Intown

The Village of Southampton LOCATION MATTERS

Imagine living in a safe and convenient community, with everything you need just steps outside your door. A place to relax, a place to explore, a place for all ages. The Village of Southampton luxury senior living community is the new centerpiece to the long successful, highly awarded Rice Village shopping district, restaurants, and entertainment.

This pedestrian-friendly area consists of over 300 shops and is located just a few blocks from Rice University, Hermann Park, the Museum District, and world-renowned Texas Medical Center. You will enjoy shopping the boutiques, concerts in the park and the fine arts. Stay connected to the energy of the performing arts, continued learning, and a rich and varied social scene that only Houston can deliver.

The Village of Southampton offers programs that keep you engaged with always something new to learn or do. It is a great place to meet new-found friends with likeminded interests who are just as eager as you to continue to broaden their horizons. Take off as a group on one of our many adventurous outings and leave the driving to us. Wake up to a dip in the heated pool or try integrating a new innovative exercise program into your daily routine in our state-of-the-art fitness center. No matter what exercise you choose, your health and wellness are our primary focus. Our community areas are designed with you in mind. Relax in the outdoor oasis with lounge seating, flower boxes and view of the Houston skyline. Prepare your palate for an exquisite dining experience as you retreat for lunch or dinner in our beautiful dining room. If you are on the go with no time for formal dining, grab a quick snack or sandwich in the Morningside Cafe. Enjoy conversation with friends and family while you unwind from a busy day of adventure with a glass of wine in the Owl’s Nest, our 18th floor lounge with unforgettable views of the city of Houston.

Once you settle into your new home at The Village of Southampton, the sounds of the city and hustle of the world seem to fade away. It is where you love the possibilities that each day offers. Sophisticated independent living, with assisted living and memory care services —The Village of Southampton is where you Live Life Well®. We invite you to come explore Houston’s best kept secret. If you would like to learn more about how The Village of Southampton can be your new home, call today to schedule a personal visit – 281-886-8891 – or visit villagesouthampton.com.

Turn of Events

As we have experienced the rapid rise in the price of eggs, so too has the cost of owning your home in Houston and Texas. With no state income tax, state income relies on sales and property taxes to fund the system. Roughly half of the total taxes paid by Texas residents are through a property tax based on a percentage of the value of your property. Of that amount, half of the property taxes collected go to fund the public school systems. However, post-pandemic has filled the state’s coffers to record surplus levels.

The Governor and the state legislature are trying to decide whether to offer property tax relief or invest more in the rainy day fund, our school systems, or something else. Some have proposed increasing the homestead exemption, which would provide some relief from the sharp increases in property values, and the amount homeowners are now paying versus just a few years ago.

Despite the incredible growth in the suburbs, the inner city neighborhoods still have seen the most significant appreciation in value and contribution of revenue due to the escalating prices of homes.

Our Houston inner-city neighborhoods we write about in this issue all have redeeming qualities. Whether the independence and schools in West U and Memorial Villages with their large lots and exemplary Memorial High School, or the Heights, which has seen the most significant turnaround in values over the last ten years, is now the wanna-be place for the younger generations. Tanglewood was once considered quite far out upon its inception 70 years ago and is in the middle of it all and wildly popular. Briargrove has been an up-and-coming neighborhood and still has many of the original homes built there.

And then there is River Oaks. The inner city’s crown jewel best defines Houston’s history and glamour.

When I first moved into the city from the 290 area many years ago, I lived in the River Oaks Townhomes that are still there today. My guests were greeted by a train they thought was coming through the house. I loved every minute of it.

HOUSTON METHODIST MORE THAN A HOSPITAL

One-Stop Access for All Your Health Care Needs

Houston Methodist in the Texas Medical Center is more than just a hospital. We offer a full spectrum of care, including:

• Specialty physician offices, imaging and labs

• Teams of experts using the newest technologies

• Personalized care tailored to your unique needs

• Six centers of excellence in cancer, cardiology, gastroenterology, neurology, orthopedics and sports medicine, and transplant

To find a doctor, visit houstonmethodist.org/more or call 713.790.3333.

Arts +

Museums

EVENTS

Asia Society Texas Center

Lain Singh Bangdel: Moon Over Kathmandu

Through May 28, 2023

Summoning Memories: Art Beyond Chinese Traditions

Through Jul 2, 2023

Contemporary Arts Museum

Houston

Where Do We Go From Here?

Through July 2, 2023

Ming Smith: Feeling the Future

Opens May 26–Oct 1, 2023

Museum Of Fine Arts Houston

None Whatsoever: Zen Paintings from the Gitter-Yelen Collection

Through May 14

Pipilotti Rist: Pixel Forest & Worry Will Vanish

Through Sept 4, 2023

Eye on Houston High School Documentary

Photography

Through August 11, 2023

Arts of Islamic Lands: Selections from The al-Sabah Collection, Kuwait

Through December 29, 2023

Impressionist & Post-Impressionist Masterpieces

Opens May 21 through Sept 17

Artupdate houston published every two weeks by houstonintown. For updates and more go to houstonintown.com and sign up for free updates.

Holocaust Museum Houston

In The Country Of Numbers, Where The Men Have No Names

Through May 15, 2023

Menil Collection

The Curatorial Imagination of Walter Hopps

Through Aug 13, 2023

Art of the Cameroon Grassfields, A Living Heritage in Houston

Through July 9, 2023

Si Lewen: The Parade

Through Sept 3, 2023

Hyperreal: Gray Foy

Ongoing Through Sept 3, 2023

Wall Drawing Series: Mel Bochne

Through Sept 23, 2023

Houston Museum Of Natural Science

Permanent Exhibits

Alfred C. Glassell, Jr. Hall

Cullen Hall of Gems and Minerals

Earth Forum

Farish Hall of Texas Wildlife

Frensley/Graham Hall of African Wildlife

Hall Of Ancient Egypt

Hamman Hall Of Texas Coastal Ecology

Herzstein Foucault Pendulum

John McGovern Hall of The Americas

Lester & Sue Smith Gem Vault

Morian Hall of Paleontology

Starke Hall of Malacology

Wiess Energy Hall

Welch Hall of Chemistry

Special Exhibitions

Death by Natural Causes

Trains Over Texas

Curator’s Choice:

Recent Acquisitions of the Houston Museum of Natural Science

Life in Stone

Microsculpture: The Insect Photography of Levon Biss

Tourmaline Treasures

Biophilia: A Dialogue of Nature, Art & Science

Music & Dance

HOUSTON SYMPHONY

Tchaikovsky 6

May 12, 13 & 14, 2023

Stravinsky Oedipus Rex

May 19 & 20, 2023

MILLER OUTDOOR THEATER

Celebrate Miller 100 Years!

