September 2009 by 002houston magazine

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002houston | september 09 | volume 11 | issue 129

hip.current.cool guide

002mag.com

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LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

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Photography by Sofia van der Dys

IT’S

OUR FIRST EVER FOOD+DRINK ISSUE – AND I HAVE THE EXTRA POUNDS TO PROVE WE’VE DONE OUR HOMEWORK.

CARLA VALENCIA de MARTINEZ

Now, if you get out and about in this vast city, you know it’s IMPOSSIBLE to go everywhere. Even with our team and all the public relations people we work with and letters we get from you – we would need way more time to scope out and eat out across the whole city. So what we did was try to get you a concise review of the new places opening and those that have recently opened. It all starts on page 64.

Mind you, we also drank; it is the food+drink issue after all. Check out Gabriella Nissen’s beautiful shoot on page 54. Now, for those pesky aforementioned pounds – what’d you think? We were going to let you get fat and not share some things to keep you looking like a lean eating machine? No, we actually care about you! We want to make sure when we do see you at those hot new places, that you’re, well, looking hot. William Middleton offers up Michael Florida on page 32. If you’re in the know, his name already conjures up visions of the new, sleeker you. (If not, never fear, after reading this you’ll know what we’re talking about.) And check out the latest exercise craze in LA called SPX in this month’s On Our Radar on page 36. We’re excited to welcome Reyne Haines to 002houston. Known for PBS Emmy awardnominated Antiques Roadshow, she’ll be teaching us a thing or two on collecting, authenticity and more. It all starts on page 56, with vintage barware. Since I have had food+drink on the brain, I couldn’t help but catch Julie & Julia, and as a new fan of Julia Child, I use her famous words…

volume 11

issue 129

PUBLISHER alejandro martinéz ext 16 a.martinez@002mag.com EDITOR-IN-CHIEF | CREATIVE DIRECTOR carla valencia de martinéz ext 13 c.valencia@002mag.com CONTRIBUTING EDITOR victoria bartlett ART DIRECTOR alex rosa ext 17 arosa@002mag.com LIFESTYLE EDITOR beatrice valencia ext 11 bvalencia@002mag.com ASSOCIATE EDITOR pixie ibañez ext 10 pixie@002mag.com ADVERTISING SALES MANAGER william king ext 18 w.king@002mag.com ADVERTISING EXECUTIVES carlos valencia ext 12 cevalencia@002mag.com jarrod klawinsky ext 15 jklawinsky@002mag.com

isabel terraso ext 14 isabel@002mag.com PHOTOGRAPHERS kim coffman, kennon evett, jill hunter, jaime lagdameo, gabriella nissen, daniel ortiz, jack potts, anthony rathbun, aaron m. sprecher sofia van der dys, CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS bernard bauri + nick villamayor for lastnightpics.com, cody bess, jordan chan, andrew macpherson, dan mohr, carlos meltzer, shannon o’hara, wayne sandlin CONTRIBUTING WRITERS michael andre adams, shyla batwilla, michael garfield, patty gras, sandra gunn, reyne haines, travis jones, hal lynde, nadia michel, william middleton, tim moloney, jenni rebecca stephenson, kristina vaquero, jenny wang, lance scott walker, scott ward INTERNS danielle garbouchian, mary rose kesser, aide ramirez, mindy schultz FOR SUGAR LAND SALES

FOOD + DRINK | first edition

Photography: Jill Hunter Location: RDG + Bar Annie oops!

Bon appétit! 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.

Carla Valencia de Martinéz- Editor at Large Fashion Director 4. september 09 | www.002mag.com

002HOUSTON MAGAZINE 1310 NANCE ST. STUDIO C | HOUSTON, TX 77002 713.223.5333 | FAX 713.223.4884 | LETTERS@002MAG.COM FACEBOOK: 002HOUSTON | WWW.002MAG.COM

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TABLE OF CONTENTS 04 06 08 10 12 14 16 18 20 22 23 24 26

letter from the editor table of contents contributors page houston map downtown map uptown map + party pics calendar museum district art houses + museums + exhibits scene | living smart spacetaker the gallery: nau-haus for art’s sake: sketch klubb

51 finance 52 vroom vroom 53 tools + toys + gadgets

54 TOP SHELF

54 56 VINTAGE BARWARE

56 28

28 NONPROFIT: RECIPE FOR SUCCESS

58 restaurant listings

60 BUSINESS PROFILE: CLEVERLEY STONE

30 born cool. grow hip.

60 62 TEXAS STYLE BEER PAIRINGS

31 PHONE SHOT NEW FEATURE

62 64 FOOD+DRINK SPECIAL

32 MR. REMARKABLE 34 35 36 38

people of Houston wise guy on our radar costumes for cocktails

39 RETAIL WRAP: LISA KEY @ SPEC’S

72 food+drink tidbits

74 PINK

39 40 things I love 42 destination: south carolina

76 recording: grandfather child

77 CLUB REVIEW: GALLANT KNIGHT

44 IT’S COOL TO ROLL YOUR OWN SUSHI

44 46 where to live 48 archichat 50 002 profile: chez nous

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74 77 78 80 81 82

night life sip codes cd reviews crossword puzzle + before we go

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002 CONTRIBUTORS REYNE HAINES MEDIA PERSONALITY

WILLIAM MIDDLETON WRITER

KIM COFFMAN PHOTOGRAPHER

Media personality Reyne Haines, with expertise in 20th-century Decorative Arts, is called upon to appraise collectibles ranging from antique watches to $20 million paintings. Her skills are in high demand by investment firms, high-end estates and charity auctions. Reyne is the host of KPRC’s The Art of Collecting, a weekly program spotlighting trends and news items in the world of antiques & collectibles. She also blogs for The Huffington Post, is a guest on CBS’ The Early Show and can be heard on Martha Stewart Living Radio on Sirius. Reyne rose to popularity on PBS’ Emmy award-nominated Antiques Roadshow.

Having long been a journalist and editor in Paris and New York, William moved to Houston to work on his first book: a biography of arts patrons Dominique and John de Menil. He has been the Paris Bureau Chief for Fairchild Publications, overseeing W and Women’s Wear Daily, Fashion Features Director for Harper’s Bazaar and has written for such publications as Vogue, House & Garden, Travel & Leisure, Departures, Texas Monthly, the International Herald Tribune and The New York Times. William has hung out with Catherine Deneuve in Paris for W, interviewed Alexander McQueen in London for Bazaar and explored a surrealist sculpture garden in the Mexican jungle for The New York Times Magazine. For 002, he talks food and training with Houston nutritionist Michael Florida of the Institute for Eating Management. “I have friends in New York and Los Angeles,” William says, “who can’t believe that some of the best sports nutritionists in the country are right here in our city on the swamp!”

Kim Coffman has been “capturing life one frame at a time” since the early 90s in the Houston area. From rural roots to business suits with combat boots in between, he currently covers the Houston social scene. Kim loves a photo challenge! If he hears someone say “I don’t take a good photo,” he is absolutely energized. His greatest joy is to bring out the beauty in every subject – female, male, flower or feast. His images have appeared in many local and national publications. When he is not shooting a gala or a fundraiser, he can be found at mitzvahs, anniversaries, weddings or anyplace people are gathered in celebration. He shares, “I love my job! I get to attend all the greatest parties!” Kim is grateful for all of the opportunities he has had and looks forward to those in the future. He shares his life with Sandra and five fabulous felines. www.kimcoffmanphoto.com

NADIA MICHEL WRITER

CYNTHIA BOGART ARTIST

SEÑOR DUMMY PROFESSIONAL DUMMY

Originally from Quebec, Canada, Nadia is a freelance writer and journalist who’s interviewed everyone from Sheila Jackson Lee to Gloria Gaynor. Her degree in Broadcast Journalism has taken her in many directions: she was an art critic for Cleveland, Ohio’s weekly Cleveland Scene and a ski reporter for a radio station in Montreal. She now proudly calls H-Town home and loves 002 assignments, which have taken her inside Habitat for Humanity homes and behind the scenes at TUTS Theatre. A trained saxophone player, ballet dancer and singer (OK, so Sony Music never actually picked up the demo!), Nadia also works as a freelance radio announcer and television host. She has been heard on Houston’s KPFT 90.1 Local News and been seen on KHOU, the local CBS affiliate.

Cynthia Bogart is a native New Yorker currently living in the alternative universe that is Houston, TX. (Just trying to fit in a bit and finding solace in sketching.) She has just completed her first solo show, Hey You, here in Houston. Between her day job as visual display guru at High Fashion Home and grueling marathon training schedules, you can find her sketching in cafes around Montrose, daydreaming about moving to Switzerland. She creates the illustrations month after month for 002houston’s Costumes for Cocktails column.

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cynthiaabogart@yahoo.com cynthetica.blogspot.com

Although Señor Dummy joined 002houston magazine fairly recently, staffers have come to accept him like part of the family. Not a man of many words, Señor Dummy is a man of many faces. He eagerly accepts any challenge and can groom a dog better than Cesar Milan. His green thumb rivals that of Martha Stewart’s, and his fashion sense is way ahead of any September Issue. In this month’s column he draws on his idol MacGyver’s ingenious skills teaching you how to roll your own sushi.

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HOUSTON MAP

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

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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 Loehmannâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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 Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Museum......................23 Houston Museum of Natural Science..24 Houston Arboretum.....................25 Houston Theater District..............26 The Woodlands............................27

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EVENT THREE POINTS IN SPAIN WHY TO CELEBRATE THE 58TH CONSULAR BALL WHERE DEBORAH COLTON GALLERY WHEN JULY 10

Photography by The Photo Boutique

002houston September 09:002houston

More than 70 guests dressed in their favorite Spanish attire to enjoy an evening of sangria and art at the 58th Consular Forum event, honoring the Kingdom of Spain. The gallery, Three Points in Spain, featured Carlos Ciriza, Loli Fernandez-Andrade and Javier de Villota. The gallery played as part of a series of events leading up to the 58th Annual Consular Ball, scheduled to take place this October 10. The event was hosted by the Consul General of Spain, Miguel Angel Fernandez de Mazarambroz, and Deborah Colton.

Deborah Colton, Consul General of Spain MIguel Angel Fernandez de Mazarambroz, Carolyn Farb

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Gary Miller, Neda Zafaranian, Yasi Lotfi

Jana Phillips, Erica Hoelscher, Anita Guerra

Kirsten Guerra, Matthew Jurecky

Marie and Christian Burns

Roberto and Kilda Garcia

Cristal Monta単ez Baylor, George Baylor

Monsour Taghadisi, Sima Ladjevardian, Loli Fernandez-Andrade Kolber

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Photography by The Photo Boutique

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CALENDAR SEPTEMBER 2009 SUNDAY

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PERFORMING ARTS + CONCERTS + SPORTS + FESTIVALS + GENERAL INTEREST

MONDAY

TO PURCHASE TICKETS, PLEASE CONTACT

WEDNESDAY

TUESDAY H OB Collective Soul w/ Black Stone Cherry& Ryan Starr 7:30pm

HOB The Cult 8pm Jones HS: Hits of the ’60s & ’70s w/ Rockapella 7:30pm MOT Samskriti: Bollywood Blast 2009 8pm Minute Maid Astros vs. Philadelphia Phillies 1:05pm

Hobby TUTS: Grease 2 & 7:30pm Jones HS: Chevron Fiesta Sinfonica 6pm Main Street The House of Spirits 3pm Minute Maid Astros vs. Pittsburgh Pirates 1:05pm Wortham HB: Manon 2pm

September 13, Trios- Franz Joseph Haydn, 4pm at Duncan Recital Hall- Rice University. Presented by Context.

Hobby Ars Lyrica: A Musical Offering 5pm / TUTS: Grease 2 & 7:30pm HOB Enanitos Verdes 30th Anniversary Tour 8pm Jones Tchaikovsky’s Fifth Symphony 2:30pm Main Street The House of Spirits 3pm Stages Southern Rapture 3pm Warehouse Living Colour 8:30pm Wortham HB: Manon 2pm

Minute Maid Astros vs. Philadelphia Phillies 1:05pm Warehouse The Dandy Warhols 8pm

September 12, Ars Lyrica Season Kick-off Party @ Block 7 Wine Co. noon-3pm

Hobby TUTS: Grease 8pm HOB She Wants Revenge w/ Kill Hannah & Paper Route 8pm Minute Maid Astros vs. Atlanta Braves 7:05pm

Hobby TUTS: Grease 8pm HOB Shwayze w/ The Knux, Dirt Nasty, Tabi Bonney, Beardo & Chris Young 8pm MOT Comite Patriotico Mexicano: El Grito Festival de Independencia 3pm

DISCOVERY GREEN September 12, Fab 40 do Beatles Abbey Road. For more info, visit discoverygreen.com September 19, Buffy the Vampire Slayer musical and film with SWAMP. Visit swamp.org or discoverygreen.com for more info. September 27-29, Strange Fruits’s “Swoon!” and “Spheres” Visit strangefruit.net.au or discoverygreen.com for more info.

Hobby Inprint: An Evening w/ Joseph O’Neill & Marilynne Robinson 7:30pm Minute Maid Astros vs. St. Louis Cardinals 7:05pm

Minute Maid Astros vs. St. Louis Cardinals 7:05pm

September 22, Friends of DePelchin Social, 5:30pm at Gravitas SideBar and Patio. For more info., contact Anne Hoppe at 713.802.6268 or friends@depelchin.org or visit depelchin.org.

September 25, European Wax Center Launch Party, 6-9pm at the European Wax Center. Benefiting the Women’s Fund. For info, contact 713.436.8860.

H obby Oliver 2pm HOB Jonny Lang 8pm Jones HS: Der Rosenkavalier Film & Music 2:30pm Main Street The House of Spirits 3pm Minute Maid Astros vs. Cincinnati Reds 1:05pm Stages Southern Rapture 3pm Wortham HB: Without Boundaries 2pm SPA: Thirteenth Van Cliburn International Piano Competition 2pm

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MOT HGO: How Nanita Learned to Make Flan 11am

CWMP HS: Rockapella Goes Retro 8pm Warehouse Live Rebelution 8pm

ALLEY THEATRE alleytheatre.org | CWMP woodlandscenter.org | HOBBY CENTER 713.315.2525 thehobbycenter.org | HOUSE OF BLUES hob.com JONES HALL 713.227.3974 joneshall.org | MAIN STREET THEATER 713.524.6706 mainstreettheater.com | MERIDIAN meridianhouston.com | MILLER OUTDOOR THEATRE (MOT) milleroutdoortheatre.com MINUTE MAID PARK houston.astros.mlb.com | RELIANT PARK reliantpark.com STAGES REPERTORY THEATRE 713.527.0123 stagestheatre.com TOYOTA CENTER 1.866.4HOU.tix houstontoyotacenter.com| VERIZON THEATER verizonwirelesstheater.com | WAREHOUSE LIVE warehouselive.com WORTHAM CENTER 713.237.1439 worthamcenter.org

THURSDAY

September 25-27, Italian Style- Italian Expo at The George R. Brown Convention Center. For times and more info, visit italianexpo.us.

DON'T FORGET! The 19th Annual Komen Race for the Cure takes place OCTOBER 3 @ Sam Houston Park Downtown.Sign up @ www.komen-houston.org to race or find a way to get involved.

Hobby TUTS: Grease 8pm HOB Secondhand Serenade w/ Parachute & Evan Taubenfeld 8pm Minute Maid Astros vs. Atlanta Braves 7:05pm

CWMP Jason Mraz 7:30pm Hobby TUTS: Grease 8pm HOB Gospel Brunch 1:30pm Stages Repertory Theatre Southern Rapture 7:30pm Toyota Britney Spears 8:30pm Verizon Chickenfoot 8pm

HOB Co-Star of Disney’s Hannah Montana: Mitchell Musso w/ KSM 6:30pm Meridian Java Jazz presents It Dies Today! 6:30pm MOT HMDC: Swing, Jive, Pop! Into Dance 11am Minute Maid Astros vs. St. Louis Cardinals 7:05pm Stages Southern Rapture 7:30pm

CWMP HS: Viva Filarmonica 8pm Hobby TUTS: Grease 8pm HOB Umphrey’s McGee 8pm Main Street Theatre The House of Spirits 7:30pm Minute Maid Astros vs. Atlanta Braves 7:05pm Wortham HB: Manon 7:30pm

Hobby TUTS: Meet Me in St. Louis 8pm MOT HGO: How Nanita Learned to Make Flan 11am Stages Southern Rapture 7:30pm Verizon John Legend 8pm Warehouse Carbon Leaf + Stephen Kellogg & The Sixers 7:30pm

Hobby TUTS: Grease 8pm Jones Tchaikovsky’s Fifth Symphony 8pm | Main Street The House of Spirits 7:30pm Stages Southern Rapture 7:30pm Verizon The Mars Volta 8pm

September 18, Smoky Robinson, 8pm at Galveston’s Grand 1894 Opera House. For more info, visit thegrand.com. September 18 - October 17, See Rock City, 8:30pm Fridays and Saturdays at Theatre Suburbia. Call 713.682.3525 for ticket info or visit theatresuburbia.com.

September 24-26, Red Light Winter, 8pm at Frenetic Theatre. Houston debut presented by Horse Head Theatre Co. For tickets and more info, visit horseheadtheatre.org.

H obby TUTS: Meet Me in St. Louis 8pm MOT HGO: How Nanita Learned to Make Flan 11am Wortham Progressive Forum: Brian Greene 7:30pm

CWMP Blink 182 6:30pm HOB Butthole Surfers 8pm Main Street The House of Spirits 7:30pm Stages Southern Rapture 7:30pm Toyota P!nk 7:30pm Warehouse Datarock 8:30pm Wortham HB: Without Boundaries 7:30pm

September 24, Texas Children’s Hospital Cancer Center Casino Night, 7pm-12am at the Houston Downtown Aquarium. For more info, contact Tarryn Lankford at 832.824.6914.

AURORA PICTURE SHOW EVENTS September 12, The 47th Annual Ann Arbor Film Festival, 7pm at Frenetic Theatre September 13, Video Salon with Susanne Mason, 1pm at the Aurora Picture Show Library September 17, Early Japanese and American Video and Performance Art, 8pm at the Houston Center for Photography September 26, Garden Party, 8pm outdoors in Mandell Park

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

FRIDAY HOB Roots Rock Reggae w/ Irie Time & DJ Super Gold 9pm Jones HS: Hits of the ’60s & ’70s w/ Rockapella 8pm Minute Maid Astros vs. Philadelphia Phillies 7:05pm

SATURDAY HOB D-12 w/ Potluck 10pm Jones HS: Hits of the ’60s & ’70s w/ Rockapella 8pm Meridian The Hed to Head Tour w/ (hed) PE & Mushroomhead 7pm MOT Mercury Baroque: Fiesta Mexicana Barroca 8pm Minute Maid Astros vs. Philadelphia Phillies 6:05pm Warehouse Paolo Nutini 9pm

September 5, “The Glitter Show” by JB Carrillo exhibition debut, 6-10pm at Dean’s Credit Clothing Cocktail Lounge Montrose. “The Glitter Show” runs through October 12, 2009.

CWMP Brad Paisley 7:30pm Hobby TUTS: 13 7:30pm | TUTS: Grease 8pm HOB Blind Boys of Alabama 8pm MOT DWDT: The Trilogy – Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart 8pm Minute Maid Astros vs. Pittsburgh Pirates 7:05pm

“The Recycle Club” Fresh Arts Performance by the Travesty Dance Group at Discovery Green. Admission is free. September 11 & 12, Made in Heaven Jean trunkshow at Abejas Boutique. Great music, drinks, small bites and denim specialists, Denim Doctors, will be there throughout the day. For more info, contact Michelle at michelle@abejasboutique.com.

CWMP Nickelback 6pm Hobby TUTS: 13 1:30 & 7:30pm | TUTS: Grease 2 & 8pm Jones HS: Opening Night Emanuel Ax’ Beethoven 7:30pm Main Street The House of Spirits 8pm MOT Ambassadors International Ballet Folklorico: Mosaico Cultural Mexicano 11am | DWDT: The Trilogy – Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart 8pm Minute Maid Astros vs. Pittsburgh Pirates 6:05pm Warehouse …And You Will Know Us By The Trail Of Dead 9pm Wortham HB: Manon 7:30pm September 12, Second Saturday Boat Cruise, 10am at the Sabine Promenade. Presented by the Buffalo Bayou Partnership. For more information, visit buffalobayou.org.

CWMP HS: Chopin & Tchaikovsky 8pm Hobby TUTS: Grease 8pm Main Street The House of Spirits 8pm MOT 13th Annual Grand Taiko Festival 7:30pm Stages Southern Rapture 8pm Warehouse Motorhead 9pm Wortham HB: Manon 7:30pm

Hobby Oliver 8pm CWMP Creed 7:30pm HOB Every Time I Die & Bring Me the Horizon w/ Oh, Sleeper & The Architects 8pm Jones HS: Der Rosenkavalier Film & Music 8pm Main Street The House of Spirits 8pm MOT Dance Source: 15th Annual Weekend of Contemporary Dance 8pm Minute Maid Astros vs. Cincinnati Reds 7:05pm Stages Southern Rapture 8pm Warehouse Ra Ra Riot 9pm

Hobby TUTS: Grease 2 & 8pm HOB Lupillo Rivera 9pm Jones Tchaikovsky’s Fifth Symphony 8pm Main Street The House of Spirits 8pm MOT 13th Annual Grand Taiko Festival 7:30pm Stages Southern Rapture 8pm Toyota How Sweet The Sound 7:30pm Verizon Guitars and Saxes 8pm Wortham HB: Manon 7:30pm | Bering Omega: Sing For Hope – An Evening of Art, Songs and Arias 8pm

Hobby Oliver 8pm HOB Psychedelic Furs & Happy Mondays 8pm Jones HS: Der Rosenkavalier Film & Music 8pm Main Street Click, Clack, Moo: Cows That Type 1 & 4pm | The House of Spirits 8pm MOT Marvelous China – A Multi Art Show from China 12pm Dance Source: 15th Annual Weekend of Contemporary Dance 8pm Minute Maid Astros vs. Cincinnati Reds 6:05pm Stages Southern Rapture 8pm Warehouse Ingrid Michaelson 9pm Wortham HB: Without Boundaries 7:30pm

HOUSTON ZOO September 10, Call of the Wild Lecture Series Begins, 6:30pm at the Brown Education Center Auditorium Houston Zoo. For more information or to purchase tickets on-line, visit http://www.houstonzoo.org/lectureseries/. September 12, Photo Day, 7:30am. The Zoo opens its gates 90 minutes early, allowing ticket holders to take advantage of the morning light and cooler weather to capture memorable shots of some of the Zoo’s early risers. For more information and to purchase tickets on-line, visit http://www.houstonzoo.org/photographyday/. September 22, Home School Day, 9am-3:30pm. The day will include special presentations, activities and tours for homeschoolers and their families. Details and registration information coming soon at http://www.houstonzoo.org/en/cev/328. september 09 | www.002mag.com .17

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MUSEUM DISTRICT 1. THE MENIL COLLECTION menil.org

The Menil Collection presents the exhibition Body in Fragments, on view through February 14, 2010. The exhibit brings together diverse works from the collection to explore the ways in which different cultures conceptualize the spiritual, physical and intellectual aspects of personhood. Within the Menil’s collection of more than 16,000 objects – paintings, sculptures, works on paper, rare books and manuscripts, and other works of art – there are numerous examples of fragmented human bodies ranging from the disembodied limbs and heads of Egyptian and medieval sculptures to works of art that highlight, exaggerate or reconfigure the human anatomy. 2. HOUSTON CENTER FOR PHOTOGRAPHY hcponline.org

During the month of September, HCP will feature Learning Curve 3, a selection of works by HCP´s students from the past year. The exhibition highlights the various educational programs that HCP offers through its Learning Center from digital to alternative processes and is juried by three of HCP´s instructors, Kristy Peet, Laszlo Perlaky and Bob Warren. 3. THE ROTHKO CHAPEL rothkochapel.org

An intimate sanctuary available to people of every belief, this modern meditative environment was inspired by the paintings of American abstract expressionist Mark Rothko. The Chapel serves as both art museum and public forum and hosts a range of educational programs, inter-religious dialogues and symposia on critical issues. 4. BYZANTINE FRESCO CHAPEL MUSEUM menil.org/visit/byzantine.php

The only intact examples of 13th-century Byzantine wall painting of this size and importance in the Western Hemisphere, these masterworks were stolen by thieves from a chapel in the Turkish occupied town of Lysi, cut into pieces and smuggled off the island of Cyprus. Rescued and restored by the Menil Foundation, the dome and apse now reside on a longterm loan from the Church of Cyprus in an intimate chapel designed by award-winning architect Francois de Menil.

5. HOUSTON CENTER FOR CONTEMPORARY CRAFT crafthouston.org

Dedicated to advancing education about the process,

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product and history of craft, Houston Center for Contemporary Craft (HCCC) focuses on objects made primarily of clay, fiber, glass, metal and wood. HCCC reaches thousands of children a year through its educational and outreach programming. Visitors can enjoy innovative exhibitions of contemporary craft, engaging with on-site artists-in-residence. 6. LAWNDALE ART CENTER lawndaleartcenter.org

Lawndale Art Center celebrates their 25th Anniversary Show through September 26 featuring new work from artists who have shown in each of Lawndale’s four galleries. Some of the works include: Me, Mine, and not Yours by Joe Ives and Jahjehan Bath Ives, Paper or Plastic by Nathaniel Donnett, The Green™ cyber web by Adela Andea, as well as from The Big Show and the Artist Studio Program.

