Enjoy Houston

DINING

MUSEUMS

SHOPPING

ATTRACTIONS

HOT SPOTS

PERFORMING ARTS

NIGHT LIFE

SPORTING EVENTS

LIVE MUSIC

CALENDAR

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CONTENTS

FALL 2013 Published By SquareOne Communications

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HOUSTON HOT SPOTS

9

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Publisher Leslie Sachnowitz Meimoun

11 PERFORMING ARTS

Art Director Malka G. Levy PAGE 10

PAGE 15

13 SHOPPING 15 MUSEUMS 17 HOUSTON MAP 18 MIDTOWN 19 DOWNTOWN 20 MARKET SQUARE

PAGE 24

PAGE 27

21 GALLERIA/UPPER KIRBY 24 SIGHTS & ATTRACTIONS 27 DINING GUIDE

Cover Photo: Eric Pohl / www.epohl.com

29 NIGHTLIFE

For local advertising or media inquiries, please call 832-877-0683 or email: enjoyhoustonmag@gmail.com Visit us online: www.enjoyhouston.com www.facebook.com/EnjoyHoustonMagazine No part of this magazine may be used or photocopied without the written expressed consent of the publisher of Enjoy Houston. For copies, send $2.00 to SquareOne Communications, Attn: Enjoy Houston 9002 Chimney Rock Rd. Ste. G-218 Houston, TX 77096

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Greetings, As Mayor of Houston, I extend a special welcome to the readers of Enjoy Houston Magazine, a pocketsize publication with a wealth of information provided for all visitors, tourists and convention delegates exploring our city. More than 30 million people visit the Greater Houston area every year to experience our first class restaurants, appealing museums and thrilling sports arenas. I am delighted that Enjoy Houston Magazine gives our first time visitors a great introduction to our diverse city and all that Houston has to offer. I welcome all visiting dignitaries and conventioneers who arrive daily to enjoy the Houstonian experience. Please utilize Enjoy Houston Magazine for information, as it reveals our outstanding attractions, entertaining activities and our finest hotels for your stay in the City of Houston. Best wishes for much success, and I look forward to your continued support of our city.

Annise D. Parker

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HOUSTON|HOT SPOTS Experience the 4th largest city in the United States, Houston, Texas.

MUS DOWNTOWN The sophisticated downtown skyline is headquarters for some of the world’s most influential companies, home of Minute Maid Park’s Houston Astros, Toyota Center’s NBA Houston Rockets and the Houston Aeros Hockey team. The George R. Brown Convention Center hosts major conventions, and Downtown’s beautiful and lively Discovery Green is a new twelve-acre ecopark dedicated to preserving green space. The Shops at Houston Center offers a great line-up of restaurants, stores and services within walking distance for the Downtown visitor, and the exciting new Houston Pavilions is a mega-complex of dining, shopping and entertainment. Dining in Downtown has evolved into an exciting street and restaurant scene; Main Street is alive with nightlife and a wonderful diversity of cultural cuisines; Historic Market Square is lined with top restaurants and bars; Houston’s premier Theater District boasts world-class resident companies in all of the performing arts: Theater, Opera, Ballet and Symphony.

Downtown Houston

MO Bayou City Place

GALLERIA In the center of it all is one of Houston’s hottest neighborhoods and attractions. The Galleria is the fourth largest mall in the nation with spectacular glass atriums, balconies, a massive ice rink and more than 375 stores internationally known and showcasing retail’s elite. Westheimer Boulevard caters to wonderful dining experiences from casual walk-in ambiance to elegant white-tablecloth eateries. Nearby Uptown Park with its trendy European style piazza is peppered with great restaurants, cafes, wine bars, and boutiques. Upper Kirby district and the upscale Highland Village shopping center are steps away—and affluent River Oaks marks the historic and prestigious Houston, where million-dollar mansions with lush manicured gardens lie behind gated entries.

MIDTOWN South of Downtown lies Midtown, an upscale mixture of Houston’s trendiest spots. Situated between Downtown and the Museum district, this neighborhood is home to young professionals who love the diverse eateries, cafes, art galleries and beyond. On Saturday mornings, Midtown’s Farmers Market is open rain or shine. Midtown has its share of art galleries.

Flower Row lines Fannin Street with bargain flower shops just north of Main Street. At sunset, the Midtown nightlife scene with its bars, clubs and live music come together with the 5mellow I sounds ENJOYHOUSTON of Blues, Jazz and Hip-Hop.

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MUSEUM DISTRICT The majestic Mecom Fountains mark the entrance to Houston’s Museum District. Nestled among oak-lined streets are worldclass museums ranging in scope from the arts to natural science, a renowned children’s museum, a health museum, and chapels featuring art collections, all punctuated by the lush acreage of Hermann Park. Included within the Museum of Natural Science are the Wortham Giant Screen Theatre, Cockrell Butterfly Center and Burke Baker Planetarium. Hermann Park is home to the Houston Zoo, beautiful gardens and an 18-hole public golf course. The Texas Medical Center, internationally known for its patient care, research and medical education is a city in itself just across from Hermann Park.

