SEPTEMBER 2011

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002houston | september 2011 | volume 13 | issue 153

hip.current.cool guide

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volume 13 | issue 153 letter from the editor Photography by Sofia van der Dys Makeup by Edward Sanchez Blowout by David Michael @ David Michael Salon Somabeads necklaces, when 360 of you buy $25 worth of beads, 125 Ugandan kids can be put in school. www.somabeads.com

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ccording to Flowingdata.com, Houstonians spent $5,903 on food + drink per capita in 2009, almost divided equally on groceries and eating out.* CARLA VALENCIA DE MARTINEZ That may sound like a lot, but that same year, Austin spent over $12,000, just to give you some perspective.

Last month was Houston’s Restaurant Week, which actually turned into restaurant month so you’re all eating out a lot. But you’re also cooking at home a ton, since I can’t seem to go to any grocery store in town from the HEB on Bunker Hill, 99 Ranch on Blalock, Whole Foods on Voss, Kirby or the new Montrose location, Fiesta on Wirt or in Katy or any Michoacana without waiting in a line to check out.

So we’re all eating well!

We’re serving up a special food and drink section featuring tons of Houston’s best restaurants. Plus we interview Andy Schultz who was a contestant on Chef Gordon Ramsey’s Master Chef. We also interview Micheline-ranked chef Fernando Perez who was in town a few months back for a degustation menu at Arcodoro. Scott McClelland, President of HEB, takes time out with Greg Scheineman, and we catch up with the man behind El Rey on Washington.

We’ve also put together some adult concoctions and how to make them. I say flip to that page, pick your favorite and sit down for a good read.

Or pop open a bottle of Bohemia’s Limited Edition Frida Kahlo bottle.

*(www.flowingdata.com/2010/05/13/what-america-spends-on-food-and-drink)

PUBLISHER alejandro martinéz ext 2 a.martinez@002mag.com EDITOR-IN-CHIEF | CREATIVE DIRECTOR carla valencia de martinéz ext 3 c.valencia@002mag.com CONTRIBUTING EDITOR victoria bartlett ART DIRECTOR alex rosa ext 4 arosa@002mag.com LIFESTYLE EDITOR beatrice allen ext 5 bvalencia@002mag.com ASSOCIATE EDITOR pixie ibañez ext 6 pixie@002mag.com rocco, the office "gato" ADVERTISING SALES MANAGER william king ext 7 w.king@002mag.com ADVERTISING EXECUTIVE carlos valencia ext 8 cevalencia@002mag.com jason brown jbrown3891@002mag.com rangel guillermo memorangel@002mag.com ACCOUNTS PAYABLE ext 9 accounting@002mag.com WEB DEVELOPMENT mario hernandez jr.

PHOTOGRAPHERS kim coffman, aaron courtland, jill hunter, jaime lagdameo, gabriella nissen, daniel ortiz, anthony rathbun, sofia van der dys CONTRIBUTING WRITERS susan bynam, michael garfield, sarah gish, clay graves, nadia michel, tim moloney, jenni rebecca stephenson, lance scott walker, scott ward CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS herber hochman, for lastnightpics.com: omar mejia, anna english INTERNS sofia nasr + ashley pickett

FOOD & DRINK ISSUE Cover shot by Gabriella Nissen Styled by Carla Valencia de Martinez and Beatrice Allen

002houston Magazine is published monthly by NODO Magazine, L.L.C., 1824 Spring Street, Studio 002, Houston, TX 77007. Copyright © 2011 by NODO Magazine L.L.C. All rights reserved. Reproduction without permission is strictly prohibited. 002houston Magazine does not knowingly accept false or misleading advertising or editorial, nor do the publishers assume responsibility should such advertising or editorial appear. For subscription information, call 713.223.5333x14 or send a check or money order for $35.00 to 002houston Magazine, 1824 SPRING STREET, STUDIO 002, HOUSTON, TX 77007.

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

Carla Valencia de Martinéz Editor-in-Chief| Creative Director

4. september 11 | www.002mag.com

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

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COMING IN OCtOber

fashion + 002deals issue

table of contents september 2011

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4 letter from the editor 6 table of contents 8 houston map

48 MENtertainment 50 wise guy

30 10 12 13 14 16 18 20

downtown map uptown + galleria map party pics on our radar calendar museum district art houses + museums + exhibits

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34 22 24 25 26 28

52 FOOD + DRINK SPECIALS 64 PROFILE: SCOTT McCLELLAND 66 DINEWRITE: XUCO XICANA 68 CHEF’S SPECIAL: JA’NEL A. WITT

70 72 76 80 82 84

OPEN restaurant listings washington way club + lounge review: h-town the scene recording: chase hamblin

art now phone shots spacetaker costume for cocktails people of houston

30 COCKTAIL HOUR

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32 RAISE THE BAR 34 WELL DONE! 36 THE PASSIONATE CHEF 38 40 42 44 46

things i ♥ architecture & design: vitamix archichat: shafiq i. rifaat destination: esencia tools + toys + gadgets

68 86 88 89 90

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002 nightlife bea hear now CD reviews party pics + crossword puzzle

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houston map

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

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

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uptown+ galleria map

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Photos provided by dpwpr

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EVENT YPB’S A SALUTE TO THE SOUTH WHY TO BENEFIT THE HOUSTON SYMPHONY WHERE JONES HALL AND THE BREAKFAST KLUB WHEN MAY 27 Celebrating their season finale, members and guests of the Houston Symphony’s Young Professionals Backstage proclaimed their southern pride by hosting YPB’s A Salute to the South. The group’s evening began at Jones Hall with a Tribute to Ray Charles concert, a soulful homage to the late music legend. With “Georgia on their minds,” guests made their way to The Breakfast Klub where they enjoyed live music while dining on a little southern fare. Signature cocktails like the Mint Julep and spiked Arnold Palmer tea were waiting alongside the cool brews of St. Arnold’s Brewery.

Sarah Meals, Heather Pray

Shavannah Roberts, Edward Jones

Katrina Mahler, Andrew Husmann

check out more pictures @ 002mag.com

Will Chavez, Ingrid Tuesta

Samantha Simmons, Cameron Hueston

Kevin Gilbert, Melissa Seuffert

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002+magazine

on our

radar food FUEL Kitchen & Health Bar, a healthy meals to-go concept, is set to open this month. Backed by veteran nutritionist Keith Klein, they will provide meals, snacks and juices tailored to individuals’ dietary and fitness goals, ranging from Mediterranean pasta to sushi.

1005 Waugh St., next to Pei Wei.

community The Food Bank’s warehouse operations moved to a much larger facility in east Houston on Portwall Street. The new headquarters quadruples the size of the nonprofit. The new facility includes a volunteer center, community rooms and a cafe to create an experience and serve as a launching point for more community projects and volunteerism. The expansion will allow the Houston Food Bank to triple its food distribution capacity; they have a goal to distribute 120 million pounds of food annually by 2018.

A REMEMBRANCE CEREMONY, HOUSTON REMEMBERS, PRESENTED BY DIGNITY MEMORIAL, WILL COMMEMORATE THE 10-YEAR ANNIVERSARY OF 9/11. THE EVENT WILL SPOTLIGHT THE HOUSTON PREMIERE OF THE CRITICALLY ACCLAIMED MOVIE REBIRTH, A FEATURE-LENGTH DOCUMENTARY COMBINING TIME-LAPSE PHOTOGRAPHY WITH THE STORIES OF INDIVIDUALS SHAPED BY SEPTEMBER 11. THE EVENT WILL BE HELD AT DISCOVERY GREEN.

TRAVEL + LEISURE MAGAZINE NAMED HOUSTON “AMERICA’S BEST BURGER CITY.” MENTIONED ON THE LIST IS LANKFORD GROCERY AND MARKET WHERE THIRD-GENERATION OWNERS FLIP HANDMADE PATTIES, BUBBA’S TEXAS BURGER SHACK WITH THE TASTIEST BUFFALO BURGER, THE BURGER GUYS’ EVER-CHANGING CUSTOM BURGER LIST AND THE QUADRUPLE HEART CLOGGER AT DOWNTOWN’S HUBCAP GRILL. JONATHAN’S THE RUB IN HEDWIG VILLAGE, RDG + BAR ANNIE ROUND OUT THE LIST WHILE RUGGLES GREEN, BEAVER’S AND DRY CREEK SERVE TASTY VEGGIE BURGERS. 8th Wonder Brewery will make its debut in late 2011, in the EaDo District. Ryan Soroka, Alex Vassilakidis and chef Matt Marcus (founders of the food truck Eatsie Boys) will try their hand at craft beer. New member Aaron Corse is in the process of being certified as a Master Brewer by the International Brewers Guild. The brewery will be located at 2202 Dallas at Hutchins, just blocks from the new Houston Dynamo soccer stadium.

Yard House just launched a new Fresh & Skinny™ cocktail menu featuring sake concoctions and a new half pint glass of beer dubbed Shortys. Fresh & Skinny™ cocktails range from 115 to 176 calories and are made with Yard House’s own citrus agave blend. Fire up your iPhone with Central Market’s first ever app, The Hatch Chile Fest Pocket Cookbook. Get answers to all your burning Hatch questions. The app is available now on iTunes!

GOODPOP’S ALL-NATURAL FROZEN POPS ARE A GOURMET UPDATE TO THE TRADITIONAL PALETA, CHOCK-FULL OF COLORFUL FRESH FRUIT MADE WITH ONLY ORGANIC, LOCALLY SOURCED AND ALL-NATURAL INGREDIENTS, AND ARE NOW AVAILABLE AT WHOLE FOODS. WATERMELON AGAVE, STRAWBERRY, MANGO AND HIBISCUS MINT, BANANA CINNAMON AND COLD BREW COFFEE ARE THIS SEASON’S CHOICES. Fresh from the oven, new bakery Nothing Bundt Cakes debuts in the Galleria area. Nothing Bundt Cakes offers customers a wide range of cake selections, from Bundtlets – single-serving cakes – to the larger Bundts that serve up to 18 people, and tiered cakes which serve up to 26 people.

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The Houston Fine Art Fair is the city’s first international fine art fair and America’s third largest art market in the United States. Approximately 80 galleries will be represented, concentrating on post-war, contemporary and Latin American works. Artwork from 1950 to present will include painting, drawing, print, video, sculpture and photography. Friday, September 16 – Sunday, September 18, at the George R. Brown Convention Center.

retail NEIMAN MARCUS’S FASHION DIRECTOR KEN DOWNING INTRODUCES HIS SECOND COLLECTION WITH LE MÉTIER DE BEAUTÉ FOR FALL/WINTER 2011. The Bordeaux ColleCTion TAKES THE ESSENCE OF THE FALL RUNWAYS AND DISTILLS THEM INTO A BEAUTY COLLECTION MIXING AND MATCHING ESSENTIAL COLOR COMBINATIONS INTO FEMININE, ELEGANT BEAUTY DUOS. AVAILABLE OCTOBER 2011.

GUCCI RECENTLY OPENED THEIR RENOVATED 5,070SF SPACE IN THE GALLERIA BOASTING ELEMENTS OF A BRANDNEW DESIGN CONCEPT CONCEIVED BY GUCCI CREATIVE DIRECTOR FRIDA GIANNINI. CrOp by David Peck just launched its ecommerce website. Each collection is inspired by the newest cause it supports. Ten percent of profits from this first online collection will go to Baylor International Pediatric AIDS Initiative, which focuses its work in Uganda. www.davidpeckcollection.com

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calendar september S U N DAY

PERFORMING ARTS + CONCERTS + SPORTS + FESTIVALS + GENERAL INTEREST

M O N DAY

T U E S DAY

W E D N E S DAY

TO PURCHASE TICKETS, PLEASE CONTACT

09/16 Verizon Deadmau5 9pm

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Jones HS POPS: Viva Italia! 7:30pm MOT Bollywood Blast 8pm Minute Maid Astros vs. Milwaukee Brewers 1:05pm Reliant Fiestas Patrias 10am Stages The Great American… 3pm | Hank Williams… 3pm Warehouse Headhunterz 8pm

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Alley Ether Dome 7:30pm CWMP Lil Wayne w/ Rick Ross, etc.

7:30pm HOB An Acoustic Evening with The Weepies 8pm Jones Chevron Fiesta Sinfonica 6pm Main Street Woof 3pm MOT Bollywood Blast 8pm Reliant Park Texans vs. Indianapolis Colts 12pm Wortham HB: Return of the Masters 2pm

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MINUTE MAID PARK: astros.mlb.com RELIANT PARK: reliantpark.com STAGES REPERTORY THEATRE: 713.527.0123 stagestheatre.com TOYOTA CENTER: 1.866.4HOU.TIX toyotacentertix.com VERIZON THEATRE: verizonwirelesstheatre.com WAREHOUSE LIVE: warehouselive.com WORTHAM CENTER: 713.237.1439 worthamcenter.org

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Warehouse Periphery 6pm

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Minute Maid Astros vs. Philadelphia Phillies 7:05pm

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Alley Ether Dome 7:30pm Minute Maid Astros vs. Philadelphia Phillies 7:05pm

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CWMP Houston Symphony w/ Poperazzi 8pm HOB Ryan Turner 8pm Stages The Great American Trailer Park Musical 7:30pm | Hank Williams: Lost Highway 7:30pm

6th Heights Bicycle Rally & Scavenger Hunt taking place October 2. REGISTER September 1September 29 by visiting the website at www.houstonheights.org or call 713.861.4002, extension 6.

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September 14-25, In the Blood by Suzan-Lori Parks and directed by David Rainey @ Barnevelder Theatre.

The Tokyo String Quartet opens the Houston Friends of Chamber Music’s 51st Season, 8pm in Stude Concert Hallon the Rice University campus.

713.348.5400 or visit www.HoustonFriendsofChamberMusic.org.

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September 24, Bike to Build hosted by Houston Habitat for Humanity, 8:30am at Discovery Green. www.HoustonHabitat.org/Bike

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HOB Kaiser Chiefs 8pm Jones SPA: Pacino: One Night Only 8pm

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Alley Ether Dome 7:30pm HOB Kip Winger 8pm

September 23-25, 30-October 2, Houston House Salutes Emerging Designers at Houston House. Young designers transform apartment homes for public home tours in renovated downtown high-rise. www.HoustonHouseApts.com or call 713.308.2000 CWMP Honda Civic Tour w/ Blink 182 & Chemical Romance, etc. 7pm MOT Velveteen Rabbit 11am Minute Maid Astros vs. St. Louis Cardinals 7:05pm

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Alley Ether Dome 7:30pm Hobby TUTS: Guys & Dolls 7:30pm HOB Molotov 8pm MOT Velveteen Rabbit 11am Minute Maid Astros vs. St. Louis Cardinals 7:05pm Warehouse Peter Bjorn & John 8pm

September 27-October 1, Marburger Farm Antique Show in Round Top. www.roundtop-marburger.com

HOB Guerilla Union & Black Star 8pm Wortham HB: Return of the Masters 7:30pm

September 7, Primer 55 & Saint Dog w/ Mike Terror & Cerebral Down @ STEREO LIVE stereolivehouston.com

September 10, Bering Omega Community Services’ Annual Sing for Hope: An Evening of Art Songs & Arias Benefit Gala, Concert and After Party. Contact Stephenie Schillaci: 713. 341.3763 or SSchillaci@beringomega.org.

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September 15-18, Houston Fine Art Fair at George R. Brown Convention Center. www.houstonfineartfair.com or contact info@houstonfineartfair.com

Alley Ether Dome 2:30 & 7:30pm Jones Brahms’ Violin Concerto 2:30pm Main Street Woof 3pm Reliant Center: High Caliber Gun & Knife Show 10am | The Home & Garden Market 11am | Metropolitan Cooking & Entertaining Show 10am Tattoo & Body Expo 11am Warehouse Viva City 7pm Wortham HB: Return of the Masters 2pm

Alley Ether Dome 2:30 & 7:30pm CWMP Journey w/ Foreigner & Night Ranger 7pm Hobby The Houston Symphonic Band in Concert 2pm Jones HS: Richard Strauss’ A Hero’s Life 2:30pm Main Street Woof 3pm MOT Incredible India 8pm Minute Maid Astros vs. Colorado Rockies 1:05pm Reliant Center: 2011 Quince & Bridal Expo 12pm Wortham HB: Giselle 2pm

CWMP Rockstar Energy w/ Avenged Sevenfold, etc. 2pm

ALLEY THEATRE: alleytheatre.org CWMP: woodlandscenter.org HOBBY CENTER: 713.315.2525 thehobbycenter.org HOUSE OF BLUES: hob.com JONES HALL: 713.227.3974 joneshall.org MAIN STREET THEATRE: 713.524.6706 mainstreettheatre.com MERIDIAN: meridianhouston.com MILLER OUTDOOR THEATRE (MOT): milleroutdoortheatre.com

T H U R S DAY

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Alley Ether Dome 7:30pm Wortham If You Give a Moose a Muffin 12pm Authors in Architecture David Theis and Lisa Gray present Literary Houston, 6pm at Clayton Library.

Presented by Architecture Center Houston & Houston Public Library. www.aiahouston.org September 24, 2011 MERo & Co. Fall & Winter Showcase, 4pm at 15056 Highway 6, Rosharon, TX. Benefiting the Fort Bend County Women’s Center. For info, call 281.431.1230.

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Alley Ether Dome 7:30pm Hobby TUTS: Guys & Dolls 7:30pm HOB Bring Me the Horizon w/ Architects, etc. 7pm MOT Velveteen Rabbit 11am Minute Maid Astros vs. St. Louis Cardinals 7:05pm

Texas Children’s Cancer Center’s Celebration of Champions luncheon, 11:15am at Hilton Americas-Houston. Honoring those battling pediatric cancer. www.champions.texaschildrens.org

Alley Ether Dome 7:30pm CWMP HS: Brahms’ Violin Concerto 8pm HOB City and Colour 8pm Main Street Woof 7:30pm MOT El Grito, Festival de la Independencia 8pm Verizon Return to Forever IV in Concert 8pm

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Alley Ether Dome 7:30pm HOB The Family Vacation Tour with Atmosphere 8pm | Jones HS: Richard Strauss’ A Hero’s Life 8pm | Main Street Woof 7:30pm MOT Swing, Jive and Pop! Into Dance 11am Minute Maid Astros vs. Colorado Rockies 7:05pm Wortham HB: Giselle 7:30pm September 22-24, 29-30, Daughter of the Regiment by Gaetano Donizetti at Lambert Hall.

Opera in the Heights season opener. www.operaintheheights.org or call 713.861.5303

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Alley Ether Dome 7:30pm Hobby TUTS: Guys & Dolls 7:30pm Main Street Woof 7:30pm MOT Velveteen Rabbit 11am Warehouse Kyuss Lives! 7pm

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

WWW.HOUSTONTHEATERDISTRICT.ORG F R I DAY

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Hobby Gente de Teatro: Made in Argentina 8pm HOB Rock & Roll Over- KISS tribute 7:30pm | The Ruby Revue 8pm Jones HS POPS: Viva Italia! 8pm MOT Grupo Fantasma 8pm Minute Maid Astros vs. Milwaukee Brewers 7:05pm Stages The Great American… 8pm | Hank Williams… 8pm Warehouse The Goodnight Summer Tour 7:30pm

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Alley Ether Dome 8pm Jones HS Opening Night: Ode to Joy 7:30pm MOT 15th Annual Grand Taiko Festival 7:30pm Verizon Camila 8pm Warehouse O’Death 8pm

5th Annual Casino Night benefiting The Health Museum, 7:30-10:30pm at The Downtown Club – Plaza. www.thehealthmuseum.org/casino.

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Alley Ether Dome 8pm HOB Chromeo 8pm Jones HS: Brahms’ Violin Concerto 8pm Main Street Woof 8pm MOT Music That Should Be Danced: World Edition! 8pm Reliant Center: Tattoo & Body Art Expo 2pm Verizon Deadmau 5 9pm Warehouse Lita Ford 7pm Wortham HB: Return of the Masters 7:30pm

September 17, Discovery Green Flea, 12-6pm at Discovery Green. Held on the third Saturday of each month this fall. www.discoverygreen.com/discovery-green-flea/.

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Alley Ether Dome 8pm CWMP Def Leppard w/ Heart and Evan Watson 7:30pm Hobby Ars Lyrica: Paradise Found 7:30pm HOB Tri Loco- ZZ Top Tribute 7pm Main Street Woof 8pm MOT Weekend of Texas Contemporary Dance 8pm Minute Maid Astros vs. Colorado Rockies 7:05pm Verizon An Evening w/ Weird Al Yankovic 8pm Warehouse Hanson 8pm Wortham Da Camera: Brentano Quartet & Friends 8pm

S AT U R DAY

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CWMP Kid Rock w/ Sheryl Crow 7:30pm Hobby Gente de Teatro: Made in… 8pm Jones HS POPS: Viva Italia! 8pm MOT Mozart under the Stars 8pm Minute Maid Astros vs.

Milwaukee Brewers 6:05pm Stages The Great American…

8pm | Hank Williams… 8pm Warehouse Jetspeed Music Showcase 8pm

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Alley Ether Dome 2:30 & 8pm CWMP Santana w/ Michael Franti & Spearhead 7:30pm | HOB The Molly Ringwalds 9pm Jones HS Opening Night: Ode to Joy 7:30pm Main Street Woof 8pm MOT Mosaico Folklorico Mexicano 11am | 15th Annual Grand Taiko Festival 7:30pm Wortham HB: Return of the Masters 7:30pm Sixth Annual FAAN Walk for Food Allergy, 8am at Sam Houston Park in downtown Houston. www.foodallergywalk.org

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Alley Ether Dome 2:30 & 8pm | HOB Foster The People 8pm | Jones Brahms’ Violin Concerto 8pm | Main Street Woof 8pm | MOT Salsa Y Salud at the Park 7:30pm | Meridian Rock It Fest TBD Reliant Center: High Caliber Gun & Knife Show 9am | The Home & Garden Market 10am | Metropolitan Cooking & Entertaining Show 10am | Tattoo & Body Expo 11am | Arena: Comedy Explosion 7:30pm | Robertson Dynamo vs.

San Jose Earthquakes 7:30pm Verizon Deacons of Deadwood 2011 Charity Ball w/ Foghat 8pm Wortham HB: Return of the Masters 7:30pm

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Alley Ether Dome 2:30 & 8pm CWMP Maroon 5 & Train 7pm Hobby Musiqa: Play a Song for Me 7:30pm HOB Queensryche 8pm | Jones HS: Richard Strauss’ A Hero’s Life 8pm | Main Street Woof 8pm MOT Dance Around the World 11am | Weekend of Texas Contemporary Dance 8pm Minute Maid Astros vs. Colorado Rockies 6:05pm Verizon Erasure: Tomorrow’s World Tour 8pm Warehouse The Aggrolites 8pm | Space City Beat Battle 8pm Wortham HB: Giselle 7:30pm

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Alley Ether Dome 8pm CWMP Incubus w/ Young Giant 8pm Hobby Masquerade: Galveston the Musical 7:30pm | TUTS: Guys & Dolls 7:30pm HOB David Crowder 7:30pm Jones Watts Plays Beethoven’s Emperor 8pm Main Street Woof 8pm MOT Velveteen Rabbit 11am |Splendid China VI 8pm Wortham HB: Giselle 7:30pm

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museum district

By Pixie Ibañez

EXHIBITS EMAIL US AT PIXIE@002MAG.COM

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1. THE MENIL COLLECTION www.menil.org

Seeing Stars: Visionary Drawing from the collection ,on view September 23. This collection is from the early 20th century by “outsider art,” work from those with little to no contact with the mainstream art world. This exhibit highlights visionary, folk, naïve or self-taught artists. “Seeing Stars” refers to a physiological anomaly in which the stimulation of the retina by the brain creates illusion of points of light, colors or shapes.

