midtown paper_4Q14

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midtown PAPER

in & about list of happenings in midtown

A PUBLICATION OF MIDTOWN MANAGEMENT DISTRICT • houstonmidtown.com 4th qtr 2014

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mark your calendar midtown meetings and events

who do i call

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mid main project moves toward completion mixed-use project is houston’s

first transit oriented

development (TOD)

wendy wagner foundation for funding creative helping hands in midtown...

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arts calendar a list of midtown art events

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midtown dining 14 new places to eat in midtown

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art in the park 9th annual

mel chin traveling retrospective visits

lookinside

midtownmap

Places

with midtown meanings...

germany

officially the Federal Republic of Germany (Home of the “people’s car” from which Midtown’s Amber Eagle drew inspiration for her sculpture, Autoflora.)

japan

An island nation in East Asia.

(Bidou Yamaguchi’s elegant and intriguing Noh masks and Sharaku prints travel from his beloved Japan to Midtown, courtesy of Asia Society Texas.)

turkey

Officially the Republic of Turkey.

(The popular döner dishes are part of the Turkish cuisine but lucky for you, the menu has migrated to Midtown.

(In Greece, it's called a gyro.)

and the winner is...

Bagby Street Reconstruction Project receives multiple regional, national and international awards

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he Bagby Street Reconstruction Project became the first project to achieve Greenroads® Certification in the State of Texas, receiving a Silver Rating for the Project’s design and construction sustainability efforts. It remains at time of certification, the highest scoring project in the nationwide Greenroads® program.

The well-accomplished goal of the Project was to establish a vibrant corridor that accommodates traffic needs while improving pedestrian and bicycle accessibity.

The Project team included the Project Owner Midtown Redevelopment Authority, and their design and construction team, Walter P. Moore, Design Workshop, SER Construction and ESPA Corporation. Now complete, the Project has transformed the Midtown landscape into an aesthetically unique pedestrian corridor, providing safer access and connectivity to local businesses and the acclaimed Midtown Cultural Arts & Entertainment District.

It is no doubt the Project’s uniqueness continues to spur discussion and win favor AND awards within the design and environmental communities. Honors, to date, include: • 2014 American Public Works Association (Texas) Public Works Projects of the Year (one of two) in Transportation in the $5M-$25M category.

Photos by Design Workshop

what’s inside

Bagby Street Reconstruction Project.

• 2014 Roads & Bridges (National) Top 10 Roads List, ranking No. 5.

• 2014 Making Cities Livable (International) Healthy Cities for ALL Award for Active Mobility/Complete Streets.

• 2014 Congress for the New Urbanism (National) Best Street of the Year.

• 2014 American Society of Landscape Architects (Texas) Presidential Award of Excellence in Design and Implementation.

• 2014 American Society of Landscape Architects (Texas) Merit Award for Communication.

• 2014 American Council of Engineering Companies (National) Engineering Excellence Honor Award.

• 2014 American Council of Engineering Companies (Texas) Engineering Excellence Gold Award in the Special Projects Category.

• 2013 First Greenroads® Project in Texas, 8th in World, Achieving

Silver Certification (Highest Scored Project at time of certification).

The Mayor of the nation’s fourth largest city praised the reconstruction of Bagby in keeping with Houston’s commitment to pedestrianfriendly, sustainable design elements that are part of the Complete Streets and Transportation Plan which seek to provide a balance of vehicular mobility, pedestrian and biking mobility and roadside parking.

“The pedestrian elements of Midtown Redevelopment Authority’s Greenroads® Project align beautifully with the City of Houston’s Complete Streets initiative, taking into account all users of the street, not just those in cars,” lauded Mayor Annise Parker.

The Project is also a finalist in the Urban Land Institute (ULI) Houston 8th Annual Development of Distinction Awards. The Award recognizes developments and public open spaces that exemplify best practices in design, construction, economic viability, healthy places, marketing and management. Winners will be announced on January 27, 2015.

a decade of accomplishments Midtown plans for another 10 years of success

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reparing a new 10-year Service and Improvement Plan and Assessment Plan for 2015-2024 gave Midtown a chance to look back at their amazing growth and accomplishments. For example, the all-volunteer Board has donated over 5,000 hours of services to the community, contributing to such areas as public safety, urban planning, service and maintenance, cultural arts and entertainment and marketing.

Over the last decade, Midtown provided more than 100,000 hours of law enforcement patrols to the area, installing almost 500 streetlights to continue their efforts to provide a comprehensive public safety program.

Houston B-Cycles became a familiar sight, as did the new playground at Baldwin Park and the dog walk at Glover Park. The Service and Maintenance Committee were on the streets as soon as Hurricane Ike’s winds subsided, providing emergency cleanup to Midtown public spaces and rights of way.

In 2012, Midtown was given the much sought after designation as a Cultural Arts & Entertainment District by the Texas Commission on the Arts. Since 2007, over 500 artists have shared their talents at Midtown’s annual Art in the Park, placing Midtown as a cultural destination. Award winning regional and international chefs have chosen Midtown as a home for their cuisine because of its prime location.

Thirty-nine issues of the midtown paper and over 500 electronic Midtown e-News have told the stories of fine restaurants, trendy pubs, savvy businessmen and hardworking non-profits.

Ten years of successful projects have accompanied a population that has grown over 73% since 2000. The new approved Service and Improvement Plan and Assessment Plan for 2015-2024 promises to only enhance what the last ten years of assessment dollars have accomplished. What a great future for Midtown!

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eed a lunch break from decision-making? Let Chef Jacques Fox give you some options with Artisans Three Course Express Lunch ($20) or Three Course Business Lunch ($27) that includes Soupe du Jour or Salade, Business Entrée and Le Dessert du Jour. Sit yourself at the Chef’s Table and enjoy as your lunch is being prepared. Free, no hassle parking in The Mix parking garage. Trip Advisor awarded Artisans their 2014 Certificate of Excellence award.

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ouston Community College (HCC) Central currently has approximately 600 veterans enrolled as students and was recently selected first out of 94 colleges and universities to have a Veteran's Success Program on campus. The new VA Resource Center is equipped with computers and private cubicles for veterans’ use along with a "quiet room," for studying, reading or just taking a break. The new Center is located at Holman and Caroline, parking available at Lot #3 at the corner of San Jacinto and Holman.

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f swimming was the only way you could get to The Fish, it would be worth it, not only to try Executive Chef Harold Wong's new menu items, i.e. Tombo Aia with Albacore tuna, pineapple, bell pepper, shallot and cilantro, but for a look-see at the new interior digs. Midtown was a ‘different place, a different time’ when owners Daniel Chang and Michael Collins laid claim to 309 Gray Street 12 years ago, and though the long list of loyal patrons are quite content, the owners agreed it was time for a facelift. The new lighter organic feel and redesigned bar are a result of Collins' venture into the design world, teaming with Midtown's Studio Red Architects. Looks like The Fish is swimming quite well in the Midtown sea.

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halk up another Midtown success story! Congratulations to former Houston Contemporary Craft resident artist, Anila Quayyum Agha, who won the Public Vote Grand Prize and tied with artist Sonya Clark for the Juried Grand Prize from ArtPrize, an open, independently organized international art competition. She is the first artist in the competition’s history to win both prizes, which total $300,000 (after splitting the Juried Prize money with Clark.) Her winning piece, Intersections, is a shadow box installation that emulates the intricate patterns of the Alhambra in Granada, Spain.

