Heights Magazine

The Village of the Heights THE ONLY SENIOR COMMUNITY IN THE HEART OF THE HEIGHTS

Located in the quaint, yet vibrant Historic Heights area of Houston, The Village of the Heights offers residents distinctive experienc es enjoyable for all. Whether it’s browsing local art shops, strolling through beautiful parks, dining at highly sought-after restaurants, or having access to nearby, high-quality medical services, The Village of the Heights offers a variety of activities and experiences that are enriching, enjoyable, and create memories.

Because our community is based on the idea that life is inherently valuable, rich, and downright enjoyable, we are focused on living life to the fullest. That’s why we offer a rich calendar of monthly activities and events. Our talented chefs prepare fresh, delicious, healthy meals our residents can enjoy in a cozy restaurant-style dining room.

We also value health and wellbeing, which is why we offer residents a variety of popular fitness classes, such as Tai Chi or Sit Yoga, and Fit Aerobics, and a walking club centered around our gorgeous grounds. At The Village of the Heights, we believe socializing is at the center of our residents’ lives. Our residents enjoy a lively, festive community that offers continuing education opportunities, including art, language, and cooking classes. Game nights are a hit featuring Scrabble, dominos, and mahjong, Sunday bingo, and more along with the always popular themed happy hours. And, for those looking for a little R&R, residents can catch their favorite flick at our weekend movie nights.

Residents at The Village of the Heights can choose from a range of living options to provide as much, or as little assistance as needed. From independent living, assisted living, and memory care, residents get the right level of support from our team of expert care associates. The Village of the Heights is committed to serving residents in a way that provides comfort and fulfillment. A place to Live Life Well®.

Visit for monthly events or for lunch to experience the com munity and a taste of distinguished senior living at The Village of Heights. Visit www.villageoftheheights.com or call 346-8005426 to schedule a private tour and lunch.

Imagine days full of possibilities in your beautiful new home at The Village of Heights Independent Living, Assisted Living and Memory Care. Enjoy delicious supportive living services, and innovative programs that will inspire you to be social & remain physically active. Combined with the added spectrum of care to your individual needs, you’ll have everything to Live Life Well®, no matter

Imagine days full of possibilities in your beautiful new home at The Village of The Heights Independent Living, Assisted Living and Memory Care. Enjoy delicious cuisine, supportive

programs that will inspire you to be creative, social & remain physically active. Combined with the added spectrum of care tailored to your individual needs, you’ll have everything to Live Life Well®, no matter your age.

and

Is the World in Flames

Media sites say the world and the US are on fire. We can attest that our world is in turmoil as we struggle to understand and feel the growing pains of a nation and a world where everyone doesn’t agree. The holidays and the New year should be a time to reflect and make changes.

We can all agree on many things, such as not wanting to pay higher taxes, whether part of our escalating property taxes in Texas or the growing myriad of other taxes in states like New York or California. However, we can all agree that we want safe streets and great educational systems to propel future generations. And as our sacred constitution provides, everyone expects free and equal elections. When we, the people, fail to accept the results of an election, it impedes us as a nation. It overshadows the hard-working people who devote their time and expertise to making our elections fair and valid, as our forefathers require.

My grandmother worked as a clerk at Montgomery Ward, and my grandfather was a hard-working welder. They were both sons and daughters of immigrants, were proud to be Americans, and held their freedoms and right to vote sacred. My grandmother was a dedicated poll worker all her adult life and was honored to fulfill her patriotic duty to help count votes. She witnessed many of the people she wanted to be elected win and, just as importantly, those she did not prefer. But the results were what was necessary. And how we accepted them even more so. The people had spoken with their vote, which is how our democracy works.

Parties evolve with sentiments changing again and again, but the will of the people must always prevail. In my lifetime, I have seen five democrats and five republican presidents. If you don’t like what is happening now, go vote but only question the results if there is a reason to do so.

We can argue over how much tax, where we spend our monies, and how long it should be before an abortion is unacceptable. We cannot, however, undermine our democratic system that, for over 200 years, has been the shining light in this sometimes dark world.

There is no doubt that this is a difficult time in our history, but with understanding and discernment, our freedom and democracy can and will prevail.

Val Arbona

RE/MAX

Dan

www.youngrealtyhouston.com

David Michael Young Broker Associate,

Carrie Ousley CIC, CISR

Sharon

Beverly

Genevieve Rowland REALTOR, MCNE, CLHMS Multimillion Dollar Producer, ILHM Keller Williams Memorial (281) 904-7014

www.rowland-properties.com

www.greaterhoustonluxury.com

Marilyn Arendt Broker - Owner Marilyn Arendt Properties (281) 433-9113 mma@castle2sell.com

Annie Farmer SRS, PSA, CJHS, CSE Keller Williams Platinum (832) 564-5694

www.houstonhousewhisperers.com

Barbara Kobza Realtor, CLHMS, Million Dollar Guild Keller Williams Premier Realty (832) 215-7533