2. HOUSTON CENTER FOR PHOTOGRAPHY www.hcponline.org

Learning Curve 5, on view September 9, is an annual exhibition of selected work made by HCP’s students from the past year. It features digital to alternative processes highlighting the various educational programs HCP has to offer through its Learning Center.

3. THE ROTHKO CHAPEL www.rothkochapel.org

The Rothko Chapel, founded by John and Dominique de Menil, was dedicated in 1971 as an intimate sanctuary available to people of every belief. A modern meditative environment inspired by the mural canvases of Russian-born, American painter Mark Rothko (1903-1970), the Chapel welcomes thousands of visitors each year, people of every faith and from all parts of the world.

4. BYZANTINE FRESCO CHAPEL MUSEUM www.menil.org/visit/byzantine.php

Intimate in scale, the Byzantine Fresco Chapel Museum is the repository of the only intact Byzantine frescoes of this size and importance in the Western Hemisphere.

It’s also a manifestation of the redemptive power of art: The chapel was expressly built to house 13-century Byzantine frescoes that had been looted from their original home in a small chapel in Lysi, Cyprus.

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

Martini Madness! 10th Birthday Bash, September 22.

Houston Center for Contemporary Craft (HCCC) celebrates its 10th anniversary with Martini Madness! 10th Birthday Bash, a chic cocktail party featuring mad glassware, bottomless martinis, sizzling snacks, live music by Two Star Symphony and Lisa E. Harris Trio, hands-on activities and a big-board auction.

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6. LAWNDALE ARTCENTER www.lawndaleartcenter.org

10. THE HEALTH MUSEUM www.thehealthmuseum.org

Southern Pacific, on view thru September 24, is a series of three shows connecting artists of Portland, Houston and Marfa, Texas. A little over a dozen artists were encouraged to actively participate in community events, discussions and the residency program to create their new works showing these diverse communities. Film screenings, panel discussions, performances and workshops will be happening throughout the duration of the show.

Star Wars: Where Science Meets Imagination, on view thru September 18. If you are a fan, this is definitely an exhibit you will enjoy. The innovative exhibit explores the futuristic technologies depicted in the films, the real science behind them and the research that may someday lead to real-life versions of the technologies seen in the movies. The exhibit also features props and costumes from all six Star Wars films.

Plus, experience a simulated ride in a full-size replica of the Millennium Falcon cockpit!

7. BUFFALO SOLDIERS NATIONAL MUSEUM www.buffalosoldiermuseum.com

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

8. HOLOCAUST MUSEUM HOUSTON www.hmh.org

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

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

Attack of the Bloodsuckers, on view September 24. What’s biting you? Explore the science of the skin-crawling bugs we love to hate in this exhibition! You’re invited to get close and personal to examine the what, why, when and how of mosquitoes, fleas, ticks, leeches and other parasites. See live mosquitoes and leeches in their home environment.

Learn why bloodsuckers are important to the ecosystem, and how to keep them out and away from your system!

This engaging exhibit blends art and science together with super-magnified photos of bloodsuckers by award-winning photomicrographer Dennis Kunkel.

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

Big Bite Nite Event, on September 22. Experience an epic journey of world food featuring cuisine from some of Houston’s most prestigious restaurants in this lavish culinary affair.

Delve into the cultural traditions of our diverse city with music and entertainment and discover the culinary explorer inside you! Are you hungry Houston? Come take a BIG BITE! 12. HOUSTON ZOO www.houstonzoo.org

Mark your calendar for the Houston Zoo’s sixth annual Feast with the Beasts with musical guests The B52s, Friday, November 4, 2011. Feast with the Beasts is the most anticipated culinary event of the year.

Enjoy exotic culinary fare from more than 50 of Houston’s hottest restaurants all set against the Zoo’s naturally wild backdrop. Last year’s event was a sellout success and this year’s event is an evening you won’t want to miss! Tickets go on sale September 19.

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13. RICE UNIVERSITY ART GALLERY www.ricegallery.org

Salon of Beauty by Ana Serrano, on view September 29. Noticing parts of the urban landscape that most of us ignore, Serrano creates small sculptures of buildings that cull together what might catch her eye on a morning walk – hand-painted signage and illustrations on a local business, the blue and turquoise colors of a house with a cord of a satellite dish snaking down the side – and then enlarges these details in a cityscape of buildings that playfully mix together her observations.

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

Life & Luxury: The Art of Living in Eighteenth-Century Paris, on view September 18. The exhibit re-imagines, through art and material culture, the lifestyle of elite 18th-century Parisians. The exhibition follows the conventional activities in the cycle of a Parisian day – dressing, writing, collecting, eating and evening entertainment – offering a glimpse of these forgotten activities. The exhibition includes a wide range of paintings, sculpture, applied arts, drawings, metalwork, furniture, architectural fittings, lighting and hearth fixtures, scien-

tific and musical instruments, clocks and watches, textiles and dress, books and maps.

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

Perspectives 175: Marc Swanson: The Second Story, on view through October 9. Brooklyn-based artist Marc Swanson has made his topic, the construction of self, as an incomplete and always fragmentary project.

Everything including heavy metal, the Yeti and hunting trophies become part of his artistic language. The exhibit features new sculptures that consider the worldview of the generations that have grown up since AIDS placed a final marker on the early era of gay liberation, severing the ties to that culture’s rich history.

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

Photographic Interpretations , on view through September 28. Artist Leslie Kell’s mirror-mad images exploit the color, texture and patterns of the environmental elements she captures with her camera.

Houstonian Trunk Shows Sept. 21 & 22 9am to 2pm November 2 & 3 9am to 2pm

17. CZECH CENTER MUSEUM www.czechcenter.org 

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

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

KEY TO SYMBOLS



Parking restaurant shoPPing snacks Free aDMission

september 11 | www.002mag.com .19

September 11_002houston 8/18/11 7:54 PM Page 20

1.

art houses+museums+exhibits

8

EXHIBITS EMAIL US AT PIXIE@002MAG.COM

2.

1. archway gallery | 2. koelsch gallery | 3. redbud gallery 4. watercolor art society | 5. mcclain gallery | 6. mcmurtrey gallery

MUSEUMS 1940 AIR TERMINAL MUSEUM www.1940airterminal.org 8325 Travelair Rd. 713.454.1940 ART CAR MUSEUM www.artcarmuseum.com 140 Heights Blvd. 713.861.5526 Opens September 10, Fourteen BLAFFER ART MUSEUM www.blaffer.org 4800 Calhoun Rd. 713.743.9521 Thru November 27, At the Back of the North Wind by Anton Ginzburg GALVESTON ARTS CENTER www.galveston.com 2127 Strand St. 409.763.2403

ART LEAGUE HOUSTON www.artleaguehouston.org 1953 Montrose Blvd. 713.523.9530 BARBARA DAVIS GALLERY www.barbaradavisgallery.com 4411 Montrose 713.520.9200

3.

BERING & JAMES GALLERYwww.beringandjames.com 805 Rhode Place #500, 713.524.0101 BETZ GALLERY www.betzgallery.com 1208 W. Gray 713.576.6954 BOOKER-LOWE GALLERYwww.bookerlowegallery.com 4623 Feagan St. 713.880.1541

HERITAGE SOCIETY www.heritagesociety.org 1100 Bagby 713.655.1912

BRYAN MILLER GALLERY www.ctrlgallery.com 3907 Main St. 713.523.2875 Opens September 9, Going Down for the Third Time by John Sparagana

HOUSTON FIRE MUSEUM www.houstonfiremuseum.org 2403 Milam 713.524.2526

CANAL ST. GALLERY www.canalstreetgallery.com 2219 Canal St. 713.223.2219 Opens August 6, Must Love Art

G GALLERY www.ggalleryhouston.com 301 East 11th St. 713.822.4842 Thru September 26, Redundant Recursions

HOOKS-EPSTEIN GALLERIES www.hooksepsteingalleries.com 2631 Colquitt St. 713.522.0718

CAROLINE COLLECTIVE www.carolinecollective.cc 4820 Caroline St. 713.825.4613

GALLERY 1724 www.gallery1724.blogspot.com 1724 Bissonnet St. 713.523.2547

MUSEUM OF SOUTHERN HISTORY www.hbu.edu 7502 Fondren Rd. 281.649.3997

COLTON & FARB GALLERYwww.coltonfarbgallery.com 2445 North Blvd. 713.869.5151 Opens September 10, Ikonic by Jay Rusovich

HOUSTON LANDMARK GALLERY www.houstonlandmarkgallery.com 1200 McKinney 713.927.8800

ORANGE SHOW www.orangeshow.org 2401 Munger 713.926.6368

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

GALLERY SONJA ROESCH www.gallerysonjaroesch.com 2309 Caroline 713.659.5424 Opens September 10, Investigating White by Raimund Girke

PROJECT ROW HOUSES www.projectrowhouses.org 2521 Holman 713.526.7662

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

MUSEUM OF PRINTING HISTORY www.printingmuseum.org 1324 W. Clay St. 713.522.4652

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

ART HOUSES 18 HANDS GALLERY www.18handsgallery.com 249 West 19th St. 713.869.3099 Opens September 10, Old Friends–New Work by Bruce Dehnert and Jim Shea Opens September 24, New Work by Marianne Levy and Gary Henderson AEROSOL WARFARE GALLERY + BOUTIQUE www.aerosolwarfare.com 2110 Jefferson St. #113, 832.748.8369 ANYA TISH GALLERY www.anyatishgallery.com 4411 Montrose Blvd. 713.524.2299 ARCHWAY GALLERY www.archwaygallery.com 2305 Dunlavy 713.522.2409 Opens September 3, Happenstance by Anita Nelson

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

INMAN GALLERY www.inmangallery.com 3901 Main St. 713.526.7800 Opens September 9, Tommy Fitzpatrick and Nina Bovasso

GOLDESBERRY GALLERY www.goldesberrygallery.com 2625 Colquitt 713.528.0405

KINZELMAN ART CONSULTING www.kinzelmanart.com 3909 Main St. 713.533.9923

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

KOELSCH GALLERY www.koelschgallery.com 703 Yale 713.626.0175 Thru September 13, america as we feel it, group exhibit

GREMILLION & CO. FINE ART www.gremillion.com 2501 Sunset Blvd. 713.522.2701

LAURA RATHE FINE ART www.laurarathe.com 2707 Colquitt 713.527.7700

DESANTOS GALLERY www.desantosgallery.com 1724 Richmond 713.520.1200

H GALLERY www.hgallery.org 617 W. 19th 713.417.4888

LAURA U COLLECTION www.lauraucollection.com 1840 Westheimer 713.522.0855

DIVERSEWORKS www.diverseworks.org 1117 East Freeway 713.223.8346

HANNAH BACOL BUSCH GALLERY www.hannahbacolbuschgallery.com 2501 S. Shepherd Dr. 713.527.0523

LAZZARA ART GALLERY www.gallerialazzara.com 5400 Mitchelldale St. 713.681.0681 Opens September 8, Betirri

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

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

HOLLYWOOD FRAME GALLERY www.hollywoodframegallery.com 2427 Bissonnet 713.942.8885

McCLAIN GALLERY www.mcclaingallery.com 2242 Richmond Ave. 713.520.9988 Opens September 22, Norman Bluhm: Paintings 1967-1974

DAKOTA GALLERY www.dakotaframing.com 2324 Shearn St. 713.523.7440 DARKE GALLERY www.darkegallery.com 5321 Feagan 713.542.3802 Opens September 9, The edge of my unreadiness by Kathryn Kelley

DOMY BOOKS www.domystore.com 1709 Westheimer 713.523.3669 ELDER STREET GALLERY www.elderstreetartist.com 1101 Elder St. 281.250.4889 FOTOFEST www.fotofest.org 1113 Vine St. 713.223.5522

be hip.current.cool @ 002mag.com 20. september 11 | www.002mag.com

HOUSTON STUDIOS 707 Walnut St. 713.223.0951

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4.

McMURTREY GALLERYwww.mcmurtreygallery.com 3508 Lake St. 713.523.8238 Opens September 15, Apocalyptic Wallpaper by Howard Sherman MEREDITH LONG GALLERY www.meredithlonggallery.com 2323 San Felipe 713.523.6671 MIDTOWN ART CENTER www.midtownartcenter.com 3414 La Branch 713.521.8803

SPRING ST. STUDIOS www.springstreetstudios.info 1824 Spring Street 713.862.0082

MONTROSE ART SOCIETY www.montroseartsociety.com 4715 Main St. 713.316.0402

STUDIO SEVEN 1107 East Freeway 713.224.5555

MOODY GALLERY www.moodygallery.com 2815 Colquitt 713.526.9911 Opens September 10, Half-life by Helen Altman

THE ARTFUL CORNER www.theartfulcorner.com 3423 White Oak Dr. 713.426.4278

MOTHER DOG STUDIOS www.motherdogstudios.com 720 Walnut 713.229.9760 NAU-HAUS GALLERY www.texascollaborative.com 223 E. 11th St. 713.261.1409

THOM ANDRIOLA www.newgallery.net 2627 Colquitt 713.520.7053 THORNWOOD GALLERY www.thornwoodgallery.com 2643 Colquitt St. 713.528.4278 Opens Sept. 17, Structure & Forms by Onyeka Ibe

NOLAN-RANKIN GALLERIES www.nolan-rankingalleries.com 6 Chelsea Blvd. 713.528.0664 O’KANE GALLERY www.uhd.edu One Main St. @ UHD 713.221.8042

VAUGHAN CHRISTOPHER GALLERY www.vaughanchristopher.com 1217 S. Shepherd 713.533.0816

PARKERSON GALLERY www.parkersongallery.com 3510 Lake St. 713.524.4945 PEEL GALLERY www.peelgallery.org 4411 Montrose Blvd. 713.520.8122 POISSANT GALLERY www.poissantgallery.com 5102 Center St. 713.868.9337 POST GALLERY www.postgallery.com 2121 Sage, Ste. 390, 713.622.4241

WADE WILSON ART www.wadewilsonart.com 4411 Montrose #200, 713.521.2977 Opens September 1, Dante Marioni WATERCOLOR ART SOCIETY www.watercolorhouston.org 1601 West Alabama 713.942.9966 Opens September 16, Tulips by Keiko Yasuoka WINTER STREET STUDIOS www.winterstreetstudios.net 2101 Winter St. 713.862.0082

RECORD RANCH GALLERY www.cactusmusictx.com 2110 Portsmouth 713.526.9272

XNIHILO GALLERY www.xnil.org 2115 Taft St. 713.622.1846

REDBUD GALLERY www.redbudgallery.com 303 E. 11th St. 713.862.2532 Opens September 10, inch x inch by Liz Kerrigan RETRO GALLERY www.retrogallery.com 1839 W. Alabama 713.522.7074

TALENTO BILINGUE www.tbhcenter.org 333 S. Jensen Dr. 713.222.1213

5.

ZARPOSH INDIA GALLERY www.zarposhindia.com 5910 Southwest Fwy. 713.668.2948

6.

RUDOLPH PROJECTS I ARTSCAN GALLERY www.rudolphprojects.com 1836 Richmond Ave. 713.807.1836 SICARDI GALLERY www.sicardi.com 2246 Richmond Ave. 713.529.1313 SPACE125 GALLERY www.haatx.com 3201 Allen Parkway 713.527.9330

september 11 | www.002mag.com .21

ART NOW!

by Susan M. Bynam

THE TEXAS CONTEMPORARY ART FAIR MAKES ITS DEBUT IN HOUSTON TO SHOWCASE UNIQUE AND SPECIAL TALENT IN TEXAS AND FROM AROUND THE WORLD.

O

ur great city will take center stage as the host for the inaugural exhibition, Texas Contemporary Art Fair (TCAF), at the George R. Brown Convention Center, slated for October 2011. TCAF will showcase innovative, unique presentations from over 50 galleries consisting of works of progressive artists from around the world. Thanks to the skilled directorial management of Max Fishko and Jeffrey Wainhause of artMKT Productions, LLC; event partner – CAMH; local advisors (Fredericka Hunter and Kerry Inman of Texas Gallery and Inman Gallery, respectively); a hardworking host committee; and supporting sponsors (Community Artists’ Collective, Kinzelman Art Consulting, DiverseWorks, Art League Houston, The Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center, Houston Museum of African American Culture, Blaffer Art Museum/University of Houston, Rice University Art Gallery – just to name a few), art enthusiasts and novice art participants can anticipate a diverse 3-day art experience full of present-day intrigue that is certain to stimulate and influence your senses, emotions and intellect – all at the same time.

Wilmer and Francisco 80 x 60 inches ACME. Los Angeles ________ Pilot Walter Robinson 2010 109 x 43 x 14 inches Catharine Clark Gallery San Francisco

TCAF’s debut in Houston commences with the CAMH Benefit Preview Party on Thursday, October 20, at 6pm, followed by the VIP Preview Party at 7:30pm – both catered preludes to the Fair, featuring food and alcoholic/non-alcoholic spirits, along with a welcoming vibe of Houston’s most notable art-goers, art dealers and community supporters. The culminating weekend (Friday-Sunday, October 21-23) promises an art ambiance like none other, integrating the best and the brightest talent on the local and national frontier.

Per Max Fishko of artMKT Productions: “The entire team working behind the scenes of the Fair has worked tirelessly to ensure this 3day event is worthwhile for every participating patron. Outside of a diverse display of exhibits at the Fair, participants can look forward to on-site panel art discussions, lectures, art tours led by local consulting firms. We are absolutely excited about Houston being the host city for this inaugural art celebration and are looking forward to TCAF being an annual event in Houston for years to come.”

EVENT 3RD ANNUAL LITTLE BLACK DRESS PROJECT FASHION SHOW WHY TO BENEFIT THE FASHION GROUP FOUNDATION OF HOUSTON WHERE HOUSE OF BLUES WHEN MAY 10 Over 200 fashion lovers descended upon the House of Blues for the 3rd annual Little Black Dress Project fashion show held at the Peacock Room. Neal Hamil Agency models strutted down the runway showcasing the top 10 dresses created by Texas fashion design students invited to submit their versions of the beloved wardrobe must-have. Super host and founder of LBD Jeff Shell, Chloe Dao, David Peck, Stacey Swift and other localebrities shared the difficult task of selecting this year’s winner. First place was awarded to Viet Nguyen.

Lenny Matuszewski, Irena Shyshkina

Cesar Galindo, Fred Smith, Todd Ramos

Jeff Shell, Wendy Patterson, Michelle Reyna, Chris Hancock

One-day and three-day Fair passes and tickets to the CAMH Benefit Preview Party are available for purchase online at www.txcontemporary.com or can be purchased at the door (with a slight up charge) on the day of the event.

Viet Nguyen and Neil Marek with model For show information and to purchase tickets, please visit the Texas Contemporary Art Fair website at www.txcontemporary.com.

check out more pictures @ 002mag.com

Lisa Benitez, Brenna Croom

TEXAS CONTEMPORARY ART FAIR Friday, October 21 – 11am to 7pm | Saturday, October 22 – 11am to 7pm | Sunday, October 23 – 11am to 6pm George R. Brown Convention Center 1001 Avenida De Las Americas Houston, TX 77010 Robin Reimer, Shanoah Scherfenberg 22. september 11 | www.002mag.com

Stacey Swift, Diane Brown

Photography by Kim Coffman

September 11_002houston 8/18/11 7:55 PM Page 22

Photography by Kim Coffman

September 11_002houston 8/18/11 7:55 PM Page 23

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September 11_002houston 8/18/11 7:56 PM Page 24

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

WHAT would

HOW HOT IS IT IN TEXAS ?? This is Elliot, an English Bulldog, and this is an "un-posed" picture of pooch trying to beat the TEXAS heat after his owners emptied their cooler in the driveway.

Craig Sotres

you do without

smartphones?

You’re

constantly

Back to the future, baby!

Juan Boada

snapping shots

of food

,

parties, etc., and

sharing them

on facebook and twitter.

Here’s

what you

shared

us

with this month.

"Let's go for a ride..."

Troy Julian

Window Into Houston project from Blaffer Art Museum - University of Houston.

Lauren Covington

This is a cupcake I made for my Mom for her 80th birthday. Imagine her surprise when she saw her photo and birthdate all over the M&M's!

Rebecca Telle

24. september 11 | www.002mag.com

September 11_002houston 8/18/11 7:56 PM Page 25

spacetaker artscene

Credit: Courtesy of the Artist

By Jenni Rebecca Stephenson

SO MUCH TO DO AND SO LITTLE TIME! START OFF THE SEASON WITH A SMORGASBORD OF MUSIC, DANCE AND ART. NO DOUBT IT WILL LEAVE YOU HUNGRY FOR MORE!

Jack Ferver & Marc Swanson: Two Alike September 15-17 @ 7:30pm Choreographer Jack Ferver in collaboration with visual artist Marc Swanson creates a meditative and visceral performance following a man’s journey from rural upbringings to a furious adulthood set in an urban landscape in his latest work, Two Alike. Ferver acts as the emotive flesh and voice inside Swanson’s eerie and raw sculptures. This performance corresponds with Swanson’s ongoing show at the Contemporary Arts Museum Houston.

DiverseWorks ArtSpace, 1117 East Freeway – $10-$20; Thursday Pay What You Want Ticket. www.Diverseworks.org

Inprint presents authors Francisco Goldman and Nicole Krauss September 19 @ 7:30pm Launching the 31st season of the Inprint Margarett Root Brown Reading Series, Francisco Goldman, author of The Long Night of White Chickens and The Art of Political Murder, will read from his new work, Say Her Name, a personal account of his wife’s untimely death. Also, Nicole Krauss, one of The New Yorker’s “20 Best Writers Under 40” and author of bestseller The History of Love, will share her new book, Great House. Readings are followed by an on-stage interview, book sale and signing. Cullen Theater in Wortham Center (501 Texas) – General admission $5. www.inprinthouston.org

Media Archeology: Rewind – Play – Fast Forward September 15-17 @ 8pm In collaboration with the University of Houston Cynthia Woods Mitchell Center for the Arts, Aurora Picture Show presents the 8th annual Media Archeology Festival (Rewind – Play – Fast Forward) showcasing artists who manipulate, recycle and reinvent electronic media in multidisciplinary performances. This year’s festival explores games as social tools for interaction, community building and entertainment – from chess and charades to roleplaying games like Dungeons and Dragons. Details include gaming under the stars underscored by popular tunes via vintage computers to a live video game performance. Various locales, like The Orange Show and Menil Park—Free! www.aurorapictureshow.org

Ars Lyrica presents Paradise Found September 23 @ 7:30pm The 2011-12 season of Transformations begins with a journey from worldly torment to heavenly ecstasy, featuring FrenchItalian soprano Céline Ricci in her Houston début with core Ars Lyrica string and continuo players. Zilkha Hall, Hobby Center for the Performing Arts – Starting at $31. www.arslyricahouston.org

SALSA Y SALUD September 17 @ 6pm (Performance @ 8pm) Salsa y Salud is a health education initiative presented by Arts with Social Impact, the Hispanic Health Coalition, BOUNCE (Behavior Opportunities Uniting Nutrition Counseling and Exercise) and the Foundation for Modern Music. Through the appeal of salsa music and dance, Salsa y Salud unites people of multiple ethnic, cultural and socio-economic backgrounds for an evening of art, exercise and entertainment. The night kicks off with a free salsa lesson for the public, a concert by the KIPP Academy Jazz Ensemble and finally, a showcase of over 60+ performers. Miller Outdoor Theater (6000 Hermann Park Dr.) – Free!

