T H E
B E S T
O F
E V E R Y T H I N G
TODD ALLEN
INSIDE
Bridging Austin and Hollywood
Luxe Living
What’s Haute
on Congress Avenue
Frugal Fashions
Austin is Going to the Dogs
JULY/AUGUST 20100 5
What’s Hot Must-Have Canine Finds
0 5
6
88066 27519
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austinlifestylemagazine.com 6 88066 27519 0
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Contents
AUSTIN LIFESTYLE
JULY/AUGUST 2010
50
56 60 FEATURE S 50
Todd Allen
Bridging Austin and Hollywood the Presidio Way
Moving up on Congress Avenue 60 Going to the Dogs 56
Contents
AUSTIN LIFESTYLE
DEPARTM E N T S
JULY/AUGUST 2010
23
11 NEW & NOTEWORTHY 14 HOTTEST HAPPENINGS 16 THAT'S ENTERTAINMENT FA S H ION & BEAUTY 19 WHAT'S HAUTE Cool Comfort 23 TUXEDO Sensible Summer Style
19
26 FASHION FORWARD Stylish Shades 28
28 BEAUTY Protection for the Perfect Complexion 30 DAY AT THE SPA The Crossings P H I L A N T H ROPY 32 SOCIAL GRACES 37 SOCIAL REGISTER HOM E 43 WHAT'S HOT A Dog’s Life 46 HOME DECORATING TIPS AND TRENDS
30
Livin’ it up Outside 48 IN THE GARDEN Farm Fresh F O OD 64 SAVOR Eddie V’s Prime Seafood 43
66 SOMMELIER’S SECRETS Cheers to cava 67 CHEF ON CALL Grilled Vegetables 68 ACCIDENTAL EPICURIAN Austin’s Coolest Cocktail
68
IN EVERY I S S U E 6 CONTRIBUTORS 8 LETTER FROM THE EDITOR 70 WIRED 72 OFF THE SHELF 74 EXPERT OPINION 75 WEB EXCLUSIVES 76 YOUR LUCKY STARS
PLUS ON THE COV E R Todd Allen photographed by Brenda Ladd
4 AUSTINLIFESTYLEMAGAZINE.COM
79 K E E P AU STIN WELL Your guide to staying healthy
CONTRIBUTORS
you’re invited July 29, 2010 7-9pm
Enjoy great food, drink, and company at the Lion & Rose Pub.
BRENDA LADD
Come join us to celebrate the release of the July/August issue of Austin Lifestyle Magazine during the dog days of summer. Associate Editor Dana Reinart with Annabelle, Publisher Shawn Lively with Teddy and Max, and Editor Deborah Hamilton-Lynne with Bandit.
AUSTIN LIFEST YLE GOES TO THE DOGS
location 701 S. Capital Of Texas Hwy Austin, TX 78746
Shawn Lively has been in the magazine business for more than seven years. She was the National Advertising Director and contributing writer for Texas Golfer magazine before becoming Publisher of Austin Lifestyle magazine in 2009. She has lived in Austin for over twenty years and is the proud mother of two sons, Hunter (11) and Houston (8). Teddy is the family’s recent rescue and Max has been a part of the Lively Family for five years.
Words have fascinated Deborah Hamilton-Lynne her entire life so it was a natural calling that she would become a writer and editor. Published consistently as a freelance writer for thirty years, she was a regular contributor to Austin Woman magazine prior to becoming Editor of Austin Lifestyle. An Austinite since 1993, Deborah is actively involved in the arts and community organizations. She enjoys living in the heart of the city near Zilker Park and Barton Springs. Bandit has been her constant companion for two years. Dana Reinart moved from the prairies of West Texas to the Hill Country in 2004 to obtain a degree in marketing from Texas State University. Her newfound love for flowing water and lush landscape paired with a fascination for live music drew her to Austin where she has resided for the past two years. Upon graduation, Dana dove head first into writing and editing for a local lifestyle magazine becoming Associate Editor at Austin Lifestyle magazine. Dana takes pleasure in experiencing everything Austin has to offer with her canine cohort of four years, Annabelle.
6 AUSTINLIFESTYLEMAGAZINE.COM 6 AUSTINLIFESTYLEMAGAZINE.COM
LETTER FROM THE EDITOR
Going to the Dogs
T H E
Deborah Hamilton-Lynne
PUBLISHER
O F
E V E R Y T H I N G
Shawn K. Lively
ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER
Michelle Steves
EDITORIAL EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Deborah Hamilton-Lynne
ASSOCIATE EDITOR INTERN
Dana Reinart
Kait Miesch
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Camille Abbott, Brenda
Audino, David Cagnacci, Robin Campbell, Jill Case, Ann Daly, Leslie Powers, Michelle Steves, JJ Thompson, Laura Waldman ART & PRODUCTION DESIGN
Creative & Sons
www.creativeandsons.com ASSISTANT ART DIRECTOR / WEB DESIGNER
Daniel Ramirez CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Jerry Hughes,
Brenda Ladd, Linda Hughes SALES & MARKETING DIRECTOR OF SALES AND MARKETING ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE
Tracy Stewart
Kristen Donner
For advertising information, please e-mail ads@austinlifestylemagazine.com LETTERS TO THE EDITOR editor@austinlifestylemagazine.com SUBSCRIPTIONS subscriptions@austinlifestylemagazine.com Subscribe online at www.austinlifestylemagazine.com JOB INQUIRIES jobs@austinlifestylemagazine.com interns@youraustinlifestyle.com Austin Lifestyle is Austin owned and operated and published by Texas Lifestyle Media, Inc. © and ™ 2010 Texas Lifestyle Media, Inc. All rights reserved.
Follow us on Twitter: @lifestyleaustin Become a fan on Facebook!
8 AUSTINLIFESTYLEMAGAZINE.COM
EDITOR'S PHOTO: BRENDA LADD
The ancient Romans noticed that the hottest days of the year coincided with the appearance of Sirius, the Dog Star, the largest and brightest star in the Canis Major constellation and, in fact, the brightest star in the sky. Hence the hottest days of summer are deemed Dog Days. In Austin, 365 days of the year are Dog Days because this town is one of the most dogfriendly in the nation. Austinites love their dogs and relish the warmth of summer. This issue is dedicated to our fascination with and devotion to our canine companions. Two years ago a small package of energy came into my life in the form of Bandit, a feisty brown chihuahua. He was a rescue dog and it took us no time to bond. We are a pair – Love me love my dog. Associate editor Dana Reinart uncovers the best dog parks and dog-friendly restaurants as well as ways to pamper your pooch (p. 60). Looking for the latest and most unusual canine accessories? Look no farther than What’s Hot (p 43). Want advice on how to choose, train, or live with your four-legged furry friend? Check out Off the Shelf (p. 72). Frolicking in style with Fido requires a relaxed wardrobe. You will find the latest in comfortable and affordable fashions on the pages of What’s Haute (p. 19) and Tuxedo (p. 23). If it’s a luxe lifestyle you are seeking for your pooch, look no farther than Austin’s newest and most luxurious downtown residences – The Austonian, where an exclusive tenth-floor dog park is just one of the many amenities offered to upscale owners and their privileged and pampered pets (p. 56). Even the Farmers’ markets in Austin are dog-friendly; one features a vendor with very special dog treats (p. 48). Looking for ways to beat the heat during the Dog Days? Seek out ‘Austin’s Coolest Cocktail’ chosen by our mysterious man about town in his new column, The Accidental Epicurean (p. 68); you can also enjoy a very cool Happy Hour at Eddie V’s – a downtown favorite set to celebrate a decade of delivering classic food, drink and jazz (p. 64). New and Noteworthy and the Calendar will point you in the direction of one of Austin’s favorite summer pastimes – free outdoor concerts for all musical tastes, from classical to rock to country (p. 11). The cool environs of One World Theatre is the setting for some of Austin’s best acoustics and most intimate performance space – the vision of Hartt and Nada Stearns (p. 16). For cool ways to bring the indoors outside, look to Decorating Tips and Trends (p. 46). If a staycation or daycation fits into your summer plans, look no farther than a spa day (or a week for that matter) at The Crossings for an experience that is close-in, yet so far away (p. 30). Our cover features the story of actor, producer, writer and director, Todd Allen as he returns to his roots and builds a bridge from his beloved Lone Star state to Hollywood. He shares his vision for revolutionizing independent film production as well as the reasons why he and his family returned to Austin after 27 years in Los Angeles. You may not recognize the name, but you will certainly recognize the memorable characters he has played with one look in his eyes. By creating a new production company, Allen is looking to put central Texas back on the filmmakers’ maps using smart scripts, savvy marketing and targeted distribution—each a component in “the Presidio Way.” The Dog days of summer in Austin are indeed hot, hot, hot and there are plenty of places and ways to enjoy them with man’s best friend. Please join us as we celebrate our new issue and the Dog Days of summer on July 29 from 7 to 9 pm at the Lion and the Rose. Of course it will be a dog-friendly party so bring your favorite pooch. Bandit and I look forward to seeing you.
T H E D O G DAY S OF SUMMER ARE UPON US.
B E S T
NEW & NOTEWORTHY
K9 Kids Camps The Austin Dog Alliance is a non-profit with a mission to make dogs an integral part of our community. They also believe in educating children to become responsible pet owners and offer several summer camps held at their indoor, airconditioned training facility located at the Hill Country Galleria. Advanced Skills, Tricks and more. July 19-23 Full day camp for ages eleven to sixteen and campers who have already participated in a class or camp with their dog. The advanced training is ideal for teens who would like to volunteer with their dogs as service dogs or who would like to enter agility competitions. All About Dogs! July 26-29 and August 2-5 Two hours per day, campers ages six to eight spend a fun week learning basic vet care, playing games, doing dog themed crafts and meeting the K9 service dogs. Junior campers get lots of dog loving but have to leave Fido at home for this camp.
K9 KIDS CAMPS: AUSTIN DOG ALLIANCE; AQUAPALOOZA: COURTESY AQUAPALOOZA
Tricks, Games and More. August 2-5 Half-day camp for ages nine to fourteen. Kids can bring their own dog or work with the Alliance rescue dogs. Fun lessons include agility, dog manners and dog Olympics. www.austindogalliance.org
Austin Fashion Week Who said that Fashion Week is only for New York? August is the time to be a fashionista in the ATX. Austin Fashion Week kicks off in 80’s style with the Bright Lights Big City party, featuring the musical stylings of Tiffany at GSD&M Idea City. With over a hundred events throughout the city, Austin’s emerging talent and landmark designers are on full display. The grand finale of this fashion extravaganza happens on August 21 at The Long Center with the Austin Fashion Awards. Who will win the People’s Choice Award this year? August 14-21 fashionweekaustin.com
AquaPalooza: World’s Largest Boating Event! Each year only one lake in the country is chosen for AquaPalooza’s signature event. This year the biggest water concert in the world takes place on Lake Travis. On July 10, over 15,600 boats and 84,000 people will be jamming at The Reserve at Lake Travis to headliner Brad Paisley – from the water only. This event is not to be missed. Get a boat, borrow a boat or become a stowaway – do whatever you need to do to make a splash at this music celebration. www.aquapalooza.com
FOODIE ALERT
TNT Tacos and Tequila Austin knows its food. Any new establishment has its work cut out for it if it wants to become a regular Austin haunt. TNT Taco and Tequila has hit the mark with the right mix of Mexican food innovation and taste. Stop by for $4 happy hour featuring not only tequila drinks, mojitos and sangria, but a complimentary quesadilla bar. Queso flights of chorizo, mushroom, spinach artichoke for $5 add pizzazz but stay true to the queso base. Need a feel good spark? Try TNT’s Good Karma Guacamole… the ‘guacamole guy’ rolls the Guac Cart over to your table and makes the guacamole to your liking. Fresh and tasty. Every time you order Good Karma Guacamole, fifty cents is donated to Urban Roots, an East Austin youth development program promoting sustainable farming. Come for happy hour and stay for dinner. www.tntgrill.com
AUSTINLIFESTYLEMAGAZINE.COM 11
NEW & NOTEWORTHY
BEST KEPT SECRET
Full Moon Frolics JULY 26, AUGUST 24
Barton Springs Pool
Gold Class Cinemas
The Rowing Dock
Watch Sex and the City II for the fifth time or take in a new movie in the lap of luxury at Gold Class Cinemas – the latest upscale theatre venue in Austin. As you walk in you will swear you are in a hotel. Come early and enjoy the full service lounge. At show time, an attendant will escort you to the theatre where you will take comfort in your fully reclining seat. A compartment for your purse and a button for custom service rounds out the intimate theatre experience. Pillow anyone? Whether it is date night or girls’ night out, you are sure to relax at Gold Class. Don’t forget to check out the bathrooms…there is a full length mirror for the ladies. This isn’t your traditional theatre, but after one trip to this cinema, luxurious screenings may become a new tradition. Check out a custom video tour with Roxanne at austinlifestylemagazine.com. www.goldclasscinema.com
For $5 per person you can rent a kayak and watch the full moon rise over the lake. Paddle with flashlights and glow sticks. It is spectacular and unforgettable. Make reservations well in advance. 2418 Stratford Drive, www.rowingdock.com
Blues on the Green Austin’s longest-running FREE music series celebrates its twentieth season in Zilker Park every other Wednesday in July and August. Patrons can enjoy food and non-alcoholic beverages from local restaurants or bring their own picnic. Blankets, lawn chairs, dogs on leashes and children are welcome. All shows start at 7:30 pm. It promises to be a spectacular season, featuring
Austin Chronicle Hot Sauce Festival This is the 20th anniversary of the world’s largest hot sauce festival. Their slogan is ‘If you want to beat the heat you have to eat the heat.’ With over 15,000 spectators and 350 entries, this annual event has turned into one of Austin’s favorite parties. It serves as a major fundraiser for the Capital Area Food bank and admission is free with the donation of three non-perishable food items. Outstanding music and culinary displays, but the star of the show is always the salsas. The t-shirts with their trademark outstanding hot designs have also become collector’s items. August 29, Waterloo Park. www.austinchronicle.com/gyrobase/market/hotsauce
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Austin favorites: July 7 Alejandro Escovedo July 21 The BoDeans August 4 Charlie Mars with special guest Amy Cook August 18 Raul Malo www.kgsr.com/other/blues
GOLD CLASS CINEMA: COURTESY GOLD CLASS CINEMA; HOT SACUE FESTIVAL: AUSTIN CHRONICLE PORMOTIONS DEPARTMENT
Every full moon an interesting band of swimmers shows up for a dip after 9 pm, when admission is free. Be forewarned that howling at the moon is expected and applauded. www.ci.austin.tx.us/ parks/bartonsprings.htm
Austin’s Premier Venue • World Class Artists • Gourmet Pre-concert Dinners • Flawless Weddings & Events • Intimate 300 Seat Venue • Austin’s Original Green Built Theatre
www.OneWorldTheatre.org • 512.32.WORLD
AUSTINLIFESTYLEMAGAZINE.COM 13
H OT T E S T H A PP E N I N G S
J U LY 1, 15
JULY 9-AUGUST 14
AU G U S T 2
Nature Nights Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center www.wildflower.org
Annie Beverly S. Sheffield Zilker Hillside Theater www.zilker.org
Melissa Etheridge Bass Concert Hall www.utpac.org
J U LY 2, 16
JULY 10
Music Under the Stars Concert Series Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum www.thestoryoftexas.com
Summer Dance Party featuring The Black and White Years and LAX One World Theatre www.oneworldtheatre.org
Moonlight Margarita Run Lady Bird Lake www.townlaketrail.org
J U LY 4
JULY 11, 18 , AUGUS T 1 , 1 5, 2 2 , & 2 9
H-E-B Austin Symphony July 4th Concert & Fireworks Auditorium Shores www.austinsymphony.org
Austin Symphony/ Hartman Foundation Concerts in the Park The Long Center Hartman Concert Park www.austinsymphony.org
J U LY 4
Willie Nelson’s 4th of July Picnic The Backyard at Bee Cave www.thebackyard.net J U LY 7, 14, 21, 28
JULY 14
Bastille Austin Laguna Gloria www.amoa.org
Austin Symphony Children’s Day Art Park Symphony Square Amphitheatre www.austinsymphony.org
JULY 14
J U LY 9-11
JULY 15
The Man Who Mistook His Wife for a Hat Austin Lyric Opera www.austinlyricopera.org
Hayes Carll Shady Grove www.theshadygrove.com
Citizen Architect Alamo Drafthouse Ritz www.drafthouse.com
JULY 22
Blue October The Paramount www.austintheatre.org JULY 26
Robert Plant and Band of Joy Stubb’s Waller Creek Amphitheatre www.stubbsaustin.com
JULY 29
Listen to Roxanne weekdays from 5:30 to 10 am on 105.9 The River’s Family Friendly Mornings. www.theriveraustin.com www.roxannewilson.com Follow Roxanne on Twitter: @RoxanneWilson
14 AUSTINLIFESTYLEMAGAZINE.COM
Austin Lifestyle Dog Days of Summer Party The Lion & The Rose www.austinlifestylemagazine.com JULY 31
Terri Hendrix Cry Till You Laugh CD Release Cactus Café www.utexas.edu/txunion/ae/cactus
ROXANNE’S PICKS
AU G U S T 5
AU G U S T 5 - 3 1
Metamorphoses ZACH Theatre Whisenhunt Stage www.zachtheatre.org AU G U S T 6
AU G U S T 1 5
Ice Cream Festival Waterloo Park www.icecreamfestival.org
B Scene Blanton Museum of Art www.blantonmuseum.org AU G U S T 7
The Wiggles: Wiggly Circus Live The Paramount www.austintheatre.org AU G U S T 7
Austin Dog Alliance Pet Therapy Seminar Hill Country Galleria www.austindogalliance.org/ classes
Band of Heathens W E D N E S DAY S I N J U LY & AU G U S T
KVET’s Texas Music Series Hills Café www.texasmusicseries.com
AU G U S T 1 0
AU G U S T 2 0
Cyndi Lauper The Paramount www.austintheatre.org
Natalie Merchant The Paramount www.austintheatre.org
AU G U S T 1 2
AU G U S T 2 1
The Trishas Shady Grove www.theshadygrove.com
Què Maravilla! Texas Disposal Systems Exotic Game Ranch www.wondersandworries.org
AU G U S T 14, 1 5
The Grateful Dead 1989 Concert Film The Long Center www.longcenter.org AU G U S T 1 5
It’s Ella! featuring Pam Hart and Kat Edmondson One World Theatre www.oneworldtheatre.org T H R O U G H AU G U S T 1 5
Chris Jordan: Running the Numbers AMOA-Downtown www.amoa.org
AU G U S T 2 8
An Evening with Sheryl Crow with special guest Colbie Caillat The Backyard at Bee Cave www.thebackyard.net
ROXANNE: KOREY HOWELL; ICE CREAM FESTIVAL: COURTESY ICE CREAM FESTIVAL; BAND OF HEATHENS: COURTESY BAND OF HEATHENS
NEW & NOTEWORTHY >
Tuscan ambiance and sunset views... the incomparable Lake Travis experience.