May 12, 2023

For more events go to www.houstonintown.com

Sports

Houston Astros

Minute Maid Park

May

1st and

Saturdays 8am - noon 2752 Buffalo Speedway

1-3 San Francisco

15-17 Chicago Cubs

19-21 Oakland

29-31 Minnesota

June

1-4 LA Angels

13-15 Washington

16-18 Cincinnati

19-21 NY Mets

URBAN HARVEST FARMERS MARKET

UPTOWN PARK FARMERS MARKET

Struggling to hear each day, even when using powerful hearing aids?

Feeling frustrated and sometimes even exhausted from listening? Being unable to hear impacts your ability to communicate with your loved ones, hear in noisy environments and talk on the phone. It may force you to rely on others to help you communicate.

Cochlear implants work di erently than hearing aids. Instead of making sounds louder, they use state-of-the-art electronic components and software to help provide access to the sounds you’ve been missing. Houston area audiologist, Dr. Arun Joshi, answers the top 5 questions about cochlear implants.

Q How are cochlear implants di erent than hearing aids?

Hearing aids help many people by making the sounds they hear louder. Unfortunately, as hearing loss gets worse, sounds not only need to be made louder, they need to be made clearer. Cochlear implants can help give you that clarity, especially in noisy environments.1

Q How do I know a cochlear implant will work for me? Cochlear hearing implant technology is very reliable. 2 In fact, it has been around for 40 years and Cochlear has provided more than 650,000 implantable hearing devices.

Q Is it major surgery? No, not at all. The procedure is often done on an outpatient basis and typically takes just a couple of hours.

Q Am I too old to get a cochlear implant? No, it’s never too late to regain access to the sounds you’re missing.

Q Are cochlear implants covered by Medicare? Yes, Medicare and most private insurance plans typically cover cochlear implants.*

Are your hearing aids not enough? Do you:

□ Have di culty hearing conversations with your hearing aids?

□ Have trouble hearing on the telephone?

□ Feel people often mumble when they talk?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, consider speaking with local audiologist Dr. Joshi or a member of our team.

I worked very hard to speak and hear with hearing aids for so long, but I nally learned that with my profound hearing loss, the best hearing aid in the world was not going to give me the clarity in speech I needed at my level of loss. My cochlear implant has, so quickly, taken me to a new level of hearing. It’s like I’m reliving my life again.”

1. The Nucleus Freedom Cochlear Implant System: Adult Post-Market Surveillance Trial Results. 2008 June.

2. Cochlear Limited. D1932780 V1 2021-03. Cochlear™ Nucleus® Reliability Report Volume 20, December 2021.

Cochlear Hearing Center is owned and operated by Cochlear Clinical Services, LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Cochlear Americas.

Please seek advice from your health professional about treatments for hearing loss. Outcomes may vary, and your health professional will advise you about the factors which could a ect your outcome. Always read the instructions for use. Not all products are available in all countries. Please contact your local Cochlear representative for product information. The Incredible Hulk is a trademark of Marvel Characters, Inc. Lou Ferrigno is a paid brand advocate for Cochlear; however, medical treatment and health decisions were made independently by him and his hearing health provider. ©2023 Cochlear Limited. All rights reserved. Trademarks and registered trademarks are the property of Cochlear Limited.

CAM-MK-PR-626 ISS1 FEB23

Dr. Arun Joshi, Cochlear Hearing Center Audiologist

Lou Ferrigno Cochlear implant recipient and “The Incredible Hulk ™”

Se habla español

Real Estate Market Update

BRIARGROVE

by David Michael Young

The Briargrove subdivision was established in 1948 on the old Peckham family farm, which was miles beyond Houston’s city limits at the time. While most of the original 1-story, ~2,000 SF single-family homes have been renovated, many have been torn down to make way for much larger 2-story homes that compete with the estates in nearby Tanglewood.

At the heart of this neighborhood of approximately 900+ homes is the blue-ribbon Briargrove Elementary School,

HEIGHTS

by Rich and Amanda Anhorn

The Heights, a diverse small-town community “Inside the Loop,” was developed in the 1890s by its founders Oscar Martin Carter and Daniel Denton Cooley, who were the principles of the Omaha and South Texas Land Company. These midwestern investors were drawn to the area’s higher elevation and purchased 1,700 acres of land. With electrification, the developers could expand further from downtown Houston using the city’s street car system. The Heights became the city’s first large, planned community and existed separate from Houston before its annexation in 1918.

Today the Heights has much to offer its residents, including one of Houston’s grandest boulevards, home of a 3-mile walking trail, majestic trees, and public art sculptures. The Height’s architecture ranges from Texas Victorians, turn-ofthe-century bungalows, and new development. Other amenities the Heights offers are exemplary schools, acres of parks, miles of trails, an exploding restaurant scene, live entertainment, antique stores, and offbeat boutiques. In recent years, portions of the Heights have been des-

which is one of the major draws for families moving to this neighborhood. Other benefits enjoyed by Briargrove residents are the community pool, clubhouse and play area, and 24/7 courtesy patrol service.

According to HARMLS, sales of single-family homes in Briargrove were significantly down in the first quarter of 2023, with just 8 homes sold, as compared to 20 sales in the first quarter of 2022. The 8 home sales ranged from $510,000 to $1,005,000 and averaged $782,000 ($368/SF) – 10.5% higher (on a $/SF basis) than 1Q2022.

ignated as historic, which has preserved the neighborhood’s original character.