Weekend of Texas Contemporary Dance September 23 and 24 @ 8pm September 24 @ 11am Weekend of Texas Contemporary Dance, a showcase of dance works by companies and choreographers throughout Texas, features Ad Deum Dance Company, Earthen Vessels/Sandra Organ Dance Company, HIStory, Houston Metropolitan Dance Company, infinite Movement Ever Evolving, Psophonia Dance Company, Vault and choreographer Ashley Horn. Weekend also features a family matinee, Dance around the World, with Houston Ballet II. Miller Outdoor Theatre— Free! www.houstondance.org

SAVE THE DATE! Winter Street Studios – Houston’s largest group of working artists – throws open its studio doors to celebrate 7 years on October 1! Swing by to glimpse over 80 artists on display, including artist Mark Masterson at the Spacetaker ARC Gallery. www.winterstreetstudios.net www.spacetaker.org

september 11 | www.002mag.com .25

September 11_002houston 8/18/11 7:56 PM Page 26

the dog dayS are over... costume for cocktails

...ok, almoSt!

Styling by Beatrice Allen Photography by Gabriella Nissen Illustration by Alex Rosa

Summer iS coming to an end and the office iS buzzing again with buSineSS. back from holiday doeSn’ t mean you can’ t dreSS like you’ re Still baSking in the Sun (or beating the heat).

26. september 11 | www.002mag.com

Anthropologie - 803 Town & Country Ln. 713.973.0561 Free People - 801 Town & Country St. 713.464.8423 Sephora - 900 North Gessner 713.932.0848

More forgiving than white, these bone hued, ankle skimmers are a perfect transition piece that can work straight through fall. AG Bone Ankle Stevie Jean @ Anthropologie

Weathered coin belt @ Free People

This super-soft tee is long enough to be used later with layers and leggings. Gray long sleeve tee with flourish hem back @ Anthropologie

This fragrant deodorant keeps you smelling fresh in even the highest temps. Combined with the lotion, people will notice the fresh smell surrounding you. A perk: both products are all natural. Perfect for sensitive skin! Lavanila Deodorant & Body Lotion @ Sephora

The worn-in effect makes this piece look years older than it actually is.

These understated earrings may be large in size but they are subtle in their organic beauty.

Semi-precious stone wrap earrings @ Anthropologie These booties look equally cool with ankle jeans as they do with shorts and skirts. And a low heel provides loads of comfort. Isabel Marant Dicker Boots @ www.net-a-porter.com A good clutch can be used day or night. The simplicity of this shape and eye-catching color make it one of those pieces. Snakeskin clutch @ Milano + Francesca

September 11_002houston 8/18/11 7:57 PM Page 27

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September 11_002houston 8/18/11 7:57 PM Page 28

1

2

TEYA SPARKS age 36 sign Scorpio origin Houston occupation Life Coach

CHRISTINE SPIRO age Old enough to know better, young enough to do it anyway. sign Scorpio origin US – Swedish, German and Syrian ancestry occupation Owner and Instructor, Verticality Pole Fitness

people of houston Photography by Anthony Rathbun

3 TIM TAYLOR age 53 sign Pisces origin New Orleans, LA occupation Managing Partner – Pizzitola’s Bar B Que

28. september 11 | www.002mag.com

1. TEYA SPARKS •WHERE IS YOUR FAVORITE PLACE TO SHOP? Thrift stores.

•WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE TREND? Self-expression!

•IF YOU COULD MEET A CELEBRITY, WHO WOULD IT BE? Hands down, Handler! Chelsea Handler. I met her in June but I want to be on her show.

•WHAT IS THE MOST MEMORABLE THING YOU’VE DONE IN HOUSTON? Danced on stage with my best friend and War.

2. CHRISTINE SPIRO •WHERE IS YOU FAVORITE PLACE TO SHOP? Costco or Lululemon Highland Village.

•IF YOU WON THE LOTTERY, WHAT IS THE FIRST THING YOU WOULD BUY? A pool – I’m not sure where I would put it, but that sounds really good right now!

•WHAT WAS YOUR MOST EMBARRASSING MOMENT? Breaking a couch on my birthday.

•WHAT WAS THE BEST CONCERT YOU EVER ATTENDED? Elton John, the Red Piano.

•WHAT IS THE WORST FASHION TREND YOU LOVED? Leg warmers.

3. TIM TAYLOR •WHAT’S IN YOUR CLOSET THAT YOU JUST CAN’T LET GO OF? A 35-year-old pair of white bucks.

•WHAT IS THE MOST MEMORABLE THING YOU’VE DONE IN HOUSTON? Got married in 1984.

•IF YOU WON THE LOTTERY, WHAT IS THE FIRST THING YOU WOULD BUY? A home on a parade route in New Orleans.

•WHO IS YOUR FAVORITE MUSICIAN? Louie Prima.

September 11_002houston 8/18/11 7:58 PM Page 29

2

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September 11_002houston 8/18/11 7:58 PM Page 30

Corzo Pilgrimage

Jalapeño Lime Mexican Martini 1 part Republic Reposado Tequila 2 parts Republic Jalapeño Lime Spirit Blends (not pictured) Splash olive juice

1 part Corzo Silver Tequila 3 parts Prosecco 3/4 parts honey syrup 1/4 part fresh lemon juice 1/4 of a ripe pear

In a cocktail shaker, combine tequila, Spirit Blends, olive juice and ice.

Shake and strain into a martini glass.

Garnish with jalapeños and olives.

In a mixing glass muddle pear with honey syrup and lemon juice. Add Corzo Silver and shake well with ice. Strain into chilled champagne flute and top with Prosecco. Garnish with freshly grated nutmeg.

Photography by Gabriella Nissen Styled by Carla Valencia de Martinez + Beatrice Allen

HOUR

Chambeer 8 oz wheat or stout beer 1 oz Chambord Pour beer into tall glass. Add Chambord and garnish with a lemon wedge and mint leaves.

30. september 11 | www.002mag.com

Oak’n’coke 1½ oz Treaty Oak Platinum Rum 3 oz cola Mix, pour over ice and serve with a lime wedge.

September 11_002houston 8/19/11 7:09 AM Page 31

Ginger Crush TY KU Silver Ginger ale Pour both into a glass with ice and lightly stir.

Platinum on the Rocks Platinum Patron Ice

Place ice in glass; pour Platinum over ice.

Garnish with salted lime if needed – otherwise, why mess with a good thing?

Portón Sour 1 ½ oz Pisco Portón ½ oz fresh lime juice ½ oz simple syrup ¼ oz egg white 1 dash Angostura™ bitters

Combine ingredients in a shaker with ice and shake. Strain contents into a chilled glass.

Add a dash of bitters.

Skulled 1 1/2 oz Crystal Head Vodka 1/2 oz vanilla liqueur 1 oz apple cider Dash of Angostura bitters Ginger ale

Cider

Add all ingredients in the order given to a highball glass filled with ice . Give a quick stir and add garnish with an apple slice on the rim or inside of the glass.

september 11 | www.002mag.com .31

September 11_002houston 8/18/11 8:07 PM Page 32

raise the bar Avion Tequila was immortalized in last season’s Entourage on HBO.

WE'VE DECIDED TO BROADEN OUR HORIZONS AND TRY S O M E T H I N G N E W. W H E T H E R I T ’ S A L AT E S U M M E R B B Q O R A TA I L G AT E PA RT Y, J O I N U S I N T R Y I N G T H E S E N E W TA S T E S Photography by Gabriella Nissen

Votan Organic Vodka

Tequila Ocho, named for the average number of years it takes for tequila to mature fully, the 8kg of raw agave needed to produce 1L of tequila, the 8 days of production from arrival to the distillery until Ocho’s production is complete….you get the idea.

Produced at the Cinco Ranch Distillery in San Antonio Cinco Vodka, is helping Americans declare independence from imported vodka.

Godiva chocolate-infused vodka

32. september 11 | www.002mag.com

September 11_002houston 8/18/11 8:08 PM Page 33

Run by the third generation of the Varela Hermanos family, Ron Abuelo is produced entirely from the estategrown sugar cane produced by the family in Panama.

Pura Vida gold tequila produced since 1923, Pura Vida's secret family recipe has recently been shared outside of Mexico thanks to negotiations between the Mexican government and the Federales, Vivanco and Skloss families.

Triple-distilled and succulent, Vampyre Red’s viscosity makes its legs appear in the glass like drops of blood.

Van Gogh’s Dutch Caramel

Atlantico Rum, hand-crafted in the Dominican Republic

Revel Stoke spiced whisky

september july 11 | www.002mag.com .33

September 11_002houston 8/18/11 8:08 PM Page 34

WEll DonE! TV CHEF ALVIN SHULTZ REVEALS HIS COOKING SECRETS AND EXPLAINS WHY HE WANTS TO COME OVER FOR DINNER.

By Nadia Michel | Photography by Sofia van der Dys The MasterChef contestant is back from his stint on the FOX reality show, and he’s ready to roll, dice and spherify. Known as the “technique guy” on the show, Shultz is full of ideas on altering food from its natural state. On the day of our interview, he greeted us with New Orleans-style beignets filled with FAST FACT: caramel sauce. It’s a modified version of the dish that got him elimiAlvin was one of 100 nated from the cooking competition: beignets filled with “sphericontestants (chosen from fied” liquid coffee, a technique that encapsulates and preserves over 20,000) flown to Los any liquid, like an egg yolk.

Angeles, making it to the top 15 before he was eliminated.

NM: Do you think you deserved to be eliminated for that dish?

AS:The challenge was to make a dessert flavored with coffee. We had 90 minutes. I made alginate spheres – self-contained balls of coffee – and wrapped that in beignet dough. When you break into it, you get liquid coffee. But what happened with those is that we would cook, then we would go eat lunch, and then we would come back for judgment. Every time you see the judges eat, the food’s been sitting there for like 2 hours or more. What happens with spherification is that the outer gel sets and it continues to set until the whole thing is solid, and it gets like a jelly rather than an egg yolk. When they cut into my beignet, it was solid in the middle. There’s a way you can get around that, I just wasn’t thinking about it. Chef Ramsay said it was bitter. But I felt like my dish was not the worst. I think I definitely didn’t give as much drama as some of the other contestants. I was the likeable chef. At the end of the day, it’s a cooking competition but it’s also a TV show, and I get that.

NM: You branded yourself as the “molecular cooking” guy on the show.

What does that mean?

AS: I hate that term! It was invented by this French guy and anyone who does it hates the term. People would say that it’s science cooking, but all cooking is science. What I prefer is “modern techniques.” For example, sous-vide is French for “under vacuum,” so typically the food is sealed in a plastic vacuum pouch and cooked in a water bath that’s heated in a very precise temperature. You need an immersion circulator to cook sous-vide; it’s just a water heater with a thermometer.

It really produces a perfect product every time. We also take things you may not think of as a powder and make them into a powder – olive oil powder, bacon powder, peanut butter powder. We use a starch called tapioca maltodextrin; it absorbs fat. Modern technique is about surprising you and going against what your expectation may be.

NM: What are your plans now that you are off MasterChef?

AS: Private chef work. That includes things like small dinner parties, special event catering inhome, teaching private lessons – couples or small groups. I can teach classic technique to modern stuff, if people want to learn that.

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NM: Why do you enjoying cooking so much? It takes a long time, makes a mess and is eaten and gone in the blink of an eye!

AS: For me, growing up, food always meant family and happiness. Whether you got good grades in school or mom or dad got a promotion at work, we’d celebrate by going out to dinner or eating food. Anytime we had a family gathering there would be a special meal on the table. I think of food as bringing my friends and family together.

NM: Favorite place to eat in Houston?

AS: I think Houston is the most underrated food city in the world! Right now, I love Pondicheri for the samosas and smoked eggplant dish.

For more info, visit Alvin’s website www.eatdrinkexperience.com. MasterChef airs on FOX Tuesdays at 8pm.

Alvin’s EAsy WEEk night DinnEr Ingredients • 1 whole chicken • Kosher salt • Green beans

Preparation • Preheat oven to 425°.

• Cut out the backbone with kitchen shears and flatten out the chicken. Pat dry.

Season liberally with Kosher salt.

• Roast for approximately 45 minutes.

• Use drippings from chicken to cook green beans on stovetop.

• Season with salt and pepper.

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chef fernando perez | chef giancarlo ferrera

THE

PASSIONATE

CHEF

By Marzi Petris Photography by Jaime Lagdameo

I’VE ALWAYS BEEN A HUGE FAN OF ARCODORO. IT IS, HANDS DOWN, ONE OF MY FAVORITE RESTAURANTS IN HOUSTON AND HAS BEEN FOR SEVERAL YEARS. SO, WHEN I HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO ATTEND AN EVENT WHERE ARCODORO’S CHEF GIANCARLO FERRERA TEAMED UP WITH HIS LONG-TIME FRIEND AND MICHELINSTARRED CHEF FERNANDO PEREZ TO PRODUCE A VERY CREATIVE AND – MORE IMPORTANTLY – DELICIOUS MEAL…I COULDN’T RESIST! Arcodoro and Chef Ferrera are well known to many Houstonians by consistently providing excellent Italian food for 14-plus years. On the other hand, you may not be as familiar with Chef Perez as the Arcodoro event was one of the rare occasions that he has showcased his skills on this side of the Atlantic.

Chef Perez, originally from Madrid, has traveled all over the world, living in over 10 countries and worked alongside several renowned chefs, gradually honing his skills to become the chef that he is today. As fate would have it, early in his career he met Arcodoro’s Chef Ferrera at a French restaurant in Dublin, Ireland, where neither spoke English, the French speaking Ferrera found a common language and a friend in the Spanish speaking Perez.

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After traveling the world, Perez says, “life took me back to Madrid,” where he opened Zaranda and where he received his first Michelin star. Five years after opening Zaranda in Madrid, he was offered a deal he couldn’t refuse which would move his entire establishment to the Hilton Hotel Sa Torre Majorca, where he was awarded the Michelin star once again in the 2011 Michelin Guide for Spain/Portugal. Did I mention that he accomplished all this at only 32 years of age?

For those who may not be familiar with the Michelin star rating system, earning a Michelin star is a highly coveted distinction in the culinary world...aka a big deal! Chef Ferrera says, “The first star is the first step to the magic kingdom!” Restaurants are judged anonymously and reviewed based on quality, mastery of technique and consistency of food. Michelin guides are published annually but currently in the U.S. they are only provided for New York, San Francisco and Chicago. So you can see now why it was so exciting to be able to attend this one night event right here in Houston, Texas!

The menu prepared by Chefs Ferrera and Perez included terrine of pheasant with fois gras, black egg and cuttlefish caviar, red snapper with crunchy scales, oriental choucroute of crispy suckling pig topped off with an amazing goat cheese cream with basil and strawberry sorbet for dessert. Each course was like a work of art. I found myself snapping pictures of everything that I ate! It was so fun to see the play and interpretation of food – the black egg and cuttlefish caviar, for instance. The cuttlefish caviar was actually tapioca pearls cooked in a stock made with cuttlefish and then coated to appear like caviar. And the “black egg” was actually an egg yolk wrapped in a black paste made of cuttlefish, scallops, calamari stock and squid ink!

While all the dishes were remarkable, the red snapper with the crunchy scales will always have a special place in my heart. The preparation involved pouring very, very hot oil over the scales crisping them and encapsulating the fresh ocean flavor. I absolutely devoured each and every bite. The skin and scales really added so much of the natural flavor to the perfectly cooked snapper, and the crunch added a distinct taste and texture that is quite incomparable to anything I’ve ever tasted.

Ten hours of planning the menu plus two days of execution made for one truly unforgettable tasting showcasing a young chef’s talent and passion for food. Perez sums it up best, sharing, “Cooking is the ability to put things together. You have to adapt your cooking to the place that you are – to the ingredients that you have. I need to enjoy what I am doing, that’s for sure, but I need to know that my customers are enjoying what they are eating as well.” No doubt customers everywhere will continue to enjoy whatever Perez plates.

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things i like love

By Carla Valencia de Martinez Photography by Gabriella Nissen I’ve had all sorts of fancy juicers; just ask anyone in my family who has gotten the hand-me-downs. But deep down inside I really only ever wanted a good, old-fashioned, hand-cranked, sturdy citrus juicer, which I finally found at Phoenicia Market. Best orange and grapefruit juice every day.

Love this “decorate them yourself” speaker set. Brown cardboard is your medium so get creative. The sound is pretty good for a $12 set of speakers. We noticed they work better with the iPhone 4. www.greenleafgoods.com

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This balsamic fig from Whole Foods Montrose’s self-serve station is amazing! I drizzle it over fresh tomatoes, basil and burrata – delish!

Tervis tumbler with snap-on instant mixer is perfect for a day by the pool! Mix up fresh margaritas instantly.

Lutron’s dimmer allows you to turn any table or floor lamp into a dimmer instantly. These have proved essential lately with a newborn!

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architecture + design Photography by gabriella nissen

V

itamix blenders have been around since 1921 and professional chefs have been using them for decades.

Considered the Bentley of blenders, once you’ve experienced the power behind a Vitamix, you’ll never be able to use a regular blender.

The fourthgeneration,American-operated business strives for perfection which is evident in the incredibly well-made blenders.

VITAMIX BLENDERS

The blenders are BPA-free with all the parts made and researched in the USA with the exception of the motor, which is sourced in Sweden and used only after extensive engineering test found them to be the most efficient. what sets Vitamix apart is a switch allowing maximum speed delivery to the blades at any time rather than stepping through lower speeds building to the max. Exceptional smoothies made with all sorts of greens are blended to perfection, as are soups, peanut butters and even almond milk.

For more inFormation, contact local distributor Kristina carrillo-bucaram.

Kristina@rawFullyorganic.com

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archichat

By Sandra Gunn Photography by Jack Potts Hair: Riaro at Solutions for Hair; Makeup: Asher, Kuhl-Linsomb; Jewelry: DePetra, available at Kuhl-Linsomb.

Sandra Gunn is a residential real estate broker with Boulevard Realty. She can be found at 713.224.2777 or www.sandragunn.com

tony’s

shafik i. rifaat, aia, aicp PROFESSOR OF ARCHITECTURE, UNIVERSITY OF HOUSTON, SIR INC. ARCHITECTS & PLANNERS, WWW.SIRARCHITECTS.COM MASTER’S OF ARCHITECTURE, MASSACHUSETTS INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY MASTER’S OF CITY PLANNING, HARVARD UNIVERSITY BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN ARCHITECTURE, UNIVERSITY OF ALEXANDRIA, EGYPT CURRENT PROJECTS: Remodeling an addition to the old Boy Scout Building on Bagby and an accompanying 8-story garage with restaurant on the ground level.

grotto

shafik i. rifaat | sandra gunn

WHAT DROVE YOU TO ARCHITECTURE AND WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT IT? The combination of arts and sciences was the draw, and the aspects I enjoy most are the creativity involved and sense of accomplishment once a project is completed.

RECENT PROJECTS: Philippe Restaurant + Lounge on Post Oak Boulevard; aproposal for a glass and canvas pavilion in Hermann Park; a residence in Sugar Land; tax credit housing for veteran women.

WHAT ARE YOU ITCHING TO WORK ON? A hotel in a beautiful natural setting and a grand residence overlooking a body of water or with a grand view.

HOW DID YOU COME TO LIVE IN HOUSTON? I came to Houston to attend the master’s program at the College of Architecture at the University of Houston

HOW CAN CHILDREN BE ENCOURAGED TO APPRECIATE ARCHITECTURE? They should learn to draw free-hand and be taught an appreciation of art in all its form.

HOW DO YOU APPROACH THE DESIGN OF A RESTAURANT? When I was a child growing up in Egypt, my mother, despite having a full-time cook, prepared our special dish every day. I remember helping her prepare tiny okra (Bamia) which were stacked one by one in a circular manner on top of lamb, onions and garlic and laid in a special pot. After cooking, it would be reversed into a plate like a perfect mound that let the juices seep into the okra. To be able to design a good restaurant, you have to love food.

Designing a restaurant, as with any architectural project, begins with the context in which the restaurant will be built. A place like Grotto that was located in a strip shopping center had built-in parameters and an exterior vocabulary that I had to work within. It was the same with Philippe Restaurant + Lounge in the new BLVD Place. On the other hand, a restaurant such as Tony’s on an open space begins from the ground up allowing more freedom of creativity.

There are three key elements to restaurant design: ambience, back of the house (kitchen) and the front of the house. As the architect, I find the most important piece is the ambience because it is the essence of the restaurant. The type of cuisine, price point and clientele also influence the design.

IF YOU WERE NOT AN ARCHITECT, WHAT WOULD YOU BE? A musician or a painter.

WHAT ARE THE TRENDS YOU ARE SEEING? Restaurants are more casual and there is more outdoor dining, the greater use of filtered lighting and lower ticket.

WHO IS YOUR FAVORITE ARCHITECT AND WHY? Michelangelo, because he was master of all arts – painting, sculpture, architecture and engineering.

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WHAT STAMP OR IDEA DO YOU WANT TO LEAVE ON THE WORLD AND WHY? The concept of great places for people to enjoy a peaceful life, places that are visually pleasing and a positive impact on my students at the University of Houston.

BEST PLACES TO HANG OUT: Tony’s bar (a table in front of the fireplace); Hotel Granduca bar for European ambience; El Tiempo on Richmond for killer top-shelf margaritas; Philippe Restaurant + Lounge for great bar menu.

LAST PLACE YOU WANT TO GO BEFORE YOU GO: Fly fishing in a beautiful remote area.

MOTTO: Enjoy life. Make the people around you happy.

Share the good things in life with someone you love.

FAVORITES FAVORITE GADGET A good chef’s knife and a good corkscrew FANTASY DINNER PARTNERS I.M. Pei, Bill Clinton, Lady Gaga ON YOUR iPOD Mozart and Vivaldi VACATION SPOT Hotel Splendido in Portofino, Italy BEST GIFT YOU HAVE RECEIVED Love FAVORITE FLOWER Gardenia for fragrance, peonies for beauty FAVORITE STRUCTURE Egyptian pyramids

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destination

By Carla Valencia de Martinez

ESENCIA

babymoon

A

S IF IT WEREN’T ENOUGH THAT SOME HIGHLY CREATIVE INDIVIDUAL CAME UP WITH THE “PUSH PRESENT,” ANOTHER HAD TO COME UP WITH THE “BABYMOON.” BEING A FIRST-TIME EXPECTANT MOTHER I WAS NEVER ABLE TO RELATE TO EITHER CONCEPT…UNTIL NOW.

A few years back I reviewed the picturesque 50-acre property that is Esencia located about an hour and half from the Cancun airport – and it has remained one of my favorite destinations in the world, hands down. First of all, there’s the easy flight from Houston to Cancun, which is usually pretty affordable. Next the property is flawless. There’s something enchanting about this place, which was once the private retreat of an Italian Duchess. It’s not hard to imagine her (I picture a woman like Diane von Furstenberg or Sofia Loren) in a long caftan from some faraway exotic destination wandering the paths down to the beach barefoot with a huge floppy hat.

The attention to detail is not only in the décor but also in the service and the staff.

From the iPod docking stations loaded with an iPod with the perfect soundtrack for this place, to the winding paths with free-roaming, sun-bathing iguanas, leading to the villas, most of which feature private plunge pools beckoning you to take a dip with a cold Mexican lager.

Bright concrete white walls turn into end tables and the base for a cloudlike, equally white, covered bed providing some of the best sleep I can remember.

