Intown for print final (2)

Why are these people smiling

Interview with Coach Sumlin

season

Tis the to be gifting assets

Real Estate Professionals Serving the Greater Ho

Beverly Smith Dawn Gervais

CLHMS, Lake Conroe Specialist REALTOR® Consultant, CLHMS, GRI, ALHS, ABR Coldwell Banker United, Realtors Keller Williams Realty

(832) 569-2113 752-6114 (713) www.dawngervais.com www.har.com/bevsmith

Heather Walker Bruce Kink

CIPS, CEO CLHMS, CNE, GRI, AMPI / Team Leader Keller Williams Metropolitan KW Luxury Homes BOD Keller(281) Williams Metropolitan 352-0885

(713) 621-8001 www.gorgeoushomes.com www.kwmet.com

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Real Estate Professionals Serving the Greater Houston Luxury Home Community

Lisa B. White Bruce Kink

Jennifer DawnLarsen Gervais

CEO / Team Leader Broker/Co-Owner/ILHM KW Luxury Homes BOD GBR Realty Keller Williams Metropolitan

REALTOR® Consultant, GRI, ALHS, ABR CLHMS, Five Star CLHMS, Professional

Williams Realty KellerKeller Williams Memorial

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Val Arbona

REALTOR®, CLHMS, CRS RE/MAX Vintage

(832) (713)771-8458 621-8001 www.houstonluxury-mansions.com www.kwmet.com

Betty Bezemer

KW Luxury Consultant, CLHMS, CRS Keller Williams Memorial

Val ArbonaYoung David Michael

REALTOR®, CLHMS, GREEN, REALTOR®, CLHMS, CRS CNE Coldwell Banker United, RE/MAX Vintage Realtors

(713) 562-4903 320-6453 (713) www.davidyoungteam.com www.valarbona.com

Weldon Rigby Lane Mabray

CRSMember GRI CLHMS Founding KW Luxury Mabray Home Team KellerLane Williams Realty Metropolitan

Betty Bezemer Carol Ann FaKouri Shane Kidwell

CLHMS, GRI,MCNE CNE KWREALTOR®, Luxury Consultant, CLHMS, CRS ASP, CNE, CSSN, ePRO, Martha Turner Properties Keller Memorial JohnWilliams Daugherty, Realtors

(713) 303-1413 (713) (713)461-9393 553-7272 www.thekidwellteam.com www.bettybezemer.com www.carolann-realtor.com

MarleneSaldana Foad Mariana

Broker, CIPSCLHMS ABR, CRS, ePro, Uptown Real Estate360 Group, Inc. RE/MAX

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5315 Doliver | Tanglewood List price $3,995,000 | MLS # 80877884

(281) 621-2555 925-3023 (713) (713) (281) 629-7771 686-4444 www.lane2houston.com www.uptownhouston.com www.weldonrigby.com www.houstoncondosandtownhomes.com 1168 Weishuhn Rd. – New Ulm, TX Offered at 1,975,000 – MLS 40405227

Spectacular Mediterranean style home in sought after Tanglewood neighborhood. Tile roof, 5 or 6 bedrooms, 6 full baths, 3 1/2 baths in almost 9,000 square feet. Pool and outdoor kitchen and parking for six cars.

Mariana Saldana | Uptown Real Estate Group Phone: 713-629-7771

179 +/- acres “Clarion Ranch” is on a paved road 2 miles from New Ulm, TX with improved pastures, 3 barns & cattle handling facilities. Wooded areas, 4 ponds, 3,100 sq.ft. home has family room with wood floors & ceiling Members and of beams. the Institute for L 2 Master bedrooms, large front porch.

W United, W WRealtors .GREATERHOUSTO Beverly Smith / Coldwell Banker

(713) 562-4903 www.valarbona.com

Lane Mabray

CRS GRI CLHMS Lane Mabray Home Team

intown 2 (281) 925-3023

www.lane2houston.com

(713) 461-9393 www.bettybezemer.com

Mariana Saldana

Broker, CIPS Uptown Real Estate Group, Inc.

(713) 629-7771 www.uptownhouston.com

Phone: 713-569-2113

Carrie Ousley CIC, CISR

Luxury Home and Condo Insurance HUB International Personal Insurance

(832) 681-5020 www.hubousley.com

Ken Jacobson CMPS

Vice President/Sr. Mortgage Planner Hometrust Mortgage Company

(713) 369-4040 www.kenjacobson.com

ww

REALTOR®, CLHMS, CRS RE/MAX Vintage RE/MAX Vintage RE/MAX Vintage

(713) (713) 562-4903 (713)562-4903 562-4903 www.valarbona.com www.valarbona.com www.valarbona.com

Broker KW BrokerAssociate Associate KWLuxury LuxuryConsultant, Consultant,CLHMS, CLHMS,CRS CRS Keller Williams Realty Metropolitan Keller Williams Memorial Keller Williams Realty Metropolitan Keller Williams Memorial Keller Williams Realty Metropolitan Keller Williams Memorial

(713) (713) 461-9393 (713)461-9393 461-9393 www.bettybezemer.com www.bettybezemer.com www.bettybezemer.com

ABR, ABR,CRS, CRS,ePro ePro

RE/MAX RE/MAX 360 RE/MAX360 360 281-686-4444 281-686-4444 Mobile 281-686-4444Mobile Mobile

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www.houstoncondosandtownhomes.com www.houstoncondosandtownhomes.com www.houstoncondosandtownhomes.com

Real Estate Professionals Serving the Greater Houston Luxury Home Community Real Estate Professionals Serving the Greater Houston Luxury Home Community Real Estate Professionals Serving the Greater Houston Luxury Home Community Real Estate Professionals Serving the Greater Houston Luxury Home Community

Lane LaneMabray Mabray Lane Mabray

Dawn Gervais Dawn Gervais Dawn Gervais CRS GRI CLHMS CRS GRI CLHMS CRS GRI CLHMS Lane Mabray Home Team Keller Williams Realty Keller Williams Realty Keller Williams Realty (281) 925-3023

REALTOR® Consultant, CLHMS, GRI, ALHS, ABR REALTOR® Consultant, CLHMS, GRI, ALHS, ABR REALTOR® Consultant, CLHMS, GRI, ALHS, ABR Lane Mabray Home Team Lane Mabray Home Team

