What's New in Houston - December 2008 EditionDecember 9, 2008
Contact Information: HOUSTON PAVILIONS, DOWNTOWN'S NEW ENTERTAINMENT HUB, IS NOW OPEN Houston Pavilions, downtown's new mixed-use development with dining, entertainment, retail and office space, opened October 16, 2008, with an exciting line-up of big-name venues. Houston Pavilions brings together the best of city life to one downtown location - four city blocks bounded by Dallas Street to the north, Polk Street to the south, Main Street to the west and Caroline Street to the east. The pedestrian and dog-friendly, open-air retail entertainment center is comprised of 360,000 square feet of retail space, 200,000 square feet of office space and a 1,600-space parking garage. Retail space and dining venues occupy the first two levels of the center, with entertainment venues located on the third floor. A central courtyard and people-friendly streetscapes will allow for alfresco dining and lots of window-shopping. In the anchor positions are House of Blues, XXI Forever, Lucky Strike Lanes and Books-A-Million. Each of the anchors is in excess of 24,000 square feet. House of Blues – Opened Oct. 11, 2008 The much-anticipated House of Blues Houston opened Oct. 11, 2008. With three stages (the Back Yard Stage, the Cambridge Room and the Music Hall), two restaurants, two kitchens, special event rooms and the legendary Foundation Room (an upscale private lounge), visitors to the House of Blues will be able to enjoy their unmatched combination of Southern-inspired signature cuisine and a diverse offering of live music. XXI Forever – Opened Oct. 16, 2008 XXI Forever’s first urban flagship store in Houston is a multi-concept store that fuses fashion, art and music on two levels, making the shopping experience both unique and memorable. XXI Forever offers trendy fashions and accessories for women, men and junior girls. Books-A-Million – Opened Oct. 16, 2008 Books-A-Million, originally founded in 1917, is the third largest book retailer in the nation. Another first for Houston Pavilions, the Books-A-Million Superstore is the first two-story urban concept store for the company. It showcases its extensive selection of books, bargain books, magazines, gifts and cards in an industrial-designed space. This location also features a Joe Muggs Cafe, a coffee and espresso bar and deli. Lucky Strike Lanes – Opening March 2009 Lucky Strike Lanes, which initially opened in the heart of Hollywood in 2003, is the nation’s first truly upscale bowling lounge. Lucky Strike Lanes’ Houston locations will combine retro elements, modern décor and state-of-the-art technology. Sleek bowling lanes are edged in mini-runway lights with artwork by up-and-coming artists projected onto floor-to-ceiling video screens. Guests can also enjoy superior food selections at the hip restaurant and bar. The Houston location also will be one of only three in the nation to have a Luxe Lounge, where customers can bowl while watching short films projected in 3-D. Other Confirmed Retail and Entertainment Tenants: McCormick and Schmick's, a popular seafood restaurant - Now Open BCBG, a women's boutique embodying a combination of European sophistication and American spirit - Now Open Guadalajara del Centro, serving great Mexican fare - Opening December 2008 Yao's Restaurant and Bar, owned by the family of Houston Rockets superstar Yao Ming with contemporary Chinese cuisine - Opening March 2009 III Forks, a European-infused steakhouse - Opening Spring 2009 Mia Bella, the third location of a much-loved Houston Italian restaurant - Opening January 2009 Cupcake Cafe - Opening Spring 2009 ************************************************************************* EMBASSY SUITES TO OPEN DOWNTOWN IN 2010 After two years of planning, Houston-based American Liberty Hospitality has closed on construction financing for a 262-room, full-service Embassy Suites Hotel at 1515 Dallas Avenue at LaBranch. The hotel, adjacent the George R. Brown Convention Center and the Hilton Americas Hotel, overlooks the new downtown park, Discovery Green. The 19-story property represents the first privately developed, full-service hotel built from the ground up in Houston’s Central Business District in the past 25 years. It is also the first project to be financed since the City of Houston passed an ordinance to spur new hotel construction within walking distance of the convention center. Projects which qualify under the ordinance can receive 50-100 percent of the city’s portion of the hotel’s occupancy tax on an annual basis over seven