Tammy Canon CHMS, CIPS, Platinum Agent Berkshire Hathaway Premier Properties (713) 898-7366

www.har.com/tammycanon

James Selig Broker Associate, CLHMS, CRS Keller Williams Realty Memorial (409) 256-1274

www.GreaterHouston LuxuryRealEstate.com

Mariana

Holly

Melonee

Adele

Natasha Carroll CLHMS, CIPS,

Natasha Carroll Realty (832) 428-3134

natashacarrollrealty.com

Ken

First Saturday Arts Market Welcomes New & Returning Artists

Houston’s original monthly outdoor art market returns for holiday shop ping on November 5, 2022, on the parking lot at 540 W. 19th St. The November edition features over 40 artists from the greater Houston area and Austin.

“Holiday shopping and the promise of cooler weather always maxes out the November and December markets,” market founder and man ager Mitch Cohen said. “I’m excited new artists were able to join us for these popular markets, like art photographer Leslie Natale who turned her hobby of 15 years into a profession, this will be one of her first markets.”

“Wood craftsman Ron Martel calls himself The Yankee Woodturner and creates intricately turned bowls, vases, and goblets, highlighting the unique nuances of each piece of wood,” Cohen said. “The holiday mar kets also bring out artists we don’t often see during the year such as Mag nolia, TX. painter Dana Spencer. Dana’s paintings cover many subjects but her whimsical, colorful style stands out, I love her barnyard animals and western scenes.”

Cohen, an artist and Heights resident, founded the market in 2004. The market has been on W. 19th St., since 2006 and today stands out as the only monthly, artist-curated outdoor market.

A complete artist roster, directions, photos and more is on the website, www.FirstSaturdayArtsMarket.com.

MUSEUMS

Asia Society Texas Center Through EVERYTHING SHE HAS Nov 13 WITHIN HERSELF

Through YŌKAI: SCENES OF THE Dec 17 SUPERNATURAL IN JAPANESE WOODBLOCK PRINTS

Museum Of Fine Arts, Houston Through THE SUGAR SHACK Dec 32

Through GORDON PARKS: STOKELY Jan 16 CARMICHAEL & BLACK POWER

Through PHILIP GUSTON NOW Jan 16 ’23

Contemporary Arts Museum Houston

Through TROY MONTES MICHIE: Jan 29 ‘23 ROCK OF EYE Through DIANE SEVERIN NGUYEN: Feb 26 ‘23 IF REVOLUTION IS A SICKNESS

AMOAKO BOAFO: SOUL OF BLACK FOLKS

Holocaust Museum Houston Through CHARLOTTE SOLOMON: Dec 4 LIFE? OR THEATER?

Menil Collection Through SAMUEL FOSSO: AFRICAN Jan 15 ‘23 SPIRITS

Through WALTER DE MARIA: BOXES Apr 23 ‘23 FOR MEANINGLESS WORK

Through WALL DRAWING SERIES: Sep 23 ‘23 MEL BOCHNER

Houston Museum Of Natural Science Special Exhibits TRANSCENDING AUDUBON

DREHER MATERWORKS1 BODY WORLDS & THE CYCLE OF LIFE KING TUT’S TOMB

THEATER

ALLEY THEATRE

Nov 8- A CHRISTMAS CAROL Dec 30

Through EDWARD ALBEE’S Nov 13 SEASCAPE

Broadway Across America Hobby Center Nov 8-20 SIX

Nov 8 through 20

STAGES REPERTORY THEATER

Through PLUMSHUGA: THE RISE OF Nov 13 LAUREN

Nov 24- PANTO SNOW WHITE AND Dec 24 THE SEVEN DORKS

Heights Epicurean Farmers Market

Every First Saturday of the Month

1245 Heights Blvd

Elanor’s Market

Sat and Sun 9 am until 1 pm 2120 Ella Blvd.

MUSIC & DANCE by Philip Berquist

Holiday Classical Music Returns Strong

Houston Symphony Orchestra

November brings some interesting program ming. The Houston Symphony will have Gemma New as a guest conductor as well as Camille Thomas as a solo cellist.

Born in New Zealand, Ms. New is the new ar tistic advisor and principal conductor of the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra and the principal conductor of the Hamilton Philharmonic Orches tra. She also is currently the principal guest con ductor of the Dallas Symphony Orchestra. Last year Ms. New received the Sir Georg Solti Con ducting Award.

Franco-Belgian Camille Thomas is truly a rising star and will be soloing in the Elgar Cello Concer to. She plays the Stradivarius “Feuermann” cello (1730).

The performances will begin with the U.S. pre miere of “Bride of the Wind” by Firsova followed by the Elgar Cello Concerto. The concerts will conclude with “The Planets” by Gustav Holst. The women of the Houston Symphony Chorus, led by Allen Hightower provide the subtle background effect at the work’s conclusion.