(Which I really reminisce about now with a 9-week-old). Sectional, well-appointed lounge sofas carved out of the same white washed concrete are covered with plush white cushions and colorful throw pillows honoring various indigenous embroidery techniques of the region.

A regular day on my babymoon consisted of early morning yoga facing the ocean followed by a few laps in the lap pool. Then on to a delicious breakfast of the kind you can only have in Mexico with fresh local fruit, eggs that are so fresh the yolks are orange and fresh juices made of watermelon, melon, orange or whatever fruit is featured that day. We were greeted daily by name, even recognized by some of the waitstaff who are still working there from our previous visit years earlier. A quick plunge in our private pool followed by a quick change into my swimsuit featuring my 6-month bump and a walk down to the beach to pick out our palapa for the day.

The beach is usually as calm as a swimming pool and just as crystal clear – it’s the perfect spot to enjoy some weightlessness. Now on to the second most impor-

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THE BEACH IS USUALLY AS CALM AS A SWIMMING POOL AND JUST AS CRYSTAL CLEAR

tant thing of the day – lunch! Esencia has a vast ceviche menu and we made it our duty to taste one every day! (Just in case you don’t know – the fish in ceviche starts out raw but gets cooked with the lime juice). If you are paranoid about eating ceviche, the fish tacos are heaven. With a full belly and a happy baby Pascual backflipping, thanking me for lunch – we returned to our initial position of a beached whale basking in the warmth of the sun and breathing in the salty seaside air. Next on our to-do’s a prenatal couples massage.

Aroma spa is an organic spa that features ingredients indigenous to the area, most grown on site. The spa is surrounded by lush vegetation and herbs, many perfume the air and are used in the treatments. We were led through a series of easy yoga partner moves that stretched me out and massaged my achy back. The treatment ends with a warm cup of apple-spiced tea and we were off for a relaxing nap before dinner!

Sal y Fuego is the property’s delicious restaurant, satisfying my every craving.

Inspired by Meso-American cuisine, Yucatán methods shine here. Fish wrapped in banana leaves and meat cooked in a pib (an earth oven) are not to be missed.

Perfectly cooked rice and vegetables round out the dishes.

Although I needed nothing more than what Esencia had to offer for my 6-day stay, if you require activity there is more than enough to do and the concierge can coordinate anything. 20 minutes south is Playa del Carmen with fantastic restaurants, lounges, clubs and shopping; 20 minutes north are the ruins of Tulum. There are various cenotes (deep natural pits or sinkholes, resulting from the collapse of limestone bedrock that exposes groundwater underneath.) Cenotes were sometimes used by the ancient Mayans for sacrificial offerings (Wikipedia) and are a sight to be seen. You can snorkel or dive in them, or you can stick to the Caribbean.

Esencia – A Seaside Estate

8

1.877.528.3490 info@hotelesencia.com www.hotelesencia.com

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tools+toys+ gadgets

SPOTIFY Imagine if Facebook had a baby with Napster.

That is the easiest way to describe Spotify – the newest online music service that allows users to listen to songs for free. Spotify lets you listen to any song in the Spotify library – anytime you want. It’s kind of like iTunes as you can search for what you want, set up playlists and sort by artist or album or genre.

The difference is that instead of drawing only from your own music library, you have access to all of Spotify’s 15 million song library. You can use Spotify for free, or you can pay for their premium subscription service. There are two paid tiers: a $4.99-per-month subscription that gives you songs without ads and a $9.99 premium subscription that comes with additional features like improved sound quality, access to mobile apps and offline use. Spotify also has a neat social sharing feature that lets you easily see what your friends are listening to, publish playlists for others to enjoy and share music.

Free and monthly tiered services | Spotify.com

LOGITECH ALERT SECURITY SYSTEM I get asked a lot about security cameras and systems, specifically for names of companies who install them.

For many levels of home security I now recommend do-it-yourself kits including a new one from Logitech.

The Alert 750i is a complete digital video security system. You get everything you need to help protect your premises – a smart camera, PC software and free viewing of live video from Internet-connected computers. Three simple steps and you are ready to go: install the Logitech Alert software, connect to your network and plug in your cameras. Up to six cameras can be used on the system with live and recorded video in HD. Motion alerts can be set up to be sent via text or images to your e-mail or mobile phone. All the video on your cameras is backed up to your PC when it is connected to your network.You can then review, archive, share or delete clips as needed. $299 | Logitech.com

VISIONEER MOBILITY SCANNER Though we are slowly becoming a paperless society there are many times we still need to scan and digitize documents – especially when you are on the go. The Visioneer Mobility color cordless scanner is a true mobile scanner that lets you scan anywhere without a computer, cords or software. You can even scan to your smartphone using the USB cable that came with your phone. Weighing just 1.4 lbs the device is powered by a rechargeable battery. It scans in three file formats (color PDF, black and white PDF or color JPG) and items are saved to an included SD memory card or a USB flash drive. It takes only 10 seconds to scan a full page at 300 dpi, and you can scan 300 pages per charge. Scanning begins as soon as documents are inserted into the scanner. $199 | Visioneer.com

PIANO APPRENTICE New technology continues to pare down certain jobs. Piano teacher seems to be next – or maybe it will soon if more people try the Piano Apprentice from Ion Audio. This piano teaching tool is made for the iPad, iPod and iPhone. Simply connect your device, download the free app and start playing piano instantly. Piano Apprentice is a portable 25-note keyboard with built-in stereo speakers that deliver authentic piano sound and keys that respond to your touch. It’s easy to follow along as acclaimed piano instructor Scott Houston, aka the Piano Guy, appears on the screen demonstrating how to play while the actual keys on the device light up showing you where to place your hands. The app will even teach you how to read real music notation. $99 | IonAudio.com

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

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MENtertainment I SEE YOU

Spy Optic combines high durability frames, required in extreme sports and on-the-go style, perfectly in one eyewear. These shades are made with the latest technology in polarized lenses. www.spyoptic.com

ELIXIR

Drop a tablet in water and watch your hangover headache disappear effervescently!

Blowfish for Hangovers www.forhangovers.com

SOUL FOOD

EVENT OF THE MONTH:

BIG NIGHT

The stakes are high and the good times higher. Join The Heath Museum for CASINO NIGHT, fabulous games, glamorous cocktails and snazzy guests. Friday, September 9, the gambling rolls 7:30 through 10:30pm at The Downtown Club - Plaza. Be sure to be there for the silent auction, tons of exclusive items and goodies. Tickets available at www.thehealthmuseum.org.

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Photography by Jaime Lagdameo

FAST RELIEF

Each different color bottle is like magic potion. All drinks come in a 14.5oz bottle, has only 35 calories, packed with nutrients and vitamins. Neuro’s suggestive titles like Sonic, Sleep, Sun, Bliss, Sport, Trim and Gasm help you pick what enhancement necessary to keep your night or day going.

At your favorite convenience store or www.drinkneuro.com

“Music in the Kitchen” Favorite Recipes from Austin City Limits Performers

by Glenda Pierce Facemire is a tasty mix of food, family stories and striking photographs, a feast for the eyes as well as the palate. Glenda introduces 130- plus artists like B.B. King, Jason Mraz, Joss Stone, David Gray and Jerry Lee Lewis with savory recipes, brief biographies highlighting their musical careers, comfort food and favorite charities. www.musicinthekitchencookbook.com

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wise guy

BEATING THE HEAT I WOKE UP LAST SATURDAY MORNING WITH A MISSION: TO HELP COMBAT THIS BRUTAL SUMMER, I WAS GOING TO GET ALL MY HAIR CUT OFF. USUALLY I DO THIS TWO OR THREE TIMES A YEAR, ALWAYS ON THE SPUR OF THE MOMENT, SO I’VE GOT TO SKIP MY REGULAR SALON AND FIND A BARBER.

By Tim Moloney

I’ve been to many barbers over the years, but never to Joe Lee’s, which is located on Milam downtown. I’d seen it many times, and I remember his establishment’s previous incarnation on San Felipe (he was there more than 40 years and – fun fact – he used to own the departed Roll ‘N Saloon next door), so I figured now was as good a time as any to try it out.

First off, Joe Lee’s is the only barbershop downtown with free parking.

Walk through the doors and you walk back in time to the kind of barbershop you remember from your childhood, if you went to a barber as a child. It’s filled with all the small-town/patriotic/community paraphernalia it can hold, as well as four chairs and a shoeshine stand. Mr. Joe Lee Thomas himself gave me my haircut. He asked me a lot of questions about myself but I managed to get a few in too: WG: Why’d you move after being in River Oaks for so long?

JLT: The shopping center was going in a different direction; the owners were redeveloping it and I figured it was time to find a new place.

WG: How’d you find this one?

JLT: I also own the Lone Star Saloon next door (he’s owned the legendary dive for 32 years) and so one day when I was coming in I saw this place was up for lease. We’ve been here about four and a half years now.

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WG: Don’t you ever want to retire?

JLT: No, sir. When you retire you just want to stay in bed and slow down and you don’t get anything done.

This keeps me alive and keeps me going.

yourself to work through the entire list, although I’m sure that’s not encouraged. Just have, like, two and come back for more.

MANLY AND MEATY

After about 30 minutes, my #3-guard buzz was done. I was out 18 bucks, which wasn’t bad, especially given the free parking and the interesting company. Driving away, I spied the old Roll ‘N sign stored behind the Lone Star Saloon. I guess you really can take it with you.

I’ve got to hand it to my friend Kate Stukenberg. The veteran editor knows a meaty story when she sees it – and in this case, smells it. Kate has turned me on to Que, a new cologne featuring an intoxicating bouquet of spices, smoke, meat and sweet summer sweat.

I’m not kidding!

Joe Lee’s Barber Shop 1925 Milam St. Houston, TX 713.622.3883

Believe it or not, until now, no fragrance manufacturer has ever succeeded in bottling the mesmerizing scents associated with barbeque and its mixture of spices, smoke and meat. Who doesn’t want to smell like that?

Order yours today at www.porkbarrelbbq.com.

DRINK UP Speaking of cooling off, did you know that the Fuddrucker’s downtown in the tunnels features a new Coke “Freestyle” machine? If you like fountain drinks as much as I do, this should be your next lunch stop.

Besides a sole Firehouse Subs in Meyerland Plaza, Fuddrucker’s is currently the only business in Houston to house this touch-screen soda station, which can dispense up to 125 different beverage combinations. As I am a huge Coke Zero fan, I tried the Coke Zero with Orange, with Lime, with Raspberry and finally, with Lemon. Each new one was better than the last.

Not a Coke Zero fan? That’s OK. Why not try a Sprite with Cherry or Grape? A Minute Maid Strawberry Lemonade? Even a Diet Barq’s Vanilla.

With free refills, you could spend a leisurely lunch here challenging

WELL, THAT ABOUT COVERS IT FOR ANOTHER MONTH. STAY COOL, STAY WISE – AND ABOVE ALL – NOW YOU CAN STAY MEATY!

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ADVERTORIAL

WITH OVER 5,000 RESTAURANTS TO CHOOSE FROM LOCALLY, IT'S NO WONDER IT CAN BE A DAUNTING TASK TO NARROW IT DOWN. IN THIS SPECIAL FOOD AND DRINK SECTION A WELL-ROUNDED MIX SHARE WHY YOU SHOULD CHOOSE TO DINE WITH THEM.

DIG IN!

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ADVERTORIAL

MCCORMICK & SCHMICK’S SEAFOOD RESTAURANTS McCormick & Schmick’s Seafood Restaurants’ three Houston-area locations bring the freshest seafood to your table from regional waters and beyond. Elegant dining rooms, lively bars, fresh air patios and impeccable service make the restaurants favorite Houston destinations seven days a week. The restaurants are perfect for classic business lunches, casual happy hours, fabulous dinners and special celebrations.

and contemporary hand-shaken cocktails with fresh squeezed juices. Guests can also enjoy a wide array of quality beers and wines, in addition to an impressive selection of single malt scotches.

The bar is also home to McCormick & Schmick’s famous Happy Hour, featuring a wide variety of small plates starting at just $1.95.

McCormick & Schmick’s fresh approach to dining means that menus are printed twice daily and feature the signature McCormick & Schmick’s “Fresh List” of more than 20 fresh seafood varieties at the peak of their seasons—many often arriving fresh throughout the day. Texas favorites such as catfish, redfish, black drum, shrimp and oysters are sourced from local waters. Chefs also source as many other ingredients as possible from local purveyors, from produce to cheese, creating regionally inspired and seasonal preparations of traditional seafood dishes as well as contemporary takes on aged steaks, salads and pastas.

McCormick & Schmick’s is the perfect choice for your next event, with private and semi-private dining rooms that create an elegant atmosphere to turn any gathering into a true special occasion.

Flexible dining spaces can accommodate any style of event, from business presentations to family reunions, birthday parties to wedding celebrations.

McCormick & Schmick’s dedicated event staff will personalize every detail, including custom menus to satisfy every guest, and coordinate from start to finish for a seamless event. Also consider hosting unique parties on the patio at the Uptown Park location, at the chef’s table at the Houston Pavilions location, or in the wine tasting room at the Town & Country Village location.

McCormick & Schmick’s commitment to freshness continues in the bar. In fact, you won’t find any blenders at the McCormick & Schmick’s bars—the drinks are just as fresh and just as thoughtfully prepared as the food. The bartenders here practice traditional mixology, creating classic

Whether you settle into the dining room, sit at the bar or celebrate a private event, you will experience McCormick & Schmick’s unparalleled commitment to excellent service. The sophisticated yet friendly atmosphere at McCormick & Schmick’s welcomes you to enjoy a classic dining experience with modern sensibilities.

For more information and online reservations, visit www.McCormickandSchmicks.com, or call your nearest location:

Houston Pavilions 1201 Fannin Street Houston, TX 77002 713.658.8100

Uptown Park 1151-01 Uptown Park Blvd.

Houston, TX 77056 713.840.7900

Town & Country Village 791 Town & Country Blvd.

Houston, TX 77024 713.465.3685

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Photography by Jill Hunter

ADVERTORIAL

UPTOWN SUSHI CAFE EXPRESS Cafe Express is a restaurant that breaks all the rules. There’s self-service which means no waiters and consequently no tipping. But the menu is fresh, handmade food – like you'd get at a fancy full-service restaurant. Each order is prepared when you order it – it's never pre-cooked or pre-prepared. In fact, each Cafe Express uses the best of everything ... fresh ground beef in the burgers, all-natural chicken breasts, imported cheeses and European-style baked breads. At the Oasis table, you’ll find an amazing selection of imported goodies like extra-virgin olive oils from Italy, mustard from Dijon, vinegar from Italy and France and more.

Cookies, brownies and desserts are made fresh, every day, on site. Cafe Express also serves breakfast, which means you can enjoy your favorite restaurant for every meal of your day. And every location has a bar serving a fine selection of drinks, beers and wines as well as cappuccinos and espressos.

www.cafe-express.com

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Since opening our doors in 2003, the chef-inspired and chef-driven Uptown Sushi has provided guests the finest in sushi and Japanese fusion cuisine. Our versatile and eclectic menu provides something for everyone from Kobe and Prime grade beef, Kurubota pork, gourmet soups and salads, to cooked seafood items. For those with discerning palates, we provide the freshest and finest in grade one-plus fish for all our sushi. Please join us as Executive Chef and owner Donald Chang unveils his new upcoming Fall menu, which is sure to please everyone that walks through our doors. Come experience Houston's premier upscale Japanese restaurant and sushi bar for your business lunch, elegant dining and late night bar.

1131 Uptown Park Blvd # 14 Houston, TX 77056 713.871.1200 Mon-Wed: 11am-11pm Thurs-Fri: 11am-midnight Sat: noon-midnight Sun: 5pm-10pm www.uptown-sushi.com

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ADVERTORIAL

BOWL MORE THAN JUST A SALAD. With over 200 ingredients, toppings, and dressings to select from – many of them organic – we'll build you as tantalizing and fresh a salad as you dare to dream up. And even though it's just the way you like it, don't be afraid to experiment.

New and exciting combinations are just waiting for your discovery. But that's just the beginning. Our grilled sandwiches, made-from-scratch soups, and tasty sides will really hit the spot. They're the perfect complement to that unique salad you just created, so go slow and savor every bite!

• Pistachio chicken salad with absolutely no mayonnaise held together with apples, pears and mango juice • Thin-crust, oven-baked pizzas with back of the house dough and back of the house sauce • $2 Sangrias all day every day • Friday Special Slow-Roasted Pork BBQ Short Ribs • NOW CATERING • It's good food convenience!

• Boxed lunches, trays, desserts and entrees • Full-service bar

NOW OPEN: 11am to 9pm. Mon. - Sat. Stop by for Dinner!

Now serving Saturday Breakfast 11am to 5pm.

Every Sunday, join us for The NFL Ticket.

Call us for your next event!

Orders placed 24hrs in advance are greatly appreciated!

832.582.7218 607 Richmond www.eatatbowl.com

PUB FICTION If you frequent Midtown for your late night debauchery, you've most likely been to Pub Fiction. From live music and tasty eats to strategically placed TVs playing the latest game and an expansive patio, Pub Fiction has something for everyone. Now, with newly extended hours and a new chef-inspired menu

by Chef Adam Puskorius, your favorite happy hour and late night spot is open for lunch. Enjoy a full menu of appetizers, sandwiches, salads, burgers, entrees and much more to complement your favorite beverage to catch the weekend games or take a break from work. Choose from Pub’s vast selection of beer, wine and specialty cocktails.

Pub Fiction has recently undergone some significant renovations to expand the seating area, revitalize the menu and install 60 HDTVs, so you don't miss a second of the game. The full menu is available daily from 11am - 11pm featuring a selection of perfectly grilled burgers, tasty wraps and sandwiches, and perfectly portioned salads that will nicely fill up your lunch hour. In addition, Pub Fiction features favorite appetizers like the ultimate nacho platter, quesadillas and loaded potato skins. If your stomach is really grumbling, fill up on entrees like the "hand cut," 16oz, mesquite-smoked NY Strip, Chicken Parmesan in our homemade marinara sauce with Rigatoni or the East Coast Style fried fish and chips in our Samuel Adams beer batter.

Though there have been some renovations, Pub Fiction still features great live music weekly and remains a sports bar for the true sports fan. Open daily from 11am - 2am, come to Pub Fiction to catch the game, grab a late night snack and drink or break up the workday with a tasty meal and a good time.

2303 Smith | Houston | TX | 77006| 713.400.8400 www.pubfiction.com

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ADVERTORIAL

NARIN’S BOMBAY BRASSERIE

VALENTINO

• • • • • • • • • • •

With our Italian roots firmly planted by our founders, Piero Selvaggio and Luciano Pelligrini, Valentino Houston focuses on bringing elevated Italian cuisine to Houston.

With a menu incorporating homemade pasta (not to be missed is the house specialty Lobster Mezzeluna) and the freshest ingredients, your taste buds will be pleased. An excellent wine list and outstanding service will round out an unforgettable experience. This is Italian artfully done.

Featuring monthly wine dinners, crudo and happy hour specials, live music on Thursday and Saturdays, Valentino and its companion, Vin Bar, are sure to please. With its central location at the corner of Westheimer and West Loop, Valentino brings sumptuous Italian cuisine and hospitality to all of Houston. Buon Appetito!

Gourmet Indian cuisine We have a Full Bar Party Rooms Exclusive Wine Room for 10 people Gourmet Luncheon Buffet Daily Sunday Brunch Buffet Located in the heart of the Galleria We offer Delivery services We cater for all quantities Dinner is a la carte Open 7 days a week

3005 West Loop South, Suite110 Houston, TX 77027 | 713.622.2005 www.Narinsbombaybrasserie.com

2525A West Loop South, 713.850.9200 www.valentinorestaurantgroup.com

THE FRESH DIET FRESH, GOURMET, DELIVERED DAILY It’s like having a live-in CHEF. An invisible live-in CHEF. The fresh diet is the easiest way to have gourmet meals delivered to your door so you can lose weight without giving up the simple joy of eating delicious food. It’s the perfect way for busy people with refined palates to lose weight and be healthy. With over 400 items to choose from you can customize your menu to fit your preferences.

Let’s face it, when you eat FRESH, not only does it taste better, it’s better for you.

SPECIAL OFFER: Try us for 1 week and get 50% off your second week.

Go to www.TheFreshDiet.com of call 1-866-FRESH-50.

Use promo code: houston

BECKS PRIME

BISTRO BAR

SWEET

For over 25 years, Becks Prime has served Houston the freshest, highest-quality ingredients available: Angus-certified steak dinners, burgers ground and pattied daily, mesquite grilled marinated chicken, 100% handcut Idaho potatoes, Ahi Tuna, quarter-pound Boar’s Head hot dogs created specifically for us, a wide array of delicious salads and much more. Everything so fresh that all you’ll find in our freezers are the beer mugs.

Enjoy the sophisticated bar ambience and expansive patio seating and all the excitement of Houston’s CITYCENTRE! Bistro Bar customers can enjoy a captivating and seasonally changing cocktail menu highlighting classics first made famous by the Brennan family. The menu offers a variety of Mini Flatbreads, inspired by those made famous by Bistro Alex, and cold items like Blue Crab Pico de Gallo with Goat Cheese and Spinach Stuffed Profiteroles and “Street Foods” such as Shrimp & Tasso Pinchos, Boudin Balls and a Medianoche Sandwich.

What began in a small kitchen with a self-taught team catering to weddings, parties and farmers’ markets is now a quaint, eco-conscious bakery/coffee/teahouse offering classic sweets all proudly and strictly hand-made daily from scratch. Enjoy signature house coffee, macarons, cupcakes, cookies, and mini tarts – all made from ingredients locally and seasonally sourced. SWEET strives to inspire eco-awareness through its eco-friendly products from recycled cups, boxes, bags, plant cutlery, and baking in unbleached liners to vintage furniture, recycled wood fixtures and glassware.

Enjoy free Wi-Fi with a cup of espresso, sip on bubble tea outside on the patio, or pick up a macaron tower or cupcakes by the dozens for your next party.

Top Ten Burger in Texas -Texas Monthly

Taste the world’s freshest fast food for yourself at any of our twelve Houston-area locations.

Find the closest one to you at www.becksprime.com.

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Happy Hour: Monday - Thursday 4:00pm - 7:00pm Reverse Happy Hour: Monday - Thursday 7:00pm - 9:00pm Wine Wednesdays - Half Price on all wines under $50 Bistro Bar Live Music Hotel Sorella 800 W. Sam Houston Pkwy. N. Houston, TX 77024 www.hotelsorella-citycentre.com

801 Town & Country Blvd. Suite A120 | Houston, TX 77024 713.64.SWEET (79338) | www.sweethouston.com Follow SWEET’s twitter for their daily specials to come.

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ADVERTORIAL

BULLRITOS® You’re in Houston. You’ve seen other burrito joints, but Bullritos is a category all its own. Brought to you by Russell Ybarra, Houston’s Tex-Mex kingpin and founder of Gringo’s Mexican Kitchen, this fast-casual concept is nothing short of unbullievabull.

Incredibull Quality Bullritos ingredients are always fresh – never frozen. From freshly grilled and marinated meats to made-from-scratch beans and rice, all the way down the bag to a variety of salsas and load-it options, everything is made with quality in mind. Even our variety of tortillas come delivered hot off the press. Just grab a bag, select all the delicious goodness you can handle, and you’ll have a customized burrito rolled on the spot. And if you’re really bold, tack on a side of chips and queso and a bull-rita, the most refreshing margarita you can find in a pinch, available in strawberry or classic lime.