years. In a presentation to the Board of Directors of the Hotel & Lodging Association of Greater Houston earlier this year, John Keeling, senior vice president of PKF Consulting, underlined the need for additional hotels to attract more convention business to the city as well as maintaining activity in Discovery Green Park and the Houston Pavilions. “In the current banking environment, projects are being shelved every day,” said Keeling. “The Embassy Suites project is definitely bucking the trend.” Nick Massad, president of American Liberty Hospitality, said the city’s efforts to promote hotel growth near the convention center are essential to elevating Houston’s status as a top-teir convention city. “Meeting planners are looking for nationally-branded, full-service hotels within walking distance of a convention center,” he explains. Hotel Timeline American Liberty Hospitality, which develops, owns and operates an extensive portfolio of hotels throughout Texas and Louisiana, plans to break ground in March 2009 with an expected opening in the Fall of 2010. Amegy Bank and two other Texas-based lenders provided over $30 million in construction financing for the project. About the Houston Property The Houston property will include 6,000 square feet of flexible meeting and event space, a rooftop swimming pool, spa and fitness center, a restaurant, a street-level café and wine bar, and two levels of underground parking. Its guestrooms will be equipped with high-speed Internet access, two flat-panel televisions and two, dual-line phones among other amenities. Guests at the property also can earn and redeem Hilton HHonors points and miles. ************************************************************************************** HOUSTON CONVENTION CENTER TO INSTALL SOLAR PANELS ON ROOF The George R. Brown Convention Center is looking to the sun for part of its energy source as the result of a newly announced public-private partnership. Houston Endowment Inc., a Houston-based philanthropy, has approved an $850,000 grant to help install a 100-kilowatt solar energy system on the roof of the downtown convention center. The pilot program calls for solar panels to be installed atop the 16-acre roof of the building in 2009. The balance of funding for the $1 million-plus project is still being pursued. The solar energy system will be one of the largest installations in the region and is the start of a “green” roof vision and master plan for the convention center. The project has been awarded to the Houston Architecture Foundation in partnership with the City of Houston, BP Solar and CenterPoint Energy. The city’s Convention & Entertainment Facilities Department, which manages the building, also is considering plans to install small gardens on a portion of the roof. The GRB already relies exclusively on alternative energy as its power source. About 25 percent of all energy purchased by the City of Houston comes from green power, and since July all of the convention center’s energy has come from that amount through renewable energy credits purchased for the GRB through the city’s Energy Management Office. In Texas, virtually all green power comes from wind energy. The City of Houston has led the way on a number of energy efficiency and green programs including being the largest municipality in the nation to procure renewable power for city facilities. Houston has also been selected as a Department of Energy 2008 Solar America City in recognition of its efforts to embrace renewable power. The Houston Architecture Foundation will administer the solar power grant to the George R. Brown. A steering committee including the private partners and the City of Houston will be responsible for executing the project. The Houston Advanced Research Center will be the operational project manager for the implementation. HARC will also analyze the energy generation characteristics of the system and provide a report on the impact and economics of solar in Houston. The convention center already uses compostable food and beverage containers that turn back into soil within 90 days. The GRB also conserves energy and water, recycles and donates reusable goods. Recently, the GRB replaced its cooling towers with high-efficiency towers that reduce energy and water use by up to 40 percent. Most of the improvements occurred during Mayor White’s administration. **************************************************************************** THREE NEW IPOD AUDIO TOURS ENHANCE HOUSTON'S WALKABILITY Put your headphones on, hit play and let local insiders, captivating