7. BUFFALO SOLDIERS NATIONAL MUSEUM buffalosoldiermuseum.com

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

in a day’s time. The handy debit card, or Kid Card, allows kids to go shopping, deposit their paychecks and just learn how to manage money daily. A total of fourteen galleries pack the museum. 10. THE HEALTH MUSEUM thehealthmuseum.org

Come and learn with the latest multimedia and special effects technology at You: The Exhibit. The Health Museum has created an experience that will take the museum visitor on a journey to explore their physical selves, mental selves and their future selves. The sophisticated media nature of the exhibition encourages group interaction and participation in the exhibition. 11. HOUSTON MUSEUM OF NATURAL SCIENCE hmns.org

The Houston Museum of Natural Science presents one of the most extraordinary archaeological findings of the 20th century, considered by many to be the Eighth Wonder of the World: The Terra Cotta Warriors from the tomb complex of China’s First Emperor, Qin Shi Huang. Thru September 7, Houstonians will have the chance to not only understand The Nature of Diamonds, but learn about the cultural aspects surrounding them. 12. HOUSTON ZOO houstonzoo.org

8. HOLOCAUST MUSEUM HOUSTON hmh.org

A Blessing to One Another: Pope John Paul III and the Jewish People runs through January 3. Created by Xavier University in Cincinnati, Ohio, this exhibit reflects the many contributions made by the Pope in respect to the Jewish people. The exhibit includes about 70 artifacts on loan from 10 museums and private collections that help illustrate the Pope’s association with the Jewish community. 9. CHILDREN’S MUSEUM OF HOUSTON cmhouston.org

With the recent additions to the museum comes the new exhibit Kidtropolis, USA which allows kids to be anything they choose to be! This real-life metropolis allows kids to become city leaders, voters, workers, shoppers and business owners, all

Come out to the Houston Zoo on Thursday, September 10, at 6:30pm to catch the Mountain Gorilla Veterinary Project. Learn how a healthy future is being insured for this special animal. Thru a combination of regular monitoring of the gorillas and providing lifesaving medical care if needed, while conducting health studies, the project does all that can be done to build local capacity in veterinary medicine and ecosystem health. On August 10, a male Masai giraffe was born to mother Tyra. The unnamed calf was standing on his own and nursing before 9am.

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13. RICE UNIVERSITY ART GALLERY ricegallery.org

Rice University is dedicated to the creation and exhibition of site-specific installation art. The gallery is located on the ground floor of Sewall Hall, near the main entrance to one of the nation’s most beautiful college campuses. Thru September 11, Wayne White: Big Lectric Fan To Keep Me Cool While I Sleep.

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vent underpinning of the mass consumption of these goods and the status that they once promised. 16. THE JUNG CENTER OF HOUSTON junghouston.org

The Jung Center’s exhibit, Postscaenium, features art by Edwin Grat, an artist who challenges and alarms figurative art. On display through September 28. 17. CZECH CENTER MUSEUM czechcenter.org

18. JOHN C. FREEMAN WEATHER MUSEUM wxresearch.org

The John C. Freeman Weather Museum is helping keep the community in the know in regards to the different aspects of weather, as well as science, history and safety. Visitors can make their own weather forecast at the WRC Weather Studio, view satellite and radar images of hurricanes, and learn how tornadoes form in the Tornado Chamber and much more!

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

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

Thru February 21 the MFAH presents important additions to the museum´s design collection, created by some of the most renowned designers of the 20th and 21st centuries, Recent Accessions in Design. Among the works on view are examples by international figures such as Gae Aulenti, Mathias Bengtsson, Shiro Kuramata, Gerrit Rietveld, Wieki Somers and Ettore Sottsass. 15. CONTEMPORARY ARTS MUSEUM HOUSTON camh.org

Jason Villegas’s installations combine wall murals, video, soft sculpture and performance. For Perspectives 167: Jason Villegas, the artist debuts a new site-specific installation created for the Contemporary Arts Museum Houston to mark his first solo museum exhibition. The installation, Invasive Species, is an extension of Villegas’s ongoing narrative regarding the lifecycle of luxury goods and the ecology they create, from the factories that produce them to the beneficiaries of American aid in the form of exported bulk clothing goods. In creating his installations, Villegas forages thrift stores to recover castoff luxury items such as the once-prized Polo logo shirts. From this found clothing, the artist constructs self-portraits, soft sculpture and even totems to unveil the fer-

KEY TO SYMBOLS



PARKING RESTAURANT SHOPPING SNACKS FREE ADMISSION

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ART HOUSES+MUSEUMS+EXHIBITS

1. blaffer gallery| 2. hooks-epstein gallery | 3. moody gallery | 4. heritage society

MUSEUMS 1940 AIR TERMINAL MUSEUM 1940airterminal.org 8325 Travelair Rd. 713.454.1940

September 19, Women in Aviation Day

ART CAR MUSEUM artcarmuseum.com 140 Heights Blvd. 713.861.5526

BLAFFER GALLERY class.uh.edu/blaffer UH Main Campus, Ent. 16, 713.743.9530

Thru November 14, Josephine Meckseper and Jon Pylypchuk GALVESTON ARTS CENTER galvestonartscenter.org 2127 Strand St. 409.763.2403 HERITAGE SOCIETY heritagesociety.org 1100 Bagby 713.655.1912

Thru September 27, Miles and Miles of Texas: The Lone Star State Through the Eyes of Buck Schiwetz HOUSTON FIRE MUSEUM houstonfiremuseum.org 2403 Milam 713.524.2526 MUSEUM OF PRINTING HISTORY printingmuseum.org 1324 W. Clay St. 713.522.4652

ARTSCAN GALLERY rudolphprojects.com 1836 Richmond Ave. 713.807.1836

Thru September 9, One Must Be Absolutely Modern ART LEAGUE HOUSTON artleaguehouston.org 1953 Montrose Blvd. 713.523.9530

BARBARA DAVIS GALLERY barbaradavisgallery.com 4411 Montrose 713.520.9200 BERING & JAMES GALLERY beringandjames.com 805 Rhode Place #500, 713.524.0101 BETZ GALLERY betzgallery.com 1208 W. Gray 713.576.6954

BLAFFER GALLERY class.uh.edu/blaffer 4800 Calhoun Rd. 713.743.9521

BOOKER-LOWE GALLERY bookerlowegallery.com 4623 Feagan St. 713.880.1541 Thru September 12, Circles and Ceremonies CANAL ST. GALLERY canalstreetgallery.com 2219 Canal St. 713.223.2219

September 29, Charles Darwin - Live!

COMMUNITY ARTISTS’ COLLECTIVE thecollective.org 1413 Holman 713.523.1616

MUSEUM OF SOUTHERN HISTORY (Houston Baptist University) 7502 Fondren Road 281.649.3997 Thru September 20, The Lee and Grant Exhibit

COMMUNE ON NORTH communeonnorth.com 2437 North Blvd. 713.526.3875

ORANGE SHOW orangeshow.org 2401 Munger 713.926.6368

PROJECT ROW HOUSES projectrowhouses.org 2521 Holman 713.526.7662

Thru September 13, The Big Picture: Jesse Lott 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 St. #113. 713.503.5714 ANYA TISH GALLERY anyatishgallery.com 4411 Montrose Blvd. 713.524.2299

APAMA MACKEY GALLERY mackeygallery.com 628 East 11th Street 713.850.8527

Thru September 26, Lee Baxter Davis

ARCHWAY GALLERY archwaygallery.com 2305 Dunlavy 713.522.2409

Thru October 1, Kay Sarver and Tom Irven

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CAROLINE COLLECTIVE carolinecollective.cc 4820 Caroline St. 713.825.4613

ELDER STREET GALLERY elderstreetartist.com 1101 Elder St. 281.250.4889 FOTOFEST fotofest.org 1113 Vine St. 713.223.5522

Thru October 24, POKE: Jennifer Ward G GALLERY redbudgallery.com/gGalleryIndex.html 301East 11th St. 713.822.4842 GALLERY 1724 gallery1724.com 1724 Bissonnet St. 713.523.2547

CTRL GALLERY ctrlgallery.com 3907 Main St. 713.523.2875

GALLERY SONJA ROESCH gallerysonjaroesch.com 2309 Caroline 713.659.5424

DAKOTA GALLERY dakotaframing.com/dfp/dakotagallery.asp 2324 Shearn St. 713.523.7440

GITE GALLERY thegitegallery.com 2024 Alabama St. 713.523.3311

Opens September 12, Marcelyn McNeil Works

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

Thru October 31, Paintings by Gilbert Hsiao

DARKE GALLERY darkegallery.com 5321 Feagan 713.542.3802

GOLDESBERRY GALLERY goldesberrygallery.com 2625 Colquitt 713.528.0405

DEBORAH COLTON GALLERY deborahcoltongallery.com 2445 North Blvd. 713.869.5151

September 4, Celebration of Three Artists – Calvin Liang, Darcie Peet & John Pototschnik

DESANTOS GALLERY desantosgallery.com 1724 Richmond 713.520.1200 DIVERSEWORKS diverseworks.org 1117 E. Freeway 713.223.8346

Opens September 11, Now That I’m By Myself: Rachel Cook DOMY BOOKS domystore.com 1709 Westheimer 713.523.3669

GREMILLION & CO. FINE ART gremillion.com 2501 Sunset Blvd. 713.522.2701 GUTHRIE CONTEMPORARY 2734 Virginia St. 713.522.8086

HCC-CENTRAL GALLERY centralfinearts.info 3517 Austin 713.718.6600

Thru October 17, Dawolu Jabari Anderson

HOUSTON LANDMARK GALLERY houstonlandmarkgallery.com 1200 McKinney 713.927.8800 HOUSTON STUDIOS 746 Walnut St. #100, 713.223.0951 HOLLYWOOD FRAME GALLERY hollywoodframegallery.com 2427 Bissonnet 713.942.8885

HOOKS-EPSTEIN hooksepsteingalleries.com 2631 Colquitt St. 713.522.0718 INMAN GALLERY inmangallery.com 3901 Main St. 713.526.7800

JOAN WICH & CO. GALLERY joanwichgallery.com 4411 Montrose Blvd. 713.526.1551

KINZELMAN ART CONSULTING kinzelmanart.com 3909 Main St. 713.533.9923 KOELSCH GALLERY koelschgallery.com 703 Yale 713.626.0175

LAURA RATHE FINE ART laurarathe.com 2707 Colquitt 713.824.3575

LAURA U COLLECTION lauraucollection.com 1840 Westheimer 713.522.0855

LAZZARA ART GALLERY gallerialazzara.com 5400 Mitchelldale St. 713.681.0681

Thru October 4, Solo Exhibit: Betirri

LOVETT INN ART GALLERY lovettinngallery.com 501 Lovett Blvd. 713.522.5224

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M2 GALLERY gallerymsquared.com 325 W. 19th St. 713.861.6070

McCLAIN GALLERY mcclaingallery.com 2242 Richmond Ave. 713.520.9988

McMURTREY GALLERY mcmurtreygallery.com 3508 Lake St. 713.523.8238 MEREDITH LONG GALLERY meredithlonggallery.com 2323 San Felipe 713.523.6671

MIDTOWN ART CENTER midtownartcenter.com 3414 La Branch 713.521.8803 MOODY GALLERY moodygallery.com 2815 Colquitt 713.526.9911

Thru October 17, White: James Drake MOTHER DOG STUDIOS 720 Walnut 713.229.9760

NAUHAUS GALLERY texascollaborative.com 223 E. 11th St. 713.261.1409 NOLAN-RANKIN GALLERIES nolan-rankingalleries.com 6 Chelsea Blvd. 713.528.0664

O’KANE GALLERY uhd.edu One Main St.@UHD 713.221.8042 PARKERSON GALLERY artnet.com/gallery/837/parkerson-gallery.html 3510 Lake St. 713.524.4945 PEEL GALLERY SHOP peelgallery.org 4411 Montrose Blvd. 713.520.8122

POST GALLERY postgallery.com "by appointment only" 2121 Sage, Ste. 390, 713.622.4241 POISSANT GALLERY poissantgallery.com 5102 Center St. 713.868.9337 REDBUD GALLERY redbudgallery.com 303 E. 11th St. 713.862.2532

Sept 5-27, Suguru Hiraide, Wichita Falls RETRO GALLERY retrogallery.com 1839 W. Alabama 713.522.7074

RICE UNIVERSITY ART GALLERY ricegallery.org 6100 Main St. 713.348.6069

September 10 – October 18, Wayne White: Big Llectric Fan to Keep Me Cool While I Sleep RUDOLPH PROJECTS I ARTSCAN GALLERY rudolphprojects.com 1836 Richmond Ave. 713.807.1836 SICARDI GALLERY sicardi.com 2246 Richmond Ave. 713.529.1313

SPACE125 GALLERY haatx.com 3201 Allen Parkway 713.527.9330 Thru August 14, Interconnectivity STUDIO SEVEN 1107 East Freeway 713.224.5555

TALENTO BILINGUE tbhcenter.com 333 S. Jensen Dr. 713.222.1213 TANSU 321-B West 19th 713.880.5100 THE ARTFUL CORNER theartfulcorner.com 3423 White Oak Dr. 713.426.4278 THOM ANDRIOLA newgallery.net 2627 Colquitt 713.520.7053

Opens September 5, Dorothy Hood Exhibition THORNWOOD GALLERY thornwoodgallery.com 2643 Colquitt St. 713.528.4278 VAUGHAN CHRISTOPHER GALLERY vaughanchristopher.com 1217 S. Shepherd 713.533.0816 WADE WILSON ART wadewilsonart.com 4411 Montrose #200, 713.521.2977 WATERCOLOR ART SOCIETY watercolorhouston.org 1601 West Alabama 713.942.9966

WINTER STREET STUDIOS winterstreetstudios.net 2101 Winter St. 713.862.0082 XNIHILO GALLERY xnil.org 2115 Taft St. 713.622.1846

ZARPOSH INDIA GALLERY zarposhindia.com 2702 Ashford Oak Dr. 713.668.2948

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Photography by Wayne Sandlin

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EVENT TRAVELED PHOTOGRAPHER COMES HOME WHY TO CELEBRATE THE OPENING NIGHT OF NATIVE HOUSTONIAN CHARLIE FERGUSON’S, STREET IMPRESSIONS WHERE VAUGHAN CHRISTOPHER GALLERY WHEN JULY 23

More than 100 arts lovers flocked to Vaughan Christopher Gallery to admire Charlie Ferguson’s recent collection, Street Impressions, an amazing collection of abstract and colorful photographs that capture street scenes from Chris’s travels around the world. Guests enjoyed a night of exquisite cocktails, succulent bites and good company.

Jonathan Axelrod, Ginger Wright, Julie Axelrod

Jay Erdmann, Nick Joe

Carol Junell, Charles Ferguson

Landrie Daniels, Erin Comeaux, Amy Fox

Sarah Trackwell, Emily Williams

Christian and Courtney O’Neil, Mary Ellen Bos

Mary Margaret Kinnan, Gretchen Ferguson, Veronica Ponce De Leon

Laura Mitchell, Emily Covey

LIVING SMART WITH PATRICIA GRAS

Living Smart airs Sundays at 3pm and Fridays at 10pm on Houston PBS.

ELIZABETH VALLETTE M.B.A./MICROFINANCE ADVOCATE In my lifetime I have visited many third world countries and to see that the people who really need it most to benefit studied economic development to lift them out of poverty. I economically were not. And so I began to get interested in learned about programs by the International Monetary different, very micro efforts to help low-income individuals Fund and the World Bank but none impressed me in countries like Iraq, Afghanistan and a variety of more than some of the microcredit lending banks places.” “MICROFINANCE and organizations for their effective poverty She also studied Muhammad Yunus who STANDS AS ONE OF THE alleviation work here in the United States and founded so far one of the most successful MOST PROMISING AND COSTthe rest of the world. I invited Elizabeth microfinance institutions in the world, the Vallette to talk about microfinance because EFFECTIVE TOOLS IN THE FIGHT Grameen bank. “He had been trained in AGAINST GLOBAL POVERTY.” of her experience as a war veteran. Vallette America in economics, so he went back to – JONATHAN MORDUCH, CHAIR, Bangladesh in the middle of a famine – it was got an engineering degree at West Point and UN EXPERT GROUP ON then served in Iraq as a logistics officer. The terrible – so he went out to the village to try to POVERTY experience transformed her. She then decided to figure out how he could not rectify his academic get an MBA at the University of Houston with a concentraining. He realized he needed to see what he could tration in a very unlikely area, microfinance. She has spent do in his own country to help the people out of poverty.” In time in Azerbaijan, Dallas, India and now Houston to com- time, Yunus created a village bank. “He saw a characterisbat what she sees as a problem for the U.S. as a nation and tic of these small villages and used it as the core of his proin the world. gram and that is peer lending, so he had lending teams. If Vallette found herself frustrated with how money was being a woman—if Liz walked up there and wanted a loan, I used in reconstruction in Iraq. “ I began to get interested in needed to bring with me a team of other business owners the trickle up effect, of economic stimulus from the bottom who also wanted loans and they were my guarantors. And up, and started to notice that some of the Iraqis that I was we were a network. Peer pressure, but they were also peer encountering with my procurement work while I was there support. So that if I got the loan, if I couldn’t make a paywere being passed over for larger contracts for foreign con- ment one time, then one of them would help. Or if I needed tractors, and it was frustrating to see. We were there for the some encouragement or some business advice, that’s what Iraqi people, and this was 2004. Of course, it‘s frustrating they were there for. So it guaranteed that the loan would be 22. september 09 | www.002mag.com

PATRICIA GRAS + ELIZABETH VALLETTE

repaid.” The return on the loans is very high, 97 to 99 percent. Vallette also interned for KIVA.ORG, a microfinance organization you can access on the web that makes small loans such as 25 dollars to a specific person. “Within three years, KIVA – I know they dispersed $50 million worth of funding to the microfinance institutions.” If you loan, you are most likely to get your money back. The default rate is only 3 percent.

On Vallette explains how microfinance works, the pros and cons and why she has committed her life to it. Share your experiences by either calling 713.743.8513 or emailing . If you miss this program, or if you would like to view streaming videos of past shows go to our website and click on the guest name. Patricia Gras is an Emmy Award-winning journalist and the producer and host for “Living Smart with Patricia Gras” and “Latina Voices: Smart Talk.” You can learn more about both these shows on .

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SPACETAKER ARTSCENE

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By Jenni Rebecca Stephenson

WHEN AUTUMN LEAVES START TO FALL, THE DAYS MAY GROW SHORT, BUT NOT THE WISTFUL MEMORIES INSPIRED IN THOSE LONG-IN-THE-TOOTH, JUDGING FROM THE NUMBER OF SONGS ON THE SUBJECT. FOR OTHERS, SEPTEMBER TRIGGERS A DIFFERENT RESPONSE AS THE DAYS OF SUMMER SWIMMING POOLS AND SLACKING OFF COME TO A CLOSE. THE YOUNG LADS AND LASSES HEAD BACK TO SCHOOL EQUIPPED WITH FRESH CRAYONS AND ENOUGH KLEENEX FOR A SMALL COUNTRY WITH A CHRONIC COLD. WHILE THE REST OF THE YEAR IS SPENT BEMOANING SCHOOL, HOMEWORK AND HUMORLESS HISTORY TEACHERS, THESE FIRST DAYS OF THE ACADEMIC YEAR ARE FACED WITH EXCITEMENT AND NERVOUS ANTICIPATION. WHILE REMEMBERING WHAT YOU DID LAST SUMMER WHEN LIFE WAS SLOW AND OH, SO MELLOW, MAKE PLANS THIS FALL TO RECOMMENCE YOUR ARTFUL EDUCATION AT ONE OF THIS MONTH’S EDIFYING ART EVENTS.

Stilett“O”s Artist Reception @ HCCC September 3, 5:30pm “As an expression of appreciation, I offer my gratitude to all women who endure the torture of wearing such heels. Your sacrifice does not go unnoticed,” states Omar Angel Perez, the revered wood-sculpting artist whose works have been exhibited across the country. His “impossibly sexy, sky-high platform shoes” and exhibition will be on display at the Houston Center for Contemporary Craft starting August 29, with an opening artist’s reception to be held on September 3. A native Houstonian, Perez constructed the pieces using turned wood and accents made of band saw blades, snakeskin, leather, feathers and coveted Swarovski® crystals. Though unable to be worn, these bold designs are enough to satisfy the most discerning shoe fetish. Houston Center for Contemporary Craft- FREE. www.crafthouston.org Bollywood Blast! @ Miller September 6, 8:00pm Experience the song, dance, glitz and glamour of the world’s largest film industry— Bollywood! An entertaining evening for the entire family, Bollywood Blast! is presented by Samskriti-Society for Indian Performing Arts for the third year in a row by artistic director Rathna Kumar and director Mahesh from Bombay, India. Fascinating visuals, dazzling costumes, foot-tapping dances and clapinspiring music comprise this memorable celebration of Indian star quality under the stars. Miller Outdoor Theatre-FREE. www.milleroutdoortheatre.com A Musical Offering with Ars Lyrica September 20, 5:00pm Music may be the food of love, but it’s also a journey for both body and soul. Houston’s leader in early music begins its Grand Tour in the great halls of Europe with Bach’s “Musical Offering” for Frederick the Great, one of Telemann’s “Paris Quartets” and a Bach cantata celebrating the birthday of Prince

Leopold of Cöthen. Featured artists include Baroque violinist Adam LaMotte, Baroque flautist Colin St. Martin, soprano Melissa Givens and tenor Eduardo Tercero. Zilkha Hall- $30–40. www.arslyrica.org Night of the Giant by Mildred’s Umbrella September 23-26, 8:00pm Family matters in Mildred’s Umbrella Theatre Company world premiere play by resident playwright John Harvey. Two sisters sit in a room and discuss their family history, while their father sleeps, bound and gagged behind them on the floor . . . for now. A string quartet plays notes and bars nearby on stage, as if in conversation with the family, but the question remains: how will all survive the afternoon? Barnevelder Movement Arts Complex (2201 Preston, 77003)- $13, $8 for students and seniors. www.mildredsumbrella.com Weekend of Contemporary Dance September 25-26, 8:00 pm Houston’s annual dance festival is aflutter with gorgeous dance, eclectic music and intriguing multimedia works showcasing a wide range of contemporary choreographic styles. Presented by Dance Source, the featured performances include Amy Ell’s aptly named company Vault in a gravity-defying aerial dance, Freneticore’s urban dance-on-film, Hope Stone Dance and a lyrical piece created by Caleb Mitchell (formerly of Houston Ballet) for Houston Metropolitan Dance Company. Rounding out the weekend is American Repertory Ensemble and an innovative work for a cellist, dancer and video monitor, as well as Urban Souls Dance Company and its powerful narrative piece about genocide in Africa. Miller Outdoor Theatre- FREE. houstondance.org

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THE GALLERY

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By Nadia Michel Photography by Aaron M. Sprecher

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NAÜ-HAUS CONTEMPORARY ART GALLERY | DAN ALLISON IS ART SCOUT PAR EXCELLENCE 223 e. 11th st., houston, tx 77008 | 713.261.1409 | www.nau-haus.com | dan@nau-haus.com

Owner Dan Mitchell Allison

t may look like an edgy little garage building from the outside, but Naü-haus Contemporary may as well be a glossy uptown gallery. Sales have been brisk since it opened 18 months ago, and Houston’s most avid art collectors have taken note. “The right people come to our openings,” says owner Dan Allison.

Located in the Heights, Naü-haus and its sister project, Texas Collaborative Arts, are part of an initiative to bring local artists together. “I did a paper in college about Bauhaus – a design movement which incorporated a lot of design, art and architecture. It became a club where people could meet and collaborate,” explains Allison. Since opening in 2007, Naü-haus has featured a different artist each month. “We don’t have a stable of artists; we choose them carefully for individual shows and often end up presenting them to other galleries.” Selecting the right art is serious business for Allison. “A lot of galleries look at work strictly in terms of selling capacity,” he says. “When I look at art, I know I like it, but I really have to understand it. I submerge myself in it. I think that’s vital in having the work received well.” Allison also always makes sure artists have the proper marketing tools, including press releases, headshots and artist statements. “I spend a lot of time writing about each artist,” he says. Allison also manages Texas Collaborative Arts, a studio open to different kinds of artists looking to experiment with other mediums. “Think of it as a music studio. We have a lot

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of things for artists to play with and we prepare for individual needs. If Willie Nelson was coming, we’d get the banjo ready. Some artists like to draw, so we suggest new things to use,” he explains. The studio specializes in printing, which is used as an experimental tool. “If they’re a sculptor interested in painting, they can use a print of their sculpture to learn how to paint.” The gallery locale is rich in history and ideal for showing art. Originally a boat repair shop, the 1930’s storefront has undergone only minor revisions. Floor tiles added in the 1960s were torn up, revealing a patina red concrete which was simply varnished. “It’s got clean walls and good light, which is what we need,” says Allison. The 1600-sq.-ft. space has 12foot ceilings and little artifice. Artists are the ones who set the scene. That’s exactly what Paul Kittleson did last September when he was scheduled to present “Modern Conveniences,” a new take on his signature trompel’oeil installations. On a whim, he decided to make the gallery windows look as if they had been broken and boarded up. A couple weeks after the setup, Hurricane Ike struck, wreaking real havoc on many business storefronts. Neighbors offered help and sympathy for the fake damage. “I told them ‘No, that’s a Kittleson,” Allison laughs. Despite the ensuing two-week power failure, Kittleson continued giving scheduled work-

shops. “We had candles and tiki-torches. It was great! I reminded everyone that Picasso didn’t have electricity!” Allison recalls. Kittleson, made famous by his urban sculptures throughout the city (including 30-foot-tall stainless steel torches marking the edges of Buffalo Bayou as Interstate 45 crosses the waterway), is one artist Allison was keen on reintroducing to the Houston art scene. An accomplished artist in his own right who has served on the boards of Art League and Lawndale, and as former director of the Barbara Davis Gallery, Allison had an agenda. “I kind of knew what I wanted to do. Like a band that gets its first record deal, they know the first ten songs they want to put on there. The second album is the hardest,” he says. Next up is Scott Woodard’s “The Land Within,” a collection of acrylic on canvas. His self-proclaimed “quest for serenity” promises to take us inside his surreal inner-landscapes, and subsequently, into our own. "THE LAND WITHIN" RUNS SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, THROUGH SUNDAY, OCTOBER 10, 2009. OPENING RECEPTION FOR THE ARTIST SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, FROM 6 TO 9PM, WITH A GALLERY TALK SATURDAY, OCTOBER 3, AT 7PM. NAÜ-HAUS IS OPEN SATURDAY AND SUNDAY FROM NOON5PM, OR BY APPOINTMENT.