MONTROSE

Museum District

Hermann Park

Adjacent to the Museum District and established in 1911, this eclectic and bohemian neighborhood is a demographically diverse area with renovated homes, bungalows with wide porches and cute cottages located along tree-lined boulevards.

Montrose is one of the more pedestrian-friendly neighborhoods in Houston and is a major cultural hub. Lower Westheimer Blvd. overflows with unique restaurants, fun clothing and antique shops, coffee houses, galleries and more.

Montrose

RICE VILLAGE Since its origins in the 1930’s, Rice Village—next to prestigious Rice University—is known for its multitudes of small and eclectic shops and boutiques, both old and new. Host to over 300 stores, cafes and restaurants in a 16-block area, the ‘Village’ or sometimes referred to as ‘West U’ has something for everyone. Expansion in the area brought in many high-end clothing stores and national retail venues.

Rice Village

THE HEIGHTS Just north of Downtown sits this diverse, laid-back small town community known for its Victorian homes, shady boulevards and quaint shops. It is Houston’s largest historic area where the streets are lined with Victorian mansions and restored bungalows. Parks, walking and biking trails as well as many multi-colored painted homes all add to the charm of the neighborhood. Just inside the Heights lies the Washington Avenue Corridor, a three mile stretch with its abundance of clubs, lounges, bars, wine bars and restaurants that cater to young professionals who indulge in nightlife.

The Heights

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CALENDAR OF EVENTS AUGUST 2013 Aug. 1-Sept. 2

Houston Restaurant Weeks Benefit

CITYWIDE

Aug. 2-4

Houston International Jazz Festival

Bayou Music Center

Aug. 14

Heart

Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion

Aug. 15

Bruno Mars

TOYOTA CENTER

Aug. 16

Keith Urban

Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion

Aug. 18

Lil Wayne

Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion

Aug. 25

20th Annual Theater District Open House DOWNTOWN THEATER DISTRICT

august/september 2012

Aug. 30

Steely Dan

Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion

Aug. 30-Sept. 1

Cirque de la Symphonie

JONES HALL

Aug. 31

Backstreet Boys

Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion

SEPTEMBER 2013 Sept. 1

Houston Texans Kickoff Party

KEMAH BOARDWALK

Sept. 3-15

Book of Mormon

HOBBY CENTER

Sept. 5

Marc Anthony

TOYOTA CENTER

Sept. 7

Houston Symphony-Renee Fleming

JONES HALL

Sept. 17

Mumford & Sons

Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion

Sept. 19

Maroon 5 & Kelly Clarkson

Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion

Sept. 20-22

Joshua Bell

JONES HALL

Sept. 25-Oct. 20

You Can’t Take it With You

ALLEY THEATRE

Sept. 28

Miranda Lambert & Dierks Bentley

Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion

Sept. 29-Oct. 12

Priscilla Queen of The Desert

HOBBY CENTER

OCTOBER 2013 Oct. 1-31 Oct. 4-6 Oct. 4-6 Oct. 11 Oct. 12 Oct. 12-Dec. 1 Oct. 15-20 Oct. 16-Nov.10 Oct. 20

BOO on the Boardwalk Houston Symphony-Classic Soul Shell & Pennzoil Grand Prix of Houston Hocus Pocus POPS-Symphony Lionel Richie Texas Renaissance Festival (Weekends) Peter and the Starcatcher Venus in Fur Michael Buble

KEMAH BOARDWALK JONES HALL RELIANT PARK Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion TODD MISSION, TX HOBBY CENTER ALLEY THEATRE TOYOTA CENTER

Oct. 24-27

Mozart & Schumann

JONES HAL

✔ Mark your calendars for the 4th Annual FASHION HOUSTON NOV. 12-15 at Wortham Center!

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PERFORMING ARTS Alley Theatre

Houston Symphony

615 Texas St. 713-220-5700 Houston’s only resident professional theater company, the Alley offers a varied repertoire of work including classics, contemporary plays, the re-discovered and rarely-performed, as well as new musical theatre, with an emphasis on new American works www.alleytheatre.org

615 Louisiana St. 713-224-7575 Founded in 1913, the Houston Symphony is one of America’s oldest performing arts organizations, with a rich history of musical excellence. www.houstonsymphony.org

Broadway AT HOBBY CENTER 800 Bagby St. 713-315-2400 Broadway Across America-Houston presents first-rate touring Broadway shows direct from Broadway and London’s West End. www.broadwayacrossamerica.com Da Camer a 1427 Branard St. 713-524-5050 By bringing together leading American and international musicians, Da Camera concerts offer a broad range of repertoire and musical styles while ensuring a product of outstanding musical excellence. www.dacamera.com Houston Ballet 501 Texas Ave. 713-227-2787 Houston Ballet, the fifth largest ballet company in the country, has been hailed by The New York Times as “...one of the nation’s best ballet companies.” www.houstonballet.org