Charitabull Events We believe there’s more to life than just good food. That’s why we support schools and other worthy causes through Charitabull events. The concept is simple – select the date, advertise the event and we’ll donate 20% of the sales, up to $500, back to your organization!

Go Mobull with Online Ordering In a rush? Place your order online to avoid lines and beat the stampede.

Your Bullrito will be in the bag when you arrive. Set up an account and you can even text your next order!

Visit www.order.bullritos.com on your computer or smartphone.

Bull(k) Orders for Herds over 25 If you’re feeding a small (or large) herd, it’s best to just roll with it. Fax your order or place it online, and your hungry guests will come running back faster than the bulls on the streets of Pamplona.

EDDIE V’S PRIME SEAFOOD EDDIE V’S PRIME SEAFOOD enchants diners with an emphasis on prime seafood creations, USDA prime beef and chops, and fresh oyster bar selections featuring nearly a half-dozen varieties, including Blue Point, Hogg Island, Wellfleet, Salutes and Dutch Island. The interior design is comfortably contemporary creating a warm, sophisticated and quietly seductive ambiance. Eddie V’s chefs are passionate about seafood and the professional waitstaff offer impeccable service.

Enjoy the rhythms of live music nightly in the V-Lounge starting at 6pm weekdays, 7pm on weekends. Happy Hour is nightly in the lounge from 4-7pm with dinner beginning at 5pm. Seafood, Steaks and Rhythm.

12 Houston-Area Locations to Serve Your Burrito Cravings Champions, Deer Park, 1960/Eldridge, Briar Forest, Greenway Commons, NASA, Voss/San Felipe, La Porte, Pasadena, Pearland, Rosenberg, Sugar Land Bullritos is committed to building the Best Dang Burrito with Incredibull Quality! Find us at facebook.com/bullritos and on Twitter @bullritos

For more information, go to www.EddieV.com. *Unbullievabull* $5 Ground Beef Nachos Every Tuesday through September! www.bullritos.com

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ADVERTORIAL

FLEMING’S PRIME STEAKHOUSE & WINE BAR Join Our Nightly Celebration of Food, Wine & Memorable Times Fleming’s features the finest prime steaks and an award-winning list of 100 wines by the glass.

“5 for $6 ’til 7” Bar Menu Kick off your evening with our unique selection of 5 cocktails, 5 wines by the glass and 5 appetizers, priced at $6 each and served at the bar until 7 pm.

Then, indulge yourself with the finest prime steak, aged to perfection, as well as fresh seafood, innovative side dishes and decadent desserts.

What could be more fun than a party at Tila's?

How about a Tila's party at your house? Or office? Or, anywhere!

Tila turns any event into una fiesta monumental with delicious, authentic Mexican favorites, traditional, mouthwatering desserts and Tila's signature margaritas.

Relax and let us take care of everything so you can concentrate on more important things – like having fun!

Enjoy mouth-watering, authentic, Mexican cuisine as only Tila can prepare.

Sip one of our signature margaritas as you savor culinary favorites from Salmon Borracho to Brie Cheese and Pear Quesadillas. Chevre-Stuffed Filet Mignon to Chile en Nogada. Tres Chocolates to Tila-Misu!

We'll handle all the details including setup, staff, bar service and clean-up.

And when you need a venue for your next private event, come to Tila’s for one of our famous private Tequila dinners. Tila will prepare a special four-course meal exclusively for you and your guests – then pair each course with one of her favorite tequilas.

1111 S. Shepherd on the curve 713.522.7654 www.tilas.com 58. september 11 | www.002mag.com

September “Month of Discovery” Join our month-long celebration featuring the debut of the new Fleming’s 100® — our award-winning collection of 100 wines by the glass. Events include: • Opening Nights: Taste your way through the new Fleming’s 100, featuring 20 different wines each Friday in September, for just $25 per guest.* • Silver Oak Wine Dinner on September 13th: Showcasing 5 wines from the “twin sister” wineries of Silver Oak and Twomey Cellars.

• “Winesdays”: 25% savings on bottle selections from the new Fleming’s 100, every Wednesday in September.

Private Dining for All Occasions Whether you're hosting a small social gathering or large business function, Fleming's will custom-tailor an event worthy of the occasion. It's the personal touches that make an event special, and no one understands this better than our Private Dining Directors. They'll work with you to ensure that every detail — from the food and drinks to the ambience and timing — is exactly right.

Fleming's Town & Country is located just minutes from the Memorial City Medical Center and Houston's renowned Energy corridor, and conveniently located near the Memorial suburbs, Katy, and Uptown/Galleria. Fleming’s River Oaks is located in the heart of Houston, between Greenway Plaza, the Galleria, the Houston Medical Center and Downtown.

• 788 W. Sam Houston Pkwy. | 713.827.1120 • 2405 W. Alabama | 713.520.5999 www.flemingssteakhouse.com Please contact us for complete offer details.

*Excluding tax and gratuity.

TILA’S

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ADVERTORIAL

Octopus Salad

Chef Giancarlo

ARCODORO Giancarlo is always searching for the freshest, seasonal ingredients to prepare in true Mediterranean fashion. A native Italian he creates daily dishes of treasures from the sea, bounty from the garden and the best of the terra. Experience Italy...the Sardinian way!

5000 Westheimer 713.621.6888 www.arcodoro.com Gourmet Sardinia www.gourmetsardinia.com

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ADVERTORIAL

ARAYA Discover the ultimate chocolate experience in town at ARAYA. Our creations are locally handcrafted following the Belgian and French technique, using only premium single origin chocolate and natural ingredients. Indulge your senses with the aroma and taste of more than 30 chocolate flavors made to satisfy every palate, from exotic flavors like Pink Salt and Strawberry Balsamic to the classic Palet D’Or and Hazelnut praline, enjoy our French macaroons with a nice cup of Italian espresso before or after watching a movie at theater right next door. Gourmet chocolate bars, spreads and hot chocolate available. Also, great gift ideas as exquisite fine chocolates or French macaroons inside beautiful artistic limited edition boxes.

2013 W. Gray St., Houston 1575 W. Grand Parkway South, Katy, TX 832.967.7960 www.arayachocolate.com

ARTURO BOADA RUGGLES GREEN At Ruggles Green, we are proud to be the greenest restaurant in Texas! On your visit you’ll notice there is something unique about this place. Maybe it’s the exciting atmosphere, maybe it’s our deep devotion to sustainability. Mostly – it’s the incredible food. All of our dishes are fresh and made to order. We use the freshest local, organic, and all-natural ingredients. We buy seasonal produce from over 10 local farmers. Some of our top favorites are: Hi-Protein Hemp Brownie, HempanadasTM, Texas Goat Cheese Salad and Famous Spicy Fish Tacos. We enjoy being a part of our local community and supporting it.

• 801 Town & Country Blvd. #1B Houston, TX 77024 | 713.464.5557 • 2311 West Alabama Houston, TX 77098 | 713.553.0777 Visit our new website and see how we are making a difference at www.rugglesgreen.com.

After numerous local and nationally awarded restaurants in Houston, Arturo Boada has opened his own eponymous boutique restaurant. With interior designed by Boada himself in collaboration with artist Ken Robertson the space is vibrant, full of color and flavor — creating an energetic atmosphere perfect for lunch or dinner. Guests can enjoy pizzas, tapas and desserts prepared in the wood-burning oven plus a bevy of signature menu items such as Camarones en Hamaca Henesy, Mussels with Tomatillos, Mama Sonia Raviolis and the Whole Nine Yard Salad. Guests truly experience the feel of a friendly neighborhood restaurant. We also offer a variety of selected wines. Hours of operation are Tuesday through Sunday, lunch through dinner, with complimentary valet parking. What are you waiting for? Come experience Boada.

6510 Del Monte | Houston, TX 77057 713.782.3011 | www.boadacuisine.com Open lunch and dinner. Tues- Sunday.

MAJORCA BISTRO & TAPAS: MIDTOWN'S NEW "IT" DESTINATION

ISLAND GRILL Island Grill is an incredible Mediterranean Grill & Houston bistro serving breakfast, lunch and dinner. We serve the best juices and Smoothies in Houston. Most people who are into Houston smoothies or juices go crazy over this place. The egg white omelette and Creme Brulee French Toast are amazing. If you are in the mood for Mediterranean Food, the Chicken or Beef Pita are to die for. Most people who try the Island Grill Houston bistro return. Try us and you will see why.

• 5709 Woodway Housotn, TX 77057 | 713.334.4036 • 4024 Bellaire Blvd.

Houston, TX 77024 | 713.665.5388 www.islandgrillhouston.com

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GROW YOUR OWN INDOOR GARDEN SUPPLY Hippocrates said, "Let thy food be thy medicine, thy medicine be thy food!" The good graces of growing your own food and flowers can be matched by only love itself. A visit to Grow Your Own Indoor Garden Supply in Montrose will provide you with all you need to start and maintain a patio, rooftop, backyard, pantry or a windowsill garden. Enhance your health by eating organic and freshly harvested herbs, veggies and fruits daily, which are optimum for nutrient viability.

Tasting is believing! Bring in the kids for a “Seed Your Own” activity and they can take it home to experience the ancient wonder of Growing Your Own! Customized Microclimates for function and beauty, Organic Seed, Organic Soil & Organic Plant Nutrients, Tropical Plants and Succulents are all available. Also a one-stop shop for Hydroponic Systems, Grow Lights, Reflectors, Bulbs, Ballasts, Seeding Trays, Local Art and more!

415 Westheimer, Houston, TX. 77006 | 281.823.9193

Houston’s hottest new dining experience, Majorca Bistro and Tapas, is now open in the heart of Midtown. From its variety of Sangrias and tropical cocktails to the tempting tapas and main course creations, using fresh local ingredients including meat, fruit, fish and vegetables, to offering guests a culinary journey of taste, tradition, and wellness in the unique Mallorcan style, the experience really aims to promote the well-being of both health and palate.

Founded by Restaurateur Ali Bendella and coowner/Chef Hicham Nafaa, this hip lounge-style dining space has two bars and Happy Hour on weekdays from 4-6pm, with half priced tapas and Sangria specials.

Catering to the late night crowd, drinks will be served until 2am and food until 3-4am.

Majorca Bistro and Tapas is located at 207-A Gray Street in Midtown, next to the Front Porch. For more info, visit them on Facebook or by 832.582.7176.

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ADVERTORIAL

RIAZUL PREMIUM “DISTINCTIVELY DIFFERENT.” —Rated 96 points by Wine Enthusiast 2011 "It is a very tasty tequila, fresh with citrus and pineapple notes and good perfume in the nose, making it a fine choice for a margarita straight up."

—John Mariani, Bloomberg “Riazul delivers a smooth, clean and satisfying drink.”

—Newsday Like all fine spirits, tequila comes from the earth. The agave that is at the heart of a great tequila is grown from the richest soil and just the right climate. Way up in the clouds, virgin red volcanic soil and extreme temperatures have given rise to the sweetest, most aromatic agave ever grown. This is where Riazul tequila is born. Discover Riazul. Single Estate.nOne hundred percent de agave.

Born in Mexico, but raised in Houston.

It’s the difference between bringing a bottle and being the life of the party.

www.riazul.com facebook.com/riazultequila twitter.com/riazultequila

TINTOS SPANISH RESTAURANT & WINE BAR At Tintos, plan on having a posh and relaxing experience. With two separate dining rooms to choose from and a shady, tropical patio available, come enjoy delicious Spanish-inspired tapas and sip on a great glass of wine from your favorite Spanish region. Alberto J. Alfonzo, Chef and Owner, comes from Spanish immigrant culture, tasting and cooking the foods of his parents’ homeland. To create his menu, Alberto traveled to Spain, one of his favorites places in the world, to visit with family and friends, restaurant owners and chefs, to not only enhance his family recipes, but to explore the latest food trends in Spanish cuisine. With resources in hand, combined with a lifetime full of dreams and over 15 years of experience, Tintos Spanish Restaurant & Wine Bar was born. Open daily for lunch and dinner and sunday brunch.

2015 W. Gray @ Shepherd Houston, TX 77019 713.522.1330 www.tintosrestaurant.com september 11 | www.002mag.com .61

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ADVERTORIAL

HOUSTON WINE FEST Houston, get ready for the palette-pleasing weekend of the year! This year, Houston Wine Fest brings together the finest wine and food for a two-day outdoor festival at Downtown Houston’s beautiful Sam Houston Park. From the novice to the serious wine aficionado, the 2011 Houston Wine Fest welcomes everyone to a weekend filled with wine sampling, delectable food pairings and live music for the wine-lover’s soul. The 2011 Houston Wine Fest benefits the Houston Wine Fest Young Leader Scholarship, a program developed to assist young students in their endeavors to become leaders in the community. The scholarship rewards two high school students with a $10,000 academic scholarship to an accredited 4-year college or university of their choice.

Purchase your tickets online in advance at www.houstonwinefest.com.

BAR MÜNICH

ERA RESTAURANT & BAR

Bar Münich, conveniently located in midtown Houston, is the only place in town that offers all available varieties of authentic Hofbräu imported from Munich, Germany. Our customers enjoy a variety of local and imported brews with tasty gourmet sausages in a sleek, contemporary space. We’ll introduce you to recipes handed down from centuries ago. Not a beer fan? Our talented bartenders can mix anything from martinis to shots from our full bar, including our signature shot: Munich Bomb. Sports fan?

Check out our live coverage of soccer, football and more on many TVs. Munich’s Oktoberfest Celebration takes place on September 24th, complete with a real polka band and other activities. Read more about offerings like Saint Arnold Mondays, Das Boot, Munich Stein Club and Beat the Clock Fridays at www.barmunich.com. Our motto: old world fun, new world style…a liter at a time, prost!

Overlooking Market Square Park and located in one of the oldest buildings in Houston, ERA Restaurant & Bar delivers affordable dining and historical romance in the heart of Downtown.

Hours - weekdays 4pm-2am, weekends 12pm-2am 2616 Louisiana Street, Houston, TX 77006 www.barmunich.com

GLITTER Sometimes stereotypes are there for a reason. I can’t dance. I can’t jump. I still listen to Hootie every now and then, and occasionally indulging in the stereotypical can lead to some pretty humorous introspection. When the average Joe Q. American unbuttons that top button and loosens that tie, ready to suck down a few beers and belt out some Billy Joel, Glitter is exactly what comes to mind.

Every now and then, it’s fun to engage in a little self-deprecation. Being able to laugh at yourself after butchering your favorite song in front of complete strangers and that cute girl you just bought a beer for is a rite of karaoke passage. Maybe Glitter is a total stereotype on that front, but it’s everything a karaoke joint is supposed to be – and for that, Houston is singing its praises.

Mon Closed | Tue 9-2 | Wed 9-2 | Thu 9-2 Fri 8-2 | Sat 8-2 | Sun 8-Midnight 2621 Milam | 713.526.4900 | www.glitterkaraoke.com 62. september 11 | www.002mag.com

HONG KONG DINER NOW DIM SUM! Hong Kong Diner is glad to bring the historic tradition of Dim Sum to you! Let us touch your heart with only the best of our culture. We have so many dishes to choose from, anything from Shrimp Dumplings to Phoenix Claws topped with fresh tasty tea all at a great price. Nowhere in Houston will you find Dim Sum this great. So come downtown and relax yourself with us. All you have to do is take a seat, you and your friends, and we will take care of the rest. Once you try our fresh Dim Sum, you will surely come back for more… yum cha.

909 Franklin St. Houston,TX 77002 713.236.1688 Mon-Fri 2-9:30 Sat. 10-9:30 Sun. 10-3

"–it's the kind of casual yet sleek restaurant that should be an instant hit" –Houston Press, February 2011 "Where to eat right now: 10 must-try Houston restaurants, March 2011" "Pizzas, sandwiches and so much more...the newest and best addition to the restaurants ringing Downtown's Market Square Park," CultureMap Houston

Join us Thurs.-Fri. (4-8pm) for Happy Hour and Saturdays (12-3pm) for Brunch. Mon-Wed: 11am - 4pm | Thurs: 11am - 10pm Fri: 11am - 11pm | Sat: 12pm - 11pm 809 Congress Avenue | Houston, TX 77002 713.225.1066 | www.era809.com

“HOUSTON IS CONSIDERED TO HAVE ONE OF THE BEST CULINARY SCENES IN THE COUNTRY, WITH CUISINE FROM AROUND THE WORLD. THERE ARE MORE THAN 8,000 RESTAURANTS IN THE HOUSTON AREA WITH CULINARY CHOICES THAT REPRESENT MORE THAN 35 COUNTRIES AND AMERICAN REGIONS. HOUSTONIANS DINE OUT MORE THAN RESIDENTS OF ANY OTHER CITY—4.0 TIMES PER WEEK, COMPARED WITH THE NATIONAL AVERAGE OF 3.2. THE AVERAGE MEAL IN HOUSTON—$32.53—IS LESS THAN THE NATIONAL AVERAGE OF $35.10.”

COURTESY OF THE GREATER HOUSTON CONVENTION AND VISITORS BUREAUWWW.VISITHOUSTONTEXAS.COM/VISITORS/FAST_FACTS/

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

scott mcclelland PRESIDENT H-E-B HOUSTON greg scheinman | scott mcclelland If I didn’t recognize Scott McClelland as the President of H-E-B from the TV commercials, he could easily be mistaken for just about any H-E-B team member. He’s dressed the same as everyone throughout the store and proudly displaying his name tag showcasing his 21 years of employment with the company. But McClelland is in fact the President of H-E-B’s Houston Division and his leadership and influence becomes apparent the moment he begins speaking.

Scott joined H-E-B in 1990 as Vice President of Operations. After transferring to corporate headquarters in San Antonio in 1991, Scott held several leadership positions for the company including Vice President of General Merchandise WHERE WERE YOU RAISED? I was raised in Southern California. My dad was in the laundry business in Watts. I grew up pressing pants. I went to USC as well.

HOW DID YOU GET INTO THE GROCERY BUSINESS? I worked for Frito-Lay for 10 years and during that time I’d moved 8 times. I found myself in Toronto and the next move was either to Istanbul or Delhi. A friend introduced me to Charles Butt, HEB’s founder, and I got a position in Operations.

WHAT ARE SOME OF THE CHANGES YOU’VE SEEN IN THE GROCERY BUSINESS? For one its competition – which is good because it forces you to get better. There’s also a life cycle for ideas so there will always be change. It used to be Chinese food in grocery stores, now Sushi has become big. In fact, we sell more sushi in our stores then we do bananas or diapers.

WHAT’S THE BIGGEST CHALLENGE YOU FACE? Number one is ensuring that we properly train the new staff for the seven new stores that we’re opening before the end of the year and the five more we will open next year. They’re essential to our success. Additionally, we

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and Group Vice President, Drug Store. In 1995 he was promoted to Senior Vice President of Marketing followed by being named Chief Marketing Officer in 2000. Scott’s responsibilities expanded to include Central Market in 2001, and in 2003 he moved to Houston and was named President of the division.

He’s an active member of the community as a board member of the Greater Houston Partnership, Houston Food Bank and Memorial Hermann Hospital Systems. He also spearheaded Houston’s Super Bowl of Caring Food Drive, which is now the largest in the state and annually collects 3 million pounds of food for Houston’s hungry.

need to make sure that the existing stores from which we’ve recruited these people remain at the highest level of service.

HOW DID YOU DECIDE TO APPEAR IN THE H-E-B COMMERCIALS? We determined that there wasn’t a true “hometown” grocer. That’s what H-E-B really is, a hometown grocer.

Sending that message to the community is important.

Plus, I’m a bit of a ham and enjoy it immensely.

WHAT DO YOU HEAR MOST OFTEN FROM PEOPLE WHO RECOGNIZE YOU FROM TV? The first thing is, “When are you going to put a store closer to me?” After that, I really get a lot of stories about experiences with H-E-B employees, which I love hearing about, and then I often get asked where to find things in the store.

WHAT’S YOUR MANAGEMENT STYLE? Not sure it’s a style but we use a term called “No JIMS,” No Jerks in Management. We care more about the hourly employees than Senior Management. They’re the ones on the front lines, interacting with the customers.

We want our people to truly like what they do and care about what they do and how they do it.

HOW DO YOU APPROACH THE COMPETITION? We differentiate ourselves. For instance, there’s talk about competing on price with places like Costco or Wal-Mart; well, we specifically carry different items and a wider variety of items in our stores. Wal-Mart can’t be underpriced if they don’t carry it! This way, we can match their pricing on the items that we do both carry.

WHAT’S THE BIGGEST RISK YOU’VE TAKEN? Our Kitchen Connection program. We’ve had to employ full-time chefs, build complete kitchens in our stores, and it’s a big risk, but one that I’m proud of. We use this program to talk to and teach people about new foods, products and ingredients. Curry is a great example.

Many people just think they don’t like curry, but in fact haven’t actually tried it. We used curry in this program and ended up selling more curry in one week than we did the entire year before.

WHAT’S IN YOUR GROCERY CART? A lot of organic vegetables. Things like shaved brussels sprouts. Salads are such a concoction today, it’s no longer lettuce, tomato, dressing, so I’m always adding new items to salads, various proteins, curry sauces.

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dine write

PUTTING THE “X” IN TEXANO OR TEXICAN 1. camarones enchipotlados | 2. el xuco chori-burger | 3. ambassodor bar

By Beatrice Allen Photography by Omar Mejia

XUCO XICANA [formerly el patio] HOUSTON, TX 77006 713.523.8181 | www.elpatio.com

HOURS: Tuesday –Thursday/ Sunday 11am-10pm Friday/ Saturday 11am-11pm Happy Hour 11am-7 Tues-Sun

MENU SELECTIONS botanas + sopa • “XX” Jalisco Hot Wangs Crispy wangs tossed in Jalisco spiced vinegar hot sauce, sesame and Queso Fresco. With creamy cilantro sauce, jicama y pepino • Molotes Como MeXican Hot Pockets • Pozole Pork stew, guajillo chile broth, hominy.

Side Garnish: cilantro, onion, chile, radish, cabbage, orégano, tostada, aguacate

all tacos • Carnitas pork slowly simmered in lard, chiles, cinnamon, garlic and orange • Chihuahua Cheese Enchiladas Rolled corn tortillas stuffed with queso Chihuahua, baked in chile Ancho & Guajillo salsa “Roja”, topped with queso fresco and minced onion, with beans and rice.

el xx platos machos • Carne Guisada Beef shoulder stewed with chiles, garlic, potato and tomato, with arroz MeXicana y frijoles, served with Home Made flour tortillas • EL Xuco Chori-Burger! Home Made ½ lb. patty of Local chorizo and ground chuck on bolillo with, black beans, mayonnaise, queso Chihuahua, avocado, pico de gallo and TeXican slaw!

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e’re in Texas. While others dream of having Tex-Mex food, CHEF JONATHON JONES dreams of introducing the masses to interior Mexican food that he grew up enjoying. It’s NOT Tex-Mex. It’s Nuevo Texano cuisine – Mexican food that has been influenced by Houston Texas or, as he likes to put it, “Mexican with Texas attitude.” Hailing from La Porte, his Spanish is better than most Mexican descendants and his familiarity of the culture and food is even more surprising. It’s really no wonder the passion he conveys about the food and the menu. It is an extension of who he is. From using authentic Mexican spices, chilies, like using old school techniques to sticking pigs feet (authentic Mexican trick) in his Posole, Jones has done his work and he’s ready to teach a thing or two to the masses about authentic Mexican foods with a dash of H-Town thrown in the mix.

Even the interior has been touched with this Texano attitude.

