LOEN

november + december 2023

November + December 2023 | LOEN | 1

2 | LOEN | November + December 2023

STEVE HARDCASTLE Contact Your

LAKES ON ELDRIDGE NEIGHBOR

To Get the Very Best Price for Your Home in 77041 SALES over the last 25 year period.

Top 1% of all U.S. Realtors (in Career Sales)

• RE/MAX Hall of Fame, Lifetime Achievement Award & Circles of Legends International Awards • Texas Monthly 5-Star Realtor (10 Years in a Row) • Brokers License, BBA, Relocation Expert, Over 38 Years of Full time Real Estate Experience • Long Time Lakes on Eldridge Resident (24 years) • Impressive, Guaranteed Advertising & Marketing Plan • Always Personal Service from Steve (No Team) • Mention This Ad for a Free Home Warranty & Other Special Incentives Direct Cell

713-678-0509 Email: stevehardcastle@remax.net Website: www.stevehardcastle.com

November + December 2023 | LOEN | 3

LO E N

TABLE OF CONTENTS

LAKES ON ELDRIDGE NORTH

nov + dec 2023 The Lakes Group Magazines Lakes On Eldridge, Lakes On Eldridge North, and Twin Lakes Magazines are published bi-monthly by sns media and mailed to above neighborhood residents vis USPS

ON THE COVER

Important Numbers Harris County sheriff (Non-Emergency)........713.221.6000 Cy Fair Fire Department........................ 281.466.6161 Poison Control.................................... 1.800.764.7661 Texas DPS................................................ 713.681.1761 TexasPride Disposal................................281.342.8178 (trash collection Mondays and Thursday Recycle pick up on Mondays)

TNG MUD 370.....................................281.350.0895 Harris County Tax Office........................713.224.1919 Centerpoint Energy................................ 713.207.7777 Infinity Cable........................................... 713.341.1000 Houston Chronicle...................................713.220.7211 Metro Transit Info...................................713.635.4000 Kirk Elementary...................................... 713.849.8250 Truitt Middle School................................ 281.856.1100 Cy-Ridge High School..........................281.807.8000

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Publisher’s Letter

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Arts & Events

12

Best Eats of 2023

14

LOEN Publisher ( sns media) 713.525.8607

Buzz

Deadline for advertising is the 15th of the month preceding the publication date. Submissions are subject to space limitations and editorial approval. Email to intownmagazine@gmail.com for inquiries and submissions.

PUBLISHER

M. A. Haines EDITOR

Lisa June

LOEN Board of Directors 2022/2023 Stephanie Preto...................................President Mark Overton.............................Vice President Farah Paliwala....................................Treasurer Shakeel Yakoob.................................Secretary Tom DeScioli.........................................Director LOEN Lakes on Eldridge North is part of THE Lakes Group of Publications that includes LOEN, LOE and Twin Lakes 4 | LOEN | November + December 2023

CONTRIBUTORS

Lindsay Mowad William Hanover Marene Gustin Evans Attwell Philip Berquist Minnie Payne Virginia Billeaud Anderson

PRODUCTION

Web Design CSS Art & Design Layout & Graphic Design CSS Art & Design Graphic Designer Cris Bell Photographer Wells Brown

LOEN magazine is published bi-monthly by SNS Media. Articles are welcome and will be given careful consideration for possible publication. Intown magazine does not assume any responsibility for unsolicited materials. Materials submitted will be returned if accompanied by a stamped, selfaddressed envelope to 1980 Post Oak Blvd Ste. 100 Houston, TX 77056. You can also e-mail intownmagazine@gmail.com. Copyright 2023 by Intown magazine. All rights reserved. Content may not be reprinted or reproduced without permission from Intown magazine.

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November + December 2023 | LOEN | 5

Publisher’s Letter Jim Crane’s Best Decision

N

o one knows for sure if Dusty would have been allowed to come back for another season. We only know he wanted to go out on his terms and did precisely that. “I am excited to see what God has planned for the rest of my life,” Baker stated in his usual calm and cool Cali voice, announcing his retirement as the Astros manager. That forward-looking and optimistic view has served him well in his four-year tenure as the Astros beloved skipper. He was the right man at the right time for the Astros and left a legacy that we may never see again.

We don’t and may never know the extent of what all happened in that infamous 2017 sign-stealing and trash-banging scheme. That resulted in the Astros being fined by MLB, losing draft picks, and suspensions to some managers and coaches, but no players. Who knew what would come next? Jim Crane knew he needed a veteran manager who could handle all the pressure of the job. It was the seasoned cool cat from California who was tough and smart enough to control a desperate situation. And he wanted a last shot at a Championship that had eluded him in his previous manager jobs.

