas, water and fruit. Try For Your Legs…Only – 50 minutes of delicious massage to legs and feet – it’s leg altering. THE SPA AT THE CRESCENT (crescentcourt.com) is another institution to Dallasites. The spa boasts 22,000-square-feet, but you’d never notice it as the space is laid out inconspicuously. The spa offers a plethora of services plus its state-of-the-art club. The one to try is the Drench Body Treatment – start with a full-body organic exfoliation and mask followed by a customized blend massage of organic shea butter, natural oils and aromatherapy.
LAJITAS RESORT & SPA |Lajitas, Texas in the Big Bend Surrounded by the spectacular Chisos Mountains, bordered by the majestic Rio Grande, and sprinkled with Chihuahuan Desert mesas in the Texas Big Bend, LAJITAS has charmed and captivated its visitors for hundreds of years. Here, grace and elegance mesh beautifully with denim and cowhide in 103 unique guest rooms, suites, condominiums and cottages, and comfort is the principal design element. Take advantage of the various amenities and activities at Lajitas. For example, relax and be pampered in the Agave Spa, or visit the Lajitas Equestrian Center, shoot the guns with which the west was won at Lajitas’ Cowboy Action Old West Town, or shoot skeet and sport clays at the Lajitas Five-Stand. Looking for more adventure? Then take advantage of Lajitas’ 25,000 pristine acres and go on a guided ATV tour, and hike or bike on the trails on which the Comanches and Pancho Villa rode. Construction began in January 2009 with play on the all-new 18-hole Championship Golf Course and companion 9-hole Executive Course to be built by Fezler Golf and is expected to bring to Lajitas one of the most scenic and exciting courses in the United States.
WHERE TO RELAX The original ZaZa is in Dallas (no, Houston, ours is not the first). THE ZASPA may be small, but it packs a serious punch. Zen is everywhere, from the peaceful staff, to the music, to the lighting and the uncomplicated spaces. A Balinese fountain
hotel zaza dallas
the crescent hotel spa
pomodoro restaurant
rosewood mansion on turtle creek
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FROM A TRULY UNSPOILED ISLAND TO A PENINSULA PARADISE, TO A SEASIDE REFUGE AND AN EXQUISITE ALL-INCLUSIVE – WE’VE GOT ALL YOUR BEACH OPTIONS COVERED.
antigua + costa rica + méxico
Four Seasons photography by Marco Corsetti, Holbox photography by Alex Martinez
UNSPOILED HOLBOX By Alejandro Martinez
This is the true definition of a fulfilling and relaxing vacation. The Island of Holbox is just a place to relax! Getting there is not the easiest of tasks; you’ll need to take a two-hour drive from Cancun to Chiquilá. From Chiquilá you’ll need to take a 20-minute boat ride to Holbox. Once you arrive, you’ll either walk or take a golf cart to your hotel. Keep in mind there are no cars in Holbox – or banks for that matter. So bring cash because although I was told there was one ATM machine, I never found it! The main attraction here is swimming with the WHALE SHARK. There are several tour guides to choose from but the expert is Marvin Tours (marvintours.com). He claims to find the whale sharks by their scent. Holbox offers a total relaxation vacation. Don’t expect to find huge hotels on this island, and the ones you will find are no higher than four floors. HOTEL PELICANOS is a good one. Also most of the hotels are environment-friendly, meaning no AC in the rooms and everything gets recycled. And I do mean everything…. There are a few restaurants from Italian food to German food but the one you must try is Pizza Latina where the lobster pizza is a must! So if you are looking to escape, Holbox is the place. (holboxisland.com)
PENINSULA PARADISE – PURA VIDA By Carla Valencia de Martinez
THE FOUR SEASONS Costa Rica at Peninsula Papagayo (fourseasons.com) boasts 152 spacious guest rooms and suites, plus 20 villas nestled into the mountains honoring the natural surroundings rather than competing with them. The Ticos – as Costa Ricans call themselves – are among the happiest people on the planet, and it might be due to their surroundings. We visited late July, which is the rainy season, meaning it rains in the afternoons, but the days were perfection. A day out on the catamaran surprised the crew with sightings of a mother hunchback whale with her calf, mating sea turtles and sting rays. The Four Seasons offers fine dining as well as more casual open-air dining with a sushi menu and an array of board games where families could be found night after night.
SEASIDE ESTATE By Carla Valencia de Martinez
ESENCIA (hotelesencia.com) is the Essence of perfection. Located in Xpu’Ha Beach in the Riviera Maya, a flight into Cancun and a 45-minute drive takes you to this hideaway. Which is what the property was for an ItalianDuchess. Esencia is situated with the Duchess’s former three-story, nine suite Casa Grande at its center. There are 2 swimming pools – one
One of the most magical places I have ever visited is Costa Rica. I’ve heard about the majesty of this place, but had not had the opportunity to visit. Peninsula Papagayo is truly drop-dead, take your breath away amazing. Imagine lounging on the beach with the ocean waves gently crashing on the shore, lying amidst the jungle with its treetops inhabited by spider monkeys that frolic along without noticing you. This is only one of the moments you’ll want to repeat.
holbox | whale shark
esencia hotel suite
curtain bluff hotel
esencia hotel
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for adults and one for families – off the Casa Grande. And the beach is a mere step from it all. 29 ocean view and garden view suites are sprinkled throughout the 50-acre resort. Suites, villas and cottages are handsomely decorated with cool white walls, furniture made from woods native only to this part of Mexico, and 12-foot high ceilings. The amenities are Molton Brown and each room is stocked with an Esencia iPod with one of the best playlists we’ve ever heard – we’d pay for it! 12 villas have their own plunge pools, and some have outdoor showers hidden by the lush vegetation. AROMA, the properties organic spa, is infused in rich Mayan tradition. A traditional apothecaries kitchen starts the spa experience where guests are walked thru the ingredients featured in their chosen treatment. An herb garden near the spa is used in all the treatments incorporating indigenous fruits and plants. The spa is a circle with men’s facilities to one side, women’s to the other, converging in the middle with Jacuzzis and dome steam rooms. The palapa-roofed spa is one of the most complete, well thought and executed spas we’ve been to. The restaurant, Sal y Fuego (salt and fire), creates modern sophisticated cuisine with a Mexican flair.
EXQUISITE ALL-INCLUSIVE By Carla Valencia de Martinez
CURTAIN BLUFF (curtainbluff.com) on the island of Antigua is one of the few trips we’ve done that truly makes up for that flight the first day (first to Miami, then to Antigua). Curtain Bluff has been a top destination for over 45 years and its owners, Americans Howard and Michelle Hulford, can still be seen welcoming guests to dinners and breakfast.
There is little turnover in the staff, and most guests you will quickly notice are regulars. We mean yearly returns. Most are retired, but the young families are most likely children of the retired regulars who grew up snorkeling, kayaking, playing tennis and running along the beaches. Two beaches (one private to the resort) flank the property. There are countless water sports and since the property is all-inclusive you can dive every day so long as you are SCUBA certified. Simply sign up on the activities board located off the lounge to save your space. We dove regularly with another couple from New York who have been visiting Curtain Bluff for 20 years. The diving is sublime. Warm currents paired with varieties of coral and schools of fish are aplenty, as are sea turtles and lobster. Speaking of lobster, the menu is surprisingly fantastic for an all-inclusive. Owner Hoard Hulford’s commitment to quality led him to create his own import company to insure it. Dinners included choices of lobster or filet cooked to perfection. But the one thing the majority of the regulars told us to not miss out on was the lobster salad. The wine cellar is home to over 25,000 bottles including Château Mouton Rothschild 1979 and Château Latour’s. We found ourselves feeling like we were in Dirty Dancing, with its family-oriented resort where everyone knows each other, the activities and the fare as if they were in their home.
main street holbox
CASA SANDRA HOTEL Holbox, México +52 984.875.2171 reservations@casasandra.com www.casasandra.com VILLA DELFINES Holbox, México +52 984.875.2196 delfines@holbox.com www.villasdelfines.com
FOUR SEASONS Peninsula Papagayo, Guanacaste, Costa Rica 506.2696.0000 www.fourseasons.com/costarica CURTAIN BLUFF RESORT Antigua West Indies P.O. Box 288 1.888.289.9898 curtainbluff@curtainbluff.com www.curtainbluff.com HOTEL ESENCIA Carr. Cancún-Tulum Predio Rústico Xpu-Ha Riviera Maya, Mexico 713.528.7862 www.hotelesencia.com
holbox endless beaches
four seasons | peninsula papagayo, costa rica
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ear the borders of Laos, Myanmar and Vietnam, in far north Thailand, sits the city of Chiang Mai – the modern capital of the Chiang Mai province and the historical capital of the country’s trade route. Founded in 1296 and once the seat of the Lanna kingdom, Chiang Mai may not have the international spotlight of Bangkok, but it has the food, the history and the shopping, minus the traffic jams and high prices. The town is also considered the center of the country’s handicraft industry, making it the perfect place for travelers looking to score deals. WHAT TO DO: Flag down a tuk-tuk (covered moto-rickshaw) and negotiate a day rate (on average $5-$8) for a chauffeured tour of central Chiang Mai, which includes the walled Old City. For some historical context, stop at the Tribal Museum, which tells the stories of the various hill tribes living along the northern borders (including the famous “Long Neck” communities.) The area is also home to numerous stellar Buddhist temples, including the 14th-century Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep, set on a hill
overlooking the city, and Wat Chiang Man, a 13th-century example that houses important marble and crystal Buddha figures. Once you’ve covered the old town, direct your driver towards the gemstone, lacquer, silk and celadon factories outside of town. Chances are you will find better deals at the markets in the city center, but it’s worth a visit to some of these workshops to see how the goods are made, and to learn about the different artisan trades. At the silk workshop you’ll see how the silk worms are grown (and boiled!), while the celadon outlet’s remainder room – full of overruns and extra product – has by far the best deals. While the riverside city is picturesque and calm – especially when compared with Bangkok – its markets are still full of color and frenzy. During the day, the Day Market on the outskirts of the Old Town is mainly for locals shopping for home wares, inexpensive clothing and fruits, veggies and fish, but come late-afternoon, central Chiang Mai comes alive with the bustling Night Market, which stretches for blocks along Chang Khlan road and into covered arcades like the multi-story Vieng Ping Bazaar. The goods vary from quality wood carvings, woven hill tribe bags and stylish home décor items to novelty t-shirts and knock-off luggage; as always, bargaining is key. On Sundays, a section of Rajdumnern Road is turned into a pedestrian street lined with craft and food stalls, most open until about 11pm. WHAT TO EAT: Though a variety of global fare from pizza to falafel is available in town, don’t miss trying authentic Northern Thai dishes like Khao Soi (egg noodles and meat
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in a curry broth) and Tom Kha Gai, a sweet-andsour chicken soup with coconut milk. Set in a traditional wood house and serving fresh regional items (full meals are less than $5), The Wok restaurant is owned by Chef Sompon Nabnian, who also runs the Chiang Mai Thai Cookery School. There, courses include trips to the markets, lunch and afternoon snacks (rates starting at $30 per person for a one-day class; thaicookeryschool.com). You can also find inexpensive, made-to-order local fare – plus fresh fruit smoothies – in the food court opposite the Night Market. WHERE TO STAY: Located near the Night Market, the Chedi Chiang Mai is a stunning property that melds modern aesthetics with stylish Asian touches. For the best deal, check in to a Club Level suite which, along with a spacious room and a balcony overlooking the Mae Ping River, also comes with complimentary breakfast, mini-bar, airport transfers, laundry, WiFi and more (ghmhotels.com).
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To experience the lush tropics of the region, nothing beats a stay at the Four Seasons Chiang Mai, which is set about 30 minutes outside of town (regular complimentary shuttle service into town is available). Tucked among terraced rice fields in the Mae Rim Valley, the resort includes large guest rooms built in traditional Lanna style, an excellent cooking school with its own well-equipped pavilion, and a lovely spa offering locally influenced treatments with ingredients like lemongrass, mountain clay, sesame seeds and banana leaves. The hotel can also arrange for popular local activities like elephant treks, but to really get up close to some pachyderms, head to the Four Seasons Golden Triangle elephant camp about two hours north. There guests stay in luxury tents (complete with bathtubs and Internet access), hang out with the numerous resident elephants, and learn the basics of being a mahout (elephant trainer), including simple commands and riding techniques (fourseasons.com).