A truly unique setting for your social events, Wedding ceremonies, Receptions, Rehearsal dinners, and Corporate events 103 Yacht Club Cove Austin, TX 78734
512.261.3444 www.grilleatroughhollow.com AUSTINLIFESTYLEMAGAZINE.COM 15
T H AT ' S E N T E R TA I N M E N T
Hartt and Nada Stearns ENLIGHTENING AUSTIN THROUGH THE ARTS BY DANA REINART
Amor, láska, saying, aşk, kærlighed, armastus, zeretet, zamiłowanie, kärlek…love. It has been written about, sung about and celebrated in many languages and cultures for centuries. For Hartt and Nada Sterns, cofounders of One World non-profit organization, love has played a monumental role in building their legacies. They believe, “The unity of our planet can only be seen through the eyes of love, and the arts are a terrific medium to break down the walls of separation.” Music has been an integral part of both Hartt and Nada’s journeys. Hartt’s interest in percussion began at fourteen when he started taking bongo lessons . As a student at UCLA, under the tutelage of Brazillian percussionist, Mayuto Corea, Hartt realized, “What we truly are is love and that is our connection with everyone.” Mayuto introduced Hartt to Arco Iris, a progressive jazz/rock fusion group out HARTT AND NADA STEARNS of Argentina, resulting in One World a fourteen year residence www.oneworldnonprofit.org with the group. “One of the best forms of education is to see how people from other cultures live, value things and view the world,” said Hartt, explaining the role his international travels have played in developing the mission and curriculum of One World. “Traveling with a band from Argentina made me aware of how important it was to see things from a different perspective.”
16 AUSTINLIFESTYLEMAGAZINE.COM
Nada Stearns was destined to be a performer from an early age. Armed with a killer voice and an extroverted personality, Nada started singing professionally five nights a week in a Miami restaurant at the age of fifteen. During high school, she sang with pop and disco groups performing the hotel circuit in Miami Beach and studying under Gina Maretta of the New York Metropolitan Opera. Upon graduation, Nada set out to explore Europe and was profoundly influenced by the experience. She was exposed to many walks of life, staying some nights in large mansions with limitless abundance and others in slums with few material offerings. “It was so amazing to me to see so much love and community with so little. It always left an impression on me….As a consequence I’ve been compelled to share the simple things of life. We have to be happy with what we have, to find the true treasures in life,” she explained. In 1992, with an array of musical achievements under their belts, Hartt and Nada met in Austin through a mutual friend. The chemistry was instantaneous and through their shared vision, One World was born. One World non-profit was built on the belief that multi-cultural arts programming for children of all ages is critical to their education and encourages a greater understanding for people and cultures unlike their own. “At the time, our goal was to introduce diverse culture’s art forms to youth through assemblies and workshops in Austin schools,” said Hartt. One World non-profit is now a multi-faceted organization offering arts-in-education programs to children, including school assemblies and curriculum with accompanying study material, field trips to One World Theatre, an after school arts program, community outreach programs and summer camps. Through a grant from TRIAD (Texas Resources for Iraq-Afghanistan Deployment) Fund of the San Antonio Area Foundation and a donation from LifeSize Communications, One World will host one distinct summer camp dedicated solely to military children and families. “A World Apart, A Moment Together” takes children from auditions to stage in one week (this year’s performance: The Wizard of Oz). The deployed parent and child on stage will be able to witness the performance and their parent’s reactions on real-time screens. At the conclusion of the performance, families are also given the opportunity to interact with their deployed loved one privately. “I saw one of the children hugging the screen upon seeing his father for the first time in about a year,” said Hartt. One World is constantly growing, evolving and looking for new ways to expand. With each step, Hartt and Nada Stearns have stayed true to their mission, reminding themselves and the children at the conclusion of each school performance when they say, “It doesn’t matter what country you come from, what color your skin is or what religion you have, we’re all part of one world.”
ONE WORLD THEATRE One World Theatre brings world-class performing artists to Austin. The theatre opened in 1999 as an extension of the artsin-education programs targeted towards adults, offering innovated and exciting multicultural arts and entertainment programs. The intimate theatre is made of 85% recycled Styrofoam materials and extremely efficient “green” insulation materials. If it weren’t for the windows, the building would be completely soundproof generating near perfect acoustics! Noted for it’s romantic setting overlooking the hill country, the venue is also the ideal place for weddings, corporate events, and with the completion of the first phase of expansion at the year’s end, a commercial kitchen which will all for further growth of camps and events. For more information please visit www.one worldtheatre.org.
HARTT AND NADA: COURTESY HARTT AND NADA STEARNS; ONE WORLD THEATRE: COURTESY ONE WORLD THEATRE
NEW & NOTEWORTHY >
A N N O U N C I N G A U S T I N LY R I C OPERA’S
2010-11 SEASON
Ignite Your Soul !
Call 800-31-OPERA to buy season tickets or visit www.AustinLyr icOpera.org
LA TRAVIATA By Giuseppe Verdi
November 6, 10, 12, 14, 2010
THE ITALIAN GIRL IN ALGIERS By Gioachino Rossini
january 29, February 2, 4, 6, 2011
FLIGHT By Jonathan Dove
April 9, 13, 15, 17, 2011
THE MAN WHO MISTOOK HIS WIFE FOR A HAT By Michael Nyman IN CONjUNCTION wITh
The Austin Chamber Music Festival
july 9, 10, 11, 2010
WHAT’S HAU TE COOL COMFORT
FRUGAL FINDS FOR CHIC FASHIONISTAS
Color Blocked Dress $19.50. Old Navy, www.oldnavy.gap.com
EVERYTHING UNDER $100!
AUSTINLIFESTYLEMAGAZINE.COM 19
WHAT 'S HAUTE 3 1
2
4
5
6
7
1
SANDALS
8
Twist sandals: $19.50. Old Navy, www.oldnavy.gap.com
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Steve Madden Sysco: $49. Piperlime, www.piperlime.com
Ruby & Bloom ‘Jasmyn’ Sandal: $79.95. Nordstrom, www.nordstrom.com
11
9
1 Pilcro Bermudas: $78. Anthropologie, www.anthropologie.com 2 Lithia Dress: $79. Patagonia, www.patagonia.com 10
3 Long-sleeved Mexicali top: $24.50. Old Navy, www.oldnavy.gap.com 4 O-ring animal print halter onepiece: $29.50. Old Navy, www.oldnavy.com 5 Charter Club Top: $40, Pant: $39.98. Macy’s, www.macys.com
12
6 Pilcro Slouchy Roll Straight Leg: $88. Anthropologie, www.anthropologie.com 7 Fedoras by David & Young and Jessica Simpson: $25-$32. Macy’s, www.macys.com 8 Fossil Collector Shorts: $58. Anthropologie, www.anthropologie.com 9 Embroidered maxi skirt: $29.50. Old Navy, www.oldnavy.gap.com 10 Halogen chiffon trim cardigan: $68, Shimera seamless camisole: $24, Mimi Chloe challis skirt: $28. Nordstrom, www.nordstrom.com
Embellished Sandals by Nine West: $79, Nine West: $79, DV by Dolce Vita: $69, Style & Co: $49, Madden Girl: $49. Macy’s, www.macys.com
Guatemala City Sandals: $48. Anthropologie, www.anthropologie.com
11 Thatched Bungalow Tote: $88. Anthropologie, www.anthropologie.com 12 Assorted scarves: $19.50. Old Navy, www.oldnavy.gap.com
AUSTINLIFESTYLEMAGAZINE.COM 21
TUXEDO
Sensible Summer Style RELAXED DUDS THAT WON’T BREAK THE BANK
Short-sleeved island shirt: $12.50. Old Navy, www.oldnavy.gap.com
Tommy Bahama Good Reef Camp Shirt: $98. Tommy Bahama, www.tommybahama.com
Beachy plaid long-sleeved shirt: $24.50. Old Navy, www.oldnavy.gap.com
EVERYTHING UNDER $100!
AUSTINLIFESTYLEMAGAZINE.COM 23
TUXEDO Migration Hemp Shirt: $59. Patagonia, www.patagonia.com
Plaid shorts: $24. Old Navy, www. oldnavy.gap.com
Organic Cotton Under Tee: 25. Patagonia, www. patagonia.com
SANDALS
Relax by Tommy Bahama Easy Breezer Pants: $98. Tommy Bahama, www.tommy bahama.com
Bacco Bucci ‘Lauener’ Slide: $99. Nordstrom, www.nordstrom.com
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Keen Rockaway Flip: $50. Piperlime, www.piperlime.com
Ruffian for Threads & Heirs Polo: $50, Jacket: $99. Macy’s, www.macys.com
Merrell Huron: $80. Piperlime, www.piperlime.com
Tommy Bahama Zumi Solid Flip Flops: $38. Tommy Bahama, www.tommybahama.com
K at h y W oma c k Ga l l ery originals • prints • gifts
Women and Wine Series - Oasis Edition ®
www.kwomack.com 512-288-0238
FASHION FORWARD
Stylish Shades COMEBACK CLASSICS WITH FASHION AND FUNCTION BY ROBIN CAMPBELL
that primarily provided sun protection for the eyes has now become a three billion dollar fashion accessory business commanding an average of $100 for each pair sold. Must-have shades can provide flair and style with a more reasonable price tag than a new designer dress or the latest ‘it’ bag, especially given our current economy. Before you rush to shell out the Benjamins – some pairs can run upwards of $750 – rummage through your drawers, your mother’s drawers or maybe even your grandmother’s drawers and if you get lucky, you may find a pair or two from the past that will work just fine. A perennial crowd favorite is the Wayfarer by Ray-Ban, which is not shocking given that retro or vintage styles have made their way back into every designer’s collection this year. Ray-Ban Wayfarers, one of the oldest staples in the sunglass industry, originated in the 50’s with Hollywood icons like James Dean and Cary Grant sporting them on the silver screen. The Wayfarer has made many comebacks over the past sixty years. You might remember the iconic pictorial debut with Audrey Hepburn sporting a new version of these trendy specs in Breakfast at Tiffany’s. In the ‘80s, Ray-Ban came back with clever product placement in cinema favorites Risky Business and The Blues Brothers. Today you’ll find the Wayfarer in a variety of colors and price points in leading department stores. Favored by both men and woman alike are the aviator style, which originated in the military and designed to be used as protective goggles. As the aviator style evolved, it became wildly popular in the late ‘70s and early ‘80s largely due to their popularity in the movie Top Gun. Both Tom Cruise and Kelly Willis sported a pair of these nos-
W H AT WA S O NCE AN INDUSTRY
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talgic style shades that continue to be a classic with every generation. The rich and famous have always favored the oversized lenses either to protect their identity or to draw more attention. Jackie O (Jacqueline Kennedy), it seems began this trend with many Hollywood starlets and everyday folk following suit. Recently both my daughter and niece scored some nice look-a-like Jackie O (or ‘Mary-Kate & Ashley’ – more generation appropriate) style shades at Forever Twenty-One for about six dollars! Of course, at that price they were probably not polarized, so safety as well as style must be a consideration when choosing shades for reasons other than a fashion statement. Fashion may not be paramount to everyone. My husband, for example, prefers transition lenses, offering less style and more functionality. Specialty frames and lenses can set you back a whopping $400! No matter what they are called, sunglasses have become a must-have statement accessory – one that can be worn anytime and anywhere. Whether you are wearing shades indoors or out in the sun, large or small, tortoise or white, or with a splash of bling or designer insignia, you are sharing your sense of fashion with the world. My guess is that we all own more than one pair. Do you wear your shades based on your style or mood? My friend wears his when he flies so that he may sleep as well as avoid conversation; my cousin uses them for a stylish headband; and dark lenses definitely come in handy after a rough night on the town (or so I’ve been told). Sunglasses serve a multitude of purposes – all with style! Choose a signature pair and make them your own. As for me, why yes, I’ve stowed away a few pairs over the years. I even remember owning a pair of Ray-Bans in the ‘80s, but I’ll have to dig around for them – unless one of my daughters beat me to it!
I T ’S T I M E .
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BEAUT Y
Protection for the Perfect Complexion COSMETIC SUN SHIELDS FOR A FLAWLESS FACE One often overlooked but critical component of outdoor-oriented Austinites’ facial beauty regimen is sunscreen! Sunscreen helps prevent fine lines and discoloration before they occur as well as protecting from future incidents of skin cancer by blocking damaging UVA/UVB rays. SPF (Sun Protection Factor) is the number that represents the length of time you can stay out in the sun without damaging sunburn from UVB rays, multiplied by the corresponding number. The UVB rays are the sun’s burning rays and are the primary cause of sunburn. Luckily, protection comes in many shapes and sizes and may be found in the many of cosmetic brands you are already using. Austin sun worshipers and active ladies, look for the optimum SPF to maintain your youthful appearance and protect your skin from damaging rays!
