Intown january new for web

intown Ja nua ry / Februa ry 2014

Person of the

YEAR

Keller Williams Realty

(832) 752-6114 www.dawngervais.com

KW Luxury Homes BOD (713) 562-4903 Keller Williams Metropolitan

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

KellerBanker Williams Memorial Coldwell United, Realtors

(713) 461-9393 (713) 320-6453 www.bettybezemer.com www.davidyoungteam.com

Keller Williams Realty Metropolitan Martha Turner Properties

713-621-2555 (713) 303-1413 www.weldonrigby.com www.thekidwellteam.com

Real Estate Profession

Val Arbona

REALTOR®, CLHMS, CRS RE/MAX Vintage

(713) 562-4903 www.valarbona.com

BettyMabray Bezemer Lane

KW Luxury CLHMS, CRS CRSConsultant, GRI CLHMS Lane Mabray Home Team Keller Williams Memorial

(281) (713)925-3023 461-9393 www.lane2houston.com www.bettybezemer.com

WeldonSaldana Rigby Mariana

Founding Member KW Luxury Broker, CIPS Uptown Real Estate Inc. Keller Williams Realty Group, Metropolitan

Marlene Foad Marlene FoadCIC, CISR Carrie Ousley

Dawn Gervais ABR, CRS, CLHMS Luxury Home and Condo Insurance ABR, CRS,ePro, ePro, CLHMS REALTOR® Consultant, CLHMS, GRI, ALHS, ABR HUBofInternational Personal Insurance RE/MAX 360 Member the Institute for Luxury Keller Williams RealtyMarketing

Vice P Hom KW Kelle

(713) (832) 681-5020 (713) 629-7771 621-2555 (281) 686-4444 (281) (832)686-4444 752-6114 www.uptownhouston.com www.hubousley.com www.weldonrigby.com www.houstoncondosandtownhomes.com marlene@marlenetherealtor.com www.dawngervais.com www.houstonluxuryestates.com

Members and

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of the Institute for Luxury Home Marketing

Real Estate Professionals Serving the Greater Houston Luxury Home Com WW W . G R E Serving A T E Rthe HO U S THouston O N L ULuxury X U R Home Y . C OCom M Real Estate Professionals Greater

Lane Mabray

CRS GRI Lisa B.CLHMS White Lane Mabray Home Team Broker/Co-Owner/ILHM (281) 925-3023 GBR Realty

Mariana Saldana Broker, CIPS Richard Hill

Uptown EstateMetropolitan Group, Inc. KellerReal Williams (713)Houston, 629-7771 TX

Carrie Ousley CIC, CISR

LuxuryFabian Home and Condo Insurance Trujillo HUB International Broker /KellerPersonal WilliamsInsurance (832) 681-5020 Metropolitan

www.lane2houston.com www.uptownhouston.com www.hubousley.com (832) 771-8458 (713) 863-9494 Dawn Gervais Bruce Kink (713) 775-6862 Consultant, CLHMS, GRI, ALHS, ABR CEO / Team Leader www.houstonluxury-mansions.comREALTOR®www.richardhill.com Dawn Gervais www.FabianTrujillo.com Bruce Kink Keller Williams Realty KW Luxury Homes BOD REALTOR® Consultant, CLHMS, GRI, ALHS, ABR CEO / Team Leader Keller WilliamsHomes Metropolitan (832) 752-6114 Keller Williams Realty KW Luxury BOD 621-8001 www.dawngervais.com Keller(713) Williams Metropolitan (832) 752-6114 www.kwmet.com (713) 621-8001 www.dawngervais.com www.kwmet.com Members and of the Institute for Luxury Home Marketing

Ken Jacobson CMPS

Val Arbona Vice President/Sr. Mortgage Planner Hometrust Mortgage Company REALTOR®, CLHMS, CRS RE/MAX Vintage (713) 369-4040 (713) 562-4903 www.kenjacobson.com David Michael Young

www.valarbona.com REALTOR®, CLHMS, GREEN, CNE DavidBanker Michael Young Coldwell United, Realtors REALTOR®, CLHMS, GREEN, CNE (713) 320-6453 Coldwell Banker United, Realtors www.davidyoungteam.com (713) 320-6453 www.davidyoungteam.com

he Greater Houston Luxury Home Community W W W. G R E A T E R H O U S T O N L U X U R Y. C O M

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David Michael Michael Young Young David

(713) 320-6453 320-6453 (713) www.davidyoungteam.com dmyoung@cbunited.com www.davidyoungteam.com

Val Arbona Shane Kidwell Shane Kidwell

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Weldon Rigby

Betty Bezemer

REALTOR®, CLHMS, GRI, CNE REALTOR®, CLHMS, CRS KW Luxury Consultant, CLHMS, CRS REALTOR®, GRI, CNE ValCLHMS, Arbona Betty Bezemer Martha TurnerVintage Properties RE/MAX Turner Properties 11510Martha Habersham Ln | Piney KellerConsultant, Williams Memorial REALTOR®, CLHMS, CRS Point Village KW Luxury CLHMS, CRS (713) 303-1413 562-4903 (713) 303-1413 RE/MAX Vintage (713) 461-9393 $2,999,900 | MLS # 89407684 Keller Williams Memorial www.thekidwellteam.com www.valarbona.com www.thekidwellteam.com (713) 562-4903 (713)New 461-9393 8,910 SF, 5 bedrooms, 6/3 baths, 40,000 SF lot, 3www.bettybezemer.com car garage. construction www.bettybezemer.com Tuscanwww.valarbona.com style home on quiet cul-de-sac with huge open living areas, elegant architectural design and fine finishes. Pool, spa, summer kitchen, wine room, media room, game room, exercise room, study, library, laundry up + down, workshop.