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harivari is serving Brunch Saturdays from 10-2 p.m., Sundays from 10-3 p.m. $31pp + tax & gratuity. Peach Bellinis and Orange Mimosas compliment. Designated restaurant parking makes it easy to find space at 2521 Bagby.

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rt on the Move—literally! Ariane Roesch was one of six Houston artists commissioned to produce artwork for the City of Houston’s Automated Recycling Program trucks. A patchwork collection of recycled materials makes up Roesch’s I Have A Positive Impact design, which denotes the truck is for repurposed materials rather than everyday trash. The talented artist wears many hats as the founder of UNIT, adjunct professor of photography at the University of Houston and Assistant Marketing Director for Gallery Sonja Roesch.

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EEF, the #1 Seafood Restaurant in the U.S. according to Bon Appetit magazine, has a Midtown address. Chef/Owner Bryan Caswell and Owner Bill Floyd continue to wow patrons with Red Fish on the Half Shell, Blackfin Tuna and their Blue Crab and Long Tailed Sea Bass (pictured). Fish selection changes daily as REEF takes pride in serving only the freshest seafood. Lunch and dinner selections (and a wine list of over 4,000 different labels!) are ready for you at 2600 Travis at McGowen.

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on’t get caught without a ticket. Sellout performances continue to be the norm for The Ensemble Theatre’s 2014-1215 season. Check out the Arts Calendar for information to insure you’ve got a seat.

ongratulations to Barbara McKnight, chef-owner of Midtown’s CULINAIRE: Inspired Cuisine & Events, the recent recipient of Recipe for Success Foundation’s (RFS) Blue Plate Special Chef of the Year.

McKnight has been a classroom vol- L to R: Barbara McKnight, Monica Pope unteer with RFS since 2007, deeply engaged in efforts to change the way children eat and regularly contributes her time and talent to their special events. Check out Barbara’s inspired menu for your next event, culinaire-gourmetfoodcatering.com.

Photo by Kim Coffman

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he Idea Fund, a re-granting program administered by DiverseWorks, Aurora Picture Show, and Project Row Houses and funded by The Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts announced their Round 7 2015 grantees. Sixty-four artists or collaboratives from the greater-Houston area applied for The Idea Fund; 12 were funded including Lawndale Art Center’s own Dennis Nance for his project Cast of Characters. DiverseWorks is a non-profit art center located in Midtown, dedicated to commissioning and presenting new visual, performing, and literary art.

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oll up for rolls! Roll up your sleeves for Crave Sushi’s Lunch Special, $20* for endless Sushi Rolls, 10 to choose from, at 2900 Travis. Price includes soda or iced tea, M-F 11 a.m.–3 p.m. *Not valid with any other offer.

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ouston Academy for International Studies (HAIS) located in Midtown, was named a National Blue Ribbon School in September 2014. Recently, HAIS principal Melissa Jacobs-Thibaut was the recipient of the prestigious Terrel H. Bell Award for Outstanding School Leadership from the U. S. Department of Education. Thibaut is just one of eight principals nationwide - and one of only two principals of high schools - to receive the Bell award. She was selected from principals of more than 300 National Blue Ribbon Schools, which the U. S. Department of Education annually recognizes as America's top-performing public and private schools.

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rennan’s off-menu Milk Punch is no longer a secret. The decadent drink, absent on the menu but well requested by those in-theknow, was recently featured in Food & Wine. Made with milk, brandy, sugar, vanilla extract and a sprinkling of freshly ground nutmeg, it just might be your new go-to drink.

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embership with several Midtown cultural venues gets you more than a reduced admission. For example, Asia Society members can take advantage of reductions in area retail and services (i.e., 20% off select Yoga One classes) as well as numerous BOGO offers throughout the city. Lawndale Art Center Members at the Household Level and above receive North American Reciprocal Museum benefits at over 675 institutions nationwide. Perks with Houston Center for Contemporary Craft membership, as well.

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ho’s on Continental Club’s calendar for January?

How about... Disco Expressions. Pong and Ed Hall, Los Straitjackets with Deke Dickerson.

Honey Island, Swamp Band, Skyrocket! Flametrick Subs and Eric Lindell. And lest you forget Beetle, Houston’s best Beatles cover band, plays every Thursday from 7-10 p.m. with no cover. Is your favorite parking spot lost in the construction? There are pay parking lots at Winbern and Fannin, and Holman at Main, plus street parking along

Winbern, Berry and the south side of Holman.

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ne-of-a-kind handmade rugs from the estate of longtime Houston rug dealer and designer Denton Jones could soon be yours, thanks to The Lazarus House.

The non-profit’s upcoming Rug Sale will benefit their Wellness Program that provides hope and opportunity to many who face chronic illness. Check thelazarushouse.org. for a confirmed sale date and descriptions.

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eading Houston architecture firm Studio RED announced today the promotion of Micah Simecek to Principal. Simecek has completed over one million square feet of commercial and residential architecture projects over his ten-year career, with a cumulative value of over $250 million. Studio RED offices in Midtown, 1320 McGowen.

idtown contemporary artist Amber Eagle celebrates car culture and flower power with her sculpture Autoflora, complete with petals made of vintage VW car hoods painted with bright automotive metallic paints. In 2015, Eagle’s sculpture will grace the greenspace at Lockwood and Harrisburg, by the Lockwood/Eastwood METRORail stop.

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nterfaith Ministries for Greater Houston is in current need of volunteers to deliver Meals on Wheels meals to homebound seniors in Midtown.

Volunteers can deliver with a family member, colleague or by themselves and can choose the frequency of the time commitment.

Deliveries are made weekdays from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and take only one hour. Meals are picked up from the W.T. & Louise J. Moran Meals on Wheels Building in Midtown and then volunteers deliver to senior homes in the nearby area. Call Andrea at 713-533-4973 to offer your time.

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uigi’s Pizzeria can’t promise a pizza delivered by J. J. Watt but can offer you a New York style, thin crust pizza you can’t refuse and a BYOB option if you choose to dine at their Midtown location, 3700 Almeda. Hours are Mon-Thu, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Fri-Sat 11 a.m. –11 p.m. Sun Noon–8 p.m. Delivery’s free with a $20 minimum order. idtown Arts and Theater Center Houston's — known as MATCH — has selected Chuck Still as its first executive director. MATCH broke ground on their 59,000 sq. ft. project on Main in May 2014.

fter serving on the Host Committee for The Women's Home record-breaking reNew & reDux Fashion Show fundraiser, Midtown’s Tina Zulu recently accepted the invitation to serve on the non-profit’s Public Affairs Committee whose mission is to help women in crisis regain their self-esteem and dignity, and ultimately return to society as productive, self-sufficient individuals. When not volunteering, the multi-tasking mom and entrepreneur is the “chieftess”/founder of Zulu Creative, a boutique Midtown agency specializing in marketing and brand development.

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Photo by Chuy Benitez

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nman Gallery’s two-person booth at UNTITLED Art Fair, Miami showcased new work by Gilad Efrat and Michael Jones McKean.