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1 CoverGirl and Olay Simply Ageless Foundation SPF 22: $13.99. Drugstores, www.covergirl.com 2 Peter Thomas Roth Bronze Instant Mineral Powder SPF 30: $35. Sephora, www.sephora.com 3 Shiseido Ultimate Sun Protection Cream For Face SPF 55 PA+++: $19.50 $35. Sephora, www.sephora.com 4 Estée Lauder Resilience Lift Extreme Foundation SPF 15: $36.50. Estée Lauder, www.esteelauder.com 5 Jack Black Intense Therapy Lip Balm SPF 25: $7. Sephora, www.sephora.com 6 Dior Addict Lip Glow Sheer Lip Balm SPF 10: $28. Dior Beauty, www.dior.com 7 Rae Climate Control Mineral Tint SPF 20: $39. Rae Cosmetics, www.raecosmetics.com 8 Lip Shade Lipstick SPF 15: $18. Rae Cosmetics, www.raecosmetics.com
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A DAY AT THE SPA
The Crossings NATURE MEETS NURTURE FOR A REJUVENATING DAYCATION
and gasoline skyrocketing this summer, why not choose a vacation destination close to home and spend the money you save in travel costs pampering yourself? I am always surprised to learn that so few Austinites know about The Crossings. Located about forty minutes from Austin proper near the intersection of Bullick Hollow Road and Volente Road, it was originally conceived and built to the highest green and eco-friendly standards as a wellness retreat and spa with classes, workshops and speakers from around the world. In May, the resort became part of the AMSTAR Corporation and is one of two eco-friendly resorts (the Hana Maui being the other) in their exclusive Green Tea division. The perfect getaway begins with the setting, 210 acres above the Balcones Canyonlands overlooking Lake Travis – beautiful, rustic and serene. Activities range from yoga to Pilates to meditation in the beautiful sanctuary retreat to hiking through the wood on a series of winding trails to simply relaxing by the infinity edged pool with a glass of wine. The guest rooms are housed in THE CROSSINGS seven lodges and most have a private balcony 512. 258.7243 or deck where you can read or take in the surwww.thecrossingsaustin.com roundings serenaded by the birds. Packages and special rates, which include accommodations, meals and activities or spa services, are available for individuals, couples or groups. Whether you are booking for a week or a day, the extensive spa menu featuring services provided by seasoned practitioners is the siren song W I T H T H E CO S T O F A I R L I N E T I C K E T S
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beckoning you to experience this hidden treasure. To say that my day at the spa was unique would be an understatement, considering the fact that several of the services and treatments can be found nowhere except The Crossings. I began with a Watsu massage, an aquatic massage utilizing light acupressure and free flowing stretching and flowing movement, supported and guided by Judy in the only Watsu pool in Texas and one of the few in the United States. It is an amazing experience – completely relaxing, yet stimulating to all of the senses. At times I felt as though I was flying, and at one point I could actually hear my heart beating. During the massage you become totally aware of your body and your breath in union with your mind and your soul. For an experience that completely takes you to ‘another dimension’ I can highly recommend the Watsu massage and the exceptional guidance of Judy. My massage was followed by a detoxifying body scrub. The Crossings uses Primavera, an all-natural, organic line of skin products that are extremely gentle. My scrub was composed of juniper, cypress, seaweed and crushed olive stone and was designed to detoxify, smooth and stimulate my metabolism. The body scrub was followed by a refreshing warm shower and completed with a wonderful massage and application of juniper and cypress body oil. Again I was impressed by the expertise of Tami, who explained everything about the products and the process in detail. Many times I am a little concerned about exactly what I am signing up for, but her enthusiasm about and belief in the products was reassuring and contagious.
COURTESY THE CROSSINGS
BY DEBORAH HAMILTON-LYNNE
opposite, left: The Crossings offers the only Watsu pool in Texas; opposite, right: the spa entry is welcoming and serene; above: the pool frames a spectacular view; left: eco-friendly treatment rooms are the perfect spot to begin a day or a week of rejuvenation.
100% of Net Profits Benefit Charity
Next up was a revitalizing facial which promised to provide ultimate hydration and leave my skin radiant and glowing. It did not disappoint. Again using Primavera products, the facial utilized organic pomegranate and rose hip oil as well as aloe vera, white tea and two kinds of clay to massage away stress and restore elasticity. Tracey provided the perfect blend of music, scent, warmth and touch for an absolutely serene experience. Based on the comments I received after leaving the spa, the results were definitely visible. My final service was also unique to The Crossings. Laura Waldman (our AL horoscope expert – see page 76) met me for an astrological consultation. Using both my natal chart and extensive expansive charts, she guided me through what the planets and the stars have in store for me in the coming year. Having experienced Laura’s expertise and competence first hand, I was more than anxious about some pending personal and financial decisions. All I can say is, if it is clarity you are seeking, add Laura’s service to your spa experience and you will end your day not only refreshed in body and spirit but also with a totally new perspective on any unanswered questions that may cause concern. If the dog days of summer have you longing for a vacation, look no further than this little piece of heaven just down the road. Nurture yourself without the stress or expense of a long distance trek. It’s a reasonable retreat with unique offerings – so close, yet so far away.
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SOCIAL GR ACES
Beyond the Lights Celebrity Golf Tournament GRIDIRON HEROES SPINAL CORD INJURY FOUNDATION AND THE BUONICONTI FUND TO CURE PARALYSIS PHOTOGRAPHS BY CHIP SHOTS, INC.
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8 1 Heather Henthorn, Brad Leland, Emily Jones 2 Dave Campo, Roy Williams, Brad Leland, Chris Canales 3 Mack Brown, Brad Leland 4 Suzy & Warren Chancellor, Sr. 5 Merideth Gabbitas, Nicole Evans, Pat Evans, Ron Gabbitas 6 Payal Gurnani, Heather Page 7 Terence Newman, Randy Recer, Dave Campo 8 Heather Waters, Mack Brown, Drew Waters 9 Kasey Johnson, Kyle Chandler, Stacey Underwood
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SOCIAL GR ACES
2010 Man and Woman of the Year LEUKEMIA AND LYMPHOMA SOCIETY PHOTOGRAPHS BY SHERWIN FIELD
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1 Alison Gaylord, Elizabeth Oksanen, Eric Oksanen 2 Sara Dunn, Eliot Garza Jamie Severyn 3 Russell, Tucker, Mason & Amy Smith 4 Isaac Albarado, Anne Billingsley 5 All Candidates with Boy and Girl of the Year 6 Clayton Stewart and Friends 7 Kira Smith, Tucker Smith 8 John Hay, Brad Compere, Julie Jung 9 Beth Malsom, Julie LIttlefield
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SOCIAL GR ACES
White Party LIFEWORKS EXECUTIVES AND PROFESSIONALS PHOTOGRAPHS BY JERRY HUGHES
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SOCIAL GR ACES
Cattle Baron’s Ball THE AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY PHOTOGRAPHS BY JERRY HUGHES
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1 Rick & Colleen Gardner 2 Heather & Darrell May, Patrick & Rosie Hagan, Tina & Brent McCutchin, Pace & Keith Lossen 3 Jim Brown and Clay McPhail 4 Jerry & Karen Hughes, Nat Peniston 5 Front: Bonny & Jim Pohl, Janet & Don Wilkerson; Back: David & Darlene Marcus, Don & Melony Woodard, Meredith & Barl Bolin 6 Kyndel & Laura Bennett, Crystal & Todd Tidmore 7 Liz & David Lawrence 8 Graham & Terry Quinn, Ben & Leigh Richards 9 Laura Bennett, KVET 98.1‘s Bucky & Bob, Crystal Tidmore, Tracy Lawrence 10 Kelly & Jason Black
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SOCIAL GR ACES
Rise Across Texas Challenge & The James Street/Mack Brown Golf Shoot-out THE RISE SCHOOL OF AUSTIN PHOTOGRAPHS BY LOGAN BOYD, SETERLING IMAGES AND TIM EVANS
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1 Coach Greg Davis, Brian Nickel, James Street, Dan Burck, Bill Bayless, Coach Mack Brown, Michael Cooper 2 Leslie Lockett, Reid Sweet, Jennifer Mueller, Ryan Burrus, Coach Major Applewhite 3 Holden and Leslie Easterling, Coach Mack Brown, Brandon Easterling 4 Mandy Myers, Coach Mack & Sally Brown, Bill & Rusty Duvall, Katrine & Bill Formby 5 Guy Diedrich, Coach RC Slocum, Coach Darrell Royal, James Huffines 6 Drew Womack, Shayne Traylor, Cory Morrow 7 Senators Wendy Davis and Kirk Watson 8 Steve & Donna Hicks 9 Cyclists at the starting line in Orange, Texas 10 Senator Rodney Ellis, Representative Carol Alvarado, Governor Rick Perry, Steve Hicks
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BY LESLIE POWERS
SOCIAL REGISTER
Coach Gene Stallings and son Johnny.
COURTESY BEAR BRYANT MUSEUM
Sportsman’s Club Kick-Off Dinner THE RISE SCHOOL
THE SPEAKER: COACH GENE STALLINGS The career of Coach Gene Stallings is nothing short of legendary. He spent 18 years coaching professional football for the Dallas Cowboys, the Phoenix Cardinals and the St. Louis Cardinals. He spent 21 years coaching college football at both Texas A&M and the University of Alabama, where his team won the National Championship in 1992. Beyond football and coaching, it was the relationship with his son Johnny, who was born in 1962 with Down syndrome, that is a fundamental part of his legacy. “My life wouldn’t be nearly as rich if I hadn’t had Johnny,” said Stallings. After returning to the University of Alabama as head football coach in 1990, Stallings discovered the Rise School of Alabama, an early childhood/preschool program for children with and without special needs. Begun in 1974, the Rise program had changed locations three times by 1990 and was housed in an old dorm on campus that could barely contain its student population. Stallings and his family became major advocates of the program. “They changed the attitudes of everyone in [Tuscaloosa] about people with disabilities,” said Dr. Martha Cook, Executive Director of the Rise Program. The Stallings were also instrumental in establishing a new facility for Rise, aptly named The Stallings Center, Home of the Rise Program. “My name is on
the building. I’d rather have it on that building than on a stadium,” said Stallings. The Stallings’ involvement at the Rise School of Alabama catalyzed the expansion of the Rise program to now six other cities including Austin. Coach Mack Brown and his wife, Sally came to know the Stallings very well when Brown was coaching at the University of North Carolina. It was this relationship that inspired the Browns to help start the Rise School of Austin. “After being around Coach Stallings and Johnny and hearing what Coach Stallings did with the Rise School of Alabama and the knowledge that there is such a need in Austin, it made all kinds of sense for us to get involved,” said Brown. Coach Stallings will be the guest speaker at this year’s 4th Annual Sportsman’s Club Kickoff Dinner benefiting the Rise School of Austin.
THE ORGANIZATION AND ITS MISSION The Rise School of Austin is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing the highest quality early childhood education and services to children with and without special needs, ages eighteen months up to six years old. The mission is to prepare students for their next learning environment and lifelong
success. The key components of the Rise Austin program are the inclusive classrooms, where children with and without special needs learn side-by-side; a therapy-based curriculum, providing speech/language, occupational, physical and music therapy to all of the students; Master’s degreed teachers; a 3 to 1 student to teacher ratio; and full-time programming, 8 am to 2:30 pm, Monday through Friday from August through June.
THE EVENT The 4th Annual Sportsman’s Club Kickoff Dinner will be held Thursday, July 29, 2010 at the Four Seasons Hotel Austin. Special guests include University of Texas Head Football Coach Mack Brown, Defensive Coordinator C o a c h Wi l l M u s c h a m p, O f f e n s i v e Coordinator Greg Davis and Legendary Coaches Gene Stallings and Darrell Royal. The SPORTSMAN’S CLUB event is hosted by the KICKOFF DINNER Sportsman’s Club, a July 29, 2010 premier men’s volun- Four Seasons Hotel Austin teer network dedicated www.riseschool.org/austin to providing financial and moral support for the Rise School of Austin by enlisting a membership of committed leaders, conducting events and educating the community. Co-Chairs of the Sportsman’s Club are Mike Costello, Steve Sanders and Sam Shackelford.
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SOCIAL REGISTER
BY DANA REINART
Roberta Preston Pazdral, TCMA President
RCL PORTRAIT DESIGN
Ottmar Liebert Concert and Dinner TRAVIS COUNTY MEDICAL ALLIANCE
THE PRESIDENT “Families of physicians usually end up moving several times before the doctor in the family becomes established in a practice. This is hard on families and medical spouses can get isolated,” explained Roberta Preston Pazdral, President of the Travis County Medical Alliance (TCMA). “Many times I have heard the words, ‘If it weren’t for the Alliance I would have been so lonely...’ ” As President of TCMA, Roberta’s biggest strength is her training and experience in human resources, team building and management gleaned from twenty years’ at the World Bank in Washington, D.C. She also operated her own management consulting practice which carried out team building and job design projects for medical practices. Needless to say, Roberta Pazdral OTTMAR LIEBERT knows a thing or two CONCERT AND DINNER about bringing peoJuly 30, 2010 ple together. TCMA is One World Theatre unique in that, through www.traviscounty its mission of philanmedicalalliance.com thropy and volunteerism, members also benefit from the support of their fellow volunteers. “The families of physicians are under a lot of strain given the long hours and stressful work put in by the physician mom or dad in the family,” said Roberta. The Alliance provides activities like a fun run group, a group for parents of small children, a book group and a group that organizes outings to restaurants, wineries, and the like. They also have a lunch group, a mahjong group, a stitching group and a group of folks who run their physician spouses’ medical practices. “There really is something for every member
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of the whole family!” With expertise from her Master’s thesis about recruiting and training Hispanic and Native American volunteers, Roberta plans to focus on the Alliance’s membership throughout her tenure. “I want to find out why we have relatively few South Asian, Hispanic and Oriental members. Our partnering organization, the Travis County Medical Society has many members from these ethnic groups and I would like to familiarize their spouses with our organization and its many activities and benefits.” Roberta is originally from New Zealand and came to the US on vacation in 1969 where she planned to stop for a short while in Washington, D.C. but ended up living and working there for twenty years. She has since moved to Austin where she is the treasurer for Boy Scout Troop 11, helps the booster club at Austin High where Scot, her son, is on the JV football team, and tends to part of the front garden at St Mark’s Episcopal Church in Barton Hills where she and her family live. “My most important role is being chief cook and bottle washer at my house where James and George Anthony (my stepsons), Scot, George and two dogs reside. Oh, and did I mention the fish tank and other critters that occasionally show up?”
THE ORGANIZATION AND ITS MISSION The purpose of the Travis County Medical Alliance, founded in 1924, is to assist the Travis County community with health related needs and to foster social networks for the family of medicine. The mission of the TCMA is for physician’s spouses in partner-
ship with medical professionals to work as volunteers advocating for medicine and medical families. The TCMA works in conjunction with the Travis County Medical Society and is an affiliate of the Texas Medical Association Alliance and the American Medical Association Alliance to carry out this goal. Consisting of physicians and their spouses who reside in and around Travis County, TCMA members are active in a variety of Quality of Life and Community Service committees within the Alliance. Members and their families put in hours and hours helping out at the Volunteer Health Clinic, lugging books all over Austin for Literacy Austin, cooking and delivering meals to the Ronald McDonald House, or wrangling school kids as they wait for their immunizations at the Del Valle Children’s Wellness Clinic. The organization truly adds value to the community in many ways.
THE EVENT Ottmar Liebert is a six-time Grammy nominated, platinum selling guitarist and composer. His legendary debut release, Nouveau Flamenco is the biggest selling guitar album in history. Along with his band, Luna Negra, he thrills audiences worldwide as one of instrumental music’s most popular and compelling live performers. The performance as well as a pre-concert dinner catered by Word of Mouth will be held at One World Theatre on Friday, July 30. The dinner begins at 8 pm and the show starts at 9:30 pm. Proceeds from a portion of the ticket sales will go to the highlighted nonprofit group of the evening, TCMA.
SOCIAL REGISTER
John Gilluly, Dick Anderson and Volney Campbell
Flavors of the Town
SERVANDO SANCHEZ PHOTOGRAPHY
THE BUSBY FOUNDATION
BOARD PRESIDENT AND CO-FOUNDER Volney Campbell found his way to Austin in 1985 and has spent his entire career in the commercial real estate industry. He currently serves as a co-managing partner at HPI Real Estate Services and Investments, specializing in tenant representation for corporate office users. Active in the community, Campbell has served on several boards of non-profit organizations, and currently serves on the board of the Grace Foundation, which provides scholarships for children leaving foster care. He is also a board member of the local chapter of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. When Campbell volunteered to help his colleague, Bo Busby (who was battling ALS at the time), renovate a home for a family that was also coping with the life changes brought on by the debilitating disease, a lifelong dedication to raising awareness and funds for ALS families was born. “Bo showed us how to do it. When I saw the incredible difference it made in that family’s life it was an amazing moment.” Campbell has been active in the Busby Foundation ever since serving as Co-founder and currently as Board President. “When ALS families find themselves at the end of their rope and have no other means of coping, we come through. We have saved homes from foreclosure, made extreme home makeovers possible and even loan wheelchairs and other mobility equipment to Central Texas families. The effects of this disease are devastating and the funds and services we are able to gift are often an answer to the family’s prayers.” In addition to raising funds for
the work of the Busby Foundation, Campbell hopes to raise awareness of the disease and the impact it has on the lives of families affected by ALS at this year’s Flavors of the Town event. “This is our largest fundraiser and a very nice event. While ALS does not affect the numbers of people with diseases such as cancer and heart disease, for those suffering with the disease the effect is devastating. We want people attending the event to learn about the disease and to know what a huge difference their support can make.”
