Paper City Article

My Tête-à-Tête with Sacha Walckhoff

Mon, 07 May 2012 12:46:16 GMT

When Brooke mentioned an opportunity for me to profile someone for PaperCity, I was thrilled. Or, maybe I was just chilled because we were at the Margaret Hunt Hill Bridge celebration, and the wind was blowing at a million knots. Anyway, I love to write, and when I asked whom I should interview, she said, %26ldquo;Anyone fabulous %26mdash; you pick.%26rdquo; As my mind pondered whom to profile %26mdash; well, that, and what I should pack for Malibu %26mdash; suddenly it dawned on me: Sacha Walckhoff, the creative director of Christian Lacroix. I had just returned from Los Angeles and had looked at his spring Christian Lacroix fabric and wall-covering collection for Designers Guild for my Dallas showroom, ID Collection. Walckhoff, having worked as Mr. Lacroix%26rsquo;s second in command for more than 17 years, was a natural choice to lead the house when Lacroix severed all ties. Walckhoff is in charge of Lacroix%26rsquo;s menswear, eyewear, wedding dresses, stationery, bags and leather goods, as well as some incredible patterns for Designers Guild. Here is a little insight into the mind and world of the Paris-based Sacha Walckhoff, aka my new man crush.

When Sacha isn%26rsquo;t being Sacha, what does he like to do? I am always myself! But on weekends, I love to spend time with my partner visiting modern art galleries or flea markets, having lunch on a sunny Parisian day on the terrace at the Marly or the Georges, and buying books at the Calignani library and fruitcakes at Pierre Herm%26eacute;.

If the life you have lived so far could be summed up by a cocktail, what would it be? I do not drink anymore, so now, it would be the Multi-v from Vitaminwater. I like the lime taste %26mdash; it%26rsquo;s refreshing and feels like you are doing something good for your body and mind.

The moment you first flipped for interior decoration %26hellip; what was it that caught your attention? Ceramics from the %26rsquo;50s %26mdash; anything from Vallauris (especially Picasso and Capron). And I have a lot of Georges Jouve, Cloutier and Hella Jongerius. My companion and I often don%26rsquo;t see eye to eye on interior design. Sometimes it takes an explanation as to why I want to
do something.

Do you have free rein at home? Not always %26mdash; we talk about it. It makes both of us evolve, which is good! He is outside Paris right now on the set of a movie (he is a hair designer), and he just called me, telling me he could not stop thinking of the vase we bought yesterday %26mdash; so we are on the same page today!

If you were a textile, what would you be? An Herm%26egrave;s cashmere blanket.

Favorite guilty pleasure? Mont Blanc pastries.

Coffee or tea? Genma%26iuml; green tea.

Pet or no pet? My partner cat, Pitouf.

The last time you danced alone while getting dressed, what was playing? It was yesterday, and %26ldquo;%26lsquo;S Wonderful%26rdquo; by Jo%26atilde;o Gilberto was on ... so romantic!%26nbsp;

Song when you need motivation? In the morning, anything from Kool and the Gang; late at night, %26ldquo;Iron%26rdquo; by Woodkid.

What are you loving right now at this very moment? I just bought an amazing piece at the Manufacture de S%26egrave;vres %26mdash; a vase hand-painted by Marlene Mocquet, a young and talented French artist.

I admire the work of Axel Vervoordt and John Saladino %26mdash; are you inspired by any designers? Yes, I do love the work of Rodrigo Almeida, Sam Baron, Marcel Wanders, Maarten Baas, Charlotte Perriand, Georges Jouve, Daniel Firman and many others.

Favorite thing about the weekend? Staying in bed with my lover!

Favorite mag? Fantastic Man, Vogue Hommes Japan, and C%26ocirc;t%26eacute; Paris is great, too.

Favorite piece of luggage? My Herm%26egrave;s Plume bag %26mdash; a special order from the %26rsquo;70s I found at a flea market many years ago.

I know when I%26rsquo;m traveling I need a lightweight jacket or cardigan %26mdash; what do you have to have when traveling? A big Lacroix scarf made of silk and wool, and my perfume by Aesop.

I must admit, I am loving your men%26rsquo;s fall collection. I also see you%26rsquo;re still rocking the ankle for fall. Can a man in his mid-40s still flash some flesh? Yes ... maybe not ... but we are working on Summer 2013 right now, and we might show more than just the ankle!

%26nbsp;

IMAGES:

Jim Williamson. Photo by Mike Morgan.

Sacha Walckhoff. Photo by Antone Tempe.

%26nbsp;Christian Lacroix for Designers Guild

%26nbsp;Mont Blanc pastry

%26nbsp;Christian Lacroix Fall 2012

A Day in the Life of Al Tidwell

Mon, 07 May 2012 11:41:36 GMT

10 am: Stayed up late watching Melancholia, so I slept in. I love waking up in our hand-carved mahogany bed from Indonesia. I was dreaming I was in Hawaii, with the doors open to the lanai. Can%26rsquo;t get enough of the Hawaiian weather here in Dallas lately.

10:25 am: Checking e-mails on my red BlackBerry Curve, which also conveniently serves as my phone, computer and music system. (I refuse to touchscreen.) Streaming Claudine Longet on Pandora.

11 am: Brush my teeth with my Preserve sustainable toothbrush. Slather on sun salve %26mdash; pure herbal comfort infused with love. Light a stick of Juniper Ridge wild-harvested Sweetgrass incense. Get dressed for a long day in black Levi%26rsquo;s 510 jeans that I bleached on purpose; B. Son San Francisco T-shirt that I picked up from Centre; vintage shiny black Members Only knockoff jacket from Sears; a black silk Dries Van Noten scarf. I slip on my acid-washed Toms shoes, and a buffalo-nickel concho belt completes my look.

11:23 am: Korean-taco withdrawal kicking in, so my partner, Jamaal Cockerham, and I Volvo-it crosstown to Goghee To Go. We order three tacos, three ways: Tejano, Mexicano and Korean. We dine alfresco.

12:14 am: Stop by V.O.D. to see if Jackie got in more scarves like the brown and blue vintage YSL tribal one I found there last season to add to my 30+ collection, or a new LowLuv ring by Erin Wasson.

1 pm: I arrive at the faux-French country castle off Midway. Erin Faison is shooting a new men%26rsquo;s skincare line for BeautiControl. I give our model some L%26rsquo;Occitane en Provence hand cream for his hands, which gives anyone an instant manicure, and then I butter him up in jasmine-scented Almond Glow. Someone has to do it!

3 pm: We are shooting for JCP on the rooftop of The Stoneleigh Hotel and Spa. Sophia Loren would live here. Orange peasant blouse, check! Loose, yet controlled chignon, check! White capris, check! It%26rsquo;s a pretend dinner party on the terrace overlooking downtown. Wait, what are we selling? Oh %26hellip; the patio furniture!

4:15 pm: I hitch a ride to Dear Clark salon to talk Kevin Murphy hair products with Kaycee Clark for the DIFFA extravaganza. Kaycee is working with me on the quick-hair-change strategies for the show. While I%26rsquo;m there, I pick up a bottle of Kevin Murphy Fresh.Hair dry-cleaning spray %26mdash; it%26rsquo;s great for adding volume.

5 pm: For a full dose of vitamin D, I hit my backyard for some sun yoga, wearing my green sandals from The Piper Sandal Company, then I kick back with a Rangpur martini with Sunflower Farmers Market%26rsquo;s black-pepper kettle chips. Paradise.

6:30 pm: I meet up with photographer Ann He for a photo test. They are recreating iconic photographer Paolo Roversi%26rsquo;s iconic light painting from the %26rsquo;80s and Wallflower%26rsquo;s %26ldquo;face of the moment,%26rdquo; Abby, is our model. I use Nars Illuminator in Copacabana and Burt%26rsquo;s Bees pomegranate lip balm for the look.%26nbsp;

8:30 pm: Tonight is the DIFFA %26ldquo;Le Smoking Haute%26rdquo; Show. I%26rsquo;ve conjured up some big Texas Tom Ford hair, geometric ponytails, and tortured %26rsquo;20s bobs. On the same models. In the same show. Only for Jan!

10:16 pm: I%26rsquo;m back home for an organic salad from Urban Acres market, then a soak in a bath of Palm Island black lava sea salt.

10:40 pm: Curl up in bed to watch some Rhoda. How does she tie that scarf?

11:15 pm: Can%26rsquo;t sleep yet! I reorganize my kit for tomorrow%26rsquo;s jcp.com women%26rsquo;s fashion photo shoot. We%26rsquo;re going to keep the look natural.

Midnight: The BlackBerry automatically shuts down, and so do I. Aloha!

IMAGE: Al Tiwell. Photo by Maxine Helfman.

A Delicious Dwelling

Mon, 07 May 2012 11:13:13 GMT

From the visionaries of Primebar, the recently opened Townhouse Kitchen + Bar is the latest culinary attraction at Galleria Dallas. This industrial loft-style restaurant with stacked-wood walls and woven leather booths was envisioned by Plan B Group%26rsquo;s Tatianna Sneed, Thomas Weber, Chryssi Eddy and Royce Ring %26mdash; the designers who brought us the sleek-yet-inviting Oak, Urban Taco and Bolsa. Townhouse Kitchen + Bar chef Paul Niekrasz dishes out contemporary American fare with Latin, Asian and Mediterranean influences via items such as the ancho beef with charred tomatillo salsa, yellowfin tuna stack, Cubano sandwich and grilled Atlantic salmon. Parents will be pleased to know Niekrasz offers a healthy %26ldquo;non-fried food%26rdquo; kids%26rsquo; menu %26mdash; which includes a bento box (grilled chicken or spiced turkey and their choice of pasta or veggies), a build-your-own wrap and the simply grilled chicken. Half of the eatery is dedicated to bar enthusiasts, with more than 19 beers on top. We also hear the cucumber cooler cocktail (made with Effen cucumber vodka, fresh citrus and soda) is happy hour%26rsquo;s most-requested quencher. 13270 Dallas Parkway 972.300.0986; townhousedallas.com.

IMAGE: Townhouse Kitchen + Bar

Your Bod’s Favorite Bar

Mon, 07 May 2012 11:08:39 GMT

Owners Kristin Moses and Laurie Gatlin set the bar high for a feel-good workout studio at Bodybar where classes combine cardio, resistance and Pilates into 50-minute workouts. The earthy-meets-elegant interior %26mdash; wood floors, iron chandeliers and white-leather barstools (a sleek match for the white reformer machines) %26mdash; is designed by California aesthete and published designer Carly Blalock. On Bodybar%26rsquo;s menu of body-altering workouts? Choose from seven classes that work back-to-back muscle groups through dynamic movements, isometrics and cardio bursts with the monikers of Reformer, Cardio Chair, Power Tower, Bodybar(re), Transformation Challenge, Barre/Cardio Chair and Barre/Reformer. Also inside the open-floor-plan studio is an apparel shop, where five percent of proceeds go to the WomenHeart organization, and a juice bar stocked with raw elixirs, milks and nut mixes. Future plans for Moses and Gatlin? Look for their second Bodybar outpost, coming to Plano soon. 4514 Travis St., Ste. 125, 214.520.2227; bodybarstudios.com.

IMAGE: Bodybar. Photo by John Cain.

Bellissimo Barsotti

Mon, 07 May 2012 11:05:24 GMT

Between juggling the pasta fatta in casa as exec chef/owner at Nonna and opening his latest culinary project, Carbone%26rsquo;s, Italian-food wunderkind Julian Barsotti has not let his slotted spoons rest. %26ldquo;I forgot how hard it is to open a restaurant,%26rdquo; confessed Barsotti, regarding his new eatery in The Shops at Highland Park. His challenge isn%26rsquo;t without delicious reward, though, as the draw at Carbone%26rsquo;s is two-fold: It%26rsquo;s one part casual, Italian-American restaurant and one part specialty-food store. %26ldquo;Everything is either handmade in-house or intently sourced and made in America,%26rdquo; he says. For hungry Highland Park types, this means a tightly focused lunch and dinner menu of paninis, salads and pastas, served daily via counter service. On Sunday nights, Carbone%26rsquo;s gets a fine-dining spin as Barsotti joins chefs Jonathan Neitzel and Scott Lewis in the kitchen, serving up a tasting menu of liberally interpreted Italian fare. For at-home chefs, seek groceries inspired by the Boot here as well %26mdash; think extra-virgin olive oil by California-based Corto Olive Co., homemade breads, Villa Vinci Sant%26rsquo; Agostino olives, Iowa-sourced prosciutto, plus dozens of other cured meats from Carbone%26rsquo;s charcuterie program. Our favorite moment inside the Italiano-contemporary kitchen? Freshly cut pasta always hangs from a drying rack in the back. Now, that%26rsquo;s amore. 4208 Oak Lawn in The Shops at Highland Park, 214.522.4208; carbonesdallas.com.

IMAGE: Carbone%26rsquo;s Fine Food and Wine

Gluten-Free Gluttony

Mon, 07 May 2012 11:02:37 GMT

Tully Lewis, a graduate of SMU and the Texas Culinary Academy, saw the need to bring her charm and her NYC-bred bakery, Tu-Lu%26rsquo;s Gluten-Free Bakery, down south for customers ranging from foodies with gluten allergies to the trend-driven and health-conscious. The cozy 900-square-foot space, designed by Lewis herself, is adorned with whimsical owls painted on pastel-pink walls and a case full of sweets including raspberry-almond-crumble muffins, plus cookies, coffee cakes and even vanilla, chocolate and red-velvet cupcakes. For dine-in lunches, choose from daily items such as the three-cheese, basil-pesto and tomato panini or the quiche with spinach, scallions and cheddar cheese. For the taking, malomars (chocolate-coated marshmallow and graham-cracker round)
and loaves of house-made honey oat and whole-grain sunflower breads are flying out her healthy doors. 6055 Sherry Lane, 214.730.0049; tu-lusbakery.com.

IMAGE: Tu-Lu%26rsquo;s Gluten Free Bakery. Photo by Sara Kerens.

Restaurant Buzz

Mon, 07 May 2012 10:58:14 GMT

All palates can savor French fare now that the Inwood Village bistro Bijoux has split into two concepts and is open for lunch. The husband-and-wife team of Scott and Gina Gottlich has divided the eatery into a casual bistro-style restaurant as well as a formal chef%26rsquo;s dining room that offers a standard or vegetarian tasting menu %26mdash; imagine parsnip and sunchoke soup, squab breast and herb gnocchi. See more transformation at bijouxrestaurant.com %26hellip; A skip down the sidewalk from Bijoux in Inwood Village takes you to The Juice Bar, which serves concoctions of organic ingredients such as ginger, beets, kale, apples, oranges and sweet potatoes. Proprietor Tom Hennings (whose wife is Lisa Hennings, owner of The Bar Method next door) has set up his Norwalk Hydraulic Press to offer a choice of six smoothies, six fresh-pressed juices and three types of locally brewed kombucha %26hellip; Calling all audiences: Bring your koozies and coolers (soft-sided only) to Strauss Square, the outdoor space at the AT%26amp;T Performing Arts Center. Corks will pop and cans crack open Wednesday, May 2, at the Gypsy Kings concert, when the policy change allowing guests to BYOB takes effect %26hellip; This fall, a new contemporary steak house replaces the iconic Nana restaurant at the Hilton Anatole. Ser (pronounced %26ldquo;sear%26rdquo;) plans to distinguish itself from other steak houses in town with its sweeping views of the
Dallas skyline and a masculine-modern interior. Nana closes its doors June 9, with Ser opening October 1.

IMAGE: Bijoux%26rsquo;s new look

An Edible Invitation

Mon, 07 May 2012 10:55:21 GMT

If chef Matt McCallister (Stephan Pyles alum and the culinary whiz behind Campo Modern Country Bistro) has anything to do with it, the word %26ldquo;locavore%26rdquo; will soon be part of everyone%26rsquo;s vocabulary. McCallister%26rsquo;s newly launched grassroots organization, Chefs for Farmers,%26nbsp;has the gourmet world ambitiously supporting local farmers and the Texas chefs and businesses that utilize their homegrown wares. The next gathering by Chefs for Farmers is dubbed %26ldquo;Mixin%26rsquo; It Up On The Boulevard%26rdquo; and is set for Sunday, May 6, from 1 to 5 pm, at Lee Park. The nosh-centric day party will feature tasting stations from 40-plus local chefs (Abraham Salum, Tre Wilcox, Janice Provost, Bruno Davaillon, John Tesar and more), vino samplings from 20 Texas wineries and displays by the state%26rsquo;s top artisans and food-industry experts. The central ingredient? The tasty bash benefits Meals on Wheels and Water for Chizavane, with Stephan Pyles, Kent Rathbun and Dean Fearing serving as honorary chefs. Tickets and information, chefsforfarmers.com.

IMAGE: Chefs for Farmers founder Matt McCallister

Sea to See: Your Go-To Guide to Galveston

Tue, 01 May 2012 12:15:21 GMT

Where to Eat

Bistro LeCroy, 2021 Strand, 409.762.4200 . This Strand-area Cajun hot spot is in full swing after an extensive remodel.

The Black Pearl, 23rd %26amp; Market St., 409.762.7299 . This downtown oyster bar, newly opened by restaurateur Rudy Betancourt, has an extensive menu ranging from seafood to rib-eyes and pork chops.

Bubba Gump Seafood Co., 2501 Seawall Blvd. on the Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier; bubbagump.com. Opening in May, this family-friendly restaurant from the Landry%26rsquo;s hospitality group gets its name from the movie Forrest Gump. Its other claim to fame: 19 delicious shrimp preparations.

Cafe Michael Burger, 11150 Termini San Luis Pass Road , 409.740.3639.  Best burgers at the beach. Wash them down with a cold German brew.

DiBella%26rsquo;s Italian Restaurant, 1902 31st St., 409.763.9036 . Locals keep this casual Italian kitchen crowded on Friday nights.

Eatcetera, 408 25th St. , 409.762.0803; eatcetera.net.  Head downtown for gourmet sandwiches, paninis and salads.

Fish Tales, 2502 Seawall Blvd. , 409.762.8545; fishtalesgalveston.com.  After you catch some rays on the beach, grab a bite at this beachfront seafood stop. It%26rsquo;s the best spot to watch the Fourth of July fireworks %26mdash; if you can get there early enough to reserve a table.

Gaido%26rsquo;s, 3838 Seawall Blvd.,  409.762.9625; gaidosofgalveston.com.  An Island institution serving up surf-side seafood since 1911.

Gumbo Bar, 2105 Postoffice St.,  409.744.8626 ; littledaddysgumbobar.com; True to its name, the Gumbo Bar offers delicious Cajun cuisine, complemented by an impressive beer and wine list.

Gump on the Run, 25th St. and Seawall Blvd. on the Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pie; bubbagump.com. A faster version of Bubba Gump Seafood Co. with a similar menu but faster meals for folks on the go. Opening in May.

The Lunchbox Cafe, 213 23rd St.,  409.770.0044 ; thelunchboxcafegalveston.com.  Has your lunchbox ever looked this good? Fresh ingredients hand-picked from the farmers%26rsquo; market come together to create an international menu of sandwiches and salads.

Mosquito Cafe, 628 14th St.,  409.763.1010 ; mosquitocafe.com.  Tucked away in the historic East End, this cafe is a must for trendy salads, sandwiches and pasta. Save room for dessert: The lemonade cake is to die for.

901 Postoffice, 901 Postoffice St. , 409.762.1111 . This new culinary-fusion restaurant is located in a historic home with a covered salon and back patio.

Oasis Juice Bar %26amp; Market, 409 25th St., 409.762.8446; oasisjuicemarket.com. This aptly named addition offers organic fresh juices, smoothies and teas for breakfast and lunch, plus fresh produce.

Olympia Grill at Pier 21, Pier 21 and Harborside Dr., 409.765.0021; olympiapier21.com.  This stylish dining spot serves Gulf Coast seafood and an excellent harbor view. (For Greek dishes, visit sister property Olympia Grill on the Seawall, 4908 Seawall Boulevard.)

PattyCakes Bakery, 704 14th St. , 409.762.2537; pattycakesgalveston.com.  A sweet creation by the brains behind the popular Mosquito Cafe, PattyCakes serves breakfast and lunch, along with French bread and a whole array of fantastic pastries.

Rudy %26amp; Paco, 2028 Postoffice St.,  409.762.3696 ; rudyandpaco.com; Leave the flip-flops and shorts at the beach house when dining at this Latin-inspired seafood and steak house.

Shearn%26rsquo;s Restaurant, 7 Hope Blvd.,  409.741.8484; moodygardenshotel.com . Grab dinner or just a drink at this top-floor restaurant for spectacular views of the pyramids of Moody Gardens and the sunset.

Shrimp n Stuff, 34th Blvd. at Ave. O,  409.763.2805; shrimpnstuff.com . A local favorite for more than 30 years, this Galveston institution has been recommended by Zagat%26rsquo;s Restaurant Survey.

ShyKatZ Deli %26amp; Bakery, 1528 Ave L,  409.770.0500 ; shykatzdeli.com.  ShyKatZ uses old family recipes to create a scrumptious breakfast and lunch menu.

The Sunflower Bakery and Caf%26eacute;, 512 14th St. , 409.763.5500; thesunflowerbakeryandcafe.com. This sweet bakery, housed in a historic building on the East End, serves savory soups and sandwiches for lunch and Sunflower%26rsquo;s famous Belgian waffles for brunch. Check the Web site for delicious Saturday dinner specials.

Willie G%26rsquo;s, 2100 Harbor Side,  409.762.3030 ; williegs.com/galveston.  This steak-and-seafood spot on the harbor side of the island has a whole new look. The remodeled contemporary interior offers great views of the ships rolling in.

For Sipping Cocktails

Bar None at Diamond Beach, 10327 Seawall Blvd.,  409.539.5125 ; galvestonbarnone.com.  Sleek and modern, Bar None is in the elegant Diamond Beach mid-rise on West Beach.

The Beach Hut, 731 Seawall Blvd., 409.770.0089. The only bar on the seawall with beach access right off the patio boasts beautiful views of the Gulf and one of the largest palapas on the island. Listen to bands on the weekends, try out the swings and make-shift bowling alley underneath or indulge in beach-basic fare such as fish tacos, Tiki shrimp, burgers and sandwiches.

Old Quarter Acoustic Cafe , 413 20th St.,  409.762.9199; oldquarteracousticcafe.com.  Cut loose with a Lone Star to live music at the Old Quarter, which is reminiscent of Austin in the %26rsquo;60s and %26rsquo;70s.

The Poop Deck, 2928 Seawall Blvd.,  409.763.9151.  This legendary biker pub has a full bar, televised sports and a deck overlooking the Gulf.

Rooftop Terrace at The Tremont House, 2300 Ship%26rsquo;s Mechanic Row,  409.763.0300 ; wyndhamtremonthouse.com.  This hot spot on the roof of the historic Strand-area hotel debuts a new look this summer, with a lounge-like atmosphere. Enjoy a cool cocktail and a view of downtown at the only rooftop bar in town.

Sonny%26rsquo;s Place, 1206 19th St.,  409.763.9602.  Head to this dive to enjoy a cold mug of root beer and the best chili dogs in town.    You%26rsquo;ll find plenty of cocktails and a cover band every weekend at this hip downtown bar.

Where to Book a Night

Harbor House, Pier 21, 409.763.3321; harborhousepier21.com. This converted waterfront warehouse %26mdash; Galveston%26rsquo;s only harbor-view hotel %26mdash; offers spacious nautical-style guest rooms and perfect portside ship watching.

Hotel Galvez %26amp; Spa, A Wyndham Grand Hotel, 2024 Seawall Blvd. , 409.765.7721 ; wyndam.com . Dubbed %26ldquo;The Queen of the Gulf%26rdquo; when it debuted in 1911, this historic property just completed the final phase of a stunning renovation in celebration of its 100th year. Check out the Hall of History in the lower level of the hotel. And stick around on Sunday for a spectacular brunch at Bernardo%26rsquo;s.

The San Luis Resort, 5222 Seawall Blvd. , 409.744.1500; sanluisresort.com . This 30-acre luxury resort has multiple fine-dining options, bars, spa, tennis courts and the best pool experience on the island, H2O.

The Tremont House, 2300 Ship%26rsquo;s Mechanic Row, 409.763.0300; wyndhamtremonthouse.com.  This historic downtown European-style hotel, just steps from the Strand, recently reopened after an extensive renovation post-Hurricane Ike.

For Longer Than a Night

Beachtown, 630 Beachtown Dr.,  409.762.2222 ; beachtowngalveston.com . This charming residential beach village (we%26rsquo;re reminded of Seaside) at the east end of Galveston Island leases several of its properties. Contact the sales office for more details.

Diamond Beach , 10327 Seawall Blvd.,  409.497.4115; diamondbeachgalveston.com . This elegant West Beach mid-rise residential property has a spa and Bar None, Galveston%26rsquo;s first beach bar. However, if you%26rsquo;re longing for the magnificent outdoor lazy-river pools and the only indoor pool of its kind (designed with inspiration from Turkish baths), you%26rsquo;ll need to own a condo %26mdash; or at least rent one.

Palisade Palms, 801 E. Beach Dr. , 409.974.4635; palisadepalms.com . This luxury high-rise twin-tower property on East Beach has condos for lease on a weekly basis, starting at $1,850 a week. Choose from six floor plans and gain access to the resort-style amenities, including beautiful pools, tennis court, bicycles and a private boardwalk to the beach.

Sand N%26rsquo; Sea Properties, 4127 Pirates Beach , 409.797.5500; sandnsea.com.  Sand N%26rsquo; Sea leases beach houses for a week, weekend or month, with properties ranging from luxury three-story houses on the beach to more modest abodes along the canals.

Shopping

Avis Frank Gallery, 215 23rd St., 409.763.5555; avisfrank.com. Contemporary art gallery directed and managed by Carrie and David Hardaker. Stars of their stable include artists Kelli Vance, Lisa Qualls, Benito Huerta, Steve Murphy and Patrick Renner.

Buchanan Gallery, 220 25th St.,  409.763.8683; buchanangallery.com . This art gallery is an island favorite, representing emerging and mid-career artists from the Gulf Coast region.

The Cardinal, 16708 San Luis Pass Road, 713.816.0268; thecardinalboutique.com. This charming Jamaica Beach boutique carries handcrafted goods from Mexico and other Latin American countries, as well as works by Houston artists.

Col. Bubbies , 2202 Strand St. , 409.762.7397; colbubbie.com . Even non-military buffs will get a kick perusing these extensive racks of wartime memorabilia, all for sale.

Collectors Gallery , 2222 Postoffice St. , 409.750.0092.  Shopping for the person who has everything? Check out Collectors Gallery, with 52 booths carrying everything from antiques to art to furnishings.

Couteux Couture , 2021 Strand , 409.763.3000.  Own a piece of Galveston history and look fabulous doing so! This former upscale women%26rsquo;s store reopened after Ike to incorporate one-of-a-kind vintage clothing and accessories in its repertoire.

Downtown Blooms, 2309 Ship%26rsquo;s Mechanic Row, 409.974.4294; downtownblooms.net. This quaint downtown storefront offers flowers, gifts and floral design for all occasions.

The Emporium at Eibands, 2201 Postoffice St., 409.750.9536. This upscale showroom houses dozens of dealers and artists. Shop here for clothing, jewelry, books, art, European and American antiques (including architectural salvage), plus custom upholstery, bedding and draperies.

The Frog at Home, 2701 Broadway,  409.762.3764 ; frogathome.com . The popular Houston home store also has a showroom in Galveston, where you can shop for unique home furnishings, window treatments, rugs and art to fill your weekend retreat.

Galveston Arts %26amp; Frames, 1126 19th St. , 409.762.3628 . Wonderful old posters and vintage prints of Galveston.

Head to Footsies, 2211 Strand,  409.762.2727.  This boutique, tucked inside a late 1800s building, stocks everything from everyday casual to evening attire and shoes.

Hendley Market, 2010 Strand , 409.762.2610 ; hendleymarket.com . A mainstay on the Strand for more than 30 years. Pick up trinkets and gifts inspired by the Victorian surroundings, as well as antique medical instruments, vintage books, and nativities and santons from around the globe.

La King%26rsquo;s Confectionery, 2323 Strand ., 409.762.6100 ; lakingsconfectionery.com; Stop in for a milkshake at the 1920s soda fountain. On your way out, handpick a selection of divinity, pecan pralines, fudge or La King%26rsquo;s famous saltwater taffy, all made in-house on vintage equipment.

Murdoch%26rsquo;s Bathhouse , 2215 Seawall Blvd.,  409.762.7478 . Galveston%26rsquo;s most historic shop for souvenir shirts and seashells was back up and running only a year after Ike reduced it to a stack of wood pilings.

PeckArts Gallery , 2208 Postoffice St. , 409.621.1500; peckarts.com.  Located at the entrance to Urban Lofts, this charming gallery is home to nationally exhibited Jennifer Peck%26rsquo;s droll painted and collaged panels that offer an ode to the pleasures of island life.

Ren%26eacute; Wiley Studio Gallery , 2128 Postoffice St. , 409.750.9077; renewileygallery.com;  Stop by this art gallery for one of artist Dale Hooks%26rsquo; bowls carved from %26ldquo;Ike Wood,%26rdquo; which is what the locals dub the 10,000-plus  trees cut down after the hurricane. %26nbsp;%26nbsp;%26nbsp;

The Style Co. , 701 14th St.,  409.750.8442 . Chic and edgy, this new addition to the East End carries contemporary fashion for the modern local.

Tangerine Boutique, 2218 Postoffice St.,  409.763.7113.  Tangerine Boutique caters to locals and weekenders with a variety of name brands and a cool California vibe. Jeans, dresses and accessories make this a one-stop beach shop.

Tina%26rsquo;s, 2326 Strand , 409.762.6816; tinasonthestrand.com . Don%26rsquo;t let the name change fool you: This eclectic shop, formerly called Maggie%26rsquo;s, still carries covetable bath products, clothing and gifts.

Vic%26rsquo;s Estate and Fine Jewelry , 2413 Market St. , 409.762.5792 ; vicsjewelry.com . Shop for vintage jewelry and antique silver at Vic%26rsquo;s, a Galveston tradition for more than 80 years.

The Witchery , 2116 Postoffice St.,  409.515.0669; witcheryonline.com.  This magical boutique sells books, gifts and potions pertaining to the metaphysical.

Spas

Chocolate Spa at Diamond Beach, 10327 Seawall Blvd., 409.740.2462; luluschocolatespa.com.  The 4,000-square-foot luxury Chocolate Spa at Diamond Beach is a full-service day spa with indoor hot therapy pool, aromatherapy, mani-pedis, facials and more.

The Spa at Hotel Galvez, 2024 Seawall Blvd.,  409.515.2100; thespaatthehotelgalvez.com . This luxe spa alone %26mdash; with its top-notch treatments, vichy shower and relaxation room %26mdash; is worth a drive to the Island.

Spa San Luis , 5222 Seawall Blvd.,  409.744.1500 ; sanluisresort.com.  Massage, buff and polish your worries away at the full-service spa at the posh San Luis Resort. Check out the property%26rsquo;s newly released Coco Mango line of luxurious body products %26mdash; yours will be created upon placing your order. And if you stay at the San Luis, you can indulge in the swim-up bar and private cabanas, where pool butlers will offer you sea mineral spritzes and frozen fruit skewers.

Sights to See

Ashton Villa, 2328 Broadway, 409.765.7834; galvestonhistory.org. Ashton Villa was one of the first mansions built on Broadway and the first brick house built in Texas. Originally owned by Bettie Brown, who accumulated a large art collection, the property was saved from demolition by the Galveston Historical Society in 1970 and today houses the Galveston Island Visitor Information Center.

1892 Bishop%26rsquo;s Palace, 1402 Broadway,  409.762.2475; galvestonhistory.org . The ch%26acirc;teau-esque home of railroad magnate Walter Gresham, completed in 1892, is open for private and public tours. Don%26rsquo;t miss the one-of-a-kind finds in  the gift shop.

The Elissa , Texas Seaport Museum,  Harborside Dr., Pier 21,  409.763.1877 ; galvestonhistory.org. Restored to her former glory, this three-masted barque speaks to Galveston%26rsquo;s port-ly past. Tour the decks, then visit the adjoining museum to learn about the sailing ship%26rsquo;s past and her amazing rescue from a scrapyard.

Galveston Arts Center , 2501 Market , 409.763.2403; contemporaryartgalveston.org.  In temporary digs at the former Maceo%26rsquo;s Spice %26amp; Import, GAC is raising funds for its return to the landmark 1878 First National Bank Building. Attend its Sunset Buffet Sunday, May 15, at a private home, to support the Center%26rsquo;s programming. Tickets or donations, alex@galvestonartscenter.org.

Galveston Railroad Museum, 2602 Santa Fe Place,  409.765.5700; galvestonrrmuseum.com . The largest railroad museum in the Southwest, battered by Ike in 2008, reopened to the public last year. Explore railcars and the original Santa Fe Union Station waiting room. The fully interactive museum also boasts the largest collection of railroad dining ware  in the States.

The Grand 1894 Opera House, 2020 Postoffice St.,  409.763.7173; thegrand.com . Listed in the National Register of Historic Places, this beautifully restored theater sets the stage for a lively arts season. This month, the schedule includes A Conversation with Shirley MacLaine (May 1), Steve Tyrell in concert (May 6 %26ndash; 7) and the return of the percussive phenomenon Stomp (May 13 %26ndash; 15).

Hall of History at the Hotel Galvez, 2024 Seawall Blvd. , 409.765.7721.  Peruse the intricate history of  both Galveston Island and the Hotel Galvez. Exhibitions are free to the public.

Lone Star Flight Museum , 2002 Terminal Dr.,  409.740.7722; lsfm.org.  Now boarding %26mdash; no, literally: Not only does this museum provide public viewing of a wonderful collection of all things aeronautical, but it boasts vintage bomber planes you can both pilot and fly in.

Moody Mansion, 2618 Broadway , 409.762.7668 ; moodymansion.org . The 1895 homestead of the Moody family. A 20-room tour of the towering structure reveals the home life of a powerful Texas family (namesake of nearby Moody Gardens).

Rosenberg Library , 2310 Sealy St.,  409.763.8854; rosenberg-library.org . This spectacular library, which houses the Galveston Archives, is in the final phase of its largest renovation in the library%26rsquo;s history. The 107-year-old library is set  to have new walls, floors,  windows, lighting fixtures and  air conditioning.

Family Fun

Dash Beardsley%26rsquo;s Ghost Tours of Galveston Island, ghosttoursofgalvestonisland.com. Explore the city%26rsquo;s paranormal hot spots Friday and Saturday evenings with Beardsley, %26ldquo;the Ghostman of Galveston.%26rdquo; Year-round walking tours take you through the historic Strand district and Old City Cemetery, while the Jack the Ripper Mystery Island Tour transports you through past scandals and mysteries via tram. Private tours are also available.

Galveston Duck Tours, 2500 Seawall Blvd. , 409.621.4771 ; galvestonducks.com.  Treat the kiddos to a tour of  Galveston on The Duck. Destinations include Offatt%26rsquo;s Bayou, the Seawall and drive-bys of the Island%26rsquo;s 1900s mansions, Strand shopping district and the %26ldquo;Silk Stockings%26rdquo; historical homes district.

Haunted Mayfield Manor, 2313 Harborside Dr., 409.762.6677; hauntedmayfieldmanor.com. Prepare to be spooked at this year-round haunted-house attraction for ages 11 and above. Twenty-minute tours take you through the manor (and the madness) of the fictional Mayfield family, staged in the historic 1885 Butterowe Building, which served as a morgue after the 1900 storm.

Moody Gardens , One Hope Blvd.,  800.582.4673; moodygardens.com . This Island attraction is mega-fun. Following a $25 million renovation, the Rainforest Pyramid reopens  this month, revealing a brand- new interactive exhibit.  Where else can you visit a rainforest, an aquarium and  see an IMAX film, all in one day?

Pirates! Legends of the Gulf Coast, 2313 Harborside Dr., 409.762.6677; piratesgulfcoast.com. Yo ho ho! Learn all about local pirate history and lore at this new museum that adjoins%26nbsp; Haunted Mayfield Manor. Family fun ensues on the recreated deck of a pirate ship, a captain%26rsquo;s cabin and more, with actors portraying the infamous Jean Lafitte and his colorful contemporaries.

Rainforest Cafe, 5310 Seawall Blvd.,  409.744.6000; rainforestcafe.com.  What child doesn%26rsquo;t cheer for Rainforest Cafe? The Galveston outpost is next door to the  San Luis Resort.

Schlitterbahn, 2026 Lockheed St.,  409.770.9283; schlitterbahn.com/gal . Daring speeds, slides, endless rivers, uphill water coasters and waves for surfing and splashing.

Latest Attractions

Fort Crockett Seawall Park, 4550 Seawall Blvd. This exciting new beachfront park, funded by Kroger and SunChips, is now open to the public. The sail-shaped canopy offers welcome shade for beachgoers, plus there are plenty of places to sit and enjoy the view. Not ready to leave when the sun sets? Solar lighting lets you extend your beachcombing well into the evening.

Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier, 25th Street and Seawall Blvd.; pleasure-pier.com. Tilman Fertitta of Landry%26rsquo;s, Inc., is reviving this 1940s phenomenon at the site of the Ike-doomed Flagship Hotel. Just in time for summer, you%26rsquo;ll be able to indulge in 16 amusement-park rides, midway games, carnival food and more. Follow the link to the Facebook page for updates. A May opening is anticipated.

Disney Cruises to Sail out of Galveston . Cruise Terminal: 2702 Harborside Dr. 800.951.3532; disneycruise.disney.go.com;%26nbsp; Beginning September 2012,  the ship Disney Magic will set  sail for the Caribbean from Galveston%26rsquo;s own harbor. Book  your trip today at dclnews.com. The first cruise depart on September 22, heading through the Western Caribbean with stops at Grand Cayman, Costa Maya and Cozumel

Special Event Venues

Galveston Island Convention Center at The San Luis Resort, 5600 Seawall Blvd., 866.505.4456, ext. 145 . The perfect setting for your next corporate function, where state-of-the-art executive facilities meet beachfront views and resort amenities.

Garten Verein, 2704 Avenue O, 409.762.3933; galvestonhistory.org. Originally opened as a dancing pavilion for the Galveston Garten Verein (%26ldquo;garden club%26rdquo;) in 1880, this was one of the only structures to survive the great hurricane of 1900. Known for its octagonal shape, this landmark can be rented for weddings, receptions, dinners and parties.

For a Beach Pad of Your Own

Beachtown, 630 Beachtown Dr. , 409.762.2222; beachtowngalveston.com.  This charming residential community on Galveston%26rsquo;s east end is redolent of Seaside, Florida, and architecturally follows that classic coastal vernacular. There are several villages with fabulous homes, while town homes and lofts are above Beachtown%26rsquo;s general store, market, creamery, restaurants and coffee shops.

Diamond Beach, 10327 Seawall Blvd. , 409.744.3020; diamondbeachgalveston.com.  This elegant mid-rise residential property has 22 floor plans and 120 beach-view homes on West Beach, behind the Galveston Seawall. Amenities: private beach, outdoor river-like pool, Turkish bath%26ndash;inspired indoor pool, day spa, private movie theater, teen and children%26rsquo;s rooms, fitness center and concierge.

Palisade Palms, 801 East Beach Dr.,  409.497.4115, palisadepalms.com . This luxury high-rise twin-tower property on East Beach has 288 homes and is the first residential high-rise to be built on the beach here in more than 20 years. Amenities: infinity pool, tennis court, game and media lounge, roof terrace and a private boardwalk to the beach.

In the Net

Tue, 01 May 2012 12:00:28 GMT

One of the most unique endeavors we%26rsquo;ve encountered conjoins fishing, conceptual art, Southeast Texas anthropology and coastal cuisine in an intriguing cultural gumbo known as Shrimp Boat Projects. Via this unorthodox but innovative undertaking, Galveston Bay%26rsquo;s rich shrimping tradition is explored first-hand by artists, activists and founders Eric Leshinsky and Zach Moser, who improbably launched their undertaking %26mdash;%26nbsp;billed as an investigation of the labor of a landscape %26mdash; in collaboration with the Cynthia Woods Mitchell Center for the Arts at the University of Houston. Starting with an idea in the summer of 2010, the intrepid duo has progressed from countless man-hours restoring a faded fishing vessel (the rechristened Discovery) through the end of their first shrimping season in 2011. Now year two approaches, and the catalysts %26mdash;%26nbsp;Moser, who also co-founded the highly touted, CAMH-exhibited Workshop Houston on the Project Row Houses campus, and Leshinsky, whose firm GRAPH speaks to his interest in environmental research and design and his masters in architecture %26mdash; are trawling once again the waters of Galveston Bay, seeking artists, writers and environmentalists to volunteer to work the nets and document one of the legendary industries that defines the Texas Gulf coast. The crew is also seeking customers to buy their catch when it comes to town. For the full saga (which is way more than a mere fish tale) of the Discovery, visit shrimpboatprojects.org. To participate in this summer%26rsquo;s season (June 15 %26ndash; September 15), e-mail eric@shrimpboatprojects.org by May 15. For details about placing a seafood order, e-mail info@shrimpboatprojects.org.

IMAGES:

Zach Moser

Fishing Vessel Discovery

Galveston Arts Center — The Update

Tue, 01 May 2012 11:58:15 GMT

Among the state%26rsquo;s influential art spaces %26mdash;%26nbsp;as both the prognosticator of emerging talent and arbiter of important mid-career to senior grand masters %26mdash;%26nbsp;Galveston Arts Center reigns as an unrivaled power broker, thanks to the unerring eye of curator (and patron) extraordinaire Clint Willour and director Alexandra Irvine. With courage and conviction, this pair has overcome Ike%26rsquo;s destruction by relocating temporarily to a charming historic Stand District space along Market Street and 25th, where they%26rsquo;re plotting the restoration of their permanent home, the 1878 First National Bank Building at 22nd and Strand. That glorious Second Empire brick, wood and cast-iron structure, a pillar in the City of Galveston%26rsquo;s National Historic Landmark District, was the first bank in Texas operating under the 1863 National Bank Act and the second chartered bank in the state. As one of the most prominent commercial institutions in 19th-century Texas, its officers were culled from the leading families of the bustling, prosperous port: Henry Rosenberg, George Ball, George Sealy, Morris Lasker and Mrs. R. Waverly Smith, who defied gender expectations to become the first female bank president in Galveston. The home of the Galveston Arts Center since 1968, the building is getting a $1.4 million, five-year redux that will preserve it for the next century. Phase I%26rsquo;s fund-raising goal of $200,000 (half of which has been reached) has a timetable of six months and will put its staff back in the building while ensuring a minimal level of programming; a show of the late abstractionist Joe Glasco is planned for GAC%26rsquo;s return engagement. (To contribute to further Texas contemporary art and preserve Galveston%26rsquo;s architectural history, contact Alexandra Irvine, alex@galvestonartscenter.org.) As the originator, organizer and producer (for more than 20 years) of ArtWalk, which takes place at GAC and sprouts to neighboring Strand District spaces (next set for Saturday, June 2), the Center mounts must-see exhibitions every six weeks. On our radar for early this summer are Houston-based creators Karin Broker and H.J. Bott. Broker solos in %26ldquo;Wired, Nailed, Drawn and Printed,%26rdquo; which highlights her virtuosity in many media, wide-ranging subject matter, intimate to epic scale and broad, challenging vision (through May 27). Next, the mighty H.J. Bott weighs in, returning to the stomping ground of his early Strand studio to mark the 40-year milestone of his obsessive, all-encompassing and pervasive geometric DoV principle %26mdash; Displacement of Volume, that is (June 2 %26ndash; July 8). 2501 Market St. at 25th, Galveston, 409.763.2403; contemporaryartgalveston.org.

IMAGE: Karin Broker%26rsquo;s Fat Girl with Nest, 2010, at Galveston Arts Center . Photo courtesy the artist and McClain Gallery, Houston.

Survivor Stories

Tue, 01 May 2012 11:56:35 GMT

Step back in time with the 38th Annual Galveston Historic Homes Tour, presented by the Galveston Historical Foundation on the weekends of May 5 and 6, 12 and 13. Ten resplendent %26mdash; and resilient %26mdash; properties are open for public viewing, 10 am to 6 pm, with the purchase of a single ticket. These true survivors weave a fascinating tale of renovation, relocation and close calls with fire, storms and demolition. The ages of the homes range from the 1870 Louis and Margaret Wenzel Cottage to the 1916 abodes of Oscar and Laurence Hoecker and Louis and Anita Runge. Also included is the Charles F. Rhodes Co., Island City Cigar Factory, built in 1898. Tickets are $20; packages combining tour admission with the Sunset on the Sand Kickoff or the Linen and Lace Mother%26rsquo;s Day Champagne Brunch and Fashion Show are also available. Your Historic Homes Tour ticket even grants you discounted $5 access to other local attractions: the 1892 Bishop%26rsquo;s Palace, Texas Seaport Museum and the 1877 tall ship Elissa, the 1838 Michael B. Menard House and the Historic Harbor Tour and Dolphin Watch. Talk about a history buff%26rsquo;s dream come true. Tickets 888.305.7627; galvestonhistory.org.

IMAGE: Josephine Drouet House, 1898. Photo %26copy; Galveston Historical Society.

First Among Piers

Tue, 01 May 2012 11:53:55 GMT

In the late 19th century, America became obsessed with pleasure piers %26mdash; destinations brimming with amusement-park thrills, games of chance, tasty concessions and live entertainment. New York had Coney Island; California had the Santa Monica Pier. By the end of the 1940s, Galveston had the largest of them all: the appropriately named Pleasure Pier. Hurricanes had other plans, however, and after Carla crashed through in the %26rsquo;60s, the property became the Flagship Hotel, which was devastated by Ike in 2008. Enter Landry%26rsquo;s. The renowned restaurant and hospitality group, headed by owner and CEO Tilman Fertitta, welcomed the opportunity to turn back time and redevelop the Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier for a new generation. The $60 million project is filling the 1,130-foot pier, located on 25th Street and Seawall Boulevard, with 16 rides including the Texas Star Flyer, recognized as the highest ride in the state; midway games of chance and skill; souvenir and sweet shops; a live-entertainment stage; carny-food faves such as smoked turkey legs, hot dogs and cotton candy; and the first Texas location of the Bubba Gump Shrimp Co., a California-born concept (with obvious cinema ties) that promises 19 shrimp dishes on its diverse menu. The fun starts when the pier opens this month. Can%26rsquo;t wait? Visit pleasure-pier.com now and follow the link to its Facebook page for the latest details.

IMAGE: Galveston%26rsquo;s Electric Park, 1906, a predecessor of the Pleasure Pier. Galveston County Historical Museum.

Blu

Tue, 01 May 2012 11:09:01 GMT

Keys to the Door: Owners Amy and Jiten Karnani, executive chef Junnajet %26ldquo;Jett%26rdquo; Hurapan.

Whats on the Menu: There are certain dishes we can justify traveling many miles for %26mdash; a crispy Peking duck with steamed soft buns and all the accoutrements is one of them. Fortunately, we only have to venture as far as Sugar Land Town Square to find the most exquisite Peking duck this side of Macau. When we heard that chef Junnajet %26ldquo;Jett%26rdquo; Hurapan and his wife, pastry chef Jira, had relocated to a new restaurant called Blu, we bolted out Highway 59 to sample our way through his inspired fusion menu. But don%26rsquo;t confuse this fare with fusion cuisine. The Thai, Indian, Chinese, even Greek Euro-Asian dishes here stay true to their respective roots %26mdash; no messy confusion of them all on one plate. Jett%26rsquo;s r%26eacute;sum%26eacute; boasts time spent on the East Coast at Ruby Foo%26rsquo;s and Buddakan, as well as, most recently, Gigi%26rsquo;s Asian Bistro in Houston. For Blu, he%26rsquo;s created tasty street-food-inspired tapas to start, such as lamb samosas ($6), Singapore satay ($6) and tequila shrimp and scallop ceviche ($8). Starters range from a hot-and-sour lemongrass-spiked Tom-Yum soup ($5) to steamed mussels with a pineapple red curry sauce ($11) and Blu Asian salad with crisp calamari mingled with fris%26eacute;e and Napa cabbage in a creamy miso dressing ($11). Entrees that dazzle include the aforementioned Peking duck ($24) and fall-off-the-bone massaman beef short ribs, layered with a coconut tamarind sauce that cuts the heat with sugarcane ($19). End the evening with a creamy, classically prepared mousse via the chocolate-cappuccino martini ($7) or Jira%26rsquo;s famed banana-rum raisin bread pudding ($7) You%26rsquo;ll likely be back %26mdash; we will. 2248 Texas Ave. (Sugar Land Town Square), 281.903.7324; blusugarland.com.

IMAGES:

Blu

Chef Junnajet %26ldquo;Jett%26rdquo; Hurapan

Tatiana-Land

Tue, 01 May 2012 11:00:47 GMT

She emits effortless style, is a nonconformist and a quick learner, has a perceptive eye and is a bit of a chameleon, as one would expect from a former runway and print model. We first really got to know her %26mdash; and bonded %26mdash; when she designed and improvised the photographic artists%26rsquo; collages for our collaborative book project, Texas Artists Today. One minute rock %26lsquo;n%26rsquo; roll, the next moment demure, this willowy mom, collector and hostess frequently alights with husband Craig Massey and three-year-old daughter Daria at country-club engagements. She%26rsquo;s also been the most glamorous one in the room amid a sea of beautiful people at Art Basel Miami Beach. Yes, that%26rsquo;s Tatiana Massey, whose world captivatingly weaves fashion and art, with a side of culinary magnificence. We caught up with this Russian-born muse at her historic Cape Cod-inspired home for a breezy day filled with style (and sage talent forecasts), gorgeous clothes, avant-garde (mostly Texas) art, a delicious lunch with a champagne-washed cheese-and-prosciutto course and, above all, an enticing peek at her next creation: Laboratoria, a Web site and blog devoted to contemporary global fashion, launching in August at laboratoria-shop.com. Now, the kingdom of Tatiana.

Laboratoria: The Reveal%26nbsp;

As defined by its creator, %26ldquo;It%26rsquo;s a mix of high and low, prices ranging from $300 to $2,000 ... by the most interesting and creative designers ... Nothing trendy. Mostly investment pieces of style and quality.%26rdquo; And laboratoria-shop.com will have the members-only ClubH. %26ldquo;A Laboratoria stylist will deliver to your house items that caught your eye on the Web site and help to style them with your own clothes,%26rdquo; Tatiana promises. Her Web site manifesto proclaims, %26ldquo;We hope to create a name synonymous with stylistic confidence.%26rdquo;

What Will Be Served on laboratoria-shop.com, Come August:

Holly Fulton (UK)

Au Jour Le Jour (Italy)

A.F. Vandevorst + shoes (Belgium)

By Malene Birger (Denmark)

Thakoon Addition (U.S.)

Chalayan Grey (UK)

Jean Paul Knott%26nbsp; (Belgium)

Roseanna (France)

Clu (U.S.)

Lover (Australia)

Bruce II (U.S.)

Karen Walker eyewear (New Zealand)

Ventidue bags (Italy/California)

Nili Lotan cashmere (U.S.)

Demylee cashmere (U.S.)

5preview (Sweden)

Chicca Lualdi Beequeen (Italy)

Luisa Brini scarves (Italy)

Sea (U.S.)

Thierry Lasry eyewear (France)

%26nbsp;

The Dossier: Tatiana%26rsquo;sTaste

%26nbsp;
%26nbsp;
Inspirations: %26ldquo;You never know where you are going to find them! Art, nature, traveling, street style, books, music ... My Laboratoria blog is all about that: everything that inspires. I%26rsquo;m lucky to have very creative friends that inspire me.%26rdquo;%26nbsp;

On Fashion and Parenting: %26ldquo;My daughter [Daria]: She is only three. She is the only one who never needs my style advice. I let her have her way when it comes to clothes. We definitely have a mutual respect when it comes to style. Sometimes she calls me Lady Gaga (in her mind, she is a superstar!) or just says, %26lsquo;Mommy, you are a cool Mommy!%26rsquo;%26rdquo;

Darling Daria: Daughter Daria, all of three and a half, models a pair of Karen Walker sunglasses from the new Laboratoria collection.

Restaurant: %26ldquo;I live at Pondicheri. A group of us used to go to Indika for lunch after yoga. Now, we%26rsquo;ve moved over to Pondicheri. I think I%26rsquo;ve tried everything on the menu.%26rdquo;

Can%26rsquo;t Live Without: %26ldquo;My cameo brooch, YSL vintage dress, Rochas shoes, my American Apparel sweater dress, American Apparel bag, golden goose bag, Pondicheri chai, my yoga mat, peonies, kale, big earrings (Susan Plum), Visionaire books, Vitamix mixer, Moneta cookware.%26rdquo;

Playlist: %26ldquo;Music: omnivorous. Depending on my mood. No country, though. Sorry, Texas. On iPod playlist, anything from Joseph Arthur, Angela McCluskey, Saul Williams, Florence and the Machine to Parov Stellar, Cut Copy, to Rachmaninov and Tchaikovsky. And Madeleine Peyroux is my cooking music. It must have some qualities associated with good digestion. No wonder so many restaurants love playing it!%26rdquo;

Scent: %26ldquo;Fracas by Robert Piguet. It was Isabella Blow%26rsquo;s favorite, so I ordered it. The moment I finished reading her biography and closed the page, the doorbell rang and it arrived. I don%26rsquo;t usually like florals, but this has become a favorite. I looked it up, and it%26rsquo;s a blend of white flowers from the south of France, with notes of tuberose, jasmine, orange blossom, carnation and pink geranium.%26rdquo;

Defining Style Moment: %26ldquo;Four years ago, my girlfriend and I missed our flight back to Houston and were stranded in New York without our luggage. We wore the same outfit for three days, and still got photographed by Bill Cunningham for his New York Times Sunday Style column.%26rdquo;

%26ldquo;Clothes are good when they are an extension of one%26rsquo;s personality. Fashion to me is art. Wearing fashion is a mini performance.%26rdquo; %26mdash; Tatiana Massey

IMAGES:

Afternoon Idyll: Channeling a %26rsquo;30s film siren, Tatiana lounges amid Fornasetti pillows from Barneys New York, in a Comme des Gar%26ccedil;ons blouse with dramatic sleeves topping sleek trousers by Antonio Berardi. C%26eacute;line black suede and kid lipstick platforms from Tootsies. Lanvin brass eagle-wing ring with Swarovski crystals from net-a-porter.com. Above the sofa, Angelbert Metoyer%26rsquo;s Whaling Through God%26rsquo;s Universe, 2002 %26ndash; 2003. Metoyer, a family friend, was included in the book Texas Artists Today and was the catalyst for the couple%26rsquo;s interest in collecting art, as well as their involvement in the creation of the volume.%26nbsp;

A Little Bit Rock %26lsquo;n Roll: Rockin%26rsquo; Joan Jett are Roseanna pants and jacket. White tee from Tatiana%26rsquo;s personal collection. Giambattista Valli two-tone statement shoes from Tootsies. Kenneth Jay Lane triangle earrings from net-a-porter.com. Ventidue leather and metal-studded bag, also destined for Laboratoria.

Tea Party: Like a summer day in the South of France, Tatiana and daughter, Daria, play tea party in the garden. Suno%26rsquo;s Dandelion Wish lilac-hued silk scoop-neck dress from Leap with her own vibrant yellow Jimmy Choo shoes. Nini Jewels dragon-carved 467-carat jade necklace, set in 18K white gold and surrounded by diamonds, with 32-inch 18K white-gold chain $70,000, at Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue. New Zealand designer Karen Walker sunglasses, will be stocked through Laboratoria. %26nbsp;

Kitchen Confidential: Dishing up homemade chicken salad with fresh fruit in a Vionnet silk-and-crepe frock with a pop of metallic beading (from her own closet), Miz Massey reprises Cafe Tatiana, which transforms her kitchen into an impromptu bistro for the crafting of weekly dinner parties. Her cuisine is held in such esteem by family and friends that no one, even when pressed, can name a favored restaurant in town for a dinner party. Giuseppe Zanotti golden platforms, from her own collection. The iron table with stone top %26mdash; which serves as a work station and serving and dining spot %26mdash; dates to the late 19th century and was originally used
in an Indian train station. %26ldquo;I found it in a Dallas antique shop and designed the kitchen around it when we remodeled four years ago,%26rdquo; Tatiana says.

Daria%26rsquo;s pink dollhouse resembles an art installation.

A Holly Fulton dress manifests a surrealist bent. At Laboratoria in August.

A.F. Vandevorst, through Laboratoria

5preview, through Laboratoria

Ventidue bags (Italian materials/made in California) are one of the avant-garde collections to be stocked at Laboratoria.

Bill Davenport%26rsquo;s Pop-infused Massey Family soup-can sculptures, 2011

Left: A Valentine%26rsquo;s gift, Forrest Prince%26rsquo;s Occupy Love, 2011, from PG Contemporary.

All American: Outside the Masseys%26rsquo; Colonial-style classic saltbox house, Tatiana perches on the doorstep in an Yves Blue Maria Cornejo dress from Leap. Her gold Giuseppe Zanotti platforms stand guard. %26ldquo;The house is small, from the late %26rsquo;30s,%26rdquo; she says. %26ldquo;We have friends or family staying all the time, so ideally we need more room. But it has so much personality that it%26rsquo;s hard to give it up.%26rdquo;

Target’s Chic Shops

Tue, 01 May 2012 10:19:02 GMT

Target hits the bull%26rsquo;s-eye this month with the launch of The Shops at Target concept, a new type of partnership that puts the affordable design pen not in the hands of another designer (as with Target%26rsquo;s successful designer collaborations with Missoni, Proenza Schouler and Calypso St. Barth), but in the hands of five very stylish, yet very different, U.S. small specialty stores. San Francisco sweet shop The Candy Store, Aspen%26rsquo;s cool beauty boutique Cos Bar, Miami%26rsquo;s chic shopping destination The Webster, well-curated Connecticut home store Privet House and the Polka Dog Bakery based in Boston are the first boutiques selected to design and curate their own collections of goods, inspired by their unique style and what they stock in their own shops. Prices range from $1 for a colorful Cos Bar nail file to $160 for an online-only Privet House pouf, for a total of nearly 400 exclusive products. What%26rsquo;s on our hot list? Palm-print dresses, scarves and swimsuits by The Webster; old-fashioned candy from the Candy Store; and white-washed woven baskets from Privet House. Let%26rsquo;s shop! target.com.

%26nbsp;

Billy Fong Sez ...

Tue, 01 May 2012 09:58:19 GMT

I monogram everything in sight. Perhaps this comes from too many nights staying in my preferred Highland Park bed and breakfast, my dear friend Ann Hobson%26rsquo;s guesthouse. As the quintes-sential WASP, she has emblazoned %26ldquo;AVH%26rdquo; on every single item in sight. I like something more interesting %26mdash; a conversation starter, if you will %26mdash; than the traditional three-letter monograms. For my classic L.L. Bean boat and tote bags and such, here are a few of my embroidery suggestions:
NERD %26mdash; I have favored putting this on my totes as well as my Brooks Brothers shirts.%26nbsp; When I meet someone new, it often makes them look twice %26hellip; exactly the purpose.
MISS X %26mdash; For artsy types who don%26rsquo;t want the world to know their top-collecting names. She travels extensively, and wittily pays tribute to the famed woman on John Singer Sargent%26rsquo;s canvas.
GIN %26mdash; I love a delicious double entendre. With these three little letters announcing your entrance, I would know you were a girl built for fun. Perhaps you would whip out a crocodile-skin-wrapped flask for a nip of Tanqueray, or a pack of Herm%26egrave;s playing cards for a vintage parlor game.
SLIM %26ndash; An homage to a style icon, Slim Keith.%26nbsp; If only there were more Slims and Babe Paleys in the world. We know it%26rsquo;s a bit crass to say %26ldquo;skinny%26rdquo; %26mdash; so I much prefer that a girl refer to herself
as slender, frail or, in the case of a monogram, %26ldquo;SLIM.%26rdquo;
THIRD or 3rd %26mdash; A perfect moniker if your son happens to be the third-generational namesake. Another use could be for your wife status (we all know Dallas is the epicenter of third wives).
If you have achieved this level, this monogram serves as a subtle reminder to the other girls at Brook Hollow to keep their husbands in eyesight at all times.

IMAGE: Billy, Babe and Slim

Restaurant Buzz

Mon, 23 Apr 2012 05:57:07 GMT

Latin Bites Caf%26eacute;, the 10-table upstart downtown that gained quite a following, has moved to larger digs. Now named Latin Bites Cebiche %26amp; Pisco Bar, the charming Woodway location reflects the restaurant%26rsquo;s Peruvian slant in both food and drink. Chef Roberto Castre, his sister manager Rita Castre and brother-in-law beverage director Carlos Ramos %26mdash; all Peruvian natives and former caterers %26mdash; have taken over the Rockwood Room space and now seat 120 diners indoors and 60 outside %26hellip; Meet the huge Mexican reality star in our midst, Aquiles Chavez, and his partner, manager Mirna Cox. The superstar chef with two reality shows on the Utilisima network shown throughout Latin America (and on Comcast here) has opened La Fisheria off Shepherd Drive near I-10. A native of Tabasco, Mexico, Chavez may be a cookbook author and spokesman for the avocado industry in Mexico with 145,000 Twitter followers, but he%26rsquo;s actually a humble man turning out remarkable Mexican fish-centered fare at this bright and fun spot %26hellip; Check out LA Bar, the newest outgrowth of Rajin Cajun on Richmond. Named for Lake Arthur, Louisiana (the hometown of Joan Benoit Mandola, owner Luke Mandola Sr.%26rsquo;s wife), LA Bar is dressed up for an old-school New Orleans%26ndash;style experience, with contemporary Creole cuisine and a 30-foot oyster bar %26hellip; Word is that Brio Tuscan Grille will soon occupy the former Pesce space on Kirby Drive. The multi-unit concept debuted last year in CityCentre %26hellip; Sprinkles Cupcakes in Highland Village plans to install its genius 24-hour cupcake ATM on the back end of the store next month. Soon you%26rsquo;ll be able to quell those cupcake cravings 24/7 %26hellip; We%26rsquo;re keeping an eye on Hawthorn, the American/Mediterranean-style eatery opening any moment now in Dessert Gallery%26rsquo;s former space off Kirby Drive on Lake Street (most recently home to Dorsia). The chef is Riccardo Palazzo-Giorgio %26hellip; May 9 through 22, Central Market hosts its annual Passport series, this time taking a direct flight to France. Enjoy patisseries, fromage, wines and foods of all sorts.%26nbsp;

PC's Pick of the New Boîtes and Bites

Thu, 05 Apr 2012 11:17:37 GMT

We%26rsquo;ve puzzled out the abundant new bistros, cantinas, grilles and even a rathskeller or two %26mdash; to fashion a culinary map of the delicious and well-designed entr%26eacute;es to our local scene.

WATERING HOLES

The Dram: Per co-owner DJ Donohoe, this place is %26ldquo;neither night-clubby, nor pub-like.%26rdquo; Instead, he and his co-owner/brother Chris Donohoe, along with co-owner Tommy DeAlano, have opened a place where crafty cocktails shine and bar manager Walter %26ldquo;Dub%26rdquo; Davis waxes poetic on the hefty whiskey menu. Outside, The Dram taps food trucks %26mdash; Ruthie%26rsquo;s Rolling Caf%26eacute;, Nammi Truck %26mdash; to park and serve late-night noshes. 2918 N. Henderson Ave., 214.826.3726; thedramdallas.com.

The Mason Bar: This State and Allen-area stop has mastered the Uptown dichotomy: pretty young people swilling at the bar and, nearby, polished older types dining around a white-clothed table. From owner and man about town Brandt Wood, this spot is all about having dinner, as chef David Temple mans the kitchen, and staying well into the evening for cocktails. 2701 Guillot St., 214.220.0227; themasonbar.com.

Sundown at Granada: For a beer garden with musical roots, make tracks to Greenville Avenue. Granada Theater owner Mike Schoder and chef Patrick Stark have moved into the former Mike%26rsquo;s Treehouse and The M Street Bar spaces and opened a two-story bar and restaurant. For pre-concert dinner, order the rosemary-glazed Kobe beef meatballs or the Shiner Bock brisket sliders. 3520 Greenville Ave., 214.823.8305; sundownatgranada.com.

Oak Lawn Coffee: Formerly Urban Dog Coffee, this latte shop %26mdash; now owned by Peter Louis and Ryan Fisher %26mdash; serves up coffee from beans roasted by Oak Cliff Coffee Roasters%26rsquo; Shannon Neffendorf, as well as chewy homemade breakfast bars made from Dallas-based Impact Granola. In addition to how they donate a portion of their proceeds back to the community, we love Oak Lawn Coffee%26rsquo;s morning brew in bulk %26mdash; in caffeine-fueled sizes from 2.5 to 10 gallons. 2720 Oak Lawn Ave., 214.219.5511; oaklawncoffee.com.

The Chesterfield: A New York City vibe brews at this Downtown destination from Bailey%26rsquo;s Prime Plus owner Ed Bailey, with libations spun by barman Eddie %26ldquo;Lucky%26rdquo; Campbell. Herewith, the best time to stop in: a midweek afternoon for a bite from formerly New York%26ndash;based DBGB Kitchen %26amp; Bar chef Michael Ehlert and a sip on the sidewalk patio. 1404 Main St.,n214.741.2811; thechesterfielddallas.com.

CATERER-RUN

Sissy%26rsquo;s Southern Kitchen %26amp; Bar: %26ldquo;You should walk out and feel like you%26rsquo;ve just left a family reunion,%26rdquo; says owner Lisa Garza. Housed in the former Hector%26rsquo;s on Henderson digs, Sissy%26rsquo;s features an airy whitewashed sunroom for pseudo-patio dining and a Dixie-inspired menu, executed by chef Jeffrey Hobbs. Pair the buttermilk-soaked fried chicken with Grandma%26rsquo;s layered salad %26mdash; swathed in Hellman%26rsquo;s-based dressing, of course. 2929 Henderson Ave., 214.827.9900; sissyssouthernkitchen.com.

Royal Sixty: Wendy Krispin is painting not only the town with her divine catering, but also the former Margaux%26rsquo;s spot at the International Design Center on Turtle Creek. For a quick bite while scouting fabric samples, stop in Krispin%26rsquo;s cobalt-blue bo%26icirc;te and order the rethought queso %26mdash; an oozy sauce of brie and wild mushrooms %26mdash; and Royal Sliders, stacked tall with bison, turkey and Portobello mushroom. 150 Turtle Creek Blvd., 214.741.2604; royalsixty.com. IMAGE: The brie and wild mushroom queso at Royal Sixty.

MASTERS OF REINVENTION

Mr Mesero: Mico Rodriguez has taken up residence in Knox-Henderson with his American-meets-Mexican eatery. Helmed by two chefs %26mdash; known by their first names, Gallego and Fino %26mdash; Mr Mesero serves up small bites, namely barbacoa tacos and Oaxaquenas enchiladas. As for the margaritas? You%26rsquo;ll slip seamlessly into your second or third of the La Dona (Herradura Silver, Cointreau and citrus) and the skinny marg dubbed Size Two (Herradura Silver, citrus, Splenda). 4444 McKinney Ave., 214.780.1991; mrmesero.com.

Bridge Bistro Food + Drink: The new Margaret Hunt Hill Bridge inspired design district foodie Kay Agnew to relocate and rename her beloved Margaux%26rsquo;s restaurant as Bridge Bistro Food + Drink, and open an attached venue space called the Twilight Room. We%26rsquo;re fans of the fully loaded bar with smart cocktails such as the Pont Neuf (ros%26eacute; or champagne splashed with Grand Marnier and Lillet Blonde) and the Islas (Pisco, fresh citrus, sugar cane and bitters, shaken with an egg white). 921 N. Riverfront Blvd., 214.740.1985; bridgebistrodallas.com.

Landmark Restaurant: Executive chef Mike Pacheco has shaken things up at the Warwick Melrose Hotel, reshaping its restaurant%26rsquo;s menu to match the dining room%26rsquo;s new decor. Reserve the chef%26rsquo;s table %26mdash; a focal point of the main dining room, with seating for up to 10 people. While supping, observe the space%26rsquo;s new art. Design firm Duncan Miller Ullman Design commissioned photographs of local landmarks to mirror the hotel%26rsquo;s storied interior. 3015 Oak Lawn Ave., 214.224.3152; landmarkrestodallas.com.

CHEF-DRIVEN OFFSPRING

Off-Site Kitchen: The rumors are true. Neighborhood Services wunderkind Nick Badovinus has opened a fourth restaurant, and it%26rsquo;s a foodie haven among the warehouses on Irving Boulevard. The fast-casual concept boasts dozens of burgers, sandwiches and salads %26mdash; all spun with a gourmet edge. 2226 Irving Blvd., 214.741.2226. IMAGE: The %26ldquo;Murph Style%26rdquo; burger at Off-Site Kitchen.

Zio Cecio Cucina Italiana: Chef Francesco Farris (formerly of Arcodoro %26amp; Pomodoro) has gone solo with a new project on Lovers Lane. Brush up on your Italian before glancing at the menu that boasts thoughtful dishes such as the di mele noci e funghi porcini (translation: risotto with apples, walnuts and porcini mushrooms) and the il pesce alla crosta di sale marino (sea-salt-crusted whole fish, served for two). 4615 W. Lovers Lane, 214.351.1100; ziocecio.com.

Bolsa Mercado: This Oak Cliff grocery %26mdash; owned by Christopher Zielke, Jessica and Chris Jeffers, Royce Ring, and Alex Urrunaga %26mdash; is stocked to give homespun suppers an epicurean edge. It%26rsquo;s 4,000 square feet of homemade kolaches, hand-pressed juices, local cheeses, small-production beer and wine, plus fresh fruits and legumes. If you lack a culinary skill set, pick up a take-home Dinner for Two from a menu that chef Jeff Harris changes daily. 634 West Davis St., 214.942.0451; bolsa dallas.com; facebook.com/bolsamercado.

Manuel%26rsquo;s Creative Cuisine: The Dallas entree of this Los Cabos%26ndash;based restaurant is simple: The eatery was such a hit south of the border that one patron %26mdash; a Dallas native who lives at The Centrum building %26mdash; encouraged its owners, chef Manuel Arredondo and his wife Virny, to open stateside. It was fate that a space was available on The Centrum%26rsquo;s first floor. Dishes such as lobster lasagna and oxtail ravioli are perfect for adventurous palates. 3102 Oak Lawn Ave., 214.520.5938; manuelsrestaurant.com.mx. IMAGE: The Dessert Trilogy at Manuel%26rsquo;s Creative Cuisine.

Campo Modern Country Bistro: Inventive food with a nod to Buenos Aires keeps owners John Paul Valverde and Miguel Vic%26eacute;ns and chefs Matt McCallister and Josh Black busy at this Oak Cliff eatery %26mdash; imaginative entrees include lamb-neck sugo and crispy pork belly with mustard risotto and tamarind glaze. Watch for Campo%26rsquo;s highly tailored specialty dinners such as a prix-fixe menu, all based on a whole-roasted pig. 1115 N. Beckley Ave., 214.946.1308; campodallas.com.

FOR THE GRANOLAS

Company Caf%26eacute;: Trailside is suddenly one of the chicest ways to dine. A second debut from owner Stephen White (after the Greenville Avenue restaurant opening) includes a communal-seating patio adjacent to the Katy Trail, and a menu heavy on local ingredients, from custom venison sausage via Kuby%26rsquo;s Sausage House to tomatoes from Lemley%26rsquo;s Produce %26amp; Plants. 3136 Routh St., 214.468.8721; companycafe.net.

V Spot Vegan Caf%26eacute;: Herbivores adore Victoria Villarreal and Delia Pisarro%26rsquo;s V Spot for its plant-based cuisine and her unexpected vegan dishes, especially the firecracker roll with tempura vegetables, cucumber, avocado and sweet-spicy sauce and the arugula fettuccine with cherry tomatoes, pistachio pesto and fresh basil. The smoothies are scrumptious, too. We adore the Betty Bam Ba Lam %26mdash; a blend of cacao, chocolate, banana, vanilla and cacao butter. 1908 N. Henderson Ave., 214.821.5555; vspotcafe.com.

WELL-DESIGNED DINING

Oak: Surrounded by some of the design district%26rsquo;s shiniest showrooms, this locale from Richard and Tiffanee Ellman draws a polished, decorating-savvy crowd. The result is a dining room to match %26mdash; one that%26rsquo;s modernly furnished with abstract light fixtures and custom art. Menu items are plated with discerning aesthetes in mind; we prefer the foie gras torchon and Rhode Island monkfish from executive chef Jason Maddy. 1628 Oak Lawn Ave., 214.712.9700; oakdallas.com.

Stackhouse: The east-Dallas block that hosts this burger spot may be an unexpected dining stop, but that hasn%26rsquo;t prevented crowds from flocking to the historic house turned restaurant. Brought to us via Randy Kienast and Ben Spies, the daily mix reels with business and doctor types, and ordering is simple. Select a single, double or vegetable patty, then pick from among nine toppings %26mdash; Texas chili, grilled jalapenos, fried egg, et al. 2917 Gaston Ave., 214.828.1330; stackhouseburgers.com.

Union Bear: When brothers/restaurateurs Matt Spillers, Shane Spillers and Zach Spillers made the jump from Oak Cliff, they chose the former Social House spot in West Village for their first Uptown eatery. The subterranean dining room is exposed via the nearly floorless first level and includes expansive dining space, plus more than 40 beers on tap. Go for chef John Kleifgen%26rsquo;s black-truffle-salami and mushroom pizza,or the habanero and Asian-pear salad. 3699 McKinney Ave. in West Village, 214.245.5330; unionbear.com. IMAGE: Shane Spillers, Matt Spillers and Zach Spillers of Union Bear.

The Collected Thoughts (and Homes) of Two Voyagers

Thu, 05 Apr 2012 10:29:44 GMT

Living out their Art Ball theme, %26ldquo;Wanderlust,%26rdquo; Hawes and Vose equip themselves with globetrotting mates and packable Herm%26egrave;s to travel the world in search of new quests and curiosities for their homes.%26nbsp;

JULIE HAWES

%26ldquo;I had a design business with my dear friend Rodney Woods, and prior to that, I worked for Ann and David Sutherland %26mdash; I was influenced by all their styles. Growing up in New Orleans has always been my greatest inspiration %26mdash; the genius of the city is embracing and blending old and the new so beautifully. I love mingling pieces from different
eras such as 18th-century Italian, 19th-century French, mid-century modern and contemporary designs.%26rdquo;%26nbsp; %26ndash; Julie Hawes

Julie's Journal:

Where you dwell: My husband Ed and I have been gypsies and have yet to settle down in a permanent residence. Our boats have served as our homes and entertaining ground %26mdash; they are all Browards.

Summer Travels: This summer my husband and I will be boating for a few weeks in the Bahamas %26mdash; I love Staniel Cay. It%26rsquo;s for boaters that dive, snorkel and fish %26mdash; and is the quintessential hidden island in the Exumas. Next we head to Aspen to the Roaring Fork Club for golfing and hiking. Then we%26rsquo;re off to safari in Tanzania, relax in the Seychelles and finally to Dubai and Abu Dhabi. I%26rsquo;m excited at the prospect of flying Emirates from Dubai to Dallas %26mdash; it%26rsquo;s supposed to be an experience unto itself!

Can%26rsquo;t leave home without: Snorkel/dive gear, my Koch beach bags, SkinCeuticals sheer defense SPF 50 sunscreen, a sun shirt or wetsuit for the water and a big hat when I%26rsquo;m not submerged! I love Herm%26egrave;s cotton hats %26mdash; I have them in every color. I also love my Herm%26egrave;s Sac a Main Picotin bags %26mdash; they%26rsquo;re tiny and great for packing.%26nbsp;

IMAGES:

Julie Hawes at home. Warren Platner for Knoll table. Fritz Henningsen lounge chairs from Collage 20th Century Classics. Swedish Samsas settee by Carl Malmsten, circa 1950s, from Collage. Herm%26egrave;s throw.

In the dining room, John Gregory Studio-designed table. T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings for Widdicomb dining-room chairs from Collage. Trevor Paglen photograph, 2008. Ingo Maurer%26rsquo;s Zettel%26rsquo;z A5 chandelier from Scott + Cooner, with drawings by the Hawes%26rsquo; grandchildren.

In the entry, Damien Hirst%26rsquo;s Untitled. 19th-century French commode. Jan Showers brass lamp.

Baccarat Harcourt glassware. Moser Maharani etched glassware. 1850s Parisian dinner plates from Grange Hall. Mother-of-pearl and sterling lunch set, circa 1890, from Copper Lamp.

John Dickinson table from David Sutherland Showroom. Carroll Dunham%26rsquo;s Untitled (6/09), 2009. Erwin Wurm%26rsquo;s Telekinetischer Masturbator, 2009.

Louis Vuitton luggage. Custom white quartz lamps. Black quartz bowl with porcelain birds and porcupine quills from Grange Hall. Custom shagreen console.

James Gilbert%26rsquo;s Tweeted, Googled, Inappropriately Touched, 2009, edition of seven. A Kenneth Noland classic target painting.

%26nbsp;

MERRY VOSE

%26ldquo;Our home%26rsquo;s design is inspired by a vacation lifestyle. For our family, that usually means the beach. Whether it%26rsquo;s Montauk, Mustique or Harbour Island, we love the quiet, peaceful way we live when we are near the water. Why should you wait for it only when you are on vacation? We choose to live with colors from the ocean everyday.%26rdquo;%26nbsp; %26mdash; Merry Vose

Merry's Journal:

Home collaborations: Julie Hayes, based in Fort Worth, is our decorator and Lisa Brown helps with our art collection. Julie has helped us move towards the design direction Chad and I want to evolve into %26mdash; African pieces, %26rsquo;70s brass, and more architectural furnishings.

On the Hunt For: I am always searching for antique blue opaline glass, seashells and interesting antique textiles.

Summer Travels: We will be going to Montauk for an extended period of time and will also travel to Jackson Hole. We%26rsquo;re hoping to slip another adventure in sometime before the summer ends. We love to take trips with our boys %26mdash; I would say travel is our greatest extravagance.%26nbsp;

In your bags? An OndadeMar or Tori Praver bikini, K.Jacques sandals, easy cotton dresses, pareos and a big Epice striped bag. I have the best access to a vacation-ready wardrobe at Cabana %26mdash; it%26rsquo;s really why I started my business and continues to be the reason we stay narrowly focused on the labels and pieces we buy.

Hotels you%26rsquo;ll stay in: On Harbour Island, The Dunmore. Although it%26rsquo;s a hotel, it feels like you are staying in the most well-appointed and cozy home.%26nbsp;

Where you%26rsquo;ll dine: In Montauk, you can be sure to find us at Joni%26rsquo;s, a little natural-food beach cafe. Our favorite dinner spot in Montauk is the Harvest on Fort Pond %26mdash; they use fresh produce from their own garden and serve locally caught fish. The produce on the East End of Long Island is divine!

IMAGES:

Murano glass lamp from John Gregory Studio. French screen from Christie%26rsquo;s New York.

Merry Vose in the foyer. Chandelier from John Gregory Studio. East %26amp; Orient Company mirror. Jan Showers Murano glass lamp. Louis Philippe%26ndash;style commode.

Victoria Hagan armchair. John Gregory Studio floor lamp. Peter Beard photograph. Elizabeth Eakins rug. Wicker Works glass cocktail table.

In the library, Cameron Collection sofa from George Cameron Nash. Chista coffee tables from George Cameron Nash. Floor lamps from James McInroe. Christine Wexler photograph. Cameron Collection chairs covered in Jasper Fabric.

In the dining room, French screen from Christie%26rsquo;s New York. Moroccan rug from J.H. Minassian %26amp; Co. Blue leather-and-silk chairs from The Mews. Decorative iron chandelier from East %26amp; Orient Company. Murano glass lamps from John Gregory Studio. Buffet from The Pittet Company. Mobach tulipier from Cebolla Fine Flowers.

Slipper chairs covered in Cowtan and Tout. Lamp from Baker, Knapp %26amp; Tubbs. Custom sofa in Great Plains epingle fabric. White carved wooden table from Ceylon et Cie. African white beaded ceremonial hats from ID Collection. Seagrass rug from Interior Resources.

Vose%26rsquo;s collection of blue opaline glassware.

Inside the Head of Nils Stolzlechner

Wed, 04 Apr 2012 05:46:54 GMT

When he%26rsquo;s not overseeing 725 staffers, 1,001 guest rooms and up to 5,000 hotel visitors at any moment, general manager of the luminous and humming Omni Dallas Hotel, Nils Stolzlechner, trades his Hugo Boss pinstripes for a suit of another variety %26mdash; one that is designed by Mystic and is immersible in the chilly waters of San Francisco Bay. As a professional kiteboarder, Stolzlechner and his custom boards travel the world in search of the perfect fusion of wind and water, as well as a top spot on the leaderboard. We stow away in his duffel to see how this GM by weekday and fierce competitor by weekend navigates his globe.

Where did you grow up: I was born in Salzburg, Austria, and grew up in Kitzb%26uuml;hel, Austria. Kitzb%26uuml;hel is a small town that hosts the most challenging downhill ski race and is one of the top five ski resorts in Europe.
%26nbsp;
People would be most surprised that: I actually have a fear of heights.

Your competitive sports bio: I started competing in downhill skiing when I was six years old. I won the Austrian downhill championships when I was 14 but decided to take up ski jumping %26mdash; flying through the air at 60 mph certainly has its thrills. At 18, I injured a knee and was kicked off the Austrian team. Luckily, I had a United States passport and was able to join the U.S. Ski Team in 1980. Two years later, I made the World Championship Ski Team, placing fifth in the world at the championships in Innsbruck, Austria. At 23, I decided to retire and focus on my professional career. For fun, I took up windsurfing and entered a speed trail competition in California. While most competitors were professionals, I showed up with outdated equipment and ended up placing third in a field of 150 competitors. Seventeen years later, I learned to kitesurf in San Francisco %26mdash; note that I had to be rescued more than 10 times by the U.S. Coast Guard. In July 2007, I entered a World Cup competition in Sylt, Germany. At registration, they asked me if I was entering my son. I ended up placing seventh out of 85 competitors. At that time, I was the only athlete in the world to finish in the top 10 in certified World Cup competitions in three different sports.

%26nbsp;
One word to describe yourself: Determined.
%26nbsp;
Guilty pleasure: A great French wine, like Ch%26acirc;teau Lafite Rothschild, and some really stinky cheeses.

%26nbsp;
Most spontaneous thing you%26rsquo;ve ever done: Being towed by a jet ski on a surfboard at Jaws %26mdash; the big wave spot in Maui %26mdash; while surfing a 40-foot monster wave.
%26nbsp;
One thing you%26rsquo;ll never try again: Being towed by a jet ski on a surfboard at Jaws %26mdash; the big wave spot in Maui %26mdash; while surfing a 40-foot monster wave.
%26nbsp;
Favorite hiding spot in the world: Haiku, Maui.

%26nbsp;
Tell us about your kiteboard company: When I was in San Francisco, I started building boards %26mdash; it was fun to design my own ideas and cheaper than buying them. I was transferred to the Omni Hotel in Corpus Christi for the general manager position and secured my own shaping room. I spent many hours designing and perfecting the boards and eventually founded my company NJS Designs %26mdash; njsdesigns.org. On my kiteboards, Damien LeRoy won the U.S. National Championship in 2008, Sean Farley won the Kiteboard Course Racing World Championship in 2009, and Kristen Boese won the World Cup in 2010. This year%26rsquo;s board was tested on Lake Ray Hubbard and will be sold worldwide. While most of the industry test and build their boards in Hawaii, hiding in Dallas and developing the boards here is ideal, along with the perfect conditions in spring and early summer.

%26nbsp;
Favored place for kiteboarding: San Francisco Bay under the Golden Gate Bridge.
%26nbsp;

Uniform for your summer hobbies: Flip-flops, T-shirt and Reef board shorts.

%26nbsp;
Skiwear you sport: Always Spyder. Snow skis you snap on: I get my skis from people who are currently racing %26mdash; usually Atomics.

Luggage that accompanies you: Dakine duffel bags %26mdash; also the ones with rollers.

Airline you prefer: United Airlines flies to all of my surf spots, including Europe.

Next travel locale: Rio de Janeiro to compete in the Kiteboarding World Championship Titles.

Music you listen to before competing: Anything from Supertramp.

Workout routine: One hour of daily cardio and 15 minutes of free weights at Gold%26rsquo;s Gym. Whenever it%26rsquo;s windy, kiteboarding on Lake Ray Hubbard %26mdash; from Dalrock up to Rush Creek Yacht Club and back down; at least four times.

Wish list of what you would like to do next: Open more hotels %26mdash; it%26rsquo;s an unbelievable rush and gives you an opportunity to create great guest experiences.

First hotel memory: My grandparents%26rsquo; hotel, Gasthaus Stolzlechner, in Kitzb%26uuml;hel, Austria. We still have it, and my dad lives there, but it%26rsquo;s now an apartment building.

Three things you do in your job that would surprise people:

1. You will find me in the restaurants on busy days busing tables.

2. I personally interview every associate that wants to work at the Omni Dallas Hotel.

3. If the kitchen gets busy, I will help out as a chef %26mdash; I used to be one in Switzerland.

Most important feature of a hotel: The staff. Without them, a great hotel can%26rsquo;t be successful.

Hotels should banish: Guests that are noisy and wake up other guests at three in the morning.

What do you routinely order from the three Omni Hotel restaurants:

Texas Spice %26mdash; BBQ pork ribs.

Bob%26rsquo;s Steak %26amp; Chop House %26mdash; Prime %26ldquo;c%26ocirc;te de boeuf%26rdquo; bone-in rib-eye.

The Owner%26rsquo;s Box %26mdash; Cheeseburger with parmesan sea-salted fries.

Your work uniform: Hugo Boss suits.

Very PC

Wed, 04 Apr 2012 05:29:23 GMT

The supremely waspy Gasparilla Inn %26amp; Club on Gasparilla Island in Boca Grande, Florida, has had a dress code since its inception in 1913, is owned by the William S. Farish Jr. family, has pink-and-green guest rooms and cottages, and is closed each year from July 8 through October 12. What%26rsquo;s not to love? 877.403.0599; the-gasparilla-inn.com.

The Dorothy Draper School of Decorating with designer Carleton Varney, at the venerable Greenbrier resort in White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia (established 1778). Varney is the president of Dorothy Draper %26mdash; the firm that designed the baroque interiors of The Greenbrier in 1946. Week-long decorating packages start April 29 and June 10. And the Greenbrier has a Cold War%26ndash;era bunker carved in the side of a mountain. No spies can get in here to learn your decorating secrets. 855.453.4858; greenbrier.com.