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THE CONSUMMATE CONCIERGE: EXPERT ADVICE the spa
What if the next time you went on vacation, you called up your best gal pal, Paris Hilton, or your weekend golfing buddy, Jack Nicholson, to get you, regular ol’ Joe/Jane into that fabulously, hot new restaurant. Forget hours, the waiting list is WEEKS, but on just their word alone, you’re in! Unless your speed dial counts a bevy of Hollywood BFFs, meet a new ally that will be happy to flex some clout so that you can live like a rock star or a Rockefeller if only for a few days…The Consummate Concierge! HERE ARE SOME INSIDER TIPS FROM FREDDIE FLOYD, HOTEL ICON’S HEAD CONCIERGE and President of the Houston Lone-star Chapter of the National Concierge Association, on how to best utilize your Concierge, get the most bang for your buck and maximize your status and enjoyment while traveling for business or pleasure. HONEY, I’M HOME Call ahead prior to your scheduled arrival and “meet” your Concierge so that your service and their recommendations during your stay can be personalized. The more your Concierge knows about you, the more comfortable they will feel to make suggestions that both of you will be fully engaged in. TIP THE SCALES IN YOUR FAVOR Frequently I get etiquette questions about tipping. For the record, gratuities are always appreciated, however, not re-
By Freddie Floyd
quired. As a rule of thumb, take every opportunity you can to make sure hospitality support staff knows how much you appreciate their work. Trust me, they remember your gratitude. The benefits can be endless…from a room upgrade and extra turndown treats to assistance with last minute accommodations when every other hotel is saying “sold out.” IT’S ALL ABOUT THE UPGRADE Instead of the “what” of tipping, let’s talk “why” and “when.” Having already established a relationship with your Concierge, the minute you arrive, announce yourself with a hello and a “discrete handshake.” When you tip upfront, it’s similar to guaranteeing a Concierge’s indebtedness to you with a retainer. Additionally, the Concierge is more likely to give you unsolicited tourist tips and perks such as complimentary or discounted tickets and passes as an acknowledgement of your generosity. SQUID ANYONE? Help your Concierge help you, and give a little forethought to your requests. Most people don’t really mean “anything” when the Concierge asks, “What would you like to eat?” and they reply…“anything.” The more information you offer about your preferences, the better your Concierge’s recommendations will be for you.
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LIVE LIKE A LOCAL Trust your Concierge and ditch the guidebooks and your latest issue of US. Some of the coolest things you can discover are farther off the beathotel icon | houston, tx en path than guidebooks might go, and by the time your favorite celebrity weekly goes to print, many folks in the know are off to the next hotspot, back to their favorite neighborhood dive bar or on their way to a VIP party that you should now know about too. HOW CAN I SAY THANKS? Like this – “Thanks!” Fill out a comment card or write a personalized letter about your experience. Send it to the hotel’s General Manager – or better yet, the hotel company’s corporate office. Praise about the service you received will leave a lasting impression of you in the mind of your Concierge, one that goes well beyond a cash tip.
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ARCHICHAT
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By Sandra Gunn, a native Houstonian and Realtor. Her firm, Sandra Gunn Properties, specializes in the unique and prides themselves on being architects of community. sandragunn.com Photography by Sofia van der Dys
ERICK RAGNI, AIA, LEED AP + SCOTT STRASSER
COMPANY STRASSER RAGNI LLP
OVER SLIDERS AT LITTLE BIGS, ERICK RAGNI AND SCOTT STRASSER SHARED WITH ME THE PASSION FOR THEIR WORK AND THEIR FAMILIES, DISSED HOUSTON’S LACK OF HISTORIC PRESERVATION AND SHOWED ME WHY THEIR CLIENTS LOVE THEM. What sets you apart from other firms? Our extensive experience in interiors has a profound impact in our designs. While very process oriented, we are a good balance of talent, integrity, curiosity, drive and spunk. What drove you to architecture? Erick – Besides narcissism... the thought of producing something for the greater good that would outlive me. What do you love most about it? Scott – I find the process constantly challenging. I love the interaction between design and construction, and the collaboration with our clients, a sense of purpose and connection. PASSION REIGNS How does the exterior design of your homes affect the interior design? We are inside out architects, meaning we concentrate on the spaces where people tend to spend most of their time, and are less interested in drawing attention to the
establish a balance between the traditional nature of West University and the modern lifestyle of its occupants without compromising either. Outside of architecture, from where do you draw your inspiration? Erick – Music and film. We also get a kick out of people watching at Whole Foods. How do you see Houston architecture evolving? Scott – Hopefully back to its original spirit. Things have gotten so traditional, so generic. I’m not a history buff, but I’m pretty sure Texas was never a Tuscan territory. Also, way too many trees are being sacrificed in the name of development. Tell us about your home. Scott – We just recently moved into our home. Total labor of love (and way too much sweat for a guy my age). The house is designed as peaceful and spiritual as possi-
EDUCATION BACKGROUND: Scott: Bachelor of Architecture Structures Option Erick: Master of Architecture Southern California Institute of Architecture HONORS/AWARDS: 30 awards including Scott’s 1989 Interiors “Designer of the Year”
PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS: AIA, RDA, USGBC SPECIALTY: Single ⁄Multi-family residential, retail, corporate interiors CURRENT PROJECTS: Single-family residences in Memorial, Braes Heights, Upper Kirby, West University, Montrose and Southgate
Who is your favorite architect and why? Scott – Louis Kahn - The Kimbell (my favorite building) Pier Luigi Nervi - His structures are amazing. Mies and Le Corbusier - What’s not to love? Luis Barragan - fearless use of color Neutra and Elwood - Their houses are inspired. StrasserRagni - Well, somebody has to put us on a favorites list! What structure do you wish you had designed? Erick – Probably that iconic Pierre Koenig case study house in the Hollywood Hills. That incredible photograph by Julius Schulman captures the idea of how architecture can define a new way of living. What building do you wish you could remodel? Scott – I’ll take any building that is going to be torn down. We don’t have a huge historic backlog here, so they’re all precious in their own right.
eric ragni | sandra gunn | scott strasser
exterior. We heard you have a home being built in West University. How does the neighborhood influence the design? It’s an interesting challenge to work in such a conservative setting. We are trying to
ble (Donna is a chaplain). The spaces are pure and minimal with a strong emphasis on light and view.
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Fantasy dinner party guests… Mies van der Rohe and Pee Wee Herman (same party) Museum… Scott - The Cloisters - New York; Erick - Uffizi On your iPod… Scott - Way too many to note. Favorite furniture designer… Erick - Nakashima Last place you want to go before you go… Both - Back to Japan If you were not an architect, what would you be… Erick - rich; Scott - I wish Erick was right, but for me, probably homeless. And certainly more rested.
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ARCHITECTURE + DESIGN
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Photography by Jill Hunter
CORDELL HOUSE
Made from four repurposed shipping containers which were prefabricated, then assembled on site, The Cordell House packs a punch in both eco-friendliness and design. Upon entering the house, one is immediately struck by the abundant natural light and the compelling use of interior space, a hallmark of Christopher Robertson (robdes.com) who created the initial design. Yet the hidden gems of the
house are in its very green “bones� which include structural insulated panels, a Unico A/C system, a water permeable recycled glass driveway and formaldehyde-free fiberboard in lieu of sheetrock. The 3-bedroom, 3-bath home, designed in a modern industrial style, feels considerably larger than its 1858sf footprint would suggest. Even bigger than its feel is the fact that Numen Development (numendevelopment.com) produced only 12 bags of trash during the entire construction process. Everything else was recycled, repurposed or reused. Rice Design Alliance members and their guests will have an opportunity to tour the home during the RDA Spring architecture tour, March 28 & 29th. Information on membership and the tour can be found at rda.rice.edu.
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WHERE TO LIVE
LOCATION
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DEVELOPERS + BUILDERS PLACE YOUR PROPERTIES HERE – EMAIL US AT LETTERS@002MAG.COM
METRO LOFTS
BAYOU LOFTS
ALEXAN POST OAK
4512, 4514 & 4516 JACKSON ST. (CORNER OF JACKSON & RUTH) MUSEUM DISTRICT
915 FRANKLIN IN HISTORIC DISTRICT OF DOWNTOWN
UPTOWN, 1111 POST OAK BLVD. HOUSTON, TEXAS 77056
Metro Lofts by MDGi offers signature open living spaces with a warm modern feel
Southern Pacific Railroad Building (History)
Take your lifestyle to the next level living Uptown; it’s where You Belong.
These striking new freestanding patio homes offer custom finishes and an open, flexible floorplan. Each home offers a different floorplan. All three have private yard spaces and terraces. Featuring 2 bedrooms plus family room (convertible to 3 bedrooms), custom metal & wood stairs, high ceilings, 2story living, exposed steel & wood structure, open spaces, concrete & hardwood floors, gaslog fireplace, granite kitchen with stainless steel appliances. 4th level roof terrace for views. 2 study spaces on loft/landings. 3rd-level master suite
24/7 concierge, deeded parking, full-size gym, property manager on site, rooftop terrace with cocktail pool & gas grille, storage cages
UNITS/ROOMS
Homes range from approx. 2211-2519 s.f. and offer 3 bedrooms / 2 ½ baths, 2-car garage & yard.
Several available from 884 s.f. to 1640 s.f.
Picture this... a summer kitchen with a barbecue grill beside a shimmering pool. A picnic atrium with fireplace, lounge seating and a cooling water geyser. Cooking classes in the demonstration kitchen or wine tasting at the clubhouse communal table. Hardwood floors and granite countertops in every residence. World-class shopping, awardwinning restaurants and a 1400-acre park all in the neighborhood. Located in the high-style heart of Houston. Alexan Post Oak is made for those who crave sophisticated amenities and all things urban. If that’s you... you belong uptown... Alexan Post Oak.
Stunning 1 and 2 Bedroom Floor Plans with Individual Private Garage option or Two-level Parking Garage with direct access to same floor.
WITHIN REACH
Museum District, Texas Medical Center, Downtown, Rice University, University of Houston
Discovery Green Park, Theatre District, Sports Venues, Metro Rail, Houston Pavilions
Located in the Heart of High-Style Uptown and minutes from River Oaks, Memorial, Downtown, Med Center and Greenway Plaza
AMBIENCE
AMENITIES
w/built-ins and spa-like bath. Completion March ’09.
PRICE
CONTACT
$409,000 to $437,000
$159,900 to $335,000
From $1,100s per month
Robert Gray, GrayHomeTeam.com Keller Williams Realty Metropolitan 713.298.1481 robert@GrayHomeTeam.com
Terry Stanfield, Downtown’s #1 Realtor w/ Heritage Texas Properties Downtown at 713.227.5406 tstanfield@heritagetexas.com and heritagetexas.com
AlexanPostOak.com 713.961.3322 AlexanPostOak@Greystar.com
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BUSINESS PROFILE
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Photography by Kevin McGowan
JOHN L. NAU III | PRESIDENT AND CEO, SILVER EAGLE DISTRIBUTORS Silver Eagle Distributors, the nation’s largest distributor of Anheuser-Busch products, has been a part of the Anheuser-Busch wholesaler family for more than 20 years. In addition, Silver Eagle distributes Grupo Modelo beers and other craft brands and imports. The company currently serves 16 counties in Texas through five branches located in Houston, Cypress, Rosenberg, Conroe and San Antonio. Through the leadership of majority owner, president and CEO John L. Nau III, Silver Eagle has become one of the leading beverage distributors in the country. With more than 1,100 employees, Silver Eagle provides quality products and quality service to more than 10,000 accounts. Through a recent acquisition, Silver Eagle has added a vast selection of import and craft brands, including Saint Arnold’s, Sam Adams and Sierra Nevada. The addition of these brands will increase Silver Eagle’s portfolio to more than 160 different brands, including domestic, import and craft beers, flavored beverages, energy drinks and bottled water.
WAS THIS YOUR INTENDED CAREER PATH? IF NOT, HOW DID YOU GET HERE? When I was in college my goal was to be a lawyer. Never took a business course. I wound up in the beverage business – first with Coca-Cola – almost by accident. Coca-Cola moved me to St. Louis and that is where I became introduced to Anheuser-Busch. I would say it is anything but a plan. WHY HOUSTON? Well, let me tell you how I got here – The Anheuser-Busch beer distributorship came on the market in 1986. My partners and I acquired an interest, and I became the General Manager. Why did I stay? Houston is a very open and welcoming city with a great entrepreneurial spirit. FAVORITE BOOK? The Wit and Wisdom of Abe Lincoln.
WHAT LUXURY (ITEM OR SERVICE) DO YOU WISH YOU COULD INDULGE YOURSELF WITH? The time to sit and read a book. WHAT DEFINES HOUSTON AS YOUR “HOMETOWN”? Houston is my hometown because it is an open community; it is hard-working; it is a city of standards and opportunity where the community will welcome you if you contribute. I think the most important quality is the people’s desire to help their fellow citizen.
FAVORITE BAND? Beach Boys. WHO IS YOUR BIGGEST INSPIRATION? For inspiration, Thomas Jefferson and Abraham Lincoln. For guidance, my business mentor, Amiel Brown, and my wife.
HOW MANY MAGAZINES DO YOU SUBSCRIBE TO? Five.
