PRIME Living 2011 March/April

Texas

march/april 2011

The Luxury of Choice

host most the

with the

Spend a ‘moment of luxury’ with Bill Stubbs, TV host, interior designer and all-around nice guy

Refined Style

Tanglewood home defines historic beauty

Pubs & Ales

Get a taste of Ireland’s historic taverns

Backstreet Delights

River Oaks eatery serves comfort food with flair

benefitting

20 American Society of Interior Designers have come together to create a one-of-a-kind show home in Sienna Plantation.

Fully furnished and loaded with new ideas, design and state-of-the-art appliances and technology features.

Tickets are $15 at the door or www.siennaplantation.com Open Tuesday thru Saturday from 10 am to 4pm and Sunday from noon to 4pm.

Private group tours and mini seminars featuring the ASID designer team are available.

Check the website for details.

When you are in Sienna to see the ASID show home—stay and tour 11 more beautifully furnished model homes. Maps will be available.

Greenway

siennaplantation.com facebook.com/siennaplantation Sienna Parkway at Hwy. 6 . 281-778-7777

from the $170s-Millions

Ashton Woods . Coventry . Custom Classics . Darling Homes . DR Horton . Fairmont Custom Homes Fedrick, Harris Estate Homes . Highland . Huntington Homes . J Kyle Estate Homes . Meritage . Newmark Partners in Building . Perry . Plantation . Pulte . Regan Custom Homes . Ryland . Sterling Classic Custom Homes Trendmaker . Triumph . Westport

Downtown

Galleria Med Center

Fort Bend Parkway

New SIENNA

BRAND NEW MODEL HOMES Partners In BuIldIng in The ForesT Custom ClassICs in The ForesT darlIng Homes— PaTio series in Ladera darlIng Homes— american cLassics series in senebe

PLANTATION

from the $170s-Millions

NEW NEigHBORHOODS tHe Hamlet—meriTage ladera—darLing homes seneBe—darLing homes Kennet HIll— J KyLe, FedricK, harris esTaTe homes, WesTPorT homes, hunTingTon home, ParTners in buiLding, cusTom cLassics.

CeleBratIon— neWmarK and Perry

Greenway

Med Center

siennaplantation.com facebook.com/siennaplantation Sienna Parkway at Hwy. 6 . 281-778-7777 Ashton Woods . Coventry . Custom Classics . Darling Homes . DR Horton . Fairmont Custom Homes . Highland Huntington Homes . J Kyle Estate Homes . Meritage . Newmark . Partners in Building . Perry . Plantation Pulte . Regan Custom Homes . Ryland . Sterling Classic Custom Homes . Trendmaker . Triumph . Westport

Downtown

Galleria

Fort Bend Parkway

march/april 2011

60

On the

Ale Trail

27

toast to a historic tour of Northern Ireland’s famous pubs and watering holes

success by design

Renowned interior designer, TV personality and international globetrotter, Bill Stubbs still hangs his hat in Texas

27

34

a living treasure

Georgian-style home in Tanglewood evokes the refined style of an era gone by

34 march/april • 2011

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alsoinside

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Publisher & Editor-in-Chief Karyn Dean

kdean@prime-living.com

9 • cocktails & conversation • Where to Go, What to Do Home Invasion • My Blue Heaven • Buzz • Night Sights City Q&A • Pops Star • Best Laid Plans • My Life • Moment in Time

Publisher Terry Dean

tdean@prime-living.com

Managing Editor Michelle Jacoby

43 • connoisseur • PL’s Guide to Discerning Taste Backstreet Delights • Good Eats • Table Talk • Red, Red Wine • Pretty in Pink 53 • the gentlemen’s room • For the man who commands the very best Thin is In • Trail Rides • Swagger Cat • Mighty Mallet

mjacoby@prime-living.com

54

Editorial Assistant Samantha Edmondson sam@prime-living.com

Art Direction & Design SW!TCH s t u d i o Jim Nissen, Erin Loukili Carla Rogers www.switchstudio.com

66 • pL’s Passport • Greetings from destinations near and far Enlightened Explorer • Burnet

Sales Manager David Spector

dspector@prime-living.com

Senior Account Executive Mike Taylor

73 • live well • Feel Good, Look Good Coping in the Coop • The 15-Minute Plan • Earth Day • Health News 76 • prime list • Events, Galas and Fundraisers Red Wine & Chocolate • Datebook

the

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mtaylor@prime-living.com

Account Executive Marie Brashears

mbrashears@prime-living.com

Marketing/Events Executive Jennifer Dean jend@prime-living.com

list

76

Circulation/ Distribution Brian Stavert

bstavert@prime-living.com

Contact 311 Julie Rivers Drive Sugar Land, Texas 77498 281.277.2333 Editorial Inquiries editor@prime-living.com Advertising Information advertise@prime-living.com www.prime-living.com Texas

mar

il 2011 ch/apr

e The Luxury of Choic

on the cover

homstost the

The Luxury of Choice

with the

of luxury’ with Spend a ‘moment host, interior Bill Stubbs, TV und nice guy designer and all-aro

RefinoodedhomeStyle defines Tanglew historic beauty

& Aless Pubs taste of Ireland’ Get a historic taverns

Backstreet Delights serves River Oaks eatery with flair comfort food

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Interior designer, author and TV host Bill Stubbs photographed on location at his Houston residence. Styling by Jennifer Aronson (jenniferaronsonmakeup.com), photography by Mark Lipczynski (marklipczynski.com).

Prime Living Magazine is a publication of SRG Services, Inc., published bi-monthly.

Copies are mailed and hand-delivered to households and businesses throughout the greater Houston area. This publication may not be reproduced, in whole or in part, without the express prior written permission of the publisher. The publisher assumes no responsibility to any party for the content of any advertisement in this publication. The opinions expressed herein do not necessarily reflect the position of the publication.

publisher’s note

houston is hometo some

pretty incredible

talent in interior

coming up

designand

The Travel Issue: Sail away and discover the world’s top summer destinations.

karyn dean Publisher & Editor-in-Chief

architecture.

a code decoded Throughout this issue, you’ll find QR codes, designed to heighten your Prime Living experience.

Here’s how to use them: 1. From your mobile phone, download the free ScanLife app at prime-living.com.

2. Scan codes, like the one below, for fun surprises and special offers.

Look for more QR codes in upcoming issues!

s we prepared for our annual design issue, we began to realize something: Houston is home to some pretty incredible talent in interior design and architecture. Take, for instance, Bill Stubbs. The interior designer-turned-author-turned-TV host has carved an extraordinary niche for himself in the design world, with his impeccably designed homes (many of which are featured in the “bible” of home interiors, Architectural Digest), visually stunning home interiors books and, of course, his knowledge, charm and grace as host of lifestyle series “A Moment of Luxury.” Read all about his interesting life and career in “Success

by Design” on page 27.

If you’re looking for some design inspiration, get an inside look at two very unique Houston abodes. In “A Living Treasure” on page 34, tour a classically designed, Georgian-style home in Tanglewood. Filled with antique pieces and historic objects, this beautiful home evokes the refinement of an long-gone era. For something more up to date, plan to visit the ASID Show Home: “Designing with the Stars” from April 2-17 in Missouri City. Showcasing the work of 20 interior designers, the home is a gorgeous example of the successful relationship between form and function. Get a sneak peek at “Best Laid Plans” on page 22.

Speaking of stars, a friend of mine—who spends a great deal of “night” time at Brazos Bend State Park—told me that spring is a the perfect time to star gaze in Texas. Check out our favorite spots in “Night Sights” on page 14. And as an added bonus, we’ve included a QR code accessing a special stargazing app for your smartphone.

For more springtime fun, celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with a tour of Northern Ireland’s famous pubs and taverns in “On the Ale Trail” on page 60 or kick off spring training season with an homage to the Louisville Slugger in “Mighty Mallet” on page 58.

Finally, it wouldn’t be spring without something pink. In “Pretty in Pink” on page 50, we show you how to throw a gorgeous pink-themed outdoor gathering filled with sweet treats for guests of all ages.

The stars at night really are big and bright in Texas! Happy spring!

kdean@prime-living.com the story “Farm Fresh” that ran in the Jan/Feb issue, we indicated the City Hall correction InFarmers Market is held on Tuesdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. It is actually held on Wednesdays from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. We apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused.

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get involved. be inspired. heal eal sick children.

Join today. www.ambassadors.texaschildrens.org 832-824-6900

cocktails & conversation.

cocktails & the prime living guide to what's happening now

inside:

10 11 12 14 15 18 22 24 25

• • • • • • • • •

Prime Ten | Home Invasion Day Tripper | My Blue Heaven The Buzz | What's New Hot List | Night Sights Houston Deconstructed | City Q&A Arts | Pops Star Design | Best Laid Plans My Life | Richard Garriott Treasures | Moment in Time

march/april • 2011

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cocktails & conversation.

prime ten

home invasion:

10

Worst Design Trends Ever

Story | sally j. clasen Illustration | John S. Dykes

Remember avocado appliances? Home styles come and go, but some trends should never have been allowed past the front door. Here’s a list of the worst design crimes ever committed: Shag carpet. Warning: The Tudor.

Psychedelic drugs were Splendid idea, involved in the making of this Watson! Build a house that multi-colored, multi-level floor trip. resembles an English country estate (crammed next to your Popcorn ceilings. The neighbor’s over-sized Italian person who invented Tuscan) in the middle of the asbestos-filled, spray-on suburban America. cottage cheese effect should be publicly humiliated for Bathroom carpet. It perpetrating one of the worst makes perfect sense offenses in design history. to install a permanent, wall-towall “bath mat” in a room that Shabby chic. features water fixtures and is a A distressed breeding ground for mold and piece of furniture here and there mildew. adds interest, but enough with the pale vintage look. It’s so washed up—and screaming for a little color.

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Fake fireplaces. Are you kidding? The manufactured blue and orange glow coming from the “hearth” doesn’t warm—or fool—anyone.

Synthetic flowers and plants. Maybe after you dust your “foliage,” you can relax and light a “fire.”

Animal prints.

Take a decorating cue from nature and toss the menagerie of striped and spotted accent pillows—because real patterned wildlife would never mix and mingle in such fashion.

The beach look. Do you live near a major body of water? Your weathered fisherman’s lamp, and starfish and seashell collection purchased from Michael’s doesn’t make it an oceanfront property.

Big screen TVs. A home accessory that projects two distinct statements about the owner: 1) You are a couch potato. 2) You will own it for life because no one with design sense will ever buy a used jumbotron for the living room.

day tripper

cocktails & conversation.

While you’re in the neighborhood, check out these other great spots:

Brenham Maifest

My Blue Heaven Story | jean ciampi

Larry Urquhart

I

t’s been said that the secret to Blue Bell ice cream’s amazing goodness is the cows believing that Brenham is heaven. They might be right.

While a tour of the iconic creamery is a must when visiting the hometown it made famous, Brenham has so many more hidden flavors to experience.

A stunning springtime show of wildflowers crowns this quiet, historic city, located 72 miles northwest of Houston on US 290. Each year, maps to the most picturesque points are happily handed out by local businesses, and updates are posted online at BrenhamTexas.com, when the bluebonnets, paintbrushes and primrose are at their prime.

Those following the Spring Bluebonnet, Wine & Cheese Trail event the first three weekends in

April can also enjoy the bouquet of outstanding Brenham wines at Pleasant Hill Winery and Windy Winery, where visitors are offered a pairing of wines and specially crafted cheese dishes, as well as a packet of Texas wildflower seeds.

Other Trail events are scheduled periodically throughout the year, inviting guests back to stroll the vineyards, explore the cellars and relax in the tasting rooms.

It’s no surprise then that even Texas itself sprung up from the rolling hills around Brenham.

The Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site, found outside of Brenham heading toward Navasota, marks the location of the original capital of the Republic of Texas, the place where 59 men voted into existence the sovereign nation of Texas. History buffs will also

enjoy the Barrington Living History Farm, home of the last president of the Republic, as well as a number of other museums, award-winning exhibits, tours and sites that tell the story of this momentous time in our state’s history and the landmark days since.

Brenham is a place where you want to come and stay awhile; there are plenty of reasons not to rush back home. No one here seems to rush much anyway. The cows might have just figured it out: If Brenham isn’t heaven, it must be right next door.

washington county convention & visitors bureau 979-836-3695 brenhamtexas.com

In its 121st year, the Brenham Maifest will be held May 6-7 at Fireman’s Park in downtown. The area’s German heritage is celebrated with extravagant parades, an elaborate coronation, food, music, craftsmen, reconstructed villages and the traditional welcome of spring.

901 N. Park St. 979-836-3339 maifest.org

Antique Rose Emporium

Horticulturist Michael Shoup and his staff at the Antique Rose Emporium have rustled up an impressive collection of antique native roses, many found along roadsides or on forgotten fences. Serious rosarians and casual gardeners will love discovering and buying fragrant, hardy treasures among his cottage gardens and formal plantings.

10,000 FM 50 979-836-5548 antiqueroseemporium.com

Beadboard Upcountry

Designers, architects and collectors have discovered Beadboard Upcountry, a Euro-country boutique offering upscale linens, eclectic antiques, rich upholstery, and elegant glass and tableware, all tucked into a restored bank on the town square. Their “country comfort with uptown style” provides the perfect European flair for your ranch, home or cottage.

101 S. Baylor St. 979-830-8788 beadboardupcountry.com

march/april • 2011

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cocktails & conversation.

buzz

spring into fashion Fine Jewelry, an exclusive store owned and operated by Houstonian Elizabeth Glanville, who previously managed Cartier and Bvulgari in the Galleria and even served as VP of merchandising for Asford.com, offers up the perfect assortment of gifts for the girl who’s got your heart. 5700 Woodway Drive. 281501-3810, devillefinejewelry.com Men can also get into the spirit of spring simply by sporting new socks! Veteran sock designer Claudia Herzog says the quirkier and brighter, the better. Chuck the basic black socks and go multi-colored or striped styles.

British designer Paul Smith, whose polka dotted socks were a big hit last fall, has a new look for spring with “odd socks.” Initially, they look like matching pairs, but upon closer inspection, they’re clearly mismatched.

Available at M Penner, 1180-06 Uptown Park Blvd. 713-527-8200, mpenner.com

Win

2 dozen cupcakes!

Scan this code to reveal the pass code to enter Prime Living’s Cupcake Contest. Post the code on Prime’s Facebook page and you could win two dozen specialty cupcakes from Icing!

For full instructions on how to use this and other QR codes, see page 6.

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icing on the Cake

O

ur love affair with cupcakes continues with Icing, the newest addition to Houston’s growing dessert scene. Open since last November, the “cupcakery” was started by Debra Hoyt, Reyne Haines (Prime Living contributor) and Bea Gutierrez, long-time friends who “set aside their ‘day jobs’ to focus on their passion for baking and desire to create unique…cupcakes for the connoisseur.”