A recent CNN survey ranked the Heights as the country’s #4 big city neighborhood. Single-family homes range from $325,000-2,400,000, with standard lot sizes ranging from 4,400 square feet up to 7,500 square feet or larger in some cases. The amount of single-family sales for 2022 was over 1,260 transactions, with an average price per square foot of $305. Lots are still in high demand and becoming scarce in the Heights, with prices ranging from $155,000 to $1,325,000 with an average price of around $73 a square foot. In 2022, 42 lots were sold.

MEMORIAL

by Genevieve Rowland

Memorial area has always been one of the most desirable areas in Houston to live and invest in real estate. In 1996, when I purchased my first house, I was ecstatic to get a 6.5% interest rate! I refinanced a few years later to just above 3%. My house is now worth almost four times what I paid for it.

Boasting picturesque tree-lined streets, award-winning schools, acclaimed restaurants, shopping, and some of the best medical facilities in the world, the Memorial Area holds its value. Having grown up in the area

and attending Hunter’s Creek Elementary, where my Aunt Genevieve also attended, it was one of the happiest times of my life. These neighborhoods have minimal commercial intrusion, with many lots ranging from ½ acre to 3 to 4 acres each.

According to the HARMLS market there were 191 sales of single-family homes in 2022 throughout the four villages South of I-10 (up approximately 80 homes over 2021). The supply was low, which helped set record sales. The low was $750,000 (over $100,000 in 2021), and a high of $9,350,000 on 12/31/2022!

The Luxury market this past year was solid. After slowing toward the end of the year with a 33% year over year in total sales decline from February 2022 to February 2023, the average sales price of homes in The Villages increased from $420.74 to $438.31.

With the discerning buyer expecting more from their homes, the changing working environment, and people wanting an overall high quality of work/ home lifestyle experience, now more than ever, The Villages can deliver!

RIVER OAKS

by David Michael Young

As you drive north on Kirby Dr from San Felipe St, it becomes immediately evident that you have entered Houston’s premier neighborhood of River Oaks. The 10,000+ SF estates lots that are ½ to 2 acres would impress visitors from anywhere on the planet. And those are not the most impressive of the homes in River Oaks. For those, we need to drive down River Oaks Blvd, Inwood Dr, and Lazy Lane west of Kirby.

With a buy-in price of $1 million and previous non-MLS sales in excess of $30 million, this genteel neighborhood is home to many of Houston’s wealthiest families. Established in the 1920s by Houston’s famous Hogg family and anchored by the exclusive River Oaks Country Club, the River Oaks subdivision of roughly 1,300 homes was primarily built in the 1920s and 1930s. Most of these homes were designed and built by renowned architects and build-

TANGLEWOOD

by Cynthia Wolff

ers, and have been preserved over the years by consecutive owners. There is also plenty of newly constructed homes in River Oaks.

Many of the highest priced homes are not listed in MLS, but according to HARMLS, there were 25 sales of single-family homes in the River Oaks Area (including Tall Timbers, Homewood, Royden Oaks, and Avalon Place) in the first quarter of 2023 ranging $1,067,000 to $10,500,000 and averaging $3,607,000 ($602/SF) – $1/SF higher than the same period in 2022.

Tanglewood is one of Houston’s premier residential neighborhoods in the Uptown area. It was developed in the 1950s by William Giddings Farrington and designed by renowned architect John F. Staub. Farrington built a community close to the energy corridor yet far enough from the hustle and bustle of downtown. It is known for its large, tree-lined lots and beautiful new and remodeled homes. As a native Houstonian who grew up in the Tanglewood area, I enjoyed watching the redevelopment.

Tanglewood is a thriving community, continuing to attract affluent residents who appreciate the convenient location near major highways and The Galleria. Tanglewood is also home to the Houston Country Club. Real estate in the neighborhood consists of single-family homes. Tanglewood Boulevard is a tree-lined boulevard from Chimney Rock to San Felipe. Tanglewood Boulevard is popular with joggers, walkers, cyclists, and community events.

Tanglewood Real Estate Overview

• Currently, there are eight active listings for sale in Tanglewood.

• The average sales price of the homes on the market is $3,160,250.

• The average size of the homes in the Tanglewood neighborhood is 5,439 square feet.

• The median lot size in Tanglewood is 16,500 square feet.

• Tanglewood has two homes for lease with an average rent of $21,250 per month and $2.29 per square foot.

• In 2022, 36 homes sold for an average sales price of $2,901,245, an increase in the sales price of 9.5% over 2021.

(Above numbers are from the Houston Association of Realtors 4-28-2023) Tanglewood continues to stand as a shining example of a wellplanned residential community.

Photo compliments of Cynthia Wolff

WEST U

by Melinda Dawes Ewing

Nestled just to the west of Rice University, West University Place is one of the most desirable neighborhoods in Houston. Stretching just over 2 miles, West U retains its small-town feel in the middle of a big city. Developed in 1917, the neighborhood still exhibits some of the original bungalow designs but mostly has made way for newer construction. West University has shown some of the strongest appreciation in land value over the past 20 years in the city of Houston. Contributing to its appeal are its exemplary West University Elementary School and a West U seniors program.

The City of West University also has its own police department, fire department, and mayor.

Most commonly known for its street names – resembling universities across the country, the neighborhood has strong educational ties. This makes the “Neighborhood City” an ideal spot for living, working and raising a family. The community manages its neighborhood parks, pools, recreation center, library, and more.