BIGGEST LIFE LESSON LEARNED? It is kind of a tie – 1) every problem has a solution; 2) hard work can almost never be replaced; 3) listen to your people.
WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE SPOT IN HOUSTON TO SHOW OFF TO A VISITOR? The San Jacinto Battlefield.
HOW DO YOU WANT TO BE REMEMBERED? As being fair to everyone with whom I have contact.
TEXANS STILL HAVE A REPUTATION FOR BRAGGING. WHAT WOULD YOU BRAG ABOUT? Texas – all the rest is fact.
WHO WAS YOUR ROLE MODEL? My grandfather and Thomas Jefferson. Does John Wayne count?
WHAT DO YOU CONSIDER A HIDDEN TREASURE OF HOUSTON? The quality of life exemplified by Discovery Green, the new downtown park.
WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST JOB? WHAT DO YOU PLAN ON DOING WHEN YOU RETIRE? My first job was as a caddy. My first steady job was a summer construction job while going to college. Retire??
FAVORITES: CANDY BUTTERSCOTCH BOOK HISTORY ACTION HERO US MARINES CAR CORVETTE 64.
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FINANCE
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By Hal Lynde, Managing Director, Morgan Keegan Photography by Daniel Ortiz
CHANGE YOUR JOB LATELY? ADVANTAGES OF DOING A ROLLOVER A ROLLOVER IS NOT A TAXABLE DISTRIBUTION A properly completed rollover (direct or indirect) is a tax-free transfer of assets, not a taxable distribution. This means that if you complete the rollover within 60 days of receiving the distribution and follow other federal rollover rules, you will not be subject to income tax or early withdrawal penalties on the money. You will not have to pay federal or state income tax on the money until you begin taking taxable distributions from the IRA or new plan. By that time, you may be retired and in a lower income tax bracket. Also, if you are 59½ or older when you take distributions, you will not have to worry about premature distribution penalties.
hal lynde
A ROLLOVER ALLOWS CONTINUED TAX-DEFERRED GROWTH When you do a rollover, you are simply moving your retirement money from one tax-favored savings vehicle to another. This allows the money to continue growing tax-deferred in the IRA or new plan, with little or no interruption. Taxdeferred growth allows your retirement money to potentially grow more rapidly than it might outside an IRA or retirement plan. To understand why, consider the power of compounding. As your IRA or plan investments earn money, those earnings compound on top of your principal and any earnings that have already accrued. As this is happening, no tax is due while the funds remain in the IRA or plan. Depending on investment performance, the long-term effect on your savings can be dramatic. In most cases, this benefit is lost if you receive a distribution from your employer’s plan and do not roll it over. A ROLLOVER MAY BE AN OPTION EVERY TIME YOU LEAVE A JOB You may be able to roll over your vested benefits in a former employer’s retirement plan every time you leave a job (whether voluntarily or involuntarily). You generally have the option of rolling over benefits from an old employer’s plan to a new or existing traditional IRA (but not a Roth IRA). In addition, if you join another employer’s retirement plan and the plan accepts rollovers, you can roll over your benefits from the old plan to the new plan. There is no limit on the number of rollovers from an employer-sponsored retirement plan you can do, which is an advantage for those who change jobs frequently.
DISADVANTAGES OF DOING A ROLLOVER YOU CANNOT REVOKE A ROLLOVER ELECTION Once you have elected in writing to roll over your retirement plan benefits to an IRA or another plan and received payment, you typically cannot change your mind and revoke the election. If you do try to revoke it, you will generally be subject to income tax and penalties on all or part of the distribution. Before you elect the rollover option, be absolutely certain that this is what you want. Need help with a retirement plan roll over? Are you planning to retire in the next ten years? For a free review of your current investment situation, contact Hal Lynde / 713-840-3640. hal.lynde@morgankeegan.com. Listen to Hal’s daily stock market report at 6:45am & 3:45pm on 94.5 The Buzz.
DON’T MISS HAL’S MARKET UPDATES AT 6:40AM AND 3:45PM AS CAPTAIN CASH ON 94.5 THE BUZZ.
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VROOM, VROOM
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By Michael Andre Adams
SUV: VARIATIONS & COMPARISONS
2009 INFINITI QX56 2WD
2009 GMC YUKON 2WD HYBRID
2009 KIA BORREGO EX 4X4
Price: $55,050 base / $59,115 nice Annual Fuel: $2,217 (15,000 miles @ $2.07/gallon-premium unleaded) Mileage: 12 city / 14 highway
Price: $50,920 base / $54,160 nice Annual Fuel: $1,315 (15,000 miles @ $1.84 gallon-regular unleaded) Mileage: 21 city / 22 highway
Price: $26,995 base / $36,295 nice Annual Fuel: $1,535 (15,000 miles @ $1.84 gallon-regular unleaded) Mileage: 16 city / 21 highway
Of all the full-size SUVs on the market, none have come even close in comparison to the Range Rover, until the $23,500 less QX56. • Regal in every detail, the mammoth exterior with its oversized and understated grill appears to have begun as a box prior to receiving curve appeal similar to a muscular man of distinction worthy of visual admiration by day and desire by night. • A 320 horsepower, 5.6-liter V8 engine (in comparison to Range Rover’s 305 HP, 4.4 liter V8) on a truck-based chassis makes it possible for the 2WD version to tow up to 9,000 lbs. with ease. The feather glide ride is further enhanced by a Bose 12speaker stereo, with a 24-bit Burr-Brown DAC boasting amazing sound definition (not to mention a built-in subwoofer boosted by a second amplifier in the third row for the ultimate state of euphoria). • Fluff favorites include a very heavily padded and heated steering wheel, touchscreen navigation system with live traffic updates, three climate zones (two front, one rear) and a power folddown third row seat to take the struggle out of the effort. • Perhaps in 2010 the transmission will go from five to six, or seven, speeds for greater gas mileage, if not available in either diesel or hybrid version. Nevertheless, if it’s grandeur you’re looking for, the QX56 is not to be missed!
For fans of the exterior and interior design of the new Cadillac Escalade Hybrid, meet its $22,555-less stepbrother, the Yukon Hybrid. • In absence of the notoriously luxurious Cadillac crest, Yukon still possesses a commanding front grill, even without the Bi-Xenon headlights. And for this price you won’t mind manually opening/closing the hydraulic tailgate, or the fact that the seats are heated for the driver, less the added comfort of cooling. • Take joy in the presence of a navigation system with real-time traffic updates, a rearview camera, Bluetooth, Bose premium sound system, optional rear seat entertainment (in the “nice” price) and an extended 8-year/100,000-mile Hybrid component warranty. • Like the Escalade it floats like a butterfly and won’t sting at the pump, thanks to the two-mode hybrid transmission delivering previously unprecedented gas mileage for a vehicle of this size and weight, powered by a 332 horsepower V8 engine. • (Concerning hybrids, keep in mind that 2008 models came with a $2,200 tax credit for that year’s taxes.)
Hats off to KIA for its entry into the luxury SUV market! • Aesthetically speaking on both the exterior and interior, Borrego is a great mid-level luxury option. It’s nottoo-boxy design when dressed in copperhead (color) with polished rims will turn some heads. • Don’t expect it to compare with the pack leaders in terms of overthe-top luxury. It is, however, an attractive vehicle that offers a six-speed transmission on its V8 models, power windows offering auto down for the driver, with an auto open-and-close moon-roof and a power tilt/telescopic wheel. Although Bluetooth is not an option, Borrego offers a great navigation system (at the “nice” price) with Sirius satellite stereo.
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TOOLS+TOYS+GADGETS
6:22 PM
Page 67
By Michael Garfield
Earbud Yo-YYo
ClickFree Transformer
Near the top of my “how come I did not think of that” list is a device that keeps earbuds from getting tangled. Stuff your mp3 player in your pocket and it could take several minutes to untwine the buds. A local Houston inventor beat me (and everyone else) to market with the Earbud Yo-Yo. It is a square Yo-Yo minus the string. Wind your earbud cable around the Yo-Yo to keep it from getting tangled. The concept is simple enough and is really along the lines of winding your earbuds around your mp3 player. The difference here is that the design of the device appears to prevent the cord from loosening up and becoming tangled, as cords wrapped around an mp3 player are apt to do. For fashionistas the Earbud Yo-Yo comes in several colors and “skins” to match your clothing, attitude or your music. EarBudYoYo.com | $11-16
How many times have I told you to backup your data? If you are still procrastinating, here is a device that should make it very simple. The ClickFree Transformer is an innovative computer backup solution that converts any external USB hard drive into a backup drive. No need for any other backup software. Simply plug the two-sided USB cord between a PC and any external hard drive. The ClickFree Transformer converts the external hard drive into a backup device. Better yet, you can use the one cord with multiple hard drives and backup multiple computers. GoClickFree.com | $59.99
SanDisk slotRadio Here’s an interesting twist to a portable music device. The slotRadio is a player that comes with a card preloaded with 1,000 songs handpicked from Billboard charts and organized with various genre playlists. Is this a good thing? You can say goodbye to the software installations, music selection, file-by-file downloads and synchronization that require the level of commitment matched by some relationships. Navigation is easy through the 1.5” OLED screen where you can view artist and song information. The slotRadio player also has FM radio and a belt clip. A song card is included in the packaging, with additional 1,000song, genre-specific themed cards sold separately for $39.99. sansa.com | $99.99
High-DDefinition PCTV As we inch closer to the digital TV conversion, many people assume you must buy an expensive HDTV or subscribe to cable or satellite service. Another way to watch these new signals can be done on your desktop or laptop computer. The PCTV HD Pro Stick from Pinnacle is a device that delivers high-quality digital programming to your computer. The USBpowered TV tuner and mini-remote control are so small that they can fit in your coat pocket. When plugged in, it can receive local over-the-air analog and digital signals and can even pick up FM radio. The included software also allows for recording TV. That’s right, your own personal digital video recorder on your computer. Pause, rewind or watch your fave shows anytime. pinnaclesys.com | $109
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 www.hightechtexan.com. 67.