From the dining room downstairs to the Ambassador bar upstairs, new murals, art and fabrics make this location one of a kind. Artist Gonzo has made magic out of the Ambassador bar adorning not only the “walls” but also the floor. An old school “Ambassador” RV split in half acts like “taco truck” service for easy food upstairs. High vintage Mexican beer bar tables make for easy seating for this cool original setting. Downstairs tables are stenciled with roses and one lonely banquette in the corner is covered in Mexican senorita fabric that is drool worthy.

My lunch visit found me at a corner rose-stenciled table in doors, retreating from the oppressive heat. As I took in the menu I could not help but be overwhelmed with decisions.

The majority of the menu is familiar to me from having such dishes my entire life. The fact that I get to enjoy them at a restaurant is thrilling!

When I would visit my grandmother in Guadalajara, after dinner she would make the easiest dessert to enjoy with

some coffee. A bolillo (think Mexican baguette bread) is cut in half and toasted with butter and sugar. My Dad would make a savory version with refried pinto beans and cheese as a snack. When I saw these Molletes on the menu, it was a must try. Chef Jones takes it up a notch by adding meat to his open-faced bolillo covered in black beans and queso Chihuahua. Your choice of chorizo, fajita or grilled chicken is then topped with pico de gallo. Why we haven’t started doing this in all my years of eating molletes is beyond me!

This would make it a rounded out meal for some. It’s like an open-faced sandwich with everything melting onto each other and into the bread. Grandma would be proud.

In the Masa Snacks section, the Sopes with crab guacamole and rajas as well as the intriguing black bean gordita were up next. Masa is corn dough and it is used a lot in Mexican cooking. This section is a compilation of some of the snacks we make with this dough. Sopes are grilled masa cakes. The texture can be very hard to attain. It should be firm, not so much hard or soft. Chef Jones’ adult size (usually they are much-smaller, personal sized) rendition is filled with a gua-

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camole that incorporates crab into the actual mix, rajas (a mild pepper) atop lettuce and pico de gallo, topped with queso fresco and crema Mexicana (sour cream). This as a starter is sharable or if you’re looking for a light meal, this could work too. The only way to describe the black bean gordita is like a “cloud” of black bean. It’s a baffling sight really. A homemade deep fried black bean masa puff is served with sweet smoky spicy salsa negra and local-made queso cotija. It might not be the most aesthetically pleasing looking puff but the taste is innovative Mexican. We could not get enough of this puff with the smoky sauce with a kick.

It’s an inventive method with simple but layered flavors.

Under the Enchiladas section I nearly shed a tear when I saw Tortillas enfrijoladas. This is also a staple dish and one of my favorites. If I go to Mom’s house, she’s making this for me to this day. Although it’s a minimal amount of ingredients and the technique is simple, getting the tortilla just right without having it fall apart in the beans is a lot harder than one might imagine. I have had soggy, ruined tortillas a number of times. The Double XX version is folded tortillas dipped in a Oaxacan black bean sauce, topped with queso fresco, pico de gallo, salsa aguacate (avocado) and homemade crema Mexicana (sour cream). It’s like Mom’s gift to the world. A vegetarian comfort delight that is easy but tasty. For brunch, they take this staple and add some scrambled eggs. We never tried this at home but the idea is sheer genius. It takes the dish from an easy dinner to an easy brunch in seconds.

After reading rave review over Jones’ fish tacos due to his authentic technique of cooking the fish in a banana leaf, we had to jump on the bandwagon. Listed under El Double XX Platos Machos, the Fish Tacos Tikin Xic is the Chef’s selection of Gulf Coast fresh fish marinated with Yucatecan Achiote and orange, steamed in Hoja de Platano accompanied with salsa habanera, pico de gallo served with a side of corn tortillas, a salad of jicama, pepino (cucumber), a mound of arroz (rice), chile torreados (chilies that have been pan seared for heat) for garnishing your taco and lime. This isn’t a fried fish taco that could be mistaken for who knows what. This is the real deal. Beautifully steamed, tender fish, covered in spice is hidden in the banana leaf, for you to unwrap, place in a corn tortilla and garnish with the medley on your plate. They’re light, flavorful, refreshing fish tacos prepared gourmet style.

Xuco Xicana is introducing authentic dishes with Chef Jonathon Jones’ innovative touches we have seen him grace at various establishments. His passion, his technique, his know-how is unparallel when it comes to interior Mexican dishes.

His intuition that guides him into adding those Houston/Texas touches to each recipe he masters is a force to be reckoned with. And adding promising young chef Brandon Fisch, formerly of Yelapa, to his team can only make the deal that much sweeter.

Look for their new Taqueria style lunch menu (tacos and tortas) and an all-day, every day, margarita happy hour from 11am to 7pm. Fear not, El Patio followers, El Patio Blues (ritas) remain intact, unchanged.

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ja’nel a. witt RESTAURANT tintos sPanish restaurant + wine Bar CUISINE sPanish, taPas, Paellas 2015 W. Gray, Ste. J. Houston, TX 77019 713.522.1330 | www.tintosrestaurant.com

the chef’s special Photography by sofia van der dys

Anything with curry! ...really sharp knife

Murrieta’s Well “The Whip”

Siracha

Eric Ripert

FAVORITE LATE NIGHT SPOT FOR A BITE? Mai’s. I’m soooo glad it’s back.

BEST BREAKFAST? I’m not really a breakfast person, but I like Le Peep...I can get turkey sausage.

BEST BRUNCH? Black Walnut Cafe in the Village....try the banana pancakes with caramel, YUM. WHAT INGREDIENT CAN YOU NOT LIVE WITHOUT IN THE KITCHEN AND WHY? Saffron. I use it every day!! It really adds a unique flavor, and beautiful color!!

WHAT UTENSIL CAN YOU NOT LIVE WITHOUT? A really sharp knife!!! Even at home, without all the fancy kitchen equipment, it’s a necessity. Try using a dull knife, it will double your work!!

WHAT’S YOUR PET PEEVE? When people claim not to like a food/cuisine/etc. before even trying it once!!

Open your mind!!

FAVORITE AFFORDABLE WINE? Murrieta’s Well “The Whip.” It’s been a while since I have fallen head over heels for a white wine...perfect for this summer’s heat!!!

FAVORITE PLACE FOR DESSERT? Hank’s Ice Cream, 9291 S. Main (near Reliant Arena)! Every time I go Mr. Hank has a new creation to try...Rum Raisin is my favorite!!

WHO ARE YOUR FAVORITE CHEF, RESTAURANT, AND DISH? Chef – Eric Ripert; he has such an effort-

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DO YOU USE A RECIPE OR WING IT? At Tintos we use recipes to ensure consistency; at home I wing it – it’s so much more fun!!!

WHAT DO YOU SEE AS THE NEXT FOOD TREND? I’d say Gastro Pubs, “jazzing” up pub fare. Maybe because it’s economical and people are familiar with most dishes.

AT HOME, WHAT DO YOU KEEP ON HAND TO SERVE DROP-IN GUESTS? I always have wine they can sip on, until I come up with something else.

WHAT WOULD PEOPLE BE SURPRISED TO FIND IN YOUR HOME REFRIGERATOR? 3 bottles of siracha...yes 3; I put it on EVERYTHING!!!

WHAT MAGAZINE COVER, OTHER THAN 002’S, WOULD YOU LIKE TO BE FEATURED ON? Definitely, Forbes!! That would mean all my hard work actually made it to the bank!!!

LAST BUT NOT LEAST, TELL US YOUR WORST CLIENT EXPERIENCE? This year, Valentine’s Day, Tintos was buzzing and couples were enjoying our specialty menu, when out of nowhere a huge argument ensues and one guest left his companion at the table sobbing. She sat there for at least an hour, before asking us to call a cab for her because he left.

Awkward...

Favorite sandwich Grilled cheese on Potato Bread with roma tomatoes and fresh oregano and thyme.

Favorite ice cream toPPinG i like rum raisin, no toppings.

Favorite sPot to exercise/run- i prefer the 3-mile run at memorial.

less finesse that you can’t help but admire. Restaurant – Blue Nile; delicious Ethiopian cuisine that I can’t get enough of. Anything with curry (Thai/Indian/ Moroccan/etc.). I love the bold flavors and spices.

IS THERE A FOOD YOU WON’T EAT? Pork. I know it’s not very “cheffy” of me, but it’s probably the only thing I won’t eat.

DO YOU HAVE A COOKBOOK PUBLISHED? No book published YET!! But I’d love to do a book on soups...my specialty ;o) WHAT IS YOUR COMFORT FOOD? Grilled cheese...with lots of bells and whistles or nice and simple like mom made!!

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EMAIL US AT

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delivery

RESTAURANT NEWS

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B.VALENCIA@002MAG.COM

Photography by Omar Mejia

By Beatrice Allen streets

eats

BAMBOLINO’S www.bambolinos.net

SORREL URBAN BISTRO www.sorrelhouston.com

1504 AIRLINE DR. | 713.802.2221

2202 WEST ALABAMA | 713.677.0391

CUISINE PIZZAS/ITALIAN

CUISINE FARM TO TABLE DINING

CHEF SOREN PEDERSEN

CHEF DOMENIC LAURENZO THE MODULAR aka THE TIN CAN www.twitter.com/themodular CUISINE FUSION FOOD W/ EAST INFLUENCE We found this tin can in the searing heat just behind Catalina Coffee on a Tuesday dishing out lunch from 113pm. On their Catalina Coffee (because they are parked there for lunch) Menu were Crispy Tuna Poke Tacos, Soft Shell Crab Sandwich, and onion and hatch peppers Italian sausage and a mixed green salad. BRAINCHILD OF JOSH MARTINEZ (FROM KATA ROBATA), RESTAURANT QUALITY INGREDIENTS PREPARED WITH GOURMET TECHNIQUES ARE WHAT IS DISHED OUT. That very morning they tweeted that they were buying groceries for that particular lunch service. A good sign in my mind. I ordered the Crispy Tuna Poke Tacos and the mixed green salad. My heaping mixed green salad had tomato, pickled red onion and feta in a miso vinaigrette. The greens, even in our oppressive heat, were fresh and crunchy, perfect with the bursting tomato and subtle but awesome miso vinaigrette. My three crispy tuna poke tacos were outstanding! To think sushi grade tuna is chopped into bits (tartar style) mixed with sesame oil, soy, sesame seed, then sandwiched in a crispy wonton taco shell, drizzled with a special sauce and topped with green onions being served from this “Tin Can” is mind-boggling! Now, unlike your typical food truck, prices range from $5-$10 but keep in mind this is no ordinary “food truck/trailer.” Be prepared with cash. This “Tin Can” is a no-brainer!

Follow them on Twitter to get where they’ll be parked next and for other exciting new like chef challenges!

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margherita pizza

THIS UNASSUMING PIZZA JOINT IS ACTUALLY FROM THE SAME MASTERMINDS BEHIND EL TIEMPO AND LAURENZO’S (TO NAME A FEW). SURPRISED MUCH? Bambolino’s is breaking into their own starting with… DELIVERY! This allows you to order online but does have a limited delivery area as most non-national chains do. I’ll admit, it never occurred to me to eat at Bambolino’s even though that cute little face with the pizza mural catches my eye. It wasn’t until I had delivery as an option. Their crust, in either deep or thin, is quite memorable. Our deep dish Margherita is about an inch to inch and half of thickness that is crispy at first but soft, spongy with the bite. Their marinara has just a touch of sweetness to balance the salty mozzarella and grated pecorino romano. Thin sliced tomato rounds with bits of fresh basil and oregano round out a subtle, simple but dynamic pizza. Other dazzlers on their menu shine for their homemade flavor. The Linguini Alfredo and Linguini with meatballs are two of those recipes passed down from their family that have a homemade quality you can taste.

The meatballs are big, moist, oregano-laced deliciousness.

The thicker linguini pasta holds better with the creamy Alfredo sauce and balances nicely with the huge meatballs. If you need something to wash this all down with, remember to add some of their icy lemonade to that order. It’s like dessert in each sip between bites! I didn’t get to taste their wings but I did overhear colleagues raving about their Just Plain Smoked wings. To quote associate editor Pixie: “Their smoky flavor is so impressive!” I’d have to agree Bambolino’s is impressive and now available for home delivery. Lucky you!

After reimagining the bland old space that was home to Ziggy’s, the bright, clean natural space now known as Sorrel Urban Bistro complements their fare quite nicely. The first thing that will probably catch your eye as you walk through the door is the plasma screen in the hostess stand with a live feed of the action in the kitchen. Then a beautiful Charcuterie station adjacent to the bar. While the expansive dining room with normal seating and four hightop “chef’s tables” that peek right over a partition with a front row seat to the action in the kitchen. Sorrel images adorn the wall above the kitchen and beautiful bunch sits atop the counter. THIS FARM-TO-TABLE CONCEPT VARIES THEIR MENU DAILY ON WHAT IS AVAILABLE. (Check online for the latest menu of the day starting at 9am for lunch and 3pm for dinner.) To begin, spongy bread with three spreads: a sundried tomato, a Texas olive oil and Sorrel’s pesto. The sundried tomato spread is awesome!

Chunky and fresh, it is one of those you wish they bottled and sold. Our fried tomato and scallop sandwich came out first and when they say fried tomato sandwich that’s literal.

Expecting these ingredients in bread, we were surprised when the presentation of the fried tomato served as the “bread” for the scallop sandwiched in between with Daikon radish, some green and cilantro oil. The scallop is the star and the fried tomato texture complements it beautifully. The quality of the components really stands out with this simple dish. The pasta was another wonderful example. The beef and sausage bolognaise tasted homemade like it had been simmering all day with this smoky, savory, rich flavor along their homemade pasta. Each bite was surprising in the layers of flavor that are achieved. And don’t skip dessert! A wonderfully gifted pastry chef whips up the most amazing combos with fruit, herbs and sweets! The chocolate mousse with spiced pear is fluffy, not too sweet – it’ll shock you. We also got to try two “summer in glass” delights. Texas Watermelon granite with mint (shaved ice fresh watermelon with mint sprinkled throughout – whoa!) and the lemon grass parfait (a fluff of lemon grass cream atop melon, fig, berries with lemon zest garnish). If the weather is still blazing by print, you might get to try one of these delights. This memorable meal has me stalking their website for their daily menu release. Dinner, here I come!

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restaurant listings houston | sugar land | the woodlands

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

DANTON’S GULF COAST SEAFOOD 4611 Montrose. 713.807.8889 www.dantonsseafood.com EDDIE V’S PRIME SEAFOOD •12848 Queensbury Ln. 832.200.2380 • 2800 Kirby@West Ave. 713.874.1800 www.eddiev.com

foundation room

AMERICAS •21 Waterway Ave. 281.367.1492 •2010 West Gray. 832.200.1492 www.cordua.com ARTISTA | inside the Hobby Center 800 Bagby. 713.278.4782 www.cordua.com

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

AVA KITCHEN+WHISKEY BAR 2800 Kirby. 713.386.6460 www.avaalto.com BARNABY’S •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 www.barnabyscafe.com BISTRO ALEX 800 W. Sam Houston Pkwy., CityCentre 713.827.3545 www.bistroalex.com BOWL 607 Richmond. 832.582.7218 www.eatatbowl.com CAFE EXPRESS 12 convenient locations in Houston www.cafe-express.com CANOPY 3939 Montrose Blvd. 713.528.6848 www.canopyhouston.com CINQ | at La Colombe d’Or 3410 Montrose Blvd. 713.469.4750 www.lacolombedor.com

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

51fifteen 51FIFTEEN | inside Saks Fifth Avenue 5115 Westheimer. 713.963.8067 www.51fifteen.com

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

hearsay

THE LAKE HOUSE 1600 McKinney. 713.337.7320 www.thelakehousehouston.com VOICE | Hotel Icon 220 Main. 832.667.4470 www.hotelicon.com WHICH WICH 711 Louisiana St. 713.222.2999 www.whichwich.com YARD HOUSE 800 W. Sam Houston Pkwy., CityCentre 713.461.9273 www.yardhouse.com ZELKO BISTRO 705 E. 11th St. 713.880.8691 www.zelkobistro.com

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

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

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

BLUE FISH SUSHI 550 Texas. 713.225.3474 www.thebluefishsushi.com

MCCORMICK AND SCHMICK’S •1151 Uptown Park. 713.840.7900 •1201 Fannin St. 713.658.8100 • 791 Town & Country Blvd. 713.465.3685 www.mccormickandschmicks.com NOE Four Riverway. 713.871.8177 www.noerestaurant.com QUATTRO 1300 Lamar. 713.276.4700 www.fourseasons.com RELISH 3915 San Felipe. 713.599.1960 www.relishhouston.com

CONVEY SUSHI 803 Congress. 713.518.7219 www.conveysushi.com FISH [sushi] 309 Gray St. 713.526.5294 www.fishhouston.com KAM’S [chinese] 4500 Montrose Blvd. #C. 713.529.5057 www.kamscuisine.com KONA GRILL [japanese+american] •501 Westheimer. 713.877.9191 •16535 Southwest Freeway. 281.242.7000 www.konagrill.com

bar-b-que BROOKSTREET BBQ 10705 Westheimer. 713.783.3600 www.brookstreetbbq.com GOODE COMPANY TX BARBECUE 5109 Kirby. 713.522.2530 www.goodecompany.com

breakfast+coffee+ diners+juice bars les givral’s kahve

11TH ST. CAFÉ 748 E. 11th St. 713.862.0089

MAI’S [vietnamese] 3403 Milam. 713.520.5300 www.maishouston.com

ANTIDOTE COFFEE 729 Studewood. 713.861.7400 www.antidotecoffee.com

NIT NOI [thai] 6395 Woodway Dr. 713.789.1711 www.nitnoithai.com

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

NORI SUSHI BISTRO 700 Town and Country Blvd. 713.467.0400 www.norisushibistro.com PAGODA [vietnamese] 4705 Inker St. 832.673.0400 www.pagodabistro.com

CAFÉ BRASIL 2604 Dunlavy. 713.528.1993 www.brasilcafe.net COCO’S CREPES 218 Gray St. 713.521.0700 www.cocoscrepes.com CRAVE CUPCAKES 1151 Uptown Park Blvd. 713.622.7283 www.cravecupcake.com

ra sushi RA SUSHI •3908 Westheimer. 713.621.5800 •12860 Queensbury Ln. #234, CityCentre 713.331.2792 www.rasushi.com RED PIER [asian fusion] 2701 Milam St. 713.807.7726 www.theredpier.com STRAITS [singaporean] 800 W. Sam Houston Pkwy. N. 713.365.9922 www.straitsrestaurants.com SUSHI RAKU 3201 Louisiana. 713.526.8885 www.sushi-raku.com UPTOWN SUSHI Uptown Park. 713.871.1200 www.uptown-sushi.com ZAKE 2946 S. Shepherd. 713.526.6888 www.zakehouston.com ZUSHI 5900 Memorial Dr., #102. 713.861.5588 www.zushihouston.com

for more restaurant listings go to 002mag.com

DIRK’S COFFEE 4005 Montrose. 713.526.1319 www.diedrich.com DOWN HOUSE 51801 Yale St. 713.864.3696 www.downhousehouston.com EMPIRE CAFÉ 1801 Yale St. 713.528.5282 www.empirecafe.net FOUNTAIN VIEW CAFÉ 1842 Fountain View.

713.785.9060 INVERSION COFFEE HOUSE 1953 Montrose, #A. 713.523.4866 www.inversioncoffee.com ISLAND GRILL + JUICE BAR •5709 Woodway. 713.334.4036 •4024 Bellaire Blvd. 713.665.5388 www.islandgrillhouston.com KRAFTSMEN BAKING 4100 Montrose, #C. 713.524.3737 www.kraftsmenbaking.com KRAFTSMEN CAFE 611 West 22nd St. 713.426.1300 www.kraftsmencafe.com

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MORE THAN CAKES 1100 West Dallas. 713.652.5135 www.morethancakes.com OCTANE COFFEE+WINE LOUNGE 3402 N. Shepherd. 281.974.1693 RUSTIKA CAFÉ 3237 Southwest Frwy. 713.665.6226 www.rustikacafe.com SALENTO WINE CAFE 2407 Rice Blvd. 713.528.7478 www.salentowinecafe.com SPRINKLES CUPCAKES 4014 Westheimer. 713.871.9929 www.sprinkles.com SUGAR BABY’S CUPCAKES 3310 S. Shepherd. 713.527.8427 www.ilovesugarbabys.com SWEET CityCentre. 713.647.9338 www.sweethouston.com TAFT STREET COFFEE 2115 Taft. 713.522.3533 www.taftstreetcoffee.org THE BREAKFAST KLUB 3711 Travis. 713.528.8561 www.thebreakfastklub.com THE BUFFALO GRILLE •3116 Bissonnet. 713.661.3663 •1301 S. Voss. 713.784.3663 www.thebuffalogrille.com THE COFFEE GROUNDZ 2503 Bagby. 713.874.0082 www.coffeegroundz.net THE FRUIT PALETTE 2413 Rice Blvd. 713.523.7848 www.thefruitpalette.com TINY BOXWOOD’S 3614 W. Alabama St. 713.622.4224 www.tinyboxwoods.com

cajun+creole +southern THIS IS IT SOULFOOD 2712 Blodgett St. 713.521.2920 www.thisisithouston.com TREEBEARDS 5 Houston locations www.treebeards.com ZIMM’S LITTLE DECK 601 Richmond Ave. 713.527.8328 www.zimmslittledeck.com ZYDECO LOUISIANA DINER 1119 Pease. 713.759.2001 www.zydecolouisianadiner.com

74. september 11 | www.002mag.com

european BISTRO LE CEP [french] 11112 Westheimer. 713.783.3985 www.bistro-lecep.com BRASSERIE 19 [french] 1962 W. Gray. 713.524.1919 www.brasserie19.net BRASSERIE MAX + JULIE [french] 4315 Montrose. 713.524.0070 www.maxandjulie.net CHARIVARI [european] 2521 Bagby. 713.271.7231 www.charivarirest.com FEAST [european] 219 Westheimer. 713.529.7788 www.feasthouston.com OPORTO [european] 3833 Richmond. 713.621.1114 www.oporto.us PHILIPPE REST+LOUNGE [french] BLVD. Place. 713.439.1000 www.philippehouston.com THE QUEEN VIC PUB [european] 2712 Richmond. 713.533.0022 www.thequeenvicpub.com

indian ASHIANA 12610 Briar Forest Dr. 281.679.5555 www.ashiana.cc CHUTNEY’S INDIAN 1010 Lamar. 713.571.2010 www.chutneyshouston.com KIRAN’S 4100 Westheimer. 713.960.8472 www.kiranshouston.com NARIN’S BOMBAY BRASSERIE 3005 West Loop South. 713.622.2005 www.narinsbombaybrasserie.com PONDICHERI 2800 Kirby@West Ave. 713.522.2022 SHIVA 2415 Times Blvd. 713.523.4753 www.shivarestaurant.com

italian ARCODORO 5000 Westheimer. 713.621.6888 www.arcodoro.com ARTURO BOADA CUISINE 6510 Del Monte. 713.782.3011 www.boadacuisine.com

BRIO TUSCAN GRILLE CityCentre. 713.973.9610 www.brioitalian.com

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

RIOJA [spanish] 11920 Westheimer. 281.531.5569 www.riojarestaurant.com

CANDELARI’S 14545 Memorial Dr. 281.497.0612

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

RUBY TEQUILA’S 2616 Louisiana. 713.522.7829 www.rubytequilas.com

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

SAMBA GRILLE (south american) 530 Texas. 713.343.1180 www.sambagrillehouston.com

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

TACOS A GO-GO 3704 Main. 713.807.8226 www.tacosagogo.com

RISTORANTE CAVOUR 1080 Uptown Park. 713.418.1000 www.granducahouston.com SPAGHETTI WAREHOUSE 901 Commerce @ Travis. 713.229.9715 www.meatballs.com A Warehouse Full of Food, Friends, Families and Fun! Great Kids Menu! Large and Small Groups Welcomed. Open 7 Days A Week.