West U/Southside Market Update

1st Quarter 2023

Median Price versus 2022 Up 17%

Number of Units Sold Down 14%

Total Units Sold 49

Median Price $1.5 M

Keller Williams Realty Metropolitan (832) 338-4040

www.uptownrealestategroup.com

www.youngrealtyhouston.com

Lake Conroe Specialist Coldwell Banker Realty (713) 569-2113

www.lakeconroebeverlysmith.com

Carrie

CIC, CISR Luxury Home Insurance (281) 224-0762

www.carrieousley.com

David Michael Young Broker Associate, CLHMS, CNE, GREEN Compass RE Texas (713) 320-6453

Ousley

Beverly Smith CLHMS

Mariana Saldana Broker Associate

Genevieve Rowland

REALTOR, MCNE, CLHMS

Multimillion Dollar Producer, ILHM Keller Williams Memorial (281) 904-7014

www.rowland-properties.com

Marilyn Arendt Broker - Owner Marilyn Arendt Properties (281) 433-9113

mma@castle2sell.com

Annie & Kenney Dillard

SRS,CNE,PSA,CLHMS,CSE Dillard Realty Team 832-564-5694

DillardRealtyTeam.com

Sharon Yeary Broker, ABR, CNHS, CRNH CRB, CRS, ePRO, GRI, RENE, SRES, SRS, TACS Sharcom Realty (832) 388-9945

www.SharcomRealty.com

Debra Osborn Camino CLHMS, CIPS, ABR, CNE eXp Realty (713) 397-3867

Debra@DebraSoldIt.com

Herma Hayes

GRI, CDPE, ABR, CSSN RE/MAX Universal (281) 217-5481

www.har/hermahayes.com

|

List Price $2,099,000 | MLS# 88856770

Architectural Digest meets Veranda Magazine. A luxurious little slice of Heaven with designer accents in practically New Construction. Massive 22' Island and palatial primary suite inside and outside your resort-style pool with an expansive backyard. Award-winning schools and parks.

Genevieve Rowland | Keller Williams | 281-904-7014

505

| EaDo

List Price $589,000 | MLS# 88348494

Amazing opportunity to own rare penthouse condo in EaDo with panoramic view of Downtown above the tree line from large balcony or through 2-story floor-to-ceiling windows. Walk to Minute Maid Park, Dynamo’s Stadium, Discovery Green & Toyota Center plus lots of popular bars/restaurants in EaDo, and Metrorail. Ample guest parking and pool. David M. Young | Compass RE Texas | 713-320-6453

2 Legend Lane

Frostwood

Bastrop #504

Broker

Associate, Platinum Agent, CLHMS, CIPS, MCNE, C2EX, TRLP, ABR, TAHS, SRES, ePro, GREEN, PSA, SMP Advocates Real Estate Group (832) 848-0101 advoreal.com

Broker Associate

CRP, CLHMS, CNE Keller Williams Memorial (713) 465-4646

www.movinghouston.com

167 Victoria Dr E | Bentwater

List Price $825,000 | MLS# 734053759496377

Beautiful Executive home located in the Country Club Community of Bentwater on Lake Conroe. This home offers 4 Bedrooms, 4 Full Baths, 2 Car Garage with a 3rd Golf Cart Bay.

Beverly Smith | Coldwell Banker Realty | 713-569-2113

Elisa Hanson-Linton

Platinum Agent

Veteran Owned and Operated Compass Concierge (832) 474-0746

https://www.compass.com/concierge/elisa-hanson-linton/

Tara Anderson

Platinum Agent, CLHMS, CNE, MRP, SRS, SRES Keller Williams Memorial (713) 202-4101 www.har.com/tarakordula

List Price $1,050,000 | MLS# 14680197

Build your home on this 30,000+ SF lot overlooking Buffalo Bayou on a premier street very close to Memorial Park, Uptown Park and The Houstonian Club. Paid patrol on street, but no HOA.

David M. Young | Compass RE Texas | 713-320-6453

Natasha Carroll CLHMS, CIPS, SRS, MRP Broker/Owner

Natasha Carroll Realty (832) 428-3134 natashacarrollrealty.com

Ken Jacobson

CMPS NMLS# 215044 Branch Manager Republic State Mortgage (281) 369-5535

www.kenjacobson.com

Melonee Piperi

Bincy Jacob

242 Pine Hollow Ln | Pine Hollow / Tanglewood Area

FRATELLI’S

Always fresh, always first class

by Marene Gustin

Looking for some great pasta, a sip of a delicious Tuscany red wine, and maybe listening to some live music in a piano bar?

Fratelli’s has all that; it even has a fascinating piece of Houston history.

Owner Barbara Marquis knows her way around a restaurant and has created a world of beautiful yet comfy décor, mouthwatering menus, entertainment, and a true neighborhood gathering spot in Memorial.

“My family had restaurants when I was very young,” says Marquis. “El Patio and Loma Linda, both Mexican food. I started as a bus girl when I was just ten years old. In the 1980s the family split up, and most of the restaurants were sold.”

But those work experiences never left her.

“At that point, I knew everything about the daily running of the operation but nothing about P&Ls (profit and loss statements),” she says. “So, I went to work at Landry’s. My first job at Landry’s was at the Cadillac Bar ‘You are never too far from the Cadillac Bar ‘ We made a club and did big banquets.”

She went on to Las Vegas and the Golden Nugget casino. But, she says, all Texas girls have to come back to Texas, so she soon wound up at the Downtown Aquarium. After 13 years with Landry’s properties, she felt she had a great education on the business of the hospitality industry and started counting her own pennies, with a dream of opening her own place one day.

In 2010 she opened Fratelli’s in Spring Branch. There were a lot of reasons she chose that restaurant, but one, in particular, was that it was a perfect fit for a piece of Houston history, a piece that was part of her own childhood.

“While looking at what restaurant to buy I came across the bar from the Shamrock Hotel,” Marquis says. As any Houston history buff knows, the Shamrock Hotel was the lap of luxury. Built by wildcat oil tycoon Glenn H. McCarthy (the real-life model for James Dean’s character Jett Rink in Giant) and opened with true Hollywood hoopla in 1949 on the site of what is now part of the Texas Medical Center, the 18-story, 1,100room hotel was nicknamed the Houston Riviera. It was known for its fan-shaped pool — a 165-foot-long pool known for hosting celebrities and water-skiing exhibitions.

“That restaurant was closing, and everything in it was for sale,” noted Marquis. Including a gorgeous vintage bar. An original bar from the Shamrock Hotel.