(281) 925-3023 (281) 925-3023 (832) 752-6114 (832) 752-6114 (832) 752-6114 www.lane2houston.com www.lane2houston.com www.lane2houston.com www.dawngervais.com www.dawngervais.com www.dawngervais.com

Mariana MarianaSaldana Saldana Mariana Saldana Bruce Kink Bruce Kink Bruce Kink Broker, CIPS Broker, CIPS Broker, CIPS

CEO /Real Team Leader CEO /Estate Team Leader CEO / Estate Team Leader Uptown Real Group, Inc. Uptown Group, Inc. Uptown Real Estate Group, Inc. KW Luxury Homes BOD KW Luxury Homes BOD KW Luxury Homes BOD (713) 629-7771 (713) 629-7771 (713) 629-7771 Keller Williams Metropolitan Keller Williams Metropolitan Keller Williams Metropolitan

www.uptownhouston.com www.uptownhouston.com www.uptownhouston.com (713) 621-8001 (713) 621-8001 (713) 621-8001 www.kwmet.com www.kwmet.com www.kwmet.com

Membersand and Members Members and

Ken KenJacobson JacobsonCMPS CMPS Ken Jacobson CMPS

Carrie CISR CarrieOusley OusleyCIC, CIC, CISR Carrie Ousley CIC, CISR

David Michael Young Shane Kidwell David Michael Young Shane Kidwell David Michael Young Shane Kidwell President/Sr. Mortgage Planner Luxury Home and Condo Insurance Vice President/Sr. Mortgage Planner Luxury Home and Condo Insurance Vice Vice President/Sr. Mortgage Planner Luxury Home and Condo Insurance REALTOR®, CLHMS, GREEN, CNE REALTOR®, CLHMS, GRI, CNE REALTOR®, CLHMS, GREEN, CNE REALTOR®, CLHMS, GRI, CNE REALTOR®, CLHMS, GREEN, CNE REALTOR®, CLHMS, GRI, CNE Hometrust Mortgage Company Hometrust Mortgage Company HUB International Personal Insurance HUB International Personal Insurance Hometrust Mortgage Company HUB International Personal Insurance Coldwell Banker United, Realtors Martha Turner Properties Coldwell Banker United, Realtors Martha Turner Properties Coldwell Banker United, Realtors Martha Turner Properties

(832) 681-5020 (832) 681-5020 (832) 681-5020 (713) 320-6453 (713) 320-6453 (713) 320-6453 www.hubousley.com www.hubousley.com www.hubousley.com www.davidyoungteam.com www.davidyoungteam.com www.davidyoungteam.com

(713) 369-4040 (713) 369-4040 (713) 369-4040 (713) 303-1413 (713) 303-1413 (713) 303-1413 www.kenjacobson.com www.kenjacobson.com www.kenjacobson.com www.thekidwellteam.com www.thekidwellteam.com www.thekidwellteam.com

theInstitute Institutefor forLuxury LuxuryHome HomeMarketing Marketing of ofofthe the Institute for Luxury Home Marketing

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Val Arbona Val Arbona Val Arbona

REALTOR®, CLHMS, CRS REALTOR®, CLHMS, CRS REALTOR®, CLHMS, CRS RE/MAX Vintage RE/MAX Vintage RE/MAX Vintage

(713) 562-4903 (713) 562-4903 (713) 562-4903 www.valarbona.com www.valarbona.com www.valarbona.com

Lane Mabray Lane Mabray Lane Mabray

CRS GRI CLHMS CRS GRI CLHMS CRS GRI CLHMS Lane Mabray Home Team Lane Mabray Home Team Lane Mabray Home Team

(281) 925-3023 (281) 925-3023 (281) 925-3023 www.lane2houston.com www.lane2houston.com www.lane2houston.com 10518 Pebblecreek Crossing

Betty Bezemer Betty Bezemer Betty Bezemer

Weldon Rigby Weldon Rigby Weldon Rigby

(713) 461-9393 (713) 461-9393 (713) 461-9393 www.bettybezemer.com www.bettybezemer.com www.bettybezemer.com

(713) 621-2555 (713) 621-2555 (713) 621-2555 www.weldonrigby.com www.weldonrigby.com www.weldonrigby.com

Founding Member KW Luxury KW Luxury Consultant, CLHMS, CRS Founding Member KW Luxury KW Luxury Consultant, CLHMS, CRS Founding Member KW Luxury KW Luxury Consultant, CLHMS, CRS Keller Williams Realty Metropolitan Keller Williams Memorial Keller Williams Realty Metropolitan Keller Williams Memorial Keller Williams Realty Metropolitan Keller Williams Memorial

Mariana Saldana Mariana Saldana Mariana Saldana

Broker, CIPS Broker, CIPS Broker, CIPS Uptown Real Estate Group, Inc. Uptown Real Estate Group, Inc. Uptown Real Estate Group, Inc.

(713) 629-7771 (713) 629-7771 (713) 629-7771 www.uptownhouston.com www.uptownhouston.com www.uptownhouston.com

Carrie Ousley CIC, CISR Carrie Ousley CIC, CISR Carrie Ousley CIC, CISR

Visitour our Visit Visit our website site web web site

Marlene Foad Marlene Foad Marlene Foad

ABR, CRS, ePro, CLHMS ABR, CRS, ePro, CLHMS ABR, CRS, ePro, CLHMS RE/MAX 360 RE/MAX 360360 RE/MAX

(281) 686-4444 (281) 686-4444 (281) 686-4444

www.houstoncondosandtownhomes.com www.houstoncondosandtownhomes.com www.houstoncondosandtownhomes.com

Ken Jacobson CMPS Ken Jacobson CMPS Ken Jacobson CMPS

Vice President/Sr. Mortgage Planner Luxury Home and Condo Insurance Vice President/Sr. Mortgage Planner Luxury Home and Condo Insurance Vice President/Sr. Mortgage Planner Luxury Home and Condo Insurance Hometrust Mortgage Company HUB International Personal Insurance Hometrust Mortgage Company HUB International Personal Insurance Hometrust Mortgage Company HUB International Personal Insurance

(713) 369-4040 (832) 681-5020 (713) 369-4040 (832) 681-5020 (713) 369-4040 (832) 681-5020 www.kenjacobson.com www.hubousley.com www.kenjacobson.com www.hubousley.com www.kenjacobson.com www.hubousley.com 993 S. Post Oak Lane - Tanglewood Area List $587,000 | MLS # 57601293

For lease: Brand spanking new custom home in Cinco Ranch gated Spring High ceilings, hardwoods, fireplace and view of the private garden area. Formal dining Lake. 5/5/4... $7, 000 per month. Great Katy schools, never lived in. with Waterford chandelier. Paneled study with full bath. Updated kitchen with view of atrium.