Inman shared the limelight with galleries from Dubai, Mexico City, Stuttgart, Buenos Aires and London, among others, and was one of only two galleries from Texas.

urious about the windows in Mid Main? Each month, Main Street Projects selects local, national and international artists to participate in site-specific installations in the windows of 3605-3617 Main Street. Give ‘em a Like on Facebook.

he 2014 Houston Culinary Awards gave a nod to several Midtown favorites... Favorite Late Night Spot (serving after 11 p.m.)... Tacos A Go-Go, Favorite Wine Cellar... 13 celsius and Favorite Bartender... Richard Middleton with Brennan’s of Houston. Thank you for your service.

olunteers are needed to make monthly deliveries of pet food, adopt a senior and their pet(s) month to month, hold pet food, toys and treats drives. If you are unable to donate dog or cat food, Interfaith Ministries can purchase product on your behalf if you donate online. For approximately $180, you can feed a pet for a full year. For more information, visit imgh.org/animealsonwheels. To volunteer, contact Carol Mendoza, cmendoza@imgh.org.

calendar mark your

unless noted, at Midtown Management District Offices, 410 Pierce @ Bagby , 3rd floor Conference Room. Metered street parking is available as well as the BlackFinn parking garage. Please call ahead (713-526-7577) to confirm time and dates or visit houstonmidtown.com Midtown Management District Board Meeting First Wednesday of the month.

January 7 @ 11 a.m., February 4 @ 6 p.m.; March 4 @ 11 a.m.

Midtown Redevelopment Authority Board Meeting Last Thursday of the month @ 12:30 p.m.

January 29, February 26, March 26 Cultural Arts & Entertainment District Committee Third Tuesday of the month at 3 p.m.

January 20, February 17, March 17. Location TBA. Public Safety Committee Third Tuesday of the month @ 11:30 a.m.

January 20, February 17, March 17 @ 6 p.m.

Marketing Committee Third Tuesday of the month @ 4:00 p.m.

January 20, February 17, March 17 Urban Planning Committee Third Thursday of each month @ 4 p.m.

January 15, February 19, March 19 Services and Maintenance Committee Third Monday of each month @ 3:30 p.m.

January 19, February 16, March 16 Baldwin Square Homeowners Association (HOA) Second Wednesday of each month @ 4 p.m.

January 14, February 11, March 11

meetings offsite

HPD – Positive Interaction Program (PIP) East side of Louisiana 3rd Tuesday of each month @ 7 p.m.

January 20, February 17, March 17 Held @ HPD South Central Division, 2202 St. Emanuel @ Hwy 288 Officer J. Sanchez. 713-238-2282 West side of Louisiana 1st Tuesday of each month @ 7 p.m.

January 6, February 3, March 3 Held @ HPD Central Division, 1602 State St. Officer Wayne Pate. 713-284-8604

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he thrill of the theatre becomes a reality for young children through The Ensemble Theatre’s Young Performer’s Program. Two Spring Break 2015 and Summer Session 2015 classes are now being assembled. For more information, contact Teresa White at 713-807-4309 or twhite@ensemblehouston.com.

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he 9th Annual MLK Youth Parade originates in Midtown with a noon start on January 17. The popular parade is the beginning of three days of music, marching and celebration. The 14th Annual MLK Battle of the Bands Competition begins at 4 p.m. on January 18 at Rice Stadium—a prelude to the 21st Annual MLK Grande Parade on January 19, complete with 15 parade floats and 30 marching bands. Originating in Midtown near Houston Community College Central Campus at San Jacinto and Elgin Street, the parade promises to be even larger than prior years. Join the expected 300,000 spectators as the parade begins at 10 a.m. For directions, parking and parade route, go to mlkgrandeparade.org.

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ne-of-akind glasses, bottomless martinis, sizzling snacks and a big-board auction. It must be time for Martini Madness! The 7th

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embers of the nation’s armed forces, their families and those interested in undersanding more about Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) are invited to a TBI & PTSD forum this spring hosted by HCC–Central. The forum will meet February 3 on Central campus, from 1-2:30 p.m.

For directions/more information, email Donny.Leveston@hccs.edu.

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rtists who wish to be considered for the 9thAnnual Midtown Art in the Park may apply through February 11.There is a $10 non-refundable application fee. Artists keep 100% of their sales. The fine art festival takes place Saturday,

April 11 at Elizabeth Baldwin Park, located at 1701 Elgin, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.This year, the application process is streamlined with the incorporatin of ZAPP, the application process well known by artists, enabling them to apply online through one central website, and directly upload digital images of their artwork. The fine art festival is open to local and regional artists; no machine made, mass produced item will be accepted. Midtown Art in the Park is underwritten and coordinated by the Midtown Management District—a State of Texas designated Cultural Arts & Entertainment District. For more information, visit midtownartinthepark.com.

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pplications are due February 13 for designers and dealers interested in participating in Lawndale Art Center’s Design Fair 2015 marketplace. To apply, please visit lawndaleartcenter.org. outh Main Baptist Church will hold their Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper on February 17 at 5:30 p.m., the Jazz Service starts at 6:30 p.m. Ash Wednesday service on February 18 (6:30 p.m.) marks the beginning of the Easter season. All are welcome with plenty of free parking—3100 Main Street.

Midtown Management District 713-526-7577 City of Houston – Animal Control 713-229-7300 City of Houston – Public Works City of Houston – Public Utilities City of Houston – Solid Waste City of Houston – Curbs & Ditch City of Houston – Code Violations/ Neighborhood Protection City of Houston – Fire Marshall Enforcement 3-1-1 or 713-837-0311 www.houstontx.gov

Reliant Energy (electric) 713-207-7777 Non-working street light.

Provide the 6-digit pole number (6-7 ft high on the pole)

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AT&T (telephone) 1-800-464-7928 (new service) 1-800-246-8464 (repair) Comcast 713-462-9000 Spencer Tillman

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ETDance is looking for dancers for the 2015-2016 season. Two auditions— January 12 in New York and February 21 at MET Dance Center in Midtown, 2808 Caroline at Dennis, are scheduled. View times and requirements at metdance.org.

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arch 1, 2015 is the deadline for artists in the media of wood, glass, metal, fiber, clay and mixed media to apply for residencies at Houston Center for Contemporary Craft. Five to ten residencies will be awarded, including free studio space with 24-hour access, a stipend, a modest housing allowance and more. Let your artistic dreams become a reality at crafthouston.org.

Register to receive the Midtown eNews!

Distributed every Thursday, excluding holidays, it provides you with valuable District information

Don’t forget to check out Midtown on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Instagram.

Emergency calls: 9-1-1 Non-Emergency Houston Service Help Line: (Traffic signals & signs, potholes, broken curbs, water leaks, etc.) Be sure to request a reference number. 3-1-1 or 713-837-0311

CenterPoint (gas) 713-659-2111

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ark your calendars for The 2015 HCC Black History Scholarship Gala, A Moment in Black History, with keynote speaker Spencer Tillman, set for February 21.

To reserve your table, please go to hccs.edu/blackhistory or call 713-718-5000.

who do i call?

City of Houston Environmental Investigations 713-525-2728

Photo by Ben Doyle - Runaway Productions

Midtown meetings are held,

annual event goes Brazilian in 2015 with live bossa nova and samba

by Trio Forte. Have your shoes shined and ready for the dance floor by 7 p.m. on January 22.