The special-order bakery has traditional offerings, such as red velvet, carrot cake and chocolate, as well as more grown-up selections, including the Margarita, Tiramisu and Sex in the City Cosmo cupcakes. Icing also creates custom cupcakes for any occasion. The deal gets even sweeter thanks to free delivery to Houston, Katy, Sugar Land and The Woodlands (minimum order required).

713-253-7508, icingcupcakes.com

DeVille Fine Jewelry | Paul Smith | George Gina & Lucy | Icing

T

he hottest colors for spring are shades of khaki, pale pinks and purples.

The simplest way to achieve this look is with a cute pair of TOMS wedges, available at Loop in Rice Village. Not only are they fashion forward, but with every pair purchased, TOMS will give a pair of new shoes to a child in need. The wedges come in a variety of fresh spring solid colors, as well as trendy stripes. 2427 Rice Blvd. 713-5205511, loopshoes.com Fergie’s a fan, so are Teri Hatcher and Kristen Bell. Today’s celebs are sporting arm candy by German design company George Gina & Lucy. These bags are living works of funky art that are just spunky enough for spring. Their collection of bold lines and daring colors come in an array of canvas, nylon and leather, including this khaki-colored bag called the “Double B.” It’s truly a must-have! Available at Raspberry Rose, 2434 Rice Blvd. 713-529-2260, raspberryroseboutique.com Every girl needs some spring bling! Color gems from emeralds to red tourmaline to sapphires are a girl’s new best friend. DeVille

cocktails & conversation.

buzz

PL’s click list designspongeonline.com thehousedesigners.com judislampshades.com tramplamps.com

under

lampfinials.com thefoundary.com greatroomsdecor.com raincollection.com

the Big Top

aromatherapy-at-home.com

T

his March, the magic of Cirque du Soleil returns to Houston with its live touring production “OVO.” Directed by Deborah Colker, the first female director at Cirque du Soleil, “OVO” (meaning “egg” in Portuguese), is a headlong rush into a colorful ecosystem teeming with life, where insects work, eat, crawl, flutter, play, fight and look for love in a non-stop riot of energy and movement.

“OVO” is the eighth Cirque du Soleil touring show to visit Houston and the 25th production from the international dance troupe. It premiers on March 10 for a limited engagement under the trademark blueand-yellow Grand Chapiteau (Big Top) at Sam Houston Race Park, 7575 N. Sam Houston Parkway West.

For tickets, visit cirquedusoleil.com/ovo or call 1-800-450-1480.

hotel Hopping

OSA Images, Cirque du Soleil 2009 | Julie Soefer

H

otels aren’t just for overnight stays anymore; they’re the perfect spot for a stay-cation.

Live in the lap of luxury by booking a one-, twoor three-bedroom penthouse suite at Hotel Sorrella in CityCentre. The 11 residential-style units, which average 1,500 square feet of pure luxury, come complete with European-style bars, central fireplaces and starlit ceilings. And, that’s just in the suite.

Other amenities include a rooftop pool with draped cabanas and a lush courtyard, spa and health club. A night’s stay for a two-room penthouse suite will run you around $700. 800 W. Sam Houston Parkway N.

hotelsorella-citycentre.com, 713-973-1600 For more than 30 years, La Colombe d’or Hotel has hosted everyone from dignitaries to divas. In addition to its restaurant, beautiful ballroom and five luxury suites, the boutique hotel houses a gallery on the third floor. The exquisite art collection features artists whose works can be found in museums around the world. With competitive pricing and accommodating hours, art collectors have a new place to purchase in Houston. 3410 Montrose Blvd. 713-469-4750, lacolombedor.com

houzz.com/photos/ wine-cellar

Urban Oasis

L

ooking for another local getaway? Conveniently located near CityCentre, the Westin Houston Memorial City is expected to open on March 30. Houston’s newest hotel offers 267 professionally designed guest rooms and suites, a unique indoor/outdoor infinity pool, and the brand’s signature WestinWORKOUT Gym featuring state-of-the-art equipment and high-performance workouts. Both luxurious and convenient, the hotel is the perfect place to for leisure and business travelers to settle in. 945 Gessner Road, 281-501-4300, starwoodhotels.com Roseann Rogers Known as Houston’s “Buzz Lady,” Roseann Rogers has been on top of the Houston’s social, fashion and entertainment scene for nearly 15 years. A regular contributor to Prime Living, she is also a TV personality, spokesperson and active philanthropist.

march/april • 2011

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cocktails & conversation.

hot list

Night Sights Story | Jean Ciampi

The stars at night are big and bright, deep in the heart of Texas.

They aren’t too shabby around the Houston area, either. A short drive away from the bright lights of the big city is all you need to find some star-studded stargazing locations.

NASA astronauts come to the Brazosport Planetarium located at the Center for the Arts & Sciences to learn navigation by the stars should it ever be necessary. Visitors come just to see the full dome, participate in traditional programs and to check out ViewSpace, an Internet-fed, self-updating feed from the Hubble Space Telescope, complete with interactive computer displays and an everwidening pictorial view of space.

400 college blvd, clute 979-265-7661 bcfas.org

Sargent Beach

Waves rolling onto a quiet beach provide excellent background music and a little romance for star-gazing, especially during cooler months when the humidity is lower and the skies clearer. Chamber Park at Sargent Beach, located on the water at the end of FM 457, provides picnic facilities, drinking water and camping for all-night star study. matagordatourism.com/parks/ chamberpark.htm

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George Observatory

A satellite facility of the Houston Museum of Natural Science, the George Observatory houses three domed telescopes, including the 36-inch Gueymard Research Telescope, one of the largest telescopes in the U.S. Regularly available for public viewing, solar telescopes provide an opportunity to view the brightest star of all: the sun! brazos bend state park on fm 762 281-242-3055 hmns.org

Hallettsville

A picturesque, small Texas town, Hallettsville is located along a sleepy part of State Highway 77 about 100 miles southwest of Houston.

Far away from most interference of street light

or car headlights, a stop along these quiet country roads is an opportunity to see the Milky Way from horizon to horizon.

361-798-2662 hallettsville.com

Smart Phone Apps

Of course, there’s an app for that. StarMap 3D for the iPhone and Google Sky Map for Android users act like a portable star atlas that use a 3-D map to find constellations, planets, galaxies, nebulae and star clusters visible wherever you currently are. Astronomy books and printed star maps just became a thing of the past. itunes.apple.com google.com/mobile/skymap

star struck

Scan this code to download the Google Sky Map app and stargaze tonight!

For full instructions on how to use this and other QR codes, see page 6.

Texas Parks & Wildlife

Brazosport Planetarium

city Q&A

Houston Deconstructed

cocktails & conversation.

Get the answers to your burning questions about the Bayou City

Story | Barbara Fulenwider

Q

What magnificent concert hall might be Round Top’s best kept secret?

The Festival Concert Hall at the Round Top Festival Institute. It is one of four music institutes globally that, every year, provides full scholarships to 80 students from all over the world. As part of the institute’s classical music academy, they not only study and practice with masters, but also How significant give performances to audiences is Spanish who come from all over Texas architecture in and beyond. The institute’s first Houston? summer program now runs for It’s no San Antonio when eight weeks and is in its 40th year. it comes to the number of While there’s a campus of buildings, but Houston still buildings and architecture to see has some stunning examples. and gardens to admire, the most According to “La Arquitectura: outstanding feature is the main Spanish Influences on Houston’s concert hall. James Dick, the Architecture,” Houston has institute’s founder, trained as a numerous examples of buildings pianist at the University of Texas built in the Spanish Revival Style. at Austin before starting his career This style flourished in the U.S. as an international concert pianist. during the early 20th century and His love of teaching was the the best and “most magnificent” impetus for starting the Festival example is the Julia Ideson Institute in 1971 as a way to Building, the former Central help budding pianists. The Library of the Houston Public money to fund the institute Library. Other Houston buildings was donated and raised by with a Spanish influence are St. wealthy Houstonians, who Anne’s Catholic Church, Lantrip bought acreage near Round Elementary School, Palmer Top and in Washington Memorial Church, Hermann County in the 1970s.

Park Clubhouse, Hermann Hospital, Mason Park Clubhouse and various private residences.

Round Top Festival Institute

Q

Q

What happened on Jan. 10, 1901, that changed Houston forever?

On that day, the Lucas Gusher in the Spindletop field near Beaumont began filling nearly 100,000 barrels a day, bankrolling Houston's future.

From the beginning of the Lucas Gusher, Houston was seen as an oil storage center.

Spindletop developer J.M. Guffey leased land in Houston and set up the Gulf Oil Co. to handle its crude oil and Gulf soon became a pacesetter in coastal exploration.

While oil is no longer the biggest industry in Houston, it’s still big enough that as oil and gas go, so goes Houston.

were 12 gardens on the tour, five of which were on Lazy Lane.

In 1936, members changed the name to the Azalea Trail when three gardens were opened to show azaleas, flowers that bloom each spring all over Houston.

Today, the Azalea Trail includes the beautiful 14 acres of Bayou Bend, the former estate of Miss Ima Hogg.

Q

What did Houston look like 100 years ago in 1911?

A new hospital opened on White Oak Bayou, “far removed from the noise and bustle of the city” with a view of the bayou and woods on one side and the Houston skyline on the other.

The hospital was steam heated, cleaned by vacuum cleaners and What group started Houston’s lit by electricity and gas.

That same year, Booker T. Azalea Trail?

Washington, principal director In 1927, the River Oaks Garden of Tuskegee Institute, came to Club started the Azalea Trail, Houston to speak in the City which was known as a “garden pilgrimage.” That first year, there Auditorium, and the Houston ’burbs continued to grow. By the end of 1911, there were more than 150 new real estate additions and Houstonians had spent $9 million on homes that ranged from humble cottages to palatial mansions. Unlike 100 years later, streetcar service with 191 cars serving 13 main lines got citizens where they needed to go without the congestion and air pollution of today.

Q

Have a burning question about life in Houston? E-mail your curious inquiries to askhouston@prime-living.com.

march/april • 2011

15

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nights are spent sharing stories about the days.

T he nights are spent sharing stories about the days.

The

cocktails & conversation.

arts

Pops

bestbets Wake Up, Sleeping Beauty

Star

“The Sleeping Beauty” is a flagship work for Houston Ballet, a creation recognized as one of the supreme achievements of classical ballet. Charles Perrault bases the full-evening story ballet on the classic French fairy tale, featuring a beautiful princess cursed by an evil fairy and doomed to sleep for 100 years, only to be awakened by the kiss of the handsome prince who loves her. Desmond Heeley’s spectacular designs beautifully evoke the magic, drama and whimsy of this work. The Houston Ballet production runs March 10-20 at the Brown Center at the Wortham Theater.

HGO Studio Goes ‘COSI’ Story | John DeMers

A

Photography | Mark Lipczynski

s the Houston Symphony draws near its 100th anniversary, if you are pessimistic about its unique form of classical music and the oft-perceived preponderance of white hair in the audience, you obviously haven’t been chatting with Mark Hanson.

Having recently arrived from a hugely successful run in Milwaukee, where the symphony is a $17 million arts organization that performs more than 140 concerts a year all over the city and its state, Hanson is a young man with a mission. At a mere 36 (very young in “symphony years”), he wants to take the $25 million-per-year orchestra we have in Houston and use all that’s happened here before as a chart to navigate what many see as rough seas ahead.

“I think that all my predecessors deserve a lot of credit for reaching new audiences over the lifetime of our organization,” says Hanson, a native of Boston who started off majoring in cello at the Eastman School of Music in Rochester, N.Y., before completing his degree in social studies at Harvard. “For any cultural organization to be within earshot of its 100th anniversary suggests it’s done a pretty fine job of maintaining and growing its constituencies with new and longtime patrons. We’re not trying to do something that our predecessors haven’t largely succeeded in doing.”

For all of Hanson’s humility, his generosity toward the past, his resume in Milwaukee and, before that, Knoxville, he is filled with youthful innovation as well as a level of success that Houston hopes will follow him here. By building up the Pops component while better packaging the

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classical component, he managed in Milwaukee to dramatically increase both attendance and ticket revenues, while also building individual, corporate and financial donations—a feat that, if anything, will only get tougher in these austere times. Hanson also managed to negotiate new musician contracts while producing a local Internet agreement that allowed Milwaukee’s symphony to be the first in America to release live recordings on iTunes.

This March and April, the Houston Symphony will feature two classical concerts expected to be quite popular: an evening of Richard Strauss that includes one of the world’s favorite stories, “Don Quixote,” plus another evening of music highlighted by Rimsky-Korsakov’s enchanting “Scheherazade,” based on those 1,001 Arabian nights. On the Pops side, Broadway lovers should line up to hear Ashley Brown (a member of the national tour of “Mary Poppins”) in a concert built on the timeless songs by Rodgers and Hammerstein. In May, the symphony is joined by Ray Charles protégé Ellis Hall for a tribute to the great R&B master.

If you ask Hanson, programming like this is what a great modern American symphony is, should and must be all about.

“A symphony orchestra is uniquely positioned to produce a wide and very diverse program,” he says.

“Our musicians can play a Mahler symphony one week and collaborate with a Tony Bennett the next, and they bring a high degree of professionalism to whatever they perform. During the course of a yearlong season, we present music that can appeal to just about everybody.”

One of Houston Grand Opera’s most important contributions to the art form is called the HGO Studio, a place for young artists (with the right combination of pluck and luck) to become the opera stars of tomorrow. On March 11 and 13, this year’s Studio artists present Mozart’s “Così fan tutte “in the Becker Theater at Emory/Weiner School.

In lieu of the annual showcase, the Studio is presenting this fully staged opera accompanied by piano and harpsichord. The Becker’s small size and great acoustics are perfectly suited to Mozart’s comic commentary on the fragility of young love.

‘Amadeus’ at the Alley Peter Shaffer’s Tony Awardwinning play “Amadeus,” a riveting tale of obsession and vengeance, is the centerpiece of the Alley Theatre’s springtime offerings. Running from April 6 to May 1, the play is loosely based on the lives of Viennese court composer Antonio Salieri and his young rival Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. After committing his life to God in order to be blessed with the ability to create the world’s most sublime music, Salieri believes that God has graced the rebellious Mozart with greater inspired creativity.

cocktails & conversation.

arts

Through March 13 August: Osage County Alley Theater, 615 Texas Ave. 713-220-5700, alleytheatre.org

Through March 31 Oil & Water at Archway Gallery Archway Gallery, 2305 Dunlavy, 713-522-2409, archwaygallery.com

Through July 4 Carlos Cruz-Diez: Color in Space and Time Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, 1001 Bissonet, 713-639-7300, mfah.org

March 10-20

R

eading “Painted Ladies” (Putnam, $26.95) is a more emotional experience than it would have been had Robert B. Parker, creator of the tough-fisted yet soft-hearted private eye named Spenser, not died unexpectedly at age 77 just over a year ago.

There may or may not be more publishable Spenser novels in the hopper, but this one is the big guy’s first case since the master made his final exit. It’s impossible to turn these pages, follow these tangled plot lines and, most of all, revel in these delightful one-liners without wondering when we’ll run out of good new stuff and have to start again with the old.