Large master with,Marketing his and her bath with dressing table, separate shower, Exquisite lake view.

Members and ofthe the Institute for Luxury Home Members and Institute Luxury Home Marketing Members and of of the Institute forfor Luxury Home Marketing Visit our Design. whirlpool tub and two separate large closets. Barnett built and Lucian Hood Visit our Visit our Lane Mabray | RE/MAX Westside, Realtors web site web site web site Keller Williams Realty Metropolitan RHO HOU OUSUSTWeldon STO TON ORigby U XU U RY.YC COO M Phone: 281-925-3023 . .GRGREREAEATATETERERH NN . .CO WWW WWW WW.WG L LUL|U XXU R RY MM Phone: 713-621-2555

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CONTENTS 8-9

‘Tis the season to be gifting assets

10

Coach Sumlin on

Case Keenum 16

Arts & Entertainment 12-15

The Buzz

18-21

Houston Renovator 20-21

The Last Dance

On cover From left: Non-Profit heads Gay Foust, David LaDuca, R.H. Stevens Jr., Hank Rush, and Brian Greene

interview with

Steve Stevens

season

Tis the to be gifting assets

intown 1

From left: Non-Profit heads Gay Foust, David LaDuca, R.H. Stevens Jr., Hank Rush, and Brian Greene

PUBLISHER M.A. Haines

www.houstonintown.com NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2013

EDITOR Lisa June

PRODUCTION Web Design: Melaroo Layout & Graphic Design: Cristian Paris Photographer: Wells Brown

22-25

Just Around the Trend

CONTRIBUTORS Lindsay Ulmschneider Buddy Bailey William Hanover John Granato Sean Pendergast Nicholas Chiosa Evelyn Hurtado

For advertising rates and information: 713.525.8607 intownmagazine@gmail.com Space reservation deadline is 15 days prior to publication.

Intown Magazine is published bi-monthly by SNS Media. Articles are welcome and will be given careful consideration for possible publication. Intown Magazine des not assume any responsibility for unsolicited materials.

Materials submitted will be returned if accompanied by a stamped, self-addressed envelope. Box 980757 Houston, TX 77098.

You can also e-mail intownmagazine@gmail.com Copyright 2013 by Intown Magazine. All rights reserved. Content may not be reprinted or reproduced with permission from Intown magazine.

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EVENTS UPTOWN HOUSTON HOLIDAY LIGHTING 28TH ANNUAL EVENT KICKS OFF THE HOLIDAY SEASON On Thanksgiving night, Post Oak Boulevard will be the site of the 28th Annual Uptown Houston Holiday Lighting celebration. Festivities will begin at 4 p.m. with holiday music and concessions. The free event is located at Post Oak Boulevard between Westheimer and San Felipe Road.

Beginning at 5 p.m. emcees Dave Morales and Susan O’Donnell will introduce a Merry Holiday Stage Show with live performances by the Houston Concert Band, Houston Choral Showcase, Salvation Army Harbor Light Choir and Mixteco Ballet Folklorico among others. While awaiting the arrival of Santa, attendees can enjoy holiday beverages and treats available from concession stands. A traditional countdown is Santa’s signal to illuminate half a million twinkling lights on 80 trees along Post Oak Boulevard. Fireworks begin at 7 p.m.

Free parking is available throughout Uptown at the following locations: Centre at Post Oak, Dillard’s Garage, Williams Tower, Four Oaks Place, The Galleria, Post Oak Plaza and Post Oak Central.

A percentage of concession sales will benefit Be An Angel, a non-profit organization helping children with multiple disabilities , and the Houston Area Urban League, a non-profit organization dedicated to helping disadvantaged people secure economic self-reliance.

For more information visit www.uptown-houston.com The Hilton Houston Post Oak adds to the holiday cheer with its annual balcony decorating contest. Each year families participate in this competition with creative holiday decorations including lights and holiday garlands. A team of local celebrity judges will select the top three balconies and announce the winners before the night’s end.

FROM THE CAFE AT HILTON

LEAVE IT TO THE ST. REGIS For decadence in a festive atmosphere try the traditional St. Regis Brunch Buffet with live entertainment and activities for children. Adults $78 (including sparkling wine) Children $35 (ages 5 – 12) Á la Carte Dinner in The Remington Restaurant CHRISTMAS EVE there is an Prix Fixe Dinner in The Remington Restaurant Three-Course menu with live music plus amuse bouche and sorbet $65 per person On CHRISTMAS DAY is the St. Regis Brunch Buffet

From The Cafe at Hilton Americas Houston there will be a Thanksgiving Day Buffet featuring a yogurt parfait station, traditional eggs benedict, salad bar with baby spinach and candied pecans, a carving station ,soups and peppered crusted inside round of beef. Finish of your feast with their award winning pastry Chef Mahesh Weerasinghe.

Adults $39.95, Seniors $34.95, Children 7-12 $14.95 and under six free.

Call 713-739-8000 for reservations

For reservations call (713) 403-2631 Weekend room rates in December starting at $198 For more information call (888) 627-8194

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Museums

The Menil Collection WOLS:

Museum Of Fine Arts Houston

Retrospective

Calaveras Mexicanas: The Art and

Ongoing – January 12, 2014

Influence of José Guadalupe Posada

Nice. Luc Tuymans. Ongoing – January 5,

Ongoing - December,15

2014

Koloman Moser: Designing Modern

Houston Museum Of Natural Science

Vienna, 1897–1907. Ongoing - January

Scenes From The Stone Age: The Cave

12, 2014

Paintings Of Lascaux Ongoing – March 23, 2014

American Adversaries: West and Copley

UIA (Unlikely Iterations of the Abstract)

in a Transatlantic World

organized by Arning, Black in the

Faberge: A Brilliant Vision Late 19th

Ongoing - January 20, 2014

Abstract, Part 1: Epistrophy organized

and early 20th Century Imperial Russian

Words and Things: Buddhist Texts and

by Cassel Oliver, and Outside the Lines

Collection Ongoing through December

Ritual Objects from Japan

organized by Dean Daderko. Final three

31,2013

Ongoing - January 12, 2014

exhibits begin in January of 2014.

