Bayou City Jun/Jul 2014 by ⌘ ⇧ ⌥

M O D E R N M O C K TA I L S :

a summer essential

Experience it!

Tourist in Your

Town Ice cream as big as your head and 50+ other cool things to do this summer in the Bayou City.

> PAGE 55

Art Attack

From fine art to science to history, Houston’s museums and galleries have got you covered.

> PAGE 68

Beauty in a beat:

FA S T S U M M E R LO O K F I X E S

5 PLACES TO BURY

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contents F E AT U R E S

Tourist in Your Town

Whether you’re Houston born and bred or here for just a spell, there are quintessential Bayou City experiences you just can’t miss. We give you 55 of them, tailored to fit you to a tee. ANGEL CASTILLO/DREAM CAFE PHOTOGRAPHY

56 Born Here 58 In for the Long Haul 60 Just Passing Through 62 Out-of-Towners 64 Bucket List 66 Worth the Drive

68 Museums and Galleries and Art Spaces, Oh My! Need a little help navigating Houston’s artistic waters? Bayou City offers a few suggestions hand-picked just for you. Pictured: This summer, catch a cool flick under a star-filled sky at the Showboat Drive-In in Hockley, outside of Cypress. It may be a reach, but it’s worth the drive. On the Cover: Fat Cat Creamery offers heaping scoops of goodness at its shop in the Heights. Photo by Mark Lipczysnki.

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D E PA RT M E N T S

embody

the bayou city

the bayou lifestyle

HERE & NOW

DOWN HOME

What’s trending in the Bayou City

A+E

Joy of Discovery

indulge in bayou eats

in bayou events 73

EXPERIENCE IT

On Location

Bayou City’s hottest happenings

TO THE 9S

Style by Design

WHAT’S YOUR BAYOU IQ?

GET OUT

TECH SAVVY

EDITOR’S LETTER

Glam, Slam, Thank You, Ma’am

Chill Out

FIELD NOTES Luxe Living

Your Town

The New Reality

IN FIVE

NOTES & NOTED

HELPING HAND Everyday Mastery

TOP SPOTS Page Turners

Letters to the Editor

F+B

The Big Chill

TASTEMAKER To Be the Best

THE POUR Mocktail Hour

TOP EATS Field of Greens

STREET EATS One-Stop Shop

engage

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MARK LIPCZYNSKI | RANDALL MURROW | HOUSTON WORLD SERIES OF DOG SHOWS | TEXAS MUSIC FESTIVAL

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Bayou City Daily Get the rest of the story and stay in touch between issues when you subscribe to Bayou City Daily email newsletters* and website at BayouCityMagazine.com. Here are some highlights: monday

tuesday

wednesday

thursday

friday

saturday

LIVING

DOING

DINING

SHOPPING

EXPLORING

SIPPING

june 2 Make your home an oasis of summer cool.

14 Beer and ice cream? Why, yes!

18 Brunch, brunch, brunch.

30 30

27 Exploring the Texas Music Festival.

july

Entertaining with ice cream: recipes for the Fourth.

9 9 Beyond the lettuce: unusual salads.

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Bayou City Tablet Edition Rich media. Reflowed for an easy reading experience.

17 17 Shop the mocktail: glassware and accessories.

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31 Map your course to a welldesigned outfit.

*Bayou City LIVING shows you how to embody the Bayou lifestyle. • Bayou City DOING exposes you to our curated calendar: the events and happenings worth the time, money and outfit. • Bayou City DINING explores tips, tricks, recipes and behind-thescenes experiences with local chefs and eateries. • Bayou City SHOPPING displays sophisticated styles and trendy ideas, then offers easy access to buy your favorites. • Bayou City EXPLORING unearths local gems for your weekend jaunts.• Bayou City SIPPING lets you sip, swallow and quaff your way through Houston’s cool cocktails, craft beer and wine. • BAYOU WEEK IN REVIEW brings you highlights from the previous week so you never miss a story.

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Bayou City Social

Connect with us on social media to see the trends we’re pinning, the Bayou life we’re snapping and much more. Look for @bayoucitymag on social media.

MARK LIPCZYNSKI | TODD STEELE | RANDALL MURROW

Think PINK! (Well, rosé at least.)

MAKING SENSE OF THIS MARKET

Prices up. Inventory down. It’s a cycle we at Boulevard Realty know backwards and forwards. In fact, when prices were down and the housing market was flooded with homes for sale, we worked just as diligently with our clients on pricing, marketing, and negotiating as we do now. Today whether you’re a buyer or seller, experienced real estate agents are needed now more than ever. When you need expert advice, a trusted negotiator, and a professional with integrity who will represent your best interests from start to finish—Boulevard Realty is on your side.

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editor's letter

This month, I dedicated myself to marking some fun items off my Tourist-y to-do list, including a much-too-brief visit to the Hotel Zaza’s pool and themed suites. Watch my video to see more of the fun I’ve had.

Tell me how and where you’re touring our town, and staying cool doing it. Send an email to Becky@BayouCMag.com or connect with us on Facebook [facebook. com/bayoucitymag] or Twitter [twitter. com/bayoucitymag].

PHOTOGRAPHY BY RANDALL MURROW; LOCATION THANKS TO HOTEL ZAZA; VIDEOGRAPHY BY DNB PRODUCTIONS

bayou city m ag a z i n e June/July 2014

hen I moved to Houston 30 years ago, I was “just passing through.” I moved here for work and knew only the people who recruited me. Since I was born with “Florida sand in my shoes,” I figured that Houston was just a phase. I don’t know exactly when I graduated to “in it for the long haul,” but I did and I am. I love the city, the opportunities and, oh yes, the husband I met here. But back then, the strict Blue Laws were still in effect. So I would take visiting friends and family to, of all places, the grocery store where they could observe whole aisles of non-food items blocked off and unavailable for purchase on Sundays. They couldn’t believe it: No shopping on Sunday. Really. From there, I would walk them over to the meat section to view whole goat heads (probably still available at Fiesta and maybe available again at our new craft butchers). Unbelievable! We had no idea what to do with a goat head. Then we would go eat burgers at Dirty’s, closing out the “then” Houston experience. On to the “now” Houston experience: Whether you’re a native, in it for the long haul or fit one of the other categories in our “Tourist in Your Town” feature (page 55), we are serving up some wonderful things to do this steamy summer. Before you scoff at an item on the list and say, “that’s not new; everyone knows about that,” I ask you: “But have you actually done it?” I had to do a little soul searching myself after reviewing the list and discovering that out of the 55 activities, I’ve only actually done 19. Scan this page with the Layar app to see my video scrapbook, where I knock a few more off my brand new to-do list. While you’re taking in a few new experiences this summer, you might find yourself getting a bit overheated. We recommend ice cream to cool down. We help you explore the tasty trends in ice cream (page 42), from artisan brands and funky flavors, to retro novelty items and alcohol-infused offerings. And while I’m personally a big fan of a

scan this page with Layar to watch Becky play catch-up with her Tourist to-do list.

glass of wine, abstaining is a trend that goes beyond the designated driver. When you want all of the fun and thoughtfully mixed flavors of some of the creative cocktails in the Houston bars, but would rather avoid the alcohol, follow our map to the mocktail mixologists (page 48). One of the more fun things that I get to do in this job is attend a ton of events— from supporting charities, to meeting amazing people who make our town what it is, to eating and drinking my way through the city’s diverse restaurants and bars. But that puts the pressure on for looking good. And while I mean to have that luxurious, planned-ahead spa day and salon experience, it doesn’t always work out that way. For days when it doesn’t, we’ve got Glam Slam: ways you can whiten and tighten in the couple of hours between dashing out of the office and gliding into the gala. And don’t get me started on clothes. What to wear to all the events? I’m glad that Houston has designer and specialty boutiques with talented people to help me get the fashion right. Did you know that you can work directly with a designer to find fashion that works for you? We talk with two Houston designers, Chloe Dao and Jonathan Blake, who will actually work with you, one on one, to help you find the right look, modify designs like changing a sleeve or expanding where you expand. I look forward to hearing about spots you’re touring, the ice cream you’re tasting and the ways you glam up in a hurry..

Becky Davis Editor-in-Chief

ue Plan a s day of fun! Spend a then afternoon d shopping the Village Arcade’sP 40 plus trendy l boutiques a and n e premier x stores, i thenSpend t enjoyi a bite n to eatg at any of the tasty restaurants p r bars.e This exciting m Plan a c day of fun! the afternoon shopping the eight Village Arcade’s 40 plusand trendy boutiques and y premier a shopping n andthen dining d destination is located Texas Medical Center,and Ricebars. University and h stores, enjoy a bite to eat at any near of thethe eight tasty restaurants Thiss exciting Museum district the vibrant, Rice Village neighborhood. shoppingHouston’s and dining destination is in located near theupscale Texas Medical Center, Rice University and Houston’s Museum district in the vibrant, upscale Rice Village neighborhood.

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notes & noted

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Experience it!

EDITORIAL FOUNDER + EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Becky Davis MANAGING EDITORS Libby Ingrassia

Just got my first issue of Bayou City today. Wow, am I impressed! I especially enjoyed the Editor’s Letter regarding hats. What a co-inky-dink: I just

Michelle Jacoby EDITORIAL ASSISTANT Courtney Laine

purchased a new hat last week! Very timely content, very enjoyable ads. Keep up the great work! Karen Kronauge (via Facebook) I read your Bayou City while on spring break.

ART DIRECTION + DESIGN Switch Studio STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER Mark Lipczynski

I must say it was very nice. The hat article is nice, too! I’m sending you a pic of my wife, Gina, who is very involved in the Hats in the Park (we both are) and is also

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Dwight Baker, Robin Barr Sussman, Stacy Barry, Holly Beretto, Jen Bootwala, Betsy Denson, Jessica Mebane, Julie Osterman

being honored (for the second time) this

PUBLISHING & ADVERTISING FOUNDER + PUBLISHER

Thanks for highlighting Bette Midler’s [appear-

year by Hats Off to

ance in the Brilliant] lecture series. I would not

Mothers. We are both

have known about this event without your

very involved in the

GENERAL MANAGER

dailies [Bayou City Daily emails]. Are you aware

community.

Michelle Feser Rogers

of her green project, NYRP? Amazing work she

Devinder Bhatia, M.D.

has spearheaded.

(via email)

Even though I’ve already seen her perform

Mark Standridge

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Michelle Moore Natalie Coyle

eight times over 30-plus years, I’m very happy to

Thank you Bruce, Michelle, Libby and Bayou City.

have a chance to see her again.

I am blown away at the quality you all put into

CIRCULATION

Terry Gordon Smith (via email)

this production and could not be more grateful

Cameron Shepherd

for your coverage. Seriously, I had no idea it was

MARKETING ASSOCIATE

I really enjoyed the Bayou Man feature in this

going to be such a significant spread when we

issue. It was entertaining and fun. I’m not so wild

did it. It’s also impressive, and a clear indicator

about hunting but I know a lot of men who are.

towards your commitment to quality, that you

BAYOU CITY ADVISORS

BTW-How do you choose the people you profile

did not make the feature about us purchasing

Greg Jones, MULTIMEDIA PUBLISHING

and do you take recommendations?

an ad.

Ben Mason (via email)

Bruce, no writer has captured the real story of

Bayou City Magazine: Thanks for the feedback

what we are doing better than you. I hope you

and funny you should ask. Send your recom-

will be writing many more stories about Houston.

mendation to stories@bayoucmag.com. We are

Jeff Kaplan (via email)

also seeking nominations for our Inspiration, Innovation and Influence issue. See the call for nominations on page 49.

Becca Green

STRATEGY Don Nicholas, DIGITAL PUBLISHING & AUDIENCE DEVELOPMENT Jim Nissen, CREATIVE STRATEGY Terry Ribb, DIGITAL CONSUMER STRATEGY Bayou City magazine (Volume 1, Issue 4) is published bimonthly by Urban Experience Media, 1519 Oxford Street, Houston, Texas, 77008. 713-868-7023. Single issue $4.95; Annual

How to reach us: Email: How to reach us: Email: stories@bayoucmag.com. You can also contact us via social media. We follow @bayoucitymag and #bayoucitymag, #bayoucitydaily, #bayoucitymagstreetscenes, #bayoucitysnapping and #bayouiq. Please include full contact information on letters and emails. We reserve the right to edit letters for clarity and brevity. Submissions: Send manuscripts, photographs and ideas to the editors at stories@bayoucmag.com or mail to Editors at Bayou City Magazine, 1519 Oxford St., Houston, TX 77008. The publisher assumes no responsibility for unsolicited material. Subscriptions & inquiries: Contact info@bayoucmag.com, call 713-868-7023 or go to bayoucitynetwork.com. Advertising inquiries: mark@bayoucmag.com

subscription $15. Discounts available to Harris County residents. To purchase additional copies of any issue, contact info@bayoucmag.com. Editorial inquiries: stories@bayoucmag.com Postmaster: Send address changes to Bayou City, 1519 Oxford St., Houston, TX, 77008.

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24 FIELD NOTES Eat, shop and explore your way through River Oaks.

18 HERE & NOW

MARK LIPCZYNSKI | HOUSTON MUSEUM OF NATURAL SCIENCE

20 A+E 22 GET OUT 24 FIELD NOTES 26 HELPING HAND

HERE & NOW

28 TOP SPOTS

Once worn by celebrities and style icons, Bulgari’s Best are now on view at HMNS.

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HERE & NOW A+E GET OUT FIELD NOTES HELPING HAND TOP SPOTS

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Bulgari’s Best

bayou city m ag a z i n e

June/July 2014

WE’RE NO. 12! No one vacations in Houston, you say? Not according to the folks at Trip Advisor, who named Houston as the 12th top destination in the country. “Opera, ballet, symphony and theater are all top-notch, and museums abound,” they say. “The midday heat is easily escaped inside the numerous attractions and shopping areas, particularly in the pedestrian 6.5-mile underground city.” We think so, too. Check out this and other reasons Houston is the one of the country’s top destinations in “Tourist in Your Town,” starting on page 55. Bayou City Social We look for #bayoucitymagstreetscene and #bayoucitymag on social media. bayoucitymag

bayoucitymag

By tagging us, you give us permission to share your photo on our social media and website, and publish it in our magazine. We’ll give you credit wherever we share the photos.

BEYOND THE BELTWAY

Ranch Retreat

hour from Houston near Chappell Hill, welcomes you to a scenic, 313-acre Relais & Châteaux property with all

Bayou City residents don’t have

the character and charm of a ranch

to travel far for an idyllic getaway

retreat and the exclusive luxury of a

offering the best in food, wine

top resort.

and outdoor activities. The Inn at Dos Brisas, located about an

Settle into one of the inn’s Spanish-style casitas, which feature

HOUSTON MUSEUM OF NATURAL SCIENCE | MARK LIPCZYNSKI | INN AT DOS BRISAS

ince his beginnings as a silversmith in Rome in the late 1800s, Sotirio Bulgari created magnificently designed and expertly crafted pieces of jewelry that would make him one of the most respected and revered jewelry makers in the world. Today, 130 years later, Houston jewelry lovers have the oncein-a-lifetime opportunity to see some of the most significant and historical pieces from the Bulgari collection. Through Oct. 5, the Houston Museum of Natural Science (HMNS) presents “Bulgari: 130 Years of Masterpieces.” Jewels in a science museum? HMNS is home to one of the finest collections of natural gem crystals in the world, so the collections together allow visitors see gems in both raw and crafted, polished states. According to Jean-Christophe Babin, HMNS president and CEO, it shows that Bulgari is more than just jewelry and art—it’s science. Representing every period, from Bulgari’s beginnings in 1884 to the newest addition to the 2005 collection, the exhibit includes pieces from the historical archives of Bulgari’s headquarters in Rome, as well as items on loan from private collections, including the collection of Dame Elizabeth Taylor, who was known for her love of Bulgari jewels. Don’t miss the gold hand mirror created by Bulgari in 1962, used by Taylor in her role as Cleopatra. Other pieces in the collection were worn by celebrities and style icons including Sophia Loren, Grace Kelly, Isabella Rossellini, Meryl Streep and Julianne Moore, as well as Houston’s own Lynn Wyatt and Joanne King Herring. Wyatt wore her Bulgari necklace in white gold with yellow sapphire, lapis lazuli and diamonds in 1975 and says, it “could be worn with blue jeans or an evening gown.” The gold and diamond necklace Herring wore to parties at the White House and lavish affairs with royalty from around the world also will be on display. The museum is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tickets for the Bulgari exhibit are available at hmns. org or by calling 713-639-4629.

scan this page with Layar to see more #bayoucitymagstreetscenes and to find the hot indie spots.

STREET SCENES

Share your view of the Bayou City Each Sunday, Bayou City Daily: Snapping offers an Instagram project challenge and shares some of the previous week’s

hot list Local-ists The independent spirit is alive and well in the Bayou City as homegrown, locally owned businesses continue to pop up all over town. Here are a few of our indie faves.

photos. One favorite shot appears here in each issue. Thanks to Wayne Foco (@focolpoint) for a bright shot of some public art at the offices of Tim Hootman. Look for other great #bayoucitymagstreetscene pics and responses to our #bayoucitysnapping challenges on our Pinterest Street Scenes board.

Subscribe to Bayou City Daily emails or get social with us for upcoming challenges, then tag your photos on Instagram with #bayoucitymag streetscene or #bayoucitysnapping to be considered (or email to streetscenes@bayoucmag.com).