For this outing, Spenser plunges into the world of fine art, a departure from his usual array of Boston cops, criminals, boxers and small-time Mafiosi. And this isn’t just fine art; it’s stolen art— great works by the European masters taken by the Nazis from Jewish families as part of the Holocaust.

On the one hand, Spenser’s feelings about this theft aren’t deep or personal. But when he’s hired to protect a high-profile art dealer during a ransom exchange with the bad guys, and when that guy is killed anyway, our hero’s deeply rooted (and now very personal) sense of injustice is awakened.

There is much present woven into this crime from the past, including a wealthy and powerful American family whose fortune may indeed be rooted in it. And Spenser, with his trademark insights and humor, digs through each layer of evidence and surprise, seeking, as he always does, to set a wrong world right and make a broken world seem, for a moment at least, whole.

Nearly all of Parker’s law-enforcement allies (who often act more like adversaries, in the noir tradition of Hammett and Chandler) put in satisfying appearances, as does his girlfriend, Jewish therapist Susan Silverman. For once, her Jewishness has as much to add to the plot as her bedroom talks with Spenser about the villains’ possible motives.

If there’s one regret about “Painted Ladies,” especially should it prove to be the last new Spenser novel, it’s the absence of the big detective’s even bigger, even stronger, even more violent ally, the scary but ultimately admirable character known only as Hawk. Spenser and Hawk are brothersin-arms against the world’s chaos to a degree few characters in modern fiction ever are. We will miss having them fighting on our side. – JD

Spotlight: john cleary gallery

John Cleary’s goal was to always show the best fine photography he could and since the gallery’s opening in 1996, his gallery has evolved into the premier spot for photography in Houston. Even after John’s passing in 2008, the gallery continues to shine on with works from such extraordinary artists as Marty Carden, Franco Fontana and Henry Horenstein. The gallery is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and by appointment.

2635 colquit • 713-524-5070 • johnclearygallery.com

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The Sleeping Beauty Wortham Theater Center, 501 Texas Ave. 713-227-2787, houstonballet.org

March 10 & 12 27th Annual Young Texas Artists Music Competition Crighton Theatre, 234 N. Main St. 713-574-9820, ytamc.com

March 11 Jazz Salon: Chicago Hobby Center, 800 Bagby St. 7:30 p.m. $25 and $35. 713-3152525, thehobbycenter.org

March 16 to April 10 Yankee Tavern Stages Reparatory Theatre, 3201 Allen Pkwy. 713-527-0123, stagestheatre.com

April 7-24 This Main Street Theater-Rice Village, 2540 Times Blvd. 713-524-6706, mainstreettheater.com

April 15-30 The Marriage of Figaro Wortham Theater Center, 501 Texas Ave. 713-228-6737, houstongrandopera.org Events subject to change. Unless indicated, contact venue for exact show dates and times.

John Earle

review painted ladies • robert b. parker

Mad Hatter Spring Luncheon Fashion Show & A Royal Engagement 4th Annual

Bill Stubbs Moment of Luxury Keynote Speaker

Benefiting Fort Bend Seniors Meals on Wheels

Jacquie Chaumette, Honorary Chair Terri Wang, Chair Daniella Guzman Emcee

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Friday, April Twenty-ninth at 11:00 am Stafford Centre Ballroom 10505 Cash Road, Stafford, Texas 77477

Keynote Speaker: Bill Stubbs Host of Moment of Luxury

Torie Halbert Celebrity Table Decor Judge

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The Mad Hatter (Presenting Sponsor) - $10,000 Eugenie Hatter - $5,000 Sunbonnet Hatter - $2,500 Derby Hatter - $1,000 Individual Tickets - $60 Tea Party Vendor Booth - $200 • Raffle Tickets $25 or 5 for $100 For event information, visit www.fortbendseniors.org or email Kristin Weiss, Director of Development at kweiss@fortbendseniors.org 1330 Band Road • P.O. Box 1488 • Rosenberg, TX 77471 • 281-633-7057

cocktails & conversation.

design

Best Laid Plans A

BC-TV’s “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition,” “Design Star” on HGTV and other home improvement programs have raised the bar when it comes to designer showcase homes. Because of these programs, we now walk through the door and expect more than cool color choices and smart furniture placement. We want a “wow!” around every corner.

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On April 2, the team behind the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) Show Home: “Designing with the Stars” expects a symphony of “wows” when they open the doors to their annual show home in Sienna Plantation, a master-planned community in Missouri City. Twenty ASID designers worked with Regan Custom Homes to make sense of all 5,944 square feet of the Texas Hill Country-inspired home.

“Many personalities have come together, but it’s very cohesive,” says Sharon Staley, president of the ASID Texas Gulf Coast Chapter.

A high-tech media room with acoustic wall panels for optimal sound is carved out of unused attic space. A 23-by-30-foot storage room is tucked behind a hinged bookshelf for easy access and security. And you’ll never suspect a guest bedroom and bath meet requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act. Subtle, stylish adjustments, including expanded doors and a sloping

ASID Texas Gulf Coast

Story | Michael Hammett

2011 Lutron Electronics Inc.

design

“roll-in” shower, accommodate the wheelchair of an elderly parent or physically challenged family member.

Lighting also sets the stage for a happy, comfortable home life. A lighting automation system by Lutron, makers of the world’s first dimmer switch, allows the homeowner to program custom lighting scenes with a push of a button, including “Dinner Time,” “Movie Night” and “Welcome Home.” Remote controls for the nightstand and cars offer security.

“It allows you to control any light in the home,” says James Copple, senior sales representative at Lutron. “You’ll never come home to a dark house again.”

When it came to fabrics, the designers used a swatch representing color palette of the home, says Staley. “We have one general wall color and one trim the color throughout.”

The designers also added sustainable and “green” touches to the walls, such as hemp wallpaper, hand-woven grass cloth and American Clay. Recycling and reuse is a theme, including a piece of 100-year-old pine salvaged from a South Texas farmhouse and repurposed as a bathroom vanity.

In the kitchen, preparing healthy meals is easy when Miele and Sub-Zero are your helpers. The kitchen features a Sub-Zero commercial range and refrigerator with freezer doors tucked away in the island for easy access.

Miele provides the built-in food steamer and coffee maker with cup-warming drawer.

The ultimate bathing experience by Kohler features a colorful light show synchronized to soothing music and water jets to encourage relaxation. “It is the crème de la crème,” says Staley.

cocktails & conversation.

the main event Development Sienna Plantation’s The Sanctuary at Waters Lake features 12 custom homes on half-acre properties.

Home The 5,944-square-foot home is nestled

between Waters Lake and the 18th hole of Sienna Plantation Golf Club. The Texas Hill Country exterior is accented with a metal roof and limestone and stucco façade.

LocatioN 9 Sanctuary Trail, Missouri City Date April 1-17 Hours 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Tickets $15 Proceeds Children’s Memorial

Hermann Hospital

Information asidtgcc.org

march/april • 2011

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cocktails & conversation.

my life

garriott

richard

entrepreneur

V

ideo game mogul Richard Garriott realized a lifelong dream in 2008 when he boarded the Russian Soyuz TMA_13 spacecraft and became the sixth private citizen to travel to space.

But for the son of former NASA astronaut Owen Garriott, it wasn’t just a flippant space trip for fun. Today, the award-winning entrepreneur is chairman of the board of Space Adventures Ltd., serving as a global ambassador for space travel privatization.

His day job is executive vice president and creative director of his new gaming startup, Portalarium, another creation in his video gaming career, which began in his teens.

So how did Garriott learn to develop video games while only in high school?

“In 1974, my sister-in-law gave me ‘The Lord of the Rings’ and the personal computer was invented,” says Garriott. “I got excited about the possibilities of computers and social gaming so I taught myself how to write games about medieval fantasy.”

In 1997, Garriott’s Ultima Online game became the first commercially successful massive multiplayer online role-playing game. The Ultima series is still one of the longest running franchises in entertainment software history.

As for his 12 days in space and 10 days on the International Space Station Soyuz, Garriott describes it as “a phenomenal experience with life changing views” and the landing in the Russian Soyuz capsule left a big impression.

“Even strapped into a harness molded for your body, the impact is bone jarring, like a dramatic car crash,” he says.

In his endless quest for adventure, he’s searched for meteorites in Antarctica, traveled the Atlantic to see the Titanic, and observed mountain gorillas in Rwanda. So what’s on tap for his next adventure?

“It centers around disappearing indigenous populations such as those in South America.

There are deep jungles with isolated tribes intermingled with primitive lost cities never visited by Western culture. I find this inspiring for my work in computer games,” he says.

Stay tuned.

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Story | robin barr sussman

Photography | Nils Juul-Hansen

treasures

cocktails & conversation.

Moment in Time Story | Reyne Haines

Heritage Auction Galleries

T

he style of telling time dates back to the late 1800s, when timepieces were originally worn by a clasp on a woman’s lapel and mostly considered as jewelry for women only. Later, a silk cloth was wrapped around a pocket watch for ladies to wear on their wrists.

The wristwatch as we know it today was first designed by Patek Philippe in 1868. It wasn’t until World War I that the wristwatch became a timepiece for men.

Pilots found it too difficult to reach into their pocket to retrieve their pocket watches. Wearing a timepiece on their wrist made more sense.

What was once thought to be women’s wear is now predominately collected by men,

making ladies wristwatches an undervalued market. Collecting fine timepieces can be a fun and interesting hobby for many reasons. They’re small, so you can accumulate many without requiring a lot of space to house them. You can also own a piece of history, something often worn by more than one person and for more than a decade.

Numerous manufacturers have made them for more than 100 years. For instance, Swiss watchmaker Longines began in 1832, creating elegant and expertly crafted timepieces for more than 175 years. In the early 20th century, Rolex founder Hans Wilsdorf began his career in watchmaking, establishing a long and distinguished history in the

world of elegant and precision timepieces.

Leading the way in collecting vintage wristwatches are some of the world’s most highprofile icons, especially in the entertainment industry. Some of the most stylish models and actresses are connoisseurs.

Audrey Hepburn was a fan of Longines; Uma Thurman and Maria Sharapova are Tag Heuer enthusiasts; and Cindy Crawford isn’t only a spokeswoman for today’s Omega watch line, she also enjoys collecting older model Omegas. Women all over the world have followed Jennifer Anniston’s hairstyles, but did you know she is a collector of vintage Cartier watches? And as for Jessica Simpson, she’s not only

a football fan, but she loves to collect vintage Rolex.

The bottom line: You can buy a great vintage watch made with equal or better craftsmanship for a fraction of the cost you’d expect to pay in a jewelry store.

However, it’s knowing you’re wearing a possible one-of-a-kind piece with a unique history that will make this find one to treasure for a lifetime.

reyne haines Specializing in 20th century decorative arts, Reyne Haines is the host of “The Art of Picking,” a published author and a nationally recognized appraiser. Visit her website at reyne.com.

march/april • 2011

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success

by design

Story | Bruce Farr Photography | Mark Lipczynski Styling | Jennifer Aronson

For a journalist, starting an interview with internationally renowned interior designer, author and television host Bill Stubbs can be difficult, but not for the obvious reasons. march/april • 2011

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bill stubbs success by Design

That is, Stubbs isn’t difficult to get a hold of, and he answers his phone promptly and good naturedly at the appointed time for the call. What tends to happen next, though, is that Stubbs’ natural curiosity and interest in other people ends up turning the tables on the interviewer, who quickly finds himself the target of a series of probing questions.

It takes some strength of will to get Bill Stubbs back on track talking about Bill Stubbs, which, of course, was the whole idea to begin with.

In fact, Stubbs’ keen interest in virtually everyone and everything around him has been a major factor in his success. And what a success it’s been.

Over a career that spans 30plus years (and among many other accomplishments) he’s founded his own Houston-based company, William W. Stubbs and Associates, under whose auspices he’s executed brilliant designs for a wide range of clients around the world; authored a top-selling book on design; conceived and hosts a popular, PBS-aired design show called “A Moment of Luxury,” that, each week, is enjoyed by millions of people; traveled extensively as an adventurer and art collector; and been hailed as one of the world’s 100 best interior designers by the esteemed Architectural Digest.

Small Town Roots

Unlikely as it might seem, the path to Stubbs’ success as a premier interior designer began in the tiny, central Texas town of Gonzales (population 7,000), where he grew up. Stubbs, a fifthgeneration Texan, says that when he was young he didn’t have the vaguest idea what interior design was all about.

“I’d never even heard of it as a career,” he remarks. “Living where we did, it wasn’t something that came up too often.”

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Regardless, Stubbs says he discovered his passion for art and design very early. When he was only 8, his mother nurtured his talent by enrolling him in a class with a classically trained art teacher, who soon took the budding artist under her wing.

“I was very lucky she happened to teach in our town,” Stubbs says. “She took us through all the art basics. That didn’t really spark anything in me, but when we got to the point where we actually had to mix and create our own colors and study the origin of colors, that’s when something clicked.”

Much later, after he’d gained some experience as a designer, Stubbs says he realized that what was different about his approach to design was the fact that he looked at rooms with a painter’s eye.

“I distributed colors and patterns as though I were creating a painting,” he explains. “That understanding of all the subtleties and nuances of color has been a key to my success.”

Before long, Stubbs managed to marry his increasing talent as a designer with his abiding interest in people and their work, which led to his forming solid, long-term partnerships with real estate builders and developers. He says he began to see how his contribution to large-scale home-building projects was simply one component of an entire process that hopefully leads to success.

“I started describing myself to my clients and others as a ‘merchandising designer,’

because I felt that I was using the tool of interior design to merchandise real estate,” he says.

Over several years, Stubbs began getting contracts for more luxurious, upscale design projects. Using his uncanny interpersonal skills to promote his business in unorthodox ways, he soon found his growing firm was getting tapped for multi-million-dollar projects in Aspen, Boston and on the Florida coast.

Part of this success, he says, stemmed from his stubborn tenacity and the firm belief that trusting his instincts is often the best approach to advancing his ideas and his career.

“My ignorance of certain conventions— I mean how you’re supposed to or not supposed to market yourself—has really helped me,” he notes.

Kiev or Bust

In the early 1990s, following the collapse of the former Soviet Republic, a Houston oil businessman who was working in the Ukraine called Stubbs and invited him to handle the design for a very unique residential project in Kiev. Stubbs says he was highly interested, but naïve about how to approach such an opportunity.

“I’ve got to tell you, I didn’t even know where Kiev was!” he admits. “I was clueless!”

Within a short time, though, Stubbs was commuting to Ukraine every month, working on a 20-acre estate where he was tasked with transforming an abandoned

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bill stubbs success by Design

country dacha into a magnificent baronial mansion.

“It was the most luxurious house that had been built in that part of the world in over 70 years,” he says, “And when it was completed, a lot of international interior design media picked it up— Architectural Digest and others. Before I knew it, I had launched my career as an international designer.”