METRO Light Rail/Bus Schedules & Routing 713-635-4000 Police Dispatch (concerns along the rail/bus stops & HOV) 713-224-COPS (2677) Houston Police Department (HPD) (Non-Emergency) 713-884-3131 HPD Central Station 713-247-4400 HPD South Central Station 832-394-0200 Harris County Sheriff’s Dispatch 713-221-6000 Harris County Precinct 7 Dispatch 713-643-6602 Crime Stoppers 713-222-8477 Texas Poison Center Network 1-800-222-1222 Mayor’s Citizens’ Assistance Office 713-527-4002 mayor@cityofhouston.net Ellen Cohen, City Council District C 832-393-3004 districtc@houstonTX.gov Dwight Boykins, City Council District D 832-393-3001 districtd@houstonTX.gov

stories&+

mid main project moves toward completion

Mixed-use project is Houston’s first Transit Oriented Development (TOD)

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id Main parking has been challenging these past few months but regular First Thursday goers and even newcomers that know the end result are more than willing to endure the temporary inconvenience. Once the nearly 29,413 square feet of new retail space melds with the 10,000 square feet of existing retail, the circling of the block will all be forgotten. Especially when the 773-car parking garage comes to fruition.

Situated along the 3500 and 3600 block of Main Street between the emerging MATCH Arts Center and The Ensemble Theatre, the Mid Main project will include additional entertainment venues, restaurants and shops, set to make what’s already known as “The Best Blocks in Houston” even better.

The new Mid Main Lofts will give 363 one-bedroom and two bedroom apartment units front door access to the Ensemble/HCC METRORail. The studio apartments in the project are designed for affordability to encourage arts, music and creative minded people to share in Midtown vibe. Apartment dwellers will have dedicated parking within one level of the new parking garage while the additional two levels will be available for those enjoying the area shops and

entertainment venues.

The Mid Main project is Houston’s first Transit Oriented Development (TOD).

The project Developer is RHS Interests, LLC. Gensler is the architect of record with a partnership that includes William Cannady, FAIA and Rob Rogers, FAIA (Rogers Partners).

Rob Rogers recently explained his ambitious design in The Architect’s Newspaper, defining what makes the Mid Main project different.

“A key owner and designer decision was to abandon the traditional ‘Houston Wrap’ typology of apartments surrounding a parking deck, and instead develop a podium that provides street level activities to surround the site, while concentrating residences around a common open space. Instead of a monolithic two-block wall, the pro-urban scheme acknowledges the street grid and massing, including placing the major public access point across from the Mid-Main rail stop.”

Preservation has always been a driving force for the Mid Main group since its inception in 1999 and though new elements are part of the project, the buildings on the east side of Main, one of which was the original home of the Alley Theater, will be restored.

Construction is scheduled to be complete by late 2015.

wendy wagner foundation for funding creative

Being in a room with Wendy, the person and “Wendy World”, the art, made people smile...

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never had the opportunity to meet Midtown artist Wendy Wagner but the more I learn about her, I realize the loss is definitely mine. Wendy died in September at the age of 47 after a challenging twoyear battle with cancer. The woman that brought happiness to so many was honored by friends, fellow artists and writers that extolled the whimsical, inner child that leaped onto her boards or into the huggable soft sculptured Qwerkys® she created. Being in a room with Wendy, the person and “Wendy World”, the art, Photo by Phoebe Rourke-Ghabriel made people smile.

Wendy’s accomplishments were many. For example, the Hunting Art Prize is historically the most generous annual award in North America for painting and drawing. One prestigious competition, one Texas artist, one $50,000 award.

Wendy Wagner won the Hunting Art Prize in 2008 for her painting I Hope I’m Dreaming. Solo exhibitions in both Texas and Japan add to her list, as does the ambitious task of 16 solo shows Look to the Left. Photo by George Ramirez in 10 years. A story in the New York Times for her 20-foot triptych Look to the Left

By Mary Chavoustie

exhibited at Austin’s Women & Their Work Gallery was exceptional, particularly for those who knew of the increasing physical obstacles Wendy was enduring while completing the work and on the day of the show.

The Wendy Wagner Foundation for Funding Creative was conceived to nurture that same playfulness and exuberance in aspiring artists.

The Foundation empowers artists working across a wide array of disciplines and in all stages of professional development. Preserving the spirit, vision and legacy of its namesake, Cole Miranda. Photo by Felix Sanchez the Foundation provides scholarships, grants, project support and emergency healthcare resources to those who color our world as well as Qwerkys! (qwerkys.com) an animated TV series that Wendy created with creative partner and husband, Kenneth in 2006 teaching the importance of individuality through art, music and deliciously whimsical candy-like visuals. Learn more about the Midtown artist and her work at wendywagner.com and the Wendy Photo by Phoebe Rourke-Ghabriel Wagner Foundation for Funding Creative at wendywagnerfoundation.org.

midtown MAP

Entertainment/Food 1. 3rd Floor 832-384-1960 2. 13 celsius 713-527-8466 3. Alley Kat Bar & Lounge 713-874-0722 4. Artisans Restaurant 713-529-9111 5. Bar Munich 713-523-1008 6. Barbarella Houston 512-470-7407 8. Boba Café 713-521-0088 9. Brennan's of Houston 713-522-9711 10. Buffalo Wild Wings Grill & Bar 813-650-0002 11. Café Helene 713-529-1100 12. GAGE Lounge 832-626-1320 13. Cali Sandwich 713-526-0112 14. Capitol Bar Midtown 713-487-6854 15. Celtic Gardens 713-900-2500 16. Charivari 713-521-7231 17. Chipotle Mexican Grill 713-231-1353 H4 18. Christian's Tailgate Bar and Grill 713-527-0261 19. Church's Chicken #4327 713-529-3951 29 20. Coaches Pub Midtown 713-751-1970 21. CoCo's Crepes 713-521-0700 22. Cook & Collins 832-701-1973 23. Crave Sushi 713-527-8744 24. Cyclone Anaya's 713-520-6969 25. Damian's Cucina Italiana 713-552-0439 26. District 7 Grill 713-751-0660 27. District 7 Pizzeria 713-650-0075 28. Dog House Tavern 713-520-1118 29. Dolce Delights 713-807-7575 30. Dögarz Döner 832-767-0847 31. Double Cross Lounge 713-526-3423 32. Double Trouble Caffeine & Cocktails 713-874-0096 33. Fluff Bake Bar (open soon) 34. Gaslamp 713-561-2990 35. Glitter Karaoke 713-526-4900 36. Gloria's Restaurant 832-360-1710 37. Gotham Pizza 713-659-2222 38. Gray's Public House 832-649-7718 39. Gyu-Kaku 713-750-9520 40. Holley’s Seafood Restaurant & Oyster Bar 713-491-2222 41. Howl at the Moon 713-658-9700 42. Ibiza Food and Wine 713-524-0004 43. Jimmy John's 832-767-0707 44. Julia's bistro 713-807-0090 45. Khon's Wine Darts Coffee Art 713-523-7775 46. La Baquette French Bakery 713-520-5475 47. Leon's Lounge 713-659-5366 48. Les Givral's Sandwich 713-529-0462 49. Limelight 832-443-5781 50. Little Woodrow's Midtown 713-522-1041 51. Luigi's Pizzeria 281-793-3333 52. Luna y Sol Mexican Grill 281-974-3530 53. Magic Wok 713-521-7722 54. Mai's Restaurant 713-520-7684 55. McDonalds 713-650-0426 56. MidMain 832-259-6787 E5 57. Midtown Drinkery 713-522-0118 H13 58. Midtown Mobile Cuisine 713-896-8425 59. Mongoose vs Cobra E5 E5 713 650 MVSC (6872) 60. Mr. Peeples P5 713-652-0711 61. Music World Complex 713-772-5175 62. Natachee's Supper 'n Punch 713-524-7203 63. NEO Market & Bakery 13 713-718-6325 19 B16 H11