voices and an original soundtrack featuring a folksy-techno groove envelop you in stories of Houston’s past and present. Experience three new ultra-modern audio walking tours. No need to worry about which way to go or what to look for--we’ll point out everything along the way. Ultimate Downtown Walking Tour Take to the streets with Dan Workman, owner of Houston’s famed Sugar Hill Studios, while he gives you an upbeat, fun and clever insider’s look into downtown Houston. Visit historic gateways, offbeat sites and local watering holes. Hear behind-the-scenes stories and personal anecdotes from local personalities. Soak up the diverse and sometimes quirky environment that makes up downtown. We promise you that your experience will be delightfully unexpected and leave you saying … who knew! Museum District Walk & Roll Shara Fryer, retired Ch. 13/ABC news anchor, takes you on a lovely stroll through one of Houston’s most beautiful neighborhoods and cultural mecca, the Museum District. You can either begin the tour in downtown and hop the METRORail to the Museum District or you can start directly in the Museum District. Meet a museum curator, an art school director, a dino-expert and a holocaust survivor. This wonderful overview will give you the lay of the land so you can explore on your own. Find an exhibit, a film or museum that inspires you; you’ll always discover something new. A Walk in the Park: Discovery Green Walking Tour A trip to Houston is not complete without visiting downtown Houston’s newest destination, Discovery Green. Let Guy Hagstette, Discovery Green Conservancy’s president and park director, give you a personal tour. You’ll learn about the public art, design collaboration and family-friendly activities and events found at this ever-changing park, as well as the public/private partnerships that were created to make the park a reality. All you need is an MP3 player or iPod and two feet. The tours are educational, authentic and fun for the entire family. Be sure to wear your comfy shoes because the Ultimate Downtown Tour and Museum District Walk & Roll tours are a bit of a hike. The good news is that you can start and stop whenever you want, you don’t even have to do the entire tour in one day—explore at your own pace. Don't forget to print out the handy companion map too. ****************************************************************** HOUSTONIAN HOTEL, CLUB AND SPA COMPLETES $7.1 MILLION GUEST ROOM RENOVATION The Houstonian Hotel, Club & Spa has completed a significant renovation to its guest rooms and the corridors on each guest floor. The finished rooms have a warm, residential feel and offer energy-efficient features and technological advancements that are useful to both business and leisure travelers. Each room has been appointed with warm-toned fabrics and rich furnishings, lamps and artwork. New carpeting includes a beautifully-sculpted looped-pattern, and new drapery features rich, copper sheers with embroidered over-drapes. The beds have wooden frames with upholstered-patterned head boards, as well as comfy plush throws and custom-made sheets and shams. Some rooms include an oversized sofa with a queen-sized sofa bed, as well as an ottoman to use as a coffee table or for lounging and resting one’s feet at the end of the day A floating oval full-length mirror is included in each room. The painted walls feature a neutral warm color, with the addition of a paneled effect and accents. In the effort to conserve energy and provide special conveniences, The Houstonian has installed an energy management system for each room to regulate the temperature for when a room is unoccupied, and bring it to the guest’s temperature preference for when it is. The sensor also enables the hotel to know when a door has been opened or closed to eliminate disturbances from service staff, such as housekeeping or engineering. A “Do Not Disturb” doorbell unit has been placed in all rooms to increase guest privacy. In addition, each room offers energy-efficient lighting, including three-way, dimmable and standard-compact florescent light bulbs. All guest rooms include a new 42-inch, LCD high-definition Philips television, and each room contains the LodgeNet Launch Pad™, a secure and sturdy multimedia connectivity panel that allows guests to connect to a wide variety of portable devices such as laptop computers, digital audio and video players, portable DVD players and more. Over the desk, two new 360-degree rotating outlets are available for those needing to plug in large adapters and multiple electrical