COFFEE: BLACKSMITH Brought to you by the culinary powerhouses behind The Hay Merchant, Underbelly and Anvil, Blacksmith is both hip and historic. The former site of Mary’s, one of Montrose’s iconic gay bars, the coffee house serves local roasts under the direction of David Buehrer of Greenway Coffee & Tea. facebook.com/blacksmithhouston BOOKSTORE: BRAZOS BOOKSTORE Oh, Brazos Bookstore, how do we love thee? Let us count the ways. Open since 1974, this Upper Kirby-area literary sanctuary offers a smart selection of books, hosts literary events and supports writers through partnerships with Inprint, the University of Houston’s creative writing program. brazosbookstore.com

cozy details like stone fireplaces, original artwork, overstuffed leather chairs and private porches overlooking a picturesque tableau of the surrounding meadows, horse paddocks and ponds. Or for the ultimate in lavish accommodations, reserve a roomy hacienda, complete with your own private plunge pool. At the inn’s award-winning restaurant, dine on French-inspired cuisine made with fresh fruits and vegetables from the property’s expansive organic gardens and greenhouse,

onto the ranch for a wide variety of active pur-

which specialize in heirloom

suits, from clay shooting and carriage rides to

varietals. Then venture out

stargazing and horseback riding. As a guest, you’ll also have access to memberonly golf courses in the area and can take advantage of on-site spa services, organic gardening lessons, wine tastings and the complimentary use of mountain bikes, golf carts and fishing equipment. Though close to home, this extraordinary escape is a world apart and fully yours to discover and enjoy. dosbrisas.com

RECORD STORE: VINAL EDGE While Cactus Music has solidified its standing as Houston’s most popular music shop, Vinal Edge is still a favorite. In fact, the long-standing record store may be gaining new followers now that it’s moved from its former outer-loop home to the Heights. vinaledge.com MOVIE HOUSE: 14 PEWS Located in a converted church, 14 Pews is a cozy “microcinema” that not only screens indie films and docs, but also hosts readings and discussions, filmmaking classes and live music shows. Before the show, stop by a nearby restaurant for dinner or grab a bite at a local food truck. Then enjoy the show! 14pews.org

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Joy of Discovery Hear talented young musicians from around the world at this summer’s Texas Music Festival. BY JULIE OSTERMAN

bayou city m ag a z i n e

participant in the first festival in 1990. “Our orchestral fellows live the life of a professional musician for a month, working with a different conductor and preparing an exciting new program each week during June.” The orchestra series, which will be held each Saturday in June at the University of Houston’s Moores Opera House, opens on June 7 with Gustav Mahler’s “Symphony No. 2,” featuring guest conductor Franz Anton Krager, soloists and the Houston Symphony Chorus. “This is like our 25th birthday party concert,” says Austin, who adds that the festival orchestra attempted this work several years

June/July 2014

ago, but only performed a portion of it. “It’s gratifying that we can sit down and do the whole thing now, and do it brilliantly.” On June 14, guest conductor Carlos Spierer leads the orchestra in Richard Wagner’s “The Ring Without Words,” and the winner of this year’s Cynthia Woods Mitchell Young Artist Competition performs a solo concerto. (Catch a free duplicate performance at the Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion on June 13.) On June 21, Daniel Hege conducts Carl Nielsen’s “Symphony No. 4,” Benjamin Britten’s “Sinfonia da Requiem” and a suite from Béla Bartók’s “The Miraculous Mandarin.”

Texas Music Festival Moores School of Music, University of Houston 713-743-3313 uh.edu/class/music/tmf

TEXAS MUSIC FESTIVAL

ith Houston’s performance companies mostly “dark” during the summer, the 25th anniversary Immanuel & Helen Olshan Texas Music Festival promises to be a bright spot. Throughout the month of June, the festival features a diverse array of orchestral and chamber performances by outstanding student musicians, distinguished conductors and guest artists from all over the world. “It’s really a gift to the Houston community with nearly 30 public performances during a time when [other venues] may be quiet,” says Alan Austin, general and artistic director and a student

Mei-Ann Chen will conduct the 25th Anniversary Grand Finale at the Texas Music Festival.

The series culminates on June 28 with an exciting mix of repertoire conducted by the dynamic Mei-Ann Chen. Music lovers will delight in the genrebending “Travels in Time for Three” by Chris Brubeck, featuring guest artists Time for Three and drummer Matt Scarano. Preconcert activities each Saturday include performances by members of the Virtuosi of Houston youth orchestra and a lecture series by Dr. Andrew Davis. On Tuesdays, faculty artists perform in the Perspectives Series. Nearly 400 students auditioned for this year’s 95 orchestral fellow spots, representing top music schools in the U.S. and 18 foreign countries. Festival alumni have advanced to careers in all aspects of the arts, from performance to management. The Young Artist Competition winner will experience the international stage in October as a soloist with the Akademisches Orchester in Leipzig, Germany, at the famed Gewandhaus. “Our slogan is bringing classical music’s rising stars to Houston for 25 years,” Austin says. “We feel very comfortable saying this.”

K NG MICHAEL “IRRESISTIBLE” - New York Times “SPECTACULAR” - Broadway World

KING MICHAEL

A GLORIOUS TRIBUTE TO THE KING OF POP ONE NIGHT ONLY SATURDAY, JUNE 28 | 7:30 PM JONES HALL

This multi-media spectacular concert includes Michael Jackson’s greatest hits: "Billie Jean”, “Beat it”, "Thriller," "Smooth Criminal," and more! The show presents two of the BEST Michael Jackson Tribute Artists - Michael Firestone and Brandon Michael Jones. Also featuring the King Michael Band, Grammy Award winning Singers, Broadway, Las Vegas Dancers and Urban Acrobats. These artists have mastered the intense dance moves and sounds that made Michael one of the most successful entertainer of all time.

THE TEXAS TENORS AMERICA’S FAVORITES NEW TENORS

ONE NIGHT ONLY THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 11 | 7:00 PM WORTHAM CENTER

THE

TEXAS TENORS

LIVE IN CONCERT

Since their whirlwind debut four years ago on NBC's America's Got Talent, The Texas Tenors have performed over 600 concerts around the world. On September 11th, The Texas Tenors will be singing patriotic songs including a feature video saluting heroes, rst responders, re ghters and our veterans. They will also sing operatic classics while combining their talents with humor, charm and down-home southern hospitality.

Tickets: 832.487.7041 | BrilliantLectures.org For best prices and best seating join our mailing list

Educate | Inspire | Entertain

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HERE & NOW A+E GET OUT FIELD NOTES HELPING HAND TOP SPOTS

Keep cool at H-town’s splash pads, like this one at Discovery Green.

Chill Out Get out of the heat and into the cool comfort of the Bayou City’s summer escapes. BY STACY BARRY

bayou city m ag a z i n e

June/July 2014

ZOO COOL

The Houston Zoo, at first, seems like an obvious place to avoid on the city’s hottest days. But zoo lovers still go wild for it because they know of the numerous spots across its 55 acres to keep your cool. The Reptile and Amphibian House, the Tropical Bird House, the Aquarium, Tommy’s Tree House (indoor chimp exhibit) and the Natural Encounters Building, are all air-conditioned locations, as are the cafés and restaurants, gift shops and trading posts, offering a variety of ways to chill out in between outdoor

adventures. In addition, the state-of-the-art Katharine McGovern Water Play Park, complete with private changing stalls, is included in the price of admission. SPACE COOLER

Named one of the top six planetariums in the U.S. by GeekSugar.com, the Burke Baker Planetarium at the Houston Museum of Natural Science is a must-visit for summertime stargazers. Fascinating full-dome films start every half hour on a rotating schedule on the facility’s SkyScan DigitalSky star field

KATYA HORNER

his time of year the “H” in H-town often stands for hot or humid, and leaves locals longing for the rather lengthy—by hometown standards anyway— winter we just experienced. While it’s tempting to barricade ourselves inside the comfort of our air-conditioned living spaces, the Bayou City offers a variety of options for getting out of the house while staying out of the Houston heat.

by the numbers heat index A 1-2-3 look at summer in the Bayou City

Average number of 100-degree days per year in Houston. Only five? Really? Why does it feel like more than that? Because… Find respite from the Houston heat at a number of area attractions, including Discovery Green and the Houston Zoo.

projector, one of the most advanced in the world for projecting images of planets, meteors, stars and entire galaxies across the domed surface of the planetarium. Incidentally, the Burke Baker is the same domed theater used to train NASA Space Shuttle astronauts in identifying star fields. Now that’s cool. WATER ON THE GREEN

In the summertime, Discovery Green’s multiple water features provide fun and fanciful ways of cooling your heels. The Gateway Fountain, one of the park’s most popular features, hosts hundreds of kiddos daily, washing away their heat-related woes under the fountain’s 14-foot arcing jets. Elsewhere in the park, the Sarofim Picnic Lawn hosts a cooling piece of art known as the Mist Tree, a stainless steel sculpture that features 80 nozzles misting water into a cloud in the sculpture’s bowl and forming a rain curtain around the perimeter. ICE, ICE, BABY

KATYA HORNER | HOUSTON ZOO

If one wing of upscale Memorial City Mall housing the Ice Skate USA Ice Rink seems to be a full 10 degrees cooler than any other spot in the city, it’s because the biggest slab of ice in town can’t help but give you chills, especially if you don blades and go for a spin. The rink features open skating sessions, freestyle sessions, ice hockey games and ice skating lessons, as well as summer camp and birthday party packages, all within steps of spectacular shopping and dining.

WHEN THE SUN GOES DOWN

As the name implies, the Miller Outdoor Theater is outside, but for art lovers and those who believe art should be accessible to the masses, this Houston treasure is too cool to miss. Year after year, this venue presents the most diverse selection of entertainment in the city—from classical music, jazz, dance, Shakespeare, to classic film selections and more—always free to the public. Theater goers can relax in one of 1,700 seats in the covered area, which must be reserved, but are still free. They can also spread out a fun and funky picnic on the lawn, which features seating for approximately 4,500 others. While they do have daytime performances for some shows, it is definitely cooler at night. EASY BREEZY

There’s a lot to show visitors to downtown Houston—so much that it could take a very long time. So rather than subject your outof-town guests to a hot and sticky trek to see the Bayou City sights, treat them to a tour of the city on a Segway. See Houston from a walker’s perspective while creating your own breeze aboard a two-wheeled scooter. Experienced tour guides will ensure you’re Segway savvy while taking you and your guests for a fun and memorable spin around the city. A variety of tours are available for different experience levels and interests seven days a week.

Houston is ranked No. 3 for highest humidity among U.S. cities with a population over 1 million. Ours is definitely not a dry heat.

107

DEGREES

Highest confirmed temperature ever in Houston. Recorded in 2013 at Bush Intercontinental Airport.

Number of days with temperatures over 100 degree in Houston from October to May.

23 5.55” out 3 of 10 135

Number of free splash pads and spray grounds operated by the City of Houston.

The average rainfall in June, which is typically Houston’s wettest month.

The number of rain days averaged in Houston.

The most days Houston has received less than a half-inch of rain. This occurred in 2011.

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The Luxe Life Not just an enclave for Houston’s most wealthy, River Oaks is a place anyone can enjoy a day of indulgence.

SHOP Looking for the perfect cocktail ring? Odds are it’s waiting for you at à bientôt (2501 River Oaks Blvd.) in the expansive jewelry selection, accompanied by shoes, bags and clothing. If the ring you’re after is of the engagement variety, stop in at Reiner’s Fine Jewelry (2210 Westheimer), which started in 1918 in New Orleans, but has been in Houston 69 years. Gemologist Steven Reiner says the halo design is popular but he will do whatever design the cus-

BY BETSY DENSON

tomer wants. A good book is always within reach at River Oaks Bookstore (3270 Westheimer), where co-owner and

bayou city m ag a z i n e

June/July 2014

former journalist Jeanne Jard will give you coffee and a cookie to boot. A piano is a bigger investment, but those in the market should check out Steinway Piano Gallery of Houston (2001 W. Gray St.), where prices range from $5,000 to $150,000. Find out what the interior designers already know by visiting Carol Piper Rugs (1809 W. Gray St.), where you can pick up a high-end antique carpet or a new rug, maybe from the store line made in India and Nepal. At Area (3735 Westheimer), the customer service is a standout as is the eclectic mix of home furnishings. If it’s you who needs refurbishment, head no further than Sid Mashburn and its sister store Ann Mashburn (2515 River Oaks Blvd.), where the apparel and accessories are just as swanky as the zip code.

SID MASHBURN/ANN MASHBURN | MARK LIPCZYNSKI

he ultimate planned community before the phrase was even coined, River Oaks was the brainchild of Hogg brothers William and Michael, who established it in the 1920s. Lots in the new community went for about $2,000 a piece. Oh, to have a time machine. Today, this tony area between downtown and Uptown has grown to more than 1,000 acres. And with housing values that start at $1 million, it is one of the most prestigious neighborhoods in the U.S. The almost 15,000 residents have the per capita income to match, with many well-known professionals and socialites among their ranks. River Oaks is also a favorite spot among Houston food, fashion and art lovers. From fine dining, to posh boutiques, to distinctive art spaces, this historic and iconic Houston neighborhood has got it all.

scan this page to find these River Oaks luxe locales.

DINE

SEE

The sign at Brenner’s Steakhouse on the Bayou

It may not have all the bells and whistles of a

Not just a stop on the Christmas lights circuit,

(1 Birdsall St.) says it’s been around since 1936,

new multiplex, but the Art Deco River Oaks

the River Oaks neighborhood is worth a drive

but it has occupied this bucolic spot since 2007.

Theatre (2009 W. Gray St.) built in 1939 does

anytime. Architectural historian Stephen Fox lists

Come for the lobster bisque and whole stuffed

show all the films you can’t see anywhere

nearly 60 locales of architectural importance in

quail, served with a bayou view.

else. Consider channeling your inner Goth at

the latest edition of the AIA Architecture Guide.

Elouise Jones may have started delivery of brown sack lunches in the neighborhood, but now she’s preparing to celebrate the 20th anni-

their monthly “Rocky Horror Picture Show” extravaganza. ROCO anyone? The River Oaks Chamber

One area home open to the public is Rienzi (1406 Kirby Drive), which was left to the Museum of Fine Arts Houston (MFAH) by philanthropists

versary of Ouisie’s Table (3939 San Felipe St.),

Orchestra (1973 W. Gray St.) is a 40-piece group

Carroll Sterling Masterson and Harris Masterson

showcasing her family’s Southern fare. Offshoot

that performs at venues around town, including

III, along with their impressive collection of 18th-

The Bird & The Bear (2810 Westheimer) features

St. John the Divine.

century European art.

more Mediterranean and Mexican influences and just introduced a new executive chef. There’s not a miss on the menu at the Epicure

You may not be a member of the River Oaks

The MFAH also maintains Ima Hogg’s Latin

Country Club (1600 River Oaks Blvd.), but if you

Colonial home, now the Bayou Bend Collection

know someone, you might be able to swing

and Gardens (6003 Memorial Drive). The

Café (2005 W. Gray St.) and that’s especially

a round at their Donald Ross-designed golf

grounds give backyard oasis a whole new

true for the homemade chocolate pistachio ice

course.

meaning, while the comprehensive collection of

cream. Their Salsa, Classical and Flamenco allinclusive dinners are also a draw.

Date night, girls night out or something to occupy the kids this summer, The Mad Potter

American decorative art and paintings are a tactile history lesson. A must for any history buff is a trip to College

An unassuming storefront should not dis-

(1963 W. Gray St.) works for them all. Don’t panic

courage a visit to the Hot Bagel Shop (2009

if you over paint. Even something that looks like

Memorial Park (3600 W. Dallas Ave.), one of

S. Shepherd Drive), where the jalapeño cream

a Rorschach test comes out of their kiln looking

Houston’s three remaining African-American

cheese will really put a skip in your step. River

masterpiece-ish.

cemeteries. Get your fix of local and regional

MARK LIPCZYNSKI | PAUL HESTER

Oaks Donuts (3601 Westheimer) specializes in

Midway between River Oaks and Montrose,

that circle of sugary goodness, but save room for

Stages Repertory Theatre (3201 Allen Parkway)

a kolache, too.

is an intimate venue that makes watching one of

What’s the Union Jack doing on Shepherd Drive? Beckoning expats and anglophiles to the Red Lion Pub (2316 S. Shepherd Drive) for a pint

artists at the Houston Arts Alliance exhibition space (3201 Allen Parkway). Lastly, you probably won’t be able to hitch a ride

their innovative, oftentimes quirky, shows that

to the ball at River Oaks Park (3600 Locke Lane),

much more enjoyable.

aka Pumpkin Park, but it does feature its own work of art: an iron replica of Cinderella’s carriage.

and some fish and chips.

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HERE & NOW A+E GET OUT FIELD NOTES HELPING HAND TOP SPOTS

scan this page for more on getting started as a docent.

Everyday Mastery Turn an interest into an expert skill set by becoming a volunteer docent.