November 11-13, 2022

Next up, also in November, features Thomas Søndergård conducting and Lise de la Salle as piano soloist. Søndergård, from Denmark, has

just been named music director of the Minneso ta Orchestra and will assume that position next season. French-born de la Salle is another per former bursting on the world’s musical scene. She will perform the Schumann Piano Concerto. The concerts open with “Of a Spring Morning” by Lili Boulanger, and will conclude with Brahms Sym phony No. 3.

November 18-20 2022, 8:00 pm

Another holiday tradition continues in Decem ber with HSO performing Handel’s Messiah. Conducted by Matthew Halls, with Karina Gua vin, soprano, Krisztina Szabo, mezzo-soprano, Lawrence Williforn, tenor, Tyler Duncan, bari tone, and the Houston Symphony Chorus, Allen Hightower, director.

December 9-11 2022, 7:30 pm

All Houston Symphony performances are at Jones Hall.

Houston Grand Opera

HGO begins its winter season with a return of “El Milagro Del Recuerdo” (The Miracle of Re membering) with music by Javier Martinez and libretto by Leonard Foglia. This is a Christmas tale, originally commissioned by Houston Grand Opera, deals with life-altering family decisions to stay in Mexico or to seek a better life elsewhere.

December 8-18 2022

Sung in Spanish with projected English trans

lation. Performances at the Wortham Theater Center, Cullesn Theater

A special treat by HGO with its Annual Hol iday Celebration at Discovery Green. “The company’s Carols on the Green Sing-Along, Transforming the Human Spirit through Song,” to take place on Saturday, December 3, 7:00 pm, Discovery Green - Hess Deck. It will be led by singers from El Milagro Del Recuerdo featuring holiday songs in English and Spanish.

Saturday, December 3, 2022, 7:00 pm

Discovery Green - Hess Deck

Free

Houston Ballet

It is the holiday season and that means that Houston Ballet will be performing The Nutcracker by Tchaikovsky. Thirty-three times!!

Friday, November 25 - Dec. 27 2022

All performances at the Wortham Theater Center, Brown Theater

Final thought - I attended the Sunday, Sep tember 25 Houston Symphony performance with Music Director Juraj Valčuha conducting Joshua Bell playing the Sibelius Violin Concerto, and the Shostakovich Symphony 5. Bell and the Sibelius was stunning, but Valčuha’s reading and interpre tation of the Shostakovich was probably the best that I have ever experienced! His conducting and leadership skills are not to be missed. This is a most exciting new era for the Houston Sym phony.

Let me continue to hear from you at classicalmusicberquist@gmail.com

For updates go to www.houstonintown.com

The Community Artists' Collective celebrates its milestone 35th anniversary on Saturday, November 12, 2022!

The evening, which begins at 6:00 p.m. with a Private VIP reception, will feature works by widely recognized visual artists, performing artists, dancing, a silent auction, food and libations at the Decorative Center of Houston 5120 Woodway Drive Houston, TX 77056

For 35 years, The Collective has been the catalyst that provides inspirational and educational sources for artists and citizens so that they can use their talents and creative abilities to solve economic, cultural and social challenges in the natural and built environments in which we live, work and serve.

Join Us! www.thecollective.org

Urban Harvest Has Your Holiday Needs Holiday Harvest

By Marene Gustin

On any given Saturday morn ing, in the lot at the corner of Buffalo Speedway and Westheimer Road, you’ll find tents and stalls overflowing with local produce, fresh eggs and poultry, cheeses, and baked goods, alongside a few food trucks and throngs of shoppers. This is Urban Harvest’s Saturday Farmers Market, a gathering of vendors ¬— ranchers, fam ers, and food sellers — all from a 180 miles radius around Houston.

Over 30 years ago, two Fourth Ward activists, Deacon Malcolm McLemore and Deacon Jean Cameron, started a community garden in their neighbor hood along with Dr. Bob Randall, one of the founders of Urban Harvest. Their garden grew and grew. The simple act of growing food brought neighbors to gether to share recipes and seeds, to solve problems about crime and blight, and to eat and celebrate together. The seed that was planted by the success of this garden led to the creation of Urban Harvest seven years later. Since 1994, Urban Harvest has cultivated communi ties of gardeners, educators, farmers, and neighbors to launch thriving gardens and farmers markets. Today, the nonprofit provides support to over 160 commu nity gardens, school gardens, education and classes, and, of course, the farmers market. Which is a great place to do your shopping during the holidays.

“You can preorder your turkeys from, Tejas Heritage Farms and Three Sister Farms while supplies last,” says Tyler Horne, director of the farmers markets for Urban Harvest. “And if you want a great side to go with your holiday meals we have prepared foods from Moni ca Pope, Little Kitchen HTX, Craft Pita, Sally’s Persian kitchen, Blackwood Farms, Taha Spreads, and more.”