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FOR ART’S SAKE

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Interview by Shyla Batliwalla

SKETCH KLUBB ROLLS TWELVE DEEP www.sketchklubb.blogspot.com

oon on Saturday morning and most of us are barely rolling out of bed. By this time, Sketch Klubb Houston members have already met, drawn and are headed home to their families. For the past four years every other Saturday morning Sketch Klubb members have risen early to meet in cafes, homes and “secret Little Rascal-style” clubhouses around Houston from 8am to noon to draw. What started out as a place for loner dudes to socialize has turned into a family – a uniquely gifted and creative one. Sketch Klubb was created in 2005 by J. Michael Stovall, Russell Etchen, Patrick Phipps and David Wang. It began as a place for guys to get away from their girlfriends and wives, make friends and draw. The Klubb now rolls twelve men. “No girls allowed. It’s a freedom thing. It’s a way to connect with guys with a common interest.” For the past four years they have met nearly every other Saturday without fail. While there is no planned agenda regarding what they draw, things tend to grow organically. It generally ends up being a lot of “boobs, boners and Barts.” (What else can you expect from a bunch of usually hungover dudes at 8am on a Saturday morning?) Their drawings are bound together and archived in an extensive library of ’zines. The boys had their first show, a four-year retrospective entitled “Show Us Your Zits,” on June 20 at The Joanna. Wooden floors, white walls, intricate drawings, hanging ’zines and a piñata of Bart and Lisa Simpson getting it on – all in all, it was an incredibly successful initial public debut. For the dozen members of Sketch Klubb compiling the show was a time for them “to go back and remember our conversations and what we were working on.” It was nerve-racking to publicize work that was done in the intimacy of Klubb walls. “Some were never intended for a broader audience – it was a little uncomfortable for people to see some of our cruder drawings.” The members of Sketch Klubb have lofty ambitions for the future. They are applying for numerous grants and are pursuing various avenues to get their work more exposure. Their recent show is slated to travel to Austin, New York and possibly even Paris. They sold 14 of the 20 books they printed and are looking to make another publication soon. “It’s our version of a poker night. Instead of going to a bar, we come together to draw. We’ve substituted markers for cigars.” While their future growth may not be certain, one thing is: They still plan to meet, draw and create every other Saturday for as long as they possibly can. While they are open to new members, the boys claim to be “very lazy, to put in the effort to find a compatible person.” Their early morning schedule also weeds out a lot of people who are keen to join. “It’s an additional layer of dedication, we come in groggy, hungover and even drunk – it’s just become a normal part of our weekend, like doing the laundry or washing the car Sunday. In some cases we’ll even meet on the Saturdays we’re not supposed to.” After returning from my unusually early Saturday wake-up call to chat with the energy-filled boys at Sketch Klubb, I opened my email inbox to receive the following from member Rene Cruz: thanks again for the interview, one last thing i wanted to share is that when we do have new people join, there’s an initiation; a new member has the option of drawing a storm trooper

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from memory ... or bart simpson having sex with lisa simpson. needless to say most of the time the new member draws bart and lisa. this might shed some light on the pinata commission we had made for the show. kinda of a strange email but, hey what can i say. While it might be strange to draw an animated brother and sister fornicating, let’s be honest – every family is strange. At least some amazing, innovative and beautiful drawings come out of the strangeness of the Sketch Klubb family every other Saturday.

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NONPROFIT

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By Mindy Schultz Photography by Carlos Meltzer

RECIPE FOR SUCCESS www.recipe4success.org

rom a young age, we are taught the basics – two plus two equals four, how to wear our clothes properly, to say thank you when someone does something nice for us and so forth. However, there is one basic lesson that kids just aren’t learning: how to eat healthy.

The fight against childhood obesity has been a growing epidemic in Texas for many years now. In fact, according to recent research, nearly 50% of Houston’s 4th graders are overweight; at least 26% of Houston area teenagers are obese and, to add to the list, obesity and overweight issues in Texas now cost taxpayers over $9 billion a year. Something needed to be done. Recipe for Success, a nonprofit 501(c)3, is an organization founded by Houstonian Gracie Cavnar in hopes of changing the way our children eat… for life. “I was initially bothered by the extraordinary power of marketing dollars being directed at children to encourage the purchase of sodas and junk food,” Cavnar said. “Especially when it became focused on school children within their schools when they were outside of their parents’ control.” The basis of Recipe for Success (RFS) is to combat childhood obesity in a fun and interactive way. Since its launch in August 2005, RFS staff and volunteers have helped over 3,000 elementary-age children each month through its numerous programming. Starting with just 24 chefs, the organization has since grown to 47, and the list grows daily. “Initially we were begging folks—‘it won’t take too much time,’” Cavnar said. “Now, the first call a chef makes when (s)he moves to town is to a publicist, and the second is to us because the PR folks and all the other chefs are saying ‘you need to hook up with RFS.’” After collaborating with numerous places to get her plan underway, Gracie and her husband Bob selected five geographically diverse elementary schools in at-risk communities in Houston to start their pilot program. From there, RFS began implementing programs such as Chefs in Schools, Recipe Gardens, Kids Cooking, Kids Gardening After School and Eat This! Summer Camp. Each and every one of these programs play an integral part of what makes RFS so successful, but it’s certain programs like Chefs in Schools that really work with the kids. Targeted at fourth graders, 30 of Houston’s finest culinary chefs volunteer their time once a month to help teach the students how to cook healthy snacks and meals. “We target fourth graders because at age 9, children are old enough to learn real cooking skills but still young enough to be excited to work with adults,” Cavnar said. “We’re still cool,” she said.

Other programs like Recipe Gardens are geared towards all elementary grade levels. In collaboration with Recipe for Success’ professional gardening staff, faculty, parents and students help volunteer their time to build and design a special Recipe Garden in some part of the school. Monthly classes in the garden help the students learn how the entire food cycle works from seed to plate. Rather than mindlessly eating whatever is put in front of them, the children now have a foundation of how certain foods are made. 28. september 09 | www.002mag.com

Although all of Recipe for Success’ current programs have so far proven to be successful, Cavnar and the rest of her RFS team are already in the works for more. “Our thought was the concept of a shared meal with family and friends and since the importance of that is so central to what we teach in the schools, why not create an opportunity to promote our mission to a broader community and benefit our programs at the same time?” Cavnar said. RFS’s upcoming Pizza Parties will allow anybody to be a host, and to host whatever type of party they want. “It should be a reflection of you – anything from a child’s birthday party to a diva dinner from $5 a person to $500.” Recipe for Success is no play on words. It truly has made an impact on children and has become a building block that is changing their daily eating patterns. And, of course, leave it to Gracie and her team to already have even more innovative ideas in the works. Eat It! Food Adventures, a cookbook/adventure story for kids written by Gracie, is scheduled for national release in Spring 2009, along with a companion television series that is already in pre-production with PBS. Change is in the air with the help from RFS. “With a true understanding of food—of what we put in our bodies—we can change the way they eat—one class at a time!” Cavnar said.

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born cool. grow hip. by Kristina Vaquero-Nemec Photographed by Jack Potts

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COOL

BACK TO

SEND THEM BACK GREEN! WITH REUSABLE SIGG BOTTLES WITH SAYINGS LIKE “GREEN IS THE NEW BLACK” AND SUPER COOL ECOPACKS MADE OF RECYCLED PLASTIC DRINKING BOTTLES, YOU CAN HELP YOUR BACK-TO-SCHOOLER DO A LITTLE SOMETHING FOR THE ENVIRONMENT AND MAKE A STATEMENT.

BOOK Whether you are wanting to reinforce your child’s Latin roots or teach Jr. about another culture, A Kid’s Guide to Latino History features more than 50 hands-on activities, games and crafts that explore the diversity of Latino culture. This guide introduces children to the people, experiences and events that have shaped Hispanic American history. So, andale...go get this great book!

Eco-Packs by Dante Beatrix; “recycle” $50, “peace” $40. Sigg drink bottles $27-$24. Fruit rattles by Bla Bla Kids $37 set of five. All available at Purple Mango, 2410 Rice Blvd. 713.529.9188 30. september 09 | www.002mag.com

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MICHAEL FLORIDA | MR. REMARKABLE

By Wiliam Middleton | Photography by Cody Bess | Styled by Victor Puentes, all clothing available at M2M

SO, THERE I WAS IN MY GYM, FIT ATHLETIC CLUB, THE NIGHT BEFORE HURRICANE IKE. THE PLACE WAS PACKED WITH THE USUAL ASSORTMENT OF GUYS AND GIRLS IN PHENOMENAL SHAPE—YOU KNOW, THE ONES WHO SOMEHOW MANAGE TO BE VERY MUSCULAR AND REALLY LEAN (A FRIEND CALLS THEM “THE REMARKABLES!”). WITH ALL OF THE FLAT-SCREEN TELEVISIONS FILLED WITH ALARMING IMAGES OF THE STORM CHURNING OUT IN THE GULF, WHAT WERE THEY DISCUSSING? FOOD! AND IT WASN’T A CONVERSATION ABOUT STOCKING UP FOR IKE—THIS INVOLVED EGG WHITES AND OATMEAL AND CHICKEN AND BROCCOLI AND WHAT SOUNDED LIKE THE SCIENCE OF GOOD NUTRITION. SEEING ALL THE ATTENTION WAS CENTERED ON ONE YOUNG MAN IN PARTICULARLY FIERCE SHAPE, I ASKED IF HE WORKED FOR A NUTRITIONIST. “I AM A NUTRITIONIST,” HE SAID WITH A SMILE.

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Michael Florida, it turns out, is Houston’s hottest young nutritionist with a growing national profile. Michael is the newest addition to Keith Klein’s Institute of Eating Management, one of the most respected teams of sports nutritionists in the country. For more than two decades, Keith Klein has been a required stop for competitive athletes from around the country, working with such pro groups as the Houston Rockets and collaborating with local restaurants to get high-quality, low-fat meals on their menus. In hiring Michael, a 26-year-old former baseball player and yell leader from Sam Houston State University, he has found someone who is absolutely convinced of the importance of good nutrition. “If you’re not seeing the changes you would like out of your body, then you’re not doing something right and 99% of the time it is food-based,” says Michael. “No matter how hard you’re hitting the gym, you are not going to have real results if you don’t have the food right. It’s like a high-performance car: When you put in bad fuel you get bad results but when you put in good fuel you get good results.”

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MICHAEL FLORIDA | MR. REMARKABLE

By Wiliam Middleton | Photography by Cody Bess | Styled by Victor Puente, all clothing available at M2M

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That night at Fit was a chance meeting that would turn out to be, without exaggeration, life-changing. At my first appointment, after discussing my diet and goals and taking a full range of measurements, I was given a meal plan, a book of simple recipes and charts of nutritional information. In a matter of months, I lost more than 20 pounds and saw my body fat percentage go from 16.2%, which was not exactly horrible, to 8.91%, real fighting form. Even better, I learned what kind of foods I should be eating, what I should be avoiding and how to eat. I figured out how to read a nutrition label, which had always been a little overwhelming, and I learned how to order healthy alternatives in restaurants, whether requesting a lean meat grilled with no oil and no butter or replacing tortilla chips with warm corn tortillas and salsa. The most amazing thing is that I didn’t feel I was depriving myself. “If I had told you that you would be eating more, working out less and be in the best shape of your life, you would have thought I was crazy,” Michael said with a laugh. “But that’s exactly what happened.” A native of Bremond, Texas (population 876), Michael grew up around conditioning (his father had been a competitive powerlifter). After being diagnosed with Crohn’s Disease, he discovered the value of a good diet in maintaining his health. At the Institute for Eating Management, Michael works with such clients as Sam Hoger (a Mixed Martial Arts fighter who was on the first season of The Ultimate Fighter) and Peter Santoro (a 54-year-old bodybuilder who beat out guys half his age to win his division of the Branch Warren Classic). For a triathlete who also has an eating disorder, Michael teamed up with her psychiatrist and trainer to help her gain enough weight to practice the sport she loves (she gave him an office plaque that says “Guru of Grub!”). He works with those who need to lose a great amount of weight as well as those who just need help with four or five “vanity pounds.” OK, full disclosure: Ten months into the program, I had a relapse. The full name of the place is The Institute of Eating Management and Relapse Prevention. After months of making only progress, I gained a few pounds and my body fat percentage went up to 10.53%. Depressing! In the face of disaster, however, Michael was upbeat. He changed the meal plan, increased the amount of cardio and said we’re going to revisit the workout he had developed. And I learned that if I wanted to maintain, cutting corners wasn’t such a good idea. So, what’s the biggest surprise Michael has when working with his clients? “Seeing what can happen when you educate them on what is the best option,” he explains. “If you listen and take the opportunity to change, you can lose the weight, get the physique you want and keep it off for the rest of your life.”

INSTITUTE OF EATING MANAGEMENT 4801 Woodway Drive, Suite 300 West | Houston, TX 77056 | 713.621.9339 www.eatingmanagement.net

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1 ALLESSANDRIA ALAMILLA

SAMY GHACHEM age 40 sign Cancer occupation Southern Region Manager - Air France

age ??? sign Sagittarius origin Half Italian and Spanish occupation Model/Actress

PEOPLE OF HOUSTON

Photography by Sofia van der Dys

3 ALEX SPENCER

1. ALLESSANDRIA ALAMILLA WHAT IS ONE THING YOU CAN’T LIVE WITHOUT? My platinum American Express. WHAT WAS YOUR MOST MEMORABLE MOMENT? Working in Milan. IF YOU COULD CHANGE ONE THING ABOUT YOURSELF, WHAT WOULD IT BE? Nothing, because I am happy with myself. WHERE IS YOUR FAVORITE PLACE TO HANG OUT? Starbucks on Uptown Park. IF YOU COULD ONLY WEAR ONE COSMETIC PRODUCT, WHAT WOULD IT BE? Lipstick by Mac – satin mocha; love it.

2. SAMY GHACHEM age 31 sign Aquarius origin Petersburg, Virginia occupation Sales Assistant

IF YOU COULD MEET A CELEBRITY, WHO WOULD IT BE? Richard Branson because I admire him as a marketing pioneer. He’s fearless. IF YOU WON THE LOTTERY, WHAT IS THE FIRST THING YOU WOULD BUY? An expedition for my family and friends to Antarctica. WHAT WAS YOUR MOST EMBARRASSING MOMENT? Walking into a black tie party barefoot because I generously assumed the sign in front of the door to “Please leave your shoes outside” was meant for more than just the builders who came earlier that day. HOW DO YOU STAY IN SHAPE? Going to FIT 5 times a week.

3. ALEX SPENCER WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE TREND? Facebook. WHAT IS THE WORST FASHION TREND YOU LOVED? When ‘Kris Kross’ wore their clothes backwards. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE MOVIE? Jerry Maguire. WHERE DO YOU PLAN TO GO ON YOUR NEXT VACATION? Chicago, Miami or Costa Rica. HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR STYLE? Simple, casual, comfortable. 34. september 09 | www.002mag.com

WISE GUY

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EATING: MY WORDS

by Tim Moloney

WITH THE UNTIMELY PASSING OF THE KING OF POP, WE HAVE ONLY HIS CATALOG OF HITS (AND MY ORIGINAL THRILLER CONCERT SHIRT…SOON TO BE AVAILABLE ON EBAY) TO CONSOLE US. DON’T FORGET THAT AT ONE TIME, MICHAEL JACKSON WAS SO BIG AND SO NOT TOTALLY WEIRD, THAT EVEN THE KING OF MUSICAL SATIRE, “WEIRD AL” YANKOVIC, PARODIED HIS SONGS. SINCE THIS IS THE FOOD AND DRINK ISSUE OF 002HOUSTON, I THOUGHT I’D CHANNEL MY OLD FRIEND “WEIRD AL” AND ADMONISH YOU TO JUST “EAT IT.” OK, WEAK OPENING, IT’S LATE.

$25, you can host a pizza party and charge your invitees whatever amount you set – and have a good time while raising money to teach Houston kids about nutrition and healthy lifestyle choices. The program kicks off in September. (Full disclosure: I’m working on the website with Gracie for this. If it’s not up when you visit it, it’s all my fault). I just remembered this issue is about drinking, too. OK, I’m late to the party with this one, but I totally have to give it up for Anvil (1424 Westheimer, 713.523.1622). I was completely prepared to hate this place, thinking it was just another Houston business that was “borrowing” a New York establishment name (see also: Randall Davis) to give it some sort of instant cool cred. (Granted, New York’s legendary and seedy Anvil was a gay S&M bar, but I digress.) The guys behind Our Town’s Anvil have put together a very interesting space with a cool concept. Don’t look for Miller Light or Sex on the Beach…it’s all classic cocktails that take a bit of time and energy to make. They are great about explaining each drink and it’s kind of fun to watch them as they indulge in mixology.

But eat what? Houston is an amazing restaurant city, but at the same time, many of us, yours truly included, get stuck in a rut. I was leaving the gym today and willed myself to find someplace new and different that maybe needs a little editorial love. Five minutes later, my car drove me to District Seven (501 Pierce St., 713.751.0660), which is an old-but-shined-up diner perched on a scabby lot close by the Pierce Elevated. Back when I officed on Nance, we would go to its sister restaurant, District Six (don’t ask me about the naming convention, I never understood it) a few times a week because it was always great. Back to D7: The menu (salads, sandwiches, pizzas, bowls) had not really changed, which was good, but I did see a new item: Turkey Meatloaf Lasagna.

I understand that for many readers, the recession continues to take its toll so maybe you’d rather cook and/or entertain at home. Here’s an idea: Why not host a pizza party for your friends, and at the same time, raise money for a great cause? Introducing www.pizzapartytime.org, a program from our friend Gracie Cavnar at Recipe for Success – also this month’s nonprofit on page 25 – (www.recipe4success.org). What’s Pizza Party Time? Glad you asked. For just

CRIPES, I’VE RUN OUT OF ROOM AGAIN. LET ME JUST MAKE ONE MORE SUGGESTION: THERE’S A NEW SIXDOLLAR HAMBURGER (INCLUDING ONION RINGS) AT FLEMING’S DURING HAPPY HOUR. YOU’D PAY THAT MUCH AT JBOX, AND THEIR WINE LIST IS SIGNIFICANTLY WEAKER. ONE MORE SUGGESTION: GO TO POSCOL…SAME PEOPLE AS DA MARCO AND DOLCE VITA. IT’S WHERE CAFÉ MONTROSE USED TO BE.

Photography by Kim

I can’t believe I ever said I’d never fall in love again. I’m ready to tie the knot with this dish….spicy marinara, juicy turkey meatloaf with lasagna noodles, plus a caesar salad dripping with dressing and some rosemary focaccia thrown in for good measure. It was like 8 or 9 bucks. Amazing! Truly, the best meal I’ve had in a while. If only they would have turned down the blues playing on the sound system….it’s depressing and too loud.

Coffman

Photography by Aaron M. Sprecher

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Until next month, guys….stay cool and stay wise. “Weird Al” and I would want it that way.

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on our

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IN HONOR OF THE FIRST EVER FOOD+DRINK ISSUE, ON OUR RADAR IS ALL ABOUT, WELL, FOOD AND DRINK. SO, ALL YOU FOODIES, GASTRONOMES, EATERS, DINERS, DRINKERS AND PLAIN OLD ENJOYERS OF LIFE, BON APPÉTIT, ENJOY, SALUD, SLÁINTE!

in the works Shepard Ross and Lance Fegan from Glasswall have entered into a few new partnerships. First Fegan, Lee Ellis (of Tonic, Social, Belvedere fame) and Will Davis partner in BURGERZILLA – a burger concept featuring Fegan’s famous burgers. Next, Ross, Ellis, Carl Eaves and Fegan will enter the burgeoning night scene with BRC, which will feature a menu of artisanal beer and American wines all selected by Mr. Ross. We can’t wait to hear everyone talking BRC, and judging from past spots, no doubt these will rock as well.

with a vision unlike any in town. THE ROCKWOOD ROOM, with its “Rat-Packy” feel, is Houston’s newest, not-to-be-missed restaurant concept; set to open in Fall 2009, just west of Uptown Park at 5709 Woodway Drive. From the restaurant’s dual-sided culinary kitchen theatre, Dei Maggi will put out iconic American dishes from the post-World War II era, like rich roasted prime rib, broiled lobster tail and charbroiled steak. Fine wines will also play an integral role in the restaurant, as to be expected from a business partner who hails from a winemaking family. STRAITS RESTAURANT IS SCHEDULED TO OPEN IN CITYCENTRE ON SEPTEMBER 28. THE MODERN, AWARD-WINNING SINGAPOREAN CUISINE OF SAN FRANCISCO WILL BE LOCATED ON THE LOBBY LEVEL OF THE NEW HOTEL SORELLA, WHICH OPENED LAST MONTH. THE RESTAURANT WILL OFFER A UNIQUE INTERPRETATION OF A CUISINE THAT HAS BEEN CALLED THE FIRST TRUE FUSION CUISINE. MANY OF THE DISHES HAVEN’T BEEN CHANGED SINCE 1987 WHEN OWNER/CHEF CHRIS YEO OPENED THE ORIGINAL LOCATION. THE MENU WILL OFFER AN EXTENSIVE ARRAY OF BOTH SMALL AND LARGER PLATES, ALL DESIGNED TO BE EASILY SHARED. 800 WEST SAM HOUSTON PARKWAY

sister spots EL TORO HIT THE SCENE IN 1960, WITH ITS FINE TEX-MEX FARE IN BAYTOWN AND THIS FALL WE’LL GET TO EXPERIENCE IT IN HOUSTON. THE NEW FAMILY-FRIENDLY ENVIRONMENT ON THE WEST SIDE OF TOWN WILL BE A CASUAL AND SMALL, YET HIP EATERY. MANAGER HERB MARTINEZ AND HEAD CHEF MIGUEL RODRIGUEZ OF EL TORO ENVISION A FUN NEIGHBORHOOD ATMOSPHERE WITH AUTHENTIC TEX-MEX CUISINE AT RECESSION-FRIENDLY PRICES. LUNCH & DINNER DAILY, 11920 WESTHEIMER. A favorite among 002houston staffers, LES GIVRAL’S KAHVE is set to open at 4601 Washington Avenue this fall. The yummy French Viet-namese restaurant known for its sandwiches, noodle dishes and pho is opening up a new beautiful space. Expect a full bar, large patio and new additional items fusing current items with monthly changing options. Plus they’ll be open late! Design by: Rogelio Rendon Design | Rendering by: Studio LaLa

highly anticipated openings It’s virtually impossible to not have heard about HAVEN. Owners Randy Evans (former executive chef at Brennan’s), Cory Graff (former opening managing partner with Capital Grille) and restaurateurs Debbie Jaramillo and Rhea Wheeler are set to open the Certified Green Restaurant® in Fall 2009. The concept will be the first of its kind, featuring an environmentally friendly design to highlight Evans’ New Texas Cuisine menu, influenced by favorite Texas foods Evans grew up with. Haven’s ingredient-driven menu will be updated weekly, based on what’s best in the fields at the time. 2502 Algerian Way. Personally, we’ve been going through Chef Michael Dei Maggi withdrawal. He was behind Max’s Wine Dive and many of our faves on their menu. But he’s back, along with business partner Robert Hall III of the California winemaking family Robert Hall Winery,

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new faces CHIP HIGHT is the new face at the Alden-Houston Hotel’s award-winning restaurant, *17. Prior to joining *17, Hight served as corporate executive chef for Milestone Distributors, owned a catering company and served as chef/instructor at Central Market. He has quickly forged partnerships with top local farmers and livestock ranchers and plans to give credit where credit is due, touting their names on his new menus. One of the first changes Hight has planned for *17 is the introduction of 3-course private luncheons for groups of eight or more. There is also a box lunch program in the works, targeted to business groups who can’t take a break from the office. Included on the menu is “lox in a box” (housemade smoked salmon, bagel, crème fraiche, capers and pickled red onion) among others.

recognition THE CULINARY ENDOWMENT & SCHOLARSHIP NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION IS BEING RENAMED GASTON LENÔTRE SCHOLARSHIP AS A TRIBUTE TO THE MAN WHO WAS HAILED AS THE WORLD’S MOST FAMOUS PASTRY CHEF AND CATERER OF OUR ERA. GASTON LENÔTRE, WHO PASSED AWAY ON JANUARY 8, 2009, TAUGHT HIS APPRENTICES NEVER TO COMPROMISE ON QUALITY, STRIVE FOR PERFECTION AND TO PASS ON THE KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS OF ARTISAN CRAFTSMANSHIP TO FUTURE GENERATIONS.

el grito CELEBRATE FIESTAS PATRIAS – THE MEXICAN NATIONAL HOLIDAY THAT MARKS THE BEGINNING OF THE MEXICAN WAR FOR INDEPENDENCE FROM SPANISH RULE – ON SEPTEMBER 16 AT HUGO’S. ENJOY MEXICAN FOLKLORIC DANCERS, LIVE MARIACHIS AND LIVE MUSIC BY THE RESTAURANT’S HOUSE BAND, VIENTO, A VARIETY OF DRINK SPECIALS AND MUCH MORE. RESERVATIONS ARE RECOMMENDED; 713.524.7744. 1600 WESTHEIMER AT MANDELL.

eat+drink for a cause On any given day, 35,000 children, women and men of all ages suffer with the torment of hunger. September is HUNGER ACTION MONTH. Stop by one of many Happy Hours

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for Hunger during the month, including Beavers, The Harp, Poison Girl and Absinthe, to name a few, and donate money or nonperishables (depending on the individual events). For more information and a list of locations, visit www.houstonfoodbank.org or call 713.223.3700. From September 28 through October 2, participate in the second GO TEXAN RESTAURANT ROUND-UP, the weeklong statewide dine-out celebration where participating restaurants will give patrons a special dining experience by serving Texas menu options featuring locally produced fare. Many of the participating restaurants will donate a portion of the day’s proceeds to food banks across the state.

