APRIL 2015

Local April.qxp_002houston 3/23/15 2:14 PM Page 1

APRIL 2015

L O C A L HOUSTON

HEALTH + WELLNESS

Local April.qxp_002houston 3/23/15 2:14 PM Page 2

Local April.qxp_002houston 3/23/15 2:14 PM Page 3

Local April.qxp_002houston 3/23/15 2:14 PM Page 4

4

L O C A L

| april 15

Local April.qxp_002houston 3/23/15 2:14 PM Page 5

01.

02.

03.

04.

05.

06.

07.

08.

09.

10.

11.

12.

13.

14.

15.

16.

17.

18.

19.

20.

21.

22.

23.

24.

25.

26.

27.

28.

29.

30.

31.

32.

BBVA COMPASS STADIUM CITYCENTRE DAVID ADICKES SCULPTURES DISCOVERY GREEN DOWNTOWN GALLERIA GEORGE BUSH INTERCONTINENTAL AIRPORT GLENWOOD CEMETERY HERMANN PARK HIGHLAND VILLAGE HOBBY AIRPORT HOUSTON ARBORETUM & NATURE CENTER HOUSTON MOTOR PARK HOUSTON ZOO KATY MILLS KEMAH LEE AND JOE JAMAIL SKATEPARK MEMORIAL CITY MEMORIAL PARK MILLER OUTDOOR THEATRE MINUTE MAID PARK MUSEUM DISTRICT

LOCAL CITY MAP

CHILDREN’S MUSEUM, CONTEMPORARY ARTS MUSEUM, HOLOCAUST MUSEUM, MUSEUM OF FINE ARTS HOUSTON, MUSEUM OF NATURAL SCIENCE, THE HEALTH MUSEUM

NRG PARK: STADIUM, CENTER, ARENA & ASTRODOME RICE VILLAGE SAM HOUSTON RACE PARK SPACE CENTER HOUSTON SUGAR LAND THEATER DISTRICT ALLEY THEATRE, BAYOU PLACE, HOBBY CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS, JONES HALL FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS, WORTHAM CENTER

THE MENIL COLLECTION THE WOODLANDS TOYOTA CENTER UPTOWN PARK

27. SUGAR LAND

THE SUGAR LAND WINE & FOOD FESTIVAL WITH MORE THAN 10,000 ATTENDEES LAST YEAR, THE SUGAR LAND WINE & FOOD AFFAIR IS BACK AGAIN ON APRIL 8! CONSISTING OF FIVE DAYS FILLED WITH EXTRAORDINARY EVENTS ALONG WITH 75 CHEFS AND RESTAURANTS SHARING THEIR SECRETS AND OVER 2,600 BOTTLES OF WINE THIS IS A FARE YOU WON’T WANT TO MISS. FOR MORE INFORMATION, AND TO PURCHASE TICKETS VISIT WWW.SUGARLANDWINEANDFOODAFFAIR.COM.

Illustration by Sebastian Gomez de la Torre

april 15 | L O C A L 5

Local April.qxp_002houston 3/23/15 2:14 PM Page 6

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

BEHIND THE COVER

Creative director Gabriella Nissen shot the board game Operation for our health and wellness cover.

A mix of nostalgia and a spin on how complicated medicine has become, the game, is battery-operated and tests the player’s hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills. Invented in 1964 by John Spinello, a University of Illinois industrial design student who sold his rights to Milton Bradley for $500. Today, Hasbro makes the game with an estimated worth of $40 million.

“HEALTH” AND “WELLNESS” – words we throw around and either take for granted or are on a constant search for balance. We could have simply packed this issue with profiles of doctors and their practices, but we didn’t want to read that. So instead we found a range of local professionals making a difference or doing something different.

From The Integrative Medicine Program at MD Anderson quite literally fighting to teach humanity the massive benefits of prevention, to a doctor who froze his brain practicing what he had been preaching to his patients, ultimately making him a more stern, but probably better doctor. From a woman who since a child had an affinity for older adults and naturally started a practice of geriatric care, to a forensic doctor by day and state-of-the-art knife maker by night, to a dermatologist (whose dream job was to be a college football sports announcer) who shares common skin misconceptions based on personal experience. And more.

What I took away from putting this issue together is that prevention is key. We need to slow down. Take time to eat our meals and respect not only the food we are putting in our bodies but our bodies themselves for getting us through the day. Through this life.

We need to keep moving to exercise not only our body, but mind and spirit. And meditate, taking deep breaths to release staleness and reinvigorate our beings. This may all sound great to some of you and hippie-dippie to others. But at the end of the day, it’s simple: How long do you want to be around? Because our bodies can only take so much abuse.

Namaste.

Carla Valencia de Martinéz Editor-in-Chief Photography by Gabriella Nissen

6

L O C A L

| april 15

We thought we would be able to head over to Target and pick up the game but much to our surprise the original has been updated to reflect modern times. So we did what any other team would do and headed to Facebook and texted our contacts to hunt down an original Operation.

Thanks to Alexa Junek for lending us her game.

Local April.qxp_002houston 3/23/15 2:14 PM Page 7

april 15 | L O C A L 7

Local April.qxp_002houston 3/23/15 2:14 PM Page 8

APRIL 2015 FEATURES

16

39

42

66

70

04 city map 06 letter from the editor | behind the cover 08 features + who’s who 10 on our radar 14 calendar 16 FOOD natural healing 18 dine write: davis st. at hermann park 20 open 22 perfect pairs 24 chef’s special luis roger | bcn 26 club | lounge review | wooster’s garden 28 good eats 30 ARTS mariana’s place 32 must-see exhibits 34 museum district 36 gish at the movies 38 fresh arts 39 counter current 40 karen kasmauski 42 COMMUNITY health + wellness 54 medical shops 56 medical center map 58 scene 60 friends + neighbors 61 houston’s art car parade 62 where to live now: montrose 64 STYLE + LEISURE 66 things we love 68 fat finds 70 destination 72 tools + gadgets 73 mentertainment 74 localgram #dolocal2015

WHO’S WHO

PUBLISHER + FOUNDER alejandro martinéz | ext 2 | alex@localhoustomagazine.com EDITOR-IN-CHIEF carla valencia de martinéz | ext 3 | carla@localhoustonmagazine.com CONTRIBUTING EDITOR victoria bartlett CREATIVE DIRECTOR gabriella nissen | gabriella@localhoustonmagazine.com GRAPHIC DESIGNER german arellano | ext 4 | german@localhoustonmagazine.com rocco, the office "gato" SOCIAL MEDIA DIRECTOR lauren kruczyk | ext 9 | lauren@localhoustonmagazine.com ASSOCIATE EDITOR ida sameri | ext 8 | ida@localhoustonmagazine.com CONTRIBUTING WRITERS cristina adams, adam bergen, mike cook, michael garfield, sarah gish, ariel jones, jeff lane, beth levine, marzi petris, vico puentes, mai pham, lance scott walker CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS cody bess, kennon evett, hallie keller, sarah miller, daniel ortiz, mai pham, anthony rathbun, sofia van der dys, www.lastnightpics.com CONTRIBUTING ILLUSTRATORS german arellano, rongrong WEB DESIGNER mdg | creative agency | www.mpiredesigngroup.com ADVERTISING + ACCOUNTS dalila jara | ext 5 | dalila@localhoustonmagazine.com | mobile 281.966.5105 stephanie o’keefe | ext 7 | stephanie@localhoustonmagazine.com | mobile 832.726.5398 william king | william@localhoustonmagazine.com | mobile 832.788.3738 jordan campbell | jordan@localhoustonmagazine.com | mobile 832.492.5731 carlos valencia | carlos@localhoustonmagazine.com | mobile 713.855.1584 INTERN cecelia rangel, whitney burton ACCOUNTS luca tommasi | accounting@localhoustonmagazine.com

LOCAL Houston Magazine is published monthly by NODO Magazine, L.L.C., 1824 Spring Street, Studio 002, Houston, TX 77007. Copyright © 2015 by Insync Design, Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction without permission is strictly prohibited. LOCAL Houston Magazine does not knowingly accept false or misleading advertising or editorial, nor do the publishers assume responsibility should such advertising or editorial appear.

VOLUME 17 ISSUE 196

8

L O C A L

| april 15

LOCAL HOUSTON MAGAZINE 1824 SPRING ST. STUDIO 002 | HOUSTON, TX 77007 713.223.5333 | FAX 713.223.4884 | LETTERS@LOCALHOUSTONMAGAZINE.COM WWW.LOCALHOUSTONMAGAZINE.COM FACEBOOK: LOCALHOUSTON TWITTER.COM/002HOUSTON

Local April.qxp_002houston 3/23/15 2:14 PM Page 9

april 15 | L O C A L 9

Local April.qxp_002houston 3/23/15 2:14 PM Page 10

ON OUR RADAR

With over 16 years of practice in the Memorial area, DR. DIETER J. MOYA recently opened a new state-of-the-art surgical facility. Dr. Moya is a board-certified Oral & Maxillofacial surgeon specializing in the art of surgery of the mouth, face and jaw including complex extractions, wisdom tooth surgery, dental implants, facial trauma and reconstructive procedures. On-line patient registration, 2D and 3D digital imaging, computer-guided surgical planning, full electronic medical charting and bluetooth digital electronic anesthesia monitoring are just some of the advances in the field that HOUSTON ORAL SURGERY ASSOCIATES practices. www.docmoya.com

GREG LOWRY, who has made a mark on the Houston dining scene at top restaurants ranging from Tony’s to Triniti (where he was most recently chef de cuisine), has been appointed corporate executive chef for Bradley Ogden Hospitality’s Houston ventures. In this capacity, Lowry will oversee menu development for Bradley’s Fine Diner and Funky Kitchen – both debuted in the Washington Heights complex bridging Washington Avenue and The Heights in 2014 – plus Pour Society, which is slated to open at Gateway Memorial City later this spring.

The Woodlands is getting a swanky tavern of their own in April when LOCAL POUR is slated to open at Hughes Landing. The popular River Oaks restaurant/tavern opens its second location with a larger emphasis on quality food and hired former Haven chef/owner Randy Evans as Consulting Chef for the new location.

DISH SOCIETY, a casual, farm-to-table brand, opened its second location last month at LaCenterra at Cinco Ranch in Katy. The restaurant offers local ingredientinspired and chef-driven options for breakfast, lunch, supper and brunch. www.dishsociety.com

10

L O C A L

| april 15

Local April.qxp_002houston 3/23/15 2:14 PM Page 11

MENTAL HEALTH AMERICA OF GREATER HOUSTON and Nick Finnegan

Counseling Center are hosting their first-ever #HTxMentalHealth Children’s Art Contest leading up to National Children’s Mental Health Awareness Week (May 3–9) and National Children’s Mental Health Awareness Day (May 7). The contest is meant to encourage school children in grades K8 to share their understanding of mental health through their art, and helps parents and other adults learn more about children’s mental health facts, issues and resources. “There are roughly 750,000 children and adolescents between 6 and 18 years old in Harris County, and in this county alone research indicates that nearly 150,000 of them have a mental illness with more than 88,700 of them living with a serious emotional disturbance,” said Susan Fordice, president and CEO of Mental Health America of Greater Houston. For details and parental release forms, visit www.htxmentalhealth.weebly.com/. Each contest entry must be postmarked by Friday, April 10.

HOUSTON BOTANIC GARDEN, a local nonprofit dedicated to establishing a premier botanic garden in Houston, recently entered a longterm lease of the Glenbrook Golf Course site, a tract of public land encompassing about 120 acres in southeast Houston just outside the 610 Loop in the area between Downtown and Hobby Airport. Although in the early phases, Nancy Abendshein, chairman of Houston Botanic Garden board, shares, “while Houston has many beautiful gardens and green spaces, what makes a botanic garden unique is its emphasis on education, conservation and scientific research in addition to beautiful plant displays.

Botanic gardens are plant collections that celebrate natural beauty while increasing our knowledge of the natural world.” For more information or to make a donation to the Houston Botanic Garden, visit houstonbotanicgarden.org.

Global fashion retailer ZARA is opening in late 2015 at Memorial City Mall. Zara’s second Houston location will feature a three boutique design concept under one roof with separately designed storefront entrances for women, men and children’s areas.

Photography by Jeff Ross

april 15 | L O C A L 11

Local April.qxp_002houston 3/23/15 2:14 PM Page 12

ON OUR RADAR

After six years, BAYOU CITY SMILES is expanding to a new state-of-the-art facility not far from their current location. The new space will be bigger and is going in the new development Sawyer Yards in the Washington Arts District on Edwards St. Expect top-of-the-line dental products and the latest cutting-edge technology at the new office. 2313 Edwards St. Ste. 150, Houston, TX 77007

Celebrating their 50-year legacy, THE WHO’S North American Tour sees them at the Toyota Center on April 29 with special guests 2015 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees Joan Jett & The Blackhearts. Check out Pete Townshend and Roger Daltrey and check off that box on your bucket list.

12

L O C A L

| april 15

April is National Child Abuse Prevention month. The Thread Alliance’s BLUE PLATE SPECIAL takes place at participating local restaurants this whole month to support their child abuse prevention awareness campaign encouraging Houstonians to take action against child abuse and towards healing. Founded by Sheila Aron, the nonprofit’s mission is to bring child abuse awareness to the forefront and provide a central registry of local, state and national resources for those seeking child abuse prevention, intervention or treatment information and services. Participating restaurants include Adair Kitchen, Café Adobe locations, Fleming’s River Oaks, Glass Wall, Ragin’ Cajun locations, Siphon Coffee, Tony’s, Triniti, Vallone’s and many more who will donate a percentage to The Thread Alliance. For more information, visit www.TheThreadAlliance.org.

Local April.qxp_002houston 3/23/15 2:14 PM Page 13

april 15 | L O C A L 13

Local April.qxp_002houston 3/23/15 2:14 PM Page 14

CALENDAR

NOT SURE WHAT TO DO? TRY ONE-STOP SHOPPING AT

S U N D AY

M O N D AY

T U E S D AY

APRIL

TO PURCHASE TICKETS, PLEASE CONTACT

5

ALLEY THEATRE alleytheatre.org BAYOU MUSIC CENTER bayoumusiccenter.com BBVA COMPASS STADIUM houstondynamo.com CYNTHIA WOODS MITCHELL PAVILION woodlandscenter.org DISCOVERY GREEN discoverygreen.com HOBBY thehobbycenter.org HOUSE OF BLUES hob.com

EASTER SUNDAY

JONES HALL houstonfirsttheaters.com MAIN STREET THEATER mainstreettheater.com MILLER OUTDOOR THEATRE milleroutdoortheatre.com NRG reliantpark.com THEATRE SUBURBIA theatresuburbia.org TOYOTA CENTER toyotacentertix.com WORTHAM CENTER houstonfirsttheaters.com

7

6 House of Blues Testament 6pm

Hobby LMNOP 7:30pm House of Blues Testament 6pm

W E D N E S D AY

1

APRIL FOOLS’ DAY

Bayou Music Center Topp Dogg 7:30pm House of Blues SomeKindaWonderful 7:30pm Miller Outdoor Theatre Legally Blonde The Musical 8pm

8

9

Hobby LMNOP 7:30pm

NRG Mecum Auctions 8am Miller Outdoor Theatre Legally Blonde The Musical 8pm Hobby LMNOP 7:30pm Discovery Green Art Car Sneak Peek featuring Aaron Neville 6:30–10pm

15

16

Jones Hall St. Petersburg Theatre Russian Ballet: Swan Lake 7pm Toyota Center Houston Rockets vs. New Orleans Pelicans 6pm NRG Run for the Rose 2015 8am House of Blues Cake 8pm Hobby LMNOP 7:30pm

13

19

20

21

22

23

Alley Theatre All My Sons 2:30 & 7:30pm NRG The Ultimate Women’s Expo 11am | International Gem & Jewelry Show 11am | Disney on Ice Presents: Frozen 11am, 3 & 7pm Hobby Mamma Mia! 2 & 7:30pm | LMNOP 3pm

House of Blues Funk Volume Presents: Jarren Benton’s Slow Motion Tour 7pm NRG Disney on Ice presents: Frozen 7:30pm

House of Blues IAm 7:30pm Bayou Music Center The Sing-Off 8pm

Bayou Music Center Hozier 8pm Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion The Peking Acrobats 8pm House of Blues La Santa Cecilia 7pm

Miller Outdoor Theatre The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe 11am Bayou Music Center Wilco 8pm

26

27

28

29

30

Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion The Doobie Brothers 7:30pm House of Blues The Kooks 7pm NRG 3rd Annual Houston Barbecue Festival 1pm

House of Blues Rockstar Energy presents All Time Low: The Future Hearts Tour 7pm

House of Blues Vance Joy 7pm Bayou Music Center NeedToBreathe presents Tour De Compadres featuring NeedToBreathe 7pm

Toyota Center The Who 7:30pm

14

L O C A L

| april 15

14

2

Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion Nickelback 7:30pm Toyota Center Houston Rockets vs.