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RESTAURANT LISTINGS Monarch inside Hotel ZaZa 5701 Main. 713.527.1800 monarchrestaurant.com
american
*17 inside Hotel Alden 1117 Prairie. 832.200.8800 aldenhotels.com
Noe noerestaurant.com Four Riverway. 713.871.8177
Artista In the Hobby Center 800 Bagby. 713.278.4782 cordua.com
Polo’s Signature 3800 Southwest Frwy. 713.626.8100 polosignature.com
ruggles green
Quattro fourseasons.com inside The Four Seasons Hotel 1300 Lamar. 713.276.4700
Benjy’s benjys.com •2424 Dunstan. 713.522.7602 •5922 Washington Ave. 713.868.1131
RUGGLES GREEN rugglesgreen.com 2311 West Alabama. 713.533.0777
Bedford bedfordrestaurant.com 1001 Studewood. 713.880.1001
Tart Café tartcafe.com 4411 Montrose. 713.526.8278
Bistro Lancaster 701 Texas Ave. 713.228.9502
The Oceanaire Seafood Room 5061 Westheimer. 832.487.8862 theoceanaire.com
Boom Boom Room 2518 Yale St. 713.868.3740 theboomboomroomhouston.com
Shade shadeheights.com 250 W. 19th St. 713.863.7500
Bowl eatbowl.com 607 Richmond. 832.582.7218
spindletop
Skyline Bar & Grill Hilton-Americas 1600 Lamar. 713.577.6139
Daily Review Café dailyreviewcafe.com 3412 West Lamar. 713.520.9217
Glass Wall glasswalltherestaurant.com 933 Studemont. 713.868.7930 Gravitas gravitasrestaurant.com 807 Taft. 713.522.0995 La Strada lastradahouston.com 322 Westheimer. 713.523.1014 Lake House Waterside Cafe Discovery Green North Side. thegrovehouston.com
mccormick and schmick’s
McCORMICK AND SCHMICK’S •1151 Uptown Park. 713.840.7900 •1201 Fannin St. [Houston Pavilions] 713.658.8100 mccormickandschmicks.com/houston.com
Gigi’s Asian Bistro 5085 Westheimer. 713.629.8889
Voice inside Hotel Icon 220 Main. 832.667.4470 hotelicon.com
Tiny Boxwoods tinyboxwoods.com 3614 W. Alabama St. 713.622.4224 Diedrich Coffee diedrich.com 4005 Montrose. 713.526.1319
Kam’s [fine chinese cuisine] 4500 Montrose Blvd. #C. 713.529.5057
Inversion Coffee House 1953 Montrose, #A. 713.523.4866 inversioncoffee.com
Kubo’s [japanese] 2414 University Blvd. #200. 713.528.7878 kubos-sushi.com
Kraftsmen Baking kraftsmenbaking.com 4100 Montrose #C. 713.524.7272
LES GIVRAL’S KAHVE [vietnamese] 801 Congress St. 713.547.0444 lesgivrals.com
Mak Chin’s [pan asian] makchins.com 1511 Shepherd. 713.861.9888 Monsoon Wok & Lounge 1200 McKinney, #103. 713.571.SAKE monsoonhou.com Pagoda [vietnamese] pagodabistro.com 4705 Inker St. 832.673.0400
RA SUSHI [japanese] rasushi.com 3908 Westheimer. 713.621.5800
SPINDLETOP Hyatt Regency Houston 1200 Louisiana St. Houston, TX 77002 Uptown Sushi uptown-sushi.com 713.375.4775 spindletopathyatt.com Uptown Park. 713.871.1200 Spindletop, atop the Hyatt Regency Houston, features innovative steak Zake [japanese] and seafood fare. The elegant 2946 S. Shepherd. atmosphere creates the perfect 713.526.6888 setting for business dinners and special occasions. CLOSED ZUSHI JAPANESE CUISINE ra sushi UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE. 5900 Memorial Dr., #102. 713.861.5588 SoVino sovinowines.com zushihouston.com 507 Westheimer. 713.524.1000 The Grove thegrovehouston.com 1611 Lamar. 713.337.7321
DON DIEGO COFFEE dondiegocoffee.com 208 Travis. 713.228.3560
The Coffee Groundz coffeegroundz.net 2503 Bagby. 713.874.0082
Fish [japanese] fishhouston.com 309 Gray. 713.526.5294
Post Oak Grill postoakgrill.com 1415 S. Post Oak. 713.993.9966
Americas cordua.com •1800 Post Oak Blvd. 713.961.1492 •21 Waterway Ave. 281.367.1492
les givral’s kahve
Azuma [japanese] azumajapanese.com •909 Texas. 713.223.0909 •5600 Kirby. 713.423.9649
Open City ochouston.com 2416 Brazos. 713.522.0118
Antone’s •810 Capitol. 713.224.4679 •2724 West T.C. Jester. 713.686.4338 •4520 San Felipe. 713.623.4464 Antone’s Catering. 713.977.4000
Max’s Wine Dive maxswinedive.com 4720 Washington. 713.880.8737
Auntie Chang’s Dumpling House 2621 S. Shepherd. 713.524.8410 auntiechangs.com
bakery+ coffee+tea+others Antidote Coffee 729 Studewood. 713.861.7400 myspace.com/antidotecoffee
asian
Bright & Early 4825 Washington. 713.934.8234
26ten Sushi [japanese] 2610 Sage. 713.974.4000
Café Brasil 2604 Dunlavy. 713.528.1993
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Mango Beach [snow cones] 2304 White Oak Swirll [frozen yogurt] •1944 West Gray. •15955 City Walk. swirlls.com Taft Street Coffee 2115 Taft. 713.522.3533
pagoda
Te House of Tea teaagora.com 2402 Woodhead. 713.522.8868
bar-b-que
Beaver’s beavershouston.com 2310 Decatur St. 713.864.2328 Goode Company Texas Barbecue goodecompany.com 5109 Kirby. 713.522.2530 Luling Bar-B-Q Bar 138 West Gray. 713.520.6400
Pizzitola’s Bar-B-Cue pizzitolasbbq.com 1703 Shepherd. 713.227.2283 Thelma’s 1020 Live Oak @ Lamar. 713.228.2262
Crave Cupcakes couture-cupcakes.com 1151 Uptown Park Blvd. 713.622.7283
The Breakfast Klub thebreakfastklub.com 3711 Travis. 713.528.8561 The Buffalo Grille thebuffalogrille.com •3116 Bissonnet. 713.661.3663 •1301 S. Voss. 713.784.3663 Empire Café empirecafe.net 1732 Westheimer. 713.528.5282
zushi
Fountain View Café 1842 Fountain View. 713.785.9060 Rustika Café 3237 Southwest Frwy. 713.665.6226
cajun+creole+ southern
BB’s Kitchen thebetterbite.com 2710 Montrose. 713.524.4499 Houston’s This Is It Soulfood 207 W. Gray. 713.659.1608 thisisithouston.com
Mardi Gras Grill mardigrasgrill.net 1200 Durham. 713.864.5600 Soul On The Bayeaux 3717 Dowling. 713.528.0732 Treebeards •315 Travis. 713.228.2622 •1117 Texas. 713.229.8248 •1100 Louisiana. 713.752.2601 •700 Rusk. 713.224.6677 Zydeco Louisiana Diner 1119 Pease. 713.759.2001
european+french Brasserie Max and Julie [french] 4315 Montrose. 713.524.0070 maxandjulie.net
breakfast
Café Montrose [belgian] cafemontrose.com 1609 Westheimer. 713.523.1201
11th St. Café 748 E. 11th St. 713.862.0089
Charivari Specialty Restaurant [european] 2521 Bagby. 713.271.7231 charivarirest.com
Avalon Drug Co. & Diner •2417 Westheimer. 713.527.8900 •12810 Southwest Frwy. 281.240.0213 Baby Barnaby’s barnabyscafe.com 602 Fairview. 713.522.4229
indian
Indika indikausa.com 516 Westheimer. 713.524.2170
Kiran’s kiranshouston.com 4100 Westheimer. 713.960.8472
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Narin’s Bombay Brasserie 3005 W. Loop South. 713.622.2005 narinsbombaybrasserie.com Shiva Indian Restaurant 2415 Times Blvd. 713.523.4753 shivarestaurant.com
italian
ARCODORO arcodoro.com 5000 Westheimer. 713.621.6888 ARTURO’S ITALIANO arturosuptown.com Uptown Park. 713.621.1180 Divino Italian Restaurant 1830 W. Alabama. 713.807.1123 divinohouston.com Mia Bella 320 Main. 713.237.0505 Mingalone Italian Bar & Grill 540 Texas. 713.223.0088 mingalone.com Ristorante Cavour inside Hotel Granduca. granducahouston.com 1080 Uptown Park. 713.418.1000
latin 1308 CANTINA [mex] 1308cantina.com 1308 Montrose. 713.807.8996 Café Piquet [cuban] 6053 Bissonnet. 713.664.1031
Rioja Spanish Tapas TIO PEPE [spain] 5213 Cedar St. riojarestaurant.com 11920 Westheimer. Bellaire, TX 77401 281.531.5569 713.667.4409 tio pepe tiopeperestaurant.net Tacos a Go-Go tacosagogo.com Best PAELLA and SANGRIA in Houston! 3704 Main. 713.807.8226 Houston’s original and still most authentic Spanish cuisine. Newly renovated. Under new management. mediterranean+
El Meson [cuban] 2425 University. 713.522.9306 El Patio [mex] •6444 Westheimer. 713.780.0410 •2416 Brazos. 713.523.8181 El Rey [cuban-mex] •233 Main. 713.225.1895 •910 Shepherd. 713.802.9145
el tiempo
EL TIEMPO CANTINA •3130 Richmond. 713.807.1600 •5602 Washington. 713.681.3645 eltiempocantina.com
[mex]
Escalante’s [mex] escalantes.net 4053 Westheimer. 713.623.4200
Irma’s [mex] •22 N. Chenevert. 713.222.0767 •1314 Texas. 713.247.9651
Las Alamedas [mex] lasalamedas.com 8615 Katy Frwy. 713.461.1503 The Lemon Tree [peru] 12591 Whittington. 281.556.0690
Lucio’s [new american latin] 905 Taft. 713.523.9958
Maria Selma [mex] mariaselma.com 1617 Richmond. 713.528.4920 Molina’s Cantina [mex] 4220 Washington. 713.862.0013 molinasrestaurants.com Ninfa's The Original 2704 Navigation Blvd. 713.228.1175 Catering 713.977.4000 Picazo Restaurant Bar & Grill 1421 Preston. 713.236.1300 picazodowntown.com
greek Droubi Bros. •507 Dallas. 713.625.0058 •919 Milam. 713.571.6800
Niko Niko’s nikonikos.com 2520 Montrose. 713.528.1308 Saffron Moroccan Cuisine 2006 Lexington. 713.522.3562 saffronhouston.com
Frank’s Pizza frankspizza.com 417 Travis. 713.225.5656 Romano’s Flying Pizza 1528 W. Gray. 713.526.1182
Star Pizza starpizza.net •77 Harvard. 713.869.1241 •2111 Norfolk. 713.523.0800
steak+chops Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steak House delfriscos.com 5061 Westheimer. 713.355.2600 Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse 2405 W. Alabama. 713.520.5999 flemingssteakhouse.com
pizza
Morton’s mortons.com •5000 Westheimer. 713.629.1946 •1001 McKinney. 713.659.3700
Candelari’s candelaris.com 6002 Washington. 832.200.1474
Pappas Bros Steakhouse pappasbros.com 5839 Westheimer Rd. 713.780.7352
Dolce Vita Pizzeria y Enoteca 500 Westheimer. 713.520.8222 dolcevitahouston.com
Perry's Steakhouse & Grille 9827 Katy Freeway. 832.358.9000 perrysrestaurants.com
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Spencer’s Steaks & Chops 1600 Lamar. 713.577.8325 spencersforsteaksandchops.com
Strip House theglaziergroup.com 1200 McKinney. 713.659.6000 SHULA'S STEAKHOUSE Hyatt Regency Houston 1200 Louisiana St. Houston, TX 77002 Reservations: 713.375.4777 Private Dining: 713.375.4709 Shula's is known for serving premium steaks as well as an impressive roster of seafood and chops. Reserve one of three private dining rooms for business meetings or special occasions.
shula’s
002houston March 09:002houston
DINE WRITE
2/19/09
4:28 PM
Page 70
By Jenny Wang of imneverfull.com Photography by Alexander Flenner + Jenny Wang
EATING INN | THE INN AT DOS BRISAS
1. chef jason robinson 2. micro greens in onsite greenhouse 3. seared diver scallops on sunchoke puree 4. spaghetti squash ravioli
10000 Champion Drive Washington, Texas 77880 979.277.7750 | www.dosbrisas.com
HOURS:
Thu - Sat 6-8pm, Sun 11am - 1pm
sample menu selections chef’s winter seasonal menu • Grilled Spiny Lobster Salad, Dos Brisas Mizuna, Organic Radish, Prickly Pear Dressing • Broken Arrow Venison Osso Bucco, Hand Cut Pasta, Baby Fennel, Red Wine Sauce • Add an additional course of our own Homemade Cheeses & Artisanal Texas Cheeses from “The Houston Dairy Maids” ($25 Supplement per couple) • Texas Akaushi Beef Filet, Sweet Potato Dauphinoise, Garden Chard, Sauce Bordelaise • Milk Chocolate Covered Peanut Butter Custard, Valrhona Ganache, Organic Berries
chef’s vegetable collection + beverage pairing • Amuse Bouche, Pickled Dos Brisas Organic Vegetables “Lucien Albrecht, Pinot Blanc, Crémant d’Alsace, France N.V.” • Housemade Ricotta Gnocchi, Organic Baby Vegetables, Crème Fraîche “Palacio de Menade, Verdejo, Somontano, Spain 2002 “ • White Tomato Soup, “Alvear, Pedro Ximenez, ‘Alvear’s Fino’, Montilla-Moriles, Spain N.V.”
2
1
I
n as much time as it might take you to drive from The Woodlands to downtown in rush hour traffic, you could be at The Inn on Little Washington. Well, kind of. By “Little Washington,” I actually mean Washington-on-the-Brazos and by “The Inn” I’m really referring to The Inn at Dos Brisas. It’s hard not comparing the two: Both have Mobil Five-Star restaurants, both are Relais & Châteaux hotels, and both have Relais & Châteaux Grands Chefs. While most foodies in the know have heard of the former located in Virginia, surprisingly many haven’t heard of the latter, which is practically in our own backyard. In 2008, The Inn at Dos Brisas became the only restaurant in Texas ever awarded a Mobil Five-Star rating. This prestigious award put The Inn in one of the top 17 restaurants in the country alongside The French Laundry, Daniel, and Charlie Trotter’s. When they won it again for 2009, I found myself unexpectedly glowing with pride and I knew it was definitely time to make the pilgrimage. I had to see for myself what all the pomp was about. I had to meet Jason Robinson, the Executive Chef who studied under star chef Rick Tramonta at Tru, whose efforts at promoting organic, sustainable, farm-to-table cuisine seemed way more progressive than I expected from our pastoral neighbor, Brenham. Our evening started with cocktails at the restaurant’s handsome mahogany bar. A signature drink – a tasty cranberry and black peppercorn infused gin with lime juice, Campari and Grand Marnier – was a motley of flavors, tart and piquant with a hint of pepper on the back end. It was an excellent segue into the culinary experience ahead: the Chef’s Grand Collection Eight-Course Tasting menu which we opted to do with wine pairings.