Volunteer docent Kay

t Bayou Bend Collection and Gardens, Kay Rath walks the halls and rooms. With ease and eloquence, she speaks of her passion for American Folk Art and painted furniture. Her expertise, dedication and professional warmth suggest an impressive background in art history, or perhaps a graduate degree in museum studies. Rath, however, is not a curator, a conservator or even a paid staff member at Bayou Bend. Rath is a volunteer docent. Serving as a liaison between visitors and the museum, docents volunteer as guides and educators. While art lovers might gravitate toward the Museum of Fine Arts Houston or Bayou

bayou city m ag a z i n e

Rath guides visitors enough staff to Bend, docent opporthrough the halls of the tunities are diverse. Bayou Bend Collection. match the volunteer contributions. Animal activists can “They are incredibly knowleducate visitors about conservaedgeable and incredibly genertion efforts at the Houston Zoo ous with their time and their and for enthusiastic birders, the talents,” she says. “Many are Houston Audubon Society is a perfect fit. The Houston Museum scholars in their own rights and are seeking a level of of Natural Science offers docent positions in the Butterfly Center, connoisseurship.” Before applying to a prospecial exhibits and even has a gram, Rath advises prospective Docents to Go program where docents “to visit each museum docents travel to schools for and see what their collection is presentations. and whether it’s something you No matter where you choose would really enjoy studying and to volunteer, your efforts as conveying to others.” a docent will not go unnoOnce you’ve narrowed down ticed. Without the 200-plus your selections, get in touch with active docents at Bayou Bend, the museum’s volunteer office. docent program manager Emily Hermans says the museum Most museum websites have information available directly would be unable to compensate

June/July 2014

online, however, you can always call and ask for the docent coordinator. Typical of most docent programs, Bayou Bend requires provisional docents to complete educational coursework over a four-month period. After training, docents make a three-year commitment to active service, which includes weekly tours and monthly meetings. Applications are accepted once yearly, so if you are considering becoming a docent at Bayou Bend or elsewhere, make sure you understand the volunteer timeline first. Volunteering may eschew selfinterest by definition, but being a docent has its own its set of perks. In addition to the initial training provided, docents can look forward to exclusive lectures and continuing education classes, annual social events, field trips and a discount at museum gift shops. From the irresistible art to the supportive community, Rath has only praise for the position. “It’s the most wonderful experience,” she beams. “Our guests always go away so enthusiastic and enthralled with how much is here.” This is particularly true of the younger children, says Rath, who sometimes encounter fine art for the first time during their docentled tour. “You see their eyes light up as they go into rooms,” she says. “You hope you’ve captured their imagination.”

JEN BOOTWALA

BY JEN BOOTWALA

Bayou City Magazine_Layout 1 5/27/14 5:03 PM Page 1

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By The Book

Grab your favorite read and discover some of the best places to bury your nose in a book.

BY STACY BARRY

o matter what your plans are this summer, chances are, they include curling up with a good book. Or two. Or more. In fact, summertime is the perfect time to get bookish since generally overbooked schedules tend to slow just enough to allow for a relaxing read. While a book can technically be read anywhere at any time, sometimes we crave a full-on reading experience. Here are some favorite Bayou City spots for getting your book on.

THE COFFEE HOUSE READ As cliché as it sounds, many coffee houses have just the right ambiance brewing for a reading getaway without going too far from home or office. Agora in Montrose offers a cozy, old-world atmosphere with lounge seating downstairs and upstairs. The impressive selection of drinks and treats is an added bonus. Like many hot spots, the noise level amps up the closer you get to sundown, so weekday mornings and afternoons are best. 1712 Westheimer. agorahouston.com

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June/July 2014

BECCA GREEN | COURTNEY LAINE

outside, and intimate table seating

discover a poetry reading or one of the store’s regularly scheduled liter-

the goods

ary events on the back patio. 3116

fine print

Houston Ave. kaboombooks.com

Sink into a delicious read with these must-have items any bookworm needs to have on hand.

MADE IN THE SHADE

HIDDEN READING ROOMS

Even in the heat of summer, out-

Discovery Green offers numerous

door reading can be pleasurable

serene settings to knock off a few

under the shady protection of

chapters, including the brand-new,

the perfect tree—which is why on

4,700-square-foot deck between

most days, readers can be spotted

the Brown Foundation Promenade

sprawled out on a blanket under

and the Jones Lawn. Here you’ll

the branches on the Menil campus.

find two dedicated reading spaces:

With the Menil Museum as an

the Morgan Reading Room, an

understated backdrop, readers also

indoor (and air-conditioned) book

lounge on the well-manicured lawn

nook, and the Powell Foundation

of the sculpture garden.

Outdoor Reading Room on the

“I always say this place has the

Cullen Veranda. Both are next to

best trees in Houston,” says fre-

the Lake House and HPL Express, a

quent visitor Mary-Catherine Breed.

mini branch of the Houston Public

“I find it quiet and artistically inspir-

Library system.

ing, so I feel a different depth to what I’m reading.” And if you should need a respite

Note: The Veranda is hoppin’ during the popular Toddler Tuesday events, so if you’re not

from the heat, the museum is open

toting your tots, you might want

Wednesday through Sunday with

to skip that day. 1500 McKinney.

no admission charge allowing for

discoverygreen.com

the cool contemplation of more than 17,000 pieces of eclectic art.

IN YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD

1533 Sul Ross. menil.org

And in the some-things-neverchange category, the Houston Public

QUIRKY AND QUIET

Library system is an obvious choice

The Bayou City has no shortage of

for summertime reading. With nearly

amazing independent bookshops,

40 locations, including the central

each offering a unique browsing

library downtown, three special

and reading experience. Kaboom

collection libraries, four regional

Books, a quaint and quirky store in

and more than 30 neighborhood

Woodland Heights, is a book lover’s

branches, your local library is still the

paradise with cozy reading seating

perfect place to find and read a book

tucked behind stacks and stacks of

in air-conditioned, quiet comfort.

well-loved used books begging to be read again. The store’s vast and well-orga-

scan this page to get the bookish goods.

Many are small community buildings that would seem to have a limited selection until you remem-

KATYA HORNER

nized selection—including first edi-

ber they are all interconnected and

tions and long out-of-print titles—

share books branch to branch. In

just might yield a discovery you

addition, many have very active

must start right away. And when

year-round book clubs for all ages.

done for the day, you’re likely to

houstonlibrary.org

1 1. TO THE LETTER To really settle in for the long haul, a good mug for your coffee or tea should be within reach (a wine glass would work, too!). Language lovers will appreciate this Scrabble-themed version available in the Brazos Books gift section (and at Amazon.com). $15. 2421 Bissonnet, 713-523-0701, brazosbookstore.com

2. LET THERE BE LIGHT Book lights range from merely functional to frivolous, and this Vera Bradley clip-on light illuminates any plot line stylishly. It works on e-readers, too! Available in all your favorite patterns at Vera Bradley locations in Houston. $14. verabradley.com 3. MAKE NOTE Because many readers are also writers, keeping a journal and pen nearby for jotting down quotes, personal connections and seeds of inspiration can be handy. Brazos Books carries a full selection of journals, including the popular Ex Libris Private Reading Journal in which every book gets its own page. Prices vary. brazosbookstore.com

4. GET COZY Many readers like to snuggle up with their books in a literal sense, and this super soft, oversized quote throw allows book enthusiasts to cozy up to the classics. This luxurious throw is available at Barnes & Noble stores and online. $39.95. bn.com 5. BOOK BAG Show your literary side wherever you go with this clever clutch by Kate Spade. Adorned with a book “jacket,” the bag also has a clasp, which when opened, reveals three compartments perfect for your everyday necessities. $328. katespade.com

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Summer heat got you frizzy and frazzled? Get glam in a flash.

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DOWN HOME TO THE 9s TECH SAVVY IN FIVE

Lights, Camera, Action! Get your home camera-ready for the next Bayou City-based film project. BY JULIE OSTERMAN

scan this page to see more of Houston’s photo-shoot spots.

ig-name movies set in Houston may be few and far between (think “Terms of Endearment” or “Reality Bites”), but our mild climate (summer notwithstanding), evergreen trees, big business and small-town charm attract more film, TV and photo shoots than you might expect. The stress-free permitting process doesn’t hurt either, according to Bo Svennson, a Houston-based film scout and manager who works chiefly on TV commercial shoots, many filmed in a house or ’hood just like yours. “Last week, I wrapped a job for Kia Motors that will be seen worldwide,” Svennson says. “Also this year, I’ve scouted and managed for Chevy Suburban, BMW, Joe’s Crab Shack, Foot Locker, Macy’s, Panasonic, and Volvo.” You might also spot a Bayou City scene or two in the recent coming-of-age drama “Hellion” starring Aaron Paul, Juliette Lewis and newcomer Josh Wiggins, released in January at the Sundance Film Festival. Think your home is ready for a close-up? The industry may just want to be on location in your living room. Here’s how to find out.

In 2013, the Houston Film Commission (HFC) completed 203 film and video projects, with direct expenditures totaling $18.2 million. And although that seems like a hefty sum, compare that with the economic impact of nearly $55 million. Needless to say, filming in Houston is no small business. When a production company considers filming in Houston, the first point of contact is usually the HFC, a division of the Greater Houston Convention and Visitor’s Bureau. “Predominantly, we send out our location photos first, mainly because they don’t have to pay us,” says HFC executive director Rick Ferguson. “But that gives them some idea of what the area has to offer. If at that point they are convinced that Houston works, then they will contact a local location scout.” Getting your home noticed can be as 32

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June/July 2014

HOUSTON FILM COMMISSION

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

explore filming FAQs Houston-based location scout Bo Svennson shares the nitty-gritty of opening your home to film crews. WILL YOU HAVE TO MOVE FURNITURE OUT, REPAINT, ETC.? Sometimes yes, sometimes no. Scouts take restoration photos prior to filming so that everything will be put back in its exact “as found” condition. Angie Steadman sits in her camera-ready bathroom, which was featured in a commercial for a Panasonic hair dryer.

simple as contacting the HFC, or a scout in the area, and providing photos of your abode. “We will go out as soon as possible and take our own photographs, which we keep on file,” Ferguson explains. The HFC and location scouts share these photographic archives, which preserve homeowners’ privacy, and all communication is funneled through the scout. “Once the client narrows down the look they are after, we call the homeowners to check their interest level,” says Svennson. Often, the production company will visit two to three homes before giving the green light. RIGHT PLACE AT THE RIGHT TIME

MARK LIPCZYNSKI | HOUSTON FILM COMMISSION

For Memorial resident Angie Steadman, whose bathroom gleamed in a recent shoot for a new Panasonic ionic hair dryer, her home’s debut was more a matter of luck. “Bo was in the area looking at other homes and just happened to knock on my door,” she says. The scout was interested in her blackand-white outdoor kitchen for the recent HEB commercial about backyard barbecues featuring J.J. Watt. Steadman’s backyard didn’t make the cut for that project, but soon enough she received a call about her bathroom. The all-day Panasonic shoot encompassed a film crew of nearly 30, plus execs and talent, which happened to be Alex Morgan of the women’s Olympic soccer team, who dried her tresses in Steadman’s white marble master bath.

“You might expect them to be stuck-up Hollywood people or New Yorkers, but they’re not,” Steadman says. “They were extremely nice people. They were very conscientious of my home, very careful about everything. It was a really enjoyable experience.” What was it about her bathroom that caught the producer’s eye? Steadman thinks it was the minimalist backdrop. In other words, no clutter. “It’s not how I live,” she admits, “but it is pretty.” OUR PEOPLE WILL CALL YOUR PEOPLE

Other aspects that tend to be a plus for film crews include long sight lines, an open floor plan and neutral color scheme. But Svennson says every project is different. “I’ve been tasked with finding homes in pastels, rustic style, high-end mansions, you name it,” he says. Sometimes the desires are a little ambiguous, he admits. “They might say, ‘We want something more aspirational.’ Well, what does that mean?” he laughs. But other times they know exactly what they want. ABC Network recently scouted locations here in Space City for its summer drama series “The Astronaut Wives Club,” based on the spouses of the “Mercury Seven” astronauts who manned flights in the early 1960s. In this case, ABC was searching for a very specific look: “midcentury modern time capsule.” So your eccentric neighbor down the street who’s never renovated may be laughing all the way to the bank.

WILL YOU HAVE TO MOVE OUT OF YOUR HOME? TV commercials and photo shoots typically don’t require the homeowner to stay off-site. If we anticipate going late, we offer the homeowner that option and the production company pays for lodging and meals. In the past, we have also paid to have the homeowner’s pets boarded. DO YOU NEED TO GET INSURANCE? No. Any legitimate film shoot provides the homeowner with a certificate of insurance for $1 million, listing them on the policy as “additional insured” prior to filming. HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE? TV commercials and photo shoots typically last a day or two. Film shoots may last from days to weeks. WILL YOU GET PAID? A typical exterior-only residential shoot in Houston pays $500. Interior filming can pay anywhere between $1,000 and $2,000 per 12-hour day. WILL YOU GET FREEBIES? We usually have a sit-down catered lunch, and homeowners are always welcome to join us.

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Style by Design Feel like a fashion diva working hand-in-hand with Houston’s top designers. BY JESSICA MEBANE

f you were anywhere near the popping flashbulbs and vivid colors of last fall’s Houston’s Fashion Week, you would be easily convinced that the Bayou City is home to one of the more sophisticated and flourishing local designer scenes available anywhere across the fashion spectrum. But if you think working side-by-side, hemline-to-hemline with a designer is reserved only for the rich and famous, you’d be wrong. Local designers are wooing Houston’s styleconscious with their made-to-fit garments, personalized service and one-on-one attention every fashionista deserves. MEET YOUR DESIGNER

Jonathan Blake, owner and creative director of Jonathan Blake Designs, is one of the youngest designers on the fashion scene to emerge with a truly classic sense of style. “I design for ladies [who] want to stand out in a crowd rather than chase the latest trends,” he says. “Usually my clients are leaders in their field and know what looks great on them.” But if you’re a bit timid about engaging in the designer experience, take heart. Blake knows how to set the stage, so to speak, when you set an appointment to visit the Jonathan Blake Atelier showroom on Post Oak. “We like to have champagne at the ready, along with a dressing room full of pieces we think would be a great match for each client based on our…research of that person, as well as previous conversations leading up to the showroom appointment,” Blake says. “I also like to let the client browse and find some pieces that really speak to them, and that gives us a good starting point.” Designers Chloe Dao and Jonathan Blake work closely with clients Laura Schut and Eloise Frischkorn.

PERSONAL STYLE AND FIT

Although his designs run the typical gamut of sizes 0 to 12, Blake offers custom madeto-wear for his plus-size clients at an additional cost. “When they emerge from the showroom so happy in their Jonathan Blake things” is when his clients inspire him the most. “I once accompanied one of my clients to a retailer at which the salespeople told her the only way she could wear a particular Monique Lhuillier gown on their sales floor was to buy two and stitch them together. And while she said she had heard this before, I couldn’t help thinking, ‘Why not just charge a bit more and design something she likes?’ I believe it’s much simpler, more pleasant and affordable for the client to simply have a great dress made than buy two expensive dresses. After all, if you can change a person’s clothes to fit well and make them look thinner, it’s like pseudo-plastic surgery, and it really boosts their confidence.” And Blake has several designs that can be customized to suit any client’s needs. “Right now, one of our most popular items is a silk crepe de chine blouse, which we make in every color, with four different designs to suit your personal taste,” he says. “We can help you select colors, sleeve styles and fabrics that best suit your purposes, because we’re very honest. I’d rather see someone walk out with one small item from my collection that they really love, rather than spend thousands on items that look bad on them.” STAY ON TREND

Hometown fashion hero Chloe Dao wants everyone to feel comfortable when they step inside her DAO Chloe DAO boutique.

Whether you’re in search of a frock for a holiday party or social soiree, she assures everyone that “as any trusted good girlfriend would, our staff is here to take the stress of shopping away.” That stress easily melts away with one look at her summer collection, which is filled with colorful, architectural prints and geometric designs that harken back to sun-drenched afternoons of ’70s excess, as well as celebrate the millennial generation’s post-ironic love of kitsch and body-conscious lines. “My whole collection this season was inspired by the fabulous New York City fashion editors, where their street style runs the gamut, but isn’t too avant garde,” Dao explains. “I wanted a look that was more fun, flirty and feminine, like you might see on any downtown girl.” As far as where Houston fashionistas might fit into the scheme of things, Dao is adamant. “The Houston woman is a global woman, and we’ve got great pieces that speak to that. She’s a woman who loves fashion without being a slave to it.” It’s this kind of insight that makes Dao’s boutique on Kirby such a mecca for young girls on the town, as well as classic fashion aficionados. Longtime Houston fashion scenester and MyRedGlasses.com founder Roz Pactor admits that Chloe was able to break some of her hard and fast fashion habits. “After years of living in New York and working the fashion scene, I tend to favor black clothes and classic lines, but Chloe had me not only trying on a print skirt, but buying it,” she exclaims. “Chloe can take one look at someone and know what they should be wearing, because she’s got fabulous color sense and cuts great clothes.” bayoucitymagazine.com

embody

DOWN HOME TO THE 9s TECH SAVVY IN FIVE

The New Reality Add layers to your life with augmented reality. BY DWIGHT BAKER & LIBBY INGRASSIA

See AR in action using the Layar app with Bayou City Magazine.

kimming through the IKEA catalog, you spot a green couch you just know will look fantastic in your family room, but you’re not quite sure it will fit. So you grab your smart phone, scan the page with the IKEA app, and see the couch on your phone’s screen, centered right there on the wall between your end tables. Oops, too big? No sweat—literally— because you didn’t haul that puppy up the steps and into the house in the blazing summer heat. Instead, you saw it through your phone’s camera, using an augmented reality app. As you flip through the pages of this magazine, you might find yourself admiring a cute clutch or dress. You could dogear the page, or jot down the details on a sticky note. Or you could buy it right from the pages of the magazine, using your tablet or smart phone and an augmented reality app. Augmented reality (AR) applications offer a digitally enhanced view of the world. In some cases, they bring items (or people!) from the “real world” into the picture on your phone. In other examples, they add layers of digital information to printed pages. Either way, using these apps can make your world a little easier and bring a little fun into your day.