Pink Sands Resort on Harbour Island, Bahamas. Mick and Jerry used to stay here, and the interiors were designed by the owner of London%26rsquo;s swinging shop Biba. Enough for us. 800.407.4776; pinksandsresort.com.

Hotel du Pet

Wed, 04 Apr 2012 05:28:30 GMT

A week of indulgence has been reserved at the Imanta Resort. Now, what to do with your feline or canine while you are away being coddled? Extend similar extravagances at Paradise 4 Paws %26mdash; the new boarding resort for cats and dogs located near the off-site parking businesses at DFW Airport. This 24-hours-a-day, 365-days-a-year, 25,000-square-foot resort offers overnight accommodations, splash pools for the pups and climbing trees for the kitties, webcam access, and grooming and spa services, all starting at $49 per night for dogs and $27 per night for cats. Our pet perk? While you%26rsquo;re dropping off Fifi at Paradise 4 Paws, leave the Benz, and a staffer will shuttle you and your luggage to the terminal, as well as arrange for pick up upon your return. 3010 N. Airfield Dr., 972.456.0010; paradise4pawsdallas.com.

IMAGE: Paradise 4 Paws

The Nomadic Life

Wed, 04 Apr 2012 05:26:13 GMT

Brant McFarlain, Decorator

So, where are you off to? Italy: Rome and Florence.%26nbsp;

Reason for going? I%26rsquo;m taking my partner, Justin, for his first time to either city. It%26rsquo;s my favorite country and absolute favorite culture.
%26nbsp;
Where do you stay? Rome, Hotel de Russie. Florence, Hotel Savoy.
%26nbsp;
Packing to read? I%26rsquo;m still working on a book called Lincoln by David Herbert Donald. Of course, there will be many design magazines and men%26rsquo;s fashion magazines in my carry-on.
%26nbsp;
Kindle, iPad or paper? iPad definitely to read the paper. I still like magazines to flip through.
%26nbsp;
Excursions to? Drive through Tuscany and discover a medieval village for lunch to take in the culture of Rome and Florence. Enjoy all the ancient architecture in Rome, using a private tour guide on the first day to start the trip with a nice overview of the city.%26nbsp;%26nbsp;

Must packs? Great shoes. I don%26rsquo;t believe travel calls for casual, rubber soles. Leather-sole dress shoes are my staple.
%26nbsp;
Luggage? Vuitton duffel bag for carry-on. Bric%26rsquo;s luggage to check %26hellip; and always a Prada messenger bag for magazines, books, iPad and earphones.

%26nbsp;
Where you%26rsquo;ll be dining? It will be local fare and small intimate restaurants.
%26nbsp;
What you%26rsquo;ll come away with? Inspiration and ideas for design, great memories with Justin, and hopefully some great clothes.

%26nbsp;

Joanne %26amp; Charles Teichman, Owners, Ylang|23

So, where are you off to? After dragging Charles (and the kids) around the last few years to Cuba, Istanbul, Morocco, Tanzania, the Amalfi Coast and, this past holiday, to Australia (my bucket list!), he%26rsquo;s put his foot down: He wants to be glued to a beach chair this summer. Hence, we are going to Laguna Beach and L.A.

Where do you stay? Montage in Laguna and The Beverly Hills Hotel.

%26nbsp;
Packing to read? Kindle, iPad or paper? July PaperCity, cover to cover, and a stack of fashion and juicy tabloid magazines. Reading anything and everything on my Kindle, iPad, iPhone and laptop.
%26nbsp;
And what will you do there? Work hard, play hard. Need to recharge our batteries %26mdash; and visit our three favorite L.A. designers: Cathy Waterman, Irene Neuwirth and Jennifer Meyer. We%26rsquo;ll do spa services in Laguna, shopping in L.A. %26mdash; including a visit to Gregory Parkinson%26rsquo;s studio and our favorite antiques stores on La Brea. Dinner with friends.
%26nbsp;
Must packs? A couple of my kids%26rsquo; Starbucks mugs they designed, Dr. Macrene and Kate Somerville face creams, Natura Biss%26eacute; sun cream, Gregory Parkinson tie-dye dresses, James Perse tees and tops, DL1961 jeans, Lanvin blue snakeskin bag and neon moccasins, Jack Rogers sandals %26hellip; And a fab collection of jewelry, including my charm necklace (Cathy Waterman, Irene Neuwirth), Jen Meyer diamond stick earrings and stack-%26rsquo;em-up bracelets (Todd Reed, Sydney Evan, Anita Gronstedt, Sorrelli crystal, Pippo Perez, Catherine Michiels).

You%26rsquo;ll find me dining at? L.A. %26mdash; Toscana (Brentwood), The Beverly Hills Hotel Coffee Shop and Polo Lounge. Wherever there is a pool, there is food for lunch!
%26nbsp;
What you%26rsquo;ll bring home? Hopefully a sun-kissed glow and a well-tanned and rested Charles.

%26nbsp;

Capa Mooty, Mom, traveler

Where are you off to? Aspen to escape the Dallas heat.

Staying? Either at The St. Regis, The Little Nell or the Hyatt, Grand Aspen %26mdash; all right in the center of Aspen.

Packing to read? Lone Survivor by Marcus Luttrell or anything written by or about the Navy Seals %26mdash; I%26rsquo;m obsessed with these modern-day warriors! The Pilgrimage by Paulo Coelho (author of The Alchemist, one of my favorite books). And a laugh-out-loud book: Bossypants by Tina Fey.

Kindle, iPad or paper? Paper, paper! I love holding a book and being able to dog-ear pages. It%26rsquo;s just not the same on a Kindle.

What else might you do? Anything outdoorsy. We bike down the Rio Grande Trail and up to Pine Creek Cookhouse, compete for the best time climbing the %26uuml;ber-steep UTE Trail up Ajax Mountain, attend the Fourth of July parade and ride up the gondola for rock-climbing and the bungee trampoline. The Aspen Ideas Festival has great speakers for a two-week period from media, politics and science arenas.

Can%26rsquo;t leave home without? Day-to-night jackets, lots of scarves, flip-flops, boots and hiking gear. Pack your goldendoodle or labradoodle %26mdash; all their cousins live in Aspen for the summer.

Fave restaurants? Campo de Fiori for Italian, Matsuhisa Aspen for sushi, Cache Cache, Brunelleschi%26rsquo;s for make-your-own pizza, Pacifica for seafood (and the best patio, too), The Wild Fig and Ajax Tavern for truffle fries.

Souvenirs? I buy two Libertine jackets every year in Aspen. They are beautiful, original pieces that remind me all year of my fun summer.

%26nbsp;

Brian Bolke, Owner, Forty Five Ten %26amp; Five and Ten

So, where are you off to? Paris.

Raison pour voyage? Men%26rsquo;s spring shows and women%26rsquo;s fall haute couture.

Where will you stay? L%26rsquo;H%26ocirc;tel on rue des Beaux Arts.

Packing to read? Watching American Horror Story and catching up on Vanity Fair.

Kindle, iPad or paper? iPad.

Other entertainments? Go to the Louis Vuitton Marc Jacobs exhibition at the Mus%26eacute;e des Arts D%26eacute;coratifs.

Can%26rsquo;t leave home without? Diptyque Philosykos travel spray, Common Projects white sneaker and Balmain T-shirts.

Luggage? Tumi (brown, of course).

You%26rsquo;ll make dinner reservations at? Ralph%26rsquo;s at the Ralph Lauren store and L%26rsquo;Avenue for people watching.

Memento? If the euro is better, something from Herm%26egrave;s.

%26nbsp;

Stephen Giles, Strategy consultant%26nbsp;

Clarice Tinsley, Anchor, Fox 4 News

Stephen, where are you off to? Malibu and later South Africa.

Reason for going? Janelle and Larry Friedman invited us to their home in Malibu. Later, Clarice and I will celebrate our 25th wedding anniversary
in South Africa.

Packing to read? Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand and all of my cycling magazines.

Kindle, iPad or paper? iPad.

Must pack? Stephen: Clarice.

Luggage? Vuitton.

Favorite restaurants? Those with four-stars, and where the locals go.

What you%26rsquo;ll bring home? Great memories, photographs and art.

Restaurant Buzz

Wed, 04 Apr 2012 04:35:40 GMT

Budding bakers Mary Gauntt and Megan Wilkes sprinkled sugar over the Bishop Arts District during Mardi Gras weekend with their pop-up pie shop Emporium Pies. The duo has just announced a move into permanent digs, converting a purple-painted house at 314 North Bishop Avenue into an eat-in bakery. Their specialty? Beautiful pies served whole or by the slice, in flavors such as the to-die-for bourbon-pecan. Until the bakery%26rsquo;s opening, orders can be placed at emporiumpies.com %26hellip; More news in the Cliff: Restaurateur John Baudoin (he managed both Dallas Fish Market and Restaurante Nicola) opens his newest eatery, Driftwood, next door to Bolsa Mercado this month. Exec chef and Abacus alumnus Omar Flores helms the kitchen, crafting a scrumptious east-meets-west-coast menu anchored in organic seafood. Go fish at 642 West Davis Street; details driftwood-dallas.com %26hellip; When in Manhattan, a reservation at the legendary Le Cirque restaurant is a must. So imagine the elation among gourmands when it announced a series of moveable, one-night-only dinners at 10 ClubCorp clubs around the country. Come Friday, April 20, The Tower Club gets its visit from Le Cirque, with chef Olivier Reginensi wowing the diners. Even Tower Club%26rsquo;s dining room will be re-spun for the evening, as its decor will be made to match the elegant NY locale. Reserve a table at clupcorp.com/lecirque %26hellip; A two-in-one concept is beckoning foodies to West Dallas: Chicken Scratch and The Foundry at 2303 Pittman Street. The former is the restaurant interpretation of childhood family picnics %26mdash; homemade fried chicken, Mexican-inspired popsicles and cast-iron-fried fare served in compostable, eco-friendly packaging. The later is the latest in the beer-garden movement and housed at the same location, with local brews on tap (Deep Ellum Rye Pilsener) and more than 30 unusual beers served by the bottle or can. The full scoop is at cs-tf.com %26hellip; Tajin Comedor Mexicano is the latest culinary project from longtime restaurateur Monica Greene. Housed at the Ilume mixed-used development on Cedar Springs Road, the Mexican concept is said to conjure memories of Greene%26rsquo;s now-shuttered Ciudad. Buzz 972.742.3902.

IMAGE: Mary Gauntt and Megan Wilkes of Emporium Pies. Photo by Kelsey Foster.

Juice Me, Please

Wed, 04 Apr 2012 04:29:57 GMT

If you%26rsquo;re searching for your trend-obsessed friends between the weekday hours of 8 am and 2:30 pm, try The Gem. Setting up shop inside Duo %26ndash; All Things Culinary, owners Mary Kathryn Bass and Leslie Needleman dole out organic juices, shots, smoothies and Holy Kombucha teas to some of the most notable names in Dallas, who all stop by after carpool or morning workouts. The wildly popular Green Glow juice made of apple, kale, cucumber, lemon and ginger, or smoothie favorite Tahitian Pearl, consisting of almond butter, banana, hemp milk, dates, maca, bee pollen and cacao. While chief gemologists Bass and Needleman take orders and chat with girlfriends/customers (some claim barstools for hours to see who drops in), Sarah Gottsacker, aka the juiceologist, mans the juicer. Hottest thing on their dry-erase-board menu besides the liquids and the 11 am daily lunch special? The Gem Cleanse. Choose from the one- or three-day option, with bottles handed over in six-pack beer carriers, which Gottsacker picks up each Sunday from Capitol Pub. The three-day cleanse %26mdash; 18 bottles of cold-pressed juices such as Green Glow, Ruby Slipper, Clarity Lemonade and Opalescence (cashew milk) %26mdash; results in internal clarity and better skin, and retails for $195. My in-the-know girlfriends tell me there is a cleanse waiting list, so dial 214.808.1907, pronto. 7721 Inwood Road; facebook.com/insidethegem.

IMAGE: Leslie Needleman, Mary Kathryn Bass. Photo by Stephen Karlisch.

Postcard from New York

Wed, 04 Apr 2012 04:24:58 GMT

He might be missing the Dallas art scene, but this New York Times photographer certainly appreciates the energy of Manhattan and being able to grab a good bagel or slice of pizza on a moment%26rsquo;s notice. After working for The Dallas Morning News and more recently the LA Times, Damon Winter moved his camera, style and furnishings to the Upper West side. During the past five years as a photographer for The New York Times, Winter has worked on notable assignments such as documenting the lives of US Army soldiers in, %26ldquo;A Year at War,%26rdquo; (an Emmy Award-winning multimedia spread), and an exquisite in-depth shoot on Stella McCartney, which made the front-page of The New York Times Magazine in late February. When we saw this piece on one of our favorite designers, with aerial views of McCartney at work, including an inside look into her personal life, Winter%26rsquo;s %26ldquo;great dilemma of New York%26rdquo; made sense %26mdash; so much to do in the city, yet so little time to do it. Anything he misses about his Dallas days? Like his shutter, Winter is quick to respond: %26ldquo;Good barbecue, Mexican food and cheap rent!%26rdquo;

IMAGE: Damon Winter. Photo by Nan Coulter.

Inside the Heads of Alan Ritchie %26 Marko Dasigenis

Wed, 04 Apr 2012 01:53:50 GMT

Philip Johnson has arguably done more than any other architect to shape Houston%26rsquo;s skyline. He was commissioned by the likes of art patron Dominique de Menil, whose home on San Felipe was his first residential design in 1948, to commercial real estate magnate Gerald Hines, who hired Johnson to design seven buildings in Houston. Carrying on Johnson%26rsquo;s mantle is his longtime partner, British-born Alan Ritchie of Philip Johnson Alan Ritchie Architects, who has branched out of their New York office to open a studio in Houston with colleague Marko Dasigenis. Meet the men who bear the weight of Johnson%26rsquo;s iconic past as they interpret his style and apply his monumental vision to structures soon to be built in Houston and beyond.

Laurann Claridge: Let%26rsquo;s talk about the professional history between you and the late, great Philip Johnson.

Alan Ritchie: I was introduced to Mr. Johnson shortly after I arrived from England, and he invited me to join the firm of Philip Johnson, John Burgee Architects as a junior architect. Later I was promoted to project manager, associate and partner. In 1987, when Mr. Johnson and Mr. Burgee parted ways, I also left to create my own company, Alan Ritchie David Fiore Architects. I remained in contact with Mr. Johnson, and in 1993, he proposed we become partners and merge the two firms, and we did. He retired in 2004 and passed the firm to me, leaving the 60-year legacy in my hands.

Marko Dasigenis: I met Philip in New York in 1988, and we hit it off instantly. When I told him I was from Kavala, Greece, he went off on a tangent, talking about all the beautiful things he saw when he visited my birthplace in the 1930s.

LC: Houston is blessed with 11 Philip Johnson%26ndash;designed buildings %26mdash; more than any other city but New York, which has 18. What is it about Houston that attracted Johnson in 1957 and attracts PJ%26gt;AR now?

AR: I think first his relationship with the de Menil family and later with Gerry Hines. It was the friend-ships, as much as business relationships, that called Mr. Johnson back. Over time, his reputation grew, and he attracted other prominent people in Houston, and his body of work here grew. I was fortunate to have worked on these projects, and I%26rsquo;m eager to continue these rich relationships. %26nbsp;

MD: Houston is like a blank canvas for an architect. You are free to design whatever you want. There are no vernacular rules that you have to adhere to, and it is the only major city in the U.S. with no zoning. This means total freedom of expression without the limiting rules and regulations cities typically force on designers. But you still want to respect the character of the neighborhoods that have been developed, and design accordingly.

LC: Tell me about PJ%26gt;AR%26rsquo;s best practice standards.

MD: It is not only our desire, but our duty to create buildings that are inviting and user-friendly, as well as environmentally responsible. Every architect is talking today about LEED architecture. PJ%26gt;AR was actually doing LEED even before the term existed. That%26rsquo;s why you see all these Hines buildings getting LEED certifications today.

LC: One of the tenets vital to your work is the interior architecture of a project. What is its significance to the project as a whole?

AR: It%26rsquo;s always been the firm%26rsquo;s philosophy that there shouldn%26rsquo;t be a separation between the interior and exterior of a building. The designs created for its exterior appearance should also be expressed internally. We have always approached the client to engage us as the architects and the interior designers of the building so that the designs are completely integrated. Some of our most successful projects have been when we have designed not only the building, but also all the interior public spaces, such as The Sony Tower (formerly the AT%26amp;T Building) and the Lipstick Building in New York City, the Amon Carter Museum in Fort Worth and the %26ldquo;Number 5%26rdquo; Tower at 5 East 44th Street.

%26nbsp;

LC: I understand Frank Gehry%26rsquo;s work, specifically the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao, literally moved Philip Johnson to tears. Who are the architects past or present you most admire?

AR: Philip Johnson and Frank Gehry became good friends over the years, and both admired each other%26rsquo;s architecture. Our firms worked closely together on a number of projects, which unfortunately were never built. I was particularly moved when I traveled to the Guggenheim in Bilbao with Mr. Johnson, Charlie Rose and Steve Wynn, as a guest of Frank. As we walked to the main lobby, Mr. Johnson looked up and, with tears in his eyes, said %26ldquo;Wow, I have never been so moved since my mother took me to Chartres cathedral when I was 14 years old.%26rdquo;

MD: Mies van der Rohe, Le Corbusier and Calatrava. Corbu developed his vocabulary inspired by the Cycladic islands, for which I have a great love. Calatrava understands structure and develops his works based on a human scale.

LC: What%26rsquo;s the dream project you%26rsquo;d love to land?

AR: I%26rsquo;d like to [continue building] the Cathedral of Hope in Dallas. That was one of the last buildings that Philip and I designed together.

LC:%26nbsp; What makes a great client/architect collaboration?

AR: A great client is one that listens, someone who is open to ideas and makes decisive decisions. It is important to us that the client participates in the
design process but also allows us the freedom to create, and respects our knowledge and experience. %26nbsp;

MD: An alignment of communication and vision. The best projects I%26rsquo;ve seen were a result of a strong client/architect collaboration. Look at Philip and Hines. The client is the sail that provides the wind force, and the architect is the steering wheel that navigates. It takes both to get to your destination.

LC: You%26rsquo;ve said that good design doesn%26rsquo;t have to cost more, but it%26rsquo;s the best investment you%26rsquo;ll make.

MD: Good design does not have to be expensive. It is the synthesis of different components organized in their right place. Those do not have to make a statement of %26ldquo;look how expensive I am.%26rdquo; It%26rsquo;s all about the fundamentals.

LC: If you could have authored any one quotation in history, what would it be?

AR: %26ldquo;God is in the details.%26rdquo; %26mdash; Mies van der Rohe%26nbsp;

MD: %26ldquo;I hope nothing. I fear nothing. I am free.%26rdquo; %26mdash; Nikos Kazantzakis

LC: Art/artists you favor?

AR: I love all forms and periods of art but particularly love Monet, Ert%26eacute;, Calder and Henry Moore.%26nbsp;

MD: Giacometti; Matisse and classic Greek sculpture.

LC: Do you collect anything in particular?

AR: Stamps and antiques %26mdash; mostly 20th-century Art Nouveau, Art Deco and modern pieces.

IMAGES:

Philip Johnson, Gerald Hines, circa 1970. Photo courtesy Hines.

Marko Dasigenis

Alan Ritchie

Philip Johnson, Charlie Rose and Frank Gehry at Guggenheim Museum Bilbao, 1997

Amon Carter Museum, Dallas

Gerald D. Hines College of Architecture at University of Houston

Le Corbusier%26rsquo;s Chapel of Notre-Dame-du-Haut, Ronchamp

Chapel of St. Basil at University of St. Thomas, Houston

Rendering of Cathedral of Hope, Dallas

Williams Tower Water Wall, Houston

Knoll Bird chair

Henry Moore%26rsquo;s Reclining Figure, 1951

Dominique de Menil and Philip Johnson, Houston, 1949. Photo courtesy Houston Post / Menil.

Williams Tower, Houston

%26nbsp;

Very PC: Fiat 500 Cabrio by Gucci

Wed, 04 Apr 2012 01:12:05 GMT

We%26rsquo;ll be tooling around town this summer in the new limited-edition Fiat 500 Cabrio by Gucci with the legendary red-and-green stripe across the canvas top (or along the side on the Fiat 500 by Gucci) and on the seats, seatbelts and floor mats, and adorable GGs on the hubcaps and shift knob. The automatic convertible top is a dream and can be partially opened at several points. Available in pearlized black or white, starting at $23,500 (can you believe it?). At area Fiat dealerships, including the new Helfman Fiat studio in Houston, 7720 Katy Freeway next to IKEA; 713.533.6100; helfmanfiat.com.

IMAGE: Fiat 500 Cabrio by Gucci

A Nip and Pin Tuck

Tue, 03 Apr 2012 05:42:12 GMT

The powers that be at Geo. H. Lewis %26amp; Sons, Houston%26rsquo;s final resting place for the famed and social set since 1936, have refashioned the public areas to mirror a stunning residence. The venerable funereal firm has commissioned Houston interior designer Cathy Chapman to renovate its interiors with a little help from GHL VP Bradford Wyatt%26rsquo;s stylish mom, Lynn Wyatt, who also consulted with her son and GHL president/CEO Billy Wells on the apropos choices. While we hope you won%26rsquo;t need to visit the revamped surrounds any time soon, those who do will find comfort in the English antiques, Imari and Wedgwood porcelain, wide-plank wood flooring and Clarence House and Brunschwig %26amp; Fils curtains and trims.
We%26rsquo;re impressed by the thoughtful touches, from an antique silver service from which one is offered coffee and tea to Pratesi and D. Porthault linens custom-embroidered expressly for Geo. H. Lewis.

IMAGE:%26nbsp; Geo H. Lewis%26rsquo; redesign

The New Influencers

Tue, 03 Apr 2012 05:39:18 GMT

Politically Correct: Randall Morton %26mdash; The Progressive Forum

When Randall Morton founded The Progressive Forum seven years ago, his first programming foreshadowed the wow factor of what was to come: Robert Kennedy Jr., introduced by then-Mayor Bill White at the Hobby Center for the Performing Arts in June 2005. A rapt, near-capacity crowd at Sarofim Hall listened to an impassioned Kennedy address %26ldquo;Our Environmental Challenges,%26rdquo; followed by a post-lecture book signing where hundreds queued up for the guest of honor to inscribe copies of his Crimes Against Nature. Another big night followed in June 2006, when Al Gore spearheaded the American debut of his bellwether best seller An Inconvenient Truth with a talk and book signing organized by The Progressive Forum, once again at the Hobby Center. Improbably, Morton%26rsquo;s road to found The Progressive Forum actually led through the oil patch. The Georgetown grad/one-time political speechwriter directed an eponymous marketing/PR company for decades that focused on the oil industry%26rsquo;s heavy-equipment companies. His experience establishing
The Oilfield Breakfast Forum segued into launching The Progressive Forum after seeing RFK Jr. on Larry King Live and his disappointment over the 2004 national elections. As Morton underscores, %26ldquo;I%26rsquo;m confident we%26rsquo;re making an impact.%26rdquo;

Flash forward dozens of speakers later, and you%26rsquo;ll find Progressive Forum audiences reaching 2,000 per engagement to hear voices of our age from Gloria Steinem to Ken Burns. The Forum has clearly lived up to its motto (%26ldquo;Great minds, great answers%26rdquo;), as well as its lofty goal of %26ldquo;advancing ... the individual, our species and life on the planet.%26rdquo; Indeed, The Progressive Forum has made the greatest contribution to environmental issues %26mdash; witness one of the most intriguing evenings ever, when Robert Redford and then Shell Oil president John Hofmeister shared the Wortham stage with ranchers and environmentalists to dish about coal mining in Texas as the film Fighting Goliath: Texas Coal Wars screened. Stay tuned for 2012 headliners including rock-star architect of sustainability William McDonough (Tuesday, April 24, at the Wortham).

IMAGE: Randall Morton

Father of Education: Fr. TJ Martinez %26mdash; Cristo Rey

A decaying, abandoned school building in Houston%26rsquo;s gritty Southeast side and a young cowboy-boot-wearing priest might seem an unlikely stage and protagonist to reform Houston%26rsquo;s secondary-school system. Yet this script is successfully performed every day at Cristo Rey Jesuit College Preparatory School.

At its helm is the dynamic Fr. TJ Martinez, founding president of Houston%26rsquo;s Cristo Rey, which is part of a national network of innovative Catholic high schools offering promise %26mdash; and rigorous college prep %26mdash; to the kids of urban America. In Houston, the Cristo Rey campus near Hobby Airport revived a Catholic high school that had closed due to shifting demographics and declining enrollment. Enter the recently ordained Fr. Martinez, a Boston transplant raised in South Texas who was tapped after receiving his Harvard degree not only to lead, but to forge the Houston branch.

The campus opened in August 2009, with its first class set to graduate in May 2013. It currently serves 270 students culled from the Woodlands to Needville, and is set to enroll grades 9 through 12 in the fall of 2012. The new school %26ldquo;relies on the private sector, not the government, to educate Houston%26rsquo;s youth who are living in poverty,%26rdquo; Martinez says. At the heart of Cristo Rey%26rsquo;s model are high-powered corporations %26mdash; energy to finance, ConocoPhillips to Deutsche Bank %26mdash; which pay the students%26rsquo; tuition as part of an intriguing work-study program: Each Cristo Rey kid is employed one day a week by his or her sponsoring firm throughout the school year. The community has embraced the new college prep%26rsquo;s vision, with a lead gift of one million dollars from the Kinder Foundation and an inaugural gala in January 2011 that raised an astounding $1.6 million. Giving a tour of Cristo Rey%26rsquo;s gleaming hallways, then dropping in on a chemistry class where students enthusiastically cluster around lab experiments, Martinez emphasizes the power and primacy of his school%26rsquo;s mission: %26ldquo;Cristo Rey Jesuit marries Houston%26rsquo;s corporate culture with a college-prep culture serving children living in the most financially challenged neighborhoods, to form a partnership that will not only save the lives of these children, but [ensure] Houston%26rsquo;s future as well.%26rdquo;

IMAGE: Fr. TJ Martinez

Hydration and Hope: Elena Davis %26mdash; I Am Waters Foundation

%26ldquo;It%26rsquo;s often the simplest things that bring profound change,%26rdquo; proclaims I Am Waters Foundation%26rsquo;s book Dream, penned and overseen by its creator, Elena Davis, who also founded its mission four years ago. A former 1980s-era glamour girl who%26rsquo;s graced the cover and pages of fashionable magazines the world over, from Cosmopolitan to Harper%26rsquo;s Bazaar%26sbquo; Davis was enjoying a privileged life in Houston as a mom and wife when an encounter with a homeless woman moved her. It was a scorching summer day, and the imploring lady at a roadside intersection made an impact. %26ldquo;As I rolled down my car window to hand her the water she requested, I realized that while I had never met her before, I felt I knew her well,%26rdquo; Davis writes. %26ldquo;It was at that moment that a fire was lit within me; that fire has become the I Am Waters Foundation.%26rdquo; Since the summer of 2009, more than 500,000 water bottles %26mdash;%26nbsp;emblazoned with words that offer simple, positive messages of change: Love, Joy, Peace, Faith and Hope %26mdash; have been delivered directly to the people who need them with the assistance of Davis and her heartfelt nonprofit. I Am Water reaches out to Houston, Fort Worth and Austin agencies serving the homeless, from Star of Hope to SEARCH and the Salvation Army. The goal for summer 2012 is to serve 600,000 people in need of hope and hydration.

The foundation%26rsquo;s Dream volume and Web site give a face to homelessness in America while sharing Davis%26rsquo; personal story of growing up as %26ldquo;one of four children born into a broken home and poverty.%26rdquo; Modeling provided a way out; Davis%26rsquo; life comes full-circle this month as I Am Waters organizes its first fund-raising luncheon %26mdash;%26nbsp;set for Wednesday, April 25, at River Oaks Country Club %26mdash; which draws upon its founder%26rsquo;s career with its %26ldquo;Super Models of the %26rsquo;80s%26rdquo; theme. %26ldquo;I asked those I knew from the modeling world, and, incredibly, everyone I called said %26lsquo;yes,%26rsquo;%26rdquo; she recalls. Among the headliners coming to town for the cause are cover girls Kim Alexis, Dianne deWitt, Kelly Emberg and Cheryl Tiegs, who will participate to push along Davis%26rsquo; vision: %26ldquo;We can%26rsquo;t allow one American to remain without life%26rsquo;s most basic needs %26mdash; water and the will to dream.%26rdquo;

IMAGE: Elena Davis fulfilling the mission

%26nbsp;

Music Men:%26nbsp; Omar Afra and Jagi Katial %26mdash; Fitzgerald%26rsquo;s, Free Press Houston

At first glance, hipsters Omar Afra and Jagi Katial seem more like a pair who would frequent a bar than own one. However, appearances are deceiving: Not only are these diehard music fans %26mdash; both under the age of 35 %26mdash; the proprietors of the newly revamped Fitzgerald%26rsquo;s in the Heights, but they also delve, individually and in tandem, into myriad other (ad)ventures. Their projects range from publishing the Free Press Houston (a reincarnation of the old Public News, where yours truly got her start, revived by Afra and grown into a monthly with a readership of 100,000) to serving as concert promoters of the wildly successful Summer Fest every June. Katial works as a booking agent via his Pegstar productions; he%26rsquo;s also a former NASA programmer, while Afra, a UH political science grad, is an occasional musician. In the summer of 2010, this pair bought Fitzgerald%26rsquo;s,
the almost crumbing shrine to live music on White Oak, from owner/founder Sara Fitzgerald. The stalwart Fitzgerald opened the dual-venue concert hall in 1977 and, for 30-plus years, brought in the red-hot and up-and-comers to perform at the historic space, circa 1918, that once catered to the Polish community as the Heights social club Dom Polski. The upstairs stage showcased headliners who crossed time and genres, from James Brown, Tina Turner and Steve Ray Vaughan to ZZ Top, R.E.M., The Ramones, Etta James and Marcia Ball. The downstairs space %26mdash; originally the hall%26rsquo;s kitchen with adjoining stables %26mdash; featured free concerts by rising talents.

Thanks to Afra and Katial, Fitz%26rsquo;s now lures hundreds of ardent new Gen-X and -Y fans to its hallowed halls each week. Oft compared to CBGB%26rsquo;s for its preeminence as an incubator space and cited by Afra as %26ldquo;the best live venue in Texas%26rdquo; (he met his future wife while playing a gig there), Fitz%26rsquo;s is readying for the next 30 years. As the crisply painted signage proclaims: %26ldquo;Fitzgerald%26rsquo;s. If music be the food of love, play on.%26rdquo;%26nbsp;%26nbsp;

IMAGE: Omar Afra and Jagi Katial

The Nomadic Life

Tue, 03 Apr 2012 05:23:34 GMT

Wade Wilson, Wade Wilson Art

You%26rsquo;re heading to? My house in Santa Fe.

Reason for going? I%26rsquo;m opening Wade Wilson Art Santa Fe in July.
%26nbsp;
Where do you stay? My best friend/wife lives there with me, and we have a compound on 16 acres %26mdash; the vistas are transforming.
%26nbsp;
Packing to read? I am rereading Lillian Hellman%26rsquo;s memoirs, Pentimento and An Unfinished Woman, and rereading Hemingway%26rsquo;s A Moveable Feast %26mdash; all of which I love.

%26nbsp;
Kindle, iPad or paper? I like books in my hand.
%26nbsp;
Other entertainments? I%26rsquo;ll be playing guitar and singing in my spare time while I watch the sun drop behind the Jemez Mountains each evening.
%26nbsp;
Can%26rsquo;t leave at home? Leather jacket, a few Robert Graham shirts, boots and wranglers %26mdash; all in my signature black, of course.

%26nbsp;
Checking what luggage? Hartmann.
%26nbsp;
You%26rsquo;ll find me dining at %26hellip; Always SantaCaf%26eacute;, occasionally Coyote Cafe, The Compound or Geronimo%26rsquo;s. And Gabriel%26rsquo;s, just beyond the Opera house, by Camel Rock for the very best guacamole in New Mexico.

%26nbsp;
What you%26rsquo;ll come away with? A full belly and a happy heart. Seeing my gallery business fly high in two beautiful cities of art is a dream come true.

Betty Newton, owner, %26Agrave; Bient%26ocirc;t, %26amp; husband Stephen

So, where are you off to? Manhattan.
%26nbsp;
Any particular reason for going? It%26rsquo;s our home away from home.
%26nbsp;
Where do you stay? At our apartment in midtown.
%26nbsp;
Packing to read? Whatever Jeanne from River Oaks Bookstore recommends and about a dozen magazines.
%26nbsp;
Kindle, iPad or paper? All.
%26nbsp;
What else will you do? We both work while there. On the weekends, we like to take day trips outside of the city. Dia:Beacon is a favorite. We just jump in our car, and we%26rsquo;re there in 45 minutes. We also like to rent bikes at Storm King. Sometimes, weather permitting, we walk downtown and stroll over the Brooklyn Bridge to have brunch with friends in DUMBO. We never tire of roaming through Central Park, which is a couple of blocks from our apartment.
%26nbsp;
You%26rsquo;re packing %26hellip;? I%26rsquo;m a huge Fendi fan. Their handbags are so functional, with lots of deep-zippered pockets. I always have one of the totes and one of the top-handles. Of course, I add %26Agrave; Bient%26ocirc;t travel jewelry and cashmere.

%26nbsp;
You%26rsquo;ll be making dinner reservations at? My new favorite is La Promenade des Anglais at 461 West 23rd Street. We love Perilla in [Greenwich] Village. Our Sunday night spot is Quatorze, which we have been going to for 21 years.
%26nbsp;
What you%26rsquo;ll bring home? Anything and everything from Elizabeth Bauer Design on Greenwich Avenue. Almond Givrettes from Francois Payard.

%26nbsp;

Elaine Turner, owner, Elaine Turner accessories and boutiques

You%26rsquo;re off to? Kauai.

And, why? We%26rsquo;re celebrating my parents%26rsquo; 50th wedding anniversary.

Staying? The St. Regis [Princeville] in Kauai overlooking Hanalei Bay.

Packing to read? A month or two of WWDs to catch up on. Also, I%26rsquo;m saving the book Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand %26hellip; this trip will be the perfect time to read it! I%26rsquo;ll also bring a couple of months of Elle Decor %26mdash;love it for seasonal inspiration

Kindle, iPad or paper? I%26rsquo;m still paper.

What else will you do there? Relax, recharge and refuel %26hellip; Kauai is one of the most beautiful places on earth. Its dramatic terrain and erratic weather make it a sensory experience beyond compare. We%26rsquo;ll visit Waimea Canyon %26mdash; It supposedly has the most breathtaking waterfall on earth.

Must-packs? Elaine Turner%26rsquo;s new Maggie beach tote will take me from a day poolside to a day traveling. I%26rsquo;ll carry it in our beautiful new peacock-blue shade. I%26rsquo;ll also pack my new Amy sandal in metallic linen that goes from the beach to dinner, my favorite new SPF-30 sunscreen by Est%26eacute;e Lauder, and my favorite
Trina Turk swimsuit with a Matthew Williamson caftan cover-up.

%26nbsp;

Melissa Ellis, designer, Miss-tee-v-us kids
Lee Ellis, Belvedere, BRC, Liberty Kitchen, Petite Sweets

You%26rsquo;re off to? Melissa: Paris %26hellip; it%26rsquo;s exciting, fun and comfortably familiar.

Raison de voyage? It%26rsquo;s our favorite city. We try to visit once a year.

Stay? This time, Relais Christine, a boutique hotel in Saint-Germain-des-Pr%26eacute;s.

You%26rsquo;ll be reading? Lee: Always nonfiction. Melissa: The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet%26rsquo;s Nest.

Kindle, iPad, paper? Lee: Paper. Melissa: iPad.

What else will you do there? Walk, shop, explore, eat, eat, eat ... and research food and fashion for future projects.

Luggage? Victorinox.

Favorite restaurants? La R%26eacute;galade (we ate therethree times last trip), Brasserie Lipp and Pizza Positano.

Mementos? Boots %26hellip; ballet flats %26hellip; and lots of inspiration.

Chandos Dodson, designer

You%26rsquo;re heading to? Jackson Hole.

Reason for going? My husband and I spent our honeymoon there last year. We loved it so much we%26rsquo;re going back.

Hanging your hat at %26hellip;? The Amangani.

Reads? Bossypants by Tina Fey.

Kindle, iPad, paper? iPad.

What else will you do? Eat! There are so many fabulous restaurants.

Favorite restaurant? Wild Sage.

Luggage of choice? Tumi. I am all about function when it comesto luggage.

In your carry-on? My Oliver Goldsmith Koko sunglasses, Tkees flip-flops, Theodora %26amp; Callum scarves.

Souvenir? Art.

Trina's World

Tue, 03 Apr 2012 04:45:11 GMT

Just what or who are Trina%26rsquo;s modernist muses? Let%26rsquo;s take a look in the topsy-turvy mind of Trina Turk.

Architect who would build the perfect house in Trina%26rsquo;s World? Ray Kappe or John Lautner.

Interior designers in TW? David Hicks, Billy Haines, Paul L%26aacute;szl%26oacute;, Edward Wormley, Alexander Girard, T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings.

Favorite labels from the %26rsquo;60s and %26rsquo;70s? Donald Brooks, Pauline Trig%26egrave;re, Rudi Gernreich.

%26nbsp;

In TW%26rsquo;s library, the five most inspirational design/fashion books, vintage or new? %26bull; Slim Aarons: A Place in the Sun%26nbsp; %26bull;%26nbsp; Charles and Ray Eames: Designers of the Twentieth Century%26nbsp; %26bull;%26nbsp; Architecture of the Sun: Los Angeles Modernism 1900 %26ndash; 1970%26nbsp; %26bull;%26nbsp; California Design series by the Pasadena Art Museum%26nbsp; %26bull;%26nbsp; Maija Isola: Life, Art, Marimekko.

What inspires your posh prints? Prep coquette, the Mediterranean, the Mexican Riviera, the globetrotting gypsetter.

Where have you traveled in the summer? Istanbul, Bodrum, Turkey.

Favorite hotels in the world? Parker Palm Springs. La Sirenuse in Positano.

What%26rsquo;s in your weekend-resort carry-on? Lots of vintage and Trina Turk jewelry, white shorts, printed TT dresses and swimsuits, one big straw hat, a few sunglasses options, flat and heeled metallic sandals. Ping-Pong paddle, toolbox and scissors.

Next tool for play? A blowtorch.

Car you covet? 1961 Studebaker Avanti designed by Raymond Loewy

Gaud%26iacute; or Mies? Mies.

Dorothy Draper or Jean-Michel Frank? Both.

Five best movies you have seen? Sunset Boulevard %26bull; Chinatown %26bull; The Graduate %26bull; Blade Runner %26bull; Pandora%26rsquo;s Box

Netflix or the cinema? Cinema.

iPad or laptop? Mac or PC? Mac laptop.

%26nbsp;

IMAGES:

Resin Ball Ring with Palm Springs Block inscribed band

Brigitte Bardot and Jacques Charrier in Saint-Tropez, 1959. Photo from Riviera Cocktail by Edward Quinn (teNeues, 2007).

Pauline Trig%26egrave;re, 1964. Photo from Vogue; photo by Henry Clarke.

Malin House by John Lautner. Photo from The Architecture of John Lautner (Rizzoli, 1999); photo by Alan Weintraub.

Trina Turk for Alice Supply Co. Ping-Pong set in the Ogee print

Parker Palm Springs hotel

Trina in an arch next to the Odeon in Ephesus (2nd century AD). Photo by Jonathan Skow.

Trina Turk Dallas boutique. Photo by Jonathan Skow.

Trina Turk Spring 2012 collection

Trina Turk Spring 2012 collection. Photo by Jonathan Skow.

Trina in the Shade hat, Capri. Photo by Jonathan Skow.

Trina Turk in the Anastasia Dress in Tigerleaf print. Photo by Jonathan Skow.

Selfridges living room by David Hicks, 1969. Photo from David Hicks: Designer by Ashley Hicks (Scriptum Editions, 2003)

%26nbsp;

Tunnel Vision

Tue, 03 Apr 2012 04:00:19 GMT

Celebrating its third anniversary, Capella Pedregal %26mdash; the resort carved into the hillside of Cabo San Lucas %26mdash; caters to the Mexico modernist. Encompassing 24 mountainside and oceanfront acres, the property is reached only via a 300-meter rock tunnel carved through a mountain, with lanterns lighting the way to the hotel%26rsquo;s courtyard. Book one of the 66 rooms %26mdash; all with private plunge pool and fireplace %26mdash; or, for families and larger groups, secure one of the 31 shared-ownership residences or 20 private %26ldquo;casonas.%26rdquo; Situated between the rooms and the residences is the 12,000-square-foot Auriga Spa, where treatment pods float on a private pool surrounded by a waterfall, and guests are encouraged to swim to their appointment. Of the three culinary spots on the property, El Farallon (Spanish for %26ldquo;where the cliffs meet the sea%26rdquo;) is the most dramatic, with ocean mist blanketing tables while guests dine on the bountiful catch of the day. Rates from%26nbsp; $525. Camino Del Mar -1, Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, 877.247.6688; capellahotels.com.

IMAGE: Capella Pedregal, Cabo San Lucas

Long-Term Luxe

Tue, 03 Apr 2012 03:56:37 GMT

If extended New York business %26mdash; or a shopping trip to Broome, Madison and Mercer %26mdash; is logged in your Smythson planner, consider settling in one of Cassa Hotel and Residences%26rsquo; 57 luxury apartment units. For a 30-day minimum, choose from a studio ($8,000 per month), one-bedroom ($9,000 per month), two-bedroom ($16,000 per month) or a four-bedroom penthouse ($40,000 per month), all sitting atop the newly opened boutique hotel. The apartments are stocked with Frette sheets, robes and towels; Irene Mamiye%26rsquo;s abstract impressionist photography; a collection of Taschen and Rizzoli design and fashion books; and Italian bath products by Angelo Caroli. Created by the contemporary architectural firms TEN Arquitesctos/Enrique Norten in collaboration with Cetra Ruddy, Cassa is situated on 45th Street between Fifth and Sixth Avenues %26mdash; skipping distance to Madison Avenue and the theater district. 70 West 45th St., 212.302.8700; cassahotelny.com.

IMAGE: Cassa Hotel and Residences

Te Amo Rosewood

Tue, 03 Apr 2012 03:54:29 GMT

Imagine a place where tequila is considered a magical liquid that helps one speak to angels, and each step taken along the cobblestone roads is said to heal via reflexology. Imagine us there! San Miguel de Allende, the colonial hillside city in central Mexico, has harbored artists and wealthy expats for eons. Most recently, Rosewood Hotels %26amp; Resorts has taken up residence, with a sprawling new property that includes hotel accommodations, private residences, a spa and three signature restaurants. Getting there from George Bush Intercontinental Airport is a breeze: The flight is a direct two hours, and upon request, Rosewood will fetch you from Leon (BJX) or Quer%26eacute;taro International Airport in a luxe SUV for the drive to San Miguel. Here, the 67 guest rooms and suites are spacious, with high wood-beamed ceilings, patios and beautiful Mexican-made furnishings %26mdash; from rustic four-post beds to decor created by local artisans. For unmatched views of the city and the surrounding mountains and manses, sip a glass of Casa Dragones tequila (San Miguel%26rsquo;s famed, locally made elixir) at Luna Rooftop Tapas Bar. For dinners of a more exclusive nature, reserve La Cava, the hotel%26rsquo;s underground wine room stocking 2,000 elusive bottles, a dining table that can be set for at least a dozen and a multi-course tasting menu crafted upon request by chef Carlos Hannon. San Miguel is built atop a quartz bed and, in a New Age way, is revered for its positive energy. All this is realized at Sense, A Rosewood Spa, where treatments are inspired by the local heritage. Let this stand as a precaution: You%26rsquo;ll want to brush up on your Spanish. One trip here, and you may never leave. Rates from $295. Nemesio Diez 11, Colonia Centro, San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, 888.767.3966; rosewoodhotels.com.

IMAGE: Rosewood San Miguel de Allende, Mexico

Bliss on the Beach

Tue, 03 Apr 2012 03:52:50 GMT

The heaven of a Trina Turk draped cabana on the sparkly beaches of Kauai %26hellip; Yes, indeed, it%26rsquo;s true: There is just such a stylish oasis at The St. Regis Princeville Resort overlooking Hanalei Bay. Turk%26rsquo;s tropical prints are also splashed on the chaises and pillows, and there%26rsquo;s an iPad downloaded with Trina%26rsquo;s fave songs, magazines and apps. Throw in a cabana boy, and we%26rsquo;re there! 522 Ka Haku Road, Princeville, Hawaii, 877.787.3447; stregis.com/princeville.

IMAGE: Trina Turk cabana, The St. Regis Princeville, Kauai

Water Works

Tue, 03 Apr 2012 03:51:02 GMT

Who says the kiddos are the only ones who can escape the city heat with summer camp? Book four days at Lake Austin Spa during its Quench retreat, and play camp grownup-style around the cool waters of the lake. Literally set on the shores of Lake Austin, the spa is hosting more than 25 water-themed activities within the four-day program, from stand-up paddle boarding to sculling and kayaking, as well as cooking demonstrations, spa services, craft and get-up-and-motivate classes (led by Olympic champions, no less). Perhaps you can take a sunset smoothie cruise or unwind in a wine-and-watercolor workshop %26mdash; the days are what you make them. Held Sunday to Thursdays four times this summer, the first session is June 24 through 28. 1705 S. Quinlan Park Road, Austin, 800.847.5637; lakeaustin.com.

IMAGE: Lake Austin Spa

Manhattan, The Modernist Way

Tue, 03 Apr 2012 03:47:58 GMT

When New York City beckons, there%26rsquo;s a new place worthy of housing art-inclined types with minimalist tastes. The James hotel, with its unassuming brick-and-glass fa%26ccedil;ade facing SoHo%26rsquo;s charming Grand Street, greets guests with an installation in the foyer by contemporary artist Sarah Frost: thousands of mismatched keyboard keys arranged mosaic-style along the wall. The mix of pieces by local and international artists housed at The James is the result of collaboration between curator Matt Jensen and the SoHo-based nonprofit artist collective Artists Space. Each of the hotel%26rsquo;s hallways serves as an impromptu gallery, showcasing an ever-changing array of works by Melissa Fleming, Ben Grasso, Adam Eckstrom, Jude Boughan and more. Even the room numbers %26mdash; designed by artist Jean Paul Philippe %26mdash; are custom sculptures, while guest chambers sport Eames wire chairs, eco-friendly Keetsa pillows and avant-garde privacy screens by Dutch artist Nienke Sybrandy. Ride the elevator to the roof to take in 360-degree views of the city while sunning by the pool or sipping cocktails inside Jimmy %26mdash; The James%26rsquo; sexy hotel bar. As for dining, nosh at David Burke Kitchen, the namesake eatery from chef David Burke, designed by James Beard Award-winner Thomas Schlesser with both indoor and outdoor eating areas. Request a table on the plein-air Treehouse patio; on a balmy eve, the garden environment is the closest thing to Eden in NYC. Rates from $359. 27 Grand St., New York, 212.465.200; jameshotels.com.

IMAGE: The James, NYC

A New York Night

Tue, 03 Apr 2012 03:45:35 GMT

We really do want to try new hotels in New York City, but we can%26rsquo;t get past the Loews Regency Hotel on Park and 61st. Minutes from Barneys, Bergdorf%26rsquo;s, Central Park %26hellip; well, it%26rsquo;s hard to move downtown. A quintessential New York experience, the Regency gave birth to the Power Breakfast in the %26rsquo;70s at its 540 Park restaurant, and Feinstein%26rsquo;s is located here, home to legendary cabaret acts and Mr. Michael Feinstein himself. Plus, we love the cozy library for breakfast and evening cocktails. Rates from $295. 540 Park Ave. at 61st, 212.759.4100; loewshotels.com.

IMAGE: Loews Regency Hotel, NYC

Madly Electrifying Morocco

Tue, 03 Apr 2012 03:34:03 GMT

From the medina to the mountains, PaperCity fashion director Kate Allen Stukenberg journeys through the colorful mosaics of Morocco in search of the chicest shopping, lodging and dining.

Fes

Stay.

Sofitel Fes, Palais Jamai
sofitel.com
Fresh mint tea and macaroons greet you upon check-in at this hotel tiled throughout with beautiful mosaics. Being located at one of the gates to the ancient Fes medina means it provides not only spectacular views of the walled city, but also a convenient entrance to shop the souks.%26nbsp;

Eat. Drink.

Dar Anebar
daranebar.com
The next best thing to a private meal at a Moroccan home is dinner in a remodeled riad boutique hotel in the medina. Dar Anebar, just a short walk from Palais Jamai, serves traditional Moroccan fare and stocks a full bar %26mdash; a rarity in Fes.

Shop.

The Souks
The artisans of Fes are renowned for their handiwork. Walking the narrow paths of the medina, where motorized vehicles aren%26rsquo;t allowed but lots of donkey carts are, you%26rsquo;ll witness from souk to souk the exceptional weaving, embroidery, fine leather and woodwork they%26rsquo;ve mastered over the centuries. I picked up tunics, bags, poufs and jewelry on my shopping spree.

One-of-a-Kind Bracelets
This gentleman, located mere steps inside the entrance of the medina just outside Palais Jamai, hand-carves bracelets, hairbrushes, combs, spoons and more out of goat horns. I picked up a bracelet for $3, and I%26rsquo;m kicking myself for not bringing home more.%26nbsp;

Do.

Volubilis, Meknes
Consider a day trip to Volubulis, Meknes %26mdash; or, if you%26rsquo;re flying into Casablanca and driving to Fes, stop along the way. Built by the Romans sometime around 40 A.D., the mosaics at the Volubilis are breathtaking portrayals of Greek mythology. You%26rsquo;ll want to experience Volubilis at sundown, when the shadows on the monuments grow longer.
Marrakech

Stay.

Four Seasons Resort
fourseasons.com/marrakech
The newest Four Seasons Resort in the world, this sprawling 40-acre walled property of contemporary design with Moroccan influences is spectacular in every way. Each of the 141 rooms has a private balcony and unobstructed views of the historic Menara Gardens and Atlas Mountains. Palm trees hover above the many paths that lead you to the two pools, the spa, a stunning roof-top bar and three restaurants serving food inspired by Moroccan, Andalusian and Sicilian cuisines. Be sure to stop into the gift shop, which stocks stylish wares from local retailer Lalla.

La Mamounia
mamounia.com
Centrally located, this historic property completed a $100 million makeover by Jacques Garcia in 2009.

Dar Les Cigognes
lescigognes.com
We visited this riad bed and breakfast for dinner, and I fell in love with its very stylish boutique atmosphere. It%26rsquo;s no surprise this is where Caroline Kennedy has stayed with her family.

Palais Namaskar
palaisnamaskar.com
Luxury European hotel group The Oetker Collection opens Palais Namasker this month. The resort, which rests on nearly 100 acres about 20 minutes outside the city center of Marrakech, hosts 41 uniquely designed villas and suites, and has its own private jet service, which takes you from Casablanca Airport to the hotel in just 30 minutes.

Eat. Drink.

Dar Moha
darmoha.ma
My last dinner in Morocco was spent poolside in the gardens of this restored riad. Chef Mohammed (Moha) Fedal worked in Switzerland for many years and offers a delicious prix-fixe menu many describe as nouvelle Marocain.

Lamb Alley
An episode of Andrew Zimmerman%26rsquo;s Bizarre Foods that one of my travel companions watched before our trip led us to Lamb Alley, located near the entrance to Djemaa El-Fna. I was terrified at first, but I have to say that it was one of the most fun meals I had in Morocco. Do it.

Shop.

Zid Zid Kids
zidzid.us
Houston's Kuhl-Linscomb and Dallas' Baby Bliss and Nasher Sculpture Center carry this cute kids%26rsquo; collection of toys, furniture and leather home accessories, but the studio in Marrakech carries pieces not available stateside. You can also custom-order special items at the studio. I have a silver metallic ride-on camel on order for my daughter, to match the metallic elephant bookends I picked up at Kuhl-Linscomb for her nursery last year.

Karim Bouriad
Rue Fatima Zahra R%26rsquo;mila
I bought a colorful handwoven caftan and a few embroidered tunics for my daughter and myself at this shop, which supplies to luxury retailer Calypso St. Barth.

Al Badii
54, bd. Moulay Rachid, Gu%26eacute;liz
I discovered the most amazing antique Berber rugs downstairs at this shopping emporium. It killed
me to not come home with one.

Palais de la Menara
68 rue Kechachine, Medina
Located in the heart of the medina, this shop carries fine Moroccan furniture, lighting, home accessories and some enviable jewels.

Plan%26eacute;te des %26eacute;pices
Trik Dar El Bacha Bab Doukkala No. 5
Stock up on spices such as Moroccan cumin, cinnamon sticks, Ras El Hanout, ginger, pepper and cardamom %26mdash; essential for cooking your own Moroccan fare back home. Also pick up coveted Argan oil at a reasonable price, natural perfumes such as jasmine and
rose, and the famous Moroccan mint tea.%26nbsp;

33 Rue Majorelle
Rue Yves Saint-Laurent
This stylish shop stocks independent Moroccan fashion designers, and the lot include everything from hand-painted china to clothing for men, women and children, fur coats, scarves, shoes, jewelry, handbags, candles and home accessories. I loved everything in the store and walked out with some chic woven slippers.

Do.

Hamman Treatment
Do not leave Morocco without experiencing a tantalizing hammam treatment. They%26rsquo;re available all over Morocco in local bathhouses, but to me, those are an adventure for only the truly adventurous. I suggest booking your hammam treatment at one of the luxury hotels. Le Spa at the Four Seasons Resort offers a traditional %26ldquo;black soap%26rdquo; hammam prior to exfoliation with the kessa glove and a ghassoul body mask. Trust me, your skin will thank you, and you%26rsquo;ll want to find out where you can do this at home. The answer? Nowhere.

Jardin Majorelle
jardinmajorelle.com
Yves Saint Laurent and his partner, Pierre Berge, renovated the gardens in the 1980s. This peaceful retreat is filled with succulents, cactus, bamboo groves and palms, and is awash in Yves Klein blue, yellow and vivid orange pots. It%26rsquo;s also home to a courtyard cafe and a very chic gift shop selling YSL-designed caftans and exclusive LouLou de la Falaise jewelry.

%26nbsp;

Katsuya by Starck

Tue, 03 Apr 2012 02:56:02 GMT

Keys to the Door: Founder Sam Nazarian; master sushi chef Katsuya Uechi; creator/designer Philippe Starck; GEG Group founder Charlie Chanaratsopon.
What%26rsquo;s on the Menu: It%26rsquo;s been all the buzz in Los Angeles since the day this cool Japanese restaurant opened its doors. Now the seventh Katsuya %26mdash; the first outside California %26mdash; has us scrambling for a table as it debuts at West Ave. Designed by the madcap modernist Philippe Starck to resemble a life-size bento box, each room is compartmentalized by task: the main bar in the entry, a racy Dragon Lounge to the left and, off to the right, the 180-seat main dining room, beneath a pagoda-tented ceiling, with a robata charcoal grill on one side and sushi masters %26mdash; their dishes choreographed by namesake chef Katsuya Uechi %26mdash; slicing, dicing and assembling sashimi on the opposite side. Start with a signature cocktail such as the Burning Mandarin, a pepper-laced mandarin vodka drink, and follow with specialty starters including seared tuna with diced fresh tomato salsa and avocado slices ($18) and crisped compressed rice cakes topped with spicy tuna tartar ($14). Then move to the hot side of the menu and treat yourself to the prime filet topped with foie gras, a melt-in-your-mouth seared medallion napped with a plum wine reduction ($28). Sushi specialty and classic rolls ($7 to $18.50) won%26rsquo;t disappoint, while desserts surprise with a delicious East-meets-West meeting of the world on one plate. 2800 Kirby Dr. in West Ave, 713.590.2800; sbe.com/katsuya/houston.

IMAGES: Katsuya by Starck

One Bubbly Eve at The Ritz

Fri, 23 Mar 2012 11:38:34 GMT

A gratis pamper party at The Ritz-Carlton, Dallas, wherein favors consist of mini Natura Biss%26eacute; spa treatments? We%26rsquo;re in %26mdash; that is, if we%26rsquo;re among the first 100 to secure attendance to the April 12 soir%26eacute;e by buzzing The Ritz at 214.922.4820. The cause for celebration is the hotel spa%26rsquo;s debut of the Barcelona-based beauty brand, including the launch of the Natura Biss%26eacute; Pure Air Bubble. The inventive cylindrical space is filled with pure air to detox and energize the skin and body. Other spa perks offered during this eve are the Multisensorial Lifting and Aroma Awakening treatments, a steady supply of champagne and a visit from numerological advisor Lex Rice to fill you in on your horoscope predictions. 2121 McKinney Ave., 214.922.4820; ritzcarlton.com.

Restaurant Buzz

Fri, 23 Mar 2012 11:22:25 GMT

Calling all dog lovers: You won%26rsquo;t want to miss pastry chef Rebecca Masson and friends%26rsquo; %26ldquo;Sweet and Savory%26rdquo; fund-raiser for Lucky Dog Rescue on Saturday, April 1. To help the nonprofit provide vet care, fostering and adoption to stray and abandoned canines, she%26rsquo;s enlisted several notable chef friends whom she met while filming Top Chef: Just Desserts. For $100 per person, you can enjoy a tasting at the beautiful outdoor surrounds of photographer Ralph Smith%26rsquo;s Bellaire studio. Whole Foods Market is donating the food, so every dollar will go toward decreasing the number of animals (currently 100,000-plus a year) put down in Harris County. Go to luckydogrescue.com to purchase tickets %26hellip; Chefs Jacques Fox and David Denis have opened the bistro-like French eatery Artisans Restaurant in Midtown on Louisiana. Find French-inspired dishes at lunch and dinner such as pan-seared scallops with a lobster cappuccino ($19) and pepper-crusted tenderloin ($34) %26hellip; The Dinerstein Companies%26rsquo; new High Street Project at 4410 Westheimer Road in the Galleria area has announced its first tenant: Seasons 52 wine bar and restaurant. Scheduled to debut next spring, the fresh dining concept features a menu of dishes that don%26rsquo;t exceed 475 calories %26hellip; The City of Houston and Urban Harvest have a new community garden on Washington Avenue near the Houston Permitting Center%26rsquo;s parking lot. None other than Alice Waters herself was here recently to dedicate the garden.

We're Obsessed with Downton Abbey

Wed, 07 Mar 2012 03:04:27 GMT

Every Sunday at 8 pm, we feverishly tune into PBS to lose ourselves in the world of catty housemaids, conniving footmen, disdainful dowagers, heirs presumptive gone a stray and crumbling grand country homes in dire straits. Set during the reign of King George V and through the Great War, it%26rsquo;s a time in which rooms were aired, fires lit and dinner served properly, no matter what scandal lurked.

Crumbling fa%26ccedil;ades are charming %26hellip; to an extent. Give your manor house a fresh coat with English paint maker Farrow %26amp; Ball%26rsquo;s new exterior paint collection. Shown here: Wimborne White No. 239 on the masonry, Fawn No. 10 on the door. At Boxwood Interiors.

Nothing Succeeds like a dress, whether you prefer the dramatic silhouette of a dowager countess or the svelte styling of the flapper age. Shown: Christian Dior, Marchesa, Oscar de la Renta, Ralph Lauren

A Leg Up. New York%26ndash;based custom boot maker E. Vogel has made fine footwear for the horse set since 1879. We%26rsquo;re sure the Earl of Grantham would approve of these Newmarket Field Boots. Pricing, 212.925.2460; vogelboots.com.

Fretting because you weren%26rsquo;t bequeathed precious pendants from pedigreed predecessors? No one need know with options like these:

Early Victorian coral and rose-cut diamond girandole pin/pendant $5,650, at Past Era Fine Antique Jewelry.

Diamond and emerald bow pin $24,500, at Tenenbaum %26amp; Co.

God Save the Queen. Houston-based artist Hana Shoup%26rsquo;s slightly askew take on Queen Elizabeth II%26rsquo;s coronation portrait by Cecil Beaton, Young Queen
Elizabeth, 2011, above right, retains all the dignity of the original. $600, through the artist, hanashoup.com; hanasart@gmail.com.

ahhhh %26hellip;the smell of old money. HRH%26rsquo;s Scottish residence, Balmoral, was the inspiration and namesake for this Cire Trudon candle. $85, at Kuhl-Linscomb.

Have a Vast Collection of Ormolu Objets, but Nary a Housemaid? Then pick up a copy of The National Trust Manual of Housekeeping (National Trust Books, $75), a 1,000-page assemblage of instructions about how to preserve and maintain historic homes and their contents. At amazon.com.

Tally-ho! English country life isn%26rsquo;t complete without Horse %26amp; Hound, England%26rsquo;s oldest equestrian magazine, founded in 1884. horseandhound.co.uk; subscriptions magazinesdirect.com.

Recreate the Drama of Downton Abbey for yourself with a stay at Bovey Castle, situated within Dartmoor National Park in Devon. Built in 1907, this castle acted as a convalescent home during the Great War, too. Reservations boveycastle.com.

Luxe Livery is still made bespoke by the Sa s ville Row tailors at Henry Poole. After all, half the fun of domestics is their uniforms. henrypoole.com.

Images:

The Crawleys in all their glory; photo courtesy 2011 Carnival Film and Television Ltd. for Masterpiece.

Matthew Crawley and Lady Mary Crawley in Downton Abbey; photo courtesy 2011 Carnival Film and Television Ltd. for Masterpiece.

Lady Edith Crawley, Lady Mary Crawley, Lady Sybil Crawley; photo courtesy 2011 Carnival Film and Television Ltd. for Masterpiece.

The scandalous domestics; photo courtesy 2011 Carnival Film and Television Ltd. for Masterpiece.

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Uchi

Wed, 07 Mar 2012 02:43:50 GMT

Keys to the Door: Owner Tyson Cole; chef de cuisine Kaz Edwards.
What%26rsquo;s Cooking: The rumor that James Beard Award%26ndash;winning chef Tyson Cole of Austin was bringing Uchi, his acclaimed Japanese-inspired eatery, to town caused quite a buzz. Soon it became official: Cole was revitalizing the space vacated by Felix Restaurant in the Montrose, and we were positively rabid with curiosity about how he might reimagine it all. With a wonderful wabi-sabi vibe, architect Michael Hsu (Uchi and Uchiko in Austin) has created a sophisticated East-meets-West environment, using reclaimed woods, metals and fabrics to capture that much-revered Japanese aesthetic: a patina you can%26rsquo;t fake, one that only gets better with age. Much like the decor, you can%26rsquo;t fake your way through this complex menu, which mingles simple flavors with more intense tastes. Standouts among the cool and hot tastings include machi cure, a haystack of endive balanced with smoked baby yellowtail, crisp yucca chips and a Spanish surprise of salty marcona almonds ($18), as well as a bacon tataki, pork belly sandwiched with coriander, citrus and a caramelized fish sauce touched with espresso ($19). Light-as-air agemono (tempura fried offerings) make for irresistible sides %26mdash; think perfectly cooked kabocha ($2.50) or tiger shrimp ($5) %26mdash; served with a warm, light miso dipping sauce. The sushi and sashimi are satisfying; the chef-driven makimono, aka sushi rolls, are a fun romp that plays with Western traditions to realize dishes like ham and eggs, aka pork belly spiced with Basque peppers with three egg-custard sauces intended to be smeared together. Looking to be amazed by the inventiveness of Tyson Cole and revel in his culinary moment? Reserve a table. 904 Westheimer Road, 713.522.4808; uchirestaurants.com/houston.

K for Katsuya

Wed, 07 Mar 2012 02:41:50 GMT

We%26rsquo;ve patiently awaited the arrival of Katsuya by Starck in Houston %26mdash; and we%26rsquo;re told that any moment now, the creative collaboration among master sushi chef Katsuya Uechi, designer Philippe Starck and SBE founder Sam Nazarian will debut at West Ave. This will be the seventh locale the team has launched; when the concept opened in L.A., it was an instant hit with stars and star makers alike. Katsuya by Starck features serious robata-style cuisine, sushi and sashimi (finally, we can order signature dishes such as crispy rice with spicy tuna and miso-marinated black cod), with a clever cocktail-bar concept dubbed Dragon Lounge, all housed amid Starck%26rsquo;s contemporary-cool interiors. Ours is just one of several locations planned for Texas. Next month: our take on this sure-to-be-hot spot. 2800 Kirby Dr., 713.590.2800; sbe.com/katsuya/houston.

Cooking With Class

Wed, 07 Mar 2012 12:03:59 GMT

Recipe for Success Foundation offers cooking classes at its latest charitable offshoot, RecipeHouse, a specially outfitted kitchen and dining room upstairs at the foundation%26rsquo;s Montrose-area headquarters. Recipe for Success is the brainchild of philanthropist Gracie Cavnar, founded in 2005 to change the way our children eat; to date, her organization has taught healthy eating and gardening skills to more than 16,000 Houston-area schoolchildren. RecipeHouse hosts Spring Break classes for kids this month, followed by EatThis! Summer Camps for children ages 8 to 11 this summer. RecipeHouse even offers adult classes, from a Homemade Series focusing on cooking basics to Farm-to-Table evenings tied to to the harvest of the season and Chef Surprise Dinners hosted by Houston%26rsquo;s finest chefs. Or book the kitchen for a private food and wine party. All proceeds from RecipeHouse benefit Recipe for Success. Class calendars and pricing, recipe4success.org.

Restaurant Buzz

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 04:50:20 GMT

Arm thee with silverware: This month is made for feasting. For a sophisticated nightcap, skip to The Dram at 2918 Henderson Avenue. Housed in the former Wooden House digs, the new après-dinner cocktail bar from brothers Chris Donohoe and DJ Donohoe offers handcrafted sips with old-fashioned swank. Our favorite part? The Dram’s extensive whiskey menu and its strict rock ‘n roll-playlist policy. Sneak a peek at thedramdallas.com … Hats off to Joel Harloff: The man who fancied taste buds at restaurants such as Nana Grill and Mi Piaci has accepted a new post as exec chef at The Second Floor at Galleria Dallas. Ring 972.450.2978 for reservations or tap thesecondfloorrestaurant.com … The Landmark Restaurant at the Warwick Melrose Hotel, Dallas, has just reopened after a sizeable makeover, which includes new decor and a freshly spun menu. The aesthetic thought up by Duncan Miller Ullmann Design contains everything from new marble floors to a stunning 400-bottle wine vault — all modeled after the elegant interior of the hotel’s Library Bar. As for the fare, exec chef Mike Pacheco has added an array of new bites, including fish tacos and pan-seared scallops with house-made chorizo. Reserve a table at landmarkrestodallas.com … Uptown gourmands with rather indulgent palates are raving about The Stand. Two retro Airstream trailers have been parked inside the former Rock ‘N Taco digs at 2916 McKinney Avenue, and are dishing out concession-stand-worthy comfort food. What tops the menu? The “Mac Daddy Dog” — a jumbo, bacon-wrapped hotdog topped with fried mac ‘n cheese, chilli and onion rings. May the mouthwatering commence at thestanddallas.com … For those who summer in Cabo, the name Manuel’s Creative Cuisine may ring a culinary bell. The Los Cabos, Mexico–based restaurant crosses the border this month, opening its first U.S. location just off Oak Lawn Avenue at The Centrum building. The organic eatery features a menu of unexpected — dare we say, creative — dishes from exec chef Manuel Arredondo. Standouts include the creamy mushroom cappuccino soup and the lobster lasagna with caviar. Take a tasty trip at manuelsrestaurant.com.mx … Roll out your red-checkered blanket for Mixin’ It Up on the Boulevard at Lee Park on May 6. The first annual al-fresco dining event will pair top chefs — think John Tesar and Tre Wilcox — with local farmers, wineries and DJs for the foodiest picnic of all. Purchase tickets at chefsforfarmers.com … Imagine the thrill among Preston Hollow-ites when Central Market opened its newest location last month at the corner of Preston Road and Royal Lane. The beloved grocery giant has packed all of its delectable offerings in the 30,000-square-foot spot that formerly housed Borders Books — think more than 400 fromages, CM’s signature build-your-own sandwich bar, a cafe that opens at 7 am, plus those scrumptious ready-made meals. Stock the pantry of your Strait Lane manse with goodies from 10720 Preston Road.

Retail Rap

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 04:28:26 GMT

Houston’s Janet Gurwitch has bought into Drybar, the two-year-old national blow-dry-only salon chain. Gurwich is an operating partner in Castanea Partners, the Boston-based private-equity firm that now holds a minority stake in Drybar. Gurwitch also is on Drybar’s board of directors and has personally invested in the concept. With 13 salons in the U.S. (Dallas already has one), Gurwitch will bring her beauty expertise from her past years as CEO of Laura Mercier Cosmetics and an executive VP of Neiman Marcus to grow Drybar internationally … The fashion boutique Myth + Symbol opens in Rice Village this summer. Created by Trang Nguyen, Chau Nguyen and Roque Strew, and Ameet Giatonde, the shop will stock difficult-to-find and independent designers that manufacture in the USA or source responsibly. Look for women’s fashion by Dace, Feral Childe, Fischer and Eighteenth; jewelry by Odette NYC and Hidden Vices; and accessories by BAGGU, as well as ceramics, fragrances and books … Meet jewelry designer Margaret Ellis at Joseph in Highland Village March 16 and 17 … H%26amp;M is finally coming to Houston. However, they’ve opted not to open one central location. Instead, the trendy Sweden-based megastore opens its first doors in the spring at Baybrook Mall in Friendswood then later this year at Willowbrook Mall in northwest Houston … Local fashion designer Chloe Dao, aka Project Runway’s season-two winner, has done some remodeling. Not only has she changed the name of her Rice Village boutique from Lot 8 to Dao Chloe Dao, but she’s rebranded her logo and given the space a chic redo … Elizabeth Anthony/Esther Wolf in Uptown Park hosts fashion designer Fotini March 8 and 9 … Mecox Gardens now carries local fine artist Saba Jawda’s abstract and acrylic oil paintings on canvas … Saks Fifth Avenue hosts Chanel national makeup artist John Fussell March 15 (appointments 713.627.0500, ext. 5684) … Fashion designer Gilles Mendel of J. Mendel makes a personal appearance at Neiman Marcus March 28 in the Couture Salon … Tootsies treats: Meet shoe designer Bettye Muller March 1 and 2; New York designer Lyn Devon March 8 and 9; and Andrew Gn, in from Paris to showcase his Fall 2012 collection March 27 and 28 … Mom alert: American Girl comes to town this summer. The beloved manufacturer is setting up shop (and restaurant) in a 16,000-square-foot space at Memorial City Mall with its complete line of dolls and their clothing and accessories, plus girl-sized fashions and the best-selling American Girl books … Find Ivanka Trump’s new fine-jewelry collection, The Bow Collection, at Deutsch %26amp; Deutsch. We especially love the diamond-studded forget-me-not rings.

Restaurant Buzz

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 04:25:36 GMT

Anthony Messina has just launched a personal-chef service called Fud (pronounced %26ldquo;food%26rdquo;). Messina wants to help you get dinner on the table any day of the week, rather than focusing on special occasions. For example, book Fud for every Tuesday and pre-select the recipes you%26rsquo;d like to eat that week. He%26rsquo;ll bring all the ingredients and cook the recipes up in your kitchen %26mdash; leaving it immaculate, to boot. More info at fudchefs.com %26hellip; Stanley Zwerneman and his partners have taken on the pizza business with a Mexican twist. Their clever concept, Pizza Compadre, is a take-out place that mixes a dash of Italian with South of the Border spices. We love their genius calzone/taco hybrid dubbed PiZaco. Find it to go at 1008 Federal Road, with more locations coming soon %26hellip; Missing your Molina%26rsquo;s fix? The Bellaire Boulevard location is finally open, making this the third iteration of the family-run Tex-Mex eatery %26hellip; The untradi-tional bakery Dolce Delight has opened in Midtown near Sushi Raku. Owner Candace Chang and her staff whip up sweets such as mango lava dome and tofu cheesecake %26hellip; Have you driven down Holcombe and wondered what the big cow atop a JerryBuilt Homegrown Burgers sign is all about? This locally grown concept freshly grinds its Niman Ranch beef and prepares its local Buddy%26rsquo;s Natural Chicken, crinkle fries and Three Brothers Bakery buns in an open kitchen so you can see exactly how your food is prepared%26nbsp; %26hellip; Brothers Trey and Cody Melcher, along with mom Yvonne Melcher and stepdad Magic Schwarz, have opened Vida Tex-Mex in a shopping center the family has owned for decades at the intersection of San Felipe and Mid Lane. Vida stands where the young Melchers%26rsquo; granddad once opened his 35th branch of the U-Tote%26rsquo;M convenience store. Vida Tex-Mex%26rsquo;s casual vibe is perfect for date night or a girls%26rsquo; night out, as children under 16 aren%26rsquo;t served %26hellip; Congratulations to chef Philippe Schmit, who will be named a Master Chef of France this month. This honor is bestowed on highly skilled technicians and culinary ambassadors dedicated to furthering French fare around the world. Schmit is one of only 10 French chefs who have earned this honor in the States %26mdash; and the first in Texas.

Restaurant Buzz

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 03:00:14 GMT

What%26rsquo;s charming our palates this month? Nosh spots that have opened south of Lemmon Avenue, a big-name chef update, plus excitement over a brand-new brew %26hellip; As appearances go, eateries don%26rsquo;t get much chicer than Oak, the newest restaurant to open on lower Oak Lawn, across the street from The Meddlesome Moth. The contemporary interior is dotted with sturdy oak tables %26mdash; some flanked by tufted leather sofas, others by high-back chairs %26mdash; industrial light fixtures and a video installation of a fluttering live oak by artist Robert Myers. Order the following from executive chef Jason Maddy: celery-root fries, butternut-squash soup and potato dumplings in Parmesan broth. Ring 214.712.9700 for reservations and make tracks to 1628 Oak Lawn Avenue %26hellip; Downtown, an 11-section menu of serious sips has caught our attention at The Chesterfield %26mdash; a historic building turned barroom from restaurateur Ed Bailey (Bailey%26rsquo;s Prime Plus) at 1404 Main Street. Here, dozens of sours, fizzes, smashes and juleps are crafted by
mixologist Eddie %26ldquo;Lucky%26rdquo; Campbell, and updated bar bites %26mdash; think coffee-poblano-braised short ribs and a full dinner menu boasting pastas, flatbreads, salads and
more %26mdash; are concocted by exec chef Michael Ehlert. Buzz 214.741.2811 or click thechesterfielddallas.com %26hellip; Of all the New Year%26rsquo;s Eve parties that ensued, Deep Ellum Brewing Co.%26rsquo;s had the most fizz. The first-ever microbrewery in Dallas tapped its vats for a grand opening on the last day of 2011 and has been making headlines since. Sample DEBC%26rsquo;s signature Deep Ellum IPA (a bitter beer with fruity undertones) at ale houses such as The Common Table, Katy Trail Ice House, Libertine Bar and more. Sip for yourself at deepellumbrewing.com. We%26rsquo;ll say cheers to that.

Image: Design-district dining at Oak

Triniti Restaurant + Bar

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 12:28:03 GMT

Keys to the Door: Chef/owner Ryan Hildebrand; director of operations/ sommelier Fred Zennati; designer Chung Nguyen, MC2 Architects

What%26rsquo;s Cooking: At Triniti, Houston rising star Ryan Hildebrand has brought together a triad of sweet and savory tastes, spiked with well-made spirits. Diners can watch Hildebrand and his colleagues %26mdash; chef de cuisine Jose Hernandez and chefs Greg Lowry and Matt Lovelace %26mdash; at work in their copper-tiled open kitchen while tasting inspired California-French concoctions. In a space that formerly hosted a plethora of unremarkable bars, designer Chung Nguyen has created a clean, contemporary environment with customized Tom Dixon lighting, antiqued old-school mirrors above the mod bar and a glorious wine library with rolling ladder %26mdash; handy to fetch those uncommon niche wines culled by sommelier Fred Zennati to share by the bottle or the glass. Look for dishes with inventive flavor combinations, such as the deconstructed Caesar salad with farm eggs, pancetta, lemon, olive, white anchovy, pecorino romano cheese and kale leaves in lieu of romaine ($11). One soup starter features a clear veal consomm%26eacute; bobbing with leeks, trumpet mushrooms and shaved wagyu beef, and topped by an unctuous foie gras dumpling ($11). Evidently Hildebrand is a fan of the fattened duck liver, as he%26rsquo;s also created a novel assemblage called foie gras breakfast ($19) %26mdash; a yummy play on the traditional morning meal of%26nbsp; French toast, bacon and egg. His entrees, while not as playful as his starters, feature a protein (some picks: salmon, striped bass, pork, rib-eye, pheasant and sirloin) and seasonal go-withs, such as pumpkin, parsley and yam pur%26eacute;e smeared atop the pork plate, or adzuki beans boiled then fried crisp with saffron rutabaga, shallots, bok choy and red wine beneath the striped bass. Entrees range from $18 to $39, with sweet endings $8 each. 2815 S. Shepherd, 713.527.9090; trinitirestaurant.com.

Image: Triniti Restaurant + Bar. Photo by Kimberly Park/

Study Skills

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 12:19:28 GMT

Once my child passed sixth grade, I am loath to admit, I really couldn%26rsquo;t help him with homework. Who has ever heard of Chicago Math. And Algebra II? Forget it. I am now addicted to the recently opened Study Lounge in West University Village. President Shelby Joe, who began General Academic in 2003, and VP Stephen Hayes, both Rice School grads, have created a teen-approved, coffee-shop-like space with study areas, kitchen and private conference rooms. Most of the 40-plus tutors who man the Lounge are Rice undergrads and grads. Simply walk in, and your child will be checked in, and tutors make sure he or she works through an agenda. Mom pays by the day or month or opts for an unlimited subscription. General Academic has been a go-to for in-home tutoring for eight years, and the Lounge offers day-to-day tutoring, as well as intensive skills assessment and ISEE, SAT and ACT prep classes limited to eight students (which my son just completed), as well as foreign language and creative writing workshops. Finals will be here before you know it. Open Sunday through Thursday, 4 to 9 pm, and Saturday, noon to 5 pm. 2339 University Blvd. above Berripop, 713.893.8453; shelby.joe@generalacademic.com; generalacademic.com.

Image: Stephen Hayes and Shelby Joe. Photo by Kennon Evett.

Restaurant Buzz

Mon, 23 Jan 2012 12:21:22 GMT

News just hit that Austin chef Tyson Cole%26rsquo;s Houston outpost of Uchi opens February 2 in the former Felix Mexican spot on Westheimer near Montrose. The James Beard Award winner%26rsquo;s Japanese concept melds the taste sensibilities found in his famed Austin eateries, Uchi and Uchiko, in a menu of hot and cool tastings, makimono, yakimono, tempura, sushi and sashimi. Kaz Edwards serves as chef and Monica Glenn as pastry chef %26hellip; Rosemary%26rsquo;s Catering, the famed event company headquartered in San Antonio, has just branched out to the Houston market, where it%26rsquo;s already catering everything from debutante parties to weddings, bar/bat mitzvahs and corporate events. Exec chef Andres Rumis customizes each event menu %26hellip; Healthy take-away-food spot Snap Kitchen was a success the moment it opened. Now there%26rsquo;s a new locale, designed by Michael Hsu, in the Memorial Park area. Dine in or out, with snacks to entrees priced $3 to $13 each %26hellip; If you%26rsquo;ve driven down Kirby near the 59 intersection, you may have noticed a former Asian dive is being revamped into Elevation Burger. A franchise founded in 2002 in Virginia by Hans Hess, Elevation%26rsquo;s claim to fame is organic, sustainable, local (when practical) 100 percent grass-fed beef burgers, ground fresh on premises.

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Restaurant Buzz

Wed, 11 Jan 2012 10:35:10 GMT

The kind of resolutions we like best? Eating, drinking, being merry. (Not necessarily in that order.) Herewith, nosh news for an indulgent 2012. Celeb chef Lisa Garza is making waves again %26mdash; and this time, it has nothing to do with television stints and everything to do with her new restaurant, Sissy%26rsquo;s, opening late this month in the former Hector%26rsquo;s on Henderson space at 2929 Henderson Avenue. The menu, says Garza, will be %26ldquo;deep-southern, regional cuisine from Dixieland %26mdash; served on Spode Delamere china.%26rdquo; We can%26rsquo;t wait, from the corn fritters to the blackened red fish with crawfish and corn maque choux, those delish braised veggies %26hellip; Talk about brilliant marketing. Restaurateurs Chris Zielke and Jessica and Christopher Jeffers (Bolsa, Smoke), along with Plan B design gurus Royce Ring and Alex Urrunaga (Candle Room, Velvet Taco), have just debuted Bolsa Mercado, a 4,000-square-foot, %26uuml;ber-gourmet market at 634 West Davis Street, just down Davis from its restaurant namesake. Here, it%26rsquo;s all about shopping and dining: made-in-house breakfast bites including donuts and kolaches; a well-curated stash of small-production beer and wine; fresh-squeezed juices; locally sourced chocolates, olive oils and produce; plus dishes by chef Jeff Harris %26mdash; pizza, pasta and more, for taking out or enjoying in Mercado%26rsquo;s casual caf%26eacute;. Hungry? Ring 214.942.0451 %26hellip; Just as we were off to press, we received a rather enticing December 31 invitation: to be among the first to dine at The Mason Bar, a new State-Thomas gastro-pub from local entrepreneur Brandt Wood. What%26rsquo;s cooking? Easygoing American fare from partner and famous underground chef David Anthony Temple. On January 1, The Mason Bar opens to all, at 2701 Guillot Street %26mdash; just in time to clink glasses to this bright, culinary new year.

Restaurant Buzz

Fri, 06 Jan 2012 03:00:02 GMT

Pastry chef Vanessa O%26rsquo;Donnell has brought her Ooh La La Dessert Boutique to Memorial. The Town %26amp; Country Village location is the young baker%26rsquo;s third delicious bake shop %26hellip; Is tequila your tipple of choice? Try Don Julio 70 A%26ntilde;ejo Claro, the latest offering from the luxury brand. Complex like a traditional darker a%26ntilde;ejo, but filtered and distilled twice before it%26rsquo;s aged for 18 months in oak, it%26rsquo;s bright with tastes of wild honey and citrus %26mdash; splendid for sipping or mixing into a craft cocktail %26hellip; Next time you take flight at George Bush Intercontinental Airport check out celebrity chef Cat Cora%26rsquo;s Cat Cora%26rsquo;s Kitchen in Terminal E. The cocktail and tapas lounge promises passengers a sophisticated respite %26hellip; Here are more Tex-Mex options to quell our cravings. First, Austin import Torchy%26rsquo;s %26ldquo;Damn Good%26rdquo; Tacos has opened at 2411 South Shepherd. Chef/owner Mike Rypka apparently ditched the tall toque awhile back to invent spicy tacos named the Dirty Sanchez and the Brush Fire that have fans raving, %26ldquo;Damn, these tacos are good.%26rdquo; Meanwhile, Dallas-based Mi Cocina has opened again here, this time in the Woodlands. at 1201 Lake Woodlands Drive %26hellip; On our hit list to try: Happy Fatz (3510 White Oak Drive), a frankfurter joint in the Heights that had PC staffer Mary Hoang waxing on about their premium hot dogs and decadent desserts %26hellip; Mark your calendar for Galveston Restaurant Week, Sunday through Saturday, January 15 through 21. To check out the more than 25 restaurants participating, go to galvestonrestaurantweek.com. Laurann Claridge

Liberty Kitchen %26 Oyster Bar

Fri, 06 Jan 2012 02:29:39 GMT

Keys to the Door: Owner/operators Lee Ellis and Carl Eaves; chef Lance Fegen.
What%26rsquo;s Cooking: In what was once a beauty shop at the corner of 11th and Studewood, Lee Ellis and Carl Eaves, working with chef/partner Lance Fegen, have conjured Liberty Kitchen %26amp; Oyster Bar. The interior is clad with reclaimed shiplap along with cement floors and charming presidential memorabilia, from turn-of-the-century portraits of George Washington, Abraham Lincoln and Lady Liberty herself at the entrance to a wink at Ronald Reagan on the drinks menu. Whether you%26rsquo;re seated in an old schoolhouse chair, a cozy booth, or mingling with friends and strangers alike in one of two communal tables, order up a cocktail, and you can choose from small-batch or Texas-made tipple, including Liberty%26rsquo;s own eponymous light or dark brew, by Houston beer brewery Karbach. Fegen %26mdash;%26nbsp;who describes his casual eatery%26rsquo;s fare as American comfort food with a heavy reliance on seafood grilled on their peach wood and Mexican-charcoal-fired grill %26mdash; cleverly employs techniques inspired by America%26rsquo;s rich coastal cuisines to set his expansive menu apart. Liberty serves lunch and dinner, as well as breakfast on the weekends; we suggest you come with a crowd. Start with appetizers such as deviled eggs topped with bacon and whole fried oysters ($8), which is sure to induce a fork fight for the last bite, or charcoal hot smoked salmon ($8), a whole salmon split, nailed to a cedar plank and propped vertically above the grill to slowly soak in the updraft of peach-wood smoke, candying its spiced exterior. Flake a few tender pieces onto soft bread with a smear of smoked salt butter, and enjoy. Hearty burgers and sandwiches vary from sliders to a sophisticated tuna melt made with a fresh fillet atop an old-school toasted English muffin. Grilled entrees %26mdash; separated into Swimmers (fish/seafood) and Runners (steak, pork, chicken) %26mdash; include tender Hollywood pork ribs with apple-cider-mustard glaze ($19) and Alabama catfish ($16). All the entrees come with sides such as creamy malt slaw and, our fave, grilled asparagus with bacon jam ($2.50 extra). And don%26rsquo;t you dare leave without a bite of Fegen%26rsquo;s warm white-chocolate bread pudding with deep, rich caramel sauce and whipped cream ($7.50). 1050 Studewood, 713.802.0533; libertykitchenoysterbar.com.

Images: Liberty Kitchen %26amp; Oyster Bar. Photos by Jenny Antill.

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The Cult of the Bean

Mon, 19 Dec 2011 06:44:24 GMT

The next time you order an après java at Indika, Kiran’s or The Inn at Dos Brisas — the sort of smooth, rich coffee that inspires you to sit up and take notice — you might want to thank “Portland, Oregon–style” master roaster Ken Palmer, who was lured to local artisan coffee company Java Pura.

This innovative brand was established by owners Richard Colt and Fielding Cocke in 2007. Besides importing green beans and roasting them in small batches, they set out to do something almost unheard of four years ago: stamp each freshly roasted bag with a “roasted on” date, with the recommendation that no coffee be purchased more than 10 days after that date — a feat the big guys in the coffee industry couldn’t dream of doing. Combing the world’s finest coffee-growing regions, the Java Pura team works directly with farmers who nurture their beans from harvest to washing (how the bean is washed and dried contributes to the depth of its character) and aims never to over- or under-roast their green coffee beans. “Going dark,” Colt says, “disguises the nuances of the bean.” While most ordinary coffee roasters air-roast their beans, Java Pura — like many micro-roasters — prefers to drum-roast. This method enables a small-scale roaster to ramp up the temperature and create more variables of heat.

