Diane Barber
Occupation
Co-Executive Director/Visual Arts Curator of DiverseWorks Artspace. I seriously think I may have the best job on the planet.
Tex-Mex or BBQ?
Houston boasts some great BBQ but I have to admit that I truly can't live without a frequent Tex-Mex fix. In fact, I need an IV drip of queso whenever I'm out of town for more than three days in a row. Lucky for me, you can find great Tex-Mex on almost every corner in Houston. I'm a big fan of the Wave margarita and the fajita platter at Little Pappasito's (whoever thought of putting garlic butter on fajitas was a genius), can't get enough of the best-in-town guacamole and super-rich chile con queso at La Mexicana in Montrose, love the creamy jalapeño and deluxe tomatillo sauces at Chuy's and dream about the paper-thin but big-as-a-pizza tortillas at Lupe Tortilla on 59. I also spend a lot of time on the patio at Ninfa's on Navigation, indulge in made-to-order breakfast tacos with homemade salsa at Doña Maria in the East End, often grab a quick lunch of chicken and black bean tostadas from Last Concert Café near downtown, or liven up the week with dinner and strolling mariachis at El Jardin on Harrisburg. Houston OWNS Tex-Mex and nowhere else in the world even comes close.
Inner Looper or Outer Looper?
I grew up outside the loop but I'm all about the Inner Loop now! It's like a small town inside a thriving metropolis and I love that. Arts, culture, fine cuisine, great shopping, urban parks, charming neighborhoods – all within the shadow of Houston's impressive skyline. And with the recent addition of so many great bike trails (thank you, Mayor White), I've had fun getting out of the car and seeing my hometown from a new perspective.
Favorite Annual Event?
There is always fun to be had in this city but one of the highlights of my year is certainly the DiverseWorks gala held every spring. It's really more of an ungala because it has a personality all its own. No matter what the theme is (and there have been some zingers), you can count on over-the-top costumes, great food, free-flowing drinks, lots and lots of dancing and a story or two to tell your friends in the morning - if you know what I mean. The amazing thing is…this raucous party supports artist residencies, performances, exhibitions, and public art projects at Houston's own DiverseWorks Artspace, one of the premiere alternative arts organizations in the country. Let it be known that DiverseWorks really knows how to throw a party and Houstonians are a fun-loving and generous bunch. It's a match made in heaven.
Houston in one word is:
Hot! In more ways than one.
What's a Houston must-see?
Anyone who hasn't witnessed the annual influx of trail riders converging on the city in wagons and on horseback to kick off the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo is really missing out. It is quite something to see hundreds of Texas cowboys and cowgirls—hats, boots, spurs and all—riding alongside cars on Memorial Drive with skyscrapers looming in the background. Only in Houston! For those with a funkier sensibility, another must-see is the annual Art Car Parade. Houston has the biggest art car parade in the world and it consistently showcases the wackiest and wildest cars around. During Art Car Weekend it's not unusual to find yourself sharing the road with a giant shark or van that resembles a toaster. You can't help but smile.
A must-have?
In order to really appreciate all that Houston has to offer, it helps to have a keen sense of adventure. Packed within the city's 600 square miles are glitzy urban centers, local dives, wooded parks, serene bayous and lakes, top-notch sports facilities, high-end retail, kitschy thrift stores, majestic theaters and 12-seat cinemas all begging to be explored. Houston is also a very international city so it's possible to take in a Bollywood film, experience an authentic celebration of Dia de los Muertos, or catch a Dragon Boat regatta all within the urban core. I see it as a city without limits.
What's the one (activity, place or thing) that you haven't experienced, but would like to?
Since its inception in 2005, I have been dying to experience Houston Roller Derby live and in person although I have to admit I'm a little scared to go. With team names like Bayou City Bosses, Burlesque Brawlers, Psych Ward Sirens, Machete Betties, and Hard Knocks, you just KNOW these girls mean business. Awesome...but yikes.
What would you say is Houston's best hidden gem? Why?
There are a lot of great places to discover in Houston but as far as neighborhoods go, I'd have to say that Eastwood is Houston's hidden gem. Founded in the early 1900s and just a stone's throw from downtown, Eastwood is full of charming craftsman-era bungalows, tree-lined streets, and warm and wonderful neighbors. With monthly wine nights, frequent porch crawls and the legendary Yucca Flats neighborhood yard party, Eastwood takes southern hospitality to a new level. I can't imagine living anywhere else.
When I'm not hanging out with artists at DiverseWorks or swapping stories with neighbors on my front porch, you can usually find me taking in Houston's arts and cultural offerings at the many museums and galleries around town. From the internationally revered Menil Collection to the fantastic Inman Gallery to the eclectic Aurora Picture Show to the funky Orange Show Center for Visionary Art, Houston has an incredibly rich and vibrant arts community and a huge confluence of creative talent. A weekend doesn't pass without a smattering of gallery openings, film screenings, and performances and I am constantly inspired and amazed by all this city has to offer.
Houstonian that you admire most?
I am a Charlie's Angels FANATIC so I'm going to have to go with Jaclyn Smith on this one. Sophisticated, sexy, and a sharpshooter to boot. She's really fun, too. I ran into her at a lesbian wedding (really!) at the Hotel Derek several years ago and she was the queen of the conga line. I also really admire Houston's first female mayor, Kathy Whitmire. I was in junior high school when Whitmire was elected and I remember feeling very proud to live in a city in which a woman could rise to the top job in city government. Houston remains a place of opportunity for people from all walks of life and I find that very refreshing.
Favorite place to grab a bite?
With bike trails all over the inner city, I've become an expert at the grab and go meal. Favorite pit stops include Little Big's in Montrose for sliders on the deck; Tacos a Go-go on Main Street for breakfast, lunch or dessert (!) tacos; and The Lake House at Discovery Green, Houston's premiere downtown park, for burgers and great people watching.
Best brunch in town?
Baba Yega puts out a nice spread for brunch but I'm hooked on Monica Pope's famous McMonica, a homemade biscuit with rosemary ham, egg, and cheddar cheese served every Saturday at the t'afia Midtown Farmer's Market. Pair that with a mimosa and you've got a winning combination. Every now and then when I'm feeling bold, I head next door to The Breakfast Klub for a mid-morning feast of catfish and grits. Catfish before noon you say? Trust me. It's the bomb.
Favorite Happy Hour?
I love places that ooze atmosphere and I appreciate a good glass of wine so I'm a big fan of 13 Celsius in Midtown. With distressed brick walls, a tin ceiling, and big plate glass windows that bring the outside in, it's the perfect place to decompress after a day at work. Another favorite is La Carafe on downtown's Market Square. Dark, narrow, cozy, and historic—in fact, it's the oldest bar in the city—La Carafe has been a favorite hangout for many generations of H-towners. And with a jukebox featuring songs by everyone from Billie Holiday to Bob Marley, it's the perfect place to sit back, relax and enjoy a quiet night with friends.