Deliveries and Catering Available.

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

TONY MANDOLA’S 1212 Waugh. 713.528.3473 www.tonymandolas.com TRATTORIA IL MULINO 945 Gessner Road. 832.358.0600 www.ilmulino.com VALENTINO Hotel Derek 2525 West Loop South.

713.850.9200 www.valentinorestaurantgroup.com

latin ARGENTINA CAFE 3055 Sage Rd. 713.622.8877 BERRYHILL [texmex] 3407 Montrose. 713.523.8226 www.berryhillbajagrill.com BISTRO BAR [puerto rican] 800 W. Sam Houston Pkwy. CityCentre 713.973.1601 www.houstonsorella-citycentre.com

TILA’S [mex] 1111 S. Shepherd. 713.522.7654 www.tilas.com FREEB!RDS WORLD BURRITO 13 Houston locations Catering 888.392.2287 www.freebirds.com GUADALAJARA DEL CENTRO 1201 San Jacinto. 713.650.0101 www.guadalajarahacienda.com HABANEROS MEX-GRILL 3017 Milam. 713.523.1010 www.habanerosmexgrill.com IRMA’S [mex] •22 N. Chenevert. 713.222.0767 •1314 Texas. 713.247.9651 www.irmassouthwest.com LAS VENTANAS [mex] 14555 Grisby Rd. 281.752.6990 www.lasventanas.net LATIN BITES CAFE [peru] 1302 Nance St. 713.229.8369 www.latinbitescafe.com

cafe piquet CAFÉ PIQUET [cuban] 5757 Bissonnet. 713.664.1031 Dine-In/Catering www.cafepiquet.net CYCLONE ANAYA’S [mex] 309 Gray St. 713.520.6969 www.cycloneanaya.com DECCO CAFE 5120 Woodway Dr. 713.963.8273 www.deccocafe.com EL MESON [cuban] 2425 University. 713.522.9306 www.elmeson.com

tintos

TINTOS [spanish] 2015 West Gray. 713.522.1330 www.tintosrestaurant.com YELAPA PLAYA MEXICANA 2303 Richmond Ave. 281.501.0391 www.yelapatime.com XUCO XICANA [mex] 2416 Brazos. 713.523.8181 www.elpatio.com

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

LUCIO’S [new american latin] 905 Taft. 713.523.9958 www.luciosbyob.com MARIA SELMA [mex] 1617 Richmond. 713.528.4920 www.mariaselma.com NINFA’S THE ORIGINAL 2704 Navigation Blvd. 713.228.1175 www.ninfas.com OCEAN’S [cevicheria] 819 W. Alabama. 713.520.7744 www.oceansceviche.com

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

for more restaurant listings go to 002mag.com

September 11_002houston 8/18/11 7:59 PM Page 75

pizza ALTO PIZZERIA 2800 Kirby Dr. 713.386.6460 www.avaalto.com BAMBOLINO’S 1504 Airline Dr. 713.802.2221 www.bambolinos.net BOMBAY PIZZA CO. 914 Main St. 713.654.4444 www.bombaypizzaco.com DOLCE VITA PIZZERIA ENOTECA 500 Westheimer. 713.520.8222 www.dolcevitahouston.com ERA PIZZA 809 Congress. 713.225.1066 www.era809.com

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

WASABI [sushi] 14019 Southwest Freeway.

281.242.3899

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

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

STRIP HOUSE 1200 McKinney. 713.659.6000 www.theglaziergroup.com

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

281.565.5881 CARRABBA’S 2335 Highway 6. 281.980.4433 www.carrabbas.com CUPCAKE CAFE 16525 Lexington Blvd. 281.242.2744 www.cupcakecafeoftexas.com

FRANK’S PIZZA 417 Travis. 713.225.5656 www.frankspizza.com PINK’S PIZZA 4 houston locations www.pinkspizza.com PIOLA 3201 Louisiana St. 713.524.8222 www.piola.it STAR PIZZA •77 Harvard. 713.869.1241 •2111 Norfolk. 713.523.0800 www.starpizza.net

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

713.827.1120 •2405 W. Alabama. 713.520.5999 www.flemingssteakhouse.com MORTON’S •5000 Westheimer. 713.629.1946 •1001 McKinney. 713.659.3700 www.mortons.com MO’S 1801 Post Oak Blvd. 713.877.0720 www.mosaplaceforsteaks.com PAPPAS BROS. STEAKHOUSE 5839 Westheimer Rd. 713.780.7352 www.pappasbros.com RUTH’S CHRIS STEAKHOUSE 6213 Richmond Ave. 713.789.2333 www.ruthschris.com

GRIMALDI’S PIZZERIA 16535 Southwest Freeway.

281.265.2280 www.grimaldispizzeria.com JAPANEIRO’S [sushi+latin] 2168 Texas Dr. 281.242.1121 www.japaneiro.com LA MADELEINE 2675 Town Center Blvd. N. 281.494.4400 www.lamadeleine.com NAPA GRILLE URBAN WINE BAR 14019 Southwest Freeway.

281.277.2599 www.napagrille.net PERRY’S GRILL 2115 Town Square. 281.565.2727 www.perryssteakhouse.com PHO MAI NOODLE HOUSE 16200 Kensington Dr. 281.491.1528 www.phomainoodlehouse.com RAJIN CAJUN 16100 Kensington Dr. 281.277.0704 www.ragin-cajun.com THAI COTTAGE II 4723 Sweetwater Blvd. 281.313.0707 www.thai-cottage.com THE BURNING PEAR 16090 City Walk. 281.275.5925 www.theburningpear.com

THE WOODLANDS BENIHANA [asian] 1720 Lake Woodlands Dr. 281.292.0061 www.benihana.com BROOKLYN CAFÉ •4775 W. Panther Creek Dr. 281.298.7488 •3091 College Park Dr. 936.273.8880 www.thebrooklyncafe.com CAFFE DI FIORE [italian] 10110 Woodlands Pkwy., Ste. 900.

281.298.1228 www.caffe-di-fiore.com DICKEY’S BARBECUE PIT 10700 Kuykendahl Road.

281.298.8422 www.dickeysbarbecuerestaurants.com

DIMASSI’S [ethnic] 1640 Lake Woodlands Dr. 281.363.0200 www.dimassisbuffet.com

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

downtown

galleria+uptown

midtown montrose + shepherd museum district

outer loop rice village river oaks

+

kirby

warehouse district downtown galleria+uptown

midtown montrose + shepherd museum district

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

outer loop rice

GURI DO SUL STEAKHOUSE 1400 Research Forest Dr. 281.907.4146 www.guridosul.com

warehouse district downtown galleria

HONEY BEE HAM + DELI 4747 Research Forest Dr. 281.364.9200 www.honeybeehamthewoodlands.com

MASA’S SUSHI 4775 W. Panther Creek Dr. 281.298.5688 www.sushimasahouston.com P F CHANG’S 1201 Lake Woodlands Dr. 281.203.6350 www.pfchangs.com SITAR CUISINE OF INDIA 25701 Interstate 45. 281.364.0200 www.sitarcuisineofindia.net SWEET BELLA ITALIAN KITCHEN 202 Sawdust Road. 832.585.0066 www.sweetbellaitalian.com

to go:

village river oaks

• THE FEARLESS CRITIC HOUSTON RESTAURANT GUIDE is back in its 3rd edition, with revised and updated reviews. There’s also a brand-new, mapbased iPhone app ideal for finding a good meal while out and about – $4.99 gets you all of their brutally honest, snarky reviews and rankings. The book is $12.95 and includes a free iPhone app and yearlong subscription to www.fearlesscritic.com.

midtown montrose + shepherd museum district

outer loop rice village river oaks

+

kirby

warehouse district downtown galleria+uptown

• THE COOKBOOK LATIN FLAVORS: A TASTE OF OUR HERITAGE can now be purchased on Amazon. This beautiful, coffee table-style cookbook features Latin recipes from Mexico, Spain, Peru, Cuba and other Spanish-speaking countries. The book benefits the Latin Women’s Initiative.

midtown september 11 | www.002mag.com .75

September 11_002houston 8/18/11 7:59 PM Page 76

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

washington

way

TM

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

WWW.WCBA-HOUSTON.COM

IT DOESN’T GET MORE DIVERSE THAN THIS HISTORICAL 3-MILE STRETCH SANDWICHED IN BETWEEN (AND PARALLEL) TO I-10 AND MEMORIAL DRIVE. HOME TO A BUSTLE OF COMMERCE AND DEVELOPMENT, WASHINGTON AVENUE CONTINUES TO UNDERGO A TRANSFORMATION (TODAY IN THE FORM OF SOME SERIOUS ROAD WORK). NEW ESTABLISHMENTS IN OLD BUILDINGS SIT ALONGSIDE HOMES WITH TEXAS HISTORICAL MARKERS AND A FEW SHOTGUN HOUSES SPRINKLED IN BETWEEN. HERE IS A CORRIDOR WHERE YUPPIES, JUICEHEADS AND HIPSTERS LIVE HARMONIOUSLY, BASKING IN THE MULTITUDE OF RESTAURANTS, BARS, PUBS, LOUNGES, CLUBS AND CONCERT VENUES DOTTING THE STREET LINE. YOUNG PROFESSIONALS CALL THE SURROUNDING AREAS HOME – LOCATED NEXT TO THE INFAMOUS GLENWOOD CEMETERY, THE SUNBEAM BREAD FACTORY (AND DISCOUNT STORE) ON THE EAST END DOWN TO WABASH ANTIQUES ON THE WEST END. FROM THE NEXT PLACE THAT IS THE “SCENE” TO FINDING AN OUTFIT TO BE SEEN IN, THERE IS NOTHING YOU CAN’T FIND TUCKED INTO THIS CORRIDOR.

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September 11_002houston 8/18/11 7:59 PM Page 77

WASHINGTON

SPOTS…

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

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

ANDY’S 1115 E. 11th St. 713.861.9423

KWIK KAR 2710 Washington. 713.869.9008 www.kwikkarofhouston.com

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

713.864.5335 www.americantitleheights.com

ROCKEFELLER HALL 3620 Washington. 713.869.3344 www.RockefellerHall.com

AT&T 920 Studemont, #700.

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

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

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

713.741.2266 www.jamescraigfurnishings.com

SSQQ DANCE STUDIO

AEON THEATRIX 1824 Spring, #222.

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

ROCKEFELLER HALL

AEON THEATRIX

business

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

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

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

BRC 519 Shepherd Dr. 713.861.2233 www.brcgastropub.com

STATE FARM INSURANCE 22 Waugh Dr. #340.

713.426.4440

BRIXX BAR 5110 Washington. 713.864.8811

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

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

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

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

food+drink 360 SPORTS LOUNGE 4601 Washington. 713.677.0398 www.360sportslounge.com

BUFFALO WILD WINGS 3939 Washington. 832.356.2980 www.buffalowildwings.com CADILLAC BAR 1802 Shepherd. 713.862.2020 CANDELARI’S 6002 Washington. 832.200.1474 www.candelaris.com CANYON CREEK CAFÉ 6603 Westcott St. 713.864.5885 www.onioncreekcafe.com CATALINA COFFEE 2201 Washington. 713.861.8448 www.catalinacoffeeshop.com CEDAR CREEK CAFÉ 1034 W. 20th St. 713.808.9623 DAN ELECTRO’S GUITAR 1031 E. 24th St. 713.862.8707 www.danelectrosguitarbar.com DARKHORSE TAVERN 2207 Washington. 713.426.2442 www.dhtavern.com

september 11 | www.002mag.com .77

September 11_002houston 8/18/11 7:59 PM Page 78

washington

BEAVER’S Monday Community Speakeasy Bar open from 9pm – 2am, Kitchen Closed – Music, Food trucks and Fun! www.beavershouston.com CURA YOGA Friday night master class and weekend workshop with Les Leventhal September 16th and September 17th-18th

Lyengar Inversion Workshop with Marita Gardner–Anopol September 24th. www.curayoga.com

Rey (aka “The King”) undoubtedly suits the name of this 1700sf family-based eatery in the Washington Corridor, for loyal fans near and far crown El Rey Taqueria & Rostiseria THE KING of Cuban and Mexican cuisine – and for good reason.

You absolutely don’t experience the level of success that El Rey has achieved overnight. Rather, it stems from grueling hard work, a dedicated team of employees committed to the family mission, and an earnest passion to fuse dynamic cultures to produce award-winning menu items. End result? Repeat dinein, dine-out and drive-thru business, coupled with a multitude of accolades and top-rated reviews across the city and beyond, annually. (Peep just a few of their many awards: AOL City’s Best 2010-11 Top Ten Cheap Eats Houston Winner; Citysearch 2009/2010 #1 Cuban Cuisine Winner; Houston Press’ 3rd Best Coffee House, 2010; The Best Chicken Tortilla Soup in Town, per the Houston Chronicle and Houston Press.)

It just doesn’t get any better than this! Now, in its 15th year of yielding top-notch, savory dishes and impeccable, friendly service, El Rey Taqueria in the Washington Corridor continues to replicate family values and good business practices to nurture solid, restaurant management and staff loyalty, while enhancing family recipes to entice newcomers and sustain customer relationships.

Born and raised in Havana, Cuba, Manny Diaz, El Rey owner, credits his wife Carla, his Cuban grandmother (the genius behind the Taqueria’s Caldo de Pollo or chicken tortilla soup) and his heritage for the restaurant’s concept and its many accomplishments over the years. Per Manny, “When I opened this site 15 years ago, I was torn between a Cuban-based or Mexican-based establishment. With extensive exposure from both cultures, I decided that a fusion of both would be great for business. It was a great decision. My wife and I are responsible for most of the menu items, with the exception of our chicken tortilla soup. We started off small, relying on support from less than 10 employees. We now ser ve Houston with 5 locations (our newest location at Highway 6 and West Road). Although our Shepherd/Washington site is the smallest, we now proudly boast of 27 employees here who exemplify dedication to teamwork and friendly, fast service daily – largely contributing to our success. (Just ask Lasaro Palomaras, restaurant manager, who boasts of 14 years of dedicated service to El Rey!) I can state confidently that I truly have the best employees in town and our success rate could not have happened without them!”

With operating hours to accommodate both the working professional and the late-night social butterfly, patrons can enjoy breakfast (succulent breakfast tacos are a great way to start the day), lunch and dinner at El Rey. Pop in for traditional Mexican dishes (El Rey style, of course), soups and salads and zesty, healthy options (the Rotisserie Chicken and Grilled Chicken Salad – both hailed the best in town, by many). Yet, be willing to explore house specialties like the Cuban Sandwich, a variety of Tortas (Mexican style sandwiches) and the Special Ropa Vieja (three shredded beef “Cuban” tacos with flavorful cilantro sauce). Wet your palate with interesting fruit juices (you’ll love the cantaloupe juice) and cap your meal with a variety of coffee/espresso drinks and bakery options (the Cuban-custard flan will absolutely spoil you). ...All for the love of the flavor!

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

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

www.hickoryhollowrestaurant.com

LIBERTY STATION 2101 Washington. 713.640.5220

NOX 4701 Nett. 281.701.4248 www.noxhouston.com

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

HUGHES HANGAR 2811 Washington. 281.501.2028 www.hugheshangar.com

LUPE TORTILLA 1511 Shepherd. 713.231.9040 www.lupetortilla.com

FITZGERALD’S 2706 White Oak. 713.862.3838

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

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

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

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

EI8TH 5102 Washington. 713.880.3500

FOX HOLLOW 4617 Nett St. 713.869.2117

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

HICKORY HOLLOW 101 Heights Blvd. 713.869.6300

FIVE GUYS 3939 Washington. 713.426.5558 www.fiveguys.com

for more restaurant listings go to 002mag.com 78. september 11 | www.002mag.com

By Susan M. Bynam | Photography by Anthony Rathbun

WABASH ANTIQUE AND FEED STORE Urban Pickins Farmer’s Market is back – every Sunday 11am – 3pm Adoption event hosted by Pupsquad on the second Saturday of each month from 11am – 3pm www.wabashfeed.com

EL

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

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

WASHINGTON SPOTS...WASHI

SSQQ DANCE STUDIO Thrill the World is a worldwide attempt to break the record for the largest simultaneous dance to Michael Jackson’s “Thriller.” Thousands of people in cities around the world will learn the “Thriller,” dance and perform it together on Saturday, October 29 at 9am and 9pm. www.ssqqdance.com

EL REY www.elreycatering.com 910 SHEPHERD DR. | 713.802.9145 BUSINESS TAQUERIA + ROSTISERIA

PIZZITOLA’S BAR B CUE

NEWS

ZOES KITCHEN 4000 Washington. 713.861.9637 www.zoeskitchen.com

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

health+beauty

SALT BAR 4216 Washington. 713.868.5155 SAM’S CAFÉ 920 Studemont. 713.861.1109 SANCTUARY LOUNGE 2420 Washington. 713.861.7300 www.sanctuaryhouston.com SAWYER PARK SPORTS BAR 2412 Washington. 713.398.8442 www.SawyerParkHouston.com SOMA 4820 Washington. 713.861.2726 www.somasushi.com

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

CURA YOGA 1824 Spring. 713.839.9642 www.curayoga.com

TAPS HOUSE OF BEER 5120 Washington. 713.864.0650 www.tapshouseofbeer.com

DESIGN DENTAL GROUP 4500 Washington, #700 713.869.0334 www.Design-DentalGroup.com EGMA’S SALON 4620 A Washington. 713.880.8319

THE DUBLINER 4219 Washington. 713.861.2300

EXPERT NAILS 4120 Washington. 713.864.5525

THE LOT 4212 Washington. 713.868.5688 www.thelothouston.com

JOY YOGA CENTER 4500 Washington, #900.

713.819.9390 www.joyyogacenter.com

TQLA 4601 Washington. 281.501.3237 www.tqlahouston.com W GRILL 4825 Washington. 713.861.9933 www.wgrilltogo.com WASHINGTON DRINKERY 4115 Washington. 713.426.3617 www.washavedrinkery.com

WASHINGTON AVE PILATES 2203 Washington. 281.352.5791 www.wapilates.com

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

home

STAR PIZZA II 77 Harvard St. 713.869.1241 www.starpizza.net

THE COUNTER 4601 Washington. 713.966.6123 www.thecounterburger.com

SAWYER DENTAL 1919-3A Taylor St. 713.864.3993

MEMORIAL HEIGHTS DENTAL CENTRE 920 Studemont, #500.

713.869.0600 www.ddsforyou.com MEMORIAL PARK VISION 5535 Memorial Dr. #1 281.888.9256 www.memorialparkvision.com

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

ROOSEVELT 5219 Washington. 713.869.8779

BLISS DAY SPA 701 Shepherd Dr. #100.

713.864.8787 www.blissdayspa.biz

SATORI SALON 3616 Washington. 713.869.2444 www.satorisalons.com

ROSE TEAM REALTY 4720 Washington, #B-1.

713.880.8444 www.intownhouston.com

SABINE ST. LOFTS

REIGN LOUNGE 4105 Washington. 713.869.0404

CROSSFIT H-TOWN

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

BAYOU CITY SMILES 4000 Washington, #201.

713.518.1411 www.BayouCitySmiles.com

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

WEST-END PILATES

QUIZNOS 920 Studemont. 713.880.1401 www.quiznos.com

CURA YOGA

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

WASHINGTON SPOTS...WASHI

By Susan M. Bynam | Photography by Anthony Rathbun

September 11_002houston 8/18/11 8:00 PM Page 79

FOR ADVERTISING EMAIL JASON BROWN jbrown3891@002mag.com OR CALL 713.223.5333

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

FOR ADVERTISING EMAIL JASON BROWN jbrown3891@002mag.com OR CALL 713.223.5333

FOR ADVERTISING EMAIL JASON BROWN september 11 | www.002mag.com .79

September 11_002houston 8/18/11 8:00 PM Page 80

club+lounge review

By Clayton Graves Photography by Daniel Ortiz

h town really big door=come on in 5111 washington ave. | houston, tx 77007 713.868.1005 | www.htowngrill.com

THERE’S A DEBATE AS TO WHY THE FOLKS AT H-TOWN BAR & GRILL KEEP THE FRONT DOOR WIDE OPEN IN THE MIDDLE OF SUMMER. AND BY FRONT DOOR, I MEAN A HUGE ROLL-UP GARAGE DOOR, NOT SOME HOBBIT-SIZED DOOR THAT ONLY LETS A LITTLE OF THE A/C OUT. WE WONDER, DID THEY SPEND MILLIONS OF DOLLARS ON MARKET RESEARCH AND MONTHS OF STRATACTICAL PLANNING TO DETERMINE THE CORRELATION BETWEEN LARGE ENTRANCES AND INCREASED CONSUMER PURCHASE BEHAVIOR? OHHHRRRR, DOES IT JUST MEAN THAT IF YOU HAVE A BIG-ASS DOOR, THEN MORE PEOPLE CAN COME IN AND HAVE A GOOD TIME? BINGO.

NOTHING SAYS “YOU’RE INVITED” LIKE A BIG-ASS DOOR

Owner, Gene Monte wants the patrons of big H-Town to know that we’re ALL welcome at little H-Town.

“Washington Ave. is a vibrant community and we want to keep adding to that positive energy and help grow the business in our neighborhood.” And let me tell you, cousin, bidness in this neighborhood is a boomin’. I dare you to find a parking spot between Shepherd and T.C. Jester this weekend in the noche.

If you didn’t get the flyer, H-Town is the new offering from the creative, culinary minds that brought us W-Grill – our favorite fast food joint that ACTUALLY has great food. It’s that emphasis on the kitchenary delights that Mr. Monte wants people to remember about H-Town: “We’re a restaurant that just so happens to have a great bar.” And you can definitely tell there’s some cross-kitchen pollination going on here. Which is just fine with us.

The edibles come in two bountiful shifts – happy hour and dinner hour. Which means H-Town fills the belly for both pre- and post-drinking hunger strikes, inevitable during a night of revelry in this part of town. Some soon-to-be local favorites are the kabobs of the surf ’n’ turf variety, the trinity of tasty fish tacos and the big as yo face quesadillas. Oh, and when we say bountiful, the sandwiches are piled high with a ½ pound of deli meat goodness. I seen it with my own two eyes.

From the outside looking in, you could easily mistake H-Town’s exterior for just another H-Town icehouse. It has those rugged, metal building good looks and that indoorsy/outdoorsy charm we’ve grown accustomed to with our beloved casa de yellows. But, once you get a little closer, you see that this is no icehouse. No, ma’am, this is what happens when a minimalist-inspired interior decorator gets ahold of some cool warehouse space on this side of Washington Ave. There’s purposeful restraint that 80. september 11 | www.002mag.com

can be seen from the contemporary styling of the interior to the selective menu options. It’s that restraint that Mr. Monte hopes keeps

H-Town from just being a trendy bar of the moment, to being a staple in the neighborhood.

The space is what they call in the real estate market as “concrete cozy” (ask somebody, they’ll tell ya). Concrete floors, handmade bar tables by way of the welding shop next door and contemporary fans and lighting set this space apart from its neighbors.