Sacramento Kings 7pm House of Blues Dr. Dog 7pm Alley Theatre All My Sons 7:30pm

FOR THESE EVENTS AND MORE, CHECK OUT OUR CALENDAR ONLINE AT LOCALHOUSTONMAGAZINE.COM

12

T H U R S D AY

Hobby Mamma Mia! 7:30pm House of Blues Polica 8pm

INCOME TAXES DUE

Toyota Center Houston Rockets vs. Utah Jazz 7pm Miller Outdoor Theatre Swing Jive & Pop! Into Dance 11am Hobby Mamma Mia! 7:30pm NRG Disney on Ice presents: Frozen 7:30pm

NRG Disney on Ice presents: Frozen 7:30pm Hobby Mamma Mia! 7:30pm | LMNOP 7:30pm House of Blues I Prevail 6pm | The Mavericks 8pm

NATIONAL HONESTY DAY House of Blues Walk the Moon – Talking is Hard Tour 7:30pm Alley Theatre Kneehigh’s Production of Tristian and Yseult 7:30pm Bayou Music Center Primus & The Chocolate Factory with the Fungi Ensemble 8pm Jones Hall Houston Symphony: Beethoven Piano Concerto No.1 8pm

WW

NG AT

Local April.qxp_002houston 3/23/15 2:14 PM Page 15

WWW.HOUSTONTHEATERDISTRICT.ORG F R I D AY

3

GOOD FRIDAY

S AT U R D AY

4

House of Blues Bad Religion 7pm NRG H-Town Blues Festival 8pm Hobby Things Your Man Won’t Do 8pm | Tropico de George Harris 9pm Miller Outdoor Theatre Legally Blonde The Musical 8pm

Hobby Things Your Man Won’t Do 3 & 8pm | Ballet Gala 7:30pm Miller Outdoor Theatre Legally Blonde The Musical 8pm House of Blues Bob Schneider 7pm

10

Toyota Center Houston Rockets vs. San Antonio Spurs 7pm NRG Mecum Auctions 8am Miller Outdoor Theatre Legally Blonde The Musical 8pm Hobby LMNOP 8pm House of Blues Tyrone Wells 7pm | Punch Brothers 8pm Bayou Music Center An Evening with the Temptations – Get Down For Kids 9:30pm

11

Toyota Center Kat Williams 8pm Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion Bryan Adams 8pm Miller Outdoor Theatre Legally Blonde The Musical 8pm Jones Hall St. Petersburg Theatre Russian Ballet: Swan Lake 7pm Hobby LMNOP 3 & 8:30pm NRG 2015 Monsters Energy AMA Supercross 6:30pm BBVA Stadium Dynamo vs. Montreal 7:30pm

17

18

24

25

Bayou Music Center IIDA- Product Runway 2015: True Colours 8pm Hobby Mamma Mia! 8pm | LMNOP 8pm NRG International Gem & Jewelry Show 12pm | Disney on Ice presents: Frozen 10:30am, 3:30 & 7:30pm Miller Outdoor Theatre Bella Gala: A Poetic Vision of Earth from Space 8pm House of Blues Umphrey’s McGee 7pm | Alex Reymundo 7pm

House of Blues Reverend Horton Heat 7pm Miller Outdoor Theatre The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe 11am Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion Tony Bennett and Lady Gaga 8pm Hobby Tonal Impact with NobleMotion Dance 7:30pm Alley Theatre Kneehigh’s Production of Tristian and Yseult 8pm

MAY 1

NRG Boy Scout Fair 10am | The Ultimate Women’s Expo 10am | 2015 Ford Ecoboost Challenge 9am | International Gem & Jewelry Show 10am | Disney on Ice presents: Frozen 11:30am, 3:30 & 7:30pm Miller Outdoor Theatre Lagbaja 8pm Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion Buzzfest 33 1pm Hobby Mamma Mia! 2 & 8pm | LMNOP 3 & 8:30pm House of Blues Ruby Revue Burlesque Show 7 & 10pm Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion Chris Tomlin 7pm Hobby Tonal Impact with NobleMotion Dance 7:30pm House of Blues Matt & Kim 7pm BBVA Compass Stadium Houston Dynamo vs.

Sporting Kansas City 7:30pm Miller Outdoor Theatre East Meets West XIII 8:15pm Bayou Music Center Houston Roller Derby– April Bout 7pm

PILATES DAY

Founders of Pilates Method Alliance Kevin Bowen and Colleen Glenn host the Pilates Houston Association event at Washington Ave Pilates: 2000 Edwards St. 6–8:30pm

RISE: Houston's Premiere Morning Party 6 –10am; For tickets, visit www.rise-houston.com

april 15 | L O C A L 15

Local April.qxp_002houston 3/23/15 2:14 PM Page 16

NATURAL HEALING It’s long been known that roots, spices, herbs and flowers all have natural medicinal effects on the body. Displayed on top of a Honey Board are a variety of options.

HONEY BOARDS, this beauty isn’t just any old serving board. Each one is original and special, undergoing a several-day process including coats of food-grade mineral oil combined with a mineral oil and beeswax to bring out the natural wood grain. No dyes or artificial coloring are added and even the beeswax is locally sourced in New Orleans. Each Honey Board is fashioned by hand in NOLA from live-edge cypress trees salvaged from cypress knees and stumps left behind after commercial operations harvest the trees for lumber. This is from the Mardi Gras Collection, but they constantly add to their collections. Who is “they”?

Sarah, a Houstonian who was raised back and forth between New Orleans and Houston, and her partner Kyle. www.honeyboardsnola.com

CHAMOMILE: treats insomnia and anxiety, sleep aid

By Carla Valencia de Martinez Photography by Gabriella Nissen

16

L O C A L

| april 15

MINT: relieves symptoms of allergies and asthma

CLOVES: helps arthritis

GREEN TEA: improves brain function, weight loss STAR ANISE: hepatitis B, tooth decay and even HIV.

CHILI POWDER: lower risk of ulcers

Local April.qxp_002houston 3/23/15 2:14 PM Page 17

HONEY BOARDS

ROSEMARY: improves brain function

CINNAMON: helps with type 2 diabetes

GINGER: relieves nausea

BLACK PEPPER: jumpstarts digestion GARLIC: lowers blood pressure

SAGE: memory boost HONEY: a natural antibacterial and antifungal

TURMERIC: antioxidant

OREGANO: highest antioxidants of the herbs

FENUGREEK: helps reduce symptoms of menopause

SEA VEGETABLE: treats certain thyroid problems

MUSHROOMS: immunity system support

april 15 | L O C A L 17

Local April.qxp_002houston 3/23/15 2:14 PM Page 18

DINE WRITE

AN INTERNATIONAL TWIST ON SOUTHERN FLAVORS.

Pork Chop

CHEF JAVANI KING GOT INTO COOKING BY ACCIDENT. IT’S A FASCINATING LITTLE STORY THAT INCLUDES A LAST-MINUTE, FIRST-EVER CATERING JOB SAVE, SERENDIPIDOUS OPPORTUNITIES TO BECOME PERSONAL CHEF TO SEVERAL HOUSTON LUMINARIES, AND A SURPRISE WIN AT THE 2015 HOUSTON LIVESTOCK SHOW & RODEO’S UNCORKED BEST BITES COMPETITION. But that backstory requires many, many more column inches. Right now, I must jump to the present and tell you about the delicious cuisine at King’s new restaurant.

The bar comes with very impressive wine and Scotch lists along with some clever signature cocktails, including a Double Cross vodka concoction called the 1914, a tribute to Hermann Park.

Davis St. is on the ground floor of one of the Mosaic Condo buildings on Almeda Road, across from Hermann Park golf course.

But the food is the star.

A lot of thought went into the venue. There’s a private room for private parties. It’s wired for sound, with a small stage for live music and quite the sophisticated sound system fills all corners evenly. It’s WiFi friendly, and features other tech-amenities like large video tables with classic games.

18

L O C A L

| april 15

Chef King describes his approach as “an international twist on southern flavors.”

“I love the Creole mix we have in Houston. Mexican, Asian, Indian, all those flavor profiles, but I still love the techniques of southern cooking: long and slow, deep fried, etc.

Local April.qxp_002houston 3/23/15 2:14 PM Page 19

Crispy Thai Shrimp

I got that as soon as I bit into the Buffalo Chicken Spring Rolls. And the garlic shrimp flatbread with chorizo, and several other herbs and spices. My palate was having joyful new experiences.

SAMPLE MENU

- BITES • Buffalo Chicken Spring Rolls – House rotisserie chicken tossed in a spice sauce and herbed mozzarella wrapped in a crispy spring roll $14 • Crispy Thai Shrimp – Jumbo shrimp tossed in sweet Thai chili sauce, drizzled with sweet soy glaze $18 - FLATS • Garlic Shrimp Flat Bread – Spanish chorizo, Manchego, mozzarella, cilantro pesto, red chili, roasted garlic, roasted yellow peppers with housemade tomato sauce $15 - FORAGE & DEVOUR • Crispy Red Snapper – Pan-fried Gulf red snapper with Creole black bean corn maque choux drizzled in housemade Sriracha aioli $32 • 14-oz. Grilled Double Cut Bone-in Pork Chop – Brined for 8 hours, topped with balsamic mustard reduction, served with house-baked macaroni and cheese $30

Cayenne Maple Glaze Duck

Next was the award-winning Crispy Thai Shrimp.

A showstopper. It’s easy to see why they took home the Best in Show, the Trailblazing Award and People’s Choice honor at the Best Bites event.

Out comes the 14-ounce pork chop with mac ’n cheese. Big, beautiful, moist and magnificent. But the sauce...mmmm...a balsamic reduction, with bing cherries, reduced down, mixed with whole grain mustard.

I tried another of King’s interesting takes on tradition. You’re familiar with wings and waffles?

Well, this was duck, pan-seared with a cayenne maple syrup glaze. And if that wasn’t daring and delightful enough, how’s this? Wild rice and cheddar waffle. And it was wonderful, but who comes up with that?

“I’m not sure where that came from,” admits King.

A good place, I imagine.

DAVIS ST.

By Jeff Lane Photography by Sarah Miller

at hermann park

5925 Almeda Road | Houston, TX 77004 | 844.328.4778 | www.davisstreet.com |info@davisstreet.com Monday–Thursday 4–10pm | Friday 4–11pm | Saturday 4pm–12am | Sunday Brunch 11am–4pm | Sunday Dinner 4–10pm

april 15 | L O C A L 19

Local April.qxp_002houston 3/23/15 2:14 PM Page 20

OPEN TABLE 57 CHEF: Allen Duhon | CUISINE: American 5895 San Felipe | 713.978.5860 | www.heb.com/table57 Mon–Thur: 11am–10pm | Fri–Sat: 11am–11pm (kitchen closes at 10pm) | Sun: 10am–10pm | Sun Brunch: 10am–2pm Tucked inside the brand spanking new, glitzy H-E-B on San Felipe at Fountainview, Table 57 takes the grocery store cafe concept to a whole new level. The fast-casual eatery, which can be accessed through its own front door or via side entrance from within H-E-B, offers a ton of menu options created by local chef Randy Evans. Looking for something light during your lunch break? Stop in for a selection of “small bites” like the Korean fried chicken and waffle, deviled eggs or fried green tomatoes, Korean bbq pulled-pork slider, or crab ceviche tostada – which each ring in at a cool $3.

For dinner or something more substantial, go for the Main Dishes, like the shrimp and grits, Japanese-inspired Tare-glazed salmon or the delicious, crispy-sweet-and-spicy Korean fried chicken, which it took a kitchen team in R & D to perfect. Burger lovers can choose from a selection of burgers made from meat ground in-house. Steak lovers can order a daily butcher’s cut of dry-aged steak – sourced from H-E-B’s dry-aging meat counter. Barbecue lovers looking for craft barbecue can order a choice of brisket, sausage,

Korean Fried Chicken

spareribs, chicken or pulled pork by the pound, with plenty of side options from which to choose.

As if that isn’t enough, there is a selection of sandwiches and salads, a picktwo combo of 1/2 sandwich and salad or soup, and a gumbo that’ll knock your socks off. Add to that an exhibition-style kitchen, a kids’ play area, indoor and patio seating, chic Texan decor and a bar area where you can order a glass of wine or local beer on tap – and you’ve got one of the coolest new, family-friendly restaurants in Houston.

SAMURAI NOODLE CUISINE: Ramen www.facebook.com/samuraihouston | www.samurainoodle.com 832.879.2982 | 1801 Durham Drive #2 Mon–Sun: 11:30am–9pm Just when you thought the Houston ramen craze had reached its natural conclusion, a new entrant comes into the Noodles market to shake things up. The latest ramen joint comes to Houston by way of Seattle, where it already has three locations.

“We call it Samurai Noodle because we take a lot of pride in our noodles,” says Thomas Le, the operating partner in Houston. The noodles are made fresh in-house every day, and if you’re lucky, you’ll see the shiny red machine, visible through a large window display, in operation.

The noodles are definitely a differentiating factor. The thin noodles, which are used for anything with a tonkotsu (pork broth) base, are pretty perfect, with nice elasticity, flavor and look. They have a good pull and a nice bite, but they’re not too firm or hard. It’s a beautiful thing. The thicker egg noodles are used for the shoyu-based broths. Shoyu is a clear, dark brown, chickenbased broth that is typical of ramens found in Tokyo.

Samurai Noodle Tonkotsu

“For your first time, you need to try our tonkotsu ramen,” says Le, who contends that it’s the best way to experience the depth of the scratch-made pork bone broth, which is prepared via a laborious, proprietary, three-day process. “After that, my second suggestion would be the spicy miso, also made with the tonkotsu broth base, or the garlic shoyu.” Another reason to get the tonkotsu? The entire bowl, which comes with two slices of chasu, green onion and wood ear, is just $8.95 (egg is an extra $1). An extra side of noodles is also just $1.50.

Photography by Mai Pham MAI PHAM is a freelance food writer, critic and travel writer based in Houston. Her work appears in local and national outlets such as Forbes

Travel Guide, Houston Press, My Table Magazine, Examiner.com and LOCAL Houston magazine. You might also recognize her for her regular appearances on the Fox 26 Blogger Series, where she dishes about the local food scene. When she’s not eating something scrumptious, she’s usually off traveling the world in pursuit of culinary bliss. Follow her culinary escapades on Twitter or Instagram @Femme_Foodie.

20

L O C A L

| april 15

Local April.qxp_002houston 3/23/15 2:15 PM Page 21

Bar Area

NORTH ITALIA CHEF: Jonathan Wills | CUISINE: Italian 1700 Post Oak Blvd., Suite 190 | 281.605.4030 | www.northitaliarestaurant.com Mon–Thur: 11am–10pm | Fri: 11am–11pm | Sat: 10am–11pm | Sun: 10am–10pm

Pizza

For pasta and pizza dough made from scratch daily, the new North Italia in BLVD Place at Post Oak and San Felipe should definitely be on your radar.

The vibe when you walk in the doors is chic and inviting, good for couples or groups looking for a nice place to dine out. Like its sister restaurant, True Food Kitchen, running parallel to the length of the bar are bar seating areas – tables for two or four – attractively lit by clear bulb chandeliers, that make it easy for you to sit or stand and mingle while nursing a drink.