The shelf life for green, unroasted beans is one to two years; after that, Colt says, they start taking on the aroma of the burlap sack they’re packaged in. His company insists the shelf life of Java Pura roasted beans is two to three weeks, max. “The wonderful aroma you smell is actually the flavor disappearing from the beans,” he confides.

At Central Market, the indie roaster’s largest retailer, none of Java Pura’s roasted beans stay on the shelf more than one week. Hence, the “roasted on” date. Taste the beans brewed day one to seven, and you’ll perceive the coffee’s bright acids; after a week, those acids come down, and you’ll enjoy a smoother brew and a picture of the coffee’s true flavor profile. “Ideally the peak day, in terms of prime taste, is five days after the coffee’s been roasted,” says Cocke. The Main Street Ministriesis the happy recipient of much of Java Pura’s “largesse” — beans roasted longer than two weeks ago, which are habitually removed from retail shelves.

Happening upon the right beans isn’t a guessing game. The coffee-picking season runs from December to March; farmers send samples when the buying season commences, and the Java Pura gang gets together to “cup” nearly 25 varieties a week to determine what they’ll buy. Cupping, a systematic way to evaluate a variety of beans, is the means to that end. Using a sample roaster, which can roast a small quantity of beans, they conduct two samplings of the same bean side by side. That way, if there’s a bad bean in the batch, it won’t ruin both samples.

First, they put the dry grounds to the smell test by taking several short, staccato-like sniffs, tapping the side of the cup to release the aroma. Next, the team judges the wet aroma by adding hot water (201°F to 204°F) and letting the grounds steep for four minutes. After a couple of minutes, a crust or cap forms on the top. With the back of a spoon, they break the cap and inhale deeply to catch that first aroma blast. Pulling off the cap, they slurp the brew noisily, attempting to vaporize about a teaspoon over their taste buds, washing it all around their mouths. Last, when the coffee is tepid, they taste it again, as this is when nuances are revealed that might not otherwise
be detected.

The Brewing Business with Chris Cusack: Lucky Number 15

Since Chris Cusack only opened his raved-about restaurant and coffeehouse Down House in the Heights this past summer, he’s considered the newbie coffee guy in town. However, this Houston native actually made a name for himself in Austin, where he owns Thunderbird Coffee. Cusack is so passionate about the bean that he actually teaches a coffee palate-training course with David Buehrer, owner of Houston’s Greenway Coffee and Tea, in his spare time.

Eager for schooling, I enrolled in an abridged tutorial and learned that a lot of coffeehouses focus on finding a signature single-origin coffee. “What you ideally want to do as a coffee roaster,” Cusack says, “is to create a flavor profile which, despite the seasonal changes that happen with a naturally produced product, creates a flavor that remains consistent to the profile they’re aiming to create.”

Superstitious? In the world of coffee, whether you’re a farmer, roaster or barista, the number 15 has great significance. As Cusack instructs:

• Fifteen months is the length of time it takes to harvest from seed to green bean.

• Fifteen weeks is the length of time you’ll have from the day a bean is picked until it should be roasted.

• Fifteen is the magic number of days, many contend, that you have to enjoy a cup of coffee from the day the beans were roasted.

How Would You Like Your Coffee?

Cusack teases that the evolution of a coffee drinker goes something like this: Novices start with a frothy, chilled concoction, something rather dessert-like — say, a mocha frappe. If they take a liking to it, they move on to a cappuccino. Perhaps drawn to the deep nuances of the mighty bean, they venture to try a macchiato (a shot of espresso “marked” with just a bit of steamed milk) or con panna (an espresso topped with a dollop of whipped cream.) Graduation for the coffee obsessed? Order an espresso (unsweetened, of course — nothing to mask the flavor of those beans) or an Americano (three ounces of hot water with two shots of espresso), straight.

Home Brew

Want to brew the perfect cup of coffee? Many contend the closest you can come at home is with a Chemex. Never heard of it? The Chemex was invented by a chemist in Germany, circa 1941, and looks like a contraption you’d find in a mad scientist’s laboratory, not in your Poggenpöhl kitchen, but it couldn’t be simpler to use:

• Pre-soak the filter to pull out the paper pulp flavor and simultaneously warm the glass vessel with hot water.

• Here’s the all-important ratio: 500 milliliters of hot water (200°F, brought to a boil then cooled momentarily) to 30 grams of medium-ground coffee — weigh for optimal results.

• Add the grounds to the moistened filter paper on top of the conical-shaped Chemex. Then add just a little water to saturate the grounds evenly.

• Soak for 30 seconds so the coffee “blooms,” then slowly add the remaining hot water to extract the flavor from the beans. Let the water pour through the grounds and into the vessel below.

• Discard the grounds, pour and enjoy.

With a French press, you get a fully emergent brewed coffee, where the grains are ground slightly coarser to release the flavor more fully. By using the Chemex (from $35, at chemexcoffeemaker.com), Cusack cautions, “Don’t be fooled: The taste is not weaker. It actually allows the drinker to brew one cup at a time and identify a full range of flavor nuances.” For those craving espresso, Cusack suggests the Mypressi Twist (from $169, at mypressi.com).

I Spy ... A Great Barista

The next time you order an espresso drink, play “I spy” and check out the barista’s handiwork behind the bar. Here’s what works and what simply won’t do when making a great espresso drink.

• Start with filtered water.

• Every restaurant should invest in the best beans available. Ask who is roasting their coffee. (If it’s out on the shelves, sometimes it will be stacked so you can see the “when roasted on” date.)

• Search for the brand name of the espresso machine. The Rolls-Royce is the La Marzocco FB80NP, an $18,000 machine with three heads for espresso brewing. Runners-up include Synesso and a vintage Faema.

• Make sure the machine and the space are immaculate. Search for the stainless-steel steam wand — you know, the one that they push hot steam through to warm, steam and froth a pitcher of milk. If it’s dirty, walk away. That brown crust is the telltale sign of an unkempt machine: Milk has been left on the wand, and the milk solids have “cooked” at the end of
it, browning every time they turn it on.

• Previously steamed milk should never be reheated. Ever.

• A coffee grinder is a separate machine; there isn’t a standard grind to suits all styles. The finest grinds are devoted to espresso, coarser for French Press. All coffee should be ground to order, while some grinders have an auto-doser to measure consistent shots. Watch the barista tap the coffee-brewing mechanism (porta-filter) with the dispensed coffee to settle it before it’s tamped. You don’t want to see excess coffee around the edge.

• Make sure the porta-filter is kept warm in the machine, not resting on the countertop. Ditto for the cups, which should be warming atop it.

• Tamping the grounds with a perfectly fitted lead weight is vital. The surface should be perfectly even to create an extremely flat, level-tamped top.

• It takes roughly 25 seconds for the espresso to brew a shot with a caramel-colored streak (crema) on top.

• The ideal brewing temperature is 195°F to 205°F.

Restaurant Buzz

Mon, 19 Dec 2011 06:38:40 GMT

Looks like Central Market is in on the food-truck craze. Parked in front of the store Wednesdays thru Fridays, as well as on weekends, is Roadie (The Roadside Foodie) selling upscale goodies such as a maxed-out Thai curry-braised pork sandwich ($6), chick n%26rsquo; waffles ($6) and, for dessert, a gooey roadie bar ($2). You can even hire the Roadies truck to pull up to your next party %26hellip; Black Finn American Grille has debuted in Midtown. Started in midtown Manhattan, the concept with three locations boasts four dining concepts in one 11,000-square-foot space %26mdash; The Saloon, The Dining Room, The Patio and The Grille Room %26mdash; to draw drinkers, diners and the sport set alike. Styled by Washington design mind Richard McCooey, the decor incorporates historic relics that reference Houston%26rsquo;s oil-boom days %26hellip; It%26rsquo;s out with Little Bigs in Hermann Park and in with a picnic-friendly spot called Pinewood Caf%26eacute;. Created by Olivia and Sean Blair (owners of The Maple Leaf pub), the child-friendly space with views of the park and duck pond serves up build your own grilled-cheese sandwiches, salads, wraps and smoothies at lunch and early dinner, as well as food, wine, and beer to go for the next performance at Miller Outdoor Theatre %26hellip; The conversion of the Settegast Kopf Funeral home at 3320 Kirby into a multi-venue libation location by Jeff Barati and Andy Aweida is almost complete. Last July saw the opening of Roak, the hip night club offering bottle service; Rush, the poolside hot spot with chic cabanas; and Hendrick%26rsquo;s Pub %26amp; Eatery, a sports bar offering hundreds of brews on tap, plus some pretty stellar bar food. The spot next door, OTC, isn%26rsquo;t actually part of the former funeral space; it%26rsquo;s a former drive-through bank converted into a breezy outdoor bar serving a variety of signature margaritas. The latest addition to the mix, set to open very soon, is Twist Caf%26eacute;/Bar, serving up smoothies, sandwiches and such %26mdash; perfect for the morning after%26nbsp; %26hellip; Talking tomes: Teresa Byrne-Dodge, editor and publisher of My Table magazine, has updated her excellent Houston food guidebook, The Ultimate Food Lover%26rsquo;s Guide (Lazywood Press, $19.95). Beyond restaurants, it celebrates bakeries, wine bars, farmers%26rsquo; markets, fishmongers, cooking schools; in short, any and everything edible found locally %26hellip; Searching for a beautiful cookbook to give (or use) this holiday season? Pick up a copy of Green Beans and Guacamole by Belinda Hillhouse, produced to benefit the nonprofit ARC, which creates opportunities for children and adults with intellectual and physical disabilities. It%26rsquo;s filled with scrumptious recipes from our favorite restaurants all over the city. Find it for $49.95 at Central Market and M. Penner.

Restaurant Buzz

Mon, 19 Dec 2011 06:36:44 GMT

Pejman Jamea has opened Felix 55 in Rice Village. Named in part for the address (5510 Morningside), its architect/owner designed the interiors while chef Michael Kramer, formerly of downtown%26rsquo;s Hotel Icon, fashioned the American comfort fare %26hellip; The Capitol at St. Germain is a new concept that just opened at street level in Zula%26rsquo;s former location in the St. Germain lofts downtown. The circa-1913 building has been reconfigured and restored, and will be the backdrop for live music, special events, drinking and dining (lunch and dinner). The executive chef is Kevin James Bryant, formerly of Tony%26rsquo;s %26hellip; Reporting from Charleston: Last month, talented Caf%26eacute; Annie alums Marianna and Ben Berryhill opened their second restaurant, Next Door, on the island of Mount Pleasant, in South Carolina, just two doors down from their first hit, a gastropub called The Red Drum (an immediate success when it opened six years ago). We can report the food and service at both are nothing short of astonishing %26hellip; Pinkberry, the tart-frozen-yogurt concept that has people lining up in L.A., has arrived in Houston. Clear Lake has the first one, with more to follow all around the city %26hellip; Then try the latest in desserts: bundt cakes. Yes, those old-fashioned coffee cakes are back %26mdash; be they diminutive %26ldquo;Bundtinis%26rdquo; or larger %26ldquo;Bundlets.%26rdquo; Carol, Bill and Josh Green have brought the concept Nothing Bundt Cakes to uptown Houston (5000 Westheimer). Here, splurge on moist lemon, white chocolate raspberry, carrot or myriad other flavors, frosted with thick %26ldquo;petals%26rdquo; of butter and cream-cheese icing, as well as lighter drizzles for all occasions %26hellip; The Donne di Domani (aka the sauce ladies who whip up some pretty amazing marinara sauce and sell out every year at the Nutcracker Market) are not only bringing their sauce to the show (November 9 through 13 in Reliant Center) but debuting their cookbook, La Cucina Delle Donne, to inspire you with family recipes incorporating the red sauce. Don%26rsquo;t blink or you%26rsquo;ll miss them %26mdash; this is their only retail appearance until next year %26hellip; D%26rsquo;Amico%26rsquo;s Italian Market Caf%26eacute; has opened its second location, this one in the Heights %26hellip; Food %26amp; Wine magazine has teamed up with the Web site foodspotting.com to launch the Food Obsession city guides, a mobile app that lists 25 must-visit restaurants, with menu recommendations for each, in five cities (soon to expand) %26hellip; Alain and Marie LeN%26ocirc;tre, founders of the Houston cooking school Culinary Institute LeN%26ocirc;tre, have just opened Kris Bistro %26amp; Wine Lounge, with exec chef Kris Jakob on campus. Open Tuesday through Friday (lunch and dinner), the moderately priced chef/student-run restaurant features French bistro fare with a modern twist, with interiors created by Jane Page Crump.

Things We Love

Fri, 16 Dec 2011 06:25:07 GMT

J%26rsquo;adore meringue, especially when it angelically envelops a meltingly moist six-layer vanilla meringue cake dense with zabayon filling. $12, at Up Restaurant, 3995 Westheimer in Highland Village Shopping Center, 713.640.5416.

Restaurant Buzz

Fri, 16 Dec 2011 02:34:06 GMT

December is arguably the most edible month of the year. At West Village, a treasured Oak Cliff restaurateur family %26mdash; Matt Spillers, his brother Shane Spillers and their mother Donna Spillers, of Oddfellow%26rsquo;s and Eno%26rsquo;s Pizza Tavern %26mdash; is jumping the Trinity River to open its latest project: Union Bear, in the former Social House location, adjacent to Taco Diner in West Village. Look for farm-to-table fare as crafted by Matt and chef Brady Williams, plus an innovative 10-gallon nano-brewing system that will allow tipplers the chance to have their own beer recipes brewed and served on tap %26hellip; Also adding another eatery to the repertoire is Company Caf%26eacute; owner Stephen White. This time, White has expanded his Greenville Avenue restaurant to a second location, on the Katy Trail, just next to the Katy Trail Ice House. What to expect? The same local, organic and largely gluten-free bites that made the first Company Caf%26eacute; locale a runaway success, plus a patio, new menu items such as pulled pork that%26rsquo;s wood-smoked in-house, furnishings by Homestead Heritage artisans and a fully stocked bar. Make tracks this month to 3136 Routh Street or click companycafe.net for more scrumptious scoop %26hellip; One step inside the Design District%26rsquo;s new restaurant, Royal Sixty, and it%26rsquo;s clear: Its owner, chef and caterer extraordinaire Wendy Krispin, is having quite the blue period %26mdash; but in the best way. The walls of Royal Sixty are covered in vivid, cobalt blue paint and the place is furnished with elegant, high-backed chairs and a dangling crystal chandelier %26mdash; decor that is, yes, fit for royalty. There%26rsquo;s even a baby grand staged in the corner where pianist Rik DeRose tickles the ivories daily from noon to 2 pm. What to order? Go for the comfort-y shepherd%26rsquo;s pie or one of Krispin%26rsquo;s sandwiches. A rather regal lunch date awaits at 150 Turtle Creek Boulevard, in the former Margaux%26rsquo;s space inside the International on Turtle Creek design center %26hellip; Change-of-address alert: The Place at Perry%26rsquo;s has shuttered its original Routh Street location and is putting the finishing touches on its spacious new digs a mere block away, in the Villa Rosa mixed-use development at 2680 Cedar Springs Road. Reserve a spot at Perry%26rsquo;s when it reopens late this month. Click theplaceatperrys.com for deets %26hellip; Our inner Penny Lane is anxiously awaiting the opening of Sundown at Granada, a new restaurant and beer garden from Granada Theater owner Mike Schoder. The two-story space should attract A-list music mavens like Penny and her kind, who will come before and after concerts at the historic Granada. Sundown is just next door, at 3520 Greenville Avenue, and is slated to open before 2011%26rsquo;s end, offering classic American cuisine (including abundant vegetarian nosh), handcrafted juices and teas and a two-tier patio/deck that will be perfect for cocktail-sipping (and musician-spying). Music to our ears.

Image: The science of sips: Union Bear%26rsquo;s nano-brewery.

Fernando's Mexican Cuisine

Wed, 14 Dec 2011 02:17:05 GMT

Keys to the Door: Owner Fernando Padilla.
Tex-Mex, Times Two: Ask Fernando Padilla why he would open two namesake restaurants and he%26rsquo;ll credit Il Sorrento %26mdash; the legendary, now-torn-down Italian establishment from Mario Messina, where Padilla spent 12 years as ma%26icirc;tre d%26rsquo; then general manager. %26ldquo;It%26rsquo;s a simple formula that I learned from Messina,%26rdquo; he says. %26ldquo;Offer great food in a great atmosphere.%26rdquo; And does he ever. Inside the second Fernando%26rsquo;s Mexican Cuisine, at the Travis Walk compound in Knox-Henderson (the first sits at Northwest Highway and Midway Road), you%26rsquo;ll find a clean, refined design. We love its slate tiles scaling the walls; all the contemporary art and sculpture from local artists; the airy feel and ample bar and lounge; even the exposed ductwork %26mdash; all courtesy of interior designer (and Padilla%26rsquo;s wife) Anne Padilla. As for the eats, sample one of the classic Tex-Mex dishes from the first Fernando%26rsquo;s, such as the brisket tacos with jack cheese, grilled onions and molcajete sauce. Craving more of a Mexico City flavor? Order up the camarones Coyoac%26aacute;n, a dish of jumbo shrimp stuffed with crabmeat. To wash it all down, summon a splash of tequila from the extensive (and we%26rsquo;d say exceptionally informative) tequila list, or ask for this low-cal libation: The Anita Margarita, with fresh squeezed lime juice, tequila and triple sec, named using the Spanish word for someone very special to Mr. Padilla (and his favorite interior designer): his wife, Anne. 4514 Travis St., 214.521.8600; fernandosmexicancuisine.com.

Image: Fernando%26rsquo;s Mexican Cuisine, at Travis Walk. Photo by Marty Perlman.

Del Frisco's Grille

Wed, 14 Dec 2011 02:05:19 GMT

Keys to the Door: Del Frisco%26rsquo;s Restaurant Group chief executive officer Mark Medanksy, executive chef Aaron Henschen, general manager Sabrina Scully.
Playing Favorites: You%26rsquo;ve pored over a 16-ounce prime rib and a perfectly aged pinot noir in one of the quiet corner tables at Del Frisco%26rsquo;s Double Eagle Steak House. Now allow us to introduce you to the eatery%26rsquo;s less-formal sibling %26mdash; think less Niles and Frasier Crane and more MaryKate and Ashley Olsen. The second-ever Del Frisco%26rsquo;s Grille has oh-so-coolly consumed 8,300 square feet and two levels within the newly spruced 15-story office tower at One McKinney Plaza at Hall Street. (The first Grille opened earlier this year in New York%26rsquo;s Rockefeller Center.) When you go, expect air kisses galore, as this lively, dual-bar spot caters to the social butterflies who just love to meet and greet. The must-try bites? Order the grilled ahi tuna tacos with a spicy citrus mayonnaise, then move on to one of Del Frisco%26rsquo;s hearty steaks. So the big question becomes: the groovier Grille or the sophisticated Steak House? It all depends on your mood %26mdash; but who doesn%26rsquo;t love a good sibling rivalry. 3232 McKinney Ave., 972.807.6152; delfriscosgrille.com.

Image: The grilled ahi tuna tacos with avocado and spicy citrus mayonnaise at Del Frisco%26rsquo;s Grille. Photo by Del Frisco%26rsquo;s Restaurant Group.

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Pho Colonial Authentic Vietnamese Diner

Wed, 14 Dec 2011 01:59:51 GMT

Keys to the Door: Owner Khanh Dao, chef Phat Tran.
Food Pho Thought: When it comes to those sipped-too-much-Dom-last-night woozies the morning after, we%26rsquo;ve tried everything: raw-egg concoctions, Alka Seltzer, Bloody Marys. But it%26rsquo;s a certain culinary import %26mdash; pho %26ldquo;hangover%26rdquo; soup %26mdash; from Vietnam that we are suddenly in love with the most. We%26rsquo;re in luck: There%26rsquo;s a recently opened downtown eatery named after said consomm%26eacute;, Pho Colonial Authentic Vietnamese Diner, and it is already garnering quite the tasty reputation. The specialty here? Indeed, it%26rsquo;s that steamy, broth-y pho soup, packed with vegetable roots and dried spices, then augmented with chicken or beef, even rare tenderloin %26mdash; no wonder it%26rsquo;s an urban-legend cure for anything that ails you. This spot, the second Pho Colonial location from restaurateur Khanh Dao of Steel Restaurant and Lounge, is in The Wilson Building at Stanley Marcus Square, and boasts an urbane, downtown style. The decor has taken on a more modern vibe than Dao%26rsquo;s North Dallas location, with a minimalist interior by designer Hatsumi Kuzuu (she%26rsquo;s behind Tei-An%26rsquo;s superchic look), a sleek patio and Vespa-friendly parking spots that speak to those city-dwelling gourmands. As for the menu, it%26rsquo;s loaded with traditional Vietnamese fare, from beef citrus carpaccio to sate-chili shrimp to grilled Vietnamese sandwiches called B%26aacute;nh m%26igrave;, served unexpectedly on crusty French baguettes. We%26rsquo;ll certainly be seeing you here %26mdash; the morning after, of course. 1623 Main St., Suite 102 214.748.0746; phocolonial.com.

Image: The Bun Thit Nuong with pork and rice-vermicelli noodles, at Pho Colonial Authentic Vietnamese Diner. Photo by Cindy Wilkerson.

Cozy Up With an Old Flame

Wed, 14 Dec 2011 01:52:46 GMT

Some pine for grouse season or tulip season %26mdash; but me, I await fireside season. If the weather doesn%26rsquo;t cooperate in Texas, I%26rsquo;ll take frosty sabbaticals east to do nothing more than sit before a roaring, fragrant blaze, read and sip. One of the best is the Taj Boston, an old-world 1927 hotel at Arlington and Newbury streets, overlooking the Public Garden, with 44 suites with fireplaces and a Fireplace Butler. From October to April, choose your wood, then shop Newbury, Chestnut and Charles streets (don%26rsquo;t miss E.R. Butler, J. McLaughlin) and return to your bespoke fire. Fireside Suites from $455 per night, with the second night 50 percent off. Reservations 877.482.5267; tajhotels.com/boston.

The Capitol at St. Germain

Wed, 14 Dec 2011 12:30:38 GMT

Keys to the Door: Owners Randy Fertitta and John Nguyen; executive chef Kevin Bryant; general manager James Gicas.

What%26rsquo;s on the Menu: Remember Zula, that extravagant Las Vegas%26ndash;looking restaurant on the ground floor of the historic 1913 Kress building (aka the St. Germain lofts) downtown? Stroll through those double doors today, and you won%26rsquo;t recognize the place. Renamed The Capitol at St. Germain, the venue has been re-conceptualized as an entertaining and dining destination where you can drop in for a drink and small bites, both sweet and savory, nearly any time of day, as well as lunch and dinner. (Time it right, and you can even catch some live music.) Playing up another theme %26mdash; America in the 1920s %26mdash; waiters wear garters on their biceps, while the hostesses flaunt flapper dresses. The black-and-white decor features a two-story dining room (the mezzanine level, often cordoned off for private soir%26eacute;es, grants you a bird%26rsquo;s-eye view of the stage below, where musicians play everything from R%26amp;B to bluegrass) and a separate bar and reserved premium seating in the elevated Vintage Lounge downstairs. Singer George Strait%26rsquo;s former personal chef, Kevin Bryant, has been recruited to man the range; this alum of Tony%26rsquo;s held myriad positions within the Vallone empire before hitting the road with the Straits. Bryant%26rsquo;s inspired tastes at dinner include M%26eacute;nage a Fois, a shared-bite dish with a foie gras trio cleverly interpreted on the plate ($14); Niman Ranch pork with redneck cheddar polenta, roasted root vegetables and golden pear chutney ($18); and the Big Meat Pizza with prosciutto, capicola and pepperoni ($13). 705B Main St., 713.492.2454; thecapitolhouston.com.

Image: The Capitol at St. Germain. Photo by Jack Thompson.

Local Foods

Wed, 14 Dec 2011 12:28:35 GMT

Keys to the Door: Owner Benjy Levit; chef/partner Dylan Murray.

What%26rsquo;s Cooking: Sixteen years ago, Benjy%26rsquo;s Restaurant ingratiated itself into Rice Village and gained a loyal following of diners from near and far. Now owner Benjy Levit, always spot-on-trend, has expanded next door to the space vacated by Antoine%26rsquo;s Import Company, to create an entirely new casual, walk-up counter concept. Local Foods, much like its hip sibling, procures ingredients for crave-worthy sandwiches, salads and bites from local farmers and community artisans who craft all manner of food and beverage, from cheese to olive oil, beer to bread, many of which are packaged to bring home, too. Open and airy, the prep area behind the gleaming counters and glass cases (which are filled with bowls of tasty sides such as Tuscan kale tossed with pine nuts and raisins, Israeli couscous and Asian cabbage slaw) features sparkling white tile, laid old-school market-style. The design-minded Levit tapped Found co-owner Aaron Rambo to help source vintage pieces as well, such as a neon sign that spells out L-O-C-A-L, and set the interior stage for a concept that will have you scheming to come back soon and dive into dishes such as truffled-egg salad sandwich on a pretzel roll and house-made pastrami with caraway sauerkraut, homemade potato chips and sweet endings baked by Levit%26rsquo;s adoring mom. 2424 Dunstan Road in Rice Village, 713.521.7800; houstonlocalfoods.com.

Image: Local Foods. Photo by Jack Thompson.

Phoenicia Specialty Foods

Wed, 14 Dec 2011 12:24:04 GMT

Keys to the Door: Co-owners Bob and Arpi Tcholakian, Haig Tcholakian, Ann-Marie Tcholakian, Raffi Tcholakian; executive chef Jason Jones; pastry chef Don Woleslagle; GM Adrienne Brown-Franklin.%26nbsp;

What%26rsquo;s Cooking: What%26rsquo;s 28,000 square feet and boasts 10,000 products culled from 50 countries on its shelves? It%26rsquo;s the new Phoenicia Specialty Foods emporium, just across the street from Discovery Green. Addressing more than the dire need for groceries by residents living amidst our urban cityscape downtown, this sprawling store features a sandwich station, salad bar, bakery, in-store cooking demos and even a restaurant dubbed MKT Bar that serves pizzas, inspired entrees, gelatos and pastries. This Mecca was created by the food-savvy Tcholakian family. Bob and Arpi Tcholakian, Armenian immigrants from Lebanon, opened Phoenicia Deli on Beltway 8 and Westheimer Road in 1983. In short order, that humble deli led to the opening of their spectacular 55,000-square-foot international market, just across the street, in 2006. Here at the family%26rsquo;s new inside-the-loop branch, you%26rsquo;ll find astonishing gastronomic wonders, such as a 25-foot olive bar and a 150-foot conveyor belt designed to transport freshly baked pita bread direct from the ovens in the second-floor bakery to customers eagerly awaiting them downstairs. Don%26rsquo;t live or work downtown? Don%26rsquo;t let the parking situation daunt you %26mdash; there are gratis spots on-site in the garage. One Park Place, 1001 Austin St. (between McKinney and Lamar), 832.360.2222; yumstop.com.

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Convivio

Mon, 12 Dec 2011 06:12:19 GMT

Keys to the Door: Managing partner Oscar Aguilar and partner Marta Vina; chef Emilio Chavez.
What%26rsquo;s Cooking: Sometimes you%26rsquo;d rather graze through a meal, feasting on a delectable array of small bites, rather than commit to a full entree. When that mood hits, think tapas. Doing as they do in Spain (Vina was born there, as were Aguilar%26rsquo;s parents), Oscar Aguilar, who also owns Decco Caf%26eacute; in the Decorative Center Houston, and partner Marta Vina are bringing that concept to a locale off Washington Avenue. Convivio %26mdash; which is Spanish for %26ldquo;get together,%26rdquo; as emblazoned on the back of the company tees %26mdash; invites diners to take a seat at one of three long, rough-hewn wooden communal tables (in the spirit of those Spanish zinc-topped tapas bars) and commune with neighbors and strangers alike. Of course, there are also multiple tables for two or four you can have all to yourself, complete with a twig-like stand to hang your bag. Study the daily changing menu and munch on Spanish-inspired bites such as croquetas de gambas with a light aioli foam ($12 for a half-dozen filo-wrapped shrimp); traditional tortilla de patatas ($6) made with Vidalia onions ($6); croquetas de chorizo ($7); and the famed jamon iberico, aka the world%26rsquo;s finest, priciest ham, simply sliced and served ($22). The wine list, cleverly printed on a magnum wine bottle, includes well-chosen selections from Spain, Argentina and the States. Convivio even promises a kitchen open till 2 am, Thursday through Saturday. 700 S. Durham, 832.360.1750; conviviohouston.com.

Image: Photo by Deborah Smail.

The Bird %26 The Bear: Ouisie's American Bistro

Mon, 12 Dec 2011 06:10:40 GMT

Keys to the Door: Owners Elouise %26ldquo;Ouisie%26rdquo; Adams Jones and GM Wafi Dinari.
What%26rsquo;s Cooking: It%26rsquo;s been 18 years since Elouise Adams Jones reopened her much-loved eatery Ouisie%26rsquo;s Table. She%26rsquo;d toyed with the idea of retiring, but it looks like Jones is putting off those plans long enough to nurture a less expensive, casual bistro she%26rsquo;s playfully dubbed The Bird %26amp; The Bear. Inspired by the bluebirds that flock about her country retreat and the mythical idea of the traveling bear (which, to Jones, connotes adventure %26mdash; particularly on the plate), she and her longtime Ouisie%26rsquo;s GM set off to create a spot where you can enjoy lunch and dinner, graze in the late afternoon and nibble tapas-style late night on the weekends. In a dramatic space designed with Alsey Newton, with chandeliers and even a few chairs dangling overhead, you%26rsquo;re invited to take a seat on the tufted saffron-colored banquette. While a handful of dishes carry over from Ouisie%26rsquo;s Table, the menu pulls from both Jones%26rsquo; Southern roots and Dinari%26rsquo;s Moroccan heritage. Starters include the vuelve a la vida (%26ldquo;return to life%26rdquo;) seafood cocktail with an easy-to-like tomato-based, spiced white-wine sauce made down-to-earth with Saltines ($7), and a refreshing mango salad with avocado over tender butter lettuce, dressed in a white balsamic vinaigrette ($7). Venturing to entrees, there%26rsquo;s an array of options in the vegetarian, poultry, seafood and meat categories, heavy on the latter. We tried (and devoured) the curiously named Damn Eggplant, essentially an eggplant casserole topped with crab meat, oysters and shrimp that Jones%26rsquo; grandmother used to make; along the way, it gained the moniker because no one could make it as well as she did ($26). Fans of quail should try this herb-crusted version with creamy polenta ($24), while those with a taste for a tajine can partake in Ouisie%26rsquo;s version, made with beef shank ($24). 2810 Westheimer Road, 713.528.2473; thebirdandthebearbistro.com.

Images: Photos by Shannon O'Hara.

Saint Genevieve

Mon, 12 Dec 2011 06:03:08 GMT

Keys to the Door: Owners Darren and Jeff Van Delden.
What%26rsquo;s Being Served: If you%26rsquo;re searching for a modern speakeasy where you can sip fun cocktails and order tasty nibbles, pull up a bar stool at Saint Genevieve. Brothers Jeff and Darren Van Delden%26rsquo;s Parisian-inspired concept, awash in robin%26rsquo;s-egg blue, is attracting lots of pretty young things and fame-named socials (as well as those who desire to be in their proximity) from happy hour through 2 am most mornings. Long communal tables invite strangers to meet and mingle over tinctures with names such as Bing-a-Ling, Quiet Slap in the Face, The Run Around and Kirby Derby, plus build-your-own Bloody Marys on the weekends. Chef Kevin Naderi, an alum of restaurant Haven, consulted on the appetizing small plates on the ambitious menu, such as chili spiced puffed pinwheel chips ($5) ,and bar bites including chickpea dusted calamari ($10) and Mumbai fried chicken with tamarind chutney ($10). In West Ave at 2800 Kirby Dr., 713.524.2441; saintgen.com.

Image: Saint Genevieve. Photo by William Vo.

Gilt City Taps Its Tastemaker

Fri, 02 Dec 2011 12:42:30 GMT

When our own editor at large Brooke Hortenstine told us that she had been selected as the first Gilt City Insider to curate two-weeks worth of sales for Gilt City Dallas, we knew she would fit the role of tastemaker perfectly. Socialite shoppers take note: You must join Brooke at her Give to Get party %26mdash; a foodie fete at Alberto Lombardi%26rsquo;s La Fiorentina restaurant next week (December 6 from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm), kicking off the impending sales. Click quickly to giltcity.com/dallas and snag your ticket ($30). The evening, we hear, will boast plenty of tasty bites, endless sips and a bit of benevolence. Party guests who bring an unwrapped toy to be donated to Children%26rsquo;s Medical Center will in turn receive a well-stocked Gilt City gift bag. There are even more dates to save: Pencil December 7 and December 12 into your Smythson as Brooke and Gilt City will roll out packages boasting everything from stationery by Missing Q press to blowouts from Jean-Philippe Salon, even access to an exclusive trunk show soiree at V.O.D. Snag it all ASAP. Knowing our Brooke, these party tickets and A-list deals will sell out in a snap.%26nbsp;

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Private Social

Tue, 22 Nov 2011 05:03:43 GMT

Keys to the Door: Owners Andy Austin, Patrick Halbert, owner/executive chef Tiffany Derry.
Welcome to the Club: Listen up, social swells: Celebrity chef Tiffany Derry %26mdash; the former Bravo TV Top Chef and Top Chef All Stars contender %26mdash; has established a dining spot for you and the company you keep. %26ldquo;It%26rsquo;s made for enjoying time with your different friends from all parts of life,%26rdquo; says Derry. Her glossy, glassy McKinney Avenue eatery Private Social is just a trolley-track hop across from Frankie%26rsquo;s Sports Bar and Grill, in the newly revamped base of the One McKinney Plaza tower. The notion here, says Derry, %26ldquo;is all about everyone being comfortable.%26rdquo; The hook? A restaurant with a decidedly dual personality. The %26ldquo;Private%26rdquo; side of things spans the left half of the space and is focused on fine dining. Reservations are required, and the menu reads like one of those delectable Top Chef tastings. Menu items combine Derry%26rsquo;s foodie roots with thoughtfully sourced ingredients. What we%26rsquo;re ordering: braised oxtails, white sturgeon over blue-crab chowder and the roasted bone marrow. There%26rsquo;s even a salad on the menu named after the Dallas food scene%26rsquo;s beloved urban farmer, Tom Spicer. As for those with libations on the brain, step to your right through the door to the more casual %26ldquo;Social%26rdquo; side, to sip on an Italian Old Fashioned (Makers Mark, orange and lemon peels, with Dolin and Campari dust) or one of the many other cocktails. Here, an expansive bar, community tables and tall-tops create a dynamic, social-centric energy. The menu, like the space, takes on a social vibe, too, with shared plates such as Korean barbecue short ribs, fried Hiramasa rolls and a Gyro flatbread with lamb, tzatziki, roasted tomato, arugula and pickled onion. We dare say that being a member of the in-crowd has never tasted better. 3232 McKinney Ave., 214.754.4744; privatesocial.com.

Image: Private Social. Photo by Thomas Mosley.

Princi Italia

Tue, 22 Nov 2011 04:58:58 GMT

Keys to the Door: Owner Patrick Colombo, executive chef Kevin Ascolese, general manager Mike Nicol.
Bellissimo, Colombo: If Preston Royal Village seems to have taken on a distinctly Tuscan look, you have restaurateur Patrick Colombo to thank. Colombo %26mdash; the man behind Cr%26uacute; Wine Bar, Ferr%26eacute; Ristorante e Bar and Steel Restaurant %26amp; Lounge %26mdash; should be wildly proud of his new restaurant, Princi Italia. We think it%26rsquo;s the next best thing to dining your way through the Boot, with a menu of refined, rustic dishes such as tortellini fonduta with a dreamy black-truffle-and-butter sauce and fig-and-gorgonzola bruschette with a balsamic reduction. If Princi Italia%26rsquo;s Italiano indulgences %26mdash; crafted by exec chef Kevin Ascolese, of Mi Piaci, Salve! and Ferr%26eacute; %26mdash; don%26rsquo;t have you dreaming of the inimitable land of pizza e pasta, allow Colombo to chat with you about what inspired it all: a Colombo-family culinary tour of Venice, Tuscany, Florence and the Amalfi Coast. It was here that Colombo mused about the new restaurant, dreaming up ideas for its menu of homemade pastas and Napolitano-style pizzas made in an oak-wood-burning oven, even the restaurant%26rsquo;s urbane interior designed by JonesBaker Interiors + Architecture (Meddlesome Moth, Ellerbe Fine Foods, Rusty Taco). The open dining room is a nod to the modern farmhouse, with a vaulted, wood-beam ceiling; Venetian-plastered walls; and pendant lamps cleverly made of weathered baskets. The best part? You won%26rsquo;t need a translator or a plane ticket to embark on this Italian excursion. 5959 Royal Lane, Suite 707, 214.739.5959; princiitalia.com.

Image: Photo by Robert Yu.

Restaurant Buzz

Mon, 21 Nov 2011 01:58:00 GMT

This month, it%26rsquo;s course after course of delicious chef-driven news %26mdash; and you%26rsquo;ll eat it all up. It%26rsquo;s official: A gastronomic (and rather handsome) Chicagoan %26mdash; chef Chad Starling %26mdash; has flown in from his former post at Aria at the Fairmont Hotel Chicago to change up the menu and man the kitchen at Saint Ann Restaurant %26amp; Bar. Exec chef Starling%26rsquo;s fare is worth a taste, with bites including a chile a%26iuml;oli and blue-cheese fondue and a savory, house-made ricotta gnocchi. Make tracks to 2501 North Harwood Street or click saintanndallas.com %26hellip; Chef David Anthony Temple (or %26ldquo;Chef DAT%26rdquo; to those familiar with his pop-up dinners in Deep Ellum) is opening a more permanent spot at a yet-to-be-revealed address in the same neighborhood. Dubbed Twenty Seven, the eatery will focus on regionally grown produce and local artisanal meats and cheeses, all incorporated into a menu that changes daily. Note to persnickety dinner planners: You can preview and select your courses online prior to dining. For more scrumptious scoop: 504.383.5435 or chefdat.com %26hellip; Forty Five Ten has just announced that chef George Brown will helm all things food at The T Room %26mdash; everything from expanding the lunch menu to spearheading seasonal specials, catering and private events. For reservations, ring 214.559.4510 or drop a line to troom@fortyfiveten.com %26hellip; This just in: A recent dash up McKinney Avenue to the Knox-Henderson neighborhood revealed a curious spotting: Signage has gone up at the former Burger Girl space reading %26ldquo;Mexican + American = Mico 12 Opening whenever. Shooting for Nov. 1. We%26rsquo;ll let you know.%26rdquo; There%26rsquo;s much speculation about the new spot from restaurateur Mico Rodriguez, one of the original founders of the Mi Cocina and Taco Diner empires. We%26rsquo;ll keep snooping until more formative details are revealed.

Image: Kitchen star: Saint Ann%26rsquo;s new executive chef, Chad Starling. Photo by Christopher Whitten.

Restaurant Buzz

Mon, 10 Oct 2011 12:46:14 GMT

Looks like someone read our minds: Trader Joe%26rsquo;s is finally considering a Houston location %26mdash; and it%26rsquo;s the very space where we%26rsquo;ve been visualizing them. Barring any roadblocks, it will take up residence in the historic Alabama Theater space (which was most recently home to the shuttered Book Stop) on South Shepherd at Alabama %26hellip; Next month, chef Ryan Hildebrand (late of Textile) will open Triniti, a progressive American eatery, in the former location of Pravada on South Shepherd. Named for the trinity of sweet, savory and spirits, the space is designed by Chung Nguyen of MC2 in Houston. The 5,400-square-foot restaurant will serve its own brand of California French cuisine, bringing a little taste of Napa inside the loop, overseen by GM Fred Zennati. Interiors features lighting and furniture-as-art from British designer Tom Dixon and an organic chef%26rsquo;s garden %26hellip; Benjy Levit, owner of his eponymous Houston eateries, has dreamed up another concept. His latest, Local Foods, debuts later this month in Rice Village, next to his original Benjy%26rsquo;s in the former Antone%26rsquo;s location. Look to this market-like grocer for locally sourced fruits, vegetables and fare from 15 to 20 vendors, plus sandwiches and salads, and even Benjy%26rsquo;s house-made faves, from granola to beer nuts %26hellip; When Susan Molzan and Lee Ellis told us when their soft frozen custard machine would be installed at Petite Sweet, I couldn%26rsquo;t help but wax on about a concoction of Italian fruity ice layered with soft custard ice cream that I adore. At first they thought it odd %26mdash; until they tried it. I%26rsquo;ve made converts of them. You should try it, too: Their version, made with two daily changing ice flavors, is dubbed the gelati %26hellip; RA Sushi (in Highland Village and CityCentre) goes pink this month, donating 100 percent of its profits from the ONEHOPE Wine and Pink (sushi) Roll combination ($15) to the National Breast Cancer Foundations %26hellip; Congrats to Ristorante Cavour at Hotel Granduca. Cavour has earned the Ospitalita Italiana Seal, granted to restaurants upholding authentic Italian standards. In Texas, they are in the company of only five others: Arcodoro in Houston and Dallas; Carmelo%26rsquo;s and Quattro in Houston; Nicola in Plano and Dallas; and Andiamo in Austin %26hellip; It%26rsquo;s the 33rd Festa Italiana, October 14 through 16, on the grounds of the University of St. Thomas. Details houstonitalianfestival.com %26hellip; In the near future, we%26rsquo;ll be able to say, %26ldquo;Meet me at the Menil Caf%26eacute;.%26rdquo; The Menil Collection is entering into a collaboration with Rice University%26rsquo;s Rice Building Workshop to design a cafe near the museum%26rsquo;s main entrance on Sul Ross. The 1,500-square-foot green-built, glass-front cafe with 80 seats (40 in and 40 out) is being designed by architecture professors Danny Samuels and Nonya Grenader. The food operators, chef and cuisine will be decided by committee later this fall; construction begins next spring, with a 2013 opening planned %26hellip; The Original Greek Festival will take place October 6 through 9 on the grounds of the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral Complex in the Montrose. Info greekfestival.org.

Meso Maya

Mon, 10 Oct 2011 12:18:13 GMT

Keys to the Door: Owner Mike Karns, general manager Elisabet Ruiz.
A Rather Delicious Prophecy: Forget all that Mayan talk about 2012. If there%26rsquo;s one thing we can predict for the coming year, it%26rsquo;s plenty of top-shelf margaritas and carne asada from Meso Maya. The just-opened Mexican eatery at the northwest corner of Preston Road and Forest Lane has quite the boast-worthy pedigree: Its owner is the adored restaurateur Mike Karns, of El Fenix, while manning the kitchen is Nico Sanchez %26mdash; one of the brightest chefs on the dining scene, having spent time crafting dishes everywhere from Sambuca, where he got his start in the mid %26rsquo;90s, to Cuba Libre, Screen Door and, most recently, Hibiscus. When curating Meso Maya%26rsquo;s menu of south-of-the-border fare, Sanchez, a native of southern Mexico, was inspired by his hometown cuisine. %26ldquo;This is what I grew up eating,%26rdquo; he says, of his no-nonsense recipes. Dining disclaimer: With tasty platos such as the cazuela de pollo (pan-seared chicken with yuka root and roasted poblanos) and the chef%26rsquo;s favorite, the conchinita pibil, a scrumptious, braised achiote pork with homemade habanero salsa, this is not your everyday Tex-Mex. The interior, like the inspired menu, boasts a refreshing feel, too. Design guru William Baker %26mdash; an expert when it comes to modern decor %26mdash; worked a bit of contemporary magic here. The sleek spaces have a raw, honest, industrial feel, and the walls are horizontal wood planks and exposed bricks. There%26rsquo;s not a pi%26ntilde;ata in sight. Instead, there are intricate wooden art pieces carved into replicas of magnum-sized premium tequila bottles, made by Marfa-based artist Camp Bozworth. More tequila buzz: The bar is stocked with 17 award-winning types for splashing into your margarita %26mdash; think Herradura Selecci%26oacute;n Suprema A%26ntilde;ejo, Patr%26oacute;n Burdeos A%26ntilde;ejo and Don Julio Real A%26ntilde;ejo. Need we say more? For more restaurant scoop, turn to page 38. 11909 Preston Road, 469.726.4390; mesomaya.com.

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Image: Photo by Randy Yarbrough

Baboush

Sun, 09 Oct 2011 11:53:28 GMT

%26nbsp;Keys to the Door: Owners Sam Benoikken, Yaser Khalaf.

Cuisine Culture Clash: Think of it as the culinary equivalent of a bustling souk: The mix of spices, Moroccan flavor and ravishing Middle Eastern culture at Baboush, the newest dining spot in West Village, is enough to whet any adventurous appetite. The restaurant, located between Cork Wines and The Fish Restaurant %26amp; Sushi Bar, is quaint but without shortage of color or flair. Moorish-tile walls, intricate lanterns, hand-painted tables and richly patterned cushions and poufs, all imported from Morocco, play off owners Benoikken and Khalaf%26rsquo;s love of that country. This decidedly decadent mood carries from Baboush%26rsquo;s eccentric design concept to its flavorful Moroccan and Lebanese fare, and many of the recipes here sprung from Benoikken and Khalaf%26rsquo;s own family. Executive chef Ben Sharrod (formerly of the Foundation Room at House of Blues) and assistant chef Nabil Nakawak are trained hands when it comes to crafting the old-world-inspired dishes, served Mezze style %26mdash; the Moroccan equivalent of small plates or tapas %26mdash; in portions sized for sharing. The three things we%26rsquo;re having? 1) The Platter to Share, served with pita, olives and four spreads, from homemade hummus to babaganoush. 2) The traditional kibah, with lamb, onions and pine nuts in a spiced Lebanese crust. 3) For dessert, a salty-sweet date stuffed with mascarpone cheese and orange blossoms, topped with pistachios and honey drizzle. 3636 McKinney Ave. (in West Village), 214.559.0707; baboushdallas.com.

Image: Baboush. Photo by Fernando Rojas.

Rohst

Sun, 09 Oct 2011 11:43:55 GMT

Keys to the Door: Owner Steve Choi, chef Michelle Choi.

Korean with a Kick: Where to feast on spicy Korean stews, slow-cooked marinated barbecue and tangy Kimchi, those fragrant, fermented vegetables? Pull up a seat at Rohst, Lower Greenville Avenue%26rsquo;s latest resto resident, where owner Steve Choi and his wife, chef Michelle Choi, have set out to bring Korean tastes to town, but with an American spin %26mdash; the menus are in full-on English.%26ldquo;While Korean food has flourished for decades in big cities on the west coast,%26rdquo; Steve says, %26ldquo;there is still not enough awareness in south-central states.%26rdquo; According to Choi, who ran the traditional-style Chosun Korean BBQ on Royal Lane, few people are familiar with the bold, flavorful dishes of Korean cuisine because they simply can%26rsquo;t read the menu. %26ldquo;Guests can%26rsquo;t bring a dictionary to know what they are going to eat,%26rdquo; he says. Our advice? Order up the hand-brushed, char-grilled barbecue pork ribs; soy-glazed salmon with baby bean sprouts; and a tofu-and-vegetable burger for the foodie-est of herbivores. Your sojourn to Korea, however, won%26rsquo;t be complete without one of the specialty martinis: We%26rsquo;re going for the ginger-peach or the green tea. 2817 Greenville Ave., 214.823.8730; rohst.com.

Image: Marinated rib-eye slices on a crispy wonton shell with saut%26eacute;ed vegetables at Rohst. Photo by Joy Zhang.

Wild Salsa Cantina Y Comida

Sun, 09 Oct 2011 11:38:41 GMT

%26nbsp;Keys to the Door: Dallas Restaurant Group Concepts president Mike Hoque, executive chef Kelly Hightower, Dallas Restaurant Group Concepts corporate chef AJ Joglekar.

Hot Tamale: Just one rap %26mdash; and nosh %26mdash; session with the culinary whizzes behind Wild Salsa Cantina Y Comida and we were smitten. Here, the focus is on freshness and serving real Mexico City dishes using loads of local ingredients. %26ldquo;Nothing
is pre-mixed or pre-made,%26rdquo; says Mike Hoque, president at DRG Concepts (Dallas Chop House, Dallas Fish Market), %26ldquo;and we make our tamales fresh daily.%26rdquo; Indeed, step into Wild Salsa%26rsquo;s kitchen and you won%26rsquo;t find the traditional oversized walk-in freezer. Instead, the downtown eatery culls lettuces, tomatoes and micro-greens from Tom Spicer, plus gourmand goods from all over Texas. There are even habaneros, cilantro and mint growing in mini-gardens on Wild Salsa%26rsquo;s patio. On what should you nibble? Tamales with roasted poblano rajas and panela cheese, a j%26iacute;cama cucumber ensalada with toasted cumin blue-agave-nectar vinaigrette and a lamb shank that%26rsquo;s been slow-roasted and wrapped in cactus leaves, all courtesy of executive chef Kelly Hightower (Nova, Tei Tei Robata Bar) and his top-notch team. As for the interior, Hoque brought in Dallas-based identity and branding firm Lucid to infuse the space with vibrant colors and graphics inspired by the Mexican holiday D%26iacute;a de los Muertos. The chairs you%26rsquo;re sitting in %26mdash; along with the hefty entrance doors
and other wood embellishments in the dining room %26mdash; are reclaimed from the Dallas Grand Hotel. And since no Mexican restaurant experience would be complete without tequila, an entire concrete wall has been embedded with Patr%26oacute;n bottles. Not to worry, though, there is tequila for imbibing, too. Try one that%26rsquo;s been infused with jalape%26ntilde;os or, better yet, order up a flight, three tequilas from top makers. We love anything in multiples, you know. 1800 Main St. (in the Mercantile Place complex), 214.741.9453; wildsalsarestaurant.com.

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Image: Wild Salsa Cantina Y Comida. Photo by Kevin Marple.

Bistro 31

Sun, 09 Oct 2011 11:35:50 GMT

Keys to the Door: Owner Alberto Lombardi, chef Eric Brandt.

The 4-1-1 on 31: When Alberto Lombardi opens a new restaurant, the A-list comes calling. In droves. So expect nothing less than a swarm of socials lining up at his latest hot door: Bistro 31. It’s a 2,100-square-foot dining spot, notably the restaurateur’s first eatery at Highland Park Village, taking up the former Who’s Who Burgers space and a bit more next door. The ingredients here? An interior pulled from memories of Paris cafes, down to the buff-colored plaster walls and the white-oak herringbone floors; a marble-topped, walk-up coffee bar with Deco leanings; a courtyard littered with woven bistro chairs. But the tastiest is the menu, flush with French-, Italian-, and Spanish-influenced Mediterranean fare. “Our chef Eric Brandt has created a wonderful menu,” Lombardi says. Lombardi is mad for the roasted black cod, which Brandt augments with a warm fingerling-potato salad, trumpet mushrooms, snap peas and Pommery mustard sauce. Go, too, for the escargot appetizer with crispy pork belly, chanterelle mushrooms and walnut pistou or the spaghetti chitarra, a house-made pasta with lobster Bolognese. To wash it all down, sip on Bistro 31’s homemade gin-and-tonic, a signature cocktail crafted from Hendricks Gin, fresh lime and quinine powder — indeed, the 17th-century medicinal “tonic” in classic gin-and-tonics. We say, ring the driver. You’ll want to breeze to this delish HPV destination, stat. 87 Highland Park Village, 214.420.3900.

Image: Bistro 31’s trofie pasta with crispy pancetta, roasted cauliflower, Parmesan cream and anchovy bread crumbs. Photo by Brad Thedinger

Dee Lincoln's Tasting Room %26 Bubble Bar

Sun, 09 Oct 2011 07:15:03 GMT

Keys to the Door: Founder Dee Lincoln, general manager Lyndsey Gray.
Dee Lincoln Doubles her Bubbles: The Queen of Steak? She%26rsquo;s been called that, but these days, Dee Lincoln %26mdash; the woman who first earned her nom de prime rib as the co-founder of Del Frisco%26rsquo;s Double Eagle Steak House %26mdash; seems more like the Countess of Champagne. She%26rsquo;s just opened the second location of her namesake Tasting Room and Bubble Bar (you may have clinked a flute or three at her first, inside Cowboys Stadium on the restricted Silver Level), and this time she%26rsquo;s cut the ribbons at Rosewood Court on Cedar Springs Road. Clearly, she has spared little expense: Think custom-made bubble chandeliers designed in Venice, a bar crafted from white marble and low-slung Italian sofas slicked in silver upholstery that almost looks liquid. There are jolts of magenta and chocolate brown with shimmer galore, in part from the mother-of-pearl terrazzo flooring, but mostly from the gobs of shiny, mirrored surfaces upstairs and down. Why this ultra-glamorous shell? For imbibing in the Bubble Bar%26rsquo;s myriad champagnes and wines, from unheard-of vineyards to major-label scotches, cognacs and ports. There are classic cocktails, too, such as Negronis and Sazeracs. But our favorites? The dispensing machines %26mdash; one for perfectly chilled bubbly by the ounce, the other for tip-top wine varietals. Pair it all with delish eats such as cured meats and cheeses, sturgeon caviar, tuna shasimi and a trio of dips with crispy lavosh. FYI, you can slip in for dessert, too: We highly recommend the warm bread pudding with rum sauce. 2101 Cedar Springs Road, 214.979.9463; deelincolnstastingroom.com.

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Image: Kevin Marple.

Company Cafe

Sun, 09 Oct 2011 06:53:51 GMT

Keys to the Door: Owners Stephen White and Chris Cowan, managers Siobhan Omlor and Jeff Wells.
The Company We%26rsquo;re Keeping: How does one go from CrossFit gym owner to locavore restaurateur to farm aficionado? Ask Company Cafe owner Stephen White, the man behind one of Greenville Avenue%26rsquo;s newest eateries %26mdash; and don%26rsquo;t be surprised when he starts waxing poetic with health-nut jargon. %26ldquo;Gluten-free!%26rdquo; %26ldquo;Farm-fresh!%26rdquo; %26ldquo;Cage-free!%26rdquo; %26ldquo;Grass-fed!%26rdquo; Our advice? Drink the Kool-Aid. One chat with White and we felt moved to adopt a more wholesome diet and, perhaps, even venture out to one of the many Texas farms where White sources everything from dairy to eggs, beef to fresh produce. At Company Cafe, the vibe is unassuming, with its minimal design aesthetic: Black-and-white photographs line one wall, and atop each table, a succulent grows from a crafty aluminum-can-turned-flowerpot. As for the menu? It%26rsquo;s of the it-all-sounds-so-good variety, packing a bevy of breakfast, lunch and dinner goodies, crafted by chefs Natasha Berlin and Fred Messick. For your morning fix, nosh on The Beat, complete with two cage-free eggs, sunny side up, applewood-smoked bacon, avocado and J.T. Lemley tomatoes piled on a gluten-free bagel and served with homemade salsa. (Brunch perfected.) For dinner, we insist you order the gluten-free chicken and waffles, sided with authentic Vermont maple syrup. But just wait until dessert: think the most divine, gluten-free macaroons and cookies, or the sinful peanut-butter cake %26mdash; all whipped up on site by a certain someone White calls %26ldquo;Maria the Baker.%26rdquo; We%26rsquo;ve never felt in better company. 2217 Greenville Ave., 214.827.2233; companycafe.net.

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Image: The gluten-free waffle with Vermont maple syrup at Company Cafe. Photo by Justin Clemons.

Transatlantic Table Hopping

Sun, 09 Oct 2011 06:47:53 GMT

Howard and I have been trying to get into el Bulli long before chef Ferran Adri%26agrave;, the world%26rsquo;s most influential culinary genius, announced he would close his famed restaurant at the end of July 2011. When it comes to reservations, I am relentless. So I decide I will %26mdash; no matter what %26mdash; get a reservation for Howard and me to celebrate our March birthdays. Located on Spain%26rsquo;s Catalan coast, el Bulli receives 2,000,000 reservation requests each year yet grants only 8,000 spots. But even this fact does not deter me.

After asking a friend (who shall remain nameless) for help, we begin to realize that my wish might come true. At that moment, I decide that if we are going to fly all the way to Spain for a meal, we might as well try for a reservation at Noma in Copenhagen %26mdash; the only restaurant to attempt to knock el Bulli from its coveted spot as the best restaurant in the world. I have tried for months to get a reservation at Noma, going so far as to put my name on their waitlist for any future date %26mdash; all to no avail, of course. Then I think, if my friend was able to work her magic at el Bulli, then maybe she could do the same at Noma? We would have to wait and see. Hello, Jim Strong Travel, we need two tickets to Barcelona, please.

Travel Annotations
Day one consists of arrival in Barcelona, with no luggage in sight. On day two, the luggage arrives, and our adventure begins. We drive two hours to Roses, a town on the Costa Brava, 20 minutes from el Bulli and 20 miles from the French border. The drive to the restaurant is a harrowing rite of passage. We drive straight up a very narrow coastal road with no guardrails and only room for one car %26mdash; el Bulli is the only thing at the top of the hill. We arrive and are immediately taken into the massive kitchen to meet Ferran Adri%26agrave;, the chef I have admired for so long %26mdash; the chef who changed the gastronomic world forever. We%26rsquo;re escorted to our table in a comfortable room (past volumes upon volumes of books that have been written about and by Adri%26agrave;, as every dish he has created has been photographed
and chronologically logged into five volumes) and seated for what would be the most extraordinary meal of our life. So far.
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el Bulli%26rsquo;s Theatrical Production
Course one is called Pillow Like a Cocktail %26mdash; and is shaped like a pillow, naturally. We are told to eat it as one bite, for the minute it hits your tongue, it immediately dissolves into a pi%26ntilde;a colada %26mdash; an honest-to-God pi%26ntilde;a colada. Next is a mojito sandwich, crafted to look like a submarine sandwich. Once again, it melts in your mouth as if you have just taken a long swill of the perfect mojito. Are you with me? He plays with your senses, stimulating them in a playful and provocative way. He takes the very best of each ingredient and, through temperature and technique, completely transforms it, all while keeping the flavors pure. He reinvents food, yet his cuisine has the same kind of clarity of flavor as simple cooking.At this very moment, I realize this will be the single greatest culinary experience of our lives. As I photograph each of the 49 incredible courses (as does everyone else in the restaurant), I take copious notes and discuss with Howard each preparation and why Adri%26agrave; deserves the three Michelin stars he continues to receive. Take the caviar cream with hazelnut caviar, for example. The cream is actually shaped to looklike caviar balls, and the caviar is pur%26eacute;ed into a cream %26mdash; the appearance of caviar and cream is there, and your original knowledge of what caviar and cream should taste like is there, but they are switched in your mind upon tasting. When you read about his cooking, you read the words: foam, air, spherification, emulsification and liquefaction %26mdash; words you can%26rsquo;t describe until you taste his deconstructed food, showcased in dishes such as:

%26bull; Tiramisu, which in your mind is tiramisu, but through reconstruction is actually fish that tastes exactly like tiramisu.

%26bull; The olive oil chip that is hard to the touch but dissolves to a liquid tablespoon of delicious oil the second it hits your tongue.

%26bull; Germinated pine nuts that are the hollowed-out inside of the pine nut. Really? Someone peels a pine nut?

%26bull; And truffle cake made only of truffles and nothing else. In other words, I only wish Howard had not liked his so much.

Four-and-a-half hours later, a beautiful, oversized jewelry box arrives and is opened to display the most delicious array of desserts I have ever seen. It%26rsquo;s enough to serve the entire restaurant, but the jewel box is just for us. There are branches of chocolate %26ldquo;coral%26rdquo; covered in sour cherry powder for color; dark-chocolate-covered mint leaves; peanut butter and chocolate bites shaped like and with the texture of a peanut; and more.At the five-hour mark, we pick up the four books we have asked Adri%26agrave; to sign and head back down the hill to Roses, pleasantly full and sad to think that we may never experience anything like this again %26hellip; until I check my e-mails. As we are driving down the hill, I find that after all my phone calls and e-mails to Noma, we actually have a reservation there. And in two days! Hello, Jim Strong Travel, two tickets to Copenhagen, please.
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Noma%26rsquo;s Natural Illusion
Ren%26eacute; Redzepi is chef and owner of what was named the best restaurant in the world in 2010. We cannot wait to see what Redzepi %26mdash; who worked at el Bulli and our favorite stateside restaurant, The French Laundry %26mdash; will prepare to prove why he should retain his number-one standing. Noma is based in a warehouse that dates back to 1767 on the water in Copenhagen. It is casual in nature %26mdash; no tablecloths and an unpretentious way of serving. Because of the open kitchen, you realize that while the waiters are responsible for the majority of the service, you may find yourself served by one of the chefs who created the dish %26mdash; in fact, all Noma chefs serve guests. When we arrive, we are greeted by
chef Redzepi and his head chef, Matthew Orlando. I knew Matt from his days at Per Se in New York, and it was a treat to see him again. And so begins our second culinary adventure: Our first of 23 courses is housed in the centerpiece. Our waiter instructs us to eat the twigs, which are malt flatbread and juniper. It%26rsquo;s easy to see how the time he spent at el Bulli has shaped his presentation.

Course two is also a dish pretending to be something it is not, with nature clearly a direct influence. It is moss made of cep powder, followed by seabuckthorn leather and pickled rose hips. Incredible. Then there are the leeks hollowed out and stuffed with a goat cheese and garlic and fried at the tip. Again, how does one hollow out a leek? Other standouts include:

%26bull; Pickled and smoked quail eggs served on a small tray of hay, where a tiny incision is made in the bottom of the egg, and with a hand-held food smoker, the hay is burned to trap smoke in the egg.

%26bull; Beignets wrapped around a smoked whole herring. Who thinks this stuff up?

%26bull; Rye bread, chicken skin, lumpfish roe and smoked cheese.

%26bull; Reindeer tongue, apple malt and browned butter %26mdash; the first time I use a knife, and okay, maybe a dish I could do without.

Halfway through the meal, you realize Noma gives guests the best possible impression of the season. The philosophy is based on the region, as this is truly Nordic cuisine. If you think you%26rsquo;ve had Nordic cuisine in the past, I promise you, you have not. Again, we are dining for four-and-a-half hours in a restaurant that is incredibly inventive yet focuses on clean flavors. We are told the menu changes are dictated by availability, and the ingredients are organic and locally sourced. Redzepi, like Adri%26agrave;, has reinvented food.

Dare to Compare
We realize that we have eaten in what the world considers the number-one and -two restaurants in the universe. In four days, we%26lsquo;ve traveled more than 23,256 miles, eaten 72 courses between el Bulli and Noma, and spent five hours at each establishment. There is no way to compare these two chefs %26mdash; you could never do them justice.
As we try to think about the experience as a whole, the only reference we can make is that we have sat for 10 hours with an original dish as a starting point and a memory of what that dish should taste like. In the hands of these chefs, a transformation takes place, with the end result being recognizable features of the original dish, but presented in a completely unrecognizable way.

Commandeering el Bulli
for the Last TimeIn my attempt to secure one last reservation at el Bulli as a graduation gift to our foodie son, Matthew, I give what I think is an Academy Award%26ndash;winning performance to the ma%26icirc;tre d%26rsquo;. He is not impressed. Several e-mails later, he finally agrees to speak by phone about an idea Adri%26agrave; has that I might be interested in: buying out the entire restaurant. For one night, he would charge a fortune, with the money going to his foundation opening in 2014 in the present location of el Bulli. I run the idea by Howard, who thinks I have lost my mind, and he says it will never work. Big mistake to doubt me. I ask Ferran for 48 hours to see if I could do it: sell 50 seats to 50 food fanatics, charge them $3,400 a head, ask them to fly to Barcelona, drive two hours to the Costa Brava, spend the night in what one would think of as a Spring Break%26ndash;style hotel, drive up and over a treacherous mountain, have the most extraordinary meal of your life and reverse all of the above the very next day. Thirty hours later, I have 50 seats sold and 26 on the waitlist. I convince Adri%26agrave; to let me have five more seats by saying,%26ldquo;$3,400 a head, and you can%26rsquo;t find six more seats?%26rdquo; So not the European way, but it works.We go. We dine. We drink. And no one falls off the mountain. It%26rsquo;s the experience of a lifetime. The lucky 56 are: Howard and I, Matthew Looney, Lindsey and Patrick Collins, Deedie and Rusty Rose, Catherine and Will Rose, Caren Prothro, Marguerite Hoffman, KateHoffman, Cynthia and Forrest Miller, Nancy Marcus, Mary Noel and Bill Lamont, Fred Reid, Doreen Schmid, Ana Pettus, Karen and Richard Pollock, Joyce Goss, and Nancy Nasher and David Haemisegger from Dallas; Roland Augustine, Kinga Lampert, Hannah Hoffman, Glenn and Amanda Fuhrman, Virginia Lebermann, John Wotowicz, Jane Jackson, Lela Rose and Brandon Jones, John Pfeiffer, Robert Levy and Mike Clifford from New York City; Caroline Styne, Michael Kohn, Beth Swofford and Alan Hergott from Los Angeles; Deborah Green, Clayton Aynesworth, Lora Reynolds and Quincy Lee from Austin; Lee Hudson and Cristina Salas-Porras from Napa Valley; Dick and Pam Kramlich from San Francisco; David Graham from St. Barths; Georgia and Marc Quinn from London; Fernando and Soumaya Romero-Slim from Mexico City; and Fairfax Dorn from Marfa.

Take Note
Chef Ferran Adri%26agrave; will be interviewed by Frank Bruni at the New York City Wine and Food Festival on Saturday, October 1; 888.NYT.1870 or timestalks.com for more information.
There%26rsquo;s also el Bulli the movie, el Bulli Cooking in Progress, at elbullimovie.com. For more information on the foraging chef Ren%26eacute; Redzepi and Noma, log onto noma.dk.

Chef Ferran Adri%26agrave; at el Bulli

Cindy Rachofsky, el Bulli chef Ferran Adri%26agrave;, Howard Rachofsky. Photo courtesy of Luciano Insua.

el Bulli sitting room. Photo courtesy of Luciano Insua.

el Bulli. Photo courtesy of Luciano Insua.

el Bulli dining room. Photo courtesy of Luciano Insua.

Three years of el Bulli dish documentation. Photo courtesy of Luciano Insua.

el Bulli%26rsquo;s meticulous presentations.

A common occurrence at el Bulli.

Plating at el Bulli. Photo courtesy of Luciano Insua.

Exterior of Noma. Photo by Mads Damgarrd.

Chef Ren%26eacute; Redzepi at Noma. Photo by Ditte Isager.

el Bulli. Photo courtesy of Luciano Insua.

Noma. Photo by Ditte Isager.

el Bulli. Photo courtesy of Luciano Insua.

Plating at Noma. Photo by Ditte Isager.

Noma dining room. Photo by Ditte Isager.

Noma.

The jewel box of desserts at el Bulli.

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Restaurant Buzz

Fri, 30 Sep 2011 02:51:23 GMT

Our fair city has hurdled headfirst into the foodie-est craze: all things culinary on wheels. Herewith, we present three nomadic rigs: The first: Ruthie%26rsquo;s Rolling Cafe, a gourmet grilled-cheese truck that%26rsquo;s wheeling about town dishing out melt-y creations such as the swiss-and-cheddar on Texas toast, with turkey, bacon and secret sauce. Where to find Ruthie%26rsquo;s? So far, the Arts District, the Hunt Oil Headquarters downtown and the corner of Cedar Springs Road and Oak Lawn Avenue, but for scheduled stops, follow @ruthiesrolling on Twitter or click to its Facebook page. The second: Trailercakes takes on the cupcake scene via a vamped-up silver Airstream (which goes by the name of Bubbles) that has been polished and painted with a smattering of summer-of-love-style florals. The goods? Regular and bite-sized confections in to-die-for flavors %26mdash; think a Fruity Pebbles%26ndash;topped white cupcake or a zippy peanut-butter number with a grape-jelly center. Key in trailercakes.com for location info. And our third: Fill up on portobello burgers, meatball sliders, pepperoni egg rolls and hand-cut Cajun fries at Jack%26rsquo;s ChowHound. This down-home truck %26mdash; you can%26rsquo;t miss a longhorn skull strapped to its front %26mdash; traverses the city, serving up comfort-food eats and drinks for lunch and dinner. Find out where Jack%26rsquo;s will pop up next at jackschowhound.com %26hellip; Where to book your next lunch date: Pencil in an afternoon (11:30 am to 2:00 pm) at chef Abraham Salum%26rsquo;s Komali for the new Comida Corrida, a three-course, prix-fixe authentic Mexican lunch for $14 per person. (We say try the tenderloin tips and the chicken Milanesa, then for the finish, go for the Mexican bread pudding or the crepas con cajeta.) Get all the delectable deets at komalirestaurant.com %26hellip; Two bits of news from The Shops at Park Lane, near NorthPark Center: Bailey%26rsquo;s Prime Plus has a fresh new face: Grant Morgan, formerly with Dragonfly at Hotel ZaZa, has signed on as executive chef and is expected to craft new bar, lunch and dinner menus just in time for fall. Meanwhile, Park Grill is slated to open on The Shops%26rsquo; plaza level by the end of 2011. The American restaurant will offer a slew of small plates, sandwiches, salads and entrees. Shopsatparklane.com will have the full 4-1-1 %26hellip; A delicious final note: A little sibling to steakhouse institution Del Frisco%26rsquo;s is imminent. Likely called Del Frisco%26rsquo;s Grille, it should be open in November in the revamped One McKinney Plaza at McKinney Avenue and Hall Street. How%26rsquo;s this for rare: The only other DF Grille just opened %26mdash; in Rockefeller Center, no less.

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Image: Cheese wheels: Gourmet grilled-cheese sandwiches on the go at Ruthie's Rolling Cafe.

That Little Blue Box

Fri, 23 Sep 2011 12:20:29 GMT

Does your heart skip a beat at the sight of Tiffany %26amp; Co.%26rsquo;s little blue box? If so, then it might just leap from your chest when you check into the new Tiffany suite at The St. Regis New York. The sparkling, 1,700-square-foot suite %26mdash; designed in conjunction with Tiffany%26rsquo;s design director emeritus, John Loring %26mdash; features that famous blue hue, along with white wedding-cake molding in the dining room (as well as a crystal chandelier and a dining table groaning with a Tiffany %26amp; Co. china service for 10) and a neutral palette of whites, beiges, grays and silver throughout. Floor-to-ceiling windows grant guests a sparkling 14th-floor view of Fifth Avenue and Central Park. Wouldn%26rsquo;t Holly Go-Lightly love to throw a f%26ecirc;te in this swank aerie? We think so. Rates from $8,500; stregis.com/newyork.

Sorrell Urban Bistro

Wed, 21 Sep 2011 04:57:23 GMT

Keys to the Door: Owner Ray Salti, executive chef Soren Pedersen and GM Steven DiMatteo.
What%26rsquo;s Cooking: All across America, every chef worth his or her fleur de sel is chattering about the concept of farm-to-table dining. At Sorrel %26mdash; the new River Oaks%26ndash;area spot in the former Ziggy%26rsquo;s Bar and Grill location on West Alabama %26mdash; enthusiastic Danish chef Soren Pedersen puts the idea into play by foraging the now abundant farmer%26rsquo;s markets throughout the city for seasonal organic fruits, vegetables and herbs. Combined with certified natural meats and fresh sustainable seafood, it all inspires his 15-item lunch and dinner menus, which change not once or twice but several times a week. Pedersen first partnered with Ray Salto for their Fulshear eatery Ray%26rsquo;s Grill; now that they%26rsquo;ve moved inside the loop, they%26rsquo;re showing us what this latest culinary obsession entails in realtime, via live streaming on the web that%26rsquo;s also projected on monitors throughout the restaurant. One hint: Don%26rsquo;t get too attached to the addictive, Asian-feeling house-cured wild salmon app with pickled Jerusalem cucumber and mustard drizzle ($9) or the seared Muscovy duck leg with a light, potato-leek tart and fig balsamic reduction ($25), as they might just vanish by the next time you drop in. If only we could convince Pedersen to keep the seared sea scallops and prawns atop creamy, herb-studded cheddar grits and spicy tomato slaw on the menu for an extended stay %26hellip; That dish bursts with flavor and a textural interplay we%26rsquo;d love to taste again and again. The light, airy dining room, with its view of the action in the kitchen, offers lunch, dinner, Sunday brunch with bites at the bar (including house-made charcuterie) and prix-fixe, five-course dinners ($45 or $65), as well as well-priced wines, many of which are organic. 2202 W. Alabama, 713.677.039; sorrelhouston.com.

Image: Sorrel Urban Bistro. Photo by Kim Park.

Back to Class

Wed, 21 Sep 2011 03:38:51 GMT

When the kids head back to school this fall, you should hit the books, too %26mdash; cookbooks, that is. Saturday through Monday, September 17 through 19, the Metropolitan Cooking and Entertaining Show debuts at Reliant with none other than Southern butter maven Paula Deen and household hinter Heloise headlining. As the event is tied to the Beard House in New York, organizers are tapping Houston James Beard Award winners chef Robert Del Grande and PC%26rsquo;s own Laurann Claridge; award nominees%26nbsp; Bryan Caswell; and Beard House chefs John Tesar (now at The Commissary in Dallas) and San Antonio chef Jason Dady (The Lodge Restaurant of Castle Hills) to teach cooking classes. And did we mention the workshops, from etiquette to entertaining. Even flower artist Rebeckah Johnson of Bergner %26amp; Johnson will be on hand, showing us how she decorates all those spectacular galas. There will also be tastings, cookbook signings and shopping with vendors from all over the country. Information and tickets metrocooking.com.

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Images:

Laurann Claridge. Photo by Steve Henry.

Robert Del Grande.

Paula Deen.

Kitchen Talk with BubblyQ

Tue, 20 Sep 2011 06:12:31 GMT

We love nothing more than a dinner date at Fearing%26rsquo;s %26mdash; especially when it%26rsquo;s Young Texans Against Cancer%26rsquo;s annual BubblyQ party, held throughout the famous Ritz-Carlton, Dallas restaurant, patio and bar. Last year, our inner foodie went mad with delight as chef chairman Dean Fearing tapped a dozen of his gourmand pals to man their own pop-up tasting stations.

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With this year%26rsquo;s event on the social horizon (bright young things must save the date for Thursday, October 13), we buzzed three of this year%26rsquo;s participating chefs, asking them to spill their favorite party-bite recipes. Herewith, your BubblyQ cookbook courtesy of this trio of culinary masterminds: Fearing, Scott Romano (Charlie Palmer at The Joule, A Luxury Collection Hotel) and Jim Severson (Sevy%26rsquo;s Grill). In the words of Julia Child, %26ldquo;Bon Appetit!%26rdquo;

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Scott Romano%26rsquo;s Sauteed Scallops with Sweet Corn Ragout and Pancetta Balsamic

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Saut%26eacute;ed Scallops %26nbsp;

%26nbsp;

8 scallops, U-7%26nbsp;

2 tablespoons olive oil

2 tablespoons butter

3 sprigs thyme

2 shallots, sliced

Kosher salt

Fresh white pepper

%26nbsp;

1. Clean the scallops free of the side mussel.

2. Season the scallop with salt and fresh, white pepper.

3. In a large saut%26eacute; pan heat the olive oil till slight smoking point.

4. When the scallops start to lightly caramelize add the butter, thyme, and shallots.

5. Using a large spoon baste the scallops with the butter and fresh thyme.

6. Cook the scallops till medium and remove them from the pan. Let the scallops rest on the side.

%26nbsp;

Sweet Corn Ragout %26nbsp;

%26nbsp;

2 cups corn, cut off cob

3 tablespoons butter%26nbsp;

3 shallots, minced

2 tablespoons black garlic, sliced

1 tablespoon parsley, chopped

1 tablespoon celery leaves, chopped

Salt to taste

Fresh white pepper to taste

%26nbsp;

1. In a medium saut%26eacute; pan brown the butter till the milk solids start to caramelize and smell like toasted nuts.

2. Add the corn to the saut%26eacute; pan and lightly saut%26eacute; the corn until tender.

3. Add the shallots and black garlic.

4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

5. To finish the ragout toss in the chopped parsley and celery leaves.%26nbsp;%26nbsp;%26nbsp;

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Pancetta Balsamic %26nbsp;

%26nbsp;

1/2 cup pancetta

3 cups balsamic vinegar

1 tablespoon thyme, picked

1 tablespoon olive oil

3 each shallots, miced

1 tablespoon sugar, granulated

1 tablespoon butter

Salt to taste

Fresh white pepper to taste

%26nbsp;

1. In a small pot add the olive oil and pancetta. Render the pancetta well.

2. Add in the shallots and sweat till translucent.

3. Add the picked thyme and balsamic vinegar.%26nbsp;

4. Reduce the balsamic vinegar by 3/4.

5. Finish the sauce with the butter.

6. Adjust the acidity using sugar to taste.

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Dean Fearing%26rsquo;s Deep in the Heart of Texas Backyard Barbecue Chicken

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Barbecue Chicken

1 whole chicken (3-4 pounds) cut into quarters

1 tablespoon vegetable oil

Salt to taste

Black pepper to taste

Dried thyme to taste

Crushed red bell pepper flakes to taste

3 cups Sonny Bryans Barbecue Sauce

%26nbsp;

1. Rinse the whole chicken under running water.%26nbsp;

2. Cut chicken into quarters, brush with vegetable oil and season with salt, pepper, thyme, and pepper flakes on both sides. Set aside.

3. A clean grill is a happy grill: Make sure old ashes are discarded and grates are brushed clean. Add wood charcoal and ignite. When charcoal has burned to white ash, add chicken quarters skin side down. The process now is to render as much grease from the skin without burning the skin or causing the grease to flare-up on the fire and burn the skin. Take your time and be attentive to what is on the grill.

4. Add water soaked hickory chips (a small handful at a time) to the edge of the fire. This will start the smoking process. Seal in the smoke with a lid or the top of the grill. Keep an eye on the chicken and turn when skin is rendered about 8-10 minutes. If the smoke dies down, add another handful of hickory chips.

5. Grill and smoke chicken for about 15 additional minutes making sure the meat is cooking evenly on both sides. Then begin basting each piece of chicken with barbeque sauce. Don%26rsquo;t be afraid to swipe on the barbeque sauce heavy and keep turning each piece to prevent burning in one area of the grill.

6. Remove barbequed chicken from grill to a platter and serve family style with bowls of Country Greens-Cornbread Pan Stuffing and Peach-Jalapeno Chutney.

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Country Greens-Cornbread Pan Stuffing

%26nbsp;

4 lb fresh collard greens

1.2 cup smoked ham hock

8 cups chicken stock, plus 2-3 cups more, if needed

1 large onion, peeled and kept whole

2 dried red chilies

1 teaspoon cracked black pepper

Salt to taste

Pepper vinegar to taste

%26nbsp;

1 cup yellow cornmeal

1 cup all-purpose flour

1/4 cup sugar

4 teaspoons baking powder

%26frac12; teaspoon salt

1 cup milk

2 extra large eggs, lightly beaten

1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted (or melted bacon grease)

%26nbsp;

1. To prepare the collard greens, pick through the greens, discarding any large stems and brown or yellow leaves. Wash thoroughly to remove all grit. With a knife cut the greens into bite-sized pieces.%26nbsp;

2. Place the ham hock, onion, chilies and pepper in a large pot over medium-high heat and add enough stock to cover by 1 inch. Bring to a boil. Then reduce the heat to medium-low, cover and simmer for 45 minutes.

3. Add the greens in 4 batches, stirring each batch down until wilted and submerged in the liquid.%26nbsp; If needed, add more stock to cover the greens by 1 inch.%26nbsp; Increase the heat, to medium and simmer, 40-60 minutes. The length of cooking time depends on the age of the greens; the older the greens, the longer it takes to tenderize them. The liquid (potlikker) should be reduced by 3/4. Remove the ham hock and remove meat from bones and cut into medium dice. Add back to greens, remove onion and chop fine and add back to greens. Season with pepper vinegar. Keep warm!

4. Preheat oven to 425.

5. Grease a 10-inch cast-iron skillet and place in oven.

6. Combine cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Add milk, eggs and butter. Stir with a few rapid strokes until dry ingredients are just moistened.

7. Pour batter into hot pan. Place in pre-heated 425 oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until edges are light brown and bread is firm. Remove from oven and let cool. With a knife cut cornbread into 1 inch dice

%26nbsp;

Peach-Jalapeno Chutney

%26nbsp;

5 ripe peaches

1 tablespoon finely diced ginger

1 tablespoon sugar

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

2 teaspoons lemon juice

%26nbsp;

1. Peel and pit all peaches, medium dice 3 peaches and place in bowl and set aside.

2. Puree the remaining peaches in a blender. Pour the mixture into a medium saucepan with ginger, sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice. Bring pan to medium heat and reduce mixture, stirring occasionally, until thick for about 5 to 6 minutes. Pour diced peaches into saucepan and cook, stirring occasionally, for three minutes or until mixture is hot.%26nbsp; Remove and set aside.

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Jim %26ldquo;Sevy%26rdquo; Severson%26rsquo;s Red Chile Shrimp with Mango Black Bean Pico and Lime Butter

%26nbsp;

%26nbsp;Shrimp

24 10/15 shrimp, peel and deveined

2 tablespoons Olive oil

1 teaspoon Sea salt

8 ounces Red chile puree (recipe below)

2 cups mango black bean pico (recipe below)

12 ounces Lime butter (recipe below)

8 cilantro sprigs (for garnish)

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1. Warm oil in large skillet.

2. Season shrimp with sea salt, then saute over medium heat until cooked to medium rare.

3. Add red chile puree, toss well until all shrimp are coated then set aside, off heat.

4. On service plate, mound 1/4 cup pico in center of plate. Ladle 1 ounce lime butter around pico, then arrange shrimp around pico. Garnish with cilantro, serve and enjoy!

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Red Chile Puree

%26nbsp;

4 Cascabel peppers

4 Ancho chile peppers

1 cup white onion, medium dice

6 cloves garlic, rough chop

2 teaspoons sea salt

1 tablespoon sugar

2 ounces lime juice

2 tablespoons cilantro leaves

2 cups water

1 tablespoon olive oil

%26nbsp;

1. Remove stems and seeds from peppers.

2. Put peppers and water in sauce pot, bring to a boil then remove from heat and steep 2-3 minutes.

3. Strain and save liquid.

4. In same sauce pot, heat oil then saute onions and garlic until soft.

5. Add peppers to garlic/onion mixture, plus 1 cup of reserved liquid.

6. Place in blender with lime juice, salt, sugar and cilantro. Puree until smooth.

7. Use additional reserved liquid if necessary to make a loose puree.

%26nbsp;

Mango Black Bean Pico

%26nbsp;

1 cup black beans, cooked

1 cup mango, medium dice

1 cup tomato, medium dice

1 cup red bell pepper, medium dice

1 cup green bell pepper, medium dice

1 cup red onion, medium dice

2 tablespoons cilantro, chopped

1 tablespoon lime juice

2 tablespoons olive oil

2 teaspoons sea salt

%26nbsp;

1. Combine all ingredients and let set before service.

%26nbsp;

Lime Butter

%26nbsp;

2 tablespoons olive oil

2 shallots, peeled and chopped

4 ounces White wine

2 ounces Lime juice

2 Kaffir lime leaves

4 ounces cream

8 ounces butter, cut into 1 ounce pieces

1 teaspoon sea salt

%26nbsp;

1. In sauce pot, warm olive oil and saute shallots until soft.

2. Add white wine, lime juice and kaffir leaves and reduce by half.

3. Add cream and reduce by half again.

4. Reduce heat, whisk in butter slowly.

5. Season with salt, strain, then keep warm until service.

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Restaurant Buzz

Thu, 11 Aug 2011 06:29:12 GMT

We last dished about illustrious restaurateur Alberto Lombardi%26rsquo;s latest dining concept way back in October. (Think French Riviera influences, Venetian plaster walls, marble-topped patio tables.) Now, new deets emerge. The name? Bistro 31. The menu? A carte with French, Italian and Spanish fare. The chef? Eric Brandt, formerly at the Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek. But our favorite detail is this: An early September opening is imminent. Plan your visit to 87 Highland Park Village, between Trina Turk and Q Custom Clothier %26hellip; Pizza aficionados, prepare to be dough%26rsquo;d over: Dough Pizzeria Napoletana opens its doors this month at Preston Road and Forest Lane. The San Antonio%26ndash;based pizzeria boasts authentic Italian pies made with fresh burrata, stracciato and rollatini cheeses and was recognized by Food Network%26rsquo;s Diners, Drive-ins and Dives for its wood-burning oven masterpieces. Click to doughpizzeria.com for more info %26hellip; We have a host of changes to report at One Arts Plaza%26rsquo;s home-style haunt Screen Door, from a rejuvenated menu (delicacies such as homestead grits with grilled radicchio, a duck chorizo and Jidori egg scramble, and a Gloucester cod with blue-crab succotash) to new wines and cocktails to a refreshed interior (hello, dark walls and chalkboards). For a little revised southern comfort, tap to 214.720.9111 or screendoordallas.com %26hellip; A new spot of note downtown: Wild Salsa Cantina Y Comida, a restaurant focusing on the flavors of Mexico City, has landed at the corner of St. Paul and Main streets on the first level of The Mercantile Place building. Work up your appetite for tasty tamales, salsa borracha and the chori queso with house-made chorizo and Oaxaca cheese, all from executive chef (and Tei Tei Robata Bar alum) Kelly Hightower and AJ Joglekar, the corporate chef for Dallas-based DRG Concepts (214.741.9453; wildsalsarestaurant.com) %26hellip; A sneak peek at September: Be ready to raise a glass at Primebar, the new contemporary ale house at 2520 Cedar Springs Road, with organic American dishes, plus specialty-menu temptations such as a yellow-fin tuna sashimi with a yuzu-ponzu sauce and a Kurobuta pork chop, Cajun-seasoned in a white-wine garlic sauce %26hellip; The owners of Capitol Pub have purchased Knox-Henderson hot spot Park and have plans to turn it into Swig. We hear the new digs will boast a changing menu, complete with some very fine flatbreads. Stay tuned. (The adjacent Bar C%26eacute;line, by the way, has already reopened as The Gin Mill. Our kind of name change.) %26hellip; %26hellip; Head to Henderson Avenue where this month Mark Brezinski and the masterminds at Front Burner Restaurants have opened Velvet Taco, a taco stop with a menu offering specialties such as a rotisserie chicken taco with sweet onion chutney or the crispy calamari taco. For all taco-related inquiries, dial 214.738.2540 %26hellip; The restaurant formerly known as Fuse at the Browder Building has been transformed to Fuse Japan. Inside, the revived eatery features a dimly lit lounge and a variety of nosh-worthy bites, including sushi, quesadillas and shrimp tacos. For info, call 214.742.3873 %26hellip;

Image: A rendering of Alberto Lombardi%26rsquo;s new Highland Park Village restaurant, Bistro 31.