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3
And “Grand” is correct. The dining room held eight tables, each assembled with place settings for two with custommade Bernardaud china and Riedel stemware. A lit, rustic 1760s fireplace from Loire Valley was the focal point of the room and luxurious tapestries and textiles draped the surfaces of floors, windows, tables. The amuse bouche was a half-dollar sized gougère (savory cream puff) filled with basil cream. A baby tomato salad with arugula micro greens in an anchovy emulsion led the procession of food to follow. The sweet red and yellow tomatoes born just a few feet away were just a couple of the 150 types of tomatoes grown onsite and evoked summer warmth even on this wintry day. The anchovy dressing was delicate, yet pleasantly zesty and flavorful. Next, a trio of spaghetti squash ravioli arrived on individual piles of sautéed spinach. The dish was a complete success starting with toothsome pasta and ending with a rich, sleek truffle beurre blanc that highlighted the underlying sweetness of the squash and the freshness of the baby spinach. The accompanying wine, a 2003 Cantina Terlano ‘Vorberg Riserva’ Pinot Bianco from Alto Adige, sent each forkful over the edge. Course three was a seared diver scallop set atop sunchoke puree and baby carrots and turnips. The sweet creaminess of sunchokes and an unexpected depth from a grapefruit reduction made an otherwise cliché preparation of scallops interesting and cheerful. The flavors were beautifully composed and again, the fresh produce shined. As homage to Super Bowl weekend, our next course was garden broccoli cheddar soup paired with Breckenridge
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4
Brewery’s “Avalanche” Amber beer served in a Riedel scotch glass. It was delightful to see the oh-so-proper sommelier, Christopher Bates, show a sense of playfulness. On to courses five and six, poached lobster claw and tail medallions accompanied by ricotta gnocchi in a truffle crème sauce. The gnocchi were light and pillowy, the sauce decadent and velvety. The dish was as good as it sounded – nothing overly brilliant, but wonderfully executed, and a pleasure to eat. Our last savory course was braised Wagyu short ribs, collard greens and spiced pumpkin puree. I especially enjoyed the autumnal seasonality of all the elements that defined the dish. Bates is also the in-house fromager. Our seventh course included three housemade cheeses: “The Best One,” a heavenly stinky blue aged over 12 months with a lost recipe on how it was conceived; a fantastic Vacheron style cheese – bitter, pungent and soupy; and “Hill Country White,” more interesting than it sounded. The cheese affair was served with a port wine reduction and candied green tomato jam. The dessert course was an introduction to The Inn’s newest addition: pastry chef, Rebecca Kinsella. Vanilla mousse was more like a panna cotta on a bed of hazelnut and white chocolate streusel. Macerated blackberries and tiny, playful cubes of blackberry gelee were course accoutrements. After overcoming the initial bitterness of hazelnut, each bite thereafter got exponentially better. Eight courses and I still couldn’t bear to put my fork down. All aspects of the evening were completely first-rate: the menu, its execution, the wine pairings and the impeccable service. The farming of 463 types of heirloom produce and organic veggies making up almost all the vegetables used in the restaurant and the artisanal cheese program are clear indications of The Inn’s ambition and commitment to quality.
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2/19/09
NEW RESTAURANTS
4:29 PM
Page 72
By Jenny Wang Photography by Alexander Flenner
NEW RESTAURANT? EMAIL US AT LETTERS@002MAG.COM
BENJY’S ON WASHINGTON
CRAVE SUSHI
LITTLE BIGS
2900 TRAVIS ST. 713.527.8744 wecravesushi.com
2703 MONTROSE BLVD. 713.521.2447 littlebigshouston.com
CUISINE modern american
CUISINE sushi
CUISINE burgers
CHEF MIKE POTOWSKI
CHEF ROBERT GARAY
CHEF BRYAN CASWELL
5922 WASHINGTON 713.868.1131 benjys.com
Walking into the Benjy’s on Washington may have you doubting our economic times. Uh, what recession? BENJY LEVIT DEFINITELY HAD “BIGGER AND BETTER” ON HIS MIND WITH THE OPENING OF BENJY’S NUMBER TWO. The interior design is open, swanky and sophisticated, but we would expect nothing less from its designer, Joel Mozersky, whose résumé includes Austin hotspots Uchi and The Belmont. Mike Potowski, former chef de cuisine at Noé during its days of Gadsby glory, is at the helm in the kitchen. Although the menu includes some flagship favorites, there are plenty of new menu items that impressed the pants off me. Kurobuta pork Osso Bucco was fork-tender and measured high on the pleasure scale with a pistachio puree and seasonal veggies in truffle thyme au jus. The tuna pizzette was awkward to eat but light and flavorful with a wasabi caviar laced ahi poke tartare and baby arugula dressed in sesame vinaigrette. THE REAL KILLER WAS THE BONE MARROW RISOTTO – RICH, UNCTUOUS AND OVER-THE-TOP – served alongside buffalo hangar steak. I rarely mention desserts, but the banana cream cake with bananas foster is doing a brilliant job holding me over until Brennan’s reopens. Sunday brunches hadn’t kicked-off at press time, but you can bet you’ll see me waiting for a table there when it does.
Midtown’s newest sushi spot is on prime nightlife real estate and is catering to the club-hopping twentysomethings that go bump in the night. CRAVE SUSHI HAS A SLEEK, SEXY LOOK WITH TEAL WALLS, DARK STAINED WOODS AND TWO BARS: ONE FOR FISH AND A LARGER FOR DRINK (insert your poison of choice here). Huge lightboxes with cherry blossom motifs hang from the ceiling and spread a warm glow that is sure to cast the wobbly, stiletto-strutting latenighters with bloodshot eyes in the best possible lighting. The sushi menu has an unusual flair due to Executive Chef Robert Garay’s CIA-trained touch on the menu. Sushi neophytes may be tempted by the “4am roll” with unagi, cucumbers and Japanese mayo topped with avocado, strawberries and kiwi lacquered with a generous dose of pomegranate glaze or one of their other specialty rolls (more than half the menu is sans raw fish). Those more serious about their omega-3s may opt for nigiri or sashimi and while it may not be the most impressive in town, it’s available until 4am on Fridays and Saturdays.
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The newest addition to Montrose’s late-night restaurant row is Little Bigs, a tasty testament that big things come in little packages. Chef Bryan Caswell and Bill Floyd of REEF (I think they should have called this one BEEF) chose the tiny shack formerly occupied by Mings to serve up baby burgers with very grown-up taste. THE BEEF SLIDER HAS 3 OZ. OF FRESHLY GROUND BEEF AND CARAMELIZED ONIONS SANDWICHED BETWEEN A FRESHLY BAKED YEAST ROLL. The chicken choice involves a spicy breaded chicken breast and a sweet bread and butter pickle. An unexpected star was the mushroom slider: béchamel and four kinds of cheeses stuffed between two huge creminis, rolled in breadcrumbs and deepfried. It’s a hot, drippy mess – just the kind of fun I enjoy after a few cocktails into the wee hours of the night. If you’re a first-timer, I’d recommend getting one of each. Don’t skip the house-cut fries and selfserve Sriracha remoulade dipping sauce. THE PLACE IS ALREADY QUITE A MAD HOUSE ATTRACTING NEIGHBORHOOD DENIZENS AND NIGHTCRAWLERS UNTIL 3AM ON FRIDAY AND SATURDAYS. Seating is limited inside but the new 2,000-square-foot deck is just perfect for the kind of weather we are enjoying these days.
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THE CHEF’S SPECIAL
4:30 PM
Page 73
Photography by Jenny Antill
CHEF DOUG POLLARD | RESTAURANT McCORMICK & SCHMICK’S cuisine fresh seafood | private room yes | catering yes | attire business casual address 1201 fannin street, houston, tx 77002 | phone 713.658.8100 | website mccormickandschmicks.com/houston
FAVORITE LATE NIGHT SPOT FOR A BITE? Spanish Flower
WHAT’S YOUR PET PEEVE? People’s lack of motivation
BEST BREAKFAST? Harry’s
FAVORITE AFFORDABLE WINE? Amarone
BEST BRUNCH? Gospel Brunch at the House of Blues
FAVORITE PLACE FOR DESSERT? Mike’s Pastry "Boston"
WHAT INGREDIENT CAN YOU NOT LIVE WITHOUT IN THE KITCHEN AND WHY? Extra Virgin Olive Oil
WHO ARE YOUR FAVORITE CHEF, RESTAURANT AND DISH? Charles Clark, Ibiza, Shrimp Cornbread appetizer LAST BUT NOT LEAST, TELL US YOUR WORST CLIENT EXPERIENCE? I personally have not had one; normally when the Chef comes out to the table people are usually excited. If there is an issue, McCormick & Schmick’s allows us to have a great deal of flexibility to please the guest and to create a more desirable meal and experience.
WHAT UTENSIL CAN YOU NOT LIVE WITHOUT? My hands
FAVORITES: SONG ANDREA BOCELLI ANYTHING BOOK HEAT QUOTE FROM A MOVIE "HOW YOU DOIN’!!!!" ACTION HERO SWEET NAPOLEON
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SIP CODES
By Beatrice Valencia
2/19/09
4:32 PM
Restaurateurs, club/bar owners, pubbers, etc., if there is a special event or something you would like the public to know about, email me at bvalencia@002mag.com and I will help spread the word for you. See you out!
MARCH IS HERE AND FASHION + TRAVEL ARE MY INSPIRATIONS. SEEING THAT I’M IN A SORT OF WRITER’S BLOCK, ZERO TRAVELING HERE, AND MY OUTFIT CONSISTING OF SHORTS AND RAIN BOOTS IS NOT EXACTLY AVANTGARDE, INSPIRATION WILL HAVE TO ARRIVE VIA DIVINE INTERVENTION OR LIGHTNING. THOUGH I HAVEN’T TRAVELED, I HAVE BEEN TAKING TRIPS TO VARIOUS RESTAURANTS AND BARS AROUND TOWN. TIMES ARE TOUGH, BUT A GIRL’S GOT TO EAT AND DROWN HER SORROWS IN SOMETHING. I DO SEE A RECURRING THEME HERE FOR ME: SMALLER PORTIONS, SPLIT PORTIONS, OVERALL CRAFTINESS, FOLKS. AND A WHOLE LOT OF USAGE OF GIFT CARDS TOO! I HAD NO IDEA MY FRIENDS OR I HAD SO MANY. THIS IS THE PERFECT TIME TO START CASHING THOSE IN. THERE’S NO SACRIFICING YOUR SOCIAL ITCH AND IT FEELS GUILT-FREE. SO WHILE YOU SAVE USING GIFT CARDS OR RESORT TO YOUR FORM OF CRAFTINESS, BE A PART OF ECONOMIC CHANGE, GET OUT THERE AND ENJOY A GOOD MEAL OR TWO!
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BENJY’S- 5922 Washington Ave. 713.868.1131 www.benjys.com After years of calling Rice Village home, this lone ranger has a sister location off Washington. The structure itself is a stunning ode to contemporary architecture and design. Clean lines, wood paneling and wide-open areas with exposed beams lend to a serene environment all aglow by warm lighting. This doesn’t mean it’s quiet though. On a busy evening, the dining room is alive with enthusiastic patrons sharing lively conversation. The lounge is no exception with 30-something professionals networking, socializing and having meetings of the mind. If you’re among the lucky few to snag a table upstairs, you can also have dinner there. We tried the margherita pizza, pistachio-crusted goat cheese cake and spicy tuna tartare. The serving plates are a bit large if you have one table in the lounge; I ended up with my plate in my hand. The food was quite tasty and the perfect size for handling in the lounge though. This is another menu I’m excited to explore. LITTLE BIGS- 2703 Montrose 713.521.BIGS www.littlebigshouston.com Things to expect: little place, lots of people and little portions with big flavor! I went on Saturday night expecting a patio, some TVs, mini-burgers aka sliders and lounging while imbibing a whole lot of “poison.” Apparently, a LOT of people had the same idea. The actual structure itself is the same small shell that used to house Ming’s. An expansive patio with picnic and normal seating was a genius addition creating much needed space. If you sit inside be prepared to sit with other diners at long tables with tall stools. You’re in very close proximity to each other too. You can order a trio of sliders with your options being beef, spicy chicken, and mushroom and cheese. The beef is a delicious classic served with caramelized onions on top. The spicy chicken is lightly fried and, if they’re consistent, comes with a pickle. A perfect touch to add. The mushroom and cheese is just that – a fried mushroom oozing with cheese. All buns and patties are fresh and cooked to order. You can actually see all the little buns baking when you order. The shakes are made when ordered as well, right there while you wait. They’re delicious and the chocolate pairs delicious with some red
wine after dinner. On my first visit the fries were a bit mushy but on my second try, they were as they should be, crispy and crunchy.