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83. Simply Pho 713-677-0501 84. Sparrow Bar + Cookshop 713-524-6922 85. Spec's Wines Spirits and Fine Foods 713-526-8787 86. Starbucks 713-528-2204 87. Starbucks 713-654-2180 88. Starbucks-Randall's 713-331-1042 89. Subway Sandwiches Midtown 713-807-7976 22 90. Subway Sandwiches & Salads 713-528-9688 91. Tacos a GO GO 713-807-8226 92. the breakfast klub 713-528-8561 93. The Continental Club 713-529-9899 94. The Dogwood 281-501-9075 95. The Fish Sushi 713-526-5294 96. The Maple Leaf Pub 713-520-6465 newest 98. The Tinderbox 713-561-2990 annexation 99. Thien An Sandwiches 713-522-7007

by TIRZ #2 100. Tiff's Treats 713-343-1400 101. VAO Club Life 713-665-0700 5 102. Weights + Measures (open soon)

64. Nit Noi Taste of Thai 713-652-5855 65. NOUVEAU Antique Art Bar 713-526-2220 66. One Love Juice & Smoothie Bar 832-834-7220 67. Oporto Midtown 713-528-0115 68. Pho Saigon 713-524-3734 69. Piola 713-524-8222 70. Ponzo's 713-526-2426 71. Potbelly Sandwich Shop 713-469-4718 72. Proof Bar Houston 832-767-0513 73. Pub Fiction 713-400-8400 74. Quizno's 713-739-0400 75. Red Door 713-256-9383 76. Red Pier Asian Bistro & Bar 713-807-7726 77. Reef 713-526-8282 78. Russo's New York Pizzeria 713-533-1140 79. Saint Dane's 713-807-7040 80. Sage County 832-701-1978 81. Shoeshine Charley's Big Top Lounge 713-529-9666 82. Shot Bar 713-526-3000

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Financial Institutions D1. Central Bank 832-485-2360

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SERVICES / RETAIL B1. Advantage BMW 713-289-1216 B2. Art Supply on Main 713-652-5028 B3. BCP Veterinary Pharmacy 713-771-1144 B4. Big Tex Storage 713-655-7867 B5. Brian Martinez, DDS – Smiles of Midtown 713-523-6848 B6. Dunn, Neal & Gerger, LLP 713-403-7400 B7. Extra Space Storage 713-529-2200 B8. iBuy Realty 713-320-8784 B9. Lion Real Estate Group, The 832-407-5796 B10. Massage Heights Midtown 832-706-4241 B11. Midtown Management District 713-526-7577 B12. Mid-Town Surgical Center 713-691-6000 B13. Rossonian Cleaners 713-524-3134 B14. Spec’s 713-526-8787 B15. Stewart Cadillac 713-874-0900 B16. TSO Museum District 713-523-5109 B17. Urban Oasis Day Spa 713-521-9990

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scan QR code to access phone list

Midtown Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone #2 4Q14 (TIRZ #2)

– info@weights-measures.com)

103. Which Wich 713-654-9424 104. Wooster’s Garden 713-420-0004

OPEN SOON

105. Kata Kobata Izakaya @ 318 Gray CULTURAL ARTS 1. Art Palace 281-501-2964 2. Art Square Studios (33 studios) 713-652-5028 3. Art Square Studios on Fannin (15 studios) 713-652-5028 4. Art Supply on Main 713-652-5028 5. Asia Society Texas Center 713-496-9901 6. Bermac Arts Building 713-239-0446 7. Buffalo Soldiers National Museum 713-942-8920 8. Carrithers Studio 832-270-1402

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9. Community Artists' Collective 713-523-1616 10. David Shelton Gallery 832-538-0924 11. Devin Borden Gallery 713-529-2700 12. DiverseWorks 713-223-8346 13. Encore Theatre 832-578-1705 14. Eyeful Art Designs and Murals 832-767-6644 15. Gallery Sonja Roesch 713-659-5424 16. Harambee Art Gallery 832-496-8898 17. Heinen Theatre 713-718-6570 18. House of Deréon Media Center 713-772-5175 19. Houston Center for Contemporary Crafts

713-529-4848 20. Houston Community College Art Gallery 713-718-6570 21. Houston Fire Museum 713-524-2526 22. Houston Museum of African American Culture 713-526-1015 23. Inman Gallery 713-526-7800 24. Kinzelman Art Consulting 713-533-9923 25. Lawndale Art Center 713-528-5858 25. Main Street Art Projects 832-244-5469 26. Masters of Representational Art Meetup 832-671-3826 27. MET Dance Company & Center 713-522-6375 28. Midtown Art Center 713-521-8803 29. Mixed Emotions Fine Art and Framing 713-861-9666 30. Paul's Art Frame Gallery 713-527-8495 31. Sig's Lagoon 713-533-9525 32. Station Museum of Contemporary Art 713-529-6900 33. Tango Cielo Dance Studio 713-319-4330 34. Tea Room Gallery 713-521-8803 35. The Art Project @ Bread of Life 713-650-0595 36. The Ensemble Theatre 713-520-0055 37. The Julian Collection 713-855-4103 38. The MATCH (coming soon) 713-874-5875 39. Theatre One 713-718-6570

H1. 13 celsius H2. Benjamin Apartments H3. C. L. House Building H4. DePelchin Faith Home H5. Fire Station #7 (Fire Museum) H6. First Evangelical Lutheran Church H7. Holy Rosary Church H8. Houston Light Guard and Armory H9. Isabella Court H10. Kirby Mansion H11. Lawndale Art Center H12. San Jacinto HS (HCC-Central) H13. South Main Baptist Church H14. Temple Beth Israel (Heinen) H15. The Sheridan Apartments H16. Trinity Episcopal Church

PARKS / PUBLIC SPACES P1. Elizabeth Baldwin Park P2. Elizabeth Glover Park P3. Houston Fire Station No. 7 P4. Midtown Park P5. Peggy’s Point Plaza Park HOUSES OF WORSHIP / NONPROFITS E1. Career & Recovery Resources 713-754-7000 E2. Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston 713-526-4611 E3. Holy Rosary Parish 713-529-4854 E4. Interfaith Ministries 713-533-4900 (two locations) E5. South Main Baptist Church 713-529-4167 E6. St. John's Downtown/Bread of Life 713-659-3237 E6. San Jose Clinic 713-228-9411 E7. SEARCH Homeless Services 713-739-7752 E8. Trinity Episcopal Church 713-528-4100 E9. The Salvation Army Family Residence 713-650-6530 –– CORE Church Midtown 832-492-7791 (multiple locations)

