LOCAL JANUARY 2015

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LOCAL HOUSTON MAGAZINE

JANUARY 2015

JANUARY 2015 - volume 1 7 - issue 193

A to Z

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1. BBVA COMPASS STADIUM 2. CITYCENTRE 3. DAVID ADICKES SCULPTURES 4. DISCOVERY GREEN 5. DOWNTOWN 6. GALLERIA 7. GEORGE BUSH INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT 8. GLENWOOD CEMETERY 9. HERMANN PARK 10. HIGHLAND VILLAGE 11. HOBBY AIRPORT 12. HOUSTON ARBORETUM & NATURE CENTER 13. HOUSTON MOTOR PARK 14. HOUSTON ZOO 15. KATY MILLS 16. KEMAH 17. LEE AND JOE JAMAIL SKATEPARK 18. MEMORIAL CITY 19. MEMORIAL PARK 20. MILLER OUTDOOR THEATRE 21. MINUTE MAID PARK 22. MUSEUM DISTRICT

CITY MAP

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

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NRG STADIUM RICE VILLAGE SAM HOUSTON RACE PARK SPACE CENTER HOUSTON SUGAR LAND THEATER DISTRICT

3. DAVID ADICKES

SCULPTURES

ALLEY THEATRE, BAYOU PLACE, HOBBY CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS, JONES HALL FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS, WORTHAM CENTER

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THE MENIL COLLECTION THE WOODLANDS TOYOTA CENTER UPTOWN PARK

HIS ENORMOUS STATUES OF MOMENTOUS FIGURES HAVE BECOME A TOURIST ATTRACTION ALL AROUND THE UNITED STATES. FROM THE VIRTUOSO, A 36-FOOT-TALL CONCRETE STATUE OF A CELLIST, TO BIG SAM IN HUNSTVILLE, DAVID ADICKES’ STATUES TRULY ARE A WORK, OF ART. IF YOU HAVEN’T GOTTEN A CHANCE TO TAKE A LOOK AT HIS WORK MAKE SURE TO CHECK OUT THE US PRESIDENTS OR THE BEATLES AT 2500 SUMMER STREET, HOUSTON, TEXAS 77007.

TAKING PICTURES NEXT TO A 36 FEET TALL /7,000 POUND JOHN LENNON REALLY IS A MUST-DO!

Illustration by Sebastian Gomez de la Torre

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LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

BEHIND THE COVER

I

always look at the new year as a blank canvas. A brand-new, empty calendar for me to start anew. A clean slate and another chance to fulfill my dreams, be a better version of me. And now you are holding a better version of us in your hands.

Peter Molick’s piece on our cover is one from

We are now Local, a name that truly embraces who we are and what we have been doing for the past 16 years. We have loved this city since day one and have nurtured its food scene, the arts, our community and its culture. We take pride in what we do and love to share it with you. We are bursting with local talent, from the names you recognize to the ones you’ve never seen because they are unknown.

For this inaugural issue we share Houston A to Z, an A to Z guide of discoveries in town from food, people, art, medicine, music fashion and more. We can’t stop staring at our cover which is a piece by local photographer Peter Molick from his highly anticipated exhibit Houston Crossings slated to open in spring 2015.

We look forward to sharing more gems, hidden secrets, things known and unknown with you in 2015. Thank you for being a part of our journey, and I hope you invite us on yours.

Happy New Year!

Carla Valencia de Martinéz Editor-in-Chief

Photography by Gabriella Nissen | Makeup by Hendrika McManus at Chanel for Neiman Marcus

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his series called Houston Crossings. The aerial photography is shot using drones to capture one-of-a-kind views of the city’s crossings.

There is something meditative and mesmerizing about the bird’s-eye-views he captures.

Follow his social media feeds for information regarding the exhibits opening in the spring.

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JANUARY 2015 FEATURES

WHO’S WHO PUBLISHER + FOUNDER alejandro martinéz | ext 2 | alex@localhoustonmagazine.com

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EDITOR-IN-CHIEF carla valencia de martinéz | ext 3 | carla@localhoustonmagazine.com

04 city map 06 letter from the editor | behind the cover 08 features + who’s who 10 locally grown 12 calendar

COPY EDITOR victoria bartlett CREATIVE DIRECTOR gabriella nissen | gabriella@localhoustonmagazine.com ART DIRECTOR alex rosa

14 FOOD happy hens 16 open 18 the whimsical & steak + lobster 20 good eats

SOCIAL MEDIA DIRECTOR batli joselevitz | ext 9 | batli@localhoustonmagazine.com

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CONTRIBUTING WRITERS michael cook, marzi fatemizadeh, sarah gish, jeff lane, nadia michel, mai pham, vico puentes, sandra ramani, lance scott walker, scott ward

22 ARTS rené garza 24 must see exhibits 26 gish at the movies: favorite flicks 28 fresh arts 30 recording: dj stylez

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rocco, the office "gato"

ASSOCIATE EDITOR ida sameri | ext 8 | ida@localhoustonmagazine.com

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS johnny than, max burkhalter, kennon evett, sarah miller, gabriella nissen, daniel ortiz, anthony rathbun, julie soefer, bob levery, priscilla dickerson, collin kelly, chinh phan, kenny haner, sam frost, marisa brodie, josh welch, melissa eason, mai pham, claire mcadams, peter beste, www.lastnightpics.com CONTRIBUTING ILLUSTRATOR sebastian gomez de la torre

32 COMMUNITY houston a – z 56 friends + neighbors 58 trevor ariza 60 scene

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 281.450.4895 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

64 STYLE + LEISURE edit + focus 66 things we love 68 mentertainment 70 tools 72 localgrams

INTERN german arellano 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 NODO Magazine L.L.C. 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.

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VOLUME 17 ISSUE 193

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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

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“THERE WAS GOING TO BE A BILLION DOLLAR INVESTMENT IN DOWNTOWN, SO THE MAGAZINE SEEMED LIKE A GOOD IDEA.”

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LOCALLY GROWN

A STORY 16 YEARS IN THE MAKING

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s 002HOUSTON MAGAZINE, 16 years after its founding, transitions into LOCAL HOUSTON, it was time to get the story behind the name change. As the magazine’s former Arts and Entertainment Editor and resident Wise Guy, I’d been along for much of the ride.

However, it wasn’t until I sat down with founder and publisher ALEJANDRO MARTINEZ and Editor-inChief CARLA VALENCIA, that I realized what a gem we have in this locally written, locally shot, locally produced and locally supported publication.

TM: Alex, what were you thinking when you and your partners started the magazine?

Weren’t there already enough magazines?

AM: I wasn’t really thinking. Actually, Chef Arturo Boada was opening Solero back then and I was helping with the graphics. He asked me to create a newsletter for downtown because things were starting to happen and so many projects were being planned…the light rail, the new hotels, the sports facilities. There was going to be a billion dollar investment in downtown, so the magazine seemed like a good idea.

TM: How did you find writers and people to work on it?

AM: Our first writers were students from the University of St. Thomas. We put notices on a board outside their student center. Remember, this was pre-Craigslist or Facebook. It was an actual bulletin board.

TM: And then over time, you got the best local writers and photographers working with you…

CV: We have worked with so many great people, and watched many of them develop careers.

Sarah Gish was our first “name” writer, and then Monique Kursar, Laurann Claridge, Lance Walker, Jeff Lane, Jeff Shell, Michael Garfield and Nadia Michel. And photographers….Ricardo Merendoni shot every cover for the first year; we’ve worked with Kennon Evett, Jack Potts, Kim Coffman, Anthony Rathbun, Jaime Lagdameo, Cody Bess, Gabriella Nissen, Colin Kelly, Pam Francis, Sofia Van Der Dys and Daniel Ortiz. And we’ve had awesome interns too; one of them, Evan Wetmore, is now the editor of Houston Modern Luxury!

TM: At what point did you start covering other parts of the city besides the 77002 ZIP code?

AM: Right at the end of the first year. We ran out of stories about downtown.

TM: What makes you different from other magazines in Houston?

CV: I think with this new name, it totally captures what we are. WE ARE COMPLETELY LOCAL. We use local talent, cultivate local talent. Everything we produce, we do it right here. We’re not shooting fashion spreads in New York or Chicago or Dallas or Miami. It all happens in Houston with Houston talent. And I think we support our local advertisers a lot better than most.

TM: So what should the Local Houston reader expect to see in the new magazine?

CV: It’s a total redesign, and a more curated approach to editorial. Instead of featuring 10 products, we’ll focus on the four best and tell you why. The same with restaurants – we’re not going to do tons of listings anymore. If you want to see listings, they’ll be online, but they won’t be in the printed book. We will instead focus on the best of the best each month. That doesn’t mean the most expensive or exclusive either. It just means what suits our local readers. We’re a guide to the city; we always have been. Now it’s just an easier, cleaner read and a sharper viewpoint.

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CALENDAR SUNDAY

MONDAY

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

TO PURCHASE TICKETS, PLEASE CONTACT

JANUARY 4

Jones Hall Shen Yun Performing Arts 2pm

ALLEY THEATRE alleytheatre.org BAYOU MUSIC CENTER bayoumusiccenter.com CYNTHIA WOODS MITCHELL PAVILION woodlandscenter.org DISCOVERY GREEN discoverygreen.com HOBBY 713.315.2525 thehobbycenter.org

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Jones Hall Shen Yun Performing Arts 7:30pm Discovery Green Jazz on Ice 7–9pm

HOUSE OF BLUES hob.com JONES HALL 713.227.3974 houstonfirsttheaters.com MAIN STREET THEATER 713.524.6706 mainstreettheater.com MILLER OUTDOOR THEATRE 832.487.7127 milleroutdoortheatre.com

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THURSDAY

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Jones Hall Shen Yun Performing Arts 2 & 7pm

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Discovery Green Hot Nights on Ice 7–10pm

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Toyota Center Houston Rockets vs.

Oklahoma City Thunder 7pm

NRG STADIUM reliantpark.com TOYOTA CENTER 1.866.4HOU.TIX toyotacentertix.com WORTHAM CENTER 713.237.1439 houstonfirsttheaters.com THEATRE SUBURBIA www.theatresuburbia.org

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Jones Hall Shen Yun Performing Arts 7:30pm Discovery Green Two Step Tuesdays 6–10pm

Jones Hall Shen Yun Performing Arts 7:30pm House of Blues Clutch with Guests: Torche and Lionize Discovery Green Latin Night on Ice 6–10pm

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

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Discovery Green Cheap Skate Night 4–10pm

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Toyota Center WWE Live 5pm Jones Hall Houston Symphony: Mozart and Shostakovich 2:30pm House of Blues Rebelution 7pm NRG Center International Gem & Jewelry Show 11am–5pm

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Toyota Center Houston Rockets vs.

Indiana Pacers 4:30pm

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Hobby The Book of Mormon 7:30pm

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Hobby The Book of Mormon 7:30pm NRG Center Houston Auto Show 12–9:30pm

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Hobby The Book of Mormon 7:30pm

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Hobby The Book of Mormon 2 & 7:30pm | Waiting for Johnny Depp 3pm Jones Hall HS: Mozart’s Abduction 2:30pm Wortham Center HGO: Madame Butterfly 2pm NRG Center Auto Show 10am–7pm | Harlem Globetrotters 2pm

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Bayou Music Center Engelbert Humperdinck 8:30pm

Toyota Center Houston Rockets vs.

Dallas Mavericks 7pm Hobby The Book of Mormon 7:30pm Wortham Center HGO: Madame Butterfly 7:30pm

Hobby The Book of Mormon 7:30pm | Waiting for Johnny Depp 7:30pm NRG Center Auto Show 12–9:30pm

Hobby The Book of Mormon 7:30pm | Waiting for Johnny Depp 7:30pm House of Blues Cannibal Corpse and Behemoth with special guests Bayou Music Center Dancing with the Stars 8pm

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

WWW.HOUSTONTHEATERDISTRICT.ORG FRIDAY

SATURDAY

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Jones Hall Shen Yun Performing Arts 2 & 7:30pm House of Blues Mysterious Ways 7pm | Strangelove 7:30pm Toyota Center Houston Rockets vs. Miami Heat 7pm

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Jones Hall Shen Yun Performing Arts 7:30pm House of Blues Appetite for Destruction 7pm | KissAlike – A Tribute to KISS 7pm Discovery Green Bank of America Friday Night Flicks: Where The Wild Things Are 7:30–9:30pm

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Jones Hall SPA: Diavolo—Architecture in Motion 8pm House of Blues Chippendales 2015 Get Lucky Tour!

8pm | Myrna Sanders 8pm Discovery Green Bank of America Friday Night Flicks: Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory 7:30–9:30pm

Toyota Center Houston Rockets vs. Utah Jazz 7pm Hobby Myths & Legends 7:30pm Jones Hall SPA: Hot Box Girls 7 & 9:30pm Bayou Music Center Rodney Carrington 7pm

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House of Blues Luke Wade 7pm NRG Center International Gem & Jewelry Show 12–6pm Discovery Green Houston Marathon/We are Houston RunFest | Bank of America Friday Night Flicks: March of the Penguins 7:30–9:30pm

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Toyota Center Houston Rockets vs.