products. The Houstonian has upgraded its in-room wiring and wireless network to provide more reliable service, with the wired network more flexible for group usage. And, Verizon Wireless has installed a cellular booster system that provides a better signal across the campus for cellular voice and data. In-room safes now are accessible in drawers, and open at the top, making it easier for guests to store and retrieve their valuables. The corridors have new carpeting, wall coverings, sconces and artwork. Renovations to the rooms follow other projects completed at the hotel last year, which included adding new rugs and upholstery to the main lobby’s Great Room, and a redo to The Bar, which was changed to have a more relaxing, clubby-type feel. Its changes included new sofas, furniture, rich leather chairs, and a new LCD TV. In 2005, the facility opened a $3 million aquatic recreation center, including a Resort-style pool with a 32-foot-long water slide, interactive waterfall features, a baby pool, a walk-in entry, a sunning shelf, geysers, and a large deep end to accommodate exercise classes. A new Sports pool includes a 25-yard-by-25-meter competition pool, complete with a deck-level waterline to eliminate waves, removable starting blocks, pace clocks and a digital clock with easy-to-read six-inch letters. Finally, the Garden pool features warmer water, a lap-swim lane and a quiet environment for reading, tanning and relaxing. Future plans include new carpeting in the Grande Ballroom, new digital directional signage in the lobby, a new laundry facility for hotel and spa laundry needs, additional parking and expansion to The Club, which includes four new indoor and four new outdoor tennis courts and a new padel court. Work was overseen by the architectural design firm Kirksey. **************************************************************************** $2.1 MILLION RENOVATION FOR HOTEL DEREK Hotel Derek, the chic boutique hotel with the fashionable Galleria address, is in the midst of a makeover. The $2.5 million renovation includes a complete transformation of the hotel’s 314 rooms, including its suites, and floor landings, adding a warm, residential feel to the hotel. The renovation will be complete by January 2009. Hotel Derek remains open for business as usual. Known for its trendy décor and uber hip guests, like country mega stars Faith Hill and Tim McGraw, Counting Crows, New Kids on the Block and a host of others, the hotel’s new rooms include the most up-to date finishes from top to bottom. The warm, residential tone is set with the addition of luxurious pillow top mattresses, crisp white bed linens dotted with colorful bed pillows; custom drapes and bold geometric carpet; sleek desk accessories; high-tech toys like 37-inch flat screen televisions and Wi-Fi connections; and new artwork and lamp fixtures. A vibrant and fresh palette of colors include: purple, orange, brown and green. A similar color palette accentuates executive and presidential suites, although each suite has a decidedly distinctive look. The renovation work, which has taken 4 months to complete, was overseen by Hotel Derek’s management company, Crestline Corporation, and is the first of many updates being made to the hotel. A new restaurant concept will be introduced in 2009, replacing Bistro Moderne. ******************************************************************* NEW STATE-OF-THE-ART SKATEPARK FOR DOWNTOWN HOUSTON If you dream of riding bowls, grinding rails, or cutting and sweeping through the largest cradle in the world, you can fulfill your desire right here in Houston at the new Lee and Joe Jamail Skatepark. Designed by the premiere skatepark firm Gridline, this state-of-the-art, public 30,000 square-foot in-ground skate park is the first world-class, in-ground skatepark in our region. The new facility, which opened in June 2008, puts Houston on the forefront of American venues for this fast-growing, dynamic sport. The park has areas for skaters of all levels, from the seasoned pro to the beginner. Skaters can work on their kick flip, ollie, fakie big spin...or simply learn to stay balanced! Park Hours 8:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m. - Monday - Saturday 1:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. - Sunday ***************************************************************** NEW ELECTRIC MOTOR CABS SERVICE DOWNTOWN HOUSTON Getting around downtown and Midtown has gotten a little easier—and a little greener—with the launch of a new electric/zero emission motor car taxi service. REV Houston's