Several years ago, Starbucks hopped on the AR bandwagon with their Magic Cups. Scan special Christmas or Valentine’s cups with the Starbucks app and watch snowflakes and hearts dance around, reacting to your touch on the screen. Enjoy the moment, then click to share the experience through Facebook or email. Good for you because you’re having fun...and good for Starbucks because you’re spending time interacting with their brand. Disney released their Disney Infinity: 36

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June/July 2014

RANDALL MURROW

REIMAGINE YOUR WORLD

Action! app last year, which allows you (or sure, say it’s your kids) to star in a short action video next to favorite Disney characters, such as Sully from “Monsters, Inc.” or Mr. Incredible. After filming your miniblockbuster, save it, post it online and email it to Grandma. Admittedly silly, but in both of these examples, the brands have captured your attention, held it and encouraged you to share your experience with friends and family. Genius. BRINGING PAGES TO LIFE

One of the most common uses of AR is to add layers of digital information to items in print. The examples are legion, from magazines to movie posters to catalogs. You get the main story from the print, and then scan to get extra goodies. You see a movie poster as you’re walking past a theater, then scan with your phone to watch a preview and buy your tickets. You read in a cooking magazine about a dish you’d like to try, then scan to download the recipe and watch the chef show you how to make it. You see an ad or article about a new restaurant that sounds perfect for date night, so you scan to make a reservation—no need to look up the phone number or URL. A number of national magazines—such as Esquire, Real Simple, House Beautiful and, yes, Bayou City—offer this tool as a service to their readers. Pages are typically marked with an icon to let you know which ones are enhanced and what you might get when you scan. You download the publisher’s chosen AR app, scan according to the directions (sometimes a page and sometimes just an item on the page) and enjoy the layers of content. A VIRTUAL MALL AT YOUR FINGERTIPS

Capitalizing on available technology isn’t limited to the publishing world. Retail centers have also joined the digital dance floor. As mentioned, Swedish furniture giant IKEA starts with the basic print-to-life,

scan these pages with Layar to see what AR can do and to download the apps.

where you scan various icons in the print catalog and see more information, such as videos or decorating tips. Then they take it to the next level and let you virtually place items from the catalog in your living room, so you can see how they might look before you buy. Similarly, even old retail souls like JC Penney have gotten wise to augmented reality and, in partnership with Seventeen.com, let you pick various outfits, stand in front of your webcam, and strike a pose in a virtual dressing room. THE WORLD AROUND YOU

Imagine walking down the street and viewing the streetscape through the camera on your phone and seeing offers popping out of storefronts. Well, that might work, but most of us don’t actually view the world through our phones. Enter Google Glass. Glass is a wearable, voice-controlled Android device that looks like a pair of eyeglasses and displays information directly in the user’s field of vision. A few of the AR apps have extended their service to Glass, which lets wearers have hands-free visual scanning of everything they see: a page in the magazine, a landmark building, a passing car. The apps then match what wearers see to information available about it in the app or on the web. Maarten Lens-Fitzgerald, founder of popular AR app company Layar, described how their apps work with Glass. “Not only does all interactive print work on this amazing device, but it also works with our Geo app,” he says. “This is the content we launched five years ago, which shows information around you. Anyone can develop layers. Real estate agents use this, for instance, to show houses for sale around them at any GPS location. Both types of content work amazingly well on Google Glass.” Intrigued? You probably won’t completely believe it until you see it, so take out your smartphone, download Layar and scan this page to see what else AR can do.

download app-etite Check out a few of our favorite apps this month. IKEA Decorating your home just got easier thanks to IKEA’s augmented reality app. Simply place the catalog in the spot where you want to add a new piece of furniture, scan the catalog with the app on your mobile device and select the desired item. GALVESTON HISTORICAL FOUNDATION The foundation’s “Make History!” app gives you selfguided walking tours through downtown Galveston, events, attractions and access to the @galvestonhistory Instagram feed. HOUSTON PUBLIC LIBRARY For your summer reading pleasure, download this app and gain access to the Houston Public Library’s catalog. Search for books, DVDs, audiobooks and ebooks, or place holds or renew items—all from your phone. BEAUTIFIED In need of a beauty fix fast? First, find out what quick services are available in “Beauty in a Beat” (page38), then use this handy app to see where you can find them within a 2- to 3-mile radius of where you are. AT BAT Keep up with the boys of summer with this MLB.com app. Watch the free MLB.TV game of the day, including expanded instant replay, and listen to home and away radio broadcasts. Also get news and the latest scores. You can find these apps in the iTunes and/or Google Play app stores.

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DOWN HOME TO THE 9s TECH SAVVY IN FIVE

Glam, Slam, Thank you, Ma’am Cut your pre-event primp time in half with these speedy beauty services. BY JESSICA MEBANE

bayou city m ag a z i n e

June/July 2014

HAIR IN A HURRY

Maybe it’s not new math, but achieving good hair in a town notorious for sultry summer evenings (not unlike those experienced inside a sub-tropical rainforest) requires adding a new variable to the equation. Thankfully, you can dash into your nearest blow dry bar and get your coif primped in no time. The Drybar located in Uptown Park keeps things simple: No cuts, no color, just blowouts for one flat fee. They do offer a la carte options on their menu such as a 10-minute scalp massage with your shampoo (yes, please!) and a mini treatment for dry, overworked hair. You can also get an updo or treat your mini-me to a blowout of her own. The Blow Dry Bar in River Oaks also has solutions for your last-minute hair needs. Imagine your carefully flat-ironed look has just imploded into a frizzy hair nimbus

that would make Orphan Annie not so sure about tomorrow. Just stick out your chin and grin and say, “I’ll take the ‘Blow, Roll and Go’, please.” According to Blow Dry Bar owner Rebecca Tallarine, “coming in for a blowout is as easy and affordable as a weekly mani-pedi.” MAKEUP IN MINUTES

It’s minutes until happy hour, but a long day’s work has left your face a sad, smudgy mess. Get thee to the nearest Ulta and find a master stylist who, within 20 minutes or so, will be able to take your face from “just neat” to “fully beat.” And here’s an added bonus: Benefit Cosmetic’s Benefit Brow Bar is nestled inside many Ulta locations, and just getting your brows shaped and shaded to perfectly frame your face is a fantastic start to a whole new look.

COURTESY OF DRYBAR

K, Wonder Woman. You’ve successfully conquered another day fraught with perilous professional pitfalls. Then, out of nowhere, the mustattend event crops up and suddenly you’re looking dubiously at your sensible pumps, worn lip stain and hastily pulled back ponytail, wondering if this is the best a gal can do on such short notice. Fortunately, thanks to the advent of accessible and sanitysaving services, you can transform the fading remnants of this morning’s hair and makeup into a sleek, confident silhouette worthy of any last-minute rendezvous. Here are five, real world, real-girl solutions to any short-notice social situation.

BUFF AND POLISH

A great facial can absolve blotchy skin sins and under-eye shadows resulting from an overindulgent diet or too many late nights. Luckily, you don’t have to book an entire spa day to reap the benefits. Consider lunchtime refreshment for the face to really amp up your glow factor for an eventful evening. An unexpected oasis in the heart of the big city, Hand & Stone Massage and Facial Bar in Rice Village offers customizable onehour facials, leaving you feeling revitalized and dewy fresh.

scan this page with Layar to get the gear.

get the gear diy fashion fixes Don’t have time to let the pros do it? Never fear. Here’s the gear to help you Clark Kent that prep time into mere minutes.

LASHES Late-night rendezvous leave you little time for a makeup counter refresh? No problem; you can instantly change your look from casual to sultry siren with a great pair of fake lashes. Try a Napoleon Perdis Faux Lash Starter Kit for an instant eye upgrade. Includes mini adhesive, tweezers, mini applicator, two lash styles, liner and instruction card. $50. napoleonperdis.com

WRAP IT UP TO GO

It’s the morning of a special event and that haute couture item you snatched up months ago is suddenly feeling a little snug—as in, you may be able to zip it, but sitting down is out of the question. The answer may be as easy as making an appointment for a non-compression body wrap. At Zalla Massage in Montrose, for instance, they offer a “safe and effective way to lose inches and cleanse toxins by wrapping the body in cloths soaked in aloe vera with a unique herbal blend that targets and removes toxins from fat cells and brings them into the lymphatic system for removal from the body.” While they’ll measure you before and after to show inches lost, don’t get too excited, ladies. The results are only temporary. SMILE AND THE WORLD SMILES WITH YOU

After weeks of drinking that coffee beverage perma-glued to your hand every morning, you may run the risk of having a dingy smile that won’t get you past the velvet rope. Take an hour to take your smile from gloom to va-va-voom with ZOOM! Whitening. With this cosmetic dental procedure, your dentist “uses a safe whitening gel and a low-intensity light to activate the gel. This combination should result in teeth that are six to 10 shades whiter in about an hour.”

FACE If you can’t book a facial, consider smoothing things over with a good foundation primer, such as Laura Mercier Foundation Primer in Radiance. Considered the “holy grail” of makeup primers by long-time enthusiasts, it helps minimize flaws, even out complexions and impart that subtle glow. $19.50. sephora.com

HAIR Frizz not, fear not. Try the T3 Featherweight Luxe 2i hair dryer to smooth out your hair-gone-humidly-awry situations. Not only will your hair appear healthier and shinier, but you’ll also cut drying time. Remember to dry hair in sections, allowing to cool completely before running a final brush or fingers through. $250. sephora.com, ulta.com

SHAPE WEAR If you want to fit into that suddenly smallish sheath dress without losing circulation in your extremities, Simone Pérèle’s Top Model Shapewear Dress Shaper. One of the best things about wearing great support garments means never having to wrestle a flesh-colored scuba suit on and off every time you visit the ladies’ room, right? $160, topdrawerlingerie.com

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50 TOP EATS Keep things cool and light with a refreshing summer salad.

42 F+B 46 TASTEMAKER 48 THE POUR

MARK LIPCZYNSKI

F+B

Take a bite from the Bayou City’s irresistible ice creams this summer.

50 TOP EATS 52 STREET EATS

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The Big Chill This summer, the Bayou City will be dripping in irresistible ice cream. BY ROBIN BARR SUSSMAN

ouston is churning up new, highly creative ice cream. From artisan to alcohol-infused, these bombs are swoon-worthy for summer. Guaranteed to be addictive, they will make you want to scream for ice cream!

CHEF-DRIVEN DELIGHTS

Ever since Austin-born Amy’s opened 27 years ago with unconventional flavors like avocado, ice creams have been evolving from sugary sweet to savory. Hungry? These days, you can nosh on satisfying combinations such as rosemary and bacon, or fig and ricotta. The ingenuity doesn’t stop there. Eatsie Boys’ Frozen Awesome ice cream boasts thought-provoking names like Black Pepper Big Shot, Sweet Relish Slow Ride, and Remote Control Red Curry. “We get our inspiration from late-night cravings and the Beastie Boys lyrics. We like to take everyday foods like cereal or curry, and get inventive with ice cream,” says owner-chef Matt Marcus. And, yes, there really is relish in the Sweet Relish Slow Ride. Seasonal is the buzz word with ice creams, as well as main courses. Don’t fall in love with Pumpkin Spice, Peach Cobbler or Blue Bell’s Salted Caramel. They snatch them away when the season changes, leaving you begging for more.

Made with whole and local ingredients, the hot fudge sundae at Fat Cat Creamery is simple and satisfying.

bayou city m ag a z i n e June/July 2014

Gone are the days of bottled flavorings like vanilla and lemon extract. Pastry chefs are getting down and natural with real Meyer lemon, blood orange, fresh herbs and luxe chocolates. Many small-batch ice cream parlors, like Fat Cat Creamery in the Heights, are devoted to whole and local ingredients: eggs from The Barry Farm, Mill-King Market & Creamery whole milk, and natural syrups from Anvil Bar & Refuge. They also use environmentally friendly materials for pint packaging and spoons. Diet limitations also have been considered. Amy’s serves gluten-free and artificial

MARK LIPCZYNSKI

LOCAL AND NATURAL

scan these pages with Layar to see Blue Bell Creamery in action and get a recipe to make your own.

dine bayou bites Get the dish on the Bayou City's culinary happenings. PUB LOVE IronCress Hospitality, the group behind Pub Fiction and 3rd Bar, recently opened Cook & Collins in the shuttered Xuco Xicana space in Midtown. The cool double-decker pub is paved in brick walls with a long metal bar, retro barstools, deep plush velvet banquettes and upstairs terrace seating. Expect a range of American comfort foods with a twist like Flying Bison Aviator Red Eye ale-garnished fries; crabcake BLT; and entrées such as pork porterhouse with bourbon baked apples. For dessert, cookie dough brownie with Nutella fudge or caramel apple bread pudding. 2416 Brazos St. 832-701-1973, cookandcollins.com

Cloud 10 Creamery’s retro banana split features three ice creams topped with a berry sauce and homemade fudge.

flavor-free ice creams. Supermarket fave Blue Bell offers “no sugar” vanilla and lowercalorie Blue Bell Light. According to Blue Bell’s R&D department, mini desserts are also on trend for the low-calorie benefits. “We are constantly exploring the market and adding options. Mini sandwiches, cones, banana pops and mini rainbow cups are now available,” say Christy Moran and Brenda Volera of Blue Bell’s research and development team. NOVELTIES

Thought sundaes, shakes and splits were passé? Many shops, like Fat Cat Creamery, are back in the novelty game with push-up pops, ice cream sandwiches (think spicy chocolate ice cream on snickerdoodles), malts, floats, sundaes and grown-up shakes. “We hope to fill a void for real, oldfashioned ice cream,” says owner Sarah Johnston. Here, you can pretty much order any iteration of ice cream, including soft serve. The brown butter sugar waffle cones made in-house are wondrous with crisp cookie-like flavor.

“Originally, I wanted to capture the essence of the old-fashioned sugar cones. But the waffle texture and the brown butter make these so much better,” says Johnston. You’ll never go back to a storebought cone again. New to Houston’s ice cream scene is Cloud 10 Creamery, which offers novelties with a twist like “Friday only” ice cream sandwiches with fresh-baked cookies. Peanut butter and jelly, and the lemon macaron “sammies” are wildly popular. Cloud 10’s whiz pastry chef Chris Leung modernizes the retro parlor banana split with chef-driven touches like caramelizing the banana halves first “to add sweet, warm notes and intensify the flavor,” he says. Dark chocolate, vanilla and Nutella with hazelnut ice creams are scooped in and topped with tiny housebaked marshmallows. A rich berry sauce, warm homemade fudge, a Nutella hazelnut chocolate shell and blobs of just-whipped cream crown the masterpiece.

SWANKY SUSHI After years in progress, Fish & The Knife, a high-end Asian restaurant and lounge, has bowed in the Galleria-Westchase area. New York-based architect and designer Tony Chi is responsible for the stunning interior featuring stacked rock walls, dark leather seating, wood floors and cabanas, and contemporary artwork. The Japanese-inspired menu by Iron Chef contestant Bob Iacovone and veteran chef Peter Vang is sprinkled with Creole influences like Louisiana barbecue shrimp and a po’ boy sushi roll. Traditional nigiri and sushi are on offer in addition to small plates like yellowtail with avocado and yuzu sauce. 7801 Westheimer. 713-677-0220, fishandtheknife.com THAT’S ITALIAN Galveston favorite Luigi’s Cucina Italiana has relocated to Houston in a charming bungalow near River Oaks. The space is warm and cozy with a fireplace and trattoria seating. Although there isn’t enough room for a pizza oven, everything else is made from scratch the Old World way including salad dressings, sausage and gelato. Expect a pasta-heavy dinner menu with mushroom ravioli, linguine and seafood, and penne with del vodka sauce. Meatier entrées include a grilled veal chop and chicken Marsala. 3030 Audley St. 281-888-9037, luigiscucinaitaliana.com

Continued on page 44 >> bayoucitymagazine.com

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<< Continued from page 43

Rediscover what fresh tastes like with farm-to-table cuisine.

WACKY MIX-INS

2202 West Alabama 713.677.0391 www.sorrelhouston.com 04 Sorell Ad.indd 1

As we raise our glass to celebrate 47 years of Ouisie’s Table...

5/22/14 11:48 AM

...we toast to the next adventure!

with co—Owner Wafi Dinari

Elouise Adams Jones Proprietress/Chef

Award Winning ● 3939 San Felipe ● (713) 528-2264 ● www.ouisiestable.com 2810 Westheimer ● (713) 528-2473 ● www.thebirdandthebearbistro.com 04 Bird and the Bear Ad2-FINAL.indd 1

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5/27/14 12:18 PM

Old-school toppings and mix-ins like Reese’s Pieces have been kicked up a notch. Cloud 10 bakes its toppings in–house “to up the quality, creativity and freshness,” says Leung. “If you just want M&M’s, this might not be the place for you.” Choose from various flavors and textures like baby raspberry marshmallows, candied pecans, toasted meringue bark or candied sesame seeds. Other mix-ins we’ve spotted around town: chocolate cake, biscotti and pecan praline. ALCOHOL INFUSED

Care for a little rum with your raisin ice cream, mate? Chefs are creaming spirited flavors like tequila-infused sweet cream ice cream and brandy biscotti. At Amy’s, they serve the Jack Frost with Tito’s Texas vodka. For a bizarre boozy combo, the Eatsie Boys serve “In a World Gone Mad with Whiskey and Cereal.” Try to figure that one out. The Boys make 20 bold flavors of ice cream, all available by the pint. Fat Cat’s signature flavors are Milk Chocolate Stout and Strawberry Buttermilk with local gin and hand-cut strawberries. “I started adding alcohol to the ice cream to improve the texture, but adults loved it so much, it became a keeper,” says Johnston. If you don’t want to “drink and drive,” you can spot Fat Cat in take-home freezer cases around town from Relish Fine Foods to Mercantile. Bring the kids along, though, for Fat Cat’s ice cream in-house-brewed root beer floats at Saint Arnold Brewing Company. “We really are very kid-friendly!” assures Johnston.