Baker and his Astros were two wins away from four consecutive pennants and trips to the World Series, having lost a game seven in 2020 and 2023. He was the best man for taking over an organization reeling after the 2017 cheating scandal came to light in late 2019.

Baker left an indelible mark on his players and the city that respected him.

He never shied away from controversy when he felt he was right. An example was his standing by his embattled field general and catcher, Martin Maldonado.

Baker, drafted by the Atlanta Braves in 1967, was convinced by Henry Aaron to play in the South despite his hesitancy due to the civil unrest and his father trying to keep him from playing. He later went to the LA Dodgers, where he was a star and won a World Series. Now, as a winemaker, there is a dedicated Hammerin’ Hank Cabernet from his Baker Family Wine. He gets credit for the “high five’ celebratory hand slap but, in his typically humble manner, deferred to the guy who high-fived him as the creator.

He thanked Houston for being ‘treated with truth and honesty’ since he arrived here. That Dusty is the least we could do.

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November + December 2023 | LOEN | 7

Arts +

EVENTS

MUSEUMS Asia Society Texas Center Tsherin Sherpa: Spirits Ongoing Through Jan 7

Rafael Domenechand Tomas Vu: Heat Silhouette Opens Nov 11

Museum Of Fine Arts Houston Robert Frank and Todd Webb: Across America, 1955 Ongoing through Jan 7

Rembrandt to Van Gogh: Masterpieces from the Armand Hammer Collection Ongoing through Jan 21

Kehinde Wiley: An Archaeology of Silence Nov 10 through May 27

Contemporary Arts Museum Houston Jordan Stafer: Trilogy Ongoing through Nov 26

Six Scenes from Our Future

Ongoing through Mar 17

This Way: A Houston Group Show Dec 8 through Mar 24

Holocaust Museum Houston The Negro Motorist Green Book Ongoing through Nov 26

HOPE: Stories of Houston Survivors

Ongoing through Dec 3

Holodomor: The Famine-Genocide of Ukraine 1932-1933 Menil Collection Ongoing through Jan 21

The Iconic Portrait Strand by Nestor Topchy HanneDarboven-Writing Time Ongoing through Feb 11

Chryssa & New York

Ongoing through Mar 10

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

Houston Museum Of Natural Science Permanent Exhibits Alfred C. Glassell, Jr. Hall Cullen Hall of Gems and Minerals Everyday Faberge Farish Hall of Texas Wildlife Frensley/Graham Hall of African Wildlife Hall Of Ancient Egypt Hamman Hall Of Texas Coastal Ecology Herzstein Foucault Pendulum John McGovern Hall of The Americas Lester & Sue Smith Gem Vault Morian Hall of Paleontology Starke Hall of Malacology Wiess Energy Hall Welch Hall of Chemistry Special Exhibitions Sharks! The Meg, The Monsters, & The Myths King Tut’s Tomb Discovery Experience MUSIC & DANCE HOUSTON SYMPHONY See the classical music column Houston Ballet The Nutcracker Nov 24 through Dec 27

Houston Grand Opera Falstaff Ongoing through Nov 10

THEATER A.D. PLAYERS A Texas Carol

Nov 22 through Dec 23

ALLEY THEATRE A Christmas Carol

Nov 17 through Dec 30

Broadway Across America The Hobby Center MJ Nov 14-19

MILLER OUTDOOR THEATER 100-Year Celebration Comes to a Close

UPTOWN PARK FARMERS MARKET 1st & 3rd Sundays | 11am - 3pm Uptown Park Blvd

Nov 11 Saturday, November 4 at 7:00 p.m.

Beijing Dance Theatre: Three Poems

November 11, 5:30-7:30 p.m.

Celebrate Miller 100!

7:30 p.m.

BELLA GAIA and William Close & The Earth Harp Collective STAGES REPERTORY THEATER Switzerland Oct 6 through Nov 12

Always... Patsy Cline

URBAN HARVEST FARMERS MARKET Saturdays | 8am - noon 2752 Buffalo Speedway

Ongoing through Dec.31

Panto Alicia On Wonderland Dec 1 through 31

THE ENSEMBLE THEATER Motown Christmas Nov 17 through Dec 24

Theatre Under the Stars The Ugly Christmas Sweater Musical Nov 28 through Dec 24

SPORTS Houston Dynamo Playoffs Match 2 Salt Lake Nov 6

Match 3, Salt Lake

Shell Energy Field Houston Texans NRG Stadium Nov 5 19 26 Dec 3 24 21

Tampa Bay Arizona Jacksonville Denver Cleveland Tennessee

Nov 11 (if necessary)