Cuisine for a Cause

Thu, 11 Aug 2011 05:09:15 GMT

For a delicious nonprofit restaurant recipe, look no further than Caf%26eacute; Momentum. Begin with a concoction of restaurateurs and philanthropists: Parigi Restaurant co-owners Chad Hauser and Janice Provost, plus board-of-advisors members such as Jerry Silhan of Youth Village Resources of Dallas, Katherine Lindholm of the North Texas Food Bank and Steve Palma of Central Dallas Ministries. Next, teach basic gastronomic skills to a group of 13- to 17-year-old boys from the Dallas County Youth Village juvenile detention facility. Rotate the epicurean pupils through various front- and back-of-house positions, including cooking, plating and serving %26mdash; all while being mentored by a special guest chef who changes monthly. Finally, one Sunday a month, house the budding cooks in a pop-up eatery at various local restaurants and invite the foodie contingent to nosh on the prix-fixe dinner (the tariff changes monthly, too). Stir. Et voil%26agrave;! You%26rsquo;re left with a charitable-cool concept that teaches disadvantaged youth a skill that can lead to paid positions in the Youth Village cafeteria and beyond. The tastiest ingredient? Caf%26eacute; Momentum has partnered with the North Texas Master Gardeners Association, allowing its culinary students the opportunity to cultivate ingredients locally. A fresh idea, indeed. Eats deets: The August 7 and September 11 dinners have already sold out, so promptly reserve your seat for the feast on Sunday, October 2, featuring Salum and Komali chef Abraham Salum ($75) at cafemomentum.org.

Two for the Road

Thu, 11 Aug 2011 04:51:31 GMT

It might not have been Albert Finney and Audrey Hepburn in a Mercedes roadster in the South of France, but PaperCity%26rsquo;s visual arts editor Catherine D. Anspon and photographer Jenny Antill made for a fashionable pilgrimage to the Texas Hill Country. Four hundred miles and 54 hours later %26mdash; after stops in Kyle, Driftwood and overnights in historic Wimberley %26mdash; the duo returned with this charming guide to the heart of central Texas.

%26nbsp;

Elliot, Pete and Ashton Anton

Take the Plunge %26mdash; Blue Hole: Among today%26rsquo;s top five sustainable projects under the guise of the National Park Service, the historic Blue Hole reopened this June, a shining example of public funding and private philanthropy coming together to raise more than $7.4 million to acquire, preserve, revitalize and tweak this beautiful spot fed by the natural springs of Cypress Creek. An enticing destination for generations since the Dobie family opened it to the public in the 1920s, this oasis of water and green a short stroll from Wimberley%26rsquo;s town square is considered the most beautiful swimming hole in Texas. Cypress trees strung with Spanish moss and rope swings for kids shade its banks. Jump-started by the initiative of Peter Way of Houston and the nonprofit Friends of Blue Hole led by executive director/former Wimberley mayor Steve Klepfer, the redux by national landscape architects Design Workshop features a master plan for Blue Holes%26rsquo; 126 acres %26mdash; picnic grounds, hiking trails, an amphitheater and on a nearby hillside, coming this fall, tennis courts and soccer fields. Blue Hole Lane, off Old Kyle Road near junction of FM 3237, 512.847.0025 (City Hall, for off-season group reservations); friendsofbluehole.org.

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Avant-Garde Architecture %26mdash; The Plant at Kyle: We motored over to Kyle, 15 minutes from Wimberley, then headed down a long and winding country road towards a monument to sustainability, recycled buildings and living on the land, as well as one of the signature projects that launched Lake/Flato Architects and ushered in a new era in Texas architecture. The Plant at Kyle (aka the Carraro Residence after its original owners, Francine and Henry Carraro) was erected in 1989 from 1920s-era sheds from the Alamo Cement plant in San Antonio. This hidden Hill Country landmark is now co-owned by museum director/curator Dana Friis-Hansen; his partner, IT guru Mark Holzbach; and Austin Realtor Carrie Bills. The trio rents out the AIA lauded and nationally published industrial structure-turned-dwelling %26mdash; sited on 17 Hill Country acres %26mdash; for weddings, parties and tribes who want to bunk in cutting-edge style while cozying up to Mother Nature. For inquiries, 512.689.6777; theplantatkyle.com.

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%26nbsp;

Becky Jordan

Take Class %26mdash; Heart of Texas Yoga: For extended stays in Wimberley, do your downward- facing dogs with Becky Jordan, a master with nearly 20 years%26rsquo; expertise in Hatha yoga. Edging the main square, this upstairs neighbor of D Berman Gallery is a serene space with calming views of the treescape and Cypress Creek. 111 Old Kyle Road, Suite 200, Wimberley, 512.663.4278; heartoftexasyoga.com.

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George Krause

Studio Krause: We had to come to the Hill Country to meet the founder of the photography department at the University of Houston and one of the most acclaimed lensmen of our time, George Krause. This senior grand master, Prix de Rome winner and a Texas Artist of the Year %26mdash; who has published major books and created some of the 20th century%26rsquo;s most memorable images %26mdash; is in the collection of MoMA, MFAH, the Philadelphia Museum of Art and Biblioth%26egrave;que Nationale in Paris. In Wimberley, we perused his studio and home (stay tuned for our future Nest feature, chez Krause, in a fall issue) and admired two of his most inventive series: startling life-size sculptures of saints, alongside his %26ldquo;Sfumato%26rdquo; portraits, again life-size, this time of nudes haloed by orbs of light, all available through the artist%26rsquo;s web of galleries: Harris Gallery (Houston), Photographs Do Not Bend Gallery (Dallas) and in downtown Wimberley at D Berman Gallery (read on). For more, georgekrause.com.

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John Lichtenberger, Damian Mandola

Trattoria Lisina: Damian Mandola%26rsquo;s retirement plans morphed into this astonishing new endeavor where the Texas Wine Country meets Tuscany. In this grand restaurant, vistas of rolling hills laced with vineyards offer an idyllic backdrop for Italian gastronomic marvels (osso buco, anyone?) by chef John Lichtenberger, a transplant from Manhattan whose previous stints include a toque turn at Le Bernardin. Culinary offerings include pasta hand-rolled by Lichtenberger%26rsquo;s wife, Carla; vintages imported from Italy; acres of prosciutto di Parma; classic pizze (which were packed up and sent with us for our tour at The Plant); and refreshing homemade gelati and sorbeti. Unwind the big unwind in this Driftwood epicurean experience on the way to Wimberley. 13308 FM 150 West, Driftwood, 512.894.3111; trattorialisina.com.

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Duchman Family Winery: Who knew that the biggest winery devoted to Texas vintages is in Driftwood. Stroll past a bocce ball court and down a flower-strewn pathway steps from Trattoria Lisina to reach the Italian villa-esque limestone building that%26rsquo;s HQ for this million-dollar family-owned operation. We peeked at the barrels, vats and bottling operation, and are yearning to return for a tasting tour where cheese boards and charcuterie are paired with the Duchmans%26rsquo; acclaimed Sangiovese, Dolcetto, Aglianico and Vermentino. 13308 FM 150 West, Driftwood, 512.858.1470; duchmanfamilywinery.com.

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Michele McCullough

Sip! on the Square/Wimberley Cafe: What%26rsquo;s a small town without a java joint. Enter 20-something Michele McCullough, who left a marketing career to take up shop and open Sip! Her charming down-home destination on the Wimberley Square buys its beans from Anderson%26rsquo;s Coffee in Austin and makes a mean cappuccino, augmented by tea and sweets. Head next door and get a burger or comfort food, seven days a week, from Michele%26rsquo;s folks, Robin and Mac McCullough, at the Wimberley Cafe. Sip!, 101-C Wimberley Square, Wimberley, 817.733.5771; siponthesquare.com. Wimberley Cafe, 101-A Wimberley
Square, Wimberley, 512-847.3333; wimberleycafe.com.

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The Leaning Pear: We bid Wimberley goodbye with a lunch of BBLT (the extra B is for %26ldquo;brie%26rdquo;) and roasted poblano pimento cheese sandwiches and limeade under the leafy patio of this lovely gathering spot that was opened by Rachel and Matthew Buchanan. One of the town%26rsquo;s most frequented dining establishments, Leaning Pear has attracted a Hill Country following for serving locally inspired cuisine sourced from nearby farmers, ranchers and culinary artisans. 111 River Road, Wimberley, 512.847.7327; leaningpear.com.

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The Inn Above Onion Creek: In terms of lodging, it%26rsquo;s hard to beat the vibe, beauty and sweeping views of this special 88-acre B%26amp;B that%26rsquo;s a blend of rustic authenticity with log furnishings made on premises, melded with luxurious accommodations, a reverence for wildlife, and an inspiring naturescape. Innkeepers Janie and John Orr have created an aerie where cottages and a wing of spacious suites encircle a main two-story lodge resembling a classic dog trot, with porches overlooking a stunning hillside. This inn%26rsquo;s perfect blend of camaraderie and privacy is highlighted by the charming dining room, where breakfast and dinner (included with your room) showcase local ingredients served at precise times; a stay here promises to reset anyone%26rsquo;s city clock (and even comes with a bouquet of flowers). The Inn Above Onion Creek Rates from $199. 4444 West FM 150, Kyle, 512.268.1617; innaboveonioncreek.com.

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Lynn Gallimore, McKay Otto

Sinya: Now, this is special %26mdash; Sinya, an eco-luxury tented, singular suite that embraces safari chic and nature consciousness. Located five miles from downtown Wimberley on the ridge above Lone Man Creek, this astounding canvas aerie provides a romantic setting or a recharge for a creative type. The vision of Lynn Gallimore, it%26rsquo;s environmentally focused with cotton-bamboo bedding, chemical-free bath products for a soak in a scented milk bath in a century-old, claw-footed tub, and art by McKay Otto. Hike a steep trail down to the creek below, plunge in then search for Indian artifacts on your way back up. Rates from $235. Deer Lake Estates, Wimberley, 713.502.3997; hillcountrysinya.com.

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Tami Corbett

Broken Arrow Rock Shop: Located in downtown Wimberley for more than half a century, this endearing rock shop is now on its third set of owners, Tami Corbett and Terri Edwards. Most often Corbett holds court, telling us she never met a rock she didn%26rsquo;t love. Peruse beautiful specimens from all corners of the globe, from watermelon tourmaline to rare green-hued moldavite, the product of a meteor collision 15 million years ago, which is said to produce vibrational energy intense enough to open chakras. Our finds:%26nbsp; A miniature amethyst pyramid, a luminous chunk of rose quartz and a tiny specimen of octahedral fluorite. Even a kid could be entertained at Broken Arrow, given $10 to spend, and come home with a treasure and a lesson on geology. 13904 Ranch Road 12 (just off the Square), Wimberley, 512.847.2282.

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Amy Reynolds

Climb On!: For lip balms, nothing beats Climb On!, developed by engaging siblings Amy and Polly Reynolds. Geared originally for mountain climbers (which is Amy%26rsquo;s passion) and formulated by Polly, a medical transcriptionist with talent for aromatherapy, the brand has boomed since it was launched in Boulder, Colorado, in 1997. Boasting a thriving online business and stocked by eco-retailers and grocers Whole Foods Market, Central Market, Whole Earth Provisions Co. and REI, the pair%26rsquo;s pure, chemical-free and biodegradable lotions, creams and potions are packed with nature-infused ingredients, from essential oil of peppermint to witch hazel, sweet orange, vetiver and mimosa wax. Drop by (footsteps from Sip!), and chances are you%26rsquo;ll find one of the sisters, who will offer samples and give tips for preserving hands, lips and skin, without forsaking sailing, fishing, rock climbing or getting down to business in your garden. 101-G Wimberley Square, Wimberley, 877.966.2600; climbonproducts.com.

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David Berman

D Berman Gallery: Austin%26rsquo;s original and most respected gallery, owner/director David Berman relocated in March 2011 after growing tired of the commute (he and his wife, painter Ellen Berman, have called Wimberley home for more than a decade.) Now tourists and town types can wander in and encounter important Texas contemporary art, including stars of his stable collagist Lance Letscher, whom Berman discovered; the aforementioned photo master George Krause; lenslady Laura Pickett Calfee of the compelling still lifes; and (shown with Berman in his portrait) strange amalgamations that resonate with history by Uncommon Objects%26rsquo; owner Steve Wiman of Austin. 111 Old Kyle Road, Suite 100, Wimberley, 512.847.3200; dbermangallery.com.

The Old Mill Store: Animals of metal and whimsy by Hill Country talents Benge Elliott and folk meister Lloyd Burns share space with robust, ranch-worthy recycled railwood furniture (custom orders available), lamps and mirrors at this ample shop that%26rsquo;s one of the anchors of the town square. Co-owners Randa Ryan and former mayor/civic leader Steve Klepfer preside. This retailers%26rsquo; name is a reference to the village of Wimberley%26rsquo;s early days as a 19th-century nexus for saw and gristmill operations %26mdash;%26nbsp; originally called Wimberley%26rsquo;s Mill, it was named in the 1870s after leading citizen Pleasant Wimberley. On the Square, Wimberley, 512.847.3068; oldmillstore.com.

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Temple Wynne

River House: Dallas doyenne Temple Wynne relocated to Wimberley in 2004 and created River House as a home-furnishings mecca for the Hill Country. With its prime site on the Square, River House is a best bet for hostess gifts, from soaps to stationery. We loved the woven glass earrings by Houston artist Susan Plum, who%26rsquo;s inspired by the Mayan cosmology; vibrant majolica Gorky Pottery, a revival of the traditional artform imported from the father-son workshop in Guanajuato, Mexico; and Dallas photographer David H. Gibson%26rsquo;s contemplative black-and-white prints of nature, including those snapped along Cypress Creek. 104 Wimberley Square, Wimberley, 512.847.7009; riverhousewimberley.com.

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Lisa Kiefer

Star Antique: Horror vacui and antiquing collide at Lisa Kiefer%26rsquo;s amazing amalgamation of the curious and collectible. Chandeliers, stacks and stacks of porcelain plates, all manner of bric-a-brac, tiny tin birds, hobnail milk glass and whatnots galore are poised to lend the patina of the past. 301 River Road, Wimberley, 512.847.9970; starantique.com.

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Ulli Johnston

The Wild West Store: Our downtown Wimberley jaunt began with the celebrated Ulli Johnston, a German lass with an uncanny ability to glance at your feet, then within two tries match you with your dream boot %26mdash; one that will be unrivaled for comfort, attitude and style. Since 1993, Ulli and husband Bill have curated The Wild West to be more than a vintage boot shop, but an homage to the beautiful, handmade and classic Western bootwear of the 1930s on, from Lucchese and Lama to the now-shuttered Texas Imperial Boot Company of the 1950s/1960s. While they stock exotics from anteater and bullfrog that soar to four figures, many of their 500-plus inventory are in the $200 to $300 range. Ulla waxes, %26ldquo;For hats, you%26rsquo;re on your own, but I%26rsquo;m the boot whisperer,%26rdquo; and reveals she%26rsquo;s even coaxed Jimmy Buffett to shed his flip-flops for a pair. Old Towne Plaza, 13709 Ranch Road 12 (just off the Square), Wimberley, 512.847.1219; koolboots.com.
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Adieu, Wimberley. We%26rsquo;ll be back %26mdash; soon.

Loading Up on Sides and Sights Along the Way: Take the Luling exit on I-10 West, and you'll see the city's watermelon-shaped water tower (which is only appropriate, as the Luling Watermelon Thump festival comes around every June). We stopped for lunch at City Market (633 E. Davis St., Luling, 830.875.3848) along Luling%26rsquo;s main drag, where we entered as novices and left feeling ready to blog for roadfood.com. (We got the tip for this establishment, which is along the Texas BBQ Trail, by dialing art scribe and pal Kelly Klaasmeyer, who asked her husband, noted foodie/writer Robb Walsh.) Best bets are the sausage, efficiently served up on butcher paper, accompanied by potato salad and sweet tea %26mdash; a bargain for less than $10, including tip. (Be sure to ask for white bread to mop up the sauce.) Also, check out the farmers%26rsquo; market across the square and the now-shuttered Rock-A-Bye Motel %26mdash; an ode to lost Americana, crumbling yet emitting a faded glory. The next stop? A monument to baked goods and Pop Art, The Texas Pie Company in Kyle (202 W. Center, 512.268.5885; texaspiecompany.com), whose mammoth signage of an oozing slice of cherry pie lives up to its larger-than-life billing. Inside, a panoply of pies, augmented by sandwiches, are served to go or to be consumed in the%26nbsp; quaint cafe. (Since they were out of peach, we picked up toothsome dense fudge pecan as a gift instead.)

Tony Mandola's

Thu, 11 Aug 2011 04:35:04 GMT

Keys to the Door: Owners Phyllis and Tony Mandola.
What%26rsquo;s on the Menu: For the legions of fans who flocked to Tony Mandola%26rsquo;s former River Oaks Shopping Center space for years, then passed the time this spring at the temporary Westheimer locale while this built-from-the-ground-up space was being readied, the wait is finally over. It seems like all of the 225 seats inside this 6,700-square-foot New Orleans%26ndash;themed space (patio dining will be unveiled when the temperature drops) are jammed by the oil, finance and legal set at lunch and by their
well-heeled R.O. neighbors at dinner. The namesake/owner and his wife, Phyllis, hail from two of Houston%26rsquo;s restaurant dynasties %26mdash; the Mandolas (of downtown Mandola grocery-store and beer-parlor fame) and the Laurenzos (as in Ninfa Laurenzo, the Tex-Mex matriarch who was Phyllis%26rsquo; mom) %26mdash; and much respect is paid to the %26ldquo;mamas%26rdquo; who inspired this pair. You%26rsquo;ll find your favorite on- and off-the-menu dishes, from chilly oysters on the half shell %26mdash;perfect with blue-cheese-stuffed olives bobbing in a Cloudy Martini %26mdash; to fried calamari %26agrave; la mama dosed with oregano-butter sauce and peperoncini or a shrimp cocktail. New offerings include coal-fired pizzas of the thin, crisp-crust variety where toppings come right up to the edge, such as the gumbo pizza ($14). The menu is crowded with seafood; we love the seasonal blackened soft-shell crabs ($35). Don%26rsquo;t miss such Little Italy staples as the spaghetti and meatballs ($12): This is the gravy-laced (read: tomato sauce) macaroni and meatball combo that every Sicilian immigrant grandmother makes for her brood on Sundays. Straightforward without a trace of pretense, the service here is as polished and sincere as the well-honed menu. 1212 Waugh Dr., 713.528.3474; tonymandolas.com.

Image: Phyllis and Tony Mandola. Photo by Julie Sofer.

Tiny’s No. 5

Thu, 11 Aug 2011 04:19:10 GMT

Keys to the Door: Owners Lance and Greg Thompson; chef Baron Doke; pastry chef Vanarin Kuch; interiors Kathy Frietsch, architecture Issac Preminger.
What%26rsquo;s Cooking: It looks like Tiny Boxwood%26rsquo;s is all grown up. The gorgeous cafe concept, first created on a whim in a former potting shed beside the gardens of Thompson + Hanson nursery on West Alabama, was an immediate sensation when it opened five years ago. Last month, the concept expanded to its second locale, opening as Tiny%26rsquo;s No. 5 in the space formerly occupied by JMH grocery%26rsquo;s location number five in West University %26mdash; hence, the homage by Tiny%26rsquo;s owners Greg and Lance Thompson. Like Tiny%26rsquo;s tranquil space across town, the interiors here are whitewashed with a white-marble-topped bar, gray-toned wicker chairs and immense steel-framed windows that grant you a view of the meticulous manicured lawn edged with delicate olive trees. Open at first for dinner, with breakfast to follow in mid August, and lunch and the retail shop debuting this September, Tiny%26rsquo;s focus has shifted, and investments have been made (i.e., hiring a pastry chef and expanding the number of seats) to play restaurant with the big boys. The menu is intentionally limited to just four entr%26eacute;es, four pizzas and five apps for dinner %26mdash;%26nbsp;a seasonal selection of items such as a butter lettuce salad that%26rsquo;s simply layers of tender leaves built like a flower blossoming on the plate with a drizzle of pine-nut vinaigrette ($9), and thin, cracker-crust (with the tiniest of bready pull) pizzas topped with an alluring combo of strawberries and prosciutto, arugula, walnuts and goat cheese with a balsamic syrup ($15). Entr%26eacute;es include a wood-fired daily fish selection ($28), as well as rack of lamb ($28) and a house burger ($21), where the chef boasts that every element (except for the proteins, naturally) are made in-house. Pastries ($9 each) include a marvelous %26ldquo;taste of England%26rdquo;: a trio of butterscotch basque cake, shortbread and a tiny layered parfait with Meyer lemon curd and rhubarb compote. Lucky neighbors who live within a mile can stroll to dinner and get a ride home in Tiny%26rsquo;s little red electric car, too! No reservations. 3636 Rice Blvd., 713.664.0141; tinyboxwoods.com.

Image: Tiny's No. 5. Photo by Jenny Antill.

DownHouse

Thu, 11 Aug 2011 04:17:38 GMT

Keys to the Door: Owners/operators Chris Cusack and Joey Treadway; designer Joel Mozersky; stylists/fabricators Jur and Becki Van Der Oord; chef Chandler Rothbard.
What%26rsquo;s Cooking: Those familiar not only with the scientific studies of British naturalist Charles Darwin but his personal life as well will recognize the inside reference from whence this new Houston Heights restaurant/bar/coffeehouse borrows its name. Down House was Darwin%26rsquo;s historic estate in Downe, England; here, the moniker gently connotes how a new breed of young, curious restaurant owners like Chris Cusack (who grew up in the neighborhood) see eateries evolving. And you%26rsquo;ll find that curiosity is something the 29-year-old former science teacher fosters in his patrons, too: He%26rsquo;s always open to the questions and even challenges they pose. Relying on locally sourced ingredients, the team at Down House not only takes the time to create bitters and infusions for their spirits from scratch and prepare every element of a sandwich %26agrave; la minute, but they impart the reasons why it%26rsquo;s better, for instance, to pull an impeccable espresso on their approachable but eager-to-learn waitstaff. Their aim is to offer continuous service daily, from breakfast (a feast of breakfast tacos, $3 to $4; whole-grain waffles with house-made berry syrup, $6; omelets, $9 to $10) to lunch (a chopped bibb salad artfully arranged with summer vegetables, $7; beer-braised pork belly sandwich with creamed spinach and Drunken Yodeler cheese on a pretzel roll, $10) to dinner (still to be unveiled as we go to press). 1801 Yale St. 713.864.3696; downhousehouston.com.

Image: Photo by Jenny Antill.

Restaurant Buzz

Thu, 11 Aug 2011 04:03:52 GMT

Oscar Aguilar, co-owner of the Decco Caf%26eacute; in the Decorative Center of Houston, opens a tapas-style restaurant called Convivio just off Washington Avenue with Madrid native Marta Vina later this summer. The 4,200-square-foot space will be tweaked by designer Jay Clues of Studio Forma, who worked on the revamp of Grille 5115 at Saks %26hellip; For those who look forward to the healthful fare as much as the pampering at Lake Austin Spa Resort in Austin, we have big news. After more than two decades with the spa, chef Terry Conlan has retired. He%26rsquo;s passed his knives on to French-born chef St%26eacute;phane Beaucamp, who will pay mind to luminaries such as Michel Gu%26eacute;rard, founding father of cuisine minceur. Spa cuisine sans butter and cream shouldn%26rsquo;t be too much of a challenge, given all the grass-fed meats, fish, organic fruits and vegetables Beaucamp has to play with %26hellip; Check out Jeni Britton Bauer%26rsquo;s new cookbook, Jeni%26rsquo;s Splendid Ice Creams at Home (Artisan Books, 2011, $23.95). The owner of 10 small-batch scoop shops, she%26rsquo;ll teach an ice cream class at Houston%26rsquo;s Central Market Tuesday, August 9 %26hellip;Think narrowing down your choices on a menu is challenging? Try picking just one burger from more than 312,000 options at The Counter Custom Built Burgers! This better-built-burger concept %26mdash; already a hit on Washington Avenue %26mdash; opens in the Woodlands (9595 Six Pines Drive) this month. Build your own, or select a hormone- and antibiotic-free, freshly ground Angus, turkey, veggie or grilled chicken option, with the requisite go-withs, from fries to hand-scooped shakes %26hellip; Football fans, take note: Soon you%26rsquo;ll have your own Texans-themed sports bar. The G.R.E.A.T Grill Group (G3) is constructing an 11,000-square-foot grill in CityCentre; the as-yet-unnamed eatery will likely open in November on the second floor (with 4,000 square feet of outdoor dining space, too) next to Eddie V%26rsquo;s %26hellip; According to Joey Galluzzi%26rsquo;s Facebook page, the man who gained fame on NBC%26rsquo;s America%26rsquo;s Next Great Restaurant last spring has moved to Houston to open his casual Italian meatball concept Saucy Balls. It was innocently named by his young daughter, but Galluzzi caught a lot of flack for that moniker, so he%26rsquo;s changed it to Brooklyn Meatball Company, with plans to debut in Midtown this October %26hellip; Mariquita Combes, owner of La Villette Catering at 1716 Bissonnet, is transforming her commercial catering kitchen and office into a gourmet storefront with designer Ferenc Dreef. Her new concept, La Villette Shop, will debut at the end of September, serving take-out fare, preserves and other home-baked goods, and cakes for special occasion cakes, to order.

Relish Fine Foods

Thu, 11 Aug 2011 03:58:54 GMT

Keys to the Door: Owner Addie D%26rsquo;Agostino; chef Dustin Teague, pastry chef Julie Hewitt.
What%26rsquo;s Cooking: She had us at the name. For a neighborhood gourmet market with that on-trend slow-food bent, %26ldquo;Relish%26rdquo; certainly has a great ring to it, don%26rsquo;t you think? Its hip 24-year-old proprietress, Addie D%26rsquo;Agostino (whose mother, Diane D%26rsquo;Agostino, owns Houston-based Elegant Edibles), is a French Culinary Institute grad who also designed the sleek interiors, with Carrara marble counters, clean white cubbies and chrome wire shelving, %26agrave; la Dean %26amp; Deluca. Here, prepared salads and marvelous baked goodies, as well as an edited selection of specialty items and basic pantry staples, take center stage. Buzz in for lunch to go from 11 am to 2:30 pm and grab a jalape%26ntilde;o pimento cheese sandwich or Dijon shrimp salad spread between slices of local Slow Dough bread ($4.50 to $10). There are entr%26eacute;e salads, too, such as a refreshing watermelon, tomato and feta concoction ($8.15) and a Texas steak salad with jicama and black-bean corn salsa ($10), plus a chilled case full of market sides you can order by the small scoop or buy in volume and serve later to your hungry brood at home. The menu, which often changes weekly, is posted online and will soon feature dinner selections such as lemon thyme roast chicken you can order ahead and fetch on your way home from work. Staying true to the community, she%26rsquo;s also brought in Way Back When dairy, including low-heat-pasteurized milk and butter (as close to European raw as the USDA will let farmers get), Houston Dairymaids cheeses, Al Marcus bacon and Greenway Coffee and Tea. 3951 San Felipe, 713.599.1960; relishhouston.com.

Image: Addie D'Agostino. Photo by Julie Sofer.

Petite Sweets

Wed, 10 Aug 2011 06:49:06 GMT

Keys to the Door: Owners Lee Ellis, pastry chef Susan Molzan, Carl Eaves, Lance Fegen and Steve Rodgers.
What%26rsquo;s Baking: Skipping dessert? Bite your tongue! For those who love to read a menu backwards, surveying the sweet endings first, the name Susan Molzan is quite familiar. This grand pastry dame (of Ruggles fame), who first brought Houston marvelously rich, moist, towering layer cakes and comforting white chocolate macadamia nut bread pudding, has been playing around with sweets of a more diminutive size lately. Working with concepteur Lee Ellis and the gang, she debuts her dessert shop, Petite Sweets, early this month. Molzan has been baking away in this sliver of a space on West Alabama (formerly Blueberry Hill Yogurt), whipping up cake balls, whoopie pies, sophisticated French macaroons, cupcakes, cookie-jar favorites and portable sweets. Want to relive those bygone days of chasing down the Good Humor ice cream truck and road-tripping to Dairy Queen? Molzan and her team will also offer unctuous soft-serve, frozen custard with her own upscale version of homemade Belgium chocolate dipped cones, as well as espresso and cappuccino. The invitingly cool space, gleaming with high-gloss white counters edged with exposed birch wood and touches of marble and stainless steel, allows you to sit and rest for a few moments or take your guilty pleasures with you. 2700 W. Alabama, 713.520.7007; petitesweetsinfo.com.

Image: Photo by Jack Thompson.

Restaurant Buzz

Thu, 07 Jul 2011 03:33:04 GMT

It%26rsquo;s hot. You%26rsquo;re famished. What to do? Make stops at each of these fresh spots for noshing. First up, Jonathon%26rsquo;s in Oak Cliff, where chef-owner Jonathon Erdeljac serves breakfast all day in the former Beckley%26rsquo;s Brewhouse digs. Early birds and late-risers will go crazy for his clever breakfast twists %26mdash; think pancake-battered sausage links dubbed %26ldquo;Danger Dogs%26rdquo; %26mdash; with eclectic Americana eats such as the fowl burger with pickled onions and provolone and a craveable, cheese-burger-French-fry soup, served strictly on Wednesdays. Jump the Trinity River to 1111 N. Beckley or click to jonathonsoakcliff.com %26hellip; Our next two tips call Lower Greenville home: For Pan-Asian cuisine with a Korean emphasis, make tracks to Rohst Fresh Marinade Grill, opening this month at 2817 Greenville Avenue. Here, the draw is Rohst%26rsquo;s fresh ingredients, enhanced by handcrafted sauces and grilled to healthy perfection. What to have? The seared-tuna salad and the tropical-mango chicken. Look before you go at rohstdallas.com. Also on the Lower Greenville gourmet scene: Company Caf%26eacute;, the just-opened eatery where organic, grass-fed and gluten-free are the culinary buzzwords. We%26rsquo;re all for CC%26rsquo;s wholesome offerings, including the cage-free omelet served with farm-fresh cheese and a gluten-free bagel and the %26ldquo;Deep Bowl,%26rdquo; packed with grass-fed beef and sweet-potato hash, topped with avocado and eggs any style. For all the fare, get thee to 2217 Greenville Avenue or companycafe.net %26hellip; We%26rsquo;ll admit, we%26rsquo;ve ordered our fair share of Pho %26mdash; the savory Vietnamese soup known for curing the most splitting, champagne-caused headaches. Now, there%26rsquo;s a new downtown locale at which to order that famous %26ldquo;Hangover Soup,%26rdquo; as Pho Colonial (can you guess the specialty, here?) opens its second location, this month, at 1623 Main Street in the Wilson Building at Stanley Market Square. In addition to authentic, East Asian dishes %26mdash; don%26rsquo;t leave without trying B%26uacute;n, an entr%26eacute;e of vermicelli noodles with a choice of grilled meats %26mdash;%26nbsp;there%26rsquo;s plenty to sip on, too, from Vietnamese coffees to bubble teas and sake. Will we see you there on our foggy mornings after? %26hellip; Fromage fans are raving over the Texas entr%26eacute;e of Murray%26rsquo;s Cheese, with the recent opening of its in-store cheese shops at local Kroger markets. (The closest Kroger pop-up to us being at 5665 East Mockingbird Lane.) Why Murray%26rsquo;s rings a bell? The fromagerie first opened its doors in Greenwich Village in 1940 and has since won rave reviews from foodie experts from Emeril Lagasse to Martha Stewart Living. With 175 types of cheese and more than 300 specialty foods to shop, it%26rsquo;s very scrumptious news for those pursuing a caramelly Gouda or a buttery Bucheron. For more, click murrayscheese.com/kroger.asp.

Brasserie 19

Wed, 06 Jul 2011 07:59:33 GMT

Keys to the Door: Owners Grant Cooper and Charles Clark; chef Antoine Ware; managing partner Shawn Virene.
What%26rsquo;s on the Menu: Quickly sliding into the hot spot on West Gray that Tony Mandola vacated in January on his way to Waugh, Charles Clark and Grant Cooper (owners of Ibiza and Catalan, which is soon to be revamped as Coppa) started implementing the plans they%26rsquo;ve been tinkering with for more than a year. In the hands of interior designer Julie McGarr, Brasserie 19 is a gorgeous, sophisticated environ awash in tones of dove gray with Carrara marble surfaces, bistro-apropos nylon rattan chairs and what appears to be hardwoods laid in a chevron pattern underfoot (but it%26rsquo;s actually linoleum). Terribly chic! Lining the walls are cozy gray banquettes where you can sit and spy bartenders mixing up martinis and chefs shucking fresh shellfish. The name %26mdash; a play on the area%26rsquo;s zip code %26mdash; invites a clubby mix from the 19, 27, 98, 05 and 06 to swing in and join the crowds who%26rsquo;ve mobbed the place since the doors swung open. Yes, it%26rsquo;s true: The place is quite noisy, but after our visits Cooper says they%26rsquo;ve installed acoustic tiles to bring a bit of a hush over the room. Brasserie 19 serves up modern French brasserie dishes with an American twist%26nbsp; %26mdash; and perhaps even Spanish, Michael? That magnificent grilled octopus app with fingerling potato, red chili
and garlic pur%26eacute;e ($14) seemed straight from Barcelona. We adored the fris%26eacute;e and watercress salad dotted with Texas figs and a local blue cheese ($13) and were wowed by the presentation of the Bouchot mussels bathed in Belgian ale and mustard with andouille, presented in a cast-iron Staub covered casserole ($15). But the Brasserie 19 steak frites ($38), which one might guess would be a highlight, screamed out for a punch of seasoning to both the steak%26rsquo;s surface and the frites, while the accompanying aioli wasn%26rsquo;t robust enough to offset the lapse in the dish%26rsquo;s flavor. But brighten up: The apple galette ($9) for dessert was a winner %26mdash; just give us more ice cream to gobble up with each scrumptious caramel apple-covered bite. 1962 W. Gray, River Oaks Shopping Center, 713.524.1919; brasserie19.com.

Arturo Boada Cuisine

Wed, 06 Jul 2011 07:55:56 GMT

Keys to the Door: Chef/owner Arturo Boada.
What%26rsquo;s on the Menu: If there is one chef in town who makes quick friends of a stranger, it%26rsquo;s Arturo Boada. Reserve a table at any of the restaurants he%26rsquo;s owned over the years %26mdash; including his latest, Arturo Boada Cuisine near the Memorial Villages off Voss %26mdash; and he%26rsquo;s likely, if you ask sweetly, to make you a fresh clam pizza like the one you fell in love with in New Haven. Or text you when he hasn%26rsquo;t seen you in a while, imploring you to stop in for a snapper al fresco. And you%26rsquo;ll be glad you did. Boada is more than simply proficient at creating dishes with an Italian, Latin, French or Spanish spin; his food reverberates with flavor. The menu at his new eponymous neighborhood eatery plays like a list of his greatest hits and includes a zesty m%26eacute;lange of saut%26eacute;ed shrimp with hearts of palm, tomato and sweet plantains with a soy-ginger sauce ($12.50), while his three-bite fish tacos with a serrano garlic sauce ($10.50) tease your palate for what is to come next. Beef lovers will relish his beautifully cooked and seasoned grilled filet center cut paired with fresh sliced tomatoes, Roquefort and fried onion strips tossed with a hint of truffle oil ($29.50). Pastas tempt, such as his Rigatoni with grilled chicken, sweet peas, mushrooms and prosciutto in a suga rosa sauce ($18.50) and his Mama Sonia%26rsquo;s chicken porcini ravioli napped in a caper white wine sauce and topped with luxurious lump crabmeat ($21.50). And don%26rsquo;t forget those pizzas shoveled straight from the scorching brick oven. Best yet, you%26rsquo;ll find Boada himself behind the range most every day of the week, putting out the kind of fun, casual food he%26rsquo;s passionate about and his loyalists crave. 6510 Del Monte, 713.782.3011.

Image: Arturo Boada. Photography jack Thompson.

Olive %26 Vine

Wed, 06 Jul 2011 07:48:59 GMT

Keys to the Door: Owners Wayde and Susan Burt.
Stocked Goods: As food consumers get more discriminating, thankfully shops such as Olive %26amp; Vine are following suit, filling a longing we didn%26rsquo;t realize we had until the moment we stroll in the door. Former herb farmers Susan and Wayde Burt, who worked with the late Sol Meltzer (aka %26ldquo;The Herb Man,%26rdquo; as Houston%26rsquo;s old-guard chefs fondly recall), have created a boutique dedicated to nearly nothing but extra virgin olive oil and aged balsamic vinegars. Not as concerned with an EVOO%26rsquo;s country of origin as they are with myriad elements of its flavor profile, they stock 19 olive oils, some pure and some flavored, each pressed within 24 hours of harvest. Housed in a stainless container called a fusti, each is stamped with the date it was crushed %26mdash; you have about a year after that date to utilize it without compromising the oil%26rsquo;s taste. When we stopped in for a tasting (they encourage liberal sniffing, dipping bread and sipping of both the balsamics and the olive oils), we enjoyed the Northern Hemisphere%26ndash;produced oils in stock. The Burts rotate their stock, which is harvested once a year, tapping out the last of the Manzanillo oil and the herbaceous Mission variety pressed late last year just as the Southern Hemisphere oils are arriving. The balsamic selections%26nbsp; are aged up to 18 years and include aromatic options such as strawberry blush, pink grapefruit and warm cinnamon pear, while infused olive oils include options such as Meyer lemon, sweet basil, savory sage and mushroom, and Tunisian Harissa. With the exception of truffle oils, both freshly poured balsamic and olive oils are priced $10 for 200 ml and $18 for 375 ml. 12848 Queensbury Lane, CityCentre, 713.468.1183; oliveandvineshop.com.

Snap Kitchen

Wed, 06 Jul 2011 05:02:56 GMT

Keys to the Door: Owner Martin Berson.
What%26rsquo;s in the Kitchen: Every New Year, like so many people, I vow to eat more healthfully. While I%26rsquo;m not scarfing down Cheetos and Taco Bell, I%26rsquo;m admittedly preoccupied with my next meal. (And, of course, dining out is an occupational perk/hazard in this line of work.) For years I%26rsquo;ve yearned to be a more conscious eater, understanding how much protein I should consume daily %26mdash; and how much salt, refined sugar and saturated fats I should not. Thanks to Snap Kitchen, I%26rsquo;m finally on my way to eating more cleanly. I took the 21-day challenge and pledged to eat nothing but Snap%26rsquo;s chef-prepared take-out fare for three weeks. The concept, which Martin Berson started last year in Austin, arrived in Houston a few months ago, including a full-time dietician. After assessing my goals, I went over their menus and chimed in with my own meal preferences. I admit, I was skeptical because I love to cook (and was even trained to do so in Paris); I loathe leftovers and take-out fare, and harbor the precept that diet/healthful food couldn%26rsquo;t possibly have enough zing to really grab me. Wrong, wrong, wrong! I found myself raving about (and then craving) Snap Kitchen%26rsquo;s peanut butter pancakes, turkey chili, chimichurri chicken, tuna Ni%26ccedil;oise salad, vegan scramble (seriously!), chicken-and-butternut-squash spaghetti, bison quinoa hash and truffled quinoa mac %26rsquo;n%26rsquo; cheese. And here%26rsquo;s the important part: I didn%26rsquo;t ever feel hungry. Thanks to two healthy in-between meals snacks daily, I nibbled on Snap War Bars (a soft granola-like treat), hummus, deviled eggs, chickpea salad, even vegetable lasagna to quell my appetite. The results: clearer skin and a sense of well-being. I managed to drop a few pounds, too. Meals and snacks range from $3 to $13; getting with the program only costs the price of the food. 3600 Kirby Dr., 713.526.5700; snapkitchen.com.

Restaurant Buzz

Thu, 26 May 2011 04:17:55 GMT

Stock up on plenty of organic totes: Grocery stores top our news this month. Firstly, we can%26rsquo;t begin to explain the magnitude of our joy over this proclamation: Trader Joe%26rsquo;s is coming to Dallas. Yes, %26rsquo;tis true, the cult grocer and purveyor of healthy and organic goodies that won%26rsquo;t put a dent in your Prada pocketbook (two-buck Chuck, anyone?)%26nbsp;has said it is %26ldquo;actively looking for sites%26rdquo; but has yet to confirm anything specific. Rumors are flying, and it%26rsquo;s anyone%26rsquo;s guess %26mdash; but since we%26rsquo;re speculating, there%26rsquo;s a recently vacated, two-story spot in West Village (think books and music) that we think would be a prime choice. In the meantime, get to know TJs at traderjoes.com. Secondly, the much-adored foodie destination Central Market is slated to open its fifth location in our fair city, this time on the southeast corner of Royal Lane and Preston Road in the former Borders space in Preston Oaks Shopping Center. We%26rsquo;re told a grand opening should happen in time for turkeys and cornucopias, but stay tuned: We%26rsquo;re tracking down the deets %26hellip; This July, Mike Karns, restaurateur and CEO of El Fenix Mexican Restaurants, is amping up the regional Mexican cuisine scene with Meso Maya, a new dining spot set to open in the former Chic From Barcelona location at Preston Road and Forest Lane. More particulars to come %26hellip; McKinney Avenue is about to get a lot healthier. Southpaw%26rsquo;s Organic Cafe, the good-for-you smoothie, salad and sandwich shop in Preston Center, will open a second location, this one next to Frankie%26rsquo;s Sports Bar and Grill. Scheduled to hit in late summer, the cafe will boast a full grill; organic beers, wines and sangr%26iacute;a; extended hours; and a patio. Ring 214.987.0351 for the Preston shop, or go to southpawscafe.com %26hellip; Margarita popsicles? Mahi tacos? Yes, please. Digg%26rsquo;s Taco Shop, planted on Hillcrest Avenue near Culwell %26amp; Son, is all about two things: tunes (there are speakers built into the booths and a mural created from cassette tapes) and tacos. Go for the torta sandwich, a concoction with caramelized Mexican bread, purple cabbage, onion and cilantro served with plantain chips, or keep it comfort-y with a chipotle-cheese hamburguesa. Rock on at 6309 Hillcrest Avenue %26hellip; If you haven%26rsquo;t yet visited The Mansion Restaurant at Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek to sample one of the decadent and artful desserts from new pastry chef Nicolas Blouin, you must get there now. Blouin%26rsquo;s resume includes spinning up confections at Las Vegas%26rsquo; Bellagio Resort %26amp; Casino under chef Jean Philippe Maury and working as the pastry chef at Aria Resort %26amp; Casino. Blouin%26rsquo;s specialties on the manse%26rsquo;s menu? A sweet, peanut-y treat made with caramelized banana, peanut streusel, caramel custard and peanut-butter ice cream and an almost-too-pretty-to-eat raspberry and vanilla cheesecake sphere with a margarita sorbet. Share a scoop or two at 2821 Turtle Creek Boulevard. Clearly, we%26rsquo;re throwing calories to the wind this month.

Image: A highly unconventional cheesecake from Nicolas Blouin, the new pastry chef at Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek.

The New Classic

Thu, 26 May 2011 02:03:40 GMT

During the grand-opening party for the new Marquee Grill %26amp; Bar in Highland Park Village, certain buzzwords were flying: landmark. Institution. Dream come true. The social swells were out in force %26mdash; the Washburnes, the Summers, the Wrubels, the Roses, the Wynnes %26mdash;%26nbsp;and the vibe was sublime. Marquee is, after all, the first restaurant to open in the historic shopping center in nearly 10 years, and that alone warrants a weighty celebration. Owner Brian Twomey %26mdash; the entrepreneur/restaurateur who revamped Marquee%26rsquo;s neighboring Village Theater and opened 2010%26rsquo;s beloved Uptown eatery, The Common Table %26mdash;%26nbsp;kept bold-named HPV frequenters in mind when crafting the concept. Ask and he%26rsquo;ll quickly tell you that this is Highland Park%26rsquo;s new dining room.%26nbsp;We concur: It is the place to see and be seen. (On just one Wednesday afternoon for lunch, we spied millionaires, a billionaire and more than one Pucci-clad socialite.) Begin your Marquee journey in the first floor%26rsquo;s monochromatic dining room with a delightful view of the open kitchen where Top Chef star Tre Wilcox and his finely tuned team of chefs rapidly produce gourmet spins on New American fare %26mdash;%26nbsp;think marinated jumbo Texas shrimp over chipotle-jack cheese grits, spice-rubbed chicken thighs in a dry-sack sherry sauce and a sinful chocolate tart topped with salty, homemade caramel popcorn. Venture upstairs and you%26rsquo;ll find mod furnishings, a sunroom anchored by a large dining table, plus a collection of artwork ranging from vintage movie posters to works by Alexander Calder. For those with beverages on the brain, mixologist Jason Kosmas (he%26rsquo;s put his mark on the sips at Neighborhood Services Tavern and Bolsa) has prepped a colorful cocktail menu for the spacious, second-story bar. Trust us: It%26rsquo;s a modern-day Mad Men vibe fit for Highland Park%26rsquo;s Don Drapers. But the real reason we%26rsquo;re in love is the patio, positioned atop the Village Theater%26rsquo;s lit marquee, hence this hot spot%26rsquo;s name. Its dynamite view of Highland Park Village and beyond is something even HPV%26rsquo;s original architect Wilbur David Cook couldn%26rsquo;t have dreamt up any better in the glamorous 1930s.

Image: Photo by Quinn Nagurney.

Revival Market

Thu, 26 May 2011 01:46:40 GMT

Keys to the Door: Co-owners Ryan Pera and Morgan Weber.
Stocked Goods: Not to be confused with your ordinary convenience store that stocks everything from Big Red to Hellmann%26rsquo;s, Revival Market is the sort of old-fangled local grocer your great-grandparents may have frequented. Here you%26rsquo;ll find out-of-the-ordinary foodstuffs such as pristine organic produce, pickles and jams, stone-milled local grains and flours, artisan olive oils and house-made vinegars, heritage meats, fresh fish and scrumptious baked goods. Situated in the Heights, this chef-driven project was conceived by chef Ryan Pera and third-generation farmer Morgan Weber to pick up where weekends-only farmers%26rsquo; markets leave off. They forage the Texas countryside within roughly a 150-mile perimeter for their uncommon food finds. Swing in here for artisan breads by Slow Dough, yummy baked goods care of Fluff Bake Bar, Hill Country cheese from Houston Dairymaids, honey harvested from as far as Montgomery and as close as the Heights, Galveston sea salt, eggs from Dustin%26rsquo;s in Weimar and Revival branded meats, which are also slow-cured in the European tradition for some of Pera%26rsquo;s prepared meals and quick bites on the run. Drop in when the doors open at 6:30 am for a latte on your way to work, or pick up a couple of luscious rib-eyes on your way home after work. We love Pera%26rsquo;s thoughtful (and delicious) sandwiches and salads, available to take out or eat in at the tiny cafe. Don%26rsquo;t miss the Andouille Banh Mi, the Revival hot dog on pretzel roll and the Market BLT. 550 Heights Blvd., 713.880.8463; revivalmarket.com.

Image: Ryan Pera and Morgan Weber.

This Just In: Katsuya by Starck

Thu, 26 May 2011 01:18:02 GMT

After much speculation and rumors, we can confirm that Katsuya by Starck will open at West Ave. The nouveau sushi concept made famous in Los Angeles, with otherworldly interiors by none other than Philippe Starck, will make its Houston debut in January 2012. Look for the edgy sushi concept, which is owned by
the SBE Group, to take residence across the street from Eddie V%26rsquo;s, on the first floor of the new Kirby/Westheimer development.

Image: Katsuya in Hollywood.

Restaurant Buzz

Thu, 26 May 2011 01:10:04 GMT

Goode Co. Taqueria, the Tex-Mex concept of Levi Goode and family, now serves breakfast. Look for the morning meal seven days a week, inspired by Goode%26rsquo;s grandmother, Nanny. Offerings include homemade breads, pecan waffles, and breakfast tacos and egg dishes with a Tex-Mex taste %26hellip; The Sweet Boutique Bakery will debut in Sugar Land%26rsquo;s Town Square early this summer. Owned by Christine and Martin Nguyen, it specializes in baked goods, custom cakes, cake pops, cupcakes and cookies galore %26hellip; Claire Smith, who opened the bustling bistro Canopy in the Montrose in late 2009, has dressed up her pretty patio. Initially, she took the outdoors in. (If you recall, the restaurant was named for the canopy of oak trees that shade the back of her house, images of which are displayed in photos adhered to sliding walls inside the eatery.) Now she%26rsquo;s done the reverse: creating stylish outdoor environs. Dine alfresco under a shaded canopy of slated wood with the breeze of fans overhead morning, noon and night. Smith has even commissioned artist Dixie Friend Gay to do an installation here, too ... Fans of Catalon might have noticed that it%26rsquo;s briefly closed. Owners Charles Clark and Grant Cooper are reinventing the space as Ristorante Coppe Italiano, opening in July %26hellip; How do you celebrate 10 years in business in Houston? If you%26rsquo;re Central Market, you host a foodie fund-raiser on Thursday, June 2, from 6:30 to 8:30 pm, to benefit Foodways Texas, a new organization founded by scholars, chefs, restaurateurs and journalists dedicated to preserving and celebrating the food lore of Texas. Tickets are $100, through centralmarket.com ... Houston%26rsquo;s oldest family-owned and -operated Tex-Mex eatery, Molina%26rsquo;s, is opening a third locale, this one in West University on Bellaire Boulevard at Weslayan. (You%26rsquo;ll recall they closed their location at Buffalo Speedway and Bissonnet in 2008 to make room for H-E-B.) Look for a fall opening %26hellip; Auctioneers David Lewis and Ernest Maese are trying their hand at the restaurant business. The duo has opened The Brownstone Caf%26eacute; in the former spot of both the Brownstone Restaurant and their own antiques and furniture store. Chef Olivier Ciesielski, formerly with Tony%26rsquo;s, is a partner and chef at the French cafe and cr%26ecirc;perie %26hellip; Mike Riccetti, a Houston writer who pens his own guide to our city%26rsquo;s dining scene, has released a digital version of Houston Dining 2011: A Guide for Visitors (and Most Locals, Too) through Amazon%26rsquo;s Kindle Store.

Image: Canopy.

Home as Castle

Thu, 28 Apr 2011 03:52:37 GMT

Perhaps the most popular happening along this coastal retreat is the annual Historic Homes Tour, a preservation-centered fund-raiser now in its 37th year, benefitting the Galveston Historical Foundation. Held over two consecutive weekends in May, the trek peers into nine privately owned mansions and cottages ranging in age from 87 to 140 years old. May 7 and 8, May 14 and 15, 10 am to 6 pm; tickets $20 in advance, $25 during tour weekends; galvestonhistory.org.

Image: Joseph Goldstein House, 1898, at 1815 Sealy

Walk This Way

Thu, 28 Apr 2011 03:51:09 GMT

All collectors have Galveston on their radar when the perennially popular ArtWalk unfurls every four to six weeks, organized by the Galveston Arts Center. A 20-year tradition that has swelled to 16 venues, galleries to other walls, the ArtWalk centers around the Strand, Postoffice and neighboring streets. Eagle-eyed curator Clint Willour always organizes a stellar show at GAC; make the Center your stop this month because of Galveston artist Ann Wood%26rsquo;s solo, %26ldquo;Garnish,%26rdquo; which serves up a buoyant take on nature brimming with
sexy, molten surfaces (GAC, 2501 Market St. at 25th, through June 5), followed by Saturday, June 11%26rsquo;s ArtWalk. Info contemporaryartgalveston.org.

Image: Ann Wood%26rsquo;s Layer Cake (detail), 2011, at Galveston Arts Center

Architectural Accolades

Thu, 28 Apr 2011 03:49:57 GMT

It%26rsquo;s rare, if not unprecedented, for a contemporary community to be included in a historical home tour. Until Beachtown, that is. Galveston%26rsquo;s master-planned collection of charming coastal villages %26mdash; designed by Duany Plater-Zyberk %26amp; Company, famed for planning Seaside, Florida %26mdash; is a nationally touted and shining example of the American architectural movement known as New Urbanism. This spring, Beachtown is once again featured on the Galveston Historical Foundation%26rsquo;s Historic Homes Tour. Included are newly completed Townhomes and Lofts for Beachtown%26rsquo;s Town Center, which are distinguished by nods to Galveston%26rsquo;s rich architectural heritage including coastal vernacular, Victorian and Greek Revival styles, exemplified by elements such as pleasing porches and decks, pitched roofs and simple, straightforward and strategically sound materials. Galveston Historical Foundation director Dwayne Jones states, %26ldquo;Beachtown is an exceptional new development that uses traditional island building forms as the basis of its design syntax. The developers and architects show a special sensitivity to our environment and history, making it a natural addition to our 37th annual homes tour.%26rdquo; May 7 and 8, May 14 and 15; galvestonhistory.org.

Image: Beachtown

Here’s Looking at You, Hotel Galvez

Thu, 28 Apr 2011 03:48:40 GMT

The date: June 10, 1911. Businessmen pooled their resources to create a symbol of Galveston%26rsquo;s resilience following the Great Storm of 1900 and opened the Hotel Galvez. Now, 100 years later, the hotel once again steps up its game with an $11 million renovation, complete with updated guest rooms and a brand-new outdoor space, Centennial Green. The hotel has been celebrating all year with monthly events that are open to the public. This month, bathing beauties will descend upon Galveston%26rsquo;s shores for a Centennial Salute to Hotel Galvez%26rsquo;s vintage swimsuit competition (Saturday, May 21, 2 pm). Next month, check out the 100th Anniversary Celebration Weekend (Friday through Sunday, June 10 through 12), with activities ranging from flamenco dancers to live entertainment and fireworks over the Gulf of Mexico. Brush up on your history beforehand with Hotel Galvez: Queen of the Gulf by Gary Cartwright (Mitchell Historic Properties, $39.95), a 131-page book perfect for your coffee table, available at the Hotel Galvez gift shop; hotelgalvez100.com.

Sea to See

Thu, 28 Apr 2011 03:12:09 GMT

From East to West Beach, the Strand to the Seawall, Gaido%26rsquo;s to the Galvez, the fabled classics to the sleek and new, here is your guide to all things Galveston.

WHERE TO EAT

Bistro LeCroy
2021 Strand
409.762.4200
This Strand-area Cajun hot spot is in full swing after an extensive remodel.

The Black Pearl
23rd %26amp; Market St.
409.762.7299
This downtown oyster bar, newly opened by restaurateur Rudy Betancourt, has an extensive menu ranging from seafood to rib-eyes and pork chops.

Cafe Michael Burger
11150 Termini San Luis Pass Road
409.740.3639
Best burgers at the beach. Wash them down with a cold German brew.

DiBella%26rsquo;s Italian Restaurant
1902 31st St.
409.763.9036
Locals keep this casual Italian kitchen crowded on Friday nights.

Eatcetera
408 25th St.
409.762.0803
eatcetera.net
Head downtown for gourmet sandwiches, paninis and salads.
%26nbsp;
Fish Tales
2502 Seawall Blvd.
409.762.8545
fishtalesgalveston.com
After you catch some rays on the beach, grab a bite at this beachfront seafood stop. It%26rsquo;s the best spot to watch the Fourth of July fireworks %26mdash; if you can get there early enough to reserve a table.

Gaido%26rsquo;s
3802 Seawall Blvd.
409.762.9625
gaidosofgalveston.com
An Island institution serving up surf-side seafood since 1911.

Gumbo Bar
2105 Postoffice St.
409.744.8626
True to its name, the Gumbo Bar offers delicious Cajun cuisine, complemented by an impressive beer and wine list.

The Lunchbox Cafe
213 23rd St.
409.770.0044
thelunchboxcafegalveston.com
Has your lunchbox ever looked this good? Fresh ingredients hand-picked from the farmers%26rsquo; market come together to create an international menu of sandwiches and salads.

Mosquito Cafe
628 14th St.
409.763.1010
mosquitocafe.com
Tucked away in the historic East End, this cafe is a must for trendy salads, sandwiches and pasta. Save room for dessert: The lemonade cake is to die for.
%26nbsp;
901 Postoffice
901 Postoffice St.
409.762.1111
This new culinary-fusion restaurant is located in a historic home with a covered salon and back patio.

Olympia Grill at Pier 21
21st %26amp; Harborside Dr.
409.765.0021
olympiapier21.com
This stylish dining spot serves Gulf Coast seafood and an excellent harbor view. (For Greek dishes, visit sister property Olympia Grill on the Seawall, 4908 Seawall Boulevard.)

PattyCakes Bakery
704 14th St.
409.762.2537
pattycakesgalveston.com
A sweet new creation by the brains behind the popular Mosquito Cafe, PattyCakes serves breakfast and lunch, along with French bread and a whole array of fantastic pastries.

Rudy %26amp; Paco
2028 Postoffice St.
409.762.3696
Leave the flip-flops and shorts at the beach house when dining at this Latin-inspired seafood and steak house.

Shearn%26rsquo;s Restaurant
7 Hope Blvd.
409.741.8484
moodygardenshotel.com
Grab dinner or just a drink at this top-floor restaurant for spectacular views of the pyramids of Moody Gardens and the sunset.

Shrimp n Stuff
34th Blvd. at Ave. O
409.763.2805
shrimpnstuff.com
A local favorite for more than 30 years, this Galveston institution has been recommended by Zagat%26rsquo;s Restaurant Survey.

ShyKatZ Deli %26amp; Bakery
1528 Ave L
409.770.0500
shykatzdeli.com
ShyKatZ uses old family recipes to create a scrumptious breakfast and lunch menu.

The Sunflower Bakery and Caf%26eacute;
512 14th St.
409.763.5500
thesunflowerbakeryandcafe.com
This sweet bakery, housed in a historic building on the East End, serves savory soups and sandwiches for lunch and Sunflower%26rsquo;s famous Belgian waffles for brunch. Check the Web site for delicious Saturday dinner specials.

Willie G%26rsquo;s
2100 Harbor Side
409.762.3030
williegs.com/galveston
This steak-and-seafood spot on the harbor side of the island has a whole new look. The remodeled contemporary interior offers great views of the ships rolling in.

FOR SIPPING COCKTAILS

Bar None at Diamond Beach
10327 FM 3005
832.573.6456
diamondbeachgalveston.com
Sleek and modern, Bar None is in the elegant Diamond Beach mid-rise on West Beach.

Old Quarter Acoustic Cafe
413 20th St.
409.762.9199
oldquarteracousticcafe.com
Cut loose with a Lone Star to live music at the Old Quarter, which is reminiscent of Austin in the %26rsquo;60s and %26rsquo;70s.

The Poop Deck
2928 Seawall Blvd.
409.763.9151
This legendary biker pub has a full bar, televised sports and a deck overlooking the Gulf.

Rooftop Terrace at The Tremont House
2300 Ship%26rsquo;s Mechanic Row
409.763.0300
wyndhamtremonthouse.com
This hot spot on the roof of the historic Strand-area hotel debuts a new look this summer, with a lounge-like atmosphere. Enjoy a cool cocktail and a view of downtown at the only rooftop bar in town.

Sonny%26rsquo;s Place
1206 19th St.
409.763.9602
Head to this dive to enjoy a cold mug of root beer and the best chili dogs in town.

21
2102 Postoffice St.
409.762.2101
You%26rsquo;ll find plenty of cocktails and a cover band every weekend at this hip downtown bar.

WHERE TO BOOK A NIGHT

Hotel Galvez
2024 Seawall Blvd.
409.765.7721
wyndham.com/hotels/GLSHG/main.wnt
Dubbed %26ldquo;The Queen of the Gulf%26rdquo; when it debuted in 1911, this historic property just completed the final phase of a stunning renovation in celebration of its 100th year. Centennial festivities occur every month this year. Stick around on Sunday for a spectacular brunch at Bernardo%26rsquo;s.

San Luis Resort
5222 Seawall Blvd.
409.744.1500
sanluisresort.com
This 30-acre luxury resort has multiple fine-dining options, bars, spa, tennis courts and the best pool experience on the island, H2O.

The Tremont House
2300 Ship%26rsquo;s Mechanic Row
409.763.0300
wyndhamtremonthouse.com
This historic downtown European-style hotel, just steps from the Strand, recently reopened after an extensive renovation post-Hurricane Ike.
%26nbsp;

FOR LONGER THAN A NIGHT

Beachtown
630 Beachtown Dr.
409.762.2222
beachtowngalveston.com
This charming residential beach village, reminiscent of Seaside, leases several of its properties. Contact the sales office for more details.

Diamond Beach
10327 FM 3005
409.744.3020
diamondbeachgalveston.com
This elegant West Beach mid-rise residential property has a spa and Bar None, Galveston%26rsquo;s first beach bar. However, if you%26rsquo;re longing for the magnificent outdoor lazy-river pools and the only indoor pool of its kind (designed with inspiration from Turkish baths), you%26rsquo;ll need To own a condo %26mdash; or at least rent one.

Palisade Palms
801 E. Beach Dr.
409.974.4635
palisadepalms.com
This luxury high-rise twin-tower property on East Beach has condos for lease on a weekly basis, starting at $1,850 a week. Choose from six floor plans and gain access to the resort-style amenities, including beautiful pools, tennis court, bicycles and a private boardwalk to the beach.

Sand N%26rsquo; Sea Properties
4127 Pirates Beach
409.797.5500
sandnsea.com
Sand N%26rsquo; Sea leases beach houses for a week, weekend or month, with properties ranging from luxury three-story houses on the beach to more modest abodes along the canals.

SHOPPING

Bogan Gallery
2217 Postoffice St.
409.765.1711
bogangallery.com
Arts maven Susie Bogan curates an eclectic panoply of Texas greats. Best bets: painter Kelly Alison, whose canvases are populated with ab ex avians; Pop woodworker Chris Hedrick; and Martha Terrill of the exquisite medievalist mixed medias.

Buchanan Gallery
220 25th St.
409.763.8683
buchanangallery.com
This art gallery is an island favorite, representing emerging and mid-career artists from the Gulf Coast region.
%26nbsp;
Col. Bubbies
2202 Strand St.
409.762.7397
colbubbie.com
Even non-military buffs will get a kick perusing these extensive racks of wartime memorabilia, all for sale.

Collectors Gallery
2222 Postoffice St.
409.750.0092
Shopping for the person who has everything? Check out Collectors Gallery, with 52 booths carrying everything from antiques to art to furnishings.

Couteux Couture
2021 Strand
409.763.3000
Own a piece of Galveston history and look fabulous doing so! This former upscale women%26rsquo;s store reopened after Ike to incorporate one-of-a-kind vintage clothing and accessories in its repertoire.

The Frog at Home
2701 Broadway
409.762.3764
frogathome.com
The popular Houston home store also has a showroom in Galveston, where you can shop for unique home furnishings, window treatments, rugs and art to fill your weekend retreat.

Galveston Art %26amp; Frames
1126 19th St.
409.762.3628
Wonderful old posters and vintage prints of Galveston.

Hamrock Interiors
2120 Postoffice St.
409.766.7030
hamrock-interiors.com
Designer Tim Hamrock has fashioned home interiors all over the world. His interior design
firm maintains this 2,000-square-foot showroom filled with furnishings and accessories.
Open to the public.

Head to Footsies
2211 Strand
409.762.2727
stores.headtofootsies.com
Head to Footsies for everything from everyday casual to evening attire and shoes.

Hendley Market
2010 Strand
409.762.2610
hendleymarket.com
A mainstay on the Strand for more than 30 years. Pick up trinkets and gifts inspired by the Victorian surroundings, as well as antique medical instruments, vintage books, and nativities and santons from around the globe.

La King%26rsquo;s Confectionery
2323 Strand
409.762.6100
Stop in for a milkshake at the 1920s soda fountain. On your way out, handpick a selection of divinity, pecan pralines, fudge or La King%26rsquo;s famous saltwater taffy, all made in-house on vintage equipment.

Murdoch%26rsquo;s Bathhouse
2215 Seawall Blvd.
409.762.7478
Galveston%26rsquo;s most historic shop for souvenir shirts and seashells was back up and running only a year after Ike reduced it to a stack of wood pilings.

PeckArts Gallery
2208 Postoffice St.
409.621.1500
peckarts.com
Located at the entrance to Urban Lofts, this charming gallery is home to nationally exhibited Jennifer Peck%26rsquo;s droll painted and collaged panels that offer an ode to the pleasures of island life.

Ren%26eacute; Wiley Studio Gallery
2128 Postoffice St.
409.750.9077
renewileyart.com
Stop by this art gallery for one of artist Dale Hooks%26rsquo; bowls carved from %26ldquo;Ike Wood,%26rdquo; which is what the locals dub the 10,000-plus
trees cut down after the hurricane.
%26nbsp;%26nbsp;%26nbsp;
Robyn Pandolph Design Studio
2214 Postoffice St.
409.765.5772
robynpandolph.com
This sweet shop stocks quilter and designer Robyn Pandolph%26rsquo;s fabric collections, Lisa Stickley bags, Indian sari quilts, home decor books, dishes, antlers and more.

The Style Co.
701 14th St.
409.750.8842
Chic and edgy, this new addition to the East End carries contemporary fashion for the modern local.

Tangerine Boutique
515 25th St.
409.763.7113
Tangerine Boutique caters to locals and weekenders with a variety of name brands and a cool California vibe. Jeans, dresses and accessories make this a one-stop beach shop.

Tina%26rsquo;s
2326 Strand
409.762.6816
tinasonthestrand.com
Don%26rsquo;t let the name change fool you: This eclectic shop, formerly called Maggie%26rsquo;s, still carries covetable bath products, clothing and gifts.

Vic%26rsquo;s Estate and Fine Jewelry
2413 Market St.
409.762.5792
vicsjewelry.com
Shop for vintage jewelry and antique silver at Vic%26rsquo;s, a Galveston tradition for more than 80 years.

The Witchery
2116 Postoffice St.
409.515.0669
witcheryonline.com
This magical boutique sells books, gifts and potions pertaining to the metaphysical.

SPAS

Chocolate Spa at Diamond Beach
10327 FM 3005
409.740.2462
diamondbeachgalveston.com
The 4,000-square-foot luxury Chocolate Spa at Diamond Beach is a full-service day spa with indoor hot therapy pool, aromatherapy, mani-pedis, facials and more.

The Spa at Hotel Galvez
2024 Seawall Blvd.
409.515.2100
thespaatthehotelgalvez.com
This luxe spa alone %26mdash; with its top-notch treatments, vichy shower and relaxation room %26mdash; is worth a drive to the Island.

Spa San Luis
5222 Seawall Blvd.
409.744.1500
sanluisresort.com
Massage, buff and polish your worries away at the%26nbsp; full-service spa at the posh San Luis Resort.

SIGHTS TO SEE

1892 Bishop%26rsquo;s Palace
1402 Broadway
409.762.2475
galvestonhistory.org
The ch%26acirc;teauesque home of railroad magnate Walter Gresham, completed in 1892, is open for private and public tours. Don%26rsquo;t miss the one-of-a-kind finds in
the gift shop.

The Elissa
Texas Seaport Museum
Harborside Dr.
409.763.1877
galvestonhistory.org
Restored to her former glory, this three-masted barque speaks to Galveston%26rsquo;s port-ly past. Tour the decks, then visit the adjoining museum to learn about the sailing ship%26rsquo;s past and her amazing rescue from a scrapyard.

Galveston Arts Center
2501 Market
409.763.2403
contemporaryartgalveston.org
In temporary digs at the former Maceo%26rsquo;s Spice %26amp; Import, GAC is raising funds for its return to the landmark 1878 First National Bank Building. Attend its Sunset Buffet Sunday, May 15, at a private home, to support the Center%26rsquo;s programming. Tickets or donations, alex@galvestonartscenter.org.

Galveston Railroad Museum
2602 Santa Fe Place
409.765.5700
galvestonrrmuseum.com
The largest railroad museum in the Southwest reopened in March for the first time since Ike destroyed it in 2008. Explore railcars and the original Santa Fe Union Station waiting room. The fully interactive museum also boasts the largest collection of railroad dining ware
in the States.

The Grand 1894 Opera House
2020 Postoffice St.
409.763.7173
thegrand.com
Listed in the National Register of Historic Places, this beautifully restored theater sets the stage for a lively arts season. This month, the schedule includes A Conversation with Shirley MacLaine (May 1), Steve Tyrell in concert (May 6 %26ndash; 7) and the return of the percussive phenomenon Stomp (May 13 %26ndash; 15).

Hall of History at the Hotel Galvez
2024 Seawall Blvd.
409.765.7721
Peruse the intricate history of
both Galveston Island and the Hotel Galvez. Exhibitions are free to the public.

Lone Star Flight Museum
2002 Terminal Dr.
409.740.7722
lsfm.org
Now boarding %26mdash; no, literally: Not only does this museum provide public viewing of a wonderful collection of all things aeronautical, but it boasts vintage bomber planes you can both pilot and fly in.

Moody Mansion
2618 Broadway
409.762.7668
moodymansion.org
The 1895 homestead of the Moody family. A 20-room tour of the towering structure reveals the home life of a powerful Texas family (namesake of nearby Moody Gardens).

Rosenberg Library
2310 Sealy St.
409.763.8854
rosenberg-library.org
This spectacular library, which houses the Galveston Archives, is in the final phase of its largest renovation in the library%26rsquo;s history. The 107-year-old library is set
to have new walls, floors,
windows, lighting fixtures and
air conditioning.

FUN FOR KIDS

25th Annual AIA SandCastle Competition
June 4, 8:30 am to 5 pm
Galveston East Beach%26nbsp;
1923 Boddeker
aiasandcastle.com
Giant sandcastles and sculptures %26hellip; need we say more? The Houston Chapter of the American Institute of Architects puts its best to the test as more than 60 teams of architects, designers and engineers compete for the Gold Bucket Award in one of the world%26rsquo;s largest sandcastle competitions.

Galveston Duck Tours
2500 Seawall Blvd.
409.621.4771
galvestonducks.com
Treat the kiddos to a tour of
Galveston on The Duck. Destinations include Offatt%26rsquo;s Bayou, the Seawall and drive-bys of the Island%26rsquo;s 1900s mansions, Strand shopping district and the %26ldquo;Silk Stockings%26rdquo; historical homes district.

Moody Gardens
One Hope Blvd.
800.582.4673
moodygardens.com
This Island attraction is mega-fun. Following a $25 million renovation, the Rainforest Pyramid reopens
this month, revealing a brand-
new interactive exhibit.
Where else can you visit a rainforest, an aquarium and
see an IMAX film, all in one day?
%26nbsp;
Rainforest Cafe
5310 Seawall Blvd.
409.744.6000
rainforestcafe.com
What child doesn%26rsquo;t cheer for Rainforest Cafe? The Galveston outpost is next door to the
San Luis Resort.

Schlitterbahn
2026 Lockheed St.
409.770.9283
schlitterbahn.com/gal
Daring speeds, slides, endless rivers, uphill water coasters and waves for surfing and splashing.

COMING ATTRACTIONS

Fort Crockett Park
Funded by Kroger and Sun Chips, this exciting new urban park will be located on Seawall Boulevard. Set to open mid-summer 2011.
Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier
Combining the Santa Monica Pier and his own Kemah Boardwalk, Tilman Fertitta of Landry%26rsquo;s, Inc., is creating Galveston Island%26rsquo;s Historic Pleasure Pier. The nostalgically themed amusement park will take the place of the old Flagship Hotel%26rsquo;s pier, which was damaged by Ike.

Disney Cruises to Sail out of Galveston
Beginning September 2012,
the ship Disney Magic will set
sail for the Caribbean from Galveston%26rsquo;s own harbor. Book
your trip today at dclnews.com.

FOR A BEACH PAD OF YOUR OWN

Beachtown
630 Beachtown Dr.
409.762.2222
beachtowngalveston.com
This charming residential community on East Beach is redolent of Seaside, Florida, and architecturally follows that classic coastal vernacular. There are several villages with fabulous homes, and a Beach Club is planned. Town homes and lofts are above the general store, market, creamery, restaurants and coffee shops.
%26nbsp;
Diamond Beach
10327 FM 3005
409.744.3020
diamondbeachgalveston.com
This elegant mid-rise has 22 floor plans and 120 beach-view homes on West Beach, behind the Galveston Seawall. Amenities: private beach, outdoor river-like pool, Turkish bath%26ndash;inspired indoor pool, day spa, private movie theater, teen and children%26rsquo;s rooms, fitness center and concierge.

Palisade Palms
801 East Beach Dr.
409.497.4115
palisadepalms.com
This luxury high-rise twin-tower property on East Beach has 288 homes and is the first residential high-rise to be built on the beach in more than five years. Amenities: infinity pool, tennis court, game and media lounge, roof terrace and a private boardwalk to the beach.

The Man Who Saved Galveston

Thu, 28 Apr 2011 03:10:45 GMT

More than any living person, George Mitchell and his late wife, Cynthia, are responsible for preserving the Island%26rsquo;s storied past, restoring its extraordinary built environment and injecting new life into the fabled city of firsts (as in, Texas%26rsquo; first city to have electricity and telephone). Catherine D. Anspon sits down with the incomparable oil man %26mdash; a force still, in his 90s %26mdash; considers his legacy and asks what%26rsquo;s next for his birthplace.

How is Galveston interwoven into your family history?
My parents both came from Greece, and I was born on the island along with my brothers and sisters ... I lived [when I was growing up] right behind the Buccaneer Hotel. We had an apartment right above the hotel%26rsquo;s restaurant.

Childhood memory?
Galveston was an interesting city as a boy. It was a good place to go down to the beaches and go fishing on West Beach. A lot of fun. It was a nice place. And, really, they had great schools. I went to Ball High and had very good teachers. My father had a little dry-cleaning shop and shoeshine parlor, right behind the Buccaneer. He eked out a living. My parents were dedicated to making sure all of us got an education. We had four children, me and my brothers and sisters. We had to work to get through ... I used to fish for money. I would sell to Mike Gaido. Every time I%26rsquo;d catch a speckled trout or redfish, I%26rsquo;d go sell it for 25 cents a pound to him. I%26rsquo;d make my money in the summertime catching fish ... I went off to A%26amp;M when I was about 16 or 17. That%26rsquo;s the last I had of Galveston for awhile. My father was still alive when I got out of A%26amp;M, so I%26rsquo;d go down and see him. So I reconnected with Galveston.

Your college years?
I was going to go to Rice ... then I worked in an oilfield that year with Johnny, my older brother, who was a petroleum engineer with Exxon. I wanted to be an oil-and-gas man, so I had to go to A%26amp;M for a petroleum engineering and geology degree because Rice didn%26rsquo;t have that. At A%26amp;M, the first year was tough, getting enough money to stay in. About every 90 days, I%26rsquo;d have to pay up my room and board, which was about $90 ... so I%26rsquo;d wire my father. He knew the Maceos, and he%26rsquo;d take my telegram and go see Sam Maceo and say, %26ldquo;Sam Maceo, my son is at the top of his class, and he%26rsquo;s going to have to leave school.%26rdquo; And Sam would give him a $100 bill. He would keep $50, then give me $50. He was a shrewd duck.

Did your family immigrate through the port of Galveston?
No, my father came through Ellis Island, and my mother came through Tampa, Florida. He got a picture of her from the Greek newspaper in Houston %26mdash; a beautiful young lady that was arriving from Greece. So he clipped it out and put it in his wallet, and three months later, he got enough money to go down by train to Florida, to try to encourage her to leave her sister, who had another marriage set up for her. He broke that up, and they got married in Houston. So anyway, it worked out, and I had three brothers and sisters, and we all went to school ... Which is unusual, to have four children of a Greek family that went to college. And we were very lucky to have that chance.

What did you learn from your parents?
I learned from my father %26mdash; he was a conniver; he knew how to survive. If he needed $100, then he would get his friends to give him $100. He had a lot of perseverance. My mom was a beautiful person. And she was the one that kept the entire family from fighting each other. The Greeks fight all the time.

How did your get your start in business?
At A%26amp;M I was working in the mess hall, making a little money. I managed to get through the first year of college. Then the second, third and fourth year of college, I discovered a guy in San Antonio that could take you the same ole dull stationery and put beautiful gold things and silver [on it]. I mean, stately ... I had so much stationery business that I was making $300 per month. [After college] when I went to work in the oil business with Amoco in south Louisiana, I got $165 [a week]. So I took a cut in salary ... but anyway, a good decision. Then I got in with my brother Johnny in Houston ... I would do geology and engineering, and Johnny and another person helped us. I%26rsquo;d send Johnny to get a prospect done and buy those leases, then we would take that deal down to the Esperson Drug Store, where there was a gathering every Monday of business leaders ... and we would sell the deals back and forth ... We found a lot of oil and gas over the next five years ... When we started to work, we had three people in that little office in the Esperson Building. When we sold out in 2002, we had 1,500 people in natural gas and oil, and 1,000 in the Woodlands, so we had two big companies we sold.

Image: 1877 tall ship Elissa

First you got into the island real estate, then you got into preservation?
After developing Pirates Beach, I started doing restoration in Galveston, and Dancie Ware was helping, too. We were working on various projects ... When we first got into the Elissa, the budget was 750K, and it was a derelict vessel. We helped the society take it on ... sent it to Greece to get it seaworthy. I told them, %26ldquo;Watch out, the Greeks will rip you off.%26rdquo; And they did %26mdash; pretty good! The original 750K budget ended up being seven million. Elissa was a big project!

And was the restoration of the Elissa with your help?
Well, yes, I helped. The 1894 Grand Opera House was another very important project. It was originally anticipated to cost 600K to 800K and ended up costing us three or four million. The Opera House was beautiful. So those are the type of things that we helped get money lined up for.

Image: Charles Moore Arch

Your first building in Galveston?
The T. Jeff League, circa 1871, which became the Wentletrap Restaurant. We ended up with 20 buildings. Cynthia [Mitchell] did a lot of work. She was on the board of the National Trust and received an award. We had a great architect and designer work with Cynthia on the buildings and interiors.

Where did you meet Mrs. Mitchell?
I was going to A%26amp;M so Johnny, my brother, would always lease a railroad train to go to A%26amp;M football games, and I saw these twins at the back of the railroad car. She [Cynthia] and her twin sister went to UH ... I managed to dodge [Cynthia%26rsquo;s] boyfriend and get the telephone number.

Most significant Galveston milestones?
I suppose the Hotel Galvez and the Tremont. When we opened the Tremont, we got with Dancie Ware and thought, %26lsquo;What we%26rsquo;ll do is start Mardi Gras again%26rsquo; %26hellip; This was in %26lsquo;85 ... We had Texas and A%26amp;M bands. Pete Fountain came two or three times. Peter Duchin. Al Hirt. We got Galveston off to a good start!

Image: Michael Graves Arch

And you had those arches.
Oh, yeah, Dancie got seven of the top architects in the world to create arches for free, including Michael Graves. We still have all their designs. They did a beautiful job %26mdash; and did them because they said, %26ldquo;Galveston is important.%26rdquo; The arches became the icon.

What would you like to see happen in Galveston in the next decade?
I would like to see Mardi Gras continue and become a lot more popular ... I tell my children, %26ldquo;We have 20 buildings down the Strand. You%26rsquo;re 50 miles from the Strand in Houston. If you can%26rsquo;t make money out of those five million people, something is wrong with you. Get to work.%26rdquo;

How about gambling?
Well, we saw too much gaming when I was young ... slot machines, woman gambling to get money for food. However, if you put it under reasonable quality control like Biloxi, Mississippi, has, then I think it can be positive. Biloxi had done a hell of a job. Biloxi%26rsquo;s got about 50 casinos, getting four percent of the money, and that is what Galveston should try ... If you had, say, 20 casinos in Galveston that got four percent of all the gaming money ... boy, I%26rsquo;m telling you, Galveston would have so much money, they could do anything they wanted to do. Biloxi has kept it clean. And that%26rsquo;s what Galveston needs.

Image: Boone Powell Arch

Are you acquiring anything else?
I have 20 buildings now. We just got finished spending about $60 million on the three hotels and other buildings. The Tremont House is beautifully done. I had this beautiful bar in there that came from Austria in 1850, and I got all these e-mails asking not about the hotel, they wanted to know about the bar. I said, %26ldquo;Yes, we saved the bar ... now hurry come back and give us some business.%26rdquo;

Ideal day in Galveston?
I used to like to fish, number one, but I also liked to play golf or tennis. Anyhow, Galveston is just a nice place to go to the seashore ... all that history. But right now, with four-dollar gasoline, we%26rsquo;re getting a lot of people on the weekend. But wait till it hits five dollars. No one is going to go to Padre Island, all the places far away. They%26rsquo;re going to go to Galveston ... I like to go to the Olympia Grill. It%26rsquo;s right there on Pier 21 ... I like the fried soft-shell crab ... On weekends, I spend a lot of time in Galveston, keeping up with local people ... We have a meeting every Sunday at 12 o%26rsquo;clock at Luigi%26rsquo;s. About 10 or 15 people ... Sometimes Mayor Joe Jaworski comes. Right now, the big brouhaha is parking on the Seawall. And the elections.

Palatial Fantasies, Suite Dreams

Thu, 28 Apr 2011 02:24:10 GMT

%26hellip;and we%26rsquo;ve been bunking at a maharaja%26rsquo;s palace in glittering Jaipur, the Nizams%26rsquo; grand digs in Hyderabad and Bonaparte splendor in Paris. We can%26rsquo;t wait to snooze at a chic new Mayfair bolt-hole designed by Thierry Despont and take polo lessons at Coworth Park, the new country-house hotel near Ascot resplendent with an equestrian center. Tally-ho!

45 Park Lane%26nbsp; (London): We%26rsquo;ve always loved staying at The Dorchester hotel in London, with its leafy views over Hyde Park. Best of all is its exciting proximity to the exclusive shops in Mayfair, including Heywood Hill bookshop nearby on Curzon Street. (Think Nancy Mitford %26mdash; she used to work there.) Now 45 Park Lane, The Dorchester%26rsquo;s super-chic younger sister hotel, is scheduled to open this summer. The petite and ultra-private hotel has 45 guestrooms and the first Wolfgang Puck restaurant in Europe. Located just steps from The Dorchester, guests have access to the spa there, as well as all services. The new property is contemporary in style, with decor by designer Thierry Despont. The building%26rsquo;s concrete-clad fa%26ccedil;ade has been revamped to incorporate special eco-friendly %26ldquo;fins%26rdquo; that diminish solar gain, significantly reducing power required to run the air-conditioning system. Call for rates. Information 45parklane.com.

Coworth Park (Ascot, Berkshire): The first luxury country-house hotel from Dorchester Collection opened last September adjacent to Ascot and close to Windsor Great Park %26mdash; an easy drive from London. Coworth Park, set among 240 acres of Berkshire countryside, is the only hotel in the UK to have its own polo fields (horses are available for guests to ride). We love the Georgian architecture and gracious English-country-style rooms (there are 70 rooms) with a modern air. Coworth also offers special programs for children, and the handsome renovated Barn is a favorite of families. Three restaurants reign, all overseen by Michelin-starred chef John Campbell. Guests can ride in the equestrian center, and there%26rsquo;s an indoor pool and special access to neighboring Wentworth Club%26rsquo;s champion golf courses. Rates from $385. Information coworthpark.com.

Taj Falaknuma Palace (Hyderabad, India): India%26rsquo;s Taj Hotels, Resorts and Palaces has added a superbly restored Indian palace to its luxury portfolio. Newly splendid after 10 years of artistic renovation, the 1894 Taj Falaknuma (%26ldquo;Mirror of the Sky%26rdquo;) Palace opened in November, and it%26rsquo;s now the lavish palace destination for south-central India. Guests live the regal life of the ruling Nizams, reposing in elegant suites, reading in the tuberose-scented Ladies Gossip Room next to the library on chartreuse silk jacquard-tufted settees and sipping Assam tea in the Jade Room with its gilded ceiling and lavish custom-woven silk jacquard curtains. Seated in an antique rosewood chair with a view of 32 acres of cascading gardens, a pampered guest daydreams. Glorious. The white marble palace (think Palladio) was built to impress visiting royalty %26mdash; King Edward VIII, the crown prince of Germany and Russia%26rsquo;s Tsar Nicholas II were all here. Generations of Nizams passed it down like a precious jewel. To know: The Nizams owned the famed Golconda diamond mines, so guests can hope that a diamond or two lurks in a wardrobe drawer. Baroque-inspired spaces with museum-quality furnishings, Belgian tapestries, French brocades and Venetian chandeliers are a rich feast for guests. As well, every tech update is featured in the 45 Palace Rooms and 15 suites, gracefully hidden. (Hyderabad is also home to Cyberabad, the Indian headquarters for Google and Microsoft.) A private tour with the Palace historian ends at the Palace Library, a teak-and rosewood room of rare books that was inspired by the one at Windsor Castle. Our favorite check-ins: the Grand Presidential Suites, once the private chambers of the Nizam. Services of a personal butler included. The hotel%26rsquo;s worldly executive chef, Ashfer Biju, studied at the culinary academy in Napa Valley and crafts fresh and light Indian-inspired cuisine that reflects his travels and would easily garner three Michelin stars. On the belvedere, traditional Hyderabad musicians in orange turbans play flutes as guests sip after-dinner drinks. For late-night frolic, there is the veddy-veddy English Billiards Room, with the Nizam%26rsquo;s bespoke billiards table and an adjoining room for cards and chess. Spa, swimming pool %26hellip; You%26rsquo;ll never want to leave. Best time to visit: October through March. Rates from $747. Information tajhotels.com.

Shangri-La Hotel Paris: We%26rsquo;ve waited breathlessly for the Shangri-La to open in Paris. For four years, Hong Kong%26ndash;based Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts has busily restored every inch of the handsome Beaux-Arts building near the Trocadero. Finally the doors have opened, and the opulent interiors sparkle and dazzle with gilt and bronze and crystal galore. This is just the turn-of-the-century French grandeur we%26rsquo;ve been missing, now that the formerly palatial Hotel Meurice and Royal Monceau hotel have been Philippe Starck-ified. Built in 1896 as the home of Prince Roland Bonaparte (the grandnephew of Napoleon Bonaparte), the 81-suite Shangri-La Hotel Paris is situated in the elegant 16th arrondissement, steps from the Mus%26eacute;e Guimet (Asian art) and minutes from avenue Montaigne boutiques. In fact, it%26rsquo;s amidst one of the highest concentrations of museums in Europe. Best of all, it offers breathtaking views of the Eiffel Tower and Seine River, Les Invalides, the Louvre and Montmartre. Paris is at your feet. Classical architect Richard Martinet perfected the historic and ultra-luxe architectural detail of rooms and suites. Interiors, both modern and classical, are by interior designer Pierre-Yves Rochon. Every room, door placement and furniture arrangement was blessed with the imprimatur of a feng shui grand master. Shangri-La %26mdash; the largest luxury hotel in Paris %26mdash; offers guests the chance to revel in a historically unique setting, surrounded by a secluded garden reinvented by landscape designer Louis Benech that makes the hotel a truly private retreat. Favorite suite: the Imp%26eacute;riale, formerly the apartment of Roland Bonaparte, with Directoire-style furnishings %26mdash; divine. Divine details: three restaurants, including one with Asian cuisine, a pool and spa. Rates from $1,072. Information shangri-la.com.