Golden State Warriors 7pm Jones Hall Houston Symphony: Mozart and Shostakovich 8pm NRG Center International Gem & Jewelry Show 10am–6pm

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Hobby The Book of Mormon 8pm | Waiting for Johnny Depp 8pm Jones Hall Houston Symphony: Mozart’s Abduction 8pm Wortham Center Houston Grand Opera: Madame Butterfly 7:30pm | SPA: Amadeus Leopold, Violin 8pm House of Blues Led Zeppelin 2 8pm Bayou Music Center Brian Regan 8pm NRG Center Auto Show 12–9:30pm | Harlem Globetrotters 7–9pm

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Hobby The Book of Mormon 8pm | Waiting for Johnny Depp 8pm Jones Hall HS: Sutton Foster 8pm Bayou Music Center Seether and Papa Roach 8pm Discovery Green Bank of America Friday Night Flicks: Oz the Great and Powerful 7:30–9:30pm Wortham Center HGO: The Magic Flute 7:30pm | Houston Ballet: Love Lies Bleeding 8pm

Hobby The Book of Mormon 2 & 8pm | Waiting for Johnny Depp 3 & 8:30pm Jones Hall HS: Bill Cosby—Far from Finished 7:30pm Wortham Center Da Camera: The Romeros Guitar Quartet 8pm House of Blues Badfish, a Tribute to SUBLIME – 40oz to Freedom Tour 7pm Bayou Music Center The Fab Four 8pm NRG Center Auto Show 10am–9:30pm | Harlem Globetrotters 2 & 7pm Hobby The Book of Mormon 2 & 8pm | Waiting for Johnny Depp 3 & 8:30pm Jones Hall HS: Sutton Foster 8pm Wortham Center HGO: Madame Butterfly 7:30pm House of Blues Big Head Todd and the Monsters 8pm NRG Center Houston Wedding Showcase 10am–5pm

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FOOD HAPPY HENS

We don’t know about you, but the thought of eating eggs from the happiest hens in the whole wide world really appeals to us. Lucky for us, we don’t have to go far. VITAL FARMS started out in Austin selling to farmer’s markets until Whole Foods discovered them and now they partner with 52 small family farms in six states offering a range of eggs. We found their Alfresco Eggs at our neighborhood Kroger and the super-cute, chalkboard-like, colorful packaging convinced us to shell out the $5 for these happy eggs. Turns out they taste as good as they look. Vital Farms sources the very best antibiotic-free, vegetarian feed they can find for these hens, and although these aren’t USDA Certified Organic, they contain all the benefits of a pasture-raised lifestyle. This egg-centric lifestyle offered to their hens (or girls as the Vital Farms people like to call them) starts with healthy, green, organic pastures. Sunlight and fresh air, just doing daily chicken things. Hence the happy hens. www.vitalfarms.com

by Carla Valencia de Martinez Photography by Gabriella Nissen

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OPEN MUSEUM PARK CAFE

Photography by Julie Soefer

EXECUTIVE CHEF: JUSTIN BASYE www.museumparkcafe.com 1801 Binz Mon – Thurs: 5 –10pm; Fri – Sat: 5:30 –11pm 713.520.0108 CUISINE: New American

Photography by Kenny Haner

James Beard-nominated chef Justin Basye is back in the saddle after serving in a corporate capacity with Pappas after garnering high praise in the days of Stella Sola, and before that at Voice (inside Hotel Icon).

In the contemporary “Parc Binz” building that also hosts Bosta Coffee & Wine and Korean fried chicken spot, Dak & Bop, the café opened around the same Scallion and Cheddar Biscuits For dinner, housemade pastas are a must, like the exquitime as Bistro Menil, causing a bit of “museum restausite gnocchi with roasted mushrooms and a hit of acidic rant” confusion. Located across and down Binz from heat from pickled chiles balanced by wild arugula.

The Children’s Museum, Museum Park Café might be Protein options do not disappoint, either – consider the Black Hills Ranch a bit off the beaten path, but you do not want to miss this cuisine. pork roast, served with creamy polenta, roasted winter veggies and toastA fun happy hour menu from 5–7 weekdays features half-price small plates ed walnuts. like the insanely delicious scallion and cheddar biscuits topped with salumi Pastry Chef wiz Chris Leung is the icing on the cake (so to speak) with his caramel for just $4, and the “blue label” burger made with a proprietary innovative, scrumptious desserts. I’m currently obsessed with his mascarhouse grind, aged cheddar and duck fat fries is a steal for $10. Oh, and pone semifreddo. Mmm. the $6 cocktails are fabulous, too.

MASCALZONE OWNER: FORMER ITALIAN OLYMPIC BOXER ANDREA MAGI www.ilmascalzone.com 12126 Westheimer and 1550 Shepherd HOURS: Varies by location – see website Cuisine: Italian Choosing Houston as the first U.S. outpost for his wildly successful concept in London, boxer Andrea Magi was impressed by H-Town’s growing international community and adventurous palate, with plans to open a total of five Houston locations within the next year.

The word “mascalzone” refers to a concoction that is a half-pizza, halfcalzone (of course!). But the mascalzone is just one of many offerings at this joint with the somewhat hard-to-remember name. The thing is, you might want to retain it because the pizza here can be seriously good.

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.

There are myriad pizza offerings on the menu including plenty of

Mascalzone

vegetarian options. In fact, the menu is huge overall, with so many pizza, pasta and entrée options (chicken, sea bass, beef!), it’s somewhat overwhelming.

I say focus on the pizza and enjoy the beautiful simplicity of the “Funghi” with its light, just tangy-enough tomato base topped with fresh mushrooms and mozzarella or the “prosciutto e salame.” All pizzas can be ordered gluten-free. I strongly believe we need more good pizza in this town.

Hopefully the Shepherd location will allow more to enjoy what the west side has been enjoying for several months.

JODIE EISENHARDT is a freelance food writer based in Houston writing for local online and print media, including CultureMap and My Table magazine as well as LOCAL magazine. Jodie’s motto is “never waste a meal.” She travels widely in pursuit of notable cuisine and live music and finds bliss when a trip incorporates the best of both. Follow Jodie @foodiehouston.

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Andrea Magi

Photography by Jodie Eisenhardt

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MAIN KITCHEN EXECUTIVE CHEF: ERIN SMITH www.mainkitchenhouston.com 806 Main St. Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Daily 713.237.1111 Cuisine: Globally inspired, seasonal

Charred Green Beans

Chef Erin Smith is a hometown girl who received a biology degree, then graduated at the top of her class at the California Culinary Academy in San Fran before working with the likes of Thomas Keller and Mario Batali in NYC. Her return to Houston in 2010 found her at the helm of Plonk in Garden Oaks, then as Culinary Director for The Clumsy Butcher group (her biscuits still reign supreme at Blacksmith). All this before the age of thirty.

At the new JW Marriott downtown’s Main Kitchen, Smith aims to change Houston’s attitude about hotel dining with her keen execution of seasonal fare, working passionately with local purveyors. The menu is straightforward – not the least bit uppity – with attention focused on quality and bright flavors resulting in unexpected twists on otherwise familiar dishes in the industrial chic dining room, open to the “806” lounge/bar.

Don’t miss the superb pizza with “sausage ragu,” kale, pickled red peppers and chili flakes; the charred green beans with togarashi (a Japanese mixedpepper spice), red peppers and toasted almonds and the Guajillo-spiced short rib tacos.

Smith has also been smart in choosing staff to complement her style, including the acquisition of the very talented Sharon Gofreed, formerly of Uchi, as pastry chef. Herbs, spices and savory elements result in damn delicious desserts … like you needed another reason to go. january 15 | L O C A L 17

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PERFECT PAIRS SOME PAIRS JUST CAN’T BE TOPPED. Take steak and lobster, for example. Put these two indulgences on a plate (especially stacked) and just about everyone is happy. But why stop there? How about a pair? Out is the old pairing of a bold, deep red cabernet or a glass of champagne with the classic that is surf ’n turf. In is the gin-based signature cocktail, “The Whimsical,” elegantly paired with the surf ’n turf from Houston’s most whimsical steakhouse, Mr. Peeples.

Surely you have heard of Mr. Peeples. In the event that you somehow haven’t, you’ve probably seen it if you have been near Midtown lately.

THE BRIGHT LIGHTS, THE UMBRELLAS AND OPEN FLAMES ON THAT PATIO JUST OUTSIDE OF DOWNTOWN CALLING FOR YOUR ATTENTION, THAT’S MR. PEEPLES. Inside the lights and bold colors, graffiti, chandeliers, dj booth … it’s like a fantasy land in here. But the fantasy is just for looks; reality is it’s actually an awesome restaurant. Great news – we have it on good authority a revamped menu will be out soon, and be on the lookout for brunch returning in January. Word to the wise, don’t forget they have a dress code!

By Mike Cook | Photography by Kennon Evett

What a pair. Look at that picture. The Whimsical, in its beautiful liquid form, is a heck of a good drink.

Bombay Sapphire Gin, St. Germain liqueur (elderflower) and Domaine de Canton liqueur (ginger) finished with champagne and a twist! A few of these will get you hammered, but one or two? Enjoy! The bite of the gin and the Canton liqueur bring out the exceptional flavor of the bone-in (yes, bone-in), certified Angus, prime filet. And wouldn’t you know it, it complements the sweet distinct taste of the lobster too.

Gin and steak have been paired for years – remember those Mad Men lunches? Let’s bring those back.

THE BITE OF THE GIN AND THE CANTON LIQUEUR BRING OUT THE EXCEPTIONAL FLAVOR OF THE BONE-IN (YES, BONE-IN), CERTIFIED ANGUS, PRIME FILET. AND WOULDN’T YOU KNOW IT, IT COMPLEMENTS THE SWEET DISTINCT TASTE OF THE LOBSTER TOO.

“THE WHIMSICAL” & STEAK+LOBSTER Mr. Peeples | 1911 Bagby St., Houston, TX 77002 | 713.652.0711 | www.mrpeeples.com

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LOCAL RESTAURANT LISTINGS

Ponzu Crab

TABLE $$$$ Contemporary American | 1800 Post Oak Blvd. Ste. 6110 713.429.1000 | www.tablerestaurants.com The menu, created by newly minted Executive Chef Manuel Pucha, is the kind that you can revisit again and again. His signature dish, for instance, is something you won’t find anywhere else in the city: A salad of lump crab in a sauce of creamy ponzu sauce. the “Ponzu crab” is a sensory delight. Tufts of white crabmeat are plated in vertical chunks within a shallow bowl, so that you scoop each piece up with a spoon.

With avocado, jalapeno and cherry tomatoes, each bite is tangy and fragrant, with contrasting textures.

“It combines French technique with Asian flavors and ingredients from my Latin heritage,” says Pucha.

–Mai Pham “I’ve been dreaming about this menu all my life.”

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, –Jodi Eisenhardt basil leaves and vinegar reduction.

BISTRO MENIL $$$ European Café | 1513 West Alabama Street | 713.784.4600 | www.bistromenil.com The menu is full of deliciousness. There’s a little bit of something for everyone, and the choices are just delightful. Get the lightly battered eggplant fries, their outer shell crisp like tempura, or the Spanishinspired, wood-fired pizza topped with jamon, manchego and slightly –Mai Pham spicy brava sauce.

CARACOL $$$$ Mexican Coastal Seafood | 220 Post Oak Blvd. | 713.622.9996 | www.caracol.net I ordered the Gran Especial margarita, Gusanos and Tostada 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 initial 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

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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 –Mai Pham sweet, but definitely worth the calorie splurge.

DREXEL HOUSE & WINE BAR $$ American | 3974 Westheimer Rd. | 713.960.0501 | www.drexel-house.com Looking for the perfect quaint spot to enjoy a delicious meal over a glass of wine? Then look no further. Conveniently located in Highland Village, Drexel House has a very relaxed and chic atmosphere. With its great wine selection and diverse (yet well-executed) menu, it is already –Dominique McGhee a neighborhood favorite.

topped with salsa. The Tostada de Atun Crudo was also packed with flavor. The tuna was very fresh and topped with a sour orange mayon–Dominique McGhee naise.

COLTIVARE $$$ Rustic Italian | 3320 White Oak Dr. | 713.637.4095 | www.coltivarehouston.com I’m crazy about the clever, uniquely different take on chicken wings – roasted in the special Spanish oven to a beautifully caramelized finish and doused in a spicy lemon-basil dressing. This is food meant for sharing. Service is gracious. There’s no valet and there’s no pretention.

Coltivare (Italian for “cultivate”) is the essence of The Heights at its –Jodi Eisenhardt very best.