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8 | LOEN | November + December 2023

November + December 2023 | LOEN | 9

Intown’s Classical Music Editor and Critic,

the Hon. Philip Berquist,

Honorary Consul for the Republic of Croatia for Texas

UH’s Moores School of Music presents a Rachmaninoff Festival

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very few years great composers are recognized around the world when certain important dates of their lives come around - anniversaries of birth and death readily come to mind. The great Russian pianist, composer, and conductor, Sergei Rachmanioff was born in 1873, with 2023 representing the sesquicentennial of his birth. His music is being performed everywhere and often this year, but the Moores School of Music at the University of Houston may be holding the biggest celebratory event in the world.

Primarily the brainchild of Moores Professor of Piano, Timothy Hester, along with Associate Professor of Piano, Tali Morgulis, the Rachmaninoff Festival will be held in late November and early December. Both pianists perform several times during the Festival.

Rachmaninoff was a brilliant piano prodigy. He began learning the piano at age 4. A tall man, 6’6”, he had amazingly large hands with a span of 12 inches, meaning 12 piano white keys! Several unfortunate family financial incidents resulted in his moving several times, finally to St Petersburg. Along with his concertizing, he also began composing, both for the piano and for orchestra. His first symphony was considered extremely negatively by the critics and the response resulted in a four year bout with severe depression. He overcame this through the help of a noted psychiatrist and hypnosis which resulted in his famous Second Piano Concerto.

Following the revolution he and his family relocated to the United States.

He would spend the remainder of his life in the US and in Switzerland. He died in Beverly Hills in 1943 at the age of 69 from melanoma. His last wish to be buried in the famous Moscow cemetery, Novodevichy, was not allowed by the Soviet government so he was buried in Valhalla, New York.

One could write many pages about his life but space does not allow so let’s discuss the programming of the Festival.

18 Shields Ln | Montgomery

List Price $1,700,000 | MLS# 70381141

Spectacular custom built home in the prestigious Bentwater community on 1.07 acres with access to 3 golf courses. All living areas and bedrooms are downstairs with an exercise or game room up. The open living concept allows for classic entertaining with a spacious kitchen, bar area, and adjoining TV room.

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

November 19: Solo Piano Concert with selected student performances • Russian Cultural Center – 6:00 pm 2337 Bissonnet, Houston, 77005 November 27: Piano Faculty Concert • Moores Opera House – 7:30 pm ​Timothy Hester, Tali Morgulis, Andrew Staupe, Todd Van Kekerix November 28: Voice Faculty Concert/Cello Sonata • Moores Opera House – 7:30 pm ​Zachary Averyt, Cynthia Clayton, Timothy Jones, Melanie Sonnenberg, vocalists Eunghee Cho, cello, Brian Suits, piano November 29: Wind Ensemble Concert

2429 Southgate Blvd | Rice University Area

27774 Muckelroy Rd | Hempstead

A University area contemporary find, designed by prominent architect Christopher Robertson. Made of brick and wood; custom crafted with white oak hardwoods, porcelain block flooring and cantilevered walls. Includes elevator and summer kitchen.

David M Young | Compass | 713-320-6453

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List Price $2,500,000 | MLS# 20619739

10 | LOEN | November + December 2023

List Price $1,250,000 | MLS# 8172118

• Moores Opera House – 7:30 pm ​David Bertman, conductor, Andrew Staupe, pianist November 30: String/ Piano Chamber Music Concert • Moores Opera House – 7:30 pm ​Amber Archibald Sešek, viola, Eunghee Cho, cello, Mann-Wenn Lo, violin, Kirsten Yon, violin Timothy Hester, piano December 2: Student Pianists Marathon Concert • Dudley Recital Hall – 2:00 pm December 2: Orchestra/Choir Concert • Moores Opera House – 7:30 pm ​Franz Krager, conductor, Tali Morgulis, pianist, Betsy Cook Weber & Alexander Koppel, choral directors ​Yelena Dyachek, Viktor Antipenko, Sergei Leiferkus, guest vocalists Space restrictions do not allow for the complete program to be printed but I would like to mention two real standouts, in my opinion.