Rambagh Palace (Jaipur, India): The Rambagh Palace has long been one of our favorite palace hotels %26mdash; we visit once or twice a year, always with great anticipation. It%26rsquo;s the real thing: In 1925, this 1835 property was the Maharaja of Jaipur%26rsquo;s country estate, and the royal family lived here until 1957. Today the luxury of these world-class luxury accommodations is even more enveloping, romantic and palatial, thanks to a total redesign that combines timeless Rajasthani style and spirit with a splash of glamour and grandeur. The suites have been reconfigured to allow for more space and light. The rooms %26mdash; many with Anglo-Indian hand-carved four-poster beds, traditional maharaja portraits, lavish textiles and marble baths %26mdash; are both a fantasy and a delight. We adore the Historical Suites, with their spacious, ultra-private terraces overlooking the fountains and beautifully maintained gardens. Dreamiest of all is the new spa, with its Art Deco%26ndash;style indoor swimming pool (so romantic at night) and tented retreats. Rambagh Palace highlights:%26nbsp; shopping for diamond rings and emerald necklaces after dinner at the hotel%26rsquo;s Gem Palace shop and stocking up our library at N.K. Jain%26rsquo;s bookshop, with its ultra-rare and out-of-print volumes and essential references on Indian palaces and interiors, textiles and Raj history, plus stacks of William Dalrymple%26rsquo;s must-have books on India. Snoozing in the maharani%26rsquo;s romantic bedroom? It%26rsquo;s possible at this fabled luxury hotel. The viceroy, Jackie Kennedy, Queen Elizabeth, and lords and ladies of the British Raj all visited in the days of the maharajahs. Nowadays, you%26rsquo;re likely to encounter Dame Judi Dench, Daniel Craig, Bollywood actors or Dev Patel and Freida Pinto (the lovebirds of Slumdog Millionaire) %26mdash; all recent stars we spied. To take a break from the maharani%26rsquo;s suite, we wander in the gardens, where bluebirds and white peacocks preen and strut in the morning dew. Or take one of the royal family%26rsquo;s rare vintage cars (our favorite: the maharani%26rsquo;s 1937 Daimler) to go shopping at Johari Bazaar. Best time to visit: October through March. Rates from $814. Information tajhotels.com.

%26nbsp;

The Place: The Cedars Social

Thu, 28 Apr 2011 01:14:25 GMT

1326 S. Lamar St., 214.928.7700; thecedarssocial.com
%26bull; Famous faces make up the team: superstar chef John Tesar and former NFL player Brian Williams %26mdash; who happens to be the owner.
%26bull; Williams scored a touchdown on Cedars%26rsquo; interior, with its mid-century-modern-goes-%26rsquo;70s-swank vibe %26mdash;%26nbsp;think a bar fronted with Eames stools, a cozy-cool indoor fire pit and a soundtrack boasting nonstop classic rock.
%26bull; Get to know mixologist Michael Martensen. Ask for this off-the-menu libation: the extra-hot Diablo Rojo, with organic Puro Verde tequila and fresh raspberries muddled with jalape%26ntilde;o peppers. Note: When we dined, our waiter informed us that spicy cocktails enlarge your appetite. Also note: Should you order a cocktail from the menu, best of luck deciding: There are more than 50 sips to try.
%26bull; Order the charred octopus chorizo. (You%26rsquo;ll thank us later.) For less adventurous souls, the fried chicken and waffles is a must-try.

Images:

The Cedars Social. Photo by Randy Yarbrough.

Mixologist Michael Martensen. Photo by Randy Yarbrough.

The Place: Cane Rosso

Thu, 28 Apr 2011 01:12:56 GMT

2612 Commerce St., 214.741.1188; ilcanerosso.com
%26bull; Jay Jerrier serves up thin-crust Neapolitan pies in accordance with the Associazione Verace Pizza Napoletana. But Jerrier says save your pepperoni, chicken or ranch-dressing cravings for the delivery boy: Cane Rosso%26rsquo;s ingredient list is all authentic, which means hand-crushed San Marzano tomatoes, mozzarella pulled in-house from a fresh curd, chilies from the Calabria region, soppressata salami and prosciutto.
%26bull; Have a seat at the bar in front of the hand-built pizza oven, where you could easily get to know your pizza maker. Or grab a spot on the banquette, whose mismatched throw pillows are gifts from opening night. (Jerrier asked friends to bring some. He%26rsquo;s still accepting donations.)
%26bull; Look closely at the menu %26mdash; Jerrier borrowed names from his family, friends and pets. The Special K pie with mozzarella, grape tomatoes and basil? That one%26rsquo;s named for his wife Karen.
%26bull; If you%26rsquo;re feeling fearless, order the Che Cazzo %26mdash; Italian for What The (rhymes with duck) %26mdash; and let the pizza makers concoct your pie from whatever they wish. %26ldquo;It%26rsquo;s like rolling the dice,%26rdquo; says Jerrier. %26ldquo;But it%26rsquo;s always going to be spicy and there%26rsquo;s always something good on it.%26rdquo;

Images:

Pizza at Cane Rosso. Photo by George Fiala.

Owner Jay Jerrier. Photo by George Fiala.

The Place: The Commissary/The Table

Thu, 28 Apr 2011 12:36:15 GMT

1722 Routh St. in One Arts Plaza, 214.643.6557; thecommissarydallas.com
%26bull; Two-for-one means two Tesar concepts in One Arts Plaza, linked by an adjoining door. The Table seats just 12, is reservation-only and boasts a chef-crafted menu by Tesar himself. %26ldquo;It%26rsquo;s about people who love wine and love food,%26rdquo; he says.
%26bull; The Commissary is a wine bar at heart, with three wines on tap (two red, one white) stored in beer boxes and shot with nitrogen for freshness. %26ldquo;It%26rsquo;s draft wine,%26rdquo; explains Tesar. There%26rsquo;s a retail space, too, for purchasing a beloved vino.%26nbsp;%26nbsp;
%26bull; From The Commissary menu, dare yourself to order The Tail End burger, with braised pig tail, ground pork and ground beef, all topped with roasted pork belly, green tomato chutney and jalape%26ntilde;o mayonnaise.
%26bull; As a nod to the across-the-street Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing and Visual Arts, chalkboards are propped throughout The Commissary. The drawings on the bathroom doors are by artist Richard Triptow. As for the chalkboards in the loos? Express yourself: %26ldquo;You can hate on Tesar,%26rdquo; says the man himself. %26ldquo;You can love the meal. Or if you do something bad, we%26rsquo;ll make you write it 10 times.%26rdquo;
%26bull; The two enormous clocks were gifts from One Arts Plaza owner Lucy Billingsley.
%26bull; Take it to go: Goodies from the five-item lunch menu are served in custom-fit, eco-friendly boxes and range from $5 to $8.

Image: Chef/owner John Tesar. Photo by George Fiala.

The Place: Hotel ZaZa’s Dragonfly

Thu, 28 Apr 2011 12:31:34 GMT

2332 Leonard St., 214.550.9500; hotelzazadallas.com
%26bull; Tillman%26rsquo;s Roadhouse alum Dan Landsberg now helms the established Hotel ZaZa eatery as executive chef, whipping up a brand-new modern American menu of brisket bacon cheddar sliders, roasted pork tenderloin with ginger scallion lo mein and sharable, hand-cut sea-salt fries with truffle-ranch dipping sauce.
%26bull; Look for even more changes in the dining room: a muted palette of gray, black and white; Fornasetti wallcoverings; and a megawatt mixture of suspended light bulbs. Take note of the art: Some of it is from ZaZa owner Charlie Givens%26rsquo; private collection.
%26bull; For the best people watching, Landsberg suggests one of the back booths. %26ldquo;You get to see all the action.%26rdquo;
%26bull; Want to sample what the chef and his staff eat? Order the Comida entree. %26ldquo;The dish comes daily from the heart of the kitchen staff,%26rdquo; he says. %26ldquo;It%26rsquo;s exactly what we%26rsquo;re eating that night.%26rdquo;

Images:

The Bay of Fundy Salmon.

Chef Dan Landsberg. Image by George Fiala.

The Place: Oddfellows

Thu, 28 Apr 2011 12:29:41 GMT

316 W. Seventh St., 214.944.5958; oddfellowsdallas.com
%26bull; We%26rsquo;re in love with the look of the place: whitewashed reclaimed wood everywhere; locally built tables galore; vintage firehouse lamps dangling above the long coffee bar; and swing-up shutters that open the windows to the sidewalk.
%26bull; Early birds, nosh on Eastland%26rsquo;s gingerbread pancakes %26mdash; she%26rsquo;s behind the morning bites. Wash them down with a cortado, a steamy concoction that%26rsquo;s equal parts espresso and milk.
%26bull; Calling all locavores: Oddfellows sources ingredients from the Community Gardens of Oak Cliff, Tom Spicer%26rsquo;s FM 1410, Urban Acres and other local markets.
%26bull; %26ldquo;The espresso machine is one of four in the U.S. and one of about a dozen in the world,%26rdquo; says Williams. The price tag? In the range of $30,000.
%26bull; %26ldquo;The seasons will dictate the menu,%26rdquo; Williams tells us of his just-debuted dinner offerings. Eastland%26rsquo;s fave dish is the small-batch salad with arugula, bacon and herbed goat cheese or the grits with a slow-poached egg and braised collard greens. For dessert, go for the grown-up, soft-serve ice cream spiked with the chef%26rsquo;s liquor of choice.
%26bull; Oddfellows is a collaboration of more than a dozen partners: Stacey Rives and Matt Spillers, Mariana and Scott Griggs, Clara and Chad Sepulveda, Gary Buckner, Amy and Eric Cowan, Andrea and Jason Roberts, Amanda Pounds, Jana and Shane Spillers.

Images:

Oddfellows. Photo by George Fiala.

Chefs Brady Williams and Julie Eastland. Photo by George Fiala.

Bernie's Burger Bus

Thu, 28 Apr 2011 12:20:20 GMT

Keys to the Bus: Driver/chef/creator Justin Turner.
What%26rsquo;s Cooking: Look at us, we%26rsquo;re like eager children standing outside this funky old yellow school bus, queuing up for what%26rsquo;s got to be a mighty contender for the %26ldquo;best burger in town%26rdquo; award. The driver/chef/creator of this retrofitted %26rsquo;80s-era school bus turned food truck is Justin Turner; %26ldquo;Bernie%26rdquo; was actually his grandfather, Bernard %26ldquo;Bernie%26rdquo; Schubert, a pretty neat guy whose name makes for some alliteration too awesome to pass up. But lest you think Bernie%26rsquo;s burgers %26mdash; which have clever names such as the Principal, the Substitute and the Pre-schoolers %26mdash; are merely child%26rsquo;s play, think again. For seven years, Turner was personal chef for Shane Battier and his family. He moved with the Rockets star to Houston from Memphis, where he attended cooking school then trained in every aspect of classic French technique, honing his skills in high-end Memphis restaurants. Far from slinging any ordinary burger, this skilled chef grinds three kinds of organic Black Angus beef (chuck, short-ribs and brisket) and hand-cuts his own fries (sweet potato, truffle-laced or chili cheese). He also makes up his own ketchup, mustard, mayo (actually, aioli), pickles, tipsy sweet onions and mushrooms in house. Unlike the food-truck-savvy scene in Austin or Portland, Oregon (the latter inspires Turner most), he envisions buying his own lot one day soon, where in addition to his school bus he%26rsquo;ll install a very upscale ice cream truck and another surprise chef-driven truck %26mdash; but all in due time. Meanwhile, log onto berniesburgerbus.com and see where it%26rsquo;s traveling next. But get to the bus stop early %26mdash; these burgers ($7 to $15) and fries ($2 to $5) go quickly. 281.386.2447; berniesburgerbus.com.

Image: Justin Turner and Bernie's Burger Bus. Photo by Jenny Antill.

Trattoria il Mulino

Thu, 28 Apr 2011 12:17:40 GMT

Keys to the Door: Executive chef Michele Mazza.
What%26rsquo;s Cooking: Restaurant-goers in this city are particularly proud about supporting home-grown owner/chefs. But once in a while, those who%26rsquo;ve made it big in New York and other metropolises find it compelling to expand to a city where, on an average, people dine out more than anywhere else. Those who succeed seem to realize that a fun, approachable concept %26mdash; especially an Italian one %26mdash; with a menu full of familiar, appropriately priced favorites endears us. Take Trattoria Il Mulino, the casual cousin of New York%26rsquo;s rarefied West Village shrine to Italian fare. Recently debuting at The Westin Houston, Memorial City, this new trattoria concept (the third in the U.S., counting Orlando and Atlantic City) has an open floor plan where pickled-cedar sliding doors divide the room intimately and a wall of windows shields diners from the din and heat of the kitchen without blocking our view of the frenzy behind the range on a Saturday night. Executive chef Michele Mazza%26rsquo;s dishes are inspired by the Abruzzi tradition, so expect generous portions. You%26rsquo;ll find wood-fired thin-crust pizzas such as the meatball one we enjoyed ($15), along with garlic-and-wine-steamed mussels ($14) and the trattoria%26rsquo;s signature arancini (fried Italian rice balls with a hint of Bolognese in the center, $7). Popular pastas include the house-made gnocchi with Bolognese sauce ($16), while a hearty red-sauce circuit dish such as chicken parmigiana is butterflied here to cover the entire plate, saut%26eacute;ed bone-in and cloaked with gooey mozzarella and dollops of marinara ($20). After you%26rsquo;ve eaten the last bite of your tiramisu and ricotta cheesecake, your waiter will bring you a gratis pour of the house-made Limoncello %26mdash; perhaps enticing you to stay for another round of grappa steeped with pears, blueberries, strawberries, figs and more. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. 945 Gessner in The Westin Houston, Memorial City, 832.358.0600; ilmulino.com.

Image: Trattoria il Mulino

Samba Grille

Thu, 28 Apr 2011 12:16:22 GMT

Keys to the Door: Managing partners Estella Erdmann and Nathan Ketcham; executive chef Cesar Rodriguez.
What%26rsquo;s Cooking: Say the word %26ldquo;rodizio,%26rdquo; and what comes to mind? A Brazilian meat fest? Skewers of fire-roasted, rotisserie-style beef, lamb and pork paraded around by South American gauchos who serve and cease serving depending on whether your card is red or green side up? You know the drill. But Samba Grille downtown in Bayou Place has tweaked the concept, cutting out the salad bar in lieu of chef-driven appetizers such as ancho tomato soup, a Boston wedge made with manchego cream dressing and a trio salad with tiny tomatoes, fresh mozzarella and avocado. For those who want a two- or three-course %26agrave; la carte experience with a South American flavor, talented chef Cesar Rodriguez serves a marvelously fat-laden pork belly, slow-roasted then flash-fried and cloaked in a sweet and tangy tamarind glaze; rich sea scallops pan-seared and finished in truffle butter; and a 40-day dry-aged prime New York strip that will sate any carnivore. Leave it to wine director Marc Borel to pick out a quirky bottle you%26rsquo;ve never tried before. Then promise me you won%26rsquo;t leave without ordering Samba%26rsquo;s version of tres leches. Soaked perfectly in a m%26eacute;lange of three traditional milks, this one is topped with rosettes of fresh whipped cream with a hint of Frangelico, brandy and rum %26mdash; one of the best I%26rsquo;ve ever tasted. 530 Texas Ave., 713.343.1180; sambagrillehouston.com.

Image: Samba Grille

Up Restaurant

Wed, 27 Apr 2011 05:14:10 GMT

Keys to the Door: Owner Haidar Barbouti, architect Richard Altuna with Issac Preminger.
What%26rsquo;s on the Menu: With ideas on expanding his office space, Highland Village owner Haidar Barbouti had a meeting not%26nbsp; long ago with an engineer, who asked, %26ldquo;Why don%26rsquo;t you add another story? This building was built to sustain the weight of it.%26rdquo; And that was all it took to set the wheels spinning in Barbouti%26rsquo;s mind %26mdash; to conjure not more office space, but a vision of the restaurant pictured before you, Up. The aptly named third-floor eatery is a stunning space with soaring, coffered walnut ceilings and coordinating paneled walls with gauzy, vanilla-colored sheers that gently blow when the windows are open on a beautiful day. From the Carrara-marble-topped bar or the adjoining pretty patio, guests step down into the main dining area and are seated in womb-like banquettes, where the waitstaff proffers a cosseted brand of attentive service. And the reservations book reads like the major donor list at the museum ball. Barbouti, an avid cook and restaurant-goer who cites California chef Alice Water and Roger Verge as inspirations, does not have a chef behind the range, but rather a kitchen manager who executes dishes of Barbouti%26rsquo;s own invention. First courses range from a velvety pur%26eacute;e of tomato gazpacho ($8) to
an assortment of appetizer dips, from caponata to red bell pepper dip ($15) and a beet salad with baby arugula and goat cheese ($11). He%26rsquo;s installed a wood fired oven and gone to the effort of importing Italian 00 flour for both his pasta and pizza concoctions. We swooned over his short rib, fontina, Roquefort and caramelized onion flatbread topped with arugula and a wonderful sticky reduction of balsamic ($15). Fastidious about his ingredients, Barbouti makes all his pasta (ravioli and pappardelle) in-house, insisting on San Marzano tomatoes in his Bolognese ($14) and the best fontina atop his pizzas. And when you%26rsquo;re serving fresh Matagorda redfish, don%26rsquo;t call it snapper. Although he is trying to persuade diners to veer to the lighter side with the sort of fare you%26rsquo;d enjoy in warmer climes like ours, he still has rich hearty dishes such as short ribs and osso bucco to please the carnivores and even a beautifully marinated, oak-grilled double lamp chop with a creamy mint pesto that is astonishingly good any time of year ($31). When challenged to come up with a catchphrase to describe his fare, Barbouti says, %26ldquo;It%26rsquo;s simple, honest food, a menu you can eat.%26rdquo; We couldn%26rsquo;t agree more. 3995 Westheimer Road, 3rd Floor Highland Village Shopping Center, 713.640.5416; uprestaurant.com.

Images: Up Restaurant and its delicious offerings

Restaurant Buzz

Wed, 27 Apr 2011 04:58:50 GMT

Chef Arturo Boada has left his eponymous restaurant in Uptown Park (which he formerly owned with Bill Sadler) and opened Arturo Boada Cuisine in the Tanglewood area. Look for a compilation of the concepts he%26rsquo;s created over the years, from Latin to Italian to seafood, at lunch and dinner %26hellip; Mai Nguyen, owner of Mai%26rsquo;s, Houston%26rsquo;s first Vietnamese restaurant opened in 1978, has reopened her namesake eatery downtown after a wok fire burned it to the ground 14 months ago. Her new space, in the same location at 3403 Milam Street, was designed by Studio Red and features a streamlined menu that stays true to traditional Vietnamese cuisine and a full bar for those who famously crowd the place late night %26hellip; Chris Cusack, owner of Austin%26rsquo;s Thunderbird Coffee, is opening Down House with partner Joey Treadway at 1801 Yale Street in the Heights, just as we go to press. Inspired by the grand cafes of Europe, Down Home has interiors styled by Joel Mozersky with fabrications created for the space by Installations co-owner Yur Van Der Oord. Look for well-crafted coffee (made with direct-trade beans) and cocktails, as well as chef-driven fare from the kitchen of chef Chandler Rothbard. Hours are 7 am to 2 am. Watch for updates at downhousehouston.com %26hellip; Central Market is stamping your passport to Spain this month to show you a cuisine far beyond the requisite tapas and paella. From May 11 through 24, enjoy tastings, classes, demos and new products from Espa%26ntilde;a %26hellip; Benjy Levit of Benjy%26rsquo;s Upper Washington %26mdash; one of the first to bring well-crafted cocktails to the fore %26mdash; has introduced barrel aging not just to the spirit but to the entire blended cocktail. Starting with his New Tejas Treaty, he%26rsquo;s blended an array of Texas-made products to create a six-week oak-barrel-aged cocktail with a depth of flavor and spice so unlike its un-aged counterpart. (Order half portions of both to perform your own taste-test.) Coming this month to Benjy%26rsquo;s: aged sangr%26icirc;a, with white wine, cilantro, apricot brandy and fresh fruit %26hellip; Yearning for a little something sweet? Preorder Crave Cupcakes%26rsquo; diminutive new minis in several tempting flavors, $44 for two dozen %26hellip; Live la dolce vita Friday through Sunday, June 3 through 5, when the Italian Expo hits the George R. Brown Convention Center. Italian food, wine, fashion and design converge at this celebration of all things Italian featuring more than 150 exhibitors. Info italianexpo.us.

Pizzeria Alto

Wed, 27 Apr 2011 04:53:13 GMT

Keys to the Door: Schiller Del Grande Restaurant Group.
What%26rsquo;s Cooking: Leave it to Robert Del Grande, Houston%26rsquo;s only chef who can boast a PhD in biochemistry, to decipher a way to create a pizza that%26rsquo;s crisp on the bottom with a chewy outer crust. For Schiller Del Grande%26rsquo;s latest casual Italian concept, Pizzeria Alto (located above its sister eatery, Ava, in West Ave), he wasn%26rsquo;t content with pies that sag in the center, so he pondered the problem as only a methodical scientist could. He installed a stone-walled pizza oven, the kind village bakers in small towns all over Europe traditionally build in their bakeries, and collaborated with Heath Wendall at Slow Dough to create a wet dough with a hint of sour tang that could hold up to toppings such as shrimp sausage, Fresno chiles, grated mozzarella and ricotta salata cheeses, as well as soft ricotta that turns custard-like when exposed for mere minutes to the char of a 600-degree oven. Arguing that less is more, Del Grande has the confidence to hold back and create pizzas where he%26rsquo;s simply layering coppa and shaved fennel under beautifully melted fontina, then shoveling it straight from its semolina-covered paddle to your table. He%26rsquo;s also inspired his chefs to cook more than simply pizza in the hearth. Tossing fresh mussels with fennel and clams steamed open in a broth of lemon juice, chilis, olive oil and liquid that oozes from their own shells, he slides each assemblage into the scorching oven until their little shells open. We also couldn%26rsquo;t pass up his artichoke hearts with cream and fontina cooked in the glittering orange glass-tiled hearth until it bubbles, served with rounds of ciabatta that invite a hearty smear of the oozing mixture. Pizzeria Alto is open late night (midnight Wednesday and Thursday, 1 am Friday and Saturday, closed Mondays), but be forewarned: No matter who you know, they don%26rsquo;t accept reservations. But whether it%26rsquo;s rigatoni with Bolognese, pizza or a fresh crudite with tarragon-laced aioli you crave, it%26rsquo;s all worth waiting for. 2800 Kirby Dr. in West Ave., 713.386.6460; avaalto.com.

Image: Pizzeria Alto

Restaurant Buzz

Wed, 27 Apr 2011 04:42:56 GMT

Have we got a spicy tidbit for you: There%26rsquo;s a weekly, invitation-only dinner making waves among the social set that%26rsquo;s so top secret, we can%26rsquo;t even tell you where it is. Chef David Anthony Temple (also known as ChefDAT) hosts Underground Dinners, constantly changing, five- to 12-course meals served at a long table with room for about 18 diners. Lucky foodies have feasted on crawfish gumbo, Virginia pork belly and seared lamb %26mdash; what he serves when you go is up to him. How do you score an invite to this furtive f%26ecirc;te? Drop an e-mail to Temple, a Louisiana native whose r%26eacute;sum%26eacute; includes working with Tom Spicer and Avner Samuel, at dat@chefdat.com to get on his list %26hellip; This month, chef Jeff Harris, formerly with Craft Dallas, and York Street alum chef Matt Balke combine forces to open RedFork Tavern on Fitzhugh Avenue. Prepare your appetite for New American eats, including veal sweetbreads, grilled hanger steak and wood-fired pizzas. Get all the delicious details at redforkdallas.com %26hellip; Chef Sharon Hage%26rsquo;s adored York Street Restaurant may be no more, but local chef and restaurateur Ren%26eacute; Peeters, of the various and wonderful incarnations of Watel%26rsquo;s, has revived the cozy space as Bistro Watel%26rsquo;s, a French-inspired dining spot brimming with different dishes each day. What might you find on Watel%26rsquo;s carte? A scrumptious shredded potato cake with smoked salmon (called the Salmon Roesti) or a grilled quail with Indian-mango-pickle glaze. Make it a date at 6047 Lewis Street or ring 214.720.0323 %26hellip; Sweet news: Online cookie retailer Great One Cookie Company has set up its first walk-in shop, in Highland Park. Pop to 3111 Monticello Avenue for owner Pam Denesuk%26rsquo;s to-die-for cookie treats (white chocolate with cranberries and macadamia nuts, peanut butter with chocolate and pretzels, and classics chocolate chip and oatmeal raisin) or dial her at 214.207.0389 for delivery %26hellip; Dee Lincoln%26rsquo;s Tasting Room %26amp; Bubble Bar opens this month in Rosewood Court on Cedar Springs Road. Expect nothing short of extravagance for Ms. Lincoln%26rsquo;s second location (her first is inside Cowboys Stadium): a champagne dispenser divvying out bubbly by the ounce, traditional caviar service and a private dining room with a wine cellar housing some of Lincoln%26rsquo;s exclusive collection. Drink it in at deelincolnstastingroom.com %26hellip; The Shops at Park Lane is upping the culinary ante with two enticing additions opening this fall %26mdash; Rare, a two-level, modern sushi lounge located south of Nordstrom Rack and Grimaldi%26rsquo;s Pizzeria, the coal-fired brick-oven pie maker set to open in the retail space below The Heights at Park Lane residences. Stay tuned for additional deets or click to shopsatparklane.com for info %26hellip; Name-change report: Starting this month, you%26rsquo;ll notice Fin Sushi Lounge on Cedar Springs Road has dropped %26ldquo;Fin%26rdquo; from its title and added %26ldquo;Axiom.%26rdquo; The newly monikered Axiom Sushi Lounge now better aligns itself with sister spots Sushi Axiom in Dallas and Fort Worth %26hellip; Cooking not your strong suit? (Ours either.) Enter My Private Chef, a pick-it-up or have-it-delivered service from chef Holly Muller that%26rsquo;s dishing out slimming meals %26mdash;%26nbsp;thrice daily, five days a week %26mdash;%26nbsp;for breakfast, lunch and dinner. It%26rsquo;s all very low-sodium, low-sugar, high-fiber and high-protein %26mdash; just the thing for fitting into that Lanvin frock. Place your weekly order at 2901 Elm Street in Deep Ellum, by ringing 214.679.0999 or at my-privatechef.com ... It all sounds divine.

Image: The cranberry and macadamia-nut marvel from Great One Cookie Company. Photo by Dick Patrick.

%26nbsp;

Rise and Shine

Wed, 30 Mar 2011 06:48:40 GMT

Chef Greg Martin is at it again. The talented R+D man behind the range at Caf%26eacute; Express corporate has been hard at work expanding the fast-casual chain%26rsquo;s breakfast offerings, first rolled out last year. With a zeal to purvey the tastiest products from every corner of the globe and a Cook%26rsquo;s Illustrated%26ndash;like curiosity to find the best prep for anything, Martin has devised scrumptious egg offerings such as his miga-like South of the Border platter with scrambled eggs topped with creamy queso and tortilla chips, and a Breakfast BLT on butter-toasted brioche and scrambled eggs. Despite my fondness for the egg, however, nothing can compare to the French toast %26agrave; la Caf%26eacute; Express. French bread is drenched in cream and topped with powdered sugar, fresh berries and glazed pecans, then served with a bubbling side of pecan praline syrup in lieu of maple. Now, that%26rsquo;s a dish worth waking up for. Breakfast served from 7 to 11 am daily at most locations (9 to 11 am Tuesday through Sunday at the Museum of Fine Arts, downtown).

Pondicheri

Wed, 30 Mar 2011 06:38:26 GMT

Keys to the Door: Chef and owner Anita Jaisinghani.
What%26rsquo;s on the Menu: After a decade of bringing her artful twist on Indian fare to lower Westheimer, Anita Jaisinghani, chef/owner of the acclaimed Indika restaurant, has headed uptown to open her second eatery, Pondicheri, at West Ave. Named for the city in India, Pondicheri is a sleek fast-casual concept at breakfast and lunch that transforms into a polished table-service experience at dinner. The industrial-inspired interior gleams with floor-to-ceiling windows and massive steel-and-glass doors created by Houston metal artist Spencer Elliott. Gauzy, tangerine-hued sheers divide the space, while bright Indian-made textiles cover the banquettes. Those artisan-crafted chili-colored octagonal tiles? Jaisinghani scoured her homeland to find them. As for the menu, she melds the street food of her country with the home cooking of her youth. Starters such as papdi chaat (a New Delhi classic layered with semolina crackers, lentil sprouts and chaat sauces, $8) and sindhi pakoras (chickpea flour-battered vegetable fritter envelopes, $8) stay close to each dish%26rsquo;s heritage. We recommend a cooling salad %26mdash; kachumber with diced cucumber and mango ($6) or a healthful barley salad with pickled tumeric, walnuts, beets, jimaca and chiffonade of mint ($8). For dinner, feast on the goat biryani, which resembles a pot pie kept warm beneath a thin bread crust ($15), butter chicken stewed in a fenugreek-spiced tomato curry sauce ($14) or moist masala lamb chops ($16) %26mdash; in portions intended for sharing. And don%26rsquo;t forget that Jaisinghani is a former pastry chef. We swooned over her milk and cookies (essentially a chocolate chip cookie laced with cinnamon and chilis, $5) and the bournvita ice cream sandwiches made with the Indian version of Ovaltine and layered between vanilla biscuits ($6). Expect even more selections at her walk-up bakery on site. 2800 Kirby Dr. in West Ave, 713.522.2022; pondichericafe.com.

Image by Jenny Antill

Restaurant Buzz

Wed, 30 Mar 2011 06:18:11 GMT

John Mariani, author of How Italian Food Conquered the World, wings into town Wednesday, April 13, and will be f%26ecirc;ted by Tony Vallone at Tony%26rsquo;s with a multi-course feast and book signing. Seats are $90; reserve yours by buzzing 713.622.6778 %26hellip; Natalie May Bolger and her brother, chef Michael May, gained fame when they started the delicious Candelari%26rsquo;s Sausage Company, then showcased it at Candelari Pizzeria. Now Bolger has written an adorable book, The Grand Festive Picnic. The first of a series, this pretty picture book, which explores the meaning of friendship, stars two alligator chefs (among others) who prepare a feast filled with tamales, shrimp brochette, key lime pie and more. Head to kidslove life.com for details %26hellip; Mark Cox of Mark%26rsquo;s American Cuisine and Jeff Everts and Catherine Rodriguez of Olivette will band together with other tall toques to prepare a five-course dinner at the Houstonian Hotel to benefit Houston Food Bank%26rsquo;s Annual Chefs%26rsquo; Dinner Wednesday, April 20. Fight hunger in our own community by sitting down for this lavish meal. Tickets at houstonfoodbank.org %26hellip; The James Beard Foundation nominations (which only seem to grow in number and categories each year) are out, and some of our city%26rsquo;s best are highlighted. For best new restaurant, Bootsie%26rsquo;s Heritage Cafe in Tomball got a nod (and, incidentally, in GQ recently as well), Robert Del Grande was tapped as an Outstanding Chef, and Michael Cord%26uacute;a was nominated for Outstanding Restaurateur for Cord%26uacute;a Restaurants. Newbie Bobby Heugel at Anvil Bar %26amp; Refuge got a nod under Outstanding Wine and Spirits Professionals, and Bryan Caswell was nominated for Best Chef: Southwest. Find out who actually wins on Monday, May 9, when the winners are announced at Lincoln Center %26hellip; Brock and Stacey Silverstein, who relocated from Denver to Houston to expand The Buffalo Grille, have moved outside the loop to Briar Forest to launch Pecan Creek Grille. Open daily for breakfast and lunch, this counter-service spot serves comfort fare such as meatloaf, chicken-fried steak and burgers %26hellip; Chef Steven Vanderpool, who%26rsquo;s behind the range at Brenner%26rsquo;s at the Bayou, will whip up some inspired creations to pair with wines from the Napa and Sonoma counties during the Second Annual WineFest. It all happens Saturday, April 9, from 3 to 6 pm. For tickets, go to brennerssteakhouse.com %26hellip; The Hotel Sorella in CityCentre is bending to demand from brides and businesspeople alike. Look for a new 8,500-square-foot event space adjacent to Anthropologie on the ground floor this June. Also just opened in CityCentre: Sweet, a dessert atelier with handcrafted confections including cupcakes and macaroons. And do you remember when frozen yogurt used to have that marvelous tangy taste? Now the best trend in fro yo, Red Mango is the newest addition to the mix with tangy, all-natural, yogurt and toppings that are terrific. Meanwhile, Olive %26amp; Vine, a self-styled olive oil and balsamic vinegar tasting bar and boutique, has also launched at CityCentre. Swing in for a taste of more than 36 premium extra virgin olive oils and vinegars. Peruse the selection of culinary accoutrements, too. %26hellip; In Memorial, look for Gugliani%26rsquo;s, a family-style Italian eatery from Gregg and Alan Guggenheim to open later this month. The space, across from Memorial City Medical Center, will be designed by Carlo Di Nunzio.

Happy (and High-Style) Trails

Wed, 30 Mar 2011 05:41:51 GMT

There%26rsquo;s a new way to do Cedar Creek %26mdash; and it means donning your finest ranch hat. The 505 Ranch Club on Cedar Creek Lake (named for its 505 lush, wooded acres, natch) offers a posh lakefront address with rustic, home-on-the-range surrounds: stocked fishing ponds, a polo field, trails galore and round-the-clock ranch hands. Bring your own builder %26mdash; there are more than 30 lots primed and ready for constructing your gated escape. (Our dream dwelling? A Rem Koolhaas cabin under 505%26rsquo;s ancient oaks, filled with travertine floors and taxidermy.) Residents have all-access to the Adirondack-style clubhouse, featuring a full-service kitchen, game room, infinity pool, fire pit and private beach. And don%26rsquo;t forget to bring your thoroughbred: The Ranch Club offers leasable equestrian stables fit for the next Secretariat. 505 Ranch Club on Cedar Creek Lake, 101 This Way (in Mabank, Texas), 903.887.3000; 505ranch.com.

Image: 505 Clubhouse. Photo by Phil Huber.

Restaurant Buzz

Wed, 30 Mar 2011 05:40:31 GMT

April%26rsquo;s nosh news begins with pure bliss. Gina and Scott Gottlich, the husband-wife owners behind Inwood Village dining destination Bijoux, are waltzing into wedding coordination and catering. On Bijoux%26rsquo;s big-day menu? Sophisticated decor arrangements and perfect wine parings via Gina (she%26rsquo;s Bijoux%26rsquo;s in-house sommelier and is responsible for the restaurant%26rsquo;s sleek interior), plus crafted cuisine by way of chef Scott%26rsquo;s culinary expertise. The moment you set your date, ring 214.350.6100 or click bijouxrestaurant.com %26hellip; Chef John Tesar is combining two of our favorite foodie things %26mdash; gourmet hamburgers and wine %26mdash; for his newest concept, The Commissary, to open this month in the former Dali Wine Bar space at One Arts Plaza. Here, it%26rsquo;s all about organic, grass-fed beef burgers; wine on tap from top California vineyards; and clever, farm-to-table chef specials. Dig in at 1722 Routh Street %26hellip; Add this spot to your must-tries: Asador at the Renaissance Dallas Hotel, from national chef/restaurateur Dean Max. Among the many Texas and Latin American%26ndash;inspired dishes (many cooked over an open flame of mesquite wood) are standouts including the Niman Ranch pork chop with white-corn grits and red-pepper chutney and a smoked brisket sandwich with black-pepper Caciotta cheese. What%26rsquo;s more? Asador packs more than 100 varieties at its tequila bar. Reservations 214.267.4815 %26hellip; Local restaurateur Francesco Farris is pulling out all the stops on his newest project, a casual Italian concept with a Sardinian twist called Zio Cecio in the former Patry%26rsquo;s locale at 4601 West Lovers Lane. Look for the opening (and the pasta, risotto and more) next month %26hellip; Jay Jerrier has found a permanent parking spot for his top-notch mobile pizzeria. Behold Il Cane Rosso, evolved from Jerrier%26rsquo;s beloved pizza trailer, now a brick-and-mortar spot in Deep Ellum at 2612 Commerce Street, across from Twisted Root Burger Company. Much like with Jerrier%26rsquo;s in-demand pizzeria on wheels (no worries; it will still make its catering rounds), people can%26rsquo;t stop raving about the fare, most notably the Neopolitan pizza, prepared in accordance to the picky guidelines of the Associazione Verace Pizza Napoletana, a group of Italian gourmand pizza makers who take their pies very seriously. Translation? Think dough made from Italian flour and tomato sauce made of hand-crushed San Marzano tomatoes. Now that calls for buffing up the Bugatti %26mdash; Commerce Street, and step on it. %26hellip; We%26rsquo;re on a sugar high over a duo of sweet treats. First, at Central Market, there%26rsquo;s a muffin moment with the debut of 14 new flavors including one packed with acai, goji, blackberries and pomegranate, and another filled with balsamic-soaked strawberries and ch%26egrave;vre. Next, it%26rsquo;s pint-sized pastries %26mdash; or Pie Bites as they call them %26mdash; at Rosebud%26rsquo;s Restaurant Giftique and Bakery. The petite cakes come by the dozen in flavors such as cherry crumb, banana meringue and chocolate icebox. To order, ring 214.904.0902 or stop by at 5600 West Lovers Lane %26hellip; Two fresh faces are making their mark on Craft Dallas at the W Dallas Victory in Victory Park. Make a point to meet these newbies: the restaurant%26rsquo;s new general manager, James Cobb, formerly of Steel and Hotel ZaZa%26rsquo;s Dragonfly; and its new chef de cuisine, Tim Bevins, most recently the executive sous chef of Craft Atlanta.

Image: Asador. Photo by Kevin Marple.

Malai Thai-Vietnamese Kitchen

Fri, 25 Feb 2011 06:20:29 GMT

This Southeast Asian culinary oasis %26mdash; from husband-wife owners whose CVs include the illustrious Hillstone Restaurant Group and Dallas staple Park %26mdash; has everything from an inviting interior to a skilled set of hands in the kitchen.
3699 McKinney Ave. (in West Village) 972.591.3387; malaikitchen.com%26nbsp;%26nbsp;
Who to Know: Owners Yasmin and Braden Wages and executive chef Keith Cedotal.
Where to Sit: Our favorite spot, an enormous round table anchoring the dining room, requires at least 10 dinner mates and is lit by a custom-made work of chandelier art from local artisan Michael Sutton.%26nbsp;%26nbsp;
What to Order: Chef Cedotal, a former sous chef at Park, has it covered. Share small plates: lemongrass mussels steamed in chili coconut broth and colorful fresh summer rolls filled with shrimp, vermicelli and herbs. For lunch, go for the green papaya salad, with shredded crispy pork and spicy chili dressing. For dinner, do the steamed sea bass with chili-lime broth or the craveable shrimp pad Thai.%26nbsp;
Did You Know? The cocktail menu was expertly crafted by mixologist Jason Kosmas (Bolsa), which means you%26rsquo;ll be sipping anything-but-ordinary libations.

Images:

Malai Thai-Vietnamese Kitchen. Photo by Fernando Rojas.

Summer rolls at Malai Thai-Vietnamese Kitchen. Photo by Fernando Rojas.

Morton’s The Steakhouse

Fri, 25 Feb 2011 06:17:33 GMT

When this famous steakhouse outgrew its Elm Street location in Downtown, it knew just where to relocate and revamp: Reservations are filling up quickly at the new 8,500- square-foot Uptown destination, where the menu is rich but the new design concept is modern and light.
2222 McKinney Ave., 214.741.2277; mortons.com
Who to Know: General manager Jim Huntley and executive chef Rick Naon.
Where to Sit: We predict Morton%26rsquo;s new Bar 12*21 will be a destination for the see-and-be-seen bunch %26mdash; from the vibrant cocktails served to the updated menu of Bar Bites that includes smoked-salmon pizza and a crab-cake BLT.
What to Order: Request the prime rib %26mdash; it%26rsquo;s bone-in, double-cut and only available on Fridays and Saturdays %26mdash;%26nbsp;paired with a duo of honest sides such as saut%26eacute;ed fresh spinach and mushrooms or Lyonnaise potatoes. Save room for Morton%26rsquo;s Legendary Hot Chocolate Cake.
Did You Know? The lovely ladies of Cattle Baron%26rsquo;s Ball hosted the first party held in Morton%26rsquo;s new spot. When it comes to steak, we can think of few better taste levels to trust.

Images:

Tuna tartare at Morton%26rsquo;s The Steakhouse

Bar 12*21 at Morton%26rsquo;s The Steakhouse

Alma

Fri, 25 Feb 2011 06:15:07 GMT

Alma
2822 N. Henderson Ave., 214.827.2820; almadallas.com
Who to Know: Owner Tristan Simon, executive chef Michael Brown and manager Albert Hernandez.
Where to Sit: Simon brought in Park restaurant owner Donald Chick to create a mid-century-modern-meets-%26rsquo;80s Mexican atmosphere with a rustic flavor, using reclaimed and repurposed materials. The best seats in the house? Reserve a table downstairs. For a night on the town, meander up, where a long bar, a fireplace lounge, and more dining tables await (those don%26rsquo;t need rezzies). Chair aficionados will love the vintage seats that surround the tables here.
What to Order: Start with the queso fundido %26mdash; a blend of homemade chorizo and cheese served with white-corn tortillas %26mdash; then go for the enchilada rojo made lasagna-style with braised short ribs and guajillo sauce.
Did You Know? The word alma is Spanish for %26ldquo;soul.%26rdquo; But what really speaks to our hearts? Alma%26rsquo;s well-considered wine program of South American wines to complement the authentic Latin cuisine.

Images:
Alma. Photo by George Fiala.

Seared Mexican diver scallops at Alma. Photo by George Fiala.

Ketchup Burger Bar

Fri, 25 Feb 2011 06:12:43 GMT

It%26rsquo;s boast-worthy burgers and gourmet condiments, hence this eatery%26rsquo;s telling name, at Uptown%26rsquo;s newest burger bar, all thanks to the duo behind modern Mediterranean faves Medina Oven %26amp; Bar and Farnatchi Gourmet Oven.
3028 N. Hall St., 214.922.8222; ketchupbar.com
Who to Know: Owner Yaser Khalaf and chef/partner Jim Perry.
Where to Sit: For a great view of the kitchen in this cozy, brick-walled locale, choose a tall table by the front window.
What to Order: For the carnivorous gourmand, there%26rsquo;s the smoky Roadhouse Burger: gruy%26egrave;re, cherrywood-smoked bacon, onion rings, garlic mayo and tomato piled high on a fresh-baked brioche bun. Herbivore foodies are going to drool over the mushroom-pecan veggie burger, with brick cheese, caramelized onion and tahini lemon spread, on challah bread. Smother your fries (white truffle parmesan is our top pick) with one of the organic, signature ketchups %26mdash; out-of-the-ordinary flavors such as green tomato or chipotle.%26nbsp;%26nbsp;%26nbsp;
Did You Know? It wouldn%26rsquo;t be a Khalaf concept without a Mediterranean menu moment %26mdash; the lamb burger with feta, grilled onion, tomato and cucumber-mint spread on challah bread is just that.

Images:

Ketchup Burger Bar. Photo by George Fiala.

Turkey burger at Ketchup Burger Bar. Photo by George Fiala.

Komali

Fri, 25 Feb 2011 06:10:48 GMT

Don%26rsquo;t expect Tex-Mex here %26mdash; instead, chef Abraham Salum, of the wildly popular Salum just next door, mixes up the menu with contemporary Mexican cuisine from the Oaxaca, Guerrero, Veracruz, Yucat%26aacute;n and Central Mexico regions.
4152 Cole Ave., 214.252.0200; komalirestaurant.com
Who to Know: Chef/owner Abraham Salum and general manager Arturo Carrillo, a La Duni alum.
Where to Sit: Opt for a spot near the fireplace %26mdash; it%26rsquo;s a collage of ceramic objects and broken pottery %26mdash; and take in interior designer Julio Qui%26ntilde;ones%26rsquo; dramatically angled ceiling resembling a butterfly%26rsquo;s wing. (Qui%26ntilde;ones concocted Salum%26rsquo;s look, too.)
What to Order: The crab-stuffed poblano, the tasty Oaxaca-style tamales and the decadent chocolate flan %26mdash; it%26rsquo;s heavenly, made with goat%26rsquo;s milk cajeta. As for sexy sips, there%26rsquo;s an array of must-imbibe margaritas, including a spicy-sweet option infused with Habanero chilis.%26nbsp;
Did You Know? Komali comes from the Aztec word comal, meaning a griddle used for cooking tortillas. And since we%26rsquo;re talking tortillas, take note: The delicious ones here are handmade. Another delightful detail? Salum and Qui%26ntilde;ones (ever the discerning aesthetes) tapped Traci Cruse of Rufus Felix Flowers in Dallas to create wispy florals to match the airy interior.

Images:

Komali. Photo by George Fiala.

Crab-stuffed poblano at Komali. Photo by Manny Rodriguez.

Philippe Restaurant + Lounge

Fri, 25 Feb 2011 06:08:15 GMT

Keys to the Door: Chef/owner Philippe Schmit; interior designer Lauren Rottet; architect Shafik Rifaat; operating partner Chris Fannin.
What%26rsquo;s on the Menu: After an absence from the Houston dining scene, former Bistro Moderne exec chef Philippe Schmit is making a splash at his eponymous restaurant in the new BLVD Place development. Ask the Gallic chef what his gleaming, two-story French eatery is all about, and he%26rsquo;ll more likely tell you he doesn%26rsquo;t want it to be: stuffy, formal, intimidating or rife with attitude. Instead, working with widely acclaimed Houston-based interior designer Lauren Rottet, Schmit%26rsquo;s team has pulled the white cloths off the tables, appointed the environs upstairs with a soothing palette of whites, grays, blacks and forest wood hues, and papered the walls with architectural renderings and black-and-white photos of relics from France%26rsquo;s past. Downstairs, those swinging by for a bourbon or a Lillet blanc on the rocks will find manly leather lounges and cowhide pillows and ottomans that encourage one to idle away their day while old French films play on a loop in the back of the bar. With more than two years to contemplate his menu, Schmit has compiled an enticing assortment of dishes, both small and large plates, from a complex lobster bisque with light cod quenelles ($9) to spicy duck confit tamales ($9) that bridge his homeland ingredients with local flavors. Although the menu headings might make you snicker (%26ldquo;Flirtations,%26rdquo; %26ldquo;Sumptuous,%26rdquo; %26ldquo;Contained Decadence%26rdquo;), Schmit%26rsquo;s dishes are thoughtfully articulated. %26ldquo;Main Attractions%26rdquo; include a tr%26egrave;s classique parchment paper%26ndash;wrapped dorade steamed with parsnips, cabbage, orange zest and a splash of vermouth ($22) and a hearty Cowboy bone-in rib-eye steak with frites ($64), a share plate for two. Playing around with the tried and true, Schmit replaces meat with duck for a Frenchified shepherd%26rsquo;s pie ($23) and deftly plays with Moroccan spices in everything from a steak tartare with almonds, raisins and harissa ($8) to strewn lamb shanks, braised and served with couscous, apricots and dates ($26). 1800 Post Oak Blvd. in BLVD Place, 713.439.1000; philippehouston.com.

Image: Photos by Shannon O%26rsquo;Hara.

Tqla

Fri, 25 Feb 2011 06:04:14 GMT

Keys to the Door: Chef/partner Tommy Birdwell, GM/partner Scott Lindsey and partners Christina Lampe and Mike Nelson.
What%26rsquo;s on the Menu: In case you%26rsquo;re wondering how to pronounce the name of this south-by-southwest restaurant and bar on the Washington Avenue corridor, it%26rsquo;s %26ldquo;tequila.%26rdquo; And as for the bar menu, we doubt any blanco, reposado or a%26ntilde;ejo variety of this bracing agave spirit has eluded Tqla%26rsquo;s expansive list (reputedly the city%26rsquo;s largest) %26mdash; 170 and counting. Selections are overseen by GM Scott Lindsey, a certified Tequilier (a title on par with %26ldquo;master sommelier%26rdquo; in the wine world), who chooses only 100 percent blue agave tequilas. He and his bartenders mix them to create fresh, bright-tasting infusions, sangr%26iacute;as, palomas, margaritas and more. In the back of the house, CIA-trained chef Tommy Birdwell mans the range. Having worked with two of the godfathers of Southwestern cuisine, Mark Miller and Stephan Pyles, Birdwell draws on his vast SW experience to create tasty plates such as wild mushroom tamale napped with mushroom crema ($8), chile-seared ahi tuna glazed with jalape%26ntilde;o jelly and field greens ($12) and pumpkin-seed-crusted salmon on a bed of green-chile-laced mashed potatoes ($17). As for the interiors, Lisa Pope Westerman of Gensler was tapped to fashion the look without resorting to Southwestern clich%26eacute;s such as adobe and cow skulls. Instead, she envisioned the landscape of Jalisco, from its mesas to its mountains, deserts and beaches, and let the Mexican-influenced design flow subtly throughout the loft space. 4601 Washington Ave., 281.501.3237; tqlahouston.com.

Image: Photo by Jack Thompson.

Ava Kitchen %26 Whiskey Bar

Fri, 25 Feb 2011 05:59:25 GMT

Keys to the Door: Schiller-Del Grande Restaurant Group, operating partner Susan Bennett, general manager Rawad Semaan.
What%26rsquo;s on the Menu: Lonnie Schiller and chef Robert Del Grande (of RDG + Bar Annie fame) have just unveiled their latest concept: Ava Kitchen %26amp; Whiskey Bar at West Ave (with its Italian alter ego, Pizzeria Alto, opening upstairs as we go to press). Candice Schiller, SDG%26rsquo;s interior guru, has captured the essence of an urban bistro with a picture-window view onto bustling Kirby Drive. The sophisticated interior is bathed in cornflower blue with decidedly French accents %26mdash; reproduction foxed mirrors, zinc-topped tables and mighty 15-arm wooden chandeliers. She%26rsquo;s balanced gray tones with a pop of Indian fuchsia velvet atop the cozy banquettes (the most covetable seats in the house). Del Grande and his team have concocted a menu of small and large plates, with ingredients culled from France, Spain, Italy and Morocco. The dishes re-imagine European classics in a way that honors the tenets of the originals. Our favorites: smoked Muscovy duck breast with duck liver mousse and apple endive salad ($12), an earthy rigatoni with bolognese ($14) and the best tart tatin %26mdash; apple, bien s%26ucirc;r %26mdash; we%26rsquo;ve ever put in our mouths ($8.50). If you%26rsquo;re craving an authentic Neapolitan-style pizza, meander upstairs to Pizzeria Alto. Del Grande%26rsquo;s take on chef-driven pizza pie is sure to spark debate on just who is serving the best slice in town. 2800 Kirby Dr. in West Ave, 713.386.6460; avaalto.com.

Images: Photos by Jenny Antill.

%26nbsp;

Restaurant Buzz

Fri, 25 Feb 2011 05:51:42 GMT

Eat sweet and be sweet this month as one of our fave gals-about-town, Kim Whitman, debuts her signature Red Cross Red Velvet treat at Sprinkles Cupcakes March 27 through April 1. The icing on the cake? One hundred percent of the proceeds from each sugary confection benefits American Red Cross %26ndash; Dallas Chapter. Look for the line out the door at Sprinkles in The Plaza at Preston Center %26hellip; In other tasty news, Dragonfly at Hotel ZaZa has landed a new executive chef by the name of Dan Landsberg (the former exec chef, director of operations and partner at Tillman%26rsquo;s Roadhouse). With the %26rsquo;Fly%26rsquo;s new chef comes another headline-maker, as we hear designer Kimberly Miller of Design Duncan Miller Ullmann has been busy revamping the restaurant%26rsquo;s interior %26hellip; There%26rsquo;s yet another foodie reason to make tracks to Oak Cliff. This time, it%26rsquo;s a smart enchiladeria called BEE: Best Enchiladas Ever. Imagine a taqueria but, instead, it%26rsquo;s build-your-own enchiladas. Our%26nbsp; choice combo? A blue-corn tortilla filled with pork carnitas, queso fresco and topped with creamy avocado verde sauce. See what the buzz is about at 202 West Davis Street or click to bestenchiladasever.com %26hellip; Make a date with EatZi%26rsquo;s Market %26amp; Bakery Saturday, March 26, as the inimitable institution celebrates its 15th anniversary with a $1,500 gift-card giveaway and 15 percent off everything. Happy birthday! Sun-dried tomato pasta salad, salmon croquettes and chocolate chip cookies for everyone.

Image: Kim Whitman, with her Red Cross Red Velvet Sprinkles cupcake. Photo by Steven Visneau.

We Love This

Fri, 25 Feb 2011 05:44:10 GMT

The tart tatin from the new Schiller-Del Grande restaurant, Ava in West Ave, is a meltingly good, flaky, cream-cheese pastry baked over slices of green apple arranged in caramelized butter and sugar, with fresh whipped cream. Served lunch and dinner, $8.50.

Photo by Jenny Antill.

Restaurant Buzz

Fri, 25 Feb 2011 05:25:00 GMT

Several years ago, I attended the annual Star Chefs conference in New York. I left feeling inspired, educated and on top of the trends; ever since, I%26rsquo;ve encouraged every food pro I know to go. Now Houston has been chosen by starchefs.com as one of four profile and destination cities in the USA this year. On Thursday, March 17, from 7 to 10 pm, the Rising Stars Revue Gala will recognize Houston food pros that Star Chefs deems up-and-comers in the field during a walk-around chef tasting at the Four Seasons Hotel. Information starchefs.com/tickets %26hellip; Yearning for a weekend away that only feels far away? Book one of the swank, newly completed penthouse suites at Hotel Sorella in CityCentre. The 11 one-, two- and three-bedroom options %26mdash; each averaging 1,500 square feet %26mdash; offer kitchens with Viking appliances and tricked-out bathrooms. Rent by the day or month %26hellip; Nicole Mora, aka the gal who drives around in her Frosted Betty Mobile Bakeshop proffering cupcakes and sweets, will open a retail outpost in the Heights. Look for her Studewood locale, dubbed Frosted Betty Bakeshop, to carry homemade ice cream, mini pastries, old-fashioned lollipops, chocolate and cupcakes. (Food Network fans might have caught Mora competing on Cupcake Wars recently, too.) %26hellip; The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo hosts the Rodeo Uncorked! Champion Wine Auction and Dinner Saturday, March 5, at 5:30 pm. Tickets through the Reliant Center ticket office %26hellip; Ouisie%26rsquo;s restaurant starts serving breakfast this month, at 7 am Monday to Friday, 8 am Saturday and Sunday %26hellip; Farmer%26rsquo;s market news: City Hall Farmers Market is up and running again, every Wednesday from 11 am to 2 pm around the reflecting pool. Highland Village Farmers Market is now open Sundays instead of Saturdays, 9 am to 1 pm. Outside the loop, CityCentre inaugurates its Saturdays-only Eco-Farmers Market in the central plaza on Saturday, March 5, from 9 am to 1 pm %26hellip; Food writer John Mariani has penned an engaging new book, How Italian Food Conquered The World (Palgrave Macmillan, 2011, $25). For anyone who enjoys a little history with their pasta pomodoro, this is a fascinating read.

Restaurant Buzz

Mon, 31 Jan 2011 04:55:32 GMT

Benjy%26rsquo;s in The Village has a fresh new look. Joel Mozersky has given the 15-year-old Rice Village eatery a glamorous lift with cozy upholstery and wallpapers, splashed with teal, silver, gray and white. In addition, Joseph Stayshich is the new exec chef there, whipping up marvels such as miso-tinged Caesar salad with marcona almonds and ruby-red grapefruit and grilled Scottish salmon topped with mustard caviar (a sweet-and-sour wonder), grilled apples and spatzle %26hellip; Lisa Pounds has launched Green Plate Kids, a Houston-based prepared-meal provider that whips up organic, locally sourced meals for the kid set. Details greenplatekids.com %26hellip; Call it fate or extremely good fortune: Tony Mandola was poised to close/relocate his namesake Gulf Coast eatery in River Oaks Shopping Center on January 8 then three days later slip into the new building on Waugh Drive he%26rsquo;s been readying for months. But construction delays sent his crew into a tailspin when three days turned into three months. Enter the real estate developer who holds the lease on the space formerly known as Fins Seafood, Sushi %26amp; Grill (Rickshaw before that) on Westheimer. Bob Schultz anted up his prime space, which will now serves as the temporary home for Mandola and his crew. And you thought you%26rsquo;d have to wait it out on Waugh for your po%26rsquo; boy %26hellip; Meanwhile, we reported last spring that chef Charles Clark and Grant Cooper had signed a deal to do a concept in Mandola%26rsquo;s former River Oaks space. Dubbed Brasserie 19 (as in 77019), its interiors are being designed by Julie McGarr, and construction is underway now. Cooper tells us that the footprint of the eatery will stay the same %26mdash; long bar taking center stage %26mdash; but its interior will be remodeled in dreamy, creamy whites and grays. The brasserie menu will include French favorites such as mussels, pommes frites, steak tartar, a raw bar, homemade terrines and fare that feels French but with a decidedly American stamp. Look for an April opening %26hellip; Retail and restaurant concepteur Lee Ellis has been busy signing leases. The co-owner of BRC Restaurant is partnering with Susan Molzan of Ruggles Bakery to do a dessert concept (at the moment unnamed) in the former Blueberry Hill yogurt shop on West Alabama. In addition, Ellis (who is also part of the 310 Rosemont retail venture) is moving his contemporary clothing store for men and women to West Ave this March. The 2,300-square-foot space is next to the soon-to-open Schiller Del Grande Pizzeria Alto. On top of that, the powers that be at West Ave convinced Ellis to do a funky coffee bar on the second floor there, too. Look for an opening this spring %26hellip; Addie D%26rsquo;Agostino, a young French Culinary Institute grad, is opening Relish on San Felipe near Ouisie%26rsquo;s. A fine-foods shop specializing in chef-prepared foods to go, local farm produce and artisan fare, her 2,300-square-foot shop is scheduled to open later this spring %26hellip; This just in: Rumor has it that the Hollywood sushi hot spot Katsuya, designed by Philippe Starck, is opening in Houston. Reports cite Highland Village as a likely spot. We%26rsquo;ll let you know when it%26rsquo;s official.

Restaurant Buzz

Fri, 28 Jan 2011 05:52:54 GMT

It%26rsquo;s official: Dallas is the culinary city that never sleeps. By February%26rsquo;s end, Morton%26rsquo;s The Steakhouse will stake its claim in Uptown. Measuring in at 8,500 square feet and just across McKinney Avenue from the Rosewood Crescent Hotel and The Ritz-Carlton, Dallas, Morton%26rsquo;s mod chophouse interior will be a fitting complement to its sophisticated cuisine. (We%26rsquo;re dying to try the crab-cake BLT and the mini prime cheeseburgers.) Come armed with a steak knife to 2222 McKinney Avenue, or preview the menu at mortons.com %26hellip; When event-planning wizard Andy Austin let us in on his newest project, our inner foodie was immediately star-struck. This summer, Austin and his managing partner, Patrick Halbert, will make their grand foray into restaurant ownership with the opening of Private Social (this duo definitely speaks our language) in the glassy, modernist, mixed-use building at 3232 McKinney Avenue. Top Chef star Tiffany Derry will command the kitchen and the divine menu of New American cuisine %26hellip; Also making an Uptown entr%26eacute;e is Howard Wang%26rsquo;s China Grill, which opens its second location (the first is a Northwest Highway fave) in early March, at the corner of Cole and Lemmon avenues, just next door to Gloria%26rsquo;s Restaurant. Expect a delectable dim-sum bar plus a high-voltage happy hour packed with sinful cocktails %26hellip; Whether its Snider Plaza or Lovers Lane, the in crowd seems to always be lunching at Zo%26euml;%26rsquo;s Kitchen. The contemporary Mediterranean eatery just opened its third Dallas location, on the northeast corner of Preston Road and Royal Lane. Here%26rsquo;s your insider tip: This one boasts Zo%26euml;%26rsquo;s latest menu concept. Our fave new item? The veggie pita pizza. Peruse it all at zoeskitchen.com %26hellip; Restaurateur/bon vivant Nick Badovinus of the illustrious Neighborhood Services trio is at it again. This time, it%26rsquo;s a breakfast-and-lunch stop called Off-Site Kitchen, at the intersection of Irving Boulevard and Wycliff Avenue, said to open by early March. Based on the culinary craze over Chef B%26rsquo;s other eateries, Off-Site is sure to be an on-target success %26hellip; Taco junkies, take note: Good 2 Go Taco %26mdash; the East Dallas taqueria of grassroots fame, with a gourmet menu that changes every day %26mdash; has moved out of Green Spot Market %26amp; Fuels and into a stand-alone spot at 1146 Peavy Road. For its latest taco tidbits %26mdash; and its many fans, including some rather social-savvy names %26mdash;%26nbsp;see facebook.com/good2gotaco %26hellip; There%26rsquo;s buzz coming from inside the kitchen at Park %26mdash;%26nbsp;and it can be traced to its new executive chef, Garreth Dickey, formerly the exec chef at Hibiscus. Dickey is concocting a tasty new array of offerings, from roasted chicken on saffron rice to a divine-sounding Rocky Mountain trout served with whipped butternut squash. The best part? Chef Dickey will switch up the menu frequently, based on the availability of fresh, locally sourced produce and proteins. Visit 1921 Henderson Avenue or parkhenderson.com for the savory scoop. We%26rsquo;re grabbing our car keys and heading over.

Dallas, Well-Done

Fri, 28 Jan 2011 05:10:32 GMT

Essential Dallas

Drive twisty, tree-lined Turtle Creek Boulevard, where mid-century apartment towers meet elegant mansions %26hellip; Take in the Calder show at the Nasher, the African masks at the DMA, and the corals and crystals at the Crow Collection, all walking-distance neighbors in the downtown Arts District %26hellip; Work off those brisket tacos on the multi-mile Katy Trail, a gorgeous walking/biking path that winds through urbane Dallas %26hellip; Catch a show at the Winspear (Sir Norman Foster designed it) and the Wyly (that one is by Rem Koolhaas) %26hellip; Stroll the grassy knoll %26hellip; Hop over the Trinity River and explore the super-charming Bishop Arts District in Oak Cliff, loaded with one-off shops and stylish little eateries %26hellip; Do the 29-minute drive to Fort Worth, where you%26rsquo;ll find amazing museums (the Kimbell, the Modern), Sundance Square (the hub of Cowtown%26rsquo;s downtown culture, and ESPN%26rsquo;s broadcast center for the big game) and the wild-west Stockyards %26hellip; See Tom Landry%26rsquo;s fedoras (his personal collections are on view through February 6) and fine Deco architecture at Fair Park, the world%26rsquo;s largest site of 1930s exhibition buildings %26hellip; Barhop via vintage trolley through Uptown %26hellip; And, go ahead, dare to order that second Mambo Taxi margarita at Mi Cocina.

Image: Katy Trail

If You Have One Free Afternoon%26hellip;

The Wyly. Photo by Iwan Baan.

The Dee and Charles Wyly Theatre, 2400 Flora St., 214.978.2800; attpac.org
The Trammell and Margaret Crow Collection of Asian Art, 2010 Flora St., 214.979.6430; crowcollection.com
%26nbsp;

Photo courtesy Dallas Museum of Art

Dallas Museum of Art, 1717 N. Harwood, 214.922.1200; dallasmuseumofart.org
Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center, 2301 Flora St., 214.670.3600; dallassymphony.com
%26nbsp;

Image: Nasher Sculpture Center

Nasher Sculpture Center, 2001 Flora St., 214.242.5100; nashersculpturecenter.org
Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden, 8525 Garland Road, 214.515.6500; dallasarboretum.org
Dealey Plaza, 411 Elm St., 214.747.6660; jfk.org
%26nbsp;

Image: The Kimbell Art Museum in Fort Worth. Photo by Robert LaPrelle.

The Sixth Floor Museum at Kimbell Art Museum, 3333 Camp Bowie Blvd., 817.332.8451; kimbellart.org
African American Museum Dallas, 3536 Grand Ave., 214.565.9026; aamdallas.org
Dallas Firefighter%26rsquo;s Museum, 3801 Parry Ave., 214.821.1500; dallasfiremuseum.com
%26nbsp;

Image: The Winspear. Photo by Tim Hursley.

The Margot and Bill Winspear Opera House, 2403 Flora St., 214.443.1000; dallasopera.org
Meadows Museum, 5900 Bishop Blvd., 214.768.2516; smu.edu/meadowsmuseum

%26nbsp;
image: The Modern. Photo by David Woo.

Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth, 3200 Darnell St., 817.738.9215; themodern.org
Fair Park, 1300 Robert B. Cullum Blvd. at Grand, 214.670.8400; fairpark.org
Victory Park, Victory Park Lane at Olive St.; victorypark.com

%26nbsp;

The Road to Retail Nirvana Starts Here

Images: Highland Park Village; Harry Winston

%26bull;Highland Park Village
It is, by far, the hometown hub of Dallas%26rsquo; A-list %26mdash; who have come to shop, eat, meet and greet here since 1931, all in the luxe surrounds of red-tile-roofed Mediterranean architecture. It boasts Chanel, Herm%26egrave;s, Christian Louboutin, Harry Winston, Jimmy Choo, Cole Haan and a passel of other top-notch shops, plus restaurants, a newly renovated movie palace, even a camera shop that%26rsquo;s been selling lenses and Leicas since 1941. Corner of Preston Road and Mockingbird Lane; hpvillage.com.

Image: NorthPark Center. Photo by Jim Dine.
%26nbsp;
%26bull;NorthPark Center
Think of it as a frappe of fashion, food, art and architecture. Translation? More than 235 restaurants and shops %26mdash; Neiman Marcus, Barneys New York, Bulgari, Roberto Cavalli, Cartier, David Yurman, Gregory%26rsquo;s, Cole Haan, Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Tiffany %26amp; Co., Valentino, Tod%26rsquo;s, Versace %26mdash; all surrounded by one family%26rsquo;s to-die-for art collection, from Warhol and Moore to Stella and Lichtenstein. 8687 N. Central Expwy. (corner of N. Central Expwy. and Northwest Hwy.), 214.361.6345; northparkcenter.com.

%26bull;Neiman Marcus Downtown
It%26rsquo;s a must-do Dallas nexus of style and lore %26mdash; this is the company, after all, that gave the world his-and-hers camels (and hot-air balloons) via its over-the-top Christmas catalogs. Go for NM%26rsquo;s inventive windows along Main, Commerce and Ervay streets; stay for The Zodiac bistro%26rsquo;s famous popovers with strawberry butter. 1812 Main St. (corner of Main and Commerce streets), 214.741.6911; neimanmarcus.com.
%26nbsp;
%26bull;Galleria Dallas
The glimmer here isn%26rsquo;t just coming from the 200-plus stores: This slice of retail and restaurant heaven boasts a sparkling indoor ice rink %26mdash; just the thing for cooling off after a round of speed-shopping through the Galleria%26rsquo;s three glam-packed levels, including anchors Saks Fifth Avenue and Nordstrom, plus Fa%26ccedil;onnable, Coach, L%26rsquo;Occitane, Michael Kors and local jewelry gem Ylang 23. 13350 Dallas Pkwy., 972.702.7100; galleriadallas.com.

%26bull;Grange Hall/Urban Flower
Curious vases? Edgy accessories? Just you wait %26mdash; and it%26rsquo;s all cleverly arrayed in this shotgun space packed with everything from the magnificent to the macabre. Horn jewelry, antler fragments, skull motifs, ethereal figurines: Anything goes at Grange Hall. 4445 Travis St., 214.443.0600; urbanflowergrangehall.com.

Image: Forty Five Ten. Photo by Steve Wrubel.

%26bull;Forty Five Ten
Vogue and The New York Times are mad for the place %26mdash; as are Lucky, InStyle and Elle Decor. You will be, too: It%26rsquo;s Dallas%26rsquo; veritable ground zero of modern fashion, for men and women on a first-name basis with fashion: Dries, Viktor, Rolf, Azzedine, Yigal, Narciso, et al. Your home can dress as smartly, too: There are gorgeous books, unusual candles and knickknacks of enlightened leanings. 4510 McKinney Ave., 214.559.4510; fortyfiveten.com.

%26bull;Stanley Korshak
On any given day, the driveway in front of this glamorous Crescent Court department store is speckled with Bentleys and Benzes (the big ones). Enough said. From an in-store Brunello Cucinelli boutique to a to-die-for jewelry department (sparkly pieces come by way of Ashley Pittman, Ted Muehling, Rachelle Dauphinee and many more), this Dallas shopping icon is not to be missed. 500 Crescent Ct., 214.871.3600; stanleykorshak.com.

%26bull;V.O.D.
%26hellip; where Isabel Marant meets LD Tuttle, and where Alexander Wang shares rack space with Jenni Kayne. (Yes, this is the place for ahead-of-trend fashion insiders.) Be sure and meet the cool-chick owners behind this Victory Park gem, Jackie Bolin and Liz Thompson, whose spot-on fashion sense takes them around the globe %26mdash; think fashion weeks in Paris, New York, even Istanbul. 2418 Victory Park Lane, 214.754.0644; vodboutique.com.

%26bull;The Plaza at Preston Center
A can%26rsquo;t-miss mix of local shops and restaurants, all with singular style, including Tootsies, Matthew Trent, Bachendorf%26rsquo;s, Calypso St. Barth, Taco Diner and R + D Kitchen (yummy comfort food, and the best modernist restaurant interior in town). 8311 Preston Center Plaza Dr., 469.232.0000; theplazaatprestoncenter.com.

More Great Shops:%26nbsp;

Allan Knight, 150 Turtle Creek Blvd., (214) 741-2227; allanknightasso.com
Bachendorf%26rsquo;s, 8400 Preston Rd., 214.692.8400; Galleria Dallas, 972.392.9900; 7401 Lonestar Dr., Plano, 972.596.2090; bachendorfs.com
B. Gover Limited Home, 1436 Slocum St., 214.571.9675
Calypso St. Barth, 4040 Villanova Dr., 214.750.0261; calypsostbarth.com
Century Modern, 2928 Main St., 214.651.9200; centurymodern.com
Ceylon et Cie, 1319 Dragon St., 214.742.7632; ceylonetcie.com
Champagne%26rsquo;s Luxe, 5201 W. Lovers Lane, 214.352.7777; champagnesluxe.com
Clotheshorse Anonymous, 11661 Preston Rd., 972.233.7005; clotheshorseanonymous.com
Collage 20th Century Classics, 1300 N. Riverfront Blvd., 214.828.9888; collageclassics.com
Deboulle, 6821 Preston Rd., 214.522.2400; deboulle.com
Debris Antiques, 1209 Slocum St., 214.752.8855; debrisantiques.com
Elements/Elle by Elements, 4400 Lovers Ln., 214.987.0837; elementsclothing.com
Jan Showers %26amp; Associates, 13008 Slocum St., 214.747.5252; janshowers.com
L. Bartlett, 3699 McKinney Ave., 214.521.3500; lbartlett.com
Lombardo Custom Apparel, 17604 N. Dallas Parkway, 214.265.8488; lombardocustomapparel.com
L%26rsquo;Optique of Dallas, 11930 Preston Rd., 972.934.2020
Lost Antiques and Found Antiques, 1201 N. Industrial Blvd., 214.741.4411 and 1225 N. Industrial Blvd., 214.741.5533, respectively; dallas-antiques.com
Matthew Trent, 4015 Villanova Dr., 800.292.6842; matthewtrent.com
Markham Fine Jewelry, 8355 Gaylord Parkway, Frisco, 214.705.9913; markhamfinejewelers.com
Marnie Rocks, 8413 Preston Center Plaza Dr., 214.369.1200; marnierocks.com
Martin Lawrence Gallery, Galleria Dallas, 972.716.5335
Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams, 4519 McKinney Ave., 214.753.8700; mganbw.com
The Mews, 1708 Market Center Blvd., 214.748.9070; themewsantiques.com
Nest, 4524 McKinney Ave., 214.373.4444; nestdallas.com
Scoop NYC, 44 Highland Park Village, 214.521.1900; scoopnyc.com
Scott + Cooner, 1617 HiLine Dr., 214.748.9838; scottcooner.com
Studio Sebastian, 6730 Snider Plaza, 214.360.9001; studiosebastian.com
Smink Modern Living, 5370 W. Lovers Ln., 214.350.0542; sminkinc.com
Tootsies, 8300 Preston Rd., 214.696.3339; tootsies.com
William Noble Rare Jewels and Noble Boutique, 100 Highland Park Village #370, 214.526.123; williamnoble.com
Wisteria Outlet, 6500 Cedar Springs Rd., 214.350.3115; wisteriaoutlet.com
Ylang23, Galleria Dallas, 972.980.6423; ylang23.com%26nbsp;

Image: Palm Restaurant

Dine Finely: Your Guide to Gastronomic Bliss

Steak
%26bull;Al Biernat%26rsquo;s: Want to talk Big Game with Jerry Jones? He%26rsquo;s likely dining here %26mdash; with Dallas%26rsquo; other high rollers, who come for the perfect primes, rib-eyes, kobes and filets. The valet frenzy here is like a scene from Dallas. Just with better cars. 4217 Oak Lawn Ave., 214.219.2201; albiernats.com. More magnificent steaks: Bob%26rsquo;s, Nick %26amp; Sam%26rsquo;s, The Place at Perry%26rsquo;s, Old Warsaw, Eddie V%26rsquo;s, III Forks, Capital Grille, Dallas Chop House.

Image: Arcodoro %26amp; Pomodoro. Photo by Raul Santillan.

Italian
%26bull;Arcodoro %26amp; Pomodoro: It%26rsquo;s a trip to Sardinia, no passport required. Order all the carpaccios and risottos %26mdash; and several glasses of owner Efisio Farris%26rsquo; private-label prosecco. Oh, and the puff pastries filled with sweet cheese. 100 Crescent Court, 214.871.1924; arcodoro.com. Other intriguing Italian: Adelmo%26rsquo;s, Nonna, Avanti, Villa-O, Patrizio%26rsquo;s, Ristorante Nicola.

Image: Villa-O

Seafood
%26bull;Caf%26eacute; Pacific: Take note of the Rolls-Royces and Maybachs queued up out front. What%26rsquo;s inside is as good: a Dallas power-dining institution %26mdash; decorated with marble, mahogany and brass %26mdash; where the seriously A-list have been elbowing in for 30-plus years, for onion-crusted sea bass, lobster-tail trios and roasted-corn snappers. 24 Highland Park Village, 214.526.1170; cafepacificdallas.com. Other scrumptious seafood: Ocean Prime, Oceanaire, S.%26amp;D. Oyster Company, Truluck%26rsquo;s, Chamberlain%26rsquo;s Fish Market.

Image: Fin Sushi. Photo by Jonathan Zizzo.

Sushi
%26bull;Shinsei: What happens when the foodie wives of two of Dallas%26rsquo; top chefs get together and open a dark and design-y sushi joint? Dallas%26rsquo; smart set shows up. Every night. The sushi is sublime (think snow crab, salmon roe, quail egg), and the alternative fare is as clever (jalape%26ntilde;o peppers stuffed with coconut chicken, honey-hoisin baby-back ribs). 7713 Inwood Road, 214.352.0005; shinseirestaurant.com. Other chic sushi: Kenichi, Yutaka, Teppo,Tei Tei Robata, Steel, Little Katana, Sushi Axiom, Five Sixty by Wolfgang Puck, Nobu, Fin Sushi.

Pizza
%26bull;Fireside Pies: Locals jam up here for wood-fired pizzas with a flair for the creative: Goat cheese, sopressata salami, roasted pi%26ntilde;on nuts and truffle oil are just a few of the impressive ingredients piled on these pies. 2820 N. Henderson Ave., 214.370.3916; 5717 Legacy Dr., Plano, 972.398.2700; 2949 Crockett, Fort Worth, 817.769.3590; firesidepies.com. Other perfect pizza: Coal Vines, Campana, Sfuzzi, Olivella%26rsquo;s, Eno%26rsquo;s, Penne Pomodoro, Campisi%26rsquo;s.

Image: Nick %26amp; Sam's

Tex-Mex
%26bull;Mi Cocina: A-types frequent this Tex-Mex mecca for its high-energy atmosphere, bountiful chips, free-flowing salsa, Mama%26rsquo;s Chicken con Hongos (our pick) and, of course, the ever-potent Mambo Taxi margaritas, swirled with secret sangria. 3699 McKinney Ave., 469.533.5663; 77 Highland Park Village, 214.521.6426; more locations at mcrowd.com. Other Tex-Mex musts: Javier%26rsquo;s, Ojeda%26rsquo;s, Herrera%26rsquo;s, Taco Diner, Mattito%26rsquo;s, Urban Taco, Trece, Gloria%26rsquo;s.

Mediterranean
%26bull;Samar by Stephan Pyles: You%26rsquo;ll find dishes from Spain, India and the Eastern Mediterranean at this Arts District haunt. Feeling particularly adventurous? There%26rsquo;s a private hookah lounge. 2100 Ross Ave., 214.922.9922; samarrestaurant.com. Other fusion fare: Medina, Cafe Izmir, Caf%26eacute; Istanbul, Ziziki%26rsquo;s, Kavala, Ali Baba.

Image: Fearing's. Photo by Mark Wieland.

Contemporary American
%26bull;Fearing%26rsquo;s: Dallasites know that when it comes to gourmet comfort food, it%26rsquo;s all about chef Dean Fearing and his namesake restaurant at The Ritz-Carlton, Dallas. Sip a Gin Bramble at the famous Rattlesnake Bar, then mosey to the restaurant for a wood-grilled %26lsquo;D1%26rsquo; glazed beef tenderloin with six-year-aged cheddar macaroni. All the while, keep your eyes peeled: Dallas%26rsquo; boldface names oft frequent this spot. 2121 McKinney Ave., 214.922.4848; fearingsrestaurant.com. Other American winners: Salum, Parigi, Bolla, Local, Dragonfly at Hotel ZaZa.

Image: Abacus

Eternally, Exquisitely Dallas
%26bull;The Mansion Restaurant at Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek: The grande dame of Dallas dining %26mdash; in gorgeous new clothes. Inside this 1925 Italian Renaissance manse, chef Bruno Davaillon wows with simple, fresh, divine cuisine that is a sensory match for the stunning main room, where a sculpted ceiling meets modern art. 2821 Turtle Creek Blvd., 214.443.4747; mansiononturtlecreek.com. Other grand greats: The French Room, Abacus, Stephan Pyles, Rise No. 1.

Latin
%26bull;La Duni Latin Caf%26eacute;: A family-owned Dallas must-do, serving up delish European and Latin American dishes, clever cocktails and plenty of espresso and hot chocolate drinks to keep you lively (and warm). 4620 McKinney Ave., 214.520.7300; La Duni Latin Kitchen %26amp; Baking Studio, 4264 Oak Lawn Ave., 214.520.6888; La Duni Latin Kitchen %26amp; Coffee Studio at NorthPark Center, 8687 N. Central Expwy, 214.987.2260; laduni.com.

BBQ
%26bull;Sonny Bryan%26rsquo;s Smokehouse: Legendary brisket, homemade barbeque sauce and onion rings that garner their own accolades. Bring bibs. 2202 Inwood Road, 214.357.7120; sonnybryans.com. Other brag-worthy BBQ: Peggy Sue BBQ, Baker%26rsquo;s Ribs, Sammy%26rsquo;s Bar B Que, Dickey%26rsquo;s Barbecue Pit.

Image: La Fiorentina. Photo by Kevin Marple.

Multi-Multicultural
%26bull;Restaurateur Alberto Lombardi holds the map of a worldly mix of culinary tastes. Start with tapas at his Spanish eatery Sangr%26iacute;a Tapas Y Bar [4524 Cole Ave., 214.520.4863]. For dinner en fran%26ccedil;ais, get thee to Toulouse Caf%26eacute; and Bar [3314 Knox St., 214.520.8999] for bouillabaisse and frog legs %26agrave; la provencal. Should you seek scampi tagliolini or a rich risotto, tap into Taverna Pizzeria Risotteria [3210 Armstrong Ave., 214.520.9933], and for a hearty Fiorentina Porterhouse (not for the weak of appetite), reserve a table at La Fiorentina [4501 Cole Ave., 972.528.6170]. The best part? All are within walking distance of each other, tucked into the quaint Knox-Travis neighborhood. lombardifamilyconcepts.com.

Image: Maple and Motor. Photo by George Fiala.