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F+B TASTEMAKER THE POUR TOP EATS STREET EATS

to Be the Best Enchilada queen Sylvia Casares pushes the boundaries of Mexican food through continuous research. BY HOLLY BERETTO

hen Sylvia Casares opened her first restaurant, she’d never worked in one before. Her experience consisted of selling items to people who ran restaurants. But after a couple of decades running sales territory in the Southwest and working as a food scientist in Uncle Ben’s Rice research and development division, she wanted something more. So she bought a struggling restaurant in Rosenberg, Texas, and says she kept her head down for the first six months. “Change is scary,” she says. “I’ve been through reorganizations, where everyone worries about what’s going to happen. I left everything alone…including the piñata above the bar.” But she was slowly helping that spot turn around its concept on food, looking for ways to bring in fresher ingredients and believing that if she started with quality, she’d get quality results. Fast forward 20 years—and three more restaurants—and, it turns out, she was right.

Casares sold that first spot in 1997 and went on to open the first Sylvia’s Enchilada Kitchen, staking her claim on a traditional Mexican staple. In the process, she used a little ingenuity in getting people to experience it. “Our front door was on a side street off Westheimer,” she says of the first Sylvia’s location. “So I took out a billboard: ‘The best enchiladas in Houston are also the hardest to find. Turn left here.’ ” The customers did. Casares developed a menu that now has 18 varieties of enchiladas, and she’s racked up awards and accolades from Texas Monthly magazine, USA Today and Rachael Ray, who called her food “out of this world.” Her most popular include the Mexico City, chicken enchiladas she makes by boiling the chicken in spices and then baking it, topping the homemade enchiladas with salsa verde. Her chili gravy is another hit and is used on her cheese enchiladas and the McAllen, a north-of-the-border-style chicken enchilada. 46

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MARK LIPCZYNSKI

‘OUT OF THIS WORLD’

“It was part desperation,” she laughs, in response to the question of why she focused on the enchilada. “But it was also something that could set me apart, and I knew it was something I was better at than anything.” STRIVING FOR PERFECTION

Casares has a bachelor’s of science in home economics from the University of Texas, and used her food scientist training to develop her recipes. Her exacting standards—both for herself and her cuisine— led to years of tinkering to get things to come out the way she wanted. “When I was doing research in the lab at Uncle Ben’s, I kept meticulous research records: I wrote down everything I did, and commented on variations that affected the taste and texture. Perfecting a recipe takes a lot of patience and passion.” Having both has paid off. Two decades into her restaurant career, she has a solid enchilada menu divided into what she calls North and South, paying homage to both Mexican recipes (South) and Texas fare (North). She opened her third location in the Energy Corridor on Eldridge in late May. In a departure from her previous spots on Westheimer and on Woodway, she christened it Sylvia’s, capitalizing on her title of “the Queen of Tex-Mex Cuisine.”

scan this page with Layar to hear more from Sylvia about enchiladas and the trade-offs she won’t make.

Casares blends Mexican and Texas styles of cooking, resulting in authentic Tex-Mex cuisine.

NOTHING BUT THE BEST

COOKING WITH SYLVIA

“I grew up in Brownsville and I was between these two worlds,” Casares says. “People passed back and forth over the border every day, and we had a blending of Mexican and American ways of life. So this is the food I grew up on, and this is the way I learned to make it.” Her method is simple: She uses the best ingredients she can get and she doesn’t take shortcuts. “When you start using something that’s processed and not fresh because you want to save time or you want to take the easy way, you lose control. You lose flavor,” she says. That’s a compromise she was never willing to make. Over the years, her restaurants have developed a dedicated following. Casares knows that her hard work—and surrounding herself with a dedicated team—has been part of her success. She’s a tenacious woman and she knows that she’s found her niche. “This is my dream,” she says. “I worked on every dish one at a time, maybe perfecting two enchiladas a year. Here we are. I rely on my training and my palate. What do they say, ‘Do what you know’? This is what I know.”

Having spent time as a guest chef at both Sur La Table and Central Market, Casares loved being able to bring what she knows— her dishes and techniques—to the classroom. Casares realized she could offer classes on her home turf and retain the control over the experience by opening her own cooking school. Now, she hosts cooking classes at the Woodway location on alternate Saturdays, showing eager home cooks how to make everything from enchiladas to tamales. Upcoming classes will focus on chiles rellenos (June 21) and border-style enchiladas (July 26). The price of attending includes eating what you’ve made, and Casares says the school has been a raging success. “The holiday tamale classes we had were wonderful,” she says. “And multigenerational. We’ve had grandparents and parents and children in class together, making this traditional Christmas dish. That’s great to see.” Sylvia’s Enchilada Kitchen 6401 Woodway, 713-334-7295 12637 Westheimer, 281-679-8300 sylviasenchiladas.com

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scan this page with Layar to make your own mocktails.

Mocktail Hour Raise your glass with sophisticated new cocktails that are bold, savvy and booze-free.

here comes a time when the mommy-to-be, designated driver, dedicated dieter or conscious nondrinker gets thirsty for a mocktail. Fruity, fizzy drinks with healthful ingredients sans the booze are perfect for the hot, sweltering months ahead and an ideal poolside or patio accessory. Luckily, there are a slew of refreshing virgin cocktails to enjoy in Houston. All you have to do is ask. Mixologist Kimberly Paul at Osteria Mazzantini makes alcohol-abstaining guests feel special with savvy cocktails served with photo-worthy garnishes in the appropriate glass.

The Gingered Lemon

Mocktini at Osteria has been aged in a Her lip-puckering Mazzantini is made with barrel. Gingered Lemon fresh juices, ginger ale “Actually, I enjoy Mocktini invigorates and ginger simple syrup. the challenge,” she with its combinacontinues. “I like the fact that a tion of fresh lemon and orange person is drinking responsibly juices, ginger ale and ginger and want to make sure they still simple syrup. It’s served in a have a great experience.” sugar-rim chilled martini glass Occasionally, guests ask for with a lemon twist—just like something specific like a virgin the real thing. mojito or daiquiri, but usu“I get requests for a nonalally it’s a “make me something coholic cocktail at least once a fun” situation, says Paul. Her night, but more often it’s from Blueberry Mock-jito, a take on the lunch crowd. Usually it’s a the classic mojito, is the epitspritzer or Italian soda,” says ome of summer with muddled Paul. She relies on fresh herbs blueberries, mint leaves and and cucumber in tonic water soda, garnished with mint, lime to give a nod to the botanicals and speared blueberries. Also in gin, or a little vanilla and sweet is her iced Vanilla Bubbles nutmeg to emulate a spirit that

bayou city m ag a z i n e June/July 2014

with Espresso: real vanilla bean, soda, espresso, with a whipped cream and espresso bean garnish. Brunch is a big draw not just for cocktails, but also virgin cocktails. Backstreet Cafe gets many requests for its virgin Bloody Mary as the savory mix is prepared in-house and served with crisp pickled vegetables and sea salt. Backstreet’s “Why Wait Til You’re 21 Mimosa” is a popular libation at lunch and brunch, according to beverage director Sean Beck. “The best way to make an interesting mocktail is by using fresh, seasonal produce,” he says. They also make their own infused teas seasonally. Hotel ZaZa often gets requests for alcohol-free drinks from guests lounging by the amazing pool area. The Omni Houston, another hotel with a popular swimming hole, has terrific cocktails on its Art of Water menu, which can be prepared sans alcohol. Grilled pineapple daiquiri, anyone? Yes, garnished with a grilled pineapple wedge! Over at Américas and Churrascos, ambitious beverage director James Watkins has made teetotaling fun with a new collection of housemade tonic waters and syrups. Just try the virgin Paloma, an icy concoction pumped up with lime juice, grapefruit juice and grapefruit soda, and you’ll be cooing like a dove.

MARK LIPCZYNSKI

BY ROBIN BARR SUSSMAN

Come experience our issue launch event, including:

Introducing Bayou City Live — events and experiences from the Bayou City team. We bring our pages to life at our monthly happy hour events.

Happy Hour + Issue Launch

June 5

at Table on Post Oak. (1800 Post Oak 77056)

More information and to RSVP: bayoucitynetwork.com/live. UPCOMING EVENTS July 10 at The Bird & The Bear August 7 at Mr. Peeples

• Signature cocktails & mocktails • ice cream from Fat Cat Creamery (as featured in F+B—The Big Chill) • hair and makeup refresh (as featured in In Five—Glam, Slam, Thank You, Ma’am) • informal modeling of Jonathan Blake Designs’ fashions (as featured in To the 9s—Style by Design) Plus get a chance to win door prizes, including a 2-hour Jonathan Blake Designs’ shopping party and private consultation for up to 12 to benefit a charity of the host’s choice.

Our thanks to Sorrel Urban Bistro, Salon and Barber at Traci Scott and Jeff Kaplan for helping to make the May happy hour a great success. Note: all experiences and locations subject to change.

Scan this page with Layar to RSVP for upcoming Bayou City Live events.

indulge

F+B TASTEMAKER THE POUR TOP EATS STREET EATS

Field of Greens Want the perfect antidote to beat the Houston heat? The answer is a crisp, cool salad. BY BETSY DENSON

othing’s better on a hot summer day than a hearty and refreshing salad. If you’re looking for goodness in a bowl, these five contenders are no wilting flowers. Full of personality, bold flavors and fresh unexpected ingredients, these salads will put a skip in your step all throughout the dog days of summer.

EXPECT THE UNEXPECTED

Monica Pope of the Sparrow Bar + Cookshop (3701 Travis St.) is known for switching it up with her culinary offerings. Her salads are no exception. The Armenian eggplant salad is a Pope favorite. “I love it because the olive oil we cook the eggplant in becomes the oil in the vinaigrette when we add champagne vinegar to the cold caramelized chunks,” she says. The cinnamon, cooked yellow onions and fresh parsley leaves only add to the scrumptiousness. Eggplants are in the same family as tomatoes and chili peppers, and thrive in Houston’s humid climate. So if you can’t get to Sparrow, here’s hoping you have some in your garden. INTERNATIONAL FLAIR

The inspiration for the Lebanese Chicken Fattoush Salad found at all Barnaby’s locations comes from the Levantine bread salad that is a staple in the Middle East. This version has been on the menu at Barnaby’s for about three years and combines romaine lettuce with grilled chicken breast, campari tomatoes, Kalamata olives and English cucumbers, along with fresh mint, parsley and cilantro. The pita chips, which are mixed in with the salad, and the feta cheese are both must-haves along with a cumin vinaigrette. Sumac, a plant ground into a red spice (commonly used as a preservative in ancient times) is sprinkled on top for a lemony pièce de résistance.

Monica Pope’s Sparrow Bar + Cookshop combines the oil from cooking with champagne vinegar to make the dressing for the Armenian eggplant salad.

bayou city m ag a z i ne June/July 2014

Sometimes people from a big state have a big appetite. Owner Addie D’Agostino at Relish Fine Foods (3951 San Felipe) says the Texas State Salad is one of their most popular salads, “especially among the men since it is rather filling.” They use a generous portion of marinated grilled flank steak, Hass avocados, fresh black bean salsa, queso fresco and top it with a spicy cilantro ranch, all made in house. “We felt that we had to put an item on

MARK LIPCZYNSKI

A CARNIVORE’S DELIGHT

scan these pages with Layar to to get the salad must-haves.

cravings turn over a new leaf Elevate your own salad with these must-have products.

our menu that pays homage to our Tex-Mex background here in Houston,” D’Agostino says. “It is a nice change from a normal taco salad seen at most restaurants in town.” HEALTHY, BUT HARDY

With such an awesome name, you know the Bad Ass Vedge at Canyon Creek (6603 Westcott St.) has got to be good. And it is. Quinoa, roasted seasonal vegetables, avocado, toasted almonds and cranberries are topped with a warm mustard vinaigrette. Diners can add grilled salmon, Gulf shrimp or chicken. Shakti, the food and beverage director at the Creek restaurants since the first one opened in 2002, got the inspiration for the dish on a yoga sabbatical a few years back. “I was looking at a lot of old world grains,” she says. “The salad started with the quinoa.” It’s a hit with the health-conscious, who come by after a run at Memorial Park and kick back with the Bad Ass and a beer. SALAD AND A SHOW

Cavatore’s Italian Restaurant (2120 Ella Blvd.) has been doing a tableside Caesar salad, made for 30 years by tenured busboys who are trained in the art of the Caesar. They memorize the recipe and make it all with just a fork and a spoon at your table. “It’s not the ingredients,” says manager Armando Ayala. “It’s how you put it together.” They start with a wooden bowl cured with olive oil and sprinkled with pepper. Then come the garlic, anchovies, spicy mustard, Tabasco, Worcestershire sauce, vinaigrette and olive oil with some Parmesan on top.

1. SEEDS OF INSPIRATION Get a jump on your summer salad by planting now. John Gardener at Buchanan’s Native Plants suggests a couple of exotic options like the lemon cucumber or shiso, otherwise known as Japanese basil. $1.99 per pack. 611 E. 11th St. 713-861-5702, buchanansplants.com 2. GO NATURAL Monica Pope says that serving your salad in wooden bowls is a simple way to elevate your presentation. Bering’s offers the spare, but elegant Nambé Anvil salad bowl with servers, which perch on the bowl’s rim when not in use. $175. Two Houston locations. berings.com 3. SALAD COCKTAIL Pope also makes the point that a salad is all about the balance of ingredients, a cocktail of sorts. Why not serve it that way in Williams-Sonoma’s organic, individually blown glass compote bowls with footed base in blue or green? $43.95. 4060 Westheimer. 713-212-0346, williamssonoma.com 4. IT’S A TOSS UP These futuristic Dexas Salad Hands from Sur La Table ensure a no-slip salad experience. A switch up from acrylic or metal tongs, you can use them with salads or pasta, and they’re dishwasher safe to boot. $10. 1996 W. Gray St. 713-533-0400, surlatable.com

3 4

5. SPICE IT UP Barnaby’s uses sumac in its Lebanese Chicken Fattoush Salad and there’s no reason why you can’t as well. Stop in at Penzey’s Spices for sumac and other spices. The Kind Heart 8 Jar Spices set is a nice starter and has recipes to go with them. $7.99, half-cup jar of sumac; $34.95, eight-jar set. 516 W. 19th St. 713-862-6777, penzeys.com

bayoucitymagazine.com

indulge

F+B TASTEMAKER THE POUR TOP EATS STREET EATS

One-Stop Shop Houston’s food truck parks provide an all-in-one destination for wining, dining and shopping.

hether you want to satisfy a lunchtime craving or browse locally-made goods, Bayou City’s burgeoning food truck parks have what you need. From kid-friendly activities to themed movie nights, these parks combine the convenience of a food court, the energy of a festival and the diversity of a market into a single userfriendly destination. While each location offers its own distinctive flair and flavor, one thing you will always encounter is a plethora of options. “The advantage of coming here versus going to a restaurant is all the variety,” says Brent Hurter, Ford in the Road food truck

The Houston Food Park in EaDo is open daily and offers an active lineup of events.

manager and chef. Every first and third Friday, H-E-B Montrose Market hosts its Food Truck Meetup where 10 to 12 trucks line the parking lot and live music resonates from the outdoor stage. Thanks to an on-premise license, thirsty patrons may purchase beer or wine to bring outside. H-E-B created the event two years ago as a community based get-together for the neighborhood. “We’ve started developing regulars who come every Friday with their fork in hand ready for the food trucks,” says Hurter. “It’s a 100 percent-free event, so you can come out and enjoy the food trucks as well as enjoy our

bayou city m ag a z i n e June/July 2014

atmosphere here at the store.” Like Hurter, Tirzo Ponce believes food trucks need to be accessible to the public at no charge. “You don’t have to pay for options,” he says of his EaDo business, Houston Food Park. “We’re not a greedy organization, we’re not a greedy business; it’s just a fun thing to do.” With no admission fee, the park is open daily and Tirzo promotes an active lineup of events. Hit shows such as “Game of Thrones” and “Boardwalk Empire” are broadcast on an outdoor screen for Series Night Sunday, while cinematic buffs can view classic films from the

1940s to 1990s on Thursdays as part of Retro Movie Night. The community’s newest member, Midtown Mobile Cuisine even provides a little retail therapy in addition to its food truck lineup. Every Friday from 4 to 8 p.m., local fashion trucks and vendors will be one site for savvy shoppers. On Sundays, you can swing by for their weekly Jazz Brunch and the park also hosts a monthly Kidz Market for entrepreneurs 17 and under to display their products and services. “People should come out to the food park just for the experience in itself,” encourages Ponce. “One thing that we do guarantee is that we will tap into your senses.”

MARK LIPCZYNSKI

BY JEN BOOTWALA

Who is ... Scan this page with Layar to nominate someone for the inaugural Inspiration, Innovation and Influence awards.

Inspirational

Innovative

Influential

...moving Houston

forward? Submit your nominations today for Bayou City Magazine’s inaugural Inspiration, Innovation and Influence issue, which celebrates the Houstonians moving our city forward in ways large and small. Nominate at bayoucitynetwork.com/ nominateiii by Nov. 1. Selected by our editorial team and a panel of independent judges, honorees will be announced at a special event in January 2015 and featured in the February/March 2015 issue of Bayou City Magazine.