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RUGGLES GREEN- 2311 West Alabama St. 713.533.0777 www.rugglesgreen.com Located in Antone’s old spot, this place won me over on day one. I went 3 times in one week, that’s how excited I was to try everything on the menu. So far I’ve tried the roasted corn chowder, grilled chicken sandwich, hummus, red velvet cake, charlotte’s webb, turkey meatball panini, spinach salad and spicy fish tacos. I told you I was excited! I’ve enjoyed it all but the least outstanding had to be the grilled chicken sandwich. The desserts are on spot. Never too sweet to eat in its entirety. The spicy fish tacos are awesome, not terribly fried and can be shared. You can make two out of one with the extra tortilla. I could eat pounds of their hummus and homemade flatbread! They serve it with olives and sun-dried tomatoes which makes it ten times more delightful. My guess is the spinach salad will be a favorite among the women. If you’re watching your intake, I would recommend ordering the dressing on the side so you can drench as you please.
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EL TIEMPO 1308 CANTINA- 1308 Montrose Blvd. 713.807.8996 www.eltiempocantina.com Although I realize there are many places around town that might serve brunch until 3, I was pleasantly surprised to find that 1308 is one of them. Many of the places that do serve brunch until 3pm also have insane waits to be seated. Not the case here because until now, this was probably a good secret. So while others prefer to order lunch at 1pm on Sunday, I still have breakfast on the brain. This doesn’t deter me from ordering queso and guacamole for my chips anyway. I ordered the Huevos Mexicanos while my boyfriend ordered the large breakfast taco. My scrambled eggs had tomato, onion and peppers, a side of refried beans and fruit. You also get tortillas should you want to make little tacos like me. The large taco really is large! That is why you only get the option to order one. It’s the length of the plate shared only with a side of fruit. Your beans are served in a separate side dish. You have to taste the pancakes if large thin ones are your thing. They were delicious, and you can order them without the pecans. The perfect sweet ending to a hearty breakfast.
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PF CHANG’S- 4094 Westheimer Rd. 713.627.7220 www.pfchangs.com This is a bit sad to admit, but I LOVE this place. I crave it at least once a month. Without fail, this place is always packed regardless of the night. We stopped in Wednesday night and much to our surprise were seated promptly (thanks to Kristen the super sweet hostess!) after a brief stint at the bar. A table of 5 girls who have been Chatty Cathy’s after some wine, you can only imagine how we drove the waiter insane. Or you would’ve thought – he was really helpful all evening. We order vegetarian lettuce wraps, for my sister’s sake, and they’re just as great as the real ones. Maybe even better. They have these crunchy veggies in them that
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the chicken ones lack. We all split Chang’s spicy shrimp, combo Lo Mein and ginger chicken with broccoli. Mom was there and the menu said “would make mom proud” so we ordered the chicken for her. My favorite part of the night though was dessert. The presentation for their desserts, with the exception of the bananas and great chocolate wall, are little shooters. Basically you get a little shot glass full of dessert. It’s the perfect portion after stuffing my face with all those entrées.
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MCCORMICK & SCHMICK’S- 1151 Uptown Park Blvd. 713.840.7900 www.mccormickandschmicks.com I’m a fan of smoked oysters but after trying an oyster in a shot glass concoction, I thought I was against any other form of oyster. That is, until my sister introduced me to Rockefeller oysters. OMGoodness! I was blown away. They had me wishing I never ordered an entrée and only more of this yumminess. Smothered in spinach and hollandaise sauce, after being baked. I added a squeeze of lemon juice and was automatically hooked. I was already planning an excuse to be able to go back to eat more, happy hour, lunch, etc. Needless to say, after devouring the oysters, I received my entrée of Parmesan-crusted tilapia with a side of vegetables and mashed potatoes with minimal enthusiasm. My entrée, however, proved to be a gratifying encore. The portion, although smaller than dinner I assume, was perfect for a light lunch. Service was quick and delightful. It was truly the bright highlight of my rainy day.
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House of Blues Sunday Brunch- 1204 Caroline St. 888.402.5837 www.hob.com
OK, so $40 gets you a show and a buffet brunch. The gospel brunch is something every person, spiritually inclined or not, must witness. With three seatings as options, plan on having brunch in the main concert hall at long picnic tables with other diners. A long brunch buffet with everything from scrambled eggs to rice and beans is available. Including a dessert station and waffle station. It’s good but everything requires some more seasoning so ask for some salt and pepper. The show itself is an experience. While you dine away, several gospel performances take over the stage. Acknowledgement of birthdays, napkin waving, attendee interaction is greatly encouraged. You get blessed, have breakfast and wash it down with a mimosa all in one stop. Many attendants said if Sunday services were like this, they’d be in church EVERY Sunday! Something tells me House of Blues is on to something…
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CLUB+LOUNGE REVIEW
"I
4:33 PM
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By Travis Jones Photography by Daniel Ortiz
SAMMY’S | 2016 main st., houston, tx 77002 | 713.751.3101 | sammysat2016main.com
ROCK OUT WITH THE SPAZMATICS AT A VINTAGE HOUSTON VENUE
n this economy.” I can’t count how many times I’ve heard that buzzphrase extraordinaire so far in 2009. Bush’s fault. Clinton’s fault. Madoff McGreedy’s fault. Enough already. When it comes down to it, we, as an instant gratification seeking, unabashedly onanistic society, have all added different pieces to this puzzle. We kept jamming oblong slabs of jigsaw into the frame assuming the end product would be puppies or a baby dressed like a vegetable, but in the end, the picture looks more like mass home foreclosures and 400,000 layoffs. We need an escape.
We need an escape back to Rubik’s Cubes®, British Knights, big hair, acid wash and we’ll take some Footloose and Reaganomics while we’re at it. We need some 80’s. We need some of The Spazmatics. But let’s not put the cart before the horse here, because what’s a great band without a great venue? As far as Sammy’s on 2016 Main Street goes, there’s just not a bad seat in the place. In fact, besides a plush little VIP booth, and a few comfortable nooks and crannies in their back stage bars, you won’t even have the chance (or desire for that matter) to sit anyway. You’ll find no evidence of pretense at Sammy’s. If you’re looking for a $15 Icelandic Choco-berry-schnapps-frui-tini, you’re in the wrong place. If you’re looking for a cold beer or a stiff drink dished out by one of Houston’s friendliest and most attentive bar staffs, then welcome home. The beautiful Courtney isn’t the slack-jawed femmebot riding the looks-for-tips train that you find at most places; she and the rest of the folks behind that bar have brains and personality and it shows in their work. Don’t think you should have to cough up 80 bucks for pit seats just to see your favorite band stumble through its licks? Sammy’s doesn’t either; walking through the front doors won’t break your bank and it puts you right in the action, almost eye-to-eye with the rockin’ performers du jour as electricity fills the room on almost any given night.
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Sammy’s has its finger not only on good music, but fun and innovative ways of bringing it to you. Sammy’s features the freshest idea in karaoke since, well, ever, as they bring you Rock Star Karaoke on the last Friday of every month. Wannabe rockers get to perform on stage with their own rock band for hire, Time Machine, at their back. The sassy Faye Robinson belts out Motown classics with the Mid City Players on weekend nights too, but the front of stage isn’t for the faint of heart. She’ll call you right up to perform alongside her if she thinks you’ve got the look. It’s The Spazmatics on Thursday nights that put on the most unique show however, and their popularity is spreading through Houston like a dorky, Star Trek-loving, headgear-wearing wildfire. Dressed in full, Revenge of the Nerds effect, these guys look like they came straight from Comic-Con to a stage near you. And they rock. If you haven’t heard Billy Idol’s “White Wedding” sung by a guy in highwater slacks, taped eyeglasses and a neck brace, then you just haven’t rocked out to your full potential. The Spazmatics take tunes from all over the 80’s spectrum, from Prince and Whitesnake to Journey, Sting and Devo, intersperse their sets with comedic flare, and blend it all together with flawless guitar licks to create a truly dynamic live music experience. They lead a diverse and easygoing crowd of 20- and 30-somethings, some dolled up and some dressed down, on a nostalgic musical expedition without ever missing a beat. We may be in this huge economic mess together, but one thing’s for certain – Houston’s still rockin’. Honest places with pretty faces like Sammy’s help take us to a place where we can forget about terms like “sub-prime” and “bailout” – a place where fun isn’t in recession. And while you’re there, The Spazmatics will remind you that raising a glass and raising your voice to some great music is still the best damn way to spend an evening in Houston. Together, they’re two pieces of a much prettier puzzle.
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002NIGHT LIFE downtown
702 702 W. Dallas. 713.654.8040 702houston.com A+ BAR inside Alden Hotel 1117 Prairie. 832.200.8800 aldenhotels.com BANK BAR 220 Main. 832.667.4477 hotelicon.com
CABO 417 Travis. 713.225.2060 cabomixmex.com COPA CABANA 114 Main. 713.223.COPA copacabanalounge.com
C&F DRIVE INN 6714 N. Main. 713.861.0704 CHAR BAR 305 Travis. 713.222.8177 charbarhouston.com CLUB ICE/MANTRA 711 Main. 713.225.3500 mantrahouston.com
THE COTTON EXCHANGE 202 Travis. 713.213.1141 cottonexchangelounge.com
DEAN’S CREDIT CLOTHING 316 Main. 713.227.3326 myspace.com/deanscreditclothing
DIVE LOUNGE inside the Aquarium 410 Bagby. 713.223.3474 EIGHTEEN TWENTY 1820 Franklin. 713.224.5535 myspace.com/1820bar ETTA’S LOUNGE 5120 Scott. 713.528.2611 FLYING SAUCER 705 Main. 713.228.7468 beerknurd.com
GLO 505 Main. 713.223.3456 club-glo.com
HEAT 511 Main. 713.225.8020 myspace.com/clubheat_houston HOUSE OF BLUES 1204 Caroline. 1-888-40-BLUES hob.com/houston
BARS + CLUBS + LOUNGES + WINE BARS JAZZ AT THE MAGNOLIA 1100 Texas. 713.221.0011 magnoliahotels.com
TOC BAR 711 Franklin. 713.224.4862 myspace.com/tocbarhouston
LA CARAFE 813 Congress. 713.229.9399
galleria + uptown
JET LOUNGE 1515 Pease. 713.659.2000 myspace.com/jetlounge
LEVEL 412 Main. 713.227.0410 myspace.com/levelhouston LIVE SPORTS CAFÉ 407 Main. 713.228.5483 livesportscafe.com
LONE STAR SALOON 1900 Travis. 713.757.1616 MOLLY’S PUB 509 Main. 713.222.1033 mollyspubs.com
NOTSUOH 314 Main. 713.237.8220 myspace.com/notsuohmusic
RED CAT JAZZ CAFÉ 924 Congress. 713.226.7870 redcatjazzcafe.com
RESERVE 101 1201 Caroline. 713.655.7101 reserve101.com
SAMBUCA JAZZ CAFÉ 909 Texas Ave. 713.224.5299 sambucarestaurant.com SHADOW BAR 213 Milam. 713.221.5483 theshadowbar.com
SHAY MCELROY’S 909-A Texas. 713.223.2444 mcelroyspub.com SKYLINE BAR & GRILL 1600 Lamar. 713.577.6139 (inside Hilton Americas)
STATE BAR & LOUNGE 909 #2-A Texas. 713.229.8888 thestatebar.com
THE TREEHOUSE Discovery Green 1611 Lamar. 713.337.7321 thegrovehouston.com THE VAULT 723 Main. 713.224.6891
THE TASTING ROOM 1101-18 Uptown Park. 713.993.9800 114 Gray. 713.528.6402 2409 W. Alabama. 713.526.2242 tastingroomwines.com
VENUE 719 Main. 713.236.8150 venuehouston.com
BAR 12•21 MORTON’S 5000 Westheimer. 713.629.1946 mortons.com
BLANCO’S 3406 W. Alabama. 713.439.0072 houstonredneck.com
BELVEDERE 1131 Uptown Park. 713.552.9271 belvedereinfo.com
UROPA 3302 Mercer. 713.627.1132 cluburopahouston.com
WILD WEST 6101 Richmond. 713.266.3455 wildwesthouston.com
heights + washington
THE BLACK SWAN 4 Riverway. 713.871.8181 (inside the Omni Hotel)
BLUE LABEL LOUNGE 4500 Washington. bluelabellounge.com
BLOCK 21 2420 Washington. 713.337.1410
CLUB 26 TEN 2610 Sage. 713.974.4000 myspace.com/club26ten
IDENTITY BAR 5959 Richmond. 713.785.0999 PLANETA BAR-RIO 6400 Richmond. 832.251.9600 bar-rio.com PAPARRUCHOS 3055 Sage. 713.212.3178 paparruchos.com
CHAISE LOUNGE 4219 Washington. 713.861.2300 chaiseloungehouston.net
CITIZEN LOUNGE 4606 Washington. 713.862.4448 THE CORKSCREW 1919 Washington. 713.864.9463 houstoncorkscrew.com
RA SUSHI 3908 Westheimer. 713.621.5800 rasushi.com
REMINGTON BAR 1919 Briar Oaks Ln. 713.403.2631 (inside St. Regis Hotel) theremingtonrestaurant.com ROXY 5851 W. Alabama. 713.850.ROXY myspace.com/roxyhouston
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BOOM BOOM ROOM 2518 Yale. 713.868.3740 myspace.com/ boomboomroomhouston
CORLEONE BAR & GRILL 813 Jackson. 713.863.8223 (behind Patrenella’s) patrenellas.net COSMOS CAFÉ 69 Heights. 713.802.2144 cosmoshouston.com
DAN ELECTRO’S GUITAR BAR 1031 E. 24th St. 713.862.8707 danelectrosguitarbar.com
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DARKHORSE TAVERN 2207 Washington. 713.426.2442 dhtavern.com
DECO 510 Gray. 713.659.4900 decohouston.com
THE DRAKE 1902 Washington. 713.861.9600 thedrakebar.com
EPIC 3030 Travis. 713.862.4810
THE DIRT 222 Yale. 713.426.4222 myspace.com/dirtbar
EL TIEMPO CANTINA 5602 Washington. 713.681.3645 eltiempocantina.com KOBAIN 33 Waugh. 713.862.9911 kobain.net
MOLINA’S 4720 Washington. 713.862.0013 molinasrestaurants.com ONION CREEK 3106 White Oak. 713.880.0706 onioncreekcafe.com
PEARL BAR 4216 Washington. 713.863.5337 pearlbarhouston.com
THE SOCIAL 3730 Washington. 713.426.5585 thesocialinfo.com
midtown
13 CELSIUS 3000 Caroline. 713.529.8466 13celsius.com
3RD BAR 2600 Travis. 713.526.8282 BLOCK 21 2420 Washington Ave.