More Great Dining:

Alma, 2822 N. Henderson Ave., 214.827.2820
Antonio Ristorante, 4985 Addison Circle, 972.458.1010; antonioristorante.com
Arthur%26rsquo;s Prime Steaks and Seafood, 15175 Quorum Dr., 972.385.0800; arthursdallas.com
Artizone, artizone.com
Asian Mint, 4246 Oak Lawn Ave., 214.219.6468; asianmint.com
Bailey%26rsquo;s Prime Plus, 8160 Park Lane, 214.750.8100; 2901 Crockett St., Fort Worth, 817.870.1100; baileysprimeplus.com
Bandito%26rsquo;s Tex-Mex Cantina, 6615 Snider Plaza, 214.750.6100; banditos-dallas.com
Bob%26rsquo;s Steak %26amp; Chop House, 4300 Lemmon Ave., 214.528.9446; bobs-steakandchop.com
Bolsa, 614 W. Davis St. (in Oak Cliff), 214.367.9367; bolsadallas.com
Brackets Dallas, 5330 E. Mockingbird Lane, 214.823.0123; bracketsdallas.com
Breadwinners Cafe and Bakery, 3301 McKinney Ave., 214.754.4940; 5560 W. Lovers Lane, 214.754.4940; 4021 Preston Rd., Plano, 972.312.9300; breadwinnerscafe.com
Brownstone, 840 Currie St., Fort Worth, 817.332.1555; brownstonerestaurants.com
Bubba%26rsquo;s Cooks Country, 6617 Hillcrest Rd., 214.373.6527; babeschicken.com
The Capital Grille, 500 Crescent Court, 214.303.0500; thecapitalgrille.com
Celebrity Caf%26eacute; %26amp; Bakery, 65 Highland Park Village, 214.528.6612; 10720 Preston Rd., 214.373.0783; enjoycelebrity.com
Central 214, 5680 N. Central Expressway, 214.443.9339; central214.com
Chocolate Secrets, 3926 Oak Lawn Ave., 214.252.9801; chocolatesecrets.net
Coal Vines, 2404 Cedar Springs Rd., 214.855.4999; coalvines.com
Cool River Caf%26eacute;, 1045 Hidden Ridge, 972.871.8881; coolrivercafe.com
The Common Table, 2917 Fairmount St., 214.880.7414; thecommontable.com
Cr%26uacute; A Wine Bar, 3699 McKinney Ave., 214.526.9463; 7201 Bishop Rd., Plano, 972.312.9463; cruawinebar.com
Dallas Chop House, 1717 Main St., 214.736.7300; dallaschophouse.com
Dallas Fish Market, 1501 Main St., 214.744.3474; dallasfishmarket.com
Dish, 4123 Cedar Springs Rd., 214.522.3474; dish-dallas.com
Dive Coastal Cuisine, 3404 Rankin St., 214.891.1700; dive-dallas.com
Eatzi%26rsquo;s Market %26amp; Bakery, 3403 Oak Lawn Av., 214.526.1515; 5600 W. Lovers Lane, 214.358.3100; eatzis.com
Eddie V%26rsquo;s Prime Seafood, 4023 Oak Lawn Ave., 214.890.1500; eddiev.com
Empire Baking Company, 5450 W. Lovers Ln., 214.350.0007; 5614 E. University Blvd., 214.373.3838; empirebaking.com
Fernando%26rsquo;s Mexican Cuisine, 4347 W. Northwest Hwy., 214.351.9010; fernandosmexicancuisine.com
Ferrari%26rsquo;s Italian Villa, 1200 William D. Tate, Grapevine, 817.251.2525; ferrarisrestaurant.com
Fin Sushi Lounge, 4123 Cedar Springs Rd., 214.443.9366; finsushidallas.com%26nbsp;
The Fish Restaurant %26amp; Sushi Bar, 3636 McKinney Ave., 214.522.0071; fishhouston.com
Five Sixty by Wolfgang Puck, 300 Reunion Blvd., 214.741.5560; wolfgangpuck.com
Grace, 777 Main St., Fort Worth, 817.877.3388; gracefortworth.com
Green Room, 2715 Elm St., 214.744.7666; greenroomdallas.com
Gui Korean Japanese Bistro %26amp; Bar, 2719 McKinney Ave., 214.597.5616
Hibiscus, 2927 N. Henderson Ave., 214.827.2927; hibiscusdallas.com
Hillstone, 8300 A Preston Rd., 214.691.8991; hillstone.com
Horne %26amp; Dekker, 2323 N. Henderson Ave., 214.821.9333; horneanddekker.com
Iron Cactus Mexican Grill %26amp; Margarita Bar, 1520 Main St., 214.749.4766; ironcactus.com
II Brothers, 8308 Preston Rd., 972.712.8308; iibrothers.com
Jasper%26rsquo;s, 7161 Bishop Rd., Plano, 469.229.9111; jaspers-restaurant.com
Javier%26rsquo;s Gourmet Mexicano, 4912 Cole Ave., 214.521.4211; javiers.net
Kenichi, 2400 Victory Park Lane, 214.871.8883; kenichidallas.com
Kenny%26rsquo;s Wood Fired Grill, 5000 Beltline Rd., 972.392.9663; kennyswoodfiredgrill.com
Komali, 4152 Cole Ave., 214.252.0200; komalirestaurant.com
Kozy Kitchen, 4433 McKinney Ave., 214.219.5044; twigproductive.com/kozy
Lemon Bar, 3699 McKinney Ave., 214.443.6043; thelemonbar.net
Little Katana, 4527 Travis St., 214.443.9600; littlekatana.com
Local, 2936 Elm St., 214.752.7500; localdallas.com
Loft 610, 5760 State Highway 121, Plano, 972.377.2500; loft610.com/plano
Lombardi%26rsquo;s Cibus, NorthPark Center, 214.692.0001; cibusdallas.com
Lumi Empanada %26amp; Dumpling Kitchen, 3407 McKinney Ave., 214.979.2424; lumikitchen.com
Maple and Motor, 4810 Maple Ave., 214.522.4400; mapleandmotor.com
Mattito%26rsquo;s, 3011 Routh St., 214.526.8181; mattitos.com
The Mercury, 11909 Preston Road, 972.960.7774; mcrowd.com
Mi Piaci, 14854 Montfort Dr., 972.934.8424; mipiaci-dallas.com
Neighborhood Services, 5027 W. Lovers Lane, 214.350.5027; Bar %26amp; Grill, 10720 Preston Rd. 214.368.1101; Tavern, 2405 N. Henderson Ave., 214.827.2405; neighborhoodservicesdallas.com
Peggy Sue BBQ, 6600 Snider Plaza, 214.987.9188; peggysuebbq.com
The Rattlesnake Bar [at Fearing%26rsquo;s], 2121 McKinney Ave., 214.922.4848; fearingsrestaurant.com
Nick and Sam%26rsquo;s Grill, 2816 Fairmount St., 214.303.1880; nick-samsgrill.com
Nick and Sam%26rsquo;s, 3008 Maple Ave., 214.871.7444; nick-sams.com
NM Fashion Cafe at Neiman Marcus, 1525 Commerce St., 214.573.8250; neimanmarcus.com
Nobu Dallas, 400 Crescent Court, 214.252.7000; noburestaurants.com
Nonna, 4115 Lomo Alto, 214.521.1800; nonnadallas.com
Nosh, 4216 Oak Lawn Ave., 214.528.9400; nosheurobistro.com
Ocean Prime, 2101 Cedar Springs Rd., 214.965.0440; oceanprimedallas.com
Ojeda%26rsquo;s Mexican Restaurant, 4617 Maple Ave., 214.528.8383; ojedasdallas.com
Palm Restaurant, 701 Ross Ave., 214.698.0470; thepalm.com
Palomino Restaurant %26amp; Bar, 500 Crescent Court, 214.999.1222; palomino.com
Park Restaurant, Bar %26amp; Garden, 1921 Henderson Ave., 214.824.3343; parkhenderson.com
Patrizio%26rsquo;s, 25 Highland Park Village, 214.522.7878; 1900 Preston Rd., Plano, 972.964.2200; 2932 Crockett St., Fort Worth, 817.698.0003; patrizios.net
Penne Pomodoro, 6815 Snider Plaza, 214.373.9911; pennepomodoro.com
Preston%26rsquo;s, 8411 Preston Rd., 214.691.7763; prestonsdallas.com
R + D Kitchen, 8300 Preston Center Plaza, 214.890.7900; hillstone.com
Rathbun%26rsquo;s Blue Plate Kitchen, 6130 Luther Lane, 214.890.1103; kentrathbun.com
Reata, 310 Houston St., Fort Worth, 817.336.1009; reata.net
Ristorante Nicola, 8111 Preston Rd., 214.379.1111; nicoladallas.com
Saint Ann Restaurant and Bar, 2501 N. Harwood St., 214.782.9807; saintanndallas.com
Salum, 4152 Cole Ave., 214.252.9604; salumrestaurant.com
Seasons 52, 7300 Lone Star Dr., Plano, 972.312.8852; seasons52.com
Sfuzzi, 2533 McKinney Ave., 214.953.0300; sfuzziuptown.com
Shuck N Jive, 401 W. President George Bush Freeway, Richardson, 469.916.4912; shucknjive.com
Smoke at The Belmont Hotel, 901 Fort Worth Ave., 214.393.4141; smokerestaurant.com
So7 Bistro, 2401 West 7th St., Fort Worth, 817.878.4311; so7bistro.com
Stephan Pyles, 1807 Ross Ave., Suite 200, 214.580.7000; stephanpyles.com
Sushi Axiom, 2323 N. Henderson Ave., 214.828.2288; sushiaxiom.net
Sushi Star, 5956 Royal Lane, 214.692.8989
T Room at Forty Five Ten, 4510 McKinney Ave., 214.559.2332; fortyfiveten.com
Taco Diner, 3699 McKinney Ave., 214.521.3669; 4011 Villanova, 214.696.4944; mcrowd.com
Taverna, 3210 Armstrong Ave., 214.520.9933; tavernabylombardi.com
Tei Tei Robata Bar, 2906 N. Henderson Ave., 214.828.2400; teiteirobata.com
Teppo Yakitori %26amp; Sushi Bar, 2014 Greenville Ave., 214.826.8989; teppo.com
Tillman%26rsquo;s Roadhouse, 324 W. Seventh St. (in Oak Cliff), 214.942.0988; 2933 Crockett St., Fort Worth, 817.850.9255; tillmansroadhouse.com
Trece Mexican Kitchen %26amp; Tequila Lounge, 4513 Travis St., 214.780.1900; trecerestaurant.com
Truluck%26rsquo;s, 2401 McKinney Ave., 214.220.2401; trulucks.com
Urban Taco, 3411 McKinney Ave., 214.922.7080; 5331 E. Mockingbird Lane, 214.823.4723; urban-taco.com
Victory Tavern, 2501 N. Houston St., 214.432.1900; victorytavern.com
Villa-O, 4514 Travis St., 214.780.1880; villaorestaurant.com
The Zodiac, 1618 Main St., 214.573.5800; neimanmarcus.com

%26nbsp;

Duo

Thu, 23 Dec 2010 02:12:11 GMT

Keys to the Door: Owners Lynae Fearing and Tracy Rathbun.
Multiple Personality: When the brick space two doors down from their own Shinsei restaurant became vacant, owners Lynae Fearing and Tracy Rathbun %26mdash; the restaurateur wives of chefs Dean Fearing and Kent Rathbun %26mdash; knew it was time to cook up their next project, Duo. Frequent hostesses themselves, Lynae and Tracy envisioned Duo as a catchall for all things entertaining %26mdash; hence the homey, loft-style space designed by Greg O%26rsquo;Neil that houses the multi-faceted concept. Duo is an event venue by night and a retail space by day, wherein a dozen moveable tables are topped with Lynae and Tracy%26rsquo;s go-to items for wining and dining, including stackable mixing bowls from Joseph Joseph; pre-measured spices by TSP Spices; and vintage aprons for tot chefs by Kitchen Couture Cupcakes %26amp; Cartwheels. There is an urbane living room at Duo, too, with eco-friendly sofas by BKind3 (also for sale) and a long dining table arranged with purchasable flatware, place-card holders, myriad linens and more. In the back, the pi%26egrave;ce de r%26eacute;sistance: a shiny kitchen armed with Viking Professional appliances and Lynae and Tracy%26rsquo;s husbands%26rsquo; fave cutlery %26mdash; to slice like Kent you%26rsquo;ll need Porsche knives and to dice like Dean you%26rsquo;ll want to take a set of Shuns. More Duo characteristics to dish about: In the back room beneath a sparkling chandelier, Stems of Dallas %26mdash; owned by SMU grads Kate Hooper and Katy Utley %26mdash; offers bouquets and arrangements to be ordered at a moment%26rsquo;s notice. One reason an in-house flowery will prove handy? Duo will double as the location for all f%26ecirc;tes imaginable. From cooking demos to cocktail affairs, we don%26rsquo;t think there%26rsquo;s anything this Duo can%26rsquo;t do. 7721 Inwood Road, 214.884.2979; duoallthingsculinary.com.

Images: Duo

Fin Sushi Lounge

Thu, 23 Dec 2010 02:09:00 GMT

Keys to the Door: Owner Diep Tran, general manager Raymond Nguyen.
Ready to Roll: The masterminds behind sleek Japanese fusion favorite Sushi Axiom once again have us craving eel rolls and edamame %26mdash; this time with Fin Sushi, a 4,000-square-foot, impossibly hip, indigo-hued restaurant-lounge combo within Cedar Springs%26rsquo; dynamic Ilume development. Eatery number four in owner Diep Tran%26rsquo;s palatable portfolio, Fin borrows the usual design suspects from its siblings: a towering glass wine wall, a 10-foot water wall and a tropical fish tank. But it shakes things up with the can%26rsquo;t-miss shimmering lion fish mosaic, an intimate dining room with chat-conducive teal banquettes, and a DJ booth for dancing into the wee hours. Sushi chef Napolean Escamilla knows some like it hot, so try the Hamachi Heaven Roll with spicy crab meat and sliced jalape%26ntilde;os. More braggable dishes: pho, the authentic Vietnamese beef noodle soup; Korean ribs; and an ultra-flavorful ginger lime tofu. 4123 Cedar Springs Road (in the Ilume development), 214.443.3840; finsushidallas.com.

Image: Oh to be a fly on that (wine) wall: Fin Sushi. Photo by Jonathan Zizzo.

Saint Ann Restaurant %26 Bar

Thu, 23 Dec 2010 02:05:55 GMT

Keys to the Door: General manager Gabriel Parra, executive chef Michael Guerrero.
Bold School: When we stepped inside Saint Ann Restaurant %26amp; Bar, the historic elementary school turned eatery in the 17-block district known as Harwood %26mdash;%26nbsp;the name comes from developer Harwood International %26mdash; we felt like we forgot our hall pass. Sure, rows of desks have been replaced with rows of modern wooden dining tables and there%26rsquo;s nary a locker in sight, but with the original brick walls, a wall-size chalkboard for specials and dinner menus cleverly printed on marked-up notebook paper, it%26rsquo;s not hard to fall into old grade-school habits. But executive chef Michael Guerrero (Abacus, Rathbun%26rsquo;s Blue Plate Kitchen) brings his curriculum of New American cuisine to the kitchen with dishes such as seared scallops with pepper jack poblano grits, a shrimp po%26rsquo; boy and a club sandwich with a twist: oven-roasted turkey meets ham glazed in Dr Pepper. Opt for a spot at the bar %26mdash; look down: you%26rsquo;re standing on thick glass, suspended over the building%26rsquo;s original floor beams from 1927 %26mdash;%26nbsp;or in the wood-and-glass dining room, or on Saint Ann%26rsquo;s massive, tree-covered patio with a bustling bar and fire pits for chillier nights. For extra credit, sample a few of the establishment%26rsquo;s signature cocktails, including Teacher%26rsquo;s Pet, a concoction of gin and St. Germain liqueur. If only the school cafeteria had been like this. 2501 N. Harwood St., 214.782.9807; saintanndallas.com.

Image: The seared scallops with pepper jack poblano grits. Photo by Christopher Whitten.

Piola

Thu, 23 Dec 2010 01:40:23 GMT

Keys to the Door: Brothers Bruno and Michele Cencini.
What%26rsquo;s Cooking: If this isn%26rsquo;t an American food love story, I don%26rsquo;t know what is. Italian-born Bruno Cencini, in Miami on holiday, was hankering for a calzone. As he wandered with his daughter from one Italian pizzeria to another, Cencini couldn%26rsquo;t find a place to quell his craving until someone steered him to Piola, an authentic Italian import entrenched in Miami for more than a decade. Obsessed with Piola%26rsquo;s crisp, wood-fired calzone, he soon was back for the famed thin-crust 12%26rdquo; pizzas %26mdash; more than 50 offerings including the San Daniele, topped with paper-thin slices of real-deal prosciutto crudo ($14), and the Ortomisto with eggplant, spinach, sweet peppers and broccoli ($13). Eventually this former jeweler, now based in Houston, veered toward the pillowy gnocchi ($10 to $12.50), pastas ($9 to $13), and antipasti and salads made with authentic ingredients including mozzarella di bufala, mascarpone and prosciutto imported from Italy. The casual eatery reminded him of his beloved pizzas back in the old country, so he enlisted his brother Michele and contacted the Italian concept%26rsquo;s founders (also brothers) to secure the rights to bring Piola to Houston. Head to midtown for lunch, dinner and Sunday brunch. Throughout the day, the Italian-made, wood-fired ovens crisp up thin and thinner pizza crusts in a bustling trattoria-like setting just off, off, off the Ponte Vecchio. 3201 Louisiana St., 713.524.8222; piola.it.

Restaurant Buzz

Thu, 23 Dec 2010 01:22:47 GMT

Though we are mere days into this bright, new decade, a swirl of nosh news is already popping up. At NorthPark Center, Uptown Popcorn opens the most mod snack shop we%26rsquo;ve ever seen. The interior comes by way of the ever-cool Droese.Raney Architecture (Forty Five Ten, Billy Reid, The Art of Shaving) and is filled with hundreds of tins boasting more than 70 popcorn flavors. Our top pops? Texas honey pecan and white chocolate. Wait. Maybe it%26rsquo;s the loaded baked potato and the jalape%26ntilde;o ranch. You decide. More scoop at uptownpopcorn.com or 214.919.4309 %26hellip; Another indulgence has made its grand entr%26eacute;e to Dallas: Victoria beer %26mdash; made in Mexico since 1865 and counting %26mdash;%26nbsp;arrived in town just last month and is being served at some of our most beloved local eateries, including Urban Taco, Hacienda on Henderson and Javier%26rsquo;s. This calls for a cerveza fiesta, si? %26hellip; What do you get when you combine the urban decor of Jones Baker Interiors and Architects, a menu crafted by chef Jay Jerrier (of mobile-pizzeria Cane Rosso fame) and a slice of prime real estate? Brackets, the new restaurant at the Hotel Palomar, in the former Trader Vic%26rsquo;s space. To eat: upscale pub fare%26nbsp;such as wood-fired pizzas and frittatas, Ahi tuna nachos and lobster BLT sliders. To play: dozens of games, including shuffleboard, table tennis and Wii. To see: all sporting events imaginable, to be viewed on Brackets%26rsquo; nine plasma-screen TVs mounted in sleek stainless-steel cases. And to wash it all down: one of the sinful signature sips. We%26rsquo;ll take a Bacon Whisky Manhattan at 5330 East Mockingbird Lane %26hellip; Callie Salls, former PaperCity intern and founder of the blog linguineanddirtymartinis.blogspot.com, has her gastronomic hand in yet another culinary endeavor. The culinary-school grad has just launched her services as a private chef %26mdash; aptly named Linguine and Dirty Martinis: Food for the Fabulous Life %26mdash; wherein her tasty offerings are gourmet cooking classes, plated multi-course meals, even party catering. For food for thought, whisk over to linguineanddirtymartinis.com. Bon app%26eacute;tit, indeed.

A Champagne Toast

Thu, 23 Dec 2010 12:53:16 GMT

When you%26rsquo;re searching for the perfect bottle of bubbly to pop %26mdash; something a little more special than your ordinary sparkling wine %26mdash; consider a chilly glass of Armand de Brignac champagne. $300 a bottle, at fine liquor stores.

Restaurant Buzz

Thu, 23 Dec 2010 12:51:55 GMT

The news is that New York eatery Il Mulino %26mdash; one of the Big Apple%26rsquo;s hot spots since it opened in 1981 %26mdash; will debut a new concept in Houston at The Westin Houston Memorial City. This version, Trattoria Il Mulino, debuts this spring with classic Abruzzi fare, from pizzas and pastas to lighter dishes composed with seasonal ingredients %26hellip; At CityCentre, Alex Brennan-Martin debuts Bistro Bar, a new 1,900-square-foot space adjoining his popular Bistro Alex. Bistro Bar serves as a culinary laboratory of sorts, where chef Juan Carlos Gonzalez tries small-plate seasonal dishes before they hit the menu next door %26hellip; Speaking of bar menus, Arturo Boada, owner of Arturo%26rsquo;s Uptown and developer of popular downtown tapas bar Solero, is bringing the tapas option back. Swing by the bar of his Italian trattoria to munch on Spanish and Italian-inspired tapas such as beef empanadas, veal ravioli with truffle butter or sliced chorizo with Arturo%26rsquo;s marinara sauce %26hellip; Bellaire mom Lucy Corona, a margarita fan who felt guilty drinking the 500-calorie cocktails, has developed SlimRitas, a fresh-tasting bottled mix that slices the caloric intake down to 100. A bright balance of tart and sweet flavors, SlimRitas are mixed up at the Houstonian Hotel and Taco Milagro; the bottled mix is sold at Richard%26rsquo;s Fine Wines and Liquors.

Image: Trattoria Il Mulino.

London Calling

Mon, 29 Nov 2010 05:36:02 GMT

Needing a dose of artful culture far from home, I ran away to London %26mdash; one of my favorite cities in the world %26mdash; for a long weekend. This holiday, I found indulgent respite at One Aldwych, a contemporary luxury hotel housed in one of the most important Edwardian constructs in the city. This flatiron jewel was home to The Morning Post newspaper before hotelier Gordon Campbell Gray originally opened One Aldwych here 12 years ago. It%26rsquo;s situated in the midst of Central London in Covent Garden, within walking distance of the theater district, amid art galleries and museums ranging from the Tate Modern to the behemoth National Gallery just down the Strand. This is where London creative and corporate types mingle with the media, actors performing in nearby venues such as the Old Vic and fashion models from the agencies around the corner, all of whom flock to the buzzing Lobby Bar. One Aldwych%26rsquo;s intimate size %26mdash; just 105 rooms and suites %26mdash; appeals to the side of me that shuns the madding crowds. Its sophisticated decor (the 400-plus-piece contemporary art collection guarantees that at least one original work hangs in virtually every room) speaks to the wandering art-gawker in me. And my eco-centered conscience appreciates their green efforts, which have resulted in Sustainable Travel International and The Leading Hotels of the World%26rsquo;s Luxury Eco Certification Standard. (Fresh flowers and perfectly ripened fruit delivered to my room each day is also quite endearing, I must confess.) Gordon Campbell Gray, chairman of CampbellGray Hotels, explains, %26ldquo;The hotel is really about %26lsquo;stealth wealth%26rsquo; rather than the dripping deluxe that is traditionally associated with grand hotels. We wanted to pare back the superfluous trappings of luxury, which now seem dated and unnecessary, and concentrate on what really makes a hotel work %26mdash; that is, highly professional service and great comfort.%26rdquo;

Image: One Aldwych

Skin parched and muscles achy from the journey, I slipped into the 56-foot lap pool downstairs, where there%26rsquo;s%26nbsp;nary an ounce of chlorine to turn this blonde mane green. Then I was off to the on-premises spa for a Natura Biss%26eacute; holistic facial and massage. Although this Spanish beauty line is famed for its anti-aging products (which I adore), Natura Biss%26eacute; created a soothing line of men%26rsquo;s and women%26rsquo;s natural aromatherapy-centered treatments specifically for the spa offerings here.

Image: Laurann Claridge

London%26rsquo;s art scene, however, was the raison d%26rsquo;%26ecirc;tre that I%26rsquo;d jumped a British Airways direct flight, so I made the requisite rounds at The National Gallery in Trafalgar Square and the nearby National Portrait Gallery (one of my favorites). Later I walked across the Waterloo Bridge and strolled along the Thames to the Tate Modern %26mdash; a must-see for anyone who appreciates art of the 20th century and beyond. The Saatchi Gallery is custom-made for anyone who stalks Art Basel and the Whitney Biennial. Formerly a stone%26rsquo;s throw from the Tate Modern, the 25-year-old museum took up royal residence at the Duke of York%26rsquo;s headquarters in Chelsea, just off King%26rsquo;s Road, in 2008. Created by ad man Charles Saatchi, it has always pushed the boundaries, daring to exhibit pieces by conversation-provoking artists such as Damien Hirst and the Chapman Brothers, and providing little-known creatives with a springboard and the status to launch their careers. On view until January 16, 2011, is %26ldquo;Newspeak: British Art Now.%26rdquo; Don%26rsquo;t miss the realistic, life-sized crowd huddled in a corner by LittleWhitehead and Scott King%26rsquo;s Day-Glo silkscreen Pink Cher, with the pop singer dressed in take-no-prisoners military garb.

Image: Paul C%26eacute;zanne%26rsquo;s "The Smoker," circa 1892; credit: The State Hermitage Museum, St Petersburg

A block away from my London home base, I stumbled upon Somerset House, the regal place where London Fashion Week convenes twice a year. The 18th-century building also houses the prestigious Courtauld Gallery, an elegant small museum where some of the leading curators in Britain and beyond train amidst some of the most important European works in G.B. Housed here is a stellar collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist works, as well as medieval and Renaissance treasures by notables ranging from Cranach to Brueghel the Elder. Through January 16, 2011, the Courtauld is staging %26ldquo;C%26eacute;zanne%26rsquo;s Card Players%26rdquo; a landmark exhibit of the French Impressionist%26rsquo;s paintings of peasant card players and pipe smokers, which are considered his most powerful pieces. If you miss it here, catch it early next year in New York at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, which co-organized the exhibit.

Image: Somerset House, home of Courtauld Gallery

Yearning for a more personalized art romp? Let me introduce you to Sarah Douglas and Mimei Thompson, creators of Exhibit-K, an insider-y service that leads bespoke individual and small-group tours to artist studios, galleries, museums and art spaces off the beaten path. Douglas and Thompson %26mdash; Royal College of Art grads, natch %26mdash; and their cohorts put themselves at your complete artistic disposal. If you collect early-20th-century photographs, they%26rsquo;ll show you every gallery and museum exhibit focused on that specialty. Want to meet the next Lucian Freud? They can arrange access with a phone call.

Image: An exhibit at The Wapping Project

Longing to eat, breathe and mingle with the art vanguard? Venture to the edge of the city to The Wapping Project, the location of London%26rsquo;s first %26mdash; and last %26mdash; hydraulic power plant, which still powered the lifts at Claridge%26rsquo;s, Selfridge%26rsquo;s and the National Gallery when it was shuttered in 1977. The facility was stagnant for years until theater director Jules Wright conceived a vision that was perfect for the derelict building%26rsquo;s decaying water tanks and power-pulling mechanics. Her art displays are extravagant %26mdash; look for one next spring that will flood the space with gallons of water, while a wave machine strokes a current and a rowboat paddles about the perimeter in an exhibition of Yohji Yamamoto%26rsquo;s work (%26ldquo;Yohji Making Waves%26rdquo;). To pay for such projects, Wright also opened Wapping Food, a restaurant with such thoughtful, chef-driven fare as scallop ceviche with avocado and cucumbers and roast Middlewhite pork with Jerusalem artichokes and braised ruby chard. Lest you think the power-plant motif is forgotten here, you%26rsquo;re seated among huge mechanical devices, long retired %26mdash; not to mention mid-century furnishings (Panton chairs, among other design icons) and art by international movers and shakers.

The Courtauld Gallery, Somerset House, Strand; courtauld.ac.uk

Exhibit-K, info@exhibit-k.org; exhibit-k.org

The National Gallery, Trafalgar Square;nationalgallery.org.uk

National Portrait Gallery, St. Martin%26rsquo;s Place; npg.org.uk

One Aldwych, One Aldwych in Covent Garden; onealdwych.com

Saatchi Gallery, Duke of York%26rsquo;s HQ, King%26rsquo;s Road, Chelsea; saatchi-gallery.co.uk

Tate Modern, Bankside; tate.org.uk/modern

The Wapping Project, Wapping Hydraulic Power Station; thewappingproject.com

Zimm’s Little Deck

Mon, 29 Nov 2010 03:03:01 GMT

Keys to the Door: Dan Zimmerman and Mark Zimmerman, chef Jeramie Robison.

What%26rsquo;s Cooking: Like father like son(s). Lawyer and businessman Steve Zimmerman broke into the Montrose area 40 years ago when he started buying property in the burgeoning neighborhood, including the historic La Colombe d%26rsquo;Or hotel. Now his 20-something sons are making their own mark in the %26lsquo;hood. The result is Zimm%26rsquo;s Little Deck, a hangout that blends New Orleans with St. Paul de Vence, the village in the South of France that the family frequented during Dan and Mark Zimmerman%26rsquo;s boyhood. The name is an homage to mummy Becky Zimmerman%26rsquo;s Zimm%26rsquo;s Martini %26amp; Wine Bar. Sit indoors or outside near the p%26eacute;tanque court, and nurse a craft beer or wine. Menu highlights include croque monsieur hush puppies ($6) and po%26rsquo; boys such as the Huey Long, stuffed with Cajun-spiced barbecue shrimp ($13), and the Gourmet PBJ with hazelnut butter and seasonal preserves made in house ($9). 601 Richmond Ave., 713.527.8328; zimmslittledeck.com.

Image: Zimm's Little Deck. Photo by Tim Runyon.

Eddie V’s Prime Seafood

Mon, 29 Nov 2010 02:58:17 GMT

Keys to the Door: General manager James Powers; executive chef Robert Rhoades.

What%26rsquo;s Cooking: A little over a year ago, this Austin prime seafood export made a splash in when it opened at CityCentre in Memorial. Now the big-league, surf-and-turf hot spot has opened another location inside the loop, becoming the first eatery to open in yet another sleek new shopping/dining/living area, West Ave. Eddie V%26rsquo;s schools its chefs and general managers at Foley School of Fish in Boston, so you%26rsquo;ll find a raw bar brimming with fresh catch such as briny oysters on the half shell, Jonah crab claws, shrimp and lobster galore. Standouts from the surf side include apps such as tartare of ahi tuna ($13) and jumbo lump crab with spicy chive remoulade ($16), plus generous entrees such as lemon sole with a light parmesan crust napped with lemon garlic butter ($26). On the turf side, mighty black angus beef cuts (especially the superior bone-in varieties) sate the meat-craving crowd. Dessert isn%26rsquo;t an afterthought here, either. Our fave: the hot bananas Foster butter cake with butter pecan ice cream %26mdash; but whisper to the waiter before its arrival to skip the showy flamb%26eacute; step. It%26rsquo;s even tastier without it. Open for dinner only. 2800 Kirby Dr. in West Ave, 713.874.1800; eddiev.com.

Image: Eddie V's Prime Seafood. Photo by Daniel Ortiz.

Américas

Mon, 29 Nov 2010 01:37:15 GMT

Keys to the Door: Owner Michael Cord%26uacute;a, corporate chef David Cord%26uacute;a, general manager Angeles Due%26ntilde;as.
What%26rsquo;s on the Menu: Michael Cord%26uacute;a and his talented progeny, Paris-trained chef David Cord%26uacute;a, never disappoint when it comes to capturing the drama of a meal out. Their latest pan-Latin endeavor, Am%26eacute;ricas in River Oaks Shopping Center, delivers everything you%26rsquo;ve come to expect from their New World anthropological explorations. The design of this third outpost of Am%26eacute;ricas %26mdash; the original is on Post Oak, with a second in the Woodlands %26mdash; was again conceptualized by Chicago superstar designer Jordan Mozer. He created a tapestry of South, Central and North American cultures and foodstuffs (chocolate, tomatoes, beans, potatoes, cassava, corn, peppers and squash %26mdash; essentials in the Milpa method of harvesting crops) to adorn the sensual surrounds of the second-floor space. Mozer weaves mystery with intimacy through curvaceous, custom resin chairs, worn leather draped over columns and chairs, and blown-glass chandeliers in playful, amorphous shapes. Cuts of beef and fish take center stage among the entr%26eacute;es, but veer to the left side of the menu for smaller samplings, such as a flight of ceviches ($16 %26mdash; the salmon is a standout) or a quad of mini taquitos ($16). From plaintain-crusted shrimp to beef short ribs, you can nibble your way from one robust, visually artful dish to the next. And whatever you do, don%26rsquo;t miss the small plates of smoked lamb lollichops ($14) or the lobster corndogs ($11). River Oaks Shopping Center, 2040 W. Gray; 832.200.1492; cordua.com/americas.

Image: David Cord%26uacute;a and Michael Cord%26uacute;a; by Jenny Antill

Taste Temptation

Mon, 29 Nov 2010 01:28:53 GMT

Tempt Santa to linger longer %26mdash; and unpack more gifts %26mdash; with chef-prepared, handmade holiday cookies. From $1.50 each to a dozen for $13.50 and up, at Michael%26rsquo;s Cookie Jar.

Restaurant Buzz

Mon, 29 Nov 2010 01:26:35 GMT

Steve Zimmerman and sons Dan and Mark have retooled their boutique hotel in Montrose, La Colombe d%26rsquo;Or. A renovation by Visions Design from Dallas spiffed up the five suites on the second floor, and they%26rsquo;ve even renamed the restaurant downstairs as Cinq (for the five guest rooms above). And to ring in the 30th anniversary, the Zimmermans have revitalized the menu with the help of talented young chef Jeramie Robison, formerly of Tesar%26rsquo;s, who has taken the stuffiness out of the place but none of its charm %26hellip; Opening any day now at West Ave is Pondicheri, chef Anita Jaisinghani%26rsquo;s answer to a traditional family-style, casual India eatery. It%26rsquo;s brought to you by the woman behind Indika %26hellip; Brothers Adam and Alexander Kliebert have transformed the former home of their mother%26rsquo;s Southampton Montessori School on Robinhood and opened Hudson Lounge. This mid-century modern building will serve as a cocktail lounge and event space run by general manager Keith Thompson, with small plates by chef Christopher Latterman %26hellip; Looks like Kroger Food Stores is upping the ante in the artisan-cheese-procuring brand. Now the West Gray, Buffalo Speedway and soon the Shepherd (Heights area) Krogers are opening Murray%26rsquo;s Cheese shops within. Look for the oldest (and many argue the very best) cheese monger from NYC to bring more than 175 types of cheese %26mdash; and double that in go-withs to the aisles %26hellip;%26nbsp; Piola, the import from Treviso, Italy, that specializes in thin-crust, wood-fired pizzas, as well as Italian pastas, salads, and desserts, has opened in Midtown. Houston owner Bruno Cencini%26rsquo;s hot spot is open lunch and dinner %26hellip; And there%26rsquo;s a new chef behind the range at Monarch at Hotel ZaZa. Adam West was promoted from ZaZa%26rsquo;s Dallas Dragonfly restaurant %26hellip; What we%26rsquo;re craving now: The Frito pie migas at Yelapa%26rsquo;s new Sunday brunch %26hellip; Still more to crave: vanilla cupcake lattes at Crave Cupcakes and the sour cherry snoball with sweetened condensed milk at Mam%26rsquo;s House of Ice stand at the corner of 20th and Rutland in the Heights.

A Wild Trio

Mon, 29 Nov 2010 01:14:56 GMT

Ever so often, we have the urge to participate in a wild rumpus. (And we don%26rsquo;t mean imbibing Dom with our favorite socials on the town.) So, just how should one satisfy the desire to be where the wild things are? Three ways. First is the Giants of the Savanna exhibit at the Dallas Zoo, where lions, elephants, cheetahs and giraffes roam in an 11-acre, African-inspired habitat. Then, for those who prefer oceans to deserts, there%26rsquo;s the upcoming Sea Life Aquarium at Grapevine Mills. Set to open next summer, the interactive, 45,000-square-foot space will contain more than 30 marine-life displays, including a tropical ocean tank with a walk-through, underwater tunnel, plus displays of freshwater and coastal creatures who make Texas home. Another new sea-scene? The Dallas Zoo%26rsquo;s Children%26rsquo;s Aquarium at Fair Park where turtles, clown fish, sea stars, jellyfish and other oceanic animals inhabit interactive exhibits and touch pools inside Fair Park%26rsquo;s historic Art Deco building. We%26rsquo;re sure Jacques Cousteau would approve.

Image: Gentle giants: Elephants on display at the Dallas Zoo%26rsquo;s Giants of the Savanna.

Restaurant Buzz

Mon, 29 Nov 2010 01:05:53 GMT

Expert chef Abraham Salum is trying his inspired hand at something new: contemporary Mexican cuisine. His second venture, Komali, is set to open next month on Cole Avenue just next door to his beloved Salum. Julio Qui%26ntilde;ones, the interior designer behind Salum, will be whirling his wand to create a sleek space for indulging in chef Salum%26rsquo;s menu of Mexico City fare %26mdash; the details of which we%26rsquo;ll reveal the second we know them %26hellip; One Arts Plaza eatery Screen Door has debuted a mobile endeavor: Meet Squeals on Wheels, a food cart brimming with pulled-pork and brisket sandwiches and other Screen Door goodies, all for under $10, parked just outside said restaurant. (Although we hear Squeals will be hitting the road soon, bringing its tasty treats to various Arts District locations. Stay tuned.) %26hellip; How%26rsquo;s this for a family business: Tracy Rathbun and Lynae Fearing %26mdash; the wives of chefs Kent Rathbun and Dean Fearing, and the duo behind Shinsei %26mdash; are opening, well, DUO, a new event venue for culinary affairs. These ladies didn%26rsquo;t miss a beat: The space is fitted with Viking appliances, luxe table linens, chef-worthy kitchen tools and, of course, gourmet food. Throw your next f%26ecirc;te at 7721 Inwood Road or click to duoallthingsculinary.com %26hellip; The brain behind Medina Oven %26amp; Bar, Victory Park%26rsquo;s colorful Moroccan-Mediterranean eatery, is opening a new spot at West Village. According to owner Joe Khalaf, Baboush will be every bit Moroccan %26mdash; right down to the pedigreed Mediterranean fare and the interior, which will boast glowing lanterns, painted wood tables and patterned upholstery. For the delicious deets, see baboushdallas.com %26hellip; At last, a Smashburger within reach of the Uptown/Downtown/Park Cities pack. The McKinney Avenue locale opens late this month and is Smashburger%26rsquo;s sixth in the Metroplex. What we%26rsquo;ll be ordering: The Lonestar Smashburger topped with cheddar, chili, tomatoes and jalape%26ntilde;os. Devour one at 2222 McKinney Avenue %26hellip; A chocolate fix, fast? Click to TheDarkChocolateBakery.com, the Dallas-based digital bakery from owner Jill Frank-Edwards, where you can order a box of six decadent mini-cakes, all delivered by courier %26hellip; In more sweet tweets: Our award for most creative cupcake flavors goes to Gigi%26rsquo;s Cupcakes at Inwood Village, the soon-to-open cupcakery from SMU alum Katie Ruppe and her parents (and head bakers) Mary and Ronnie Hawkins. You must try the candied sweet potato or the tiger tails, delicious yellow cake with a raspberry filling. It%26rsquo;s official: We declare this The Season to Eat.

Image: A rendering of Komali. Photo by Julio Qui%26ntilde;ones.

India Ink

Wed, 27 Oct 2010 04:37:59 GMT

Gems and saris, palace lodging and lassis, this fall is a great time to trek (and we use the term loosely) through magical India. Make a longish stopover in Jaipur for some of the chicest shopping, following the jodhpurs of PaperCity%26#8217;s fashion director Kate Allen Stukenberg as she journeys from New Delhi to Mumbai.

%26nbsp;

Oberoi Rajvilas
A destination unto itself, the Oberoi Rajvilas is set amidst 32 acres of landscaped gardens with pavilions and reflection pools. Stay in one of the carefully appointed rooms, royal tents or luxury villas, the latter of which include a private pool. Rates and reservations, oberoihotels.com.

Roopraj Durries, Jodhpur
About a 40-minute drive outside Jodhpur, down a long dirt road and past several villages, you%26#8217;ll find Roopraj Prajapati inside his stylish hut (solar-powered, no less), where he and his family hand-loom fine cotton, silk and wool durries that are to die for. He%26#8217;ll have a few finished pieces for you to choose from, but it%26#8217;s best to arrive with an idea of size and thread color, and with pictures of the rug design you%26#8217;re envisioning. The process takes about three months, and Roopraj will ship it to your home. rooprajdurry.com.

%26nbsp;

Taj Rambagh Palace
The first heritage hotel in India, Rambagh Palace was built in 1835 on a modest scale for the queen%26#8217;s favorite handmaiden, Kesar Badaran, then later refurbished as a royal guesthouse and hunting lodge. In 1925, Rambagh was converted into a palace and became the residence of the Maharaja of Jaipur. It%26#8217;s worth visiting for a drink or dinner even if you%26#8217;re not staying there. Rates and reservations, tajhotels.com.

Yellow Tree Caf%26#233;, Mumbai
New friends we made on our travels introduced us to this hip restaurant, tucked away in the upscale suburban neighborhood of Bandra. Yellow Tree serves an excellent mix of Mediterranean, Italian and Continental food, which can be hard to come by while traveling through many of the smaller towns in India. 33, Ambedkar Road junction, Bandra West.

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Good Earth, Mumbai %26amp; Delhi
This must be where stylish Indian brides register for their weddings. From luxury linens to china, crystal and silver, this chic home boutique carries it all. We stocked up on block-print quilts, duvets and pillows. goodearthindia.com.

Love Lacs
Visit the wholesale bangle and Indian costume jewelry shops located in Jaipur%26#8217;s old city on Maniharon Ka Rasta, near the Tripolia Bazar, to find the coveted lac bangles and colorful enamel Indian earrings at bargain prices.%26nbsp; %26nbsp;%26nbsp;%26nbsp;%26nbsp; %26nbsp;%26nbsp;%26nbsp; Hot, Indeed%26nbsp; Chic boutique Hot Pink carries edited collections by many of India%26#8217;s top luxury designers, plus a variety of great Indian-inspired gifts. Narain Niwas Palace, Narain Singh Road, Jaipur, 302004; hotpinkindia.com.

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Veda, New Delhi
The over-the-top baroque decor of this Connaught Place Indian restaurant, lounge and bar includes oversized Venetian mirrors layered over mirrored walls with gold-leaf accents, black-leather Winchester-style sofas and domed ceilings embellished with the kri ka kaam, a special Indian art that uses glasswork from the arid regions of Rajasthan. Menu and location, vedarestaurants.com.

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The Gem Palace
In Jaipur, make a beeline to The Gem Palace. This historic jewelry boutique was established in 1852 by the Kasliwal family, who for more than eight generations had the distinction of being court jewelers to Moghul emperors. Today they offer gems including rubies, diamonds, emeralds, peridots, citrines and aquamarines, cut and set into collections ranging from traditional Indian to Victorian, as well as an assortment of contemporary styles. For years, the Metropolitan Museum of Art has commissioned The Gem Palace to create special pieces highlighting the jewels and techniques of ancient time periods in Egypt, Greece and Rome. Mirza Ismail Road, Jaipur, 302001; gempalacejaipur.com.

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Anokhi
This retail chain can be found throughout India, but the Jaipur location is one of the largest %26#8212; no surprise, considering the company was founded in the Pink City. You%26#8217;ll find colorful and stylish hand-block print textiles in everything from bathrobes and tunics to scarves and bedspreads. Make time for French-press coffee and cupcakes at Anokhi Caf%26#233;, located on the same floor. Locations, anokhi.com.%26nbsp;

Amrapali
This jewelry shop has multiple locations throughout Rajasthan, but you can only make a bargain at the Jaipur shop on Panch Batti, as their other locations are fixed-price boutiques. Best-known for silver, Amrapali also carries a variety of gold collections, both contemporary and traditional Indian pieces. Locations, amrapalijewels.com.

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Wrap Star
Scarves worn over the head and neck are a great alternative to a hat midday, when the Indian sun truly starts to heat up. Pack one for the trip and pick up a few along the way at the many block-print textile shops throughout town.

Day Break

Take a break from shopping and refresh with a lassi. Note, the real Lassiwala is on your left, next to the alleyway, and boasts %26#8220;Since 1944%26#8221;; imitators are to the right as you face it. It is the undisputed best spot for the famous creamy Indian yogurt drink. Lassiwala 3i2, Mirza Ismail%26nbsp; Road, Jaipur 302001.%26nbsp;%26nbsp;

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Worth the Trip

Wed, 27 Oct 2010 03:07:25 GMT

Laurann Claridge journeys down Highway 290 to discover the intimacy and charm, not to mention the Dr Pepper%26#8211;braised Berkshire pork belly, of The Inn at Dos Brisas.

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Gourmand guides that help the food-obsessed navigate the hautest culinary terrain in Europe and beyond bestow star ratings on only a handful of destinations deemed to have %26#8220;exceptional cuisine, worth a special journey.%26#8221; But who says you have to leave the country to find a heightened dining experience with luxury hotel accommodations under the same roof? Simply motor an hour down Highway 290 to The Inn at Dos Brisas, where visionary dot-com mogul Doug Bosch and his wife, Jennifer, have created a destination as renowned for its stunning landscape as for its thoughtful cuisine, in the same manner as the revered Inn at Little Washington and Blackberry Farm in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains.%26nbsp;%26nbsp;%26nbsp;%26nbsp;

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Originally created as a weekend refuge for family and friends, the 313-acre property and Inn, after 10 years and millions of dollars invested in its lavish infrastructure, now boasts Relais %26amp; Ch%26#226;teaux status, as well as a Forbes Five-Star rating. %26nbsp;%26nbsp;%26nbsp;

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Image: Laurann Claridge

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Upon entering the gates and crunching down the gravel drive, views of pallid ponds, grazing horses and foals greet you. Gently rolling hills give way to a manicured rose garden and a cool, infinity-edged pool. And then there%26#8217;s the chef-driven food %26#8230; Chef Jason Robinson has manned the range here for the last five years. His menu of American cuisine is driven by French technique with an Asian spark %26#8212; dishes that are complex, layered and ingredient-driven. When you dine here after dark, you%26#8217;ll have a three-course seasonal menu ($85 a person; the house-made cheese course %26#8212; highly recommended %26#8212; is $15 extra). Options might include Dr Pepper%26#8211;braised Berkshire pork belly, apple pur%26#233;e and tiny glazed carrots, or a panko-crusted Chesapeake Bay soft-shell crab with spicy aioli and oba leaf touched with a lemongrass peanut emulsion. Place yourself in the chef%26#8217;s hands, and he%26#8217;ll spin out a grand eight-course menu %26#8212; a Garden Tasting of vegetables or a selection of carnivore-friendly dishes.%26nbsp;%26nbsp;%26nbsp;

Robinson and new farm superintendent Doug Langum forage the greenhouse and gardens of this expansive ranch daily, choosing from 500 varieties of fruits and vegetables including 10 different sorts of hybrid eggplant, celeriac, boysenberries, asparagus, purple potatoes and more, all grown certified organic. Small wonder, then, that the next big roll-out chez Dos Brisas, according to proprietor and managing director Doug Bosch, is a high-end produce company that provides uncommonly pristine produce to the finest eateries in Houston. Meanwhile, Bosch plans to expand the number of casitas on the property to eight. %26nbsp;%26nbsp;%26nbsp;

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Image: Chef Jason Robinson

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The future of Dos Brisas%26#8217; expansion relies on an elaborate %26#8212; and green %26#8212; method of procuring energy. Each casita will be heated and cooled via a state-of-the-art geo-thermal system that converts energy from a new two-acre pond built for this purpose. The same geo-thermal system controls the growing environment for the organic seedlings in Los Brisas%26#8217; new 7,500-square-foot greenhouse. This system has the potential to revolutionize growing in the United States and is monitored closely by the agricultural industry.%26nbsp;%26nbsp;%26nbsp;

Ready to check into The Inn at Dos Brisas? Consider heading to Washington County midweek, as the nightly rates for a private casita drop from $780 to $480 Sunday through Thursday. Your stay includes breakfast, a three-course lunch and a personal golf cart waiting to whisk you around the property (when you%26#8217;re not traversing it on foot, horseback or mountain bike, that is). 9400 Champion Dr., Brenham, 972.277.7750; dosbrisas.com.

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Top image: Dos Brisas

Bottom image: Dos Brisas casita

Nosh Euro Bistro and Bar

Wed, 27 Oct 2010 02:26:48 GMT

Keys to the Door: Owners Celeste and Avner Samuel, chef/partner Jon Stevens.
Mother of Reinvention: Chef Avner Samuel has put his lavish Aurora under the knife for quite the nip and tuck. He and wife Celeste joined forces with notable chef Jon Stevens (Neighborhood Services, Aurora), together refashioning the opulent space at The Shops at Highland Park into the new Nosh Euro Bistro and Bar. This casual eatery retains those gorgeous zebrawood walls and the private wine cellar, but they%26#8217;re the only formal touches that remain from Aurora %26#8212; white tablecloths have been replaced by wood-topped tables, the gu%26#233;ridon carts are rolled out only when the %26#8220;Big Fish%26#8221; dish for two is ordered, and a flat-screen TV has been mounted in the new bar. The expanded and open space seats 75, with additional seating at a food bar directly attached to the open kitchen %26#8212; which means a front-row seat to kitchen dramatics, if you know Chef Avner.%26nbsp;Bursting with European and Mediterranean-inspired fare, the menu includes starters such as crispy Pacific oysters, tartare of ahi tuna and spiced beef cigars. The mains we suggest? Grilled beef tenderloin medallions with green peppercorn butter and cheddar-and-bacon potatoes, and the espresso-braised beef short rib with%26nbsp;cheddar grits and blistered tomatoes. With operating hours of 11 am till 11 pm Mondays through Fridays, and 5 to 11 pm on Saturdays, you%26#8217;ll have plenty of time to, well, get your nosh on. 4216 Oak Lawn Ave.; 214.528.9400; nosheurobistro.com.

Image: Nosh Euro Bistro and Bar. Photo George Fiala.

Naan Sushi

Wed, 27 Oct 2010 02:25:38 GMT

Keys to the Door: Owner Peter %26#8220;MK%26#8221; Kim, executive chef Tam Huynh.

On a Roll: Bento boxes and tuna towers will fill the roomy corner space at the Gables Villa Rosa development once more. This time, it%26#8217;s Naan Sushi that has landed the prime Uptown address formerly inhabited by Geisha House. Owner Peter %26#8220;MK%26#8221; Kim%26#8217;s original, accolade-winning Japanese sushi spot is already the toast of the town at The Shops at Legacy %26#8212; its late-night club scene is as popular as its premium rolls %26#8212; and the second Uptown location promises equal buzz. Exec chef Tam Huynh, previously in the kitchen at Steel, packs plenty of gourmet skills. At Naan, he%26#8217;s crafting everything from delicious university-named specialty rolls (the TCU boasts crab, salmon, tobiko and scallions, while the SMU is packed with shrimp tempura, avocado, cream cheese and crab meat) to prime short-rib kebabs with spicy wasabi cocktail sauce. And for not-so-adventurous palates, there%26#8217;s even a menu of %26#8220;west side%26#8221; entrees %26#8212; think classics such as cheeseburgers and club sandwiches. For the night owls, Naan is open until 2 am, with a swank Orange Bar with enough seating for 120. It%26#8217;s wasabi hot. 2600 Cedar Springs Road, in the Gables Villa Rosa; developmentnaansushi.com.%26nbsp;

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Image: The MK Roll%26nbsp;at Naan Sushi

La Fiorentina

Wed, 27 Oct 2010 02:19:54 GMT

Keys to the Door: Owner Alberto Lombardi, executive chef Marcelo Gallegos.
Tuscan Territory: Restaurateur Alberto Lombardi is staking yet another claim in the Knox-Travis foodie scene. The latest endeavor to join his pack of hot spots there (Toulouse, Sangria, Taverna) is La Fiorentina, a gourmet update of the charming old church on Cole Avenue that housed Chip%26#8217;s Old Fashioned Hamburgers. To piece together his new Tuscan steakhouse, Lombardi tapped designer Ron Guest. Of course, the Lombardi Family Concepts alum behind the interiors at Toulouse and Taverna couldn%26#8217;t resist the new project %26#8212; perhaps because it entailed a trio of trips to Italy in search of all the authentic details. Roll out the rusticity: La Fiorentina%26#8217;s tableware, crystal, drapes and tiles were all sourced from the motherland. The massive white chandelier hanging from the vaulted ceiling? It%26#8217;s of Italian origin, too. Exec chef Marcelo Gallegos%26#8217; cuisine is as authentic, with a range of juicy offerings from a petite filet to a 14-ounce rib-eye to the star of the show, a 27-ounce porterhouse %26#8212; naturally, fiorentina is the moniker for that cut in Italian. 4501 Cole Ave.; 972.528.6170; lafiorentinadallas.com.

Image:%26nbsp; La Fiorentina%26#8217;s namesake porterhouse. Photo Brad Thedinger.

Restaurant Buzz

Wed, 27 Oct 2010 12:23:53 GMT

There%26#8217;s a tasty trio worth talking about in the Bishop Arts District: (1) Oddfellows, from exec chef and co-owner Aliza Shier, is set to open this month at 316 West 7th Street. The menu follows a %26#8220;food for all%26#8221; mantra, with locally sourced breakfast and lunch fare, plus a dinner menu to be added this winter. (2) Beloved Salvadoran/Tex-Mex staple Gloria%26#8217;s prepares for a move from its original West Davis Street spot to a new flagship location in the historic Fire Station No. 15 building at 600 North Bishop Avenue. Stay tuned for the grand opening early next year. (3) Husband-wife owners Jennifer and David Uygur (she a former wine and beer manager at Central Market, he the former exec chef at Lola) are putting the final touches on Lucia %26#8212; a cozy Italian concept featuring chef-crafted salumi and fresh pasta in a 1920s building at 408 West Eighth Street. Check luciadallas.com for more %26#8230; The east meets West Village late this month with a new eatery taking shape in the former Tom Tom Noodle House digs. Malai %26#8211; Thai Vietnamese Kitchen, from husband-wife owners Yasmin and Braden Wages (former GMs of Park and R+D Kitchen, respectively), will serve up all things fresh, from summer rolls to Kobe beef tartare %26#8230; Adding even more zing to West Village is The Spice %26amp; Tea Exchange, where more than 150 spices and herbs share shelf space with a noteworthy offering of loose teas. Click to spiceandtea.com %26#8230; Famous for her stint on The Next Food Network Star and for her signature look %26#8212; cocktail dress, apron, pearls, Louise Brooks bob %26#8212; chef Lisa Garza is adding Taste Studio to her repertoire. The new event space at South Side on Lamar serves as Garza%26#8217;s home base for luxury catering and can be reserved for cocktail parties, high tea, brunch and more. The best part? Garza and her team will handle all the party deets including bites, sips, servers and florals. It%26#8217;s party time at 1409 South Lamar. Ring 214.282.0165 or see lisagarzataste.com.%26nbsp;

Image:%26nbsp; Kitchen chic:%26nbsp;Lisa Garza%26#8217;s %26nbsp;Taste Studio. Photo by Quoc Cong QC. %26nbsp;%26nbsp;

Flora %26 Muse

Wed, 27 Oct 2010 12:18:37 GMT

Keys to the Door: Owner Hayri Gurbuz, chef David Luna.
What%26#8217;s on the Menu: The latest concept to bloom in the CityCentre complex off Interstate 10 is Flora %26amp; Muse %26#8212; a flower shop, bistro and European-style patisserie bundled into one pretty bouquet by Turkish-born veteran hotelier Hayri Gurbuz. Architect Ted Heesch of Mitchell Carlson Stone and interior designer Laura Umansky of the Laura U Collection designed the whimsical 6,000-square-foot space, where a flower cart brims with sunflowers, roses and spider lilies, and the patisserie counter boasts a hearth oven. The dining area invites you to settle into a banquette patterned after a Victorian tufted sofa or one of the vintage mismatched chairs amid tables lit by chandeliers. Chef David Luna (Shade, Canopy) and pastry chef William Carlisle serve breakfast, lunch and dinner %26#8212; not to mention afternoon tea %26#8212; daily. The ambitious menu includes Belgian waffles and sweet and savory breakfast cr%26#234;pes; stone-oven flatbreads (such as earthy roast pear, gorgonzola, onion jam and hazelnut pizzette); pressed hot sandwiches (Black Forest ham Monte Cristo, anyone?); and salads (the crab salad on tender butter lettuce in a citrus vinaigrette is so %26#8220;ladies who lunch%26#8221;). For dessert, ask for Carlisle%26#8217;s seasonal fresh fruit crostata on a puff pastry %26#224; la mode. Even the check is unique: It arrives in a clever leather journal, where you can read notes left by other diners and leave your own musings. CityCentre; 12860 Queensbury Lane713.463.6873; floraandmuse.com.

Image: Photo by Jack Thompson

Decco Café

Wed, 27 Oct 2010 12:17:36 GMT

Keys to the Door: Owners Oscar Aguilar and Alejandro Garcia of Ceteris Hospitality Group; executive chef Emilio Chacon.%26nbsp;
What%26#8217;s on the Menu: Freshening up the restaurant at the Decorative Center Houston is akin to reupholstering your favorite chaise with a Lee Jofa print: Every few years, you crave something new. We fondly remember when caterer Jackson Hicks opened an eatery in the grand atrium at the to-the-trade space. Next came A Fare Extraordinaire, which echoed the catering tradition by hosting events that reached far beyond the design-centric world. Now the powers that be have tapped Oscar Aguilar and Alejandro Garcia of Ceteris Hospitality Group (Mexico%26#8217;s Deli) to create the aptly named Decco Caf%26#233;. With the help of Area Architecture, they%26#8217;ve switched out some fixtures, bar decor, flatware and the like, and brought in Emilio Chacon (La Griglia, Ruggles Grill, Mexico%26#8217;s Deli) to create breakfast and lunch menus that will grab the attention of their captive audience, as well as anyone who stops by from the neighborhood. Wake up to homemade croissants with house-made jam and agave-nectar whipped butter ($4), breakfast tacos ($2.50), or a hearty Chilaquiles ($9), perfectly spiced with a tomatillo sauce. Lunch brings entr%26#233;e salads such as the never-remove-from-this-menu steak and avocado salad ($12), Mexican torta ($9), Decco burgers ($10), even pastas ($10). Does furniture shopping have you famished? Try the three-course prix fix for $14 %26#8212; quite affordable for the interior designer who calls this cantina his or her very own cafeteria. Decorative Center Houston,5120 Woodway Dr.; 713.963.8273.

Jungle Gem at the Houston Zoo

Wed, 27 Oct 2010 12:12:00 GMT

If you dream of Africa but couldn%26#8217;t squeeze a safari into your schedule this year, program your GPS for the Houston Zoo. Next month, phase one of The African Forest expansion %26#8212; the most ambitious project in the zoo%26#8217;s 88-year history %26#8212; opens. The immersive, 6.5-acre experience will capture the exoticism of western equatorial Africa, introducing the urban adventurer to chimpanzees, rhinos, antelope, ostriches and more through virtually invisible barriers. It all begins at a village trading outpost (we love the leaf-thatched huts), where you can sign up for guided tours and overnight camps, or gather %26#8216;round the fire pit for storytelling and educational programs. Then head into the wilderness, along winding paths where you%26#8217;ll commune with a colony of chimps, watch rhinos and kudu mingle in an open setting and get closer to giraffes than ever before in a new habitat that promises eye-to-eye viewing and even feeding opportunities. Now, that%26#8217;s what we call a zoo %26#8220;keeper.%26#8221; Opening December 10 to the general public (December 2 for members only). Information houstonzoo.org/africanforest.

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Image: Courtesy of the Houston Zoo.

Living Like Eloise

Wed, 27 Oct 2010 12:06:56 GMT

Author Kay Thompson%26#8217;s irrepressible Eloise took up residence at The Plaza in New York decades ago. Now the adventurous little heroine has a suite named after her %26#8212; decorated by none other than Betsey Johnson, the quirkiest designer on Seventh Avenue. Johnson is simply mad for all things pink, so it%26#8217;s no surprise that these 18th-floor lodgings are splashed in shocking shades of that hue, with girly rosebud prints and a jolt of black-and-white zebra-striped carpet. Hilary Knight%26#8217;s famous illustrations of little Miss Eloise grace the walls, while the precocious one%26#8217;s name is sprawled in neon lights above her big fluffy and oh-so-pink king-sized bed. Mummy and Daddy%26#8217;s optional adjoining room is much tamer but also quite plush (after all, this is the newly redesigned Plaza). While you%26#8217;re there, take afternoon tea at the storied Palm Court, where Eloise, Weenie and Skipperdee would surely approve of the kid-friendly mini grilled cheese sandwiches, warm scones and organic PB%26amp;J. Then send your little one to %26#8220;charm school%26#8221; in the Eloise Shop, where she can learn to dress, dine, write thank-you notes and pronounce %26#8220;s%26#8217;il vous plait.%26#8221; Rates from $995 ($2,045 for the adjoining parents%26#8217;/nanny bedroom as well) and include all sorts of Eloise-themed goodies, too. Information 888.240.7775; theplaza.com.

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Image: Eloise Suite at The Plaza

Restaurant Buzz

Wed, 27 Oct 2010 12:01:38 GMT

It%26#8217;s official: Ed Wulfe, president of Wulfe %26amp; Co., has inked a lease with Whole Foods Market to anchor his 20-acre BLVD Place development on Post Oak at San Felipe. Construction on the 48,500-square-foot, landmark-style Whole Foods will begin next summer with a completion date expected in late 2012 or early 2013 %26#8230;Kudos to Chris and Harris Pappas, whose lauded Pappas Bros. Steakhouse received the Grand Award from Wine Spectator magazine %26#8212;%26nbsp;an honor that%26#8217;s been given to only 78 eateries in the world %26#8230; The Counter Custom Built Burgers had opened its first location in Texas at 4601 Washington Avenue. The build-your-own-hamburger joint offers hundreds of thousands of possible combinations, starting with a one-third, two-third or one-pound patty of all-natural, humanely raised Angus beef %26#8230; Also new to the Washington Avenue corridor are Fox Hollow and, opening this month, Tqla (pronounced %26#8220;tequila%26#8221;). Fox Hollow is billed as a gastro lounge with vintage flair. Founder Augustine Bui says to expect locally sourced, affordable organic food and cocktails, spirits and undiscovered wines in vintage stemware %26#8212; served by barmen in kilts. Meanwhile, Tqla will feature a fusion of Mexican, Southwestern and Southern fare from chef Thomas Birdwell, as well as a whopping 167 tequilas (at last count) selected by certified tequilier (kind of like a master sommelier) Scott Lindsey. Lisa Pope Westerman with Gensler has been tapped to do the interior %26#8230; Arpi Tcholakian%26#8217;s 30-year-old Phoenicia Deli has relocated to 12151 Westheimer, in front of Phoenicia Specialty Foods (renowned for its international fare from more than 50 countries). The Mediterranean deli, now renamed Arpi%26#8217;s Phoenicia Deli, is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner with meze dishes and all your faves. Also new on site: Phoenicia Coffee House with gourmet brews, breakfast wraps and gelato %26#8230; Sarabeth%26#8217;s Bakery serves the best breakfast in New York%26#8217;s Upper East Side, so don%26#8217;t miss owner Sarabeth Levine%26#8217;s new cookbook Sarabeth%26#8217;s Bakery: From My Hands to Yours (Rizzoli, $39.95, October 2010).

Attention Cookie Fiends

Fri, 01 Oct 2010 06:00:58 GMT

The grand opening of Michael%26#8217;s Cookie Jar had everyone licking their lips. The festivities were marked by an official ribbon cutting and hoards of eager cookie monsters happy to indulge for a good cause, as ten percent of the day%26#8217;s proceeds went to%26nbsp; Big Brothers Big Sisters 60th anniversary celebration. This sweet spot located in West University, is sure to be a hit amongst anyone looking to give sweet treats, or adorn their home with gingerbread baked goods come Christmas time! Formally of New York, Chef Michael Savino honed his skills under the leadership of famed chefs at the Culinary Institute of America before heading south to work at the Four Seasons, first in Los Colinas then Houston. And what skills they are! Available cookies include the basics we all know and love (everything from chocolate chip to snickerdoodle), bite size tea cookies, seasonal creations and made-to-order treats like the one in the above picture. Cookies anyone?%26nbsp; Michael's Cookie Jar 5330 Weslayan St.; 713.771.8603; michaelscookiejar.com

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Ristorante Cavour at Hotel Granduca

Tue, 28 Sep 2010 05:37:54 GMT

We%26#8217;ve always loved the charming Hotel Granduca %26#8212; a 123-room boutique hotel tucked into the Uptown Park shopping and residential area that articulates the vision of old-world comfort, service and style held by its Italian-born owner, Giorgio Borlenghi, president of The Interfin Companies. Now the hotel%26#8217;s Ristorante Cavour (named for Italy%26#8217;s first prime minister, the Count of Cavour) has become the chic, low-key meeting place for those who wheel, deal and socialize on an international scale. New exec chef Renato De Pirro%26#8217;s Tuscan-inspired menu is steeped with classical favorites, such as pillow-light homemade gnocchi napped with a tomato, basil and ricotta sauce ($14) and lobster risotto with zucchini enriched with lobster bisque ($22);. De Pirro, a native of Tuscany, headed off to culinary school at age 16 and worked under the European apprentice tradition for Gennaro Villella %26#8212; one of Italy%26#8217;s most noteworthy chefs, a gentleman who collaborated with restaurateur Sirio Maccioni of Le Cirque when he conceptualized Osteria del Circo. When Maccioni brought the Circo concept to Las Vegas%26#8217; Bellagio Hotel, he tapped De Pirro as executive chef. To taste De Pirro%26#8217;s exceptional cuisine, be sure to book ahead; Cavour%26#8217;s 18 tables are snapped up quickly.%26nbsp;1080 Uptown Park Blvd., %26nbsp;713.418.1000; granducahouston.com. %26nbsp;

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Image:%26nbsp;%26nbsp;Chef Renato De Pirro,%26nbsp;Giorgio Borlenghi.

Restaurant Buzz

Tue, 28 Sep 2010 05:35:58 GMT

Chef Greg Lowry is now firmly ensconced at the helm of Hotel Icon%26#8217;s Voice Restaurant. He%26#8217;s revamped the menu with such playful additions as Coca Cola%26#8211;braised Kobe beef cheek and house-made charcuterie, as well as the %26#8220;Voice Box,%26#8221; which allows you to select four small bites or two large bites for $24 %26#8230; For her new book Houston Classic Desserts (Pelican Publishing, October 2010, $16.95), writer Erin Hicks Miller persuaded pastry chefs from local hot spots (Mark%26#8217;s, Pappas Bros. Steakhouse, Feast, Mockingbird Bistro and more) to share their favorite sweet recipes %26#8230; Ciao, baby: The 32nd Festa Italiana takes place Friday through Sunday, October 15 through 17, at the University of St. Thomas. Information houstonitalianfestival.com %26#8230; Meanwhile, our city%26#8217;s top chefs compete in the Eighth Annual International Risotto Festival at the Houston Design Center on Sunday, October, 17, from 2 to 6 pm. Details risottofestival.com %26#8230; Landmark Houston Hospitality Group %26#8212; whose mission is to reclaim and redevelop significant architectural spaces in Houston %26#8212; is creating Scouts Square, a multi-use project in Midtown in the 1950s-era Boy Scouts of America building. Phase one, which just broke ground, will be 50,000 square feet of retail and office space, as well as the new Moor%26#8217;s Restaurant (Moroccan themed, of course) and Black Finn Saloon %26#8230; Samba Grille has opened downtown in Bayou Place. The South American restaurant serves lunch and various meats and savory selections churrascaria style for dinner %26#8230; This month, we%26#8217;re obsessing over Baked by Melissa (bakedbymelissa.com), the NYC bakery that impeccably ships Lilliputian cupcakes such as Peanut Butter Cup, S%26#8217;Mores, Cookie Dough and Tie-Dye (vanilla/vanilla-tinted Grateful Dead%26#8211;like hues). Somehow these moist mouthfuls arrive without a sprinkle or chocolate chip out of place %26#8230; Crave Cupcakes has opened at 5600 Kirby. This second Houston location is debuting three new cupcake flavors, including our fave, dulce de leche %26#8230; Adison Lee has taken the exec chef post at Sushi Raku. The Japanese-American chef has worked in Japan, Nobu in New York City and London before heading to New Orleans, then Houston, where he worked at Kaneyama and was executive chef at Sushi King %26#8230; Ryan Pera, chef at the downtown restaurant The Grove, is departing to open Revival Market. This market and deli will be Pera and Morgan Weber%26#8217;s (owner of Revival Meats) take on a traditional grocer%26#8217;s market with locally grown fare and artisanal products. Look for an opening later this year %26#8230; Benjy Levit is freshening up his original namesake restaurant Benjy%26#8217;s in the Village %26#8212; spiffing up the kitchen, baths, floors and even the wood-burning grill, among a punch list of all sorts of stylish updates. The restaurant will temporarily close October 20 through 23 as designer Joel Mozersky oversees the revamp %26#8212; its first in 15 years %26#8230; They%26#8217;re always sweet on you, so be sweet to the pups Sunday, October 17, at Beyond Sweet, Lucky Dog Rescue%26#8217;s seven-course dessert fund-raiser with Le Cordon Bleu grad Rebecca Masson and friends.%26nbsp;Reserve a spot with a $75 donation at luckydogrescue.org%26nbsp; %26#8230; Brad Bailey has closed his three-year-old Seabrook restaurant Bailey%26#8217;s American Grille and is opening Bailey%26#8217;s on the Bay on the Kemah waterfront on Bay Avenue. The five-story former house will be the site of Bailey%26#8217;s bar and restaurant as well as overnight inn accommodations. %26#8230; Brenner%26#8217;s on the Bayou is hosting its first beer festival Saturday, October 16, from 2 to 6 pm. Admission is $45 to $55. Reservations brennerssteakhouse.com.

Restaurant Buzz

Tue, 28 Sep 2010 05:00:16 GMT

Capricious chef Avner Samuel has reinvented his ladle yet again with the opening of Nosh Euro Bistro. Inhabiting Aurora%26#8217;s former space, Samuel is serving up European bistro%26#8211;style bites such as escargot fritters, croque monsieur and crispy duck confit. Allez-vous to 4216 Oak Lawn Avenue or ring 214.528.9400 %26#8230; Foodie news abounds at Highland Park Village as restaurateur Alberto Lombardi announces a new concept slated for March 2011. We hear the Lombardi eatery will be stationed near the central courtyard, serve up Mediterranean fare and have patio seating %26#8230; When we discovered nothinglikeit.com%26#8217;s lightly iced banana bread, we had to share slices with our co-workers and the Web site with you. The online bakery from mother/daughter owners Lynn Berman and Sara Berman Popek offers incredibly good breads, cookies and cakes, all delivered in sweet boxes tied with bows %26#8230; Congrats to Ellerbe Fine Foods: The Fort Worth restaurant was named one of Bon App%26#233;tit magazine%26#8217;s 10 Best New Restaurants in America in the September issue. See what all the press is about at 1501 W. Magnolia Avenue in Fort Worth %26#8230; One Arts Plaza just got a little sweeter thanks to Dimples Cupcakes%26#8217; newest shop at 1722 Routh Street %26#8230; And speaking of treats, Patty Cakes by the Baker Man has introduced new mouthwatering fall flavors such as salty chocolate caramel and s%26#8217;more, all available on Lovers Lane at Drip Coffee and Holy Ravioli, or online at pattycakesbythebakerman.com %26#8230; Squeezing into The Shops at Legacy is a fresh and healthy concept by the name of Seasons 52. Boasting a sommelier-crafted wine list and figure-friendly fare %26#8212; no item is more than 475 calories %26#8212; it makes the drive to 7300 Lone Star Drive in Plano worthwhile.

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Image: Sweet treats from%26nbsp;nothinglikeit.com

Green Room

Fri, 27 Aug 2010 05:36:16 GMT

Keys to the Door: Co-owners Taylor Allday and Zenon Oprysk, general manager Sarah Smith.
Green Scene: There%26#8217;s a rumble coming from Deep Ellum %26#8212; and Taylor Allday and Zenon Oprysk are partly responsible. The alums of the legendary Green Room restaurant (the 90s fave that closed its doors in 2006) are reviving the beloved hot spot known for its rock-and-roll vibe and even more rockin%26#8217; cuisine. The Elm Street eatery is once again ablaze in neon %26#8212; by way of its witty green %26#8220;ROOM%26#8221; sign outside, above the entrance %26#8212; and seasoned foodies are thrilled. But while the location and the name might be the same, the Green Room%26#8217;s cuisine is anything but. Executive chef Joel Harloff (Mi Piaci, Dali Wine Bar %26amp; Restaurant) has created a menu of modern American dishes for your 21st-century palate, with main courses including braised lamb shank and pan-roasted halibut cheek and skate wing, served as a duo, with roasted-garlic couscous. We%26#8217;re intrigued by the Feed Me four-course, prix-fixe, where Harloff crafts a unique menu for your table and selects the wine pairings. Upstairs, the rooftop bar with its glittery, downtown feel offers a menu of savory snacks %26#8212; think bratwurst made locally and served with a delish, house-made sauerkraut, or crunchy pretzels with sea salt and cider vinegar. Urbane, indeed, all the way to the roof. 2715 Elm St., 214.744.7666; greenroomdallas.com.

Image: Interior, Green Room. Photo by Rebecca Lorrine Photography.%26nbsp;%26nbsp;

Perry’s Steakhouse %26 Grille

Fri, 27 Aug 2010 05:34:44 GMT

Keys to the Door: Founder Chris Perry, general manager Howard Cortes, executive chef Sammy Holmes.
In its Prime: We%26#8217;re all about impressive lineage, and Perry%26#8217;s Steakhouse %26amp; Grille has just that. New in Uptown and adjacent to the modernist 1900 McKinney residences, the chophouse has climbed a rather impressive culinary ladder: It was founded in 1979 as a family-owned butcher shop and has since become a much-loved steakhouse in Houston and Austin. Dallas%26#8217; multilevel dining room is rich with mahogany tones, leather-clad banquettes, an open-view wine cellar and tiered chandeliers that call to mind Nick and Nora Charles%26#8217; posh Art Deco penthouse. The fare at Perry%26#8217;s is an art form all its own %26#8212; the prime beef, for example, is dry-aged in-house for 28 days %26#8212; and includes chateaubriand for two carved tableside, savory Australian lobster tail and sides such as saut%26#233;ed and sherried mushrooms and divine lyonnaise potatoes. Indeed, modern-day Nicks and Noras will love it here. 2000 McKinney Ave., 214.855.5151; perryssteakhouse.com.

Image: Interior, Perry's Steakhouse %26amp; Grille. Photo by Mark Bumgarner.

Urban Taco

Fri, 27 Aug 2010 05:25:15 GMT

Keys to the Door: Co-owners Markus Pineyro and John E. Tuma.
Atypical Taqueria: When Urban Taco first opened its doors at Mockingbird Station three years ago, it was love. (And we weren%26#8217;t alone.) Now, there%26#8217;s a new UT in town as owners Markus Pineyro and John Tuma bring their latest taco eatery to McKinney Avenue%26#8217;s Uptown scene. The new locale is far from your everyday taqueria, with a more-evolved menu evoking Pineyro%26#8217;s obsession with the gourmet street food of Acapulco and Mexico City, his hometown. Offerings include the tasty faves from the original locale, plus the incarnation of several spicy new plates, including a three-chili-crusted Ahi tuna and a haba%26#241;ero-maple-glazed flat iron steak. Inside the stuccoed hacienda, traditional Mexican decor takes on a contemporary vibe, with tables made of recycled coconut husks, orange Ultrasuede chairs and a swank chef%26#8217;s table specially set for a tequila tasting. In fact, said beloved liquor is kept on tap, making for an endless supply of tequilas infused with seasonal fruits. But the biggest buzz among Uptown%26#8217;s alfresco-loving audience involves the street-side patio and garden %26#8212; all the better for being seen sipping those sweet tequila cocktails. 3411 McKinney Ave., 214.922.7080; urban-taco.com.

Image: Dos Equis Amber barbacoa tacos at Urban Taco. Photo by Devin McNallough.

Restaurant Buzz

Fri, 27 Aug 2010 05:00:57 GMT

We love good restaurant dish: Foodies can%26#8217;t stop talking about a new Bishop Arts District nosh spot from Matt Spillers, owner of the wildly popular Eno%26#8217;s Pizza Tavern. Though the name wasn%26#8217;t released as we went to press, the locale is said to open on 7th Street this fall, with a menu of classic American cuisine, but with an eco-conscious twist %26#8212; locally grown ingredients, responsibly raised meats, et cetera %26#8212; and even a plethora of vegetarian options. If Spillers%26#8217; runaway success at his casual-cool Eno%26#8217;s is any indication, this is definitely a delicious rumor worth spreading %26#8230; The brains behind Uptown%26#8217;s beloved State %26amp; Allen Lounge are putting the finishing touches on a new watering hole at 2900 Thomas Avenue. Sure to be a hot spot, The Nodding Donkey (by far, our favorite name of the season) is set to open late this month and will play up all things Texas, from oil-well pipes propped on its wrap-around patio to its Tex-Mex and steak-focused menu (214.239.1990; thenoddingdonkey.com) %26#8230; University Park dining staple City Caf%26#233; is celebrating its silver anniversary with more than just new paint. The bistro just revealed a fresh look after a structural revamp by architecture firm Good Fulton %26amp; Farrell. But don%26#8217;t be misled by the dazzling new decor: The menu remains untouched %26#8212; especially those legendary, made-to-order crab cakes.

The Common Table

Fri, 27 Aug 2010 04:37:20 GMT

Keys to the Door: Owner/developer Brian Twomey, partner Corey Pond, general manager Matthew Ellis.

Colloquial Cravings: When restaurateur Brian Twomey added The Common Table to his list of projects %26#8212; he%26#8217;s revamping the Village Theater and opening The Marquee Club in Highland Park Village, and he oversees Plano%26#8217;s Loft 610 %26#8212; the idea was to create a casual tavern where the menu was as edited as its beer and wine offerings. After sprucing up the former Lola digs on Fairmount Street, Twomey struck his perfect balance. Small plates such as cornmeal-crusted calamari and pulled-pork spring rolls are perfectly sharable and entrees range from the Camburger (a cheeseburger wherein cheddar is substituted with Camembert) to fresh, corn-fed chicken with roasted-corn succotash. By far, the most uncommon highlight is TCT%26#8217;s impressive lineup of libations, which packs more than 50 hard-to-find bottled and on-tap beers. The scene here is irresistibly charming: The 1930s bungalow%26#8217;s original hardwood floors and fireplace are still intact, but several modern touches add some edge, including the horseshoe-shaped bar and the orange leather banquettes. This is the first and only time we%26#8217;ll relish being called Commoners. 2917 Fairmount St., 214.880.7414; thecommontable.com.

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Image: Interior, The Common Table. Photo by Daniel Driensky.

Dive Coastal Cuisine

Fri, 27 Aug 2010 04:33:15 GMT

Keys to the Door: Owner/chef Franchesca Nor.

High Dive: Short Stop, Food From Galilee, The Festive Kitchen %26#8212; Snider Plaza brims with speedy eateries for a quick lunch or to-go dinner. I%26#8217;m now adding a delightfully fresh, order-at-the-counter restaurant to the list: Dive Coastal Cuisine. Created by chef Franchesca Nor, a former favorite server at Neighborhood Services, Dive occupies the old Dunkin%26#8217; Donuts space on Rankin Street and boasts dizzying, delicious chalkboard selections. %26#8220;It%26#8217;s traditional coastal things that I put my twist on,%26#8221; says Nor. %26#8220;Hence, the name %26#8216;Coastal%26#8217; %26#8212; I can%26#8217;t pin it to just one coast!%26#8221; Nor, a California native, packs her menu with skinny dips such as Moroccan spiced carrot with Lavash crackers ($4); a ceviche of the day with plantain chips ($10); and a seared Ahi tuna wrap with wasabi cucumber slaw ($9). The counter is open seven days a week, 11 am to 9 pm, but there are 13 tables if you wish to stay, making it easy for one to snag a spot in the midst of Nor%26#8217;s beachy decor %26#8212; high, wooden-slat ceilings and giant clam shells filled with succulents. It%26#8217;s one fresh culinary getaway. 3404 Rankin St. in Snider Plaza, 214.891.1700; dive-dallas.com.

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Image: Interior, Dive Coastal Cuisine. Photo by D. Lacey.

Restaurant Buzz

Fri, 27 Aug 2010 04:11:37 GMT

Who doesn%26#8217;t love carnival food? Bringing out the kid in all of us, this month Patrick Waites has gathered together a few select chef friends to create fun but haute circus fare for the fund-raiser he started two years ago. On Friday, September 17, his nonprofit Love Street Light Circus presents Come Together: A Gala Tribute to the Beatles, which will see Fab Four cover bands jamming in a musical concert to benefit Candlelighters Childhood Cancer Family Alliance. Culinary participants include chefs from The Strip House, Gravitas, RDG + Bar Annie, Yelapas, Beaver%26#8217;s, Saltgrass Steakhouse, Oceanaire, The Grove and more. Tickets cometogetherhouston.com %26#8230; Here%26#8217;s a new place to dish with your decorator: Decco Caf%26#233; opens this month at Decorative Center Houston, with chef Humberto Molina-Segura (most recently from Americas and La Griglia restaurants) behind the range.%26nbsp; Decco serves up breakfast and lunch %26#8212; freshly baked breads and croissants, crafted sandwiches and salads, and seasonal entrees %26#8212; Monday through Friday, and is open to the public %26#8230; Proving you can eat well while doing good for your community, Stefanie and Gur Tsabar launched Gourmet Prep Meals last month. The idea is that you can fix beautiful chef-prepared meals in your own kitchen from clever ready-to-cook meal kits where all the chopping, measuring and pre-meal prep has been done for you. The Tsabars even enlisted Shane Battier%26#8217;s personal chef Justin Turner to devise the menus. One hundred percent of the proceeds from every meal kit sold benefits training youth who are aging out of the foster care system in entrepreneurship. Details gourmetprepmeals.com %26#8230; At CityCentre, Jerry Lasco will open his popular wine bar The Tasting Room Wine Caf%26#233; late this year. Last month, Flora %26amp; Muse %26#8212; a European-inspired bistro with a patisserie, coffee bar, lounge and flower shop %26#8212; debuted a few doors away. David Luna, formerly exec chef of Canopy, is behind the range %26#8230; Martin Berson, former operating partner at Benjy%26#8217;s, is bringing his Austin-based concept Snap Kitchen to Houston.%26nbsp; Think chef-prepared, healthy takeout fare. Watch for an opening at the end of this month at the corner of Richmond and Kirby %26#8230; This fall, chef Chip Hight, formerly with the Alden Hotel%26#8217;s 17 restaurant, will open Blue Apron, a full-service catering company %26#8230; Looking for Morton%26#8217;s The Steakhouse GM John Recio? He%26#8217;s hung up the tux and headed to Spring, then to Pearland to open Jax Burgers, Fries %26amp; Shakes with made-to-order Angus burgers in both locales %26#8230; On Thursday, September 30, Eric Schlosser, author of Fast Food Nation: The Dark Side of the All-American Meal, will speak with the Progressive Forum of Houston at the Wortham Theater. Tickets 832.251.0706.

Shall We Sous for Supper

Wed, 11 Aug 2010 09:16:25 GMT

It was the best of times, it was the worst of times. No really, it was. I was a poor college student in Paris and had no clue where dinner was coming from. But that%26#8217;s what friends are for ... right? So when I received an sms, that is euro-speak for a text message, from token rich friend Juliette asking me to dine at her apartment I made haste in my response, %26#8220;Oui!%26#8221; So off I went that evening to the 16th Arrondissement (think upper east side without the American modesty and morality).

Upon arriving with my measly half-drunken bottle of beaujolais nouveau %26#8212; economic circumstances dictated that be the hostess gift %26#8212; I was taken directly to the kitchen to see la pr%26#233;paration of our meal. There on a countertop was what looked like, to me at least, an incredibly small jacuzzi and floating in it were flank steaks. %26#8220;Juliette, cherie, what is this?%26#8221; To which she replied %26#8220;This is an absolument super preparation for the beef! It is le sous-vide!%26#8221; While her English was, shall we say, operational she was French and gastronomically inclined, so I trusted her. And sure enough while flank steak was the order of the eve, in her kitchen cooking it %26#8220;sous-vide%26#8221; that humble cut%26#8217;s texture transformed to resemble a filet. This my friends was my first experience eating anything sous-vide.%26nbsp;

Haven%26#8217;t heard of Sous-vide? Nor had I, until ch%26#232;re amie Juliette exposed me to it on that fateful night. Sous-vide is an approach to food preparation through continued exposure to hot water. Not to be confused with boiling or poaching, sous-vide is French for %26#8220;under vacuum%26#8221; and is literally just that %26#8212; food that%26#8217;s vacuumed packed and submerged in warm circulating water.
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Cooking occurs during sous-vide due to prolonged exposure to lower heats; meaning, cuts of meat, poultry, fish or vegetables holistically reach a temperature. Standard cooking, on the other hand, yields items that are externally much hotter than internally (due to the outside%26#8217;s increased exposure to higher heat and often therefore unevenly cooked). Think of sending back a horrible steak or burger because of its charred exterior and cold, bloody interior.

Sous-vide%26#8217;s first major use was in the three-star Troigros family restaurant in Roanne, France during the 70s (it was found to improve foie gras%26#8217;s texture without compromising fat content). Talk about a triumph! Throughout the past decade the technique has re-emerged in leading kitchens the world over. And now, thanks to the foodies over at Williams-Somona, all the necessary equipment is available to the public. Meaning you too can sous-vide with the best of %26#8216;em! All I know is that after my initial experience I think I might forgo deep-frying my turkey, just this year, and sous-vide it! I%26#8217;m already getting my bathtub ready.

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%26nbsp;Image: Courtesy Food %26amp; Love Blog

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Texas Tea

Mon, 26 Jul 2010 07:14:17 GMT

What do you get when you mix two entrepreneurial Texas boys, a thirst for fresh-brewed sweet tea and premium vodka? Deep Eddy Sweet Tea Vodka. Austinites Clayton Christopher (founder of the cult fave Sweet Leaf Tea) and Chad Auler (who created Savvy Vodka; his parents own Fall Creek Vineyards) have the know-how to trump iced-tea vodka wannabes who pump high-fructose syrup and artificial flavors into their spiked sweet-tea taste-alikes. Settling for nothing less than the real deal, this duo brews up black Indonesian whole-leaf tea, then sweetens it with Austin%26#8217;s Good Flow Honey and pure cane sugar from Sugar Land. They bottle their tea concentrate with a handmade vodka that%26#8217;s been distilled 10 times through a column still. The result, Deep Eddy, is named after the famed Austin swimming hole; a portion of the proceeds from each bottle sold helps keep the fresh spring pool going. Drink Deep Eddy Sweet Tea over ice with a splash of sparkling water, club soda or even Sprite. Or sip it like we do, as an Arnold Palmer with chilled lemonade. At $21 a bottle, expect to see pop-up parties all over the state as the guys set out to dominate the sweet-tea vodka market. At fine liquor stores.%26nbsp;

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Images: Deep Eddy Sweet Tea Vodka. Clayton Christopher and Chad Auler. Photos by Chad Harlan.

Restaurant Buzz

Mon, 26 Jul 2010 06:57:31 GMT

Talk about your fine wine: Decanter Restaurant and Wine Lounge from chef Tony Gardizi is set to open in the Bishop Arts District in October. The new wine bar will boast fresh and locally sourced cuisine, more than 100 vinos and live music on the weekends. Make tracks to 408 North Bishop Avenue (Caf%26#233; Madrid%26#8217;s old lodgings) ... Deep Ellum%26#8217;s Green Room completes its reopening this month as Joel Harloff moves in as exec chef. What to expect from the Dali Wine Bar and Mi Piaci alum? A seasonal menu to be devoured atop the rooftop patio, plus a scrumptious Sunday brunch. Sip or dine at 2715 Elm Street; greenroomdallas.com %26#8230; We%26#8217;re always excited about an upgrade, which means we%26#8217;re thrilled about Houston%26#8217;s new name and amped-up offerings. The Preston Center staple is now known as Hillstone, and its revived menu brims with 25 new recipes, including a yellowtail-tuna burger, a scallop salad and a sinful tres leches cake. But not to worry: General manager Francis Luttmer assures that all the original faves will remain intact %26#8212; especially those crispy shoestring fries and the ahi tuna salad %26#8230; Cedar Springs%26#8217; Ilume development will roll out the welcome mat for Fin Sushi next month. The Japanese fusion restaurant comes from the brains behind Henderson Avenue%26#8217;s Sushi Axiom, which means a bold sushi and sashimi menu is sure to follow. Have your chopsticks ready at 4123 Cedar Springs Road %26#8230; You are the hostess with the mostest, which means your next f%26#234;te must be catered by Cassandra Fine Catering. How does it work? Customize your courses with dishes from a tasty listing (we%26#8217;re craving the cilantro- and cumin-crusted Chilean sea bass and the cherry tarts under homemade peach ice cream), and a chef will finish preparing the meal on site. Details 214.613.0131 or cassandrafinecatering.com %26#8230; Our secret for the perfect dinner-party gift stirs memories of bygone days at grandmother%26#8217;s country house and comes by way of Nothing Bundt Cakes. The bundt bakery at Preston Royal Village offers 10 flavors, an array of sizes (from itty bundtinies to gargantuan cakes) and even adorable decoration options. Sweet findings await at 10720 Preston Road, or order ahead at 214.691.2253. Yes, indeed, the icing on our August cake.%26nbsp;

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Image:%26nbsp; Red-velvet, chocolate-chocolate chip and lemon bundtinies at Nothing Bundt Cakes. Photo by illiam McKellar Photography.

Sprinkles Cupcakes

Mon, 26 Jul 2010 06:03:51 GMT

Keys to the Door: Owners Candace and Charles Nelson, general managers Jackie Kosako and Julie Linnhart.
What%26#8217;s Baking: In the complicated, competitive world where diminutive cakes compete for %26#8220;best cupcake%26#8221; honors, Sprinkles founder Candace Nelson reigns supreme. This trained pastry chef created the first bakery devoted to nothing but good ole American cupcakes in Beverly Hills in 2005, and the Hollywood celebrities ate it up, with lines forming around the block. Our Sprinkles can be found in Highland Village, in a quaint cocoa-hued storefront facing Westheimer. So whether you%26#8217;re a Southern soul craving red velvet spread with cream cheese icing and topped with Sprinkles%26#8217; signature sugar-paste dot, a chocaholic jonesing for a chocolate-marshmallow-filled concoction or a vanilla/vanilla classicist, for $3.25 apiece you can have your fill of dozens of toothsome varieties. Every night, we%26#8217;re told, Sprinkles%26#8217; leftover cupcakes (if there are any) are delivered to Houston food banks and police and fire departments. Throughout the year, Sprinkles%26#8217; collective charitable efforts (which have culminated in $1.5 million in donations) benefit nonprofit endeavors ranging from children%26#8217;s hospitals to environmental agencies. How sweet is that? Highland Village Shopping Center4014 Westheimer Road, 713.871.9929; sprinkles.com.

Cyclone Anaya's World Class Mexican Kitchen

Mon, 26 Jul 2010 06:01:27 GMT

For the last 40 years, Cyclone Anaya%26#8217;s World Class Mexican Kitchen %26#8212; named for its wrestling founder, Jesus %26#8220;Cyclone Anaya%26#8221; Valencia %26#8212; has stayed true to its %26#8220;Fine Mex%26#8221; roots. But every concept needs a little shaking up, so two of Valencia%26#8217;s offspring, Vienna Molder and Rico Valencia, have lured Aussie chef Jason Gould (late of Gravitas) to add spice to the menu and serve as their chief R%26amp;D guy. Of course, there%26#8217;s something in it for both chef and restaurant. C.A. gets the bragging rights, along with a new weekday lunch menu with lighter additions and chef-driven dishes such as cedar-plank grilled salmon and roasted duck empanadas, plus timely dinner specials, all created as the family readies its new CityCentre outpost this summer. Gould, meanwhile, is prepping a new concept of his own, bankrolled by the Valencia clan. Curious about what this classically trained chef brings to the table? (After all, this is his first foray into the Mexican food arena.) We left raving about his slow-roasted carnitas lightened with a fresh salsa of watermelon and jicama; pulled short-rib sandwich with spicy coleslaw and ancho barbecue sauce served with sweet-potato fries; and the fudge brownie laced with tamarind. Looks like this boy wonder from down under knows how to bridge tastes on both sides of our border. Locations and menus, cycloneanaya.com.%26nbsp;

Image: Chef Jason Gould.