David M Young | Coldwell Banker United, Realtors 713-320-6453 | dmyoung@cbunited.com

Marlene Foad

www REAL M REAL M

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Visit our web site

CRS GRI CLHMS Lane Mabray Home Team

REALTOR®, CLHMS, CLHMS, GREEN, GREEN, CNE CNE REALTOR®, Coldwell Banker Banker United, United, Realtors Realtors Coldwell

KW Lux Ke

(281) 925-3023 Weldon Rigby www.lane2houston.com CRS, Founding Member KW Luxury WeldonABR Rigby

Founding Member Luxury Keller Williams RealtyKW Metropolitan Founding Member KW Luxury Keller Realty Metropolitan Metropolitan (713) 621-2555 Keller Williams Williams Realty

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

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David Michael Jennifer LarsenYoung

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Realtor® CLHMS, Five Star Professional Coldwell Banker United, Realtors Keller Williams Memorial

(713) 320-6453 (713) 724-2844 www.davidyoungteam.com www.larsenrealtor.com

Betty Bezemer Realtor® Carol Ann FaKouri Keller Williams Realty Luxury ASP, CNE, CSSN, ePRO, MCNE (713) 461-8511 John Daugherty, Realtors www.bettybezemer.com (713) 553-7272 www.carolann-realtor.com

Brad Hermes

Realtor® ler Williams Luxury Homes

(713) 816-3200

HermesFineProperties.com

Shane Kidwell

Realtor® Martha Turner Properties

(713) 303-1413 www.thekidwellteam.com

Mary Wassef MarilynRealtor® Arendt

Circa Real Estate Broker - Owner (713) 862-1101 Marilyn Arendt Properties www.marywassef.com 12414 Stafford Springs Drive Houston, Texas 77077-39

C: (281) 433-9113 mma@castle2sell.com www.castle2sell.com

Cherin Cox

John Daugherty, Realtors 520 Post Oak Boulevard, 6th Floor Houston, TX 77027

C: (832) 607-3430 O: (713) 626-3930 E-Fax: (713) 561-6718 www.har.com/cherincox

Margaret Iserman

Broker Associate Re/Max Northwest Realtors

(832) 236-4287 margaret.iserman@gmail.com

Peter Royster

The Institute for Luxury Home Marketing, ALHS (Accredited Luxury Homes Specialist), e-PRO, RE/MAX 100% Club

(713) 805-6247 www.PeterRoyster.com

Beverly Smith

CLHMS, Lake Conroe Specialist Coldwell Banker United, Realtors

(713) 569-2113 www.har.com/bevsmith

Ken Jacobson CMPS

Vice President/Sr. Mortgage Planner Hometrust Mortgage Company

(713) 369-4040 www.kenjacobson.com

Piney Point Village $1,850,000. MLS #96743447

Beautiful and very private building site in Piney Point Village with mature trees. of the Institute Home Marketing This 1 +for acreLuxury is being sold for land value only. Unique entrance from Blalock or Piney Point Visit our Road. Unusual access from the west off Blalock Road or from the east offweb Pineysite Point.

R H O UWeldon S TRigby ON L U X U R Y .

C O M | Keller Williams Realty Metropolitan 713-621-2555 | wrigby@weldonrigby.com

127 A Roberts Spur Road – Huntsville, TX

Sprawling compound on 375 +/- rolling acres with 3 houses. The property has an Artesian well which supplies water to 4 ponds stocked with Blue Gill & Catfish.

Pavilion with ice house and loggia with fireplace plus 2 barns. Saltwater pool with 3,000 sq.ft. lanai area. Once in a lifetime opportunity.

Beverly Smith | Coldwell Banker United, Realtors 713-569-2113 | www.har.com/bevsmith

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CONTENTS 6-7

Year in review 10

A Few Words with

Matthew Dirst 12- 13

Food & Entertainment

New Restaurants in Houston 14 - 15

The Game

16 - 17

PERSON OF THE YEAR George P. Mitchell

intown

18 - 19

J anuary / F e bruary 20 14

Person of the

Financial Focus

On cover

Top IRA Planning Mistakes

George P. Mitchell Person of the Year

20 - 21

Houston Renovator

YEAR

intown www.houstonintown.com JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2014

PUBLISHER M.A. Haines EDITOR Lisa June

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

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 2014 by Intown Magazine. All rights reserved. Content may not be reprinted or reproduced with permission from Intown magazine.

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EDITORIAL

Year in Review

Our Person Of The Year was not a close vote.

The legacy that George Mitchell left on Houston and Galveston is just a microcosm of his effect on the entire US population. He follows last year’s winner Rick Smith of the Houston Texans (how the mighty have fallen), Peter Marzio, and Mayor Annise Parker.

The Fracking Boom in Houston and Texas, along, with North Dakota have so far been the biggest benefactors due to the surge in shale hydraulic fracturing. The discoveries have reversed our intown 6

dependency on foreign oil and predictions now abound that in only a few years the US will become the world’s largest oil producer. All of this has recently come to fruition because of the foresight of George P. Mitchell more than three decades ago. Mitchell is considered to be the father of fracking. Despite environmental concerns, it is estimated by the IHS Global Insight report that in the next seven years there will be over 3 million jobs created and billions of dollars to the economies of several states due to fracking.

Real Estate Prices in Houston have ballooned to pre-financial meltdown prices and have left home builders scrambling to meet demand. In 2013, Houston saw its median and average home prices hit all time highs.