McDonald House. La Vista fans dining on the dishes at La Vista Fountainview (1936 Fountainview) or La Vista Memorial (12665 Memorial Dr.) will receive a Mogie doggie bag including dog biscuits (dog friendly) and a handwritten thank you from a Ronald McDonald House child.

stay CITYCENTRE’s Hotel Sorella opened last month with 244 rooms in the Memorial Area. The luxury property is the anchor of the CITYCENTRE hub, which we predict will be the place to see and be seen this fall with a bevy of retailers including Anthropologie and Sur la Table and restaurants including Ra Sushi as well as the Brennan-Martin partnership featuring Café Rose and Bistro Alex. Hotel Sorella boasts dark hardwood floors; a European-style bar featuring a central fireplace, active seating and starlit ceiling; rooftop pool with draped cabanas and lush courtyard; spa and health club; state-of-the-art meeting and event facilities. www.hotelsorella-citycentre.com

body VOICE (in the hotel ICON downtown) is partnering with ESCAPE Family Resource Center on a dining for dollars promotion. From Monday, September 21, through Friday, September 25, the restaurant will be offering a special $40, three-course prix fixe dinner menu with 15% of each meal benefiting ESCAPE. Reservations can be made by calling 832.667.4470.

ALL THIS TALK ABOUT FOOD! WONDERING HOW TO SCULPT YOURSELF BACK TO SIZE? SCULPT TANGLEWOOD OPENED LAST MONTH AND HAS 002 STAFFERS ADDICTED TO SPX (ALREADY A HIT AMONG THE HOLLYWOOD SCENE) WORKOUTS. CREATED BY SEBASTIEN LAGREE, THE 45-MINUTE DRENCH INDUCING WORKOUT ULTIMATELY TIGHTENS YOUR BODY. THE SET IS DONE ON A PERFORMER, WHICH IS SIMILAR TO THE PILATES REFORMER ONLY THIS THING IS LIKE A TRANSFORMER WITH WAY MORE BELLS AND WHISTLES TO BURN FAT, STRENGTHEN BODY, TIGHTEN MUSCLES AND ALIGN YOUR BODY. WE LOVE ERAN’S CLASSES!

Houston’s Ronald McDonald House has a new housedog, Mogie. LA VISTA CHEF GREG GORDON has created two dog dishes, Mogie’s Beef Short Ribs and Mogie’s Bird Dog Quail, that will be available starting September 1, with a portion of dish proceeds benefiting Ronald

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

3 2

I’m ready for crisp, autumn weather and until it gets here, I might as well have my wardrobe resemble a change in seasons. Here, the perfect work dress goes from 8-5 to after hours in an instant.

1 7

FALL, YOU THERE? It’s Bea… 5

Half hardcore and half muted. I’m in love with this bag. Kind of the way I wanted a Dooney when I was 9 yrs. old. I like that is has no logos and the stud covered bottom ensures no damage. 38. september 09 | www.002mag.com

When I was in Paris, all the girls wore short booties with everything: from shorts to skirts, to dresses to skinny jeans. Tan booties, stylist’s own. Similar styles at Neiman Marcus.

1. A must-have in your wardrobe, this dress is completely versatile, taking you from office hour to happy hour with a few subtle changes. Rebecca & Drew Black Shirt Dress $250 (Rebecca & Drew reusable tote)| 2. Usually reserved for office wear, I like to add a scarf to any outfit that needs a little pick-meup. Scarf $54 @ Rebecca & Drew | 3. I always forget how fond I am of this plum color until it’s autumn and season appropriate. Mary Nichols “Manhattan clutch” in plum $250 @ Rebecca & Drew | 4. The polished gold and grey metal mix for a cool understated piece. Multi-chain bracelet $50 @ Rebecca and Drew | 5. These oxfords are great for the office and take the boring out of the typical black work pump. BCBG oxfords @ Nordstrom | 6. This is my first real belt. By real, I mean it sits on my hips not my waist. Belt $44 @ Banana Republic. I’m so happy studs are proving to have staying power. Adds a bit of roughness to any girly outfit. Stud Belt @ mango.com | 7. Alexander Wang Coco Mini Duffle @ Barney’s CO-OP

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RETAIL WRAP Photography by Anthony Rathbun

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LISA RYDMAN KEY | SPEC’S WINES, SPIRITS & FINER FOODS

years in operation 47, 3 generations | 2410 SMITH ST. houston, tx 77002 713.526.8787 | www.specsonline.com

WHAT DO YOU THINK HAS MADE YOUR FAMILY BUSINESS SO SUCCESSFUL? Our family business has been successful for a myriad of reasons: good relationships with our vendors, dedicated and loyal staff (those who actually LIKE to help), good relations within the family and most importantly due to the support and loyalty of our customers. Without them we wouldn’t be able to keep going. We truly understand they are the reason for our being here. CAN YOU SHARE ANY INTERESTING CLIENT STORIES? Interesting customer story: We have a customer that is from Mexico and also has a house in Colorado. He fell in love so much with our store that every time he travels to Colorado he purposely makes a stop in Houston to load up on his favorite Bordeaux to take to Colorado. Now that’s loyalty!

HOW DID YOU GET INTO THIS BUSINESS? I got into this business by birth. My grandparents began this business while my mother was just a tween, and she and my dad joined the business right after college as newlyweds. Soon after, I joined in at 3 weeks old sitting by my mother’s desk. I really came back to the business like my mom, directly after college 14 years ago. WHAT SETS YOU APART FROM OTHER LIQUOR STORES? Our store is different from other stores because we aren’t just a liquor store. We pride ourselves on finding the best offerings in every category, whether it’s bourbon, grappa, cabernets or beer. We also offer a full deli and food department. You don’t have to be a drinker to shop with us; everyone has to eat!

TELL US ABOUT SPEC’S GROWTH FROM SELLING LIQUOR AND SPIRITS TO A FULL-FLEDGED DELICATESSEN ALMOST WITH SPECIALTY ITEMS? We started our deli in a rather funny way – we had a customer request for some cheese and crackers. So…we put it in! Customers loved it and asked for more, so…we put more in! More requests….I think you get the picture. Our philosophy is to give the customers what they want. They wanted a deli, and we do love our food, so as a family the food part of the business is an easy accommodation. CURRENT OBSESSION | FAVORITE THINGS My current favorite things: Greek yogurt with fruit, smoked tenderloin from the chef’s case, Montevina cabernet rose. GIVE US 5 MUST-BUYS WHEN IN SPEC’S THAT YOU CAN’T GET ANYWHERE ELSE, OR ARE GREAT DEALS OR JUST PLAIN SPECIAL! 5 must-haves: apricot roasted duck, Solorzano blanco tequila (for the smoothest margarita!!!), Principe truffled ham, Woodhaven cabernet, Michael’s Irish Cream for that after-dinner drink. september 09 | www.002mag.com .39

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THINGS I LIKE LOVE

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By Carla Valencia de Martinez Photography by Sofia van der Dys

I feel bad every time I pull out a new Ziploc® bag, BUT I LOVE using them, so you can imagine my internal battle with the plastic. Enter Ziploc® Evolve. Made using wind power and with 25% less plastic the better for the environment are better for my battle.

I can’t make it through a deadline without Red Bull. Love the new shot sizes – they get straight to the point.

Fred’s Fairly Famous Sauce rocks! First of all, it’s from here! Second, it’s saved me plenty of times when time is not on my side. What can you pour over cream cheese and serve as an appetizer; marinate chicken in or grill meats with all in one? Yup, Fred’s Fairly Famous Sauce. Available at Spec’s.

Can’t wait for Valentino’s to open in the Hotel Derek! I love Italian food, and love this cookbook! It’s jam-packed with a variety of recipes that are pretty easy to follow and so far, turn out quite well.

I got to catch a screening of The September Issue, based on Vogue’s infamous editor-in-chief, Anna Wintour, as well as the making of its 4+ pound 2007 issue. Over 13million people bought this issue and filmmaker R.J. Cutler is allowed unprecedented access to Wintour’s world. And no matter your view on fashion, this woman is a force to be reckoned with, who shares the final product with ex model, fashion genius and a woman of enviable taste – Creative Director Grace Coddington. In theaters September 25.

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Misto oil spritzer filled with truffle oil to spritz on pizza, eggs, pasta, oh my – the options are endless. www.bedbathandbeyond.com I really love my shopping bags. I can’t remember the last time I was given a plastic bag! This is truly one of the only new year’s resolutions that has turned into a habit. I keep them in my car, and grab a few every time I go anywhere I might shop.

Seriously, these weren’t planned. The FedEx from Estée Lauder showed up as I was walking out the door for the shoot. Inside were these adorable rattan printed lip-glosses in gold cases. They just look so luxe and old school! And the formula is nice and creamy. Even the mascara with its vibrating wand is interesting.

There’s nothing more simple than these crisp, beautifully tailored boxers by Claridge & King. Available at KuhlLinscomb.

This little clicker pen makes me smile every time I click it. It quacks! You’d think I wouldn’t be startled by it, but it gets me every time – and reminds me of my brother!

2 great birthday presents I can’t boil an egg to save my life; I think it’s a patience thing. My mom gave me this egg cooker from Williams Sonoma. I know it’s nothing new, but my eggs are perfect, and that’s all that matters. Thanks, Mom.

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DESTINATION

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By Sandra Ramani Photography Courtesy Greenville Convention & Visitors Bureau

GREENVILLE, SC: A FOODIE FAVORITE

IF YOU GO: Continental flies direct from Houston to Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport. Once there, stay downtown in a hotel like the Westin Poinsett, the newly renovated Hyatt Regency or any number of B&Bs. The area is easily walkable, and there’s a free trolley Thursdays-Sundays that loops around town and lets you hop on and off when you want. See www.greenvillecvb.com.

aerial liberty bridge

ocated at the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, in South Carolina’s northwest corner, Greenville is a town on the rise. Over the last few years, a steady stream of visitors has begun to descend on the city, thanks to its wealth, and diversity, of attractions. For the outdoorsy, there are state parks for biking, hiking and camping, plus lakes, waterfalls and, of course, the famous mountain range. Families like the Greenville Zoo and Falls tyler florence culinary demo Park on the Reedy, with its 355-foot pedestrian Liberty Bridge, while culture buffs flock to the revitalized historic downtown for the museums, indie boutiques and Peace Center for the Performing Arts, which books a roster of top talent. Even celebrities have become fans: George Clooney and Renée Zellweger stayed at the Westin Poinsett Greenville on Main Street—a heritage hotel dating back to 1925—when in town to shoot Clooney’s 20’s period movie, Leatherheads (the hotel’s featured in the film, too). Perhaps most surprising of all Greenville’s attractions, though, is its food scene, which in recent years has exploded to include a number of unique eateries led by innovative chefs. As proof of its status as a foodie haven, the town even has its own culinary festival. Now in its fourth year, the annual Euphoria weekend is a lively celebration of cuisine, wine and music that benefits various charities. Founded by restaurateur Carl Sobocinski and musician Edwin McCain (both local boys), the festival lineup typically includes cooking demos and tastings led by nationally recognized chefs, wine classes, VIP parties, a jazz brunch and concerts by name acts. This year’s weekend—which takes place September 17-20—will feature guest chefs like Rick Tramonto from Tru in Chicago, Iron Chef Kent Rathbun of Abacus in Dallas and pastry chef David Guas of Bayou Bakery outside of D.C. For more on Euphoria (and details on how to book for next year), visit www.euphoriagreenville.com. Even if you don’t make it to the festival, you’ll still find creative eats in Greenville all year round, from Mexican-Southern fusion to one of the most authentic Italian gelatarias in the country. Here are some standouts in the downtown / Main Street area:

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westin poinsett

AMERICAN GROCERY: Highlighting fresh, seasonal regional meats and produce, this fine dining star boasts an everchanging food menu, as well as a wine list of over 100 global boutique vintages. Chef-owner Joe Clarke, a South Carolina native, earned his stripes at top restaurants in L.A. like Table 8, then graduated with honors from the French Culinary Institute in New York. www.americangr.com THE LAZY GOAT: Executive Chef Lindsay Autry, who previously worked at Azul in Miami and the Fairmont Mayakoba on the Rivera Maya, oversees a creative Mediterranean-Southern menu at this chic eatery overlooking the downtown riverwalk. Corn cob “lollipops,“ sweet potato tagliatelle, truffle fries and tiramisu poppers are just some of the hits, along with fusion favorites like Trout Spanikopita and “Spanish Omelet” pizza. www.thelazygoat.typepad.com STELLAR WINE BAR: Set in a former jewelry store, this popular date spot offers gourmet small plates, artisan cheeses and fondues, and over 100 wines by the glass, all served in an intimate setting with a ceiling of twinkling lights. The wine manager can suggest a pairing for anything you order—including signature faves like the beef chimichuri and the grapefruit cake. www.stellarwinebar.com CHICORA ALLEY: Hankering for Mexican-Southern? You will be after one taste of this funky second floor cafe’s burritos, tacos and quesadillas, which boast unusual ingredients like collard greens, sweet potatoes, rutabaga, Angus beef and fruit salsas. Trust us—it works. www.chicoraalley.com. LUNA ROSA GELATO: What happens when a New Yorker moves to Italy, studies with master gelato makers for a few years, and comes back to the U.S.? He moves to Greenville, of course. A big hit with locals and visitors, this cute, colorful space scoops up enticing flavors like strawberry shortcake, caramel latte crunch, bacio and birthday cake. www.lunarosagelato.com

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roll your own sushi

As shown to our sushi-craving man, by Zushi Japanese Cuisine’s Executive Chef, Christopher Nemoto. Featuring the popular California Roll, it’s a doit-yourself fun and simple recipe for anyone! Photography by Jill Hunter | Words by Mindy Schultz

zushi japanese cuisine | 5900 memorial dr. | 713.861.5588 | www.zushihouston.com

EVERY GREAT SUSHI CHEF NEEDS THE PROPER INGREDIENTS AND TOOLS. HERE IS AN ARRAY OF DIFFERENT FOODS AND UTENSILS USED TO MAKE THE CLASSIC CALIFORNIA ROLL. ALL INGREDIENTS CAN BE PREPARED THE NIGHT BEFORE TO MAKE THE PROCESS MORE TIME EFFICIENT. THERE ARE MANY VARIATIONS TO THIS ROLL SO FEEL FREE TO EXPLORE YOUR OPTIONS. CHEF NEMOTO USES FRESH SNOW CRAB, HOWEVER IMITATION CRABMEAT WILL DO THE TRICK AS WELL! THE NECESSARY STAPLES FOR THE ROLL ARE AVOCADO, TOASTED SESAME SEEDS AND CUCUMBERS. ALL OF THE ABOVE, AS WELL AS SEAWEED SHEETS, ROLLING MATS AND CUTTING BOARDS CAN BE FOUND AT CENTRAL MARKET.

STEP ONE: Have a bowl with water within sight to help keep your hands moist. Not dripping wet! A slight dip is all you’re looking for.

STEP FOUR: Place your thumb under the rolling mat as you begin the next step. As you roll the sushi, use your fingertips to help hold the ingredients in place. Make sure the rice from the top lip of the seaweed sticks to and holds to the bare seaweed. 44. september 09 | www.002mag.com

STEP TWO: Grab just under a tennis ball-size of rice out of the bowl. Spread the rice evenly down the middle of the seaweed. Next, sprinkle about 1/2 teaspoon of toasted sesame seeds over the rice.

STEP THREE: Flip your sheet of seaweed over so that the side with the rice is now facing the rolling mat. Next place slices of avocado down the middle of the horizontal plane of the seaweed, followed by adding the cucumber slices and crabmeat.

STEP FIVE: When rolling, make sure to keep everything tight. If there is too much space inside the roll, the ingredients may not stay together. Don’t roll it too tight though – you don’t want to squish the ingredients! You must find a nice, happy medium. STEP SIX: DON’T CUT THE PIECES TOO BIG. A TYPICAL SHEET OF SEAWEED CAN MAKE UP TO 6-8 PIECES OF SUSHI.

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DON’T CUT YOUR FINGER! WHEN USING A HEAVY-DUTY KNIFE LIKE THE ONE OUR SUSHI-MAKIN’ MAN IS, IT CAN BE VERY EASY TO ACCIDENTALLY CUT YOURSELF INSTEAD OF THE ROLL!

STEP SEVEN: Presentation is everything! Lay your safely cut rolls onto a plate, add some wasabi, ginger or soy sauce for extra flavor, and then whip out your chopsticks to begin eating. Who says you can only eat sushi out!

Enjoy!!!

*Make sure to try Zushi’s special 002houston roll! The eight-piece roll has spicy tuna, cucumber and tempura vegetables (carrots and onions) inside and is topped with hamachi (yellowtail) that has been dusted with Japanese pepper and lightly seared. Bursts of flavor come from Ume pasta, Yuzu Kosho and white soy vinaigrette. september 09 | www.002mag.com .45

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WHERE TO LIVE

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

TRICON

2125 YALE

MUSEUM CITY PLACE

LOCATION

1702 MICHIGAN, HOUSTON, TX 77006, HYDE PARK SECTION OF MONTROSE, NEAR RIVER OAKS

2125 YALE ST., HOUSTON, TX 77008

CORNER OF RUTH AND LABRANCH IN THE MUSEUM DISTRICT

AMBIENCE

4-bedroom Mediterranean Villa boasting more than 3000 sq. ft. with high-end finishes in premium Montrose location

Living the way you want!!!

Luxury freestanding brick townhomes minutes from Downtown and the Medical Center

AMENITIES

One of our best-selling floor plans with open living areas on 1st floor, 3 bedrooms at 2nd floor, and a 20’x20’ bonus room and full bathroom at 3rd floor for second master suite, game or media room. 14’ x 25’ backyard off family room offers a low-maintenance outdoor living space. Features include Bosch SS appliances and GE MONOGRAM vent-hood, custom cabinetry with huge island, granite and marble countertops, Saltillo tile, tumbled travertine and glass mosaics, vertical spa at master shower with frameless glass and jetted tub, oak hardwoods, wrought iron railings, Tech Shield radiant barrier, Low E JELD-WEN windows.

NEW IN THE HEIGHTS. Exclusive midrise community with two-tier parking; standard features include balconies, granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, upgraded lighting, walk-in closets, 9.5-ft. ceilings, just to name a few.

Traditional style and modern amenities flourish in freestanding homes located in the Museum District. Enjoy gorgeous views from the rooftop terrace. The gourmet kitchen is appointed with Jenn-Air appliances, granite countertops and wine cooler. A luxurious master bath includes marble tile walls and floors, jetted tub and oversized closet. Extensive crown molding, recessed lighting and tankless water heater are a few of the amenities. Builder offering a 2-1 rate buydown program and StrucSure warranty.

UNITS/ROOMS

3050-sq.-ft. home with 3-story floor plan including 4 bedrooms, 3.5 bathrooms and attached 2car garage

1 and 2 bedrooms

3 bedrooms, 3½ bath, 2-car garage

Heights Shopping District, Downtown, Midtown, Galleria & Medical Center

Close to I-45/Downtown and Loop 610

WITHIN REACH

The Hyde Park section of Montrose is in walking distance to River Oaks Shopping Center and a multitude of restaurants and boutique shops; and only minutes away from Museum District, Downtown, Midtown and Galleria. It’s an ideal location, centrally located with easy access to major throughways.

PRICE

CONTACT

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Offered at $549,900

$1,125 - $2,100

Starting at $399,000

SALES TEAM AT TRICON HOMES 713.334.6060 OR ONLINE AT WWW.TRICONHOMES.CO

WWW.2125YALE.COM; 713.864.2125; 2125YALE@ORES.COM

URBAN LIVING 713.868.7226; WWW.URBANLIVING.COM; WWW.MUSEUMCITYPLACE.COM

Photography by Nick Villamayor with lastnightpics.com

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EVENT FACES OF SUMMER FINAL EVENT WHY BENEFITING CHILD ADVOCATES WHERE LENNY E CIA IN UPTOWN PARK WHEN JULY 25 A handful of gorgeous young teens strutted their stuff at the 6th annual Faces of Summer event. Each contestant walked the runway in hopes of becoming the face of summer in front of judges from Audi Momentum, Sofia van der Dys for 002houston magazine and Page Parkes. Meryl Gibbs of Houston and Eric Schneider of League City walked away as the winners, choosing a trip to NY or LA as their prize, as well as a photo shoot with Page Parkes.

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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 Dan Mohr | Location Julia idelson bldg

PAUL HOMEYER | GENSLER education background bachelor of environmental design, texas a&m | master of architecture with specialization in historic preservation, the university of texas at austin personal affiliations american institute of architects | leed ap speciality historic preservation

– WHAT DROVE YOU TOWARD HISTORIC PRESERVATION? I’ve always been interested in history – and architecture. Our built environment is the most tangible and accessible link to the past. Besides all that, “recycling” or reusing existing buildings is the ultimate in “green” design. – WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT IT? On a personal basis, I love the investigative aspect of it. Some projects seem like an archeological dig: We make educated assumptions about what was and then (hopefully) confirm those assumptions through peeling back the layers and researching historic photos, maps, etc. From a larger perspective I love being a part of saving and enhancing these valuable resources for the community and for generations to come. – CURRENT PROJECT Julia Ideson Library Building addition and renovation. Will be a LEED Silver project. – FAVORITE PROJECT Julia Ideson – of course! It combines the things I’m most passionate about – historic preservation, sustainability and civic contribution. – TELL US ABOUT YOUR HOME We are on our third old house. The current one is a 1930’s former duplex near Rice that we have converted into a single family home. By virtue of its age and location there are several built-in green features including walking distance to the Hermann Park/ Rice U. METRORail stop and lots of windows for great day lighting and natural ventilation on the three days in the spring and fall when we can open the windows in Houston. We are slowly working toward incorporating more energy saving features. – SO, THINKING BACK TO THE DRAWINGS YOUR MOTHER HAD UP ON THE REFRIGERATOR WHEN YOU WERE IN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL...WHAT WERE THEY? I’m not sure if they were hung on the fridge but I began drawing house plans at a very young age. My dad brought home a desk-sized pad of graph paper and I was in heaven. Of course, my only inspiration in suburban Houston was the house plans published in the home sales section of the Sunday newspaper so my designs started out pretty conservative.

sandra gunn | paul homeyer

– TELL US, WHEN YOU WERE YOUNG, LINCOLN LOGS OR ERECTOR SET? Lincoln Logs, but my favorite was the Girder and Panel Building Set. – HOW DID YOU COME TO LIVE/WORK IN HOUSTON AND WHY HAVE YOU CHOSEN TO MAKE THIS YOUR HOME? I’m a Houston native but have lived in Austin, Washington, D.C. and Mississippi (where my wife is from). A couple years after getting married in D.C. we moved back to Houston to be closer to family and because the cost of living is so much better here. After having enjoyed D.C. so much we wanted to be as “urban” as we possibly could in Houston. That led us to the Montrose/Museum District area. We have been back now sixteen years and Houston has become home again. Our three kids were born

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here. Our daily lives happen in a five mile radius from home. We love being so close to work, school, church, restaurants, cultural amenities and all the other things Houston has to offer. – WHAT STAMP OR IDEA DO YOU WANT TO LEAVE ON THE WORLD AND WHY? “Leave more than you take.”

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julia ideson library building

hermann lofts | houston

– WHAT CAN THE NEXT MAYOR FOCUS ON TO HELP SAVE MORE OF HOUSTON’S HISTORIC HOMES, NEIGHBORHOODS AND LANDMARKS? I believe that Houston is a city that will respond more favorably to “carrots” rather than “sticks.” While I’d like to see our Preservation Ordinance strengthened, I think the reality is that incentives would work much better here. – IF YOU WERE NOT AN ARCHITECT, WHAT WOULD YOU BE? A while back I would have said an archeologist, but the times being as they are I‘d say an environmental activist. – IF YOU HAD TO LIVE OFF THE LAND, WHERE WOULD YOU LIVE? Somewhere where it’s cool enough to comfortably live without AC in the summer.