‘A Moment of Luxury’

Years of growth and success working on such wide-ranging projects as penthouses, vacation retreats and country mansions everywhere from Acapulco to Moscow weren’t quite enough for the workaholic Stubbs. He always had the idea that he would one day write a book related to his career, so that’s exactly what he did. His top-selling “I Hate Red, You’re Fired” recounts, in an anecdotal style, many of Stubbs’ more interesting and even hilarious experiences as an interior designer.

It was on a tour to promote the book, Stubbs says, that several readers approached him and suggested he do a TV show. The idea intrigued him. Thus, a few years ago, he conceived and began working on what was to become a combination travelogue and design program called “A Moment of Luxury.” Produced by Stubbs and broadcast by PBS, the show is viewed weekly by millions and has become a ratings winner. Stubbs, who also serves as the show’s host, is understandably delighted with its success.

“Each week, we pick a different location and invite our viewers on a journey,” he explains. “I want people to feel like they’re coming along with me on an adventure, so that’s how we’ve built the show.”

With every episode, Stubbs introduces his viewers to the notion of “luxury,” but, he says, it’s not the typical idea of luxury most people might entertain.

“Luxury is only experienced one moment at a time—it’s like the first time you touch a cashmere sweater, not after you’ve been wearing it all day,” he explains. “So it’s that moment that we try to create for our viewers, by taking them to incredible places. It’s not the richness or opulence of it—luxury, as I define it, could be something as simple as what you have in your home, maybe a Friday evening spent sharing some laughter with your friends. In my mind, that’s a luxurious moment.”

Since “A Moment of Luxury” began airing two seasons ago, it has attracted a

that have given him recognition. He says that some of his favorite work involves his efforts to create interiors for the elderly and low-income housing projects.

“I just love taking the creative process and stretching it as far as I can, and working with the elderly or less fortunate offers me some really unique design challenges,” he says. “I love working to create environments that serve and nurture people.”

Stubbs now divides his time between design projects and his work producing the show. He’s also working on a series of three books that he hopes to publish.

“My philosophy about design is that it should have an emotional and relational outcome, that, somehow, the interiors I create should touch an emotional chord and help build relationships among people who spend time and live in those created spaces.” – Bill Stubbs wide audience and has given Stubbs an almost celebrity-like recognition factor.

“It’s been incredible—people come up to me in hotel elevators in New York or when I’m in line at Starbuck’s,” he says. “What’s really been interesting to me is the power of television—how profound that is.”

Serving and Nurturing

Stubbs design work isn’t exclusively in the realm of the affluent, high-end projects

Through every successful project, Stubbs says he’s maintained his firm belief that his job is to help people discover who they are by designing interiors that reflect their personalities.

“As a designer, I strive to create that environment—that unique, luxurious place that ultimately reflects who the homeowners or residents happen to be—a space that absolutely mirrors their past, present and future.”

march/april • 2011

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A Living

treasure Story | Deborah Mann Lake Photography | Hickey-Robertson Photography

Filled with treasured antiques and family heirlooms, this Georgianstyle home in Tanglewood evokes the refined style of an era gone by march/april • 2011

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S

ome people buy furniture to fit their house. But clients of interior designer Sandra Lucas, ASID, wanted a house that could fit around their furniture collection of treasured family antiques.

So they smartly turned to an experienced team that included Lucas; legendary Houston architect Preston Bolton, FAIA; builder Robert Mansell; and landscape design firm McDugald-Steele. The result is an inviting, comfortable Georgian-style Tanglewood home filled with beautiful pieces such as needlepoint dining room chairs that once graced the home of the first governor of Maryland.

The first thing that Lucas did was visit the couple’s former Briargrove home to catalog each piece. Then she placed them, down to the centimeter, onto detailed floor plans. In the new, more spacious home, each would have a showcase location.

“The most fun thing was working with the pieces she had. There were so many beautiful things,” Lucas, a principal in Lucas/Eilers Design Associates, explains of the collection, which has been appraised by Sotheby’s. “We wanted the house to take on their personality.”

The spirit of the living room, to the right of the expansive entry hall, began with a set of 19th century spool chairs with their original Brunschwig & Fils fabric over horsehair.

Inherited from a great-uncle, the chairs’ Oriental pattern still holds its rich colors, including a delft blue that inspired the shade of the walls. The room also holds the owner’s collection of Chinese Canton porcelain (favored by our country’s early fathers such as George Washington) that dates from the 18th century and was sometimes used as ballast in trading ships.

Ivory silk taffeta draperies with cornices banded in delft blue silk pique are pulled

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back over antique mercury glass doorknobs reworked by Houston artist Bill Peck.

Deliberately designed to be a focal point is the gold-leaf gesso oval mirror, another family treasure that Lucas says is unusually detailed.

It hangs above the antique camelback sofa.

The coffee table was made from an antique Papier-mâché tray placed on a new lacquered base and purchased from Lewis & Maese, where Mario Buatta spotted it and tried to buy it out from under them.

Across the entry hall, a stunning chandelier with a mysterious past commands the dining room.

“I went to an antique shop in Montrose because I had an old chandelier that I hoped they could put back together. They couldn’t, but they sent me to this really scary building on Fairview (long gone) and there was this guy working on a bunch of old chandeliers. I saw this one and knew I had to have it. He said it was from the Waldorf Hotel and I’ve seen photos with chandeliers that look like it, but who knows?” the owner says.

The dining room table belonging to a grandparent was found in the basement, but the base was beyond repair so Susan Neptune, a Houston-based antiques restorer, replaced it with one the owner spotted in a Colonial home magazine. It is graced by a Rose Medallion bowl that began the owners’ collection.

The shield-back dining room Sheraton chairs have their original needlepoint seats and came from the husband’s family. The room, with a deliberately lower wainscoting than usual, is balanced with richly colored Scalamandre wallpaper depicting a Chinese patterned scene.

The same delft blue from the living room is picked up in linen draperies with a subtle stripe. In a place of honor is an antique

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serpentine sideboard inlaid with rosewood that holds an American silver tea and coffee service in the Repousse pattern by S. Kirk and Son, a wedding gift for the homeowner’s great-grandparents.

The dining room flows into the adjacent breakfast area and kitchen. Antique wood planks make up the tabletop over a new iron base. The owner’s collection of Majolica fills a plate rack while a window seat overlooks a small garden courtyard. The owner found the iron chandelier in a corner of The Guild Shop and purchased it for $100. She had it reworked and wired, but it still retains its rustic charm.

The thoroughly modern kitchen, with outstanding Verde San Francisco granite countertops, opens at the opposite end to the family den. Here, exterior brick was brought inside to create the traditional fireplace with its raised hearth. It appears much larger in person than in photographs, reaching 6 feet high up the 10-foot ceilings.

Flanked by a bookcase and electronics cabinets, it is home to a circa 1820 Federal mahogany pillar and scroll clock by Eli Terry of Connecticut, which is decorated with a painting of Mount Vernon.

Chairs with low backs—the better to see Southern gardens magnificent enough to be on the Azalea Trail—were recovered in cherry red velvet. They sit in front of Donghia draperies in an overblown botanical print dotted with colorful butterflies. The antique-iron-base coffee table holds yet another collection, this one of old biscuit and tobacco tins.

“This home is very comfortable for us,” says the homeowner. “When people went through the Azalea Trail tour, people who liked it said it was because they felt it was something they could live in.”

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march/april • 2011

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connoisseur

the prime living guide to discerning taste

inside: Calliope, Flora & Muse

44 46 48 49 50

• • • • •

Main Dish | Backstreet Cafe Small Bites | Taste This Table Talk | Dining News Uncorked | Red, Red Wine Entertain | Pretty in Pink

march/april • 2011

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connoisseur main dish

backstreet

delights

Story | Holly Beretto Photography | Mark Lipczynski

Perhaps the most endearing thing about Backstreet Café, a perennial favorite among Houston food lovers, is that the River Oaks atmosphere manages to be immeasurably inviting, even as the dining experience is obviously high-end.

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It takes a special place to marry those two elements, and a meal here is to understand why diners keep coming back to this culinary gem overseen by executive chef Hugo Ortega.

Begin with the Violet Hour, a custom cocktail that describes itself as “serenity in a glass.”

Texas rum and crème de violette liqueur are the backbone of this delightfully cool and refreshing starter. Laced with lemon and Prosecco, awash with edible roses and Champagne grapes, this is a drink that feels very much like a visit to a spa located in some wildflower field, far away from anywhere.

If you really want to see what Backstreet can do, order the grilled bacon-wrapped quail.

This is a savory, smoky appetizer, served with a cheddar biscuit that packs a punch from spicy chilies. It is a marvelously Texas dish, blending the game bird with down-home cooking that borrows from the state’s Southern and Mexican roots. Likewise, the duck spring rolls offer up an Asian fusion of sassy ginger and savory soy sauce, a perfect partner for the earthy duck and the comforting crunch of the spring roll wrapper.

For a main course, it’s hard to beat the grilled paillards of lamb, those savory wonders that fairly melt in your mouth, leaving a lingering finish of richness and woody spices. Its creamy companion is cauliflower risotto barely laced with truffle oil, an excellent complement to the savory meat. This is a dish that feels like comfort food, even as you realize the flavors and presentation lean more toward haute cuisine.

Bring the entire experience to new heights by pairing this with the 2007 Dom de la Pertuisane

“Le Nain Violet.” Grenache, a gorgeous floral and berry bomb with hints of pepper that sounds just the right note with both the risotto and the lamb. Backstreet’s pecan-crusted trout is loveliness personified: The fish is perfectly seasoned and flaky, the pecan crusted brings with it a touch of Southern sweetness. Served with butternut squash and greens, this is a stunning exploration of simple flavors rendered perfectly, letting each one shine brilliantly.

The seasonal Antipasto de Verdure is a delight, and can be an entrée or an appetizer. Never have I been so enamored with a plate of vegetables. Here, in wonderful concert, were earthy lentils, slightly crunchy broccolini and savory spinach, roasted red peppers laced with garlicky mushrooms and Brussels sprouts done simply with oil, salt and pepper. This is a dish to savor and share, to yearn for.

Dessert is a must at Backstreet, where a sweet finish will be the icing on the cake of a fantastic dining experience. Make sure it’s executive pastry chef Ruben Ortega’s blackberry cobbler, which blends sweet, ripe blackberries with cake-like crumbles for a warm and homey sensation.

Tucked into a cottage on Shepherd Drive, Backstreet Café is a place where you savor the quiet elegance of good food done well. Here, you’ll forget there’s a busy world outside, and you won’t much care. At Backstreet, your sole purpose is to linger and enjoy, to be welcomed and to embrace fine dining.

backstreet café 1103 s. shepherd 713-521-2239 backstreetcafe.net

connoisseur main dish

blackberry cobbler Filling

2 lbs fresh blackberries 1 cup, plus 2 tbsp granulated sugar 1 tsp orange zest Juice of one orange Pinch of salt

Violet Hour

Grilled bacon-wrapped quail

Dough

1¾ cups all-purpose flour 1 tbsp granulated sugar ½ tsp baking powder Pinch of salt ½ stick, plus 2 tbsp cold butter ¾ cup heavy cream, plus 4 tbsp more for brushing To prepare the filling, preheat oven to 350 degrees. Toss all the ingredients in a medium bowl and let macerate for 10 minutes. For the dough, mix flour, sugar, baking powder and salt in a medium bowl. Using a pastry blender, cut in the butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

Add the heavy cream and mix until a sticky dough develops, set aside. Divide blackberries into 6 8-ounce ramekins. Divide the dough into 6 portions and flatten with your hands. Arrange flattened dough on top of each ramekin to cover the blackberries, brush with the remaining 4 tablespoons of heavy cream and sprinkle with sugar. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes until the dough turns golden brown. Remove from the oven and let cool. Serve warm or at room temperature with your favorite ice cream flavor or whipped cream.

Wild mushroom flatbread

Antipasto de Verdure

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connoisseur

small bites

Lollipop Musings

Terpsichore, Flora & Muse

good eats Story | Holly Beretto Photography | Mark Lipczynski

For a new take on the well-rounded meal, table-hop these Houston eateries for some of the best tastes in town.

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When it was suggested I try the Salmon Lollipops at CityCentere’s newly opened coffee shop-cum-café-cum-flower boutique, I thought two things: How do you make a lollipop out of salmon and, well, why not?

Sometimes, food really should just be fun and the lollipops offer up both an element of whimsy and an excellent flavor. They’re soft balls of smoked salmon and goat cheese, crusted with hazelnuts and flavored with dill.

There’s a wooden stick in each one and you can happily munch on them like an actual lollipop. Except no lollipop tastes like this: savory, earthy, warm and wonderful. Your lollipops come with capers, red onion and additional smoked salmon strips, topped with crème fraiche and offered with crostini, and a generous serving of grape tomato and cucumber. The whole ensemble feels very Mediterranean.

It’s quite lovely to explore the different pairings you can create for your palate with this one dish. By themselves, the lollipops are an easy, creamy blend of smoke and sass. Bite into it with a tomato for an explosion of juicy brightness. Top some lollipop on a cucumber to give new meaning to the words “crisp” and “cool.” Spread like pate on a crostini opens the door to a new flavor of comfort food.

The lollipops are just filling enough to be a meal all in themselves. But, with this sort of start to lunch or dinner, Flora & Muse promises that there’s much more to come. flora & muse 12860 queensbury lane 713-463-6873 floraandmuse.com

c connoisseur

Fine Filet

small bites

When you think of Alvin, Texas, it’s likely that the phrase “fine dining” isn’t the first one to come to mind. All of that will change once you’ve dined at the Barbed Rose. A newly opened downtown location, look for it to be a destination—both for those living here and those inclined to take a trek in search of great food.

Great food is exactly what you’ll get when you order the filet and fries, a combination of familiar tastes and inspired recipe. Chef Jason Chaney and his team do all their own butchering, leading to a natural cut of beef that’s wrapped in the house-made bacon and grilled to your specifications. Accompanying the cut-with-a-butter-knife tender steak is a hefty side of spinach and a beautifully presented cup of fries.

Chaney adapted his grandfather’s recipe for the spinach, lacing it with apple cider vinegar and bacon renderings, resulting in a tangy, smoky presentation that is a perfect complement to the steak. Like the beef, the potatoes are hand cut in the kitchen and fried with their skins on, sealing in a rich flavor and taste most potatoes never see. Paired with Chaney’s homemade ketchup with its dusky chipotle and garlic notes, you might find yourself later on with a serious jones for the fries.

Alvin’s only white-tablecloth establishment aims not only to offer up seriously well-made food and a carefully thought out menu that blends the exotic (water buffalo, anyone?) with the comforting (don’t miss the country fried oysters). It also wants to teach its clientele how to eat—not because you don’t know how, but because everyone here loves food so much and “Postre chaja is an old dish,” explains Gina understands that food has a story, one they want to share that with you.

Percovich, pastry chef at Tango & Malbec, the new restaurant anchoring a strip center in the barbed rose tony Galleria area on Sage and West Alabama.

113 e sealy st., alvin • 281-585-2272 • barbedrose.com “But in Uruguay, we use a heavier cream.

We’ve always loved the dessert, but we wanted a lighter twist.”