In Sports going into 2013, there had never been such a frenzy of support for one of our local teams as there was with the Texans. After their postseason win and then loss to the eventual Super Bowl champions, the Texans fell far posting one of their worst records.

Unlike the Texans, our other football team, the Houston Dynamo quietly came close to another MLS title, losing in a close match against the eventual champion, Sporting Kansas City. Two Houston favorites will be leaving in Kubiak and Ching, and the Rockets look like the championship teams of the past. The only topics of relevance in regard to the Astros have been lawsuits and a disgruntled owner. The Rice Owls football team had one of their best seasons ever winning their conference crown.

Our Astrodome has had a tough year.

After voters denied any bond money to redevelop the seeming albatross, it is apparent that there are plenty of people that still want to keep the structure in tact. Despite recent asbestos removal and demolition on the parking structures, the Houston Archaeological and Historical Commision voted to seek landmark designation for the Dome, further complicating matters.

of the Metro line is part of what was approved by Houston voters over ten years ago. Despite the best efforts of some to develop and build a system to improve Houston’s abominable traffic, there are many powerful politicians against it. Promises in the past by our politicians to do something about the traffic appear empty. It appears that Washington is not the only government in gridlock, Houston certainly has its share.

More light rail has been opened to the North. This just over five mile stretch

The Ashby verdict which involved a prolific squabble between business and homeowners ruled in favor of the Southampton plaintiffs. The jury decided that their property rights would be interfered with and that they were entitled to compensation when and if the construction ever happens.

Houston has prided itself on having no zoning laws, but it appears with enough cash and fortitude zoning will be enforced.

Sixteen Chosen Strip Clubs were allowed by the city to abandon the three foot rule and be totally topless in exchange for cash and a nebulous agreement to help control human trafficking. intown 7

Arts

300-year old Italian love story returns The modern world première of Alessandro Scarlatti’s “La Sposa dei Cantici” opens festival The Grammy-nominated Ars Lyrica Houston continues its 10th anniversary with the modern world première of Alessandro Scarlatti’s La Sposa dei Cantici on February 8, 2014 at the Hobby Center for the Performing Arts.

Museums Museum Of Fine Arts Houston Koloman Moser: Designing Modern Vienna, 1897–1907. Ongoing - January 12 American Adversaries: West and Copley in a Transatlantic World. Ongoing - January 20 Words and Things: Buddhist Texts and Ritual Objects from Japan. Ongoing - January 12 Arts of Islamic Lands: Selection from The al Sabah Collection Kuwait. Ongoing - January 26 Antonio Berni: Juanito and Ramona Ongoing - January 26 Pattern Repeat: Wallpaper Then and Now Ongoing - January 26

Last heard in Naples in 1710, this 1703 oratorio is a love story whose characters reflect the blending of Christian and pagan traditions during the Italian high Baroque. Artistic Director and Ars Lyrica founder, Matthew Dirst conducts from the harpsichord the period-instrument ensemble of strings and continuo players.

The Age of Impressionism Ongoing - March 23

The La Sposa dei Cantici opens the 2nd annual Houston Early Music Festival (HEMF), which runs February 8 – 16, 2014.

Beyond Craft: Decorative Arts from the leatrice S. and melvin B. Eagle collection Opens February 23 through May 26

Georges Braque: A Retrospective Opens February 13 through May 11

Contemporary Arts Museum Houston ART ON THE LAWN: JOSEPH HAVEL Ongoing– April 30, 2014

713.528.2264 • 3939 san felipe • ouisiestable.com

713-528-2473 • 2810 westheimer • thebirdandthebearbistro.com

For more information visit www.arslyricahouston.org

Made for Magazines: Iconic 20th Century Photographs Opens February 9 through May 4

Breakfast intown 8

Lunch

Dinner

Weddings

Meetings

Events

Live Music

4.875x4.875 InTown Mag Ad TW_Layout 1 8/22/13 9:01 AM Page 1

OUTSIDE THE LINES. Ongoing– March 23, 2014 Beginning three of a six part presentation: UIA (Unlikely Iterations of the Abstract) organized by Arning, Black in the Abstract, Part 1: Epistrophy organized by Cassel Oliver, and Outside the Lines organized by Dean Daderko. Final three exhibits begin in January of 2014.

Holocaust Museum Houston 5401 Caroline Houston, Texas 77004. p 713-942-8000 “Uprooted” Ongoing through March 9 “The Wartime Escape: Margret and H. A. Rey’s Journey from France” "American Heroes: Japanese American World War II Nisei Soldiers and the Congressional Gold Medal" December 19, 2013 through January 26, 2014 The Menil Collection Nice. Luc Tuymans. Ongoing – January 5, 2014 WOLS: Retrospective. Ongoing – January 12, 2014

njoy tasteful, distinctive living at the Village of Tanglewood. From our convenient location, quality suites and delicious dining to concierge service and stimulating activities—the Village of Tanglewood offers an exceptional retirement lifestyle.

Call 713.977.1400 to schedule a tour today

Lee Bontecou: Drawn Worlds Opens January 31 through May 11 Magritte: The Mystery of the Ordinary 1926 - 1930 Opens February 14 through June 1 Memories of a Voyage: The Late Work of Rene Magritte Opens February 14 through July 13 Houston Museum Of Natural Science Scenes From The Stone Age: The Cave Paintings Of Lascaux. Ongoing – March 23, 2014 Magna Carta Opens February 14 through August 17 Asia Society Texas Between History and New Horizons: Photographs of Women, Work, and Community in Laos.