FAVORITES MEAL BREAKFAST AT BRENNAN’S IN NEW ORLEANS MOVIE GIFT YOU HAVE RECEIVED: WE HAVE A COLLECTION OF MINIATURE SOUVENIR BUILDINGS SO I LOVE RECEIVING NEW ONES TO ADD TO THE COLLECTION – ESPECIALLY THE VINTAGE ONES. STORE ADKINS ARCHITECTURAL ANTIQUES CITY (US) IT’S HARD TO PICK A FAVORITE. EVERY CITY HAS ITS UNIQUE CHARACTER. I LOVED LIVING IN D.C. JUST GOT BACK FROM A VACATION IN NEW ORLEANS AND LOVED IT. CITY (WORLD) ROME STRUCTURE THE EMPIRE STATE BUILDING FANTASY DINNER PARTY GUESTS THOMAS JEFFERSON, DOLLY PARTON, JIMMY CARTER, BARACK AND MICHELLE OBAMA MUSEUM I LOVE THEM ALL. THE NATIONAL BUILDING MUSEUM IN WASHINGTON IS ONE FAVORITE. ON YOUR IPOD I DON’T HAVE ONE. BEST PLACE IN HOUSTON TO HANG OUT? THE BROCHSTEIN PAVILION AT RICE september 09 | www.002mag.com .49

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002 PROFILE CHEZ NOUS | 217 s. avenue g. humble tx 77338 | 281.446.6717 | www.cheznousfrenchrestaurant.com PROFILE WITH GREG SCHEINMAN ON PBS, PRESENTED BY IW MARKS, IS A UNIQUE DOCUMENTARY STYLE TV PROGRAM GIVING YOU AN ALL-ACCESS PASS INTO THE LIVES OF HOUSTON’S MOST PROLIFIC PERSONALITIES FROM THE WORLDS OF BUSINESS, PHILANTHROPY, ENTERTAINMENT, THE ARTS AND SPORTS. IN COLLABORATION WITH PROFILE ON PBS CHANNEL 8, 002HOUSTON MAGAZINE IS PROUD TO BRING YOU A SNEAK PEEK INTO THIS NEW SHOW TURNING KEY HOUSTONIANS INSIDE OUT.

xecutive Chef Stacy Crowe-Simonson and her husband, Scott Simonson, are owners of Chez Nous French Restaurant in Humble, Texas. A longtime favorite of Houston’s in-the-know foodie community, Chez Nous – founded by award-winning Chef Gerard Brach – is celebrating its 25th anniversary this September. Now the caretakers of Brach’s tradition, the Simonsons are operators of one of Houston’s most romantic dining rooms. The pair met in the Caribbean, then dated long distance for three years. They reunited in Humble when Scott followed Stacy to work at Chez Nous before Brach sent them both to France to learn the nuances of fine French cooking. After returning to the States, they lived in both Austin and San Diego before returning to Houston so Stacy could take the role of sous chef at Chez Nous in 2001. Brach – having sold the restaurant – reacquired the concept in 2003, and by 2005, the Simonsons had full run of the show.

stacy crowe-simonson | scott simonson

DO YOU VOLUNTEER? Stacy: Volunteered for Pals for Pooches walking dogs. There are two locations in Humble.

Scott: My parents like to keep me guessing.

DO YOU SPEAK ANY OTHER LANGUAGES FLUENTLY? Stacy: Spanish and a little French. Scott: I’m always learning French.

WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE SAYING OR LIFE MOTTO? Stacy: The chef is the owner as it should be. And the chef is in the kitchen where she belongs. Scott: If you’re not early, you’re late.

DO YOU RECYCLE? Stacy: Yes. Scott: We have cut our waste to the dump by 65% over the last three years.

WHAT MAGAZINE—OTHER THAN NATURALLY—WOULD YOU LIKE TO BE FEATURED ON THE COVER OF? Stacy: I like . That’s my favorite kitchen magazine. Scott: . That means I’m actually on vacation. ARE YOU MORE LIKELY TO EAT PIZZA FOR BREAKFAST OR CEREAL FOR DINNER? Stacy: Cereal for dinner. Scott always eats cereal for dinner. SLIPPERS OR BARE FEET AROUND THE HOUSE? Stacy: Bare feet. That’s a weird question. Scott: I’m bare feet as well.

WHAT AWARDS HAVE YOU WON? H Texas Best Chef; ZAGAT World’s Top Restaurants 2009; Mobil Travel Guide Top Rated.

ARE YOU NAMED FOR ANYONE? IS ANYONE NAMED AFTER YOU? Stacy: I’m named after a great-grandmother.

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DO YOU HAVE A GARDEN? FLOWER OR VEGETABLE? Stacy: Yes. Both. We are currently using eggplant, jalapeños, figs, grapes, edible flowers and herbs from our garden. Scott: Part of our recycling is our in-garden compost heap.

WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO BRAG ABOUT YOURSELF? Stacy: To be a part of Chez Nous and to have been trained by Chef Brach. Scott: The route I’ve taken in life is by my own choice, and it worked out okay.

HOW MUCH TIME DO YOU SPEND ON THE COMPUTER EACH DAY? Stacy: Two hours because of Facebook, Twitter and our Chez Nous email family. Scott: As little as possible. DO YOU WATCH TV SHOWS OR MOVIES ON THE INTERNET? Stacy: No. Scott: What’s the Internet?

WHO DO YOU CARRY PHOTOS OF IN YOUR WALLET? Stacy: I don’t carry photos. Scott: Just in my head. Mostly of family and places I’ve lived.

WHERE DID YOU GROW UP? Stacy: Brownsville, Texas. Scott: Atlanta, Georgia.

HOW DID YOU CELEBRATE YOUR LAST BIRTHDAY? Stacy: Cooking for our Halloween Bistro Dinner. My birthday is on Halloween. Scott: Working. We had a California wine dinner that night. WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE MEAL? Stacy: Halibut. Scott: Foie gras – or my last meal would be Filet Mignon Rosini. WHAT’S ON YOUR KEY RING? Scott: Bike lock and keys. Stacy: I have an “s” on my key ring. Scott: That’s just to distinguish between hers and mine. As a one-car family, we have the exact same keys. HOW MANY SONGS ARE ON YOUR IPOD®? WHAT’S THE NEWEST ONE? Scott: 2700. Michael Franti, “Rebel Rockers.” Stacy: 2400. TV on the Radio, “Dear Science”

WHAT REALITY SHOW DO YOU WATCH? Stacy: We don’t watch reality television. Scott: Don’t let her kid you – she likes BBC’s “How Clean is Your House?”

WHAT HOLIDAY WOULD YOU DECLARE? Stacy: I’d love to see a day to celebrate the hard work of our local farmers. Scott: I would like to see Veterans Day and Memorial Day

respected more.

WHAT’S YOUR PERSONAL PHILOSOPHY? Scott: I don’t want to get biblical, but do unto others should be taken more seriously. Stacy: “Power to the Peaceful!” –M. Franti

WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT YOUR HOME? Stacy: Besides being conveniently next door to the restaurant, my dog, Buddeé. He’s always waiting for us when we come home. Scott: It’s paid for. IF WE COULD INTRODUCE YOU TO ANYONE, WHO WOULD IT BE AND WHY? (You never know who we know!) Stacy: Johanna Maier. She’s an Austrian chef who’s written one cookbook and has a small mountaintop restaurant, which is the most highly rated in Austria. Her style of cooking is incredible. Her food tastes like itself, but is decadently beautiful. Her uniform helped me inspire La Cuisiniere – our line of female chef wear. Scott: Johan Bruyneel. He was Lance Armstrong’s coach through all of his Tour de France victories. He creates a motivated team environment. Great coach.

WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN HOUSTON? Scott: Ride my bike in the city. I’ll start up in The Heights through Downtown, River Oaks and Rice Village. It’s not the most bike-friendly city, but everything is connected. It’s a great way to stumble upon new or hidden away restaurants. Stacy: To dine. There are so many great restaurants in Houston.

002houston September 09:002houston

FINANCE

8/20/09

3:15 PM

Page 51

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

STARTING TO PLAN FOR RETIREMENT / WHAT’S YOUR NET WORTH? I THINK IT’S TIME TO START PLANNING FOR RETIREMENT. WHERE DO I BEGIN? hal lynde Although most of us recognize the importance of sound retirement planning, few of us embrace the nitty-gritty work involved. With thousands of investment possibilities, complex rules governing retirement plans, and so on, most people don’t even know where to begin. Here are some suggestions to help you get started.

First, set lifestyle goals for your retirement. At what age do you see yourself retiring, and what would you like to do during retirement? If you hope to retire at age 50 and travel extensively, you’ll require more planning than other people. You’ll also need to account for basic living expenses, from food to utilities to transportation. Most of these expenses don’t disappear when you retire. And don’t forget that you may still be paying off your mortgage or funding a child’s education well into retirement. Finally, be realistic about how many years of retirement you’ll have to fund. With people living longer, your retirement could span 30 years or more. The longer your retirement, the more money you’ll need. Next, project your annual retirement income and see if that income will be enough to meet your expenses. Identify the sources of income you’ll have during retirement, and the yearly amount you can expect to receive from each source. Common sources of retirement income include Social Security benefits, pension payments, distributions from retirement plans (e.g., IRAs and 401(k)s), and dividends and interest from investments. If you find that your retirement income will probably meet or exceed your retirement expenses, you’re in good shape. If not, you need to take steps to bridge the gap. Consider delaying retirement, saving more money or taking more investment risk. This is just a starting point. The further you are from retirement, the harder it is to project your future income and expenses. If you’re ready for more detailed planning, consult a financial professional. A retirement must is understanding your net worth. To figure out your net worth, add up the current value of all of your assets, then add up the current amount of all of your liabilities. Subtract your total liabilities from your total assets. The amount you end up with is your net worth. Assets can include cash, checking accounts, certificates of deposit (CDs), mutual funds, stocks, bonds, IRAs, 401(k) plans, automobiles and real estate. Liabilities can include debt from credit cards, student loans, mortgages, home equity loans, 401(k) loans and car loans. The first step in the financial planning process should be to calculate your net worth. Once you determine your net worth, you will know exactly what you have and what you owe, enabling you to begin mapping out your financial future. Keep in mind that your net worth constantly changes. As a result, you should calculate your net worth annually and make adjustments as needed to ensure that you are meeting your financial goals. For more information about Hal Lynde and for a listing of investment & retirement workshops, please visit www.hal.lynde.mkadvisor.com. If you have a question for Hal Lynde’s financial Q & A Column, email hal.lynde@morgankeegan.com. DON’T MISS HAL’S MARKET UPDATES AT 6:40AM AND 3:45PM AS CAPTAIN CASH ON 94.5 THE BUZZ. september 09 | www.002mag.com .51

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VROOM, VROOM

8/20/09

5:04 PM

Page 52

By Michael Andre Adams

GOING TOPLESS IN THE SUMMER HEAT, TOPLESS CAN BE A GOOD THING…

THE 2009 CORVETTE CONVERTIBLE

2009 SATURN SKY RED LINE

MSRP: $53,220 / $72,910 loaded! MPG: 15 city / 25 highway Annual Fuel: $2,218 (15,000 miles @ $2.66 / gallon-premium unleaded)

MSRP: $31,630 / $35,010 loaded MPG: 19 city / 27 highway Annual Fuel: $1,742 (15,000 miles @ $2.44 / gallon-regular unleaded)

Unlike the driver of a Mustang, Camaro or Dodge Challenger, you’ve got to be sure of yourself long before you sit in front of the 200 mph speedometer in the legendary Corvette.

For the style aficionado seeking a sexy, spicy, al fresca style whip for under $50K, the Saturn Sky Red Line should be somewhere on your “fav-five” list, alongside BMW’s Z4 and Mazda’s MX-5.

At minimum, a kick-butt, 6.2 liter 430 horsepower engine sits under the hood, with optional paddle shifters to take full command of the six-speed automatic transmission. Whether from the start, or any point along the drive, when you feel like you need to move, this car takes off like a rocket!

Low to the ground, but rarely-if-ever-touching, Sky—with its chiseled body, displays a look that screams “sassy,” making it the apple in the eyes of nearly every woman to catch a glimpse of it! Could it be the idea of harnessing a car with such masculine enhancements as chrome-plated accents on the front grill, hood and side air vents, door handles, rear logo and the five spoke 18-inch wheels that go for an additional $545?

With the exception of the initial and final stages where it is necessary to manually unlock and lock the handle of the soft drop top, the up and down function is automatic. While down, there’s sufficient trunk space since the storage of the roof is separate from the trunk area. From the inside the doors open electrically with the push of a button on the handle, with a manual override on the floor below. With nearly everything you can imagine in the $10,050 4LT Premium Equipment Group, I wouldn’t want to leave out magnetic selective ride control for an additional $1,995, which includes driver selectable tour and sport settings and larger cross-drilled brake rotors to bring whatever feeling you desire to the ride. Let’s not forget the must-have, forged chrome wheels for $1,850, plus $1,750 for the navigations system and 7-speaker premium stereo system by Bose with dampening features that make sound perfect whether the top is up, or down.

52. september 09 | www.002mag.com

Under the hood, the Red Line has a 260 horsepower, four-cylinder, 2.0-liter turbo engine that purrs along and kicks in when needed. For what it is, it’s nice, especially if speed ain’t really your speed. In terms of handling, Sky holds well to the road for a car in its class. Being accustomed to lots of interior compartment space, this is where the Sky was most notably deficient. Other than a cup-holder that pushes in/out to impede the legroom of your passenger and one concealed compartment that’s off-limits while driving for a man of my size, there’s no room other than the glove box. At the same time, props must be given to Sky for its interior space in general. Case in point, getting in and out was not nearly as challenging as with last year’s test of the Honda S2000. And Sky’s ride is 10 times quieter than MX-5’s, where you can barely hear or be heard while on the phone at driving speeds 55mph and above.

002houston September 09:002houston

TOOLS+TOYS+GADGETS

8/20/09

5:04 PM

Page 53

By Michael Garfield

EZ READER The Kindle from Amazon.com put the electronic book into the consumer spotlight. Sony also has a model but both of these “eReaders” are quite pricey. Now other companies are hopping on the bandwagon and prices are falling. Astak just released its EZ Reader Pocket Pro that can store up to 1,000 books while also letting you listen to music and toting along files. Sporting a 5” diagonal screen, it weighs just 6 oz. including the battery and uses a convenient thumbwheel to scroll among the options. The 8-level grayscale, anti-glare screen makes it a bit easier to read in direct sunlight than color models. 512MB of built-in memory and the option of inserting an SD card allows for easy downloading and quick page turning.

NUO TECH TOTES I have always preached that any electronic device needs protection to prevent bumps, scrapes and drops. Most laptop and cell phone cases come in dull black so it is nice to see designers get into the gadget industry. Austin-based Nuo Tech builds and designs stylish laptop bags, totes, messenger bags and professional briefcases. Most of Nuo’s products are geared towards females, collaborating with designers like Chloe Dao and Kara Whitten of Kailo Chic. Laptop sleeves run as low as $35 while stylish totes – doubling as a purse – run around $70. Who says you need to look like a geek while carrying high-tech gadgets? Get a Nuo Tech bag and you won’t.

$199 | www.theezreader.com $35-$70 | www.nuo-tech.com

NOKIA STEREO BLUETOOTH HEADSET TUFF-CLIP USB STICK I can’t say I have ever heard of a flash drive go bad because it wasn’t tough enough, but apparently there’s a market of globe-trotting ex-military jungle assassins out there with a need. Flash drives (or thumb drives) are an easy way to carry digital files but they can be fragile. Verbatim has the answer for road warriors with the TUFF-CLIP USB stick. Available in two storage sizes, the flash drives combine clipand-go convenience with industrial-strength toughness. It has a rugged plastic enclosure with a convenient retractable slider that protects the USB connector. You’ll have to pay for those rugged good looks: The 4GB version is $30, while the 8GB is $50. The drives also come pre-loaded with password security software that protects sensitive data. $30-$50 | www.verbatim.com

Many people wonder why some gadgets can’t accomplish multiple tasks. Take a Bluetooth earpiece, for example. It allows one to talk hands-free on a cell phone but in most cases won’t let you listen to music on that same device. The best of both those worlds are found in the Nokia BH-503 Stereo headset. The word “stereo” is key as this has two earpieces that deliver music to your ears as it should be heard. Pair the headset with most any Bluetooth A2DP-enabled phone and let the booming audio play without wires dangling between the phone and the headset. The most impressive feature is also the most important feature when using a Bluetooth device: The microphone and sound reception are incredible. When a caller cannot tell you are using a hands-free device, you know you have found a winner.

$99 | www.nokiausa.com

Michael Garfield is known as “The High-Tech Texan®” to millions of radio listeners and TV viewers. His radio program airs in Houston on The 9-5-0 weekdays from 9am-11am and Saturdays 11am-2pm. Visit his website at www.hightechtexan.com.

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Photography by Gabriella Nissen

TOP SHELF b

FIRST ROW

Soave Doc Colli Scaligeri, Moet & Chandon Rosé Impérial, Martini & Rossi Rosé, Lessini Durello Brut, Ron Zacapa from Guatemala, Leblon Cachaça, Tommy Bahama Rum, Cabana Cachaca

SECOND ROW

McMahon Vodka, Bison Grass Vodka, Ultimat Vodka, Luksusowa Potato Vodka, Dripping Springs Vodka, Crystal Head Vodka, by Aykroyd, Partida Anejo Tequila, Don Julio Anejo, Patron Silver, El Grado Tequila, Republic Tequila, Riazul Premium Tequila

THIRD ROW

Semler Merlot, Syrah and Cabernet, Leona Valley, Dolium Petit Reserva Malbec 2006, Cristobal 1492 Malbec; TY KU White Ultra Premium Sakes and Liqueur, Singleton 12 Year Single Malt Scotch, Prime Malt, Castries Cream

Most available at fine wine shops, Spec’s and Central Market

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8/20/09

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VINTAGE BARWARE By Reyne Haines | Photography by Gabrielle Nissen

1) Teak wood ice bucket – Designer: Henning Koppell for Georg Jensen circa 1960s 2) Blown glass pitcher by Timo Sarpaneva – Swedish circa 1960s 3) "Soda King" syphon bottle, circa 1938. Mfg.: Walter Kidde Sales 56. september 09 | www.002mag.com

Co. – USA, Designer: Norman Bel Geddes 4) "Cylinda" cocktail shaker & pitcher circa 1967 – Mfg.: Stelton – Denmark, Designer: Arne Jacobsen (long spoon cocktail stirrer with the small hole in the bowl goes with this set.)

5) Swedish blown glass decanter – circa 1960s 6) Aluminum cocktail glass – Unknown mfg. – circa 1930s 7) "Bottoms Up" shot glass – Mfg.: McKee – USA circa 1935 8) Vintage cocktail stirrers circa 1950s-1960s – misc. mfg.

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REYNE HAINES IS THE HOST OF THE ART OF COLLECTING (ON KPRC, HOUSTON’S NBC), A WEEKLY PROGRAM SPOTLIGHTING TRENDS AND NEWS ITEMS IN THE WORLD OF ANTIQUES & COLLECTIBLES. To many, “shaken, not stirred” summons memories of Sean Connery, European models and exotic beaches. To collectors of antique barware, it means a whole lot more. Vintage barware is a hot collecting field. Collectors comb antique shops and flea markets looking high and low for the next piece to add to their collections. Some enthusiasts covet certain makers, while others search for certain designs. Barware also comes in a variety of mediums such as chrome, silver, glass, plastic – and even wood. With such a broad array of merchandise to collect, it offers price points to fit any budget. Cocktail hour has been a favorite pastime for many years – long before HBO’s Sex and the City made the Cosmopolitan chic, again. Martinis first came into fashion in the 1920s, and though the shaken martini is the signature of 007, the martini shaker was in fact invented in America (and perhaps the martini, too). Shakers not only came in numerous mediums, but they also began to take fanciful shapes beyond the standard shaker concept. Before long, cocktail shakers appeared in the form of bowling pins, penguins, airplanes, skyscrapers and other icons from the era. Of course, you can’t have shakers without accoutrements: swizzle sticks, corkscrews, cocktail trays, ice buckets, martini glasses… There are national collectors clubs for barware enthusiasts, online discussion groups and dealers that specialize in nothing else. You can find examples from years-gone-by in private collections, and also in important museums such as the Metropolitan Museum of Modern Art. Should you decide this collectible is for you, a few things to consider: Look for mint condition pieces only. If the chrome has tarnished, leave it behind. Don’t accept chipped plastic handles or knobs… and certainly walk past cracked glassware. If a piece is missing a lid, a knob or a partner piece, you should wait for a complete set. Finding the missing part is often hopeless. These items are usually not dishwasher or microwave safe. Washing by hand and towel drying is the best way to maintain your vintage barware. There are numerous reference books on collecting barware at most any local bookstore. I highly suggest buying one. This will give you an idea of who made it and when – and if there are reproductions that can fool you, how to spot them. Most books come with price guides to give you an idea of what to pay. Collectible barware also makes a great gift for that special someone in your life, or a soon-to-be bride and groom. Not only do they make great conversation pieces, but they also offer function. Cheers! Reyne

To purchase, please contact: Don Browne, Collector/Dealer, 281.773.1963.

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RESTAURANT LISTINGS Gravitas gravitasrestaurant.com 807 Taft. 713.522.0995

american

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

La Strada lastradahouston.com 322 Westheimer. 713.523.1014

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

*17

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

The Lake House 1600 McKinney. 713.337.7320 thelakehousehouston.com

Mariposa inside Neiman Marcus 2600 Post Oak Blvd. 713.621.7100 ext. 2166 Max’s Wine Dive maxswinedive.com 4720 Washington. 713.880.8737 McCORMICK AND SCHMICK’S •1151 Uptown Park. 713.840.7900 •1201 Fannin St. 713.658.8100 mccormickandschmicks.com/houston.com

Barnaby’s barnabyscafe.com •5750 Woodway. 713.266.0046 •1701 S. Shepherd. 713.520.5131 •414 West Gray. 713.522.8898 •604 Fairview. 713.522.0106 •602 Fairview. 713.522.4229

Monarch inside Hotel ZaZa 5701 Main. 713.527.1800 monarchrestaurant.com

Benjy’s benjys.com •2424 Dunstan. 713.522.7602 •5922 Washington Ave. 713.868.1131

Open City ochouston.com 2416 Brazos. 713.522.0118

mccormick and schmick’s

Bistro Lancaster 701 Texas Ave. 713.228.9502

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

BLOCK 7 WINE COMPANY NEW 720 Shepherd Dr. 713.572.2565 block7wineco.com

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

Boom Boom Room 2518 Yale St. 713.868.3740 theboomboomroomhouston.com

Courses inside the Art Institute of Houston 1900 Yorktown. 713.353.3644 EDDIE V’S PRIME SEAFOOD NEW 12848 Queensbury Ln. 832.200.2380 eddiev.com FOUNDATION ROOM | House of Blues 1204 Caroline. 832.667.7800 houseofblues.com/foundationroom Daily Review Café dailyreviewcafe.com 3412 West Lamar. 713.520.9217

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

RUGGLES GREEN rugglesgreen.com 2311 West Alabama. 713.533.0777 Table 7 720 Fannin St. 713.227.4800

Tart Café tartcafe.com 4411 Montrose. 713.526.8278

Textile textilerestaurant.com 611 W. 22nd Street. 832.209.7174

foundation room

The Oceanaire Seafood Room theoceanaire.com 5061 Westheimer. 832.487.8862

ZUSHI [japanese] 5900 Memorial Dr., #102. 713.861.5588 zushihouston.com

SoVino sovinowines.com 507 Westheimer. 713.524.1000

The Grove thegrovehouston.com 1611 Lamar. 713.337.7321

zushi

Antidote Coffee 729 Studewood. 713.861.7400 myspace.com/antidotecoffee

Voice inside Hotel Icon 220 Main. 832.667.4470 hotelicon.com

Café Brasil 2604 Dunlavy. 713.528.1993 DON DIEGO COFFEE dondiegocoffee.com 208 Travis. 713.228.3560

asian Auntie Chang’s Dumpling House 2621 S. Shepherd. 713.524.8410 auntiechangs.com

les givral’s kahve

Diedrich Coffee diedrich.com 4005 Montrose. 713.526.1319

Gigi’s Asian Bistro 5085 Westheimer. 713.629.8889

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

Kam’s [fine chinese cuisine] 4500 Montrose Blvd. #C. 713.529.5057 Kubo’s [japanese] 2414 University Blvd. #200. 713.528.7878 kubos-sushi.com

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

Pagoda [vietnamese] pagodabistro.com 4705 Inker St. 832.673.0400 RA SUSHI [japanese] rasushi.com •3908 Westheimer. 713.621.5800 •12860 Queensnbury Ln.#234 713.331.2792 NEW

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

The Coffee Groundz coffeegroundz.net 2503 Bagby. 713.874.0082

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

Fish [japanese] fishhouston.com 309 Gray. 713.526.5294

Uptown Sushi uptown-sushi.com Uptown Park. 713.871.1200

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

bakery+ coffee+tea+others

Shuck Daddy’s NEW 1511 Sheperd Dr. 713.861.9888

ruggles green Ray’s Franks & More NEW 1302 Nance St. 713.224.6441

Bowl eatbowl.com 607 Richmond. 832.582.7218

Glasswall glasswalltherestaurant.com 933 Studemont. 713.868.7930

Polo’s Signature 3800 Southwest Frwy. 713.626.8100 polosignature.com

Zake [japanese] 2946 S. Shepherd. 713.526.6888

Skyline Bar & Grill Hilton-Americas 1600 Lamar. 713.577.6139

Azuma [japanese] azumajapanese.com •909 Texas. 713.223.0909 •5600 Kirby. 713.423.9649

Noe noerestaurant.com Four Riverway. 713.871.8177

Bedford bedfordrestaurant.com 1001 Studewood. 713.880.1001

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

Kraftsmen Baking kraftsmenbaking.com 4100 Montrose, #C. 713.524.7272 Mango Beach [snow cones] 2304 White Oak.