short-trip service allows passengers to "hail a cab" from designated "REV Stops," that include El Patio and The Coffee Groundz in Midtown and The Rice Lofts (909 Texas) in downtown, by simply calling or texting 1.877.Go.REV.Go. All REV Spots feature specially coded decals on windows and doors to inform guests that a ride from REV is just a text message away. Best of all, the gratuity-based service can be paid for by cash, credit card or pre-paid key tags. REV services run seven days a week, 10am-10pm, Sunday-Wednesday and 10 am-2am, Thursday-Saturday. http://gorevgo.com/ ********************************************************************* SAINT ARNOLD BREWERY MOVING TO NEW, IMPROVED LOCATION Saint Arnold Brewing Company, the oldest craft brewery in Texas, is moving downtown. The company, which has experienced rapid growth, has purchased a three story brick building originally constructed in 1914. The building at 2000 Lyons Avenue will be transformed into a craft brewery that will attract tens of thousands of visitors each year from around the world. The redevelopment effort is scheduled to be completed by June 2009 and will cost almost $6 million. Established in 1994, Saint Arnold Brewing Company has outgrown its original location in a warehouse district in Northwest Houston. The company recently added three 120-barrel fermenters, which brought the facility to 100 percent capacity. Saint Arnold’s new brewery will feature a brewhouse (beer-making equipment) purchased from a closed brewery in a monastery in Germany. The equipment is being refurbished, updated and automated, including the addition of a state-of-the-art energy-saving boiling and mashing system. The expansion into the new facility ultimately will allow for an over 400 percent increase in brewing capacity. The current brewery in Northwest Houston has an annual capacity of 22,500 barrels; the new brewery will have an initial annual capacity of 40,000 barrels expandable up to 120,000 barrels per year. Saint Arnold is a beloved brand in Houston and throughout Texas. Approximately 50,000 people visit the brewery each year. With a location that is close to downtown and easily accessible from I-10, U.S.59 and I-45, the new brewery is expected to attract twice that many. In addition to the weekly Saturday afternoon tours that have become a Houston tradition, Saint Arnold Brewing plans to offer weekday tours. Additionally, the new facility will be climate controlled, allowing year-round comfort for visitors and employees. The brewery’s production has grown an average of 24 percent each year from 2002 through 2007 – more than double the growth of craft beer nationally during that period. ************************************************************************ OMNI HOUSTON HOTEL OPENS LUXURY SPA As part of a $30 million expansion and renovation project, the Omni Houston Hotel has just launched its luxurious new Mokara Spa. Located in the Omni Houston Hotel’s new addition built adjacent to the swimming pool, the 7,100-square-foot Mokara Spa includes a full fitness center with views of the famed pool area and swan pond. With 8 treatment rooms, 4 massage rooms, a wet room, a couples massage room complete with oversized tub, and two aesthetician rooms— plus a relaxation room featuring 3 curtained off built-in lounge beds – Mokara Spa is redefining luxury pampering in Houston. The Spa’s comprehensive list of treatment choices – including options for women, men, teens, couples, mothers-to-be, executives, and brides – easily rivals that of any 5-star spa in the Houston area or otherwise. Chardonnay Wine Therapy Signature Collection Luxury anti-aging spa treatments with the benefits of high powered antioxidants sourced from the Chardonnay grape seed are available for facials, body treatments and massage. For the finale, these treatments feature a complimentary glass of Texas Chardonnay. A new Cerón Salon debuted in the space adjacent to Mokara in early November, further enhancing the spa experience with style and flair. Mokara Spa is open daily from 8:00am to 8:00pm. Call (713) 624-4876 for appointments. ***************************************************************** HOUSTON'S FIRST "MAN SPA" OPENS IN UPTOWN PARK In July 2008, Gentlemen’s Tonic, founded in the heart of Mayfair, London, made its foray into the US market with the opening of its first location in Houston, Texas. This unique establishment affords the modern man a traditional barbershop and a variety of lifestyle and grooming services, along with a line of skin and hair-care products, Babassu & Bergamot, designed especially for men. Every treatment and barber room has an LCD screen and iPod hook-ups. Examples of services at Gentlemen's Tonic include: Hair cuts, including a Father and Son Haircut and Finish Hair color Shaving services Facials Teeth Whitening Electrolysis Massage Reflexology Nutrition consultations Signature packages include: THE RUBIO - 'FOR THE ULTIMATE PLAYBOY' Haircut and finish, wet shave, express facial, hand treatment and Swedish massage. 