Moores School Wind Ensemble Concert • Moores Opera House – November 29 Moores School Wind Ensemble David Bertman, conductor Andrew Staupe, soloist Program Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini, Opus 43 (1934) (transcribed for Solo Piano and Symphonic Wind Ensemble by Merlin Patterson) Andrew Staupe, piano soloist Intermission Symphonic Dances, Opus 45 (1940) (transcribed for Large Symphonic Wind Ensemble by Merlin Patterson*) ​Non allegro ​Andante con moto (Tempo di Valse) ​Lento assai — Allegro vivace — Lento assai. Come prima — Allegro Vivace *World Premiere Mr Patterson is a brilliant arranger and his arrangement of Symphonic Dances is a world premiere!. Both pieces are among my personal favorites. Music lovers are probably more familiar with the Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini. Symphonic Dances was the last piece composed by Rachmaninoff before he died. It is a melancholy piece, with intricate scoring by both Rachmaninoff and Patterson. As would be the case in many of the composer’s works, death and the famous Dies Irae are once again featured.

The Festival finale is one not to be missed. The Second Piano Concerto, referenced above as the piece that Rachmaninoff wrote as he broke out of his depression will be performed. The orchestral work, The Bells, is seldom played. I recall a Houston Symphony performance over 40 some years ago as the only time that I have heard the work in person. I am personally very pleased that the Russian bass-baritone, Sergei Leiferkus, is returning to the Moores School. In addition to their singing roles, each of the guest soloists will be holding master classes at the school.

Leiferkus and I go back some 25 years when I contracted him in 1998 to sing the two works that Shostakovich wrote to the words of Yevgeny Yevtushenko, The Execution of Stenka Razin and the 13th Symphony, “Babi Yar.” Two years later, in 2000, he participated in the Moores School’s Shostakovich Festival. It is going to be wonderful to have him back!

4722 Waring St | Afton Oaks

List Price $2,800,000 | MLS# 20619739

A truly unrivaled masterpiece built in 2006 and entirely modernized in 2023 with uncompromising quality and style. This amazing home boasts 6 spacious bedrooms, 5/2 baths, open living areas with soaring ceiling, an extraordinary island kitchen and amazing family gameroom with adjacent children’s playroom. The spacious backyard features a sparkling saltwater pool and spa and large covered patio.

David M Young | Compass | 713-320-6453

17537 Seidel Cemetary Road | Tomball List Price $2,990,000 | MLS# 13855166

This Gorgeous Estate on 25 Acres is the Best of Both Worlds, Country Living with City Convenience! This Custom Home was Designed by Mark W. Todd Architects & Custom Built by Kerry Emmott Featuring 5 Spacious Bedrooms and 4 & a Half Bathrooms.

Wendy Cline | Wendy Cline Properties | 281-858-3451

17408 Rachels Way | Tomball

1802 Potomac Dr | Westhaven Estates

Breathtaking four bdrm estate home w/ almost 4600 SF of living space, an impressive home theater, a spacious primary suite w/ a luxurious spa-like bath & HUGE walk-in closet, oversized three car garage w/ epoxy floors & more all on a .6+ acre lot!

Wendy Cline | Wendy Cline Properties | 281-858-3451

Nestled in a highly sought-after neighborhood, this magnificent three story townhouse offers a blend of modern luxury and timeless elegance. Boasting 3 or 4 bedroom and three full baths, its a spacious and versatile home that caters to the most discerning of tastes.

Marilyn Arendt | Marilyn Arendt Properties | 281-433-9113

List Price $ 1,750,000 | MLS# 52331210

List Price $540,000 | MLS# 66410589

November + December 2023 | LOEN | 11

FOOD

Rajin’ Cajun new location on Wirt Rd.

Best Eats of

3 2 20

Some Old Friends, Some New Places, and Some Must Eat At Survivors

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by Marene Gustin

he Houston restaurant scene certainly appears to have recovered from the days of the COVID lockdown, supple chain delays, and spiraling inflation. While things may not be all wine and roses, a glut of new eateries opened this year and several more have survived the trying times to become must-eat locales this year.

Some fancy, some casual, some brand new, and some old favorites, here are a few of our recommendations. Enjoy.

Ragin Cajun

1725 Wirt Rd. | 713.832.1399 | ragin-cajun.com/spring-branch/

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ongtime Mandola family mainstay of mudbugs and shrimp po’boys, Ragin Cajun, at one time, had almost a half dozen outposts, but over the years they all closed, except for the 1974 original on Richmond Ave. Which we hope, much like the giant crawfish on the rooftop, will never die. But late this year a long-awaited Spring Branch location opened, thrilling fans of the low country boiled shellfish, red potatoes, and corn. After a lengthy remodeling, turning the former car dealership into a Cajun comfort eatery, the new Ragin Cajun arose and now serves up the goods for westside diners. Bring on the blacked catfish, boiled crawdads, and dirty rice, and let the good times roll!