“When I was a kid, I went swimming at the Shamrock Hilton,” Marquis says. “Never thought I would ever own such a magnificent bar from there. Now we have music every weekend at the Shamrock Bar. We have an older crowd, so I hear many stories of the movie stars, proms, and weddings held there in the glory years starting from the 1950s. I bought the bar before I had a restaurant to put it in, just hoping it would work out and it did!

“Now we have been here for 13 years,” says Marquis. “We have chefs from all over the city and are very proud of what we have created here. We have the bakers from Ashland House, staff from the great chef Mark Cox’s restaurant, and many more fine restaurants in Houston.”

If you drop in for dinner, you can start off with the chipotle glazed fresh quail or roasted crab cake and corn pudding, move on to a Neapolitan stone oven pizza, delicious pasta, or one of the house specialties such as melt-in-yourmouth beef tenderloin or the roasted

rosemary chicken. Of course, Marquis has her own favorites.

“My favorite dishes are the redfish, the Chilean sea bass, the veal piccata, and the truffle pasta.”

Whatever you order, chances are you’ll be back for more.

The story began as a quest to create the perfect boxer short. We viewed it as locating the perfect home for the family jewels. It needed to be a custom home, handmade, including a spacious ballroom with full seating and a sturdy front entrance so that no one slips out unexpectedly. This home should be built with the finest 400 thread count Pima cotton with virtually no shrinkage (on our part).

These boxers have been personally tried and tested for over 5 years on family, friends, acquaintances and a few rock stars. enjoy your First

So behold, we present to you the “royal highnies”, the only place that deserves to house the family jewels.

Experienced Designer Uses Math and Art for Timeless Spaces

Designer Jessicah Kolter was born and raised just south of Detroit, Michigan, where her parents both were raised and worked as nurses. Although the medical field was close to home, Ms. Kolter realized early on that she loved creating beautiful spaces. In school, she excelled in both mathematics and art, and this sparked a drive to utilize both of these skills. This passion drove her to enroll in the Interior Design program at Michigan State University. The Interior Design College is a CIDA-accredited program, which sets it apart from many design schools and allows it to be selected for enrollment. Upon completion of her degree, Ms.Kolter went on to work in Design Sales while studying for the NCIDQ Exam, a licensing exam for Interior Designers.

After receiving her certification, Kolter worked at a commercial architecture firm in the Washington D.C. area specializing in government-sensitive compartmented information facility (SCIF) spaces, Google facilities, and other types of commercial spaces. Kolter became active in trying to better her community, which drew her to join the Loudoun Preservation Society, where she was recognized as one of Loudoun Counties 30 under 30 young professionals to watch. While working there, she met her now husband, Evan, who was working as a financial consultant. They lived in the D.C. area for a couple of years before relocating for his work to Toronto, Ontario.

Where she worked for a high-end residential interior design firm and was mentored by one of Toronto’s top designers, after five years in Toronto, Kolter and her husband moved to Philadelphia, where she started her own design firm. She joined the Washington Square Civic Association to volunteer to be a part of the community and help keep the historic block clean. Later after moving to Philadelphia, she and her husband welcomed a baby boy, Jack. After about 3 years in the Philadelphia area, her family relocated to Houston, where she has been an active member of the architectural committee in her neighborhood and volunteers with her son’s sports.

Intown: With the trends constantly changing, how do you design to be more timeless?

Kolter: I have a great appreciation for classic architecture and design. When there are classic details such as moldings, trim, and cabinetry done in a way that reflects history, it’s easy to embellish the timeless elements with more fun trends such as tile, light fixtures, and hardware. The “bones” will give the home a classic aesthetic, while the fixtures and furnishings can be more edgy to play up trends. It’s easy to change out a light fixture or furniture piece in a few years without enduring a major renovation. This allows for the home to be contemporary yet classic all at the same time.

Intown: What are some of the new latest and more long-lasting trends?

Kolter: Some of the newest and most long-lasting design trends are curves, arches, and organic shapes. We’ve long seen the hard square lines in homes, but now, it’s all about adding softness with an arched entry or window. Playing up softness with curved sofas or chairs and adding elements of organic lines with playful shapes of mirrors and tables. It adds personality and creates whimsy interiors.

Intown: What part or parts of the house do you consider most important in looking for home value or saleability?

Kolter: It’s no secret that the kitchen is

the heart of the home, and I feel this space truly reflects the home. It’s the space we spend the most time in, whether it’s entertaining, cooking for our family or just enjoying a cup of coffee alone, we all spend endless hours in the kitchen. It should be inviting, incorporate some natural light, offer tons of storage, and have a strong focal feature. Open concepts are highly desirable, encouraging us to entertain and draw family near.

Intown: How much do you incorporate visual and tactile textures in your design?

Kolter: Textural interest is a MUST in every design. It can make or break a design. You need to have a variation of textures and tones, and the scale of each should complement each other. This gives the space a more interesting feel. You may not even realize what draws your eye to your favorite space in the city, whether it be a coffee shop, restaurant, or spa, but I guarantee each space has something in common, they have a great mix of tactile textures make them shine. The same is true in your home. We add texture in so many ways, for example, with tile, wallpaper, natural woods, and furnishings.

Intown: What types of cabinet updates are you making and recommending for clients?

Kolter: I’m in love with natural wood cabinetry at the moment. Doing white oak or walnut cabinetry is a great way to create

a warm, inviting space. I also find that doing drawers over cabinet doors has become one of my design staples. Not only do we find them aesthetically pleasing, but they are highly functional and make for spaces that are easy to access and keep spaces tidy.

Intown: Why is it important to hire a professional?

Kolter: Making design decisions is overwhelming, and making them in hast can be extremely costly when it comes to making mistakes. Design professionals offer expertise in this area, they know how to explain the pros and cons of each decision. They have experience and can help educate so that you aren’t just choosing from an assortment of finishes at showrooms but can explain how it wears, maintenance, style trends, and how each item will impact the look and feel. Also, we take the time to show you scale drawings and take the guessing game out of design. Making sure you maintain proper clearances and have ample storage and lighting are some key design points we often correct. But mostly, it’s so that you can enjoy the process, design should be fun! That is what we are here for, to take the pressure off the client so they can enjoy seeing the transformation, its the best part of my job.