Ongoing- 9 February 2014 Weavers’ Stories from island Southeast Asia Ongoing- February 2014

1600 Augusta Drive, Houston, Texas 77057 www.villageoftanglewood.com

A. D. Players

Mainstage Theater Presents

“Instructive, inspiring, immensely engaging, and completely unforgettable.”

Music Da Camera Chamber Music and Jazz Paquito D’Rivera with the Brasil Guitar Duo Friday, January 24, 2014; 8:00 PM Cullen Theater, Wortham Theater Center The Cookers (JAZZ) Friday, February 7, 2014; 8:00 PM Cullen Theater, Wortham Theater Center Brentano String Quartet with Vijay Iyer, piano Saturday, February 15, 2014; 8:00 PM Zilkha Hall, Hobby Center for the Performing Arts Simone Dinnerstein, piano Tuesday, February 25, 2014; 7:30 PM The Menil Collection Houston Symphony Mozart’s Jupiter Symphony. January 3 - 5 The Planet’s & The Earth. January 9-12 Vivaldi’s The Four Seasons. January 17 Detective Concerts January 22-23 Contemporary Songbook. January 24-26 Adams Conducts. January 31-February 2

ADPLAYERS.ORG

713-526-2721 intown 9

Dirst

A Few Words with

Matthew

Founder and Artistic Director of Ars Lyrica Houston a Grammy-nominated ensemble that specializes in Baroque chamber and dramatic works.

Dirst is also Associate Professor of Music at the Moores School of Music, University of Houston, where he teaches courses in music history and performance practice.

He is the first American musician to win major international prizes in both organ and harpsichord.

His recordings with Ars Lyrica earned a Grammy nomination for opera in 2011. He is the author of a recent book entitled Engaging Bach.

Dirst also serves as organist at St Philip Presbyterian Church in Houston.

Baroque music claims to express the "fundamental order of the universe." Would you explain?

I've never heard it put quite that way, but I suppose for some people it does. Since antiquity philosophers have claimed extraordinary powers for music, some of which seem eternally valid and others now merely fanciful: the "music of the spheres," for example (which extends from Plato to the Fifth Dimension).

Baroque music is certainly highly expressive, and this was the first era in music history during which instrumental as well as vocal music were said to possess the same kind of emotional power.

Having been nominated for a Grammy for opera, is it now a goal of yours to win one?

Naturally!

How influential were your parents in your career?

Tell us what to expect at your upcoming Houston Early Music Festival in February.

A wonderful variety of early music, from late medieval polyphony to some of the great Baroque masterworks even a modern world premiere!

What do you suppose has attracted so many people of your ilk to the University of Houston?

A leading music school, strong faculty and good resources. Houston is itself a big draw, with a very lively arts scene including several world-class musical organizations.

With Ars Lyrica are you trying to attract a new generation of "early' musicians?

Yes indeed: this music is for everybody, not just experts.

Its power transcends its age, kind of like the best wine!

I always wondered why the music at St. Philip Church was so incredible, now I know. How did you come about being their organist?

I began there in 1997, just after moving to Houston to begin work at UH in August of 1996. At that time, Charles Hausmann (my colleague on the choral faculty at the Moores School) was the director of the St Philip Choir, and he recruited me for the position of organist. It's been a tremendously supportive congregation, one that really likes high quality music.

What other music genres do you enjoy?

Very much: my mother is a pianist and organist, and she had all four of her kids study piano through the 6th grade. They continue to attend (sometimes from great distances) programs as they can.

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All sorts of stuff: jazz, bluegrass, chant.

Emanuel Ax Plays Bach. February 13-16 Music of The Mad Men Era. February 21-2 3 Rachmaninoff’s Rhapsody. February 28- March 2 Theater A. D. Players Theater The Diary of Anne Frank. Opens January 29 - March 9 Alley Theater Other Desert Cities. Preview January 10 Opens January 15 through February 2 Freud’s Last Session. Previews January 24 Opens January 29 through February 23 Main Street Theater Into the Woods. January 16 through February 16th Macbeth. February 27 through March 9 Broadway Across America Ghost. February 18 - 23 The Hobby Center For Performing Arts Tyler Perry’s Hell Hath No Fury Like A Woman Scorned. January 17 - 19 We Will Rock You. January 22 through February 2 Helen Reddy. January 23 Indie - A - Go - Go. January 25 La Sposa Dei Cantici. February 8 Hope Stone Dance Company. February 28 The Music Box Theater “The Year in Review”. January 3-4,17-18 Constantine Maroulis. January 9-12 Stark Naked Theatre Company Faith Healer. January 23- February 8 Houston Ballet Aladdin. February 2 through March 2 Young Person’s Guide To The Orchestra March 6 through 16 Events Reliant Park Houston Boat Show January 3-12 International Gem & Jewelry Show. January 17-19 Houston Gun Collectors Show. January 18-19 Houston Auto Show. January 22-26 Houston RV Show. February 5-9 Sesame Street Live. February 6-9 Corvette Expo. February 15-16 World Championship Bar-B-Cue Contest February 27- March 1 Sports Houston Rockets Home games. Toyota Center January 3 New York 8 LA Lakers 16 OK City 18 Milwaukee 20 Portland 22 Sacramento 24 Memphis 28 San Antonio

(281)447-2727

February 1 Cleveland 5 Phoenix 12 Washington

info@cmsignletters.com www.cmsignletters.com

FOOD&

ENTERTAINMENT

Vallone´s La Casa del Caballo

Liberty Kitchen & Oysterette

Christmas came early last year for Houston foodies, as a slew of new restaurants opened up right before the end of 2013.

famous waterfall and lush interiors, this steakhouse ups the game for all Houston steak palaces.