Swirll [frozen yogurt] swirlls.com •1944 West Gray •15955 City Walk Taft Street Coffee 2115 Taft. 713.522.3533

ra sushi

The 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

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

Thelma’s 1020 Live Oak @ Lamar. 713.228.2262

breakfast 1th St. Café 748 E. 11th St. 713.862.0089 Avalon Drug Co. & Diner •2417 Westheimer. 713.527.8900 •12810 Southwest Frwy. 281.240.0213

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 Fountain View Café 1842 Fountain View. 713.785.9060 Rustika Café 3237 Southwest Frwy. 713.665.6226 Tiny Boxwoods 3614 W. Alabama St. 713.622.4224

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

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Zydeco Louisiana Diner 1119 Pease. 713.759.2001

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

indian

El Patio [mex] •6444 Westheimer. 713.780.0410 •2416 Brazos. 713.523.8181

Kiran’s kiranshouston.com 4100 Westheimer. 713.960.8472 Narin’s Bombay Brasserie 3005 W. Loop South. 713.622.2005 narinsbombaybrasserie.com

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

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 Brisas Cocina Mexicana 5161 San Felipe. 713.993.9899 brisamexicana.com Café Piquet [cuban] 6053 Bissonnet. 713.664.1031 CYCLONE ANAYA’S [mex] •5761 Woodway Dr. 713.339.4552 •309 Gray St. 713.520.6969 •1710 Durham Dr. 713.862.3209 cycloneanaya.com

Maria Selma [mex] mariaselma.com 1617 Richmond. 713.528.4920

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

el tiempo

The Lemon Tree [peru] 12591 Whittington. 281.556.0690

Tio Pepe [spain] 5213 Cedar St. 713.667.4409 tiopeperestaurant.net

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

steak+chops

freebirds Picazo Restaurant Bar & Grill 1421 Preston. 713.236.1300 picazodowntown.com Rioja Spanish Tapas riojarestaurant.com 11920 Westheimer. 281.531.5569 Tacos a Go-Go tacosagogo.com 3704 Main. 713.807.8226

mediterranean +greek

Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steak House delfriscos.com 5061 Westheimer. 713.355.2600 Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse flemingssteakhouse.com •2405 W. Alabama. 713.520.5999 •788 W. Sam Houston Pkwy. North 713.827.1120 Morton’s mortons.com •5000 Westheimer. 713.629.1946 •1001 McKinney. 713.659.3700 Mo’s mosrestaurants.com 1801 Post Oak Blvd. 713.877.0720

Droubi Bros. •507 Dallas. 713.625.0058 •919 Milam. 713.571.6800

Cafe Lili [lebanese] cafelili.com 5757 Westheimer. 713.952.6969 Niko Niko’s nikonikos.com 2520 Montrose. 713.528.1308

Saffron Moroccan Cuisine 2006 Lexington. 713.522.3562 saffronhouston.com

pizza

guadalajara hacienda

Candelari’s candelaris.com 6002 Washington. 832.200.1474

Dolce Vita Pizzeria y Enoteca 500 Westheimer. 713.520.8222 dolcevitahouston.com

tila’s

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

Ninfa's The Original 2704 Navigation Blvd. 713.228.1175

GUADALAJARA HACIENDA [mex] •1201 San Jacinto. 713.650.0101 •9799 Katy Freeway. 713.461.5300 •2925 Southwest Freeway. 713.942.0772 •27885 I-45 North. 281.362.0774 guadalajarahacienda.com Irma’s [mex] •22 N. Chenevert. 713.222.0767 •1314 Texas. 713.247.9651

Romano’s Flying Pizza 1528 W. Gray. 713.526.1182

Molina’s Cantina [mex] 4220 Washington. 713.862.0013 molinasrestaurants.com

FREEB!RDS WORLD BURRITO freebirds.com •3745 Greenbriar. 713.524.0621 •528 W. Bay Area Blvd. 281.557.2300 •6940 FM 1960 West. 281.444.3336 •9774 Katy Fwy. #700. 832.358.0300 •1923 Taylor, # F. 713.862.0080 •1640 Lake Woodlands Dr. 281.419.80

Divino Italian Restaurant 1830 W. Alabama. 713.807.1123 divinohouston.com

Vinoteca Poscol 1609 Westheimer. 713.529.2797

Lucio’s [new american latin] 905 Taft. 713.523.9958

El Tiempo Cantina [mex] •3130 Richmond. 713.807.1600 •5602 Washington. 713.681.3645 •1308 Montrose. 713.807.8996 eltiempocantina.com

italian

Pink’s Pizza pinkspizza.com •710 West Gray. 713.521.7465 •1403 Heights Blvd. 713.864.7465

cyclone anaya’s

El Rey [cuban-mex] •233 Main. 713.225.1895 •910 Shepherd. 713.802.9145

Shiva Indian Restaurant 2415 Times Blvd. 713.523.4753 shivarestaurant.com

Frank’s Pizza frankspizza.com 417 Travis. 713.225.5656

TINTOS [spain] NEW tintosrestaurant.com.com 2015 W Gray St. 713.522.1330

El Meson [cuban] 2425 University. 713.522.9306

Indika indikausa.com 516 Westheimer. 713.524.2170

Pappas Bros Steakhouse pappasbros.com 5839 Westheimer Rd. 713.780.7352 shula’s

Perry's Steakhouse & Grille 9827 Katy Freeway. 832.358.9000 perrysrestaurants.com 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. 713.375.4777

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Photography by Sofia van der Dys

CLEVERLEY STONE company food, wine & dining journalist & broadcaster | years there 14+ CLEVERLEY WAS BORN IN NEW YORK CITY AND RAISED IN NEW JERSEY. SHE ATTENDED COLLEGE AT THE WHARTON SCHOOL, UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA. AN AVID TRAVELER SINCE CHILDHOOD, SHE’S HIKED THE JUNGFRAUJOCH IN SWITZERLAND AND LEARNED TO RIDE A TWO-WHEELER AROUND THE TRIPLE SMOKESTACKS OF THE QUEEN MARY DURING A TRANSATLANTIC VOYAGE FROM SOUTHAMPTON TO NEW YORK. SHE HEADED THE WEDDING SECTION FOR AND WROTE A SUNDAY COLUMN FOR THE PAPER UNTIL ITS DEMISE IN 1995. EVER SINCE THEN SHE’S BEEN COVERING HOUSTON’S FOOD, WINE AND DINING SCENE IN PRINT, ONLINE AND FOR SEVERAL RADIO AND TV STATIONS. HER RADIO SHOW AIRS SATURDAYS ON CNN 650 RADIO NEWS; SHE CONTRIBUTES TO FOX 26 MORNING NEWS ON FRIDAYS; SHE IS RESTAURANT COLUMNIST FOR MAGAZINE AND PUBLISHES A BLOG AND NEWSLETTER ONLINE. SHE IS FOUNDER AND CHAIRMAN OF HOUSTON RESTAURANT WEEK, BENEFITING THE HOUSTON FOOD BANK. BEST BRUNCH? I like the big holiday brunches – Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day, at restaurants and hotels. I go with a bunch of friends, drink mimosas and enjoy the buffet. WHAT’S YOUR PET PEEVE? When dining out, servers who ask, "Are you still working on that?" FAVORITE PLACE FOR DESSERT? Anyplace where I can get something made by pastry chef Rebecca Masson. She makes desserts for a bunch of lucky restaurants in town. IS THIS YOUR INTENDED CAREER PATH? IF NOT, HOW DID YOU GET HERE? I attended Wharton at the University of Pennsylvania and studied business. My first job as an adult was internal auditor for a big company and I quickly figured out that was not for me. That was a very lonely job. No one likes the auditor. After that my career took a rather circuitous route, bringing me to where I am today. WHAT DID YOU WANT TO BE WHEN YOU GREW UP? My father wrote as a hobby and had things published from time to time. I was fascinated by the written word. I thought writing was really cool but didn’t think I could make a living at it. WHY HOUSTON? Foley’s brought me here from New York in 1989. I was working as a buyer for a Fifth Avenue department store when they wooed me to Texas. FAVORITE BOOK? Now: The dictionary. Growing up: Eloise and Nancy Drew mysteries. FAVORITE BAND? Stones, Led Zeppelin, Beatles, Crosby Stills Nash & Young. WHO IS YOUR BIGGEST INSPIRATION? My mother, of course. BIGGEST LIFE LESSON LEARNED? Be kind. Be ethical. Help others. HOW DO YOU WANT TO BE REMEMBERED? That I worked to help those who were less fortunate. WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE KITCHEN TOOL? I love my Magic Bullet chopper! I use it all the time - grinding coffee beans and making homemade salsa and whipped cream. And chopping stuff! WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST JOB? It was a summer job during high school. I worked in our town’s nicest jewelry store. My dad got the job for me.

WHAT DO YOU PLAN ON DOING WHEN YOU RETIRE? Retire? What’s that? When you find me slumped over my microphone or my keyboard, that’s when you’ll know I’ve retired. WHAT LUXURY (ITEM OR SERVICE) DO YOU WISH YOU COULD INDULGE YOURSELF WITH? I love going to the movies; the smell of the popcorn, the anticipation of a great film when the lights dim. And massages, mani-pedis, and all the spa treatments. WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE SPOT IN HOUSTON TO SHOW OFF TO A VISITOR? NASA, our museums and our restaurants! TEXANS STILL HAVE A REPUTATION FOR BRAGGING. WHAT WOULD YOU BRAG ABOUT? Houston’s restaurant scene, of course! I believe that we have one of the most culturally diversified food scenes in the country.

WHAT TV SHOWS DO YOU WATCH? I like the History Channel, Biography Channel, Houston PBS and of course I love Fox 26! I also like “The Apprentice” and “Dancing with the Stars.” I watch these shows with my mom on the phone – she’s in New Jersey and I’m in Houston.

WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE SMELL? Newspaper ink. (Kind of weird for a foodie, right?)

FAVORITES: SONG I WILL SURVIVE DESTINATION PARIS DRINK CHAMPAGNE CARTOON CHARACTER JOSIE AND THE PUSSYCATS DAY OF THE WEEK MONDAY 60. september 09 | www.002mag.com

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TEXAS STYLE Ziegenbock Amber Ale & Pizzitola’s Beef Brisket – 1703 Shepherd Drive www.pizzitolas.com

BEER PAIRINGS

Photography by Anthony Rathbun | Assisted by Pixie Ibañez

Few things in this world are true but one is a guarantee: In Texas we like brisket and beer. No beer is a better pairing for Pizzitola’s perfectly prepared brisket than this strictly Texan beer – Ziegenbock. Ziegenbock’s sweet, smooth, nutty, malt taste is the perfect complement to a tender, smoked brisket. Feel free to partake in the fixings as this beer will keep you going back for more as well.

Saint Arnold’s Amber Ale & Whataburger Combo #1 www.whataburger.com

Nothing is more Houston than a Whataburger Combo Meal #1 (heavy on the mustard and pickles) and the full flavor of Saint Arnold’s Amber Ale. This local Amber has just the right mix of complex hops balanced by a light fruitiness, typical of ales. The local favorite leaves the palette clean and crisp after each addicting bite from the juicy burger…What-a-Beer.

Negra Modelo & Voice’s Smoked Duck 220 Main St. 832.667.4470 | www.hotelicon.com

Despite Negra Modelo’s Mexican birth, this beer has a German heritage, a heritage that has given it a smooth, creamy flavor that makes it the best partner to any smoked game meat…especially Chef Michael Kramer’s delectable offerings at Voice. The sweet, nutty, malty nose of this Munich Dunkel Lager draws out the bold, rich flavors of smoked duck.

Sam Adams’ Boston Lager & Guadalara del Centro Fajitas 1201 San Jacinto | www.guadalajarahacienda.com

A Patriot’s flagship beer, Boston Lager has the perfect balance of the best ingredients that allow it to stand up to the bold flavors of Guadalara del Centro’s fajitas. This invasion of flavor is no match for this founding father’s brew. The subtle hops that balance the sweet malts are bold enough to hold their own despite the spicy dinner. 62. september 09 | www.002mag.com

Photography by Bernerd Bauri with lastnightpics.com

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EVENT CYCLONE ANAYA’S 3RD ANNIVERSARY WHY TO CELEBRATE ITS MIDTOWN LOCATION – LATIN STYLE! WHERE 309 GRAY ST. WHEN JULY 17

Cyclone Anaya’s celebrated the third year of its Midtown location in style! With over 400 guests in attendance, the restaurant had a lot to be thankful for. Throughout the night, guests were able to enjoy an evening on the patio with music by DJ Bogart, an array of Brazilian drinks and foods, giveaways and prizes – it was an evening not to missed!

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Scrumptious

Issue YOU WOULD THINK WITH ALL THE NEWS OF ECONOMIC UPHEAVAL WE’D SEE THE DEMISE OF A SLEW OF ESTABLISHMENTS AROUND TOWN. IN THIS CITY THOUGH, IT’S QUITE THE OPPOSITE. ALTHOUGH THERE IS NO SHORTAGE OF EXCELLENT OPTIONS ALREADY, THE BRAVE, CRAZY OR INGENIOUS HAVE VENTURED INTO THIS TERRITORY TO TITILLATE OUR TASTE BUDS WITH NEW CUISINE, CONCEPTS AND CONCOCTIONS. WITH THE REBIRTHS OF WASHINGTON AVENUE, CAFÉ ANNIE A LA RDG, THE PIG STAND TO SAWYER PARK SPORTS BAR, HOUSTON IS ALL ABOUT TRANSFORMATIONS AND NEW BEGINNINGS ENCOURAGING THOSE WITH TALENT TO THRIVE. IN THESE PAGES, WE DIVE HEAD FIRST INTO WHAT’S NEW AND NOTABLE.

*Please note, these are opinions of the writers and are intended to entice the reader to try new things. This does not guarantee perfection at all visits. Although, that should be expected… and, no, we are not foodies, we just like to eat + drink!

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CAFÉ ANNIE WAS LONG AN INSTITUTION IN HOUSTON. LOCALS HAVE FLOCKED FOR ROBERT DEL GRANDE’S PARTICULAR FUSION OF CUISINE THAT HONESTLY I STILL CAN’T PUT MY FINGER ON. Fast forward to late summer 2009, and Café Annie’s reign quietly came to an end as del Grande grew up to become RDG + Bar Annie just a few steps away from where the old Café Annie was. I must admit, when I first heard the buzz around the name, I was one of those who wasn’t sure about the name change. I wondered how it would be accepted and if it was a good idea to “mess with a good thing.” I now realize the name needed to change for this new metamorphosis to take place.

Photography by Debora Smail

I can honestly say I am a convert. Robert del Grande shines in this new home. He remains true to his past while being open to a future. The menu proves it, citing the original year (marked by circa) on many of the items from when they first appeared on the menu. The night we show up for our tasting I can swear there is a recording device under the table! Every item we want to savor starts to show up before we even get the chance to order. Escargot with caramelized garlic and parsley butter circa 1980 – Escargot tantalize with toasted, crunchy, butter infused croutons and brown pieces of garlic, all in the same dish creating perfect bite after perfect bite. We fight over the last baked potato fritter with bacon, cheddar and chive dip (think grown up Tater Tots®). Not one dish disappoints. The ahi tuna (seared rare) with ginger shrimp slaw circa 2009 surprises with tiny lightly fried shrimp legs (yes, shrimp legs) but the crunch and taste add a wonderful texture to the salted red chile sauce and the tuna. Sea scallops roasted in cornhusk with poached egg and bacon grits circa 1994 “is the perfect

Photography by Michelle Watson

I THINK I’M GONNA LIKE IT HERE….

breakfast and needs to be on the brunch menu,” as our associate editor, Beatrice Valencia, put it. The wood grilled Colorado lamb chops circa 2009 had our publisher wanting more. Pink in the middle, brown on the outside – bone licking good. And the pan roasted white hominy is just… wow. I am probably one of the few who really don’t go for desserts. I have a few sweets I LOVE and more times than not, you won’t find them on a dessert menu, especially at a place like RDG. But again, del Grande surprises by adding something for everyone – a few sundae options, cakes and tarts, fresh berries and cookies! These are my favorite; I love fresh baked cookies and they are not just an afterthought on this menu. Rich chocolate cookies are served with powdered sugar, vanilla butter cookies with a pot of berry jam, and macaroons. Recently

provecho CUISINE: Spanish | CHEF: Alberto Alfonso

Located in the former Hunan River digs behind the River Oaks movie theater, Tinto’s has undergone new management, makeover and menu. The food focus is on Spanish cuisine integrating the best of what’s modern and traditional. The tapas list is quite extensive and will satisfy the most adventurous and non-adventurous eaters.

Escargot with roasted artichokes and sundried tomatoes in lemon butter was successful enough that I thought about licking the plate. Oxtails were tender and comforting. The paella with seafood, chorizo and chicken was fantastic. The rice was al dente and crispy where it hit the bottom of the pan and the calamari was perfectly tender. back from a trip to Paris, all I wanted to eat were escargot and macaroons, and I have to say, RDG’s were just as tasty as the French fare I lugged back from Lauderee. Being from Mexico, I love Mexican food, and have even acquired a taste for Tex-Mex, but what Robert del Grande does with my native ingredients is something all together his own. It’s not the new Mexico cuisine all the rage right now in Mexico, it’s not Tex-Mex and it’s not authentic – what it is, is authentically delicioso. -Carla Valencia de Martinez

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

The trio of gazpachos (red, white and green) shouldn’t be missed. The red gazpacho was a traditional tomato version, albeit light on the garlic. The white gazpacho was sharp, pungent white garlic soup that blew me away (and made me take back my comment on the first). The last soup was cucumber melon – slightly sweet, cooling and refreshing. Each was memorable in its own way.

Try a white sangria or pick a wine from the diverse wine list – Alfonso was Director of Operations at The Tasting Room and Max’s Wine List. Tinto’s even has a retail wine license so you can take a bottle of your favorite home. Hopefully you’ll be lucky enough to have some leftover paella too. -Jenny Wang

Tinto’s Spanish Restaurant & Wine Bar | 2015 West Gray | 713.522.1330 www.tintosrestaurant.com

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IT’S IN THE STARS by Jenny Wang of imneverfull.com | Photography by Shannon O'Hara

GOOD THINGS DON’T ALWAYS COME EASY. SUCH IS THE CASE AT CHEZ ROUX AT LA TORRETTA DEL LAGO RESORT AND SPA WHICH SITS ON THE SHORES OF LAKE CONROE. THE 50-MILE DRIVE IS WELL OVER AN HOUR FROM DOWNTOWN, BUT AT LEAST THE DRIVE BACK COMES WITH THE GUARANTEE OF AN AFTER-DINNER GLOW FROM A RARE AND EXCEPTIONAL MEAL.

Chez Roux’s new executive chef comes from another unlikely place too. When the first executive chef didn’t work out – he was gone even before opening day – the search for a new one ended in the Scottish Highlands. Chef Matthew Gray who earned a Michelin star for the posh Inverlochy Castle Hotel in Torlundy was actually once a stagiare at Gavroche and later did a few joint gala dinners with Roux at Inverlochy before he got the invitation to helm the kitchen in Conroe. The jewel box of a restaurant rests right on the lake with a wall of glass between the diners and the water view. An illuminated, glass-enclosed wine cellar separates the lounge from the dining room. The feel is elegant, but unfussy and modern, not at all what I was expecting. The dining room is quite small with a section of zigzag banquettes and several loose tables along the window side.

Moving to mains held even more delights. My favorite from both visits was Muscovy duck breast with braised endive, candy-striped beets and beet coulis. The real treasure was a “fondant” made from turnips that had been so caramelized they tasted like toffee. It was topped with salty threads of duck confit. The plate had so many exciting components going for it that my eyes rolled back with pleasure. Veal tenderloin was also excellent and literally melt-inyour-mouth tender with pillowy gnocchi and rich porcini cream.

The chef’s table which seats ten to twelve people at a time is a large, marble counter with an open view of the kitchen. Diners will enjoy watching the bustle of chef whites in the kitchen and interacting with kitchen staff. However, they are also subjected to a large, flat screen TV displaying a dizzying slideshow of self-aggrandizing food photos interspersed with images of Roux from television shows or posing with other celebrities. I guess it’s his way to be on premise daily without actually requiring him to be in the country. My first dinner experience started with a spongy lobster mousse wrapped in dark green spinach leaves. It was accompanied by a heavenly, velvety Champagne beurre blanc and topped with a lobster claw and caviar crown. The dish was so profound that I can still savor it months later. On a more recent trip, I was blown away by the cheese soufflé made with Veldhuizen Family Farm’s Texas Gold Cheddar from Dublin, TX. The light, airy cloud of cheese was a savory meringue floating in a pool of sweet creamed corn puree. It was good, but so rich I couldn’t finish it. Garrett Donovan, the restaurant director and sommelier, paired this course with a silky 2006 Etienne Sauzet Puligny Montrachet which had lovely hints of toast and a subtle minerality. Or perhaps I couldn’t finish the soufflé because I ordered the two most decadent starters. I’m a staunch believer that every proper French meal should contain a foie course, especially as exquisite as this one: Foie gras terrine with a faint tickle of Muscat served with leeks, mixed greens, hazelnuts and a drizzle of balsamic vinegar. The thick, buttery schmear combined with the restrained pungency of baby leeks and sweet acidity of balsamic piled atop toasted brioche made this another brilliant

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The cheese cart is one of the best I’ve seen in the state. Served at a perfect room temperature, one evening I enjoyed a variety of delectable cheeses including a nutty Ossau-Iraty, Baby Blue and Baby Caprino from CKC Farms, Morbier and the guaranteed crowd-pleaser, Fourme d’Ambert. For a sweeter finish, raspberry soufflé with white chocolate ice cream and port-poached figs with almond milk sorbet both hit the spot. After-dinner mignardises – or a selection of mini, bite-sized candies like chocolate truffles, meringues, gelees and shortbreads – are almost too cute to eat. It’s no wonder that some of the best food will be found by following the Michelin stars. After Chez Roux, I’m completely convinced.

C HE Z R OU X 600 La Torretta Blvd. Montgomery, TX 77356 936.448.4400 www.latorrettadellagoresortandspa.com Hours: Tue - Sun 5:30pm-9:30pm

Photography by Michelle Watson

Conroe seems like the last place legendary chef Albert Roux would put a signature restaurant. Roux’s famed Le Gavroche in London had the honor of being the first Michelin-starred restaurant in Britain and was the training grounds for other English chef hotshots, Gordon Ramsay and Marco Pierre White. One would think he’d choose the East or West Coast for his first foray in feeding American diners. But Roux is a longtime friend of Ronnie Ben-Zur, the main force behind the $130 million conversion of Del Lago into La Torretta Del Lago, the shiny-new, luxury resort.

and memorable affair even further heightened with a glass of Duc De Castellac Monbazillac, a great affordable alternative to Sauternes.

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Photography by Michelle Watson

LIFE OUTSIDE THE LOOP

PIGS, THEY FLY

Capriccio | 10865 Jones Road | 281.807.9442 | www.capricciotapas.com

Photography by Kim Coffman

Located in what used to be the Pig Stand, this new sports bar is an impressive structure. This isn’t your regular sports bar though. Think Washington crowd at a Washington sports bar, i.e., there’s a door man. Definitely not a hole in the wall. The two-story indoor-outdoor bar will be a haven for sports enthusiats come football season. With giant projection screens indoors/outdoors, various plasmas outside/inside on the first floor and other rooms tucked away with TVs, you would think that’s exactly what the owners had in mind. And although at press time, football season is 19 days, 5 hours, 33 minutes, 30 seconds away (thank you, C.Ward), by the time you read this it will be a mere five days till game time (UT game time, that is) and the anxiety has been building. Suggestion: get there early for a spot. On Sundays, they have Valet is a bit rusty but it’s new. I’d find spiked sno-cones and out if they plan on playing the audio frozen mojitos on the upstairs patio. accompanying the game before you get comfortable. The upstairs patio with its circular bar, cushiony lounge areas, giant screen and breathtaking city view is by far the highlight. The fish tacos are pretty tasty. The smoked brisket quesadilla has potential. Mine needed more smoky brisket. The Mile High nachos, (yes, you only get about 6, therefore they’re NOT a mile high) are actually tostadas cut in half and smothered in cheese so they stay crispy a lot longer than chips – and 6 is really enough. -Beatrice Valencia

We checked out Capriccio off Jones Road and were reminded that there indeed is life outside the loop. Chef and owner Gerry Sarmiento prides himself on his tapas. The self-made restaurateur was an executive at HP before owning Capriccio as well as Italian eatery Mezzanotte, 8 minutes down the road. We feasted on a variety of tapas including the Albondigas, which is a Spanish version of meatballs, and the Plato Frio with cold cuts of cheeses and meats and olives – fresh and delicious! The Valencia Paella and Hortalana Paella (one the works, the other a vegetarian version) – hands down the classic paella with seafood and meat was the favorite. The greens tossed with garlic, Gambas Al Guajillo (shrimp with garlic and ajillo pepper) had us licking our fingers. Creative additions like the hearty Peras Seranas made of poached pears served with Jamon Serrano were a delight. My favorites were the Patatas Bravas and the Churro dessert. -Carla Valencia de Martinez

SMART THINKING:

Sawyer Park Sports Bar | 2412 Washington Avenue | 713.863.9350 | www.sawyerparkhouston.com

DELISH ADDITIONS

UPTOWN SUSHI HAS ADDED A SERIES OF “TOPPED SUSHI” THAT MAKES US DROOL WITH DELIGHT! SO SIMPLE, SO PURE – THESE BITES ARE GLORIOUS! THE SEA SALT RED SNAPPER IS SUSHI RICE, TOPPED WITH A FLAWLESS PIECE OF RED SNAPPER, LEMON, AVOCADO, SOY TOBIKO, TOPPED WITH A CRISP SLIVER OF GARLIC SPRINKLED WITH CRUNCHY SEA SALT. ALSO ROLLING OUT THIS MONTH IS CHEF DON’S NEW MENU!