The Saturday market, which began in 2004 with just seven vendors, today has more than 100 sellers, and is one of Texas’ largest farmers markets. Original vendors such as Animal Farm, Atkinson Farms, and Wood Duck Farm, are joined by sellers of fresh Gulf Coast seafood, locally produced honey, flowers, chees es, coffee, olive oils, and prepared foods from baked goods to Indian dishes. The market is open year-round from 8:00 a.m. to noon on Saturdays and in 2020 the organizations launched its mobile market, bring fresh foods to underserved and food insecure communities.

But don’t just think about your own table for the holidays. A lot of the items offered at the market can make wonderful gifts.

“Some great shelf stable holiday gifts from the market include organic pecans from Rio Grande Organics, bonsai trees from Sugar Land’s Cabrera Farm, cajeta from Blue Heron Farm, margarita mix from A Casa, dried flowers from Addy’s Flower Farm, wreath from Animal Farm, and bean-bar chocolates from Xocolla,” says Horne. You’ll find the handmade wreaths available around Thanksgiving and the cajeta, a Mexican caramel sauce made with sweetened goat’s milk, is sold by Christian and Lisa Seger who also sell whimsical calendars and mugs decorated with pictures of their Nubian goats. The farm uses sustainable agriculture practic es and Animal Welfare Approved stan dards for their herd.

If you’re not shopping for a goat fan, how about a grow your own home mush room kit?

“Flying Saucer Farms sells these bag gies of what look like dirt,” says Horne. “You cut a slit in them, and you can grow

about a pound and a half or oyster mush rooms.”

Another good gift idea this season are the spice infused honeys, which Horne says are a big trend right now. But there’s one thing you won’t find in abundance this year.

“We used to say, ‘put a citrus in the bottom of the stockings!’ but this year Texas has lost a lot of its citrus industry.”

From 2020’s flood and hurricane dam age, to Winter Storm Uri in 2021, to this year’s drought, the state has produced less citrus than usual and often the fruits are

smaller. “I’d say we only have about 20 percent of our usual citrus,” says Horne. “I had six trees in my backyard and only one survived this year.”

Which is a shame since citrus tasting and buying orange trees are popular at events, like the upcoming Winter Fest on December 10. You can expect plenty of gift ideas, delicious snacks, those gor geous holiday wreaths, and even a photo op with Santa.

And, if there’s a gardener on your shopping list, you can get them the gift of gardening classes through Urban Har

vest, as well as a copy of Year Round Food Gardening for Houston and Southeast Texas by Urban Harvest’s founder Dr. Bob Randall. This 12th addition covers how to adjust food plant lists, planting schedules, and more for our warming climate. It can be purchased online at ur banharvest.org. And while you are there, maybe you’ll make a holiday gift to the community with a tax-deductible dona tion to Urban Harvest so they can con tinue to promote local, fresh, sustainable foods.

This charming bungalow overlooks a beautiful esplanade in the historic Norhill neighborhood. Original hardwood flooring, built-in storage options, and scads of natural light pouring through large windows and double french doors make this home stand out.

Samuel Fosso’s “African Spirits”

By Virginia Billeaud Anderson

In 1970, the FBI issued a “wanted” poster for Angela Davis. It made a hefty impact, so much so that in some respects it overshadowed Davis’ 1972 acquittal for capital murder and kidnapping and distinguished career as a university professor, international hu man rights activist and writer. The myth of a menacing subversive lingered after exoneration. Intrigued, Nigerian-based artist Samuel Fosso borrowed details from Davis’ poster to stage his photo graphic self-portrait “Angela Davis.” He put on a mile-high afro wig, 70s-style gold loop earrings and a dress. Black liquid eyeliner is an astutely observed, pen etrating detail by which Fosso, in a sense,

embodied Davis. Such photographs are the reason Fosso is called “a man with a thousand faces” and regarded as one of Africa’s most important contemporary artists. “Angela Davis” is part of the se ries “African Spirits” (2008) at the Menil Collection through January 15, 2023.

Conceptually, Fosso used his body and costumes to represent Africans and African Americans who rattled cages in the arenas of independence from colo nial imperialists and civil rights, or used celebrity to sabotage an oppressive status quo. Wearing a gold medal for instance, he recreated the moment Tommie Smith raised a Black Power fist during the 1968 Olympic Games awards ceremony, radi

AT

All Photos from the series African Spirits, 2008. Gelatin silver prints, 64 × 48 in. Courtesy of the artist and Jean Marc Patras, Paris. © Samuel Fosso

Samuel Fosso, Martin Luther King, Jr., FBI Mugshot

cal stuff back then. The Olympics oust ed Smith. To portray Patrice Lumumba, first post-independence prime minister of the Republic of the Congo, he wore a thin moustache and a white shirt similar to one Lumumba wore when arrested. Not long after he died by firing squad. The photos’ distinctive details, such as Martin Luther King Jr.’s Montgomery Alabama arrest mug shot, and Ethiopian Haile Selassie’s bald forehead and offi cious bearing, come from well-known, widely distributed photographs. A military coup whacked Selassie.