Expect wet- and dry-aged, hand-cut steaks done to perfection; delicious, giant veal chops; housemade pastas and great seafood.

by Marene Gustin

Inside the Loop, you’ll find the new Liberty Kitchen & Oysterette, an offshoot from Lance Fegen, Lee Ellis and chef Travis Lenig of Liberty Kitchen, BRC and Petite Sweets. It’s a cozy but eclectic spot reminiscent of a New England home with soothing whites and blues and unexpected touches like the chandelier hanging over the oyster bar that serves up appellation oysters both raw and on the half shell and grilled. Not in the mood for seafood? Don’t despair meat lovers, there are some awesome, huge burgers here and

F

oremost among them was the muchanticipated Vallone’s. Not to be confused with legendary restaurateur Tony Vallone’s former eatery of the same name, this stunning new high-end steakhouse at Gateway Memorial City is the brainchild of Vallone; Grant Gordon, former executive chef at Tony’s; and Scott Sulma, general manger of Tony’s and Vallone’s.

Designed by Shafik Rifaat, who did Tony’s with its intown 12

Nara

big steaks like the 14-ounce Texas Wagyu New York strip and a prime rib cart that rolls around so they can carve the Texas all-natural Black Angus slab of beef tableside.

West Ave, the multi-use, high-rise at the corner of Kirby Drive and Westheimer Road, saw the opening of two new restaurants at the end of last year. Nara is chef David Chang’s modern Koreaninspired restaurant in the spot formerly occupied

by Katsuya by Starck. While Nara has much to recommend it, of special note is the grill room in back where patrons can order high quality meats and grill them at the communal tables.

restaurant + bar

Fine Houston dining conveniently located in River Oaks

And celebrity chef Susie Jimenez opened Trenza in the former Alto spot upstairs from the New Del Frisco’s Grille in West Ave. Trenza blends the chef’s Latin heritage with Indian inspirations; think chicken tikka masala empanadas and curried braised short-rib tamales.

In keeping with the international flavor theme, La Casa del Caballo opened last year on lower Westheimer in what was once La Strada. This is the second restaurant for Carlos Abedrop, whose first La Casa was a well-known steakhouse in Saltillo, Mexico. He’s imported the concept to Houston where it’s been well received for both the $20 executive lunches and the family-style dinners like the four-pound rib-eye cap. Yes, you read that right, four pounds of delicious steak served with fried potatoes, grilled vegetables, beans and tortillas. The restaurant also serves Saltillo-style enchiladas and seafood.

And speaking of seafood, Caracol, the Mexican seafood restaurant from Tracy Vaught and her chef husband Hugo Ortega opened just before Christmas serving delicious baked Gulf of Mexico oysters, ceviches and smoked fish tostados. Non-seafood dishes include duck and strip steak with mole.

Wherever you decide to eat in 2014, there are plenty of new places with interesting menus.

Bon appétit. Go to www.houstinintown.com for more.

JOIN US IN JANUARY FOR “LADIES OF LIBATIONS” EVERY TUESDAY Dinner: Lunch Friday 11-2:30pm

Monday - Thursday, 5-10pm

Sunday Brunch 11am -3pm

Friday & Saturday, 5-11pm Sunday, 4-10pm

Address: 2815 South Shepherd, Houston, Texas 77098 phone: 713.527.9090 www.trinitirestaurant.com intown 13

The Game

Brian Ching was the face of two Houston Dynamo championship teams and is retiring as their all time scoring leader. His playing career lasted thirteen years despite suffering more than a dozen major and minor injuries. The 35 year old, Hawaiian born star was drafted 16th overall by the Los Angeles Galaxy. Off the field Ching partnered with the Habitat For Humanity to start “the House that Ching built.” Ching was recently named managing director of the newest National Women’s Soccer league franchise, the Houston Dash.

Yahoo Sports Radio 1560 Am Host John Granato Caught up Ching following his final testimonial match which featured many MLS stars paying homage to a legend.

1560: Is saying goodbye to your Dynamo career a little sad?

Brian: It is sad on one level, and relieving on another.It was tough to come to grips with the fact that I can’t run around like I used to do. I’m happy, though. I feel like I had a good career and am looking forward to moving on to the next phase.

1560: The Houston Texans recently named you an honorary team captain, along with other Houston sports figures like Larry Dierker. “Brian Ching” is now tied to the city of Houston, right? intown 14

Brian: Yeah! I thought it was a pretty cool honor from the Texans and I really appreciate that. It’s not something that I ever planned on and it still comes as a shock to me sometimes.

I’ve been on some great teams, had some great teammates but I guess I’ve been the guy who’s outlasted them all here.

It’s an honor and I can’t thank our fans enough; if it weren’t for them, it things like wouldn’t be possible.

1560: If there’s one moment that best encapsulates your career with the Dynamo, what is it?

Brian: Winning the 2006 MLS Cup in Dallas. It was a

HE FL AVORS T R O V A S OF TUSCANY

Happy hour | Light Menu | Brunch culmination of moving the team from San Jose, filling the Dallas stadium with Houston fans, scoring big goals in a close game, and how even the sky was orange that day. Those images are forever burned into my mind and are the first things I think of when people ask me to reminisce on my career.

River Oaks

BRIOITALIAN.COM

3029 Kirby Drive Houston, TX 77098 (713) 528-8200

1560: Can you put into words what it means to have so many players come from all over to play in the Testimonial Match in your honor?

Brian: It’s a special honor. I’ve always prided myself on how my teammates saw me. To have so many guys fly out on my special day means the world to me. If you watched me play, you know I relied heavily on my teammates and they were the ones who made me the player I am today.