The menu looks simple, but packs enough of a punch so that you have plenty of choices. I recommend starting with a cheese and charcuterie board accompanied by a sangria, glass of wine or a craft cocktail like the Julietta, made of vanilla- and ginger-infused Smirnoff with St. Germaine, lime and Prosecco for a bit of added fizz.

For small plates, don’t miss the grilled cauliflower, which comes topped with a fried egg with a runny yolk and crispy toasted bread crumbs, with additional pings of creaminess from a pancetta cream – two thumbs way up.

Follow that with a plate of greens like the Tuscan Kale salad as well as one of the signature pizzas. We sampled a thoroughly enjoyable daily special spicy pepperoni pizza the night we were there, but other favorites include “The Pig” (all meat pizza with pepperoni, soppresatta, salumi, Italian fennel sausage) and the “Bacon and Egg” because, well, who doesn’t like bacon and eggs?

Another must-not-miss? The pastas. Hand-made daily from scratch, you can watch the process in the open kitchen if you happen to be there at the right time. I highly recommend the bolognese served on tagliatelle, and the spicy shrimp served on a special, ribbon-like mafaldine pasta, Chef Jonathan Wills’ personal favorite.

april 15 | L O C A L 21

Local April.qxp_002houston 3/23/15 2:15 PM Page 22

PERFECT PAIRS Some of the greatest pairings come with a side of humble respect, at least in our humble opinion. Ask EFISIO FARRIS his perfect pair?

“Company,” he enthusiastically says. And Efisio should know.

As the head chef and owner of ARCODORO Houston since he and his wonderful wife Lori opened the doors in 1996, the guy knows a thing or two about food and certainly about company. Arcodoro has quietly held court adjacent to The Galleria on Post Oak, earning accolades and dishing out perhaps our country’s most authentic Sardinian (think Italy) cuisine. He has also cooked at the James Beard House in NYC (twice), and on the Martha Stewart show. Annnnnd, he runs an import business bringing Sardinian foods to the US for the benefit of both the restaurant’s authenticity and us consumers. Anyway, all this is said to pass on a simple message: Go eat at Arcodoro. Soon.

So while we agree with Efisio about the whole “company” pairing, an extremely close second would be the Efix Prosecco-style sparkling wine and the steamed branzino fish. A glass of Efix goes with just about anything! With a medium body, great bubbles and a crisp finish, the Efix sparkling prosecco, created by Efisio, is awesome. Our opinion, anyone who is anyone will enjoy a glass of this. Drink one as your cocktail, and again with dinner and dessert. We did. And the fish!!?? Arcodoro has relationships with fishmongers all over the world, so it’s fair to say they specialize not only in Sardinian cuisine, but also in fresh seafood, a staple of the Sardinian diet. Branzino (also known as European or Mediterranean seabass) is brought straight to the restaurant from IAH (via the Mediterranean) and is covered in a salt rub and steamed to the perfect temperature. Brought out whole (like the photo, just lying down) and carved tableside, this is a special event. Together we have a pair that deserves serious respect, respect that a chef such as Efisio should be getting on a regular basis.

By Mike Cook | Photography by Kennon Evett

EFIX

ITALIAN SPARKLING WINE

+ BRANZINO

Arcodoro | 5000 Westheimer, Houston, TX 77056 | 713.621.6888 | www.arcodoro.com Mon–Sun 11am–11pm 22

L O C A L

| april 15

COVERD IN A SALT RUB

Local April.qxp_002houston 3/23/15 2:15 PM Page 23

Local April.qxp_002houston 3/23/15 2:15 PM Page 24

FAVORITE LATE NIGHT SPOT FOR A BITE? Tasting Room.

BEST BREAKFAST? Avalon Diner (Westheimer).

BEST BRUNCH? Backstreet Café.

WHAT INGREDIENT CAN YOU NOT LIVE WITHOUT IN THE KITCHEN AND WHY? Potatoes. They have lots of possibilities or combinations.

WHAT UTENSIL CAN YOU NOT LIVE WITHOUT? A small and sharp knife.

CHEF’S SPECIAL

LUIS ROGER BCN TASTE AND TRADITION

WHAT’S YOUR PET PEEVE? Cleaning, cleaning, cleaning.

FAVORITE AFFORDABLE WINE? Análvaro 2010 (Cabernet Sauvignon & Merlot) D.O. Empordà (Spain).

FAVORITE PLACE FOR DESSERT? Common Bond (Chef Roy) WHO ARE YOUR FAVORITE CHEF, RESTAURANT AND DISH? Ferran Adrià, Scampi and porcinis envoltini, mató cheese, green garlic, pine nuts vinaigrette.

IS THERE A FOOD YOU WON’T EAT? Edamame, fermented soy beans.

FAVORITE TRUCK FOOD: TACOS AL PASTOR, COTTON CANDY…

WHAT IS YOUR COMFORT FOOD? Seafood.

WHAT DO YOU SEE AS THE NEXT FOOD TREND? Perhaps more healthy, olive oil, grilled fish. We all need healthy food (we are what we eat !!!).

AT HOME, WHAT DO YOU KEEP ON HAND TO SERVE DROP-IN GUESTS? Fuet, cured sheep cheese, quince, manzanilla olives, jamon Ibérico de Bellota, real sourdough bread, some Campari tomatoes and extra virgin Arbequina olive oil.

By Mike Cook | Photography by Kennon Evett

LUIS ROGER brings two decades of Spanish gastronomy experience to BCN.

Growing up around the family kitchen in Barcelona, Roger’s modern Spanish cuisine and style is rooted in those family traditions. Prior to coming to Houston, Roger interned at EL BULLI (Ferran Adrià) and was most recently executive chef at the private resort, Mas Anglada, in the Amporda near the Costa Brava, where he embraced the culinary riches of the area while focusing on

the fantastic quality of the regional products from the farm, the sea and the land. While at Mas Anglada, he did double duty as a professor at the local culinary school, Aula Gastronómica de l’Emporda. In 2013, Roger embarked on a new adventure with partner Ignacio Torras with the opening of BCN where both realized a lifelong dream of bringing the best of the taste and culinary traditions of Spain to Houston.

BCN TASTE AND TRADITION | $$$$ European, Spanish | 4210 Roseland St. | 832.834.3411 | www.bcnhouston.com 24

L O C A L

| april 15

Local April.qxp_002houston 3/23/15 2:15 PM Page 25

WHAT WOULD PEOPLE BE SURPRISED TO FIND IN YOUR HOME REFRIGERATOR? Hellman’s Mayo.

WHAT WOULD BE YOUR LAST MEAL? Grilled Merluza del Norte, romano green beans and Yukon gold potatoes boiled, green onion with vinagre de Jerez and extra virgin olive oil, salt, fresh ground black pepper and a glass of cool verdejo new harvest white wine and ending with a raw golden apple.

WHO/WHAT INSPIRES YOU? My family, friends, music…

WHAT TREND DO YOU WANT TO SEE GO AWAY? Unhealthy food!!!!

WHAT IS YOUR GO-TO INGREDIENT/CONDIMENT AND WHY? Arbequina extra virgin olive oil.

WHICH DO YOU PREFER, CREATING A DINING EXPERIENCE OR SCARFING DOWN SOMETHING SCRUMPTIOUS? Creating a dining experience.

WHAT FOOD ITEM OR TYPE OF CUISINE DO YOU THINK NEEDS A MAKEOVER? Perhaps fast food. Why not take a healthier direction?

IS THERE A PARTICULAR FOOD THAT IS UNDERAPPRECIATED? AND WHAT WOULD YOU DO TO HELP ITS REPUTATION? VEGETABLES, LEGUMES? Presenting to the fast food industry (with the most conscious doctors in the nutrition field) savory options by using fresher products.

WHAT’S THE CRAZIEST DISH OR CONCOCTION YOU’VE EVER TRIED TO CREATE? OR WANT TO CREATE? I wouldn’t say craziest but I like creating daring combinations as Valenciano (fresh orange juice with vanilla ice cream), salmon with blue cheese wild rice risotto, chocolate truffles with rosemary.

WHAT FOOD DID YOU HATE AS A KID, BUT LOVE NOW? If anything: vegetables, pork feet, cod jowls, caviar beluga.

Favorite ice cream mix-in/topping: Caramelized hazelnuts Favorite truck food: Tacos al pastor, cotton candy…

Favorite picnic spot: Cala Turqueta, Menorca (Spain) Favorite sandwich: The Serranito one: crispy fresh baguette “con tomate,” sliced grilled pork loin, caramelized onions, melted Havarti cheese, grilled green peppers and thin slices of jamon ibérico de Bellota.

april 15 | L O C A L 25

Local April.qxp_002houston 3/23/15 2:15 PM Page 26

CLUB/LOUNGE REVIEW

WOOSTER’S GARDEN

BLAME IT ON THE RAIN, YEAH...YEAH… Boy, did it rain a lot in March. And the pollen showed up. And then it rained more. After tiring of waiting for a clear sunny day, we finally got fed up and headed towards “Mid-trose” (Wooster’s is located right next to the Vietnamese empire, Mai’s), wipers a-blazing, weather notwithstanding.

First and foremost, Wooster’s has a parking lot! A spacious non-valet parking lot. Even though it was wet, we can’t emphasize enough how nice this is. Also, Wooster’s did its renovations just right. Great use of industrial materials (metals and masonry) with nice thoughtful touches throughout the interior and exterior of the building. That is a stellar patio. Cabana-style seating on both ends and plenty of other tables will be a great option when the weather improves. Once the rain stopped, they also were thoughtful enough to put out portable propane heaters and the patio filled up real quick. Step inside the massive window/wall/sliding door and you get a real taste of what Wooster’s did with the place. Yeah, that’s a glass ceiling! Great lighting, exposed concrete, piping and rafters, and a huge wingback chair round out some of the interesting interior touches. Plenty of seating in the small but well-designed space. The bar is an adequate size,

with stools if you want to chat with a bartender about the beers, because beyond the good looks, Wooster’s is ready to teach you a thing or two about beer or cocktails.

Wooster’s proudly displays its 50-ish draft beers in a well-designed, categorized menu. From one end (“refreshing, quenching”) to the other (“straight up boozy”), there are going to be choices for all drinkers. Wooster’s plans to rotate about 20 of the drafts and keep the other 30 more consistent so it’s possible your favorite may always be on the list.

The drink menu also showcases cocktails, many of which are quite awesome. Also give a look to the list of boilermakers for a real treat. Wooster’s is a full bar though, so just about anything you could want is somewhere on the menu. A quick word about food: Sundays the parking lot fills with food trucks, but every other day of the week Wooster’s offers some solid bar staples with the appropriate twists. Just remember, Wooster’s wants you to enjoy your choice, whatever it may be “without pretense.” We’re looking forward to enjoying our next choice at Wooster’s – without rain!

By Mike Cook | Photography by Daniel Ortiz

3315 Milam, Houston, TX, 77006 713.520.0015 www.woostersgarden.com Facebook: Wooster's Garden Mon–Sat 4pm–2am | Sun 3pm–2am

26

L O C A L

| april 15

Local April.qxp_002houston 3/23/15 2:15 PM Page 27

april 15 | L O C A L 27

Local April.qxp_002houston 3/23/15 2:15 PM Page 28

GOOD EATS

HEARSAY ON THE GREEN

LOBSTER EN POCHETTE

$$$ Modern, Cocktails, American | 1515 Dallas St. 832.377.3362 | www.hearsayhouston.com You’ll find Hearsay favorites – Saint Arnold’s battered asparagus, the Hearsay burger, crab cakes and more – on the new menu, too, as well as some traditional down-home southern comfort food. “It’s the food I like to eat,” says Chef Chanas, who pointed me to the chicken fried chicken, two pounded pieces of moist chicken covered in a crispy buttermilk batter, then topped in a country sausage gravy and served over dirty rice. Um, yum! I love, love, loved the Grilled Kobe Dog, the very definition of gourmet comfort food.

–Mai Pham

ARCODORO $$$ Italian | 5000 Westheimer @ Post Oak | 713.621.6888 www.arcodoro.com The restaurant – co-owned by Efisio Farris with wife Lori – has become a fixture in the Galleria area since opening in 1996. Highlights include the seafood options, particularly the whole fish (branzino, gulf red snapper or sea bream) encrusted in rock salt and cooked in the wood-burning oven and filleted tableside. The same oven puts out some great pizza.

–Jodie Eisenhardt

ARTURO BOADA CUISINE $$$ Spanish Italian | 6510 Del Monte | 713.568.9196 www.boadacuisine.com Chef/Owner Arturo Boada’s neighborhood outpost on Del Monte is turning out delectable cuisine from a spotless kitchen, reflecting the chef’s devotion to the freshest ingredients and high standards of prepar

28

L O C A L

| april 15

ing them. Menu options include Spanish tapas like the “pappas bravas” with spicy red potatoes and Spanish chorizo, super-fresh seafood, pizzas from a wood-burning oven and melt-in-your-mouth house-made pastas like “Mama Sonia’s ravioli” stuffed with chicken and porcini mushrooms in a white wine cream sauce topped with jumbo lump crab.

–Jodie Eisenhardt BCN TASTE AND TRADITION $$$$ European, Spanish | 4210 Roseland St. | 832.834.3411 www.bcnhouston.com The vibe is traditional meets modern. Many of the ingredients and even some equipment have been sourced directly from Spain, including the mouth-watering Iberico Ham which is served with slices of bread rubbed with raw tomato for a rustic and satisfying dish. Other appetizer highlights include a lovely watermelon and burrata salad with baby greens, basil leaves and vinegar reduction.

–Jodie Eisenhardt BIG EYED FISH $$ Southern American Comfort | 908 Henderson | 713.714.8367 www.bigeyedfishhouston.com Everything is made fresh in-house. Yummy crab beignets sit atop a bed of dressed greens and a tangy/sweet tomato jam that’s so good they sell jars of it at the bar. Other hits include the fried green tomatoes, bacon-filled deviled eggs, and the shrimp and grits. The meatloaf has a spicy kick and we loved the pan-roasted quail with its fantastic mushroom bread pudding. The bar has a solid beer and wine selection (and retail), and the express lunch offers downtowners a tasty new option.

–Jodie Eisenhardt

CARACOL $$$$ Mexican Coastal Seafood | 220 Post Oak Blvd.

713.622.9996 | www.caracol.net I ordered the Gran Especial margarita, Cusanos and Tostado de Atun Crudo. The Gran Especial margarita had a nice “bite” from the tamarind and the roasted spiced simple syrup, quite the choice for the chilly Houston night that I visited. The Gusanos, which may shock some, are sautéed, dried maguey worms. Once you get over the intial shock factor that you’re eating worms, you’ll really enjoy this dish. Served taco style, I found this dish to be best when drizzled with the lime and topped with salsa. The Tostada de Atun Crudo was very fresh and topped with a sour orange mayonnaise.

–Dominique McGhee COLTIVARE PIZZA + GARDEN $$$ Italian, Pizza, Cocktails | 3320 White Oak Dr. | 713.637.4095 www.coltivarehouston.com The slow-cooked beef and polenta pizza is rich in mascarpone and pecorino. Yeah, polenta on pizza. Wonderful, but the real star is the crust that Chef Pera spent years perfecting. The wood-grilled chicken comes with a nice kick. The gulf shrimp, mussels and clams were accompanied by Arborio, lemongrass and chiles. The cocktails are special as well. The overall idea is to take traditional Italian liquors and spirits and infuse them in an American style of cocktail.

–Jeff Lane COOK & COLLINS $$$ American | 2416 Brazos St. Suite C | 832.701.1973 www.cookandcollins.com From the kitchen, Chef Josh Shobe’s American menu offers a large selection of appetizers to share – gourmet flatbreads, loaded potato smashers, buffalo chili fries, oysters rockefeller fondue and more – along with a selection of burgers, entrées, salads, sides and desserts. I had the steak frites (ribeye steak and fries served with truffle mayo) – a favorite, along with a free-range fried chicken served with garlic mashed potatoes, braised greens and honey jar. For dessert, the butterscotch pudding, served in a canning jar with oatmeal cookies, was sweet, but definitely worth the calorie splurge.