COMMON BOND $ Café & Bakery | 1706 Westheimer | 713.529.3535 | www.wearecommonbond.com Designed by award-winning Italian firm Costa Group, which also designed NYC’s “Eataly,” the contemporary space is full of natural light from the many windows and is abuzz with throngs of customers, winding through the long line to place their orders or cozied up at two-tops, the coffee/juice bar, the long community table or on the patio tables outside. And the goal of “world-class pastries” has definitely been attained. The menu features more than 50 pastry, bread and baked items rotating according to season and ingredients.

–Jodi Eisenhardt

DUA $$ Vietnamese | 1201 Westheimer Rd. #B | 713.524.5664 | www.duarestaurant.com Lemongrass curry chicken was oh-my. Spicy. Not set-your-hair-on-fire spicy, but enough to make my nose run a little. This is where I completely get the “home cooking” reference. This is the kind of dish, if I had it at home, I’d likely keep eating ’til I slipped into a lemongrass coma on the couch. Everything was scrumptious, and reasonably priced, too, so all signs point to me returning on a regular basis.

–Jeff Lane

GRATIFI KITCHEN + BAR $$ American | 302 Fairview | 832.203.5950 | www.gratifikitchenandbar.com Gratifi is in a charming house, with seating inside and out, serving elegant entrées, creative burgers, amazing breakfast fare, all very interesting food with a variety of flavors that you can’t really corral into a category. Kevin Strickland and his team make everything themselves – salad dressings, sauces, BBQ sauce, etc., from their own recipes.

Cocktails, too. Original concoctions are constantly in the works, and the –Jeff Lane favorites find their way onto the drink menu.

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HEARSAY ON THE GREEN $$$ 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, as well as some traditional down-home southern comfort food. “It’s the food I like to eat,” says Executive Chef Edwin 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 –Mai Pham Dog, the very definition of gourmet comfort food.

KILLEN’S BARBECUE $$ Texas BBQ | 3613 E. Broadway, Pearland | 281.485.2271 | www.killensbarbecue.com Think “competition BBQ” made with the highest-quality cuts of meat available. Coarsely ground sausage with snappy skin, melt-in-your mouth brisket with a fabulous bark, impossibly good beef ribs (reminiscent of the slab that tipped over Fred Flintstone’s car), fantastic pork ribs, pulled pork and succulent turkey (really). Sides are no after-thought. The potato salad alone is worth the trip along with the house-made pickles, and desserts do not disappoint, including Killen’s famous (from the steakhouse) bread pudding, banana pudding and a –Jodi Eisenhardt killer pecan pie.

KUU $$$ Modern Sushi | 947 Gessner Rd. #A180 | 713.446.1688 | www.kuurestaurant.com Plan to start dinner with a crafted cocktail featuring seasonal ingredients like freshly squeezed beet juice or lychee puree. Then, sit back and enjoy the show as you indulge in delicately plated sashimi starters, like the Truffle Japanese Sea Bream or the Kanpaccio, in which thin slices of kanpachi are laid against wedges of Texas orange and finished off with a drizzle of yuzu-soy vinaigrette. If the chef is offering a nightly special, don’t hesitate, because he can whip up sumptuous dishes on the fly, like the seared hamachi belly with citrus and plums that we –Mai Pham ordered one night (total foodgasm!).

LOCAL FOODS $$ Gourmet Sandwiches + Salads | 2555 Kirby Dr. | 713.255.4440 www.houstonlocalfoods.com What has made Local Foods such a favorite amongst Houstonians is the commitment to providing fresh, tasty and local products. This same philosophy has been carried over into the newest location featuring many fan favorites of the restaurant such as the Truffled Egg Salad.

–Dominique McGhee

MODERNO TACOS $$ | 10455 Briar Forest Drive | 713.784.4600 | www.motacos.com The menu is simple, a two-pager with appetizers, salads, Tex-Mex plates and tacos. It could be just another Tex-Mex joint, but there are twists to the menu that make it unique. Instead of plain queso, for instance, their Matamoros dip is a chili con queso with sour cream, guacamole and ground beef. It’s what you would get if you took nachos topping and put it in a bowl – and so addictive you won’t want to stop –Mai Pham eating until the bowl is scraped clean.

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 –Jeff Lane there are plenty of reasons to return.

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 environ–Mai Pham ment that is at once as sexy as it is inviting.

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, –Jeff Lane good for community. So experience it yourself.

THE SPRING BOK $$ South African | 711 Main St. | 832. 767.5574 | www.springbokhouston.com The food at Springbok is meant to be taken seriously, even while the space also exists to be a fun-loving international sports bar AND a serious cocktail lounge in a historic building on Main. The “devil’ish” eggs left me considering the similarities between southern U.S. and South African cuisine with their creamy yolk filling, candied bacon and a slice –Jodi Eisenhardt of jalapeno.

NARA $$$$ Sushi & Korean Kitchen | 2800 Kirby Dr. | 281.249.5944 | www.narahouston.com Nara brings with it its Japanese strength in the art of sushi and sashimi. Only the freshest fish make the cut here, and it’s undeniable in the taste. Think delicious steamed soft buns full of delicious fillings. From prime boneless short-rib, prime rib-eye and pork belly to market veggies or peppercorn tuna – the options are endless and divine.

–Jeff Lane

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

$ KEY = BASED ON URBAN SPOON HOUSTON

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

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.

–Jodi Eisenhardt

FOR A COMPLETE RESTAURANT LISTINGS, PLEASE VISIT OUR WEBSITE. january 15 | L O C A L 21

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RENÉ GARZA Chances are if you’ve driven on I-45 in the last few months you’ve noticed an interesting public art project covering the entire façade of a building with a black material almost reminiscent of Venom from Spider-Man adventures.

A Moment is René Garza’s attempt at freeing the mind from its inner dialog by creating a meditative state for the viewer. I asked him what inspired such a meditative piece especially since he works in the fast-paced fashion world.

“I have lived in NYC for over 10 years. I only come to Texas a few times a year. This summer I decided to do an art residency in Houston. I was very surprised how stressed people got while driving on the freeway. I just envisioned all that negative energy being released every day. So when the opportunity came up to do an art installation on the side of I-45, I jumped at the chance to facilitate a calming moment in people’s day.” Fashion and art have always found a way to mingle, but it is rare to be someone with his hands in both areas. René shares that “it is difficult to create, not just in time but also in space. Our living situations are significantly smaller than in Texas. That is why I have decided to stay in Texas for a year and just create art. But being creative is a must for living. I would say it’s like a plant growing through the concrete. There is always a way.” And now there’s a way to find peace while driving on one of the least peaceful highways in the nation.

by Carla Valencia de Martinez Photography by Collin Kelly

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THIS MONTH’S

MUST-SEE EXHIBITS.

1. ARCHWAY GALLERY presents Masks, Monsters and Monoliths featuring steel sculptor Jim Adams and painter Sherry Tseng Hill. Adam’s work has a raw, earthy character, using scrapped items from industry and infrastructure while Hill utilizes recyclable materials and found objects. The artists will be at the opening reception on Saturday, January 10, from 5–8pm featuring an artists’ talk at 6:30pm. The exhibition will be on view through February 5.

2.

Round 41 explores the way contemporary artists deal with labor-intensive practices by highlighting the artistic process and the labor issues (female inequality, immigration, etc.) that have influenced their work and shaped a community. On view through March 2 at

PROJECT ROW HOUSES.

3. G GALLERY presents Conversations from the Satellites by Texan artist J. Todd Allison on view January 3–30. The solo exhibit dives into various experiences and perspectives that interact with objects and space.

4. The Houston Arts Alliance and Houston Public Library present Stories of a Workforce: Celebrating the Centennial of the Houston Ship Channel that explores the diverse culture, history and stories of workers associated with the Houston Ship Channel and Port of Houston. The exhibit includes photo, audio and video installations from interviews and stories collected through the Library of Congress-funded Working the Port project. The exhibit is on view through January 31 at the

TUDOR GALLERY in the Julia Ideson Building.

5. Mostly known for her mixed-media abstracts of turbulent weather and her paintings of whimsical sumo wrestlers immersed in food, Houston artist Ellen Orseck’s new series, Liquified, explores the human body and what happens when it is submerged in water. Attend the artist talk on January 8 at 6pm. On view through January 10 at

NICOLE LONGNECKER GALLERY.

6. Adela Andea returns for her third solo exhibition at ANYA TISH GALLERY with her ethereal light sculptures and installations for On the Left Side of Mercury. Alternating between the biological, celestial and technological, the exhibit allows the viewer to reevaluate what we know the scientific world to be, and what we hope to uncover about our universe in the future. Artist reception is January 9, 6–8:30pm; exhibit will be on view through February 14.

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2.

1.

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3.

4.

5.

6.

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

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GISH AT THE MOVIES

FAVORITE FLICKS HELLO, JANUARY! IT’S TIME FOR MY ANNUAL ROUNDUP OF HOUSTONIANS’ FAVE FILMS, AND THIS YEAR I TURNED TO MY FRIENDS IN MUSIC. HOUSTON HAS ONE OF THE FINEST AND MOST DIVERSE MUSIC COMMUNITIES IN THE WORLD AND I WAS EAGER TO HEAR WHAT OUR CITY’S NOTES-MEISTERS HAD TO SAY. MaryScott Hagle sings with Lager Rhythms and hosts Cortlandt Street Concerts at her lovely Heights home while serving as the executive director for Dawn Mountain Center for Tibetan Buddhism. Her favorite film is the 1981 French thriller DIVA, “which features a memorable breakfast table scene between a young Parisian mail carrier and the spectacular and elusive American opera star who’s his obsession. The music in DIVA ranges from gorgeous opera to jazz to French new wave – all fantastic – and as a bonus, the film includes one of the best motorcycle chases ever.”

“The

first

movie

to

inspire

me

musically

was

BEETLEJUICE,”

award-winning filmmaker, first chair violinist and composer with Two Star Symphony Jerry Ochoa told me. “I was 9 when it came out and it was the first time I heard instrumental music that was dark, catchy and playful, and added so much attitude and atmosphere. Twenty-five years later, I’m part of an ensemble which creates music that affects people the same way.”

Anthony Brandt is an Associate Professor of Composition at Rice University’s Shepherd School of Music and Artistic Director of Musiqa – his favorite film is ONCE UPON A TIME IN THE WEST. “The film has a great opening: three outlaws waiting at a train station, hardly anything happening, all shot in real-time. Director Sergio Leone’s pacing captures the expanses and isolated settlements of the West: long periods of inactivity followed by a sudden burst of action. The plot is wonderfully elaborate but lucid, with Henry Fonda as a memorable villain. And the movie has one of the greatest film scores, by Ennio Morricone. Each character has his or her own motifs, which often become intertwined and key milestones in the story are marked by a gorgeous vocalise – one of the most beautiful melodies in the movies.”

Mercury co-founder and director of Prelude Music Classes for Children, Ana Treviño-Godfrey has the voice of an angel and spent her high school years at Interlochen Arts Academy with teenagers who were crazy about music (lucky girl!). She told me

ALIVE INSIDE: A STORY OF MUSIC AND MEMORY; THE LATE QUARTET; and THE LADY IN NUMBER 6: MUSIC SAVED MY LIFE, the

she loves

story of an inspiring 109-year-old pianist and Holocaust survivor.

“They remind me why I love to teach music and why I love music: I love what it does for the human race.” Amen, sister!

Houston Ebony Opera Guild’s Board Chair Mary Marks Guillory told me her pick is A FAMILY THING, the story of Earl, a middle-aged “white” man (played by Robert Duvall) in Arkansas who suddenly discovers that he is the product of the rape of a black maid by his white father. He sets off to find his black brother (James Earl Jones) and to meet their shared aunt (Irma P. Hall) and, after a rocky start, healing occurs between all the family members. “It appealed to me because it’s a welltold tale of a difficult part of Southern history that is, in the end, about forgiveness, acceptance and family love.”

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.

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FRESH ARTS SCENE IT’S A NEW START FILLED WITH PROMISE AND POTENTIAL. AND AS FAR AS BEGINNINGS GO, THIS CROP OF JANUARY EVENTS MATCHES PERFECTLY WITH YOUR NEW YEAR’S OPTIMISM. By Ariel Jones

EAST & WEST TRANSCENDED Apollo Chamber Players Sunday, January 11, 6pm | Tuesday, January 13, 7:30pm East & West Transcended features the richness of Japanese folk music traditions and their relationship to Western musical language. Esteemed Japanese composer Toru Takemitsu maintained an ever-changing relationship to Japanese folk music and was intrigued by the colorful sound-world created by French Impressionist composers. In the early 20th century, the art song genre of France and Germany gave birth to their counterpart in Japan. Showcasing the program is the world premiere of Splash of Indigo by composer Marty Regan, a dynamic musical work that explores the intersections between Japanese folk music and French Impressionism filtered through a distinct American sensibility. Tickets range from $10–$30 for students, seniors and general admission. East & West Transcended will take place at Christ the King Lutheran Church (Paris Hall), 2353 Rice Boulevard, Houston, TX 77005. Visit www.apollochamberplayers.org.