Society for the Perfor ming Arts 615 Louisiana St. Ste. 100 713-632-8100 Society for the Performing Arts brings the world’s greatest performing artists and companies to Houston. www.spahouston.org Theatre Under The Stars 800 Bagby St. 713-558-2600 Theatre Under the Stars, founded in 1968, is one of the largest producers of musical theater in the U.S. www.tuts.com Uniquely Houston 800 Bagby St. 713-315-2400 Uniquely Houston is an innovative program established by the Hobby Center for the Performing Arts to provide a home venue for Houston’s emerging, nonprofit performing arts organizations in the Theater District. www.thehobbycenter.org

Houston Gr and Oper a 501 Texas Ave. 713-546-0200 Houston Grand Opera is the only opera company in the world to win a Tony, two Grammy and two Emmy Awards. The New York Times calls the Houston Grand Opera “the jewel in the cultural crown.” www.houstongrandopera.org

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SHOPPING Galleria/Uptown Park Harwin Drive-Discount Shopping Highland Village Shopping Center Houston Pavilions-Downtown

BJ OLDIES & ANTIQUE SHOP 1726 Westheimer 832-651-8477 Come in, browse and look around. B.J.Oldies has been selling great antiques for over twenty years.

Treasures galore as you enter the past of endless rows of everything and anything you can imagine.

Mon-Sun 10am-7pm. www.bjoldiesantiqueshop.com

Houston Premium Outlets Katy Mills Outlet Mall Memorial City Mall Montrose/Lower Westheimer Old Town Spring River Oaks/Upper Kirby Shops at Houston Center-Downtown Sugarland Mall/Town Square Tanger Outlet Malls Town and Country Village/City Centre Trader’s Village The Woodlands

EDIBLE ARRANGEMENTS 225 Main St. 713-247-0700 Located downtown on Main St. Edible Arrangements offers a beautiful selection of fresh fruit bouquets to make any occasion special from birthdays, anniversaries and cogratulations to business events and client gifts.

Our bouquets are made fresh with premium fruit. Other locations: Baytown 281-421-2222, Greenspoint 281999-5524, Humble/Kingwood 281-852-1335, Northeast Houston 281-452-2040 www.ediblearrangements.com TEJAS CUSTOM BOOTS 415 Westheimer Rd. 713-524-9860; Toll free: 866-739-BOOT(2668).

Since 1984, this Houston institution has been known worldwide for the highest quality designer leather, alligator and ostrich boots, custom leather belts, buckles, handbags, briefcases, purses & other fine exotic leather goods. The specialists at Tejas Custom Boots take pride in their craftsmanship and design expertise--materials and workmanship guaranteed. www.tejascustomboots.com

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MUSEUMS Houston Center for Photogr aphy 1441 W. Alabama St. 713-529-4775 Dedicated to the study of photography as an expressive medium and investigative tool, exhibiting works by emerging, mid-career and under-recognized artists. www.hcponline.org

Children’s Museum of Houston Asia Society Tex as Center 1370 Southmore Blvd.

713-496-9901 The newest addition to Houston’s museum offerings is the $48 million Asia Society Texas Center, featuring a dynamic gallery space as well as classrooms, conference facilities, a performance theater, reception spaces and more. www.asiasociety.org/texas Bayou Bend Museum 1 Westcott St. 713-639-7750 This fine collection of American decorative Fine Arts is housed at the Ima Hogg Estate surrounded by more than 14 acres of woodlands and gardens in River Oaks. The home is surrounded by large formal, organically maintained gardens. Over 5,000 pieces from 1620-1870. www.mfah.org/bayoubend.org Buffalo Soldiers Museum 1834 Southmore Blvd.

713-942-8920 Educates the public about the contributions of African-American soldiers by chronicling their accomplishments from the Revolutionary War to modern times. www.buffalosoldiermuseum.com Center fOR Contempor ary Cr aft 4848 Main St 713-529-4848 One of the few venues in the country dedicated exclusively to craft at the highest level, highlighting art made of glass, fiber, clay, metal or wood. Admission is free. www.crafthouston.org Children’s Museum 1500 Binz St. 713-522-1138 With 14 galleries of hands-on activities, The Children’s Museum of Houston is ranked by MSN.com as the No. 1 children’s museum in the country. www.cmhouston.org Contempor ary Arts Museum Houston 5216 Montrose 713-284-8250 Dedicated to presenting the best and most exciting international, national and regional art of the last 40 years. www.camh.org Czech Center Museum 4920 San Jacinto Blvd.

713-528-2060 Celebrates the culture of Bohemia, Moravia, Slovakia and Silesia with events and exhibitions. www.czechcenter.org The Health Museum

Houston Museum of Natur al Science 5555 Hermann Park Dr. 713-284-8250 Museum features the Wortham Giant Screen Theatre, Burke Baker Planetarium, Cockrell Butterfly Center, permanent exhibit halls and traveling exhibitions. www.hmns.org Jung Center of Houston 5200 Montrose Blvd.