–Mai Pham LATIN BITES $$$ Latin American, Asian | 5709 Woodway Dr. | 713.229.8369 www.latinbitescafe.com Plan to start your gastronomic journey with the signature Trio Tiradito – strips of white fish sashimi topped with three different types of aji (chili) sauces laid out in strips of pastel yellow, peach and cream color.

Each sauce has a distinctive, tangy, acidic flavor, punctuated with bites of Peruvian choclo (large corn kernels). Follow this with one of the signature ceviches. The Market Cebiche is a must for every first-timer.

Seeped in a traditional leche de tigre (tiger’s milk) made with aji rocoto, the crispy textures of fried calamari next to the chunks of fresh white fish and tender octopus are quite wonderful.

–Mai Pham

Local April.qxp_002houston 3/23/15 2:15 PM Page 29

LIBERTY KITCHEN OYSTERETTE $$$ American, Italian, Seafood | 4224 San Felipe | 713.622.1010 www.libertykitchenoysterette.com The menu is loaded. I wish I were three people. Sushi, caviar and soups that sound amazing. The steaks will await my return, as will several seafood selections and the King Crab, and Mac & Cheese. Oh yeah.

–Jeff Lane MASCALZONE $$$ Italian | 1550 Shepherd | 713.862.9700 www.ilmascalzone.com Preparing all of their ingredients in-house for sauces, pizzas and pastas with mostly organic ingredients, there is a strong commitment to quality. Utilizing a state-of-the-art wood-fired Marana Forni pizza oven, the pies come out fast with a crispy, flavorful crust and fantastic yeast pockets.

–Jodie Eisenhardt

MR. PEEPLES $$$$ Steakhouse | 1911 Bagby | 713.652.0711 www.mrpeeples.com Steaks and seafood are the specialties, but the menu is packed with delicious descriptions and creative titles. There are banquet and meeting facilities on the second floor with state-of-the-art audio and visual systems for business conferences, receptions, private parties et al. So there are plenty of reasons to return.

–Jeff Lane PONDICHERI -- BAKE LAB + SHOP $ Bakery, Indian | 2800 Kirby Ste. B240 | 713.522.2012 www.pondichericafe.com Pondicheri Cafe, the West Ave Indian institution, has a bakery, juice factory, coffee shop, spice shop and so much more sitting right on top of the cafe, and it’s stylishly known as the Bake Lab + Shop. The Bake Lab puts out an often changing selection of pastries, cakes, prepared foods like salads and yogurt, soups, sandwiches and a whole host of other surprises. The Shop portion puts out some great drinks, juices, an extensive selection of serve-yourself spices and even some copper tableware. Full of bright natural light, the rest of the area is the huge kitchen and an eclectic seating area where you should spend some of your time. You won’t regret it.

– Michael Cook

PAUL’S KITCHEN $$$$ Global | 2502 Algerian Way | 713.360.2002 www.paulskitchenhouston.com If you love lamb, the Moroccan lamb tangia (a type of stew), beautifully presented in a clay pot, is hearty and great to share. Also great – in fact, my favorite of all the items we tried – was the fish ’n chips. I can’t remember when I’ve had a better version. Three large pieces of moist, deep fried white fish (we had cod) laid criss-cross atop each other next to a small mound of fries and green pea mash. It’s served with tartar sauce and malt vinegar just like you’d find in the UK. The batter is amazingly crisp, not oily in the least. Order it with a glass of ale or stout, or a local craft beer, and you’ll go home happy.

–Mai Pham

THE EL CANTINA SUPERIOR $$ Tex-Mex | 602 Studewood | 832.203.5180 www.theelcantina.com Lance Fegen and his executive chef team, along with operator Lee Ellis, have created a vast menu – a Tex-Mex wish list with everything from burritos to chicken fried steak and beyond. I’m crazy about the “street jicama” – inspired by Fegen’s surfing road trips to Mexico: marinated jicama, cucumber, pina, lime juice, chiles and smoked salt are served in a little sandwich bag. The “J&B” tacos are instant classics – deepfried crispy tacos with white American cheese, lettuce, pico de gallo and packet-style taco sauce. An insanely delicious salute to those drive-thru tacos you hate to admit that you love.

–Jodie Eisenhardt

RUGGLES BLACK $$$ French-American-Indian Fushion | 3939 Kirby Dr. 832.530.4493 | www.rugglesblack.com A joint venture between restaurateur Neera Patidar and chef Bruce Molzan of Ruggles fame, the idea of Ruggles Black, on paper, can be a little hard to grasp: French-American-Indian food with a focus on Paleo dishes. The reality, however, is an innovative, spiced up, flavorful menu filled with healthful options set in a modern bistro environment that is at once as sexy as it is inviting.

–Mai Pham

URBAN KITCHEN $$ Modern American | 14008 Memorial Dr. | 281.531.7440 |www.urbankitchenhouston.com Open just a few months, the large menu is diverse. A fun starter is the lobster mac and cheese, made with wide rigatoni noodles and a nottoo-thick, creamy cheese sauce studded with lobster meat. There are a variety of flatbreads. We chose the very delicious “Wildwood” featuring house-smoked pulled pork, a drizzling of BBQ sauce, chopped onion and cheddar cheese. The popular catch of the day was grouper on my visit, grilled to a beautifully caramelized finish, served with perfect asparagus and a creamy risotto filled with fresh mushrooms.

–Jodie Eisenhardt

SEASONS 52 $$$ American | 4410 Westheimer Road | 713.621.5452 www.seasons52.com The rich wood décor and low lighting provide an atmosphere of class.

Good date lighting, I like to call it. But what’s really special about Seasons 52 is a dynamic menu of fresh foods, seasoned and prepared for savory satisfaction, without piling on the calories.

–Jeff Lane SPARROW BAR + COOKSHOP $$ American | 3701 Travis St. | 713.524.6922 www.sparrowhouston.com There is something inescapably cool, healthy and right about Sparrow.

I would be selling it short to say the fresh, healthy, homegrown fare is “good for you.” It is, but it’s good for your mind, good for your soul, good for community. So experience it yourself.

–Jeff Lane

WOODBAR $$ New American, Bakery | 3939 Montrose Blvd. www.shadeandcanopy.com/woodbar Open at 6am, Woodbar opens for grab-and-go coffee from Montrose neighbor Fontana Coffee Roasters along with some of Houston’s best pastries including fantastic croissants, muffins, scones and melt-in-your-mouth monkey buns. At 7am, Canopy’s breakfast menu becomes available and at 11am, Executive Chef Liz Brook’s small bites menu takes hold and runs until closing at midnight, along with Canopy’s other menus available at their appropriate times. Speaking of the bar bites menu, don’t miss the Lil’ Chicken Fried Steak with scrumptious cheddar-chive biscuits and a “pitcher o’ cream gravy.” The Empanada Trio featuring the kitchen’s sublime pastry dough and changing seasonal fillings is divine, as are the Eggplant & Onion Rings served with harissa-tomato and creamy feta sauces. It’s just the kind of place Houston needs – multi-purpose in multi-delicious ways.

–Jodie Eisenhardt

$ KEY =

BASED ON URBAN SPOON HOUSTON

$ = cheap eats $$ = moderately priced $$$ = higher priced $$$$ = fine dining

FOR OUR COMPLETE RESTAURANT LISTING, PLEASE VISIT OUR WEBSITE.

april 15 | L O C A L 29

Local April.qxp_002houston 3/23/15 2:15 PM Page 30

A ROLLER COASTER OF A LIFE Dwight D. Eisenhower said, “There’s no tragedy in life like the death of a child.” It’s what is done in light of this sorrow however that can sow the seeds of hope. This is what the GOUDET FAMILY has done through their donations to Texas Children’s Hospital. The first gift was to honor their daughter Mariana’s suffering and life through a mural placed on the third floor outside of the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit. The mural depicts a roller coaster painted by Mexican artist and friend of the Goudet family, Luis Lara. The roller coaster represents the experience of most who are at the hospital. “It is a constant roller coaster of emotions – physical, emotional and psychological,” shares Mariana’s mother Karla. MARIANA was born with Down syndrome and subsequent complications kept her in the NICU at Texas Children’s for her the first 8 months and the following 6 months on several floors of TX Children’s Pediatric Care Unit until she passed away in PICU. In that time, the Goudet’s got to know the staff and the hospital pretty well, and the mural was a way for them to say thank you and to give back. “It [the mural] has a lot of special details that represent our life during Mariana’s stay at Texas Children’s,” says Karla.

In addition, the Goudet’s donated MARIANA’S PLACE, a multisensory room used to give therapy to kids with special needs including Down syndrome, cerebral palsy and autism, and children going through their rehabiliation.

As soon as Mariana was born and her down syndrome was discovered, Karla began researching the syndrome and came across the concept of these multisensory rooms and their importance in a special needs child’s development. “In these rooms there are lights of hope, love and generosity to light a path that is sometimes dark for these children,” shares Karla. “It is a place where they can be at peace and happy while beneficial to their rehab.”

They are in the process of raising funds for five more of these rooms in the Katy, Sugar Land, CyFair, Kingwood and Clear Lake campuses as well. To donate, please contact karlagoudet@earthlink.net.

Karla shares, “In life there are things we cannot control, but the only choice we have is how we choose to live those things. Although it’s not easy to live without such a special gift as Mariana, we are trying to make her live in our hearts every day and not just in our memories, by giving back to others.”

KARLA GOUDET

MULTISENSORY ROOM

By Carla Valencia de Martinez | Photography by Hallie Keller

30

L O C A L

| april 15

Local April.qxp_002houston 3/23/15 2:15 PM Page 31

MARIANA’S PLACE

april 15 | L O C A L 31

Local April.qxp_002houston 3/23/15 2:15 PM Page 32

1

THIS MONTH’S

MUST-SEE EXHIBITS. 1. Multicultural Education and Counseling through the Arts (MECA) and O’KANE GALLERY

at UH-Downtown partner for the 10th anniversary of MECA’s commemoration of Sor Juana Ines de la Cruz, the historical female icon of Mexican arts and letters. They are presenting the work of Tejana artists Tina Fuentes, Delilah Montoya and Kathy Vargas in Voices in Concert: In the Spirit of Sor Juana Ines de la Cruz through April 24. www.meca-houston.org

2. Local artist Sharon Engelstein’s gallery FRONT in the Montrose presents Houstonian

Eriko Smith’s Oyster, Mushroom, Diamond, Crocodile April 18–May 2 with a reception on Saturday, April 18, 1–4pm; otherwise view by appointment. Smith compiled a list of things that impact her work: irregular, lumpy organic forms in the art and in nature blobs, jellies, gonads, organs, feces, fossils, weird fruit, dried fruit, fruiting funghi, fruiting bodies, pollens, spores, seeds, stones, shellfish, tubers, tumors, truffles, morels, cocoons, corals, sponges, the shape of objects worn down from being buried in the earth, nebulae, bitumen, Surrealism, prehistoric fertility fetishes, lava flows, Louise Bourgeoise, Max Ernst, Yayoi Kusama, Kiki Smith. She’s piqued our curiosity like a curio full of oddities! www.frontgallery.com

3. Texas Abstract: Modern|Contemporary features over 30 contemporary artists from around Texas. The book opens with an essay by Michael Paglia focusing on the appearance of abstract painting in Texas and is divided between four stylistic phases. If you follow Texas art, the book is a must. Available at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston shop.

4. HIRAM BUTLER GALLERY opens Rice graduate Michael Petry’s AT the Core of

the Algorithm. The artist, author and Director of the Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) London unveils the first U.S. installation of AT the Core of the Algorithm. Previously debuted in Lommel, Belgium, the installation explores complex systems of truth, love and algorithmic proofs. The work is created using a series of rigorous mathematical algorithms to construct a multiverse of small- and medium-sized glass globes paired in varying sets of prime numbers. The installation subtly references the controversial death of Alan Turing. www.hirambutler.com

5. If you find yourself in Galveston this month, the GALVESTON ARTS CENTER presents

Lux Aeterna, a site-specific art installation by Houston-based artist Adela Andea. There’s a public opening Saturday, April 18, 6–9pm. Adela Andea’s light installations and sculptures are otherworldly. Organic in feel, the Romanian-born, Texas-based artist explores dichotomies such as the ephmeral and perpetual and dynamic and static. Weaving LED and CCL lights with pulsing electrical components, Andea creates an installation “where there is not one unilateral truth or message about reality,” she shares. www.galvestonartscenter.org

32

L O C A L

| april 15

2 FOR A COMPLETE LISTING OF ART HOUSES, PLEASE VISIT OUR WEBSITE AT www.localhoustonmagazine.com.

Local April.qxp_002houston 3/23/15 2:15 PM Page 33

3

4

5 april 15 | L O C A L 33

Local April.qxp_002houston 3/23/15 2:15 PM Page 34

MUSEUM DISTRICT

HIGHLIGHTS 1. Houston-based artist Bret

lation for the BLAFFER ART MUSEUM exhibition series, Window into Houston. The exhibit plays off what Shirley calls “the intersection of use-value” within crystals as objects that belong both to the realm of the aesthetic (or even decorative) and functional (even if only imagined). Shirley’s interest in the metaphorical and practical value of crystals as objects of healing and empowerment that carry within them associations of clairvoyance and wisdom, sexual vitality and mental balance, power and prosperity inspired the installation. The crystal-like objects are made by combining paintings and sculptures made of lab-grown inorganic crystals with resin and fiberglass-reinforced concrete casts of human and hominid bones. Changing LED lights mounted out of sight imbue the windows with light and color.

2. Spring

Shirley’s Rising Through the Infinite is a site-specific instal-

Blaffer Museum Site-specific installation at 110 Milam Street Downtown Houston

The Menil Collection 1533 Sul Ross St., Houston, TX 77006 www.menil.org

RIENZI, opens all sorts of engaging interactive events through the summer. Thursday, April 16, catch the gallery talk on its Portrait of Captain Edward Knowles, Frances Cotes, c. 1762, with Kaylin Weber, Assistant Curator of American Paintings and Sculptures at 1pm. Or you can sketch every Wednesday afternoon from 1:30–4:30 or join the amateur photographers Sundays 1– 4:30pm. Most events are free with your ticketed admission unless stated. fever is in the air and that means the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston’s house museum,

3. Barnett Newman The Late Work (organized by the MENIL COLLECTION, curated by Chief

Conservator Bradfor A. Eply and Curator Michelle White) is interesting because Newman came into his career as an artist late in life, producing a small body of work. The exhibit focuses on the work of the last five years of his life which has come to define the spiritual aspirations and material innovations of American painting in the mid-20th century. Artist David Dia, art historians Sarah K. Rich and Richard Shiff and the exhibition curators will present their unique perspectives on the mate-

Rienzi 1406 Kirby Dr., Houston, TX 77019 www.mfah.org/calendar

rial, aesthetic and philosophical issues at the heart of the exhibition on April 10 at 6pm.

4. April 25 is the Museum Experience Zone 2. SAVE THE DATE! The following museums offer a variety of special planned events just for this day: Asia Society of Texas, Buffalo Soldiers National Museum, Czech Center Museum, DiverseWorks, Holocaust Museum, Houston Center for Contemporary Craft, Museum of African American Culture and Lawndale Art Center. There will be food trucks, Houston B-Cycle and pedicabs for transportation and more.

Visit www.houstonmuseumdistrict.org for details on special events.

1

2

34

L O C A L

| april 15

Barnett Newman Be I (Second Version), 1970

3

Acrylic on canvas 111 ½ x 84 in. (283.2 x 213.4 cm) | Detroit Institute of Arts, Detroit, Michigan.