Asia Society Texas

Contemporary Arts Museum Houston

Holocaust Museum Houston

Between History and New Horizons:

ART ON THE LAWN: JOSEPH HAVEL

“Through Soviet Jewish Eyes:

Photographs of Women, Work, and

Ongoing– April 30, 2014

Photography, War and the Holocaust”

Community in Laos. 7 November 2013 - 9

Ongoing - October 27, 2013.

February 2014

October 31, 2013 – March 23, 2014

“Celebrating Success: Accreditation One

Weavers’ Stories from island Southeast Asia

Beginning three of a six part presentation:

Year Later” Ongoing - December 31, 2013

7 November 2013 - February 2014

Outside the Lines

Holiday Dinner Packages

Corporate Holiday Events

Private Holiday Parties

Award Winning / Ouisie’s Table ● 3939 San Felipe ● (713) 528-2264 ● www.ouisiestable.com The Bird and The Bear ● 2810 Westheimer ● (713) 528-2473 ● www.thebirdandthebearbistro.com

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Flowers

Da Camera. Romantic

Broadway Across America The Hobby Center For Performing Arts

Trailblazers: Johannes, Clara

Chicago Nov. 12 - 17

and Robert.

The Hobby Center For

Friday, November 1, 2013;

Performing Arts

8:00 PM

Deborah and Diane,

Zilkha Hall, Hobby Center for

Unplugged and On A

the Performing Arts

Mission Nov. 5

Music

Darcy James Argue’s Secret Society Saturday, November 9, 2013; 8:00 PM Cullen Theater, Wortham Theater Center Inon Barnatan, piano Tuesday, November 12, 2013 The Menil Collection. Gerald Clayton Trio Saturday, December 7, 2013; 8:00 PM Cullen Theater, Wortham Theater Center Theater A. D. Players Theater The Bully Show. Ongoing through Nov. 9 Gold, Frankincense, Christmas Tree Ornaments, and Myrrh. Nov. 20 - Dec. 31

Buenas Noches Nov. 8 Deadly Seven Nov. 9 Kathy Griffin Nov. 22 Elf - The Musical DEc. 6 - 22 Virtuosi Of Houston Dec. 7 Our Songs Dec. 14 50 Shades- The Musical (TUTS) Dec. 17 - 22 Venetian carnival Dec. 31 Ars Lyrica New Year Gala Dec. 31 Houston Ballet. The Nutcracker Nov. 29 - Dec. 29 Jubilee of Dance: A OneNight Only Extravaganza Dec. 6 Houston Symphony LaTrista Historia Nov. 1 - 3 Luck Be A Lady Nov. 15 - 17 Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 4 Nov. 2, 23, 24 Beethoven’s Pastoral Symphony Nov.29, 30, Dec.1 Holiday Community Concert Dec. 8, 10, 11, 12 Very Mop Pops Dec.13 - 15

Alley Theater

How the Grinch Stole Christmas

Venus in Fur Ongoing - Nov. 10

Dec. 14

A Christmas Carol - A Ghost

Handel’s Messiah Dec.19 - 22

Story of Christmas Nov. 15 Dec. 26 The Santaland Diaries Nov. 29 - Dec. 31

Reliant Park Disney On ice Nov. 6 - Nov. 10 Nutcracker Market Nov. 7 - 10 Purple Stride 5K Run Nov. 23

Main Street Theater

H Town Sneaker Summit Nov. 23

A Civil War Christmas:

High Caliber Gun & Knife

An American Musical

Show Dec. 7 -8

Celebration: Nov. 29 - Dec. 22

Color in Motion 5K Run Disney Junior Live On Tour Dec. 27 - 28 Texas Bowl Dec. 27

intown 7

Inspired Lifestyle

YOUR

I S WA I T I N G F O R Y O U H E R E .

I

nspire your life with a fabulous lifestyle.

That’s what you’ll do at The Village of Tanglewood — an active, rewarding retirement lifestyle with all the comforts of home, minus the hassles of home maintenance. You will enjoy a special blend of service and hospitality that features fine amenities, well-appointed accommodations and some of the best dining

James Harden leads a talented Houston Rockets team hopeful of an NBA title

in town. We’ve thought of everything you may want today or need tomorrow. So you can simply feel the inspiration and enjoy the best of times.

R E TI RE M ENT LI VI NG

To learn more, call (713) 977-1400 now to schedule your personal visit.

1600 Augusta Drive, Houston, TX 77057

www.villageoftanglewood.com

Service Mark for The Village of Tanglewood is owned by Bridgewood Houston Property Company, Houston TX. ® Reg. U.S. Patent and TM Office GRAY-RES99-0213 DS

Sports Houston Rockets Home games. Toyota Center Fri 1 vs Dallas Thu 7 vs L.A. Lakers Sat 9 vs L.A. Clippers Mon11 vs Toronto Sat 16 vs Denver

Your friends friends will Your will bebehere. here.

Tue 19 vs Boston

Y O U J U S T H AV E N ’ T M E T T H E M Y E T.

Wed.4 vs Phoenix

Y O U J U S T H AV E N ’ T M E T T H E M Y E T.

You know the feeling. From the moment you meet, it’s

as ifYou you’ve known each other forever.

That’s how will be know the feeling.

From the moment youitmeet,

Looking to make some fast friends?

Looking to make some Then make a quick call to fast friends?

(713) 665-4141 to schedule Then make a quick call to your personal visit.

(713) 665-4141 to schedule your personal visit.

The Village of Meyerland.

In nostime it’sforasresidents if you’veofknown each other forever. That’ howthey’ll it will become fast friends, sharing endless hours of fun and laughter. be for residents of The Village of Meyerland. In no time And they’ll dofast so infriends, a beautiful community with they’ll become sharing endless humming hours of fun and laughter.and Andactivity they’llaround do so in a beautiful personality every corner. community humming personality andwill activity The with Village of Meyerland offeraround so muchevery morecorner. than The Village of housekeeping Meyerland will offer so of much more delicious cuisine, and peace mind.

Ourthan delicious cuisine, housekeeping andwill peace of mind.

Our accommodations and 24-hour staff provide a perfect accommodations and 24-hour staff will provide a perfect balance of supportive services to meet your evolving needs balance supportive services to meet your evolving needs withoutofever having to move. Best of all, you’ll discover and without ever having to move. Best of all, you’ll discover and appreciate the friendly faces who keep you forever young. appreciate the friendly faces who keep you forever young.