-Carla Valencia de Martinez

Uptown Sushi | 1131-14 Uptown Sushi | 713.871.1200 | www.uptown-sushi.com september 09 | www.002mag.com .67

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ZOE’S KITCHEN ON WASHINGTON LOOKING FOR A FRESH MEAL? WELL, AREN’T YOU LUCKY ZOE’S KITCHEN MOVED INTO YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD. THIS MEDITERRANEANINSPIRED KITCHEN OFFERS FRESH ORIGINAL RECIPES TO SATISFY ANY APPETITE. HEART-HEALTHY AND WAISTLINE-FRIENDLY DISHES MADE WITH FRESH INGREDIENTS ARE SURE TO KEEP HIPSTERS LIVING ALONG THIS AVENUE COMING BACK FOR MORE. -Beatrice Valencia 4000 Washington | 713.861.9637 | www.zoeskitchen.com

Washington vs. Shepherd: silverware +glassware +new menu items +alcohol

Photography by Kim Coffman

SMASHBURGER

NOT TO BE MISSED:

With a new location near you on Buffalo Speedway, getting a delicious burger is within reach. The The Haagen Dazs actual interior itself is above those shakes are heavenly! other fast food burger joints. Burgers come served in a nice metal basket while salads are served on glass plates with actual silver ware! If you like a chicken sandwich, I recommend their smashchicken. Smashed into a thin sheet of chicken and served on a grainy bun, you’ll hardly feel guilty eating the whole thing. -Beatrice Valencia

5220 Buffalo Speedway | 713.343.0191

A KNOCKOUT! IN NEED OF A PLACE TO HANG THAT IS TYPICALLY BUSY OR HAS SOME SORT OF LIFE? THEN THIS IS YOUR SPOT. NO MATTER THE DAY OF THE WEEK OR THE TIME, THEY’VE GOT A BUZZ ON THEIR OUTSIDE PATIO OR BAR AREA. IT’S NO WONDER – THEIR PRIME LOCATION OFFERS PLENTY TO SEE OR BE SEEN. FEELING THIRSTY: THEY’RE FAMOUS FOR FISH BOWL-SIZED MARGARITAS. -Beatrice Valencia

Cyclone Anaya’s Midtown | 309 Gray St. | 713.520.6969 | www.cycloneanaya.com

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SYLVIA’S Enchilada Kitchen

Every foodie in town has heard about the heavenly enchiladas de Sylvia. The far west location near the Energy Corridor was the deal breaker for me. For some reason, I never have a problem traveling for French but Iʼm much more stubborn about mileage when it comes to Tex-Mex. Well, someone shouldʼve just beat me over the head with a shovel and dragged me there now that I know what I know.

Photography by Kim Coffman

RA Sushi @ CITYCENTRE | 12860 Queensbury, Ste 234 | 713.331.2792 | www.rasushi.com

HOUSE OF BLUES FOUNDATION

The Woodway location also has a woodfired grill. Mesquite wood chips lend wonderful smokey flavors to prime beef carne asada. Fork-tender cabrito is also a winner with guajillo, red and green peppers and sofrito. Add me to the list. Iʼm definitely a fan. -Beatrice Valencia

6401 Woodway | 713.334.7295 www.sylviasenchiladakitchen.com Photography by Kim Coffman

Tucked away into the second floor of what will be the busiest new mix-use development of the season, RA brings its sizzle to the Westside. A subtly sexy atmosphere is suited to allow for family friendly dining as well as grown-up happy hour. The vast dining room features a sushi bar with an illuminated glass wall as a backdrop for a massive metal fish sculpture. The main bar features a large-scale pagoda backdrop. Think lots of red tones with black touches. This indoor-outdoor sushi haven offers a hip ambience in an unpretentious light. Speaking of light, sphere lantern lighting dots the outside patio to provide a warm inviting glow. Contemporary décor is recurring throughout the restaurant from furniture to lighting fixtures to the art adorning the walls. Even the menu is a delicious fusion of traditional cuisine with new twists. Among the various dishes are “RA”ckin shrimp (it really is), signature sushi the Viva Las Vegas roll (big, dressed up and tasty), the Tuncado, the Chili ponzu yellowtail (umm, freshness=wow!) and the Dengaku tofu, a crusted vegetarian delight. Don’t bother ordering a ponzu or making your own with soy sauce, each dish comes with its own special sauce for dipping. The creamy ponzu dipping sauce from the Tuncado is so good, you’ll want to keep it and dip everything in it. Smarty Hour: They have happy hour food/drink specials from Monday-Saturday from 3 – 7pm and reverse happy hour aka “Flying Fish Lounge” from 8pm – midnight. A group of friends went on a Saturday for the happy hour at 3pm and had $1 hot sake with a $3, 12oz Sapporo! Now that is a recession friendly buzz… -Beatrice Valencia

Photography by Kim Coffman

But thankfully, Casares has opened a second location on Woodway. I had both enchilada samplers for lunch one day – each included six mini enchiladas spaced out so meticulously none of the sauces commingled. The “North of the Border” included the best cheese enchilada covered with chile gravy to have ever met my lips. Iʼm a changed woman. Seriously! It also had an excellent, vegetarian-friendly calabacitas & corn enchilada topped with light cream sauce and a rich crab enchilada topped with a bisque-esque sauce. Sylvia told me that the secret to her amazing enchiladas is each of her fourteen sauces is prepared fresh daily and the tortillas are soaked in sauce overnight which lends a fluffier texture.

SUBURBIA, meet Sexy; Sexy, meet Suburbia…

Foundation Room | 1204 Caroline Street | 713.652.5837 www.houseofblues.com

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new kid on

the block BLOCK 7 OPENED LAST MONTH ON WASHINGTON AVENUE TO MUCH FANFARE. THE SPOT IS ALREADY AN AREA FAVORITE. THE WELL THOUGHT OUT AND EXECUTED WINE SPOT CARRIED OVER DESIGN ELEMENTS FROM ITS ORIGINAL WAREHOUSE, USING OLD FILING CABINETS AS RECEPTION DESKS AND CHECK OUT COUNTERS; KEEPING A WALL HANGING CLOCK FROM THE 50’S (ALTHOUGH IT MOVES ABOUT A MINUTE EVERY HOUR) AND EVEN A LARGE MAP FROM ITS OLD DAYS AS AN APPLIANCE WAREHOUSE. THE 8,000-SQUARE-FOOT SPACE FEATURES A CLIMATE CONTROLLED RETAIL AREA OFFERING A SELECTION OF OVER 500 WELL CURATED WINES; AN EVENT SPACE WHICH IS ALREADY SHOWING LOCAL ART; AND THE BAR/RESTAURANT AREA. THE FOOD IS SIMPLE BUT OUTSTANDING IN ITS DELIVERY. WE ARE RAVING ABOUT THE CORIANDER-CURED HAMACHI (SASHIMI); THE COMBINATION OF PRESERVED LEMON, MICRO CELERY AND PINK PEPPERCORN VINAIGRETTE COMBINES PERFECTLY. AND DO NOT LEAVE WITHOUT THE PERFECTION THAT IS THE BLOCK 7 “KRACK” – BROWN BUTTER RICE KRISPIES, CHOCOLATE GANACHE, TOASTED MARSHMALLOW AND PASSION FRUIT CARAMEL – YUMMMMMMM. THEY COME IN LITTLE BLOCKS, SO YOU REALLY DON’T HAVE TO SHARE! -Carla valencia de martinez

Block 7 Wine Company | 720 Shepherd | www.block7wineco.com

MEAT ME AT 5….

My favorite steak is now available on the Westside and with it comes a fantastic bar menu and happy hour deals. A large dining room area shares the entrance with the bar that offers both booth seating and a few tables. The 5 for $6 ’til 7pm just might be one of the BEST deals – or steals – in the city. The deal is 5 cocktails, 5 wines by the glass and 5 appetizers, $6 each, served at the bar until 7pm. All cocktails are made with premium liquors and the food ranges from a tenderloin carpaccio to a seared ahi tuna. And as if 5 amazingly prepared appetizers weren’t enough, they’ve added a sirloin burger with bacon and cheddar to the mix. A juicy patty cooked medium rare and covered with a slice of melted cheddar and thick bacon and served on a buttery bun, this burger is deliciously gourmet. Fixings come on the side for you dry folk, along with a dressed up ketchup sauce. Their Prix-Fixe menu at $39.95, offered through September 22, has amazing broiled sea scallops served with a roasted tomato beurre blanc atop orzo pasta entrée that is pure buttery goodness. If you must stray from these value friendly options, I’d splurge on the chipotle cheddar mac n’ cheese side. Holy cow, it’s so good it’s sinful! -Beatrice Valencia Fleming’s @ CITYCENTRE |788 W. Sam Houston Pkwy. North | 713.827.1120

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Photography by Kim Coffman

BOOrific burgers

RAY’S FRANKS & MORE Located in Houston’s historic Warehouse District, this new eatery is sure to blow your socks off! If you are a burger and frank kind of guy (or gal), this is the place for you. This new joint is owned and operated by Jose Sainz, wife Christine and their three offspring, Aaron, Andrew and Chacha. The locale is casual and quaint and full of family warmth. The burger and frank names are inspired by Andrew’s nostalgia toward classic horror movie characters such as Frankenstein, Dracula and American Werewolf. So, if you are on the hunt for a scrumptious Angus burger, look no further because these babies are spookylicious and they will leave your palate wanting more! -Pixie Ibañez 1302 Nance St. | 713.224.6441 | rayfranks@gmail.com

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Photography by Ashley Evans

Shuck it

HERE IT REALLY IS BETTER….

I REALLY ONLY WENT TO MAKE SURE THE NEW WEST UNIVERSITY LOCATION WASN’T BETTER THAN MY MEMORIAL ONE. AND ALTHOUGH MEMORIAL’S H•E•B ROCKS, THIS ONE KINDA DOES HAVE SOME PERKS. THE CHEESE SELECTIONS ARE DELECTABLE, MEATS INCLUDE CHOICES LIKE KOBE BEEF AND THE SEAFOOD OPTIONS INCLUDE A VARIETY OF FISH I’VE NEVER SEEN ELSEWHERE. THE SUSHI IS PERFECTION TO TAKE HOME AND THE PRODUCE SECTION IS INSANE WITH OVER 600 CHOICES. -Carla Valencia de Martinez

The new incarnation at a spot that has already been, what? – 3 different restaurants, might have finally gotten it right. Shuck Daddy’s shucks everything on this menu up a notch! 1 lb. of Cajun spiced shrimp was perfectly seasoned, with big juicy shrimp. The beers, ice cold. Even Jay-Z would like the oysters Rock-Ur-Fella. And fish Surfside tacos, grilled or fried, are a great catch! There’re po-boys and lots of pickings by the bucket. It’s also BYOB; $5 to uncork it. -Carla Valencia de Martinez

Shuck Daddy’s | 1511 Shepherd Dr. | 713.861.9888 | www.shuckdaddys.com

H.E.B Buffalo Market | 5225 Buffalo Speedway | www.heb.com

AGED LIKE A FINE WINE WHEN IN ROME…

Prepared4Life organizers of Lemonade Day. -Pixie Ibañez

Photography by Michelle Watson

Or, as close as you are going to get to it unless you hightail it to Italy any time soon. America’s largest Made in Italy Expo is coming to Houston for the first time. Italian Style will be a fabulous event hosted by the Italy-America Chamber of Commerce of Texas from September 25 thru 27, at the George R. Brown Convention Center. The family-friendly event showcases the best of Italy, allowing visitors to embark on an Italian journey, without leaving Houston. EXPERIENCE A REPLICA OF AN ITALIAN PIAZZA, THE PERFECT BACKDROP TO ENJOY WINE AND FOOD TASTINGS FROM HOUSTON’S TOP ITALIAN RESTAURANTS SUCH AS ARCODORO, AMICI, QUATTRO AND TONY’S TO NAME A FEW. In addition, a display of luxury automobiles, fencing demonstrations, fashion apparel, jewelry displays, travel tips, musical and cultural entertainment, Italian-style Flea Market, eco-friendly design areas and much more. All proceeds will benefit

Transformed from a metalsmith’s workshop to a neighborhood wine watering hole, Vintage 46 is a welcome addition to the Village area. The name, Vintage 46, is a reference to the owner’s birth year and how he considers himself “vintage.” The original owner built the structure so it’s only fitting that intricate wrought iron work is sprinkled throughout the bar from the main entrance to the water closet doorknob to the cooper-covered bar. Live music echoes through the bar to the Christmas lit patio on weekends while patrons enjoy boutique wines hand picked by the wine connoisseur (and delightful) manager Kristen Powell. A variety of wines and beers are available at any price range to fit your taste. If you’re hungry, a small menu is also available. A charming little wine bar tucked away from the hullabaloo that can sometimes be the Village, it’s the perfect place to sneak into to escape to another world. Meat, it’s what’s for dinner: Tuesday is their highly successful steak night. Filets are served with a starch and veggie for $15. The grilling start at 7pm with patrons starting to place orders by 6:30pm! Get in quick because with only 40 steaks the good go fast! -Beatrice Valencia

Vintage 46- 2418 Sunset Blvd. 713.524.6318 www.vintage46.net

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FOOD + DRINK SPECIAL TIDBITS Eddie V's Prime Seafood - 12848 Queensbury Lane (at CITYCENTRE Houston) 832-200-2380 | www.eddiev.com A longtime favorite in Austin, the award-winning Eddie V's Prime Seafood will make its highly anticipated Houston debut in CITYCENTRE at Town & Country this September, and not a moment too soon. Eddie V’s Prime Seafood was inspired by the great, classic seafood restaurants of New Orleans, San Francisco and Boston. With a menu from Executive Chef Bill Greenwood, Eddie V’s offers the freshest seafood right off the dock and USDA prime, center-cut steaks – aged 28 days and broiled to perfection. Get in the rhythm at the restaurant’s V-Lounge with dining, live music nightly and the best martinis in town. If Frank Sinatra were looking for a place to hang out in 21st Century Houston, Eddie V's would be it.

Américas- Houston: 1800 Post Oak Blvd. 713.961.1492 Woodlands: 21 Waterway Ave. 713.367.1492 | www.cordua.com Américas offers an adventurous menu of Latin American cuisine that has been influenced by European and Asian foods and techniques. From dazzling ceviches to the long-time favorites like the Marineros (corn-smoked crab fingers), Angel Wings (frenched chicken wings served with a Bosque bleu cheese) and Picapiedras (pork “ribpops” drizzled with a tamarind barbeque glaze), this menu sets the stage with bold, imaginative taste. Named “Restaurant of the Year” by Esquire magazine the year it opened in 1993, Américas evokes excitement from the very entry. Small tasting plates are served in the 1492 Bar Monday - Friday from 4pm-7pm and are both fast and memorable. Visit their website to view menus featuring award-winning appetizers, entrées and wine lists. Come discover Américas!

Tintos Spanish Restaurant & Wine Bar- 2015 W. Gray @ Shepherd, Houston, TX 77019 www.tintosrestaurant.com Tintos Spanish Restaurant and Wine Bar in the River Oaks Shopping Center features a great atmosphere paired with delicious traditional and modern style tapas. There are 220 wines that can also be bought to take home with you. Their specialty is, of course, the sangria! They feature a red and a white sangria infused with mint and ginger. The tapas are outstanding – from vegetarian options like spinach and pine nuts with romesco, seafood fares like the pan-seared scallops with a romesco and bechamel sauce or the filet skewers with chimichurri and the famous paellas. Great patio. Lunch Mon-Sat and Brunch on Sundays 11-3 with delicious egg dishes and paellas.

LUCKY STRIKE LANES & LOUNGE - 1201 San Jacinto (at the Houston Pavilions) 877-893-8259 www.bowlluckystrike.com Dig out your bowling shirt and polish your balls, Lucky Strike Lanes & Lounge rolls into Texas for the first time this October at Houston Pavilions. Lucky Strike is an über-stylish boutique bowling alley / lounge hybrid with a hip, modern atmosphere, top notch service, and food and drinks so good you might forget to bowl. Houston’s Lucky Strike features 14 bowling lanes including the swank LUXE Lounge, complete with four private lanes and exclusive bar. Since the 2003 opening of the flagship Hollywood location, Lucky Strike has become a national phenomenon, drawing celebrities and professional athletes, hosting corporate functions and regularly turning up on film and in television. Some design elements were inspired by the legendary “Hollywood Star Lanes,” the bowling lanes prominently featured in the Coen Brother’s 1998 cult masterpiece, The Big Lebowski. This fall, the dude will definitely abide.

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SAWYER PARK- 2412 Washington Avenue 713.398.8442 | www.sawyerparkhouston.com Open Monday-Friday 4pm-2am and Saturday-Sunday 12pm-2am. Are you ready for some football? If so, Sawyer Park has your ticket. At this bi-level sports lounge, patrons have one of the best views of the city from the venue’s spacious roof top patio. Enjoy daily and nightly specials such as happy hour Monday-Friday, as well as a try your luck at the weekly “Bada Bingo Night” on Tuesdays. If music is your thing, then come out on Mondays for “Gong Karaoke” and live music on Wednesday and Thursday nights. A private room called the Clubhouse is available for rent, great for gatherings with friends to watch the big game. Make sure you bring your “A” game and your appetite because the kitchen serves up some tasty fare such as gourmet burgers and smoked brisket quesadillas.

For those in search of a memorable dining experience, Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar is the answer. The nationally acclaimed Fleming’s offers the best in steakhouse dining – Prime meats and chops, fresh fish and poultry, generous salads and side orders – with a sophisticated and unique wine list that features over 100 wines served by the glass, known as the Fleming’s 100™. Choosing a wine at Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar is easy through the uniquely designed progressive wine list that is organized first by grape variety, then according to body and flavor intensity within that type. To assist guests in making their selections, the list presents a natural, easily understandable flow from lighter to more full-flavored wines. For more information, contact George Malek, Operating Partner, at Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar in Town & Country, located at 788 W. Sam Houston Pkwy. North. | 713.827.1120. | www.flemingssteakhouse.com/locations/tx/town-and-country

BLOCK 7 WINE COMPANY- 720 Shepherd Drive, Houston TX 77007 | 713.572.2565 www.block7wineco.com This 8,000-square-foot retail wine warehouse, tasting venue and event space is a welcome addition to the booming Washington Corridor. It features a 35-foot tasting bar and full-service restaurant with wine-inspired cuisine. Customers can buy bottles in the climate-controlled retail store, which offers a rotating selection of over 500 carefully chosen wines from around the world, and can enjoy them in the restaurant for the same price. Block 7 offers free public wine tastings every Saturday and live music every Friday, in addition to Italian-style aperitivo weekdays with free light snacks and featured wines by the glass. If that isn’t enough, Block 7 is also Texas’ only full-service wine tour operator. Vacay in Tuscany anyone?

STRAITS- 800 West Sam Houston Parkway N. (CITYCENTRE at Hotel Sorella) 713.365.9922 | www.straitsrestaurants.com Eastern cuisine meets west Houston on September 28th when San Francisco-based Straits Restaurant and ultra lounge makes its highly anticipated Texas debut in CITYCENTRE at Hotel Sorella. Chef/owner Chris Yeo, recently profiled in Food & Wine, presents a modern Singaporean menu of complex fragrances and flavors that explores and merges culinary influences from throughout South Asia, including Malaysia, Indonesia, China, India and Nonya. The dining room offers a chic backdrop for sharing dishes family style, while the expansive terrace overlooking CITYCENTRE’S central plaza is the perfect spot to sample an extensive wine and drink menu with highlights such as sake flights, cucumber margarita, lemongrass mojito and pink ginger lemonade. Lunch, Happy Hour, dinner and late night specials. Private dining rooms available. singaporean chili crab

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PINK

5:23 PM

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Interview by Lance Scott Walker Photography by Andrew Macpherson

You probably already either love her or hate her. Regardless, and especially if you were in the middle like myself, read on…

So you’re in Adelaide (Australia) on tour. A long tour. When you’re in one place like that for a while like you’ve been, do you get in a zone? Oh yeah. This is the way I do it. We’ve got a really tight-knit family. We tour 11 months out of the year and there’s a gym and steam room everywhere I go! Sounds really boring, I know, but to me that’s like… Disneyland (laughs). Did your success in Australia sneak up on you or is it the result of an effort you made that led to that? No, it’s like—I don’t know… I’ve definitely paid my dues here, but I feel like I’ve done the same thing everywhere… US, Canada… maybe not so much Canada, but… Europe, Australia. I feel like Australia and Europe… it just kind of clicked, like maybe four years ago, five years ago… and then I’ve just become a touring artist. That’s what we do here. I toured two years in Europe and Australia and then I spend like a week in the US because they don’t get me. And then all of the sudden this year, for the first time, I’m doing my first headlining tour. It’s really fun because I’m about to turn 30 and I’m done being the underdog in the US market. It’s kind of a welcoming home party for me. It’s kinda nice. It’s kind of a slow burn, too, because you had a number one hit here last year. Yeah. And after releasing records for 8 years. That’s kind of unheard of. A lot of artists break out and burn out. But it seems like your career—especially for a pop artist—has been sort of a slow burn. I’ve had fun. I like the story. I like it way better than what you just described. I like that every couple of years I’ve heard that I have no chance, my record’s gonna flop and no one wants it and my projections for the year are zero. And blah, blah, blah, blah and I opened for ’N ’Sync and I opened for Justin Timberlake and I opened for Lenny Kravtiz… I can open for fuckin’ anybody but I’ll never have a show of my own. It’s kinda fun, it’s rad, it’s cool that “Who Knew” was released to radio two years ago, got played like a collective… I think the collective burn of seven times in the country. And then ten months later it was number 1. So I just… I’ve always been backwards, thought it was the drugs but now I’m sober so it’s not the drugs. You’ve really reached across the aisle to work with other artists in the past—something that gets easier as your career moves along. Were you always like that? Definitely. The first record was out of my hands, obviously. I just didn’t wanna work at McDonald’s anymore. But when it came to the second… Linda Perry was just my hero. Everyone thought I was… still on drugs, but I wasn’t. And then I met Steve Tyler and Peaches, and then I met Tim Armstrong and all these different people, and everyone said yes! (laughs) It’s a great feeling. I was the 17-year-old that was singing in an all-black church, had a… I trained classically in opera, I had a punk rock band. I have no boundaries and that’s why I’ve worked with all the different kinds of people I’ve worked with. When I hear an acoustic guitar, I think it can go to anything. It doesn’t have to be a genre. It’s just an instrument, so… So? That’s just how I end all of my sentences. With “so.”

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That’s how I start all of mine. So do you think that diversity has led to your career’s longevity thus far? Diversity and sarcasm. For sure. Because I’m a sarcastic fucker. And I also think not being fearful and not being politically correct is a huge part. I mean… I’m the person that’s always gonna introduce myself to the elephant in the room. Whereas it’s gotten to the point in pop music where everyone likes each other, and I’m not really… I’m not prejudiced—I hate everybody. Puts them all on even ground. Exactly! Including myself. I hate myself, too. You’re really involved with PETA. How does PETA’s message resonate in Australia? You know, PETA’s message worldwide is a love it or hate it kind of message, and my point has always been—as well as my dad’s, and my dad raised me with this: that, you’re probably not going to have that many friends, but you’re never gonna have any enemies because people will always know where you’re coming from. People have a problem with PETA because they think they’re sensationalist, but I really think that they’re one of the few organizations that actually gets things done. I don’t always agree with their tactics and they don’t always agree with mine, but they actually get shit done! Whereas everyone else sits around a table and talks about stuff, they’re actually doing things. That’s why I can support them. At the end of the day I just wanna get shit done. Thanks, Pink. That’s all I need. This is just a one-pager. Well, call me if you ever need two.

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RECORDING

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By Lance Scott Walker Photography by Anthony Rathbun

GRANDFATHER CHILD INTERVIEW WITH LUCAS GORHAM

RANDFATHER CHILD IS THE BRAINCHILD OF LUCAS GORHAM, WHO HAS PLAYED IN THE CHURCH FOR YEARS AND HAS NOW BROUGHT THAT SOUND OUT OF THE CHURCH AND TO THE KIDS. WITH A LAP STEEL. So you were actually playing in church bands before this, right? Yeah, for about two years I actually played in about 2, 3 different churches.

What led you to that? Well, one of my best friends is a church musician and he got me a job at this one church. I first started out playing at this acoustic worship service, playing acoustic guitar and stuff, and then I got into the other one playing percussion, playing guitar, and then I started playing bass at this other service. That was called The Awakenings Movement. It’s a good church in Houston, dude. Actually, if you walk around Houston you can see their posters, dude—and my face is on them. It’s pretty funny. Atmospherically there’s going to be something different about playing in a church band, right? Yeah, yeah, it’s different because on the one hand… it’s really professional. That’s the first thing. It’s like work. It’s not like you’re in a rock band, you go practice and have beers. No. You go there to work. Pro. You have to really be on your game. On your musician’s game. You can’t be a slouch going up in there because all those dudes are really good. You can start a band in town with some kids who’ve never really played before and it might sound awesome. But you can’t go up in the church and try to not… you gotta be good. Is that the main thing you find different musically? No, no, that’s just one. The other main thing I found different is being able to… when you’re a church musician, you’re actually a minister of music. You’re serving as a minister. Seriously! This is how they look at it. You’re looked at as a minister of music, and you are a minister in the way that your music can touch people. I remember this one instance where there was this really heavy moment where one of the members of the church—she has a really debilitating disease, and

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left - right: Robert Ellis, Geoffrey Muller, Lucas Gorham, Ryan Chavez everybody was praying over her, man. They had their hands outstretched to her, giving her all the energy, praying in the name of their religion to heal this woman! And I was sitting there playing along with this! Playing along with this. You had to feel it out. Yeah! It was all improvising, I was just playing some gospel changes on the guitar, and everybody was just crying. Breakdown crying. And I feel like I saw when I was making changes and the things I was doing musically was actually affecting people. It’s really special, dude. It’s really special. Not something to be taken lightly. So you took the sound out of the church. Were you trying to bring that experience from the church too? To move people that way? Yeah, because you know how people always talk about ‘well, you know, I’m not religious but I am spiritual.’ A lot of people say that. And a lot of people feel that way. And I think it’s important for there to be a type of music that’s not necessarily all about that but that touches on that point. Because I’m a spirital person, and I grew up religious, and I played in the church. I’m a spiritual person. Or whatever you wanna call it. And even if people don’t feel that way, my thing is I wanted to make it like church, but not religious. That was one of the biggest ideas I had. How are people picking up on it? I think people like it. I really hope I don’t offend people. I don’t wanna offend Christians. But I really wanted to do this. And one thing that has really influenced me is Sacred Steel music. That stuff’s really important to me. There’s a documentary about it and there’s a whole genre of music—gospel music that uses steel guitar.