165mins $230.00 THE VALENTINO - 'WILL HAVE YOU TAKING THE LEADING ROLE' Hand and foot treatment, rejuvenation facial and a revitalising and refreshing eyes treatment. 125mins $195.00 THE SHACKLETON - 'FOR THE INTREPID AMONG YOU' Haircut and finish, beard trim or the ultimate wet shave. 60mins $85.00 THE HEMINGWAY - 'AFTER A HEAVY NIGHT OF DRINKING AND BULL FIGHTING' Bloody Mary, aromatherapy facial and massage. 135mins $225.00 THE MONTGOMERY - 'FOR THOSE WHO LIKE TO TAKE CHARGE' Steam facial, back tone and tonic, followed by a hand treatment. 90 mins $190.00 ****************************************************************************** CROSS CULTURAL AMERICAN CUISINE FEATURED AT NEW RESTAURANT IN THE HOUSTON HEIGHTS Cross Cultural American Cuisine could be described as: French for elegance; Italian for freshness; Japanese for discipline; and American for ingenuity. Chef Robert Gadsby, formerly of NOE and Soma Sushi, opened his signature Houston Heights restaurant, Bedford, in November 2008, and his seasonal menu reflects these attributes. Presently, starters include torched scallops with cauliflower soubise and duck foie gras with apple cider gelée; entrees include Icelandic halibut with haricot vert and Gulf shrimp and crab with coconut milk shellfish. On Thursday through Saturday, Chef Gadsby will be cooking for 10 people at a time at the Chef’s Table. It’ll be a seven-course tasting menu with accompanying wines for $150 per person. Bedford seats159 diners: 66 in the main dining room and adjacent lounge; 14 in a private room; 52 on a wrap-around patio; plus the chef's table. The contemporary interior features handsome brickwork that reminds Gadsby of his hometown, an ancient market city outside London; as well as sepia-toned metal images of Bedford on the walls. The bar features 750,000 carats of cut emeralds. ********************************************************************** 'FEAST' BRINGS RUSTIC EUROPEAN FARE TO HOUSTON English restaurateurs Richard Knight and James Silk, along with James' wife Meagan, opened Feast in May 2008 to bring a traditional and relaxed European approach to dining in Houston. The menu, which could feature anything from Wild Hog and Parsley Terrine to Steak and Date Pot Pie with Spaghetti Squash, changes every day, but a new section on the menu called Feast Favorites is available at all times. Knight has more than 20 years experience as a chef and has worked in Green’s and Richard Corrigan’s Lindsay House in London before moving on to run his own restaurant in the world-famous artist community at St. Ives in Cornwall. He moved to Texas in 1998 and worked as the executive head chef at the Chevron Texaco Building in downtown Houston before opening Taverna in Conroe with Silk. Silk worked extensively with Fergus Henderson at St. John, in central London’s Clerkenwell district, which was recently voted the tenth best restaurant in the world by Restaurant Magazine and, famously, is Anthony Bourdain’s ‘favorite restaurant in the world’. Here, following in his family’s tradition, he also trained as a butcher and a chef. At Feast, Knight and Silk are working alonside Silk’s wife Meagan, who attended Northern Arizona University's school of Hotel and Restaurant Management. She manages the restaurant and is fundamental to creating the relaxed, warm, family style of service. ************************************************************************* SCOTT TYCER OPENS NEW SIGNATURE RESTAURANT IN THE HEIGHTS Scott Tycer – owner of Kraftsman Baking and co-owner of Gravitas restaurant – opened his newest venure, Textile, located in the new Kraftsmen Baking facility in The Heights. Located in Houston’s 9th oldest building – a turn-of-the-century textile mill from which the restaurant derives its name – the reservation-only establishment debuted in October 2008. Tthe 30-seat venue was designed by celebrated architect Ferenc Dreef, who also designed award-winning Gravitas. Patrons will enjoy a unique industrial-yet-warm environment perfect for intimate gatherings, and garden patio seating is also be available. Fans of Tycer’s