Much like a parfait or a trifle, postre chaja is a layered dessert, alternating fruit and cream. In Percovich’s hands, this easy-to-love favorite from Uruguay is a true delight. She begins with homemade lady fingers, shaped to fill the glass, then adds in sweet, ripe peaches in her own syrup, crumbled meringue bits and fresh, from-scratch whipped cream. Her postre chaja is stunningly light and sweet, and probably unlike anything else you may have tasted.

But then, that’s the point of Tango & Malbec. “Argentina and Uruguay share many cultural similarities,” says executive chef Mariela Hecker. “Both have strong European influences in their lifestyles and cooking.

We wanted to introduce an authentic South American experience to Houston.”

There’s no better first impression for that experience than the postre chaja. The meringue bits offer a crunchy start as you sink your teeth into a spoonful. Once you hit the peaches and cream, you’ve uncovered a core that echoes languid summer days spent lying on the grass and looking up at clouds. For an added flavor bonus, the candied cherries that garnish the dessert plate provide a sassy, slightly tart zing to the sweet peaches and cream. Order this once and you’ll understand why it’s been a favorite for generations.

Real Classic

tango & malbec 2800 sage road 713-629-8646 tangomalbec.com

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New Noshing Around the Globe

table talk

P

hilippe Restaurant + Lounge in BLVD Place has opened by the suave, self-described “French cowboy” chef Philippe Schmit, formerly with Hotel Derek’s Bistro Moderne. Houston architect Shafik Rifaat (Tony’s) and it-girl designer Lauren Rottet planned the chic contemporary space.

“Philippe wanted the restaurant to be comfortable, intriguing and design savvy, yet Chef Philippe Schmit raw and honest,” says Rottet of the multi-level, four-room space fashioned in a sepia palette and accented with antique mirrors, leather, metal and rattan furnishings.

On the menu, find eclectic French technique meshed with local ingredients: seared scallops a la plancha with potato and apple salad and local Saint Arnold beer pomegranate sauce; Berkshire pork ravioli; and rib eye Cowboy Steak for two, enriched with béarnaise sauce and fries. 1800 Post Oak Blvd. 713-439-1000, philippehouston.com At Tango & Malbec, a warm South American eatery with an open-style kitchen, the appealing menu grazes from Patagonia to Uruguay with whimsical dishes ranging from ambitious (thin-sliced tongue in vinaigrette) to casual-fusion (wood-fired short rib pizza brightened with garlicky chimichurri). Chef Mariela Hecker’s gorgeous baby lamb chops are served with a unique eggplant salad, and the pretty composed mango salad tower layered with luscious fruit, red onion and avocado is a work of art. Expect a well-crafted South American wine list with myriad by-the-glass choices spotlighting fine Malbecs, of course. 2800 Sage. 713-629-8646, tangoandmalbec.com World-renowned New York restaurant Trattoria Il Mulino is making its way to the new Westin Houston Memorial City hotel this spring.

We can’t wait to try classic cuisine from the Abruzzi region, like jumbo langostino Sardinian prawns over spinach; red snapper with seafood sauce; and osso buco with porcini mushrooms and saffron risotto. Anticipate a casually elegant atmosphere with a bird’s eye view of the professional kitchen, plus an extensive Italian wine list, complimentary antipasto and a variety of freshly baked Italian breads. 945 Gessner Road. ilmulino.com

Home Away From Home

W

here, oh where, is Tony? Beloved Tony Mandola’s Gulf Coast Seafood Kitchen has moved from its original West Gray landmark to a temporary home at 2810 Westheimer Road. This is an interim location while the newly constructed permanent home on Waugh Drive is completed. The permanent location is larger than the original restaurant with a more French Quarter look, including courtyards, wrought iron and walls of patina brick. The restaurant is scheduled for a late April opening. 1212 Waugh Drive.

713-528-3474, tonymandolas.com

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Lounge Around

S

outh Beach-meets-Southampton at Hudson Lounge in Rice Village. Brothers and owners Adam and Alexander Kliebert are also in the custom home-building business, which is quite obvious in the layout and design of this slick spot complete with white marble bars, distressed concrete floors, and rattan loungers and leather seating. Christopher Latterman, formerly of Max’s Wine Dive and Rainbow Lodge, has added substantial bar bites with an Asian slant to the menu. We relished the citrus-cured salmon with edamame puree, sesame crusted pork lollipops, and short rib nachos with cheddar and horseradish. 2506 Robinhood Lane.

713-523-0020, hudsonlounge. com

Side Sips Wine events you don’t want to miss

There’s still time to snag tickets for the 26th annual Texas Hill Country Food and Wine Festival. Held March 31 to April 3, this epic culinary event will bubble over with Hill Country winery lunches, seminars, tastings and vintner dinners.

New this year is Live Fire!, a meat celebration spotlighting legendary culinary grilling styles via chefs from Austin, Australia and Argentina. The event includes live music, grilling demos, amazing wines and a bourbon tasting. And don’t miss the Sunday Fair, dubbed this year as Sunday Uncorked, held in downtown Austin. texaswineandfood.org If you can’t make it to Austin, hold out for the Grand Food and Wine Affair, presented by H.E.B. Held April 27 to May 1 at several locales in Sugar Land, the five-day celebration features more than 100 worldclass wineries and chefs showcasing their talents at wine seminars, vintner dinners and winemaker lunches. thegrandwineandfoodaffair.com

Hello & Goodbye

The latest restaurants to join and leave the Houston dining scene

Openings Ava Kitchen & Whiskey Bar Pizzeria Alto Kraftsmen Café, Heights The Burger Guys Phoenicia Specialty Foods Natachee’s Supper ‘N Punch 88 Keys Piano Bar Piola Toyama Closings La Trattoria, Fins, Shuck Daddy’s Little Big’s, Hermann Park Two Rows Restaurant & Brewery, West University robin barr sussman Robin Barr Sussman is a Houston-based freelance writer who specializes in food, drink and travel. Her work has appeared in Texas Monthly, My Table and Resort Living.

Julie Soefer | Il Mulino USA | Kennon Evett

connoisseur

connoisseur uncorked

Red, Red Story | John DeMers

Bodega Luigi Bosca/Familia Arizu

T

hese days, few in the wine world would speak of you unkindly if you figured the rich, intense, deep purple malbec grape was a gift from God directly to the people of Argentina, with no other stops along the way. That’s the way malbec has emerged on the international market in the past decade, being grown in long, tall Argentina from top to bottom and finding a place on nearly all American wine lists.

Still, the current presumption would overlook malbec’s storied appearance among the six grapes allowed by law to be used in making Bordeaux—or it’s near-certain historical origins in the Cahors region of southwest France. This grape plays the starring role in the fabled “black wine of Cahors,” in this case not an actual color, but a reference to its darkness and depth. Odds are good you’re not talking about any of that right now, though. The malbec you’re drinking almost certainly hails from Argentina.

“Today, Argentina represents malbec in the world,” says Alberto Arizu, a fourthgeneration member of the Spanish family that merged with an Italian family to give us

the wines of Luigi Bosca from the Mendoza Valley. “The second most important country for malbec is France. This is a grape we feel very proud to produce.”

According to Arizu, who visited Houston to sit down for a tasting of both malbec and the winery’s stunning torrontes, Luigi Bosca is the perfect wine to evoke Argentina’s cultural blend. The Arizu family comes from the Basque region in northern Spain called Navarra, a food and wine destination that’s no doubt most famous for the annual running of the bulls in Pamplona. The Bosca family comes from Italy’s Piedmont. Talk about your “killer Bs.” This region is famous for Barbera, Barbaresco and Barolo. The two family histories merged in Argentina, with the original winery reaching back to 1901.

Beginning in 1984, Luigi Bosca led the expansion of wines from Argentina, which, in turn, was led by its malbecs into the international market. Switzerland was the first European country to order Luigi Bosca (perhaps reflecting its traditional political and military neutrality). Yet, before long, these wines were being enjoyed in every European

country—even France, from which the grape was introduced to Argentina back in 1868.

Malbec has also been embraced by wineries in Chile, though not to any degree that threatens Argentina’s market dominance, as well as in cabernet-and-chardonnay-crazed California. Ironically perhaps, it is California’s love affair with “Bordeaux blends” (often brought to stores as meritages) that has carried malbec to the vineyards of Napa and Sonoma.

“Malbec is a very impressive advertisement for Argentina’s wines,” asserts Arizu, swirling a straw-golden Luigi Bosca torrontes (a bit like a sauvignon blanc married to a riesling in a chapel scented with muscat) in his glass.

“Then people discover the diversity of our country. For them, malbec is the gate. But we have so much more.”

John DeMers Covering food and wine for more than 25 years, John DeMers hosts “Delicious Mischief” on NewsRadio 740 KTRH. He recently released Follow the Smoke: 14,783 Miles of Great Texas Barbecue.

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connoisseur

entertain

pretty in pink

Spring is in the air and what better way to welcome the warmth than with a delicious sweet or two (or three!)? Leave winter behind and celebrate the changing of the seasons with this gorgeous pink-themed outdoor party, complete with luscious floral arrangements, decadent desserts and fruity cocktails.

Styling | Jenna Marfori Lang Photography | Sewell Photography

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connoisseur

entertain

luscious layers

Create oohs and ahhs at your pink-themed soiree with this beautiful floral-inspired three-tier cake. This beauty makes for a stunning centerpiece to your table.

wheel fun

Send your guests home with a sweet memento wrapped in a pretty package.

The Goods event planning and styling Jenna Marfori Lang, Eat Drink Pretty. eatdrinkpretty.com

how rosy

Everyone’s favorite dessert gets a lift—an icing lift, that is. Decorate your cupcakes with a gravitydefying kiss of creamy sweetness topped with a candy rose.

sweet sips

Say a toast to spring by raising your glass filled with a fruity cocktail decorated with a juicy raspberry and an adorable flag swizzle stick.

flowers

Bouquet and apothecary vase arrangements by Just Bloomed. just-bloomed.com

decor

Calligraphy, place cards, cupcake toppers and drink straws by Lovely Scribbles, lovelyscribbles. com; edible icing decals by Hello Frosting, hellofrosting.com; linens from Apres Party Rentals, apresparty.com.

cake

Three-tier cake designed and created by Sweets Bakeshop. sweetsbakeshop.com

have a ball!

Haven’t you heard? Cake ball pops are all the rage in the dessert world, combining your favorite cake and icing into a bite-sized morsel of absolute heaven.

perfect pop

For a truly unexpected treat, serve up a few bowls of bubble gumflavored popcorn.

rock on

Get a little playful with these cherry rock candy sticks.

Available in assorted colors and flavors, they’re a sweet addition to any gathering.

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Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory

gentlemen’s room

For the man who commands the very best

inside:

54 55 56 58

• • • •

High Tech | Thin is In Great Outdoors | Trail Rides Driver’s Seat | Swagger Cat Nostalgia | Mighty Mallet

march/april • 2011

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gentlemen’s room high tech

Thin Story | Michael Garfield

LED flash powered by a mobile sensor for super low light photos, the Arc is anything but lacking in tech specs. Simply put, it is the merging of beauty and brains.

HDMI-out lets you hook up to an HDTV with an HD cable, which comes included with the phone, saving you another trip to Best Buy. Essentially, you can turn your TV into a wireless device and start web browsing or watch YouTube videos through the phone to your big screen.

Samsung D8000 LED TV

My hatred for bezels, or outer frames, is unparalleled. Samsung Planon SlimScan

Sony Ericsson Xperia Arc The Xperia Arc is a mere 8.7mm at its thinnest point.

Featuring a gigantic 4.2inch (854 x 480 resolutions) multi-touch screen, an finally heard my cry, releasing 8-megapixel the D8000 HDTV. It has a camera with bezel that’s so thin, it’s almost

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a crime. At just 5mm thin, media on the 40- to 60inch LED-lit panels almost “floats” in mid-air. The colors looked so sharp, my eyeballs almost bled from staring in awe.

The D8000 offers a 240Hz refresh rate and LED backlighting. It also has built-in Wi-Fi and Samsung’s newly announced Smart Hub technology. The set ships with a remote control with its own 3-inch LCD screen, which can actually stream content to its screen as well.

Measuring at only 2.28mm, the SlimScan is about the same thickness as three credit cards

stacked on top of one another.

This teeny tiny unit is equipped with a 600dpi optical scanner,

perfect for business cards, receipts and notes. This superspy-like device— which even comes with software to export your stuff out to an Excel spreadsheet—is so slim, it can fit in your wallet.

MoGo Talk XD2 Bluetooth for iPhone 4 The MoGo Talk XD2 for the iPhone 4 is the “world’s thinnest Bluetooth” and who would disagree with its wafer-thin 5mm body.

An included iPhone case can stow away and charge the ear dongle when it’s not in use. Now that’s conserving space!

The coolness factor of the case isn’t so much that it’s your iPhone’s bodyguard; it’s that it makes the headset become part of your iPhone. The headset is always there and it’s one less gadget to carry around or forget at the office.

Michael Garfield Known as “The High-Tech Texan®” to audiences nationwide, Michael hosts technology and issueoriented talk radio shows six days a week on The 9-5-0. See what he’s up to at HighTechTexan.com.

Sony Ericsson | Samsung | Planon | ID8-Mobile

I

recently attended the annual Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, where the latest “must have” devices made their debuts.

The buzz might have been all about how tablets and 3-D TVs are making a strong push into consumer electronics, but what really made my jaw drop were the amount of gadgets that were just razor-thin.

These days, measuring in at an inch or two is considered wispy.

That won’t be true sometime very soon. Everything will be mere millimeters thick. I saw the future of electronics and now you can, too.

gentlemen’s room outdoors

Story | Doug Pike

Chase A. Fountain, TPWD

M

aybe it’s no coincidence that the points of Texas’s lone star resemble spokes on a wheel. After all, our state’s parks offer more than 500 miles of designated biking trails.

As recreational cycling gained popularity over the past decade, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department recognized that growth as an opportunity to share its amazing properties with new visitors. The result is a sophisticated, well-documented network of trails that are mapped, rated and maintained to maximize the experience for all who ride them.

Granted, some park’s cycling trails double as equestrian trails, but the paths they follow are every bit as scenic, whether you sit on one saddle or the other. You might encounter hikers along the way, as well. You’ll see more from a bike, which, by the way, doesn’t smell like sweaty horses.

However, those views change, dramatically so, from park to park.

trail rides The four miles of trail at Galveston Island State Park look nothing like the 49 miles at Big Bend, and neither of those rides turn up so much wildlife as a quiet pedal through Copper Breaks.

Some trails lend themselves to distractions and daydreaming more than others. To accommodate tastes from dainty to daredevil, the parks department carved out trails that range from actual roadways and

refurbished railways, to narrow mountain paths that would put a lump in a goat’s throat.

Those degrees of difficulty are presented in park literature and at trailheads as Levels 1, 2 and 3. A 5-year-old (or a couple of adults lugging baskets of wine and cheese) could handle an L1 trail.

To feel comfortable on L2 trails, you’ll need some off-road skills.