Michael's Cookie Jar

Mon, 26 Jul 2010 05:58:34 GMT

If you can never turn down a freshly baked chocolate chip cookie, a cake-y walnut brownie or a crunchy almond biscotti, make tracks to Michael%26#8217;s Cookie Jar in West U. Owner Michael Savino is a CIA-trained pastry chef who paid his dues in the kitchens of the Four Seasons hotels in Houston and Dallas before hanging his own shingle. Here, he focuses on nothing but cookies %26#8212; a medium he calls the perfect combination of rustic baking techniques and detailed pastry work. He%26#8217;s perfected myriad varieties, from home-style American favorites (including snickerdoodles, his best-selling drop cookie) to fancy iced sugar creations, cut out and decorated in dozens of themes, as well as recipes culled from vintage European cookbooks and even his grandmother%26#8217;s kitchen. In the 1,500-square-foot storefront, an open kitchen backs the glass cookie counter %26#8212; all the better to watch the bakers making dough with all the good stuff, such as unsalted butter and Valrhona chocolate. Our only dilemma: Should we indulge first in almond Florentine shortbread or rugelach? Or maybe a coconut macaroon %26#8230; 5330 Weslayan St., 713.771.8603; michaelscookiejar.com.

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Image: Photo by Adam Nyholt Photography.

Ocean's

Mon, 26 Jul 2010 05:55:08 GMT

When Bistro Vino, the eatery renowned for quaint garden dining, closed after 24 years, its building languished, slated to be razed in favor of mid-rise condos. As neighbors sulked, the deal fell apart, and 30-something developer Jorge Alvarez and his brother, Isaac, happened upon the 80-year-old Tudor %26#8212; a new DIY project was born. The Mexico City%26#8211;born brothers renovated the two-story space to create Ocean%26#8217;s, a Mexican restaurant specializing in ceviche. Banish images of overcooked calamari and shrimp piled high in a Libbey martini glass. Ocean%26#8217;s sophisticated selections, created by sushi chef Abel Franco (late of Rickshaw), are simply prepared at the ceviche bar, sliced like sashimi and bathed for a minute or two in a marinade that mixes ingredients such as slivered red onions, olives, chile, avocado and parmesan shavings, in the case of the house original ($12), while the oriental ceviche ($12) melds soy, ginger, OJ, rice vinegar and more for a complex taste. You can make a meal out of any of the 10 changing selections, presented on white oversized platters, or add an Ocean%26#8217;s Taco (lobster tail, $16) or shrimp tostada Maximiliano ($10). And did we mention Ocean%26#8217;s margarita? The sweet-and-sour concoction is shaken with fresh orange and lime juices with a hint of agave syrup %26#8212; bright and brilliant. Open lunch and dinner. 819 W. Alabama, 713.520.7744; oceansceviche.com.

Images:%26nbsp; Jorge Alvarez and Isaac Alvarez, Ocean's; photos by Jack Thompson.%26nbsp;

Cast One’s Bread Upon the Waters

Mon, 26 Jul 2010 04:52:05 GMT

Houstonian Elena Davis began thinking about a mission statement to support homeless people%26#8217;s most basic need %26#8212; water %26#8212; when she was approached a year ago at a traffic light by a homeless person asking for money. She had no cash in hand, only a cold bottle of unopened water, so she gave him that (it was 98 degrees in the middle of July). She received such grateful thanks that she began thinking about how people living in our city streets can find fresh water during our long, hot summers. From that encounter grew the I Am Waters Foundation. Davis persuaded a graphic designer to create labels that offer the words Peace, Love arranged to shimmer through the water %26#8212; a double blessing, hydration and the kindest of words designed to communicate and support. This summer, I Am Waters will distribute 40,000 bottles of water through various established shelters, relying totally on volunteers for the distribution effort. For information or to make a donation, go to iamwaters.com; elena@iamwaters.com.

Restaurant Buzz

Mon, 26 Jul 2010 04:47:36 GMT

Yun Cheng, owner of the Azuma Group, has brought his Japanese restaurant concept Azuma Sushi %26amp; Robata Bar to Sugar Land. His largest footprint yet, this beautiful 9,200-square-foot, two-story space with an outdoor patio has been christened Azuma on the Lake (part of the new Lake Pointe Development) and was designed by architect Palmer Schooley %26#8230; Have you heard? August 1 through 21 has been deemed Houston Restaurant Week, during which time 100 of the city%26#8217;s best eateries will offer special menus, with a portion of dining dollars contributed to the Houston Food Bank. The list includes notables such as Benjy%26#8217;s, Tony%26#8217;s, The Grove, Haven and Feast. Information houstonrestaurantweek.com %26#8230; Chef Bryan Caswell and Bill Floyd have partnered with Houston writer and critic Robb Walsh to create a Tex-Mex concept in the old Tower Theatre space at 1201 Westheimer, opening in February. Caswell and Tex-Mex expert Walsh will cook up the real deal: authentic fare made with masa and lard (no trans fats here) and drinks derived from pressed cane juice, not simple syrups. Caswell has been collecting mismatched china and tables for the 6,000-square-foot space to keep the vibe casual and cool %26#8230; Michael Cord%26#250;a is planning a fall opening for his worldly Latin restaurant Am%26#233;ricas in the new River Oaks Shopping Center addition. Architect Jordan Mozer, who designed Am%26#233;ricas%26#8217; first incarnation, has taken on the new space %26#8230; Not far away, Charles Clark and Grant Cooper (Ibiza and Catalon) have inked a deal for the space currently occupied by Tony Mandola%26#8217;s in River Oaks Shopping Center. The duo will move in when Tony Mandola%26#8217;s leaves for its new home around the corner at Waugh and Dallas (opening next spring). Look for an April opening for Clark and Cooper%26#8217;s Brasserie 19 (as in 77019), which will serve a French/American menu throughout the day. Designer Julie McGarr is doing the interiors %26#8230; Steve Zimmerman and sons Mark and Dan have big plans afoot in the Montrose. This fall, the trio is rebranding their hotel restaurant La Colombe d%26#8217;Or, with Jeramie Robison (late of Tesar%26#8217;s) as exec chef and Tony%26#8217;s former chef Francesco Casetta consulting. They plan to invite a roster of European chefs to guest-chef from time to time. In the meantime, the boys are launching a %26#8220;New Orleans meets the South of France%26#8221; bistro called Zimm%26#8217;s Little Deck on Richmond, not far from Zimm%26#8217;s Martini %26amp; Wine Bar; look for an August opening, with Robison manning the range there as well %26#8230; Now that chef Michael Kramer has left Hotel Icon for The Tasting Room, chef Greg Lowry (of the shuttered Rockwood Room) has taken over the range at the Icon%26#8217;s Voice restaurant %26#8230; Chef Scott Tycer reports that he%26#8217;s closed Textile for the summer and is contemplating a new location for a hybrid concept that will be two-thirds gastropub (think April Bloomfield%26#8217;s Breslin) and one-third Jo%26#235;l Robuchon%26#8217;s Atelier (a 30-seat boutique restaurant with a view of the chefs in action). For now, Tycer is searching for real estate %26#8230; For those who like to imbibe with a clear eco-conscience, check out the new Washington Avenue bar Sugarcane. These green barkeeps aspire to leave a smaller carbon footprint while creating boutique cocktails with fresh local ingredients (sans packaged mixes) Their efforts to create a healthier environment include composting and reducing aluminum and glass waste by using larger bottles %26#8230; Anthony Wegmann will open Epicurean Express on St. Emanuel in the EaDo district early this month. The 3,500-square-foot market/grocery near downtown and the East End is across the street from two bars (Cork Soakers and Lucky%26#8217;s Pub) that Wegmann has recently opened in this up-and-coming neighborhood.

Festival del Redentore

Mon, 26 Jul 2010 04:25:07 GMT

Being in%26nbsp;Italy%26nbsp;for 3 weeks has been a great experience and a great way to relax. It ended with a 45-minute bang of fireworks over the island of%26nbsp;Venice! The Festa della Redentore is a huge party held every year in July since 1577 to celebrate the end of the plague that killed one third of Venetians. A church was built on the Giudecca Island and every year the Venetians build a %26#8220;boat%26#8221; bridge across the wide canal right up to the Church so that they can light a candle and keep the plague away. I celebrated the Festa with a group of friends that had rented a large, flat transport boat and docked it right under the fireworks%26#8230; we were ducking the ones that hit the water to the beat of the DJ on the boat tied to ours! It was so much fun and definitely the cherry that topped my time here!

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Ciao!%26nbsp;

A Smashing Summer's Eve

Tue, 06 Jul 2010 12:42:16 GMT

Gentlemen broke out their whites and ladies swathed themselves in punches of color at Rosemarie and Matt Johnson's dinner party honoring old friends Nidhika and Pershant Mehta and new friends Melissa and Micheal Mithoff.

Matt Johnson%26#8217;s position with with Neos Energy brought the former New Yorkers to Houston about a year and a half ago. Since arriving, the stylish young couple has done good deeds by the dozen %26#8212; Texas Children's Hospital, UNICEF, The Children's Museum of Houston and the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston's Nidhika and Pershant Mehta Arts of India Gallery.

Rosemarie Johnson summoned A Fare Extraordinare to plan the party, telling the crew they had two weeks and she wanted something fabulous %26#8212; done, and done! Cue the transparent air-conditioned tent %26#8212; after all, hair simply can't fall to pieces when you've just come from Ceron.

The tent's interior was enveloped in white. Pink phalaenopsis and the music of DJ Sun added splashes of color and evoked Miami Beach 'round cocktail hour. Dinner was as diverse as the attendees: paella, short ribs, stuffed squash blossoms, grits with crab meat, strawberry salad, macaroons and saut%26#233;ed pears in chocolate.

The hostess was ravishing in her gossamer off-the-shoulder ensemble. A vision in a printed peacock-feather caftan, Nidhika Mehta was utterly chic; and Melissa Mithoff was simply stellar in her knee-length white chiffon shift dress. Other knockouts included Diane Lokey Farb in a patterned cocktail dress, with a playing card motif %26#8212; all aces, of course; and Debbie Festari dominated in a black-and-white bandage dress that felt just right. But, then again, so did the party.

Destination Henderson Avenue

Fri, 25 Jun 2010 11:57:11 GMT

A French limed-oak and olive-ash desk at William-Christopher Design. Bluefin tuna super toro at Tei Tei Robata Bar. A rare vintage Knoll Scissor chair at Form. Jukebox selections and draft beer at The Slip Inn. There%26#8217;s so much to love on our bustling North Henderson Avenue %26#8230; %26nbsp;

Where the Pros Go
We asked a handful of high-profiles on the avenue to disclose their favorite North Henderson haunts.

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Image: Park; photo by Jenny Antill

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Donald Chick
Owner, Park, Bar C%26#233;line
Clothing shop of choice: We Are 1976.
Design shop you frequent: Again Design Studio.
Great meal: Pizza and beer at Louie%26#8217;s; lunch at The Porch.
Favorite bar and the cocktail you order: An IPA on the patio at Barcadia.
A hidden jewel: The Pearl Cup.
Best purchase: So many great pieces for Bar C%26#233;line came from Again Design Studio and Again %26amp; Again.
I would like to see: Increased pedestrian traffic, a weekly farmers%26#8217; market and more independent boutiques.

Leslie Pritchard
Owner, Again %26amp; Again, Again Design Studio
In a few years, I envision Henderson: As the Lovers Lane of east Dallas, offering a high-low mix of dining and retail with a decidedly bohemian flair.
Clothing shop of choice: The Gypsy Wagon %26#8212; their sundresses are adorable!
Design shop you frequent: Nick Brock Antiques.
Favorite bar and the cocktail you order: The Marsha Marsha Marsha at Bar C%26#233;line.
A hidden jewel: Vert Fitness %26amp; Wellness Center %26#8212; it%26#8217;s like having your own private gym!
Best purchase: I got a vintage Laurel lamp from Form %26#8212; they have a great selection of mid-century pieces.
Best experience: The $20 wash and blow-dry by Annelle on Wednesdays at Halo Salon.

Hector Garcia
Owner, Hector%26#8217;s on Henderson
Design shop you frequent: William-Christopher Design %26#8212; they are great neighbors!
Great meal: I like the chicken enchiladas con salsa verde at Caf%26#233; San Miguel.
Favorite bar and the cocktail you order: I do enjoy going to Vickery Park to drink a good beer %26#8212; they have a great staff and they work hard to take care of everybody.
Best experience: Opening Hector%26#8217;s on Henderson in 2004.
I would like to see: More residential properties built with good design standards.

Image: Natsumi Gelato + Frozen Yogurt

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The Little Black Book of the N. Henderson Avenue Area

Beverages and Bites

Bar C%26#233;line, 1921 N. Henderson Ave., 214.824.3343; barceline.com
Barcadia, 1917 N. Henderson Ave., 214.821.7300; barcadiadallas.com
The Blue Collar Bar, 1924 N. Henderson Ave., 214.826.2164; bluecollarbar.net
Caf%26#233; San Miguel, 1907 N. Henderson Ave., 214.370.9815; pomerita.com
Candleroom, 5039 Willis Ave., 214.370.4155; candleroomdallas.com
Capitol Pub, 2401 N. Henderson Ave., %26#8232;214.887.9330; capitolpubdallas.com
Dickey%26#8217;s Barbecue Pit, 4610 N. Central Expressway, 214.370.4550; dickeys.com
Fireside Pies, 2820 N. Henderson Ave., %26#8232;214.370.3916; firesidepies.com
Fish City Grill, 2323 N. Henderson Ave., %26#8232;214.826.3474; fishcitygrill.com
Glo Lounge, 2323 N. Henderson Ave., %26#8232;214.824.2271; glo-lounge.com
The Hacienda on Henderson, 2326 N. Henderson Ave., 214.515.9990; %26#8232;haciendaonhenderson.com
Hector%26#8217;s on Henderson, 2929 N. Henderson Ave., 214.821.0432; %26#8232;hectorsonhenderson.com
Hibiscus, 2927 N. Henderson Ave., 214.827.2927; hibiscusdallas.com
J Black%26#8217;s Feel Good Lounge, 2409 N. Henderson Ave., 214.613.2525; jblacks.com
Louie%26#8217;s, 1839 N. Henderson Ave., 214.826.0505
Natsumi Gelato + Frozen Yogurt, 2323 N. Henderson Ave., 214.823.1707; natsumiusa.com
Neighborhood Services Tavern, 2405 N. Henderson Ave.,214.827.2405
The Old Monk, 2847 N. Henderson Ave., %26#8232;214.821.1880; oldmonkdallas.com
Park, 1921 N. Henderson Ave., %26#8232;214.824.3343; parkhenderson.com
The Pearl Cup, 1900 N. Henderson Ave., %26#8232;214.824.9500; thepearlcup.com
The Porch, 2912 N. Henderson Ave., %26#8232;214.828.2916; theporchrestaurant.com
The Slip Inn, 1806 McMillan Ave., %26#8232;214.370.5988; theslipinn.com
Sushi Axiom, 2323 N. Henderson Ave., %26#8232;214.828.2288; sushiaxiom.net
Tei Tei Robata Bar, 2906 N. Henderson Ave., 214.828.2400; teiteirobata.com
Urbino Pizza e Pasta, 2323 N. Henderson Ave., 214.821.0044
Veritas Wine Room, 2323 N. Henderson Ave., 214.841.9463; veritaswinedallas.com
Vickery Park, 2810 N. Henderson Ave., %26#8232;214.827.1432; vickeryparkbar.com
Victor Tango%26#8217;s, 3001 N. Henderson Ave., %26#8232;214.252.8595; victortangos.com

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Image: Sputnik Modern

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Fashion and Home Design

Again and Again, 5207 Bonita, %26#8232;214.826.6666; againandagain.com
Again Design Studio, 2003 N. Henderson Ave., 214.826.6777
Another Time %26amp; Place, 2815 N. Henderson Ave., 214.824.1875; anothertimeandplace.com
Art is Art, 2811 N. Henderson Ave., %26#8232;214.823.8222; artisart.biz
Canterbury Antiques, 2923-A N. Henderson Ave., 214.821.5265; antiquesr4u.com
Brant Laird and Consignment Heaven, 2901 N. Henderson Ave., 214.823.4100; brantlaird.com
Emeralds to Coconuts, 2730 N. Henderson Ave., 214.823.3620; emeraldstococonuts.com
Form, 1900-A N. Henderson Ave., %26#8232;214.515.9448; formdallas.com
The Gypsy Wagon, %26#8232;2928 N. Henderson Ave., 214.370.8010; the-gypsy-wagon.com
Jones Walker Home, %26#8232;3010 N. Henderson Ave., 469.916.5500; joneswalkerhome.com
La Mariposa, 2813 N. Henderson Ave., %26#8232;214.826.0069; lamariposaimports.com
The Laundry, 2323 N. Henderson Ave., 214.538.5325; thelaundrydallas.com
Milton Kent Antiques, 2819 N. Henderson Ave., 214.826.7553
Nick Brock Antiques, 2909 N. Henderson Ave., 214.828.0624; nickbrockantiquesonline.com
Pandemonium, 2726 N. Henderson Ave., %26#8232;214.370.5677; pandemoniumltd.com
Sputnik Modern, 1901 N. Henderson Ave., %26#8232;214.887.6221; sputnikmodern.com
The Whimsey Shoppe, 2923 N. Henderson Ave., 214.824.6300; thewhimseyshoppe.com
William-Christopher Design, 2933 N. Henderson Ave., 214.528.3434; w-cdesign.com
The Wooden House, 2918 N. Henderson Ave., 214.823.0002; thewoodenhouse.org
We are 1976, 1902 N. Henderson Ave., %26#8232;214.821.1976; weare1976.com

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Image: The Porch; photo by Adam Fish

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Groceries, Salons and Services

Alamo Glass %26amp; Mirror Co., 2823 N. Henderson Ave., 214.821.2886; alamoglassco.com
Brown Mountain Art %26amp; Antique Restoration, 2809 N. Henderson Ave., 214.824.3205; %26#8232;brownmountainrestoration.com
Halo, 5010 Miller Ave., 214.823.3600; halo-hair.com
Muse the Salon, 2323 N. Henderson Ave., 214.821.3434
Newflower Farmers Market, 1800 N. Henderson Ave., 214.826.2937; sfmarkets.com/locations/texas
Vert Fitness %26amp; Wellness Center,1909 N. Henderson Ave., 214.883.2468; vertfit.com

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Image: Laura Walters Abrams%26#8217; "Sugar Magnolia," 2008%26nbsp;

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Sculpture Along the Avenue
Contemporary Texas artists are celebrated along the North Henderson corridor thanks to an innovative public art project that places sculpture at seven locations for a two-year period. Debuting this spring, Henderson Art Project drew more than 70 statewide entrants, while a mighty panel of 80-plus experts weighed in, including Nasher Sculpture Center curator Jed Morse, Valley House Gallery%26#8217;s Kevin Vogel and current Dallas cultural commissioner at large Phillip E. Collins. They winnowed the field down to seven sculptures, whose creators received stipends to cover installation costs. The works sprout over a multi-block area, from 1800 North Henderson (where Andrea Reich Fender%26#8217;s surreal Heaven%26#8217;s Door evokes a celestial phone booth) to 3010 North Henderson (Juanluis Gonz%26#225;lez%26#8217;s masculine columns of metal, Opus 1).%26nbsp; After the finalists were announced, voting online and at area merchants anointed three winners. The first-place People%26#8217;s Choice Award ($3,500) went to Laura Walters Abrams for her lyrical Sugar Magnolia. Chris Lattanzio captured second-place honors ($2,500) for his abstract Yellow Rose, while Michelle O%26#8217;Michael placed third ($1,500) for her dramatic crimson steel Prairie Fire. Also among the finalists were George Tobolowsky for Outside the Circle and Eric Ober for Red Dancer. Andres Properties and Phoenix Property Company were the supreme patrons that underwrote the inaugural Henderson Art Project, while Dallas sculptor Scott Trent founded and serves as executive director of HAP. And coming at press time: an audio installation by Dallas guest artist Stephen Lapthisophon, sampled from the voices of neighborhood Bonham Elementary students, to be installed at the DART stop at 2740 North Henderson. For images of the winning sculptures, click to hendersonartproject.com. Catherine D. Anspon

Click It
For new retail and restaurant updates, be sure to bookmark these Web sites: keephendersonreal.com and keephendersonreal.com.

Spa Rituals

Thu, 24 Jun 2010 02:00:44 GMT

Longing to make a healthful life change? Lake Austin Spa Resort has ushered in a new structured spa program called the Power of 7, designed to motivate you to put your own needs first %26#8212;%26nbsp;in luxurious surrounds, of course. You%26#8217;ll spend seven consecutive days working with Lake Austin%26#8217;s power team, from fitness trainers who assess your level of activity to a nutritionist who%26#8217;ll get real about what you%26#8217;re eating, in a program customized to your body, health and fitness goals. Kick-start your routine with unlimited fitness classes (why not try that Zumba class you%26#8217;ve been eyeing?) and three square meals of the most delicious spa food you can order in Texas. Mix in a massage or facial, and listen in on seminars about gardening, mediation, motivation, stress management and more. Lake Austin Spa Power Week, from $3,495 per person, 800.847.5637; lakeaustin.com.

Meanwhile, those yearning for a day-spa escape closer to home can check into the newly revamped Balance Urban Spa downtown at the Hotel Icon. This boutique spa is a hushed escape from the maddening city above %26#8212; where veteran spa manager Helen Flores-Voigt has added new treatments such as the moisture-building, acne- and hyper-pigmentation-solving Hydra Facial and the fragrant Cinnamon Delight Body Treatment, an exfoliation and massage in one. Or book the signature Balance massage that will make you melt into the table as every knot in your neck is slowly untied. Balance Spa, Hotel Icon, 220 Main St., 713.224.4266; hotelicon.com.

Did You Know?

Thu, 24 Jun 2010 01:59:38 GMT

Saks Fifth Avenue%26#8217;s fashionable bo%26#238;te, just around the corner from designer ready-to-wear on the second floor, recently underwent a nip and tuck. A decade of wear, you see, had left this elegant Jeffrey Beers-designed space bereft. Enter Houston designer Jay Clues, who respectfully left its beautifully chiseled bones but, in keeping with the space%26#8217;s gold, white, silver and gray elegance, updated the worn glove-leather-like chairs and added a stunning floor-to-ceiling plaster sculpture of white roses %26#8212; his own design, executed by Houston artist Navid Ghedami. The ownership and name quietly changed as well when Landmark Houston Hospitality Group bought into the space (formerly owned and operated by the Ruggles Grill Team) in the Philip Johnson%26#8211;designed Saks building and christened it 51fifteen Restaurant %26amp; Lounge. Exec chef Pedro Silva has streamlined the former Ruggles menu and made it his own. Open lunch and dinner, 51fifteen is a delicious retail respite for ladies who lunch and the gentleman who adore them. At Saks Fifth Avenue in the Galleria, 5115 Westheimer Road, 713.963.8067.

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Image: Photo by Julie Sofer

Yelapa Playa Mexicana

Thu, 24 Jun 2010 01:51:09 GMT

Keys to the Door: Co-owners Chuck Bulnes and executive chef L.J. Wiley; general manager Brett Storey.
What%26#8217;s on the Menu: When Houston restaurant veteran Chuck Bulnes (co-creator of Berryhill Tamales and former co-owner of Texas Tamales and Joyce%26#8217;s Oyster Resort) decided to open a Mexican-inspired restaurant, he knew he couldn%26#8217;t slap up any ordinary Tex-Mex hut on Richmond %26#8212; and he certainly hasn%26#8217;t. Yelapa, named for the Mexican beach town, will make you rethink the possibilities of South of the Border fare. Innovative young chef/co-owner L.J. Wiley is a French Culinary Institute alum who%26#8217;s worked at high-profile places including Spice Market, Morimoto, Alto and Gordon Ramsay. He makes micro-seasonal changes to a menu filled with locally sourced products, spinning out cool gazpachos (from cantaloupe to watermelon) and reinventing classics such as campechana: a rock shrimp, scallop and avocado m%26#233;lange seasoned with smoky chipotle salt. Wiley also plays with the Italian panzanella (traditional bread salad) concept to create %26#8220;The Real Guacamole%26#8221;: crisp tortilla chips tossed with dried mangos, fresh avocado, fennel and olives %26#8212; the makings of a refreshing, textural salad. If you can%26#8217;t imagine a Mexican meal without a creamy jalape%26#241;o-spiced dip, nachos and quesadillas, they%26#8217;ve got you covered %26#8212; although some chicken and veggie varieties are tweaked with squash blossoms, pea leaves and spicy lime a%26#239;oli in season. Thirsty? Yelapa%26#8217;s well-crafted cocktails (prickly pear Micheladas) are as inventive as the go-withs. 2303 Richmond Ave., 281.501.0391; yelapatime.com.

Restaurant Buzz

Thu, 24 Jun 2010 01:41:18 GMT

Tony Vallone has a new restaurant in the works. Caffe Bello, scheduled to open late this month in the former La Strada space on Westheimer in the Montrose, is the most casual of his Italian concepts. The no-tablecloth place will feature cutting-edge Italian food and wine at competitive prices, with a patio upstairs that can be reserved, open or enclosed, for private parties %26#8230; Big doings (finally) at West Ave. It seems Schiller-Del Grande Restaurant Group is readying two new concepts for a December opening: Ava Brasserie and Pizzeria Alto. Ava%26#8217;s 6,400-square-foot downstairs space will have a casual feel with a long bar, tables facing Kirby, a conservatory for overflow dining and private parties, even a sidewalk patio. Look for a mix of American and Mediterranean fare such as pasta, seafood, burgers and steaks. Upstairs, Pizzeria Alto will fill its 4,800 square feet with share tables, a late-night menu and %26#8212; you guessed it %26#8212; chef-driven pizzas. The GM for both West Ave concepts is Rawad Semaan, with Susan Bennett as operating partner %26#8230; Pitmasters, there%26#8217;s a new guy in town. Phil%26#8217;s Texas Barbecue, owned by Phil Stephenson and his cousins Danae Stephenson and Martin Pike, has opened at Heights Boulevard and Washington Avenue in a circa-1930 garage %26#8230; In Memorial, the stellar seafood concept McCormick %26amp; Schmick%26#8217;s has set up a Town %26amp; Country Village outpost %26#8230; In a month, you won%26#8217;t recognize Rice Epicurean Markets on Holcombe. Currently closed for a multi-million-dollar redo, the new layout will enlarge the meat and seafood area, bakery, wine department, produce section and floral shop %26#8230; Cupcake imitators have sprouted up coast to coast, inspired by the success of Beverly Hills%26#8211;based Sprinkles Cupcakes, but now we have our very own Sprinkles in Highland Village, freshly opened last month %26#8230; Elizabeth Abraham and Manfred Jachmich, co-owners of SoVino Bistro %26amp; Wine Bar, transitioned their Montrose eatery into Caf%26#233; Moustache late last month. Chef Rudolf %26#8220;Pierre%26#8221; Merlin serves French country-comfort fare with waiter service by night and, starting July 6, quick counter service at lunch; brunch joins the menu on July 11.%26nbsp; This modern update of Jachmich%26#8217;s popular %26#8217;80s haunt will even include a cr%26#234;perie with savory and sweet selections %26#8230; Chef Julia Sharaby, who cooks on four wheels on board her Fusion Taco truck, will open a new restaurant, Julia%26#8217;s at the Brownstone, in September. She%26#8217;ll serve breakfast, lunch, dinner, late-night bites and weekend brunch at the bistro, which will be adjacent to the popular Red Room bar on Virginia %26#8230; Who doesn%26#8217;t love an ice-cold beer in this sweltering heat? Seamus Campbell and Robin Goldstein%26#8217;s new primer, The Beer Trials (Workman Publishing, $14.95), gives the lowdown on which craft brews and macro-lagers you should seek out, each chosen through a series of critical blind tastings. If wine is your thing, uncork Wes Marshall%26#8217;s new primer, What%26#8217;s a Wine Lover to Do? (Artisan, $17.95) %26#8212; 334 tips covering everything from the best cooking wines to how to find the sweet spot on a restaurant wine list.

Having a Fit

Thu, 24 Jun 2010 01:32:56 GMT

It may not just be about personal chefs now: There is a bit of new culinary competition in town. Meet My Fit Foods, the latest health-food rage among those with discerning palates. Founded by personal trainer and nutritionist turned restaurateur Mario Mendias and with two Dallas locations (in Preston Center and on Lemmon Avenue), My Fit Foods is one part pick-up shop and another part eat-in diner. The concept is simple: Select your pre-made meal du jour from a centrally placed, oversized refrigerator before taking it to go or heating it up for noshing on the spot. Breakfast, lunch and dinner offerings are fresh and perfectly portioned %26#8212; protein and carbohydrates are meticulously measured %26#8212; and include tenderloin with pesto sauce and roasted vegetables; black bean soup with parboiled rice; steel-cut oatmeal pancakes with agave nectar dipping syrup; and plenty of nutritious snacks. The best part? Orders can be placed in advance at myfitfoods.com. Easy, healthy and gourmet? We like the sound of this already. 4015 Lemmon Ave., 214.780.0602; 6100 Luther Lane, 214.360.7569; myfitfoods.com.

Restaurant Buzz

Thu, 24 Jun 2010 01:29:53 GMT

These days, the name Brian Twomey is on everyone%26#8217;s mind. The reason for the buzz? The developer%26#8217;s array of new ventures. The first just opened at 2917 Fairmount Street, in the former Lola space: The Common Table, packed with nearly 70 beers and comfort food from French-trained chef Ben Ackland. We%26#8217;re going for The Camburger %26#8212; yes, with camembert, on a grilled brioche bun %26#8212; and the red-chili, honey-cured filet of beef. Twomey%26#8217;s second culinary undertaking is The Marquee Club at Highland Park Village. The two-story, Art Deco, fine-dining spot is set to open in November, adjacent to the soon-to-be-revamped Village Theater (which, by the way, is another Twomey project). The Marquee Club is inspired by NYC%26#8217;s historic 21 Club but will %26#8220;feel like it%26#8217;s been in HP Village forever,%26#8221; Twomey says. Stay tuned for more %26#8230; A taste of Tuscany arrives late next month at the hand of restaurateur Alberto Lombardi with the opening of his new steak house, La Fiorentina. Housed at 4501 Cole Avenue in the former Chip%26#8217;s Old Fashioned Hamburgers spot, the menu proffers house-made bean soup, jumbo roasted shrimp and traditional porterhouse steak, all served in an intimate setting %26#8230; Two culinary craftsmen %26#8212; Flynn Dekker of Brazilian steakhouse Fogo de Ch%26#227;o and Shawn Horne, former chef at Kitchen 1924 %26#8212; have merged paths on North Henderson Avenue with their recently opened eatery, Horne %26amp; Dekker. Here, an extensive comfort-food menu combines with a sleek, modern interior. What we%26#8217;re craving? The mushroom soup, the Coca-Cola%26#8211;braised pork carnitas and the cedar-plank salmon. (2323 N. Henderson Avenue, 214.821.9333) %26#8230; For Neighborhood Services owner and chef Nick Badovinus, all good things happen in threes. Hence, his third and newest NS, set to open after the Fourth of July at 10720 Preston Road near Preston Royal Village. The bar and grill is similar to the original Lovers Lane hot spot, which means more Three Jack %26amp; Mac Gratin for everyone! %26#8230; Cuisine connoisseur Andre Natera has a new kitchen to call home: He%26#8217;s moving in as executive chef at The Fairmont Dallas%26#8217; Pyramid Restaurant %26amp; Bar. Natera%26#8217;s earthy influence is already apparent: The majority of his creations boast ingredients from Pyramid%26#8217;s on-site garden and from local farmers. (Now, that%26#8217;s fresh.) Reservations 214.720.5249 %26#8230; Insiders know that Mondays are the best days to lunch at Preston Center. Why the early-week enthusiasm? Chef Kent Rathbun fires up his Big Daddy smoker outside Rathbun%26#8217;s Blue Plate Kitchen for an all-day barbecue feast. Make tracks to 6130 Luther Lane. We surely will.

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Image:%26nbsp; Pyramid Restaurant %26amp; Bar%26#8217;s%26nbsp; new exec chef Andre Natera. Photo by Kevin Marple.

11th Annual Spirit of Spring Luncheon %26 Fashion Show

Fri, 11 Jun 2010 04:53:52 GMT

Crowing about the BRC

Wed, 26 May 2010 04:42:48 GMT

Keys to the Door: Owners Lee Ellis, Lance Fegen, Shepard Ross, Carl Eaves and Will Davis. Executive chef Jeff Axline.
What%26#8217;s Cooking: Leave it to visionary concepteur Lee Ellis (The Social, Belvedere, 310 Rosemont) and chef Lance Fegen (The Glass Wall) not only to bring Houston what it%26#8217;s always lacked %26#8212; a great gastropub with a decidedly American slant %26#8212; but to give it an eyebrow-raising name. BRC, you see, is an acronym for Big Red Cock (as in rooster, cock-a-doodle-doo). Ellis carries the fowl theme throughout: Egg-basket lanterns dangle overhead, while black-and-white rooster photos nest above the deep banquettes. Rustic shiplap panels dress down the adjacent scarlet-flocked Osborne %26amp; Little paper on the walls. As for the menu %26#8230; Start with%26nbsp; BRC%26#8217;s field guide to wine and beer, where you%26#8217;ll find American craft beers such as Curve Ball and White Rascal that pair naturally with the crispy Dr Pepper%26#8211;fried San Antonio quail app drizzled with honey-peppercorn butter ($9) or the State Fair griddled cheddar and Pola Moonster cheese sandwich stuffed with tender short rib ($12). The BRC pub burger is built on a soft challah bun by Fegen, exec chef Jeff Axline and his crew, who actually grind their own blend of meat (whiteface Hereford brisket, chuck and short-rib cuts, natch) then layer it with Tillamook, homemade dressing, marinated tomatoes and maple-glazed bacon ($8.50). Top off the experience with rock, blues and jazz while sipping a strawberry mojito or black cherry sangr%26#237;a %26#8212; it%26#8217;s a marvel how well they make do here without hard liquor behind the bar. Roll in for lunch, dinner, brunch or even late night, as the kitchen stays open till midnight on weekdays, 2 am on the weekends. 519 Shepherd Dr., 713.861.2233; brcgastropub.com.

Image:%26nbsp; Will Davis, Shepard Ross, Carl Eaves, Lee Ellis, Lance Fegen, Jeff Axline at BRC; photo by Jenny Antill

Restaurant Buzz

Wed, 26 May 2010 04:20:33 GMT

From June 14 through 20, the sixth annual Wine %26amp; Food Week %26#8212; sponsored by Cadillac, H-E-B and more %26#8212; will bring together a host of national and local chefs, wineries, beer makers and foodies in dozens of events throughout The Woodlands. Information wineandfoodweek.com %26#8230; Look what the tide washed in: Ocean%26#8217;s, a new casual Mexican eatery and lounge with an obvious affinity for seafood. The lunch/dinner/drinks spot, owned by brothers Jorge and Isaac Alvarez, will open in the former garden spot of Bistro Vino on West Alabama any day now %26#8230; Kudos to Houstonian Hotel pastry chef Catherine Rodriguez, who bettered her chocolate skills during a three-day course at Valrhona%26#8217;s Ecole du Grand Chocolat. She was one of just 12 invited to participate on this stellar chocolate maker%26#8217;s professional stage in France %26#8230; Speaking of sweets, pastry chef (and stray-dog-loving gal) Rebecca Masson will prepare a four-course dessert extravaganza with bubbles by Perrier Jouet, Hudson Ferus vodka and a cheese interlude by Houston Dairymaids to benefit Lucky Dog Rescue on Sunday, June 6, at 4 pm. Reserve your spot ($75) at luckyrescue.org %26#8230; Phoenicia Specialty Foods, the West Houston international market with a cult following, will open a 28,000-square-foot branch on the ground floor of One Park Place in December. Owners Zohrab and Arpi Tcholakian will load their shelves with exotic imports, fresh meat and seafood, produce, artisan breads, pastries, cheeses, wines, housewares and more %26#8230; Beep-beep, Fusion Taco is hitting the streets. A copy of L.A.%26#8217;s famed gourmet-street-food trucks, this mobile restaurant was created by Julia Sharaby and can be seen cruising hoods from midtown to uptown %26#8230; Brooks Bassler, owner of BB%26#8217;s Caf%26#233; in Montrose, is opening a second location downtown in the theater district. Look for Bassler%26#8217;s Tex-Orleans fare to be served up there this summer %26#8230; We%26#8217;re obsessed with Yelapa Playa Mexicana, a new Pacific Coast%26#8211;inspired Mexican restaurant on Richmond, brought to us by Chuck Bulnes (co-creator of Berryhill Tamale Company and former co-owner of Texas Tamales and Joyce%26#8217;s Oyster Resort). Chef L.J. Wiley is an alum of Jean-Georges Vongerichten%26#8217;s Spice Market%26nbsp; and other New York icons including Morimoto, Gordon Ramsay and L%26#8217;Atelier de Jo%26#235;l Robuchon. Needless to say, his remarkable dishes are not to be confused with run-of-the-mill Tex-Mex. More in next month%26#8217;s issue %26#8230; Now that chef John Tesar has exited Tesar%26#8217;s Modern Steaks %26amp; Seafood %26#8212; his namesake restaurant in The Woodlands %26#8212; his longtime trainees Austin Simmons and Jeramie Robison (who once worked at Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek in Dallas) are making their mark there as his collaborating co-chef replacements.

Sfuzzi

Wed, 26 May 2010 12:11:01 GMT

Keys to the Door: Creator/owner Robert Colombo; operating partners James Hamous, Brandon Hays; managing director Lance Bodwell; executive chef Ruben Peck.

Noshing With the In Crowd: Uptown%26#8217;s Bright Young Things may not remember the original Sfuzzi %26#8212; the %26#8217;80s eatery notorious for its frozen peach cocktail and its party-like-it%26#8217;s-Studio 54 crowd %26#8212; but today%26#8217;s au courant should love the recently reincarnated hot spot. Now, Sfuzzi lives across the street from its original McKinney Avenue locale and is one part pizzeria and another part cocktail lounge, serving drinks and fare well into the wee hours %26#8212; 2 am Sunday through Wednesday, and 3 am Thursday through Saturday. Inside, an expansive bar centers the watering-hole scene, where crimson hues and restored vintage chaises make for a moody Italian vibe. For dining, think long banquettes and large wood tables with enough room for at least six. (Attention private socialites: Reserve the round-table booth in the front window, which can be closed off by drawing a red velvet curtain.) The menu offerings are tasty and simple, with amped-up faves from Colombo%26#8217;s Villa O (yes, even Mama Colombo%26#8217;s salad) and several new specialties: braised short-rib pizza with caramelized onions and to-die-for portobello fries. Why we%26#8217;ll return? Sfuzzi%26#8217;s spacious wraparound patio, with its ample seating, an outdoor bar, community tables and colorful hanging glass lanterns %26#8212; all the better to illuminate those Bright Young Things.%26nbsp;2533 McKinney Ave. 214.953.0300; sfuzziuptown.com.

Oops!

Wed, 26 May 2010 11:55:50 GMT

So excited were we at the thought of lamb pies and 40 drafts on tap that we typo%26#8217;d the name of the chef in charge! The man behind the Meddlesome Moth%26#8217;s smoked Arctic char salads and Prince Edward Island mussels is Chad Kelley, not Brad, as we wrote in our May issue. We regret the error %26#8212; and owe Chad a tall, foamy Franconia Dunkel.

Restaurant Buzz

Wed, 26 May 2010 11:46:52 GMT

Uptown is experiencing a taco takeover, with two new Mexican kitchens popping up on McKinney Avenue. First is Rock N Taco, the recently opened restaurant featuring specialty tacos, fajitas, sandwiches and more. There%26#8217;s even a fully stocked bar. (2912 McKinney Avenue, 214.740.0909). Then, there%26#8217;s a new Urban Taco location (the original is a fave at Mockingbird Station) from owner Markus Pineyro, right next to Lumi and set to open in July. All the beloved taqueria offerings will be there %26#8212; they come in many forms, including guajillo pepper-crusted ahi tuna and the adobo-spiked braised chicken and potato %26#8212; complete with a large patio in front, sure to be a stir among alfresco fans. (3411 McKinney Avenue; urban-taco.com) %26#8230; Over on Henderson Avenue, new eateries seem to open daily. The latest, Austin institution J. Black%26#8217;s Feel Good Lounge, offers stellar cocktail and wine lists backed by chef de cuisine Bobby Weddle%26#8217;s lineup of sharable gourmet plates %26#8212; New Zealand lamb chop lollipops, Texas Kobe beef sliders and a boastful brunch that promises breakfast pizza with prosciutto and caramelized onions. (2904 N. Henderson Avenue; jblacks.com) %26#8230; Elevation Burger is slated to open this fall at 8611 Hillcrest Road in the new Hillcrest Crossing Development at Northwest Highway (already home to Equinox and Insight Complete Eye Care). Watch for grass-fed, organic and free-range burgers, veggie patties and sides including mandarin oranges and fries cooked in olive oil. This may just be the Bentley of burgers %26#8230; Pizza pioneer Charlie Green ups the ante on his beloved Olivella%26#8217;s with a second pizzeria %26#8212; this one in Victory Park, set to open this month. It%26#8217;s called Neo Pizza Napoletana by Olivella%26#8217;s and will boast a Who%26#8217;s Who of the fave pies at the University Park locale, with several new additions, including a creamy mozzarella pizza that we%26#8217;re just dying to try. Whet your appetite at neopizzeria.com, or ring 214.522.9898.

Image: A rendering of the new Urban Taco. Photo courtesy of Steven Chan, Rendering House.

Sea to See

Wed, 28 Apr 2010 02:02:01 GMT

From East to West Beach, the Strand to the seawall, Col. Bubbies to Palisade Palms, Gaido%26#8217;s to the Galvez, the fabled classics to the sleek new spas, hotels, restaurants and residences, here is your go-to guide to all things Galveston.

WHERE TO EAT

Bistro LeCroy
2021 Strand
409.762.4200
This Strand-area Cajun hot spot is in full swing after an extensive remodel.

Cafe Michael Burger
11150 Termini San Luis Pass Road
409.740.3639
Best burgers at the beach. Wash them down with a cold German brew.

DiBella%26#8217;s Italian Restaurant
1902 31st St.
409.763.9036
Locals keep this casual Italian kitchen crowded on Friday nights.

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Fish Tales
2502 Seawall Blvd.
409.762.8545
After you catch some rays on the beach, grab a bite at this beachfront seafood stop. It%26#8217;s the best spot to watch the Fourth of July fireworks %26#8212; if you can get there early enough to reserve a table.

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Gaido%26#8217;s
3802 Seawall Blvd.
409.762.9625
gaidosofgalveston.com
An Island institution serving up surf-side seafood since 1911.

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Mosquito Cafe
628 14th St.
409.763.1010
mosquitocafe.com
Tucked away in Galveston%26#8217;s historic East End, this cafe is a must for trendy salads, sandwiches and pasta. Save room for dessert: The lemonade cake is to die for.

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901 Postoffice
901 Postoffice St.
409.762.1111
This newly opened culinary-fusion restaurant is located in a former historic home with a covered salon and back patio.

Olympia Grill at Pier 212
1st %26amp; Harborside
409.7665.0021
olympiagrill.net
This stylish dining spot serves up great Greek dishes and an excellent harbor view.

Rudy %26amp; Paco
2028 Postoffice St.
409.762.3696
Leave the flip-flops and shorts at the beach house when dining at this Latin-inspired seafood and steak house.

Shearn%26#8217;s Restaurant
7 Hope Blvd.409.741.8484
moodygardenshotel.com
Grab dinner or just a drink at this top-floor restaurant for spectacular views of the pyramids of Moody Gardens and the sunsets.

The Sunflower Bakery and Caf%26#233;
512 14th St.
409.763.5500
thesunflowerbakeryandcafe.com
This sweet bakery, housed in a historic building on the East End, also serves up savory soups and sandwiches for lunch and Sunflower%26#8217;s famous Belgian waffles for brunch. Check the Web site for the delicious Saturday dinner specials.

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Willie G%26#8217;s
2100 Harborside
409.762.3030
williegs.com/galveston
This steak-and-seafood spot on the harbor side of the island offers great views of the ships rolling in.

FOR SIPPING COCKTAILS

BarNone at Diamond Beach
10327 Termini-San Luis Pass Road
404.744.3020
diamondbeachgalveston.com
Sleek and modern, BarNone is in the elegant new East End Diamond Beach mid-rise.

Old Quarter Acoustic Cafe
413 20th St.
409.762.9199
oldquarteracousticcafe.com
Cut loose with a Lone Star to some live music at the Old Quarter, which is more than a little reminiscent of Austin in the %26#8217;60s and %26#8217;70s.

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The Poop Deck
2928 Seawall Blvd.
409.763.9151
This legendary biker pub features a full bar, televised sports and a deck overlooking the Gulf.

Rooftop Terrace at The Tremont House
2300 Ship%26#8217;s Mechanic Row
409.763.0300
wyndhamtremonthouse.com
Enjoy a cool cocktail and a view of downtown on the roof of this historic Strand-area hotel.

Sonny%26#8217;s Place
1206 19th St.
409.763.9602
Head to this dive to enjoy a cold mug of root beer and the best chili dogs in town.

21
2102 Postoffice St.
409.762.2101
You%26#8217;ll find plenty of cocktails and a cover band every weekend at this hip down-town bar.

WHERE TO BOOK A NIGHT

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Hotel Galvez
2024 Seawall Blvd.
409.765.7721
wyndham.com/hotels/glshg
Dubbed %26#8220;The Queen of the Gulf%26#8221; when it debuted in 1911, this historic property just completed the final phase of a renovation that included the refurbishment of 226 deluxe guest rooms and seven luxury suites. Stick around on Sunday for a spectacular brunch at Bernardo%26#8217;s.

San Luis Resort
5222 Seawall Blvd.
409.744.1500
sanluisresort.com
Talk about a destination that%26#8217;s hard to leave. This 30-acre luxury resort has multiple fine-dining options, bars, spa, tennis courts and the best pool experience on the island, H2O.

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The Tremont House
2300 Ship%26#8217;s Mechanic Row
409.763.0300
wyndhamtremonthouse.com
This historic downtown European-style hotel, just steps from the Strand district, recently reopened following an extensive renovation post-Hurricane Ike.

FOR LONGER THAN A NIGHT, TRY THESE

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Beachtown
1801 Seaside Dr.
409.762.2222
beachtowngalveston.com
This charming residential beach village, reminiscent of Seaside, leases several of its properties. Contact the sales office for more details.

Diamond Beach
10327 Termini-San Luis Pass Road
404.744.3020
diamondbeachgalveston.com
This elegant new East End mid-rise residential property has a spa and BarNone, Galveston%26#8217;s first beach bar, both open to the public. However, if you%26#8217;re longing for the magnificent outdoor pools, lazy river and the only indoor pool of its kind (designed with inspiration from the Turkish baths at the Danubius Hotel Gell%26#233;rt in Budapest), you%26#8217;ll have to own a condo %26#8212; or at least rent one. Summer rentals start at $300 per night with a two-night minimum.

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Palisade Palms
801 E. Beach Dr.
409.974.4635
palisadepalms.com
This new luxury high-rise twin-tower property on the East End has condos for lease on a weekly and monthly basis this summer season, starting at $1,800 a week. Choose from six floor plans and gain access to the resort-style amenities, including beautiful%26nbsp; pools, tennis and basketball courts, bicycles and a private boardwalk to the beach.%26nbsp;

Sand N%26#8217; Sea Properties
4127 Pirates Beach
409.797.5500
sandnsea.com
To lease a beach house for a week, weekend or month, Sand N%26#8217; Sea offers properties from luxury three-story houses on the beach to more modest ones along the canals.

SHOPPING

Buchanan Gallery
220 25th St.
409.763.8683
buchanangallery.com
This fine art gallery, an island favorite, represents emerging and mid-career artists from the Gulf Coast region.

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Col. Bubbies
202 Strand St.
409.762.7397
colbubbie.com
Even non-military buffs will get a kick perusing the extensive racks of wartime memorabilia, all for sale.

The Frog at Home
2701 Broadway
409.762.3764
frogathome.com
The popular Houston home store also has a showroom in Galveston, where you can shop for unique home furnishings, window treatments, rugs and art to fill your weekend retreat.

Galveston Art %26amp; Frames
1126 19th St.
409.762.3628
For%26nbsp; wonderful old posters and vintage prints of Galveston.

Hendley Market
2010 Strand
409.762.2610
hendleymarket.com
A mainstay on the Strand for more than 30 years. Pick up trinkets and gifts inspired by the Victorian surroundings, as well as antique medical instruments, vintage books, and nativities and santons from around the globe.

La King%26#8217;s Confectionery
2323 Strand
409.762.6100
Stop in for a milkshake at the shop%26#8217;s 1920s soda fountain. On your way out, indulge in a selection of divinity, pecan pralines, fudge or La King%26#8217;s famous saltwater taffy, all made in-house on vintage equipment.

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Murdoch%26#8217;s Bathhouse
2215 Seawall Blvd.
409.762.7478
Galveston%26#8217;s most historic shop for souvenir shirts and seashells was back up and running only a year after Hurricane Ike reduced it to a stack of wood pilings.

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Rene%26#8217; Wiley Studio Gallery
2128 Postoffiice St.
409.750.9077
renewileyart.com
Stop in this fine art gallery for one of artist Dale Hooks%26#8217; bowls carved from %26#8220;Ike Wood,%26#8221; which is what the locals dub the 10,000-plus trees cut down after Hurricane Ike.

Vic%26#8217;s Estate %26amp; Fine Jewelry
2413 Market St.
409.762.5792
vicsjewelry.com
Shop for vintage jewelry and antique silver at Vic%26#8217;s, a Galveston tradition for more than 75 years.

The Witchery
2116 Postoffice St.
409.515.0669
witcheryonline.com
This magical boutique sells books, gifts and potions pertaining to the metaphysical.

SPAS

%26nbsp;

Chocolate Spa at Diamond Beach

10327 Termini-San Luis Pass Road

404.744.3020

diamondbeachgalveston.com

The 4,000-square-foot luxury Chocolate Spa at Diamond Beach is a full-service day spa with indoor hot therapy pool, aromatherapy, mani-pedis, facials and more.

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The Spa at Hotel Galvez

2024 Seawall Blvd.

409.515.2100

thespaatthehotelgalvez.com

This luxe spa alone %26#8212;%26nbsp;with its top-notch treatments, vichy shower and relaxation room %26#8212; is worth a drive to the Island.

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Spa San Luis

5222 Seawall Blvd.

409.744.1500

sanluisresort.com

Massage, buff and polish your worries away at this luxe, full-service spa at the posh San Luis Resort.

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SIGHTS TO SEE

%26nbsp;

The Elissa

Texas Seaport Museum

Harborside Dr.

409.763.1877

galvestonhistory.org

Restored to her former glory, this three-masted barque speaks to Galveston%26#8217;s port-ly past. Tour the decks, then visit the adjoining museum to learn about the sailing ship%26#8217;s past and her amazing rescue from a scrapyard.

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Lone Star Flight Museum

2002 Terminal Dr.

409.740.7722

lsfm.org

Now boarding %26#8212;%26nbsp;no, literally: Not only does this museum provide public viewing of a wonderful collection of all things aeronautical, but it boasts vintage bomber planes you can both pilot and fly in.

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Rosenberg Library

2310 Sealy Ave.

409.763.8854

rosenberg-library.org

Spend hours combing through the Galveston Archives, which include an incredible postcard collection, old Galveston photographs, historic books and papers.

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FUN FOR KIDS

%26nbsp;

Galveston Duck Tours

2500 Seawall Blvd.

409.621.4771

galvestonducks.com

Treat the kiddos to a tour of Galveston on The Duck. Destinations on The Duck include Offatt%26#8217;s Bayou, the Seawall and drive-bys of the Island%26#8217;s beautiful 1900s mansions, downtown Strand shopping district and the %26#8220;Silk Stockings%26#8221; historical homes district.

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Moody Gardens

One Hope Blvd.

800.582.4673

moodygardens.com

This island attraction is mega-fun. Where else can you visit a rainforest, an aquarium and see an IMAX film, all in one day?

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Rainforest Cafe

5310 Seawall Blvd.

409.744.6000

rainforestcafe.com

What child doesn%26#8217;t cheer for Rainforest Cafe? The Galveston outpost is located next door to the San Luis Resort.

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Schlitterbahn

2026 Lockheed St.

409.770.9283

schlitterbahn.com/gal

Daring speeds, slides, endless rivers, uphill water coasters and waves for surfing and splashing.%26nbsp;

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FOR A BEACH PAD OF YOUR OWN

%26nbsp;

Beachtown

Developer: Tofigh Shirazi

Town Planner: Duany Plater-Zyberk and Co.(Seaside, Florida)

1801 Seaside Dr.

409.762.2222

beachtowngalveston.com

This charming residential community on East Beach is redolent of Seaside, Florida, and architecturally follows this classical coastal vernacular. There are several villages with fabulous homes, and a Beach Club is planned. Town homes and lofts are above the general store, market, creamery, restaurants and coffee shops, which are planned or under construction.

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Diamond Beach

Developer: Randall Davis

10327 Termini-San Luis Pass Road

404.744.3020

diamondbeachgalveston.com

This elegant new mid-rise has 22 floor plans and 120 beach-view homes on the West Beach seawall. Amenities: private beach, magnificent outdoor pools, a lazy river, Turkish bath%26#8211;inspired indoor pool, day spa, private movie theater, teen and children%26#8217;s rooms, fitness center and concierge.

%26nbsp;

Palisade Palms

Developer: Falcon Group

801 East Beach Dr.

409.974.4635

palisadepalms.com

This new luxury high-rise twin-tower property on the East End has 288 homes and is the first residential high-rise to be built on the beach in 20 years. Amenities: infinity pool, tennis and basketball courts, game and media rooms, concierge and a private boardwalk to the beach.

Galveston's Historical and Art Revolution

Wed, 28 Apr 2010 01:30:02 GMT

Galveston%26#8217;s best-kept secret? Catherine D. Anspon discovers that contemporary art %26#8212; often important and world-class %26#8212; abounds in this seaside mecca. Mix in a rich brew of history, dating back to the Karankawa Indians %26#8230; the mythic landing of explorer Cabeza de Vaca in 1528 %26#8230; the island%26#8217;s naming in 1785 by Jos%26#233; de Evia for the then viceroy of Mexico, Bernardo de G%26#225;lvez %26#8230; the land%26#8217;s use as a pirate lair by Jean Laffite some decades later %26#8230; and its resurgence as the largest and most eminent city of Texas by 1870, which gave birth to its fabled, grand Victorian residences. And that%26#8217;s only the beginning. Here%26#8217;s the latest historical and art buzz about this singular seaside resort.

%26nbsp;

Image left: Don Glentzer%26#8217;s "Seawall Characters: Bikini on Bike," 1996, at DesignWorks Gallery

Image middle: Don Glentzer%26#8217;s "Seawall Characters: Polka-dots," 1996, at DesignWorks Gallery

Image right: John C. Dyes%26#8217; "San Luis Pass," from the series %26#8220;Galveston Water,%26#8221; 1988/2008, at Buchanan Gallery

%26nbsp;

Curator%26#8217;s Corner and Cover Girl
Artists and Galveston have always been intertwined, the former lured to the island by the presence of old cotton warehouses and other abundant commercial buildings that make for light-filled studios. Incontestably the most prominent in the last 40 years was late painter Joe Glasco (1925 %26#8211; 1996), who moved to Galveston in 1972 after a successful career in New York, including a 1952 MoMA exhibit with Rothko and Pollock. He took the Texas scene by storm with his ripped abstract canvases that earned him spots in the nationally touring mid-1980s exhibition %26#8220;Fresh Paint: The Houston School%26#8221; and in the 1991 Whitney Biennial. Glasco also influenced a generation of Gulf Coast artists, such as then Houston-based Julian Schnabel. Schnabel so respected the older artist that he cast him in several scenes in his film Basquiat and even dedicated the film to his memory after he passed away before its release.

Flash forward, and here are three contemporary talents who cast their eyes upon the island. These Texas photographers share a fascination with the place%26#8217;s coastline, people, history and sun-washed ambiance, continuing the tradition of Henri Cartier-Bresson, whose images for the classic 1966 volume The Galveston That Was set the gold standard for Gulf Coast subject matter. Mid-career master Ann Stautberg contributed the images that grace our cover (from top): 8-28-00, Tx Coast, #9, 2000, and 6-21-96, P.M., Tx Coast, 1997. She snapped them in Galveston in black-and-white film, then meticulously hand-painted each image with colored oils. This former island resident, now based in Houston (represented by Wade Wilson Art; works from $3,500), is internationally exhibited, from the Shanghai Museum of Art to the MFAH%26#8217;s Glassell School of Art. A 10-year retrospective of her work at the Galveston Arts Center in 2000 toured to four other venues statewide.

Another lensman with the island in his viewfinder is photographer Don Glentzer, represented in the permanent collections of the MFAH, the Houston Museum of Natural Science and The Witliff Collections at Texas State University %26#8211; San Marcos. His work has ranged from editorial projects for The New York Times Magazine and the Los Angeles Times Magazine to his 2008 volume on 50 rose species, Pink Ladies %26amp; Crimson Gents, co-authored with wife, writer Molly Glentzer. His series of saturated, almost hyperreal color portraits, made along the Seawall in the mid-1990s using an 8 x 10 view camera, captures an optimistic time and the beach babes and surfer dudes who inhabited it (through DesignWorks Gallery, Galveston, from $650).

Of a different nature entirely are the timeless black-and-white prints by Dickinson, Texas%26#8211;based John C. Dyes, recently on view at Buchanan Gallery as its FotoFest show. (The gallery also represents him, with his work beginning at $500 for silver gelatin prints.) Focused on the coastline and distilling it down to its essentials %26#8212; broad swaths of sea and sky %26#8212; the chemical engineer turned fine art photographer (who holds a BFA and MFA from, respectively, Rice and UH) created epic views of the island%26#8217;s %26#8220;Resplendent Shores.%26#8221;

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Image: Pottery by John Cowan

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Claymation

You could say it%26#8217;s all in the family: We%26#8217;ve learned that the son of the late sporting master John P. Cowan %26#8212; whose watercolors rivaled Winslow Homer%26#8217;s %26#8212; is also an artist. John Cowan Jr. is enraptured not by painting, but by clay. Largely self-taught, the Texas native began throwing pots seven years ago and has now produced a body of work formed from Ohio and Georgia clays, ornamented by handmade glazes. The pitchers, teapots, plates and other vessels surprise with their dramatic constructivist shapes and droll detailing, including tiny pottery buttons. Now Cowan is moving from Tennessee back to Texas, relocating to Galveston this spring, where he plans to set up a new studio showcasing his way with clay. Information cowan_pottery@yahoo.com.

Best Volumes
Coming this summer and fall are two must-read books that unveil even more about this unique place%26#8217;s history and architecture, penned by a pair who know it well: Brian Davis and Denise Alexander of the Galveston Historical Foundation. Davis%26#8217; volume, "Lost Galveston" (set for a July 19 release), presents rare images of the city%26#8217;s lost buildings that have been demolished or destroyed by fire or natural disaster. Alexander%26#8217;s "Historic Downtown Galveston and Strand District" emphasizes culture, history, architecture and Galveston%26#8217;s founding citizens. Both by Arcadia Publishing, $21.99 each, at the Bishop%26#8217;s Palace and GHF on the Strand.

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Image: Galveston Arts Center

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Preservation Progress
All American eyes are on Galveston%26#8217;s endangered cast-iron buildings, with the most visible being the Galveston Arts Center on a prime corner of The Strand National Historic Landmark District. Happily, as reported on our cover, the GAC is on its way to being saved. Historic preservation consultant Steph McDougal reports, %26#8220;To date, we have raised about $1.6 million of the $3.2 million needed to complete the restoration of the 1878 First National Bank Building.%26#8221; The regal neoclassical brick edifice has been the Center%26#8217;s home since it was deeded to them in 1968 by the Junior League of Galveston County. While continuing to seek funding from various public and private sources, GAC%26#8217;s restoration and accessibility project is well underway, directed by architect David Watson (best known for his award-winning work on another pair of historic Galveston sites, the 1861 United States Customs House and the Garten Verein Pavilion). Assisted by structural engineer James Austin and cast-iron restoration specialist Doug McLean, Watson is working towards completion as soon as possible, with the date dependant on funding. The project received welcome news this past December: The Texas Historical Commission awarded the Galveston Arts Center a $30,000 grant towards installing a new handicapped-accessible elevator in the soon-to-be restored building (GAC was one of only nine THC grant recipients during the past two years).

Walk This Way
Get ready for the next monthly ArtWalk on Saturday, May 29. More than 15 galleries and spaces %26#8212; including restaurants, clubs and artists%26#8217; lofts %26#8212; will unveil paintings, sculpture, photography, jewelry and craft along Strand, Postoffice and neighboring streets, with most spaces open from 6 to 9 pm. The 20-year monthly tradition is organized by the Galveston Arts Center. And don%26#8217;t miss our fave, Buchanan Gallery, sited in an 1874 storefront at 220 25th Street, where owner/director Kathryn Buchanan currently showcases a duo who work in encaustic, Gwendolyn Plunkett and Deanna Wood (through May 22). Information buchanangallery.com, galvestonartscenter.org.

Inspiring Arches
Did you know about the seven significant architects who were tapped to transform downtown Galveston with a suite of beckoning arches? This innovative public art program that was initiated by native Dancie Ware%26nbsp; jump-started the island%26#8217;s revival.

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Image: Howard Sherman%26#8217;s E"ating Your Friction," 2008, at GAC in Exile 2

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Meanwhile %26#8230; A Must-See: Mr. Ab Ex

Galveston Arts Center in Exile 2 (2501 Market Street at 25th, 409.763.2403; galvestonartscenter.org) is mounting a buoyant show that salutes the grand tradition of abstract expressionism. Houston maestro Howard Sherman%26#8217;s fearless gestural paintings increasingly incorporate marker with acrylic. They hum with a frenetic energy and high-voltage palette, and often feature mad dashes of cartooning. %26#8220;Eating Your Friction%26#8221; reprises the artist%26#8217;s 2008 show for the Art Museum of Southeast Texas in Beaumont, then adds in recent canvases (through May 23).

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Home as Castle%26nbsp;

Perhaps the most popular happening along this coastal retreat is its annual Historic Homes Tour, a preservation-centered fund-raiser now in its 36th year, benefitting the Galveston Historical Foundation. Held over two consecutive weekends this month (May 1 %26#8211; 2, 8 %26#8211; 9, 10 am to 6 pm daily), the trek peers into 10 privately owned mansions and cottages. This year%26#8217;s theme: %26#8220;Going Green %26#8212;%26nbsp;What%26#8217;s Old Is New Again%26#8221; Tickets $20 in advance, $25 beginning May 1, through galvestonhistory.org and at all Galveston- and Houston-area Kroger Food Stores.

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First Lady of Texas Politics

%26#8220;He was born with a silver foot in his mouth%26#8221; was an oft-quoted quip by one of the brightest and boldest of Texas politicians. That bon mot was uttered by Ann Richards, the late governor who often was called upon to orate at statewide and national conventions. Now meet the real Miz Richards %26#8212;%26nbsp;at least on stage %26#8212; in an engaging biographical work presented by The 1894 Grand Opera House. Emmy-winning actress Holland Taylor stars in the one-woman sketch Money, Marbles %26amp; Chalk, which she researched for three years to capture the cadence of the mythic queen of Texas politics. Friday through Sunday, May 14 through%26nbsp;16; information thegrand.com.%26nbsp;%26nbsp;

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Preston’s

Tue, 27 Apr 2010 06:26:25 GMT

Locavores will gladly devour the homegrown and sustainable cuisine at this fresh concept in the former Park Cities Prime digs.

8411 Preston Road in Preston Center
214.691.7763
prestonsdallas.com

In the Kitchen: Chef and co-owner Jon Schwarzenberger, formerly of Crescent Club, Social House and Lounge. %26#8226; On the Menu: Go for the sesame-crusted seared Ahi tuna salad, followed by the to-die-for short ribs braised in Rahr %26amp; Sons Ugly Pug beer. For dessert, the coconut panna cotta with roasted bananas is divine. %26#8226; Decor Note: The interior channels a sophisticated chop house and remains mostly unchanged from its days as Park Cities Prime. Upstairs, the spacious private dining room is much in demand for celebratory affairs. %26#8226; For Table Conversation: In an effort to better the way our city eats, most of Schwarzenberger%26#8217;s dishes incorporate %26#8220;super foods%26#8221; (avocado, sweet potatoes, salmon, nuts) that are high in antioxidants. That means we%26#8217;ll have seconds of everything.

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Image above: Preston's; credit: David Nix

Images below: North Pacific black cod, Chef Jon Schwarzenberger; credit: David Nix

Meddlesome Moth

Tue, 27 Apr 2010 06:23:33 GMT

Shannon Wynne is putting his stamp on Lower Oak Lawn%26#8217;s map with his interpretation of a gastropub. This ought to be good. Very good.

16621 Oak Lawn Ave.
mothinthe.net

Who to Know: Owners Shannon Wynne (the seasoned restaurateur behind Flying Fish and Flying Saucer), Keith Schlabs and Larry Richardson; general manager Lon Goodwin. %26#8226; In the Kitchen: Executive chef Chad Kelley. %26#8226; On the Menu: Small plates recall Belgian and English bar bites such as calamari stuffed with ox tail, rabbit pot pie, pickled veggies, and cured hams and meats. %26#8226; Decor Note: Though the interior was still under wraps at press time, Wynne says his space is %26#8220;an effort not to be so precious.%26#8221; For the man who %26#8220;doesn%26#8217;t do cute,%26#8221; inspiration comes from NYC%26#8217;s The Spotted Pig and DBGB. %26#8226; For Table Conversation: The building%26#8217;s historic exterior adds to the Moth%26#8217;s charm with restored stained-glass windows and a commissioned James Surls sculpture over the entry.

Ristorante Nicola

Tue, 27 Apr 2010 06:22:55 GMT

It%26#8217;s 7,000 square feet of Italian bravado at Preston Road%26#8217;s new fine-dining destination.

8111 Preston Road, Suite 150
214.379.1111
nicoladallas.com

Who to Know: Owner Richard Gussoni; general manager John Baudoin. %26#8226; In the Kitchen: Chef Luigi Iannuario, most recently of Oceanaire. %26#8226; On the Menu: Start with the Italian flatbread, then go for the hollow spaghetti with smoked pancetta, spicy tomato sauce and parmigiano-reggiano or the pepper-crusted beef tenderloin. %26#8226; Decor Note: Renaissance opulence means Barovier %26amp; Toso custom-made and handblown Murano glass chandeliers, Venetian-style drapes and Massoud custom high-back lounge chairs and sofas. %26#8226; For Table Conversation: Iannuario was raised in Milan %26#8212; hence the charming accent %26#8212; where he studied with chefs Gualtiero Marchesi and Alberico Penati and worked for Giorgio Armani at the Emporio Armani Caffe.

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Image above: Chef Luigi Iannuario; credit: David Callahan

Image below: Roasted sea bass with broccolini, root vegetableS and white wine butter sauce; credit: Kevin Hunter Marple

Neighborhood Services Tavern

Tue, 27 Apr 2010 06:21:10 GMT

Bon vivant Nick Badovinus plus cocktail connoisseur Jason Kosmas equals pub perfection on Henderson Avenue.

2405 N. Henderson Ave.
214.827.2405

Who to Know: Owner and chef Nick Badovinus (of Neighborhood Services on Lovers Lane and the soon-to-open NS Bar and Grill at Preston and Royal); manager and bartender Jason Kosmas. %26#8226; On the Menu: The bar bites are brilliant %26#8212; fried little asparagus with pecorino, Creek Stone meatballs au poivre or rock shrimp with cheddar grits %26#8212; and the sips are as attentively crafted. Imbibe the Egg Man (pineapple-infused Pisco, raw egg white, lime juice, nutmeg, angostura bitters) or the Domino Fizz (Hayman%26#8217;s Old Tom Gin, lemon juice, simple syrup, fresh lavender, club soda). %26#8226; Decor Note: This spin on a neighborhood watering hole has tall reclaimed-pine tables, exposed brick walls, a shapely teak tree-root lighting piece and several fetching photographs of Michael Cain, Paul Newman and Sean Connery. %26#8226; For Table Conversation: We always love Badovinus%26#8217; unexpected details. The check is presented inside small vintage books, and the restroom decor is ever so cheeky.

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Image above: Neighborhood Services Tavern; credit: Haynsworth Photography

Image below: Chef and owner Nick Badovinus; credit: Haynsworth Photography

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Nova

Tue, 27 Apr 2010 06:17:12 GMT

Where Kings Highway crosses Davis Street in north Oak Cliff, a modern-day diner unites global cuisine and local art culture.

1417 W. Davis St.
novadallas.com

Who to Know: Co-owners Robert Ramirez, JD Reid, Darren Scott, Matthew Yates and chef/co-owner Kelly Hightower. %26#8226; In the Kitchen: Hightower%26#8217;s expertise stems from time spent in the kitchens at Hatties, the Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek and Kavala. %26#8226; On the Menu: Brick-oven pizza and a heavenly hummus are staples. Our intrigue? Blowtorch salmon with yuzu miso glaze, or the oolong tea%26#8211;smoked duck on scallion crepes. %26#8226; Decor Note: The Jetsons meets Mad Men, where the interior complements the building%26#8217;s Googie architectural style%26nbsp;%26#8212; very retro, very cool. %26#8226; For Table Conversation: Nova plays host to many arts-related events. Next up is Crave, a juried art exhibit and music festival on Sunday, May 9.

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Image credit: DPS Design Services

Maple %26 Motor

Tue, 27 Apr 2010 06:16:10 GMT

This burger locale has all the makings of a classic %26#8212; a growing list of impressive patrons, an off-the-beaten-path location and, of course, a comfort-food menu.

4810 Maple Ave.
214.522.4400
mapleandmotor.com

Who to Know: Co-owners Jack Perkins and Austen Wright %26#8226; On the Menu: Order the cheeseburger with grilled jalape%26#241;os or the fried-bologna sandwich made %26#8220;Jack%26#8217;s Way,%26#8221; with homemade chili, cheese, red onions and a fried egg, all on Texas toast. For sweets, it%26#8217;s drinkable homemade ice cream or a Gob %26#8212; the West Virginia treat with whipped buttercream sandwiched between two chocolate cakes. %26#8226; Decor Note: The quaint spot is unpretentious and simple. Chalkboards boast daily specials, the kitchen door is signed by famous customers (we hear Jerry Jones is a fan of the Jolly Rancher iced tea), and the walls are lined with black-framed photographs depicting Maple Avenue at night. %26#8226; For Table Conversation: Allie Beth Allman had her birthday party here, with former first lady Laura Bush in attendance. Mrs. Bush%26#8217;s dish of choice? %26#8220;A cheeseburger %26#8212; straight up,%26#8221; says Perkins.

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Image above: Co-owner Jack Perkins; credit: Haynsworth Photography

Images below: Fried-bologna sandwich, Cheeseburger with grilled jalape%26#241;os; credit: Haynsworth Photography

Restaurant Buzz

Tue, 27 Apr 2010 05:42:06 GMT

Rosewood Hotels %26amp; Resorts is raising a toast to three luxurious decades and to its renowned founder Caroline Rose Hunt. The flourish? Special cuisine, cocktails and spa treatments all inspired by the rose and only available for a brief time at its many glamorous lodgings. Our own Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek is marking the occasion with chef Bruno Davaillon%26#8217;s rose-infused cocktail %26#8212; aptly named Caroline%26#8217;s Rose %26#8212; and a floral dessert with raspberry composition, lychee %26#8220;gelee,%26#8221; coconut sable and rose ice cream. Sweet, indeed. (214.443.4747; mansiononturtlecreek.com) %26#8230; Speaking of sweets, we%26#8217;ve fallen hard for Dimples Cupcakes, where banana pudding, cookies-and-cream and Snickers are just a few of the delectable g%26#226;teau flavors. What began as a mobile cupcake bakery with a devoted following is setting up shop at two new permanent addresses: One just opened near West Village at 3000 Blackburn, Suite 180, and another is set to debut in June at One Arts Plaza. (972.287.2253; dimplescupcakes.com) %26#8230; Technology and taste come fully wired at the Hilton Anatole%26#8217;s new Media Grill + Bar. Here, glowing LEDs and an interactive bar top with touch-sensitive lighting meet bistro-style fare %26#8212; think flatbreads and cassoulets. Talk about digital deliciousness. (214.761.7439; hiltonanatole.com) %26#8230; Just in time for Cinco de Mayo comes Rusty Taco from restaurateur and Uncle Julio%26#8217;s co-founder Rusty Fenton. The Mexican kitchen is housed in a revamped Mobil gas station at 4802 Greenville Avenue and boasts a killer design by Jones Baker Interiors + Architecture plus a menu of tasty necessities: craveable tacos and equally killer margaritas. Well, it can%26#8217;t always be foie gras and Dom. Click therustytaco.com for more.

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Image: Raspberry rose sensation at the Mansion

A Scotch for the Rest of Us

Tue, 27 Apr 2010 05:36:34 GMT

Scotch whisky is admittedly an acquired taste. Once you move past the blended varieties, don%26#8217;t dive straight into the peaty, smoky single malts that might completely distract you from the subtlety this spirit can possess. Instead, savor Glenmorangie %26#8212; neat, on the rocks or with a splash. This is the sort of delicate yet complex spirit women can enjoy with a splash of club soda or ginger ale without feeling like they have to join the boys%26#8217; club. I%26#8217;m fascinated with how it%26#8217;s made (in swan-necked stills %26#8212; the tallest in all of Scotland, natch), so I recently sat down with master distiller Bill Lumsden, PhD. Understandably intrigued by every component behind the layered profile of Glenmorangie, this biochemist has concentrated his studies on wood finishing. That is to say, he%26#8217;s culled not only American Ozark oak barrels seasoned first with bourbon to age his whisky, but also worldly casks initially used to make fino sherry, claret, C%26#244;te de Nuits and Sauternes, and uses them to %26#8220;finish%26#8221; his wildly successful whisky experiments. His Nectar D%26#8217;Or bottling is matured for a couple of years, longer in the best Sauternes barrels (including those of the fabled Ch%26#226;teau d%26#8217;Yquem), giving this deep-golden-colored elixir notes of lemon and nectar. Years ago, Lumsden created Glenmorangie Margaux Cask Finish, a Scotch developed in the famous Ch%26#226;teau Margaux Bordeaux barrels. Now this pioneer of the barrel-finishing technique has created the Glenmorangie Sonnalta PX Private Collection. It grows up in first-fill bourbon casks (never before used for Scotch) then is transferred to former Pedro Xim%26#233;nez casks, which once held the sweetest of all Spanish sherries (think concentrated golden raisins). The syrupy remnants cling to the barrel to create a Scotch with sweet, citrus-y notes and a slight floral edge. Sip and savor. Sonnalta PX $80 a bottle, at fine liquor stores.

Araya Artisan Chocolate

Tue, 27 Apr 2010 01:43:52 GMT

Keys to the Door: Owners and chocolatiers Stefano Zullian, Carla Susi and Silvana Susi.

What%26#8217;s Behind the Candy Counter: What do you get when you take a couple who are passionate about artisan chocolates, apprentice them to a master chocolatier in Venezuela and give them richly complex El Rey couverture chocolate as a base for their future cacao creations? An array of marvelously crafted chocolates in ganache-filled flavors such as Moroccan tea, cinnamon and nuts, vodka citron, pink Himalayan salt, chai spice, margarita, chipotle and more. Stefano Zullian, his wife Carla Susi and sister-in-law Silvana Susi are the forces behind Araya Artisan Chocolate, the heavenly shop that occupies a 500-square-foot space next to River Oaks Theatre. %26#8220;Araya%26#8221; is the name of a Venezuelan town that straddles the lush rainforest where many of South America%26#8217;s finest cocoa beans are grown and the parched land across the peninsula where a salt mine stands. For those schooled in fine European chocolate (read: you%26#8217;ve eaten your way through Maison du Chocolat on more than one occasion), Araya%26#8217;s colorful candies will remind you of Richart, or perhaps Marie Belle. The tempered shells are crisp and thin, breaking delicately with a bite %26#8212; both signs of a great handmade chocolate. They%26#8217;re pretty, too, decorated with colorful, punchy transfer patterns or a sweep of gold or silver dust. Each chocolate is intended to be savored like a fine wine, so that the complexities are slowly unveiled. Deconstruct a peanut butter and berry piece, for example, in two bites so its thin, blackberry p%26#226;t%26#233; de fruit layer can be fully appreciated. The small-batch selections (six pieces for $15, 12 for $28, 24 for $54) fill beautiful artist-made, limited-edition boxes that make a perfect dinner-party gift when a bottle of pinot noir just doesn%26#8217;t feel right. Or, indulge yourself with a single piece (about $2) when Junior Mints just don%26#8217;t fit the foreign-film vibe next door. River Oaks Shopping Center, 2013 W. Gray; 832.967.7960; arayachocolate.com.

%26nbsp;Image: Stefano Zullian; image credit: Jenny Antill

Hot Box

Tue, 27 Apr 2010 01:41:39 GMT

Eating healthfully has become a budding enterprise for several entrepreneurs in town who%26#8217;ve made it their mandate to feed us fare that%26#8217;s delicious as well as slimming. We%26#8217;ve tried nearly all those prepared meals you can fetch at a reach-in refrigerator near you. And while they all fit the bill, the one that has PC staffers raving is Haute Box Meals, an online service that couriers exotic meals such as shrimp with coconut golden raisins, jasmine rice and sage zucchini, and beef tenderloin chili con carne with black beans, roasted red peppers and a polenta galette. Haute Box is the creation of trainer Meda Abernathy and Troy Genzer, who enlisted the help of talented chefs and restaurateurs to create a dietician-approved array of meals for breakfast, lunch and dinner %26#8212;%26nbsp;let%26#8217;s just say you won%26#8217;t get bored soon. Prices range from $3 for snacks (apricot rice pudding, anyone?) up to $11 for entrees, which come in regular and large sizes and ring in at 300 to 900 calories, depending on the options. Information hauteboxmeals.com.

Knock Twice

Tue, 27 Apr 2010 01:23:37 GMT

Neal Hamil has returned to Houston after 19 years in NY as a partner in Ford Models and president of Elite Models. Now, along with Armando and Cinda Palacios (proprietors of Armandos restaurant), he%26#8217;s producing an intime, very chic restaurant/lounge called Lake, to open mid-September in the former Dessert Gallery space on Lake Street off Kirby. Issac Preminger and decorator John Kidd are installing luscious indigo-blue columns wrapped in cedar, leather-topped bars and extravagant lighting %26#8230; all secluded behind unmarked doors with a private reservations number. Annabel%26#8217;s meets The Caribou Club meets Gramercy Park Hotel.

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Images:%26nbsp; Armando %26amp; Cinda Palacios, Neal Hamil; images credit: Jenny Antill

Restaurant Buzz

Tue, 27 Apr 2010 12:34:00 GMT

It%26#8217;s official: Tiny Boxwood%26#8217;s, the breakfast/lunch/dinner retreat surrounded by the outdoor expanse of Thompson + Hanson nursery and shop, is replicating the concept in West U.%26nbsp; Look for the restaurant and a petite version of Kathy Frietsch%26#8217;s beautifully curated shop to open in the former spot of JMH Market by the end of this year %26#8230; Uptown Park%26#8217;s posh Granduca Hotel has brought on a new chef. Tuscan-born Renato De Pirro comes to Houston by way of Las Vegas, where he worked at Sirio Maccioni%26#8217;s Circo Ristorante, as well as at Valentino at the Venetian Hotel. Look for his new menu any day now %26#8230; If you%26#8217;re inspired by spring and summer produce and want to cook as if you%26#8217;re tucked away in a villa in Florence, pick up Recipes from an Italian Summer (Phaidon Press, April 2010, $39.95). This resource %26#8212; compiled by the authors of The Silver Spoon cookbooks, which have a cult following %26#8212; is filled with light meals, salads, picnics, desserts and drinks you%26#8217;ll crave when the temperature rises %26#8230; Longing to break out of your breakfast routine this weekend? Caf%26#233; Express is now serving Southwest scrambles, savory breakfast tarts and frittatas, breakfast tacos, French toast, scones, muffins and yogurt parfaits %26#8230; Pastry chef Michael Savino, who bakes an adorable array of tasty cookies, is going retail. Look for Michael%26#8217;s Cookie Jar to open next month at the corner of Bissonnet and Weslayan. Get your fill of rugelach, shortbread, chunky chocolate chip and Snickerdoodle cookies, to name but a few %26#8230; Have you always yearned to cook like a Michelin-trained chef? Now%26#8217;s your chance. Chef Matthew Gray of La Torretta Lake Resort and Spa%26#8217;s Chez Roux is holding cooking classes in Montgomery that focus on the fare and wine made in different regions of France. Three-hour classes take place either in the afternoon or evening each Wednesday, beginning May 12, with a four-course wine lunch or dinner immediately afterwards ($79 a session; call 936.448.440 to reserve a spot) %26#8230; On Saturday mornings starting April 17, Highland Village Farmers Market (HVFM) will present %26#8220;7 Chefs in 7 Weeks%26#8221; with demonstrations by local chefs (Ryan Pera, L.J. Wiley, Dylan Murray and more) cooking with local-farmer-grown ingredients at 10 and 11:30 am %26#8230; Teresa Byrne-Dodge of My Table is hosting Links, Greens %26amp; Fried Eggs, a golf tournament benefitting the University of Houston%26#8217;s Conrad N. Hilton College of Hotel and Restaurant Management. Tee up at 10 am Monday, July 7, at the Wildcat Golf Club. Information teresa.byrnedodge@my-table.com %26#8230; Let your palate travel vicariously to South America when Central Market brings Passport to Argentina to its stores May 12 through 25. It%26#8217;s a feast of foods, produce, prepared meals, beverages and more ... It%26#8217;s off to Italy Friday through Sunday, May 21 through 23, when the 2nd Annual Italian Expo arrives at the George R. Brown Convention Center to celebrate all things made in Italy, from food and wine to fashion, design and art. Information iacctexas.com.

Brennan's of Houston

Tue, 30 Mar 2010 03:30:56 GMT

Keys to the Door: The Commander%26#8217;s family of restaurants, run by Alex Brennan-Martin, Ti Adelaide Martin and Lally Brennan; executive chef Danny Trace; general manager Carl Walker.
What%26#8217;s on the Menu: A devastating fire set Brennan%26#8217;s ablaze when Hurricane Ike blew through town, but the 43-year-old Creole landmark has now reopened after a 17-month renovation. The restaurant is kin to the Commander%26#8217;s Place empire that originated in the Big Easy when Brennan-Martin%26#8217;s family purchased the 128-year-old New Orleans property in the %26#8217;60s, and history weaves a curious path through its past. The Houston incarnation is housed in a John Staub building, circa 1967, in Courtlandt Square, built to accommodate the Junior League upstairs and Staub%26#8217;s offices down. The Houston architect was inspired to create a structure that evoked the Vieux Carr%26#233; when he visited Don Jos%26#233; Faurie%26#8217;s manse in New Orleans. Curiously, that%26#8217;s where Brennan%26#8217;s in New Orleans relocated in the %26#8217;50s, three decades after Staub%26#8217;s visit. Here in Houston, Brennan-Martin paid homage to Staub%26#8217;s original design by bringing back the arched windows and exposed brick; he also created a new dining room devoted to the man who envisioned it all. (Fans of the movie Terms of Endearment should ask to be seated in the room that bears that name %26#8212; a bright space with gold lattice chairs and poppy-red seats, with a wall of garden trellis mirrors that reflect the popular courtyard.) The building was restored by Studio Red architects in Houston; The Johnson Studio of Atlanta executed the interior design. The main dining room features bright rays of yellow, from a sunflower-dappled carpet to wingchairs in butterscotch and oval-back chairs. Loyalists will find such favorites as turtle soup, wild shrimp remoulade and bananas Foster, but chef Danny Trace also serves inventive bites %26#8212; crispy oyster BLT on a house bacon and caramelized onion mousse; dirty duck donut braised in chicory coffee with a port syrup and foie gras ganache; and Gulf Fish court bouillon. Meeting for business? Bring back the three-martini lunch with Brennan%26#8217;s quirky, itty-bitty 25 cent martinis. Personally, we couldn%26#8217;t pass up the Ramos gin fizz. But don%26#8217;t just pop in %26#8212; reservations are required. 3300 Smith St.; 713.522.9711; brennanshouston.com.

Image, above: Chef Danny Trace at Brennan's of Houston; photo by Jenny Antill

Image, below: Brennan's of Houston; photo by Jenny Antill

Sleeping in Style

Tue, 30 Mar 2010 02:32:18 GMT

She considers it the most glamorous hotel in the world and her home away from home. Come June, fashion designer Diane Von Furstenberg will put her design imprint on the famed Claridge%26#8217;s hotel. All of London will be chattering when Von Furstenberg installs her iconic prints, a dash of bold colors and original furniture pieces she%26#8217;s designed for a selection of rooms and suites at the Art Deco Mayfair landmark. Check in and check out her most exciting design task yet. Information claridges.co.uk.

Sfuzzi's Sexy Encore

Tue, 30 Mar 2010 02:04:53 GMT

Restaurateur Robert Colombo of Trece and Villa O is at it again. His latest endeavor is a return %26#8212; to the 1980s, in fact, the unforgettable era of Prince, Keith Haring, Miami Vice and leg warmers %26#8212; with the reinvention of Sfuzzi, this time at the corner of Routh Street and McKinney Avenue. The hallowed dining and nightlife institution opened first in 1986, attracting a cast of aesthetes, social swans and gourmands well into the 1990s. It reopens this month under the name Sfuzzi Encore %26#8212; and yes, that dangerously delicious frozen cocktail, the Sfuzzi, will be making its grand re-entr%26#233;e, too. Served in a speakeasy setting this time %26#8212; think brick, wood, highly wrought high-back chairs, flamboyant mirrors and black-and-white photographs %26#8212; the menu goodies will focus on Neapolitan pizza and handmade pasta. Sfuzzi%26#8217;s late-night lounge (on weekends the kitchen will keep cooking till 3:30 am) and sprawling patio will draw a crowd sure to resemble modern-day Dianne Brills and Susanne Bartschs. Should you be caught dancing on the tables, just blame it on the redux buzz.