MIDTOWN LIVING OPTIONS F1. 2016 Main 713-659-1801 F2. 2222 Smith Apartments 713-529-5400 F3. 3800 Main 713-523- 2900 F4. Camden City Centre 713-651-0350 F5. Camden Midtown 713-652-9944 F6. Camden Travis Street 713-521-0620 F7. Chenevert Commons 832-356-6645 F8. Metro Midtown Apartments 713-529-5333 F9. Midtown Arbor Place 713-874-1313 F10. Midtown Grove 713-590-0615 F11. Pearl Midtown 713-522-3101 F12. Post Midtown Square 713-739-7678 F13. RISE Lofts 713-523-5700 F14. The Calais at Courtlandt Square 713-520-8300 F15. Ventana at Midtown 713-550-9600 EDUCATION / Technology G1. Houston Academy for International Studies (HAIS) 713-942-1430 G2. Houston Community College – Central 713-718-6000 G3. The International Day School 713-533-0480 G4. UH Small Business Development Center 713-752-8444 lodging / bed & breakfast I1. La Maison in Midtown 713-529-3600

green is the name of the game

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Midtown meetings are held, unless noted, at Midtown Management District Offices, 410 Pierce @ Bagby, 3rd floor Conference Room. Metered street parking and the BlackFinn garage.

Call ahead 713-526-7577 to confirm time and dates.

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calendar arts

exhibitions | theatre | orchestra | dance

The Ensemble Theatre

The Other Side: Chinese and Mexican Immigration To America.

AmeriCAN Graffiti II, 2014 (detail).

PERFORMING ARTS

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an 21 thru Mar 7. OLIVER HERRING: Areas for Action. An exhibition concept of participatory performances, improvisatory sculptures and real-time collaborative artworks. DiverseWorks.org.

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an 29 thru Feb 22. Fly. Brings to life the Tuskegee Airmen, the famed African-American Army Air Corp fighters who flew during World War II. Fly inventively combines live action and video projections with an emotionally-charged tap dancer, who offers insight into the hopes, fears and triumphs faced by the airmen. The Ensemble Theatre.

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ar 19 thru Apr 12. CHARLIE MORRIS: tripping on pebbles...sinking in stone. A series of objects and scenarios, caught between the seemingly objective nature of photography, and the mental creation of tenuous narrative connections. Art Palace.

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pr 12-19. (Residency), Apr 17 & 18, 2015 (Performance) DEAN MOSS: johnbrown. Co-presented with UH Mitchell Center for the Arts CounterCurrent Festival. A dark meditation on the legacy of the white 19th century abolitionist John Brown, the work integrates performance, visual design and community participation.

DiverseWorks.org.

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pr 24-25. TAHNI HOLT: DUET LOVE. A dance performance about love, lust and charged energy, drawn from the premise of "duet". DiverseWorks.org. ay 7 thru May 31. Two Old Black Guys Just Sitting Around Talking.

Henry and Abe can’t stand each other, but like magnets the elderly duo is drawn to the same park bench every day.

Now, in their twilight years, they find themselves intertwined by the changing times, the news, the busy pace of passersby and how invisible they have become. The Ensemble Theatre.

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un 25 thru Jul 26. Trav’lin –The 1930s Harlem Musical. A humorous, heartwarming story of three couples playing the game of love in 1930s Harlem. The

Traditions Transfigured: The Noh Masks of Bidou Yamaguchi.

jazz-inflected score celebrates the music of Harlem Renaissance composer J. C. Johnson (1896-1981) whose music has been performed and recorded by greats such as Billie Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald, Louie Armstrong, Fred Astaire, Duke Ellington and Count Basie.

The Ensemble Theatre.

lectures

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eb 11. DIVERSE DISCOURSE LECTURE AND STUDIO VISIT SERIES: Diana Nawi.

Associate Curator, Pérez Art Museum Miami. 6:30 p.m. DiverseWorks.org. pr 1. DIVERSE DISCOURSE LECTURE AND STUDIO VISIT SERIES: Thomas J. Lax, Associate Curator, Department of Media and Performance Art, Museum of Modern Art, New York. Presented with community partner Core Program at the Museum of Fine Arts Houston. 6:30 p.m.

DiverseWorks.org.

VISUAL ARTS

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hru January 31. David Lackey: Memories & Maladies. Since 1998, David Lackey has appraised at every Antiques Roadshow filming and traveled to over 100 cities. Houstonians will find his discerning eye demonstrated once again, as he debuts his combination of 19th century photographic images and found objects at Devin Borden Gallery.

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hru February 15. Traditions Transfigured: The Noh Masks of Bidou Yamaguchi. Inspired by Japanese Noh theater, contemporary artist Bidou Yamaguchi applies the forms, techniques and elegance of this unique tradition to masks of icons of both European and Japanese portraiture, with an emphasis on women and male actors portraying them. Asia Society Texas Center.

J

an 9 thru Feb 28. Ted Kincaid: Travelers passing through DFW Airport may recall Kincaid’s 22’ glass mosaic or perhaps his 22’X14’ digitally-constructed photograph hanging at the Dallas Omni Convention Center. Kincaid brings new works for his exhibition at Devin Borden Gallery.

DEAN MOSS: john brown

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anuary 17. Degrees of Separation.

Mel Chin, Wayne Gilbert, Mike Hollis, Mary Jenewein, Sin Huellas. Opening in conjunction with Mel’s Chin’s REMATCH. Includes a lion dance ceremony led by 32nd generation Shaolin disciple Shi Xing Hao, Mariachi Las Coronelas, (an all female mariachi band), light bites and refreshments. 7–10 p.m. Station Museum.

J

an 23 thru Feb 28. You're Hard To Love.

Opening reception, Jan 23, 6:30–8:30 p.m., lawndaleartcenter.org.

• Topologies (exurb) Johnny DiBlasi, Stephen Kraig, Patrick Renner & Eric Todd • The Idyll. Ryder Richards. A hybrid between a pulpit and science fiction control station: a modernist temple to information complete with security cameras, recessed lighting, digital projections and panels of quasi-unintelligible text and formulas.

• Day Dreams. Jed Foronda. Derived from momentary observations, cultural elements and the artist's memories, the work focuses on Foronda's continued exploration of altering paper mediums, from Art Forums to Playboys, by systematically carving organic abstract patterns into the surface.

• Synthetic Happiness. Stephanie Patton.

The multi-media exhibition explores issues of mental health, medical treatment and their impact on us. Includes large-scale, padded, white vinyl pieces, quilted mattress pieces and video works that allude to various emotional states.

• I’d Prefer To Keep My Distance. Ashley Hinson. A text-based installation intended to ‘hug’ the viewer and offer a connection to the experience of conflict. A series of silkscreen prints will be distributed throughout Houston. I'd Prefer To Keep My Distance is part of a larger Community Outreach series. The focus is a reflection on and engagement with the surrounding community.

F

Hunter-Gatherer, Non Si Butta Via Niente, 2012.

eb 6 thru May 10. One day, late in the afternoon. Contemporary ceramic artist Kelly O’Briant shows how things, such as a favorite mug, heirloom silver-

ware or a holiday tablecloth, are as integral to people’s lives as the conversations that take place around them. Houston Center for Contemporary Craft.