EL PATIO 2416 Brazos. 713.523.8181 elpatio.com
FIX LOUNGE 2707 Milam. 832.281.2101 fixlounge.com FRONT PORCH PUB 217 Gray. 713.571.9571 frontporchpub.com
HOWL AT THE MOON 612 Hadley. 713.658.9700 howlatthemoon.com
IBIZA LOUNGE NEXT DOOR 2450 Louisiana. 713.520.7300 ibizaloungenextdoor.com KOMODO’S 2004 Baldwin. 713.655.1501
LEON’S LOUNGE 1006 McGowen. 713.659.3052
THE MAPLE LEAF 514 Elgin. 713.520.6464 themapleleafpub.blogspot.com THE MINK/THE BACKROOM 3718 Main. 713.522.9985 themink.org
OPEN CITY 2416-A Brazos. 832.483.8357 ochouston.com RED DOOR 2416 Brazos. 713.225.0640 reddoorhouston.com
RICH’S 2401 San Jacinto. 713.759.9606 richshouston.com
BOND 2700 Milam. 713.529.2663 bond2700.com
COACHES 2204 Louisiana. 713.751.1970 CHRISTIAN’S TAILGATE 2000 Bagby. 713.527.0261
SAMMY’S 2016 Main. 713.751.3101 sammysat2016main.com
SAINT DANE’S BAR + GRILL 502 Elgin. 713.807.7040
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STATUS 2404 San Jacinto. 713.659.5400 myspace.com/statushouston SWIVEL 2621 Milam. 713.222.2057 swivelhouston.com THE ROOF 2600 Travis. 713.522.4900 roofbarhouston.com
THE WET SPOT 160 W. Gray. 713.523.7768 wetspot-houston.com TIPSY CLOVER 2416 Brazos. 713.524.8782 WHISKEY CREEK 2905 Travis. 713.526.4225 whiskeycreekhouston.com
XO BAR & LOUNGE 2611 San Jacinto. 713.651.9900 myspace.com/xohouston
ZEPPELIN 3101 San Jacinto. 713.521.7300 myspace.com/zeppelin713
montrose + shepherd
ABSINTHE 609 Richmond. 713.528.7575 absinthelounge.com
AGORA 1717 Westheimer. 713.526.7212 agorahouston.com AVANTGARDEN 411 Westheimer. 832.519.1429 avantgardenhouston.com
BARTINI 1318 Westheimer. 713.526.2277 clubbartini.com BOHEME WINE & CAFÉ BAR 307 Fairview. 713.269.0859 barboheme.com
BOONDOCKS 1417 Westheimer. 713.522.8500 myspace.com/boondocksbar BYZANTIO 403 W. Gray. 713.520.6896 byzantiohouston.com
CATBIRDS 1336 Westheimer. 713.523.8000 catbirds.com
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CEZANNE JAZZ CLUB 4100 Montrose. 713.522.9321 blacklaboradorpub.com
GUAVA LAMP 570 Waugh. 713.524.3359 myspace.com/guavalamphouston THE DAVENPORT 2115 Richmond. 713.520.1140
THE FLAT 1702 Commonwealth. 713.521.3528 ETRO 1424 Westheimer. 713.529.3449 myspace.com/etrohouston GRIFF’S 3416 Roseland. 713.528.9912 griffshouston.com
THE HARP 1625 Richmond. 713.528.7827 LOLA’S 2327 Grant. 713.528.8342
LZ PUB 2239 Richmond. 713.522.7118 MARFRELESS 2006 Peden. 713.528.0083
MCELROY’S PUB 3607 Sandman. 713.524.2444 mcelroyspub.com METEOR 2306 Genesee. 713.521.0123 meteorhouston.com
THE NEXT DOOR 2020 Waugh. 713.520.1712 myspace.com/thenextdoorgallery NUMBERS 300 Westheimer. 713.526.6551 numbersnightclub.com PRAVADA 2815 S. Sheperd. 713.533.1200 pravadahouston.com PRIVE 910 Westheimer. 713.526.6551 privelounge.com
POISON GIRL 1641-B Westheimer. 713.527.9929 myspace.com/poisongirlbar.com SOUTH BEACH 810 Pacific. 713.529.7623 southbeachthenightclub.com
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SLIDER’S BAR 1424 Westheimer. 713.528.2788 slidersbar.com
SCOTT GERTNER’S SKYBAR 3400 Westheimer. 713.520.9688 msypace.com/scottgertnersskybar THE STAG’S HEAD 2128 Portsmouth. 713.533.1199 stagsheadpub.com THE TAVERN 1340 W. Gray. 713.522.5159 thetavernongray.com
VELVET MELVIN 3303 Richmond. 713.522.6798 myspace.com/thevelvetmelvinpub VINTAGE 2108 Kipling. 713.522.4200
ZAKE LOUNGE 2943 S. Shepherd. 713.526.6888 zakerestaurant.com
museum district MONARCH LOUNGE 5701 Main (inside Hotel ZaZa). 713.526.1991 monarchrestauranthouston.com ZIMM’S MARTINI & WINE 4321 Montrose. 713.521.2002 zimsbar.com
outer loop
VINE WINE ROOM 12420 Memorial Dr. 713.463.8463 vinewineroom.com VINO 100 11693 Westheimer. 281.759.4100
rice village
ARMADILLO PALACE 5015 Kirby. 713.526.9700 thearmadillopalace.com
BAKER STREET PUB 5510 Morningside. 713.942.9900 bakerstreetpub.com BAM BOU 2540 University. 713.521.7222 bambouhouston.com
BRIAN O’NEILL’S 5555 Morningside. 713.522.2603 brianoneills.com BRONX BAR 5555 Morningside. 713.520.9690 ERNIE’S ON BANKS 1010 Banks. 713.526.4566 erniesonbanks.com
THE GINGER MAN 5607 Morningside. 713.526.2770 gingermanpub.com JOHNNY’S SPORTS BAR 2511 Bissonnet. 713.521.9928 myspace.com/joialounge
KAY’S LOUNGE 2324 Bissonnet. 713.528.9858
300 HOUSTON BOWLING 925 Bunker Hill 713.461.2431 300houston.com DENIM BAR 16090 City Walk. 281.275.5925 (inside the Burning Pear) theburningpear.com THE DERRICK TAVERN 1127 Eldridge. 281.759.4922 thederricktavern.com
FIREHOUSE SALOON 5930 Southwest Frwy. 713.977.1962 firehousesaloon.com HUSH 15625 Katy Frwy. 713.330.4874 hushonline.com 79.
LITTLE WOODROW’S 5611 Morningside. 713.521.2337 littlewoodrows.com THE LOUNGE AT BENJI’S 2424 Dunstan. 713.522.7602 benjys.com
VOLCANO 2349 Bissonnet. 713.526.5282
COVA -5600 Kirby. 713.838.0700 -5555 Washington. 713.868.3366 covawine.com DOWNING STREET 2549 Kirby. 713.523.2291 downingstreetpub.com
KENNEALLY’S IRISH PUB 2111 S. Shepherd. 713.630.0486 irishpubkenneallys.com LIZZARD’S PUB 2715 Sackett. 713.529.4610
MEZZANINE LOUNGE 2200 Southwest Frwy. 713.528.MEZZ mezzaninelounge.com MUGSY’S 3200 Kirby. 713.526.5595
RICKSHAW BAMBU 2810 Westheimer. 713.942.7272 rickshaw-bambu.com ROLL-N SALOON 4200 San Felipe. 713.622.7487 TACO MILAGRO 2555 Kirby. 713.522.1999 taco-milagro.com
THE WINE BUCKET 2311 W. Alabama. 713.942.9463 thewinebucket.com
warehouse district
EIGHTEEN TWENTY 1820 Franklin. 713.224.5535 1820bar.com
LUCKY’S PUB 801 St. Emanuel. 713.522.2010 luckyspub.com THE MERIDIAN 1503 Chartres. 713.225.1717 meridianhouston.com
river oaks + kirby
NEXT 2020 McKinney. 713.221.8833 whatsnexthouston.com
THE BIG EASY 5731 Kirby. 713.523.9999 bigeasyblues.com
WAREHOUSE LIVE 813 St. Emanuel. 713.225.5483 warehouselive.com
AZTECA’S BAR & GRILL 2207 Richmond. 713.526.1702 aztecasbarandgrill.com
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PASHAA ULTRA LOUNGE 2010 McKinney. 713.344.0305 myspace.com/pashaahouston
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RECORDING
2/19/09
4:40 PM
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Interview by Lance Scott Walker Photography by Peter Beste
Bun B TRUTH BE TOLD, IN LIGHT OF THE FACT THAT SO MANY ARTISTS FLEE HOUSTON IN FAVOR OF AUSTIN, THE BAYOU CITY STILL HAS A WAY OF SWALLOWING UP THE COMMUNITIES SURROUNDING IT LIKE SOME SORT OF ARTISTIC VORTEX. AT LEAST AS FAR AS SOUTHERN RAP MUSIC IS CONCERNED. THAT IS NO MORE EVIDENT THAN IN THE CASE OF PORT ARTHUR’S UGK, WHOSE TWO LONE MEMBERS—BUN B AND THE LATE PIMP C—HAVE BEEN AS EFFECTIVE AND INFLUENTIAL A FORCE IN HOUSTON’S RAP HISTORY AS ANY ARTIST WHO WAS BORN, RAISED AND CULTIVATED THEIR CAREER HERE. WHEN THE HOUSTON SCENE BLEW UP NATIONALLY IN 2005, ARTISTS SUCH AS MIKE JONES, PAUL WALL, SLIM THUG AND CHAMILLIONAIRE BECAME NATIONAL FIXTURES OVERNIGHT. FOR BUN, IT WAS ONLY A BLIP ON THE RADAR ON A CAREER THAT HAS THRIVED BECAUSE OF HIS CONSISTENCY RATHER THAN ANY ATTEMPT TO PRESS THE POINT. AFTER HIS COMRADE PIMP C’S UNTIMELY DEATH IN 2007, THE RAP COMMUNITY FOUND BUN B’S RESOLVE ALL AT ONCE REVERENT, REFRESHING AND INSPIRING. THERE ARE FEW WHOM YOU COME ACROSS WHOSE VISION OF THE FUTURE IS AS CLEAR AS THEIR VISION OF THE PAST. One huge thing hanging over Houston is that people always want to look at DJ Screw and [Codeine cough syrup] and try and marry those things together. Do you feel like they’re mutually exclusive? I don’t think they have any correlation at all. I know a lot of people who sip syrup who don’t listen to Screw music. They don’t like it. Can’t stand it. And I know a lot of people who listen to Screw music who don’t do syrup. Don’t like it, can’t stand it. I think those are two mutually exclusive worlds. I think because of the fact that it’s something that… the popular artists may be partaking in both, people tend to think that everyone is partaking in both. People have to take in mind that the artists and musicians that come out of the city, even when they make music and songs about the city, they don’t necessarily reflect the city. Like, you can go to New York and find a platinum artist who is extremely well-respected like Brand Nubian or KRS-ONE, but KRS-ONE wouldn’t be the average person in New York. Nor would Brand Nubian. And I think that’s the same thing as here, where you have a person like Mike Jones, who has made a lot of music that was very emblematic of the area, but I don’t think you would be able to call Mike Jones a typical Houston.