Listen to John Granato weekday afternoons 3-7pm on 1560 AM, flagship home of Yahoo! Sports Radio.

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PERSON OF THE

YEAR

George P. Mitchell

By Evelyn Hurtado

George Mitchell’s many contributions to education, research and philanthropy have changed the lives of many Houstonians and his work in energy development has made him the Thomas Edison of the oil industry. His drive, innovation and perseverance make him Intown Magazine’s Person of the Year.

“Throughout my life I've seen firsthand how even a little financial assistance could mean a chance for struggling students, dedicated scientists, and families to reach their goals.” These are the famous words of the late businessman and philanthropist George Phydias Mitchell who was born to Greek immigrant parents and grew up a teenager during the Great Depression. He was still well aware of the opportunities for those living in America. Coming from a humble yet loving household, George Mitchell paid for his college education running a tailoring and laundry business in College Station and by selling candy and stationary to his fellow Aggie students. He graduated first in his class from Texas A&M University with degrees in petrochemical engineering and geology. After he graduated college.

George spent four years in the Army Corps of Engineers during World War II. He later became A & M’s largest benefactor with donations topping $95 million.

With his degree in geology and a family to support, George Mitchell knew that he needed to make money so he bought a share in Oil Drilling Incorporated in December of 1946. This proved to be a wise investment.

In the late 1940s, Oil Drilling put together prospects and investors and went on to discover or develop production in a score of Texas fields. Soon, it began exploration and production operations in Alberta and on the Ontario side of Lake Erie.

Mitchell bought the lease and drilled near Bridgeport, where he opened what would George Mitchell is considered the become Mitchell Energy's Thomas Edison of energy extraordinarily successful North Texas holdings.

During 1953, the company drilled 13 consecutive nineteenth century commercial iron-front buildings in producing development wells there and by the end of Galveston’s historic downtown, while also owning and the year it had more than 300,000 North Texas acres operating three hotels including The Tremont House under lease--an area which even in the early 1990’s was and Galvez Hotel, which have undergone extensive still the heart of Mitchell Energy's production. After revitalizations. In 1985, the Mitchell’s revived the midpurchasing the remaining stock of Merlyn Christie winter Mardi Gras celebration in Galveston, which now (one of the company shareholders) in 1962 George draws over 500,000 visitors annually.

Mitchell changed the name of the company to Mitchell Investors and employees of George Mitchell many & Mitchell Gas and Oil. times questioned his decision making only to be Wanting to expand his company outside of the oil and proven wrong. He was criticized on his visions ranging natural gas industry, Mitchell purchased a 50,000 acre tract from his real estate developments, drilling locations in Montgomery and Grimes Counties where he would to finding new efficient methods of extracting natural enter the real estate development and in 1974 it became gas from underground. In the 1980’s and into the early The Woodlands. It was to operate with the concept of 1990’s, Mitchell set out to find an efficient way to extract building a community calling for the preservation of natural gas from underground shale rock formations. It trees, protecting the environment, minimizing flooding would take seventeen years and many millions ,but he never gave up. The resulting innovation is a technique and creating a pleasant urban environment. combined with hydraulic fracturing of rock which The old saying is that behind every successful man there makes it possible to economically extract natural gas is a woman. Cynthia Woods was born in New York City from shale rock formations. This new innovation has in 1922 to a single mother during the Great Depression. changed the industry and has produced more than Along with her twin sister, the family moved to half a million new jobs across the country. This new Houston in 1939 where she studied psychology, technique has been widely adopted by the gas industry literature and art at the University of Houston. Cynthia and spawned a new gas boom in North America.

Mitchell always loved the arts and was the driving force behind the couples many artistic and humanitarian A strong believer in the power of education and causes. Working closely with UH leadership, the family sciences George Mitchell has donated over $160 million proposed a programmatic alliance among the schools of Art, Music, and Theatre & Dance, as well as the Creative Writing Program and Blaffer Art Museum. $16 million was designated to form an endowment for the Centers programs, and $4 million covered the renovation of the School of Theatre & Dance facility, making room for new studios, a lobby for the Wortham Theatre, and offices for the Mitchell Center staff. The building was also renamed the Cynthia Woods Mitchell Center for the Arts.

In 1952, a Chicago bookie called George Mitchell and tried to sell him a 10,000-acre lease in North Texas, which at the time was said to be an area with a bad reputation George Mitchell commenced the revitalization of for oil drilling. Going against the conventional wisdom, Galveston with his initial purchase and restoration of 17 intown 16

universities and research centers. He also founded the Houston Advanced Research Center a non-partisan multi university institution that promotes sustainability practices and he also helped establish the Texas Climate and Change program to help ensure a clean energy future for Texas.

“When I was a boy, I was fascinated by the stars because I thought one day we might be able to get there”- George P. Mitchell. Get there he did.

Prior to his passing, George P. Mitchell joined the Giving Pledge sponsored by Warren Buffet and Bill and Melinda Gates, making public his and his wife Cynthia’s long-held private intent that the majority of their wealth would be donated to charitable causes. The Giving Pledge is an effort to help address society’s most pressing problems by inviting the world’s wealthiest individuals and families to commit to giving more than half of their wealth to philanthropic or charitable causes either during their lifetime or in their will.

The Giving Pledge grants money to organizations each individual person who pledges makes the decision about which particular causes or organizations they wish to support.

The Life of George Phydias Mitchell 1901 Savvas Paraskevopoulos arrives at Ellis Island as an immigrant at the age of 20 from the village of Nestani in Arcadia, Greece.