713-524-8253 Founded in 1958 to help individuals increase self-awareness through an understanding of Carl Jung’s analytic psychology. www.junghouston.org Lawndale Art Center 4912 Main St. 713-528-5858 An alternative space for the exhibition of contemporary works in all media. www.lawndaleartcenter.org The Menil Collection 1515 Sul Ross St 713-525-9400 Privately assembled Menil Collection includes approximately 15,000 paintings, sculptures, prints, drawings, photographs and rare books.

Don’t miss Menil’s Byzantine Fresco Museum, home of the finest Byzantine frescoes of this size in the Western Hemisphere. Admision is always free, Wed-Sun. www.menil.org Museum of Fine Arts 1001 Bissonnet St 713-639-7300 Renowned museum housing more than 45,000 works, MFAH is one of the largest and most outstanding collections in the country. www.mfah.org

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Rice University Art Gallery 6100 Main St., Rice University 713-348-6069 The only university museum in the country dedicated to installation art. www.ricegallery.org Rothko Chapel 1409 Sul Ross St. 713-524-9839 The only ecumenical center of its kind in the world, the Rothko Chapel functions as a chapel, a museum and a forum-- a place where religion, art and architecture intermingle. Free admission, Donations are welcome. www.rothkochapel.org The Weather Museum 5104 Caroline St. 713-529-3076 Established by the Weather Research Center, the John C. Freeman Weather Museum is a place for people of all ages to learn about the weather, its history and public safety. www.weathermuseum.org

1515 Hermann Dr 713-521-1515 The most visited health museum in the country features threedimensional anatomy models and interactive exhibits. www.thehealthmuseum.org Holocaust Museum 5401 Caroline St. 713-942-8000 Created as a living testimonial to those who perished in the Holocaust, the Museum is dedicated to remembering the millions of innocent victims, honoring the survivors and teaching the dangers of hatred, prejudice and apathy. Admission is free. www.hmh.org

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SIGHTS & ATTRACTIONS The Art Car Museum - The museum, or “Garage Mahal,” as many people know it, features the most imaginative, elaborate, and artfully constructed art cars, low riders, and mobile contraptions, as well as art exhibitions by local, regional, and national artists. www.artcarmuseum.com __________________________________________ Battleship Texas - The last of the battleships to participate in World War I and II, Battleship Texas became the first battleship memorial museum in the U.S. in 1948. Located in nearby La Porte. www.battleshiptexas.org __________________________________________ Bayou Place - The downtown dining and entertainment destination is experiencing a renaissance. New bars and entertainment options have opened as part of the center’s re-imagined nightlife experience and Robert Redford’s highly-anticipated Sundance Cinemas features both general release and art films along with several drink-and-dine options. The Bayou Music Center stages a variety of live concerts, and Hard Rock Cafe has long been a Theater District staple. www.bayouplace.com __________________________________________ Buffalo Bayou - Explore Houston from below—on a kayaking adventure along the bayou. The Buffalo Bayou Partnership offers canoe, kayak, and pontoon boat tours along Buffalo Bayou, near downtown Houston. Beginning at Shepherd Street Bridge, paddlers travel to Allen’s Landing and eventually wrap up near the Theater District. Along the way, spot blue herons, loggerhead turtles and an occasional alligator sunning itself along bayou banks. www.buffalobayou.org __________________________________________ Chase Tower - JPMorgan Chase Tower is the tallest composite building in the world. The 60th floor Sky Lobby offers a spectacular vista of Houston and Joan Miró’s 55-foot steel sculpture, Personage With Birds. From the Sky Lobby, visitors can view other spectacular architectural and engineering feats: Reliant Stadium, Texas Medical Center, Galleria, Greenway Plaza and other unique buildings that help make up the distinctive Houston Skyline. www.chasetower.com __________________________________________ Downtown Tunnel System - Downtown professionals are where the real action is—20-feet below, in the 7.5-mile-long tunnel system. The series of subterranean passages allows the district’s 150,000+ employee workforce to take on tasks such as doctor visits, banking, shopping, post office and salons, among other things—in air-conditioned bliss. Access the network via street-level stairs, escalators, office-building elevators or head to Wells Fargo Plaza, which offers direct street-to-tunnel access. www.downtownhouston.org __________________________________________ Discovery Green - A 12-acre eco-park located in downtown Houston, and designed as an engaging and active place with programming to serve all ages and backgrounds. Tree-shaded walks lead to a tranquil pond while grassy slopes offer postcard views of downtown. Try out the new jogging trail that surrounds the park, or splash around The Model Boat Pond. www.discoverygreen.com __________________________________________ Downtown Aquarium - Experience the wonder of the underwater world as you tour the Aquarium Adventure Exhibit. Discover 400 species of marine life. Touch sea creatures and more at Discovery Rig and catch a glimpse of the magnificent white tigers of the Maharaja’s Temple. Enjoy a dining adventure at Aquarium Restaurant as well as Shark Voyage, rides and games. www.downtownaquarium.com __________________________________________ Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier - The Landry’s ownedand-operated amusement park stands where the city’s original Pleasure Pier stood from 1943 until 1961, before being destroyed by Hurricane Carla. The $60-million project stretches 1,130 feet over the Gulf of Mexico—more than three football fields in length—and provides thrilling family-oriented amusements, attractions, rides, games, retail shops and food venues. www.pleasurepier.com __________________________________________ George Observatory - Ever dreamed of exploring outer space?