And that’s what I do. I don’t play Sacred Steel music but I do play a steel guitar. It’s kind of interesting, though— the whole Sacred Steel scene is based on this one church, this one denomination of Christianity called the House of God. It’s a Pentecostal church and their lead instrument is steel guitar. And the guy that plays the steel guitar is the head minister of music for that church. That’s something that really influenced me. And it’s an American thing, which is really important I’d say. So does your band operate the same way your church bands have? Really pro? You know, yes and no. because the dudes I play with are straight pros. Geoffrey Muller—I know he makes his living off of playing music, and he’s super professional and he knows what he’s doing. Robert Ellis— music is his life. That’s all he does to make money and make a living. So yeah, man, when they go in there, they are on that tip! Same goes with Ryan Chavez. He’s probably the most serious of everybody. We do cut up and act a fool but we do take it really serious. Because honestly, I don’t have all the time in the world to rehearse with these guys. They’re so busy, I can only get a few rehearsals in every once in a while, so their professionalism when they play is so important. They can nail it and we can have one rehearsal. They all just have really high musical intelligence. So do you think the kids will start following you to church? That’d be cool! Some people have a problem with religion but I’m really interested in religion. Religious experiences and religion in general is way heavier than face value. www.grandfatherchild.com

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CLUB+LOUNGE REVIEW

8/20/09

5:24 PM

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By Travis Jones Photography by Daniel Ortiz

THE GALLANT KNIGHT | 2511 bissonnet, houston, tx 77005 | 713.942.9940 | www.thegallantknight.com

AN OLD CLASSIC RIDES AGAIN FOR HOUSTON

efore men unabashedly applied eyeliner and all wore the same thing in order to be different, before holes in jeans were there on purpose, while over half of you weren’t even in Huggies yet, there was The Gallant Knight. Over in West U, the original Gallant Knight was one of the hippest underground R&B joints in Houston for 34 years, until it succumbed to hungry urban development in 2006. Just like its namesake though, the bar’s spirit could not be vanquished by urban “progress,” and The Gallant Knight re-opened recently on 2511 Bissonnet – a defender of the cool, liberator of the funky and fearless champion of H-Town. Besides a few cathouse chandeliers, the cottage-turned-tavern is completely devoid of gaudy décor. It’s the people that comprise the atmosphere of The Gallant Knight. Far and away the most diverse crowd in Houston, the swagger of the old Gallant Knight has been flawlessly transplanted into a fresh and vivacious body. From cougars and kitties to gentlemen and guys still known as “dude,” the new Gallant Knight entertains Houstonians from 21 to 51 without prejudice or favor. The old-schoolers tell tales of the once-was, while those still wet behind the ears are showing up in droves to help write a new chapter. The bar isn’t made from Honduran mahogany or covered in glass hand blown by a blind gypsy, so don’t show up with delusions of grandeur. If your drink order has more than four syllables, keep it to yourself or be prepared for some solid ribbing from the lovely, hard-working Libby and Tammy. After all, if you need anything more than a bar that’s not sticky and a decent selection of wine, whiskey and beer to get you where you want to go, well, I’d try one of the cookie-cutter, techno jamborees down on Washington. For those that get wistful with nostalgia for home-grown blues played in a dimly lit haze, or some serious funk from a sweaty guy in sequins, we may have struck pay dirt. The energy in the room is thick like Houston heat, and the band could easily reach out and rub elbows with you as they play from their floor-level perch, but they prefer to do the touching with their music. When you take a lineup of R&B staples like Faye Robinson and the Mid-City Players and throw in hip, coverers-of-the-classics like Skyrocket, you get a lot of different vibes, but what you don’t get, is a single stale evening. The Gallant Knight has a rotating lineup, so visit their website to catch the right tunes for your vibe. Be ready; your iPod might learn a thing or two.

The dress code is nothing disagreeable as their “no hats” policy is only there to keep the goofball Ed Hardy groupies from invading. To get one of the best spots in the house, simply call ahead to reserve one of the seating areas comprised of comfy leather sofas and chairs. Refreshingly, you don’t have to buy a $60 bottle of Grey Goose for $250 for the pleasure. You don’t go to The Gallant Knight to be seen – you go to The Gallant Knight because you have seen. The only thing missing from The Gallant Knight is the haze of cigar and hand-rolled cigarette smoke. You have to take that to the patio. Plenty of outside seating and a more secluded bar await visitors, ready to provide respite while you take a breather from the electricity inside to talk about how you’re going to stick it to The Man. The rule of thumb at The Gallant Knight is simple: The only thing better than a cold, stiff drink is one that’s cold, stiff and cheap, and they’ve got that down like an Ebenezer Scrooge Enzyte commercial. Happy hour is a straightforward dollar-off wells and dollar-off domestics from 5 to 7, Monday through Friday. The Gallant Knight also throws a wrench into boring hump day routines with $2 drafts and price-reduced wells all night on Wednesdays. The Gallant Knight isn’t a ghost of Houston’s past – it’s the reincarnation of cool. The funk, soul and grit that make our city unlike any other can’t be razed with a bulldozer or suffocated by brick and mortar. Whether you’re a once-was or a soon-tobe, a newbie or a member of the old guard, The Gallant Knight rides again for Houston.

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002NIGHT LIFE downtown

A+ BAR inside Alden Hotel 1117 Prairie. 832.200.8800 aldenhotels.com CABO 419 Travis. 713.225.2060 cabomixmex.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 St. 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 St. 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 St. 713.228.7468 beerknurd.com

GLO 505 W. Main. 713.223.3456

HOUSE OF BLUES 1204 Caroline. 1-888-40-BLUES hob.com/houston JAZZ AT THE MAGNOLIA 1100 Texas. 713.221.0011 magnoliahotels.com

JET LOUNGE 1515 Pease. 713.659.2000 thejetloungehouston.com

LA CARAFE 813 Congress. 713.229.9399 owlnet.rice.edu

LEVEL 412 Main. 713.227.0410 myspace.com/levelhouston

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BARS + CLUBS + LOUNGES + WINE BARS 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. 713.409.4750

notsuoh.com

PETE’S DUELING PIANO BAR 1201 Fannin. (Houston Pavilions) 713.337.7383 petesduelingpianobar.com 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 Texas Suite A . 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 112 Travis St. 713.224.6891

TOC BAR 711 Franklin. 713.224.4862 tocbar.net

VENUE 719 Main. 713.236.8150 venuehouston.com

VOICE RESTAURANT + LOUNGE 220 Main. 832.667.4477 hotelicon.com/voice-restaurant

galleria + uptown

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 BLVD 610 LOUNGE 3005 West Loop. 832.875.3997 blvd610.com THE BLACK SWAN 4 Riverway. 713.871.8181 (inside the Omni Hotel) 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 PAPARRUCHOS 3055 Sage. 713.212.3178 paparruchos.com

RA SUSHI 3908 Westheimer. 713.621.5800 rasushi.com

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

THE TASTING ROOM 1101-18 Uptown Park. 713.993.9800 114 Gray. 713.528.6402 2409 W. Alabama. 713.526.2242 tastingroomwines.com WILD WEST 6101 Richmond. 713.266.3455 wildwesthouston.com

heights + washington

BIG STAR 1005 W. 19th. 281.501.9560 bigstarbar.com BLUE LABEL LOUNGE 4500 Washington

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

CITIZEN LOUNGE 4606 Washington. 713.862.4448 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

DARKHORSE TAVERN 2207 Washington. 713.426.2442 dhtavern.com DUBLINER LOUNGE 4219 Washington. 713.861.2300

EI8TH 5102 Washington. 713.880.3500 EL TIEMPO CANTINA 5602 Washington. 713.681.3645 eltiempocantina.com KOBAIN 33 Waugh. 713.862.9911 kobain.net

MANOR ON WASHINGTON 4819 Washington. 713.426.0123 manoronwashington.com

NOX 4701 Nett. 281.701.4248 noxhouston.com

DECO 510 Gray. 713.659.4900 decohouston.com

PEARL BAR 4216 Washington. 713.863.5337

EPIC 3030 Travis. 713.862.4810

ONION CREEK 3106 White Oak. 713.880.0706 onioncreekcafe.com

RARE BAR 700 Durham. 713.843.7590 rarebar.com

REIGN 4105 Washington. 713.869.0404 SAWYER SPORTSBAR 2412 Washington.

THE CORKSCREW 1919 Washington. 713.864.9463 houstoncorkscrew.com THE DIRT 222 Yale. 713.426.4222 dirtbar.com

THE DRINKERY 4115 Washington. 713.426.3617

THE DRAKE 1902 Washington. 713.861.9600 thedrakebar.com

THE LOT 4212 Washington. 713.868.5688 thelothouston.com

THE SOCIAL 3730 Washington. 713.426.5585 thesocialinfo.com

midtown

13 CELSIUS 3000 Caroline. 713.529.8466

3RD BAR 2600 Travis. 713.526.8282

EL PATIO 2416 Brazos. 713.523.8181 elpatio.com

FIX LOUNGE 2707 Milam. 832.281.2101 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.com

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

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

BLOCK 21 2420 Washington Ave.

BOND LOUNGE 2700 Milam. 713.529.2663 bond2700.com

COACHES 2204 Louisiana. 713.751.1970 coachesjv.com

CHRISTIAN’S TAILGATE 2000 Bagby. 713.527.0261 christianstailgate.com

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

BYZANTIO 403 W. Gray. 713.520.6896 byzantiohouston.com

SCOTT GERTNER’S SKYBAR 3400 Montrose. 713.520.9688 msypace.com/scottgertnersskybar

BAKER STREET PUB 5510 Morningside. 713.942.9900 bakerstreetpub.com

THE ROOF

CEZANNE JAZZ CLUB 4100 Montrose. 713.522.9321 blacklaboradorpub.com

THE TAVERN 1340 W. Gray. 713.522.5159 thetavernongray.com

BRIAN O’NEILL’S 5555 Morningside. 713.522.2603 brianoneills.com

SWIVEL 2621 Milam. 713.222.2057 swivelhouston.com 2800 Travis. 713.522.4900

THE WET SPOT 160 W. Gray. 713.523.7768 TIPSY CLOVER 2416 Brazos. 713.524.8782 UNION BAR 2708 Bagby. 281.974.1916 myspace.com/unionlounge 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

ANVIL+REFUGE 1424 Westheimer. 713.523.1622 anvilhouston.com AVANTGARDEN 411 Westheimer. 832.519.1429 avantgardenhouston.com

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

BOONDOCKS 1417 Westheimer. 713.522.8500 myspace.com/boondocksbar

CATBIRDS 1336 Westheimer. 713.523.8000 catbirds.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 GRIFF’S 3416 Roseland. 713.528.9912

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

LZ PUB 2239 Richmond. 713.522.7118 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. Shepherd. 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

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

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

museum district MONARCH LOUNGE Hotel ZaZa 5701 Main 713.526.1991 monarchrestauranthouston.com ZIMM’S MARTINI & WINE 4321 Montrose. 713.521.2002 zimmsbar.com

outer loop

300 HOUSTON BOWLING 925 Bunker Hill 713.461.2431 300houston.com

DENIM BAR 16090 City Walk. 281.275.5925 (inside the Burning Pear) theburningpear.com THE DERRICK TAVERN 1127 Eldridge. 281.759.4922 thederricktavern.com

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

VINE WINE ROOM 12420 Memorial Dr. 713.463.8463 vinewineroom.com VINO 100 11693 Westheimer. 281.759.4100 vino100houston.com

rice village

ARMADILLO PALACE 5015 Kirby. 713.526.9700 thearmadillopalace.com

BAM BOU 2540 University. 713.521.7222 bambouhouston.com

BRONX BAR 5555 Morningside. 713.520.9690 ERNIE’S ON BANKS 1010 Banks. 713.526.4566 erniesonbanks.com

KAY’S LOUNGE 2324 Bissonnet. 713.528.9858

LITTLE WOODROW’S 5611 Morningside. 713.521.2337 littlewoodrows.com

THE GINGER MAN 5607 Morningside. 713.526.2770 gingermanpub.com THE LOUNGE AT BENJY’S 2424 Dunstan. 713.522.7602 benjys.com

VOLCANO 2349 Bissonnet. 713.526.5282

river oaks + kirby

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

COVA 5600 Kirby. 713.838.0700 5555 Washington. 713.868.3366 covawines.com

DOWNING STREET 2549 Kirby. 713.523.2291 downingstreetpub.com

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

RICKSHAW BAMBU 2810 Westheimer. 713.942.7272 rickshawbambu.com

ROLL-N SALOON 4200 San Felipe. 713.622.7487 TACO MILAGRO 2555 Kirby. 713.522.1999 taco-milagro.com

THE GALLANT KNIGHT 2511 Bissonnet. 713.942.9940 thegallantknight.com

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

warehouse district

EIGHTEEN TWENTY 1820 Franklin. 713.224.5535

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

THE GREEN ROOM 813 St. Emanuel. 713.225.5483 THE MERIDIAN 1503 Chartres. 713.225.1717 meridianhouston.com

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

WAREHOUSE LIVE 813 St. Emanuel. 713.225.5483 warehouselive.com

KENNEALLY’S IRISH PUB 2111 S. Shepherd. 713.630.0486 LIZZARD’S PUB 2715 Sackett. 713.529.4610 MERCER LOUNGE 3302 Mercer. 713.627.1132

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SIP CODES

By Beatrice Valencia

8/20/09

5:29 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!

IT’S A CONSPIRACY I SAY! THIS WHOLE ISSUE IS MADE UP OF THE EXACT TOPICS I LIVE AND BREATHE FOR MONTHLY. AND THEY STOLE IT! WHAT EXACTLY AM I TALKING ABOUT, ARE YOU ASKING YOURSELF? OUR SEPTEMBER ISSUE FEATURE, FOOD + DRINK. SO NOW THAT THEY’VE TAKEN MY JOB, WHAT AM I LEFT TO DO?! I’VE HAD SUGGESTIONS FROM LETTING READERS KNOW MY FAVORITE RECIPES (BOO), HOME STORES E.G., WILLIAMS SONOMA, CRATE & BARREL, ETC. (BORING), TO WHAT I DO WHEN I STAY IN (MAJOR SNOOZER). AND I’M LEFT WITH DOING WHAT I LIKE TO DO BEST, WRITE ABOUT SOMETHING I DISCOVERED THIS PAST MONTH THAT I CAN’T BEAR NOT TO SHARE!

MAM’S HOUSE ICE SNOBALLS - corner of 20th and Rutland in the Heights www.mamshouseofice.com Located at 20th and Rutland in the Heights inside a little light blue “house” that sets up shop on the corner, this is the best-shaved ice in the city. This is no sno cone, folk. When you get a sno cone, it’s like big granules of ice. This shaved ice sno ball is soft, smooth, and fluffy even. No big ice chunks here. Served in a cup (size small-large), the hardest decisions will be which flavor to try first. Now if your like my boyfriend who grew up with shaved ice, you have this ordering combo down to a science. If you’re a novice like me, trying to find that perfect combo with 32 plus flavors is daunting. They have your standard flavors, bubble gum, cotton candy, and cherry, to wedding cake, tamarind or dill pickle. At press time, I’m still trying to figure out my combo. They have a few sugar free options and whipped cream or evaporated cream/ milk for the serious. Open from 1-9pm, you better jump on this quick before the heat disappears and so does MAM’s. BENJY’S- 5922 Washington Ave. 713.868.1131 So I’ve developed a liking for 3 plates in particular. One might be an obsession at the moment. First off, the local tomato salad with fresh cheese, olive oil, balsamic vinegar and just a few greens. A small caprese salad if you will. The ingredients taste fresh and the portion is great for a starter. Next up, the tuna pizzette (thank you, vegetarian sister). A thin crispy crust is covered with ahi poke, wasabi caviar, tomato and some greens. Finally and most importantly, is Mom’s Chocolate Cake. It’s the part of the meal that I MOST look forward to. I’m going to start going just so I can have this amazing cake and champagne with

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my girlfriends. Old-fashioned chocolate cake is covered with chocolate pecan icing and vanilla bean ice cream with some sliced berries for garnish…or eating in my case. It’s not too sweet but just perfect to devour the entire two slices served. It’s the perfect ending or beginning… Mom’s Chocolate Cake at Benjy’s photography by Debora Smail

PIZZERIA DOLCE VITA ENOTECA- 500 Westheimer Rd. 713.520.8222 I can’t rave enough about this pizzeria enoteca. It’s officially become my date nightspot. Yes, the food is amazing but I CANNOT get enough of their Italian Sangria. Literally, it’s like they evaporate in my hand I guzzle them so fast. I don’t get past having three glasses though. It’s a potent little mixture. I tried my own (OK, my sister had to make it because someone (me) had to work) mixture with red wine, vodka, sparkling water, sugar, OJ and fruits left to soak for some hours and I have to say, it was pretty delish. You know you’re hooked on something when you’re concocting your own poison. 300 BOWLING- 925 Bunker Hill Rd. 713.461.1207 I FINALLY made it out to bowl on my birthday a couple months ago. And I now understand the chaos that comes with bowling here. You either pre-plan or end up waiting a LONG time to bowl. My suggestion, call ahead and reserve lanes. It will cost you but at least you are guaranteed the lanes and time. Bowling at night here is like bowling on crack! There are black lights so everything blows in neon, there’s music playing and then they throw in giant screens all along the wall to show videos or a sports game. It’s ADD central! That would explain why my bowling skills were a bit rusty. It takes at least a game to get the senses to cooperate with the task at hand. Once you get the excitement out, it’s all business. I highly recommend it for birthdays and even weekends. In between the bowling and the music, you might even end up dancing a little. THANK YOUS: HOUSTON ASTROS- Community Affairs- Dairanetta Spain & Ballpark Tour Coordinator Christie Feliz A HUGE to Matt Boland who helped put me in contact with these amazing ladies to help a special boy’s make-a-wish dream of meeting the team and attending a game to fruition. You ladies were in constant contact with me to get in contact with those involved and your dedication and care is truly admirable. If only everyone were as thoughtful as you both.

KIMBERLY PARK & OH LA LA- the dessert boutique23920 Westheimer 281.391.2253 My favorite cupcakes were delivered to my office all thanks to one of the most thoughtful ladies in the biz. I had to share a pic because not only were they delicious but also they were decorated gorgeously! I almost didn’t want to eat them they looked so beautiful. Best part of all, I got to enjoy then twice! My sister got me another batch with little bees and flowers on top! POST OFFICE BULK MAIL DEPARTMENT- 401 Franklin St. 800-ASK-USPS Write to your congressman! If you think the post office is a headache now, imagine when they drastically reduce the amount of workers. Or better yet, imagine the wait when they take the regulars and place them elsewhere to put novice workers in their position. I say this because I’m at the bulk area monthly sending out subscriptions and the staff is disappearing before my eyes. I can’t imagine not seeing my familiar faces. Thank you for your hard, invaluable work! SAMMY’S- 2016 Main St. 713.751.3101 I must thank Susan, Jon and the whole team at Sammy’s for making my birthday an unforgettable dance party. You do so much and it’s very appreciated. It was Sammy’s first night back and I have to say, “reunited and it feels so good!” FLOCK @ HOUSTON ZOO- 1513 N. Macgregor Dr. 713.533.6500 SAVE THE DATE! “Pick Your Poison” Flock’s event is on October 1 from 69pm around the reflection pool and reptile house. Featuring reptile experiences, sidewalk artists creating masterpieces, music, Saint Arnold’s brews and FOUR wines, if you haven’t joined FLOCK then what are you waiting for! Join the Flock or just buy entry to the event, one of the “wildest” in the city!

Photography by Bernerd Bauri with lastnightpics.com

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EVENT PINK IS THE NEW HOT WHY TO HIGHLIGHT THE ALEXAN POST OAK WHERE 1111 POST OAK BLVD. WHEN JULY 18 The Alexan Post Oak apartments kicked off summer in style. Houston’s hottest people came out to enjoy a HOT afternoon of sun, drinks and bites. Guests lounged poolside at the Alexan’s sizzling pool, sipping on Bud Light Lime and Vitamin Water, grooving to the tunes of a live DJ spinning. Also in display cars by Momentum Audi and VW. Potential leasers checked out private tours of the apartments. (For more information check out alexanpostoak.com.)

CD REVIEWS

By Lance Scott Walker

THE RACE Exiles (St. Ives) You know how sometimes you’re poking around on the web on a Sunday morning, maybe you click on somebody’s MySpace page, maybe you click on something else—you’re not keeping track—and a pop-up window lurches up and starts playing a song? And then, maybe you’ve got like ten tabs open in Firefox and you’re not sure a) which tab is doing it, or b) if maybe it’s somebody’s page and they just put a Depeche Mode song on it that you’ve never heard and you’re frantically trying to figure out which tab it is but you also kinda like the Depeche Mode song and you therefore want it to continue playing but still wanna find the source? And then you realize that it’s actually in iTunes and it’s the album you just loaded up by The Race? Yeah… CAROLYN MARK Let’s Just Stay Here (Mint) Back when we used to all go to video stores on Saturday nights you’d run into these real weird indie flicks with husky women who knew shit and dudes who knew too much shit of which to speak and then you’d rent it and learn all kinds of things you didn’t know you needed to not know. All descendents of “Paris, Texas.” And then the first time you went to Austin, you saw a really bad kind of alt-country band play songs that were hitting on the same themes, also with a girl and dude 5, maybe 10 years older than you, and you thought of the movie you saw. And then you thought—maybe if the music wasn’t so bad and that genre of movie lent it a little shoulder rub, it just might sound like this. BOAT Setting the Paces (Magic Marker) You’re not giving us enough, but you’re telling us way too much.

THE TONTONS The Tontons (self-released) The Tontons don’t have a whole lot to straighten out. There is a rawness, a newness to them that’s a little wet behind the ears, but a sort of stiff-armed swagger still comes through in the music. Not the least of that is Asli Omar’s beautiful, gigantic voice, which, while she will earn comparisons to her influences both contemporary and old school, is going to develop into something bigger than any EP or album the Tontons will ever record.

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BEFORE WE GO ARE YOU READY?

OO2CROSSWORD 1. Sendak’s “Where the Wild Things ___” 4. Pretzel topping 8. Creature often hunted but rarely caught 13. Feeling no pain 15. Nolo contendere, e.g. 16. Library sign 17. Machu Picchu resident 18. Prevaricator 19. Heep, of “David Copperfield” 20. Belgian beer popular around the world 23. Like spuds without buds 24. Halloween haul 28. Satisfied sound 29. Light-bulb unit 31. Once around the course 32. Great quantity 35. Flat fish filet 36. “The rocks,” in bars 37. Iconic American brew 41. Former name of

Tokyo 42. Stocking mishaps 43. Like a fresh cake 44. Escort’s offering 45. Badminton projectile 46. Computer in “2001” 47. Like a phoenix 49. Supernatural 53. Award-winning craft brewery in Chico, Calif. 56. WWII German sub 59. Masculine side 60. Footnote abbr. 61. Chutney fruit 62. Fish-eating raptor 63. Ointment ingredient 64. Get gussied up 65. Char on the grill 66. Curvy character DOWN

1. Ouzo flavoring 2. Pint-sized 3. Toastmaster 4. Small amount of liquid added to a dish 5. Assumed name 6. Name on a jet 7. Fruit-filled pastry 8. Use a water pistol

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9. Drink very slowly 10. Junior’s junior 11. Wasabi ___ 12. Old English letter 14. Romantic songs 21. Bare minimum 22. “Animal House” fratman 25. Suspect’s story 26. Mexican munchies 27. Shelled out 29. Dressing spot 30. Brewpub fare 32. Bit of asparagus 33. Inner circle 34. “Fat Man and Little Boy” subject 35. Speak drunkenly

38. Pickler’s need 39. Public persona 40. Land of La Paz 45. Englishman or Scot 46. It may be recycled at a dry cleaner 48. Inedible orange 49. Food from heaven 50. The “C” of CNN 51. Good-bye, from Guatemala 52. Fills with cargo 54. Breads for pastrami 55. Steakhouse order 56. Sports judge 57. Mixologist’s workplace 58. Washington bill

AUGUST ANSWERS

We all remember Katrina, Rita and Ike, so we think it’s better to be safe than sorry. The City of Houston has launched an initiative called Are you ready? Make a Plan, Build a Kit, Stay Informed. In order to encourage Houston area citizens to prepare themselves, their families and their communities, an instructional video has been developed to help educate and empower everyone to prepare for and respond to all kinds of emergencies. The DVD is available in English, Spanish, Vietnamese and Chinese on one disc. The video is designed to detail how Houston area families can make a family emergency plan, build an emergency supply kit and be informed about the different types of emergencies in our community. To request your free copy of the DVD, visit www.readyhoustontx.gov.

Davek Traveler umbrella www.daveknv.com

Photography by Sofia van der Dys

ACROSS

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