1919 George Phydias Mitchell is born in Galveston, Texas where his father Savvas ran a cleaning and shoe shine business.

1940 George Mitchell graduated first in his class at Texas A&M University with degrees in petrochemical engineering and geology.

1941-1943 Cynthia Woods meets George P. Mitchell on Thanksgiving on a train from College Station to Houston and this encounter led to their marriage on Halloween 2 years later.

1946 Mitchell Energy and Development Company began as a packager of energy investments.

1963 George Mitchell bought the Grogan-Cochran Land Company, whose 50,000acre tract in Montgomery and Grimes Counties would later figure prominently in Mitchell Energy's real estate developments.

1969 Mitchell formed Brazos Gas Compressing to provide compression service for the company's Southwestern and West Cen-Tex Pipeline systems andMitchell & Mitchell discovered 100 billion cubic feet of gas in Lafitte's Gold Field on Galveston Island.

1974 George Mitchell opened his ambitious real estate development The Woodlands.

1976 The Mitchell’s commenced the revitalization of Galveston.

1990 The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion opens to the public.

1990’s George P. Mitchell finally finds a way of developing horizontal drilling and hydraulic fracturing, finding success in North Texas' Barnett Shale formation and what would lead to a nationwide boom in energy development and job creation.

2004 Forbes magazine estimated George P. Mitchell’s net worth as $1.6 billion placing him among the 500 richest people world-wide.

2005 The Mitchells pledged $35 million toward the construction of the George P. Mitchell '40 Physics Building and the George P. and Cynthia Woods Mitchell Institute for Fundamental Physics and Astronomy.

2010 He joined the Giving Pledge.

2013 On July 26 George P. Mitchell dies at the age of 94 of unknown causes.

Sources http://www.answers.com/topic/mitchell-energy-and-development-corporation http://www.yourhoustonnews.com/courier/news/article_e395be8a-06f2-5d8c-aa6feb26e85928a3.html http://www.realitytvworld.com/pophollywood/george-p-mitchell/biography/ http://abclocal.go.com/ktrk/story?section=news/local&id=9186142 http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/07/27/george-p-mitchell-dies_n_3662253.html http://wn.com/george_p._mitchell http://givingpledge.org/index.html http://www.gmto.org/

Now

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FINANCIAL FOCUS IRAs are usually a major component of people’s wealth. While 100% of funds in traditional, SEPPIRAs, and Rollover IRAs will ultimately be subject to income taxation, oftentimes mistakes are made which result in unnecessary taxes being paid, or in having income taxes assessed earlier than necessary. Here are some common mistakes I see.

FAILING

TO

WITHDRAW

MINIMUM

REQUIRED

DISTRIBUTIONS Once an IRA owner becomes 70.5, distributions are required.

If too little is taken from an IRA, a penalty tax equal to 50% of the shortfall results. Distributing too little often occurs when people have multiple IRA accounts.

NAMING AN ESTATE AS AN IRA BENEFICIARY Naming an estate as an IRA beneficiary requires funds in an IRA to be distributed more rapidly than if a “qualified

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designated beneficiary” had been named, such as a spouse,

the distribution within 60 days. Not doing so results in the entire

child, grandchild, parent, brother/sister, niece/nephew, neighbor,

distribution being subject to income tax and potentially penalty tax.

or certain types of trusts.

SPOUSAL ROLLOVER TRAP UNNECESSARY ACCELERATION OF IRA DISTRIBUTIONS

A surviving spouse has the option of rolling over an IRA into their own

Occurs when a qualified designated beneficiary inherits an IRA,

IRA or establishing an inherited IRA. If the surviving spouse is younger

but then takes a distribution based upon the age of the decedent

than the deceased spouse, it may be wise to set up an inherited IRA,

rather than the age of the beneficiary.

even though distributions would be required each year.

IMPROPER TITLING OF AN IRA

Christopher J. Maurer, J.D., CFP® is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL

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PLANNER™ in Bellaire, with over 20 years of experience. He can

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be reached at 713-667-4884 or cmaurer@parkplacefinancial.co.

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This material is intended for educational purposes only. Please

amount rolled over into the IRA will be subject to income tax.

consult your investment professional or tax advisor for specific

To avoid this result, an inherited IRA should be established titled

information pertaining to your situation. All information contained

as follows: “John Jones, deceased, traditional IRA for benefit of

herein is derived from sources deemed to be reliable but cannot

Jim Jones.”

be guaranteed. Securities and advisory services offered through SagePoint Financial, Inc., member FINRA/SIPC. Insurance services

MISSED 60 DAY ROLLOVER

offered through Park Place Financial, which is not affiliated with

This problem has been reduced over the years due to the ability to

SagePoint Financial or registered as a broker-dealer or investment

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advisor. SagePoint Financial, Inc. does not offer tax or legal advice.

to trustee transfers of IRAs. But you’d be surprised at how many

Legal advice provided by Christopher J. Maurer. 6750 West

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Securities and advisory services offered through SagePoint Financial, Inc., member FINRA/SIPC. Insurance services offered through Park Place Financial, which is not affiliated with SagePoint Financial or registered as a broker-dealer or investment advisor. SagePoint Financial, Inc. does not offer tax or legal advice. Legal advice provided by Christopher J. Maurer. 6750 West Loop S, Suite 920, Bellaire, Texas 77401(713) 667-4884.

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HOUSTON BATHROOM Des ign

DESIGN CHERYL CARPENTER | POGGENPOHL HOUSTON | PHOTO JILL BROUSSARD

How Can We Help You?