THE ORGANIZATION AND ITS MISSION Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), often referred to as Lou Gehrig’s Disease, is a degenerative neurological disease that affects the brain and spinal cord. Approximately 5,600 people in the U.S. are diagnosed with ALS each year and it is estimated that as many as 30,000 Americans may have the disease at any given time. When Bo Busby, HPI, Inc.’s Chairman of Corporate Services Division, was diagnosed with Lou Gehrig’s Disease in November of 2001, a group of his colleagues at HPI, Inc. founded The Busby Foundation in his honor. Bo lost his battle with ALS in December 2006 after fighting the disease with strength and dignity for five years. The Foundation seeks to provide victims of ALS and their families in the Central Texas area with financial assistance, education about the disease and information about local treatment providers. The Busby Foundation works alongside the national ALS organization to provide
assistance to families as they battle this disease. The Busby Foundation supports victims of ALS by laying the building blocks for Assessing Life’s Strengths. Bo Busby fought ALS with courage FLAVORS OF THE TOWN and inspired others September 9, 2010 to make the most of Hyatt Regency Austin every day. Money www.flavorsofthetown.org raised by Flavors of the Town will help raise ALS awareness and assist victims of ALS and their families living in Central Texas. Some of the ways the foundation helps: • Providing financial “gap” assistance until federal agencies’ aid begins • Directing families on available resources in managing these challenges • Assisting with home healthcare and nursing aid • Donating services to help families secure wheelchairs, breathing equipment, stair lifts and other mobility devices • Showing compassion and empathy while demonstrating the community is ready and willing support them in their battle. For more information about the Busby Foundation, please visit the Web site at www.busbyals.org.
THE EVENT Flavors of the Town showcases some of Austin’s finest restaurants and gives participants the chance to indulge in their delightful dishes. Enjoy some old classics and discover a new favorite Austin restaurant! Live and silent auctions are part of the festivities.
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SOCIAL REGISTER
BY KAIT MEISCH
Brian Jones and Helen Jobe
The Brian Jones Celebrity Golf Tournament
THE FOUNDER Former NFL All-American linebacker and University of Texas Longhorns football standout Brian Jones grew up in Lubbock, Texas. He attended UCLA and the University of Texas, where he earned his B.S. in Corporate Communications and was an AllSouthwest Conference Linebacker. An eightyear veteran of the NFL, Jones was drafted from Texas by the Los Angeles Raiders in 1991 and went on to play for the Indianapolis Colts and the New Orleans Saints, from which he retired in 1998. Jones then returned to Texas and began his sports broadcasting career. He is currently a college football analyst for CBS Sports and CBS College Sports network. A former Boys & Girls Club member, Jones now devotes a significant amount of his time to helping kids in the same way that the Boys Club helped him.
THE CO-CHAIR Helen Jobes is the owner and founder of Gold Eagle Investments. Jobes attended Pan American University, the University of Texas and St. Edward’s THE BRIAN JONES University in Austin. CELEBRITY GOLF She holds the TOURNAMENT Certified Commercial August 23 2010 Investment Member University of Texas Golf Club (CCIM) designation www.bgcca.net and is also a member of the National Association of Realtors. Helen became a part of Boys and Girls Club thirteen years ago when she decided to focus
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her volunteer activities on children eventually becoming a member of the board. When she learned that the Brian Jones Tournament had no sponsor Jobes stepped in, confident that she and Brian would be the perfect team. Helen has been involved in every aspect of The Brian Jones Golf Classic. The tournament has grown tremendously, from the sponsorships to the celebrity guests to funds raised each year.
THE ORGANIZATION AND ITS MISSION BGCAA is a non-profit youth development agency dedicated to providing resources and opportunities to all young people, especially those who are “at-risk” and most in need, between the ages of six and eighteen. The Boys & Girls Clubs provide a safe place for kids to spend their time interacting with others and building lasting relationships with trained, professional staff. “Ultimately, our goal is to help each of our kids develop a sense of competency, a sense of belonging, a sense of usefulness, and a sense of influence”. Austinarea clubs serve more than 10,000 kids each year and nearly 1,500 every day by giving them access to life-enhancing programs and experiences in five core areas, including education and career development, character and leadership development, health and life skills, the Arts and sports, fitness and recreation. The program schedule offers daily mentoring programs, such as Passport to Manhood and S.M.A.R.T. Girls, to provide hope and moti-
JOHN TULLIS
THE BOYS AND GIRLS CLUB OF THE CAPITAL AREA
vation and encourage positive relationship building. Over the past six years BGCAA has grown from only three original locations to seventeen Clubs throughout the Austin-area, many of which are now conveniently located within schools themselves. “The most important role of the Boys & Girls Club: to provide our kids with the opportunity to belong, to succeed, to serve their communities, and to share their voice with the world. Club kids have new experiences every day that give hope to those that need us most.”
THE EVENT The tournament will be held on Monday, August 23, 2010 at the one and only University of Texas Golf Club. Registration begins at 8:30 a.m. followed by a shotgun start at 10:00 a.m. The format is scramble. Sponsorships include an invitation to the private, pre-tournament party the night before the tournament. All proceeds benefit the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Austin Area. Co-sponsored by Multichem and Silicon Labs, the tournament features former and current celebrity athletes and coaches from the NFL and NBA as well as entertainers and local celebrities. Special guests expected to appear include former Dallas Cowboys linebacker Hollywood Henderson, former Cowboys legend “Too Tall” Jones, NBA Hall of Famer Elvin Hayes, former Cowboys All-American running back Robert Newhouse, former Dallas Cowboys legendary Billy Joe Dupree and more!
The Land of Lagniappe
WHAT’S HOT A DOG’S LIFE
FABULOUS FASHIONS AND FURNISHINGS FOR OUR FURRY FRIENDS!
Animals Matter Daisy Blanket (4 sizes and colors): $70-$190. Fetch, www.yourdogwilldigit.com
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WHAT’S HOT
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1 Doggles: $10.99-$19.99. Lofty Dog, www.austinloftydog.com 11
2 Doca Pet Dogleg Diner: $100$190. Fetch, www.yourdogwilldigit.com 3 Adventure Dog Boots: $39.50. REI, www.rei.com
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4 Kurgo Backseat Hammock: $64.99. Just for Pets, www.justforpetsaustin.com 5 Kurgo Red Harness: $29.99. Just for Pets, www.justforpetsaustin.com 6 Doggy Snooze Sofa Bed: $129$189. Lofty Dog, www.austinloftydog.com 7 Double Donut Bowser Bed (special order available): Starting at $134.99. Just for Pets, www.justforpetsaustin.com 8 Planet Dog Collars: $14.99$17.99. Lofty Dog, www.austinloftydog.com 9 Paws Aboard Doggy Life Jacket: $14.97-$29.97. Petco, www.petco.com 10 Cooling Vest: $49.99. Lofty Dog, www.austinloftydog.com
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11 Adventure Dog Bowl: $12.00$14.00. REI, www.rei.com 12 Planet Dog Artichoke Toy: $14.99. Lofty Dog, www.austinloftydog.com 13 Kurgo Car Seats (special order only): Starting at $99.99. Just for Pets, www.justforpetsaustin.com 14 Vurv Bowls: $109.99-$199.99. Lofty Dog, www.austinloftydog.com
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DECOR ATING TIPS AND TRENDS
Livin’ it up Outdoors HINTS FOR BRINGING THE INDOORS OUTSIDE BY MICHELLE STEVES PHOTOGRAPHY BY JERRY HUGHES D O N’ T S P E N D YOUR SUMMER INSIDE, bring the indoors out. A
wonderful summer retreat can easily be created no matter your budget or space limitations. The need to find a tranquil retreat and balance the stresses of our everyday lives can be as easy as opening your backdoor and creating a beautiful outdoor living space. The desire to entertain with family and friends year round has manufacturers offering furnishings and accessories that blur the lines of bringing the interior comforts outdoors. Look for furniture
in teak, wicker, stainless steel or aluminum or materials that can be easily recycled. Your outdoor space should be an extension or your lovely home, of yourself and inspire you to be in touch with nature allowing for some amazing conversation and memories. Food tastes better outdoors, aromas are more abundant outdoors and all you need to start with are some items that you have already have inside your home. So get outside and enjoy the beautiful Austin summer evenings in your new outdoor living room.
DINING OUT
Essential to any outdoor living space is a comfortable dining area for entertaining. Choose a table that is durable and weather-resistant (if not under cover) and the right size for your family and friends. Don’t be afraid to mix and match when creating your space. Wicker chairs are great outdoors and have come a long way in design, durability and comfort. They go well when matched with a teak or stone table top.
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MOOD LIGHTING
SWINGING GOOD TIME
CREATURE COMFORTS
Enjoy your summer nights longer without having to depend on sun and moonlight by adding great lighting to your space. Lighting is key in creating an inviting mood when the sun goes down. A chandelier or wall sconce is a perfect way to add a bit of drama and elegance. You can find some great outdoor lighting options at www.kitchler.com.
To create some comfort and a little drama, add a chaise lounge or a hanging bed. The bed seen here can be custom designed and installed by RWM Design right here in Austin. www.rwmdesignaustin.com
And of course, we can’t forget to create a comfortable outdoor area for our pets during the dog days of summer. Check out www. callingalldogs.com and www.bitchnewyork.com for some unique and luxurious lounging ideas for your critter.
Visit our Web site for the complete issue online!
www.austinlifestylemagazine.com
lighting design & consultation customized outdoor lighting underwater lighting rainwater harvest systems pondless waterfalls pond installation pond maintenance stone work
Outdoor Lighting Fountains & Irrigation Misting Systems 907 RR 620 S Suite 102A Lakeway, TX 78734
512-261-6700
www.austinaquaow.com AUSTINLIFESTYLEMAGAZINE.COM 47
IN THE GARDEN
Springfield Farms offers fresh seasonal produce to the hundreds of sundry customers at Downtown SFC Farmers’ Market and the Sunset Valley Farmers’ Market.
Farm Fresh FARMERS’ MARKETS ARE HOT, HOT, HOT! BY JJ THOMPSON
is gaining momentum nationwide and has always been hot in Austin. Nothing says summer like homegrown heirloom tomatoes and Fredericksburg peaches. We are blessed with over twenty Farmers’ Markets in the Austin area. Go green, eat healthy and talk to the vendors about their goods. Since it’s Austin, most markets are kid and dog friendly with live music and areas for dining al-fresco. Make it an outing that builds memories; someday your children will be telling their children about the day they found the perfect tomato – the one with the taste they will never forget. We previewed three popular Farmers’ markets. Go to the Web Exclusives page on our Web site for a list of others and an exclusive recipe for Apple Hatch Bison Meatballs from Corey Harris of High Country Bison featured at the Barton Creek Farmers’ Market. The SFC Famers’ Market at Sunset Valley is the newest location for the Austin Farmers’ Market, a project of Sustainable Food Center. A long row of merchant canopies line the street leading up to a larger awning where a band plays and shoppers can sit, relax and enjoy some of the delicious treats and beverages prepared by vendors. Offering a wide range of products from fresh kale, beets and carrots to grassfed Angus beef and Texas grass-fed bison to potted herbs and soy candles, you can find just about anything you need at this super center and, what is even better, friendly people are on-hand to answer questions, offer advice, recipes and cooking techniques. The Sunset Valley Farmers’ market is located at 3200 Jones Road right by the Toney Burger Center in Sunset Valley every Saturday from 9 am to 1 pm. www.austinfarmersmarket.org The Austin SFC Farmers’ Market, located downtown at Republic Square Park (Fourth and Guadalupe), is the essence of what a Farmers’ Market should be: dozens of local farmers with goods ranging from organic fruits and vegetables to artisan goat cheese to free range duck THE EAT-LOCAL MOVEMENT
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and chicken eggs to seafood fresh from the gulf to Texas olives to fresh herbs; entrepreneurs selling everything from organic local honey and baked goods to t-shirts, soap and fruit popsicles; international gourmet cuisine featuring food offerings from Brazil, the Mediterranean, Mexico, Nepal and Thailand; and several vendors with tips for everything from composting to building your own garden to forming a food co-op. Kids and dogs abound. There is a story and song time for the kids and live music for the entire family. It has a down to earth, boho downtown chic, cool but friendly vibe every Saturday from 9am to 1 pm. www.austinfarmersmarket.org The Barton Creek Farmers’ Market (formerly located in Sunset Valley) is a bustling market with a diverse clientele. Families, young couples, senior citizens and even dogs enjoy the offering WHAT TO PL ANT IN from this marketplace, which JULY AND AUGUST has been serving the Austin community for thirteen years. It Vegetables Okra, tomatoes, has been on many nation-wide pumpkins, peppers, eggplant, corn, top ten lists for farmers marwinter squash, southern peas, kets including an endorsement potatoes, cucumber by Wolfgang Puck. Vendors are Herbs Thyme, basil, rosemary, set up in a large rectangle with orgegano, dill, lavender, chives, sage, a large area for listening to parsley live music and lounging in the middle. Fresh produce, dairy Perennials Coreopsis, bluebells, and meats, internationally prepetunia, zinnia, sunflower, impatiens, pared foods and treasures from hollyhock, salvia, aster Austin’s local artisans are on Grasses Monkey Grass, Liriope, hand as well as a balloon aniLycoris, Colchicum, Louisiana Iris mal craftsman and a make-yourown body scrub station. The Barton Creek Farmers’ Market is located on the back side of the Barton Creek Square mall parking lot overlooking the city at the intersection of Mopac and Loop 360 every Saturday from 9 am to 1 pm. www.bartoncreekfarmersmarket.org
Camille Abbott Broker, CRS, GRI, CLHMS
Serving the Austin Real Estate market since 1984
8008 Spicewood Lane Austin, Texas 78759 512-529-1299 www.camilleabbott.com
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TODD ALLEN BRIDGING AUSTIN and HOLLYWOOD the PRESIDIO WAY BY DEBORAH HAMILTON-LYNNE PHOTOGRAPHY BY BRENDA L ADD
I
f eyes are the windows to the soul, then Todd Allen’s eyes say everything about the soul of each of the characters he portrays and about the dream he has returned to Austin to pursue. It is a dream fifteen years in the making. A dream which unites his Texas roots to his Hollywood experience and cachet. As an actor, writer and producer, Allen has appeared in more than fifty film and television productions. In many roles he assumes the appearance and demeanor of the character he plays – so much so that on one movie set even his own mother did not recognize him. He favors the strong, determined types although he has played deranged villains. No matter what character he is playing, if you look into his eyes you will consistently find the depth and soul of Todd Allen. As he speaks of the latest transition in his life, his eyes shine with excitement. Todd Allen is clearly a man with a mission and a man who has come home. A fifth generation Texan, Todd Allen has deep Austin roots. He attended both Austin High and the University of Texas in Austin. From his grandfather “Potsy” Allen, a member of the Texas Longhorn Athletic Hall of Honor, to his father and mother, both UT alumni, to his step-daughter Avery who currently attends UT, to four year-old daughter Shelby who loves to ‘Hook ‘Em Horns,’ the Allen family bleeds burnt orange. His father, J.R. Allen was a prominent businessman and Todd has idyllic memories of growing up in Austin. Although Todd’s journey led to New Mexico and New York finally landing in Los Angeles, the pull of Austin and Texas was always strong. Todd’s wife, Dara, also has strong Texas roots centered in the family ranch in Blanco. When the light of their life, daughter Shelby, entered the picture, the decision to return to Texas became imminent. Family is extremely important to Todd and Dara.
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‘A
ustin holds such great memories. I had a tremendous childhood here. Of course, I did things that if any of my kids did some of them today...I’d have to kill them...but, nevertheless, it was a great, vibrant and full period of my life. My high school friends Jim Sayers, Willy Scott and I would take a competition ski boat out on Lake Austin at 6 am and run the slalom course a few times each, put the boat up and haul ass to football practice at Austin High. Pretty cool way to grow up. After Shelby was born, Dara and I asked ourselves, ‘How can we choose to raise our child in Los Angeles when we have Austin sitting there waiting?’ ” Todd and Dara were firmly entrenched in Los Angeles – Dara with her real estate business and Todd with his film career – but the pull of Texas and the seeds of an idea that would bridge Austin and Hollywood proved strong. After 27 years in Los Angeles, Todd continued to strongly associate with Austin. “I figured out who I was in Austin. I had my head on straight when I got to LA and NY and that is probably what allowed me to persevere in a tough industry. LA is a town that can chew people up pretty quickly. I chose my friends well and surrounded myself with good people and that probably made the difference. I think my friends here would probably tell you that I am the same guy I was growing up here. Obviously, I’ve changed – grown up, become a father, made a career and a life – but I think my friends would tell you that. I don’t know. Call them up and ask ‘em.” The differences in the quality of the lifestyle offered in the Hill Country and Los Angeles would prove to be a deciding factor in the couple’s decision to return to Austin. “Many of my childhood friends had ranches. We had one in the Hill Country. It was there that I learned to ride, shoot, fix things, drive tractors, bail hay, build houses, hunt arrowheads, swim in the creek and a whole lot more. The ranch was the place I took my high school girlfriend and really probably fell in love for the first time. The ranch was where I could walk out at night and the stars were so bright that it was like daylight. The ranch was where I could get lost in the beauty of a really hard days work, busting my ass bailing hay in July or August. I learned my work ethic there. It was also the place I went, seeking solitude, when I made the decision to pursue a life in the film business. So, for me, it holds a special significance, as does Austin. We can’t offer our child those things in Los Angeles, as much as I love Los Angeles.” Todd is the consummate professional – one who loves the business of film. He can talk for hours about the actors, directors and producers who have impacted his career. The stories pour out with genuine emotion. Inspired by silver screen leading men Gregory Peck, Steve McQueen, Robert Mitchum and Marlon Brando, Todd studied with the legendary Stella Adler in New York before heading west to make his career. He is proud to have worked with the accomplished and the famous, including directors Jonathan Demme, Lawrence Kasdan, Walter Hill and Peter Bogdonavich and actors Ed Harris, Kevin Costner, Mel Gibson, Gene Hackman and Robert Duvall. Todd has played characters ranging from the lead, Jim Morar, in the cult classic horror film, Witchboard, to a macho but sensitive cop in 48 Hours and Grand Canyon, to a rugged cowboy and
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western lawman in Silverado, Wyatt Earp and Broken Trail, to a soldier in Uncommon Valor, Brothers in Arms and Tour of Duty and, most recently, a Texas Ranger in American Cartel and a college recruiter in the popular Austin-based television series, Friday Night Lights. In addition to acting, Todd has credits as a writer, producer, director and stunt man. There is no aspect of the film business that he has not studied. The man knows the business, which brings him full-circle to Austin and his dream.