Jessicah Kolter Interior Design 609.820.3717

kolterdesign.com

I n S earch of the P erfect

By the Hon. Philip Berquist, Honorary Consul for the Republic of Croatia

Looking for perfection is a fool’s errand. However, that does not stop some of us from constantly searching for the model in any number of subjects.

For example, are you searching for the perfect recording of the Sibelius Symphony 7? Easy, Finnish conductor Leif Segerstam wins my award. How about the ideal recording of Beethoven’s Piano Sonata No. 23 in F minor, Op. 57, the “Appassionata?” Another no-brainer for me - Glenn Gould.

Photo: Pesce Huang |Unsplash

Naturally, actually “finding” perfection in anything does not mean another perfect example cannot be discovered. A number of years ago, a friend asked, “Why on earth do you have nineteen recordings of the Beethoven 9th Symphony?” I responded simply by saying it was because I had not yet found a twentieth recording to compare to the nineteen. Probably bad news for my friend Leif and Glenn Gould (as if he would care), but I eventually will find a Sibelius and Appassionata that will impress me even more. Sorry, guys.

This leads me to this month’s Intown subject, “In Search of the Perfect Vodka Martini.”

For starters, there are unlimited ways to create a martini. But the classic martini consisted of either gin or vodka, dry vermouth, ice, and olives or a twist of lemon. I had several awful experiences with gin in my youth, so I have favored the vodka martini.

It is essential to know that the proportions of the critical ingredients vary from bartender to bartender. The basic recipe, however, usually calls for two ounces of vodka, one-ounce dry vermouth, ice, and, very importantly, when using olives, it must be one or three olives on a toothpick, NEVER TWO! No rules for the lemon twist. Then there is the question of “shaken or stirred.” Either method works, but not to offend Agent 007. I prefer mine stirred.

So let’s begin with some recent search results -

My wife, Lisa Powell, and I were in New York City a few years ago. Lisa recommended a classic old steakhouse, Donohue’s, on the upper east side of Lexington. A tiny and unassuming location with a dry cleaning establishment next door, Donohue’s has a shotgun setting, a long bar with fourteen barstools, and a small dining area in the rear, seating no more than twenty or so. Reservations are mandatory, and, since we had none, we entered and looked to take a couple of seats at the bar. Unfortunately, behind each of the filled fourteen barstools was a customer waiting impatiently for the person in front of them to

leave. Lisa and I edged behind the now twenty-eight bar customers and waited for some stools to open up. Once seated, Tom, the bartender, asked us what we wanted to drink.

Lisa ordered an Old Fashioned, and I asked for a vodka martini. Tom made the Old Fashioned and served Lisa, and

then he went to work on mine. Filling a shaker glass with ice, he proceeded to pour probably six shots of Tito’s into the glass. Then a touch of vermouth and an even smaller squeeze of olive juice. He then set a martini glass in front of me. Ir was not the size of a martini glass that one finds now nearly everywhere being quite large, but the old-fashioned type, much smaller. Tom began shaking. I wondered how six ounces of martini would fit in such a small glass, and my fears were confirmed when he poured out a tiny portion. Then, I was pleasantly relieved when Tom set the shaker glass and strainer next to my small glass. It was me against the ice melting in the shaker, and the race was on. I looked down the bar at the other twelve customers and saw at least eight such setups! This solved the mystery of why so many customers begged for a seat. Someone once asked me how much it cost and I said

Franco in Verona with winning Vodka Martini

that I did not know but that the presentation and final product were perfect so who cared? Oh, yes - three olives!!!

Last summer, Lisa and I were in northern Italy. We started in Venice and went to another Hemingway haunt, “Harry’s Cipriani Bar.” We were pretty surprised to see a bar that would only seat four customers. At Harry’s, they feature two martinis - gin or vodka. Our bartender explained that the “regular” martini was made with a ratio of ten parts gin or vodka to one part vermouth. They also offer what they call the “Montgomery” martini, which is made with a ratio of fifteen to one as English Field Marshall Montgomery while invading Italy in WWII, supposedly refused to go into battle without fifteen of his troops to one of the enemy! Interestingly, Harry’s martinis were premade and retrieved from a pitcher in the icebox poured into a small glass. No shaking, no stirring, no olives or twists. Delicious, however.

A couple of days later, we were in Verona. As Lisa shopped, I begged off

due to the extreme heat and returned to our hotel, which had a cozy lobby bar. I befriended the bartender, Franco, and asked him to make me the perfect martini. What he did was amazing. Starting with a pitcher of ice, he stirred it for at least one minute to get the pitcher cold. Then he added a scant shot of vermouth and went back to stirring. Another two

minutes passed, and he strained out the resulting water and vermouth, knowing that the remaining ice had now obtained the slight influence of the vermouth. Adding vodka, four shots or so, it was back to another minute of stirring. Then, he brought me my glass, the large version, and discarded the ice in it since the beginning of the operation. Straining and pouring into my chilled glass and adding a twist of lemon, I realized that Franco had indeed made the perfect vodka martini. However, being leery of my decision and fearing that walking in the Verona heat had affected my martini sensibilities, I felt obliged to ask Franco to make another. This time I filmed the entire sequence for posterity. I was correct; the Perfect Vodka Martini had just been made (twice).

While one might conclude that my search is over, I will continue challenging bartenders in my never-ending quest for martini excellence. Wish me luck.