much-acclaimed Aries will recognize his sophisticated take on modern American cuisine complete with seasonal, organic ingredients. A 5- to 7-course tasting menu is available for those who want to dabble in a range of Tycer’s technique-driven fare. Entrees will range from $20 to $30 a plate. The carefully selected and affordable wine list will include choices from France, Italy, and the United States. Click here to view a sample menu. Prior to Aries, Kraftsman Baking, Gravitas and Textile, Scott Tycer – named one of 10 “Best New American Chefs” in 2003 by Food & Wine magazine – spent more than a decade honing his craft. Following his graduation from the University of Texas at Austin with a degree in English Literature, Tycer attended the Western Culinary Institute in Portland, Oregon. After working under Chef Anthony Demme at Couvron, Tycer returned to his hometown of Houston in 1996 landing positions at the former Ritz-Carlton (now St. Regis), Benjy’s and Dacapo’s. In 1997, Tycer moved to San Francisco where he landed the coveted position of kitchen manager and later executive sous chef at Wolfgang Puck’s Spago Palo Alto. ***************************************************************************** HOTEL GRANDUCA'S SIGNATURE RESTAURANT ADDS SECOND DINING ROOM Ristorante Cavour, Hotel Granduca’s signature restaurant, has opened its doors to the newly completed dining room. Built with stucco-textured plaster walls and a red clay tile roof, the addition blends seamlessly into the existing Tuscan inspired architecture. The success of Ristorante Cavour prompted the owners to design a larger dining room, which triples the seating. French doors allow a beautiful view of the majestic palms and gardens at the Front Court. Luminous Venetian chandeliers and sconces add to the elegance and warmth of the room. Walls painted throughout in deep, sage green provide a dramatic backdrop for lighted art and Italian artifacts. The rich flavors of Northern Italy accented with the Provencal style of Executive Chef David Denis have proven to be a blend Granduca guests and locals savor. Ristorante Cavour is open for lunch from 11:30 am to 2 pm Monday through Friday and for dinner 6 pm to 10 pm Monday through Saturday. Bar Malatesta is open daily from 4 pm to 10 pm for cocktails and dinner. Breakfast is served from 6:30 am to 10:30 am Monday through Friday and 7:00 am to 11:00 pm on Saturday and Sunday. ******************************************************************************* DESIGNER ELAINE TURNER OPENS FLAGSHIP STORE IN HOUSTON Houston-based handbag and shoe designer Elaine Turner opened her new flagship store in the Rice Village in October. Turner's impressive fashion pedigree, coupled with a keen interest in textiles and timeless style, led to the creation of a unique, conceptually-driven debut collection in 2000 that instantly stood apart from the rest. Her collection is inspired by a destination aesthetic that integrates bold color and prints. This combination creates a fun, yet glamorous style that appeals to women of all ages. Elaine also perceived a void in the market for luxurious accessories at an accessible price point. Turner was born and raised in Houston and currently resides there with her husband and two children. Turner met her husband while living and working in New York City. For five years, Turner worked in the fashion industry primarily working for private label companies. This experience allowed her to fully understand the commercial aspect of this business and how to design something that is truly marketable. Elaine Turner is currently sold at Nordstrom stores nationwide, Elaine Turner in-store shops at all Tootsies locations and more than 200 specialty stores throughout the U.S. The Elaine Turner flagship store in Houston, Texas is her first and only flagship store. ************************************************************************* REBECCA & DREW BOUTIQUE OPENS IN RIVER OAKS SHOPPING CENTER Rebecca & Drew, the new boutique offering close-to-custom shirts and shirtdresses for the successful woman with a discerning sense of taste and style, opened its doors in Houston’s River Oaks Shopping Center on Sept. 2. Storeowner Lindsay Aronstein brings the stylish and sophisticated Rebecca & Drew brand to Houston offering shirts and dresses featuring the Trio-Fit sizing system as well as cardigans, pants, skirts and accessories to complete the offering. Fashion entrepreneurs Rebecca Matchett, co-founder of alice + olivia, and Drew Paluba, former designer for Darryl K and Express, launched their brand by