Here Fosso reflects on the idea of liberty as a moral imperative. Despite blow-back. And in some cases, even if by ruthless means. He said, “these fig ures were committed to the idea of free dom for black people in order to reclaim their culture and human dignity.” He “immortalized” them. He also dissects the power of iconic images and media manipulation. Celebrity as well. Also fashion and performance.

His grandmother was holding his

hand. They were moving. There was shooting. She took a jacket off a dead man and “put it on me.” Fosso (b. 1962) told us this at the Menil. He was six years old when the Nigerian civil war began. He witnessed atrocities, burned villages. I wondered if wearing a dead man’s jacket opened him up to inhabit ing another’s persona.

Hunger brought Fosso to Bangui in the Central African Republic. There in 1975 he opened a commercial photogra phy studio. He was thirteen. When not shooting engagement portraits, he pho tographed himself. Self-portraits assured his family in Nigeria he was well. “I am growing.” Western magazines entering post-colonial Africa revealed the cre ative possibilities of props, makeup and lighting. One photo shows a muscular beefcake in a tight shirt, another a cocky shades-wearing celebrity. Fosso exper imented like this from 1975 to 1978. Then began to work conceptually.

Things exploded in 1995. An exhi bition in Mali won him an award. He

Samuel Fosso, Muhammad Ali

Samuel Fosso and Menil Curator of Collections Paul R. Davis

won more awards. Offers to exhibit on other continents poured in. He had ex hibitions, and entered prestigious col lections in Africa, the Middle East, Eu rope and America, including London’s Portrait Gallery and Centre Pompidou. Tate Modern labeled his self-portraits “penetrative.” MOMA noted “intrinsic interest in studied self-presentation.” Germany’s Walther Collection hosted a full retrospective. Stockholm, Montreal, others. Fosso is in MFAH’s collection.

I’m watching Fosso smoke on the Menil’s sidewalk unaware that curator Paul R. Davis is introducing him, and thinking about some of his other series. “Memory of a Friend” (2000) for ex ample in which he photographed him self naked and vulnerable to personally identify with his friend and neighbor who was murdered by armed militia during Bangui’s 1996-97 burning and looting. In “Emperor of Africa” (2013) he reenacted Mao Zedong. Like weirdo Andy, Fosso understood that the fat-face Chairman was a universally recognized iconic figure, and transformed himself into Mao with costumes and uncanny makeup. The series examines propagan da posters, as well as post-colonial eco nomic realities. China is heavily invested in Africa. Imperialists continue to pilfer her natural resources. Africa’s “economic

independence must follow political inde pendence,” Fosso said reproachfully.

Fosso’s exhibition title is intriguing. Does he use the word “spirit” poetically?

Some people are attuned to unseen reality. Their boundaries between the phys ical and spiritual realm are porous. The Igbo of Nigeria are like this. They’re not weirded-out by disembodied entities, and spirits of the ancestors. Fosso is Igbo.

It might be pertinent that in 2018 when grabbing an International Center for Photography award he said on vid eo, “My body does nothing but trans

form a subject. A figure that I want to talk about. It has nothing to do with my body but maybe my spirit. My spirit, my spirit that follows the subject.”

Looking at the fourteen large-scale black and white photos put me in mind of something I read. Essayists detect a parallel between “African Spirits” and the Igbo ritual of costuming or “masquerad ing.” At its most trance-inducing, with drums and torchlight, the shamanistic practice manifests the spirit or ancestor invoked, for veneration, or more menac ing purposes.

Rose Rios

I help . . . . . . individuals find the appropriate level of care for their loved one based on specific needs, location and budget.

Samuel Fosso and Menil Curator of Collections Paul R. Davis

This association isn’t entirely con vincing. Although I am convinced that the leopard skin and beads he wore to refashion himself as his grandfather, a village healer, for the 2003 series “My Grandfather’s Dream,” imparted a deep psychic connection to the man he em bodied. “It’s a staging of the way of life I experienced as a child, a way of life that has since often haunted my dreams. Through my photography I interpreted what my grandfather wanted me to become: a healer and village leader. I did it to pay homage to my grandfather and to honor him.”

Fosso didn’t mention masquerading, but did tell us he was considered unat tractive when very young because of leg paralysis. Self-portraiture convinced him he was attractive. He lives in Nigeria with his family and works in his Paris studio. www.menil.org

Samuel Fosso, Miles Davis

Agricole Eight Row Flint Mexican Spirits Back BarPhoto: Agricole Hospitality

Samuel Fosso, Angela Davis

Samuel Fosso, Nelson Mandela

Samuel Fosso, Malcolm X

Samuel Fosso, Miles Davis

Interview with Shawn Kingsley OF HAUTE CHEF KINGSLEY

by Philip Berquist

In the summer of 2019 I wrote an article for Intown Magazine on my favorite brewery / pub in Houston, Baileson Brewery on Bissonnet, between Morningside and Greenbriar. Every day that they are open, Thursday through Sun day, various vendors / food trucks splendidly appear and serve steaks, pizzas, tacos, barbecue, the usual food truck fare. It is always excellent.