Donohue’s martini

THE BLUE BIRD CIRCLE HOSTS 100TH ANNIVERSARY

GALA CELEBRATION

The Blue Bird Circle Gala was a resounding success with over 370 guests in attendance in celebration of the venerable all-women volunteer organization’s 100th anniversary. The event was held at The Ballroom at Bayou Place. Chairing this year’s event was long-time Blue Bird Circle volunteer, Sarah Burchfield and honored Texas Children’s Hospital Dr. Huda Zoghbi for her extensive and life-changing research with pediatric neurological disorders. In addition to an extensive live and silent auctions, the gala had delicious fare and guests grooved to the tunes of the Grooves Band. “We were all so excited to be celebrating our 100th anniversary, the community came out in full force to honor the amazing work of Dr. Zoghbi.” Said Abigail Tonry, President of The Blue Bird Circle, who went on to say “As Houston’s oldest all women volunteer organization, we have always been totally committed to fund research in pediatric neurology and Dr. Zoghbi is one of the world’s leading neurological researchers. We were thrilled to present Texas Children’s Hospital and the programs of Dr. Zoghbi with a 10 million dollar gift in honor of her work.”

Kristin Wall, Preston Wall, Shawn Wall

Carter and Leah Axelsen, Sarah and Paul Birchfield

Jeff, Kathryn Smith, Abigail Tonry, Sarah and Paul Burchfield

Maureen and Dr. Gary Clark

Sue Ann Allen and Helen Welk

Dr. Johnnie and Wen Frazier

Gary and Angie Burgess

Dr. Huda and Dr. William Zoghbi

Debbie Leighton, Mary Maxey, Kristy Liedtke

Abigail Tonry, Todd and Amy Reid, Christy Echols

Museum of Fine Arts, Houston

Opens Hossein Afshar Galleries for Art of the Islamic Worlds

Afifteenth century Iranian blue and white dish with the image of a lion in Museum of Fine Arts, Houston’s Hossein Afshar Galleries for Art of the Islamic Worlds revealed itself incrementally. First I saw the animal’s rump, then noticed its implausibly angled facial features. It wasn’t until I spotted the sun disc symbol hovering above however that I understood its spir itual implications. The Koran emphasizes God’s meticu lous ordering of the cosmos, with stars above and humans and animals below. It tells us animals like that lion know God created them. To call the lion dish’s blue coloring “vibrant” would be an understatement. Interestingly, the cobalt, lapis lazuli, and turquoise used in Persian ceram ics were exported globally, some crossing trade routes into China.

I previewed MFAH’s new Hossein Afshar Galleries for Art of the Islamic Worlds. While showing us around, ei ther Director Gary Tinterow or Curator Dr. Aimée Froom said the opening of the new galleries was “an extraordinary event in the history of our Museum.” If I can’t recall who, it’s because I was distracted by a late sixteenth century Ira nian carpet, and in all honesty by the interesting people, which happens every time I attend one of those things. Regardless, there’s no denying the collaboration with Hos sein Afshar is an extraordinary event in the history of the Museum. Think about it. A Kuwait-based bigwig with one of the most extensive collections of Persian art in pri vate hands “endowed” six permanent galleries with nearly 6,000 square feet of space for art from historic Islamic lands, and forked over a thousand objects on long-term loan. Who wouldn’t call that extraordinary?

MFAH committed itself to displaying Islamic art years before opening the new galleries. In 2007, Tinterow’s pre decessor Peter Marzio got the ball rolling when he realized the size and diversity of Houston’s Muslim community. Marzio roped in “Houston philanthropists with strong cultural-heritage links to historically Islamic lands.” Reading between the lines, this means high rollers with international connections and fundraising clout. It was Tinterow however who steered a “landmark” partnership with the renowned al-Sabah Collection, Kuwait. In 2012 Sheikha Hussa Sabah al-Salem al-Sabah and the late Sheikh Nasser

By Virginia Billeaud Anderson

Iran, Bookbinding, late 16th century, watercolor, gold colored pigments, and lacquer on pasteboard.

Iran, Torch Stand (mash ‘al), 16th century, brass; cast, engraved, and inlaid with black compound.

Photos courtesy of The Hossein Afshar Collection at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston.

Sabah al-Ahmad al-Sabah placed several hundred artworks from Islamic lands dating from the 8th to 18th centuries on extended loan into dedicated galleries. All the while, MFAH “strategically” added to the permanent collection. Now the new Hossein Afshar galleries nearly double space for Islamic art. Extraordinary indeed.

The Koran in my library has English translations alongside the Arabic verse. Arabic speakers would judge the translation pathetic. For them the English lacks the subtlety and lyricism that gives Koranic verse its extraordinary beauty. Moreover, a conspicuous publisher’s note warns that only by reading the Arabic will I get the full meaning of the revelations. Arabic. Yea, right.

Yet, when I read my Koran’s English “light” verse which begins, “Allah is the light of the heavens and the earth,” it doesn’t seem to suffer. This Sura poetically equates God with light, and stretches the association to lamps. Metaphorically and literally, light is a big deal in Islam, which explains the elaborate hanging lamps and standing candle holders typically seen in mosques and religious complexes. Hence, the beauty of the galleries’ sixteenth century Iranian brass torch stand (mash ‘al.) Safavid Empire (1501-1736) craftsmen engraved and inlaid such stands to hold candles in religious and courtly settings. Its inscription resonates with Sufi mystical expression. Sufis are Muslim mystics who seek oneness with God through disciplined practices such as asceticism and meditation. The inscription references a moth’s dying love for a candle, a metaphor for knowing God. A moth’s rush to death, in my interpretation, approximates ego annihilation consistent with the enlightened awareness some call God.

Muhammad was an illiterate caravan merchant who had a doozie of a mystical experience at forty years old in the year 620 AD. In a cave on Mount Hira, he perceived an otherworldly being ordering him to be God’s messenger. “Recite,” it commanded, which naturally freaked out Muhammad who hadn’t a clue what to recite. Things got spookier. On the horizon was a presence so overwhelming and terrifying, he crawled trembling to his wife Khadija and begged her to hide him. Ultimately, Muhammad submitted to God’s will and spent the next

Iran, Dish with Lion, second half of the 15th century, stonepaste; painted in blue under transparent glaze.

23 years transmitting messages, often sweating and dropping his head between his knees. Devout Muslims believe he received divine revelations. Another possibility is he transcended the sensory self to a non-ordinary state of consciousness in which apparitions and clairvoyant downloads aren’t necessarily mysterious. Across the ages, all cultures have had similar experiences, usually interpreted in mythological or religious terms.