reinvigorating an essential piece of every womans wardrobe: the blouse. After a burst of ingenuity, Rebecca & Drew created a patented pattern-making/sizing formula called TrioFit, which is based on three measurements of a womans body: chest circumference, bra cup size and torso height and is designed to fit every woman from size 32A to 38DD. It is a fashion breakthrough that sets Rebecca & Drew apart from any other line on the market. Located in the upscale River Oaks Shopping Center, the new boutique provides a wardrobe for the modern woman. Rebecca & Drew brings undeniable luxury to the space with music, cocktails, wonderfully conceived decor and a private fit area where the client is educated on the TrioFit sizing system. Clients can schedule special fitting appointments and enjoy wine, champagne or coffee while they browse for the ideal outfit and the perfect fit. The boutique will also offer the exclusive line of jewelry by Houston designer, Elissa Laviage. Rebecca & Drew's decor is youthful, fresh and fun- vintage and antique pieces are given a modern, fresh update. It pulls from the classic blue blood prep, the country club woman who is refined, witty and stylish all at the same time. Bright colors surround the space while clean lined furniture styles in white compliment the overall brightness. Fabric patterns in happy colors add femininity and humor while metallic and polished metals add a touch of glamour. Store hours are 10 am to 6p.m.Monday through Saturday. Special appointments for fittings can be scheduled at 713.826.9031. ******************************************************************************* NEW RIVER OAKS ART GALLERY BOASTS EXCLUSIVE COLLECTION OF TWENTIETH CENTURY MASTERS Houston’s newest gallery, the Vaughan Christopher Gallery, opened Nov. 14, offering an unparalleled collection of fine art beckoning the true collector. Eponymous gallery owners Amy Vaughan King and Ginger Christopher Wright have amassed a museum-quality collection by masters that define modern art. From 20th century fine art to whimsical pop art, Vaughan Christopher offers an array of pieces to please even the most discerning artistic palate. Works by Chagall, Dali, Francis, Haring, Hirst, Kaufman, Lichtenstein, Manes, Matisse, Miro, Moore, Murakami, Picasso, Quinn and Warhol are brilliantly showcased in the intimate space. Among the 100 pieces in inventory, they have iconic works such as Warhol’s Moonwalk and Lichtenstein’s Bull Profile series to less familiar treasures like Picasso’s Picador et Chevral and Chagall’s Romeo and Juliet. Located in the former Gerhard Wurzer Gallery space, the gallery can hold approximately 50 pieces within its 1,600-square-foot revamped gallery space. In anticipation of hosting private parties and events at their new gallery, King and Wright converted a former storage room located behind the gallery into a catering kitchen. Vaughan Christopher Gallery is located at 1217 South Shepherd near the River Oaks Shopping Center. The gallery is open Tuesday through Friday, 10 am until 5 pm and by appointment. 713-533-0816 or view the website at http://www.vaughanchristopher.com ****************************************************************** THE SHOWGROUNDS AT SAM HOUSTON RACE PARK DEBUT AS HOUSTON'S NEWEST OUTDOOR ENTERTAINMENT FACILITY Sam Houston Race Park (www.shrp.com) and Live Nation (www.livenation.com) have partnered to launch The Showgrounds at Sam Houston Race Park (www.theshowgrounds.com), Houston’s newest outdoor entertainment facility. The Showgrounds, which is open to all-ages and has a total capacity of 9,000, is now home to more than 40 live music and entertainment events with performances from national recording artists across all genres of music. As part of the multi-year joint-venture partnership between Sam Houston Race Park and Live Nation, Live Nation will serve as the exclusive booking and marketing agent for The Showgrounds. The Showgrounds will continue to build upon the success of the Verizon Wireless Friday and Saturday night post-race concert events, a signature live music event which debuted in 2007, by expanding the number of weekend concert for the series. The Showgrounds has made extensive improvements to the infield area for the concert season, including improved back stage facilities for artists and production crews, a second entrance to the facility, increased reserved seating accommodations, new reserved seating chairs, increased lighting to the venue, new signage and updated the Concession Court. ### |
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