Join “The

Personalized Assisted Living Living Alzhiemer’sAssisted & Dementia Care Alzheimer’s & Dementia 4141 N. Braeswood Boulevard, Houston, TXCare 77025 4141 N. Braeswood Boulevard (713) 665-4141 Houston, TX 77025 www.villageofmeyerland.com • www.brookdaleliving.com (713) 665-4141 brookdale.com Charterwww.villageofmeyerland.com Club” today.

Facility No. 105335

Hurry... Premium Apartment Homes Are Going Fast!

Service Mark for The Village of Meyerland is owned by Bridgewood Houston Property Company, Houston, TX. ALL THE PLACES LIFE CAN GO Service Mark for The Village of Meyerland is owned

by Bridgewood Houston Property Company, Houston, TX ®®Reg. a trademark of Brookdale Senior Living Inc., Nashville, TN, USA. Reg.U.S. U.S.Patent Patentand andTM TMOffice OfficeGRAY-RES99-0213 18850-RES30-0813DS SW

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Sat 23 vs Minnesota Wed 27 vs Atlanta Fri 29 vs Brooklyn Fri 6 vs Golden State Sun 8 vs Orlando Wed 18 vs Chicago Mon 23 vs Dallas Thurs 26 vs Memphis Sat. 28 vs New Orleans Tues. 31 vs Sacramento Houston Texans Nov. 3 Colts Nov. 17 Raiders Nov. 24 Jaguars Dec. 1 Patriots Dec. 22 Broncos Dec. 29 Titans Ice at The Galleria Learn to Skate. Hour Classes Wed. Thur., Fri., Sat. and Sun Public Ice Skating. Mondays and Wednesdays 10am -5pm & 6:30pm -10pm. Tuesdays and Thursdays 10am - 5pm & 7:30pm - 10pm. F 10am-10pm. Sat. 12pm-10pm. Sun. 12pm -8pm Intermediate Classes, www.iceatthegalleria.com.

The Buzz

Steve and Joella Mach

Chris and Divya Brown

Alex Blair and Karina Barbieri

Phoebe and Bobby Tudor

The Houston Symphony’s record-breaking Centennial Opening Night Concert

Rachel Wylie, Tamra Wikerson

and Gala kicked off the season of sensational music and star performers. Guests

Brenda and Tom Kock

enjoyed a dazzling performance by internationally acclaimed soprano Renée Fleming at Jones Hall, and then dined and danced their way through 100 years of Houston Symphony music at the Gala dinner at The Corinthian.

More than 530 guests attended the vibrant evening chaired by the Mann family, Carolyn & Mike Mann and their son and daughter-in-law, Kathy & Paul Mann.

Jones Hall was close to capacity with almost 2,000 people in attendance.

Prior to the concert, guests arrived at The Corinthian for a champagne reception where they were greeted at the top of the stairs by an actress portraying an 18-year-old Miss Ima Hogg, foundress of the Houston Symphony.

PHOTO CREDITS: Anthony Rathbun and Wilson Parish

John and Ting Bresnahan Margaret Alkek Williams

Tiffany and Rick Smith Paul and Kathy Mann; Renée Fleming; Carolyn and Mike Mann

Emmelie Kopp and James Bell

intown 9

The Game

Texas A&M Coach Kevin Sumlin, who coached Texans starting quarterback Case Keenum at The University of Houston, where he became the NCAA all-time leading passer weighs in on his star quarterback.

John Granato: How about your guy, Case Keenum, starting [for the Texans]?

Coach Sumlin: It is great. I couldn’t be happier for the guy. He really went through a lot in college, a knee injury, getting the sixth year, and then being an undrafted free agent. I talked to his dad right before the game against Kansas City and he said, “yeah, that’s good news but the bad news is it’s against The Chiefs.” He was on the road in his first game but it’s a heck of an opportunity for him. I know he’s excited. It’s a difficult situation for a guy who hadn’t been activated for two years and had just gone to the games in t-shirts or sweats. Now he’s going to start in the NFL. It couldn’t happen to a better guy.

Sean Pendergast: What part of the college experience at the University of Houston is going to best serve him in the NFL?

ragincajun_uhad_turkey_2013.pdf

intown 10

1

10/14/13

3:31 PM

Coach: There’s never one thing. Just like moving up every level in football, the speed of the game picks up. There are a lot of things that have happened over the course of the career that help you. He’s been in [The Texans] system over a year, he’s a smart guy, he understands defenses, and he has great anticipation. A lot of times, everybody wants to talk about arm strength. What I found was over 26 years is sometimes guys with a lot of arm strength hang onto the ball too long and try to fit

Cajun Fried Turkey $59.99 Boudin Stuffed Cornish Hens $12.99

Holiday Menu Tasting on Novemeber 15th

it into narrow windows. Whereas, guys that maybe don’t have a stronger arm, have a lot more anticipation. Drew Brees fits in that category. I’ve been around a bunch of other guys that fit in that category.

CK U L t P OU Ea AM Y

H

StufGet fed

John: What roll did Case Keenum play in helping the University of Houston take a big step by getting the new stadium built?

Coach: There’s no questioning his impact. When he was granted his sixth year, the NCAA allowed me to make the phone call to him instead of compliance. The happiness of him coming back was a big deal. There is no doubt that a guy like that, who is the all-time leading passer in the history of college football, had a huge impact on fundraising and recruiting by winning a bunch of games. I’ve been fortunate enough to have been around a lot of good quarterbacks. Of all the guys I’ve been around, there’s no one that has worked any harder, has dealt with more adversity, or taken advantage of the situation more than Case Keenum.

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Sean: Give us your thoughts on the season so far at Texas A&M. Coach: We’ve had a couple of players (that no one’s ever heard of) who have stepped up and played lights-out.

We’ve had our kicking woes. We’ve had “kick-offs” in practice. We brought in Josh Lambo who was playing professional soccer in Dallas two years ago. He hit a game-winning 33-yard field goal against Ole Miss. I couldn’t be happier for that kid.

The type of confidence that instills in your team is important because we’re playing so many young guys. It’s important to get a little better every week, get some things sured up, and that’s what we’ve been doing.

You want to start the season good but you also want to improve all year. I think we did that last year and we continue to do that this year.

Sean: Similar to you, Gus Malzahn took over as head coach of Auburn and had early success in his first year. Would you attribute that to running an offense with a similar style and tempo?