Now you can—just an hour’s drive south of Houston. Located in the scenic expanse of Brazos Bend State Park, the George Observatory is a satellite facility of the Houston Museum of Natural Science. Housed here are three domed telescopes, including the 36-inch Gueymard Research Telescope, one of the largest in the United States. www.hmns.org

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George Ranch Historical Park - Journey to a place and time where cattle and cotton are king and Texas is a country all its own—a living history museum that tracks four generations of one family over one hundred years of Texas history. Visit the 1830’s Jones Stock Farm, the 1860’s Ryon Prairie Home, the 1890’s Davis Mansion, and the 1930’s George Ranch Complex. Enjoy historic home tours, cattle-working demonstrations, a working blacksmith shop and more. Today, the George Ranch is a 23,000-acre working ranch. www.georgeranch.org __________________________________________ Houston Maritime Museum - The first of its kind in Houston, the museum offers insight into maritime history. Exhibits include over 150 ship models, over 100 types of navigational instruments and numerous maritime artifacts. www.houstonmaritimemuseum.org __________________________________________ Houston Pavilions - Premier entertainment hub in downtown Houston. The pedestrian open-air retail entertainment center spans three city blocks and features top shopping and dining as well as House of Blues, Lucky Strike Lanes, Pete’s Dueling Piano Bar and Scott Gertner’s venues. www.houstonpavilions.com __________________________________________ Houston Zoo - It’s a new zoo every day! Now you can travel to Africa... No Passport Required. The African Forest is an immersive experience that will entertain young and old alike. Come for an adventure through The African Forest, and also visit the 6,000 other animals from around the globe that call the Houston Zoo home. www.houstonzoo.org __________________________________________ Kemah Boardwalk - Located just 20 miles from downtown Houston, the Kemah Boardwalk is open daily providing fun for everyone!

Home to fabulous waterfront restaurants, amusements, charming retail stores, festivals and seaside shows. www.kemahboardwalk.com __________________________________________ National Museum of Funeral History - Features the nation’s largest display of historic funeral service memorabilia and artifacts with the clever tagline, “every day above ground is a good one.” The museum opened its doors in 1992 and continues to educate the public on the rich heritage of the funeral industry. www.nmfh.org __________________________________________ Orange Show Center for Visionary Art - Houston postman Jeff McKissack created The Orange Show in honor of his favorite fruit. From 1956 until his death in 1980, he used common building materials and found objects — bricks, tiles, fencing, farm implements — to transform an East End lot into an architectural maze of walkways, balconies, arenas and exhibits decorated with mosaics and brightly painted iron figures. www.orangeshow.com __________________________________________ Saint Arnold Brewing Company - For air-conditioned tastings head to Texas’ oldest craft brewer. Company made the move to the 3-story, nearly 100-year-old space on the edge of downtown, bringing along beer-making equipment purchased from a now-defunct Bavarian monastery. www.saintarnold.com __________________________________________ San Jacinto Monument and Museum of History - Established to honor those who fought in the Battle of San Jacinto in 1836, and to re-visualize the history of Texas and the Spanish Southwest. Within the base of the monument, the museum holds one of the largest collections of Texas art, artifacts and history. Located next to the historic Battleship Texas in La Porte (Harris County). www.sanjacinto-museum.org __________________________________________ Segway Tours of Houston - Explore central Houston on an ecofriendly personal transporter. Bayou tours, Twilight tours and Arenas/ Convention tours. www.segwaytoursofhouston.com __________________________________________ Space Center Houston - The Official Visitors Center of NASA’s Johnson Space Center. It’s the only place in the world where visitors can see astronauts train for missions, touch a real moon rock, land a shuttle or take a behind-the-scenes tour of NASA. It’s an out-of-thisworld experience for all ages. www.spacecenter.org __________________________________________ Zuma Fun Centers - For family fun in Houston, Zuma is the place to go. Enjoy arcade games, go-karts, mini-golf, batting cages & more! www.zumafuncenters.com HELPFUL INFO: METRO - Operates public buses, 7.5 mile METRORail service and free Greenlink bus line serving Downtown District. ridemetro.org SuperShuttle Houston - Recognizable blue & yellow shared-ride van transportation service. supershuttle.com TJD Transportation - Reputable luxury car service serving Houston and surrounding areas, tel: 832-868-9192. tjdtrans.com