P.S. Ladies, there are hooks under the bar for your paraphernalia and such. While enjoying your favorite mixed drink or beer of choice, you’ll notice that the music, much like the clientele, runs the gamut of personalities and backgrounds. From Willie, Stevie (Wonder and Ray), Poe and, I’m sorry to say, Coldplay to doctors playing dominos, Brits drinking Coronas and the girl that might be onto something in the fashion meets function world – her own koozie that matched her purse. I do appreciate the forward-thinkers.

Forward-thinking is also part of Gene’s plan for H-Town. Picture in your mind’s eye, an art night where the parking lot is lined with easels holding artwork from local and regional artists or maybe pooch-friendly fundraisers for our local dog shelters. “The space is adaptable and it’s my way of saying thank you to the city in the best way I can,” says Gene.

Well, Señor Monte, we like a good plan and are here to support.

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EVENT MARTINI MADNESS! WHY KICK-OFF PARTY WHERE ROAK ON KIRBY WHEN JULY 13 Upper Kirby’s newest hot spot, ROAK, played host to the Houston Center for Contemporary Craft Kick-off party for the annual Martini Madness! This year’s event celebrated the 10th anniversary of the Craft Center and was the hottest ticket in town. Martini Madness co-chairs, Alton LaDay, Libbie Masterson and Judy Nyquist, welcomed over 350 guests to the posh nightspot. Free-flowing martinis, bites by Soma Sushi and DJ-spun jazz set the chill mood for the hot summer soiree. Many guests lingered by the outdoor pool and cabanas in the middle of the club, which made for a fun and relaxing oasis from the heat.

Compiled by Pixie Ibañez + Ashley Pickett

Events / Photo Credit MARTINI MADNESS! Photography by Omar Mejia for lastnightpics.com FASHIONTINI Photography by Anna English for lastnightpics.com 3RD ANNUAL TNT DATE AUCTION Photography by Omar Mejia for lastnightpics.com

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Over a hundred glamorous girls, and a few gentlemen too, packed into Hotel Sorella’s swanky Monnalisa lounge for a runway show featuring sophisticated second-hand designer looks from Couture Blowout and Cheeky Vintage plus beautiful baubles from CITYCENTRE’s own Paul Carter Jewels. A portion of the proceeds benefit Country Playhouse, Houston’s oldest community theater. Social types on the scene sampled Grey Goose cocktails, bites from Bistro Alex and mini-cupcakes from SWEET. DJ Lewis Grell kept the crowd energized, and the first 100 guests also enjoyed swag bags with goodies from Flora & Muse, Studio Movie Grill, RA Sushi and Ruggles Green, just to name a few.

EVENT FASHIONTINI WHY TO BENEFIT COUNTRY PLAYHOUSE WHERE HOTEL SORELLA IN CITYCENTRE WHEN JULY 21

CHECK OUT ALL THE PARTIES IN HOUSTON @ 002MAG.COM EVENT 3RD ANNUAL TNT DATE AUCTION WHY TO BENEFIT THE LEUKEMIA & LYMPHOMA SOCIETY WHERE KUNG FU SALOON WHEN JULY 21 Forget those dating sites; date auctions are hot in Houston and more popular than ever. This fun and lively charity event was held at Kung Fu Saloon, the newest hot spot on Washington. Over 200 guests arrived eager to place their bids on more than 20 of Houston’s hottest bachelors and bachelorettes. Some of those up for auction included radio personalities, Aeros’ dancers, Houston Dynamo girls and more. Partygoers sipped on signature cocktails courtesy of Kung Fu Saloon and Sam’s Safety Equipment and nibbled on yummy Taco Milagro bites.

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September 11_002houston 8/18/11 8:02 PM Page 84

CHASE

recording

HAMBLIN

By Lance Scott Walker Photography Anthony Rathbun

There’s been sort of a universal summation of your sound, your influences and such, when people talk about your music, and you’ve gotten out and played these new songs live before the record comes out and you’ve seen the response to what sounds different from A Fine Time. What went into choosing the singles for the new album?

I’ve been wanting to put out the song “Beautiful Things” for a long time. In fact, it was supposed to be on A Fine Time, but we didn’t have the funds for another track. I think “Beautiful Things” is a nice segue into the new album. “Round and Round” is one of my favorite new tracks and has gotten a lot of response, so I thought it would be cool to put it out as a single too. It’s quite a bit darker and lays a lot on the line lyrically.

I ask because they don’t scream “pop song” the way some of the older songs do, even though they’re poppy. Is that indicative of the direction of the album as a whole?

The new album, VAUdeVILLE, has a different vibe intentionally. I don’t want to make the same album twice and I have lots of musical ideas I want to try. A Fine Time has a distinct sound due to the material and the fact that it was made by primarily just two musicians, myself and Derek Dunivan, multi-tracking and performing all the parts. This new album was recorded with my full band, Corey Power (of Ragged Hearts) on guitar, Geoffrey Muller on bass, Robert Ellis on drums and Jeremy Nuncio on piano, organ and keys. We recorded the backing tracks live to tape at SugarHill and then did various arrangement overdubs at engineer Josh Applebee’s home studio.

What you hear is a more

rocking, rootsy sound. The live energy really comes through.

This album is more “American,” I think, than A Fine Time, which is very “British” influenced.

How about the lyrical tone?

The lyrics are perhaps a little more biting at places than on A Fine Time, though there are also some ballads and love songs. I think some of my best songs are on this new album, lyrically speaking. There are fun, playful songs, songs of heartbreak and desperation, and then what I would basically term protest songs, like “Round and Round” and “Can You See the Beast?” The subject matter is similar to A Fine Time in that respect, a mix of what’s great and what’s wrong with the modern world.

Those are the subjects most on my mind and they come through in much of my writing.

I know you have a bit of a Vaudeville pedigree, but what inspired the spelling of VAUdeVILLE? As, I said, this album has a

very American feel to me and is inspired by my time in Texas playing with all different kinds of players from swing to bluegrass, gypsy to country, folk and jazz. The term vaudeville is thought to derive from the French “voix de ville” or “voice of the village.” Often these were satirical songs about topical subjects. In America, the term was picked up as “vaudeville” and used to lend some exotic respectability to what were formerly burlesque and saloon type shows.

I want to stress the history of the term with the title VAUdeVILLE, the voice of the city or village, while visually presenting it in a new way.

The musical lineage is apparent in many of the tracks, but so is the lyrical playfulness and satire. I grew up overseas and returned to the roots of America. My great grandfather, Harry “Ding” Hamlin (he dropped the “b”), was a songwriter in the days of vaudeville and so I feel I’m linking up with a bygone history with this title, as well as perhaps completing a circle.

No release date is yet set for VAUdeVILLE, but Chase’s singles will be available for download at www.reverbnation.com/chasehamblin.

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

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

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

HOUSE OF BLUES

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

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

002mag.com your guide to the best of houston 86. september 11 | www.002mag.com

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

galleria+uptown BAR 12•21 @ MORTON’S L F 5000 Westheimer. 713.629.1946 www.mortons.com BELVEDERE L 1131 Uptown Park. 713.552.9271 www.belvedereinfo.com BLVD 610 LOUNGE B+L 3005 West Loop. 832.875.3997 www.blvd610.com CLUB 26 TEN C F 2610 Sage. 713.974.4000 www.myspace.com/club26ten PAPARRUCHOS B F 3055 Sage. 713.212.3178 www.paparruchos.com PLANETA BAR-RIO C 6400 Richmond. 832.251.3178 REMINGTON BAR B F St. Regis Hotel 1919 Briar Oaks Ln. 713.403.2631 www.stregis.com/houston RICHMOND ARMS B 5920 Richmond. 713.784.7722 www.richmondarmsonline.com ROXY C 5351 W. Alabama. 713.850.0703 www.clubroxy.com THE BLACK SWAN |Omni Hotel C 4 Riverway. 713.871.8181 THE TASTING ROOM W •1101-18 Uptown Park.

713.993.9800 •2409 W. Alabama. 713.526.2242 www.tastingroomwines.com WILD WEST C 6101 Richmond. 713.266.3455 www.wildwesthouston.com WINETOPIA W 6363 San Felipe St. 832.858.1149 www.winetopiatx.com

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

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

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

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

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

DOGHOUSE TAVERN B 2517 Bagby. 713.520.1118

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

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

DOUBLE CROSS LOUNGE

002 night life

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

DOUBLE CROSS LOUNGE L 114 Gray. 713.526.3423

C

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

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

EPIC LOUNGE L C 3030 Travis. 713.522.2531

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

midtown

JUNCTION SB 160 W. Gray. 713.523.7768

montrose + shepherd

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

611 B 611 Hyde Park. 713.528.1582

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

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

F

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

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

September 11_002houston 8/18/11 8:03 PM Page 87

ICON KEY

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

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

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

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

CATBIRDS B 1336 Westheimer. 713.523.8000 www.catbirds.com

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

CECIL’S B 600 W. Gray. 713.524.3691

RUDYARD’S B F 2010 Waugh. 713.521.0521

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

SHERLOCK’S B F 1952 W. Gray. 713.521.1881

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

SIDEBAR @ GRAVITAS B 807 Taft. 713.522.0995

F

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

J.R.’s B 808 Pacific. 713.521.2519

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

LOLA’S DEPOT B 2327 Grant. 713.528.8342

THE NEXT DOOR B L 2020 Waugh. 713.520.1712

MCELROY’S PUB B 3607 Sandman. 713.524.2444 www.mcelroyspub.com

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

METEOR B 2306 Genesee. 713.521.0123 www.meteorhouston.com

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

MONTROSE MINING CO. B 807 Pacific. 713.529.7488

VELVET MELVIN PUB B 3303 Richmond. 713.522.6798

NUMBERS C 300 Westheimer. 713.526.6551 www.numbersnightclub.com

VINTAGE L 2108 Kipling. 713.522.4200 www.vintageloungehouston.com

ORANGE SPORTS BAR SB 1613 Richmond Ave. 713.528.4920 PJ’S SPORTS BAR B 614 W. Gray. 713.520.1748 www.pjssportsbar.com

ZIMM’S B L 4321 Montrose. 713.521.2002 www.zimmsbar.com ZIMM’S LITTLE DECK B L 601 Richmond. 713.527.8328

C

B

W

L

SB

LM

F

CLUB

BAR

WINE BAR

LOUNGE

SPORTS BAR

LIVE MUSIC

FOOD

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

outer loop 300 HOUSTON BOWLING B 925 Bunker Hill. 713.461.1207 www.300houston.com DENIM BAR B F 16090 City Walk. 281.275.5925 www.theburningpear.com FIREHOUSE SALOON C LM 5930 Southwest Frwy. 713.977.1962 www.firehousesaloon.com HUSH C 15625 Katy Frwy. 713.330.4874 www.hushonline.com THE DERRICK TAVERN B LM 1127 Eldridge. 281.759.4922 www.thederricktavern.com THE TASTING ROOM W CityCentre. 281.822.1500 www.tastingroomwines.com VINE WINE ROOM W 12420 Memorial Dr. 713.463.8463 www.vinewineroom.com YARD HOUSE B F 800 W. Sam Houston Pkwy.

CityCentre. 713.461.9273 www.yardhouse.com

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

KAY’S LOUNGE L 2324 Bissonnet. 713.528.9858

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

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

LIZZARD’S PUB B C 2715 Sackett. 713.529.4610

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

criver

oaks + kirby

SAM’S BOAT B 5720 Richmond. 713.781.2628

BAR MALATESTA B 1080 Uptown Park. 713.418.1000

SIGNATURE LOUNGE L 5959 Richmond. 713.636.2087 www.signatureloungehouston.com

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

SPOTLIGHT KARAOKE B 5901 Westheimer. 713.266.7768 www.spotlightkaraoke.com STEREO LIVE 6400 Richmond. 832.251.9600 www.stereolivehouston.com THE BAR B InterContinental Hotel 2222 W. Loop South. 713.627.7200 THE BIG EASY B LM 5731 Kirby. 713.523.9999 www.thebigeasyblues.com THE RAILYARD B 4200 San Felipe. 713.621.4000 www.railyardhouston.com

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

downtown

galleria+uptown

midtown montrose + shepherd museum district

outer loop rice village river oaks

+

kirby

warehouse district downtown galleria+uptown

midtown montrose + shepherd museum district

THE RED ROOM L 2736 Virginia St. 713.520.5666 www.redroomhouston.com

outer loop rice

UNDER THE VOLCANO C 2349 Bissonnet. 713.526.5282

warehouse district downtown galleria

W XYZ BAR B 5415 Westheimer. 713.622.7010

village river oaks

midtown montrose

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September 11_002houston 8/18/11 8:03 PM Page 88

Bea Here Now By Beatrice Allen

IT IS OUR FOOD AND DRINK ISSUE AND ONE MIGHT EXPECT MIND-BLOWING ANALYSIS FROM ME THIS MONTH BUT IN REALITY IT’S SAME OLD FOR ME. VENTURING THE STREETS, LOOKING FOR MY NEXT MEAL AND KEEPING MY FINGERS CROSSED, IT’S GOOD AND MEMORABLE. RESTAURANTS OPEN, CLOSE, MORPH OR REVAMP HERE ON A MONTHLY BASIS. WE’RE NEVER OUT OF OPTIONS AND THERE’S SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE OUT THERE. FROM LIKING YOUR MARINARA TO HAVE A BIT OF SWEETNESS OR NOT, LIKING YOUR PIZZA THIN OR THICK, YOUR BURGER SMASHED OR PLUMP, FLAMEBROILED OR GRILLED – FIGURING WHAT YOU LIKE AND SUPPORTING THOSE ESTABLISHMENTS IS THE BEST YOU CAN DO. AND JUST LIKE LAST MONTH’S HOUSTON RESTAURANT WEEKS, SOMETIMES DOING JUST THAT CAN GO A LITTLE FURTHER BY HAVING A PORTION OF YOUR MEAL’S COST DONATED TO THE HOUSTON FOOD BANK. (IF YOU MISSED IT, CHECK OUT THEIR WEBSITE AND MARK YOUR CALENDAR.) THIS TIME OF YEAR IS SOMETHING WE LOOK FORWARD TO LIKE A HOLIDAY. SO AT PRESS TIME, I’M HITTING AS MANY ESTABLISHMENTS INVOLVED IN THIS CAUSE AS POSSIBLE, GETTING A GREAT MEAL AT SPOTS THAT I WOULD NEVER GET TO TRY OTHERWISE. THIS MONTH, I WENT FROM FAST FOOD TO LIQUID LUNCHES DUE TO THE FAST FOOD BREAKDOWN, RIGHT THROUGH TO GOURMET MEALS. BON APPETIT!

TWO ALL-BEEF PATTIES, SPECIAL SAUCE, LETTUCE, CHEESE, PICKLES, ONIONS, ON A SESAME SEED BUN – PLEASE! MCDONALD’S 1405 Post Oak Blvd. 713.960.1733 www.mcdonalds.com I don’t eat fast food often but when I do this little jingle often comes to mind. It’s not a go-to merely because I know I’ll have to eat veggies and air for any other meal afterward just to feel ok with my indulgent decision.

Then again, it was my birthday. The best though, since I don’t eat Mickey D’s often, is when the food is actually made right. The cheese is melted, the veggies are fresh, and it’s hot. How can I feel bad when my Big Mac is made to perfection! Thank you, Mickey D’s “gods,” for looking down on my burger and making it perfect, especially on my birthday. I ate the whole thing plus the fries. It was a good day.

LIQUID LUNCH AND NOT THE ADULT KIND… SMOOTHIE KING 1923 Taylor St. 713.869.5056 www.smoothieking.com To actually make up for such an indulgent lunch like Mickey D’s one must resort to desperate but equally

88. september 11 | www.002mag.com

delicious measures.

Besides an extra workout, this new Lean 1 smoothie keeps me energized and full as a meal replacement or snack despite the fact that I’m drinking my meal. Lean 1 smoothies can be utilized along with a healthy lifestyle (aka exercise) to lose weight, get lean or provide a healthy, filling meal/snack on the go. A fan of their vanilla flavor, this hunger-busting, heart-healthy, lean-making smoothie also comes in chocolate and strawberry.

SOLID LUNCH AND HEALTHY TOO! DISTRICT 7 GRILL 501 Pierce St. 713.751.0660 www.district 7grill.com Always bustling during lunch hours, and it’s no surprise, District 7 offers an array of lunches to accommodate whatever you may have a hankering for.

Whether it’s a light salad bowl, a burger or a light wrap, your options are vast. All burgers can be made light be simply ordering your preference on Naan (like

a wrap) with a cup of soup instead of the bun and fries. I opted for the turkey burger, Naan version, with a cup of their vegetable soup. A turkey burger is sliced and piled with lettuce, tomato and their Dispread within the Naan forming a wrap. I get all the joys of a burger on a lighter scale without the comatose effect afterward.

MADE IN THE SHADE. SHADE 250 W. 19th St. 713.863.7500 A good brunch is by far the hardest thing to come by in town. I could fight the masses at Fountain

View Cafe, Buffalo Grille or Avalon Diner but I’d rather avoid the drive and wait. Ever since the closure of the Daily Grind, I’ve been grinding my wheels for my replacement. Shade is closer than most. With offerings like a pastry plate, waffles or homemade challah French toast to egg favorites like omelets, Shade eggs benedict to quiches, salads and entrées for the over breakfast, extra hungry types, Shade has you covered.

I’m in love with their pastry plate. Little minis of chocolate and butter croissants, bear claws, various Danishes and more are served atop doilies, making the presentation even cuter. The waffle and egg plate serves all your salty and sweet needs when deciding which way to go.

September 11_002houston 8/18/11 8:04 PM Page 89

cd reviews By Lance Scott Walker

BRIAN ENO Drums Between The Bells (Warp) The intersection of music and poetry doesn’t always work, and few can make it work in a way that doesn’t sound decadent (early ‘90s attempts come to mind), but Eno and poet Rick Holland seem to have been aware of that. Having met one another nearly a decade ago, the pair collaborated and kicked around the idea of merging their talents in this respect for nearly that long. Drums Between... runs the gamut of Eno’s magnificent array of genres under his belt without reverting to backing it with jazz (all too common for poetry-music infusions). Instead, Eno calls on what some would call his finest body of work: the ambient albums he released in the late ‘70s and early ‘80s. Lots of synths, lots of atmosphere and light hands on the beats, and the breathing room given to the words is exactly what so many infusions of music and poetry have been missing: space. That comes together most convincingly on “Seedpods,” one of the album’s many tracks that employ any number of unknown voices from Eno’s life (accountants, friends from the gym) that give Drums... a wholesome, unpredictable feel.

POSTDROME Never Without (self-released) It’s dead odd to listen to an ambient record for the second or third time around and feel like there’s a “hit” amongst the tracks, but it’s true on this one. The third selection, “Lakes,” has a piano part that sticks out among the static, taking over as a mood-setter for this atmospheric collection. More than that, it almost acts as a sort of vocal part, much like a lot of the growling synths shuddering below it. Postdrome is UK sound designer Charlie Floyd, and this is his debut. There are the characteristic growls you’ll find on many an ambient release, yes, and huge washes of static and noise and hums and the like, but there are also big, beautiful strings and cascades of melody that sound like they’re falling from the ceiling of a great room in which he recorded this all at once. This could be the soundtrack for any number of brilliant science fiction books that will hopefully never be made into a film. Well, unless Floyd makes the film…

SLEEPING BAG Sleeping Bag (Joyful Noise Recordings) It’s not that the current trend of returning to the sounds of early ‘90s indie rock is at all unwelcome; it’s just that for those of us who lived through it, we were kind of hoping that we were graduating from something. And maybe it’s not a real trend, for that matter. This record absolutely sounds like it ended up in KTRU’s new bin somewhere about 1993, complete with a WTF photo for the cover and band members who do not look the part of cool on any level. But that can be a refreshing thing sometimes, and while Sleeping Bag does take from a palette that can be (and has been) traced to the likes of Dinosaur Jr and Weezer, their colors are a bit more muted, a little less sharp around the edges. That is in part because of the fidelity of the recording here (though not to be considered lo-fi by any means) but it could also be in part because they’re just not trying too hard. Sometimes, that’s just what makes it work.

september 11 | www.002mag.com .89

Photography by Herbert Hochman

September 11_002houston 8/18/11 8:04 PM Page 90

EVENT A FIERCE & FABULOUS ALL-STAR SOIREE WHY PET SET KICK-OFF PARTY WHERE TOOTSIES WHEN JULY 13 Tootsies was overflowing with pet lovers who came out to show their support for Houston Pet Set, a nonprofit organization that helps abused, abandoned and unwanted animals through education and promotion of a variety of animal welfare issues. The fab event, hosted by Bruce Padilla and Shelby Kibodeaux, was totally wagging. Guests delighted their taste buds with tidbits by Jim Benton, sipped SlimRitas and hit the racks for a little shopping.

Patty and Don Murphy

Lindsay Love

Blake Barber, Lori Freese

Jennifer Roosth, Lisa Holland Nelson, Tracy Hendrix

check out more pictures @ 002mag.com

Hershey Grace, John Moritz 90. september 11 | www.002mag.com

Cindy Rose, Nancy Golden

Bruce Padilla, Linda Riehl

OO2CROSSWORD ACROSS 1. Plants with fronds 6. Red-wrapped Dutch cheese 10. French vineyard 13. Fisherman’s basket 14. It might go well with a dinner 16. That lady 17. Casual eatery based in Houston and featured in last year’s Food issue 19. Night of poetry 20. Like a restaurant not up to Marvin Zindler’s standards 21. They assist the chef in the kitchen 23. Rank of KFC’s Sanders 26. Like old Paree 27. Scottish estuary 28. Lack of interest 30. Peace pipes 33. Overturn 34. Hues 35. “Eureka!”

36. Bay 37. Gardeners’ concerns 38. Morel morsel 39. Put into service 40. Laugh-filled 41. Yokel 42. Like bellydancing 44. Those who prepare onions or

carrots 45. Converses 46. Lots of dough 47. Shaggy Scandinavian rug 48. Pointy beard 50. Impact sounds 52. Coffee holder 53. Dry spell in the U.S. and a topic of last year’s Food and Drink issue 58. Drink “for two” 59. Carbonated beverages 60. Hindu holy man 61. Shipwreck signal 62. Eye of ___ (“Macbeth” recipe item) 63. Chinese green tea variety DOWN 1. Org. that issued a fine for a memorable clothing malfunction 2. Memorable age 3. Sports “zebra” 4. Require 5. ___ of hand (magic) 6. Deserted 7. Small boat 8. N.Y.C.’s Park or Madison 9. They live in silos

10. Professional cook cited in 002’s 2010 Food and Drink issue 11. Coral formation 12. Coffee makers 15. Known as “heat” in some animals 18. Picture of health?

22. It spits out bread 23. Political powow 24. Go up against 25. Classy Mexican restaurant mentioned in our last Food and Drink issue 27. Keister 29. Golf peg 30. Abbey attire 31. Conjecture 32. Stuffed Indian pastry

By Scott Ward

34. Ankle bone 37. Rubbernecker 38. Egg holder, of sorts 40. Minty drinks 41. Language written in the Hebrew alphabet 43. Took a chair at the table 44. Smear 46. Early form of bridge 48. Moxie 49. Snack sandwich 50. Take out of the freezer 51. Corset stiffener 54. Poem of tribute 55. Bartenders check them: Abbr.

56. Cousin of “Eureka!”

57. Woman with a habit

AUGUST ANSWERS

September 11_002houston 8/18/11 8:05 PM Page 91

September 11_002houston 8/18/11 8:05 PM Page 92