F

eb 6 thru May 10. Dining and Discourse: A Discussion in Three Courses. A critical look at the intrinsic relationship between craft and dining, featuring 27 emerging and mid-career artists working in wood, glass, ceramics, fiber, metal and mixed media, organized into three dining-room vignettes— Role Play, Hunter-Gatherer and Opulence and Excess — Dining and Discourse. Houston Center for Contemporary Craft.

M M M

ar 6 thru Apr 25. Sharon Englestein.

Devin Borden Gallery.

ar 6 thru Apr 25. Christopher Cascio. Devin Borden Gallery.

ar 28 thru Jul 19. The Other Side: Chinese and Mexican Immigration to America. Explores recurring issues of immigration, border relations and labor practices that have persisted throughout U.S. history and remain timely today. Asia Society Texas Center.

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arch 2015. Midtown resident/artist Sebastien “Mr. D” Boileau solo exhibition, AmeriCANS—a preview of the larger AmeriCAN Graffiti series that will be on display at Lelia Mordoch Gallery in Miami in March 2015. The series is an homage to the origins of graffiti and street art.

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pr 11. 9th Annual Midtown Art in the Park. A boutique style art market set in Midtown’s urban mixed-use community, encompassing Midtown's love of culture and art. Elizabeth Baldwin Park, 1701 Elgin.

10 a.m.–6 p.m. midtownartinthepark.com.

Admission is free.

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pril 20-26. Design Fair 2015. Learn.

Shop. Connect. The region’s only premier market featuring cutting edge contemporary design, as well as vintage modern objects of the 20th century.

Lawndale Art Center.

5

eatsdrinks

open now... food & drinks to enjoy in midtown

Finding a great restaurant or pub is easy in Midtown. Keeping up with “who’s new” is the hardest part.

Wooster’s Garden 3315 Milam

Franziskaner Dunkel Weisse. New Republic Dammit Jim. Chimay Cinq Cents. Victory Golden Monkey. And the list goes on. Wooster’s Garden declares they “LOVE Beer” and they “Love that you LOVE Beer” and are here in Midtown to help you through your beer journey. They even offer “beer education” classes to help you take that leap from “the usual” to the world of craft beer. Food pairings and tastings, too. Come hungry and give their “samwiches” a try. The Coon Ass with boudin is served on a toasted baguette covered with fried shrimp, chives and special Cajun seasoning. (I’d go if only for the house made, baked soft pretzels!) Parking is plentiful.

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Sage County 2416 Brazos

Of course there’s drinks (and drink specials Monday through Sunday) but what about the grub? A little hungry?

Grab the Tacos de Camaron—cabbage slaw, grilled shrimp, dried chili salsa, avocado “mash”, radishes and cilantro. Hungrier? Then it’s the County Line Cheeseburger or Sage’s Cheesy Chicken and add on their garlic fries with spicy queso or buffalo chili. Sage County calls itself “a good old fashion southern drinking establishment.” Did someone say a Bachelorette & Girls Night Out Party Package, too? Go to sagecounty.com for details.

GAGE Lounge 2600 Travis

GAGE’s tag line is “expect the unexpected” so the fact that they hosted a silent auction and raffle to help less fortunate children at Christmas might surprise you. Or would you have guessed GAGE has a state-ofthe-art audio/visual system capable of showcasing thousands of songs and videos from the early '60s through the 90s. Or on Tuesdays, wines are buy one bottle and get the second free. That’s right—bottle, not glass.

Stop by and see why Modern Luxury Houston magazine named them one of “five hot spots raising the bar in Houston nightlife.”

Thiên Ân Sandwiches 2611 San Jacinto

Great food AND plenty of parking. What an ingenious idea! So if you’ve never tried Banh Xeo, let Thiên Ân take that off your bucket list. What bet-

ter place for your “first” Vietnamese crepe with pork, shrimp, onions and bean sprouts than a family-owned restaurant voted “Best Banh Xeo Houston.” The menu offers a variety of steam rice rolls, rice platters and fried rice as well as savory vermicelli options but it's the Bánh Mì that draws the lunch crowd that migrates from points afar. Thiên Ân is open 9 a.m.–7 p.m. M-F, closed on Saturdays and open Sundays 8 a.m.–6 p.m.

in

One Love Juice & Smoothie Bar 3030 Travis

Yoga One and One Love are one, in location and in spirit. The 100% plantbased, gluten free juice bar takes pride in their contribution to healthy living. Their in-house pressed almond, cashew and hemp milks make up their super food smoothies, all part of a menu that supports local farms and businesses. Best of all, their cold pressing technique increases juice volume, nutrient content and shelf life, resulting in a better choice over traditional centrifugal juicing. A green juice a.k.a. Dr. Phyll, their fruit juice Nama-Stay and their root juice, U.G.K., are popular (as are German & Clemente, the juice whisperers!) You’ll find them inside YogaOne

Studios Midtown.

Dögarz Döner 2101 Smith

The easy question first:What’s a döner?

An authentic Turkish and German döner (doo – nah) is made from lamb.

(Mostly beef or a mix of beef and lamb is used in Europe.) The tough question: Which do I choose? dönerMe (gourmet lamb and beef meat), dönerFi (gourmet fish meat) or dönerChi (gourmet chicken meat). All are tucked inside a pocket of Armenian-inspired custom bread and topped with a yogurt garlic sauce; Turkish, Italian and Mediterranean spices; cucumber; tomato; cilantro and cabbage. Healthy, low cal. Mmmm!

VAO Club Life 2016 Main

VAO is Houston's escape, drawing inspiration from the top clubs in Vegas, Miami, Chicago, New York and LA, bringing an explosive cocktail of jubilance in the day and a high energy upscale club and lounge a few hours after sunset.

VAO is a place of mischief, where the status quo is missing and the full service bars keeps you going with house special cocktails. During the day, the Houston skyline pool turns into a beach club, with DJs playing a mashup of EDM and top 40.

After sunset, the lavish ground floor setting becomes the perfect place to spark an intimate conversation, secure a deal or get lost in the extravagant lightshows.

Holley’s 3201 Louisiana

and grill to your hearts content. Ask for their Garlic Noodles, as a side.

While your steak is sizzling atop the Shinpo® smokeless gas and charcoal grill, a unique below-table venting system —a three-filter filtration— is hard at work. Gather friends and family and share a plate while you do the cooking.

There’s no denying Holley’s grassroots style is all about the finest local seafood—raw oysters on the half-shell shucked at the front room’s Lancelot Bar or the New Orleans-style BBQ Shrimp Po Boy with fried green tomatoes. Chef Mark Holley is the first to tell you it’s not his name on the front door, it’s his family name and the family roots that influence the lunch and dinner menus.

That’s why you don’t leave without letting the homemade Benne Seed Parkerhouse Rolls and the Down South Coconut Cake pass your lips.

District 7 Pizzeria 2117 Chenevert

Luna y Sol Mexican Grill 2808 Milam

Everyone knows the secret to a tasty torta is not only the filling but also the fresh telera bread. Le Cordon Bleu Executive Chef Esther Castañeda creates her tortas and everything else on the authentic made-from-scratch menu from family recipes perfected over decades. Enchiladas, street tacos, burritos and ensaladas round out the menu. In the restaurant business, dining fads come and go but tradition will always win out in the end.Take a look at the selections— lunaysolmexicangrill.com or stop by, open seven days a week.

Gray’s Public House 510 Gray If craft beer and great tasting burgers are to your liking, add Gray’s Public House to your gastropub rotation.