T
odd Allen sees himself as a storyteller. Early in his career he began wandering through book stores collecting stories that he believed would make great films. In a used book store in Los Angeles he found a fifty cent paperback western entitled The Deserters by Luke Short, and doggedly pursued Short’s heirs until he purchased the rights to turn the book into a film. Allen still has the first script, handwritten in pencil on note cards, which forms the basis for a film based on the pulp western. His office is filled with promising scripts and features a whiteboard of projects waiting to be produced. Building on his experience as an actor, his connections with the studios and his friendships with A-list talent, Todd Allen has come back to Texas to pursue his dream of building a
‘I FIGURED OUT WHO I WAS in AUSTIN.’
production company that will change the landscape of independent film and television production in Texas, creating a bridge between Austin and Hollywood. He has partnered with local writer David Marion Wilkinson to write a script based on Wilkinson’s novel of early Texas, Not Between Brothers. Kevin Costner and Tig Productions are on board to develop the script as an epic mini-series. In 2009, Allen founded Presidio Pictures and dubbed his method for creating commercially successful, award-caliber feature films and television series ‘The Presidio Way.’ Todd said, “I want to allow some of the great stories to get made that otherwise never have a shot. For example, this movie I am working on about a Medal of Honor recipient, The Last Full Measure. I want to do it because the story speaks to me in a powerful way. The proposed cast includes Robert Duvall, Bruce Willis and Morgan Freeman. They are all willing to work on it for far less than their usual fee mainly because of the power of the story. Presidio is the Spanish word for fortress, and Presidio films will portray that solid feel and power. I want the feeling to be that exceptional talent will do these films because they want to be involved in the whole process and because they know the story is award-caliber quality. The ‘Presidio Way’ starts with the script. Excellent screenplays are the heart of
each production. Story, story, story is our mantra. It is what will attract the talent and the first-class production team. Secondly, Presidio has a commitment to produce each project as cost-effectively as possible. We look at our investors as family and we want to bring them exceptional projects from the ground up with A-list talent and distribution attached. Finally, we also plan to employ emerging technology for digital distribution and unique marketing that will expand our revenue stream. I have been dreaming of this model for developing independent films for fifteen years.” Allen’s eyes sparkle as he describes projects in the pipeline. They range from the story of Medal of Honor winner, William Pitsenbarger, to the musical world of the Delta Blues and the civil rights movement of the 1960’s, to pulp western cavalry officer, Pete Shannon, to a teenaged girl trying to escape her small-town Texas life to young Christian and Muslim men struggling to work together on a desolate Saudi Arabian oil rig. As he describes each one he becomes more and more animated. When asked if he can make a Texas-based film company succeed, Allen acknowledges that if he wants to succeed, he will have to create a bridge between Austin and LA with offices and a presence in each city. He also knows that his Texas roots will allow him access to everything that makes Austin unique. “Austin has a vibe all its own. It is a place that marches to its own beat, for sure,” he said. “I guess the experiment will be to see if I can make the movies I want to make. I think I can. That has pretty much been my driving mantra from the day I decided to go to LA and get in the movies, ‘I think I can do this.’ I know that I can create a company that combines the best of my experiences and connections in both places. My goal is to be on the cutting edge of not only the production of outstanding content, but also the delivery and marketing of that content.” As the interview ends, Todd proudly tells me that he was recently honored and asked to speak at the Texas Ranger Hall of Fame dinner in Waco. He shows me a striking publicity photo from American Cartel, a film shot in 2009, in which he plays the lead character, Carson Clark, a Texas Ranger who brings down a powerful drug cartel. Again the power of the story and the essence of the character come through when you look into the eyes Todd Allen. Like the strong characters he portrays, Todd Allen draws strength and conviction from Texas and Texans. He has returned to Austin to build a fortress with its foundation in Los Angeles and its roots in Texas. Just look into his eyes and you know he will succeed. It’s the ‘Presidio Way.’ AL
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TODD on FILMS, ACTORS and HOLLYWOOD
Pancho Barnes
Wyatt Earp
Swing Shift
His first appearance in a movie Our ranch was near Johnson City and I was driving by the set of Honeysuckle Rose so I stopped. The movie people thought I was the son of the owner of the ranch where they were filming so they let me stay. The director, Jerry Schatzberg, asked me if I wanted to be in a scene as an extra so I am in the big barn dance scene. When I left the set I knew on the spot that I could be an actor. Best advice for a young actor from Kirk Douglas “Here’s the deal—All you’ve got to do is look me in the eye and tell me the truth.” Playing Chuck Yeager My Dad was a Navy pilot and I played Yeager to honor his service. I completely immersed myself in the role. Robert Duvall He is my champion. For an actor, he sets the benchmark extremely high. He has put himself on the line for me several times. Duvall knows the script so cold that he can do each take differently each time and each one is right on. The first scene I ever shot with him was the one in The Apostle where he is drunk and comes at me with a baseball bat. We’ve been friends ever since.
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48 Hours
Johnny Cash I was on the set with June, who was in The Apostle. They had a beautiful relationship. We had a two hour conversation about front porches and fireflies. What an extraordinary man. Kevin Costner I made three movies with him (The Postman, Silverado and Wyatt Earp). He navigates the complex waters of fame better than anyone I know. As an actor he is incredibly inventive; he not only knows his lines, he knows everyone else’s lines too. He is always coming up with different ideas for the characters and the shots. He is a true storyteller and has tremendous talent as a director. Gene Hackman The consummate actor. He is all business. He is so prepared. When he is on the set, it’s game on. Wyatt Earp What a cast: Hackman, Costner and Dennis Quaid. Kasdan dir ected it and if you watch it today the film holds up really well. It’s good stuff.
Broken Trail
Uncommon Valor
Witchboard It’s a cult classic now. Quentin Tarantino told me it is his favorite cult horror film. That film let me know that I could carry a film as a leading actor. Grand Canyon Kasdan called me after I did Silverado and Wyatt Earp and told me that he had one scene in the movie that he wrote for me. Just one scene and my agent was against it but I decided to do it for him. The role was a sensitive LA cop so I really got in to it. I had the uniform tailored, cut my hair, added some blonde and spiked it up. I hand-polished the brass belt buckle. I wanted the character to represent one of the good LA cops. That one scene probably got me 75% of the film work I got for the next ten years. It is the scene Duvall saw when he hired me for The Apostle. Broken Trail Another chance to work with Duvall. Again, I had one pivotal scene and it was a great experience. We shot in Canada and it was beautiful.
Mask
American Cartel
The Presidio Way I watched Duvall and Costner sacrifice and self-finance the films they believed in – The Apostle and Dances with Wolves. Duvall put up his farm in Virginia and spent thirteen years trying to make The Apostle. Those guys taught me to believe in my ideas and trust my instinct. I learned to bet on myself and my vision for Presidio. Most of the movies I have in the Presidio pipeline would never get made by the studios. I want to go where true independent film lives. True independent films are movies like The Apostle, Slingblade and Slumdog Millionaire. The Hurt Locker sat on the shelf for more than fifteen months and was days away from going straight to DVD, yet it won for best picture. I want to provide a lifeline for those great stories by offering a different funding mechanism to get them made. I want to make movies that say something about right and wrong and show a hero’s journey. Whatever the genre, I want to make smart movies. I will always be able to attract meaningful talent if I have strong material.
Hollywood I understand it. Sometimes I have broken the rules like firing an agent before I had another one, but I have always been able to find work as an actor and I have always been able to find someone who wanted to represent me.
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left: spectacular views of Austin are visible from every floor of the Austonian, including this one of the Frost Bank Tower; opposite: the Austonian joins the ranks of new and old buildings along Congress Avenue.
MOVING UP ON CONGRESS AVENUE BY CAMILLE ABBOT
INTERIOR: COREY RYAN; EXTERIOR: JH JACKSON PHOTOGRAPHY
I
LOVE CONGRESS AVENUE. Iconic, historic and thriving, it’s an amalgamation of the old and the new. Congress Avenue is the heartbeat of Austin. Lady Bird Lake separates Congress from South Congress – two very different worlds. For me, it is at once memories of shopping at Scarbrough’s Department Store as a child, picnics on the Capitol grounds, lunch at the counter at Woolworth’s and fundraising escapades at the Paramount Theatre, all in an effort to make sure it would exist for generations to come. On any given day, Miss Grundy, a legend around the downtown area, could be seen peddling her bicycle down Congress, her face weathered from the sun and exposure to the elements – possibly our first taste of Austin’s beloved weirdness. The bus station was downtown and every summer as a child, I rode the bus from Houston to visit my favorite aunt, a professor at the University of Texas. As a high school student enrolled in the summer theatre workshop at UT, my fellow workshop attendees and I twirled in the rotunda of the Capitol and then strolled on down the avenue to what was then not much. Austin was still a pretty small town in the ‘60s. One thing we knew for sure was that we felt free and very grown up. Even then, a glance over your shoulder towards the Capitol was awe-inspiring. As a college student, though I rarely had time to stray from campus or the Drag, I shopped at Yaring’s and Snyder Chenards’s when I came downtown (If you remember those, you have been here a while). At that time, the Paramount was still a movie house. I saw “The Sound of Music” there. Today, Congress Avenue is a world away from the tie-dyed days I remember of the ‘60s and ‘70s, when as the song says, “groovin’ was groovin’ and smoke was smoke.” It bustles with sidewalk traffic of those who work downtown in the numerous office buildings, tourists, suburbanites in for a night on the town and most recently, those who have made downtown Austin their home. However, this is still Austin and anything can happen. On the avenue you might run into the scantily clad Leslie, eat dinner near the beautiful Sandra Bullock or cross paths with the well-loved Willie Nelson. Scarbrough’s Department Store no longer sells ladies’ fine apparel. Instead, it is now home to investment bankers and offices. The Paramount Theatre, now almost a hundred years old – a historic theatre designed by John Ebersoll and one of the few Ebersoll theatres left standing – remains a major attraction for arts and theatre lovers across Central Texas and has a special place in my heart. Houdini performed there as did Katherine Hepburn, Mandy Pantinkin, Bernadette Peters and countless others. I am very proud to say that I, along with fellow board members, played a part in saving it from the grabbing hands of the dreaded “bank.” One American Center, one of the first high-rise buildings of the 80’s, is now dwarfed by taller more contemporary buildings though it still
gleams in the evening skyline. No more is Austin National Bank; it has been replaced with Wells Fargo and the Frost Bank Tower. Joe Koen Jewelers remains. The Stephen F. Austin Intercontinental Hotel has been restored to its former grandeur, with a great terrace for enjoying a glass of wine while overlooking the avenue. Trees line the avenue all the way to the front door of the Capitol so that it appears as though the lawn of the Capitol stretches the length of the street. Austin’s own colony of Mexican bats live under the Ann Richards’ bridge and in the summer evenings thrill tourists and residents alike when they leave their habitat under the bridge. For those who wish to call Congress Avenue home and can afford the price tag, the grand and glorious Austonian reminds me that I’m “not in Kansas anymore.” Being a native Texan, there is something about taking the elevator to my home that still seems odd (it is that old “don’t fence me in thing”). Although I do confess that there are those days I dream of living in New York City where doormen and concierge living abound. The day I visited The Austonian, I was not prepared for what I found. I had been told of its grandness and its luxury, but I was skeptical. I mean, really, I have been in high-rises before. This one blew me away.
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above: luxurious finishes throughout the spaces compliment the amazing Austin backdrop; right: high-end appliances, including Wolfe ranges and Miele coffee stations are surrounded by Scavalini cabinetry; opposite: among the many amenities available to residents are the pool and dog park on the 10th floor, and a fitness center with unparalleled views on the 56th floor.
Let’s just say that this is a lifestyle extraordinaire! Walking in the lobby, I was immediately struck by the sense of serenity I felt – no noise, quiet, comfortably chilly, beautiful and serene, elegant and worldly. An immediate greeting came from the young man behind the desk with an invitation to be seated in the sleekest of waiting areas featuring interesting art from local and regional artists, cool leather couches and just a touch of hair-on hide furniture – a reminder of where we are and the opposites that attract and thrive in Austin. The art is strategically placed throughout the building. From photographs to oil paintings and sculptures featured on all the floors, it is stunning. That day, I met with Terry Mitchell, the Strategic Marketing Director, Cindy Greenwood, an on-site sales representative for Moreland Properties, and Cile Montgomery from Giant Media who coordinates publicity. Terry Mitchell’s enthusiasm for the building is contagious. You begin to realize his vision of creating a special place to call “home” as you are walking through the property. Created by Ziegler Cooper Architects from Houston, the building is an elliptical shape that is 683 feet tall and 56 stories making it not only the tallest building in Austin, but also the tallest residential building west of the Mississippi. In total the Austonian encompasses 178 units, over 40,000 square feet of residents only shared amenities and 600,000 square feet of residential living area. Its eco-friendly design also offers deluxe amenities and a 24/7 concierge. The Austonian was host to the Women’s
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Symphony League Designer Showhouse this year – the last time the tower will be open to the general public. (In case you missed it, see our web exclusive feature on the Showhouse). We began the tour on the tenth floor with the common area. We stepped off the elevator to the outdoor area: a beautiful 75-foot saltwater lap pool complete with a beach and lounge chairs. What’s a pool if you can’t swim laps? Tenth floor? No problem. Eight cabanas with flat screen televisions are available for residents as well as four stainless steel grills for barbecuing. The common area includes a grass lawn, an herb garden in the event the grocery store does not have fresh herbs for a favorite dish, flower beds and the best of all, the dog park. Fido lives in grand style at the Austonian. Not only do dogs have their exclusive dog park for times when strolling down the avenue is just not convenient, they also have a dog grooming area where you can bathe Fido yourself or have the folks at Dirty Dog do it for you! Keeping Austin eco-friendly and green, all of the plants on the tenth floor are irrigated with water from the condensate drain of the AC system! Be forewarned – it may be difficult to focus on all of this because the view up the tree-lined Congress Avenue to the front door of the Capitol is a remarkable distraction. On the day of our tour, it was very windy but the glass walls are an excellent barrier to protect you from the wind and still allow you to enjoy the view. From the tranquil tenth floor. You would never suspect that you are directly above bustling Congress Avenue. The tenth floor amenities are not
INTERIORS: COREY RYAN; POOL AND FITNESS CENTER: THOMAS MCCONNELL; DOG: JORDAN JEFFUS
confined to the outdoors. There is a twelve seat movie theatre with state of the art projection equipment that can be reserved for a four hour period for residents only. It was difficult to leave the luxurious leather recliners in the cool darkness as Avatar played on. While you are watching your favorite flick or screening your latest role in a movie, the theatre has a bar for your enjoyment. The tenth floor also includes four guest suites for the exclusive use of the residents who might have an overflow of guests, a billiard and game room with a spectacular view of the Capitol, a twelve person conference room with video conferencing and private spa treatment rooms. Just when I was wondering how the tenth floor could be topped, we toured the fitness center on the 56th floor! This is reason to get on the treadmill. Forget about flat screens or virtual trips down a country lane. The treadmills and other equipment look out over the city and the hill country to the west for twenty miles! This is a place where great ideas come from while revving up all those endorphins. In an effort to provide views for all of the residents - not just those in the penthouses - the fitness center was located on the 56th floor. The Pilates studio is located on the east side of the building, and while I must admit that I found it difficult to get close to the glass at that height, the view was amazing and stretched twenty miles to the East! We saw planes landing at the airport, the scoreboard at Memorial Stadium, the Expo Center at Decker Lake and all points in between. The cherry on top of the cake is the outdoor patio on the roof. A more enticing or unique work-out area cannot be found in all of Austin. Next stop was The Austonian Club on the 55th floor which houses rooms for parties and dinners and a place for relaxing. There is a private dining area available by reservation which includes seating for twelve and a warming kitchen with buffet and bar equipment. If a party of twelve is much too small, no problem; the area can also accommodate a party of 250 with room for the caterer. All of these amenities are for the residents’ exclusive use. When you step outside your condominium door you also own areas that provide a luxurious lifestyle. Designed to maintain the privacy and security of the residents and ensure the availability of the amenities, there are no outside memberships to the entertaining and workout areas. Speaking of your condominium door, the residences do not disappoint. Fabulous views offer stunning backdrops to quality finished spaces. Beautiful granites and marbles, glass tile and hardwood floors beckoned to be chosen. Polished nickel plumbing fixtures by
LET’S JUST SAY THAT THIS IS A LIFESTYLE EXTRAORDINAIRE! Waterworks and cabinets by Scavalini Italian Cabinetry adorn the interiors. Kitchens are outfitted with Wolfe ranges, Sub-zero refrigerators, Miele dishwashers and, my personal favorite, Miele coffee systems. Balconies are inset for wind protection. Every home in The Austonian is pre-wired for the most advanced and highest speed wired and wireless technologies. Penthouses are bought as shells so owners may design their unit to their own style and for their individual needs. A wide variety of finish-out choices offers the owners the chance to put their personal stamp on each residence. Residences are beautiful and the amenities are unique and plentiful, but the real drawing card for the Austonian is location, location, location! Residents are literally minutes away from the hike and bike trail, Lady Bird Lake, fine dining, entertainment at the Paramount and the Long Center and Second Street shopping. Drive up, valet the car, have the groceries brought up to you and you are home! Schedule a spa treatment through Milk and Honey, have Dirty Dog wash your dog or simply enjoy the view from your balcony. Life is good on Congress Avenue in Austin, Texas. Yes, Congress Avenue is a dichotomy. It is a stroll down memory lane and a trip back to the future all at once. It is where old meets new, nightlife meets the work day and fine dining competes with trailer treats. Put on your boots or your tuxedo, or, better yet, go ahead and wear both, knowing that you have arrived in the heart of Austin. There is truly no place like home when Congress Avenue is your address. AL
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GOING TO THE
DOGS BY DANA REINART
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PHOTOGRAPHY BY LINDA HUGHES
The dog days of summer are here and we aren’t the only ones trying to beat the heat. Austin has been topping charts of dogfriendly cities in the United States for years, receiving accolades from Dogfriendly.com, Forbes magazine, Rent.com, TopTenz.net and many more. That being said, it’s no surprise that in Austin, our canine friends are presented many of the same amenities as their two-legged counterparts. The perks are endless, and with thousands of people flocking to this enchanting city each year, the need keeps growing – Austin just might be Going to the Dogs.