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HOUSTON

2013 EDITION

the SOCIAL BOOK

FASHION + BEAUTY

body

|

mind

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spirit

miami johnson

FASHION + BEAUTY

HOUSTON

2013 EDITION

the SOCIAL BOOK

wake up!

personal training | nutrition | free gym access

miami@miamijohnson.com 870.897.3298 ENJOYHOUSTON

I 26

DINING GUIDE

AMERICAN

ETHIOPIAN

MEXICAN

BUFFALO GRILLE

BLUE NILE

EL TIEMP

4080 Bissonnet St. 713-661-3663 This Family Tradition famous for serving Houston’s best breakfast, lunch and dinner for the past 20 yrs. Breakfast is huevos rancheros, rellanos, burritos, hot cakes, French toast and omelettes. Lunch and dinner specialties. Beer and wine served all day. Mon 7am-2pm, Tues-Fri 7am-9pm, Sat 8am-2pm. www.thebuffalogrille.com

9400 Richmond Ave 713-782-6882 One of the best family owned ethnic restaurants. Enjoy the unique taste of Ethiopian dishes as you eat with your hands. Vegetarian dishes as Kik Alicha, split peas, Atkilt Wot with cabbage and carrots.

The Ethiopian Coffee Ceremony brewed in traditional pots a must.

Mon-Friday 11am-11pm, Sat-Sun 9am-11pm. ww.bluenilerestaurant.com

3130 Richmon 1308 Montrose 5602 Washingt Master Chef Ro Tex-Mex. The enchiladas, all www.eltiempo

GREEK

STEAKHO

ALEXANDER THE GREAT

NELORE

3055 Sage 713-622-2794 Traditional Greek dishes are prepared as Spanokopita, Dolmathes, Moussaka, and lamb to delicious desserts as Baklava and Tiramisu.

Live music and belly dancing every Friday and Saturday. Full liquor bar serving Greek wines and liquors. Mon-Fri 11am-10pm, Sat 11am2pm, Sun 12pm-9pm. www.alexanderthegreat.com

4412 Montrose All-you-can-ea cuts of slow ro from beef, pork Open daily for www.neloreste

THEO’S

SUSHI -

812 Westheimer 713-523-0425 Original Greek specialties are served 24 hrs. for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Greek and American cuisine. Omeletes, french toast, waffles and eggs. Lunch and dinner is mousaka, dolmathes, spanokopita, shrimp, chicken, lamb kebobs and pork chops to burgers, calzones and pasta. Top floor, Oak Room for elegant events. Mon-Sunday 10am-4am. www.theoshouston.com

UCHI

ELEVATION BURGER 3819 Kirby Dr. 713-524-2909 Conveniently located on Kirby just off the SW Freeway (Hwy 59), this new quick and casual restaurant offers 100% organic, grass-fed, free-range beef burgers. Fun menu of unique and flavorful burgers as well as vegetarian and vegan options, fries cooked in 100% hearthealthy olive oil and other sides like mandarin orange slices plus a menu of shakes and malts. www.elevationburger.com HOBBIT CAFE 2243 Richmond Ave. 713-526-5460 The Hobbit Cafe represents the best of Tolkien’s Middle Earth.

Bountiful salads and soups to delicious wholesome sandwiches, burgers to vegetarian dishes. To die for desserts as key lime pie. Great Sunday Brunch. Mon-Thurs 11am-9:30pm, Fri-Sat 11am-10:30pm, Sun 11am-9pm. www.myhobbitcafe.com LAURENZO’S 4412 Washington Ave. 713-880-5111 Watch all your sport venues on Hi-Def T.V.’s. Great Salads, Succulent Prime Rib, chicken pork, seafood, burgers, sandwiches and steaks.

All entrees served with delicious sides. Great selection of liquors, wine and beer. Sun-Tues 11am-9pm, Wed-Thurs 11am-10pm, Fri-Sat 11am-11pm. www.laurenzos.net OLD HICKORY INN Since 1963, Old Hickory Inn has been proudly serving “Real Old Fashioned Barbeque at its Best!” Fall in love with our fresh mouthwatering barbecue and down home Texas-style cooking. Chopped Beef Baker, Fall-off-the-bone Baby Back Ribs, Slow-Smoked BBQ Brisket and other delicious fixings. 3 Houston locations (Meyerland, Missouri City, Mission Bend). Dine-in or full-service catering.