If you select an L3 ride and are anything less than expert, be sure

safety first & some etiquette Any time, any place you get on a bicycle, there is risk.

That risk increases on a new trail or anywhere the terrain is rough. Wear a helmet or you might wind up wearing a halo. The rules of “engagement” on shared trails are simple. When approaching hikers or riders on horseback, cyclists should slow and announce their presence. Stay on the trails, respect closures and don’t harass wildlife. In other words, use common sense. To find out more about biking in Texas state parks, go to tpwd.state.tx.us.

your health and life insurance policies are current.

The department’s website, not surprisingly, provides full coverage of the state’s cycling options. Its “Great Bike Rides” page lists 48 parks that offer anywhere from one (Lake Whitney) to 75 (Davis Mountains) miles of bike trails.

If you’re only in it to break a sweat and set a speed record, pedal until you puke.

Otherwise, consider taking advantage of your bicycle’s relative silence in motion to get closer than you’ve ever been to real wildlife, or maybe find a scenic trail that leads to a great place to watch a sunset. (You are carrying a camera, right?) However you roll, Texas’ state parks can oblige. doug pike Doug has traveled the world to satisfy his passion for the outdoors.

During his career, he has won 100-plus state and national awards for writing, broadcast and photography.

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gentlemen’s room driver's seat

Swagger cat Story | Don Armstrong

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The performance equipped XKR includes subtle tweaks throughout the cabin, including unique R-style seat design and red, instead of white, instrument needles. Your co-pilot will be impressed by what Jaguar calls the JaguarDrive Selector, the round shift knob that automatically rises from the center console after the keyless start button is depressed. Press the start button again at the conclusion of your trip and the knob retracts into the console.

Its triple-lined fabric roof can be powered up or down in less than 18 seconds at speeds up to 20 mph. When lowered, it disappears into the bodywork behind the rear seat, under a smooth cover.

Whether we were cruising around town or had the accelerator pedal nailed to the floor, the XKR seemed to know what we were asking it to do.

The Adaptive Dynamics active

damping system optimizes handling agility and ride comfort.

The system monitors body movement and wheel position, automatically increasing the damping rate as the suspension approaches the limits of its travel.

From the JaguarDrive Control interface, we can select different modes for Adaptive Dynamics. It operates in tandem with its Active Differential Control (ADC) to optimize available traction at each rear wheel, improving acceleration on low-grip surfaces while enhancing cornering ability.

It all boils down to a supple, comfortable, Sunday-style ride when it’s not being pushed. Hit the accelerator and the nice, quiet little Jag roars to life with claws and teeth exposed.

Jaguar tuned the XKR with an active exhaust system in which valves open at higher speeds to provide an even more powerful note. A special acoustic filter at the rear of the engine feeds

intake sound to the cabin under hard acceleration.

The XKR is equipped with an electronically controlled, fully adaptive six-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters.

Zero to 60 mph comes in 4.6 seconds. Not bad for a car that weighs almost 2 tons. Expect an average of 17 mpg combined fuel economy.

You too can add a little swagger to your stable of automotive finery by asking to test drive the 2011 XKR at your local dealership. If you decide to twist this Jag’s tail in your own garage, the price starts at $103,000.

don armstrong Don’s passion for all things automotive is no secret.

His popular What’s Don Driving? TV series garnered rave reviews and made him the new car go-to guy. He is also a member of the Texas Auto Writers Association.

Jaguar

F

or those who appreciate the finer things in life and can afford more than one motorcar in the stable, the 2011 Jaguar XKR convertible might just fit the bill.

After a week of experiencing the thrill of 510 supercharged horsepower underfoot, along with the top down, sun-on-yourshoulders fun, we feel confident in our recommendation.

The XKR smacks of speed and agility with its openmouthed, shark-like grille, long hood, steeply raked windshield and smooth tail with integrated tail lamps.

Stepping into this cat, you’ll notice the fine details and craftsmanship. Fit and finish is impeccable, and the quality of materials is second to none. Our test model was equipped with burled walnut trim that added extra pop to the splash of chrome detail sprinkled throughout the interior.

The stunning result of taking a very different road.

At Jaguar Houston Central, we’re dedicated to providing the best automotive experience possible. For stunning results, take the road to Jaguar Houston Central, easily accessible from every corner of the Houston area. The all new 2011 Jaguar XJ has arrived. Call us today to schedule your test drive.

Jaguar Houston Central 7019 Old Katy Road, Houston, TX 77024 Phone: (713) 293-6000

jaguarhoustoncentral.com

gentlemen’s room nostalgia

Mighty

Mallet

A

ny American kid worth his or her salt who’s ever set a batter’s stance over home plate, or lathered and punched a catcher’s mitt to mold it just-so to their hand, or even gently pinched the brim of their baseball cap to snug it down on their forehead while awaiting a pitch knows intuitively what a Louisville Slugger is. This roughly 3-foot

modest, two-story brick building that sat near the Ohio River in downtown Louisville, Ky. One spring afternoon in 1884, Pete “The Old Gladiator” Browning, a star hitter for the local Louisville Eclipse baseball team, splintered his favorite bat attempting to knock one over the bleachers.

That evening, Hillerich, who had witnessed the game and the splintering, set a choice slab of white ash in his dad’s lathe and, with Browning at his side to guide him, turned it into a fine specimen of a bat. In his next game, Browning racked up three hits with the new cudgel, unwittingly launching what was destined to become an American cultural phenomenon: the Louisville Slugger.

At first, Hillerich’s father was reluctant to switch product lines; he reasoned that the future of their business was in massproducing butter churns. Luckily, though, his son persisted and the company began focusing on outfitting teams near and far with

superstitious sluggers stick of white ash—turned and honed to a fine finish and then tapered to a perfectly knurled knob at the base—is to the sport of baseball what the game itself is to the rest of the country: pure, unadulterated Americana.

The country’s most beloved bat has an interesting history.

According to legend, in the early 1880s, John A. “Bud” Hillerich was a 17-year-old teen apprenticing in his dad’s woodworking shop, then a

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As one might suspect, superstitions surrounding the magical qualities of baseball bats abound in the sport’s long history. One notable item involves the legendary Ted Williams, who, rather remarkably, managed to rack up a lifetime batting average of .344.

Once a year, Williams would visit the Hillerich and Bradsby Co. to personally select the perfect piece of wood for his “Louisville Slugger” to be crafted from. Williams reportedly spent hours searching through stacks and stacks of ash blocks until he found one with the narrowest grain, a feature he often credited with helping him hit balls harder and farther. True or not, who would dare to quibble with the masterful slugger known to millions as “The Splendid Splinter”?

the increasingly popular bats. The rest, as they say, is history.

In the hands of such baseball legends as Ty Cobb, Babe Ruth, Ted Williams and Henry Aaron, the Slugger was the engine for some of baseball’s most memorable hitting moments, forever endowing the sport with its well-deserved imprimatur of America’s favorite pastime.

Since then, the Hillerich & Bradsby Co., as it is now known, has turned out more than 100 million bats, making it the largest and most successful bat brand in the history of the sport it serves. In 1995, following more than 100 years of continuous operation, the company moved what is considered to be the world’s largest baseball bat—some six stories tall and weighing in at 68,000 pounds—in front of their new headquarters and museum on Main Street in Louisville. In doing so, they bequeathed to baseball enthusiasts everywhere the fascinating legend of the Louisville Slugger.

Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory

Story | Bruce Farr

InTRODuCIng

HOusTOn’s PREMIER CEMETERy Beautiful Memorial Oaks has provided Houston families with their funeral and cemetery services for the last 50 years. Continuing this tradition, Memorial Oaks has developed 26 of our most beautiful acres, creating our proudest achievement: Reflection Lake Estates. For this new development, the finest landscape architects, developers and designers have created a stunning, awe-inspiring vista and a clear choice for Houston’s most discerning families.

Peaceful, tree-lined walkways and the calming waters of Reflection Lake welcome visitors, while bronze and granite monuments will stand in quiet repose alongside the magnificent Texas Liberty Mausoleum and Robert L. Waltrip Memorial Chapel. Once constructed, the mausoleum will

comprise of 8,000 square feet, with premier entombments available for selection. Robert L. Waltrip Memorial Chapel will serve as a quiet escape for personal meditation.

Those looking for a truly unique experience will find it in Lakeside Estates, where families have the opportunity to build their own private estate overlooking peaceful Reflection Lake. Regardless of your choice – cremation or traditional burial – Reflection Lake Estates offers a number of memorialization options, including custom monuments and estates.

Design standards for new sites will uphold the beauty and serenity of Reflection Lake Estates, maintaining the sweeping grandeur for you and your loved ones.

I would like to personally invite you to call me at 281- 497-2210 to schedule a tour of the new grounds and to discuss special introductory pricing that is available for a limited time. Availability is strictly limited. Please inquire about how you can provide an enduring and majestic legacy for your family in Houston’s premier cemetery development.

Sincerely,

Russell Allen, President P. 2 8 1 . 4 9 7. 2 2 1 0 |

w w w. R e f l e c t i o n l a k e e s t a t e s . c o m

Disclaimer: Mausoleum not available until construction is complete. Anticipated date of availability: December 2010.

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On the

Ale Trail Raise your glass and toast to a historic tour of Northern Ireland’s famous pubs and watering holes Story | Nancy Davidson

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r

obert Ditty is a baker in the village of Castledawson in Northern Ireland.

But the former painter is a bit of a philosopher, as well. While other artisans in other parts of the world are returning to the old ways of doing things, Ditty’s oatcakes and brown soda bread—traditional breads unique to Northern Ireland—haven’t changed since the 1970s and they are more delicious than any breads that go by the same name.

“Thirty years of the Troubles sheltered us from fast food,” says the owner of Ditty’s Bakery, describing how the isolation of Northern Ireland during the time of political/religious strife, despite its horrors, had the unexpected, but positive side effect of preserving the culture of this historic place.

Kelly’s Cellars stakes its claim as being the oldest continuously licensed premise. The Front Page (thefrontpagebar.com) and the Morning Star (themorningstarbar. com) are popular with members of the press, while Bittles Bar in Victoria Square is housed in an unusual triangular-shaped building in which photographs of Ireland’s famous literary figures pub to pub decorate its narrow lounge.

One way to get acquainted with The most glorious and famous Belfast is by means of a walking bar—and the one where you will tour of its historic pubs. Take most certainly want to linger for one on your own or let a guide a drink—is the Crown Liquor from Belfast Pub Tours take you Saloon (crownbar.com). Its around (belfastgraphics.co.uk). history includes its origins as the Whichever route you go, you’ll Railway Tavern in 1826, when soon discover that almost every the trains first ran from Lisbon pub has its own claim of being to Belfast, and its transformation the first. White’s (whitestavern. in 1885 into a Victorian gin co.uk), for instance, proudly palace with an ornate Italian boasts that it’s Belfast’s oldest design including marble mosaic tavern dating back to 1630 (although it was actually founded tile floors, brocaded walls, elegant mirrors and stained glass as a wine and spirit shop), while McHugh’s, also known for its live windows. After being blasted music, is located in the city’s oldest by bombs more than 40 times during the bad old days, it was building (mchughsbar.com).

Alan Dunlop

Belfast, once synonymous with violent bombings and destruction, is now one of the safest and most peaceful cities in the world. And much of what makes it special—its history and traditions—have been maintained by its isolation and restoration to its former glory.

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purchased and restored by the National Trust in 1978 and restored again in 2007. There’s plenty to gape at in the Crown, but perhaps the most enticing feature are the intricately carved wooden “snugs” or private boxes designed for public drinking.

What’s Brewing Today, you’re more likely to enjoy an Irish whiskey or one of the local beers on tap at any of the pubs in Belfast. In addition to popular Irish beers such as Bass, Guinness and Smithwick’s, you’ll also find microbrews from the world-renowned Whitewater Brewing Company (whitewaterbrewing.co.uk), brewers of Clotworthy Dobbin, a rich ruby-hued porter style beer. Belfast Ale, an aromatic, fruity russet ale is brewed with

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heat-scorched wheat and roasted barley with gentle hops.

You can also take a short trip to nearby Hilden Brewery (hildenbrewery.co.uk), the oldest independent brewery in Ireland, for a tour, a pub lunch and a taste of their brews such as Molly Malone’s Porter or Scullion’s Irish. Or steal away to Bushmills Distillery (bushmills. com), about an hour north of Belfast, worthwhile for the scenic drive along the Causeway Coast route alone, for views of the incredible landscape, green hills, a craggy coastline, blue skies and frothy sea.

The most famous stop along the way is the Giant’s Causeway, a beach lined with massive hexagonal columns that appear to be steppingstones. It’s hard to imagine that they occurred

DiscoverIreland.com

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naturally, and Celtic folklore has an explanation: Giants laid the basalt rock structures to aid them in crossing the Irish Sea to Scotland.

From there, you’re just a short distance to the village of Bushmills, a sleepy traditional Ulster town that will make you feel as if you’ve stepped back in time. A tour of the Old Bushmills Distillery gives you an inside look at how their famous whiskey is made, from the water source that makes the whiskey special, to an explanation of what distinguishes Irish whiskey from Scotch, to the barrels stacked for aging, culminating with a taste of the 400-year-old heritage.

The warm and welcoming nearby Bushmills Inn (bushmillsinn.com), which traces its origins to 1608, will entice

you to spend the night. The inn has something for all seasons— an outdoor garden, an indoor fireplace, an upstairs parlor for guests, and a secret room hidden behind a bookshelf. If you’re pressed for time, at the very least make time for a hearty lunch or dinner at the inn. Interestingly, the inn has no relation to the distillery, but in the cozy bar (complete with private rooms) you’ll find some rare aged expressions of Bushmills Irish Whiskey that even the distillery doesn’t have any more.

Cocktails, Anyone?

No matter how enchanted you are with the Irish beer and whiskey, make sure to save plenty of time for the best cocktail bar in the world back in Belfast, winner of three major awards at

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STAY

DINE

After a day of touring Northern Ireland’s historic pubs, hang your hat at one of Belfast’s unique boutique hotels. Ranging from urban chic to five-star luxury, these places are the perfect place to wind down and recharge.

Belfast is surrounded by fertile farmland, where animals graze on the greenest grass, resulting in the highest quality butter, eggs and meat, as well as a plethora of organic vegetables. Where locavore cuisine is the norm and chefs automatically start with the finest ingredients, it’s no wonder that the food in Belfast is fresh and delicious.