GROOMING Groomers abound in Austin. Midtown Groom and Board specializes in everything from standard breed grooms, hand scissoring and hand stripping to funky “Only in Austin” requests; Just for Pets uses all natural flea and tick, hair and skin care and other hygiene products. For a more hands-on approach, take your dog into one of the five Austin locations of Dirty Dog Grooming & Self-Service Dog Wash. If your pooch is like most, he or she probably disappears at the sound of running water (somehow they always know when it’s “bath time”). Dirty Dog provides the ideal amenities and products needed to perform the dreaded tasks in a fun, clean environment. A self-service wash (no appointment necessary) includes shampoo, conditioner, towels, brushes, hair dryers, warm water, raised tubs, aprons, nail clippers, ear wash, grooming tables and stairs for large dogs, all at extremely reasonable prices. Dirty Dog also offers full-service add-ons to selfservice visits, including nail clipping, gland expressions and teeth brushing.
RECREATION It’s no surprise that Austin, self-proclaimed “City within a Park,” boasts twelve off-leash park areas, many of which have access to water. These areas are not just places for canines to stretch their legs, swim, socialize and exercise their sense of smell; they are also supported by neighbors and provide fantastic opportunities for fellow dog lovers to meet in an effort to build community. Off-leash advocacy groups, such as Friends of Red Bud Isle, Dog Parks for East Austin and Friends of Auditorium Shores, ban together to not only support off-leash areas, but also to educate their neighbors on responsible dog ownership to keep these areas safe for humans and pets. Lucky dogs can enjoy swimming under the cityscape at Auditorium Shores after a run around Lady Bird Lake Trail, explore the peninsula just below Tom Miller Dam at Red Bud Isle or get some serious canine cardio playing fetch at the Zilker Park soccer field area.
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RESTAURANTS Did you know that over 230 Austin restaurants have dog-friendly areas? A notable spot is Freddie’s Place on South 1st, where canines can mingle with a wide variety of breeds in a lively outdoor setting. Your server will provide a water bowl for your pet while you dine under the oaks, sipping your frozen Jack and lemonade. What some locals refer to as “Restaurant Row,” the strip of restaurants leading to up to Zilker Park from Lamar on Barton Springs Road, is quite possibly the most densely populated area of dog-friendly eateries, boasting thirteen establishments all within a couple of blocks. Your pooch can join you for fresh brewed beer and Texas barbeque at Uncle Billy’s, a “serious smoothie” at Daily Juice, a macrobiotic meal at Casa De Luz or an Italian dinner at Romeo’s. Some Austin restaurants also offer discounts for bringing Fido along – take advantage of the ten percent off dog-friendly special available on Saturdays at Austin Java Downtown. If you prefer a nice, home-cooked meal, gather all of your ingredients at one of Austin’s farmers’ markets. Take your canine with you and chances are good that you will find some treats made especially for your pampered pet. Barton Creek Farmers’ Market makes dogs bark and howl for one particular all-natural bakery and boutique. Happy Tails Café offers appealing treats such as Cheddar Chomps, Barking Bacon and Peanut Mutters (all wheat and corn free), as well as all-natural spa products including “DOGgone It!” Spritzer & Bug Spray and CoCoMutt Paw & Nose Butter Balm. Also available are hand-baked Happy Barkday cakes with natural & organic ingredients (ordered at least 72 hours in advance) and Pawty planning services.
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AUSTIN GOING TO THE DOGS
FITNESS Why wouldn’t one of the fittest cities in America expect a quality fitness regimen for their pets as well? The Austin Dog Alliance teamed up with a certified personal trainer to create Bow Wow Workouts, which put both humans and their four-legged pals’ fitness to the test. For those on the go, a plethora of local businesses offer dog walking services, pet playtime visits, doggy daycare and more. Taurus Training and Doggy Play Day takes day care to the next level. All day care dogs go through an evaluation period to assess personality and temperament then matched in play groups by age, temperament and size by Taurus team members, who are carefully trained in canine communication.
SHOPPING ACCOMMODATIONS Whether you’re visiting, renting, owning or just getting out of town, Austin has all the right accommodations for your pet. A search for pet-friendly rental properties in the Austin area on Rent.com yielded results of a whopping 98%! More than seventy hotels in Austin allow pets. The Four Seasons, which allows small pets to stay at no additional charge, offers specialty pet menus and convenient dog-walking services, making it easy for family and friends to bring Fido along for the holidays. For Downtown dogs, life is luxury. One of the Fido’s most anticipated lavish quarters is The Austonian residences, also featured on page 56. Through a partnership with Austin Urban Pet Center, residents at The Austonian have the opportunity to send their pets to the center through pet care and taxi services offered by Lofty Dog for office visits, grooming, boarding and play days at the The Upper Paw Pet Resort. It is an all-inclusive pet experience that provides individual pet suites with webcams, TV’s, pet cots and plenty of toys, Capstar flea preventative, freshen-up baths and a morning of playcare. The Austonian also supports local pet care businesses through a partnership with Dirty Dog, Groovy Dog Bakery and Lofty Dog, all of which have satellite locations. If you aren’t living or staying downtown and luxury is key, let your dog stay at the Barking Hound Village, Austin’s first all-suite dog hotel.
From pet supercenters to specialty boutiques and doggy bakeries, Austin owners can find just about anything they could possibly want or need for their pet in this dogfriendly town. Furry fashionistas will want to head to upscale boutiques like Fetch, Dogadillo and Lofty Dog for anything from stylish dress harnesses and cool t-shirts to cowboy hats, fire hydrant hair bows and even pearl necklaces. Veronique and her team at Lofty Dog sponsor events like the Spring Fling Fashion Show and Tito’s Poochinis and Peticures every third Thursday, as well as Austin Barkitecture, an architectural dog-centric fundraiser in November. From shabby chic beds to modern loungers to designer food bowls, trendy furnishings can be found to fit any home décor in this city. For those trips to the Greenbelt, canine backpacks, cooling vest, ‘doggles,’ hiking shoes and even pet bike trailers can be found to make your experience more comfortable and enjoyable. When all that shopping wears you out and it’s time for a treat, stop in at Groovy Dog Bakery for Hippie Howlin’s Canine Carob Candies and CinnaBone or BarkBQue gourmet doggie treats.
Austin’s “dog days” are not restricted to summer. We love our canine sidekicks and it shows. If this article has left you itching for a furry pal to call your own, volunteer at one of the many shelters around town or adopt a rescue dog and your life will never be the same. For a list of dog-friendly parks, places to adopt a pet and ways to get involved, see our “Going to the Dogs” page at www.austinlifestylemagazine.com. AUSTINLIFESTYLEMAGAZINE.COM 63
SAVOR
Eddie V’s Prime Seafood CELEBRATING A DECADE OF FINE DINING
EXECUTIVE CHEF CHRIS BAUER Chef Chris Bauer’s defining style of New American Cuisine has earned him praise throughout Austin. A graduate of the Culinary Institute of America, he also spent time at the nationally acclaimed restaurant, Brennan’s in New Orleans. Since his arrival in 2000, he has served as executive chef at Mizu Prime Steak and Sushi, executive chef at Finn and Porter, and chef at Barton Creek Country Club. In 2009, he assumed the role of executive chef at Eddie V’s downtown location.
this December, Eddie V’s Prime Seafood has achieved institutional status in Austin as a preferred destination for the freshest prime seafood and the best steaks in town. Inspired by the legendary steak and seafood houses of New Orleans, Boston and San Francisco, owners Larry Foles and Guy Villavaso hit upon a concept that has fans of all ages; a restaurant where professionals, locals, visitors, celebrities and special occasion celebrants comfortably blend on a nightly basis. The first location was opened at 301 East 5th Street in 2000 and includes the popular V Lounge which features live music nightly. The Arboretum location opened a year later. The menu is a blend of classics and innovative signature dishes such as a Cold Maine EDDIE V’S Lobster Tail, Maryland-style All Lump Crab Cake, Eddie V’s Chopped Salad, Filet of 301 East 5th Street Atlantic Salmon, lightly smoked, Chilean Sea Bass steamed “Hong Kong” Style and 512.472.1860 Lemon Sole in Parmesan Crust. Eddie V’s is as beloved for its red meat as seafood with specially selected, USDA prime center-cut steaks, aged for 28 days. The raw bar brings the best of seasonal ocean offerings to the table, including oysters, sashimi and crab claws. Eddie V’s extensive wine list is recognized annually by Wine Spectator’s Award of Excellence. For those who like to revel in an ice cold martini, Eddie V’s shines in the cocktail department as well, offering the classics along with a collection of signature concoctions. A P P R O A C H I N G I T S T E N -Y E A R A N N I V E R S A R Y
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Happy hour has always been a hit at Eddie V’s. They offer many of their signature appetizers at reduced prices as well as $1 off all drinks. Margaritas, mojitos, select martinis and wines by the glass are just $5. You can also chill out with their cool Spa-tini: 2 oz Finlandia vodka 1/2 oz Cointreau 3/4 oz lemon juice 3/4 oz simple syrup 2 pieces pineapple, 1 inch square 2 pieces cucumber, 1 inch square Pour all ingredients into shaker. Add fresh fruit and muddle. Add ice and shake for at least 10 seconds. Strain into martini glass and serve.
CHEF: GEORGES SCHEMAGIN; SWORDFISH: JOHN ORMAND; ALL OTHERS COURTESY EDDIE V’S PRIME SEAFOOD
HAPPY HOUR
SAVOR
ROASTED SEA BASS WITH LEMON AND GARLIC YIELDS 6 SERVINGS 6 8 oz sea bass filets flour (as needed) 6 tbsp olive oil 3 tbsp sliced scallions 3 tbsp sliced garlic 3 oz white wine 3 tbsp butter 2 tbsp lemon juice 3 oz fish stock Preheat oven to 400°F. Season bass with salt & pepper. Dredge lightly in flour and brown in olive oil in a hot skillet on both sides.
SAUTEED SWORDFISH STEAK WITH AVOCADO, FRESH CRAB AND RED CHILE VINAIGRETTE YIELDS 2 SERVINGS
2 8 oz swordfish steaks, 1” thick 1 avocado, peeled and diced 1/2” 4 oz fresh crab meat 1 tbsp red pepper, finely diced 1 tbsp serrano pepper, finely diced 1 tbsp red onion, finely diced 4 tbsp rice wine vinegar 6 tbsp olive oil 1 tbsp sambal chili sauce kosher salt 2 tbsp cilantro, chopped Season swordfish with salt and pepper. Saute swordfish 4 minutes on each side in a hot iron skillet with 2 tbsp olive oil. Cook to desired doneness (medium rare is preferable). Combine avocado, onion, cilantro, peppers, vinegar, 4 tbsp olive oil, sambal and cilantro, season with salt to taste. Place swordfish in center of plate. Top with avocado mixture and then fresh crab. Serve immediately.
Place fish in a roasting pan just large enough to hold them. Add remaining ingredients around fish. Place in 400°F oven and roast for 10 minutes. Remove from oven, place fish on serving platter. Spoon sauce around fish and serve.
CHOCOLATE GODIVA CAKE 3 eggs 3/4 lb chocolate 1/4 lb butter 1/4 lb sugar 1/2 oz vanilla 1/4 cup cocoa powder 1/4 cup flour 4 tbsp Godiva liqueur Melt chocolate and butter together; stir in cocoa and flour. Whisk together eggs and sugar; add vanilla and liquor. Add chocolate mixture to egg mixture; combine well. Pour 6 ounces into 12-ounce buttered and floured soufflé cups. Bake at 375°F for 16 minutes. CHOCOLATE SAUCE 1/2 lb semi-sweet chocolate disks 2 cups heavy cream 4 oz butter, cut into 1 inch pieces Bring cream to a boil. Add chocolate and butter and remove from heat. Allow to rest for 5 minutes and whisk to bring together. Cool to room temperature and serve over cake.
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SOMMELIER’S SECRETS
left: A vineyard in the Penedès region of Catalonia, Spain, where 95% of Cava is produced; above: Cavas Freixenet in the Catalonian village of Sant Sadurní d’Anoia, founded in 1914
Cheers to Cava A SPARKLING SPANISH ALTERNATIVE TO CHAMPAGNE BY BRENDA AUDINO WHILE I KNOW OF CAVA as an interesting sparkling wine from Spain which offers a terrific value, a visit to the Penedès region in Spain quickly proves that there is much more to it! First, Cava is made in the same time-honored lengthy process as champagne. The Spanish primarily use their native grapes of Macabeo, Xarel-lo and Parellada. These grapes are grown in locations which help to bring out their aromas, acidity and finesse. Macabeo provides fruity wines, showing green fruit such as apple and pear. Xarel-lo brings in aromas of citrus fruits and tropical fruits. Parellada produces wines of pleasant acidity giving delicate aromas and great finesse. The best areas of Penedès for growing these grapes are surrounded by the Montserrat Mountains, which offer protection to the vines from the elements. I quickly noticed the climate in Penedès is quite hot and arid, reminding me of central Texas. The grapes are handpicked early to preserve acidity and are quickly brought to the press where they are gently squeezed to extract only the best juice. The juice, or must as it is BRENDA AUDINO, CSW called, is then fermented to complete Wine Manager, Education Director, dryness at a very cool temperature in Acredited Sommelier order to preserve the fruit and aromas. Twin Liquors - Stassney Lane This first fermentation is responsible for www.twinliquors.com providing the alcohol in the wine. The wine is then bottled with the addition of yeast, sugar and additional must. This will jump-start the second fermentation which will provide the CO2 or bubbles in the Cava. The wines are then placed on their sides to allow for the slow second fermentation in the bottle. Smaller wineries do this work by hand while larger wineries such as Freixenet (fresh-eh-net) have an elaborate robotic community to streamline this work. The robots are much
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more efficient when the bottling capacity is 1 million bottles a day! The bottles remain in this horizontal position for at least nine months for basic Cava and fifteen months for Reserva Cava. Once the wines have sufficiently aged the yeast needs to be removed. Cava producers have a couple of options in achieving this. RECOMMENDED The smaller Cava producers will hand ridCAVAS dle, like in champagne, to gently shake the yeast down to the neck of the bottle. This Segura Viudas Brut, $8.99 is a time consuming, laborious process that Segura Viudas Rose, $8.99 can take up to 21 days. Larger Cava producers will use the more expedient Automatic Freixenet Cordon Negro Riddling Machine, which can turn bins Brut, $10.49 filled with bottles through 90 degrees in Elyssia Gran Cuvee Brut, one hour from the horizontal position to $16.99 the vertical one. The bottle then goes through a disgorging Segura Viudas Reserve line that freezes the bottle, removes the yeast Heredad, $23.99 deposit, and adds the level of dosage that will determine the final level of sweetness. These bottles then receive their final cork, cage and foil for the final sale. The process of producing Cava is a time-honored tradition, but the final product is not meant to be consumed upon release. Cava is treated not as a special occasion wine set aside for holidays and toasts, but rather a beverage to enjoy throughout the dinner. Whether the meal consists of a wide variety of Tapas (small dishes) or a traditional meal, I can tell you first-hand Cava is a perfect choice!