Spend July with Spend with Symphony theJuly Houston

the Houston Symphony

U.S. PREMIERE! STAR TREK: FILM WITH LIVE ORCHESTRA U.S. PREMIERE! JULY 18, 2014 STAR TREK: FILM WITH LIVE ORCHESTRA STAR TREK INTO DARKNESS: FILM WITH LIVE ORCHESTRA JULY 18, 2014 JULY 19, 2014 STAR TREK Kitsopoulos, INTO DARKNESS: FILM WITH LIVE ORCHESTRA Constantine conductor JULY 19, 2014 Constantine Kitsopoulos, conductor

rePLAY: A VIDEO GAME CONCERT EXPERIENCE! July 5, 2014 Miriam Burns, conductor rePLAY: A VIDEO GAME Houston Symphony Chorus, CONCERT EXPERIENCE! Charles Hausmann, director July 5, 2014 Miriam Burns, conductor Houston Symphony Chorus, Charles Hausmann, director

MARIACHI COBRE July 25, 2014

Stuart Chafetz, conductor

MARIACHI COBRE July 25, 2014

Stuart Chafetz, conductor

MUSIC OF LED ZEPPELIN

HOUSTON SYMPHONY PRESENTS

July 26, 2014

STEVE MARTIN

Brent Havens, conductor/arranger Randy Jackson, vocalist MUSIC OF LED ZEPPELIN

July 26, 2014

AND THE STEEP CANYON HOUSTON SYMPHONY PRESENTS RANGERS FEATURING EDIE BRICKELL STEVE MARTIN July 2014 AND31, THE STEEP CANYON RANGERS FEATURING An Evening of Music and Comedy The Orchestra will not appear on this program. EDIE BRICKELL

Brent Havens, conductor/arranger Randy Jackson, vocalist

July 31, 2014 An Evening of Music and Comedy The Orchestra will not appear on this program.

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5/23/14 12:39 AM

+ scan the

pages in this feature with Layar for a touristy preview, including maps, more images and video. Plus: share with your friends!

any folks don’t think of Houston as a vacation destination. Surveys by Trip Advisor and Hotels.com prove them wrong, as they rank Houston as Nos. 12 and 16, respectively, among top U.S. tourist destinations. But what are all these visitors doing? Gilley’s closed in 1989, only to reopen in 2003 in Dallas, taking “El Toro,” the mechanical bull featured in “Urban Cowboy,” with them. AstroWorld, our only theme park, closed in 2005. And the Astrodome, once known as the eighth wonder of the world, is abandoned. So are all these visitors just sleeping, eating and drinking? Maybe they do spend a lot of their time eating, anyway. When we asked readers, friends and colleagues to share where they take people when company comes

to town, they overwhelmingly listed restaurants. When we challenged them to think of something other than their stomachs, their answers broadened to include museums and performing arts. “Is that all there is?” we asked, sensing an opportunity to seek out all those things that tourists are obviously finding worth braving the heat and mosquitos. So we talked to the Convention and Visitors Bureau, we pounded the pavement, we solicited input from all kinds of Houstonians and we finally came up with quite a list of great things to do. We’ve even created categories, so you can determine what kind of Bayou City tourist you are as you seek out new opportunities. We invite you to be a…

TOURIST IN YOUR TOWN. bayoucitymagazine.com

IF YOU’RE HOUSTON BORN AND BRED, THEN YOU’RE ONE OF A PROUD BREED WHO KNOW THE CITY INSIDE AND OUT. BUT DON’T TAKE YOUR NATIVE STATUS FOR GRANTED. YOU MAY HAVE BEEN BORN HERE, BUT THE CITY RUNS DEEP WITH QUINTESSENTIAL, “MUST-DO” EXPERIENCES—AND ADDS NEW ONES EVERY DAY. HERE’S WHAT EVERY NATIVE NEEDS TO KNOW.

BY STACY BARRY

HOUSTON OR BUST

Just off the Katy Freeway, 36-foot statues of The Beatles and 7-foot busts of 43 U.S. presidents stand, well, tall, in the lot across from the former Adickes Scultpurworx Studios. Created by sculptor David Adickes—who also created the “We (Heart) Houston” sign on I-10—for various national displays, the enormous carvings came home to provide a sight for curious eyes and photo ops galore.

MARK LIPCZYNSKI

“Head over” in the daytime and walk among the sculptures. Parking’s sparse, so respect local area businesses.

GET WILD ABOUT ART Animals and art unite as Houston Zoo critters get crafty on canvas. This clever attempt at animal enrichment yields some wild results from nontoxic paints and each animal’s unique technique. The one-of-a-kind masterpieces are $250 unframed and include a bio and picture of its creature creator. Choose your artist and allow four to six weeks to complete. You do not want to rush some of these guys.

bayou city m ag a z i ne June/July 2014

HAVE A ‘LAST’ ROUND

C ST

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ERT CAFE

You have to be a local to know about the Last Concert Cafe, a nondescript Mexican eatery that’s almost hidden under the I-10 off ramp. There’s no sign and—except for the red door and live music blaring from the courtyard— this mystical café easily blends in with the urban landscape. So keep a watchful eye. Tradition requires customers to knock twice on the locked door to be let in on one of Houston’s best-kept secrets.

L O

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UM OF FUNERAL H

IST

BURY YOURSELF… RY

…in funeral history. With its massive international collection offering a respectfully lively, never depressing look at funeral traditions around the world, the National Museum of Funeral History is simply to-diefor. Mementos and artifacts from presidential, papal and celebrity funerals, along with cultural exhibits on holidays will leave you dying to know more. See coffins in obscure shapes like a chicken or MercedesBenz, and other unique burial vessels in the “A Life Well Lived: Fantasy Coffins” exhibit.

N AT

ION

A RIEN

DISCOVER ART IN GOOD NEIGHBORHOODS

ET CERY & MARK

GRO D’S

TAKE A BURGER BREAK AT LANKFORD

LAN

LAST CONCERT CAFE | NATIONAL MUSEUM OF FUNERAL HISTORY | RIENZI | MARK LIPCZYNSKI

Yes, you know the MFAH, but have you checked out its neighborhood collections? Wander through American decorative arts and paintings at the Bayou Bend Collection and Gardens, then head over to Rienzi to view the home, gardens and European decorative arts. Don’t miss the only organic formal public gardens in Texas at Bayou Bend. Make reservations at nearby Brenner’s on the Bayou for Sunday brunch to get the full bayou garden experience first.

What started as a roadside fruit stand in 1938 has evolved into a Houston institution, serving up a full menu including what many consider to be the “best hamburger in Houston,” as featured on the Food Network’s “Diners, Drive-ins & Dives.” Leave your busy schedule and calorie counter at home. Lankford’s Grocery & Market promises “nothing small, nothing healthy and nothing fast.” But you can pull off a lunch hour here.

CLIMB YOUR FAMILY TREE Unearthing ancestry is a growing pastime and the museum district’s Clayton Library for Genealogical Research allows local tree-tracers to dig up roots in our own backyard. Housing one of the nation’s most extensive collections of all things family history, this crazy awesome resource helps genealogists branch out. Bring a list of family names, Houston Public Library card, photo ID, small bills for copies, flash drive and a notebook, pen or laptop.

CATCH A FLICK ON THE SILVER SCREEN Old Hollywood glamour meets modern movie magic at H-town’s last historic movie palace, the River Oaks Theatre, a local favorite of cinema buffs since 1939. The ornate Art Deco interior comes of age with DLP digital projection and sound—picture perfect for catching indie, foreign and arthouse films, as well as an eclectic (often interactive) mix of weekend midnight shows. Sing-along “Rocky Horror,” anyone? Book online for the big theater downstairs and grab pre- or post-dinner and drinks at one of many nearby restaurants.

FIND YOUR INNER HARMONY Houston’s full of hustle and bustle, but there are plenty of places to take a deep breath and slow down. Check out the Sun Yung Taoist Temple, which features shrines for quiet reflection; and the Chung Tai Zen Center of Houston, where meditation classes will help you find serenity. But our pick for the most breathtaking is BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Stafford. The first traditional Hindu Mandir of its kind in North America, its wondrous design may bring you to a to a state of both calm and wonder. The Mandir is open daily to the public, but be sure to familiarize yourself with the rules regarding dress, conduct, photography and electronics before visiting.

BUBBLE UP THE BAYOU Down on Buffalo Bayou is an unmarked button that locals know makes the bayou “bubble up” on command in an artistic means of aerating the historic waterway. It will occasionally happen on its own, but the button gives power to the people. Find the Preston Street Bridge and look for the big red button on the wall beneath it. Push it. Giggle madly. bayoucitymagazine.com

BY ROBIN BARR SUSSMAN

OK, SO YOU WEREN’T BORN AND RAISED IN HOUSTON, BUT YOU’VE BEEN HERE LONG ENOUGH TO CALL THE CITY HOME. AND WHILE YOU FEEL LIKE YOU KNOW THE PLACE WELL ENOUGH TO GIVE TOURS, YOU MAY NOT FULLY REALIZE ALL THE THINGS THAT MAKE IT AWESOME. FORTUNATELY, NOW YOU DO.

VISIT THE TURRELL SKYSPACE

GO BATTY ON WAUGH DRIVE It’s one of Houston’s peculiar secrets that a bat colony inhabits the Waugh Drive bridge over Buffalo Bayou. Watch millions of bats swarm under the bridge and exit in a steady flow for their nightly insect feast. During summer, show up 30 minutes before dusk. Bring a blanket and grab a spot on the hill next to the bridge for optimal bat viewing.

RANDALL MURROW

A modern marvel, the dramatic pyramid-like “Twilight Epiphany” outdoor Skyspace at Rice University designed by acclaimed artist James Turrell is a must-see. The open ceiling sunset light show is a brilliant wash of orange, pink, purple and glowing blue achieved by ingenious ceiling lighting interplaying with nature’s light. Reservations are required for sunset, but sunrise is also an option. Want more Turrell? Try MFAH’s permanent Turrell tunnel installation or the Skyspace at the Live Oak Friends Meeting House.

bayou city m ag a z i n e June/July 2014

CENT R A L MA RK

MARK LIPCZYNSKI | MARK STANDRIDGE | CENTRAL MARKET

Not just a local supermarket, Central Market offers an overwhelming display of, well, everything. Local or imported, you name it, it can be found among maze-like aisles. The market regularly hosts cheese tastings, wine tastings, outdoor grilling demos, cooking classes and concerts. It’s always a party! Always grab a basket; you’re not getting out of here with just a gallon of milk. Allow yourself to get lost in the maze (hint: look up to get out). Quell your growling tummy with samples of cake, cookies or dozens of specialty breads baked daily.

RAPIDS TO SKYSCRAPERS See views of the Bayou City most don’t: from the bayous. Schedule a kayak (or canoe) excursion on the 26-mile official Texas paddling trail on Buffalo Bayou. And yes, there are natural rock rapids, kind of. Just show up ready to row—all skill levels welcome. Reserve in advance at bayoucityadventures.org or strike out on your own with maps, rentals and shuttle service available at buffalobayou.org.

SHOP, GRAZE AND BE AMAZED

19TH STR E

Leave your ‘hood and flaunt your running form on one of our prettiest urban green spaces, the Buffalo Bayou Park trail. It’s a nice hilly loop, less than 5 miles long, bordering the bayou on one side and Memorial Drive on the other. Make sure to stop by the “puffball” spraying fountain near Waugh. Very cool. Need a longer run? Jog on to Rice, Hermann Park or Memorial Park.

With blocks of boutiques, antiques and a dusting of cafés, the eclectic 19th Street shopping district is a haven for locals who avoid mall shopping. Fun events like the monthly First Saturdays Arts Market, and White Linen Night on Aug. 2 featuring artists, musicians and businesses in the ’hood, will keep you buzzing socially like a June bug.

GET OUT OF YOUR RUNNING RUT

REACH NEW HEIGHTS ON 19TH STREET

Pick a beautiful morning and take a 90-minute, guided walking tour of the Glenwood Cemetery. Docents will tell stories of the famous and not-so-famous Houstonians who rest here and point out the exceptional statuary on the Victorian monuments. Be sure to stop and say hello to Howard Hughes.

D PATROL

Arrive hungry. Pick up fresh fish at the massive Hong Kong City Market in Hong Kong City Mall, hit the amazing food court or dig into dim sum at Ocean Palace. Shop for jewelry, hand-dyed fabrics or lucky bamboo. Finish the day at one of several dessert bars in Dun Huang Plaza. Bubble tea, anyone?

VISIT CHINATOWN

G KONG MARKET

GO ON A GLENWOOD CEMETERY TOUR

CHI NA HON

Yes, Texas law officers still do ride horses. The Houston Police Department Mounted Patrol utilizes a unique combination of donated and purchased horses, and they love attention. Equine lovers can bring apples, carrots and peppermint candy to feed the herd at the Mounted Patrol Facility stables. No horsing around! Pre-instructions are required at the start of your visit.

N TOW

Feel like an art insider with the Museum Experience, which features four walkable zones to help visitors learn more about Houston’s 20 impressive museums. The July 26 event centers on Zone 3 and showcases special programming at the Jung Center of Houston, the Contemporary Arts Museum and the Museum of Fine Arts Houston. Walk or bike to each venue stopping at tasty food trucks along the way, no parking required.

H UN T E MO

HORSE AROUND WITH THE HPD

CULTURE UP AT HOUSTON’S MUSEUMS

bayoucitymagazine.com

BY JULIE OSTERMAN

bayou city m ag a z i n e June/July 2014

LUNCH AT BOXWOODS Do lunch al fresco at Tiny Boxwoods. Wait a few months for one of Houston’s five best weather days and enjoy the garden feel on the patio.

Study the menu on the wall and decide on your order while you wait so you don’t annoy experienced Boxwood regulars behind you in line. Still can’t decide? The grilled cheese and pesto with mint lemonade is a must. Save room for the to-die-for chocolate chip cookie.

MARK LIPCZYNSKI

JOIN THE KLUB

Indulge in waffles and wings at The Breakfast Klub. The catfish and grits, gourmet coffee and funky vibe also draw big crowds, especially on Saturday morning. Waiting in line is a rite of passage. And it’s worth it—for both the Southern comfort food and the people watching.

WHETHER YOU TRANSFERRED HERE FOR A SHORT-TERM JOB ASSIGNMENT OR ARE WORKING A STINT ON YOUR HIGHER EDUCATION, YOUR TIME HERE IS FLEETING. ALTHOUGH YOUR STAY IS SHORT, LET US HELP YOU MAKE IT SWEET WITH THESE GREAT THINGS TO DO AND SEE THAT’LL GIVE YOU A TRUE TASTE OF THE BAYOU CITY.

KRELL BUTTERFL YC

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WING IT

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BLANK

Step inside the Cockrell Butterfly Center at the Houston Museum of Natural Science and you’ll be swept away like the delicate creatures in a summer breeze. The three-story glass structure is built around a 50-foot waterfall and simulates a tropical rainforest. Grab a species chart so you know what’s what. Also enjoy the stunning exotic plants and non-winged residents like Charro, the iguana. Embrace the humidity—it’s probably actually hotter outside.

PLAY A NUMBERS GAME

COCKRELL BUTTERFLY CENTER | MARKET SQUARE PARK | HOTEL ZAZA | MARK LIPCZYNSKI

N’S

…there’s a cool place like the Orange Show in Houston? Where found objects and eccentricity reign supreme, the 3,000-square-foot monument in the East End is an architectural maze created by the late Houston postman Jeff McKissack. Plan to stay awhile and visit the adjacent Smither Park, a whimsical folk art refuge. Plan another day to explore the obscure Beer Can House (another Orange Show property) in Rice Military.

CATCH AN INDIE AT SUNDANCE

Mark your spot at Market Square Park’s Blanket Bingo and find out why bingo’s back, baby. Bring a blanket or lawn chairs (don’t forget your mosquito spray) and settle in for an evening of eyes-down fun, music and prizes every third Thursday. The park also hosts free concerts and movies under the stars.

Situated in Bayou Place, the eight-screen Sundance Theater is one of six helmed by indie advocate Robert Redford. Arrive early and stroll through the art gallery. Grab a beverage and snack at the bar and carry it right to your reserved seat. Be sure to get your parking validated.

CHECK IN AT THE ZAZA

Explore downtown’s underground tunnel system. Several miles of shops, eateries and a kajillion Starbucks await, all in air-conditioned comfort. The Bob Lanier Public Works building is the westernmost building with access. Once inside, stroll around and try not to get lost (cell service can be spotty). Or take a walking tour with Houston Urban Adventures, where a local guide shows you the art, architecture and history.

Book a staycation at Hotel ZaZa. The luxury art hotel in the heart of Houston is ideal for an in-town getaway with an out-of-town feel. Book a blissful spa treatment or have a Moët moment in a poolside cabana. Stay in one of the amazing themed rooms. You’ll feel like a million bucks in plush suites called Rock Star, Tycoon, Black Label, Houston We Have a Problem and more.

GO BANANAS AT BRENNAN’S BRENNA

ORANGE YOU GLAD…

Get a taste of the good life with brunch on the courtyard (weather permitting) at the historic Brennan’s. On Sundays, guests relax to the soothing sounds of a traveling jazz band. It’s hard to go wrong with this stellar menu, but regulars swear by the shrimp and grits, catfish pecan, eggs Sardou, shrimp remoulade and turtle soup. Be sure to have the Bananas Foster prepared tableside and have the grace to look sheepish as you grab a handful of pralines on your way out the door.

GO DOWN UNDER

TRAVEL BACK IN TIME Visit the city’s historical districts and discover the splendor of yesteryear. The masterplanned Broadacres, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, features marvelous examples of early 20th-century architecture. Other must-see ’hoods include Courtlandt Place, Old Sixth Ward and The Heights. Preservation Houston offers monthly walking tours to historic spots, including Woodland Heights (July 13) and Broadacres (Sept. 14).

bayoucitymagazine.com

BY JEN BOOTWALA

FEAST ON THE TRIFECTA OF HOUSTON FOOD

The Holy Trinity of Tex-Mex, barbecue and Gulf seafood unite at Goode Company. Four separate restaurants all within walking distance of each other means there is no limit for the ambitious gastronome. Look for the 12-foot, bedazzled armadillo near the entrance of the Armadillo Palace, which serves Texas-sized comfort food and often has live music and dancing. Try the venison chili and pick up some chewy pralines for the road. Roll back to the hotel and plan your visit to another Goode restaurant the next day.

bayou city m ag a z i n e June/July 2014

VISIT THE BAYOU CITY’S OWN CENTRAL PARK Complete with a reflection pool and Japanese garden, Hermann Park celebrates its 100th birthday this year with a special series of art installations. Add the Houston Zoo, Houston Museum of Natural Science and Miller Outdoor Theatre to your agenda without leaving the park. Take a 2-mile train ride around the park for a more leisurely experience or rent a bike at the B-Cycle Station just behind Lake Plaza off of parking lot F. Train tickets are available in the Hermann Park Conservatory gift shop.