INPRINT PRESENTS KAREN RUSSELL Inprint Margarett Brown Reading Series Monday, January 26, 7:30pm “Karen Russell is arguably our greatest fantasist writing serious fiction today,” declares NPR, and People magazine writes, “Karen Russell is a storyteller with a voice like no other.” Her debut story collection, St. Lucy’s Home for Girls Raised by Wolves, published when she was in her twenties, was called “original and astonishing, joyful and unsettling” in a starred Booklist review. Her novel Swamplandia! was a finalist for the 2012 Pulitzer Prize and selected by The New York Times as one of the 10 Best Books of 2011. Reading is followed by an on-stage interview, book sale and signing. Tickets are $5 for entry. The reading takes place at the Cullen Theatre at the Wortham Center, 501 Texas Avenue, Houston, TX 77002. Visit www.inprinthouston.org.

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“troublewithwords” FEATURING WORK BY JAMIE DAVIS Fresh Arts On view January 30 – March 13 | Opening reception: January 30, 6pm Fresh Arts presents “troublewithwords,” an autobiographical, visual exploration of the intersection of language and memory, from artist Jamie Ellen Davis. Consisting primarily of drawings and prints, these works aim to highlight the interplay between the purely aesthetic features and the semantic and orthographic elements of written words, as filtered through the various cognitive and learning disabilities with which Davis has been diagnosed. “Through the candid affirmations of my learning issues – and the shame so often experienced as a result – my work becomes simultaneously self-exploratory and self-revelatory as to how my learning disabilities influence, color and distort both my own sense of self and the perception of who I am as an artist.” “troublewithwords” aims to challenge the viewer’s expectations of written language by shifting its focus from the psycho-linguistic to the artistic-pictorial. The public is invited to a free opening reception with the artist beginning at 6pm, on Friday, January 30, at Fresh Arts, 2101 Winter Street, Studio B11, Houston, TX 77007.

Free parking is available. Visit www.fresharts.org.

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RECORDING

DJ STYLES

Rob Quest and Carlos “DJ Styles” Garza CARLOS “DJ STYLES” GARZA IS A HOUSTON LEGEND ON MANY FRONTS. AS A LONGTIME EMPLOYEE OF SOUNDWAVES ON SOUTH MAIN, HE HELPED TRANSFORM THE STORE’S HIP-HOP SECTION INTO A HUB FOR HOUSTON’S RAP COMMUNITY, AND IT WAS THERE THAT HE HELPED CONNECT FELLOW EMPLOYEE DJ PREMIER WITH THE LEGENDARY RAP GROUP GANG STARR. MOST NOTABLY, HE WAS ONE OF THE MAIN PRODUCERS WORKING WITH ODD SQUAD (DEVIN THE DUDE, JUGG MUGG, ROB QUEST) ON THEIR 1994 DEBUT, FADANUF FA ERYBODY!! BUT NOW HE HAS BIGGER PLANS.

Just work out of one for now.

You’ve been in studios — those things are not cheap! They’re very expensive.

And most of the stuff we’re doing is out of pocket. Banks aren’t really jumping up for joy to give money to build a recording studio. Unless you’re a major label, major artist, and even then they would probably still have problems building something this size. It’s two stories, and we’re gonna make it into a threestory building once it’s all said and done.

That’s a great resource for Third Ward.

What are you working on musically these days?

Well, I do a lot of production with Blind Rob — Rob Quest of the Coughee Brothaz. Right now, we’re trying to revamp his whole catalog and web site, all the social media. The other thing is going to be a recording studio/mastering lab/mixing and mastering school that we’re building right here in Third Ward.

We’re just about done with one of the rooms, and as soon as we get that room done we’re gonna move in and then gradually start building the other rooms.

Yeah! It’s a couple of blocks down the street from Music World, so literally right in the heart of Third Ward, on Live Oak and Gray. You can see the skyline from the back of the building. It’s that close to Downtown. I told the guys, “Watch — this is going to be the spot to go to. It’s so central. Not only that, but what we’re bringing to the table — nobody’s got what we got.”

To read more of this interview, log on to www.localhoustonmagazine.com.

By Lance Scott Walker | Photography by Anthony Rathbun

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HOUSTON A TO Z

WHEN I THINK OF HOUSTON I QUITE LITERALLY ENVISION THE SKYLINE EXPLODING WITH ALL THE THINGS I KNOW ABOUT THIS TOWN. WE ARE SO LUCKY TO LIVE IN SUCH A DIVERSE, WELL-OFF CITY WHICH AFFORDS US AN INCREDIBLE QUALITY OF LIFE, CULTURE AND COMMUNITY. WHERE ELSE CAN YOU LIVE WITH A SMALL TOWN ATTITUDE BUT IN THE 4TH LARGEST CITY IN THE NATION? HERE’S WHAT’S HAPPENING NOW, A TO Z.

by Carla Valencia de Martinez

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A

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...IS FOR BRUNCH RUN

...IS FOR AOLIEN MANOR Nestled into the brush along Sims Bayou is something of a wonder. A white dome is home to a pipe organ and its owner/maker Glen Douglas. A doctor by trade, Douglas hobby started small and little by little he started acquiring salvaged pipes all over the country and in essence taught himself how to build a pipe organ. The dome is home to the 4th largest pipe organ in the city. In an article in the Houston Chronicle written by Lisa Gray two years ago, she shared that the organ is “smaller than the organs at Second Baptist, St. John the Divine and First Methodist, but significantly bigger than the one at downtown’s Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart.” Douglas built the dome specifically for its acoustics. Today he hosts various concerts featuring organists. To read Lisa Gray’s amazing piece on Glen Douglas, visit this link: http://www.chron.com/life/gray/article/Gray-His-own-private-pipe-organ-3738317.php

www.aoelianmanorfoundation.org

B

by Carla Valencia de Martinez

Later this year Memorial Park Conservancy’s fund-raising 4 The Park Brunch Run takes place in the park in the heart of the city. The only 4-mile run with a kids’ 1K run through Memorial Park helps support the Conservancy’s efforts to restore, preserve and enhance Memorial Park for today and the future. Local was the media sponsor the first few years of the race and we are excited to be back this year. Join us on April 4, 2015, along with support from the City of Houston Parks & Recreation Department and Luke’s Locker for the race plus a lively post-race party with live music, booths featuring local restaurants and children’s activities.

by Carla Valencia de Martinez

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D

...IS FOR DRINKS

C

...IS FOR CHANEL

Chanel. It is a name so rich with history and fashion cred that surrounding it with literary flattery and ensuring its wares are presented in a sexy setting in order to lure the unenlightened hardly seems necessary.

Yet, the newly redesigned Chanel boutique in the Galleria is a politely glamorous reminder that Chanel may be classic, but it’s also cutting-edge.

Just in case anyone forgot, or is still unaware of the brand’s magical powers. An ode to founder Gabrielle Chanel’s legendary rue Cambon apartment in Paris, the 5,000sf space was given a makeover by Peter Marino, a New York-based architect known as much for his head-to-toe, bikerinspired looks – replete with cap and skull rings – as his impressive haute couture, architectural collabs. Luxury brands from Dior to Fendi and Louis Vuitton have all entrusted their retail spaces to Marino’s capable hands. A Curtis Jere sculpture mingles effortlessly with a custom-made coffee table encrusted with mother of pearl camellias. An antique marble mantle cohabits with crystal-encrusted stag horns by Marc Swanson. It’s a kind of collected luxury only a sophisticated clientele can relate to, legacy with a nod to the best of now. It’s also an ideal backdrop for the current 2014/15 Cruise collection, Karl Lagerfeld’s contemporary ode to Middle Eastern culture, which he presented last spring in Dubai. A cool-as-ice-cream macramé bag and a ¾-length, multicolored tweed jacket that looks like a vintage treasure beckon, proof that Chanel still knows how to bring it.

by Nadia Michel | Photography by Sam Frost

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HOUSTON MAY BE WIDELY KNOWN FOR FINE DINING AND EXTRAORDINARY RESTAURANTS, BUT IT’S NO SECRET THAT OUR LOCAL THIRST FOR WELL-MADE BEER AND WINE COMPLEMENTS OUR DESIRE FOR EXCELLENT EATS. SEVERAL ADVENTUROUS AND ENTREPRENEURIAL INDIVIDUALS HAVE TAKEN IT UPON THEMSELVES TO GIVE HOUSTON A NUMBER OF BREWERIES AND WINERIES THAT STAND UP ON A NATIONAL LEVEL. BREWERIES ST. ARNOLD’S BREWERY | www.saintarnold.com | 2000 Lyons Ave., Houston, TX 77020 Perhaps the most well-known of all local breweries, St. Arnold’s prides itself on being the oldest craft brewery in the state. Since 1994, with an initial broad goal to brew world-class beers, the local brewery has gained a cultlike following, selling out their single batch brews in a matter of hours.

Along with seasonal and year-round offerings, beer lovers across Texas, Louisiana and Florida are guaranteed to have some of the best microbrewery beer found in the South. Shipping their first batch in June over 20 years ago, Brock Wagner and Kevin Bartol chose Houston because of the lack of a single brewery in one of the nation’s largest metropolitan cities. The facility is open to the public during the week and on the weekends, with guided tours and separate lunch service for the hungry work crowd.

8th WONDER BREWERY www.8thwonderbrew.com | 2202 Dallas St., Houston, TX 77003 8th Wonder Brewery strives to be yet another regional wonder, roughly 48 years after the Astrodome was built and dubbed the “8th Wonder of the World” by local media. Dedicated to brewing the freshest and tastiest ales around, founders Matt Marcus, Aaron Corsi, Alex Vassilakidis and Ryan Soroka (the same group behind the popular food truck-turned-brick-and-mortar Eatsie Boys) set up shop in EaDo in 2013 and haven’t looked back since. Open to the public on Fridays and Saturdays from 6 to 9pm (extended hours Thursday to Sunday are coming early next year), the public is welcome to get a taste of what this newest brewery has to offer the Houston area.

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KARBACH BREWERY www.karbachbrewing.com | 2032 Karbach St., Houston, TX 77092 While you could call Karbach just another brewery that’s crept its way onto the Houston scene, you’d be doing it a disservice. Head brewmaster Eric Warner came from the well-known Flying Dog Brewery in Colorado, where he served as head brewmaster before transitioning to chief executive and helping the brewery increase output by more than five times their original production. In addition, Karbach received the backing of Belekus Marketing, bringing over two decades of liquor experience with them to the table. Named after the original warehouse in which the two founders (Chuck Robertson and Ken Goodman) started their distribution business, Karbach has continually impressed local and national beer enthusiasts with their various brews.

BRAMAN WINERY www.bramanbrands.com | 3333 FM 359, Richmond, TX 77406 Recently named “2014 Best Texas White Wine” by Texas Monthly Magazine for their Muscat Blanc, Braman Winery is the brainchild of CEO Joe Braman, a chef by passion who was looking for the proper complementary wines to pair with his impressive dishes. With two tasting room locations in Richmond and the recently opened Hallettsville, the winery is enjoying big success as an early adopter in the Texas wine scene, having begun production only four years ago. 2015 is slated to be a big year for Braman Brands as well, with a combined winery and brewery on deck to help introduce their first beer, the Running Walker. With the tasting rooms open Thursday to Saturday from 2 to 8pm, there’s plenty of opportunity to check what all the hype is about for this recently crowned Texas jewel.

BUFFALO BAYOU BREWERY www.buffbrew.com | 5301 Nolda Street, Houston, TX 77007 Billing themselves as a “new twist on an old craft,” Buffalo Bayou Brewery represents a true craft microbrewery. More than dishing out barrel after barrel, creativity is the crux of their existence, helping define what beer critics would consider innovative offerings. Take, for example, the Smoke on the Bayou: a smokehouse-infused malt that literally gives you a taste of Houston’s BBQ scene. And with 27 different offerings over 27 months, they’re serious about giving the beers a special touch, with no more than 20–30 kegs of each made at a time. And that’s exactly how Rassul Zarinfar and his large group of co-founders want it to be, allowing them to take bigger risks with their offerings. Tours are available from 12 to 3pm on Saturdays.

HAAK VINEYARDS www.haakwine.com | 6310 Avenue T, Santa Fe, TX 77510

WINERIES LA CRUZ DE COMAL www.lacruzdecomalwines.com | 7405 FM 2722, Canyon Lake, TX 78133 Starting with their mutual respect, wine enthusiast Lewis Dickson and California winemaker Tony Coturri joined forces in 2001 to create a wine prized for its “natural” characteristics, with absolutely zero additives or chemicals. Creating individual personality in each wine because of this method, the offerings from the winery never fit a specific mold. Using only hand-picked Texas Hill Country grapes, the wines are bottled by hand and go one step further with no filtration or fining. What’s all this mean? One of Texas’s most prized possessions. A tasting room was added in 2012, enabling wine enthusiasts to come sample their offerings Saturdays and Sundays, from 12 to 6pm.