Locations, tel. numbers and hours online: www.oldhickoryinn.com RED LION PUB 2316 S. Shepherd Dr. 713-782-3030 This traditional neighborhood British pub with fireplace leads to an inviting outside patio offers traditional British pub favorites as Shepherds pie, Bangers & Mash and famous fish and Chips along with burgers and sandwiches. English fry-up Breakfast on Sat and Sun. Wide variety of ales, malts, beers and darts. Mon-Wed 11:30am12pm, Thurs-Sat 11:30am-2am, Sun 11:30am-12pm. www.redlionhouston.com DELI k atz’s deli 616 Westheimer 713-521-3838 NYC comes to Midtown, with a 24 hour selection of Katz’s greatest deli selections. Jewish rye to succulent kosher dills. Signature sandwiches as the half pound Reuben to the smoked salmon, corn beef, roast beef, salami and turkey breast. Sumptuous desserts as New York style cheesecake, cheese blintz’s to mouth watering sundaes and floats. Great breakfast served all day with bagels and breads baked daily. 24 hours. www.ilovekatzs.com

WWW.ENJOYHOUSTON.COM

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INDIAN

904 Westheime We invite diner tional Japanese At Uchi we pre the most uniqu Fri-Sat 5pm-11 www.uchiresta

INDIA’S 5704 Richmond Ave. 713-266-0131 A Passage to India describes this culinary experience. Sample cultural diversity from the Himalayas to the Ganges. Lunch begins with India’s fabulous Buffet of hot and cold dishes from salads to vegetables to chicken, lamb, shrimp, curries, and basmati rice and fresh baked Nann. Dinner of Sang Paneer to Tandori Chicken. Mon-Thurs 11am10pm, Fri-Sun 11am-10:30pm. www.indiasrestauranthouston.com ITALIAN BIRRAPORETTI’S 500 Louisiana (at Prairie) 713-224-9494 One of Houston’s original restaurants, this Italian gem opened in 1974 with the slogan “A great Italian Restaurant…A heck of an Irish bar!”.

For four decades, Birraporetti’s has been the place to gather with friends and family, happy hour and before or after the theater. Famous for stone oven, hand thrown pizzas as well as Signature Bellini’s and delicious Irish coffee. Downtown in the heart of the Theatre District (as well as a Friendswood location). Private events/catering options; Open late seven days a week. www.birrarestaurant.com MICHELANGELO’S 307 Westheimer Rd. 713-524-7836 The most romantic Italian restaurant in Houston. The famous live tree growing through the roof alongside piano played favorites from Sinatra to Broadway. Spinach ravioli to Chilean sea bass. Tiramisu and Creme Brulee. Sunday brunch for bottomless mimosas. Crab Omelette, Eggs Benedict and Cured Salmon. Mon-Thurs 11am-10pm, Fri-Sat 11am-11pm, Sun 11am-9pm. www.michelangelosrestaurant.com MEDITERRANEAN

RE

MEYERL

5427 S. Brae

S

Auth

F

FALAFEL FACTORY 914 Prairie Houston 713-237-8987 The falafel at this cozy restaurant is arguably some of the best in town—Most certainly, the best to be found in Downtown Houston.

The tasty Middle Eastern plate lunches featuring shawarma, kefta, kebob or falafel are of perfect portions and price. Mon-Fri 11am-6pm.

8402 H

(713)

82 Enjoy the unique ands. Vegetarian bage and carrots. nal pots a must.

94 pita, Dolmathes, va and Tiramisu. urday. Full liquor 10pm, Sat 11amm

25 akfast, lunch and ch toast, waffles es, spanokopita, burgers, calzones nts. Mon-Sunday

DINING GUIDE

MEXICAN-TEX MEX

THAI

EL TIEMPO

PADTHAI

3130 Richmond Ave. 713-807-1600 1308 Montrose 713-807-8100 5602 Washington 713-681-3645 Master Chef Roland Laurenzo has combined Authentic Mexican and Tex-Mex. The menu offers crab, shrimp, chicken, beef fajitas and enchiladas, all served with charo beans and rice. Full bar and patio. www.eltiempocantina.com

401 Louisiana 713-225-4900 Authentic Thai cuisine is served for Lunch specials as beef broccoli, and chicken ginger, all served with rice, soup and salad. Dinner is served with choice of delicious soups, chicken, beef, pork and seafood specialties. Drinks and delicious desserts. Lunch Mon -Fri 11am-3pm, Dinner Tues-Sat 5pm-9pm. www.padthaithairestaurant.com

STEAKHOUSE / BRAZILIAN

Vegetarian Arom a Pizza Café

NELORE CHURRASCARIA 4412 Montrose Blvd.

713-395-1050 All-you-can-eat, tableside service, where you can select your favorite cuts of slow roasted, seasoned meats, cooked on skewers. Choose from beef, pork, lamb or chicken, all served with our house salad bar.

Open daily for dinner. Fri. - Sat. - Sun. for lunch. www.neloresteakhouse.com

6285 Bissonnet Street 832-460-0194 This delightful vegetarian cafe serves up fresh delicious pizza and calzones, but it doesn’t stop there. Tasty pasta, specialty paninis, Greek salads, a huge variety of bagels and other breakfast delights. Sun-Thurs 9am-9pm, Fri 9am-4pm, Sat 8:30pm-12am. www.aromapizzacafe.com

SUSHI - JAPANESE UCHI 904 Westheimer 713-522-4808 We invite diners to explore gastro­nomic bound­aries by pairing tradi­ tional Japanese offer­ings with new and refreshing flavors and textures.