Lately, Baileson’s has let one particular vendor, Haute-Chef Shawn Kingsley, work each Sunday afternoon and evening. Let me tell you that Kingsley’s various fried empanadas and tacos are extraordinary. Kingsley works with his mother, Yvonne Kingsley-Wells, and what a powerhouse team they are. His business is really taking off and he now has an intern, Mao Cordo va, working alongside them.

A recent menu offered “International Fusion Tacos” such as Asian Pork Belly (my personal favorite along with the Jamaican Empanada), Barbecue Chipotle Chicken, Beef/Lamb Gyro, Fried Mushroom and Sweet Peppers and Jerk Pork Butt. Also “Haute Empanadas” such as Buffalo Bleu Cheese Chicken, Traditional Cuban Beef Piccadillo and Haute Mom’s 5-Cheese and Mac. Not on the menu that night, but my all time favorite, the Spicy Jamaica Em panada. Simply amazing fare!

I recently interviewed Kingsley for In town Magazine.

Intown: How long have you been doing the “traveling show”?

Kingsley: Mom and I have always cooked together, as a matter of fact it’s three generations from my grandmother to my mom and now myself. While they were holiday and home cooks I have al ways wanted to entertain and as a result of the pandemic mom and I decided putting the show on the road would be the most lucrative and self fulfilling for us. It’s been exactly two years now.

Intown: What is it like to be work

ing side by side with your mother?

Kingsley: The challenges are defi nitely present but at the end of the day she is my mom and I respect and value both her opinion and creativity. There are heated divisions during business hours but never does it spill over into down time. She is my best friend and my rock and working with her to accomplish the dream is the dream itself. I would say this is my “happily ever after”.

Intown: How did you come up with your menu?

Kingsley: I am a Detroit native and the culture there is much greater than anyplace I have ever been includ ing NYC. The various cultures includ

ing Lebanese, Polish, African, Greek, Cantonese and so many others were a part of the cuisine I was privileged to eat regularly. I was also trained by a Master Butcher Tom Thompson of the Chicago Beef Company and several oth ers including Master Chef, Iron Chef Mike Potowski, Chef Aliou at Shula’s Hyatt Regency and of course my mom and grandma. The menu is my desire to share my experiences with others through food and emotion. “I never met a dish I didn’t like”!

Intown: Is the menu the same at other places you sell at?

Kingsley: The menu is constantly changing but we keep a few items on ev ery menu for our food fan followers that have their favorites.

An order of three Asian Pork Belly Tacos!

Intown: Do you have expansion plans?

Kingsley: I would love a small shack similar to what Baileson’s was and is today but the market is so unstable currently. Mom and I are hoping to fin ish out the year with a 40% increase in sales over budget and a 100% increase in event bookings and catering over last

Haute Chef Shawn Kingsley, intern Mao Cordova (holding an empanada), and “Momma” Yvonne Kingsley-Wells

“Haute Mom’s 5-Cheese and Mac Empanada”

year. Branding and creating a buzz is im portant for us right now. This will help us in the next year as we start to look at expanding and maybe bringing on part ners. I prefer intimate settings where I can touch each client and make sure that everyone feels welcome and special.

Intown: Where else do you have reg ular days of the week such as Sundays at Baileson’s?

Kingsley: Mom and I also host a pop up at George’s Country Sportsbar in Houston’s Montrose on Fairview Street every Friday and we also find ourselves serving food for the holidays at Barcode Lounge with Manager Larry, Command er Chris and Bruce Cain for those that are without family. The menus are modi fied for both places and the holidays but still just as creative as our menus for both Baileson and Second Draught. (Intown - Second Draft is a new venture for Bail eson’s Sarah Pope and Adam Cryer at the ION, the old Sears building.)

Kingsley: It’s important for me to note that my mom and I are incredibly grateful for Sarah my sister, the owner of Baileson’s Brewing Company for giv ing me a chance when no other brewery would.

To say “thank you” is an understate ment for what has been the catalyst for all the success I have received and the momentum that has developed around my cooking. I call her my sister and she refers to my mom as “momma”.

She and Adam are family to us and we plan to be a part of everything they create and will allow us to share and be a part of.

Kingsley: My story as I call it is from “Haute Couture” after 20 years in the high fashion profile arena to “Haute Street Cuisine” today.

After years of working with women such as Barbara Bush, Susan Dao and the likes of Oprah Winfrey my true call ing and life’s dream is to work with my mom as I did with her mom as a child and the arena was a kitchen on Clover lawn Street in Detroit Michigan.

Intown: Stop by some Sunday and enjoy some amazing “Haute” food. You will not be disappointed.