Founders Society Purchase, W. Hawkins Ferry Fund and Mr. and Mrs. Walter B. Ford II © 2015 The Barnett Newman Foundation, New York / Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York

Local April.qxp_002houston 3/23/15 2:15 PM Page 35

1. THE MENIL COLLECTION 2. HOUSTON CENTER FOR PHOTOGRAPHY 3. THE ROTHKO CHAPEL 4. HOUSTON CENTER FOR CONTEMPORARY CRAFT 5. LAWNDALE ART CENTER 6. BUFFALO SOLDIERS NATIONAL MUSEUM 7. HOLOCAUST MUSEUM HOUSTON 8. CHILDREN’S MUSEUM OF HOUSTON 9. THE HEALTH MUSEUM 10. HOUSTON MUSEUM OF NATURAL SCIENCE 11. HOUSTON ZOO 12. RICE UNIVERSITY ART GALLERY 13. THE MUSEUM OF FINE ARTS, HOUSTON 14. CONTEMPORARY ARTS MUSEUM HOUSTON 15. THE JUNG CENTER OF HOUSTON 16. CZECH CENTER MUSEUM 17. JOHN C. FREEMAN WEATHER MUSEUM 18. ASIA SOCIETY TEXAS CENTER

Sam Houston Monument

Illustration by German Arellano

april 15 | L O C A L 35

Local April.qxp_002houston 3/23/15 2:15 PM Page 36

GISH AT THE MOVIES

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, DEAR ASTRODOME!

By Sarah Gish

Sarah Gish is an artist, mama, igniter and connector who has been writing for Local magazine since 1998. She was one of the co-founders of Q-Fest, Houston’s only LGBT festival, and was the publicist and city manager for Landmark Theatres in the 1990s, overseeing the River Oaks, Greenway and Saks movie theatres. She owns Gish Creative (www.gishcreative.com), a personal, family and business enrichment company that she founded in 2000. It’s her joy to bring the love of movies to Houstonians and to let people know about all the amazing arts and culture in Houston.

The Astrodome opened with much fanfare on April 9, 1965, so this month marks its big five-oh anniversary. And what a 50 years they have been! The “Eighth Wonder of the World” was the pioneer in AstroTurf and its fourstory Astrolight scoreboard was the first of its kind. Judy Garland was the first performer on December 17, 1965, and Tejano star Selena was its last on February 26, 1995. In between, the Dome saw WWF matches, baseball and football games, Elvis Presley, Evel Knievel, the famed Billie Jean King vs. Bobby Riggs “Battle of the Sexes” tennis match, and much more. These days, its fate is uncertain – although it’s now listed on the National Register of Historic Places, there are some that want it torn down and some that want it saved. “I am suggesting that we explore the concept of creating an indoor park and recreation area inside the Dome for the people of Harris County,” Harris County Judge Ed Emmett said in a recent statement. The final fate of the Astrodome rests with the Harris County Commissioners…and nothing has been decided yet.

The Astrodome made a guest appearance in a few movies – “Friday Night Lights”; “The Bad News Bears in Breaking Training”; and a music video by U2 of the song “Stuck in a Moment You Can’t Get Out Of.” And “Brewster McCloud” was set in the Dome. But it was the recent maelstrom that inspired three new documentary films on the Dome, making it a true star. Houston natives Chip Rives and David Karabinas of Texas Crew Productions are releasing “The Dome” (www.thedomemovie.com) this fall, a six-year passion project featuring countless hours of archival footage and interviews with President George H.W. Bush, Bum Phillips, Nolan Ryan, Dan Rather,

36

L O C A L

| april 15

Dan Pastorini, Larry Dierker, Jimmy Wynn, Jack Ingram and Judge Roy Hoheinz’s children, Fred and Dene.

(http://bechdelfilms.com/pages/default.asp) through her nonprofit film company, Bechdel Films – its focus is on the preservationists behind the scenes.

“Last Seat at the Dome” (www.preservethedome.com) was also a labor of love for Rugged Riverside Media owner Matthew Murphy, whose short film had its debut last November, accompanied by a panel discussion featuring Murphy waxing nostalgic about the Dome alongside Stephanie Ann Jones of Preservation Houston, Beth Wiedower of the National Trust for Historic Preservation and Judge Emmett. And 14 Pews owner Cressandra Thibodeaux is making “Astrodome: A Love Story”

No matter its fate, the Dome will live on in celluloid heaven. And its 50th birthday will be celebrated this year – Houston Arts and Media (www.houstonartsandmedia.org) is planning a party and Houstorian (www.houstorian.org) founder James Glassman will be selling memorabilia on his website.

Perhaps Ed Emmett and friends will celebrate with Astrodome-inspired cake and the city will scrub the dome clean. After all, half-century milestones come only once.

WANT TO SEE MORE ART FILMS? CHECK OUT THESE VENUES

14 Pews (www.14pews.org) Alamo Drafthouse (www.drafthouse.com) Asia Society (www.asiasociety.org/texas) Aurora Picture Show (www.aurorapictureshow.org) Blaffer Art Museum (www.blafferartmuseum.org) Café Brasil (www.cafe-brasil.net) Contemporary Arts Museum (www.camh.org) Discovery Green (www.discoverygreen.com) DiverseWorks (www.diverseworks.org) Holocaust Museum (www.hmh.org) Jewish Community Center (www.erjcchouston.org) Landmark River Oaks Theatre (www.landmarktheatres.com) Miller Outdoor Theatre (www.milleroutdoortheatre.com) Museum of Fine Arts, Houston (www.mfah.org/films) Orange Show (www.orangeshow.org) Rice Cinema (www.ricecinema.rice.edu) Sundance Cinemas (www.sundancecinemas.com).

Local April.qxp_002houston 3/23/15 2:15 PM Page 37

april 15 | L O C A L 37

Local April.qxp_002houston 3/23/15 2:15 PM Page 38

FRESH ARTS SCENE

SPRING IS AT OUR FINGERTIPS AND WE ARE REACHING FORWARD IN THIS MONTH’S FRESH ART SCENE. – Ariel Jones

CITATIONS BY JADE YUMANG | Box 13 Opening Reception Saturday, March 21 | 7–9pm The prime source of this series is an issue of My-O-My, a gay erotic magazine from the late 60s/early 70s, which was part of a legal scandal in 1972 in New Jersey (State vs. Shapiro) where police officers, without warrant, entered a bookstore owned by Edward Shapiro and Milton Nerenberg and seized various curiosa that were deemed obscene. Free @ Box13 ArtSpace (6700 Harrisburg, Houston, TX 77011) For more information, visit www.box13artspace.com.

DANCE SALAD FESTIVAL April 1–5 | Most events begin at 7pm Presenting 7 USA premiers and more, from top dancers of Norway, Germany, Belgium, Netherlands, Australia, Korea and the USA. Choreographers’ Forum, April 1, 7pm @ Museum of Fine Arts Houston, honoring legendary choreographer Jiri Kylian. FREE event. All other events are ticketed, ranging from $20–50. Events take place at Wortham Center, Cullen Theater (500 Texas Ave., Houston, TX 77002).

For more information, visit www.dancesalad.org.

CRISTINA HENRÍQUEZ AND MARLON JAMES READING | Inprint Margarett Root Brown Reading Series Monday, April 20 | begins at 7:30pm The 2014/2015 Inprint Margarett Root Brown Reading Series presents fiction writers Cristina Henríquez and Marlon James. Henríquez, a novelist and short story writer, will read from her latest novel, The Book of Unknown Americans. James, a National Book Critics Circle Award finalist, will read from his new novel A Brief History of Seven Killings. The reading, followed by an on-stage interview, book sale and signing, takes place at Cullen Theater, Wortham Center. General admission tickets: $5.

For more information, visit www.inprinthouston.org.

TONAL IMPACT: AN EVENING OF COLLABORATIVE WORKS FROM MUSIQA AND NOBLEMOTION DANCE | Musiqa Tuesday and Wednesday, April 24 and 25 | 7:30pm Musiqa and NobleMotion Dance join forces in Tonal Impact, a dynamic evening of music and dance at The Hobby Center’s Zilkha Hall. Musiqa, winner of the 2013 Chamber Music America/ASCAP Award for Adventurous Programming, matches wits with the physically daring and visually stunning work of NobleMotion Dance. The evening features original compositions by Pierre Jalbert and Marcus Maroney, a light and technology installation from Jonathan Kinsey and David J. Deveau, and performances by some of Houston’s best contemporary dancers and musicians. Tonal Impact is a bold evening that will awaken the senses. The event will take place at Hobby Center, 800 Bagby Street, Houston, TX 77002. Tickets $25–35.

For more information, visit www.thehobbycenter.org.

38

L O C A L

| april 15

Local April.qxp_002houston 3/23/15 2:15 PM Page 39

HAS LONG BEEN KNOWN AS A CITY OF RICH DIVERSITY AND CounterCurrent HOUSTON CULTURE

, A NOD TO THE LARGE POPULATION TRACING ITS HERITAGE FROM AROUND THE GLOBE. HOUSTON IS ALSO KNOWN AS A MAJOR HUB FOR THE ARTS, A TITLE BESTOWED UPON THE CITY BASED ON SOME OF THE HIGHEST CONCENTRATIONS OF ART GALLERIES, DEALERS AND ARTISTS IN THE UNITED STATES. THE UNIVERSITY OF HOUSTON’S CYNTHIA WOODS MITCHELL CENTER FOR THE ARTS IS FURTHERING THE CITY’S REPUTATION AS A FINE ARTS MECCA THROUGH THE SECOND ANNUAL COUNTERCURRENT, BILLED AS A “FESTIVAL OF BOLD EXPERIMENTAL ART.” WITH A HEAVY EMPHASIS ON INVOLVING THE COMMUNITY AND GETTING PEOPLE TO EXPLORE THE CITY, COLLABORATION IS A KEY COMPONENT TO ITS EARLY SUCCESS, AND PARTNERSHIPS WITH SEVERAL LOCAL INSTITUTIONS INCLUDING BUFFALO BAYOU PARTNERSHIP, THE MUSEUM OF FINE ARTS AND DIVERSEWORKS HAVE CONTINUED TO FLOURISH AFTER THE FESTIVAL’S INAUGURAL YEAR. WITH NINE INDEPENDENT AND COLLABORATIVE INSTALLATIONS AND SHOWS TAKING PLACE THIS YEAR, THE EVENTS ARE SLATED FOR THE WEEK OF APRIL 14–19 . AND WHILE ENTRY TO EVERY EVENT IS FREE, TICKETS ARE LIMITED AND RESERVATIONS ARE REQUIRED. The shows will utilize audio and visual installations, live performances and participatory events to help bring Houston together. “For the second annual CounterCurrent festival, we are excited to bring a brilliant roster of artists from all disciplines,” said Karen Farber, executive director of the UH Mitchell Center. Some of the highlights of the festival include:

HT/X: Opening the festival this year, Austin-based artist Luke Savisky returns with his video-driven art show at the Allen’s Landing Bridge downtown. Using the underside of the bridge as the backdrop for his multimedia art, Luke once again proves his knack for transforming non-traditional spaces into immersive experiences.

CRY YOU ONE: A collaboration between two New Orleans-

based theater companies, Cry You One traces the effects Hurricane Katrina had on both New Orleans and the major cities surrounding it, including Houston. A three-hour outdoor production, the show combines New Orleans-style storytelling within the local backdrops. A processional production, the show requires walking throughout, making it a unique experience unlike most.

TEN TINY DANCES: Closing this year’s festival, Ten Tiny Dances is touted as an experiment in confined space. Forcing the audience to rethink the way they understand choreographed dance, the production consists of inventive and accessible dance from Houston and New York performers, all taking place on a 4’ x 4’ stage, for a total of only 16 square feet.

Please visit www.countercurrentfestival.org for more information on each show and for ticket reservations.

CRY YOU ONE BY MELISA CARDONA

By Adam Bergen

april 15 | L O C A L 39

Local April.qxp_002houston 3/23/15 2:15 PM Page 40

KAREN KASMAUSKI ALL IN A DAYS WORK

DOCUMENTARY PHOTOGRAPHER, PUBLIC SPEAKER AND FREQUENT NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC CONTRIBUTOR, KAREN KASMAUSKI CO-AUTHORED THE BOOK NURSE: A WORLD OF CARE WITH PETER JARET TO ILLUMINATE THE WORLD OF NURSES AROUND THE GLOBE. SHE WILL BE IN HOUSTON ON APRIL 21 AT RIVER OAKS BOOK STORE FROM 5–7PM FOR A BOOK SIGNING. WE GOT A CHANCE TO TALK A LITTLE ABOUT THE PROJECT IN ADVANCE OF THAT. WHO WAS THE FIRST NURSE IN YOUR LIFE? My brother’s a nurse — well, he was a nurse — my brother’s dead, so he’s not the person I’d probably be talking about with that. But this isn’t based on anyone that I know personally. It’s based on people that I’ve run into in the course of my work that I’ve done. And the very first nurse that impacted me tremendously was both a nurse and a Catholic sister, and that was a woman I met in Masaka, Uganda, which was at the epicenter of the AIDS epidemic. And she was this quite heroic leader of a very heroic group of Irish Catholic nuns who were also nurses, and they were caring for people who were dying of AIDS at that time.

Badly dying of AIDS, because there were no antivirals … there was no … they didn’t even have basic drugs like aspirin or Tylenol® or Imodium® … anything that could even stop the diarrhea or the fever or the pain or whatever it is that they have, so these nurses, who were European — in the middle of this fairly remote region of Uganda, kind of on the western side of Lake Victoria … they had been there pretty much through Idi Amin’s regime, stayed there, took care of these AIDS patients, and these are women who just selflessly gave of themselves, and I just thought that was very impressive … pretty much making their patients very comfortable, with almost no supplies at their hands. They were literally washing these little recyclable gloves that you have, the little plastic gloves that you buy at the counter … not the throwaway ones, but they’re a little stronger. The latex ones that the nurses use in the hospitals that they throw away. They were literally washing those recyclable latex gloves. That was probably the first time that I became wholly aware of just the power that these women project in terms of keeping people healthy, keeping them, you know, not safe, because unfortunately, at the whims of all the political things around them, but keeping them comfortable and I think what’s most important is that these people were gonna die. They had no retrovirals there. So pretty much keeping them comfortable and with dignity. So that they could die with dignity. And I thought that was pretty incredible. I think that was the first time I kind of became aware of a group of people. I mean, there were two things working for them. One, they were both nurses and Catholic sisters, and so that was probably — would impress me very strongly, both two separate groups of people like that, so that was my first impression — strong impression — of what a nurse does, and how they care for people and things of that sort. I mean obviously we all are affected by nurses. From the minute we’re born we’re attended to by a nurse.

THE FIRST ONE WE SEE. The first one we see and probably the last one we see if we’re lucky. And when we did the nurse, the format that we used kind of to guide us was the life of a human being, so it was birth through death and all the in-betweens. So you know, like childhood — I mean, for most kids, the nurse that they remember is the school nurse. The woman you go to if you’re feeling like you have a cold or you wanna get out of class or something like that …REALLY BAD FALL. SOMETHING YOU’RE GONNA REMEMBER ANYWAY. Fall on the playground or something like that, something she will remember. And then from then on, it just … that person becomes more and more involved with your life, and if you’re lucky you don’t see them very often. You see them once a year at the doctor’s office. But if you’re not lucky, you see them more and more. But what I find that’s

40

L O C A L

| april 15

kind of interesting is that a lot of the nurses that I met did more than just health care. I mean, a lot of them that were in their communities also did what you would call public health work, or looking at the community as a whole unit, and in some ways it’s a much more powerful way of looking at personal health, looking at where these people or individuals fit into their families and into their communities. And a lot of the nurses that were serving in the communities that they live in are aware of what people’s lives are like, what kind of conditions are stressing them out and all those sort of things. And so the nurses in many communities take on a greater role than simply the person you see in the hospital who’s assisting the doctor. They have much bigger roles. And then of course in a lot of poor communities, they are the medical care. That is who they — the nurse practitioner is the medical care.