SOLARO ESTATE www.solaroestate.com | 330 T.C. Jester Blvd., Houston, TX 77007 Co-owned by Barbara Haderlein and business partner/winemaker Robert Fritz, Solaro enjoyed the title of Texas Winery of the Year from the New York International Wine Competition, in addition to several International Blind Wine Tastings Top Five awards. Solaro’s main production occurs in Dripping Springs, located right outside of Austin, but a newly opened tasting room inside the loop in Houston has enabled wine enthusiasts citywide to enjoy all the best this vineyard has to offer. From 11am to 7pm Wednesday through Saturday, come enjoy this Texas Hill Country vineyard’s wines in an urban environment via their modern tasting room.

As the first and only commercial winery in Galveston County, Haak Vineyards grew from a passion for good wine after Raymond Haak’s wife got him two Concord grapevines for their 10th wedding anniversary.

Today, many years later, Haak sits on over 12 acres and has a full-service kitchen and reception area capable of hosting weddings and other events.

The winery produces several varieties of wine, winning 17 different medals at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo International Wine Competition last year. The Haaks have traveled the world looking for inspiration, and it shows in their world-class inventory and offerings. Open every day of the week, Haak offers tours in several timeslots, in addition to tasting room hours.

By Adam Bergen | Photo credit: Haak Winery Note: A special thanks to Jeff Cope at www.txwinelover.com for his insight.

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...IS FOR ENERGY CORRIDOR

So what’s driving this enviable growth? It’s a combination of factors: affordability, accessibility and a diversity of choices. No longer just a place to go to work, the Energy Corridor is really more of a masterplanned urban community designed to attract people who want to work, play and live in the same general area. Throw in easy transportation, plenty of green space, loads of restaurants and the shiny, state-of-the-art Texas Medical Center-West Campus, and you have a place that more and more people are eager to call home. Nearly 22,000 people currently call the Energy Corridor home; that number is slated to jump 24% to

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The seat of Houston’s political power may be downtown, but West Houston is where things are moving and shaking.

Once dismissed as the outer reaches of beyond, the stretch of land located west of Beltway 8 and east of Grand Parkway is known as the Energy Corridor, and it’s enjoying unprecedented boom times as the hot place to be in Houston. Home to more than 300 companies, including some of the largest multinational energy concerns in the world – ConocoPhillips, Shell Oil Company, Citgo Petroleum Corp. and ExxonMobil Chemical, among others – the Energy Corridor is now the region’s second-biggest employment center. In 2014, the area boasted 28.4 million square feet of office and mixed-use space; 19 million square feet of that is office space, 75% of which is designated as Class A. If that sounds like a ton of space, it is. But a 2014 land use and demographics study by CDS Market Research predicts an even more impressive jump in square footage. By 2030, the Energy Corridor is predicted to enjoy a 59% increase in office, warehouse and mixed-used space to more than 45 million square feet. And the 91,000 people who currently work in the Energy Corridor will grow by 64%, to nearly 150,000.

about 27,000 by 2030. That’s happy news for real estate developers, who are building apartment buildings and townhouses as fast as they can. “Over the last 20 years, we have seen the area flourish,” says Kelli Kickerillo, chief marketing officer of Kickerillo Companies, a Houstonbased residential, commercial and retail developer. “There has been a boom in multi-family projects, redevelopment of business parks, and new single-family developments popping up. Our buyers have embraced the live, work and play mentality to make the Energy Corridor a more urban environment.”

by Cristina Adams

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F

...IS FOR FESTIVALS Houston has quietly been amassing a series of festivals as diverse as the city itself. From enjoying a full day of music at Eleanor Tinsley Park during Free Press Summer Fest, to a night completely filled with hors d’oeuvres and drinks at The Whiskey Festival, there is always something exciting and fun going on. If you are looking to have a day well spent enjoying exceptionally unique works of art, the Bayou City Art Festival is filled with hundreds of artists showing off their unique work at Memorial Park towards the end of March. With over 50,000 families and friends, 6 stages of music and entertainment, Disney and Nickelodeon celebrities and 10 big family adventure zones, McDonald’s Houston Children’s Festival is a great place to take your kids and spend the day playing, exploring and learning new things.

The Houston Food Truck Festival offers a wide range of music and delicious foods presented by 20+ local food trucks. Although Food Trucks are utterly delicious, they may not be for everyone.

VegFest Houston offers superb vegan restaurants, exciting speakers, live music, kids’ zones and vendors, allowing one to learn and experience something different. If you prefer something new and exhilarating, what better way than by watching the growth of burlesque in Houston with its very own Festival, the Bayou City Burlesque & Circus Arts Festival coming Saturday, January 17.

This festival is bringing together two everlasting and titillating performance arts to create an entirely new kind of show. Taking over the stage at Warehouse Live, this event’s notorious acts include burlesque beauties, circus acrobats and death-defying aerialists that will leave you on the edge of your seat. For tickets and more information on the Bayou City Burlesque & Circus Arts Festival, visit www.bcbcfestival.com.

by Ida Sameri Photography by Anthony Rathbun

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...IS FOR GALVESTON

After the destructive storm that completely reshaped the Gulf Coast on September 8, 1900, no one knew what could come of GALVESTON ISLAND. Making many improvements, such as the building of the very important Galveston Seawall, things returned to a new normal and Galveston grew – until September 13, 2008, when Hurricane Ike caused billions of dollars in damages. Galveston is finally coming around six years later and is better than before. There are all sorts of festivals, new restaurants, Broadway touring shows and many other events drawing tourists. Start your new year off with the Festival of Lights – through January 3, with 1 million lights within animated displays, live entertainment and an outdoor ice-skating rink. Being home of the best Gulf Coast seafood and some of Texas’ most mouthwatering and flavorful restaurant menus, Galveston Restaurant Week is something you can’t miss in January. The famous Galveston Mardi Gras, from February 6–17 this year, filled with dancing, parades, family events, performances and tons of other festivities, is a time-honored tradition. And Broadway comes to town with the story of a young millionaire exploring the decadence, social upheaval and excesses of the Jazz Age – also known as “The Great Gatsby” – a must-see in March at The Grand 1894 Opera House.

by Ida Sameri

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For tickets and information, visit www.mardigrasgalveston.com.

Galveston Restaurant Week is Saturday, January 10 – Saturday, January 24; visit www.galvestonrestaurantweek.com.

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H ...IS FOR HIGH-RISE

Houston may be most famous for its suburban sprawl and spaghetti-bowl freeways, but the city with the largest number of single-family, new home construction starts in the U.S. last year is embracing a popular trend: high-rise living. That’s right, residents of this 600-square-mile boomtown are increasingly eager to move up – literally – not out. Since 2000, about 30 high-rise buildings have gone up, bringing the total number of high-rises across the city to 72 and the number of units to nearly 8,500.

Planned new construction starts in 2014 rang in at more than $4.8 billion. As of late 2014, 28 commercial and residential high-rises were in development, with plans for 83 more (largely commercial) under consideration at City Hall.

In downtown Houston alone, 14 projects are currently underway – including the 40-story MARKET SQUARE TOWER apartment building on Market Square – and another 39 are under review. In terms of construction and renovation costs, it’s a $4 billion price tag. Meanwhile, neighborhoods not far from Downtown in what’s known as the Inner Loop are also seeing their landscapes shift as developers scrap old two-story buildings and replace them with gleaming new towers like THE RIVA at the Park in Montrose, and ASTORIA and BELFIORE in Uptown – or with projects-in-progress like the 40-story building at West Alabama and Weslayan, or the 30-story building on Montrose Boulevard near Westheimer.

According to Donna Wilson, a realtor with Martha Turner Sotheby’s International Realty, prices for a two-bedroom, two-bath condominium start at about $500,000 and can run well into the millions.

With demand for vertical living on the upswing, the market for high-rise and mid-rise condos and apartments is exploding. “Inventory is low, prices are up,” Wilson says. “And with all of this traffic, residents, especially those coming from international cities, feel comfortable and secure in a high-rise, close-in building.” That’s not the whole story. With Inner Loop housing becoming increasingly scarce and pricey, developers are exploring fertile territory farther afield. What does that mean? The next 30story condo building might just go up in The Woodlands.

by Cristina Adams | Highland Tower Final Rendering

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...IS FOR iFLY

The indoor skydiving facility plans two locations in Houston. iFly perfectly replicates the adrenaline inducing experience of skydiving free-fall without the daunting thought of jumping out of a plane.

Following a brief training, fliers are outfitted in a flight suit, helmet and goggles before entering the wind tunnel. Basically, you lean into a cushion of air and the rushing air allows you to float. www.iflyworld.com Photography by iFLY Indoor Skydiving

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...IS FOR JOURNEY THROUGH Originally from New Zealand, Houstonbased artist Heath Brodie, who goes by the alias Journey Through, challenges people to “think locally” by creating ephemeral works with natural, biodegradable and local materials. The world is Heath’s canvas, literally. The name Journey Through comes from the artistic and intellectual process in creating earth works using local materials such as pecan ink from the Brazos River to upcycled wood from the Third Ward.

Touching base on the ethos “nothing lasts forever,” “I want people to experience the moment, to realize the importance of everything in the big scheme of things,” says Heath. While traveling to Nepal, Heath was inspired by the culture. “Tibetan monks inspired me to start what I was doing. I saw a lot of that culture and it really affected me.

It’s a whole different way of thinking and living, really.

They seemed really full and happy, enjoying everything.”

Heath strives to promote awareness and education of the natural environment and its resources by taking real people through an interactive journey that encourages positive growth and change as the natural art evolves. “Nothing is ever going to work exactly how you want it to work. It’s not going to be perfect but it’s still a learning curve like Journey Through – there’s always another time. Think of the experiences and don’t hold back. There are always going to be challenges to grow from,” says Heath.

Don’t miss Heath’s collaboration with Blackwood Land and Educational Institute in creating a sculpture park on the property using all materials found on site, slated to open spring 2015.

Heath Brodie, JOURNEY THROUGH, is represented

by Nicole Longnecker Gallery.

Photography by Marisa Brodie

K ...IS FOR K9

Local socialite and philanthropist Kristi Schiller loves dogs, but not the way you think a glamorous blonde might. “The things these dogs can do…” she marvels, peppering our conversation with these words more than once as we discuss her thriving nonprofit organization, K9S4COPS. Schiller’s unusual appreciation for K9s was ignited in December 2009, when she happened upon a news report about a Harris County Pct. 4 Constable Deputy, Ted Dahlin, whose K9 partner, Blek, had been strangled by a burglary suspect. The kicker? Budget constraints would make it difficult to replace the K9 and Dahlin would be relegated to desk duty until this could be addressed. “That was one less pair of boots on the ground, and that was very profound to me.” Perhaps it was the conversation she’d had with her husband the night before, she says, about how commercial Christmas had become, but the story hit home. “It struck me. As if someone hit me with a bullet,” recalls the Freeport, Texas native.

Armed with a desire to give back and determined to bring some resolution to the sad event, she called on her most influential friends. “Keep in mind it was Christmas Eve. I called Judge Eckels and I called Judge Emmett and I called the former Secretary of State, and each time I told the story I was crying. This officer put his life on the line and he lost his partner,” she recalls. “I said I would like to give a dog anonymously to replace this gentleman’s dog.”

What seemed like a simple enough gesture opened a Pandora’s box that would change Schiller’s life. Administrative red tape and departmental policies would make it very difficult to just ‘get a new dog.’ A little bit of research quickly revealed the gritty truth: Police departments across the country were struggling to raise funds for their K9 programs. “One of them had been holding carwashes and garage sales for three years and they still only had half the money,” she says. “It costs $10,000 to $15,000 for a K9.”

In 2010, after a year of privately funding the effort, Schiller created K9s4COPS, the nation’s first nonprofit that provides K9s trained in narcotics, explosives and firearms detection to police across the country. “I couldn’t even have imagined the numbers we’ve hit,” Schiller admits. To date, the organization has supplied 75 K9s across 19 states. In 2013, Schiller added K9s4KIDS to her charity roster. The shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary in Connecticut sparked the idea. “It’s a deterrent. If it can buy thirty seconds, it could save a teacher and give them time to save kids’ lives,” she explains. So far, K9s4KIDS has placed trained dogs in five Texas schools, and another is being trained for a private school on Long Island, New York.

by Nadia Michel | Photography by Josh Welch Photography

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M

...IS FOR LINE

The 2015 CHEVRON HOUSTON MARATHON and ARAMCO HOUSTON HALF MARATHON take over this month. After months and months of training, runners will have their weekend January 16–18. The race weekend attracts roughly a quarter-million people to the downtown Houston area between participants, spectators and volunteers, making race day the largest single-day sporting event in Houston.