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An order of three Asian Pork Belly Tacos!

Haute Chef Kingsley featured at Sundays at Baileson

DESIGN

Local Architect JD Bartell Now Global

Bartell’s first love was in historical preservation where he began in the Old Sixth Ward Historic District. He immediately established a reputation for restorations and remodels, working on 40-plus projects: including 10 house moves and restorations, building guidelines for the Old Sixth Ward Historic District, Houston’s first, and a model for many.

He received two Good Brick Awards from the (GHPA) Greater Houston Preservation Alliance for his recognition of the depth and breadth of knowledge about how to integrate historical architectural perspectives into the development of a growing city.

JD was appointed to two full terms of the Houston Archaeological and Historical Commission and left his third term when he was appointed to the Houston Planning Commission. JD is currently the Chair of the Board of Appeals to the Houston Archeo logical and Historical Commission.

This precise detailing of historically accurate architecture led to numerous large new projects in Houston neighborhoods with strict aesthetic guidelines, for clients who wanted houses that referenced many visions, from high-style French and Tudor to definitive Victorian and Arts and Crafts. JD has created custom details in cabinetry, moldings, and light fixtures, and has worked with area craftsmen to create Period-ref erencing interiors that reflect a keen understanding of the way people actually live in houses today.

The first commission of JD Bartell Designs: 1910 Decatur Street, 1998, Old Sixth Ward Historic District. Houston Protected Landmark-Bettie E Williams House, built in 1866. Home Renovation/Restoration for a private commission by JD Bartell Designs. This home received the prestigious Good Brick Award from the Greater Houston Preser vation Alliance and was featured in This Old House Magazine.

Years in Houston

Intown: Your recently designed home on Chilton sold for what possibly is the highest price per square foot in 2022. What is it in the design that made the house special?

JD: The residence at Chilton’s interior is designed around two main ideas, The flow of movement through the house and the introduction of light. The Exterior of the residence is designed to communicate with the architecture of the neighborhood but not directly mimic the classic architec ture of River Oaks.

Intown: Most homes center around the kitchen. What is your idea of a per fectly designed kitchen?

JD: Modern kitchens are best if open and bright with a connection to living spaces and the outdoors. Plentiful Storage is also of unavoidable importance. Many of my clients are choosing to supplement their main kitchens with fully outfitted

JD Bartell has worked on the planning, exterior detailing, and interior finishing of large-scale traditional architecture in eight states and DC, the Al Thani Palace in Doha, Qatar; projects in Dubai, UAE; and London, UK, as well as an entire permitted development in Beaucaire, France. Currently, JD is working on several projects in Vietnam including two corporate offices, a residence, and several highrise condos.

In all his work, JD strives to create a clean and delicate interior that seems to have evolved over time, just like the personalities of his individual clients.

An eighth-generation Texan and native Houstonian, JD Bartell holds a Bachelor’s degree in Interior Design with a minor in Archi tecture from the University of Houston.

Here are the excerpts from out interview with JD.

Butler’s Pantries or Cater Kitchen spaces.

Intown: Is there a particular room or area of the home that is underrated as an important design piece in the final project?

JD: I do not see spaces or rooms being ignored, I do see the emotion of the space being ignored. A home when designed well should feel connected from room to room, space to space. It is best to not get lost in disconnected social media images in the design. Create a residence that communicates uniquely as a whole.

Intown: Describe a favorite new idea in your design or is it more working and refining and recreating the historical buildings you relish?

JD: I do not design with the intent of recreating historic architecture. For the Chilton residence In River Oaks, it was important to communicate with the his toric surroundings. This creates peace and

connectedness. I try my best to look at each project individually and work proto typically into something unique for that project and client. Client’s in this market deserve new and non-repetitive designs. While many of my projects are tradition ally inspired, I do work on a diverse range of projects often including modern, con temporary styling.

Intown: What projects are you work ing on or what would you like to work on in the future?

JD: I am always looking for a new cre ative challenge, though realistically my as pirations for the future are to continue to be able to creative and design new things for my clients. I have always enjoyed all aspects of design and let my career direct me. This philosophy has led me to work on a diversity of projects around the world and introduced me to amazing people.

The first commission of JD Bartell Designs: 1910 Decatur Street, 1998, Old Sixth Ward Historic District. Houston Protected Landmark-Bettie E Williams House, built in 1866. This home received the prestigious Good Bri Brick Award from the Greater Houston Preservation Alliance and was featured in This Old House Magazine.

Homes by JD Bartell Designs: Left, 2148 Chilton Rd. and 1144 Allston St.

How to Combat the Rising Cost of Credit

By Evans Attwell Senior Vice President Frost Bank

After a two-year period of exceptionally low interest rates, the Federal Reserve has spent most of 2022 increasing rates to counteract skyrocketing inflation. And while these are still well within the normal historic range, significant rate increases tend to create an economic ripple effect – impacting everything from consumer spending to business development to the stock and bond markets. Aside from investment considerations, rising interest rates are especially noteworthy for another reason: borrowing money becomes more expensive.