The Merchant Hotel

James Street South Restaurant

Every part of this five-star hotel is as wonderful as the bar. Accommodations and service are top-notch. themerchanthotel.com

Chef Niall McKenna’s elegant high-end restaurant has a minimalist, clean design and stunningly pristine food, including amazing locally farmed venison with truffles, and smooth and creamy champ (mashed potatoes with green onion and pools of butter). jamesstreetsouth.co.uk

Malmaison Emphasizing local ingredients, this funky yet comfortable luxury boutique hotel also offers an amazing breakfast featuring smoked kippers, honeycomb, marmalade, fresh baked breads, local eggs and dairy. malmaison.com

Nick’s Warehouse

Ten Square Hotel

The blackboard menu featuring mussels, oysters, lobsters and langoustines will draw you into this bistro, where you’ll learn that the shellfish is cultivated locally by the owners. Ask your server to recommend the best local beer to pair with your seafood. mourneseafood.com

Located in the heart of Belfast next to majestic City Hall, this hip hotel features 23 unique living spaces with modern décor in a historic building. tensquare.co.uk

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This casual restaurant elevates rustic peasant food by incorporating the best local ingredients with vibrant flavors, fresh herbs, heirloom beans, delicate lettuces, and fresh poultry and fish. nickswarehouse.co.uk

Mourne Seafood Bar

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the Tales of the Cocktail Festival in New Orleans.

The first thing you see on the bar at the Merchant Hotel (themerchanthotel.com) is a lineup of housemade bitters, aerosol spray bottles and beautifully colored tinctures giving only a hint of the mastery, alchemy and artistry that goes into making the cocktails here special. The menu is a thick booklet that includes a description of each drink and its origins, offering centuries worth of classic cocktails from milk punch, to corpse revivers and cocktails with a spoonful

of marmalade, to contemporary drinks made with skill, fresh juices and the best of all possible ingredients (think mojitos with fresh mint and fresh squeezed lime) and the correct ice for each drink. Long rectangular ice towers for tall drinks, crushed ice for that mojito and ice shaved to order are offered, as well as a selection of the finest sipping spirits. Served in an elegant, opulent setting with antique Baccarat chandeliers, patrons can enjoy their drinks buried in rose velvet chairs, although cocktails aficionados will find that the best seats are at the bar.

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escape enlightened explorer

Gold Coast amaica is back on the map

J

goldeneye.com, 876-975-3354

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Worth a Shot

I f you are a follower of the farm to table movement, you won’t want to miss this culinary adventure. Jake’s Hotel in the quaint Jamaican fishing village of Treasure Beach is hosting special Farm Dinners, where you’ll partake in a wonderfully prepared sunset meal featuring savory organic dishes prepared and served on-site.

Jake’s has been committed to supporting local farmers and fisherman since it opened its doors in 1991. In collaboration with Chef Liz Solms, the monthly dinners are incredibly popular. The table is elegantly set with white linens in the middle of a working field, while the food is cooked and prepared tableside. Upcoming dinners are scheduled for April 16, May 14 and June 11.

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f tequila’s your poison, book your next getaway at the President InterContinental Cozumel Resort & Spa, where tequila “sommelier” Guillermo Enriquez leads guests on educational, tasting tours of the famous drink. The open-air, beachfront experience includes a three-course menu prepared by executive chef Daniel Lentz, featuring appetizers, entrees and desserts. Sample everything from spicy tomato gazpacho to a chocolate almond brownie topped with Gold Tequila raspberry sauce and Silver Tequila whipped cream.

While you’re enjoying the tasting, the kids will have a fun time of their own at the Chiqui Club experience. Featuring tours of the resort’s three iguana “temples,” the program gives children the opportunity to feed and care for free-roaming iguanas, while learning about their habitat and way of life.

islandoutpost.com, 800-688-7678

intercontinentalcozumel.com

Farm to Table, Island Style

GoldenEye Resort & Spa | Island Outpost

as a hot new destination, especially with the newly opened GoldenEye Resort & Spa. Owned by Chris Blackwell, Jamaica-raised founder of Island Records, the property was the former home of author Ian Fleming and the location where he penned all 14 James Bond novels.

The glamorous hideaway is made up of 22 new units: nine beach cottages, two lagoon cottages, six lagoon suites and four original villas, including the crème de la crème Fleming Villa.

Featuring three bedrooms, each with an outdoor garden bath and rain shower, the villa also has a private pool and beach. Discreet personal service will make your stay relaxing and effortless.

Another bonus of the glamorous hideaway is, of course, the rum. The Blackwell family went into the rum trade in 1916 and after tinkering with some family recipes, Blackwell created a richly flavored recipe that has made Jamaican rum world famous.

Choose this treasure for business or pleasure!

• Excellent meeting spaces, elegant wedding and banquet facilities • Luxurious spa and 130,000-sq-ft fitness center • 2 golf courses nearby Call now for information about our Sunday Brunches and Wednesday Family Night Buffets (when kids eat FREE!) Just south of Houston on Scenic Clear Lake (281) 334-1000 www.sshr.com

© 2010, Executive AirShare

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escape enlightened explorer

Texas fests

just a few of our favs

march Seventh International Guitar Festival (Round Top) festivalhill.org

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n partnership with Green Mobility, an organization dedicated to reducing the negative impacts of motorized mobility, Hotel Unique in Sao Paulo, Brazil, has developed an innovative way to explore this beautiful and historic city: the U-Bike. In this unique program, guests can tour the city on an Easy Rider, a hybrid aluminum bicycle with 700c rims that’s great for city touring.

In its efforts to promote sustainable transportation, Hotel Unique is the first hotel in Brazil to use the bikes, which are used for customized excursions around Sao Paulo. Guests can enjoy sights of stunning mansions and houses nestled within gardens and lush, overhanging trees surrounding the hotel, all while using one of the greenest modes of transportation. hotelunique.com.br

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sxsw.com

Fulton Oyster Fest fultonoysterfest.org

Border Fest (Hidalgo) borderfest.org

Nederland Heritage Festival nederlandhf.org

Tyler Azalea Trail tylerazaleatrail.com

Jasper Azalea Festival

jaspercoc.org/azalea_festival.html

april

When in Rome or a European vacation unlike any other, the Hotel Hassler

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Roma offers its Above the Clouds packages. Each unique experience includes a minimum of two nights for two guests in a Grand Deluxe double room or a Classic Suite at the Hassler Roma, plus one night in another five-star hotel in London, St. Moritz, Venice or Verona. Daily breakfast, champagne and VIP courtesies are also offered throughout your stay. Coming up: Destination Ski Trip, available through March 31; and Destination Arena di Verena, available June 15 to Sept. 3. hotelhasslerroma.com

Austin Reggae Festival austinreggaefest.com

South West International Boat Show (Bay Area Houston) southwestinternational boatshow.com

Poteet Strawberry Festival strawberryfestival.com

Texas Sand Fest (Port Aransas) texassandfest.com

Main Street Arts Festival (Fort Worth) mainstreetartsfest.org

Red Poppy Festival (Georgetown) poppy.georgetown.org Events subject to change.

Gastronomic Delights esides the crystal blue waters, golden sand and fragrant tropical

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breeze, need another reason to visit the Caribbean? How about the amazing dining you’ll experience at the Malliouhana Hotel & Spa in Anguilla.

Voted one of the top three best hotels for food in the Americas and the Caribbean in the January 2011 Conde Nast Traveller Gold List, the resort offers three dining venues, including Michel Rostang’s fine dining restaurant that melds classic Mediterranean cuisine with local Caribbean flavors.

Belgium-born Fred Cougnon is behind the gastronomic delights at Malliouhana, where he crafts menus of extraordinary depth and dimension that showcase locally grown and internationally sourced ingredients. And with 25 acres of lush, landscaped gardens and one and a half miles of white sand beaches, the food isn’t the only thing extraordinary about this luxurious resort. malliouhana.com

Anna Kwon | Hotel Hassler | Malliouhana Hotel

Easy Rider

South by Southwest Music Festival (Austin)

Houston CityCenter 12848 Queensbury Lane | 832.200.2380 Houston WestAve 2800 Kirby Drive | 713.874.1800 Happy Hour Nightly 4:00-7:00 Dinner Sunday-Thursday 5:00-10:00, Friday-Saturday 5:00-11:00

EDDIEV.COM

post cards

isia, I never Growing up in Lou the hoopla about quite understood However, now Texas bluebonnets. an myself, Tex ud pro that I’m a get it!”

“I , say I can honestly t, the “Bluebonnet That’s why Burne is where I hope Capital” of Texas, travel from ple Peo . to see you the abundance miles around to see e yearly family of wildflowers, tak nce all the town photos and experie d 60 miles ate Loc er. has to off stin, Burnet is northwest of Au m Lake Buchanan, just minutes fro e LBJ. So hop in Lak and e Lak Ins vertibles or RVs con , your trucks s spring to enjoy thi and head there ll dflowers. See y’a the beautiful wil ha ant Sam – there!

see & do Hill Country Flyer

Story | Samantha Edmondson

S

pringtime in Burnet can only mean one thing: the Bluebonnet Festival. In its 27th year, this three-day homage to the Texas state flower could literally occupy every minute of your time, with its carnival, Wild West shoot-out, parades, Weiner dog races, arts and crafts, and so much more (burnetchamber.org). Showcasing more than 100 antique and classic cars, there’s the Lake Area Rods and Classics Car Tour, featuring a gleaming array of automotive marvels (lakearearodsandclassics. com). Or you can gather at the Kat Craddock Field on April 9 for the Bluebonnet Air Show, honoring the Spirit of the Flying Tigers. Featuring an original World War II aircraft of the Commemorative Air Force, the show includes a special presentation from the A10 West Thunderbolt Demonstration Team (bluebonnetairshow.com).

When you’ve had all the festival fun you can handle, Burnet is known for being a great place to relax and unwind from the stresses of everyday life. And with its convenient location near Lake Buchanan, Ins Lake and Lake LBJ, boating and fishing is easily accessible. In fact, Lake Buchanan’s excellent fishing brings anglers to Burnet all year round. Hire a fishing guide or rent a boat; whatever you do, it’ll be a win with every cast of your line.

If you can’t talk your significant other or family into a couple of hours on the water, fear not,

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there’s something just as great right around the corner. Longhorn Cavern State Park is a scenic park amidst the rugged Hill Country that has one of the most unique caves in the world. The Longhorn Cavern stays a comfortable 68 degrees year round and offers a reasonably short—and definitely fun—tour that lasts about an hour and a half (longhorncaverns.com).

A trip to Burnet would also be the perfect excuse to take in a round of golf or a day of shopping.

Golfers can hit the links at Delaware Springs Golf Course, a picturesque and challenging par-72 course that has earned its place as a Hill Country favorite (delawaresprings.com), while their retail loving counterparts can hit Burnet’s Historic Business District for an array of unique gift, antique and collectibles shops.

When your day is done, make your way to the Canyon of the Eagles Lodge, a treasured Texas Hill Country resort on the northern shore of Lake Buchanan, located in the heart of a nature reserve. Dine at the Overlook Restaurant, a scenic hill-top dining room, where the options are endless and the views are spectacular (canyonoftheeagles.com).

This trip is so beautiful and rich in culture and entertainment, I’m quite confident you and your family will make this a regular stop from here on out!

Storm’s Great Hamburgers

In its 50th year, this restaurant knows a thing or two about a good burger.

Storm’s is one of the few places that still grinds their own beef to ensure the flavor and quality is top notch. Stop in and enjoy their famous burger and fries.

700 N. Water St. 512-756-7143 stormsrestaurants.com

Fort Croghan Museum

The third of the first four forts established by the U.S. government to protect its settlements, the museum boasts a large collection of artifacts, as well as a blacksmith shop, old school house and a lookout post.

Get a glimpse into what the Texas frontier was really like.

703 Buchanan Drive 512-756-8281 fortcroghan.org

Burnet Chamber of Commerce

burnet

Take a historical journey aboard the Austin Steam Train, which follows the scenic route of the Hill Country Flyer, but offers passengers a shorter journey from Cedar Park to Bertram and return. Open nearly every weekend of the year, this rail excursion gives riders what is sure to be a memorable journey.

401 E. Whitestone Blvd., Cedar Park 512-477-8468 austinsteamtrain.org

Tall S TA N D I N G

What Women Need To Know About Spinal Fractures

When you think of women’s health issues, spinal fractures probably don’t come to mind. But they should. These common fractures can not only be disfiguring, but deadly.

Spinal fractures are the most common osteoporotic fracture; over 900,000 spinal fractures occur every year in the United States alone, according to industry estimates and research. They occur more often than hip fractures in any one year. They also increase the risk of death. Unlike a hip fracture, the risk of death following a spinal fracture (link to: http://www.spinalfracture.com) continues to increase progressively, so it is important to treat spinal fractures soon after they occur. Sadly, only about one third of these fractures ever receive medical attention.

The main cause of spinal fractures is osteoporosis, which silently robs you of the density in your vertebrae — bones we often take for granted. Think of the vertebrae in your spine as a stack of square building blocks with mesh interiors.Osteoporosis causes the mesh architecture inside the blocks to deteriorate, eventually causing micro-fractures.

As micro-fractures accumulate, the blocks become weaker and less able to resist the stresses we expect them to handle. Many times, what seems like very minor stress can cause fractures and the vertebrae to collapse, which causes the vertebrae to become compressed. You may notice you are getting shorter, and gradually you will notice a curving forward of your spine. This is called kyphosis.

Besides loss of height, some other changes occurring in your body might be due to spinal fractures.

Do your clothes not quite fit right? Are you developing a “tummy” that you never had? Do you eat less because you get full so fast? Are you short of breath

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from small exertions?

With spinal fractures, what was once a nice sturdy compartment for your internal organs gradually becomes smaller and smaller, compressing your stomach, lungs and digestive tract. The compression keeps your lungs from expanding fully, makes your heart work harder and your entire digestive track is pushed forward between your ribs and hips.

plasty has been demonstrated to be low. There are risks associated with the procedure (e.g., cement leakage), including serious complications, and though rare, some of which may be fatal. This procedure is not for everyone. A prescription is required. Please consult Spinal fractures can occur spontaneyour physician for a comously or from the minimal stress of dayplete list of indications, to-day activities. Sometimes there is no contraindications, benpain and the fracture goes unnoticed, efits, and risks. Only you but sometimes there is extreme pain. and your physician can Marian Williams, 80, of Salem, VA determine whether this For Marian Williams, 80, of Salem, Va., procedure is right for you. it was both spontaneous and very painful. As she Three days after being admitted to the hospital, was walking down the stairs in her home, “It felt Marian was treated with balloon kyphoplasty. like something slipped in my back. It started hurt“When I woke up from the surgery, they took ing right away, and the pain quickly became unme back to my room and told me to lie flat for bearable. I couldn’t do anything. Even when I was two hours ... the excruciating pain was gone,” lying down or sitting down, it hurt,” she said. “It Marian said. hurt to move. It hurt to breathe. I never had pain like that before. It was excruciating.”