12 | LOEN | November + December 2023

Squable

632 W. 19th | 832.834.7362 squabletime.com

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aving survived opening during COVID, Squable in The Heights has some serious street cred. Created by James Beard Award-winning chef Justin Yu and bar tsar Bobby Heugel, Squable serves up bites with a European flair made with local ingredients. A sleek yet comfy interior with bar brick walls and lots of wood and clean line and light, whether it’s a date night or a solitary bite at the bar, you can’t go wrong here. Known for the giant OG puffy queso French cheeseburger —topped with no ordinary slices but a molten pile of raclette — this menu ranges from pate and caviar to a homey and succulent roast chicken.

Of course, the cocktails are spot on, but so are the beer and cider offerings. A great addition to The Heights.

MaKiin

2651 Kipling St., Suite 101 832.695.999 | makiinthai.com

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Los Tios

5192 Buffalo Speedway 713.432.7131 | lostiosrestaurant.com

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omegrown Tex-Mex chain Los Tios opened its sixth spot in West University Place this past summer. Full of colorful tiles, tables topped with Mexican oilcloths, and greenery, stepping inside this Plaza in the Park shopping center dining option is like stepping into a Border town plaza. The margaritas are cold and the lunch specials are more than reasonable.

Of course, there’s queso (get the Katie’s T-Sip Dip topped with taco meat and guacamole), tacos, and fajitas, but you can’t get the famous OG puffy queso, a puffed-up crispy shell smothered in Chile con Queso. Classic combo plates and some pretty good grilled plates round out the menu at this new edition to the venerable Adair family chain.

f you’re looking for upscale Thai, then this is what you have been waiting for. On the ground floor of the new Hanover River Oaks high rise, MaKiin builds itself as a place of traditional Thai plates with a modern twist. Co-owner of Kin Dee, Lukkaew Srasrisuwan added this new concept to her restaurant portfolio which currently includes the over two years and a half old Kin Dee in the Heights. Guests at Makiin can expect an elevated, unique, and memorable experience that showcases artfully designed dishes as an ode to the cuisines of Thailand and the royal family. Yes, it’s fancy, but whether it’s a special occasion or just because you need some really good Thai, Makiin (which means “come to eat”) will impress with curries, squid, fried rice, and noodle dishes that come in vessels almost more ornate than the food.

Co-owner Srasrisuwan

“With Kin Dee, we showed Houstonians Thai food can be fun and vibrant,” says Srasrisuwan.” MaKiin will deliver a more elevated experience that will celebrate the artistry of my homeland’s authentic flavors, ingredients, and techniques.”

November + December 2023 | LOEN | 13

Katie Morgan & Lily Schnitzer

Gala Chairs Scott & Katie Arnoldy

Alex & Bobby Stillwell

Gala Chairs Steve & Holly Radom

A Night at Studio 54 Gala

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hildren’s Museum Houston (CMH) turned up the funk for this year’s “A Night at Studio 54” Gala presented by Phillips 66, exceeding the goal and raising a reported $1.1 million from underwriting and live auction.

Ali & Narguess Fazel

Jonathan & AshleySloan and Kelly & Trey Mattson Andrew & Mona Sarofim

Natalie & Rodolfo Cooper AshleySloan and Devorah Krieger

14 | LOEN | November + December 2023

Allison Chavez, HollyRadom and Katie Arnoldy

Olga Zuiak and GlenBucher

Antoinette & Julian Duncan

November + December 2023 | LOEN | 15

| for lease

5630 Ballina Canyon Lane

sale sale sale pending pending pending 12014 Indigo Cove Lane

5938 Solar Point Lane

12206 Pebble Meadows Lane

sold sold leased leased 6019 Sandia Lake Lane

6215 Alameda Point Lane

looking to make a move?

12426 Santiago Cove Lane

5522 Island Breeze Drive

We'd love the opportunity to talk with you about your options. As long time residents of Lakes on Eldridge North, we have intimate knowledge of our communities and a proven track record of selling our neighborhoods, as well as all over Greater Houston.

For all homes we list for sale in LOE, LOEN, & Twin Lakes, a complimentary staging consultation with a professional stager is included. With historically low inventory in our communities, now is an excellent time to consider putting your home on the market.

HINTON HOME TEAM 832.795.2246 MICHELLE HINTON REALTOR, TEAM LEAD GRI, CIPS, CLHMS R S , M C N+E December , PSA 16 | LOEN | CNovember 2023

KRISTI AGEE REALTOR GRI, CIPS CLHMS, RENE

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