Coach: I don’t know. I have a lot of respect for Gus. It doesn’t matter what level you coach at, it matters what you see on tape. We borrow [schemes] from everybody. We borrow stuff from the NFL, the NFL borrows stuff from us (college), and we borrow stuff from high school. Good concepts are good concepts and players see that. When they have success, especially early with a first-year head coach, the buy-in happens a bit quicker.

Listen to John Granato & Sean Pendergast weekdays 3-7pm on 1560 AM, flagship home of Yahoo! Sports Radio.

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He needs my help, but what should I do?

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20405-RES09-1013 LMM

A CHARITABLE

CITY IS A

GREAT CITY

by Evelyn Hurtado

Candlelighters Following accidents, cancer is the second leading cause of death in children. For over 20 years, the Candlelighters have supported the needs of families facing childhood cancer.

Their parent consultants are based in both Texas Children’s Cancer Center and the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center Children’s Cancer Hospital.

They hold special events and have affected over 900 family members through the Candlelighters Adopt- A- Family program. This program offers the sponsors the opportunity to interact with Candlelighters families. This contact is important for both families in celebrating the true meaning of the holidays. One can discover the joy of spreading holiday cheer to those families who find the season difficult while coping with a child intown 12

Gay Foust, Executive Director of the Candlelighters Childhood Cancer Family Alliance.

David LaDuca, Executive and Creative Director, Music Doing Good.

Hank Rush, President & CEO, Star Of Hope.

Brian Greene, President and CEO, Houston Food Bank.

diagnosed with cancer or having recently lost a child to cancer.

They also host the Fall Family Festival where children can be away from the hospital and have fun without being around the everyday ordeals of cancer. The 8th grade students at St. John’s School host a fun array of games, carnival events, recreational activities and surprises.

For more go to www.candle.org Houston Food Bank’s mission is to lead the fight against hunger. The Houston Food Bank was founded in 1982 and feeds around 137,000 hungry people each week by distributing food through nearly 600 hunger relief agencies in 18 southeast Texas counties.

The Bank stretches every dollar donation to provide a full day of meals for children, adults, seniors, and help serve soup kitchens, shelters for the homeless and abused, church and community food pantries. The food they help distribute usually comes from various sources in the food industry like grocery stores and wholesalers. With the help from volunteers the food is sorted, packed, and re-distributed to the community.

districts by partnering with individuals and organizations.

and 18 to continue their music development by offering scholarships.

They also work with individuals in the greater Houston area to write and record their own songs. The organization’s singer/songwriters meet with participants to gather their thoughts, messages, or memories and help put them to music. Selected songs are showcased on the Music Doing Good website.

They have a concert series that helps extend the organization’s reach in the community.

Music Doing Good offers is committed to helping Houston students from the ages of 12

Star of Hope was established by Reverend Dennis R. Peveto, a Baptist minister, during the beginning of the twentieth century. His vision was to provide aid and help to men who faced struggles such as substance abuse, alcoholism, negligence, hopelessness and homelessness.

At the turn of the twentieth century, the group in most need of aid and help where not only men facing poverty, but surprisingly women and children. Through generosity and hard work, Star of Hope expanded and created The Women

By 2018, their goal is to distribute 100,000,000 nutritious meals each year. The man behind the vision is Brian Greene, President and CEO. Since 2005, Brian has led the organization to incredible growth. This included moving the Food Bank into its new home, a 308 thousand square foot warehouse and office facility which is four times larger than the old one. Houston Food Bank is the nation’s largest size Feeding America food bank.

Music Doing Good was founded in 2011, out of the vision of actress and singer Marie Bosarge, who desired to inspire and transform lives through innovative music based programming. This year’s Music Doing Good will touch the lives of more than 10,000 people.

Their programs include a unique after-school performing arts program for at-risk and underserved youth. The program features mentor-style leadership to identify and build upon the natural abilities of students.

Their instrument program puts gently used instruments in the hands of under-served students and economically challenged school intown 13

and Family Emergency Center. This home is a safe haven for single, unemployed or employed mothers who need guidance and help.

There is the June Waggoner House of Hope, which provides guidance for the younger population with daycare to programs for teens and The Learning for Transition Center which provides ministry, guidance, housing, healthcare, education and job opportunities.

Another facility that houses and specializes in guiding men is The Doris and Carloss Morris Men’s Development Center.

Star of Hope does more than provide physical commodities to people in need, but provides them with hope, guidance, ministry careers and builds dreams and the opportunity to give rise to new ones.

The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo hit the 350 million mark in charitable contributions for Texas students. When mentioning Houston charities it is impossible to ignore the impact the rodeo event has had on many charities, including the funding of over $350 million in education. With the success of last year’s show the scholarship count will be 735, including 615 four year 18,000 scholarships, totaling over 12 million.

Incorporated in 1932, the original name was The Houston Fat Stock Show and Livestock Exposition, formed to improve breeding and raising practices for cattle. In 1957, the first educational scholarship was given for $2,000.

New for 2014, the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo is contributing to Comp-U-Dopt; Harris County Hospital District Foundation; Houston Area Women’s Center; Former Texas Rangers Foundation; Rise School of Houston; Shriners Hospitals for Children – Houston; Texas A&M University – Bush School of Government & Public Service; United Way; and the YMCA of Greater Houston – Camp Cullen.

Additionally, the Show will continue its support of the American Festival for the Arts; The Center for Hearing and Speech; Cristo Rey Jesuit College Preparatory School of Houston; Holocaust Museum Houston; Memorial Park Conservancy; Small Steps Nurturing Center; Teach for America – Houston; Theatre Under the Stars; and other local and statewide educational programs. intown 14

interview with

Steve Stevens Chairman of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo

What has been your favorite part of being chairman of the world's largest rodeo and Houston's premier annual event?

Seeing the impact that the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo™ makes on the lives of children in our community and around the state. We have over 2,000 students at over 100 universities in Texas that are on Show scholarships. In addition, we are making an impact on Houston by being a good corporate citizen in Houston and the surrounding area. We support art, reading, and mathematics programs, the Houston Symphony, the theater, Memorial Park, and more. It’s just fun to see the fruits of our labor making an impact.

You have been involved in the rodeo for over 30 years. What are some of the highlights that stand out in your memory?

One great highlight is participating and WINNING the World's Championship Bar-B-Que Contest in 1978.

Another wonderful memory is watching my children be successful in the Show's Horse Show, and to be able to compete myself. I hope to see my grandchildren compete soon.