Marian no longer has excruciating back pain and is back to her regular activities, which include Marian was admitted to the hospital and referred lifting light weights, using the weight machines to Dr. Van Lewis, a neuroradiologist in nearby Roand taking low-impact aerobic classes at her gym anoke, who recommended a minimally invasive three times a week. surgery known as KYPHON (R) Balloon Kyphoplasty. During this procedure, two tiny incisions are made If you’re over 50 or have osteoporosis, it’s in the back and balloons are important that you don’t ignore your back inserted through small tubes pain. It may signal a spinal fracture. See into the fractured bone. The Don’t turn your back your doctor right away if you think you balloons are then carefully may have one. on back pain. inflated in an attempt to raise Spinal fractures can be the collapsed bone. The balrepaired if diagnosed. loons are then removed, creating cavities in the bone that KYPHON® Balloon Kyphoplasty is a are filled with bone cement. minimally invasive treatment for spinal A clinical study has shown fractures that can correct vertebral body deformity, reduce pain and improve that those who undergo this patient quality of life. procedure experience improved quality of life, faster back pain relief and quicker return of physical function than patients who opt for before balloon kyphoplasty after non-surgical treatments such as physical therapy or pain For more information on balloon kyphoplasty or to find a local physician medication. The benefits performing the procedure, call 800-652-2221 or visit balloonkyphoplasty.com or spinalfracture.com were sustained on average Although the complication rate with KYPHON throughout 12 months. While Balloon Kyphoplasty has been demonstrated to spinal fractures may be assobe low, as with most surgical procedures, there MEDTRONIC are risks associated with the procedure, including Spinal and Biologics Business ciated with mortality, no data serious complications. This procedure is not for 1221 Crossman Avenue everyone. A prescription is required. Please consult Sunnyvale, CA 94089 USA exists currently to show that your physician for a full discussion of risks and Tel: (408) 548-6500 KYPHON Balloon Kyphowhether this procedure is right for you. © 2008 Medtronic Spine LLC. All Rights Reserved.

16003152_002 [01] plasty improves the mortality rate.

The complication rate with KYPHON Balloon Kypho-

TAKE CHARGE

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live well

Coping in the Coop d

id you hear that? Complete silence.

No more shrill cries coming from the nursery, no more opinionated teenagers arguing about the unfair indignities of the world. Now, it’s just you and your spouse, finally alone together after years of raising children.

Welcome to the sound of an empty nest.

Even though you now have time to interact and actually have a conversation with your spouse—alone—it’s not necessarily an easy transition to reconnect after the kids have flown the coop. What’s there to talk about?

What are you supposed to do with each other?

Empty nest syndrome isn’t in the Physician’s Desk Reference, but it’s a real emotional challenge that can affect marriages in many ways, according to Mary Jo Rapini, LPC, a psychotherapist and intimacy expert in Houston.

“It’s a critical point in a relationship when kids leave home for the first time,” she says.

Loneliness and ambiguity—not knowing how to fill the void—are typical problems that emerge among empty nesters.

Story | Sally J. Clasen

“You’ve provided and protected your child for years, placing so much energy and emotion into his or her development,” Rapini explains.

“Part of your essence has left and you feel hollow. At this stage, you don’t know how to be a couple without a child in the picture.”

Because so much focus has been spent on childrearing, unresolved issues between couples get swept under the rug until the house is kid-free. When old conflicts resurface, it’s normal for spouses to want to retreat to their respective corners, Rapini says. But at this juncture, it’s critical for empty nesters to build a united front by nurturing and investing in the marriage—where it all began.

She recommends empty nesters create a five-year plan with short- and long-term goals about finances and how they will cultivate their relationship as two instead of separate entities.

“It’s an optimal time to ask, ‘What do we want?’ The best marriages focus on ‘we’ rather than ‘me,’ which creates further distance,” Rapini says. “A good marriage has room for individual, healthy growth.”

Couples can do a number of things to revive conversation and improve interaction when they become empty nesters, such as going on a marriage retreat or joining a cooking or exercise class, according to Rapini.

“Most people are not good at sitting down and talking to each other suddenly. Activity will help initiate communication, not vice versa. Intimacy is formed on a connection and being together.”

In her counseling practice, Rapini asks couples to create a list of things they’ve always wanted to do, but didn’t have time for and then pick activities from each list to do together that are novel.

“Don’t choose familiar interests. It’s a time to get your mojo back and bring some excitement to the relationship,” she says.

And have date nights. And sex. Not just a random dinner or intercourse here and there, but a scheduled event that you put on the calendar so that it happens regularly. The point is to get reacquainted.

“It doesn’t matter if it’s sex or bowling,” Rapini says. “What’s important is for empty nesters to value and enjoy time together.”

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health briefs Lasting Love = Brain Science

Is it possible to scientifically determine what makes love last? Researchers in the Department of Psychology at Stony Brook University believe they have a clue about the longevity of lasting relationships.

The scientists scanned the brains of men and women who reported they were still madly in love with their spouse after 21 years of marriage. During the evaluation, participants viewed the facial images of their partner. The results were then compared to couples that had only been in love for a year.

Similar brain activity in regions associated with reward, motivation and “wanting” in both sets of couples were discovered, in the part of the brain that largely consists of the dopamine-rich ventral tegmental area.

Sugar: A Pain in the Joints

The Journal of the American Medical Association cited a new study that links sugary drinks, like orange juice and sodas, to a painful form of arthritis known as gout.

The study was conducted at Boston University School of Medicine on behalf of the long-term Nurses’s Health Study. Participants included mostly white women between age 30 and 55.

The culprit appears to be fructose, a sugar found in oranges and high-fructose corn syrup used in many non-diet sodas that increase levels of the chemical uric acid, which causes gout.

When uric acid levels get too high, the acid hardens into sharp crystals that are deposited in joints. The risk for gout is fairly low though.

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Over a 22-year period, only 1 percent of the 79,000 study participants developed the painful joint disease, which was mostly confined to women who had gone through menopause.

A Virtual Slim-Down

Do you want to know what you would look like 10, 20 or 30 pounds lighter, without having to exercise and eat right? You can check out your lighter visage by using Redbook magazine’s online Virtual Body Makeover tool: redbookmag.com/healthwellness/virtual-body-makeover. The digital slim-down feature allows you to upload a current full-length photo and then choose a desired weight instantly with the click of a mouse. You also can compare before and after photos, and print or e-mail the makeover photo for inspiration.

Pucker Up

If you’re looking for those perfect pouty lips and not sure about making permanent enhancements, consider topical plumpers and cosmetic fillers.

For a quick fix, try a topical lip plumper.

Most topical products create a mild allergic irritation in the lips, causing them to swell a little for a short period of time. While the effects are short lived, there are no long-term enhancement concerns.

For a longer lasting effect (6 to 9 months), try an injectable filler like Restylane or Juvederm. This treatment can be very effective for those pesky “smoker’s lines” or more advanced wrinkling, however, plan ahead for mild bruising or swelling that may occur with an injectable lip plumping solution.

earth day On April 22, join millions of citizens worldwide to celebrate Earth Day, which honors the planet and living things through responsible behavior. Even if you aren’t much of a people/ tree hugger, you can make a few, simple gestures that demonstrate your appreciation and awareness of the earth’s natural environment and its citizens. Here are some planetfriendly suggestions: • Dine at Houston’s first green-certified restaurant, Ruggles Green. rugglesgreen.com • Buy fair-trade coffee or tea.

Try Té House of Tea in Montrose. tehouseoftea.com • Attend the 3rd Annual Earth Day Houston at Discovery Green on Sat., April 23.

• Make a donation—sweat equity or monetary—to Keep Houston Beautiful. houstonbeautiful.org

the 15-minute plan Story | Margie Connolly

Margie Connolly, BS, JD, CPT is a certified personal trainer, yoga and spinning instructor, who owns and operates a fitness education and consulting business.

She has also produced two home exercise DVDs, “Yoga and Pilates for Runners” and “Chair and Floor Exercises for Busy Female Executives.”

ARTWALK 2011 FAYETTEVILLE APRIL 30 & May 1 OVER 50 ARTISTS MUSIC CRAFTS FOOD & FUN ON OUR HISTORIC SQUARE BENEFITING ARTS FOR RURAL TEXAS SatURDAY 10 - 5 75

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Houston

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PASTEL BY JERI SALTER OF AUSTIN, AWARD RECIPIENT AT ARTWALK 2010

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hen the kids are grown and gone, you suddenly find yourself with empty spaces of time. The 15 minutes you used to spend driving the carpool, or packing lunches, or looking over homework can (and should) now be spent taking care of you!

This is also the time in our lives when we might be faced with some minor or major health concerns, from being overweight to having high blood pressure or Type 2 diabetes.

Even 15 minutes of light to moderate physical activity, one to three times per day, can have significant benefits for our health.

A little weight loss translates to many other health benefits. For example, research suggests that even modest weight loss may reverse many of the damaging changes seen in the immune cells of obese people, particularly those with Type 2 diabetes. In addition to improving our immune system, weight loss can also lower blood pressure and cholesterol.

Take advantage of your newfound extra minutes to improve the quality of your new lifestyle. Practice yoga, do chair or floor exercises, or simply walk to strengthen your core muscles. Be a healthy, happy, active empty nester and enjoy life!

Red Wine & Chocolate Event

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The Vineyard Wine Bar & Bistro • 12.16.10

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It was a memorable evening filled with red wine and chocolates as Del Webb and Memorial Hermann Sugar Land enlightened attendees on the health benefits of this mouth-watering combo.

Guests mixed and mingled while hearing more about Del Webb’s newest development in Richmond and, after an evening of light bites, wine and chocolate, each guest left with a special gift.

Photography | Roswitha Vogler

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See More photos at Prime-Living.com 1 Lee Mahfouz, Carole Mahfouz, Fred Riepen 2 Gary Jansen with Dale and Fred Riepen 3 Karen Chitty-Boe with Nancy and Terry Knight

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get on the list at primelist@prime-living.com 4 Doris and John Fleming 5 Dr. Ioannis Skaribas, Dr. Vivek Kavadi 6 Jim Salyers, Ron Aga 7 Umed Chauhan, Annika Chauhan, Nita Chauhan 8 Dolores Grissom, Nelwyn Powell, Connie Knox 9 Jim Brown

march/april • 2011

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April 1 Rockin’ ’n Rollin’ Through the Decades Have a rocking good time at this gala benefitting programs of the Houston Junior Forum.

Petroleum Club, 800 Bell St. 6:30 p.m. $125. 713-868-1850, houstonjuniorforum.org

April 1

San Luis Salute, March 4

March 4

March 25

15th Annual San Luis Salute Celebrate Mardi Gras at this annual black-tie ball in Galveston. Benefitting The University of Texas Medical Branch Department of Anesthesiology. Galveston Island Convention Center, Seawall Blvd.

7:30 p.m. $200. 409-744-1500, galveston.com

Scheherazade and Her Magical Nights The Houston Symphony celebrates their annual ball with this exotic black-tie gala.

Benefitting the symphony’s Music Matters! education and community engagement programs. Hilton AmericasHouston, 1600 Lamar. 7 p.m. $750. 713-337-8582, houstonsymphony.org

Houston Heights Candlelight Dinner & Auction Begin this lively evening with a casual tour of homes, followed by fine dining and live entertainment. Benefitting programs of the Houston Heights Association. Spring Street Studios, 1624 Spring St. 7 p.m. $125. 713-861-4002, houstonheights.org

April 2

fashion and fun. Benefitting the organization’s Community Assistance Fund. The Honor Roll School, 4111 Sweetwater Blvd., Sugar Land.10 a.m. Call for prices. 281-636-6272, fbjsl.com

April 16 Assistance League of Houston’s Annual Gala Be a part of this annual spring gala benefitting the philanthropic programs of the Assistance League of Houston. Petroleum Club, 800 Bell St. 7 p.m. $175. 713-5267983, assistanceleaguehou.org

April 28 A Celebration of Reading Spend an engaging evening with George and Barbara Bush and some of their favorite best-selling authors. Benefiting the Barbara Bush Foundation for Literacy and the Barbara Bush Texas Fund for Family Literacy. Hobby Center, 5:30 p.m. $250. 713-467-2812, barbarabushfoundation.com

Magic Carpet Gala Be transported to an exotic location at this annual fundraising event benefitting Child Advocates of Fort Bend.

April 29 Safari Texas Ranch, 11627 FM March 5 1464 Road. 6:30 p.m. $125. 281- Mad Hatter Spring Luncheon Fort Bend Junior Service & Fashion Show 344-5106, cafb.org March 26 League Charity Casino Ball Don your "top" hat and step into Take a chance at this vintage 23rd Annual Goodwill Gala a world of luxury with keynote April 2 Vegas night benefitting Fred and Enjoy an evening of dinner, speaker Bill Stubbs. Benefitting Glitter & Gloss: It’s Not Over Mabel R. Parks Youth Ranch and dancing and celebration while Fort Bend Seniors Meals on ’Til It’s Pink the FBJSL Community Assistance supporting Goodwill Houston’s Wheels. Stafford Centre, 10505 Hosted by the Fort Bend Teen Fund. Sugar Land Marriott Town programs and services for people Cash Road. 11 a.m. $60. 281Square, 16090 City Walk. $125. with disabilities and other barriers Service League, girls of all ages 633-7057, fortbendseniors.org will enjoy a day of pampering, 281-636-6272, fbjsl.com to employment. River Oaks Country Club, 1600 River Oaks Blvd. 7 p.m. $300. 713-699March 10 6338, goodwillhouston.org Friends of Nursing Annual Luncheon March 31 Hosted by St. Luke’s Hospital, this luncheon will raise funds to Hats Off to Mothers Luncheon support education and research An event honoring Houston opportunities. River Oaks mothers who have made Country Club, 1600 River Oaks significant contributions to their Blvd. 11:30 a.m. $175. 832-355- families and the community.

4467, stlukestexas.com Benefitting Easter Seals of Greater Houston. River Oaks Country Club, 1600 River Oaks Blvd.

March 19 11:30 a.m. $200. 713-838-9050, SOLD OUT: Spacetaker’s 7th ucphouston.org Annual Gala Mad Hatter Spring Luncheon Dress in your best horror movie & Fashion Show, April 29 garb at this unique celebration of For a full list of upcoming events, visit prime-living.com/ art. Spring Street Studios, 1824 Prices listed are for individual tickets. Sponsorships may be available. Event dates, primelist.php.

Spring St. 7 p.m. $60. 713-868times and prices subject to change. To have your event considered for inclusion in 1839, spacetaker.org the Datebook, send complete event information to datebook@prime-living.com.

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Houston’s finest in restoration and shade selection

7 0 2 6 O l d K a t y R o a d S u i t e 1 5 1 H o u s t o n , Te x a s 7 7 0 2 4 P h o n e : 7 1 3 . 5 2 3 . 5 2 6 7 • Fa x : 7 1 3 . 8 6 8 . 5 8 8 4 w w w. l i g h t i n g t r e a s u r e s . c o m

The Grand Wine & Food Affair April 27 - May 1, 2011 A Sugar Land - Houston

TrAdiTion

TheGrandWine&FoodAffair.com www.facebook.com/thegrandwineandfoodaffair

parting

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laugh track

Bill Stubbs has a good chuckle during our photo shoot for “Success by Design,” an entertaining and in-depth look at one of Houston’s favorite personalities.

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Photographed on Jan. 8, 2011 by Mark Lipczynski. prime-living.com

Knowing what counts.

www.poggenpohl.com Poggenpohl Kitchen Design Studio, 5002 Westheimer Road, Suite B, Houston, TX, 832-582-2620, www.houston.poggenpohl.com