Even consumers with a solid financial footing may use debt as a tool to finance important purchases, making the rising cost of credit relevant to everyone. While a few extra percentage points probably won’t put you in dire straits, it’s worth considering how higher interest could affect your personal financial decisions over the next year. Here are three money moves to consider.

ONE

Look into alternative financing. Think twice about selling off invest ments to make major purchases in cash. This could trigger capital gains taxes or derail other financial goals. First, talk to your banker to explore options like a personal line of credit or home equity line of credit (HELOC), which can still be obtained at relatively low rates.

a fluctuating rate, it might make sense to refinance those balances to lock in a fixed rate before the Fed raises rates yet again.

Before making any major financial decisions, be sure to speak with your Frost banker who can provide strategic counsel based on your individual needs.

Would you like to talk to a financial professional?

Contact Evans at 713.388.1367 or evans.attwell@frostbank.com.

Investment and insurance products are not FDIC insured, are not bank guaranteed, and may lose value.

THREE

TWO

Refinance variable rate loans. If you have an adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM) or private student loans with

Take advantage of the flip side. Keep in mind you’re not the only one paying higher interest rates. Banks now have to pay you more to access your mon ey, which presents some opportunities. For example, increasing the cash in your emergency fund or purchasing certifi cates of deposit (CDs) could help hedge against volatility in the investment mar kets.

Brokerage services offered through Frost Brokerage Services, Inc., Member FINRA/SIPC, and investment advisory services offered through Frost Investment Services, LLC, a registered investment adviser. Both companies are subsidiaries of Frost Bank.

Investment management services, financial planning and trust services are offered through Frost Wealth Advisors of Frost Bank.

Additionally, insurance products are offered through Frost Insurance.

Deposit and loan products are offered through Frost Bank, Member FDIC.

Frost does not provide legal or tax advice. Please seek legal or tax advice from legal and/or tax professionals.

WE’RE IN THE PEOPLE BUSINESS.

WE JUST HAPPEN TO BE A BANK.

Unmatched service. Sound advice. And peace of mind knowing your money is well cared for.

Now, how can we help you today?

Visit us at our River Oaks Financial Center, 2443 Westheimer or call at (713) 388-1059.

Market trends by neighborhood

Housing in Houston has experienced historic appreciation since the pandemic struck in early 2020. The average price of a single-fami ly home rose 11.6 percent in September to $414,776 – well below the record high of $438,384 reached in May 2022. The median price jumped 14.7 percent to $343,950, which is also below the highest median of all time, $354,100, reached in June 2022. The average price for a single-family home in Houston first broke the $400,000 mark in March of this year. The median price has held above $300,000 since May 2021.

Broken out by housing segment, September sales performed as follows:

$1 - $99,999: decreased 31.7 percent $100,000 - $149,999: decreased 25.5 percent $150,000 - $249,999: decreased 44.7 percent $250,000 - $499,999: decreased 11.3 percent $500,000 - $999,999: increased 12.6 percent $1M and above: increased 7.2 percent

“The Houston housing market consists of many concurrent trends,” said HAR Chair Jennifer Wauhob with Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Gary Greene. “The high end of the market continues to perform well, as is the rental market. But be cause of a lack of homes priced below $400,000, the market as a whole is slowing to levels we were accustomed to before the pandemic. The most encouraging news of all is the grad ual build-back of inventory, which should yield more options for con sumers going forward.”

Tanglewood Wooded Lot on The Bayou.

Does it Get Any Better.Than That?

The stock market is volatile, with lots of movement up and down, while the real estate market has proven steady growth over time.

Consider investing in this premium lot backing Buffalo Bayou in the Tanglewood Area.

Build and Enjoy Now!

Lot Available

M. Young

Source: David Young of Young Realty/Compass and Houston Association of Realtors

Cornhole Tournament for The Arbor School

What a success it was! Including donations received after the event, we raised $92k for The Arbor School. 100% of the money is going to their scholarship fund for families who can’t afford tuition.

Since The Arbor only collects about half of its operating budget from tuition, events like these are a huge deal for them. Most of the fundraising events they handle on their own. We are so thankful to be in a spot where people love us (and our son Jaxson) and are willing to come to hang out and give away their hard-earned money.

The special needs community is (unfortunately) often overlooked and underserved. I live in Tomball. There isn’t a school anywhere near us like The Arbor. In fact, there isn’t one outside the beltway. My wife drives all the way into town every day because of what they provide Jax. It truly is a special place.

Host of the event Jimmy Spiegel of Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management

Jaxson Siegel

Keith Rollins and Jeff Malone

Whitney GriffithAllison Smith

Ambre Pierce, Amanda Malone and Leslie Siegel

12803 Pinto Bond Lane

Presented by Brandon Warren Luxe Living Properties Group