What are the biggest changes and challenges from the early days of running the rodeo?

It is now a very big business. The regulatory requirements regarding our Section 501(c)(3) organization are constantly monitored.

We have a significant investment portfolio that needs to be constantly monitored. There are many things outside the actual rodeo performances that must be monitored and maintained.

Are you a cowboy first and businessman second or vice versa?

I’ve always been a cowboy but I have to be a good businessman to support my cowboy ways.

What is it about the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo that makes it continue to grow and be even more successful?

Two things. First is the city of Houston. We live in the most dynamic, vibrant city in the world. The people in our town work hard and play hard and the show is a big part of that culture.

Secondly, we have 28,500 wonderful volunteers. We have doctors and lawyers opening gates. We have homemakers giving directions and assistance. We have a wonderful group of donors and buyers that continually support our Show.

As an entrepreneur and now chairman of the rodeo, what advice can you give to aspiring young people today?

Work hard. Establish yourself. Take care of your family and then give back to your community.

Find a charitable organization that you enjoy working with and roll up your sleeves and help it be successful.

If you don’t have one, call me.

R.H. “Steve’ Stevens Jr., Show Chairman of Board, Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo.

The annual luncheon for Society for the Performing Arts (SPA), featuring guest speaker Molly Ringwald, proved to be a smash success, raising over $180,000 for the education and outreach programs of SPA. This year’s luncheon was chaired by Melissa and Michael Mithoff. The annual Ann Sakowitz Performing Arts Advocate Award was presented to Ginni Mithoff. All the proceeds go toward enriching the lives of more than 120,000 underserved children and adolescents in the greater Houston area annually.

Photo Credit: Priscilla Dickson

Melanie Gray, June Christensen

Benefit Raises $40K for Scholarships

The University of St. Thomas Performing Arts Society raised approximately $40,000 for fine and performing arts scholarships during the Membership Tea at the home of Rose Cullen.

More than 155 guests attended the event, which honored Isabel David and Mary Ann McKeithan. A full 100 percent of the funds raised benefit fine and performing arts students at St. Thomas. For more about contact Lauren Summerville at 713-9425003 or email PerformingArts@stthom.edu.

Gracie Cavnar, Tricia Dewhurst

The

BUZZ Omana Abraham and Barbara Van Postman

Jack Doherty Leisa Holland-Nelson

Mary Ann McKeithan and Barbara Van Postman and Isabel David

Milton Townsend, Rebekah Jonhnson

June Christensen, Molly Ringwald

Rose Cullen and Kelli Kickerillo Mary Kickerillo and Nancy Strohmer.

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season ‘Tis the

to be gifting assets Evans Attwell Senior Vice President Frost Private Banking

It is that time of year, and you are likely to be busy shopping Even so, understanding the basics of gifting can help you for gifts you hope will not be forgotten before the holiday avoid some costly mistakes. decorations are packed away.

UNDERSTAND GIFTING BASICS Certainly, you could wrap up something that, sooner or later, can be outgrown, worn-out, tired of, used up or broken. Or For 2013, you may give as much as $14,000 (the annual you might consider another gift option with the potential to exclusion) to as many people as you wish without incurring ease your recipients’ financial burdens and set them on the a taxable gift. Recipients can be family members, friends, anyone. This amount includes holiday and birthday gifts, path to a financially secure future. buying your daughter a car, paying off your son’s credit If your financial assets are sufficient, gifting some of those card—anything that is not a legitimate, documented loan. assets now—including cash, securities and property that would otherwise pass to your heirs at your death—can If you make a gift of more than $14,000 to anyone during the year, you are required to report it on a gift tax return. actually benefit you in multiple ways.

WHY GIFT ASSETS? Gifted cash or property is removed from your estate, so it will not be counted as part of your taxable estate when you die. Perhaps just as important, you actually experience the joy of seeing your generosity help those receiving your gifts.

More than just an appropriate holiday option, gifting assets is a year-round opportunity to transfer wealth and do some good for others. Of course, you will need professional help, including a wealth advisor, CPA and attorney, to navigate the complicated rules that govern gifting and estate planning.

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The “excess” amount will count against your lifetime gift tax exemption—currently $5,250,000 ($10,500,000 for a couple). Exhaust your lifetime exemption, and you will pay the gift tax.

You and your spouse may each give $14,000 this year (that’s $28,000 together, called gift splitting) to as many people as you choose.

When you participate in gift splitting, you must also file a gift tax return—even when no taxable gift is incurred—to document that a gift was split.

If you want to help someone with college tuition or medical bills, you can avoid the gift tax issue altogether. As long as you make payments directly to a qualified educational institution or a medical provider on another person’s behalf, you may gift as much as you choose.

Gifts you make to your favorite charities are also exempt from the gift tax. You may give unlimited assets to a qualified charitable organization and might even get a tax deduction for doing so.

TECHNOLOGY YOU EXPECT FROM A BIG BANK. SERVICE YOU DON’T. We’re here with online banking, mobile banking, 1,100+ ATMs and a banker that answers the phone when you call.

Contact Evans at 713. 388.1367 or evans.attwell@frostbank.com. frostbank.com (713) 388-1367 River Oaks 2443 Westheimer Houston, Texas 77098 MEMBER FDIC

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HOUSTON

RENOVATOR Just Around the Trend

by Nick Chiosa What makes a trend occur, and furthermore what makes trends widely accepted as “popular” or “favorable”? How many times must something be done before it becomes a trend? What risk do you take by becoming part of or following a trend? What happens if you partake in a trend that is not-so favorable in the near future?

Every good designer understands what the current trends are, but a great designer will forecast what trends will be popular in years to come. With potential clients, we want to steer them in a direction that will keep their space practical and desirable for years to come. We take out kitchens that have sometimes been there for 40 years, and we want to put one in that will last that long while remaining trendy.

Design Cheryl Carpenter | Poggenpohl Houston

Madeval's Cocina Aurora intown 18

Hide and Reveal Modern History Kitchen by Wood Mode available at Cabinets and Design

Akurum/Orsa Line from Ikea

From a designing and building perspective, it is sometimes fun to imagine, ‘what will builders be thinking in 40 years. Will they wonder why in kitchens, we started putting microwaves down low in islands where children can put their toys in time out? Or in the way of building materials, will they wonder why we were still using materials in need of a lot of maintenance like grout.

Every great designer ponders trends, if not for his or her own longevity as a designer, then for the sake of integrity.