MICHAEL STENCEL/GREATER HOUSTON CONVENTION AND VISITORS BUREAU

COME HOLIDAYS, WEDDINGS AND CONVENTIONS, THEY ARRIVE, BAGS IN TOW AND LOOKING FOR A GOOD TIME FOR THEIR FIRST VISIT TO HOUSTON. THEY DON’T LIVE HERE (YET) AND HAVE THEIR TICKET TO LEAVE. WITH SO MUCH TO ADD TO THE ITINERARY, WHAT MUST THEY SEE, DO, EAT AND EXPERIENCE BEFORE THEY LEAVE? HERE ARE A FEW EXCURSIONS TO CHOOSE FROM. YOU CAN THANK US LATER.

SEE SHOW-STOPPING HOMES

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Thanks to the Minute Maid Park’s innovative 50,000-square-foot retractable glass ceiling, the game will always go on, come rain or shine. Get a great view no matter where your seats are by standing on the Phillips 66 Home Run Porch above left-center field. Bring your own snacks as long as they’re in a clear plastic bag no larger than one gallon. And pray for an Astros homerun (or win!) to see the train run.

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REACH FOR THE SKY Pressed for time? See all of Houston from the vantage point of the city’s tallest building. From the lobby of the JPMorgan Chase Tower, take the elevator to the 60th floor for an Instagram-worthy outlook. Before leaving, check out the colorful Joan Miro sculpture outside. The building and Sky Lobby are open to the public at no cost during standard business hours.

SKY LOBBY

DISCOVER DISCOVERY GREEN Green in more ways than one, this urban oasis has a gold rating from the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design program. Don’t miss the Listening Vessels, stone sculptures that focus sound across the Wortham Foundation Gardens. Go on a guided kayak ride around Kinder Lake where you might see your mini-me floating in the Model Boat Basin, a special pool designated for remote-controlled watercrafts. No reservations required.

ADD THE MENIL TO YOUR COLLECTION Don’t miss the museum’s renowned Surrealism collection, a permanent gallery that includes more than 300 works by famed artists such as René Magritte, Max Ernst and Salvador Dalí. Head to nearby buildings for the Dan Flavin fluorescent light installation and Cy Twombly gallery. Admission is always free of charge; however, the museum is closed Monday and Tuesday. Allot extra time for picnicking and people watching at the Menil Park across the street.

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GREATER HOUSTON CONVENTION AND VISITORS BUREAU | ORLANDO FONSECA | MARK LIPCZYNSKI

New York City may have Broadway, but in Houston we have the Medical Center, the largest medical complex in the world. With 21 hospitals and three medical schools you can’t choose a better place to get sick. Ride the Metro Red rail line through the heart of the Med Center. Press your nose to the window and be amazed. Hop off at the Museum District and walk to Mecom Fountain, a mecca for photographers capturing opulent bridal and quinceañera parties. Resist photo-bombing other visitors.

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HIGH-FLYIN’ FUN Watch the spectacular skyline light up from the Ferris wheel at the Downtown Aquarium. A superiority complex is totally justified when you’re suspended 100 feet in the air. Take a selfie with the city as your background, and be sure to tweet the traffic report for the masses entering or exiting downtown on I-45. The aquarium extends its normal closing time to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday, which means there’s time to for a postwheel drink at the Dive Lounge, located on the second floor. Tickets to ride are $3.99.

At Texas’ largest mall, you won’t have any problem implementing the philosophy of “shop ’til you drop.” Modeled after the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, built in Milan in 1867, the Italian inspiration shines through in the stunning, large glass atrium. Avoid the hassle of parking by taking advantage of seven (count ’em, seven) valet stations. Once inside, find fashion inspiration at Nordstrom with a complimentary personal stylist, then grab a pastry and have breakfast at Tiffany’s.

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Champagne wishes and caviar dreams are closer than you might think. From Southern-styled mansions to contemporary compounds, Houston has some of the most lavish real estate in the nation. Start at the River Oaks Country Club and explore outwards. Inwood Drive and Lazy Lane are two posh streets nearby. Friar Tuck in Memorial is another neighborhood that will leave you seeing dollar signs.

GET GLAM IN THE GALLERIA

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WHETHER YOU’RE HERE FOR A VISIT OR NEVER LEAVING TOWN, IF YOU HAVEN’T DONE THESE YET, GET ON IT NOW. FROM BY LIBBY INGRASSIA ONCE-A-YEAR EVENTS AND SPOTS THAT ARE TOTALLY UNIQUE TO THOSE WITH HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE, THESE ARE THE ONES YOU’LL KICK YOURSELF IF YOU MISS COMPLETELY.

CONQUER THE FESTIVAL LIST We can’t tell you precisely why Houston is festival central, but if our calendar is any indication, there are several parades, fairs and festivals almost every weekend. From art festivals to food and drink festivals to cultural festivals, pick your event. Keep an eye on the annual festival calendar and try one that’s new to you: Caribbean Heritage, Freedom over Texas and Art Houston are all on for June and July.

bayou city m ag a z i n e June/July 2014

While Houston truly is a cosmopolitan city, our rodeo roots are strong. Visit the world’s largest livestock show and rodeo to hear the bands, see the roping and bull riding, ride the Ferris wheel at the carnival, shop for Western wear and support the scholarships, of course. Rodeo like an insider by wrangling an invitation to be on a barbecue cook-off team or ride along on the Salt Grass Trail Ride (all 104 miles!) to and through Memorial Park.

HOUSTON LIVESTOCK SHOW AND RODEO

COWPOKES AND BEYOND AT THE HLSR

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CREATIVE OR ZANY? The Fruitmobile. The Santa Car. A peacock, two VW Beetles top-to-top and a highheeled red shoe. Mark your calendar for the Art Car Parade’s annual extravaganza of zany cars and costumes, including the preview in Discovery Green and the Legendary Art Car Ball. Get to the parade route early to walk through the stationary cars, meet the artists and see the details. Missed the parade? Stop by the Art Car Museum or keep your eyes open on Houston’s streets for art drive-bys.

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THE BIG FOUR The Bayou City is one of the enviable few that can boast resident companies in theater, ballet, symphony and opera. Check this item off your bucket list by seeing performances of the Houston Symphony, Houston Ballet, Houston Grand Opera and Alley Theatre. But note: You don’t get to check it off until you’ve done all four. Special artistic bonus points when you see two or more performing together.

TAKE A BITE OF HISTORY N I N FA’ S

Legend has it that “Mama Ninfa” Laurenzo first stuffed beef into tortillas—thereby creating the first fajita—at the Original Ninfa’s on Navigation, just east of downtown. Dine at this legendary restaurant where the fajita was born. After your fajita feast, take a shuttle into downtown for an Astros or Rockets game. Or take the five-minute drive to the boat launch for the Sam Houston boat tour through the Houston Ship Channel.

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GREATER HOUSTON CONVENTION AND VISITORS BUREAU | HOUSTON BALLET | MARK LIPCZYNSKI | SPINDLETOP

GET THE SPINDLETOP VIEW There are other views and delicious downtown stops, but at least once, you must experience the 360-degree views of the Spindletop restaurant, where you’ll marvel at the size and shape of downtown and far beyond. Named for the birthplace of the oil boom, the revolving restaurant atop the Hyatt hotel opened in 1972 and was renovated post-Ike. Reserve seats for a sunset dinner Tuesday through Saturday. They’ll validate your valet parking. Try the paella or fish special.

GET BEACHY If not for The Big Storm, we might all have been living in Galveston today. Whether you prefer toes-in-the-sand or art, shopping and history, Galveston deserves some attention. Stop in to see the “Broadway Beauties” homes showing early 20th-century life, walk the decks of the tall ship Elissa, have lunch and shop on the Strand, catch a sandcastle competition or watch a show at the Grand 1894 Opera House.

FREE PERFORMING ARTS! If you want a little less formality in your performing arts, check out the always-free performances at Miller Outdoor Theatre in Hermann Park. Shows include children’s daytime performances, the annual Shakespeare Festival and special events like the Juneteenth Celebration and the Star Spangled Salute with fireworks. Line up at 10:30 a.m. on ticketed performance days for assigned covered seating (yes, still free!). Or bring your blankets and lawn chairs to picnic on the hill.

TALKING TO SPACE Visit mission control (new and historic) at Space Center Houston to experience science in action. See artifacts and ships, exhibits and presentations that tell the story of space. Hear President John F. Kennedy’s 1962 “We choose to go to the moon” speech at Rice, see where astronauts train for missions and view vehicles mocked up for future exploration. Reserve in advance to book the only-12-people-per-day, Level 9, behind-the-scenes VIP tour and to eat lunch with an astronaut.

GET THE BLUE BY YOU We’re pretty sure it’s a requirement for everyone in Texas to be photographed at least once sitting in the sea of blue and white: the bluebonnet. There are some stands of the state flower in Houston, but many are on the sides of freeways and inaccessible for photography, so it might be worth a drive out toward Brenham. Whatever you do, don’t pick them. It may not technically be illegal, but it’s bad form: everyone wants to enjoy them. Oh, and watch for snakes and traffic.

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FOR THE ADVENTUROUS WANDERER, UNIQUE DESTINATIONS AWAIT BEYOND THE CONFINES OF THE BAYOU CITY. HOP IN THE CAR AND HIT THE ROAD TO THESE OUTLYING LOCALES FOR A DAY OF EXPLORING, LEARNING AND DISCOVERING ALL THAT HOUSTON HAS TO OFFER.

BY MICHELLE JACOBY

ON THE WATERFRONT

[33 MI] FROM DOWNTOWN

Summer days spent strolling the boardwalk are just about as American as apple pie. For a seaside experience with a vintage carnival vibe, visit the Kemah Boardwalk, a half-mile-long amusement park by the sea that’s guaranteed fun for the whole family. There’s a wooden roller coaster, 65-foot Ferris wheel, carousel and a reproduction of an 1863 Central Pacific train. Cool off in the Dancing Fountains featuring 75 ground-level water jets that shoot water 10 to 12 feet up into the air.

[38 MI]

What once was a sleepy little town in northwest Houston, Old Town Spring is now a shopper’s paradise. With nearly 150 merchants packed in roughly eight blocks, a day spent browsing boutiques, clothing stores, gift shops and galleries is guaranteed to unearth a trove of treasures. Also make plans to attend one (or all!) of the town’s annual events, including the Texas Crawfish Music Festival and the Texas Wine & Art Festival. Take a break from antiquing and such at the Wunsche Bros. Cafe & Saloon, where they’ve been slinging home-style Texas grub for more than 100 years.

FLOAT YOUR BOAT [26 MI] At 52 miles long, the Houston Ship Channel is a maritime wonder. Take in its awesomeness with a 90-minute round-trip cruise aboard the M/V Sam Houston. Departing from the Port of Houston, you’ll see birds, wildlife and cargo ships from around the world. Set sail for fun this summer from the Port of Houston’s Bayport Cruise Terminal in Galveston Bay. Princess Cruises and Norwegian Cruise Line depart from here for the Caribbean. 66

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[25 MI]

BIG SCREEN UNDER A BIG SKY

If you’re nostalgic for those sultry summer nights watching the latest flick under the stars, drive up to the Showboat Drive-In in Hockley, just outside of Cypress. The family-owned and -operated venue opened in 2006 and since then, has garnered a following of movie buffs looking for a unique movie watching experience. Movies start at dusk, but get there early—especially on the weekends—to secure a prime spot in front of the drive-in’s two giant screens. Oh, and leave the plastic at home; the Showboat is cash only. [20 MI]

MONUMENTAL MONUMENT

First there was the Alamo. Then there was San Jacinto. Commemorate Texas’ independence with a visit to this revered battleground where the 570-foot-tall San Jacinto Monument stands. Go up 480 feet to the observation deck and fall awestruck by sweeping views of the battlefield. Tour the historic Battleship Texas, the first battleship memorial museum in the U.S., or schedule your trip during one of the many re-enactment events.

MARK LIPCZYSNKI

SPRING FLING

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MUSEUMS AND GALLERIES AND ART SPACES, BY MICHELLE JACOBY he Bayou City sure does love its museums— from art to science to history. So much so that there are an estimated 63 museums (and another 60-plus galleries and art spaces) in the city alone, so say the folks at the Greater Houston Convention & Visitors Bureau. Seriously. That’s a lot of art, science and history. While we included a few of these spots in our Tourist feature, here are a few suggestions hand-picked just for you, including some old favorites and some lesser-known (but worthy) treasures. 68

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HIGHER LEARNING

If you like your art tucked in the confines of Houston’s academia, check out the Blaffer Art Museum at the University of Houston. The contemporary art space showcases the works of emerging artists including Laura Lark, whose “Location Location Location” exhibit examines Houston’s architecture from disparate sources. Part of the museum’s “Window into Houston” series, the exhibit runs through July 30. Prefer owls over cougars? Then visit the Rice University Art Gallery, the only university museum dedicated to sitespecific installation art. “Crossing the Farther Shore” by artist Dinh Q. Lê is on display, featuring black-and-white photographs taken from the Vietnam War era, stitched together in large grids and hung from the ceiling. The installation continues through August.

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Maybe it’s the fact that the Station Museum of Contemporary Art is housed in a former auto shop that makes it so interesting. Or perhaps it’s the thought-provoking displays spanning all mediums that make their temporary home here throughout the year. Whatever it is, if you’re into contemporary art, the Station is for you. This summer, the major exhibition “Collective Reaction,” featuring works by seven international artists, is on display through Aug. 17.

EXPECT THE UNEXPECTED

Care to get crafty with your art? If so, check out the Houston Center for Contemporary Craft, one of the few venues in the country that emphasizes works of art made from craft materials. Through Sept. 7, see two exhibits featuring works by contemporary jewelry artists. Don’t leave without browsing the Asher Gallery, where you can buy everything from jewelry to home accessories and clothing made by local and national craft artists. Who says print is dead? Obviously not us…or the Printing Museum, located in the heart of Montrose. From vintage—even ancient—printing equipment to fine art prints and rare books, the museum houses unique printing artifacts such as the Hyakumantō Dharani Scroll, one of the oldest surviving examples of printing on paper.

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THE MOD SQUAD

WORLDS APART Dedicated to African-American Art, Project Row Houses is made up of 22 renovated shotgun-style homes in the Third Ward. Showcasing art, photography and literary projects, the spaces contain rotating exhibits, each designed by a commissioned artist. As part of this year’s Fotofest and Project Row Houses’ 20-year anniversary, photographer Steve Clark presents “Eye on Project Row Houses,” a photo exhibit documenting 20 years of the

ART SOURCE When you’re ready to move from lookyloo to collector, Houston’s more than 60 galleries offer everything from Texana and local emerging artists to modern and contemporary fine art to international exhibitions, from tiny windowboxes to multistory, light-filled, wide-open spaces. So how to choose? Jonathon Glus, CEO at the Houston Arts Alliance, suggests that there are two primary ways to approach a visit: find a gallery that matches the genre of art that most interests you, or pick an area of the city and explore the galleries within that area. “You can make an adventure of it,” Glus says. “It’s what I like to do in another city.” While there are galleries all over town, Glus, whose organization supports the arts across the city, says they are mostly concentrated in Midtown/Montrose, in Gallery Row on Colquitt Street off Kirby and sprinkled throughout the Heights. “In this city, I would do it by geography, because once you get to an area you can even walk a lot of it,” he says.

MONTROSE/MIDTOWN Archway Gallery not only exhibits local artists, but it is also owned and operated by local member artists. In July, the gallery holds its sixth annual juried exhibition for all south and central Texas artists. The exhibit, which benefits the Houston Audubon, runs July 12-31 and is curated by Mark Larsen, who founded the Artery and wrote “The Imminent Asteroid, a Geological Opera.” bayoucitymagazine.com

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active and fun exhibits for kids of all ages. With 15 exhibits ranging from learning to use water to explore science and physics, to using play to understand health and how the body works, you’ll be hard pressed to fit it all into one day. Thankfully, the museum is open all year round and offers Free Family Fun Night on Thursdays. Oh, to be a kid again! Find nature’s wonders under one roof at the Houston Museum of Natural Science. Sit under the stars at the Burke Baker Planetarium, be in awe of prehistoric creatures and how they once lived or discover the science behind natural disasters in “Nature Unleashed,” a new exhibit that runs through Sept. 14.

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JULIE SOEFER | GREATER HOUSTON CONVENTION AND VISITORS BUREAU

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Learn from the past at the Holocaust Museum Houston, where its primary permanent exhibition, “Bearing Witness: A Community Remembers,” supports its mission to commemorate the 6 million Jews and other innocent victims of the Holocaust and to honor the legacy of the survivors. Two of the films in the exhibit, “Voices” and “Voices II,” are compiled from the stories and testimony of survivors. From buildings and structures that evoke the chimneys and railroad tracks to a light-filled chapel-like space for memorial and meditation to a garden of hope, the museum generates both conversation and contemplation. There may still be time to catch “The Wartime Escape: Margaret and H.A. Rey’s Journey from France,” an exhibit chronicling the escape of the creators of that beloved little brown monkey, Curious George (through June 15). Or be inspired by the stories of “ordinary” citizens who engaged in rescue activities in “The Rescuers: Picturing Moral Courage.” See it through Aug. 31. The only museum in the nation dedicated to preserving the history and tradition of African-American soldiers, the Buffalo Soldiers National Museum shares artifacts, reenactments, exhibits and lectures from the Revolutionary War through current conflicts. In its space in the Historic Houston Light Guard Armory, visitors learn all the stories of why these soldiers are called Buffalo Soldiers, buy the Buffalo Soldier Sauce and see why this military history matters.