Those that remember former tenant The Good Life, might shed a tear but won’t be disappointed for long, ‘specially after a handful of bacon jalapeno peanuts! Expect a “classy, sexy look” (in the words of GPH’s Chris Hale) and a touch of nostalgia with their 50s and 60s vintage can collection. Happy Hour every day plus daily specials; the $9.99 Burger & Pint Special happens every Wednesday DJs Friday and Saturday nights.

a

Gyu Kaku Japanese BBQ 510 Gray

Imagine your Old Smokey (minus the smoke and the mess) recessed into your kitchen table.Thankfully, Gyu-Kaku (GEW-KAH-KOO) has created a less scary setting, far more sophisticated, productive and safe. Japanese Yakiniky (barbeque) has made its first Texas mark in Midtown. Here’s how it goes... you choose the cut of meat, maybe their signature Bistro Hanger Steak, or chicken or seafood. Add a little squash and mushrooms, a few asparagus, an onion or two

Introducing District 7 Pizzeria, the new sister restaurant to District 7 Grill that’s been serving Midtown for eight years. The new sibling has all the traditional pizza styles you’d expect, plus more with the District 7 twist you’ve come to love. Choose everything from premium toppings like veal, venison sausage and wild boar sausage to their signature subs, pastas, wings and salads.

Bring this article in and from now until the end of March and enjoy a complimentary pizza with the purchase of another, dine-in or carry out. Stop by for great food and a glass of wine or 8th Wonder beer.

Weights & Measures 2808 Caroline

Four like-minded Houstonians and long-standing friends, Ian Rosenberg and Mike Sammons (13 celsius & Mongoose versus Cobra), Richard Kaplan and Heath Wendell combine to create a casual restaurant, bakery and bar in a 50s industrial warehouse, all contributing to “an environment that inspires customers to slow down a little and enjoy every moment.” Breakfast, lunch and dinner will deliver a seasonal American menu with an emphasis on wood-fired meats and veggies, bread-centric plates and pizzas from the wood-burning oven. The full bar, Love and Squalor, is open and offering a late-night food menu, while soon-to-come Slow Dough Bake Shop will open for take-away breakfast with freshly-baked breads, pastries, donuts, locally-roasted Amaya coffee and freshly-squeezed juices. Luscious Brown Paper Chocolates (sold in the Bake Shop) will remain irresistible.

Soon to come…

Fluff Bake Bar 314 Gray

“So why Midtown?” we asked Fluff Bake Bar’s Rebecca Masson. “I’ve always liked Midtown and the area along Gray,” said the woman dubbed The Sugar Fairy. “Plus, with all the new improvements to Bagby, it's a pretty lively area. I also wanted an easy place for people to get to at night since I’ll will be serving plated desserts with beer and wine.” Don’t worry daytimers, they’ll be plenty for you, like the PB&J Cup|Cakes with their brown butter cake, peanut butter cream, concord grape jelly and candied peanuts or the Veruca Salt Cup|Cake with it devil’s food cake, salted caramel buttercream and pretzel crunch. Fluffernutters and SHOs (Sugar Hooker Oreos), too. Can’t wait till the doors open!

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artists&+ 9th Annual Midtown Art in the Park

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rt in the park returns, Saturday, April 11, 2015, 10 a.m.–6 p.m. —along the winding, tree-lined path at Elizabeth Baldwin Park, 1701 Elgin.

The 9th Annual Midtown Art in the Park is a fine are festival featuring local and regional artists displaying and selling their original works.

Regional, national and international artists take part in the boutique-style art market set in Midtown, a premier urban mixed-use community set in the heart of Houston.

The goal of Midtown Art in the Park, underwritten and coordinated by the Midtown Management District—a State of Texas designated Cultural Arts & Entertainment District, is to bring the cultural arts and entertainment community together as well as provide a unique and enjoyable experience for visitors.

Artists who wish to be considered may apply through Wednesday, February 11, 2015.There is a $10 non-refundable application fee. Artists keep 100% of their sales.

For more information, visit midtownartinthepark.com.

8

mel chin retrospective

traveling exhibition comes to midtown museums

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laffer Art Museum, the Contemporary Arts Museum Houston, Asia Society Museum from 7-10 p.m. Mel Chin: Rematch continues through March 21 at Blaffer, Texas Center and the Station Museum of Contemporary Art are proud to through April 19 at CAMH and Asia Society Texas Center, and an extended date TBA collaborate on the Houston presenat Station Museum, as part of Station’s major tation of Mel Chin: Rematch, January17 exhibition, Degrees of Separation, featuring four thru April 19, the most expansive additional artists. survey of Chin’s work to date and a homecomThe retrospective’s 75 artworks highlight ing for one of the city’s most renowned artists. thematic strands that underscore Chin’s broad Organized by the New Orleans Museum range of subject matter, materials and formal of Art, the traveling retrospective will launch approaches. “Points of view established in the its Houston run on Saturday, January 17, 2015 past are no longer up to date,” he says. “It’s time with a roving opening at all four venues. Chin for a rematch.” will present a staggered series of artist talks Our Strange Flower of Democracy (2006) Six Mel Chin works will be on view at Asia Degrees of Paradise (exhibited at Station Museum) (exhibited at Asia Society Texas Center) throughout the day, starting with Blaffer at Society Texas Center as well as several (quantity Copy, in part, courtesy of Blaffer Art Museum. noon, Asia Society at 2 p.m., and CAMH at 4 p.m., followed by a party at the Station TBA) on view at Station Museum.

Midtown Management District 410 Pierce Street, Ste. 355 Houston, TX 77002

MIDTOWN MANAGEMENT DISTRICT

William R. Franks Chairman of the Board

Matt Thibodeaux

Executive Director for Midtown Management District & Midtown Redevelopment Authority (TIRZ #2) mattt@houstonmidtown.com

Cynthia Alvarado

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Design / Production: Quantum/SUR 12818 Willow Centre Drive, Suite B Houston, Texas 77066 281-955-2449 • www.quantumsur.com

Operations Manager cynthiaa@houstonmidtown.com

Editor Mary Chavoustie, mary@quantumsur.com

Elizabeth Powell

Publisher/Art Director Leonel E. Mejía, leo@quantumsur.com

District Coordinator epowell@houstonmidtown.com MIDTOWN redevelopment authority and tax increment reinvestment zone #2 ( TIRZ #2)

Robert Sellingsloh Chairman of the Board

Kandi Schramm

Administrative Manager kandis@houstonmidtown.com

Marlon Marshall

Senior Project Manager marlonm@houstonmidtown.com 713-526-7577 (tel) • 713-526-7519 (fax) houstonmidtown.com © midtown paper, all rights reserved

Contributing Writers/Research Cynthia Alvarado Elizabeth Searcy Accounting Manager Marta M. Mejía, marta@quantumsur.com The Midtown Management District (MMD) and Quantum/Sur do not knowingly accept false or misleading information or editorial, nor do they assume responsibility should such material appear in the paper.

Views expressed in the midtown paper are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the editor, publisher, or the MMD. Every effort has been made to ensure accurate information at the time of publication, however, this cannot be guaranteed.

Publishing of an advertisement does not imply endorsement of any product or service offered. All submissions of editorial or photography are only accepted without risk to the publisher or the MMD for loss or damage.