The race started in 1972, 43 years ago, with only the marathon; today the premier winter marathon, half marathon and 5K offer runners a fast, flat, scenic single-loop course.

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AS IN PURPLE LINE, THE LATEST EXPANSION FOR HOUSTON’S METRORAIL. THE RED LINE OPENED IN 2004 AND CARRIES 40,000 PASSENGERS A DAY ON ITS 7.5–MILE TRACK BETWEEN DOWNTOWN, MIDTOWN, THE MUSEUM DISTRICT, THE TEXAS MEDICAL CENTER AND NRG PARK – WHICH WILL COME IN HANDY NEXT MONTH WITH THE RODEO. LAST MONTH SAW THE OPENING OF THE PURPLE LINE WHICH BEGINS IN DOWNTOWN, TRAVELING SOUTHEAST ALONG CAPITOL AND RUSK TO THE PALM CENTER NEAR MLK AND GRIGGS. THE 6.6-MILE LINE RUNS THROUGH ONE OF THE CITY’S OLDEST AFRICAN-AMERICAN COMMUNITIES AND CONNECTS TO TEXAS SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY AND UH. WWW.RIDEMETRO.ORG

...IS FOR MARATHON

Number of marathon runners in 1972 was 73.

Today there are 25,000 registered for the half and full marathons (11,000 currently in the marathon).

In 1972 there were no international runners; today there are 375.

In 1972 there were 72 men and ONE woman; today there are 12,200 men and 12,800 women (registered for the half and full marathons).

Carla Valencia de Martinez

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...IS FOR NIGHTLIFE

The ever-changing Houston nightlife scene. Remember Richmond Ave. in the 90s, Midtown in the 00s and Washington Ave. in the 10s? Out of those three, Richmond is long gone, parts of Washington are holding on strong while others are quickly slipping away and Midtown is still doing quite well. But where to head for something new? Two distinct areas seem to have captivated the crowds recently: Downtown and Montrose. You did read that right, unless you have been living under a rock, you have certainly seen the resurgence of bars and the nightlife scene around Market Square and along Main Street. And Montrose? It’s still slamming. So, for the new year (and the new name and the new look) we’re dropping a smattering of new-ish places to help you blow those resolutions with a bunch of good friends.

DOWNTOWN PROHIBITION SUPPERCLUB & BAR From its secretive beginning in The Galleria to the recent upgrade in both space and the addition of two killer chefs, Prohibition brings something totally new to Downtown with its 1920’s vibe.

THE NIGHTINGALE ROOM Another sibling from the Clumsy Butcher family (Anvil, Julep, etc.), Nightingale Room aims to bring the dance back to downtown Houston (though it's worth noting that Clutch City Squire has been holding the dance party down on Main Street for a while now). Join for happy hour (½ price stuff each weekday from 4–7) or late night for the real show. Don’t forget to check out that record collection behind the bar whenever you do hit them up.

DEAN’S The old ‘Credit Clothing’ has a fresh new look. With the refreshed front seating welcoming you off Main St. and the new interior full of comfortable seating including the always appreciated couch, Dean’s has the keys to survival.

Don’t miss out on the free Sunday Houston Songwriter Series from 8–10pm for some local live music.

MOVING SIDEWALK For all the good things Goro & Gun had going for it, sadly, it never really caught on. Rise of the phoenix? Enter Moving Sidewalk. Bartender Alex

Gregg, who wrecked shop when the space was Goro, now has full control of the massive kitchen (at least as far as a bar that does not serve food is concerned) and of course the newly revamped bar. A name play on the ZZ Top song, Moving Sidewalk is good clean fun in a laidback atmosphere, and we can assure you they are not playing around with the craft cocktails.

PUBLIC SERVICES WINE & WHISKEY During his time as the sommelier at Oxheart, Justin Vann introduced us to one of our favorite beers of all time, Trappistes Rochefort 10. So what? Well, his Public Services Wine & Whiskey which recently opened in the old Cotton Exchange Building (beautiful!) is pretty much a guaranteed place to have yourself introduced to a wine or spirit that will likely be one of your all-time favorites too. The guy just knows how to source interesting stuff!

MONTROSE STONE’S THROW The same ownership runs Royal Oak, Pistolero’s and Boondocks, so no surprise here; the cocktail and punch bar is pretty awesome. Draft beer is offered as well, and the spectacular interior always transports us to another city. Plus, it’s a stone’s throw from a lot of other great bars...

LOWBROW We always likened Lowbrow to a hobby for its old owners, the Free Press Summer Fest dudes, which is why we are happy to report that the Creek Group, as in Onion, Cedar and Canyon, now run Lowbrow. Expect much of the same but the additional good you have come to expect from the Creeks (service and consistency).

DOC’S MOTORWORKS The Austin transplant finally opened, taking over the odd space right near the curve on Westheimer, building out the quintessential ice house. Great beer on tap, and good food to boot, Doc’s is a welcome addition. Join the crowds on game days if that’s your kind of thing; weeknights offer a more low-key setting.

By Mike Cook Photography by downtownhouston.org

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...IS FOR O ATHLETIK Houstonians’ dream of a one-stop shop fitness facility with everything and anything you can imagine is finally coming true. O ATHLETIK is a 35,000sf facility with a variety of fitness disciplines ranging from cardio, weight lifting, martial arts, ladder drills, multipurpose fields, hot vinyasa flow yoga, sand volleyball, crossfit and more. “Our programming is what sets us apart,” says co-founder/president James Cooper. “We consider ourselves innovative to orchestrate various disciplines with over 100 classes available such as running and cross-training classes to classes that focus on the upper body and lower body.” Involved in the fitness industry for over 20 years, Cooper noticed that fitness activities are secluded. “There’s always

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something missing. All the workouts are sports- or fitness-based. There was never a gym that has everything.” O Athletik focuses on building a tightknit community to educate people on fitness and how to apply different disciplines such as martial arts and weights into their daily workout. Oh, and did we mention there’s a juice bar and cloud spa too?

O Athletik opens January 31.

For details, visit www.OAthletik.com | 713.320.2450 767 North Shepherd, Suite 100, Houston, TX 77007

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PIERCE SKY PARK HOUSTON You’ve heard of diminishing farfetched ideas to that age-old, catchy slogan as “pie in the sky.” Well, how does a “park in the sky” grab you?

Just because downtown Houston’s Pierce Elevated doesn’t meet current design standards to continue as a highway shouldn’t mean that it goes away altogether. In fact, Texas Department of Transportation has demolition plans for it, as they anticipate a re-route of Interstate 45. Yet, a group of restless, optimistic visionaries have loftier dreams of converting the miles of elevated infrastructure into a recreational treasure, with spaces to enjoy the outdoors while viewing Houston’s amazing skyline. Not only would it complement Buffalo Bayou Park, but also provide new accessibility into Downtown and become a key connector to Houston’s growing netMEMORIAL PARK TRANSFORMING HOUSTON’S work of hike and bike trails. Potential Memorial Park, one of the largest urban LANDSCAPE BY RESTORING AND end results from planning this urban parks in the U.S. and located inside DEVELOPING PARKS AND OPEN SPACES space in advance? A freeway-turnedHarris County’s 610 Loop, is a favorite park literally in the sky, featuring a platamong Houston’s joggers. Home to the form for hosting astonishing community gatherings, not to mention a break in Houston Arboretum and Nature Center, the almost 1500-acre recreational haven boasts of a breathtakingly beautiful, yet challenging 18-hole golf course, tax dollars by forgoing the demolition. Join the Pierce Sky Park Community movement by liking their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/pierceskytennis courts, playing fields, a fitness center, swimming pool, restaurants and park. For more info, visit www.pierceskypark.com. over six miles of mountain and recreational bike trails along the bayous. The south side of Memorial Park is bordered by Buffalo Bayou, where its stretch has remained natural throughout the years; however, the Bayou’s watershed EVELYN PARK has naturally eroded and widened over time in response to urbanization, trigThe Jerry and Maury Rubenstein Foundation knew what it was doing when it gering great concern. The Memorial Park Demonstration Project (MPDP), a seized the opportunity to acquire the historic Teas Nursery in Bellaire, upon its stream/bank restoration and erosion control initiative, remains at the forefront closure in 2009. The land was donated to the city of Bellaire on the condition of the Bayou Preservation Association (BPA), a local nonprofit purposed to prothat it would be developed as a park. Named for the Rubensteins’ mother, the tect and conserve the richness and diversity of Houston area waterways. Per park truly honors its past, while serving as a beautiful, quiet respite for its surRobert Rayburn, president of BPA, “The Project is worthy of support because it rounding communities. follows a holistic approach to stream restoration and stabilization known as Through the support of Evelyn’s Park Conservancy and their commitment to Natural Channel Design (NCD). Storm water that once took days to reach the designing and transforming the 5-acre site, the park remains timeless with infibayou channel now fills the channel from bank to bank in a matter of hours. nite possibilities. Well known for “Pop-Up in the Park,” its monthly, one-of-a-kind This produces flash flood, erosion-generating conditions. Although BPA underbazaar and shopping experience, Evelyn Park showcases the creativity of local stands and respects the concerns of those who may fear any project near people who lack brick-and-mortar storefronts, but have a wide variety of prodMemorial Park, utilization of the NCD within the Project is critical in helping to ucts to offer. On the horizon is a café to be housed in the historic yellow house create a self-sustaining bayou that would slow the erosion process. BPA encour- on site, post completion within the next 12 months. Learn more about one of ages everyone to support the MPDP and get involved in bayou preservation.

Houston’s finest treasures! Visit www.evelynspark.org.

After all, we are the Bayou City.” www.preservingbuffalobayou.org, for more

by Susan Bynam | Photography by Gabriella Nissen information.

Parks and open spaces are both key components of urban infrastructure in preserving water and air quality, protecting wildlife, spurring new development, increasing property value and attracting residents and visitors to our communities to explore business opportunities, recreation, shopping and even the simple sounds of nature after whirlwind days. The benefits are countless, but even aesthetically beautiful, functional parks and open spaces don’t happen on their own. In fact, as urbanization has increased, our parks and open spaces have fallen prey to severe erosion, worsening their condition and damaging their appeal. Houston is home to a number of popular parks and open spaces that are touched daily by residents and visitors to our great city.

...IS FOR PARKS

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...IS FOR QUIRKY And it doesn’t get quirkier than our dear old muddy waters, Buffalo Bayou, having its own bubble, burp, gurgle, gas button. Although not much of a secret anymore seeing that the button (located downtown beneath the Preston Street Bridge) has its own Yelp page, is doing exactly as Dean Ruck hoped – creating conversation and mystery. Commissioned by Central Houston Civic Improvement Inc., Ruck’s Big Bubble is actually art. “I didn’t want to announce it as a piece of art. It’s an occurrence, an event, a happening. The button itself is up there unannounced, and so it creates a real curiosity to people that come across it – it’s just a red button. Do I push it or don’t I?”*

by Carla Valencia de Martinez | Photography by Batli Joselevitz

*quote from http://www.houstontx.gov/municipalart/Big-Bubble

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...IS FOR RESTAURANT

The Del

COULD THE HOUSTON RESTAURANT SCENE BE ANY HOTTER THAN RIGHT NOW, 2015? IN ADDITION TO BEING HOME TO THE CURRENT REIGNING JAMES BEARD BEST CHEF SOUTHWEST (CHRIS SHEPHERD OF UNDERBELLY), AND ONE OF FOOD & WINE’S BEST NEW CHEFS (JUSTIN YU OF OXHEART), NEW, EXCITING RESTAURANTS ARE POPPING UP MONTHLY, WITH EXCITING NEW ENTRANTS PROJECTED FOR THE NEAR HORIZON. The last quarter of 2014 saw flurry of activity as restaurants such as Dak & Bop, Houston’s first official Korean fried chicken joint, opened quietly in the Museum District. There, craft beer, killer cocktails, and a hip, trendy vibe set the scene for twice-fried, crispy, spicy fried chicken — so good. Urban Eats Bistro + Bar + Market Dishes debuted on Washington Ave with a locally-sourced menu, bar, where you can pick up gourmet products and grab a cup of brewed-to-order Java Pura coffee. Claire Smith also successfully opened Woodbar, next to Canopy in Montrose, serving craft coffees and house made pastries in the morning, with a full service bar, and a small bites at night.

This month, look for Curate, the exclusive tasting menu concept by the owners of Hubbell & Hudson to open in The Woodlands. Featuring the cuisine of chef Austin Simmons, there’s an interactive chef’s table that seats up to 30, making it a worthy drive-to destination for fans wanting to experience another level of gourmet. In Midtown, Weights + Measures, a project by 13 Celcius’ Mike Dish Society Sammons, is set to open featuring a bakery of Slow Dough Bread Co, a cafe headed by chef Richard Kaplan, small wine bar, and a full service bar called Love and Squalor. Early sneak peaks of the place reveal a gorgeous, modern concept where you can stop in day and night. Dish Society, the fast casual neighborhood eatery by frat brothers Aaron Lyons and Trent Patterson, plans to bring their fresh concept to Katy in January as well.