DID YOU FIND THAT ACCESS DIFFERED BETWEEN DIFFERENT CULTURES OR DID YOU FIND THAT UNIVERSALLY THE NURSES WANTED TO SHOW WHAT THEY WERE DOING? Well … that’s kind of a funny question. Once you get into, once you get ahold of the nurse, they give you access. But the hardest part we had was getting them to respond to our emails, because the last thing on their very busy schedule is to respond to a journalist. I mean, they have everything else that needs to be done — responding to the journalist is not at the top of their agenda. So, actually it wasn’t getting access, it was getting them just to return the emails. That was the hardest thing we had. But once they did, I mean, nurses are fabulous to work with. I mean, if they invite you to observe them or photograph them, they’re gonna be the type of people who are not going to give you any … you know, they’re gonna welcome you to their lives. And I’ve done public health work, and I’ve done a lot of this sort of global health work for years, so you know, I’m not intrusive. So when I go into these areas and I photograph these stories, I don’t tend to take up the room. I mean, I’m there pretty much like a fly on the wall, but of course with a camera in my hand. And I think the nurses really appreciate that, but they don’t have time to deal with me. I mean, they’ve got a lot of other things to do. So when I can do my story while I’m observing them and photographing them in the course of what they do, they’re very happy about that. And of course, they also appreciate the fact that there are people out there who understand that they do a pretty amazing job, and that they do a very important job. And so I think they appreciate that.When we showed the nurse coverage at Emory University the first time (that’s the school that helped get this project launched), we had nurses weeping in the room because they’d hadn’t seen themselves shown as real people. I mean, you often get that sort of cutesy little, standing by the bed looking kind of sweet sort of picture … but yeah, the nurse’s job, especially in hospitals, is pretty tough! It’s tough and dirty, but at the same time they’ve got to be very technical. They know the latest technologies, but at the same time they’ve gotta be able to hold someone’s hand. And empathize with them. It’s a very complicated job that they have now, and I think that in some ways, this is one of the few projects that many nurses have seen that said that it actually truly portrays what they do. As opposed to the mythology of what they do.

Interview by Lance Scott Walker Photography by Karen Kasmauski

To read the complete interview, log on to www.localhoustonmagazine.com

Local April.qxp_002houston 3/23/15 2:15 PM Page 41

Bangladesh Hospital | Kumudini Nursing School

FROM THE MINUTE WE’RE BORN WE’RE ATTENDED TO BY A NURSE.

april 15 | L O C A L 41

Local April.qxp_002houston 3/23/15 2:15 PM Page 42

HEALTH+WELLNESS DR. FREEZE CHIEF OF CRITICAL CARE SERVICES AT UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL With over two decades of experience and education, DR. JOSEPH VARON is an outstanding Houston-based doctor, one of the nation’s leading critical care medical professionals. As the Chief of Critical Care Services at University General Hospital here in town, his interaction with severely ill patients has allowed him to utilize unconventional and progressive treatments to help aid in their recovery. Dr. Varon has brought many people back from the brink of death or permanent injury through his contributions in the fields of cardiopulmonary resuscitation and therapeutic hypothermia.

A little under a year ago, it was a normal day – saving other’s lives – until he suddenly had an acute stroke.

Thinking it was an inner ear infection, he initially held off on going to the emergency room. But an MRI soon revealed that part of his brain was already dying from a lack of blood, and he quickly took action. Utilizing the same techniques he used on his patients, he decided to ‘freeze’ his brain by way of a cryo-helmet. Similar to putting ice packs on an injury, the helmet uses super-cold gel-packs to cool the brain, reducing swelling and slowing down its metabolism to help it heal. After a few weeks in the hospital and then intense physical therapy, Dr. Varon made an incredible comeback in a short amount of time, at one point completing in three weeks what could have taken 18 months. What has Dr. “Freeze,” as he is known, taken from all this? “Life is unpredictable. One day you are doing great, and the next one, you cannot walk. Initially I thought I had a middle ear problem with the dizziness and inability to stand. I was not expecting a stroke,” says the seasoned medical professional. And now that he has been in many of his patients’ shoes, it’s changed his view of how he treats them. “I thought I was going to be ‘nicer’ to my patients as I had now been in their shoes.

That did not happen. On the contrary, I am more firm with them. If I was able to recover by working hard, they can work hard as well. I do not accept the ‘I can’t do it’ attitude anymore,” he states emphatically.

His biggest piece of advice to the general public? Make sure to get to the emergency room as soon as you are experiencing stroke symptoms – like most medical emergencies, the sooner the better.

By Adam Bergen Photography by Max Burkhalter

42

L O C A L

| april 15

Local April.qxp_002houston 3/23/15 2:15 PM Page 43

UTILIZING THE SAME TECHNIQUES HE USED ON HIS PATIENTS, HE DECIDED TO ‘FREEZE’ HIS BRAIN

BY WAY OF A CRYO-HELMET

april 15 | L O C A L 43

Local April.qxp_002houston 3/23/15 2:15 PM Page 44

44

L O C A L

| april 15

Local April.qxp_002houston 3/23/15 2:15 PM Page 45

THE CUTTING EDGE DR. STEPHEN PUSTILNIK isn’t your typical forensic pathologist. By day, the

Philadelphia native consults, performs autopsies and occasionally testifies in court, but once the workday is over and the white lab coat comes off, this doctor turns to his other passion: designing and making knives.

He started out to be a vascular surgeon. But one day, during his residency at Hartford Hospital, Pustilnik attended a lecture given by the Chief Medical Examiner for the state of Connecticut. “Everyone else was snoring, and I was wide awake,” he recalls. And that was that. He switched specialties and never looked back. As his career progressed – from Dade County in Florida to Alabama to Galveston (where he became Chief Medical Examiner in 2003), and finally to private practice in Houston – Pustilnik became increasingly frustrated with the poor quality of the tools at his disposal. “I’ve always told people that the only things a good forensic pathologist needs are a sharp knife and a good camera,” he says. “You want the human tissue you’re cutting through – and whatever you’re finding in it – to be suitable for publication, and you don’t want it to look like you just cut through it with a circular saw. So I was always searching for a good sharpener when I should have been looking for a good-quality knife.” An avid gourmet cook, Pustilnik had an enviable collection of knives and waterstones in his kitchen. It occurred to him that if he could have sharp knives at home, why not for his autopsies, too? So he began hunting for a knife that could withstand bleach and formaldehyde, one that would keep its cutting edge, and found that a chalef, the knife used for centuries by kosher butchers, fit the bill perfectly.

into the science of metallurgy. It wasn’t long before word got around, and the good doctor’s custom knives were in high demand. Three years later, business is booming. Pustilnik gets about three orders per week – most often for steak knives, autopsy knives and slicing knives – from clients around the world. The most expensive of his designs features a Damascus steel blade and can cost thousands of dollars. Some boast ergonomic handles made from exotic woods with turquoise, marble or sterling silver spacers. Each knife takes from eight to twelve hours to make. And the business is mostly conducted through his website, although two stores – one in Texas and one in Missouri – want to carry his knives. Among his more high-profile clients are James Beard Award winner Chris Shepherd, chef/owner of Underbelly; Food Network celebrity chef Jet Tila; and Haylie Duff of the Cooking Channel’s The Real Girl’s Kitchen.

“It took years of using kitchen knives to come up with the ones I make now,” he says. “I wanted to know why one was good for cutting through a hard squash, while another was better for slicing an apple.”

By Cristina Adams Photography by Anthony Rathbun

Together with a knife-maker, Pustilnik designed a chalef, twenty inches long with a two-inch-wide blade, for his own professional use. He researched different types of steel and corrosion resistance, and dove

I’VE ALWAYS TOLD PEOPLE THAT THE ONLY THINGS A GOOD FORENSIC PATHOLOGIST NEEDS ARE A SHARP KNIFE AND A GOOD CAMERA.

april 15 | L O C A L 45

Local April.qxp_002houston 3/23/15 2:15 PM Page 46

46

L O C A L

| april 15

Local April.qxp_002houston 3/23/15 2:15 PM Page 47

DR. KARAN SRA, MD, FAAD SKINCARE Q&A

Houstonians sure are lucky when it comes to quality medical care. With nearly 200 dermatologists in the Houston metro alone, we decided to do some Q&A with Dr. Karan K. Sra, MD, FAAD of Houston’s Dermatological Association. Published in various medical journals and books, an academic award recipient, ADD Fellow & Board Certified by the American Board of Dermatology, Dr. Sra, 39, decided to pursue dermatology during her medical school rotations, due to the unique opportunities dermatology presents, combining the medical and cosmetic sides of the field, coupled with the one-on-one daily patient interaction.

In my mid-forties, I’m no stranger to the difficulties aging gracefully and affordably, while still needing the medical side of dermatological care (thanks, rosacea and adult acne!) and asked Karan, if she could go back in time, what she would tell her younger self to do differently? Her answers were simple, yet things I totally admit not doing in my younger years (so listen up women under 30!). SUNSCREEN, SUNSCREEN, SUNSCREEN. Just in case you didn’t hear that, yes, her #1 thing was sunscreen and lots of it. Next, incorporating more preventative measures into your skincare routine as early as you can; today’s antioxidants, serums and prescription topicals can make a big difference down the road in your skin. Speaking of routines, she also advises starting a healthy skincare regime as early as possible and sticking to it!

When asked what she advises her patients to do, that even she struggles with (like never falling asleep with makeup on – come on we are all guilty of that more than once), again her answers were surprisingly uncomplicated, but things I still find myself not doing. Drinking more water, remembering to take and finish all prescribed medicines (even Dr. Sra admitted to forgetting her prenatal vitamins when she was expecting) and patience as results don’t happen overnight, not even for Dr. Sra. For the budget conscious, like myself, I also wanted to know one thing Dr. Sra highly recommends to help your skin without breaking the bank. Once again her answer was not only economical, but something we should all already be doing daily. You guessed it: SUNSCREEN. For the #1 thing Dr. Sra recommends to her patients cosmetically, preventative Botox is her go-to. Her advice: start early, using only what you need to help lessen the effects and depth of wrinkles as you go. Personally, I think this is spot on. I’ve been using Botox preventatively as I go – nothing too drastic, as even my husband was surprised I use Botox because “my forehead still has lines when I’m mad.” They just aren’t as deep or as many thankfully.

Lastly, I asked what Dr. Sra looks for in her own dermatologist: relatability, accessibility and experience, the things she strives to provide her own patients. And that, through both the cosmetic and medical sides of her practice, her patients are able to feel they are always putting their best skin forward, as feeling positive and healthy about our appearance can directly affect our sense of self and overall well-being. All great answers and things I look for in my dermatologist, who, by the way, is not Dr. Sra, but after this interview very well may be!

ADARA MEDICAL SPA | www.houstonskin.com

By Beth Levine-McCann Photography by Sofia van der Dys

april 15 | L O C A L 47

Local April.qxp_002houston 3/23/15 2:15 PM Page 48

INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE YOU DON’T HAVE TO BE DIAGNOSED WITH CANCER TO START CHANGING YOUR LIFE. I SAT DOWN WITH LORENZO COHEN, FOUNDER, PROFESSOR, AND DIRECTOR OF THE INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE PROGRAM AT THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS MD ANDERSON CANCER CENTER, AND ALEJANDRO CHAOUL, ASSISTANT PROFESSOR AND DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, TO TALK ABOUT THE INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE PROGRAM WHICH ENGAGES PATIENTS AND THEIR FAMILIES TO BECOME ACTIVE PARTICIPANTS IN IMPROVING THEIR PHYSICAL, PSYCHO-SPIRITUAL AND SOCIAL HEALTH. THE ULTIMATE GOALS ARE TO OPTIMIZE HEALTH, QUALITY OF LIFE AND CLINICAL OUTCOMES THROUGH PERSONALIZED, EVIDENCE-BASED CLINICAL CARE, EXCEPTIONAL RESEARCH AND EDUCATION. THE INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE CENTER WORKS COOPERATIVELY WITH THE PRIMARY ONCOLOGY TEAM TO BUILD COMPREHENSIVE AND INTEGRATIVE CARE PLANS.

What was the vision for The Integrative Medicine Program? And how has it evolved?

LC: To me, the success of integrative medicine is that it actually doesn’t exist as a separate discipline.

Comprehensive integrative care should be the standard of care, part of every single clinical encounter and part of every care center. Integrative services should be available for patients at point of care delivery and not continuing the fractionation of different systems and the delivery of different modalities in different locations. Logistically that’s become somewhat complex, so we do have a separate place where people go to receive acupuncture, yoga, massage, music therapy, and dietary, exercise, and psychological counseling, etc. Incorporating integrative medicine services seamlessly within the standard of care is the ideal.

AC: Today we are not there yet, but we have moved from being a spa-like service on the side of patients cancer care to being really a much more medical, evidence-based program standing alongside the other medical oncology clinical centers.

There’s not a lot of research for lay people to get their hands on readily. Why? LC: There is, in fact, a lot of research already conducted showing the benefits of different integrative approaches. For example, extensive research shows that diet can influence cancer outcomes. The challenge is how do we translate the research into changing medical care and influencing policy at a national level.

I think what I meant to say, it is hard for patients and the general public to access that information.

LC: Well, it’s hard for patients and the general public to access the benefits of conventional cancer treat-

ments like taxol. They are scientific studies. But The New York Times and the Wall Street Journal and other lay media sources report on the studies showing the diet-cancer correlation; sedentary behavior increasing cancer risk; the harms of stress and health effects of relaxation – it’s in the lay media. Where it’s not getting picked up is by the doctors because it’s not part of the standard medical arsenal to give people dietary recommendations. It’s not part of the standard medical arsenal to tell people to be less sedentary. It’s not in their toolbox. What is in their toolbox are the conventional medical treatments like chemotherapy, pharmacological treatments, surgery and radiotherapy in the treatment of cancer.

AC: And even less, stress management tools.

Do you think it ever will be?

LC: For sure, it will be!

What percentage of patients here at MD Anderson takes advantage of this program?

LC: It’s a small number. This is partly due to the fact that we have only two doctors, one and half acupuncturists and two massage therapists and a few other intgrative care practicioners. MD Anderson sees over 30,000 new patients every year, with over 1 million patient visits.

What needs to happen from a preventative standpoint? If funding and politics weren’t an issue, what would be the first thing you would do to integrate this program into modern day medical practice?

AC: Education is a key factor. Through our website, anyone can reach our resources like audio and videos.Some of them are also in Spanish. We are trying to expand our educational efforts and reach

By Carla Valencia de Martinez Photography by Cody Bess 48

L O C A L

| april 15

more people, and partly, it is through people like you sharing the word about this program.

LC: Where there really needs to be a cultural shift is in medical school. Because if we expect this message to be coming from health care professionals – whether it’s the doctors or the nurses or anyone on the healthcare team – they need to know the role of lifestyle factors on disease. And receive a minimum education in that area and some training on how to help patients to modify their behaviors and then incorporating the professionals on the team whose job it is to work with patients to change unhealthy behaviors that we know are linked with disease risk and worse outcomes for those with disease. The ideal is a society that has more of a focus on prevention. A society that doesn’t give incentives to organizations and big businesses that are essentially poisoning our society, whether that business is a building supply chain making wood flooring or BIG food exposing our society to unhealthy levels of sugar. We need to have financial incentives for prevention and wellness.

AC: I couldn’t agree more about medical school. I think there is a trend. I have a joint appointment here at UT Medical School and we have a course called Medical Humanities, which is both about the human care and the doctor/patient relationship but also bringing things in such as complementary and integrative medicine, ethics, as well as spirtuality in medicine. Today, even though after 10 years it’s still what they call a blue book elective, we are still somewhat part the curriculum. However, that means that the future doctors that choose to know about this are just a minority. It should be mandatory.

LC: I heard from a current oncology fellow that on the board exams for oncologists there is a question about acupuncture and the role of acupuncture in symptom control. So changes are starting to happen.

Local April.qxp_002houston 3/23/15 2:15 PM Page 49

LORENZO COHEN

If it’s on the exam it will be in the curriculum. A big effort for the Academic Consortium for Integrative Medicine and Health has been to change the board exams and that’s not an easy process.

So what is the point of conducting all of this research if it’s not being applied?

LC: To change the standard of care it is essential to have the evidence on what matters to prevent disease and increase health of out nation. But the evidence is not sufficient to create change. We need to change the incentives of the system, because preventing disease doesn’t make money.