At Uchi we prepare our dishes using inno­va­tive food combi­na­tions for the most unique dining expe­ri­ence in Houston. Sun-Thurs 5pm-10pm, Fri-Sat 5pm-11pm. www.uchirestaurants.com/houston

31 . Sample cultural egins with India’s ds to vegetables and fresh baked Mon-Thurs 11amanthouston.com

36 The famous live ed favorites from ass. Tiramisu and s. Crab Omelette, m-10pm, Fri-Sat estaurant.com

87 me of the best in wntown Houston. hawarma, kefta, n-Fri 11am-6pm.

REAL OLD FASHIONED BARBEQUE AT ITS BEST MEYERLAND (713)723-8908

MISSOURI CITY (281)499-8904

MISSION BEND (281)983-5020

5427 S. Braeswood (@Chimney Rock)

3334 FM 1092 (Murphy Rd.)

8000 Highway 6 S. (@Beechnut)

Suzie's Grill

Authentic Gourmet Mediterranean Cuisine

[8\ Dine-in - Carry-out Full-Service Custom Catering Private & Corporate Events [8\

94 m opened in 1974 k of an Irish bar!”. e to gather with theater. Famous ture Bellini’s and heatre District (as ng options; Open

8402 Hillcroft Street Houston, TX 77096

(713) 729-5741 www.suziesgrill.com

Certified Kosher/Halal

ENJOYHOUSTON

I 28

NIGHT LIFE 360 Sports Lounge

pete’s dueling piano bar

4601 Washington Ave. 713-667-0398 This upscale sports bar and lounge on the Washington Ave. Corridor strip is the place to watch your favorite sports teams with LCD T.V.’s throughout the entire lounge and wide-screen T.V.’s over the bar. Great selection of beers and liquors along with delicious appetizers, burgers to pizzas. Happy hour Mon-Thurs 3pm-7pm. www.360sportslounge.com

1201 Fannin Street 713- 337-7383 This Texas original rock n roll dueling piano bar, with two baby Grand Pianos is a sing along, clap along, drink along, have one helluva good time along bar. Playing all your favorite hits from Beatles to Willie Nelson, Billy Joel, Elton John and Frank Sinatra. Full Liquor Bar. Wed-Sat 7pm-2am, 8pm showtime. www.petesduelingpianobar.com

HOUSE OF BLUES 1204 Caroline St. 800-745-3000 The anchor for the Houston Pavilions is the House of Blues. The Blues resonates through the streets of downtown. Impressive stage and acoustic settings. Featured artists and tour dates are showcased in the full page ad in the Attractions Section of the magazine. www.houseofblues.com/houston LA CARAFE 813 Congress St. 713-229-9399 1860 makes this Historical Landmark the oldest known bar in Houston’s downtown Market Square. This wine bar is a hidden gem of candle lit intimacy to sounds of a by gone era as a fine vintage wine. An intimate balcony and a selected wine list is the perfect duo to embrace the past, and toast the future. Most romantic bar in all of Downtown. Mon-Sun 1pm-2am.

red cat jazz cafe 711 Franklin 713-226-7870 Welcome to downtown sophistication with great jazz and resident artists such as jazz violinists Michael Ward, superstar Sammy Relford, saxophonist Perry Richard and dynamic and beautiful Theresa Grayson on soprano sax. Guests artists as Eric Darius and Michael Best. BYOB Doors open Fri-Sat 7pm. www.redcatjazzcafe.com WARREN’S INN 307 Travis St. 713-247-9207 This Historical watering hole in Houston is the Inn on Market Square where the drinks are poured Texan Tall and local characters hang out to hear classic jukebox music. Great prices for homemade soups and chili served daily. Great Old Texan Heritage and best bar for great Conversations. Mon-Fri 11am-2am, Sat 12pm-2am, Sun and Holidays 2pm-2am.

Te

LIVE SATURDAY NIGHTS

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wo baby Grand e one helluva om Beatles to Full Liquor Bar. gpianobar.com

z and resident ammy Relford, heresa Grayson ael Best. BYOB

Market Square haracters hang memade soups d best bar for 2am, Sun and

Serving Greater Houston Since 1983 Tel: 713‐641‐6263 www.SoundConnec6ons.com 5200 W. Loop South, Suite 106 Bellaire, TX 77401

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Nelore Churrascaria

EN

PO

Experience the Taste of Southern Brazil "Best South American Restaurant" - Houston Press

"Nelore serves 15+ varieties of meat every day… they range from excellent to spectacular."

Open Daily for Dinner • Fri.-Sat.-Sun. for Lunch Private Rooms Available • Book Your Party Today!

4412 Montrose Blvd. • Houston, TX 77006 (between Richmond & SW Freeway)

31 713-395-1050 I ENJOYHOUSTON • www.neloresteakhouse.com

INSIDE

- Robb Walsh, Texas Restaurateur/Food Critic/Author