Come early February 2015, newcomer Peska, the hot new seafood concept from Mexico, is opening its first location in Phase II of the BLVD Place in the Galleria area, helmed by 20-year-old culinary wunderkind Omar Pereney. Down the street, Peli Peli, the award-winning South African restaurant in Vintage Park with executive chef Paul Friedman, plans to debut their Galleria location as well. Chef Randy Rucker’s highly anticipated Bramble Restaurant on is finally set to open in the first quarter of 2015, serving New American cuisine with heavy influences from the south. The aim is to serve “honest food & drink,” and we cannot wait. Rucker has not had his own kitchen since his days at Bootsie’s in Tomball, and that was four years ago.

Not far away, in the former Taste of Lebanon space just off of Voss, Shepard Ross and his partners plan to open The Del sometime in the spring. Ross describes the food as a casual upscale eatery that will combine the elements of his other restaurants, Glass Wall and Brooklyn Athletic Club.

While we’re waiting for sushi chef Chris Kinjo’s hot new MF Sushi to open this spring, he’s announced that Bernadines he’ll be doing pop-up omakase chef’s tasting dinners at Kaneyama. He’s even set up a Twitter account, Ka Sushi, @Chris_Kinjo, to make announcements, so follow him is you are hard core sushi fans. a new concept by the owners of Fat Bao on N. Shepherd and 19th, is also set to open sometime in mid-March. And still, there’s more, most notably from the Treadsack Group, which owns Down House and D & T Drive Inn in the Heights. Spring 2015 is going to to be a busy quarter for the rapidly expanding group, which plans to launch three new Heights-based concepts: Bernadine’s Gulf Coast Seafood featuring chef Graham Laborde (think: raw bar, grilled oysters, and a chicken and sausage gumbo); Hunky Dory, with chef Richard Knight, a British American Tavern; and Foreign Correspondents with P.J. Stoops, which will feature Northern Thai Cuisine. Last but not least, Houston should be seeing yet another fried chicken concept come March with the F.E.E.D TX Restaurant Group (Liberty Kitchen, BRC Gastropub, Petite Sweets) opens Lee’s Fried Chicken & Donuts in the Heights. Yep, 2015’s already shaping up as another banner year for Houston restaurants.

by Mai Pham

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S

...IS FOR SWIMMING

SWIMMING HOLE, that is. Jeff Kaplan along with Monte Large and Evan O’Neil is are up to it again. These perpetual purveyors of all things good launched a Kickstarted campaign for the sole purpose to build a gigantic, natural public swimming hole in Houston. Our over-heated summers alone merit the idea. This group of social entrepreneurs needs to raise at least $30K to do an initial feasibility study with Sherwood Design Engineers whose focus is water, parks and public spaces. Their vision is for Houston to have its own Barton Springs. Word is spreading and the entrepreneurs already have support from The City, the Mayor’s office and Buffalo Bayou Partnership. Now they just hope to dive in before they are old! As of print, the campaign has raised $23,203. For more information, visit www.houstonneedsaswimminghole.com.

by Carla Valencia de Martinez Photographed above by Melissa Eason are Monte Large, Evan O’Neil and Jeff Kaplan; photo illustration by Monte Large.

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T

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...IS FOR TEXANS

Playing at NRG Stadium in front of a crowd of 71,795, the Texans were founded in 2002 and are in the AFC South, with their biggest rival still being the Indianapolis Colts. Led by Coach Bill O’Brien, the team’s third coach in franchise history, the Texans have sold out every preseason, regular and post-season game since their inception. The offensive line, led by Chris Myers and Duane Brown, dedicated the 2014 season to David Quessenberry (#DQStrong) who was diagnosed with lymphoma in June. JJ Watt is on a path to becoming yet again the Defensive Player of the Year and perhaps even the league’s MVP – having already recorded 50+ sacks in his first four seasons – making him only the fifth player to do so (since 1982).

Watt is also the first defensive lineman since 1944 to score at least five touchdowns in a season. The 2014 regular season was riddled with injuries including both quarterbacks, Ryan Fitzpatrick and Ryan Mallet. The Texans also suffered a setback after their number one draft pick Jadaveon Clowney had a rookie season that looked like this: 4 games, 7 tackles, 0 sacks, 3 surgeries (hernia and knee twice). Next season proves to be an interesting one – the quarterback and beyond.

by Jayme Lamm | Photo Credit Houston Texans

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In the late 1960s Houston was booming in every sense of the word, very much like it is now from real estate to the arts – including musical theatre. Upon the completion of the Miller Outdoor Theatre in 1968, visionary Frank Young saw the potential this particular outdoor space had for hosting musicals. Shortly after, Theatre Under The Stars (TUTS) was created, providing Houstonians with top-notch musical theatre performances every summer.

Since then TUTS has given back to the community through different educational outreach programs and expanded its doors (or should we say stage) at The Hobby Center. THE UNDERGROUND SERIES is a new endeavor for TUTS where, yearround, Houstonians can enjoy musicals at Zilkha Hall in The Hobby Center with shows that are sure to keep you on the edge of your seat, in the best way possible.

Get tickets to the world premiere of Waiting for Johnny Depp (January 22–31), a one-woman musical chronicling the quirky journey of struggling New York actress Rita Donatella (Brooke Wilson) as she tries to land the role of a lifetime – to star in a film with Johnny Depp.

Tickets $25–49 www.tutsunderground.com

by Batli Joselevitz Photography by Claire McAdams

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U ...IS FOR UNDERGROUND

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V

...IS FOR VESPA

If you’ve ever been to Italy, you’ve seen that Vespas are plentiful weaving in and out of traffic by the dozens, dodging through the tiny roads barely missing your side view mirrors. But it’s a part of the culture, a culture of fashion, food and community. And that’s what Michael Dinh, creative director for Vespa, wants to bring to Houston. “We had these really fun visions on what the lifestyle could be, to bring a little piece of Italy and Italian culture to Houston. To be a little bit more relaxed, café lifestyle where we could just jet out in the middle of the day, have a meeting, have a drink, then zoom back in our Vespas and into the office.” Houston is getting denser and denser. “It just makes sense that people inside the loop can zip around on a Vespa.” Be on the lookout for Vespa rides exploring local eateries and shops in the near future too. Visit Vespa Houston’s current location, 2000 Edwards St., Houston, TX. For updates, follow @VespaHouston on Facebook and Twitter. www.vespahouston.com

By Batli Joselevitz | Photography by Vinh Luong

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W ...IS FOR WILDLIFE

Houston is teeming with wildlife. You would think as the city booms and grows that they would flee, but they don’t. On any given day we share our sidewalks with squirrels, lizards, rabbits, bats and more. Currently the Memorial Villages are dealing with an influx of coyotes. To some this is a hassle; we think it’s pretty rad to live in such a cosmopolitan city and still have the chance to see a prehistoric mammal like the nine-banded armadillo. The US Fish and Wildlife (USFW) and the Greater East End Management District are partnering to create the Lockwood Nature Garden Preserve where monarch butterflies (the state insect) stopping to feed on milkweed plants in their migration to and from Mexico will visit. The micro preserve will be a food depot for birds, moths, bats, hummingbirds, bees, frogs, lizards, blue birds, cardinals, vireos, cedar waxwings and chickadees. The preserve will be on the corner of Harrisburg Street and Lockwood near the Metro light rail stop.

Photography by Gabriella Nissen

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...IS FOR X-RAY THE HEALTH MUSEUM is the city’s most interactive science learning center and a member of the Texas Medical Center fostering wonder and curiosity about health, medical science and the human body. Beyond the X-Ray opens January 17 and explores the world of medical imaging, spanning the ways doctors look inside the human body without surgery. The exhibit covers the latest advances in the field through graphics, multimedia focusing on X-ray, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), Computed Axial Tomography (CAT), Ultrasound, Positron Emission Tomography (PET) and three-dimensional imaging technologies.

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Yoga One Studio

Y ...IS FOR YOGA

It’s safe to say that yoga is no longer a trend but a lifestyle. With more studios in town than we can count, more and more Houstonians are using this form of stress therapy and body work as their main form of fitness. Choosing the right one for you can be a daunting task especially when you google “Yoga Houston” and get back over 10 pages of results, all of which are locations. But that’s what’s so great! There’s bound to be one out there for everyone. To add to the rewards of a steady practice, a recent study in the Netherlands of 37 studios involving 3,000 people showed a link to a lowering of heart risk factors due to yoga’s calming effect and bringing more oxygen to the body. In 2014 alone, Albina Rippy, co-owner of Yoga One with her husband Roger, opened 3 new studios making it five studios in the Houston area. And this month Big Yoga opens up its second studio in the Memorial Villages. The Rippys share, “In 2015 we will celebrate our 7th anniversary and kick off our Mission: Possible 40 Days to Personal Revolurion, a transformative, community-based yoga, meditation and mindfulness program with over 700 participants last year.”

Carla Valencia de Martinez | Photo by Triple Twist Photo

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Z

...IS FOR Z-RO

The self-proclaimed “KING OF THE GHETTO” rose out of the Missouri City neighborhood of Ridgemont in the Mid-’90s rapping at 100 mph and singing big, soulful melodies that channeled his life’s pain into a homegrown genre. As a member of DJ Screw’s Screwed Up Click, his prolific nature (paralleled only by South Park Coalition rapper K-Rino) flourished, and he has released at least an album a year (as a solo artist and with the groups Guerilla Maab and ABN) since his 1998 debut, Look What You Did To Me. He is well known for collaborative efforts with rappers from all affiliations (even squashing a longtime beef with Northside rapper Slim Thug for an album in 2013), and his fans know how to find him no matter what nickname (Rother Vandross, Relvis Presley) he’s wearing. In fact, it is said that true Houston rap fandom includes being able to recite the lyrics to his 2004 classic “Mo City Don” in their entirety, as his fans are known to do at his concerts – sometimes prompting the rapper to turn the microphone towards them and let them go at it a capella.

By Lance Scott Walker | Photography by Peter Beste

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FRIENDS+NEIGHBORS

– Sally Reynolds, curator for Through the Lunchbox by Paul Kittelson on view at One Allen Center through January 5, 2015.

“THE MOST FUN THING WAS PULLING THE YUMMY GOODIES OUT OF CARDBOARD BOXES AND PUTTING THEM IN A PLACE THAT’S BEAUTIFULLY LIT.” [Sally, chatting with sculptor Ed Wilson]

– Quenten Bolden, security officer on the 60th floor of the JPMorgan Chase Towen

“MY FAVORITE BURGER PLACE IS SPARKLES ON DOWLING STREET. BAR-B-CUE – WELL, IT’S MY BBQ THAT’S MY FAVORITE BUT I LIKE RAY’S BBQ BY MCGREGOR PARK RIGHT DOWN THE STREET FROM UH.” In one sentence Quenten describes Houston as, “THE BEST PLACE TO LIVE EVER. YOU MEET A LOT OF PEOPLE FROM DIFFERENT BACKGROUNDS IN HOUSTON – ITS DIVERSITY.” Photography by Batli Joselevitz

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FOR HOUSTON ROCKET TREVOR ARIZA, HOME IS WHERE FAMILY IS THEY SAY THE THIRD TIME’S A CHARM. NOW IN HIS THIRD STINT IN HOUSTON (FIRST WHEN HE WAS 11 YEARS OLD LIVING IN ALIEF, AND AGAIN AS A MEMBER OF THE ’09–’10 ROCKETS), TREVOR ARIZA FINDS HIMSELF BACK IN CLUTCH CITY, THIS TIME WITH MORE CONFIDENCE, DEFENSIVE ABILITIES AND MOST IMPORTANTLY, HIS FAMILY. Ariza made his way to Houston during the 2009–2010 season after a trade worth $33mil over five years using the Disabled Player Exception the Rockets were given in exchange for injured Yao Ming.

He was then traded to the Hornets and Wizards before returning back to Houston last July. Ariza grew up in the league. He entered the league when he was just 19 and admits he’s learned a lot throughout his 10-year career (more than 650 games!). Mostly, he’s learned patience. “I definitely have more patience. I’ve learned to not …well, I try not to wear my emotions on my sleeve. I try to stay even-keeled, play my heart out and let the chips fall where they may.”

A true West-Coaster (he refers to 59 as “the 59” when talking horrendous traffic), Ariza is slowly getting used to life in Bellaire.

Referred to by some as an “NBA vagabond,” Ariza says it’s his family (his wife, 3 kids and 70lb German Shepherd, Bowser) that really makes it home. “Having my family here is definitely part of that – my family is the most important thing to me – everything feels like home as long as they’re around,” he says.

ARIZA’S FIVE WORDS TO DESCRIBE HOUSTON: FAMILY, HUGE, THE ROCKETS, FOOTBALL (FOR SURE!) AND FOOD.