The current trends are determined by the type of person that owns the space.

Luckily, we are a design, build firm who has the clientele interested in all types of design and finishing. We must possess an accurate and working knowledge of what potential home buyers and positive home renovators are looking for in their new space. Good trends now are going to be what homeowners

+MODO We don’t just look at kitchens, we live and feel them. Our +MODO introduces sensuous emotions to the world of the kitchen through the interplay of open and closed elements. Place your favourite objects in stimulating open spaces.

Hide and reveal as the mood takes you. The kitchen is now a platform for a journey of constant creation and discovery.

expect from a space in the future.

Poggenpohl Kitchen Design Studio 5002 Westheimer Road, Suite B Houston, TX 832-582-2620 www.houston.poggenpohl.com

Natural elements of design have grown their way into our interior environments. More and more we will seek to introduce new rough, natural elements into the areas that we value most. Each of us possesses a strong, hidden appreciation for the power of raw elements.

You start to see accent walls in bathrooms with jagged stack stone or slats of bamboo, river rock at shower floors, or kitchen islands supported by the same- sometimes uncut stone.

The granite in our kitchen may have been developing in the earth for thousands of years.

Perhaps again, because of our grab and go life style where many of us don’t get to spend the time we’d like to doing outdoor activities in nature, that we have instinctively adapted to doing the next best thing by bringing it to us.

This I imagine, will become omnipresent in the malleable world of design.

The power of suspension. We all have a sweet spot for suspense; even those who say they hate suspense secretly love it. If given the time, our minds love to wonder in anticipation.

The presence of art, decor, theme and installations in our kitchens is as much of a powerfully integral part of the room as say an oven.The

NO LATEX NO TOXINS NO ALLERGENS NO CHEMICALS

NO MEMORY FOAM

NO FLAME RETARDANTS NO TOXIC GLUES NO EMFS

current theme is to build a room that reflects our home. Our home is dawned with images of us, our possessions and pieces that reflect usso we claim. Too seldom do I hear a customer initiate a conversation about how the space is

LUXE COMFORT

going to reflect them on a personal level as an

HEALTHY SLEEP

individual. However when a customer tells me

AUTHENTIC SUPPORT PATENTED SPRING SYSTEM

that they have something in mind, it becomes a crucial part of the thought process that must be carefully built around.

ORGANIC WOOLS and COTTONS SLEEPS WARM IN WINTER COOL SUMMER

Many customers left to their own devices have a hard time knowing where to start when picking out color selections, tiles, materials and accents. Often decisions are reached based on the level of care the item or material requires. I start by telling my customers to find one thing that they fall in love with, and base everything from that point out. Hopefully, the room

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doesn’t end up covered in the same colors and textures as the item you love, because

How Can We Help You?

then you lose arguably the most important characteristic of all good things- contrast.

This creation of drama in a room is designed to allow the eye to be drawn to an important design feature, while having a vast area to rest. The important part of this contrast is that after a few moments, the eye will reverse and concentrate on what was the resting area, now seeing it as the focal point while the other material supplies the soft backdrop. This concept is one where no item in a room is unimportant to the overall feel.

This concept should also discourage anyone from picking one material to simply be a filler while the other provides the focus. The current trend is and will exponentially prove to be, that every single material in the room has a vast importance to the overall space.

With our customers, often the practicality of a design is the most important feature.

Cabinets Designs

Incorporated

4200 Westheimer, Suite 102 Houston, TX 77027 (713) 627-8970 www.cabinetsanddesigns.net

When following a trend, you only win if the design is you and you only lose if the trend is only you. We should all seek to be trend setters, lighting the path for others to emulate. We do this by taking the most mundane items in a space and finding a way to make them important. We do this by taking items that don’t belong, and making them crucial to the space. We do this by shaking off the shackles that come with bad ideas, even when they sound good or look good on paper. A bad trend is just a distraction from what the art of design truly is, and the heart that it requires. We are the designers of our world, and we are responsible for the world that we create, it is up to us to make it a lasting one.

Nick is a Design Specialist at Everhart Construction, a design and build firm in Houston.

For more information go to www.everhartconstruction.com

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THE LAST DANCE

On Thanksgiving weekend, Blanco’s dubbed “the Last Great American Cantina’”by this magazine, will close a long chapter in River Oaks history For the many who have dined and imbibed at Blancos over the years, this Thanksgiving weekend will be a somber one. The price of their beer will likely double and probably not be as cold and the many annual Saturday River Oaks private parties will need a new venue. This Thanksgiving weekend marks the end of an era in Houston for the legendary cantina Blanco’s.

Through the years many have wondered when this day would come. The 13 acres of land that Blanco’s sits on was purchased in the 40’s by Ben Taub, a wealthy real estate developer and philanthropist and the same Taub family that had made available the land where the original St. John’s school was started was sold to St.John’s school for expansion Part gift and part sale, the land will now stay as somewhat of a philanthropic endeavor in the tradition of the Taub family, despite the purported 91 million price tag.

Blanco’s will likely become a memory as the price of land inside the loop has become too expensive to duplicate what they have had - inexpensive food and beer in an atmosphere that can’t be duplicated.

Barry Debakey intown

ad of Nunn and staff

Karin long-time Director of Fun at Blanco´s

Interior

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1

Started as a children’s nursery and then turned into a nightclub called Hondo’s in the seventies, this urban honky tonk started when the late Barry E. Debakey, son of the late famed heart surgeon, Dr. Michael Debakey launched Blanco’s. Shortly afterward came longtime owner, partner and manager Karin Barnes. This joyous fixture in Blanco’s has been waiting tables at lunch and booking bands and playing dominoes in the afternoon for over 30 years. All after answering an ad on the sign outside the place for help wanted.

Home cooked meals at below reasonable prices and ten dollar buckets of beer have been the norm for as long as one can remember. Nobody really expected a small rundown former school nursery to evolve into the city’s most venerable honky tonk. Blanco’s is an institution that has defined Houston. Most people have wondered how it stays upright and prayed daily that no one starts a fire inside. Fire code, schmire code, and if you can’t find the bathroom and are to afraid to ask, go outside.

Yes, it is true Blanco’s will finally have its last dance and last call, and for all the character and value it has brought River Oaks and Houston over the years, the legendary performers begins and ends with a Gary P. Nunn song, “What I like About Texas” (Blanco’s) is the “spirit of the people that (have) share(d) this land.”

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