No, not really. Myself either. So I think that’s one thing that people need to understand, is that… it’s the same thing as thinking that everyone in Seattle wears flannel shirts, torn jeans… we can’t make generalizations about people based on the music. Besides, concerning Screw’s mellow personality and the reality of his drug use, I mean… he was just like that, wasn’t he? Absolutely. I knew him before he was doing Screw tapes and that’s how he talked, that’s how he acted. I’d known Screw since ’91 when he was a mixtape DJ sellin’ tapes on the street. I was workin’ at a flea market record store up the way and he would DJ at the after hours—that was down the street from where I worked. Screw was just a mellow dude. But he had a really profound effect on people. People were really reverent about him, they rallied around him; they acted differently because of him.
UGK's final studio album "4 Life" is scheduled to be released March 31st on Jive Records
It was the fact that he was very unassuming. It’s easy to act, you know, all flamboyant when you’re around a flamboyant person but it’s different when you’re around a very subdued individual. This is what Screw was. He was very unassuming; he was not about makin’ himself the life of the party or anything like that … he was a very laid-back, mellow dude who kept to himself. You wouldn’t know who DJ Screw was when he walked into the room unless you knew him personal. For years there was that North Side/South Side beef that was definitely broken down at least somewhat when ESG and Slim Thug did a record together, but do you think that Screw’s personality had anything to do with the dissolving of that whole conflict? It was never about Screw or the artists, that was more of a street thing. Artists were just bringing it to people’s attention. It was never an artists’ thing—rappers on the south side and rappers on the north side never had problems with each other. It was more of a territorial issue that was acted out on the street.
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In an interview I did with you a few years ago, you noted how the artists that were blowing up had been selling Houston, but that now they were going to have to start selling themselves. Do you feel like that has happened? I think people all understand us better as artists. I don’t know if that’s a good thing or a bad thing for everybody. For some of us it’s us putting our personal life out there and there’s that for people to judge you on. I know what I’m doin’ out there but I can’t speak for everybody else on what they’re doin’. People are definitely trying to stay in the forefront and keep moving forward but I think that’s something that you have to keep continuously doing. We’ve got people like Trae and Slim Thug and Paul makin’ music out there and being viable but at the same time we could all—myself included—be doing more. But I think you’re going to see a lot more collective unity coming from Houston these days. At the same time, it’s a collective effort. People have to want to do more. I’m not gonna knock on somebody’s door and be like ‘hey, it’s time to get up on that grind.’ They gotta want that.
Photography by Daniel Ortiz
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By Lance Scott Walker
EVENT GRAND OPENING WHY TO CELEBRATE THE NEWEST CERTIFIED GREEN RESTAURANT™ IN TEXAS WHERE RUGGLES GREEN WHEN JANUARY 15
..THE TRADITIONIST Season to Season (Better Looking/Banter)
Close to 400 hungry and curious “greenies” packed this small but fabulous eco-friendly addition to the city. Guests enjoyed piping hot bites right out of the kitchen, sampled organic and biodynamic wines all while benefiting Trees for Houston.
Owner Federico Marques, Chef German Mosqera, Owner+Chef Bruce Molzan
CD REVIEWS
Katherine Orellan, Nick Espinosa
Fact is, diversity is fantastic and robust and all of those good things that you can say about any record that runs the songwriting/production gamut thoroughly and convincingly. But while there’s something to be said for reaching across the songwriter’s aisle, there are those out there who, whether they like it or not, flourish either at sea level or in the trees, and not in both. Season to Season leads off with the epic “Shallow Winter’s Moon,” reminiscent of torch songs, campfire ballads and hope-laden love songs all rolled into one. But the problem is that, as convincing a tone as “Shallow…” sets for the record, it never really returns to the theme. Portland-area songwriter Joey Barro (also of The Antiques), who leads this venture, tends to go off the map a lot on this recording, heading in the direction of (though perhaps not lyrically) very sappy and happy pop songs that don’t get the most of his attention to ambience that so shines in tracks like “No Self Portrait.” Indeed, Barro is at his best when he’s taking everything back a step and allowing his songwriting to drift towards the experimental and thus, the hypnotic. Tradition is right: there are influences to be found here, and they are all dated. That’s a good thing. And the balance is there—that of the happy, upbeat, short pop songs and the longer, more hypnotic dirges. It’s just that Barro’s songwriting opens up differently when he lets the space between the notes do its thing. But then, there are going to be those for whom the pop songs do it; those for whom the pop songs are the highlight and the slower tracks are the filler. That’s fair. Maybe it’s all a response to an idea of the seasons changing track to track. It’s just that seasons don’t change every month. Not even in Portland. SCREAMING FEMALES Power Move (Don Giovanni) You could call this poorly produced. You could say it sounds a little thin, that not one of the instruments really resonates and that the overall fidelity is low. All of that would be true. Thing is, there used to be albums coming out all of the time that sounded exactly this way. And in today’s era of the overprocessed and digitally-corrected, it’s refreshing. Especially for a punk record. This trio hails from Jersey and there’s something dirty in their sound that reflects exactly that. Marissa Paternoster’s vocals are scratchy and she can howl, but she doesn’t hang everything on that hook. Buried within an amalgamation of fast-riffed punk songs and heavy balladry are a series of unpredictable melodies—particularly on the slow and dirgy “Skull,” where the band starts off in the direction of 70s heavy metal (albeit no emphasis on the heavy) and then drops off into a verse that sounds more akin to a 60s pop/psych group ala Jefferson Airplane. Damn. And here the entire time I was trying not to compare her to another female…
Randy Bower, Randi Cleary, Rachel McGehee, Bruce Molzan
MI AMI Watersports (Quarterstick)
Rebecca Spera, Amaris Salinas
Abby Clark, Niki Smith
Karen Gross, Jeff Kaplan
Rachel Rosson, Jackie Allen
You aren’t three seconds into the first track before the vocals begin to drive you up the wall. And then keep you there. Those nails on the chalkboard would be courtesy of ex-Black Eyes member Daniel Martin-McCormick, teaming up with former bandmate Jacob Long and fellow San Franciscan, drummer Damon Palermo. And that’s too bad, because musically, it nearly stands up to Black Eyes’ jamming-withoutbeing-jammy approach, sans multiple basses and drums and (most glaringly) no other vocalist to balance out Martin-McCormick’s falsetto wail. Aside from that (and that’s a difficult aside), Mi Ami has really put together a nice palette of dub tracks entrenched in African rhythms, screeching guitars, thumping bass lines and lots of echo and reverb. Brings back memories of early Dischord bands as much as it does more contemporary (by comparison) bands like Trenchmouth. Only with a clown singing. Or maybe that crack-smoking bird from the Cocoa Puffs commercials?
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BEFORE WE GO... March 12, 8pm, SIMON FASHION NOW fuses fashion and floral at Polar Ice Galleria as it is transformed into a sprawling fashion garden. Following the kick-off fashion show, Simon Fashion Now Featuring Primavera will bloom until Saturday, March 14, with fashion-filled days of runway shows and beauty demonstrations. Event is by invitation only with public views from the common areas around the ice rink. March 13 & 14, Simon Fashion Now takes the stage during regular mall hours Galleria 2, in front of Ann Taylor. Call The Galleria at 713.622.0663 or visit www.simon.com.
March 12, Hotel ICON’s VOICE Restaurant and Lounge hosts the first in a new quarterly series of visiting chefs. Join Chef Ted Cizma, of Michigan’s Traverse Resort & Spa, and VOICE’s Chef Michael Kramer for a five-course tasting in the Wine Vault where the chefs will alternate execution of each course. Cost is $125 per person and includes wine (tax and gratuity not included). Reservations can be made by calling Ludovic Poirier at VOICE, 713.224.4266 ext. 4478. Or email him at lpoirier@destinationhotels.com. Thru March 15, Kiehl’s is hosting an in-store and online contest, to win a year’s worth of “CLOSE SHAVERETTES” SIMPLY MAHVELOUS LEGS SHAVE CREAM. Guess exactly how long it takes Svetlana Pankratova, who holds the world record for Woman with the Longest Legs to shave her 4 feet, 4 inch legs, down to the second. The customer in each freestanding store and online who comes closest to the exact answer, above or below, will win a full year of “CLOSE SHAVERETTES” SIMPLY MAHVELOUS LEGS SHAVE CREAM. kiehls.com
OO2CROSSWORD ACROSS 1. Sea near Greece 7. Norwegian waterways 11. Fancy 2nd home 12. Finland capital 13. Weight measure, for short 14. Me in Marseilles? 15. __ oz. 17. Give a thumbsdown to 18. English vacation area with many waterways, ____ Broads 21. Pea or Brazil? 22. Where are we going __? 23. Airplane no smoking sign, e.g. 24. Have vacation fun at sea 27. Reduce, e.g., costs 28. Go up 31. Bike part 32. Exercise class,
abbreviation 33. Down Under bird 35. Debussy’s “La ___” 36. Much visited 38. Bathroom needs 39. Amigo 40. European skiing resort (2 words) 44. Malaysian city 46. Peruvian plant 47. “Indubitably” 49. Saturn, for one 50. Wet or sand? 51. Underwater exploring (2 words)
DOWN 1. One of the world’s oldest cities, located on the Mediterranean 2. Chill out 3. “Sur le pont, d’_____” (French city) 4. Bolivian export 5. Class 6. Climbing area
8. Run gently 9. One type of getaway 10. Major Russian city (2 words) 16. Fireplace need 19. Archaeological site in Gujarat, India 20. City that was the cradle of Russian space exploration 22. City transport 25. Great 26. Black Sea port, with catacombs (alternative spelling) 28. Part of some uniforms
29. Evil spirit 30. Part of the CIS 34. French Sudan, today 35. Italian family that patronized the arts 37. At the time of 40. Red October 41. Spanish for sea 42. Ancient cross 43. Hotel essential 45. Exclude 47. Now, in Spanish 48. Yes, in Mexico
March 21, 8am to noon, WOMEN’S ONLY SKATEBOARD WORKSHOP at Joe Jamail Skate Park. The goal is to allow women of all ages to skate and learn from top women pros. The male-skater dominated skate parks intimidate most women, so come on ladies! Step it up! Contact Lori Peltier, 281.787.2038 or visit www.houstontx.gov/parks/lee-joepark.html, for more information. March 21, 7pm, the National Museum of Mexican Art, in partnership with Discovery Green, presents the DIVINAS CONCERT AS PART OF THE 2009 TEXAS SOR JUANA FESTIVAL. The festival, celebrated in several cities including Houston, honors the legacy of Sor Juana Inés de La Cruz and pays tribute to the rich artistic accomplishments of Mexican women from Mexico and the United States. The event at Discovery Green will showcase three high-profile Mexican women artists on one stage. From Mexico comes headliner Eugenia León. Norma Zenteno and Tania Libertad will also perform, along with special pre-show artists, Girl in a Coma. Celebrate women, culture and art! Free and open to the public, discoverygreen.com or call 713.400.7336. March 26, 7pm, 3RD ANNUAL GIRLS NIGHT OUT BENEFITING BO’S PLACE CHAMPAGNE ON THE CHAMPS ELYSEES at Muse. Featuring over 100 shopping vendors, food and frivolous fun! Join chairmen Leslie Ballard Hull, Laura DeGuerin Robertson, Sarah Heck Snyder and Rebecca Cooke Thomas at Advantage BMW Midtown. Tickets start at $100; contact Erin Hiltebrand Hall, 713.942.8339 or erin@bosplace.org for more information.
April 4-5, THE 2008 WOODLANDS WATERWAY ARTS FESTIVAL opens with original works of art from more than 200 national and regional artists showcased along The Woodlands Waterway®, just north of Houston. The twoday event kicks off Saturday, April 4 with a one-of-a-kind floating art parade. Afterward, the floats will be anchored and displayed throughout the festival weekend. There’s plenty to do for the kids, including interactive art activities in nearby Town Green Park. woodlandsartsfestival.com.
Crossword by Myles Mellor
FEBRUARY ANSWERS
The first weekend in April, The Houston Heights Association’s Historic Houston Heights Spring Home & Garden Tour has a new theme. “Soaring to New Heights” emphasizes the way the neighborhood continues to invite growth while maintaining tradition. All of the stops on the tour reflect the spirit of putting a new face on historical tradition. Five of the six houses are renovated historic homes while the only new home on the tour was built in a style that reflects the traditional architecture of the neighborhood. The annual CANDLELIGHT DINNER & AUCTION will kick off the festivities from 8pm to 11pm, Friday, April 3, at Winter Street Studios, 2101 Winter Street. The dinner follows a private tour of the homes. houstonheights.org
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Photo by Fulton Davenport
THERE’S JUST TOO MUCH MARCH MADNESS TO SHARE, SO MUCH TO DO…
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