LC: But who’s incentivized to do it? The incentives in this country are to treat disBut at the end of the day it would?

ease once it has developed. But it looks like the incentives are finally changing.

The folkloric history from traditional Chinese medicine was that the Chinese medicine doctor was paid when the patient stayed well. If the patient got sick, he wasn’t paid anymore. So the incentive was to keep the patient healthy. Our system uses an illness model. And doctors are paid when someone comes in and they are sick and they fix them or try to fix them.

AC: And the sicker they are, the more things they have to do, the more money the medical system makes.

LC: I am somewhat optimistic for our country and the role of prevention and real integrative care, because there is hope that the incentives are changing. MD

Anderson, not necessarily today, but in a very near future is going to be incentivized to try and do less. To try and get the same medical return on less intensive interventions. We are already in some sense testing this with head and neck cancer patients. They are experimenting with essentially a bundle payment (this was written up in the Wall Street Journal because we are one of the few hospitals that are doing this kind of experiment right now in the area of cancer), the head and neck group have mapped out in the last five years, down to the dollar, what is spent on different things and came up with what they think is the appropriate target for what we should be paid for treating a head and neck cancer patient.

And if it costs us a lot more money to treat a specific patient, then we are going to lose money and there won’t be profits. But if we can do it for less, we are going to save money and put some money in the bank.

AC: It has helped and hurt. On one hand, yes, there is more interest in IM. But on Has the whole eating clean, juicing, organic movement helped the IM area?

the other hand, there are a lot of things that are under IM that are not evidencebased. In fact there are probably more non-evidence-based things out there that people are doing than evidence-based. I think there needs to be more research.

You just can’t make claims.

LC: Ultimately the science is going to speak for itself. Literally every couple of weeks there is a high impact publication showing the role of lifestyle factors and

april 15 | L O C A L 49

Local April.qxp_002houston 3/23/15 2:15 PM Page 50

ALEJANDRO CHAOUL

disease. I have a email blog that I send out 5 days a week highlighting new research in the news. I don’t have to dig very deep to find a scientific study to send 5 days a week, 50 weeks out of the year on an article that shows the link between lifestyle and health, whether that’s sleep, stress/mind-body, environmental factors, social connection, diet, or exercise. Those six factors are what I focus on, and the data just keeps mounting and mounting and mounting that it cannot be ignored.

Have you seen any surprising results in your clinical research?

LC: The outcomes of our research haven’t been surprising and a lot of them have been positive. The studies that have been negative are because the patients haven’t done their prescription, so to speak.

We are not talking about treating an infection with a course of antibiotics and it’s gone forever. We are talking about trying to make permanent lifestyle

50

L O C A L

| april 15

changes in an individual that’s going to impact their risk of disease down the road, recurrence of disease, etc., treating a symptom that is chronic.

What’s challenging is trying to figure out what buttons to push to motivate people to create long-term behavior change.

What has been somewhat surprising is what we are starting to see from a comprehensive lifestyle study that we are doing which is really delivering the integrative medicine prescription. The study is being done with stage III breast cancer patients who are at high risk for recurrence of disease. Around 50% are predicted to have a recurrence on average within 4 years. So pretty bad odds, because they have advanced disease. In the study we are providing very intensive counseling in the areas of diet, exercise and stress management. They have a behavioral counselor they work with for 12 months. And the response that these women are having anecdo-

tally to this team of women who are there to coach and counsel and to help modify their lifestyles, has been beyond expectations. And importantly, many of the women are from minority groups and underserved patients living with challenging financial means. Even with all the challenges they are facing, there has been an excellent uptake of yoga and meditation, healthful eating and increasing vegetable intake (some who had never eaten vegetables before and they are eating vegetables daily), practicing yoga with their friends and meditating with their children and husband. They are sharing this new lifestyle with their friends.

AC: But it is important to know - You don’t have to be diagnosed with cancer to start changing your life.

That’s the bottom line for me.

To read the complete interview, log on to www.localhoustonmagazine.com

Local April.qxp_002houston 3/23/15 2:15 PM Page 51

april 15 | L O C A L 51

Local April.qxp_002houston 3/23/15 2:15 PM Page 52

JEANETTE LAZAROFSKY, BS, MS, CMC NAVIGATING THE MAZE OF OLDER ADULT CARE OPTIONS

LET’S FACE IT: We all hope to be older individuals one day (unless we find ourselves in that distinctive group already). As we age, many physical and emotional life changes affect our overall level of function and well-being. It is imperative that we maintain functional independence in older adults and address the needs of our older generation in the best manner possible. The babyboomer population is aging; people are living longer. Navigating the maze of older adult care options can be overwhelming and oftentimes, emotionally draining for family members. Qualified geriatric care managers can help, advising on all aspects of the challenge of senior care and the life-changing decisions to be made.

Since 2004, JML GERIATRIC CARE CONSULTING in Houston has helped families navigate the maze of older adult care options with duediligence and finesse. At the helm of its leadership is geriatric care consultant Jeanette Lazarofsky, who boasts of over 40 years of experience in working with older adults. Armed with a master’s degree in gerontology, certification through the National Association of Professional Geriatric Care Managers, the honor of

serving as board president for the Houston Gerontological Society (HGS) for the past two years and a keen passion and commitment to work with older adults, Lazarofsky is not only well-prepared to conduct geriatric assessments, recommend care plans and coordinate varied care-giving services with area providers, but also serve as a conduit of resources to influence the younger generation to understand aging.

Per Lazarofsky, “As a teenager, I always felt connected to older adults. My commitment has always been to help provide the best quality of life and service for our aging population, so establishing JML Geriatric Care Consulting in Houston was truly a no-brainer for me. My volunteer work and board service with HGS supports my professional growth and development and that of other member colleagues serving the geriatric population by disseminating knowledge and information to like-minded professionals, who ultimately are encouraged to implement this information in their service to older adults. Our HGS members are most committed in providing and promoting educational programs throughout our communities that are focused on our aging population. We are most proud of our pilot educational program at Carnegie Vanguard High School, “The Myths and Stereotypes of Aging,” with its Advanced Placement psychology classes debuted recently, and its sociology classes slated for debut in April 2015. We anticipate implementing similar programs at other area schools, as well. In doing so, it is HGS’ desire to influence our future workforce of professionals to work with older adults in years to come.”

By Susan M. Bynam | Photography by Gabriella Nissen 52

L O C A L

| april 15

www.caring.com

Local April.qxp_002houston 3/23/15 2:15 PM Page 53

april 15 | L O C A L 53

Local April.qxp_002houston 3/23/15 2:15 PM Page 54

S P O H S L MEDICA

54

L O C A L

| april 15

ez | de Martin Valencia Nissen a ll ie

By Carla br phy by Ga Photogra

Local April.qxp_002houston 3/23/15 2:15 PM Page 55

hot forcing you to a soul food. It’s ser ved s me co be i is CDO is nourishing. Kichir R MODERN DAY wn, which in itself do w slo LONG BEFORE OU e old lik s d ice an sp oked with many shamans, healers and mung beans co e TORS, there were ric in nd d bla un or aro l icy t and sp ugh those are stil and cumin. It’s not ho wives’ ‘tales. Altho thriving cul- turmeric few a their website for a d sit fin (Vi to ” t le. ou dd some places, we set – it’s right in the mi ON N human YA y. cit ee is the best oil for in our bustling tural options used recipe for Kichiri,) Gh on ust ’s fat, Ho dy n bo tow the wn to started in do cause it’s close GINSENG CO. ce consumption be derpla un is d Th . an ars ly ye ick qu 30 d for over body to take it the ing ow and has been aroun all cre and w milk, the ancient staff carefully weigh sily. Made from co ea it nd is authentic. Trained sta les sca ry ee can be bought at s using old apotheca ver y detailed but gh is s ces ate the prescription pro ll ily wa a from is recommended da , seeds and spices re ver y easily. “It sto while pulling herbs the th the wi d in an me od quality fat ntainers. Patrons co the body needs go lined with glass co res rs. There’s because cto do se ine ball of ghee,” sha Ch big er a t oth in is nothing bu prescriptions from bra rt rk pa sha nt nk rta thi po s is the most im Chinese medicine nita. “Brain function also prepackaged Su d t.” an tha es s rri ote be ji om and ghee pr pills, dried go cartilage, placenta of body function one of possible, although if r ato nsl that “is proven to be tra er a oth e mushrooms. Tak d., Turmeric is an ing!

Blv e yth lair ver Bel 8 ti-e 916 an al sh. eaks Engli tibacterial, antifung an st be the shopkeeper sp the s DA UR VE the best value come HO US TO N AY uses it in India, but h dis ery Houston, TX 77036.

Ev e, as r ibl familia it’s an incred e probably looks while cooking it; CENTER This on st. This when used pa the in a sily. Turmeric pownit ea d Su r use owne herb and can be p ea we’ve chatted with ch ple lp with sup , ng the fumes can he full of spices, herbs can heal cuts; inhali r center has a kitchen de . nts 77027 me TX , int po ston 2 Mercer St. Hou to complement ap ugh medicinally.” 322 co ments and food a dy t or bo ee e Str l “Th . na . Drive down Ca orite prescription Food is Sunita’s fav www.houstonayurveda.com in it’s lat nd the “a of a, nit ge Su rta there is no sho inside,” shares wants to heal from Long Point Rd. and t it no at ck wh sto it ps ing sho giv are not . These herbalist IA ER RB trying hard and we YE . rtells me water. The ye t just the food, she t candles and holy needs.” But it’s no por- only herbs, bu im as lly for healing as ua eq ves is ati t we ea able to offer altern is ro “Being present when be a nit Su it.” st have impressive t and how we eat ord of warning: Mo W ll. tant as what we ea we lba offerlly rsa nta Muerte where things that are unive dedicated to La Sa ars recommends a few alt is periri ch the Ki ge for something rding to Ayurveda. are made in exchan s ancing to us all acco ing no od is go re a the is ria Martinez are no side effects, needs/wants. Yerbe one of these; there son t 80. tha 770 re TX the ston in Hou 55 Hammerly Blvd., There is nothing harm in trying it. one to check out. 101 it so d foo rm wa ic to; “It’s a people can be allerg

april 15 | L O C A L 55

Local April.qxp_002houston 3/23/15 2:15 PM Page 56

THE TEXAS MEDICAL CENTER (TMC) IS THE LARGEST MEDICAL COMPLEX IN THE WORLD – WITH OVER 106,000 EMPLOYEES, 50,000 LIFE SCIENCE STUDENTS, 160,000 VISITORS TO THE CENTER DAILY, 7.2 MILLION VISITS PER YEAR. TMC has 21 hospitals, 12 support organizations, eight academic and research institutions, six nursing programs, three public health organizations, three medical schools, two universities, two pharmacy schools and a dental school.

56

L O C A L

| april 15

by the numbers At MD Anderson, over 127,000 people sought care with more than 8,000 enrolled in clinical trials exploring innovative treatments.

MD Anderson’s cancer clinical trial program is the largest in the nation.

Since opening its doors in 1954, Texas Children's Hospital has cared for more than 1 million children from every corner of the world, with over 1.5 million patient encounters annually.

Local April.qxp_002houston 3/23/15 2:15 PM Page 57

TCH is home to the Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute (NRI), the world's first

basic science research institute dedicated to childhood neurological diseases.

TCH is one of the city’s largest employers with more than 7,000 employees.

The Women’s Hospital

was the first women’s hospital in the city 39 years ago.

The TMC takes up 1,345 acres.

25,000 babies delivered within TMC yearly.

Houston Methodist Hospital J.C. Walter Jr. Transplant Center performed a record breaking 462 transplants in 2012.

The Women’s Hospital of Texas delivers over

10,000 babies every year.

Illustration by German Arellano april 15 | L O C A L 57

Local April.qxp_002houston 3/23/15 2:15 PM Page 58

EVENT UST Mardi Gras Gala WHERE Hilton Americas Welcoming nearly 700 guests for an evening filled with dinner, dancing and live bidding, The University of St. Thomas has done it again with their 65th Mardi Gras Gala.

Honoring longtime benefactor and Houston philanthropist Charlie Thomas and his family as well as raising more than $1.1 million in support of student scholarships, this gala was definitely one to remember. Special thanks to UST President and First Lady Robert and Marianne Ivany and Mardi Gras Co-Chairs Trini, Jan and Oniel Mendenhall for hosting such a successful event!

Photography by Michael Martinez

EVENT URBN Artistry Co. Launch Party WHERE Proof Rooftop Lounge Celebrating the launch of a new company called URBN paint, HGTV design star winner Antonio Ballatore was a guest co-artist with Gino Vian, teaching the crowd how to paint with a “twist.� Local artists gathered around to show off their skills and demonstrate their exceptional talents while the audience enjoyed drinks and appetizers.

Photography by Greg Noire

58

L O C A L

| april 15

Local April.qxp_002houston 3/23/15 2:15 PM Page 59

EVENT Spring Trends WHERE Neiman Marcus Showing off the latest spring trends, guests gathered around to enjoy lite bites, champagne and shopping while getting their pictures taken next to the amazing hashtag art wall.

Photography by Last Night Pics

EVENT Hats In The Park WHERE McGovern Centennial Gardens and Cherie Flores Garden Pavilion Hundreds of guests arrived in their beautiful spring hats, sipped Prosecco, enjoyed the sights of the beautiful Centennial Garden and gathered around listening to heartwarming stories from Hermann Park Conservancy Board Chair Danny David, chairs Estela Cockrell and Denise Monteleone, honoree Kathrine McGovern and Mayor Annise Parker. For her amazing support of the Centennial Gardens project, Conservancy Executive Director Doreen Stoller presented the Garden’s namesake, Kathrine McGovern, with a tree that will be planted in the Gardens. Raising over $360,000, this was the most successful Hats in the Park event to date!

Photography by Jenny Antill Photogrphy

april 15 | L O C A L 59

Local April.qxp_002houston 3/23/15 2:15 PM Page 60

FRIENDS+NEIGHBORS

“MY IDEA OF A PERFECT SATURDAY MORNING IS GOING TO THE FARMERS MARKET. I LOVE INCORPORATING THESE VEGETABLES AND OTHER LOCALLY PRODUCED FOODS INTO MY MEAL PLAN FOR THE WEEK.”

“I’VE BEEN GARDENING SINCE I WAS A KID. I HAVE A BIG GARDEN IN MY FRONT YARD AND IT’S ABOUT TO GET BIGGER. I’M SO EXCITED TO GET THESE IN THE GROUND.”

–LAURA HAUGHN

–JOHN EYSTER

at Urban Harvest Farmers Market

at Wabash Feed and Garden Store

Photography by Hallie Keller

60

L O C A L

| april 15

Local April.qxp_002houston 3/23/15 2:15 PM Page 61

HOUSTON’S ART CAR PARADE

Established in 1988 with only 40 cars and 2,000 viewers, the ART CAR PARADE has grown enormously throughout the years. Last year 250+ vehicles and over 250,000 viewers enjoyed the parade, one of the largest free events in Houston, and the Orange Show’s largest arts education outreach program. With its new permanent date, the second weekend in April, this year will be filled with fun events from April 9–12. www.thehoustonartcarparade.com

By Ida Sameri | Photography by Morris Malakoff april 15 | L O C A L 61

Local April.qxp_002houston 3/23/15 2:15 PM Page 62

WHERE TO LIVE NOW

MONTROSE

Beautiful mansions, bungalows and cottages surround Montrose and take you back to when it was first established in 1911. From Houston’s best restaurants and unique shops, to dog parks, schools and museums, the four-square-mile area is booming with diversity every day. Whether it is spending the day in class at Lamar High School, skating at the Lee & Joe Jamail Skatepark, hiding from the bats under the Waugh Bridge or enjoying art and having a picnic at the Menil Collection, you will never be disappointed with your decision.

INSIDER

TIM MOLONEY, owner of Colossus Communications, has lived in Montrose for 25 years and gives us

the lowdown on neartown.

What do you like best about living in Montrose? I like that it’s close to everything I like to do. On a Saturday morning, I can knock out all my errands on one street or two in about an hour. And we have great trees.