Regardless of if Muhammad channeled direct messages from an external deity, or drew awareness from a level of self akin to pure consciousness, his experience was so profoundly transformative it resulted in a mind-blowing piece of literature and a world religion. After the Prophet’s death in 632 his contemporaries recorded the revelations, presumably without the editing and redactions of other holy books. Notably the Koran includes God’s promise that the words the Prophet passed on to his followers are unaltered and free from falsehood and misinterpretation. It’s important to remember Qu’ran means “recitation.”

Accordingly, the Holy Book of Islam is prominently displayed in the galleries. See the fourteenth century Qur’an from Morocco. Its North African origin underlies the fact that Islam spread vast distances after becoming a religion. Written in Maghribi script on parchment, the illuminated manuscript has a colophon dating it 718 AH/1318 AD.

“AH” means “after Hijra.” Hijra is the journey Muhammad and his followers made from Mecca to Medina in 622 with persecutors hot on their heels. One reason was the monotheism Muhammad preached threatened the economy tied to Mecca’s goddess cults. Historian Karen Armstrong wrote Muhammad’s enemies offered a reward of a hundred she-camels to anyone who brought him back dead or alive. Once in Medina, the Muslim community cohered. As a piv-

Uzbek, Shakhrisyabz Suzani, c. 1800, cotton; embroidered with silk thread. Museum purchase funded by Friends of Art of the Islamic Worlds, Franci Neely, Rania and Jamal Daniel, Olive and Bruce Baganz, Françoise and Edward Djerejian, Jennifer and Matt Esfahani, Nijad and Zeina Fares, Sima and Masoud Ladjevardian, Eileen and Kase Lawal, Jaleh and Bruce Sallee, Aziz Shaibani.

parchment. Museum purchase funded by the Honorable and Mrs. Hushang Ansary, the Brown Foundation Accessions Endowment Fund, and the Alice Pratt Brown Museum Fund.

Iran, Carpet, late 16th-early 17th century, cotton warp, and weft; wool pile.

otal event in the spread of Islam, Hijra anchors the Islamic calendar. Thereafter, Muhammad’s political and military maneuvering helped spread the faith.

The Koran is the fundamental core of that faith. So it’s unsurprising Muslims venerate the calligraphic writing that transmits God’s messages. No wonder Islamic calligraphy is the most elevated form of Islamic art. Calligraphy means “beautiful writing.” Although even secular calligraphy has an aura of sacredness. It imparts blessings. Naturally, writing implements and accessories can be quite opulent. For instance the 16th century Iranian lacquer and gold pigmented Book Binding with depictions of figures seated and hunting on horseback in a garden reminiscent of a Koranic paradise.

Textiles are also a key component of the galleries. There is a stunning Shakhrisyabz Suzani (c.1800) from Uzbekistan. Traditionally made by female members of a bride’s family for her dowery, they essentially bring good fortune. This suzani’s silk thread embroidery renders floral and vine scroll motifs. Many include embroidered pomegranates to symbolize fertility. The day I visited, scarfs based on the Uzbek suzani were flying out the gift shop, which made me curious. Not sure how Museum agreements get hashed out, but will Hossein Afshar share profits from the merch?

Uzbek textiles are bewitching. I have a theory. Historians say that when Alexander the Great defeated the Sodgians in the Central Asian boonies (328 BC) and married their princess Roxane, she was the most beautiful woman the Macedonians saw while conquering the known world. Predictably after Alexander kicked the bucket, Roxane and her son Alexander got whacked to ensure the half-barbarian heir didn’t inherit the empire. Sodgia is part of modern Uzbekistan. I’m convinced Roxane’s colorful tunics and turbans dazzled Alexander. Researching Uzbek traditional costumes, I read the Sodgian regional style has embroidered motifs rooted in pre-Islamic Zoroastrianism.

EXCITING, EXUBERANT, ENERGETIC 6th ANNUAL DESIGNER PURSE BINGO

The sold-out 6th Annual Be An Angel’s Purse Bingo attracted over 550 ecstatic women. Held at The Ballroom at Bayou Place the evening raised well over $105,000. Several enthusiastic attendees have already reserved tables for the 2024 Purse Bingo event.

Chaired by Jessica Forsdick, the event was sponsored by The Ballroom at Bayou Place with Valet Sponsor Mac Haik. To begin the evening Marti Boone, Be An Angel’s Executive Director, welcomed the guests. “The Bull” George Lindsey, 100.3 FM, served and entertained as MC with “Texas Great Bingo Caller” Marty Drake. Five Dallas Cowboys and Houstonians Brian Bushong, Dan Pastorini and Lincoln Obie served as handbag spotters and handbag models.

In addition to winning high end and luxury handbags guests were treated to 12 designer pop-up stores selling everything from fun casual wear. The Standard Boutique and Wild Knox Hattery came in from Dallas. Houston vendors included Greek olives and oils, author signed children’s books, homemade salsa, jewelry plus Be An Angel special needs children created artwork pieces.

Nancy Reese generously donated over 60 unique door prizes, values of $50 to $100 each, were won by attending guests.

Bingo winners were offered a variety of designer handbags from Michael Kors, Coach, Consuela, Colores Collective, David Peck, Niki Lassiter, Marc Jacobs, Ralph Lauren, Louis Vuitton, Patricia Nash, Vince Camuto, and Ferragamo.

Maziey and Melissa Sowell

Dan Pastorini and Pam Morse

Sandi Faison

Gina Gutierrez

Anna Reger

Jessica Forsdick and Brian Bushong

MLB’s Larry Dierker & Dan Pastorini

Twila Carter and Danell Fields

Brian Bushong, Margaret Adsit and Lincoln Obie

Dot Cunningham, “The Bull” George Lindsey and Lisa Astramecki

Margaret Eyster and Lincoln Obie

Haley Castaneda, Ashley Milam and Casey Fojt

Carol Clover and Merri Jane Eversole – Winners of Louis Vuitton & Ralph Lauren

What is your home worth?