CHEF ON CALL
Perfect Grilled Vegetables COOL FOODS START WITH A HOT GRILL BY DAVID CAGNACCI
Who wants to be standing in front of a blazing hot grill on a summer day? I do! Why, because I know the rewards of grilled foods. More often than not, I’ll end up grilling all sorts of vegetables, meats and even some summer fruits only to be chilled, dressed and served in a variety of ways. For example, grilling off extra chicken for use in an apple chicken salad, diced fine and served with baked wonton skins is one way to utilize your grilling time. Some of the most versatile foods to cook ahead of time on the grill are vegetables. There is limited preparation in most cases and the results are well worth it. The local farmers market is where to begin and look for seasonal ripe selections especially Portobello mushrooms, asparagus, eggplant, fennel, peaches and scallions. Here is a good recipe for grilled vegetables that has many uses, including: • • • •
Diced grilled vegetables over baby greens with herb vinaigrette Grilled vegetable pitas with Caesar dressing and romaine Fresh baguette with avocado and grilled vegetables Grilled vegetables and caramelized onion baked Brie
GRILLED VEGETABLES 6 large carrots, peeled and sliced lengthwise into 3/8-inch strips 8 small zucchini, sliced lengthwise into ½-inch strips 3 red bell peppers, cut into fourths, seeds removed 1 jalapeño chile, whole 3 yellow bell peppers 2 large red onions, sliced into 1/2-inch rings but left intact 1 dozen medium asparagus, ends trimmed 1 fennel bulb, sliced in half lengthwise 2 Portobello mushrooms whole For best results, blanch carrots in boiling water till just cooked and immerse in ice water, drain, dry and proceed. Place vegetables on large sheet pans or baking dishes and drizzle with quality olive oil, salt, pepper and a squeeze of lemon juice. Let stand for at least 10 minutes. On a very hot grill, cook evenly until the vegetables are about 60% done. The goal at this point is a good even color. Remove from the grill onto a sheet pan to cool inside and then to the refrigerator to cool completely. These are delicious and versatile ingredients to have in the fridge. Enjoy!
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ACCIDENTAL EPICURIAN
Austin’s Coolest Cocktail In Austin during the dog days of summer, there is one inescapable truth: it’s hot. In an attempt to ignore the rising thermometer and simultaneously soften the heat index, the Accidental Epicurean visited a few local haunts to find Austin’s coolest cocktail. Plantation Frank, 4th & Colorado, 512.494.6916 If a cool beach in Florida had a taste, one imagines it would be Frank’s Plantation. A cucumber-based gin mixed with grapefruit and lime juice provides the base for a summer citrus drink. The unsung hero of this drink and the genius in its refreshing properties is the fresh basil. Imagine that, while sunning yourself on the beach, you get a cool breeze that keeps you from melting, and you will understand how this concoction will affect you. Served casually in a mason jar, this Plantation has all of the right ingredients to put an end to the sweltering heat and transition you into a cool night adventure into the heart of downtown Austin.
Meloncello Peche, 208 W. Fourth Street, 512.495.9669 Little else evokes a time honored cure to the summer heat like watermelon. To that end, the bartenders at Peche, who honor the tradition by serving any number of classic cocktails not to be found anywhere else, have harnessed that nostalgia in a powerful original mix of watermelon, rum, and limoncello. The result is a potent weapon against sunburn, sweat and worry. Starting off with the melon taste that recalls outdoor picnics and swimwear, the drink then adds the citrus hint of the Italian liqueur to deliver an elixir reminiscent of your favorite Austin summertime memories.
Michelada El Chile, 1809 Manor Road, 512.457.9900 3435 Greystone, 512.284.7863 1025 Barton Springs, 512.609.8923 The Michelada is a strange mix, adding an element of fire to the cooling effect of lime juice in a Mexican beer. The salt-andchili-encrusted rim of the glass is a perfect introduction – reminding you that the summer is indeed very hot, before it quenches every bit of your thirst with the perfect mix of citrus and amber brew. The mixologists won’t disclose the ingredients in their mystery spice, but it lacks the Tabasco taste of most Micheladas making this cocktail more refreshing and far less filling than others. Served on a daily basis, but discounted by a dollar from 5-7 pm, the only danger in buying one to cool you off is that you’ll order the next without a thought about the heat.
Georgia Somersault Townhouse, 303 W 5th Street 512.56.9441 While citrus is the drink of choice for many who seek to keep the heat at bay, Townhouse, a new establishment on the now-bustling 300 block of West 5th, takes a traditionally southern approach by introducing some unlikely characters to the arena. Whiskey, an unlikely first choice for a cool-down cocktail, is infused with peaches, and then added to a mystery peach-fuzz tincture, shaken with an egg yolk, and topped with ground nutmeg. More like a dessert in a glass than a traditional cocktail, the Georgia Somersault has more than enough cool to do away with any three-digit thermometer reading.
Rosemary Cucumber Parkside, 301 E. 6th Street, 512.474.9898 In the most unlikely locale (in the heart of the bar scene on 6th Street), the most unlikely choice for Austin’s Coolest Cocktail is on offer. Rather than taking the citrus, melon, or traditional fruit angle, Parkside’s Rosemary Cucumber cocktail can be proclaimed as the most refreshing beverage Austin has known since the invention of sweet tea. Combining a cucumber gin with cucumber puree and adding a sprig of fresh rosemary to the mix, the divine mix inexplicably cools in an instant. One could attribute the immediate relief to any of I N ’S the drink’s ingredients, but pair the power to cool with an unbeatable deal on Monday AU S T E S T nights, when Austin’s Coolest Cocktail is on offer for under five dollars, and the sumL COO AIL mer heat is no longer intimidating. In fact, with so many mouthwatering cocktails to T K COC choose from the dog days of summer may become the coolest time to be in Austin.
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To learn more about our exciting new project, visit www.jlaustin.org
Rare and Well Done
Perry’s Famous Pork Chop Friday Lunch Available 11 am - 4 pm for $10.95
Austin • Dallas • Houston
PerrysSteakhouse.com
Social Hour M–F 4 – 6:30 pm featuring half-price appetizers and specials on wines and martinis
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WIRED
9:30PM
Family Travel PLANNING THE PERFECT VACATION BY JILL CASE
WWW.FAMILYTRAVELNETWORK.COM Launched in 1995, this site has been featured on The Today Show, CNN, Parents’ Magazine and more. Primarily intended to serve as an unbiased site full of travel advice, travel reviews and articles by travel experts, this site also has message boards and great travel links. Don’t miss the “Hot Deals” section. WWW.FAMILYTRAVELFORUM.COM Their slogan is “Have Kids, Still Travel.” Read stories written by both experts and family members as well as first hand reviews. You can also find trip planning consultation services and discounts. Look for ‘Best Cheap Vacations,’ ‘Best Road Trips’ and ‘Successful Travel with Teens.’
Pre-concert dinner at 8 by Word of Mouth Catering
WWW.FAMILYVACATIONCRITIC.COM This community site has forums about many destinations from Alaska and the Caribbean to Mexico and the United States. They have a very useful search tool that allows you to peruse vacation ideas by resort, by destination, by age group or by interests. Ideas like ‘10 Ways to Amuse Kids at the Airport’ are also worth a look. WWW.BUDGETTRAVEL.COM Go to Arthur Frommer’s Budget Travel website and key in ‘Family Travel’ in the search area. It’s full of budget friendly ideas like those in the ‘Family Deals’ section. There are many articles (15 Places Every Kid Should See and Trips for Families with Teenagers) that will help families with children at every age and stage plan an affordable vacation.
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SMUGGLERS’ NOTCH, VERMONT
WWW.FAMILYTRAVELGUIDES.COM Looking for a great place to stay? Resort, lodge, all-inclusive resort, B & B’s, ranch, camp, farmhouse accommodations? This site lists over five hundred thousand properties of every kind. You can also sign up for their free monthly newsletter. In addition, they offer safety and health tips and recipes.
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Book Your TOUR Academy Package at TPC San Antonio Today. 877-577-6422 • touracademy.com Additional School locations: TPC Sawgrass - TPC Scottsdale – TPC Las Vegas – World Golf Village – Hilton Head Island – Orlando - Oregon
OFF THE SHELF
It’s a Dog’s Life
LIVING WITH YOUR BEST FRIEND BY JILL CASE
OH MY DOG: HOW TO CHOOSE, TRAIN, GROOM, NURTURE, FEED AND CARE FOR YOUR NEW BEST FRIEND By Beth Ostrosky Stern with Kristina Grish This book is for anyone who is thinking about getting a puppy or adopting a dog as well as people who already own one. As you can see from the title, this book covers all the bases when it comes to dog care with five hundred pages of tips and expert advice on many subjects. Among other things, you can research breeds that are a good match for you and your family, find out how to bond with your new pet, what to do in emergency situations or even how to read a pet food label. There are also many sidebars, questionnaires and to-do lists throughout the book. A portion of the book proceeds goes to animal charities.
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A BIG LITTLE LIFE: A MEMOIR OF A JOYFUL DOG By Dean Koontz What happens when a best selling novelist (he’s written more than twenty #1 New York Times Best Sellers) gets his very first dog in middle age? The same thing that happens to most of us – he falls in love with her. Dean Koontz was doing research for a book when he discovered Canine Companions for Independence. Trixie, a retired, three year old service dog, came into his life and this is her story. It is also an account of how his life was changed forever by Trixie. Koontz says, “Most of us will never be able to live with as much joy as a dog brings to every moment of his day.” This joy, and the inevitable sorrow that comes when we lose the pets we love so much, makes this book a great read.
HOW TO RAISE THE PERFECT DOG: THROUGH PUPPYHOOD AND BEYOND Cesar Millan with Melissa Jo Peltier If you are thinking of getting a puppy (or even if you already have one), this is the perfect book. Cesar Millan, the famous “Dog Whisperer,” tells you exactly how to raise your puppy in a way that helps avoid behavioral issues for the rest of your dog’s life. Mixing his trademark advice in with case study examples (he raises four puppies, each a different breed, and uses them as examples throughout the book), Millan tackles the issues that puppy owners face. You’ll find advice about everything from housebreaking and nutrition to vaccinations and socializing. The book includes some information about older dogs, but, most of all, this book is the one to buy if you are raising and training a puppy.
EXPERT OPINION
‘I’m Sorry, but that’s My Policy’ SIX-STEPS FOR STICKING TO YOUR GUNS BY ANN DALY, PHD
Here I was, on the third day of a trip to Chicago during the dog days of summer, and I was having a meltdown – an utterly predictable, preventable meltdown. I know what I had been thinking – I really want to visit my sister in her new home, in a new city. What I wasn’t taking into account was how badly my body and spirit wilt in the warm weather. We spent our first day at a food festival, the second at the botanical gardens and the third in the Frank Lloyd Wright neighborhood. Here’s where I melted down, insisting like a tween that I wanted to make a very short trip to the next house in the car and then stomping away when my idea was rejected. Later that evening, back at my sister’s air-conditioned home, I regained my reason. I realized that I had made my fatal mistake at the time I booked my tickANN DALY, PHD ets. Summer is not the time for me to travel. www.anndaly.com I decided then and there to institute a personal policy – As much as I want to see you, I’ll wait until the cooler weather to visit you. Lesson learned, insight gained and a weight lifted. It’s now a nobrainer for me – no summer visits. If someone suggests one, there’s no angst-ridden decision-making, no Sturm und Drang trying to explain myself. It’s just a fact, ma’am, a policy. No summertime visits. Since that happy epiphany, I’ve been in a policy-making frenzy, and I invite you to join in the fun. WHAT HAD I BEEN THINKING?
Consider what a policy is and what it can do for you. Essentially, a policy is a pre-determined choice or way of doing something. It’s like an app or a keyboard shortcut. A policy relieves you of having to make repeated decisions on a “case-by-case” basis; instead, you make the decision efficiently, only once. A policy gives you a rationale to fall back on in difficult situations, when it’s tough to think things all the way through. A policy allows you to keep things impersonal when there’s a danger of hurt feelings. A policy also teaches others what you stand for, what your priorities are and where your boundaries are. For example, you may design a policy about deadlines. “I’m sorry, I need at least [fill in the blank] of advance-notice to make changes to the schedule.” Or you may design a policy about criteria. “I’m sorry, I only contribute to organizations that [fill in the blank].” A policy is a clarification tool, both for you (what is my best practice?) and others (how do I communicate it?). Now that you’re yearning for your own set of personal policies, I’ll walk you through the six-step process: • First, take a week to inventory the situations that cause you stress when you have to take action or make a decision.
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• Second, sort the situations into categories (for example, “last-minute changes” or “unreasonable requests”). • Third, assess the best way for you to handle each category. • Fourth, design a policy for each category. • Fifth, rehearse the policy. Write it down, tell it to a mirror, believe it. • Sixth, regularly review and refine. Your personal policies will help you stay on balance and on track. You won’t easily be pulled off center by the unexpected. You’ll steer your own life rather than letting it be buffeted about by the needs and demands of other people. Personal policies are especially useful when you’re in the midst of a Do-Over! Being able to plainly, precisely communicate your new priorities and practices is absolutely crucial to creating real change in your life. When you get the inevitable pushback, you’ll be able to neutralize it with an even-tempered response. If you’re consistent, you will swiftly build the community and infrastructure you need to support your reinvention. Most of all, personal policies are good because you really don’t want to see me have a meltdown.
Dog Parks
Web Exclusives
Can’t get enough of our dog photos? There are plenty more on the web! We also have a list of dog-friendly parks, places to adopt a pet and ways to get involved.
Check our webpage for much more! You can thank your lucky stars when you see our exclusive partner promotions on the web. You can also register for giveaways including a reading by in-house astrologer, Laura Waldman.
Symphony Showhouse Did you miss the 2010 Symphony Showhouse featuring three beautifully designed residences in the Austonian? No worries. We’ve got it covered with photos and insider design information including this room designed exclusively for Fido.
Farmer’s Markets Go to the Web for a detailed list of Local Farmers’ markets complete with locations, dates, and times and an award winning recipe for Apple Hatch Bison Meatballs from Corey Harris of High Country Bison.
Ottmar Liebert Learn more about this award winning guitarist and composer and the upcoming performance on July 30 at the One World Theatre.
Austin Lifestyle Launch Party We’re launched! Our May 20 party at Chez Zee was a blast and Kathy Womack’s “Oasis” was a huge hit! See all of the photos here and get details for our Dog Days of Summer Party celebrating our next issue.
Editor’s Blog Visit the editor’s blog for a review of the 2010 Guitar Foundation of America Convention and Competition.
YOUR LUCKY STARS
A Musical Within a Comedy!
BY L AURA WALDMAN
July A stimulating Solar Eclipse on July 11 will require prioritization. Different people and tasks are pulling us in all kinds of directions at once. The last week of July we can regroup and look ahead, maintaining focus on our highest aspirations and heart’s desires. ARIES MAR 21–APR 20 There may be some opposition to the high-flying moves you made last month. It is hard for you to sit still, but relax out on a lush patio, share a meal and find some common ground to cooperate with your opponent.