What do you think could be improved? The infrastructure. Our streets are falling apart. I’m also getting a little concerned about affordable housing for the traditional creative class. Everything’s being mowed down for townhouses and luxury apartments. But, the land’s too valuable for anything else.

What are you most proud of regarding your neighborhood?

Weirdness and non-conformity are still welcomed. My heart soars at the sight of transvestites on Westheimer, as well as the live action role players in Dunlavy Park.

62

L O C A L

| april 15

Local April.qxp_002houston 3/23/15 2:15 PM Page 63

By Ida Sameri Illustration by German Arellano april 15 | L O C A L 63

Local April.qxp_002houston 3/23/15 2:15 PM Page 64

STYLE + LEISURE MYLON MYKITA eyewear is a visionary in its field using inno-

vative materials and design. A holistic business approach keeps design, innovation, and research etc., under one roof in Germany with shops in Berlin, Paris, New York, Monterrey, Cartagena, Zurich, Vienna and Tokyo as well as select opticians like Houston’s Eye Gallery. Mykita Mylon merges fashion and sport with state-of-the-art design and technology delivering durable spectacles with individual adjustability and low weight perfect for sports. Plus they just look so damn cool. Eye Gallery, 1806 Westheimer Rd. www.eyegalleryhouston.com

By Carla Valencia de Martinez | Image Courtesy of Mykita Mylon

64

L O C A L

| april 15

Local April.qxp_002houston 3/23/15 2:15 PM Page 65

NOVA SUNSHINE

april 15 | L O C A L 65

Local April.qxp_002houston 3/23/15 2:15 PM Page 66

Although technically for men, REBELS REFINERY’S SKULL LIP GLOSSES ARE JUST BADASS. While raising money and awareness for the most notable prostate cancer foundations, the brand only uses the highest-quality natural ingredients. Plus who wouldn’t love a company with a mission “to help make men look good + feel good”? www.rebelsrefinery.com

I’m in love with the entire concept of www.FeatherEagleSky.com. THE OWNER,

JESSIKA, MAKES EACH OIL BY HAND, SOURCING THE MOST ORGANIC AND FAIR TRADE PRODUCTS SHE CAN GET HER HANDS ON. She sources from friends in

the Amazon and the Shipibo Indians as well as ladies in Bulgaria and guys in Oman – her words. In her email to me she shared, “Enjoy, and I hope you take them in one exhale at a time with the deepest love for yourself and for your miracle skin. Every day is a day for ritual and ceremony with self and source. These oils come from Pachamama, the supreme in health!!” And with that I am sold.

By Carla Valencia de Martinez | Illustration by Rongrong 66

L O C A L

| april 15

Local April.qxp_002houston 3/23/15 2:15 PM Page 67

1. MY PARTNER, HALINA DODD. She is simply my

favorite human being on the planet. Halina is kind to her core, brilliant and I love how much time we spend laughing together! I may be able to do good things but Halina just is good.

SALISE SHUTTLESWORTH, a Houstonian and lawyer met with three of her like-minded friends ten years ago, to answer a question: How can we save more pets’ lives? Together, the three founded Friends For Life, a highly effective alternative to traditional animal sheltering. Frankly stated, the FFL No Kill shelter saves animals that would be euthanized in others. They entered into the first-ever public-private partnership with the City of Houston by offering free spaying and neutering through its “Fix Houston” program. The Don Sanders Adoption Center, 107 E. 22nd, Houston, Texas 77008

2. FERRETS. Ferrets are smart, joyful creatures that live relatively short lives but they pack a lot in! They are daily reminders that we really can choose to approach life as a source of fun and curiosity.

3. FRIENDS FOR LIFE. I have the

most wonderful job in the world. I get to lead an organization creating revolutionary change for animals in Houston and work with the finest team in the business. www.adoptfriends4life.org

april 15 | L O C A L 67

Local April.qxp_002houston 3/23/15 2:15 PM Page 68

FAT FINDS

YOU GO, GIRL (EMPOWERING WOMEN) - by Marzi Petris

Since being founded in 2011, Piece and Co. has been providing employment for female artisans in over 30 countries to help end global poverty. This spring, Nordstrom and Piece & Co. collaborated on a capsule collection that connects style with global impact. Top brands like Alice + Olivia, Current/Elliot, DVF, Joie, Rebecca Minkoff, Theory, The Honest Company and Tory Burch worked closely together with Piece & Co. to source handmade materials and fabrics from these artisans to then incorporate into their pieces. The collection is available now at select Nordstrom stores and online, and one of those select stores is in The Woodlands! Here are a few of my favorite pieces from the collection.

Read more about the collection at www.nordstrom.com/pieceandco.

Global designer and humanitarian Chan Luu scours the globe for handmade products made by women in developing communities. On Mother’s Day weekend (May 7–9) she is bringing these finds to J.Landa for a first-ever Chan Luu Bazaar pop-up shop. Think colorful scarves, cool summer bags – even a selection of chic home goods. Plus there’s a personal appearance on May 7. So stop by, load up on some goods and feel good that not only are you helping empower women all over the world, but a portion of the proceeds of that weekend will be donated to Dress for Success.

2412 Rice Boulevard | www.jaylanda.com

68

L O C A L

| april 15

Local April.qxp_002houston 3/23/15 2:15 PM Page 69

april 15 | L O C A L 69

Local April.qxp_002houston 3/23/15 2:15 PM Page 70

DESTINATION

NAMIBIA GERMAN-STYLE CASTLES, DESERT-ADAPTED LIONS AND GIANT SAND DUNES NAMED “BIG DADDY”?

FORGET WHAT YOU MIGHT KNOW OF SOUTHERN AFRICA, NAMIBIA IS A WORLD OF ITS OWN.

"BIG DADDY" DUNE IN SOSSUSVLEI

I 70

F YOU’RE LOOKING FOR THE QUINTESSENTIAL SAFARI EXPERIENCE, YOU HAVE TO HEAD TO EAST OR SOUTH-CENTRAL AFRICA. COUNTRIES LIKE KENYA, TANZANIA, ZAMBIA AND BOTSWANA ARE WHERE YOU’LL FIND THOSE SWEEPING, LUSH SAVANNAHS, AND SPY THOSE LARGE, DIVERSE HERDS. BUT IN RECENT YEARS, WHILE VISITING THOSE COUNTRIES, I KEPT HEARING ABOUT A MAGICAL PLACE ALONG THE CONTINENT’S SOUTHWEST COAST, WHERE INSTEAD OF WILDLIFE, THE MAIN ATTRACTION WAS NATURE ITSELF – THINK EPIC SAND DUNES, PREHISTORIC TERRAINS AND A SHORELINE SO DRAMATIC AND TEMPERAMENTAL, IT’S KNOWN AS THE SKELETON COAST.

With the help of travel specialists ASIA TO AFRICA (see sidebar), I set out to explore Namibia, an increasingly popular destination that’s drawing nature lovers, photographers and travelers with an adventurous spirit. Here are three favorite spots:

faux-European castle on a hill, with the best views of the region and an extensive wine cellar. The newer, boutique Olive Exclusive has a more modern style, with sleek suites, lush grounds and a gourmet restaurant. www.theolive-namibia.com

WINDHOEK: Though most visitors use Namibia’s capital as just a flight gateway, it’s worth adding on a couple days to explore this unique, laidback city, where you’ll find an interesting mix of German, British, South African influences, and a diverse population of Namibians from all over the country. (There aren’t many African cities where you’ll still hear German spoken!) Your Asia to Africa specialist can set up a day tour to the town center, where you’ll see the early-1900’s Ink Palace, beautiful Parliament Gardens, gothic revival-style Lutheran cathedral and lots of German colonial touches.

Then take a drive around some of the historic residential neighborhoods, as well as the townships, where you might be able to visit a home and chat with locals. STAY: Hotel Heinitzburg (www.heinitzburg.com) ranks high for the sheer quirk factor – it’s in a

SOSSUSVLEI: This region is why most people come to Namibia. Located in the southern part of the Namib Desert, Sossusvlei (which loosely translates to “dead-end marsh”) is a vast salt and clay pan ringed by towering sand dunes. The landscape here is the main attraction, and there is a dune suitable for every type of traveler: Dune 45’s interesting shape makes it a favorite of photographers and easier to climb, while Big Daddy is the highest dune, and a popular one to trek up – and then run down.

Though not a dune, the ancient, dried-up oasis called Deadvlei is a must-see for its surreal, stark landscape dotted with twisted trees. In addition to visiting the dunes, top area activities include canyon walks, quad biking and stargazing. STAY: Wilderness Safari’s Little Kulala, set in a private reserve at the gateway to the dune park, has 11

L O C A L

| april 15

Local April.qxp_002houston 3/23/15 2:15 PM Page 71

CAMP: LITTLE KULALA, POOL DECK

CAMP: LITTLE KULALA

comfy tented suites outfitted with things like indoor/outdoor showers, plunge pools and rooftop “star beds” for sleeping al fresco. The lodge’s contemporary style and chef-prepared meals make it the most upscale option in the area. www.wilderness-safaris.com/camps/little-kulala SKELETON COAST: Intense currents, dense fog and relentless waves have earned Namibia’s Atlantic Ocean

shoreline many nicknames, including Skeleton Coast – a reference to the whale and seal bones that wash ashore, as well as the area’s many shipwrecks and missing planes. Today, a small Wilderness Air plane whisks guests up to tented camps in the beautiful, almost prehistoric Skeleton Coast National Park and Palmwag Concession areas, from where you can do game drives to try and spot elusive desert-adapted lions and ele-

CAMP: HOANIB, LOUNGE AREA

phants, take a guided walk through the unique landscape and take day trips to the infamous coast. STAY: Opened in late 2014, Hoanib’s eight modern suites and chic lounges look out over the moon-like landscape, keeping nature center-stage. This is also one of the few lodges to have its own small plane, making it easier to explore the coast. www.wilderness-safaris.com/camps/hoanib-skeleton-coast

by Sandra Ramani Photos courtesy of www.PhotoSafari-Africa.com

ASIA TO AFRICA Four former bankers-turned-Afrophiles first founded travel planning company Asia to Africa to help connect Asian travelers to the right African safari experiences. Since then, they’ve expanded to service clients from all over the world, who turn to them for their expert knowledge (they visit and vet every camp and experience they recommend) and their personal attention. Based on your interests, budget, time and activity level, they’ll put together the perfect itinerary for your needs – and take care of all the details on the ground. www.atoasafaris.com/us GERMAN PASSENGER LINER EDUARD BOHLEN SHIPWRECK – SKELETON COAST

HOANIB DESERT OASIS

april 15 | L O C A L 71

Local April.qxp_002houston 3/23/15 2:15 PM Page 72

TOOLS+GADGETS

MD BRUSH

RAY SUPER REMOTE

So I was pleased to use a creation from a Pearland hygienist that uses no battery but rather ingenuity. The MD Brush has a head that is offset from the handle by a 45° angle. The ergonomically shaped handle fits securely in a user’s hand to better perform the Bass Method – a back and forth motion with the bristles tilted toward the gums at a 45° angle.

Inventor Michael Davidson has received national acclaim with the MD Brush, with online distribution and in-store sales to come soon. Six brushes can be purchased for $50, and with no battery to charge that is something to bring a smile to your face. www.mdbrush.com

This multifaceted device can control most everything in your home theater, with a sleek design that looks and feels like a smartphone. Its color touchscreen shows what is available, has tactile keys on the side for volume and mute, and even a sleep/wake button.

There are all sorts of futuristic universal remotes on the market today. Some are confusing to use while others are large and cumbersome (though hard to lose between the couch cushions). The soonto-be-released Ray Super Remote is none of those things.

Brushing your teeth is not that sexy but there are several electric toothbrushes on the market that claim to make that duty easier. These batteryoperated devices are not cheap and include bells-and-whistles like Bluetooth connectivity to monitor your brushing via an app. Cleaning your teeth should not be that difficult.

The Ray remote makes watching live TV easy by pulling up local programming information and allowing for search by channel or by specific content, using a pop-up keypad.

The remote links to your WiFi network for easy setup, and utilizes Bluetooth and Infrared to work with devices both old and new. It can be used with over 1,200 brands and 200,000 devices. $199 www.ray.com

TECHXAR SELFIE LIGHT

Michael Garfield is known as “The High-Tech Texan®.” His radio program airs on KPRC and iHeartRadio every Saturday 11am–1pm. See the full review of these products at www.hightechtexan.com and follow him at @hightechtexan.

72

L O C A L

| april 15

Selfie photos can be identified quickly as they are generally not as well lit as they should be.

Quite simply because those front-facing cameras on smart phones don’t have a front-facing flash. Instead of waiting for Apple® or Samsung® to create that feature, a company called Techxar has just the solution.

This accessory slips on the bottom of your phone and shines a bright light for better photos and videos.

The 250 lumen light is brightness adjustable and has a 200mAh battery to charge your phone when attached.

Techxar models come in various sizes to fit the most recent iPhones® and Android™ phones including Samsung, LG, Motorola and Nokia. $79 | www.techxar.com

Local April.qxp_002houston 3/23/15 2:15 PM Page 73

MENTERTAINMENT

SPRING RE-CHARGE

CHANCES ARE YOUR RESOLUTIONS (REMEMBER THOSE BACK IN JANUARY?) MIGHT HAVE FALLEN SHORT BUT SPRING CLEANING SHOULD BE JUST WHAT IS NEEDED TO “SPRING” YOU BACK ON TRACK INTO LIVING CLEANER, SMARTER AND MORE STYLISHLY. ©

The Stylish Life - Football, to be published by teNeues in March 2015, www.teneues.com. Photo © picture alliance/AP Images

Need an update on your wardrobe? I often encourage guys to take style inspiration from actors who successfully pull off timeless and polished looks (as opposed to athletes who tend to go more towards the trendy and flashy side of fashion).

However, there are exceptions when it comes to soccer players. The series of books, The Stylish Life, is a great example and has devoted a volume to style in the world of soccer. Inside FOOTBALL, SOCCER AND LIFESTYLE COLLIDE. Prepare to be inspired by fashion, hair styles, tattoos, architecture (stadiums and villas) and highprofile personalities. www.teneues.com/shop-us

Ursa Major of Vermont wants to help you minimize exposure to synthetic chemicals with skin care solutions that are a pleasure to use as an alternative to the bland products that pervade the market. They provide a TSAapproved version of their simple, effective skin care regimen. It’s an easy way to get to know their product or to restock your travel kit. www.ursamajorvt.com

Our scalp sometimes needs a lot more help than just shampoo and conditioner, especially when you start noticing thinning and hair loss. Kevin Murphy’s THICK.AGAIN has citrus flavonoids, ginger root nettle and parsley extracts to thicken hair and prevent breakage with oleanic acid to fortify and strengthen hair at the root.

Available at David Michael Salon, 1807 West Gray St.

Izola Laundry bags are constructed from a heavyduty cotton/poly canvas that manages heavy loads with reinforced, adjustable shoulder strap for easy handling.

The bag doubles as a gym bag, boat tote or everyday duffel.

Available at Montrose Shop, 1723 Westheimer Road. www.montroseshop.com

By Vico Puentes | Photography by Collin Kelly

april 15 | L O C A L 73

Local April.qxp_002houston 3/23/15 2:15 PM Page 74

LOCALGRAM Check out this month’s round of top pics from fellow Houstonians via Instagram.

Make sure to share your Houston adventures with us using #DoLocal2015 for a chance to win an awesome giveaway!!

74

@iseenit_rubens A view from above the mount.

@juliog_photo Try and fail but don’t fail to try.

@d.torresphotography Saturday Vibes.

@yorshgod Gonna do a rodeo series on my photography account.

@drick_pics17 My hometown team in my new city.

@don.lee_ It’s Monday...Start fresh.

@frankmajorpain Happy St. Patrick’s Day!

@ernie_driver Blue skies.

@wvtrmrk I’m backkkkkkk.

L O C A L

| april 15

Local April.qxp_002houston 3/23/15 2:16 PM Page 75

Local April.qxp_002houston 3/23/15 2:16 PM Page 76