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Let out your inner child at the Children’s Museum of Houston, where every square inch is packed with inter-

KID AT HEART

For more modern art, look behind the leafcovered walls surrounding the Hiram Butler Gallery. The 20th-century cottage turned contemporary art space houses modern works of art, such as paintings by Houston artist Will Henry. On exhibit through June 28, Henry’s show features small-scale oil paintings that use landscape to explore conceptual and formal gestures. If you’re interested in clay artists, from sculptural to functional, try the artist-founded 18 Hands Gallery. Booker-Lowe Gallery is one of only a few galleries specializing in Australian Aboriginal art. G Gallery focuses on contemporary artists who challenge the conventional. – Libby Ingrassia

WASHINGTON CORRIDOR/ REATER HEIGHTS

GALLERY ROW A relative newcomer, Nicole Longnecker Gallery focuses on contemporary and abstract art across many mediums, from drawing, painting and printmaking to sculpture. In June, the gallery exhibits PrintHouston’s 2014 exhibition “Next,” a celebration of original prints, the artists who create them, the art of printmaking and the medium itself. Hooks-Epstein Galleries is one of the longest running in Houston. It has a particular emphasis on sculpture and works on paper. Moody Gallery exhibits contemporary American artists, with a special focus on artists connected to, living in or working in Texas.

Anya Tish Gallery specializes in recognized artists with an emphasis on Central/ Eastern Europe. Barbara Davis Gallery introduces audiences to new ideas from both emerging and acclaimed artists. The Jung Center extends its mission of helping visitors find deeper meaning in life by showcasing rotating exhibits in its gallery.

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organization. See it through June 22. If you’re intrigued by Asian art and culture, Texas’ most comprehensive collection of art is located at the Asia Society. This summer, the mysterious world of Indian deities is on display, showcasing modern and contemporary representations of India’s gods and goddesses through Sept. 14.

ASIA SOCIETY

JEFF FANTICH/GREATER HOUSTON CONVENTION AND VISITORS BUREAU

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Experience it!

5/27/14 8:21 AM

engage

HOUSTON WORLD SERIES OF DOG SHOWS

in bayou events

74 EXPERIENCE IT From neighborhood festivals to city-wide extravaganzas, discover the breadth of what you can see, do and experience in our Bayou City. For even more events and happenings, check the Bayou City Daily Doing calendar at bayoucitymagazine.com.

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engage museum district FAMILY REUNION

The Alley Theatre presents “Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike,” an irresistible comedy—

and smash-hit Broadway production—by Christopher Durang, who won both the 2013 Tony Award for Best Play and the Drama Desk Award. Performances run through June 15. Tickets start at $26.

activism. Classes begin at 6:30 p.m. with an optional 20-minute period of meditation. $90, six-week series; $20, single class. Houston Zen Center, 1605 Heights Blvd. houstonzen.org

Alley Theatre, 615 Texas Ave. alleytheatre.org

museum district

CLASS DIVIDE

SWAN SONG

Dedicated to making classical ballet relevant for a new generation of audiences, Houston Ballet artistic director Stanton Welch has put his 21st-century signature on this 19th-century love story. “Swan Lake” tells the classic tale of Odette, a beautiful maiden transformed into a swan by an evil knight, and the prince who swears his enduring love for her. Through June 15. Wortham Theater Center, 501 Texas Ave. houstonfirsttheaters.com heights

BUDDHISM AND SOCIAL JUSTICE

Through June 17, Rick Mitchell

will explore the relationship between Buddhism and social justice, from Buddha’s original teachings and the edicts of India’s first Buddhist ruler King Ashoka, to contemporary issues of world peace, economics, environmentalism, gender equality, diversity and political

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$26. Alley Theatre, 615 Texas Ave. alleytheatre.org museum district

THE BERLIN DRAWINGS

Central to the emergence of Modernism, Russian-born sculptor Alexander Archipenko also completed a collection of drawings, a group of which form the centerpiece of “Alexander Archipenko: The Berlin Drawings.” On display through Aug. 17,

the exhibit features drawings, sculptures, photographs, works on paper and books from other artists of that time period.

Museum of Fine Arts Houston, Audrey Jones Beck Building, 5601 Main Street. mfah.org HOUSTON BALLET | ALLEY THEATRE

downtown

Nominated for a 2011 Tony Award for Best Play, “Good People” is a funny, tough and tender story about the clash of the classes that looks at the extraordinary consequences of choosing to hold on to the past or leave it behind. On stage through June 29. Tickets start at

Gen’s Antiques

Proud host of 1st Saturday Arts Market

Touch the art at the “Houston Penetrable” exhibit, through Sept. 1 at the Museum of Fine Arts Houston.

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museum district

MODERN MARVEL

Venezuelan artist Jesús Rafael Soto brings his signature “Penetrables” exhibit to the Bayou City with “Houston Penetrable.” The vast, floating sea of plastic strands is made up of 24,000 PVC (polyvinyl chloride) tubes, individually hand-painted and tied, and hung 28 feet from the ceiling to the floor. The display, which is designed to be touched, handled and waded through, will be on display through Sept. 1. Museum

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of Fine Arts Houston. 1001 Bissonnet St. mfah.org

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BAUBLES AND BLING

Through Oct. 5, the Houston Museum of Natural Science presents “Bulgari: 130 Years of Masterpieces,” an exhibition of approximately 150 sizable pieces of jewelry from Bulgari’s Heritage Collection. This exclusive retrospective marks the first time the storied jeweler has showcased pieces representing every period since its Roman beginnings in 1884. MUSEUM OF FINE ARTS HOUSTON

Houston Museum of Natural Science, 5555 Hermann Park Drive. hmns.org

Events subject to change.

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RUNNERS READY

One of Houston’s most popular small runs, the Houston Heights Association’s 29th Heights Fun Run returns on June 7. The 5K course runs along the historic Heights Boulevard, starting at Marmion Park. The event includes a 5K fun run, 5K walk and a kids 1K. Marmion Park, 1802

Heights Blvd. houstonheights.org

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Archway Gallery presents “Ink&Image,” which highlights contemporary printmaking with works by seven area printmakers: Andis Applewhite, Cathie Kayser, Anna Mavromatis, Elvia Perrin, Bede Van Dyke, David Webb and Mary Lee Gray. The exhibit is one of the venues for PrintHouston 2014 and runs from June 7 to July 10. Archway Gallery, 2305 Dunlavy. archwaygallery.com

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HOUSTON HEIGHTS ASSOCIATION | ARCHWAY GALLERY

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REMODEL, REFRESH

Looking for fresh new ideas for your home? Then get out of the heat and into the Houston

de Tequila, Margarita Grand Tasting and a Mexica-inspired outdoor festival. 1 Hope Blvd.

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New Home and Remodeling Show, June 7-8. In addition to

vendors and resources in home design, the show also features Abby Vasek of HGTV’s “Design Star” and Steve Thomas, former host of PBS’ “This Old House.”

Reliant Center, 1 Reliant Park. associationevent.com/Houston_ NHRS/summer downtown

September 16 – 28, 2014

UNDER THE SEA

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Handbag designer Hanh Tran teams up with Houston Dynamo defender Michael Chabala in a unique art project benefiting The Rise School. Tran will paint a depiction of the soccer star’s career, which will be auctioned off to raise funds for the school’s education services to children with developmental disabilities. The painting will be up for auction June 10 to Aug. 20. 3701

Based on the classic animated film, “Disney’s The Little Mermaid” comes to the Hobby Center June 13-29 for its Houston premiere. TUTS invites everyone to take a trip “under the sea” for classic songs—plus a few new ones—and a story that will charm audiences all ages. Hobby Center, Sarofim Hall,

December 5 – 28, 2014

800 Bagby St. 713-315-2525, thehobbycenter.org FebruarY 10 – 22, 2015

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TEQUILA TIME

Moody Gardens is gearing up for the Texas Tequila & Margarita Festival, a three-day celebration offering tequila tastings, margarita samplings, food and music. Held June 1315, the event will feature some of the world’s best tequilas alongside some of the region’s top restaurants competing for title of “Best Margarita.” Also planned for the weekend are the Tequila Herradura Special, Tour

Events subject to change.

discovery green

PARTY UNDER THE STARS Rainbow on the Green, the

fourth annual, citywide GLBT celebration and dance party, returns to Discovery Green on June 20. This year’s lineup includes Britney Spears impersonator Derrick Barry, award-winning vocalist Michelle Chamual and former “American Idol” contestant Blake Lewis.

Discovery Green, 1500 McKinney St. discoverygreen.com/rainbow

maY 5 – 17, 2015

aY 26 – June 7, 2015 aY maY

TUTS.COM 713.558.TUTS

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engage

Randall Murrow Photography

TREASURE HUNT

Headshots Commercial Editorial Weddings

Shop ’til you drop at this monthly, one-of-a-kind market nestled in downtown’s urban park. Discovery Green Flea by Night features an array of artful kitsch, vintage items, mid-century modern furniture, recycled and repurposed items and collectibles. Open from 6 to 10 p.m., there will also be food trucks and live music. June 21 and July 19. Discovery

randallmurrow.com weddingsbyrandall.com 832.712.2230

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Shoppers hunt for treasure at the Discovery Green Flea by Night, next on June 21 and July 19.

Green, 1500 McKinney St. discoverygreen.com museum district

HOUSE & HOME

See how the splendor of living in the English countryside in “Houghton Hall: Portrait of an English Country House,” June 22 to Sept. 21. On display

at the Museum of Fine Arts Houston, the exhibit launches its American tour in Houston, marking the first time the renowned collection of the Marquesses of Cholmondeley will travel outside of England.

Museum of Fine Arts Houston, 1001 Bissonnet St. mfah.org reliant park

START YOUR ENGINES

of speed featuring a wide variety of entertainment for fans of all ages. Activities include live music, family fun zone, interactive exhibits, go-karts and 04 Culturally CT Ad.indd 1

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Events subject to change.

DISCOVERY GREEN

The Shell and Pennzoil Grand Prix of Houston presented returns June 27-29 for a three-day festival

the Grand Prix-mere Showcase, an indoor automotive expo. Reliant Park, 1 Reliant Park. grandprixofhouston.com hermann Park

Bayou City’s new newsletter:

product samples, educational films and green businesses. Admission is free. Pershing Middle School, 3838 Blue Bonnet Blvd. vegansocietyofpeace.org/ vegfesthouston

STAR-SPANGLED SALUTE

Celebrate America’s birthday with a bang July 4 at the annual Star-Spangled Salute at the Miller Outdoor Theatre. The Houston Symphony will perform a selection of patriotic favorites at this free outdoor concert. 8:30 p.m. 6000 Hermann Park Drive. 713-2247575, houstonsymphony.org

museum district

GET IN THE ZONE

The Museum Experience, Houston’s cultural block party, allows you to explore 20 museums through four walkable “zones.” Zone Three, held July 26 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., will showcase the Jung Center of Houston, Contemporary Arts Museum Houston and the Museum of Fine Arts Houston. Each zone will include special programming, pedicabs and food trucks to complete your personal museum experience. houstonmuseumdistrict.org/ the_museum_experience/

Sipping Introducing the newest Bayou City Daily newsletter, Sipping, with all you need to know to sip, swallow and quaff your way through Houston’s cool cocktails, craft beer and wine. Sipping joins the family of Bayou City Daily newsletters:

reliant park

Monday Living - Embody the Bayou lifestyle.

Bring the whole family to the

Tuesday Doing - Find events and happenings

TO THE DOGS

37th Annual Houston World Series of Dog Shows. This five-

day, dog-filled festival featuring relay races and contests, seminars, performances, displays and shopping. You’ll also get hands-on experience with more than 110 breeds at the popular Meet the Breeds event. The festival runs July 1620. Reliant Park, 1 Reliant Park. HOUSTON WORLD SERIES OF DOG SHOWS | HOUSTON SYMPHONY

reliantdogshows.com west u

VEG OUT

Hosted each year by the Vegan Society of P.E.A.C.E., VegFest Houston is dedicated to “promoting an ethical, compassionate and sustainable world for all.” Highlights from this year’s event on July 19 include vegan restaurants, live music, a kids zone, arts and crafts, food demos, Events subject to change.

worth the time, money & outfit. Wednesday Dining - Indulge with restaurant

news & experiences, plus tips, tricks and recipes.

downtown

BLUEGRASS JAMS

Thursday Shopping - Follow sophisticated

Join the Houston Symphony on July 31 for an evening of music and comedy as comedian Steve Martin showcases his musical talent with bluegrass quintet the Steep Canyon Rangers and folk-rock soloist Edie Brickell. This summer concert is a little bluegrass, a little folksy, but fun with Martin’s comedic on-stage banter and great musical talent. Wortham Center, Jones Hall, 500 Texas Ave. houstonsymphony.org

trends and styles. Friday Exploring - Find local gems for

your weekend jaunts. Saturday Sipping - A guide to the coolest local

cocktails, craft beer and wine.

Scan this page with Layar to get Bayou City’s Freebie guides to Houston’s Hidden Gem Restaurants and Best Jewelry Stores and become a Bayou City Daily subscriber.

Experience it!

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what's your bayou IQ?

Your Town

scan this page with Layar to get the complete answers and to answer next month’s Bayou IQ question.

Where do you take visitors in our Bayou City? MY FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOW OFF HOUSTON’S CULINARY DIVERSITY INCLUDE SOME GREAT

“LOCAVORE”

STOPS LIKE COLTIVARE AND ROOST (NEW FAVE!). Cecelia Ottenweller, Bayou City contributor

SHOWS AT THE ALLEY,

TUTS, HOUSE OF BLUES, JONES HALL AND THE WORTHAM… OODLES OF DINING AND DRINKING VENUES DOWNTOWN. AND DISCOVERY GREEN FOR DAYTIME FAMILY FUN.

Cindy Shoemaker Clayton (via Facebook)

The Bayou City’s got questions and we know you’ve got answers. Join the conversation by sharing your answer to August/September’s Bayou IQ question. You’d go to any concept they opened, eat anything they dished up: tell us about your not-to-bemissed chef, mixologist, barista or restaurateur. Submit your answers and we’ll publish the ones that inform or engage us (or just tickle our fancy). We follow the hash tags #BayouIQ and #BayouCityMag on social media.

Or email to BayouIQ@BayouCMag.com

F R O M

FOOD

IS ON OUR MIND WHEN WE LEAVE THE WOODS AND HEAD THAT WAY. I ALSO LIKE GOING TO THE ALLEY THEATRE, ARBORETUM, AZALEA TRAIL, INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL, ART CARS. Ce Cowart Schlicher (via Facebook)

THE GALLERIA. THE GALLERIA IS THE INTERNATIONAL HUB OF HOUSTON. THE AREA IS FULL OF HIGH ENERGY, INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS PEOPLE WHO ARE CHANGING THE FACE OF HOUSTON. HOUSTON IS THE MOST DYNAMIC CITY IN THE NATION RIGHT NOW AND THE GALLERIA IS IN THE CENTER OF THE ACTION. VERY EXCITING!

Tracy Vaught Restaurateur, Backstreet Cafe, Hugo’s, Caracol

BATANGA HOUSTON

FOR SOME GREAT FOOD. RIGHT NEXT DOOR IS OKRA AND IT’S ALWAYS FUN TO GRAB A DRINK AND EXPLAIN WHAT A CHARITY BAR IS. Ryan Mader, Bayou City contributor

MENIL, CONTEMPORARY ART MUSEUM, RICE VILLAGE, ANTIDOTE, DRY CREEK, THE ONION,

19TH STREET IN THE HEIGHTS, ANY ICE HOUSE AND BLUE BIRD THRIFT.

Kate Giles (via Facebook)

T H O S E

THE MOST INTERESTING PLACE IN HOUSTON TO ME RIGHT NOW IS

OUR FAVORITE THING TO DO WITH OUR FRIENDS FROM THE “BURBS” IS WALK INTO DOWNTOWN AND STOP AT

I N

T H E

K N O W

THE ART CAR PARADE IS SOMETHING THAT HAS TO BE SEEN TO BELIEVED, WITH HUNDREDS OF MOBILE AND OFTEN INCREDIBLY WHIMSICAL “SCULPTURES” WINDING DOWN ALLEN PARKWAY EACH MAY. AND IF YOU HAVE A CONNECTED CONCIERGE FOR A FRIEND (WINK, WINK), YOU MAY EVEN BE ABLE TO RIDE IN ONE OF THEM.

Osman Ikanovic Chief concierge, Royal Sonesta Hotel Houston Member, Les Clefs d’Or USA

A SATURDAY MORNING DRIVE ON

BELLAIRE BLVD.

WITH DIM SUM AT OCEAN PALACE AND A STROLL THROUGH HONG KONG MARKET WILL MAKE YOU THINK YOU HAVE TRAVELED TO ANOTHER CITY FOR A FEW HOURS.

Christine Jelson Watt Executive director, Lawndale Art Center

We reserve the right to edit submissions for space and clarity. By submitting or tagging us, you give us permission to publish your answers.

MARK LIPCZYNSKI

s we planned the Tourist in Your Town feature (page 55), we asked everyone we know: Where do you take visitors? From our regular readers to those in the know, these Houston aficionados agree that there’s so much to do that it depends on the visitor, but here they share a few hints about where they go.

+ Scan with Layar to watch the Spring/ Summer 2014 Collection on the Runway

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Bayou City Jun/Jul 2014

Articles inside

In for the Long Haul

Bucket List

Just Passing Through

Out-of-Towners

Born Here