The small forward also attributes the team. “Just being here with the support of the organization is great; they welcomed me in with open arms – the coaches, front office and my teammates especially. We’re almost like brothers,” he says of his fellow players, especially Francisco Garcia who he says he has the most in common with. He laughs at inadvertently adding an adjective in front of the numbered highway, and says even though traffic is pretty awful, he still thinks pickup trucks are “pretty dope.” “I have one myself. I guess I’m part of Texas culture,” he says, laughing of his lifted Chevy Silverado.

RANDOM THOUGHTS (AND FAVORITES) FROM TREVOR ARIZA

“I THINK SOME OF THE STUFF CLUTCH DOES IS AMAZING. I SAW HIM ON ONE OF THOSE BIG BALLS SHOOTING FREE THROWS – I’VE NEVER SEEN THAT BEFORE – THAT WAS PRETTY DOPE.” 58 L O C A L | january 15

“I DEFINITELY ENJOY SEEING BUN B AT GAMES. HE’S ONE OF MY FAVORITE RAPPERS; HE’S A LEGEND HERE IN TEXAS.”

“MY FAMILY LOVES DISCOVERY GREEN – THEY JUST LIKE TO GO OUT AND PLAY. AND THERE’S A DOG PARK CLOSE TO MY HOUSE.”

By Jayme Lamm Photos courtesy of the Houston Rockets

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EVENT AN EVENING AT CASABLANCA WHERE CASABLANCA, UPTOWN Casablanca and Local Houston Magazine (formerly 002houston magazine) hosted an evening of fun and elegance for the sport of kings. VIP guests viewed Casablanca’s new fall clothing collection and their industry-leading array of Polo equipment with 10% of proceeds benefiting BlueCure.

Photography by lastnightpics.com

*Special thank you for an incredible evening made possible by our sponsors: BlueCure, Porsche of West Houston, Montejo Beer, The Dalmore Whiskey, Trentino Gelato, Atlantico Rum, Evamor Water, Latin Bites and Casablanca.

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EVENT JW MARRIOTT GRAND OPENING WHERE JW MARRIOTT HOUSTON DT The JW Marriott luxury brand celebrated the official grand opening of its newest hotel – the JW Marriott Houston Downtown. The celebration, designed by celebrity event planner Colin Cowie, took guests on a journey through the senses. From sampling delectable bites and premium beverages, to experiencing mini-treatments at Spa by JW, all 700 guests were surrounded by interactive art performances and great company for what was an unforgettably spectacular event of the season.

Photography by Bob Levey/Getty Images, Priscilla Dickenson Photography

EVENT 2nd ANNUAL ADVOCATE THROUGH ART PARTY WHERE WINTER STREET STUDIOS The Advocates for The Children’s Assessment Center hosted the 2nd Annual Advocate Through Art Party benefiting The Children’s Assessment Center (CAC) with 40 incredible art pieces donated. Nearly 400 guests enjoyed live and silent auctions and cuisine by Clark Cooper Concepts, while artists Taft McWhorter and Gonzo247 completed paintings during the event.

The party raised nearly $200,000 for the expansion of training and education programs at The CAC which are critical to the prevention of child sexual abuse and the healing of young victims.

Photography by Chinh Phan

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EVENT NARA ONE0YEAR CELEBRATION WHERE NARA Over 150 guests celebrated Nara’s one-year anniversary in style and in good company.

Celebrations included a step & repeat, DJ and a special happy hour and reverse happy hour.

Photography by Johnny Than

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STYLE + LEISURE EDIT & FOCUS AERIN LAUDER’S first memory of her grandmother, ESTEE LAUDER, was one of “scent. As a little girl I always remember walking into my grandmother’s house and she had these beautiful flowers in the front hall. She either had lilies or tuberose, and to this day, whenever I put lilies or tuberose in my front area it reminds me of her and the idea that the first experience when you walk into someone’s home should be warm, inviting and smell beautiful.” It’s no surprise her introduction to fragrance was early and not fleeting. From a young age, Aerin was interested in fashion and beauty but doing it more lifestyle.

“We are a very close family; I think my grandmother really instilled those qualities in the family. We always had family dinners and spent a lot of time together and we obviously work together. I think the elements you see, a lot of it is inspired by my parents or her and their love of art and design. She was the one who taught me to love gold.”

Aerin is at the helm of her own lifestyle collection – Aerin – a pareddown anthology of goods for the home as well as select fashion accessories. The effortless style Aerin shares on her personal social media pages is inherent in her designs, achieving an authenticity that designers can only dream of. From the furniture, to the vases, to the boots and jewelry – all of them evoke a sense of family and the heirloom quality that is passed down from generation to generation.

Houston’s Longoria Collection, owned by mother/daughter duo Sylvia Dorsey and Elizabeth Dorsey Fertitta, carries the collection and hosted Aerin last month.

By Carla Valencia de Martinez Photography by Max Burkhalter

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THE FIRST EXPERIENCE WHEN YOU WALK INTO SOMEONE’S HOME SHOULD BE WARM, INVITING AND SMELL BEAUTIFUL.

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THINGS WE LOVE

Eyeko partnered with the über-cool Alexa Chung to create the perfect (read “easy to use”) eye collection. I am obsessed with the perfect Eye Do Eyeliner to get the effortless cat eye Chung masters so well – and the brow gel is just perfection. The subtle color fills in sparse brows and keeps them put all day. Available at Sephora.

by Carla Valencia de Martinez

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Bamboo Ikat Black Rug, The Rug company – $68 per square foot. www.therugcompany.com

We have a gorgeous version of this Arteriors Zanadoo Chandelier in Brass in our new store. $2,880 www.wayfair.com

Elaine Turner Lacey Pewter Metallic Cuffed Heel $298.

We asked local luxury accessories designer ELAINE TURNER to share some of her favorite things. The designer has phenomenal taste when it comes to accessories to wear and accessories for home. Turner grew up in Sugar Land and graduated from The University of Texas. Today she has ten retail stores in the country, three in Houston with the latest one opening up last month at BLVD Place.

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MENTERTAINMENT

VICTORIOUS RESOLUTIONS SEEING THAT THIS IS THE IDEAL TIME OF YEAR TO BE AMBITIOUS AND CONQUER GOALS RANGING FROM GETTING FIT, SETTING FINANCIAL GOALS, ADDING MORE CULTURE TO YOUR LIFE AND SO ON, THIS YEAR I’D LIKE TO START BY CELEBRATING THOSE WHO HAD A VISION, TOOK RISKS AND HAVE BEEN EXECUTING THEIR PLAN – MAY EVERY NEW YEAR COME WITH A NEW LEVEL OF GROWTH AND ACCOMPLISHMENT!

Kooth timeless goods and apparel are American-made and feature collaborations with the country’s finest craftsmen to produce products that stand the test of time. Derived from the word “couth” meaning cultured and refined, an English word dating back to the 1800s, Kooth adapted a new spelling to reflect the modern aesthetic. Influenced by the founder’s lifetime around farms and ranches and the desire to handcraft high-quality goods and apparel that combine traditional worker aesthetic with modern wearability, manufacturing and product sourcing is all based in Texas.

Available at www.koothbrand.com.

In early 2013, George Frost was introduced under the umbrella of jewelry accessory brand Lulu Frost. George Frost carries the same sprit of the Lulu Frost brand in making every piece a memento or keepsake to remind you of a special accomplishment. The unisex collection is strong and versatile. The hand-sculpted, trench-art inspired “V for Victory” ring in brass is a personal favorite. Also available as a cuff. www.lulufrost.com The determination that drives Onshore Workwear is contagious and fitting of the state where it is rooted. Texas has not only a rich history as a leader in textile manufacturing but has long been a global leader in pulp cotton production. Onshore Workwear has found the way to reach their vision and support local with their denim collection of both raw and stonewashed denim. www.onshoreworkwear.com or shop at Manready Mercantile, 321 West 19th Street.

By Vico Puentes | Photography by Kennon Evett

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TOOLS+GADGETS

GOOGLE INBOX If you are planning to start your new year a bit more organized, you might begin with your email inbox. Google recently rolled out a new email interface for Gmail – clean, sleek and loaded with lots of productivity-boosting features.

The “pin” feature is great for important emails. Just hover over a message and tap the push-pin icon; the message is put front and center in your inbox until you un-pin it. You can even turn on a function that will only display pinned emails.

The new bundling feature helps you unclutter by automatically sorting email into categories. The built-in categories include travel, purchases, finance and updates, and you can also add your own. Emails of the same category will appear together in your inbox. A “sweep” button allows you to archive whole bundles at once. That saves you the trouble of manually going through and archiving individual messages. The “snooze” feature lets you come back to an email later. It will disappear from your inbox until you schedule it, so you won’t have to keep reminding yourself you still need to answer.

SPARKUP® MAGICAL BOOK READER I wasn’t always available to read my kids a bedtime story when they were young. Had the Sparkup Magical Book Reader been invented back then they could have at least heard my voice reading their favorite stories. This new educational toy enables parents (or grandparents, friends, etc.) to create personalized audio recordings of any illustrated children’s book. In other words, it helps children to practice their reading skills while also providing the emotional connection of a loved one’s voice. The Reader can store up to 50 books at a time, and is a perfect way to encourage children to read even when they’re not at school. Designed for children ages 3 through 8, the Reader attaches to the top of a book and records the user’s voice while tracking each page via its built-in camera. Afterwards, any time the device is re-attached to that book, the camera recognizes its images and plays the appropriate recording for each page. $59.99

DUX iPAD® COVER Note to all you owners of a shiny new iPad: Congrats on your Christmas gift; now wrap it up again. Not in wrapping paper but a protective cover. There are many on the market, and I am fond of the dux from STM Bags. The dux combines a protective outer shell and screen cover for an all-in-one rugged design. With reinforced back panel and corners, it meets US Department of Defense Standard 810F/G protocols. This means the dux will protect any iPad from drops up to 4 feet. It’s made with durable polycarbonate materials that will repel the occasional spill or drip. The magnetic screen cover is a two-part design. The main part covers the screen and saves battery life by turning off the device when closed. The flap also functions as a stand in horizontal or vertical mode to prevent it from slipping and falling. $49.99

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.

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LOCALGRAM Check out this months round of top pics from fellow Houstonians via Instagram.

Make sure to share your Houston adventures on Instagram with us using #DoLocal2015 for a chance to be featured in the magazine!

@artwritewonder View from the Hilton Americas

@crocodilesunshine Christmas tree at the Houston Galleria

@dandee_warhol Stanton’s City Bites

@canelitamolly Passed a Buddhist Temple on my way home the other day.

@chrlstopher Ring of sparks

@sarahinstagrant Captured the Houston Metro Rail going both directions.

@magenpastor What do you get when you put Travis Weaver of Manready Mercantile and myself together? Boutique magic.

@houtxgrown The grits-mobile.

@velodelivery Houston Heights

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CROSSWORD

ACROSS

1. Messy person 5. Remedy 9. Heavy coat 14. Empty-container weight 15. Imitated 16. Like some university walls 17. Essay page, for short 18. Stuffed shirt 19. Favors one leg 20. Tragic space headline in January 1967 23. 9th Greek letter 24. Cereal grain 25. Repartee 27. Location of the ulna 31. Red-tag events 32. Filming sites 33. Gunk 34. Site of Interpol’s headquarters 35. Lets loose 37. Gowns’ partners 38. Charged atom 39. Game that involves weapons 40. Roof overhangs 41. Canadian children’s show“Theodore__”

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43. TV promo 45. “Wheel of Fortune” purchase 46. Injured 47. Twin space headlines in January 2004 54. Russian novelist Maxim 55. Government payment for unemployment or illness 56. Had on 57. First zodiac sign 58. Gooseneck, for one 59. Batman West 60. Onset 61. Additionally 62. Abominable snowman

DOWN

1. Old Greek portico 2. Reindeer rancher 3. Lunch box treat since 1912 4. Sheets, e.g.

5. Author of “In Cold Blood” 6. Commotion 7. Bridle piece 8. Advantage 9. The Five ____ of I slam

by Scott Ward

10. Do some flying 11. Parts of spectacles 12. Held on to 13. Billboard displays 21. Plenty 22. Part of a fireman’s outfit 25. Louisiana body of water 26. Went ___ for the ride 27. Charge for service 28. Tequila source 29. Cowboy, sometimes 30. Lichen 31. Narrow cut 32. Catch sight of 35. Natural talent

36. Furrow 37. Crusoe, for one 39. Are made up of 40. British noble 42. Carny huckster 43. Units of heat 44. The Continent 47. “Beetle Bailey” creator Walker 48. Diva’s delivery 49. Eye amorously 50. Perfume bottle 51. Junction point 52. “Darn!”

53. Big rig 54. Argon is one

DECEMBER ANSWERS

Local January 2015_FINAL_002houston 12/18/14 4:31 PM Page 75

Local January 2015_FINAL_002houston 12/18/14 4:31 PM Page 76