Photo by Kirk R. Tuck
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TAURUS APR 21–MAY 20 Take some really interesting non-fiction reading along for your summer vacation. You may be up at night turning pages as some new concepts open your horizons and rock your world. Share your awakenings in a stimulating discussion. GEMINI MAY 21–JUN 21 You will be extra busy and attempting everything this month. Let someone else take care of the home front. You love to spin your wheels, but if a loved one calls you into account, turn your agile mind to a review of your core values and focus on what is most important. CANCER JUN 22–JUL 22 The Eclipse on July 11 may bring a turning point for you so be aware of where you want your destiny to lead. Talk with someone steady who can validate your new plans and share your excitement. Remember, sometimes feelings about the future are more excitement than fear. LEO JUL 23–AUG 22 The first ten days of the month you are really shining. Take an acting class or go dancing. At the end of the month, take a gamble in a playful way but don’t act out and break the bank. Your actions might impact someone else, so be considerate. VIRGO AUG 23–SEP 22 Allow some time in your busy schedule for cloud gazing, creative reverie or meditation. I know you don’t have time, but believe that some rest will fuel your efficiency next month. The third week of July you may be re-negotiating something about finances. LIBRA SEP 23–OCT 22 This summer is a throw-down for relationships. When you are fully in self-recognition, you are actu-
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ally a shrewd negotiator and could surprise everyone if you really stand up for yourself. Use any tensions to propel you into unusual actions and enjoy the look on people’s faces. SCORPIO OCT 23–NOV 22 Under the Eclipse you will learn that your serenity is in inverse proportion to your expectations. Laying low may be a judicious move at the end of the month. You are entering a period of heightened intuition, and on some days you may feel like a psychic sponge. Schedule some time alone to regroup. SAGITTARIUS NOV 23–DEC 21 Your best vacation week is after July 23. I know that vacation timing is the most important thing in your life. Introduce yourself to people while you are gallivanting about. You may make some lifelong friends. CAPRICORN DEC 22–JAN 20 Someone else’s emotional needs may take up a lot of your time. Give them a fishing pole instead of a fish. Think ahead all month to have new career goals crystal clear by July 31. You are starting a mega-important two-year cycle. Any initial obstacles will help you refine your outcome. AQUARIUS JAN 21–FEB 19 You prefer to focus your energy on the future. A two year period of indecisiveness comes to a head between July 21 and 26. Having to pull back and consider your impulses has actually been a good lesson for you. Soon you will start to reap the rewards. PISCES FEB 20–MAR 20 Romance, service, sacrifice and acceptance – these relationship issues are all bouncing around this month. When you fill your own cup and trust your Spirit, you can be genuine about what you give to others. As an added bonus, you can discern whom is really best for you to hang out with.
August Venus and Mars combine forces on August 20 in Libra, the sign of love. Commitment is in the spotlight for the next nine months. If you have a showdown with a work or government authority soon after that, hold steady and stand tall. The communication planet hits snafus between August 20 and September 12. Double-check and reconfirm all messages and appointments. You may revisit an occasion from the fall of 2008 and clear some things up. ARIES MAR 21–APR 20 If someone is making demands, remind yourself that you are getting a taste of your own medicine. Little details at work may annoy you, but it is worth being a perfectionist for a change. TAURUS APR 21–MAY 20 You may be forced to make choices or take sides this month. Socialize with some people from work. Your quiet charm could bring you some opportunities. Bring a plant or some colorful prints into your workplace. GEMINI MAY 21–JUN 21 You may have one more river to cross to get your kids well situated this month and they will have a new strength to start the school year. If you are in a new romance, wait until after August 9 to escalate the connection. CANCER JUN 22–JUL 22 Early in the month, avoid being the negotiator for someone else’s conflicts. Plan a festive or romantic dinner at home and cook someone’s favorite dish on August 20. Reconnect with siblings or an old childhood pal. LEO JUL 23–AUG 22 Your sunny intensity may be too much for some people early in the month. Find a more receptive audience and don’t take it personally. If you truly owe someone an apology schedule a conversation after August 16. Double check your balances and bill payments for errors. VIRGO AUG 23–SEP 22 If there was ever a chance to let go and give outcomes to Spirit, this August is it. You are never comfortable with errors, but allow yourself to be human. The joining of Venus and Mars on August 20 is a good time to be generous and buy an unexpected gift or treat for someone you appreciate. LIBRA SEP 23–OCT 22 August 7-10 could feel like a roller coaster in the “I love you, I hate you, I can’t live with you, I can’t live without
you” department. Don’t participate in any ultimatums until you seek some wise counsel. Write down your dreams and interpret them this month. SCORPIO OCT 23–NOV 22 If you are single and meet someone around August 20, you are likely to be a fool for love. Don’t unleash all of your passion until after September 13. If you are married, aim for a quiet getaway to chill out together.
ArmstrongCommunity MusicSchool
“We could all use a little play time”
SAGITTARIUS NOV 23–DEC 21 Be diligent and clear up all the loose ends and details at work before you head out for summer fun. If you have some delays in career plans, you are supposed to be refining and improving the details. Wait until mid-September to launch. CAPRICORN DEC 22–JAN 20 An attraction at work could seem enticing, but ultimately you want to maintain your status and authority. Find another venue to act out of character and take a risk, as long as it is harmless. Under the August 24 Full Moon, you may be scribbling poems on napkins. AQUARIUS JAN 21–FEB 19 In mid-August, a financial speculation may be tempting, but find another way to deal with your uncertainties. Oh heck, buy a lottery ticket or enter a raffle, but not much more. Forego boredom and have some intimate talks with people who mean the most to you. PISCES FEB 20–MAR 20 You may hear from a long lost love or childhood buddy. Let him or her remind you of your innocence. The person will not be as appealing after midSeptember so stay steady and realistic. You will be exploring a new set of values over the next few years, so let go of the past.
Summer cAmpS enrolling now! call 512-474-2331 to register today or visit us online at Austinlyricopera.org
LAURA WALDMAN 512.291.8299 www.laurawaldmanastrology.com AUSTINLIFESTYLEMAGAZINE.COM 77
KEE P AU S T I N WELL
KEEP AU S TIN WELL
YOUR GUIDE TO LIVING WELL EVERY DAY
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Keep Austin Well contents 80 Letter from the Editor 82 Recreational Water Illness Prevention 83 TCMS Physician Profile: C. Mark Chassay, MD 86 TAKE FIVE: Childhood And Adolescent TCMS president
Vaccines: Fact & Fiction 88 Athletic Physicals Provided By TCMS And AISD
EDITOR Stephanie Triggs CONTRIBUTING WRITERS C.Mark Chassay, md , Carole Barasch PHOTOGRAPHERS Cover photographed by Parker Deen ART DIRECTOR Daniel Ramirez
C. Mark Chassay, md in Beijing at the 2008
From TCMS Dear Readers,
Summer has just begun, but it’s not too early for back to school preparations. In addition to school supplies, students need to be up-todate on their immunizations. If your child is playing sports or marching in the band, students may also need a physical examination as determined by individual school districts. Don’t wait until the last minute. Contact your physician and make sure that your child’s immunizations are current and schedule an exam if a sports physical is needed. For information on immunization schedules, visit austintx.gov/health/immunization.htm. For information and forms for sports physicals, visit your school district’s web site or www.uil.utexas.edu/athletics/forms. Live Well Austin!
SALES INQUIRIES sales@austinlifestylemagazine.com CONTACT US keepaustinwell@austinlifestylemagazine.com ABOUT TCMS The Travis County Medical Society is a component society of the Texas Medical Association, a statewide professional organization of licensed physicians. Its more than 3,100 members include approximately ninety percent of all practicing physicians in the Greater Austin area. In addition to activities promoting high standards of medical practice, the Society provides representation and advocacy for patients and physicians at all levels of government and medicine.
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Summer Olympics.
C. Mark Chassay, md President, TCMS Vivek Mahendru, md Chair, TCMS Public Relations Committee
KEEP AU S TIN WELL
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(512) 443-5813 www.naturaltoothfairy.com We accept Care Credit AUSTINLIFESTYLEMAGAZINE.COM 81
KEEP AU S TIN WELL
Recreational Water Illness Prevention Tips for A Safe Summer In The Water
S
wimming season is here and so is the potential for recreational water illnesses (RWIs). Make sure that you are armed with tips for healthy swimming so your family stays healthy throughout the summer months. The germs that cause RWIs, such as cryptosporidiosis (also known as “crypto”), are spread when you swallow, breathe in the mists from or have contact with contaminated water from pools, water parks, hot tubs, lakes, oceans, and any other type of water used for recreation. The good news is that germs causing RWIs are killed by chlorine; however, chlorine doesn’t work right away and some organisms can live in the pool for days. Even the best maintained pools could spread illness. Pool water is shared by every swimmer, so to help stay healthy every time you swim, take an active role in stopping the spread of germs by following the Six Steps for Healthy Swimming: • Don’t swim when you have diarrhea. You can spread germs in the water and make other people sick. • Don’t swallow the pool water. Avoid getting water in your mouth. • Practice good hygiene. Shower with soap before swimming and wash your hands after using the toilet or changing diapers. Germs on your body end up in the water. • Take your kids on bathroom breaks or check diapers often. Waiting to hear “I have to go” may mean that it’s too late. • Change diapers in a bathroom or a diaper-changing area and not poolside. Germs can spread in and around the pool. • Wash your child thoroughly (especially the rear end) with soap and water before swimming. Invisible amounts of fecal matter can end up in the pool. Visit the CDC’s Web site: www.cdc.gov/healthywater/swimming/ to learn more about staying healthy. For additional information on public health news, visit www.ci.austin.tx.us/health/. Carole Barasch is the Manager of Communications & Community Development for the Austin/Travis County Health and Human Services Department.
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KEEP AU S TIN WELL
TCMS PHYSICIAN PROFILE C. Mark Chassay, MD
M
ark Chassay, MD is the current president of the Travis County Medical Society. In addition to running a successful private practice at Texas Sports & Family Medicine, he is the Head Team Physician for the Department of Intercollegiate Athletics at the University of Texas. At UT, he coordinates the multi-discipline sports health services for over 600 University of Texas student athletes and serves as medical director of the training room clinics, supervising UT team physicians and trainers. AUSTINLIFESTYLEMAGAZINE.COM 83
KEEP AU S TIN WELL
Dr. Chassay graduated from the University of Texas Medical School, Houston in 1992, completed residency training at Memorial Hermann Hospital Southwest and a fellowship in primary care sports medicine with Kaiser Permanente in California. When Dr. Chassay isn’t travelling in his capacity with UT, he enjoys spending quiet time in Austin with his wife Kimberly. Describe your practice and your philosophy of medicine. My practice is comprised of motivated patients that want to get better quickly and physicians that understand those patients’ timelines. Why did you become a physician? When I was 12 years old, my grandfather was diagnosed with lymphoma. I accompanied him to many of his cancer treatments and saw physicians in action. I knew then that I wanted to be a doctor. How or why did you choose your specialty? In high school, I played baseball, basketball, and football. I thought as a physician, I would find sports medicine fulfilling. What do you find most rewarding about practicing medicine? I love the joy my patients experience when they achieve success with his or her personal and team goals especially when overcoming injury circumstances. What do you find most challenging about practicing medicine? That people don’t take enough time for themselves when they are ill. Please describe your relationship with your patients. I feel that I am a consultant in helping them navigate their medical care. I enjoy getting to know each patient’s life story. What sets your practice apart? What special or unique services do you provide? Our practice is the only practice in the State that has four physicians providing care who are board certified in both sports medicine and family medicine.
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Describe your commitment to and involvement in the community. I have always wanted to volunteer my services for my country and at the same time challenge myself to perform at a high level. I have been fortunate enough to combine my love of sports and medicine as a volunteer physician with Team USA. It’s been an incredible experience caring for US athletes at the 2005 VISA Paralympic World Cup, 2007 Pan American Games, and the 2008 Summer Olympics. What is something you would like people to know about you that they may not know? I played tackle football from 3rd grade to 12th grade and never missed one of those 102 games. What is something you would like you patients to know that they may not know about practicing medicine or about a general medical fact or perception? That just because a physician you want to see for an office visit is not on your plan, you may be surprised to know that going outside your plan is affordable.
For Information, email Kristen@austinlifestylemagazine.com
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2303 RANCH ROAD 620 SOUTH • SUITE 140 • AUSTIN, TX 78734 512.263.8284 • www.AustinHealthyDentist.com
AUSTINLIFESTYLEMAGAZINE.COM 85
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TAKE FIVE Childhood And Adolescent Vaccines: Fact & Fiction
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1
Fiction My adolescent had all the shots recommended as an infant, so he or she doesn’t need any now. Fact Vaccinations are needed throughout a person’s life, from infancy through adulthood. Depending on which vaccines your child received as an infant, he or she may need to catch up on these vaccines during adolescence: hepatitis A; measles, mumps, and rubella; hepatitis B; Polio; and varicella (chickenpox). Today’s vaccines also protect against diseases many children weren’t vaccinated for as infants, such as meningitis and human papillomavirus (HPV).
2 3
Fiction Most diseases that vaccines prevent have been eliminated or aren’t that serious. Fact Every year people die from diseases that could have been prevented if they were vaccinated. Though not as common in the U.S., measles, mumps, pertussis, and even polio and diphtheria are still common in other countries. These contagious diseases can be just one plane ride away. Each year, approximately 1,000 to 2,600 people in the U.S. get meningococcal disease (meningitis), a serious bacterial illness, and approximately 10 percent of those die from it.
V accines are one of the safest ways to protect young children and adolescents from preventable and potentially fatal diseases. Fiction Vaccines are not safe. Fact Study after study has shown the vaccines your child or adolescent receives are safe. Today’s vaccines are purer and safer than vaccines in the past. Before a vaccine can be given, it must be researched and tested to the highest level of safety. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has final responsibility for approval. Even after a vaccine is approved, it continues to be studied. Fiction It’s not safe to get multiple shots at one time. Fact Studies have shown that receiving more than one vaccine at a time is not harmful. The bacteria we fight daily in our bodies and the environment are far greater than those in vaccines. Fiction The vaccine may cause the very disease my child is being vaccinated against. Fact Most vaccines are made from dead bacteria or viruses and will not cause your child to get the disease. Some vaccines, such as chickenpox or the flu mist, are made from live, weakened viruses. While your child may have a rash after a chickenpox vaccine, this is not the disease itself. Or, with the live flu vaccine, your child may have a sniffle for a day or two, but that is not the actual flu disease that causes fever, cough, runny nose, and body aches for a week.
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For more information on immunizations, including requirements by age, visitwww.ci.austin.tx.us/health/immunization.htm Source material from Be Wise – Immunize, a joint initiative led by Texas Medical Association physicians and the Texas Medical Association Alliance.
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KEEP AU S TIN WELL
Athletic Physicals Provided By TCMS And AISD
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or more than ten years, the Travis County Medical Society has teamed with the Austin Independent School District’s Student Health Services to provide free athletic physicals to AISD students who have financial restrictions and other barriers to health care. Over the years, more than 7,000 exams have been completed. The students who participate are quite thankful for the opportunity to receive an exam which is required for participation in sports or band activities. For some students, this is their only opportunity to see a physician for a “well visit.” This year, more than 770 AISD high school and middle school students received exams over the course of four nights at the Burger Activity Center and the Delco Activity Center. Physician volunteers from multiple specialties were assisted by volunteer nurses, student nurses, and health educators from AISD, UT School of Nursing, Texas Tech, and Dell Children’s Medical Center. TCMS staff along with numerous volunteers from the Blood and
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Tissue Center’s Lend a Hand program helped with crowd control, snacks, and chaperoning duties. As a pilot project this year, TCMS and the Travis County Medical Alliance/ Texas Medical Association Alliance Be Wise Immunize volunteers also partnered with the AISD immunization team to provide vaccines to a number of middle school students. This coordinated effort brought students up-to-date on vaccines needed to start the school year. The Travis County Medical Society would like to thank the several members of the TCMS Friends of the Society Program for their support. Austin Brokerage Company, Austin Radiological Association, and Physician’s Resource Services made financial and in-kind donations which helped to provide healthy snacks and water for students to enjoy after their exam was completed.
The Travis County Medical Society and AISD could not continue to offer this program without the generosity of all those who volunteered their services and support.
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The tallest address in Texas can be yours. Move into The Austonian and the comfortable luxury reserved exclusively for our residents and their invited guests. Enjoy more than 40,000 square feet of private amenities – 12,000 square feet of outdoor leisure space, entertainment and workout facilities 600 feet above the city, and so much more. Contact us today, and see how you could be living in the height of luxury.
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EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY; WARNING: THE CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF REAL ESTATE HAS NOT INSPECTED, EXAMINED OR QUALIFIED THIS OFFERING. Likewise, no federal or other state agency has judged the merits or value, if any, of this property. You should obtain the property reports required by applicable federal and/or state law for this property and read it before signing anything. This is not an offer to sell, or solicitation of offers to buy, any condominium units or subdivided land in New York, New Jersey or any other state where such solicitation or other offer to residents of such states cannot be made or where prior registration is required. All advertising, promotional materials, site plans, artist’s renderings, and pricing information associated with the project and/or any units, if any, are preliminary in nature and are subject to change without notice. The developers reserve the right to make modifications and changes to the information contained herein. Renderings, photos and sketches are representational and may not be accurate. Dimensions, sizes, specifications, layouts and materials are approximate and subject to change without notice.