E

ase of Mobility is a fruit of innovation. We exercise its benefits multiple times daily, some without even noticing. We use automobiles to travel instead of walking, elevators or escalators instead of climbing stairs, airport moving walkways instead of the outdated method of travelling by foot.

With age and wisdom comes the primitive desire for self-preservation and ease of mobility. Bathrooms remain the largest percentage of remodels as it influences directly, your health and safety.

Not only is this concept popular out of necessity, it has become a leading trend out of favorability. The goal is to renovate your bathroom in a way that will last you through retirement, and do it while gaining a sense of style. And for younger homeowners, this minimalistic presence appears in the cloak of an early 20th century luxurious New York City hotel, minus the doorman.

Cabinets Designs

Incorporated

4200 Westheimer, Suite 102 Houston, TX 77027 (713) 627-8970 www.cabinetsanddesigns.net intown 20

Streamlined Paired with Accessibility: This style has one underlying theme and that is to clear the floor and take advantage of the wall space. We are using wall mounted commodes, wall mounted sink faucets and tub faucets with floating vanities or a myriad of different laundry and utility sinks. Claw-foot and pedestal tubs replace the previous alcove tub with the front apron panel. These features ride on the tail of the very popular industrial interior. But when these essential pieces are in place, the warmth and comfort that you may not be able to achieve through traditional industrialism can be had through your choice of tile and texture.

As a design consultant and project manager at Everhart our initial in-home visit would begin with the great exchange of ideas. We then sort through styles, options

RENOVATOR or features and get a good feel for the direction the project. This is a vital step to get a clear concept, and a vision of your new room.

Space and budget will be our only limiting factors when it comes to how we achieve our design goals. When viewing tiles, textures and towels from an elegant magazine, it may not be possible to have the same look or feel as the one in the photo due to the size. The size and shape of the room affects the shading and lighting, emphasis and focal point, perspective and angle in which it’s viewed. It can also determine if the room should have a certain color or tile in order to make it an inviting space.

An honest budget will allow your designer to a plan that will most accurately assess and address your needs.

Who Brought the Square? Those who are savvy with design are steering away from traditional square shaped tiles in the bathroom. The trend is leaning towards rectangular whether it be 3x6 subway tile, 4x8 brick laid marble in the shower, or 12x24 staggered on the bathroom floor. In addition to the tiles themselves, there lies an entire plethora of matching stone moldings that are perfect for any application whether it’s a wainscoting or framing out an inlay in an accented shower wall.

A Pain in the Glass. We are building many bathrooms and showers now without glass doors or sometimes even glass at all! This helps with maintenance and more importantly, in the design through virtue of safety as a main priority. This move can save costs while increasing functionality throughout the years. The rise of the Roll In shower no longer makes glass a necessity.

The Leap for Longevity. A majority of our customers are making the transition to replacing existing fixtures with ones that may last them the rest of their lives.

Monetary motivations aside, customers want the mental reassurance that they aren’t going to have to devote more time to it in the future. This will ultimately cost far less than the once common mistake of dropping a dollar to pick up a dime.

One emergency repair 3 years from now may essentially buy you twice the fixture.

Updating a bathroom should increase the value of the home. We are lucky to have this opportunity as we have stumbled across a vintage relic of design, where our choices appeal to the masses and reveal within it, a deeply characteristic individual that can almost speak through their choice of style and finish. The individual now has access to all things past or present to truly define themselves for their guests and to the world.

Written by Nich Chiosa Design Specialist at Everhart Construction A design and build firm in Houston Everhart Construction is a, long standing member of the BBB with an A+ rating and zero complaints with over 800 jobs. We are one of Houston’s leading professional remodeling companies and are growing with our new full kitchen and bathroom showroom set to open early March on the feeder at Kirkwood and I-10. For more go to www.everhartconstruction.com.

Wood-Mode by Cabinets and Designs Inc.

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The

HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES Nearly 500 supporters of the Greater Houston Women’s Chamber of Commerce attended the Sixth Annual Greater Houston Women’s Hall of Fame at the fabulously well remodeled Royal Sonesta Hotel. Recognized were thirteen outstanding women who have contributed significantly to the advancement of women and improved the quality of life for future generations of Houstonians.

BUZZ Mayor Annise Parker, Kathy Hubbard, Lenora Sorola-Pohlman

Well known community leaders, Leisa Holland-Nelson and Roxann Neumann Co-Chaired the Gala this year. Kelli Cohen Fein, MD and Winell Herron were the Honorary Chairs.

Janiece Longoria, Jack Christie, Dana Kervin

Maria Rios, Suzan Deison, Carlecia Wright

Ellie Francisco, Donna Bruni, Franelle Rogers

Shara Fryer, Stephen Lasher, Mica Mosbacher

Irene Helsinger, Beth Wolff, Leisa Holland-Nelson, Susan McEldoon

Dr. Mae Jemison, Shara Fryer, Betty J. Tutor, Kathy Lehne, Dr. Nancy Chang, Sue Burnett, Dr. Ellen Gritz, Carol Linn, Mayor Annise Parker, Janiece Longoria, Debra Stewart and Bobbie Nau, Beth Madison

Representative Jim Murphy, Senator Joan Huffman, Dana Kervin and Mike Anzilotti

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Leisa Holland-Nelson, Roxann Neumann, Kelli Cohen Fein, MD, Winell Herron

Leisa Holland-Nelson, Philamena Baird, Roxann Neumann, Suzan Deison, Karen Love

David M. Young Realtor®,

CLHMS, GREEN, CNE

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4 Bedrooms • 4 Bath • 3 Story 3,759 SF/HCAD • Built 2002/HCAD MLS: 19378352 • List: $725,000

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