Restaurant Buzz

Tue, 30 Mar 2010 01:59:53 GMT

For the moment, forget about fitting into those Vilebrequin shorts and Missoni bikinis. Instead, focus on this three-prong burger buzz. First, Denver-based Smashburger splashes into town, with plans to open 30 locales. Closest to us? The 100 percent Angus beef indulgences are at 4980 Belt Line Road in Addison. Info smashburger.com. Second, Deep Ellum%26#8217;s beloved Twisted Root Burger Co. just opened a new outpost in Richardson (730 E. Campbell Road) and will fire up its grills this month at The Shelby apartment residences at 5609 SMU Boulevard. Third, Jeff Sinelli (Which Wich) has opened a second Burguesa Burger, downtown. Seek out his Mexican-inspired mouthwaterers there, plus new breakfast tacos, all in the dining digs beneath Renaissance Tower at 1201 Elm Street %26#8230; Save the date for these two outdoor foodie fests. The White Rock Local Market is Saturday, April 10 (and the second Saturday of every month after that), and boasts an organic farmer%26#8217;s market plus booths of jewelry, antiques and art (whiterocklocalmarket.com). Then, on Sunday, April 18, One Arts Plaza hosts its first-ever Spring Block Party, with gourmet cooking demos by the chefs at Screen Door, Tei An, Jorge%26#8217;s and Fedora, plus a farmer%26#8217;s market featuring Tom Spicer, Homestead Grist Mill, Village Baking Company and more %26#8230; We%26#8217;re already big fans of Whole Foods%26#8217; spacious new digs at the Park Lane development, across Central Expressway from NorthPark Center. Must-sees at the 64,000-square-foot grocery landmark? Bars of all types (breakfast, wine, cheese, fro-yo, fresh juice, more) and a touchscreen computer that creates recipe and shopping lists based on the ingredients of your choosing (8190 Park Lane; 214.342.4850) %26#8230; Add %26#8220;guerrilla dining%26#8221; to your gourmet vocab. We have two definitions: Il Cane Rosso has taken its Neapolitan pizza on the road, with an Italian wood-burning oven on wheels. On Wednesday nights, the mobile pizzeria stops at Lakewood%26#8217;s Times Ten Cellars, then on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, the truck parks at Chocolate Angel Too. We%26#8217;re there. (214.577.6747; ilcanerosso.com). Then we have 48 Nights from Chris Jeffers, Chris Zielke and Tim Byres, the boys behind Smoke. Their new pop-up restaurant opens Monday and Tuesday nights for six months only, ending July 27, in Oak Cliff%26#8217;s Sylvan Thirty development. The impromptu eatery includes a rotating schedule of 24 big-name local chefs (Marc Cassel, Stephan Pyles, Graham Dodds, et al), seating for 30 and an always changing prix-fixe menu. Even better? It%26#8217;s all to benefit the multi-charity Mass Care Task Force. You%26#8217;ll need tickets to dine, so click to 48nights.com for details.

Restaurant Buzz

Tue, 30 Mar 2010 01:59:37 GMT

Lee Ellis filled us in first. Remember his new concept with chef Lance Fegan (and company), to be christened Burgerzilla? Well they%26#8217;ve scrapped that concept for a chef-driven southern comfort food%26#8211;themed place they%26#8217;re calling Liberty Kitchen in the same Heights location, 1050 Studemont. Expect the doors to swing open in about three months %26#8230; Dining bon vivant and my former radio co-host John DeMers is the accomplished author of more than 40 food- and drink-related books. Now he%26#8217;s finished his first novel: Marfa Shadows (Bright Sky Press, $23.95), which centers around a culinary crime fighter, Chef Brett Baldwin. DeMers immersed himself for months in this fabled West Texas town to research the tale. %26#8220;This book has drugs, plenty of sex and more than a few violent murders,%26#8221; DeMers says. %26#8220;There are some excellent dinner specials, too.%26#8221; Find it at Murder by the Book %26#8230; More news to report at CityCentre: Brio Tuscan Grille, a casual white-tablecloth Italian eatery, is opening there this month, while early this summer, you can sate your Mexican-food cravings at Cyclone Anaya%26#8217;s %26#8230; Dody Martel and Jerry Mancuso have opened Mancuso%26#8217;s Italian Table. Chef Greg Moore oversees the kitchen at this back-to-basics Italian eatery on South Voss %26#8230; Fromage fanatics, take note: Renowned cheese expert Juliet Harbutt, author of the new World Cheese Book (DK Publishing, $25), has introduced a new line of personally selected British cheeses for Central Market, representing 16 of the UK%26#8217;s best cheese exports. We can%26#8217;t wait to check them out for our next drinks party %26#8230; Ruggles Grille 5115 at Saks Fifth Avenue has been reinvented. Landmark Houston Hospitality Group (LH2G) and its chef, Pedro Silva, have recently acquired full control of the property from former owner Bruce Molzan. Look for a room revamp by designer Jay Clues, a new concept (more of a lounge and restaurant idea) and a menu that blends Silva%26#8217;s Latin roots with the traditional tenets of French cuisine %26#8230; Tru Meals is a delicious new meals-to-go option from Diet Gourmet, the long-established delivery service of weight-loss-inducing fare. Think high-end prepared foods to take home with you morning, noon and night. Look for Tru Meals on Farnham Street near Highway 59, in a former Starbucks location %26#8230; Meet us at Robert Del Grande%26#8217;s RDG + Bar Annie for the new Sunday brunch, featuring everything from coffee and doughnuts to kitchen breakfast %26#8220;hangover%26#8221; eggs and smoked salmon and scrambled egg casserole, as well as burgers, lobster meatballs, pork and green chile stew, and fried chicken salad %26#8230; Mark your calendars! The Grand Wine and Food Affair kicks off the culinary festivities Wednesday, April 21, with vitner dinners, wine seminars and luncheons, an around-the-world bistro brunch and the Sienna Sip %26amp; Stoll. Now a regular spring food festival sponsored by H-E-B, it draws both local chefs of note and more than 100 wineries. For more information on tickets and the event schedule, go to thegrandwineandfoodaffair.com.

Sip and Savor

Fri, 19 Mar 2010 11:11:19 GMT

Admittedly Scotch whisky is an acquired taste. When you acquire it and move past the blended varieties (many of which are perfectly wonderful, mind you), yet before you dive into the heavier peaty, smoky single malts that might completely distract you from the subtly this spirit can possess, savor Glenmorangie.

Neat, on the rocks, with a splash, it%26#8217;s your choice.This is the sort of delicate, complex spirit women can call with a splash of good club soda or ginger ale and not feel like they have to be part of the boys club to enjoy it.

Fascinated with how it%26#8217;s made (in swan necked stills %26#8211; the tallest in all of Scotland, natch), I sat down with Glenmorangie%26#8217;s master distiller Dr. Bill Lumsden recently, learning the Dr. before his name designates a PhD in biochemistry. Understandably intrigued by every component that contributes to the layered profile of the storied brand, this scientist has concentrated his studies on wood finishing. That is to say, aside from the American Ozark oak barrels first used to age bourbon then used to rest his whisky in for a decade or so, this wine connoisseur has culled together exotic casks initially once used to make Fino Sherry, Claret, Cote de Nuits and Sauternes and used them to %26#8220;finish%26#8221; his wildly successful whisky experiments.

His Nectar D%26#8217;Or whisky bottling is extra matured for a couple years longer in the best Sauternes barrels, including those of the fabled Chateau D%26#8217;Yquem giving this deep golden-colored elixir, notes of lemon and nectar. While years prior, Lumsden created Glenmorangie Margaux Cask Finish, a scotch which was developed in the famous Chateaux Margaux Burgundy barrels. Now this pioneer of this barrel finishing technique has turned his attention to creating Glenmorangie Sonnalta PX Private Collection. After growing up in first-fill bourbon casks (never used prior for Scotch) the stuff is transferred to former ex-Pedro Ximenez casks which once held the sweetest of all Spanish sherries (think the taste of concentrated golden raisins) it%26#8217;s syrupy remnants clinging to the barrel which inevitably creates a scotch with sweet, citrusy notes and a slight floral edge. Sip and savor this soon to be collectors item yourself. $80 a bottle at fine liqueur stores.

Making Over the Mansion

Mon, 01 Mar 2010 11:19:39 GMT

Luxury's New Look
For months now, drills and saws have been some of the guests occupying the 127 rooms and 16 suites tucked in the historic Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek hotel, as this resplendent nest completes part deux of its makeover (the restaurant and bar redesign was completed in 2007). Only the most genteel construction workers must have checked in, as hardly a peep was heard, not a hammer sighted. Yet the exuberant redesign by San Francisco%26#8211;based firm BAMO is no modest makeover. BAMO project lead Michael Booth worked closely with Mansion owner Caroline Rose Hunt and daughter Laurie Sands Harrison to freshen and glisten while keeping the family%26#8217;s favorite historical notions in place.

The lobby began with a dazzling, hand-painted Chinese silk de Gournay wall covering, which took six months to complete. %26#8220;This is only the second time in my career I%26#8217;ve been fortunate enough to use a de Gournay wall covering, and it%26#8217;s worth every penny,%26#8221; says Booth. From there, he spun off with a sexy pair of swooping, William Switzer wingback chairs covered in chromium-yellow crocodile-embossed leather that flank the fireplace, and a set of Chinese red Moderne-ish chairs designed by John Boone with backs swathed in Fortuny. A John Boone%26#8211;designed circular %26#8220;sociable%26#8221; and curvy Michael Taylor sofas are glamorous perches for chatting. Throughout are contemporary works of art by Dallas-area artists including John Holt Smith, Joan Winter and David Dreyer, all curated by San Francisco%26#8211;based art consultant%26nbsp; Nancy Sweeney.

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The Promenade, which had always been used as a kind of innocuous walkway from the lobby to the bar, is papered in a Brunschwig %26amp; Fils trellis design %26#8220;which instantly made the space into a garden room with a likeness to the Billy Haines Garden Room, or perhaps the main living room at Winfield House %26#8212; the American Ambassador%26#8217;s residence in London,%26#8221; muses Booth.

Chef for a Day

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To complement its new look,the Mansion searched far and near for an executive chef who had as much panache as the trellis-patterned carpet punching up the lobby. I rang up the Mansion and asked if I could come and help prepare lunch with Michelin-star chef Bruno Davaillon, who hails from the Loire Valley of France and is fresh from a five-year tenure at Alain Ducasse%26#8217;s Mix at THEHotel in Las Vegas. They agreed %26#8212; and even had a personalized chef%26#8217;s coat waiting for me. %26#8220;We have tooo parteees tooday,%26#8221; said Chef Bruno, %26#8220;so you will zee quite a beet of ack-shawn.%26#8221; I tried hard to decipher his charming English, heavy on the French sounds, while tying my apron strings. One of his three trusty sous chefs, David Heyden, whizzed past us, yelling %26#8220;Let%26#8217;s get [table] 27 outta here!%26#8221; Heyden reached for the fleur de sel to sprinkle on a tuna Ni%26#231;oise salad (soon to be my future job) and a waiter swooped in and placed the dish on a silver tray. The kitchen had been bustling like this since the wee hours of the morning %26#8212; prep work for lunch begins daily at 7 am, with dinner machinations at 2 pm. Chef Bruno and the additional two sous, Jason Maddy and Richard Triptow, gave me a tour of the kitchen in hopes of easing me into their routine. %26#8220;I woood serve 400 to 500 guests on a weeekend,%26#8221; said chef Bruno of his Vegas days and nights. %26#8220;But here, I am more focused on each deesh, and perfecting za craft.%26#8221; (Translation: I%26#8217;d better pay attention to every grind of the pepper mill and every stacking of a salad.) While chiving the roasted beet and local goat cheese salad, Mansion general manager Duncan Graham buzzed into the kitchen to say hello in his cheery British accent, and to also fill me in on who was dining with us that day. %26#8220;I do believe your friend Kim Whitman is at the table,%26#8221; says Graham, speaking of Christine Handy%26#8217;s [insert a %26#8220;young number%26#8221; here] birthday celebration. Turns out, Miz Whitman wasn%26#8217;t my only friend at the table of 30-some-odd guests. Chef Bruno and I left our kitchen posts to greet their table, and I was introduced as his sous. Shock came first, then laughter when Amy Turner, Lisa Ogle, Mary Crosland, Catherine Colombo, Amy Ware, Leisa Street, Kim Gatlin, Lynn McBee, Tina Craig and others realized I was a Mansion employee only for the day. Then it was back to the kitchen and back to work: %26#8220;Wee are going to teeech you how to make a cone shape wiss ze sorbet,%26#8221; said Chef Bruno, handing me a frozen container of citrus sorbet and an iced-tea spoon. It seemed easy enough %26#8230; I failed miserably. On that certain busy Tuesday, if you dined on Mansion tortilla soup, I garnished it. If you ordered the bison tenderloin %26#8220;au poivre,%26#8221; I cut the filets. If you decided on the king crab and butternut squash soup, I filled and rolled the accompanying wonton. I also salted many of the entrees, so if your cuisine was overly brackish, please ring me with your complaints, and do let me know if you ended up with a lopsided ball of sorbet in your tropical Vacherin dessert.

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For more pictures, click on 'launch slideshow' above.

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Meet Me at the Market

Mon, 01 Mar 2010 11:05:20 GMT

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Image: Julie Rhyne and Jeannine Holland; Credit: Jenny Antill

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Tres Market

(12699 Memorial Dr., 713.365.0722; 5115 Buffalo Speedway, 713.667.0722; tresmarketfoods.com)

Owners: Julie Rhyne and Jeannine Holland.

What do you get when two bubbly blondes %26#8212; one who dabbled in catering in Dallas (Julie Rhyne) and the other (Jeannine Holland) who once owned retail shops in Houston %26#8212; join forces? A completely unique, grab-a-meal-and-go scenario called Tres Market. Rhyne met fellow-mom Holland at soccer practice and struck up a conversation. Soon the two were chattering nonstop about food. Meticulous plotting and planning didn%26#8217;t prepare them, though, for the concept they%26#8217;d eventually launch, or envision the clever hybrid it%26#8217;s morphed into. %26#8220;We thought the catering aspect would be the big draw,%26#8221; Rhyne says. %26#8220;We put out some prepackaged items in our merchandise displays, and immediately the concept changed directions.%26#8221;

Launched as a casual catering company with an arm dedicated to prepackaged, prepared meals (for two and a half, five or ten), the pair soon realized the market demand in their suburban Memorial area dictated just the opposite. Their emphasis shifted, and now 85 percent of their sales consist of prepared meals to go, wonderful home-cooked creations from mac and cheese to chicken divan. At either location, you%26#8217;ll find busy cooks readying meals in open kitchens bordered by rows of refrigeration packed with dozens of delicious meal options.

Rhyne explains that their aim was never to compete with restaurants (nor with the two behemoth chain supermarkets that sandwich their newest West U locale). %26#8220;Everybody should eat at restaurants occasionally, but everybody should eat good food often,%26#8221; she says. %26#8220;And that%26#8217;s what we offer.%26#8221;

What%26#8217;s on the menu?: Whether you%26#8217;re grabbing dinner for the family or want a moveable feast good enough to plate on your fine china, pass these off as home-cooked: cheese wafers, green chili artichoke dip, asparagus wraps, sour cream rolls, baked eggplant, grilled pork tenderloin, pepper jack chicken, pot roast, tamale pie, spinach-and-ham braid and jambalaya.

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Image: Jerrell %26#8220;Rusty%26#8221; Powers; Credit: Jenny Antill%26nbsp;

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Byrd's Market %26amp; Cafe
(420 Main St., 713.225.0100; byrdsmarket.com)
Owner: Jerrell %26#8220;Rusty%26#8221; Powers.
Big-city dweller Rusty Powers is a veteran of the downtown meal scene. This long-time restaurateur and caterer now owns the only market situated in the midst of downtown Houston. Primed for success, his small market is stocked with locally grown organic fruit and vegetables, plus all the staples that nearby loft dwellers can fetch in a pinch, as well as gourmet goodies including Trentino gelato, select olive oils, organic pastas and European grocery items that mingle with plebe faves such as organic milk, Greek yogurt and house-made granola. Byrd%26#8217;s Market %26amp; Cafe perches in an Art Deco building at the corner of Prairie and Main in the former space of Byrd%26#8217;s Department Store %26#8212; hence the name. The two-story space is also home to a cafe whose wine and beer license allows you to drink your vino with sweet potato fries and a butternut-squash roasted-pork sandwich then take the remainder home along with your armful of groceries.
%26nbsp;%26nbsp;%26nbsp;%26nbsp; Powers is doing his best to make the smallest carbon footprint possible by supporting local purveyors and artisans such as Slow Dough Baking Company and Lola Savannah Coffee. %26#8220;We%26#8217;re not aiming to be Dean %26amp; Deluca. Rather, we make all the prepared food we sell in-house,%26#8221; Powers says. %26#8220;Our selections vary daily depending on the season and what our customers request, too.%26#8221;What%26#8217;s on the menu: Not sure what to try? Nibble your way through half-pints, pints or gallons of prepared salads and sides, such as orzo with orange and spinach, toasted chickpea salad, artichoke dip, roast chicken, sweet-and-sour vegetables and whole-wheat pasta in a spinach and shallot sauce. %26nbsp;

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Image: Chef Edelberto Goncalves and Cary Attar

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Hubbell %26amp; Hudson
(24 Waterway Ave., The Woodlands, 281.203.5600; hubbellandhudson.com)
Owner: Cary Attar.
The first time we strolled into this gleaming space smack in the center of all that%26#8217;s happening in the Woodlands, we were awed by the sheer variety of gourmet products, fresh meats, produce and prepared fare, all flawlessly merchandised. One part Dean %26amp; Deluca and one part Central Market, Hubbell %26amp; Hudson actually feels like a concept completely unto itself. But the inspiration did indeed come from those two prime examples of %26#8220;How To Do a Gourmet Market Right%26#8221;: Owner Cary Attar was once an employee of both. His spot-on branding (which includes more than 400 exceptional private-label products) allows the 1.5-year-old Hubbell %26amp; Hudson to hold its own in the competitive world of food procurement, where a culinary escape includes a market, bistro (more on that later), catering and cooking school encapsulated under one roof.
The 26,000-square-foot food market mecca has 15 departments ranging from seasonal produce of every variety imaginable to seafood flown in daily from points around the globe, a butcher shop with locally raised poultry, house dry-aged Angus beef, coffee beans roasted daily, aisles of candy (including the retro sort), bakery, organic spices, and sea salts and black peppers in bulk that you never dreamed you%26#8217;d find. Did I mention the beer alley with 400 small-batch and craft brews chilled at a constant temp of 42 degrees? How about the 600 boutique-wine selection that would pair beautifully with the artisan cheeses and charcuterie H%26amp;H stocks at the ready? %26#8220;For us to carry a product, our guests have to want it,%26#8221; Attar says. %26#8220;We prefer all natural and organic whenever possible. And there has to be a value to the product.%26#8221;
Next door, chef Edelberto Goncalves mans the range at the Bistro at Hubbell %26amp; Hudson, a chic contemporary restaurant with American fare such as seven-spiced braised pork osso bucco, ginger-glazed sea bass and wood-grilled free-range chicken made with local, all-natural and organic foodstuffs procured at the market next door.
What%26#8217;s on the menu: Whether you%26#8217;re grabbing dinner for the brood at home or planning ahead for a dinner party, you%26#8217;ll find offerings such as Maryland crab cakes, turkey meatloaf with apricot-ginger glaze, truffled polenta cakes, Israeli couscous salad, house-smoked salmon with all the fixings, sushi and vegetable antipasto.

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Image: Jim Reid; Credit: Jenny Antill

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Matthew's Market%26nbsp;
(6303 Edloe, 713.592.6200)

Owner: Jim Reid.

Commercial real estate developer and West University resident Jim Reid,%26nbsp;a former investor in the now-shuttered and much-beloved JMH Grocery, opened the new neighborhood haunt Little Matt%26#8217;s restaurant and this next-door boutique market after neighbors pleaded with him to replicate a small grocery like JMH. Matthew%26#8217;s Market is named for the former tenant, Matthew%26#8217;s Motor Company, which relocated when Reid bought the building. The enterprising developer (who prefers to retool an existing space rather than start from the ground up) created the concept with partner Greg Jones %26#8220;without spreadsheets. Instead it was built on faith and hope.%26#8221;

Little Matt%26#8217;s restaurant is clearly geared to children with its lavish candy counter, Icee drinks and game room chockablock with 15 Xboxes and video games designed to distract the kiddos for hours while mommy has a glass of Pinot and plays a few rounds of bunco. Outfitted with dark wood tables, cozy sofa and chairs, as well as picnic tables, and a dog water-and-treat bar outside, Little Matt%26#8217;s feels the rush when the three o%26#8217;clock school bell rings and children from West U Elementary pour in for comfort food and sweets charged on mummy%26#8217;s and daddy%26#8217;s house account.

Next door, Matthew%26#8217;s Market is inspired by such produce prodigies as Oakville Grocery in Yountville, California; Monica%26#8217;s Market in Seaside, Florida; and Austin%26#8217;s Fresh Plus. At Matthew%26#8217;s, you can find prepared meals to go and pantry fill-ins that run the gamut from Emeril%26#8217;s Dijon mustard to Colman%26#8217;s Mustard, Stubb%26#8217;s barbecue sauces, Newman%26#8217;s Own chunky salsa, tahini and ground coffee such as Caf%26#233; du Monde%26#8217;s chicory-blended variety.

What%26#8217;s on the menu: Besides stopping in for a gallon of milk, lettuce and bottled water, you can drop your children off in the next-door game room as you peruse the aisles for dinner. Prepared-fare options include pimiento cheese, King Ranch casserole, chicken soup, burritos, ham or spinach quiche and spaghetti with meat sauce.

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For more pictures, click on 'launch slideshow' above.

Restaurant Buzz

Wed, 24 Feb 2010 02:36:11 GMT

Brennan%26#8217;s of Houston, the 43-year-old Houston landmark ravaged by fire when Hurricane Ike swept through town, is open again for business. After an exhaustive 17-month renovation of the John Staub structure led by the Atlanta firm The Johnson Studio, this beloved Texas Creole restaurant has reopened under the direction of owner Alex Brennan-Martin and chef Danny Trace, an alum of the Commander%26#8217;s Palace concept in Destin, Florida %26#8230; Soon after Tootsies announced that it%26#8217;s making the big move down the street to West Ave, confirmation of leases (that everyone has been chattering about) were officially released. Restaurants and bars opening later this year and next at West Ave include: Anita Jaisinghani%26#8217;s urban Indian cafe, the wine bar Cru, seafood eatery Eddie V%26#8217;s (born in Austin) and a yet-to-be-named new concept care of Ad West (run by brothers Jeff and Darren Van Delden, who created The Drake and Red Door) %26#8230; Word is Niko Niko%26#8217;s, one of our favorite Greek eateries, is cloning itself downtown in Market Square. Lured there by the Downtown Management District, owner Dimitri Fetokakis says the %26#8220;mini%26#8221; Niko Niko%26#8217;s will be 375 square feet %26#8212; about the size of his family%26#8217;s original restaurant. Look for the eatery, complete with walk-up window, to open late this summer %26#8230; After a two-year hiatus from the Houston dining scene, Philippe Schmit (former chef at the now-shuttered Bistro Moderne) has signed a lease at BLVD Place. His two-story Philippe Restaurant and Lounge, which will open in the fall, will feature a lounge on the first floor and a dining room on the second, with kitchens, outdoor terraces and bars on each level. Architect Shafik Rifaat is designing the space, with interiors by Lauren Rottet. The inventive French fare will hit a range of affordable price points to encourage regulars to make it their personal bo%26#238;te. Schmit%26#8217;s former colleague Ludovic Poirier has been named director of operations %26#8230; Stefano Zullian, his wife Carla Susi and sister-in-law Silvana Susi have opened the chocolate shop Araya in River Oaks Shopping Center. Their artisan candies are sweetened with honey in lieu of sugar, with flavors such as pink salt, passion fruit, margarita and orange marzipan. They%26#8217;re artfully packaged, too: Araya invites artists to contribute work to appear on limited-edition box covers %26#8230; On the subject of sweets, pals Karee Gonzalez and Michelle McPherson have opened K%26amp;M Cake Ball Company. What%26#8217;s a cake ball? The name really says it all, with flavors such as red velvet, carrot, devil%26#8217;s food, peanut butter and strawberry coated in icing. Sold by the dozen at ucanhaveaball.com, they%26#8217;re fun giftables %26#8230; Calling all wine snobs: Nos Caves Vin is a new state-of-the-art, member-only wine-storage facility near Rice Village %26#8230; Bruce Molzan%26#8217;s original Montrose site of Ruggles Grill has reopened, offering old favorites and new dishes inspired by the wild success of their %26#8220;green%26#8221; concept, Ruggles Green (which, we should add will open its second location this spring in CityCentre).

Beyond the Box

Wed, 24 Feb 2010 01:07:46 GMT

Keys to the Door: Owner and executive chef Doug Brown, director of operations Eric Thomas Guerrieri.
Gourmet to Go, or to Stay: For those days when lunch lacks foie gras and caviar (we hate those days), we suggest the back booth and a curry chicken salad sandwich at Beyond the Box cafe. Owner and exec chef Doug Brown%26#8217;s new concept at residential/retail development Ilume is an extension of his nearly six-year-old Beyond the Box Catering business. Here, gourmet fare %26#8212; think freshly made entrees such as chicken cordon bleu and apricot-glazed salmon, as well as an extensive salad bar that doubles as an oatmeal bar during breakfast hours %26#8212; is served in a casual setting. All menu items are prepared in Brown%26#8217;s Deep Ellum catering kitchen and delivered daily to the Cedar Springs storefront, where one half of the cafe is for ordering and the other half is for dining. A long bar with high-backed stools parallels a row of large booths across the room; stainless-steel accents with blue mosaic tiling make the whole thing mod. But as much as Beyond the Box is about pleasing the palates of on-the-go sophisticates, it%26#8217;s also about convenience: Stocked on the shelves are off-the-norm beers and wines, organic pet food for Fifi and Fido, even natural soaps, shampoos and toothpastes %26#8212; terribly handy if you happen to live upstairs. 4123 Cedar Springs (in the Ilume complex), 214.828.2228; foodbeyondthebox.com.%26nbsp;

Image: Photo by David Witherspoon%26nbsp;

Restaurant Buzz

Wed, 24 Feb 2010 12:45:13 GMT

This just in: Eatzi%26#8217;s is (finally!) opening the doors to its second market and bakery, at The Pavilion on Lovers Lane. It%26#8217;s everything you love about the Oak Lawn locale %26#8212; savory cuisine to go, a well-edited wine and cheese selection, gourmet sandwich and salad bars %26#8212; duplicated at the new address, 5600 West Lovers Lane %26#8230; Bijoux, one of our most-craved five-stars, is spreading its culinary gems in the form of new catering and box-lunch services. For your next event, call in executive chef and owner Scott Gottlich and his specially tailored seasonal fare. He%26#8217;ll whip up an array of appetizers (baked brie, smoked salmon) or individual courses for intimate seated dinners. As for those boxed lunches? Think anything but PB%26amp;J and carrot sticks: Gottlich%26#8217;s midday meals include elegant takes on vichyssoise and p%26#226;t%26#233;, with a gourmet sandwich selection, too. What%26#8217;ll it be: sliced lamb or beef tenderloin? For details, ring or write catering coordinator Mark Young at 214.350.6100; markyoung@bijouxrestaurant.com %26#8230; We%26#8217;ve spotted some rather stylish types at Bar C%26#233;line, the swank new Henderson Avenue establishment owned by Donald Chick and located directly behind his restaurant Park. Consider yourself warned, as the cocktails here pack a rock-star reputation. Hits are the LA Woman (Don Julio Anejo, cr%26#232;me de cassis, ginger, agave nectar, lemon) and the Velvet Underground (Mount Gay dark rum, Velvet Falernum, pineapple, lime, ginger ale). Cheers to 1921 Henderson Avenue; take a peek at barceline.com %26#8230; A grazing craving? Point your Panamera west to Cowtown Diner, a new eatery at Sundance Square in Fort Worth by owner Scott Jones (Screen Door, Caf%26#233; Italia), where a hearty menu is served up in stylish down-home digs. We%26#8217;re dying to sample exec chef Tom Slatt%26#8217;s weekend brunch: duck breast atop cornbread waffles with poached eggs or a farmer%26#8217;s frittata stuffed with a gamut of fresh veggies (305 Main St., 817.332.9995; thecowtowndiner.com) %26#8230; Move over, whirled peas: We%26#8217;re envisioning World Piece, the new incarnation of Uptown fave Watel%26#8217;s. After 23 years, owner and executive chef Rene%26#8217; Peeters has moved his restaurant to Greenville Avenue and has given it a smart new name, Watel%26#8217;s World Piece Caf%26#233;. Here, Peeters and his culinary team are spicing things up with global fare %26#8212; seared and herbed rare tuna with ratatouille; grilled shrimp with muamba sauce %26#8212; all in a casual atmosphere. What%26#8217;s for dessert? The pear poached in spiced port (1802 Greenville Avenue, 214.720.0323; watels.com).

Remington Revealed

Fri, 19 Feb 2010 12:09:26 GMT

I don%26#8217;t know about you, but I%26#8217;ve grown rather tired of the grand standing chef, who aims for fame, all in the name of promoting their restaurant(s), never, of course, themselves. The sort who seems to have lost sight of the reason the best cooks are compelled to enter this exhausting and difficult business: their desire to feed diners and delight them with a dish so scrumptious the memory of its first palate awakening bite stays with you for a long time to come.%26nbsp;

Imagine then how refreshing it was to dine at The Remington at the St. Regis Hotel Houston, a very under-the-radar restaurant led by talented executive chef Garret Fujieda and his sous chef John Signorelli. It%26#8217;s obvious from reading the menus alone that this quiet, thoughtful duo are having so much fun in the kitchen melding flavors that pair naturally with one another but don%26#8217;t play upon clich%26#233; either. Take their grilled blue prawns (head on for maximum flavor) over crisp southern blue biscuits topped with a corn gravy, grilled onions and a green tomato relish ($15). It deliciously plays on our regional Southern tradition without coming off as contrived. In fact, Signorelli says, %26#8220;We%26#8217;ve focused on creating an American regional menu offering dishes that have elements from every geographic area important to U.S. food history.%26#8221;

Or ponder New England black mussels ($14) but made modern by steaming them open with lemongrass and ginger in a spicy sambal broth. A cast-iron beef tenderloin with smoked cheddar potato casserole and a green peppercorn Kentucky bourbon sauce ($39) feeds the Midwestern appetite, while the Pacific Northwest contribution comes in the form of a cedar planked salmon (request medium rare, natch) with a warm potato salad, currant and sage bread pudding (adorably portioned) and mustard dill cream ($28). %26nbsp;

The two talented toques also conspire to deconstruct a dish and aim to make the whole reinvented one greater than the sum of its parts. Such is the case with their wasabi tempura fried tuna California %26#8220;unrolled%26#8221; entr%26#233;e ($34). Where a barely fried (still beautifully rare tuna beneath its crisp surface) is spread before a pyramid of sushi rice, pile of pickled cucumber, dice of fried avocado with a smear of chili mascarpone cream spread across the plate for dipping. %26nbsp; And with new wine impresario Don Derocher on board pouring and gently advising, you%26#8217;ll find a fun food and wine experience that belies its formal, but comfortable garden room setting. %26nbsp; %26nbsp; %26nbsp; %26nbsp; %26nbsp; %26nbsp;

Shhhhhh...

Mon, 08 Feb 2010 11:49:45 GMT

How on earth did they ever keep it quiet? Guests holed up at the luxe Mansion on Turtle Creek all these months never had a clue that behind the scenes of this posh place all the rooms and suites were quietly being renovated (and I mean it was hush, hush. The able crew and Mansion staff never made so much as a peep about the whole endeavor.)

The up-to-date facelift to each of the 143 rooms comes care of the lauded San Francisco design firm, Babey Moulton Jue %26amp; Booth. This month as they put the finale touches on the public spaces, readying for the big reveal the powers-to-be chez Turtle Creek have welcomed new chef Bruno Davaillon with open arms too.%26nbsp;

Davaillon is only the fourth toque in the history of the hotel to hold the honor of executive chef at the Mansion. He came by way of Alain Ducasse%26#8217;s restaurant Mix, awarded a Michelin Star in both 2008 and 2009 in New York. (Making Davaillon, incidentally, the only Michelin ranked chef to lead a kitchen in Dallas.) Born and trained in France, his approach is sophisticated yet creative and fun. Inspired dishes making their debut on his new dinner menu include: King Crab butternut squash soup, crispy spring roll and glazed chestnuts and shrimp cocktail with horseradish panna cotta and spicy tomato syrup.

You%26#8217;ll have to check it all out and see what we are all buzzing about. In the meantime, here%26#8217;s a peek at what you can expect to see and experience during your next stay.

Restaurant Buzz

Thu, 28 Jan 2010 12:42:34 GMT

Your ship has just come in %26#8212;%26nbsp;in the form of fresh catches and sinful steaks. Eddie V%26#8217;s Prime Seafood is set for launch this April, serving an array of gourmet fare, from specialty-aged, center-cut prime beef to an extensive raw-bar menu. It docks on Oak Lawn Avenue, in front of Equinox. Stay tuned for more %26#8230; We%26#8217;ve discovered a place that may just give Willy Wonka%26#8217;s factory a run for its money: Longtime pastry chef Katherine Clapner (most recently with Stephan Pyles) has opened Dude, Sweet Chocolate in Oak Cliff, where she is whipping up artisan candy bars, chocolate-dipped delicacies and more, all in rather intriguing flavors. Go for the orange-soda-pop candy bar with homemade orange Pop Rocks or sip on the decadent drinking chocolate %26#8212; we are not talking Swiss Miss, but instead molten Valrhona cocoa powder and Venezuelan chocolate, topped with Russian-style marshmallows. Tickle your sweet tooth at 408 West 8th Street, Suite 102, or click to dudesweetchocolate.com %26#8230; We see lots of lunch dates in your future: Neighborhood Services, the wildly popular Lovers Lane bistro, is opening two new locales. In mid-February, hurry to Henderson Avenue to try Neighborhood Services Tavern, where the tables are tall and the space is cozy. Come late spring, go north to NS%26#8217;s bar-and-grill outpost at Preston Royal Village. Can%26#8217;t wait to report back %26#8230; The Thai food gurus are at it again: Jeffrey Yarbrough, Tom Chawana, Lam Promwanrat and Kitti Lirtpanaruk are cutting the ribbons this month at Naga Thai Kitchen and Bar, another reason to visit Victory Park. We%26#8217;re hearing about dishes of curry and ginger, plus a yummy-sounding Tom-Yum soup. Our chopsticks are aquiver. See you at 669 High Market Street, not far from Kenichi %26#8230; Mike Hoque and Nafees Alam are sharpening the steak knives at their new downtown restaurant, Dallas Chop House. Take a peek at the open kitchen while noshing on executive chef Kenny Mills%26#8217; bone-in Kansas City strip or rack of lamb. Also take note of the eatery%26#8217;s art by Texan James Spurlock and Britisher Charlie Whinney. This spot is sure to satiate the appetites of the most voracious urban cowboys. 1717 Main St., 214.736.7300; dallaschophouse.com.

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Image: A rendering of the bar at Eddie V%26#8217;s

Restaurant Buzz

Thu, 28 Jan 2010 12:35:46 GMT

Another cupcake bakery has opened. Celebrity Cupcakes %26#8212; launched by a home baker with a love for sweets, Maria Cagle, and her husband, Chris %26#8212; is a darling Rice Village%26#8211;area shop that offers a menu of daily changing cupcakes. The Cagles aim to bake for the greater good: Celebrity will donate a percentage of sales of cupcakes branded with a charity%26#8217;s logo to support everything from Texas Children%26#8217;s Hospital to the animals at the SPCA %26#8230; Real estate developer and former JMH market owner Jim Reid has opened the kid-friendly Little Matt%26#8217;s restaurant and Matthew%26#8217;s Market in West University. Look for comfort food and lots of distractions for the kiddos, as well as a convenient neighborhood market next door for all those pantry fill-ins.

Meals with Wheels (and Tosca, Too)

Thu, 28 Jan 2010 12:35:17 GMT

Should you become ravenous on the way to the Winspear %26#8212; or the Wyly or the Nasher or the Crow %26#8212; we know a quaint little place for sophisticated fare. One catch: It doesn%26#8217;t have four walls and a dining room %26#8212; it has four wheels and a transmission. Consider the Green House, a mobile eatery serving up soups, salads, even ciabatta sandwiches. The brainchild of chef Ben Hutchison (Food Company, Routh Street, Little Nell in Aspen) and %26#8220;non-practicing attorney%26#8221; Michael Siegel (his mother-in-law is A-list art adviser Cindy Schwartz), Green House is a fast way into slow food, as %26#8220;there%26#8217;s no butter, lard or anything fried,%26#8221; says Siegel. Instead, think veggie soup, a salad tossed with Mediterranean chicken or that scrumptious ciabatta, with Asian-marinated steak and grilled vegetables. You can even create your own little masterpiece from mix-and-match ingredients, all healthy, all light. Watch for the first truck in the Arts District (it%26#8217;s a vintage one that%26#8217;s been restored, says Siegel, %26#8220;so it has a lot of charm%26#8221;), then more to follow, as word of those opera-worthy entrees gets around. Information greenhousetruck.com.

Sushi Raku

Thu, 28 Jan 2010 11:32:01 GMT

Waza Sushi owner Patrick Chiu pulled out all the stops to open his new Japanese restaurant, Sushi Raku. First, he lured Austin designer Michael Hsu, who articulated the much-talked-about environs of Uchi and Kenichi, to fashion the midtown space%26#8217;s interiors. In the courtyard entrance, tiny red glass tiles line the walls, and water trickles through the hand-wrought links of a copper-chain fountain. Inside the soaring space, one%26#8217;s eye gravitates toward the huge-scaled portraits of a geisha girl and samurai warrior painted by an artist Chiu respectfully identifies as Mr. Wong. But even more compelling is the mesquite-fired robata grill near the front of the restaurant; patrons can perch at the white marbled grill-area bar and watch chef Taka Sekiguchi skillfully char-grill salmon belly, Kobe beef skewers, Texas quail with teriyaki glaze, bacon-wrapped scallops and chicken (per Japanese tradition, nearly every part of the bird is used). Separating the cozy, 1,200-square-foot bar area from the main dining room, which is dressed in white oak with soothing tones of gray, beige and flashes of poppy red, is an imposing wall of weighted red nylon ropes. The 60,000-pound tangle looks like it could haul the catch straight from the waters of Japan %26#8212;%26nbsp;the very fish that Chiu and his chef procure each Friday from the famed Tokyo market Tsukiji. On the plate, Taka deftly melds 15 years of Japanese and pan-Asian cooking experience to create memorable dishes such as a 12-hour braised pork jowl topped with a poached lady apple comport and candied pecans, Kobe beef sliders with crisps of fried burdock root in lieu of potato (quite addictive) and, of course, an array of traditional and novel sushi combinations, all exquisitely prepared, as well as uncommon sake selections. 3201 Louisiana St., 713.526.8885.

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Image: Executive chef Taka Sekiguchi. Photo by Jack Thompson.

Be True

Thu, 28 Jan 2010 11:21:30 GMT

Gone are the days when prosecco, that fizzy wine with an Italian accent, was only suitable to mix a so-so Bellini. This cousin to French champagne (made with a slightly different process %26#8212; the charmat method %26#8212; that distinguishes it from its Gallic relation) has been elevated to cult status. Looking to pop the cork on a new trend? Check out Houston-based Janco Beverages%26#8217; True sparkling ros%26#233; import, a pale pink sparkler made in Italy that%26#8217;s the real deal: Prosecco of Valdobbiadene. The lightly sweet bubbly is filled with stone-fruit flavors and is suitable to f%26#234;te a bride and groom, or perhaps that Valentine%26#8217;s Day t%26#234;te-a-t%26#234;te. $25 a bottle, at fine wine and liquor stores. Information truewine.com.

Restaurant Buzz

Tue, 29 Dec 2009 05:18:48 GMT

Celebrate the Strip House%26#8217;s fifth birthday in Houston when this downtown steak house offers (swoon now) five courses for only $55, now through February. For the tempting menu details and reservations, call 713.659.6000 %26#8230; Crave Cupcakes is opening a second location at 5600 Kirby Drive this spring. Look for another AvroKO-designed space (1,800 square feet) serving exclusively cupcakes %26#8230; Tres Market has opened a second space, this one at 5115 Buffalo Speedway. Drop by for quick, prepared foods to go, from meatloaf and breakfast casseroles to baked goods, as well as catered affairs %26#8230; Rumor put to rest: Sprinkles Cupcakes has signed a lease in Highland Village. Look for a spring opening %26#8230; Valerie Gamble has opened a new location of her chocolate shop Expressions Fine Chocolate at 3535 Wilcrest. She sells a wide variety of chocolate truffles %26#8230; Beep beep, it%26#8217;s the Frosted Betty Mobile Bake Shop. Yup, if you can%26#8217;t get out to Nicole Mora%26#8217;s new Old Town Katy bakery by the same name, she%26#8217;s going to come to you. Follow her on Twitter and Facebook later this month and see where she and her crew will be setting up their new mobile bakeshop (a Dodge Sprinter in disguise) filled with old-fashioned cupcakes, brownies, cookies and other mini desserts %26#8230; This spring, a new flower shop/patisserie/cafe will open in CityCentre. Labeled Flora %26amp; Muse, the nearly 6,000-square-foot European-style cafe will serve breakfast, lunch and dinner, and style stems of all sorts %26#8230; Later this spring, Galleria III will be home to a new restaurant called Ello, in the former spot of Fox Sports Grill %26#8230; Fins Seafood %26amp; Grill has opened where Rickshaw once stood on Westheimer. Chef/owner Kam Ip, who started (and has since sold) King Bo%26#8217;s restaurant, cooks up Asian fusion fare and sushi with an emphasis on seafood.

Dish

Tue, 29 Dec 2009 05:17:03 GMT

Keys to the Door: Tim McEneny and Doug Brown.

Good Dish: Several weeks ago, I was lunching with a jet-setting social who%26#8217;d just moved to town. She opined that Dallas has only a handful of restaurants focusing on chic and simple American cuisine. Well, new Dallasite, here%26#8217;s a hot spot to add your list. Dish restaurant and lounge, conceived by Tim McEneny (Obar) and concept chef Doug Brown (Beyond the Box), is housed on the first floor of the Ilume development on Cedar Springs and specializes in straightforward, yet current, comfort food. This modern 156-seat eatery, with a lively covered patio, is open for dinner and cocktails nightly, from 5 to 11 pm, with bar-menu service from 11 pm to 1 am. My dream order goes a little something like this: mushroom flatbread with Shitake mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, pesto, Texas goat cheese and arugula ($11); grilled Caesar salad ($7); seared natural jumbo sea scallops with a poached egg, parmesan and pearl cous cous ($21); and, to induce myself into a food coma, lemon ice box pie with toasted meringue ($7). 4123 Cedar Springs, Suite 110, 214.522.3474; dish-dallas.com.

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Image: Photo by John Smith

Arcodoro %26 Pomodoro

Wed, 16 Dec 2009 05:14:49 GMT

100 Crescent Court, Suite 140 (at The Crescent)

214.871.1924

arcodoro.com

%26#160;

Keys to the door: Owners Lori and Efisio Farris.

A Moveable Feast: The Crescent has a new tenant: Owners Lori and Efisio Farris have moved their Arcodoro %26amp; Pomodoro from 2708 Routh Street to this notable corner of Maple and McKinney avenues. Efisio Farris%26#8217;s%26#160; brother, longtime A %26amp; P chef Francesco Farris, may not have made the move (no word yet on where he%26#8217;s headed), but the murals, the chandeliers and even the giant red tomato that graced the fa%26#231;ade on Routh Street made the trek. Houston architect Carlo di Nunzio designed the space, cozying up the bar with a double-wide Brazilian marble counter (perfect for enjoying a quick panini at lunch), adding two private dining rooms and even working a walled outdoor patio into the plans. The menu is rich with Sardinian favorites such as fregula kin arsellas (clam soup) and risotto al nero con scampi al timo (carnaroli rice simmered with squid ink, cuttlefish, baked scampi and thyme) while a rotisserie slowly turns delicious lamb shoulder and chicken. New feature? The %26#8220;Golden Door,%26#8221; a backdoor entrance, located near the garage elevators of The Crescent, where one literally walks through the kitchen to reach the host stand. At last, easy access to this culinary corner.%26#160;

To Market We Go

Tue, 15 Dec 2009 04:27:48 GMT

After your next Saturday-morning visit to Starbucks in Highland Village, meander down the block to the covered structure next to Jos. A Banks and browse our city%26#8217;s newest market, the Highland Village Farmers Market. From 8 am to noon every Saturday, up to two dozen farmers convene here weekly to sell 100 percent organic, sustainable produce and foodstuffs. You%26#8217;ll find seasonal fruits and vegetables, plus a baker toting fresh baked bread, bars, cookies and pastries, and even a butcher procuring free-range beef, lamb, pork, goat, chicken and wild boar cuts, all displayed in wood slat stalls. There%26#8217;ll be farm-fresh eggs, naturally, and a crafty soap maker with all kinds of lotions and suds made with soothing goat%26#8217;s milk. The project is the brainchild of Highland Village Shopping Center owner Haidar Barbouti %26#8212; European fresh-air markets were his jumping-off point to create Houston%26#8217;s first permanent-structure farmers market.%26nbsp; 2706 Suffolk in Highland Village.

Aloft Hotel

Mon, 14 Dec 2009 06:16:55 GMT

Keys to the Door: Starwood Hotels %26amp; Resorts.
Check in and check out: Think of this chic, urban loft%26#8211;style hotel in the Uptown/Galleria area%26nbsp; as a close cousin (we%26#8217;re talking blood relative) of the W Hotel brand %26#8212; you know, Starwood Hotels %26amp; Resort%26#8217;s wildly popular, modern answer to the boutique-hotel concept that began more than a decade ago. Recently opened and designed to appeal to the sophisticated, tech-savvy traveler who%26#8217;ve cut his or her teeth on democratic, high-style/low-cost design courtesy of IKEA, West Elm, Target and the like, Aloft%26#8217;s rates average $125 a night, bringing you covetable style and amply sized rooms at an affordable price. No poor relation, Aloft features renowned David Rockwell%26#8211;designed environs. Relax at Re:mix lobby %26#8212; socialization at a design-savvy level with a sunken living room, glass fireplace, patio, customized pool table, sip at the W XYZ bar; and refuel at the%26nbsp; 24/7 grab %26#8217;n go gourmet pantry. Other chic touches: Bliss products in the W.C. (a standard started by W); gratis Wi-Fi hotel wide; reasonable per-day parking rates ($10 self-park; $17 valet); the state-of-the-art Re:charge gym; the Splash indoor pool; and access to everywhere you need to be for business or pleasure. Aloft is even child- and pet-friendly, with amenities such as special beds, meals and toys provided for the littlest ones in your family, be they two-legged or four. 5415 Westheimer Road, 713.622.7010; alofthotels.com.

Red Room

Fri, 11 Dec 2009 05:21:07 GMT

2736 Virginia St.
713.520.5666
redroomhouston.com
Keys to the Door: Partners Beau Theriot, David Lewis, Trey Melcher and Brian Jordan; manager Brad Stearnes.

Serving Up: The space above the former Brownstone Restaurant has transitioned into a lipstick-red lounge, tucked away on Virginia Street off Westheimer. The Red Room is an intimate club for the well-heeled neighbors and social swells who might have mingled at New York%26#8217;s Pegu Club or London%26#8217;s Milk %26amp; Honey. Here, Beau Theriot (who owns the Brownstone Gallery) pulls off a vibrant, punchy decor with plush seating in sleeked rooms dotted with vintage Hollywood portraits. (Did we mention the airy patio?) Imbibe in classic cocktails such as a tweaked John Staub sidecar or John Hill Bloody Mary, the often-overlooked Pimm%26#8217;s Cup, Gimlet and even a Brandy Alexander, as well as light bites. Sip something softer? An edited list of wines mingles the likes of Husch Gewurtztraminer with Insignia. Host and preternaturally handsome Kalon McMahon (of the Texas State Optical Rogers family millions) and fearsomely suave doorman Daniel Green, an Australian Special Forces veteran with two tours of Iraq under his belt, sport intentionally intimidating coat and tie, and keep the crowd looking sharp. Friday and Saturday nights bring a DJ and occasional live music. Open Tuesday through Saturday, 6 pm to 2 am.

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Photos by Daniel Ortiz

PS Valentino Vin Bar at Hotel Derek

Fri, 11 Dec 2009 04:09:08 GMT

2525 W. Loop South at Westheimer

713.850.9200

valentinorestaurant.com

We%26#8217;ve seen the Hotel Derek through many a restaurant endeavor, but the new PS Valentino Vin Bar is far more than a postscript. This impressive venture combines cooking pedigree with decades of experience in the business. Restaurateur Piero Selvaggio was only 18 when he opened Valentino in Santa Monica, where he recreated the approachable Sicilian dishes of his youth to great acclaim. A decade ago, he opened one of two concepts in Las Vegas, and now he%26#8217;s set his sights on Houston. Contemporary decor is punctuated with red punches and dark woods, care of renowned architecture and design firm Gensler. Settle into Valentino%26#8217;s fine-dining room for spaghetti bottarga with fresh sardines and arugula ($16) and grilled Kurobuta pork loin marinated in green apple brine with gorgonzola mashed potatoes ($30). Or settle in to%26nbsp; Valentino%26#8217;s more casual Bistro Vin Bar for delightful passionfruit sturgeon and baby-back ribs with Tuscan barbecue sauce.

Poscól Vinoteca e Salumeria

Fri, 11 Dec 2009 04:03:37 GMT

1609 Westheimer Road
713.529.2797
Keys to the Door: Owners Gloria Wiles and chef Marco Wiles.

What%26#8217;s on the Menu: He%26#8217;s brought us Da Marco and Dolce Vita. Now Marco Wiles, the soft-spoken chef known for his serious study of all food and drink Italian, debuts Posc%26#243;l. Named for the street where he was born in Udine in Italy, this vinoteca and salumeria (read: wine bar and cured-meat-and-cheese bar) warms up the space formerly known as Caf%26#233; Montrose with low lighting and hardwood floors. Posc%26#243;l%26#8217;s red, refurbished Berkel slicer is the Rolls-Royce of meat slicers, sought by chefs in the know for creating paper-thin slivers of prosciutto San Daniele and Cotto and, in this case, speck, mortadella and house-made salumi such as veal tongue, pork cheek sausage and porchetta. The menu here hearkens back to Dolce Vita, its offerings divided into small tastes that, en masse, make a meal: verdura ($5 each), such as pickles and blueberry caponata; fritto (fried bites, $6 each), including ricotta, polenta and smashed potatoes; risotto ($9); bruschette ($4); tramezzeni sandwiches smooshed on a Pullman loaf ($6 to $8); and pressed panini ($9 to $14) with such fillings as albacore, tomato and artichokes or proscuitto, mozzarella and arugula. The wine list, like Da Marco%26#8217;s, brims with well-chosen Italian imports, including bottles reflective of the Friuli region, such as Tocai %26#8212; a regional white one simply must try.

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Image: Gloria and Marco Wiles, Owners

Photo by: Jenny Antill

Si Tapas Restaurant and Bar

Thu, 10 Dec 2009 05:54:21 GMT

2207 Allen St.

214.720.0324

sitapasdallas.com

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Who to know: Who doesn%26#8217;t miss the little tapas bar Hola!? Fret no more, as Hola! owner Ildefonso Jimenez has opened another tapas hot spot featuring the same family recipes he learned to cook in Madrid. While Hola! had a limited menu, this new eatery has plenty of choices.

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From my notebook: No one would recognize the former Watel%26#8217;s cottage %26#8212; it has gone to Spain with a coat of red paint, tables covered in butcher paper and a wall of wines %26#8230; Instead of having to pre-order paella a day in advance like the olden days at Hola!, you can now have it every night at Si %26#8230; The arroz blanco al ajillo con salsa de tomate y huevo frito %26#8212; you guessed it: white rice with garlic tomato sauce and fried eggs ($4.50) %26#8212; is a must-order comfort dish %26#8230; I was happy to see the crowd-pleasing pollo en cerveza (salted chicken in beer sauce, $5) on the menu again %26#8230; Loved executive chef Jose Lopez%26#8217; stylish mohawk %26#8230; House drinks are festive: Order them by the pitcher. Choose from Echegaray (cava, 10 Cane Rum and lime roses), sangria, or Agua de Valencia (cava, 10 Cane Rum and orange juice) %26#8230; Don%26#8217;t ask for iced tea, as they don%26#8217;t serve it %26#8230; Grab a table on the front patio or in the backyard by the greenbelt, with the amazing view of downtown.

Lumi Empanada %26 Dumpling Kitchen

Thu, 10 Dec 2009 05:47:31 GMT

3407 McKinney Ave.

214.979.2424

lumikitchen.com

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Who to know:%26#160;Owner Susie Bui isn%26#8217;t a trained chef %26#8212;%26#160;but one would never know from her complex menu of Vietnamese-meets-Brazilian cuisine. (Chinese BBQ ribs and chicken empanadas, anyone?) She hails from a long line of family members who have handled both the keys and the spatulas at their own establishments.

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From my notebook: Ask for table number 25, the one centered in the front windows %26#8230; Share the following: Feijoada, a dish of black beans simmered with pork, served with jasmine rice and collard greens ($8); Thai panang curry chicken dumplings ($7); spinach, mozzarella and portabello empanadas ($6.50); and the cilantro and jalapeno shrimp rolls ($8.50) %26#8230; To wash all that deliciousness down, sip on hot chrysanthemum flower tea or Vietnamese drip coffee %26#8230; I liked the simple and neutral wood furnishings from IKEA and West Elm, selected by Bui and friend John Paul Valverde %26#8230; If the restaurant were an astrological sign, it would be a Gemini %26#8212; a light-filled, white-washed space during the day but dark and moody in the evening. %26#8220;At night,%26#8221; says Bui, %26#8220;it has a Bossa Nova feel.%26#8221; %26#160; %26#160;%26#160;

Geisha House

Thu, 10 Dec 2009 05:39:32 GMT

2600 Cedar Springs

469.248.0640

geishadallas.com

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Who to know: I%26#8217;ll admit it. I sometimes secretly crave a meal at my childhood fave, Benihana. (Who doesn%26#8217;t?) Now we can have a Benihana moment %26#8212; but with much better d%26#233;cor %26#8212; in fabulous modern packaging at owner Michael Ma%26#8217;s Geisha House. No, this isn%26#8217;t the Geisha House of Hollywood restaurant fame, but the goal is to be just as notable, with the sleek atmosphere and huge menu here.

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From my notebook: Charming manager Pablo Cortez says, %26#8220;We want to take hibachi and great sushi to a different level.%26#8221; And they do, with the to-die-for Geisha House roll of soft-shell crab and spicy tuna covered with snow crab, avocado and spicy mayo ($14) %26#8230; Owner Ma %26#8212; an alum of Benihana %26#8212; teamed up with Royce Ring and Alex Urrunaga of Plan B, the restaurant-concept group, to chose wood-paneled accent walls, chocolate-brown leather banquettes and comfy, oversized chairs. (The Uptown crowd likes it here, and there%26#8217;s plenty of seat left over in those dining room chairs after they%26#8217;ve slid in with their Rock %26amp; Republics on.) Plan B even painted chopsticks red and white and cleverly arranged them in an exploding jumble for a wall installation %26#8230; For my next all-girls%26#8217; birthday dinner (a monthly date with friends), I%26#8217;m reserving the Tatami Room, with floor-level seating and a sunken table that seats 10 %26#8230; Geisha House%26#8217;s hibachi (or grill) room has six tables and seats up to 60 %26#8230; Like sports with your sushi? The attached Roppongi Bar is a candlelit lounge, with games showing on the TVs, followed by a different DJ nightly.

Bella Bar and Restaurant

Thu, 10 Dec 2009 05:37:01 GMT

2626 Howell St.

214.855.5001

belladallas.com%26#160; %26#160;

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Who to know:%26#160;Remember Bella owners Robert %26#8220;Peach%26#8221; Petrie and Anthony Porcaro from their Nick %26amp; Sam%26#8217;s days? These restaurant alums know a thing or two about customer recognition and a perfectly cooked filet. That%26#8217;s why they tapped executive chef Christopher Short to man the kitchen, known for carving his way to chef prominence from his days and nights at the Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek restaurant.

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From my notebook: Recharge with a Ginger Mango Johnson made with Absolut Mango vodka, orange and pineapple juice, orange bitters, and fresh ginger and basil %26#8230; For people-watching, the best view in the house is at the 40-foot bar; says Porcaro, %26#8220;The half-moon shape of the bar means no matter where you sit, you can still see everyone in the place.%26#8221; %26#8230; Start with the heirloom tomato tart with roasted tomatoes, goat cheese, baby arugula and a sundried tomato crust%26#160;($10) %26#8230; Move on to the braised-beef short rib with white cheddar mashers and pan sauce%26#160;($19) %26#8230; Finish with the lemon ricotta cheesecake ($8) %26#8230; I spotted music entrepreneurs John Kirtland and Angus Wynne at one table for lunch, and housing-development tycoon Tommy Guilds holding court at the next ... Sports hounds like the 101-inch outdoor flatscreen TV on the covered patio (which, by the way, can seat up to 50 of your closest friends).

Urbano Cafe

Thu, 10 Dec 2009 05:31:46 GMT

1410 C Fitzhugh

214.823.8550

urbanodallas.com

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Who to know: I cried when panini palace Urbano Paninoteca on McKinney Avenue closed. I%26#8217;m smiling once again now that owners Kristen and Mitch Kauffman opened a place on Fitzhugh. What%26#8217;s different about this b%26#244;ite, nestled in East Dallas between Jimmy%26#8217;s Food Store and Spiceman%26#8217;s F.M. 1410? %26#8220;The big thing is BYOB,%26#8221; says Mitch. %26#8220;People are bringing multiple bottles of wine.%26#8221;

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From my notebook: In what was most recently the unglamorous Ted%26#8217;s Hamburgers, the Kauffmans restored the original building%26#8217;s aesthetics by making four layers of linoleum and the boarded transom windows disappear, and restoring the original pressed-tin ceilings %26#8230; Mitch is working the panini press and skillets during lunch but works the dining room at suppertime, when you can go for %26#224; la carte entrees and sides from the chalkboard %26#8230; Residents of Swiss Avenue, Munger Place and Lakewood are regulars %26#8230; Jackie Kennedy, the sought-after labor and delivery nurse at Baylor Hospital (who was also mine), stopped in for a panini at lunch %26#8230; My beloved parmesan-crusted chicken salad ($8.95) is still on the lunch menu %26#8212;%26#160;whew %26#8230; Take note of the photography by Scott Harben and Trevor Kobrin, showcasing opposing themes of desertscapes and Scottish castles. I think the photographs complement the white tablecloths and black-stained concrete floors nicely.%26#160;

Park

Thu, 10 Dec 2009 05:31:03 GMT

1921 N. Henderson Ave.

214.824.3343

parkhenderson.com

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Who to know: Can you name a place where you have four handsome gents working together to make something that%26#8217;s both successful and green? I can: It%26#8217;s the feel-good Park. It%26#8217;s easy to crush on owner Donald Chick, chef Marc Cassel, decorator Breck Woolsey, and landscape designer Jason Pautz at this communal indoor/outdoor eatery.

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From my notebook: The groovy interiors are inspired by Charles and Ray Eames%26#8217; famous California home, featured in the book Case Study Homes that happens to reside on a shelf in booth #43 %26#8230; I went bananas over the original Thonet chairs, some from a convent, says Chick, encircling all tables near the bar %26#8230; Pink, blue or white shirts and jeans is the attire for the waitstaff %26#8212; they serve up everything from pizzas (from $14) to pork chops ($18) %26#8212; and are encouraged to wear the pay-it-forward Toms shoes %26#8230; Landscaper Pautz thinks he has placed more than 60 potted plants around the space %26#8230; All wines need not apply: The wine list is comprised of vegan, sustainable, organic, biodynamic and woman-owned winery vintages %26#8230; Their music selection is swoon-worthy %26#8212; think The Doors, Miles Davis and Carla Bruni %26#8230; Don%26#8217;t miss the bocce ball court with crushed oyster shells and the four spectator cabanas, all in the back of Park%26#8217;s parking lot %26#8230; Cocktails such as Jagger%26#8217;s Lips (Grey Goose gimlet with strawberries, guava and thyme) will keep me coming back for more.

Georgia on My Mind

Thu, 10 Dec 2009 09:16:13 GMT

Manhattan%26#8217;s Whitney Museum of American Art just opened with a wow, mounting %26#8220;Georgia O%26#8217;Keeffe: Abstraction.%26#8221; This blockbuster writes a new chapter in the annals of O%26#8217;Keeffe by presenting 130 of the late Santa Fe modernist%26#8217;s glorious paintings, drawings, watercolors and sculptures, plus Alfred Stieglitz%26#8217;s portrait photographs of his wife. In addition to her well-known Southwest subjects (animal skulls, adobe churches, the New Mexican landscape), zoomed-in views of blossoms and New York skyscrapers, the nonobjective also held O%26#8217;Keeffe%26#8217;s interest. By highlighting such early works as radical, nonrepresentational charcoal drawings from 1915 and canvases depicting curvaceous waves dated 1918, this exhibition resoundingly proves that the pioneering painter ranks among America%26#8217;s foremost 20th-century abstractionists. Through January 17, at the Whitney Museum of American Art, 945 Madison Ave., New York, 212.570.3600; whitney.org. Catherine D. Anspon

Brooke Around the World

Wed, 09 Dec 2009 12:10:11 GMT

One of my last wishes before Baby Hortenstine gets here in June was a dining escape to my favorite Creole- and French-rich city that brims with classic restaurants, antique shops and enchanting architecture. Pals Piper Wyatt, Suzanne Droese, Todd Fiscus and I entrenched ourselves at the Ritz-Carlton for a weekend of hitting a mile-long list of my beloved foodie establishments. Although I can%26#8217;t divulge all that was said and seen on our epicurean adventure %26#8212; it is New Orleans, after all %26#8212; I will fill you in on my must-dos in the moody and magical Crescent City. Tear this out for your next trip:

Stay
The Ritz-Carlton, New Orleans, 921 Canal St., 504.524.1331; ritzcarlton.com. Boasts one of the most peaceful courtyards in the city.
Loews New Orleans Hotel, 300 Poydras St., 504.595.3300; loewshotels.com.
Windsor Court Hotel, 300 Gravier St., 504.523.6000; windsorcourthotel.com.
Soniat House, 1133 Chartres St., 504.522.0570; soniathouse.com.

Dine
Galatoire%26#8217;s, 209 Bourbon St., 504.525.2021; galatoires.com. Ask to sit at one of waiter Billy%26#8217;s tables during Friday lunch, and start with the Galatoire%26#8217;s Gout%26#233; and the potato souff%26#233;.
Clancy%26#8217;s, 6100 Annunciation St., 504.895.1111. Don%26#8217;t miss the fried oysters and brie.
Herbsaint, 701 Saint Charles Ave., 504.524.4114; herbsaint.com. The gumbo of the day here has yet to disappoint.
For down %26#8216;n dirty po-boys and burgers, venture out of your comfort zone to Crabby Jack%26#8217;s on Jefferson Highway, Mother%26#8217;s on Poydras Street, Port of Call on Esplanade Avenue or Domilise%26#8217;s Po-Boys on Annunciation Street.

Shop
Leontine Linens, 3806 Magazine St., 504.899.7833; leontinelinens.com. The home base of fine linens and even finer monograms from proprietress Jane Scott Hodges.
Nadine Blake, 1036 Royal St., 504.529.4913; nadineblake.com. We stocked up on Blake%26#8217;s paper goods from local gal Alexa Pulitzer and even found a copy of PaperCity%26#8217;s own interiors book, Domestic Art: Curated Interiors, tucked in her bookshelves.
Ann Koerner Antiques, 4021 Magazine St., 504.899.2664; annkoerner.com. A favorite haunt of Fiscus%26#8217; interior-designing partner Rob Dailey%26#8217;s.
Tara Shaw, 1240 Camp St., 504.525.1131; tarashaw.com. French, Italian and Swedish antiques that are to the trade only.

Do
%26#8226; Spend the afternoon on the front porch of The Columns Hotel in the upper Garden District drinking Sazeracs.
%26#8226; Visit contemporary art galleries such as S%26#248;ren Christensen and Heriad-Cimino Gallery, lining Julia Street in the Arts/Warehouse District.
%26#8226; Sip on a Pimm%26#8217;s Cup at Napoleon House, established in 1797 in the French Quarter.
%26#8226; Wander through the Ogden Museum of Southern Art to see large-scale pieces by Texas%26#8217; David Bates.

%26#8226; Drop in on all the antique and design shops you can handle on Magazine Street in Uptown.

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Brooke Around the World

Wed, 09 Dec 2009 12:03:36 GMT

My best friend from college grew up spending her summers on Martha%26#8217;s Vineyard with her father, relishing in lobster rolls and clambakes, and watching everyone from celebrities to salty New Englanders merely relax. To honor her father%26#8217;s memory, we rented a house and vacationed on this woodsy, 23-mile stretch of isle each summer that%26#8217;s home to the communities of Edgartown, Chappaquiddick, Katama, West Tisbury, Oak Bluffs, Vineyard Haven, Chilmark, Menemsha, and Aquinnah. We prefer to fly direct to Boston or Providence and hop over to the island via a short, low-flying trip on Cape Air, versus a choppy ride on the ferry boats. Tear this out for your next trip:

Stay
Harbor View Hotel %26amp; Resort: Views of a lighthouse and a wraparound porch (complete with rocking chairs) make for a perfect summer respite. The NYC-based design firm Hart|Howerton is presiding over a six-year hotel renovation, with beachy decor in place and guest cottages to come.131 N. Water St., Edgartown, 508.627.7000; harbor-view.com.
Winnetu Oceanside Resort: Eleven acres house studio rooms, suites and private cottages on Edgartown%26#8217;s South Beach. Tennis, basketball, putting greens and heated pools cater to the more adventurous type. 31 Dunes Road, Edgartown, 508.310.1733; winnetu.com.
Harborside Realty: If you%26#8217;re looking for more privacy, scour Harborside Realty%26#8217;s enormous rental-home database for the perfect dwelling, and remember to seek out private beach access. 256 Edgartown Road, Edgartown, 800.537.3721; harborsiderealtymv.com.

Dine
Atria: Chef Christian Thornton fills his menu with locally grown fare, such as poached island lobster with mascarpone gnocchi and seared foie gras, at one of the finest dining establishments on the island. 137 Main St., Edgartown, 508.627.5850; atriamv.com.
Larsen's Fish Market: The Larsen family has steamed lobsters to order, serving them with oysters, steamers, littlenecks clams, mussels and chowder since 1969. Place a to-go dinner order for sunset-watching at Menemsha beach. 56 Basin Road, Menemsha, 508.645.2680.
The Black Dog Tavern: Famous for its iconic T-shirts, but even more famous for its Sunday brunch %26#8212; I can%26#8217;t leave the island without delving into a Scooby Snack of English muffins, sliced tomatoes, poached eggs and white cheddar. 21 Beach St., Vineyard Haven, 508.693.9223; theblackdog.com.
PJ%26#8217;s Caf%26#233; and Catering: It took us four years to discover PJ%26#8217;s, a hush-hush favorite for gourmet sandwiches. While not the most attractive shop, it%26#8217;s packed with locals and provides a nice break from our daily $50-per-person lunch tab. Order the Scissor. 258 Upper Main St., Edgartown, 508.627.4558.

Shop
Midnight Farm: A mishmash of all things delightful for your home, closet and body. Find everything from bedding from India to vermeil cuffs by Chan Luu and CDs by Carly Simon (she%26#8217;s an owner). 18 Water-Cromwell Lane, Vineyard Haven, 508.693.1997; midnightfarm.net.
Katydid: The best selection of Roberta Roller Rabbit beach tunics, sarongs and blankets on the island. 38 Main St., Edgartown, 508.627.1232.
The Field Gallery: Three galleries of contemporary art plus a sculpture garden, photography and jewelry by local and national artists. 1050 State Road, West Tisbury, 508.693.5595; fieldgallery.com.

Don%26#8217;t Miss
Renting a Bike: Book a hybrid bicycle weeks in advance of your trip %26#8212; you%26#8217;ll be surprised how much of your vacation will be spent behind handlebars. Edgartown Bike Rentals, 1 Main St., Edgartown, 800.627.2763; edgartownbikerentals.com.
Biplane Flights at Katama Airfield: Strap on a leather flight cap and goggles, and climb into daredevil pilot Mike Creato%26#8217;s vintage biplane. Take off on a grass runway, fly over Meg Ryan%26#8217;s estate and happily scream over his aviation tricks %26#8212; think barrel rolls and flips over the ocean %26#8212; if you pay extra for those. We always do. Katama Airfield, Edgartown, 508.627.7677; biplanemv.com.

The sunset at Menemsha Public Beach: I suggest a 6 pm arrival (it gets crowded!). Bring a cooler of champagne and wine, pick up dinner from Larsen%26#8217;s Fish Market and applaud the spectacular sunset as it drops into the ocean from the best point on the island. Don%26#8217;t forget your camera. Brooke Hortenstine

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From Funeral Home to Foot Stomper

Wed, 09 Dec 2009 11:56:56 GMT

Watch out, Marfa: There%26#8217;s a new watering hole in town. (Well, sort of new.) Behold Padre%26#8217;s, a 100-year-old adobe %26#8212; past incarnations have been as a feed store, carriage shop and, yes, funeral home %26#8212; reborn as a no-attitude stop for libations and live music. From the long list of tequilas to the funeral-parlor pews to the fire pit outside, it%26#8217;s just the place to unwind after all that West Texas chow and Chinati. Cocktail chatter: Houston designer Marlys Tokerud designed the interiors with arches, exposed adobe and multihued tiles. 209 W. El Paso St., 432.729.4425; padresmarfa.com. Rob Brinkley

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Photo Julie Soefer

The Surrey Hotel

Wed, 09 Dec 2009 11:49:32 GMT

If you%26#8217;re jetting to Manhattan late this fall and longing for a posh new hotel, sidle toward The Surrey. Redesigned by Houston architect Lauren Rottet%26#8217;s acclaimed Rottet Studio, this Upper East Side Beaux Arts building with landmark status has been redressed top to bottom with a $60 million Chanel%26#8211;inspired wardrobe. (Naturally, Rottet credits Coco as her muse.) Play like the late, great Chanel holed up at the Ritz, and check into one of 190 guest salons, including 30 one-bedroom suites %26#8212; you may be inspired to take up residence, too. Daniel Boulud%26#8217;s eponymous Caf%26#233; Boulud is downstairs (talk about a fashionable canteen) and other indulgent features include the key-accessed rooftop garden with sweeping views of Central Park (where you can order a picnic of drinks and light meals chez Boulud) and a spa with treatments customized for each guest. Introductory rates $499 to $699. 20 E. 76th St., 800.978.7739; thesurreyhotel.com. Laurann Claridge

Checking into Houston's Hotel Sorella

Tue, 08 Dec 2009 05:12:45 GMT

The new Hotel Sorella at CityCentre in Houston catches your eye the moment you motor past its two-story floating staircase enclosed in glass. This sleek, Italianate, 244-room boutique hotel projects a sophisticated urban environs %26#8212; though truth be told, you%26#8217;re in the midst of suburban zip code 77024. Created by the Houston-based Valencia Group and designed by Gensler, with guest rooms conceived by Remedios Siembieda, this flagship Sorella property feels like a hybrid between a luxury hotel (without the steep tariff) and a mod motel (and we mean that as a compliment). It wasn%26#8217;t until I self-parked on the second floor of the convenient parking garage and slipped into the lobby, checked in and was whisked up to my spacious guest room that the appeal of its layout really sunk in. There is nothing more irksome, after all, than staying at a hotel on business and having to call valet services to fetch your car again and again. Another brilliant move: They%26#8217;ve done away with the typical hotel restaurant and replaced it with an array of wonderful CityCentre eateries, including new concepts such as Caf%26#233; Ros%26#233; and Bistro Alex (compliments of Alex Brennan-Martin) and imports such as the Asian-inspired Straits, seafood-centered Eddy V%26#8217;s, RA Sushi and sporty beer haven Yard House. There%26#8217;s a sharp-looking infinity pool and workout room within the hotel, and across the street is fitness palace Life Time Athletic Club, not to mention a movie theater a stone%26#8217;s throw away and a conference center that can seat up to 700. Guest rooms are outfitted with floor-to-ceiling windows, pressed high-thread-count linens, down bedding and laminate dark hardwoods that feel more sanitary than wall-to-wall carpet, and run through to the bath where they can be splashed with water from the walk-in rainhead shower without worry. Rates start at $189. 800 W. Sam Houston Parkway North, Houston, 713.973.1600; hotelsorella-citycentre.com. Laurann Claridge

Restaurant Buzz

Wed, 02 Dec 2009 03:03:07 GMT

Bring in the chefs! City Cafe%26#8217;s kitchen is ready to take on a crowd. The local institution at 5757 West Lovers Lane recently finished an expansion that includes a larger dining room %26#8212; enough seats for more than 50 delightful diners %26#8212; and even more display cases of delectable dishes. Will we spot you from behind the bistro%26#8217;s new dinner menu? Hope so. Information 214.351.2233; thecitycafedallas.com %26#8230;%26#160; For the devoted Preston Center lunch bunch, there are two new eateries: Texas de Brazil Express (think delish meats in wraps and bowls) and Cedars Mediterranean Mezza (think gourmet kabobs and pitas) will keep internationally keen palates happy. For more, see texasdebrazilexpress.com and cedarsmezza.com ... You feast on pizza the way a sommelier sips a cabernet, which means you must taste Farnatchi Gourmet Oven. Owner Joe Khalaf (he is co-owner of Medina Oven and Bar, too) is cooking up fresh pizza pies in a cozy atmosphere. Gather %26#8217;round the large, central wood table and share the Mediterranean pizza with chicken, pesto, olives, mozzarella and feta. The ovens are hot at 3001 Knox Street, 214.219.7200, farnatchi.com %26#8230; The mixed-use Ilume complex is beefing up its dining digs, times two: Savor cocktails and cuisine at Dish, the new comfort-food concept from Tim McEneny (Lift, Dragonfly) and biz partner Doug Brown (yes, the popular chef). Here, the menu from executive chef Brian Sommers (Jasper%26#8217;s, Rick%26#8217;s) covers everything from flatbread pizzas to roasted free-range chicken and the most indulgent sides. Just a skip away, ready-to-devour bites are waiting at Brown's and Jason Foss%26#8217; Beyond the Box, its second location. Get your organic eats to go, or munch on them in the coffee lounge there. It%26#8217;s all at 4123 Cedar Springs Road; dish-dallas.com; foodbeyondthebox.com %26#8230; If this is what %26#8220;down on the farm%26#8221; means, we%26#8217;re there. Get to Good 2 Go Taco, the farm-friendly locale at Green Spot Market %26amp; Fuels (near White Rock Lake) that supports local growers. The menu, which offers tasty tacos for breakfast and lunch, changes daily, so check good2gotaco.com before heading to 702 North Buckner Boulevard %26#8230; Undergoing a bit of an identity change is Lazare. The West Village eatery, now called Lemon Bar, revamped its vibe and is focusing on great drinks and a more casual menu. We%26#8217;re in lust with the bottomless Bellini brunch, served Saturday and Sunday, 11 am to 3 pm. (3699 McKinney Ave., 214.443.6043; thelemonbar.com) %26#8230; We%26#8217;re wishing Tart Pastry Boutique a very merry fifth birthday this month. Help blow out the candles (and munch on a sugary whoopie pie) at 5219 West Lovers Lane at Inwood Road. Sweet!%26#160;

Off to Grandmother’s House We Go!

Wed, 02 Dec 2009 02:36:28 GMT

Mom isn%26#8217;t much of a baker? Put her three steps ahead of scratch and let her whip up Cobblestone Kitchens Chocolate Caramel Cupcakes ($8), Anna Mae%26#8217;s Chocolate Cupcakes with Peppermint Icing from Robert Rothschild Farm ($9) or the Christmas Tree Dipped Cookie Kit by In The Mix ($11), all at Central Market. Decorate them with Crate %26amp; Barrel%26#8217;s Holiday Sanding Sugars/Decoratifs sweet set ($6, at Crate %26amp; Barrel). For the more adventurous, play Frank Lloyd Wright and bake your own Gingerhaus gingerbread house kit %26#8212; complete with blueprints for a structurally sound abode ($35, at surlatable.com). Or go the ready-to-assemble route with Cobblestone Kitchen%26#8217;s Gingerbread House Kit with tons of candy and easy-to-mix-up royal icing ($16.50, at Central Market).

Now we know how those Scandinavians keep toasty through the chilly winter months: with Gl%26#246;gg, a festive, warm beverage spiced with cinnamon, cloves, cardamom and citrus. Try Grandpa Lundquist%26#8217;s version ($11, at nordichouse.com). It%26#8217;s a Hiball of a different sort %26#8212; this version is a 10-calorie, no-sugar, sparkling energy water with ginseng and B vitamins that will put the spring back in granny%26#8217;s step ($2), while Mash is water with a soda look, in flavors such as Lemon Peel Ginger Root and Grapefruit Citrus Zing ($2 each, all at Central Market). Grandpa gussies up his gin with Fentiman%26#8217;s traditional tonic water fermented with herbal extracts and botanicals ($2, at Central Market). Need something stronger? Hudson Ferus is a new American vodka made by two Texans with fresh Sierra Mountain water and distilled from corn ($17). Or maybe Granny %26#8212; or you %26#8212; could use a tequila shot. Milagro%26#8217;s limited-edition Silver Select Barrel Reserve goes down so smooth ($70). Or nurse a classic Grand Marnier Cordon Rouge ($50). The latter three at fine liquor stores.

Indulge your hosts with delicious tokens of appreciation. Crate %26amp; Barrel%26#8217;s Sea Salt Caramels dipped in chocolate are even certified kosher ($20, at Crate %26amp; Barrel). Or try The Caramel Candy Co.%26#8217;s Pecan Caramel candies, made in small batches in Chappell Hill, Texas ($16 to $42, at caramelcandyco.com). Maybe she prefers dark chocolate? Who can turn away the Barefoot Contessa%26#8217;s new Dark Chocolate Toffee ($15) and French bark ($17), both at stonewallkitchen.com? Splurge on something they might not treat themselves to: an exquisite 12-year-old balsamic vinegar from Modena, Italy ($30), paired with Marca Verde il Classico Extra-Virgin Olive Oil ($10), both at Sur La Table. Sorelle Nurzia%26#8217;s Panettone is a traditional Italian fruit-studded bread that%26#8217;s perfect for breakfast; try making French toast with it, too ($25, at Central Market).

Boil up some shrimp %26#8212; the easiest hors d%26#8217;oeuvre ever %26#8212; and put out Stonewall%26#8217;s new Lemon Dill or Tequila Lime Cocktail Sauce ($5).%26nbsp;Cradle a bit of p%26#226;t%26#233; or perhaps a dollop of gruy%26#232;re fondue in Chef Laurent%26#8217;s pastry spoons ($14). Craving something crisp and salty before dinner? Mary%26#8217;s Gone Crackers Sticks %26amp; Twigs are healthy, crunchy snacks made without wheat or gluten ($4.50), while Pop Chips take air-popped corn and form it into a dip-worthy chip ($3). Potato chips and onion rings don%26#8217;t have to be ordinary with Alexia%26#8217;s Waffle Fries and Onion Strips ($2.50 each). It%26#8217;s a Southern thing: We love those cheesy, savory, shortbread-like bites. Slice and bake your own fresh from the freezer with Mamie%26#8217;s Famous Cheese Wafers, made in Mobile (three rolls $53, at mamieswafers.com). Holland%26#8217;s Beemster is aged 18 months for a complex depth of flavor ($14 a pound). Mourning the ban on imported raw-milk Vacherin? L%26#8217;Edel De Cleron, a pasteurized version, can fill the void ($21 a pound). This Vermont-made Grafton Village Cheddar is aged up to a whopping four years and gives you a whole new take on cheddar cheese ($19 a pound). It would be apropos to pair them with Earth %26amp; Vine%26#8217;s Provisions Apricot Chili Pepper Jam ($8, at earthnvine.com), Stonewall Kitchen%26#8217;s Apple Cranberry Chutney ($5) or Ficoco All Natural Fig and Cocoa Spread ($7). All at Central Market unless otherwise indicated.

Anyone charged with the task of cooking the holiday bird should consider shortcutting the work with Urban Accents Gourmet Gobbler Kit ($14). Step one, ensure that your bird doesn%26#8217;t dry out by presoaking it in a spiced salt brine; the next day, rinse and rub with olive oil and this smoky peppercorn rub. Easy, we promise. Serve with New England Cranberry%26#8217;s Cranberry Chutney ($7) or Texas Sweet Creations%26#8217; Cranberry Pineapple Pecan Relish ($5), all at Central Market. Or wow them with an impressive Niman Ranch crown roast of pork ($180 to $300, at williams-sonoma.com). Granny gave up canning peaches ages ago, but folksy Amish Wedding, an Ohio producer of old-fashioned jarred foodstuffs, hasn%26#8217;t ($4, at troyerscountrymarket.com). God bless granny, but she has nothing on Callie%26#8217;s Charleston Biscuits in buttermilk, ham, cheese and chive (two dozen $34 to $46, at calliesbiscuits.com). Who can pass up mac n%26#8217; cheese? Better than boxed, these four come packed in heat-and-serve ramekins ($37, at williams-sonoma.com). Dessert%26#8217;s easy with La Donatella%26#8217;s imported tiramisu from Italy ($15, at Central Market). No assembly required %26#8212; simply plate and defrost straight from the freezer. Perhaps it%26#8217;s pie you crave? Bake one with Country Living%26#8217;s Classic Pumpkin Pie or County Fair Pecan Pie in a Jar ($14 each) with CL%26#8217;s flaky piecrust mix beneath ($10), both at hfsfoods.com.

Let the grandparents sleep in; you%26#8217;re making everyone Daddy Cakes pancakes for breakfast ($11) or the Austin fave, Kerbey Lane Caf%26#233;%26#8217;s Gingerbread Pancake Mix ($6, at kerbylanecafe.com). Barefoot Contessa%26#8217;s Foolproof Popover mix ($5) is a cinch to make and bake. And popovers are especially yummy paired with Harvest Song%26#8217;s artisanal Wild Strawberry Preserves ($7). Or whip up some Merry Eggnog Muffins by Sticky Fingers Bakeries ($5). While granny likes a watered-down supermarket brew, we prefer a jolt of something stronger. Mokk%26#8230;a ($7.50) is one of the few good pre-ground dark roasts that aren%26#8217;t over-roasted. Forgoing coffee? Try Revolution%26#8217;s antioxidant rich Acai Green Tea ($5). Grandmother%26#8217;s remedy for nearly everything: honey. Cure all with a spoonful of The Hamptons Honey Company%26#8217;s raw and unfiltered Creamed Spring Blossom Honey in your tea. ($11). All at Central Market unless otherwise indicated.

SANTA%26#8217;S COCOA AND COOKIES%26#8216;Twas the night before Christmas, and all through the house, not a creature was stirring %26#8212; save for Aunt Tilda, who was surreptitiously whipping up some hot cocoa with BonJour%26#8217;s new Hot Chocolate Pot with frother attachment ($35, at bonjourproducts.com). Top with Mini Mighty Marshmallows double-dipped in a blend of milk and dark chocolates ($7, at Crate %26amp; Barrel) or stir with King Leo%26#8217;s chocolate-dipped peppermint sticks ($7, at Central Market). Ole Saint Nick would adore Walkers Pure Butter Shortbread, now in festive holiday shapes ($10, at Cost Plus World Market). Santa couldn%26#8217;t pass up these Snowman Brownie Pops, and neither could we ($37, at williams-sonoma.com). Speaking of snow, we adore these snowman-boxed shortbread and gingerbread cookies enrobed in white chocolate %26#8212; and we know the big guy will, too ($6, at Central Market).

Plaza Sweet

Wed, 02 Dec 2009 12:45:11 GMT

I%26#8217;ve been staying at The Plaza Hotel in New York, here and there, for many years: before the Trumps bought it in 1988, then after the Trump renovation and, most recently, after the newest three-year, $450 million redo by new owners El Ad Group and Kingdom Holdings. So it was with trepidation that I walked through the landmark lobby and %26#8230; sighed.%26nbsp;It was perfect. A sensitive renovation carved a portion of the hotel into luxury pieds-%26#224;-terre, magnificent in themselves, and retained the glamour of the hotel with 180 guest rooms and 102 suites in seven distinctive designs %26#8212; and the largest overall guest-room square footage of any NYC luxury hotel. The Plaza%26#8217;s general manager is none other than the charming Shane Krige, most recently the managing director of Dallas%26#8217; Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek. Krige, who joined the hotel in 2007, helped shepherd the hotel through the transition with the Fairmont Hotels %26amp; Resorts management team. The Oak Room and Oak Bar (originally opened in 1945) retain their fabled interiors, but newness abounds with The Champagne Bar in the Lobby (prime for people-watching and armchair window shopping at adjacent Bergdorf Goodman), the mezzanine-level Rose Club and the reopening of the Palm Court. Large guest rooms have sumptuous baths, mosaic-tiled top to bottom, with Sherle Wagner sinks and fixtures, commodious showers and tubs. The new Shops at the Plaza consist of a Caudalie Spa, Fitness Center by Radu, Warren Tricomi Salon and a multitude of shops. Eloise, who has lived at the Plaza since 1955, has taken up residence again in the most grand, grand, grand way with an Eloise shop and a high-tea adventure. Reservations and information 888.240.7775; fairmont.com/theplaza.

Hotel Granduca

Wed, 02 Dec 2009 12:41:15 GMT

I finally get the Hotel Granduca. Being happily ensconced there for the past several weeks with my children, dog and husband (new house under renovation), I have had time to study it, and now I see what owner and developer Giorgio Borlenghi envisioned: a very old world luxurious hotel-villa, in the vein of a seaside or hillside Italian albergo, where Sophia and Gina might mingle with the Agnellis. Furnishings are in tapestries, silks and damasks, rooms are spacious and high-ceilinged, and twin coats-of-arms guard the lobby. The housekeeping ladies %26#8212; many could be my nonna %26#8212; wear traditional starched black uniforms, frilly white aprons and stiff caps. Relaxing one evening on the veranda overlooking the pool, cabanas and statuary, where a craggy slope to the Ligurian Sea wouldn%26#8217;t be unexpected, were international folk sipping prosecco and flinging accents about. The 123 suites in this boutique-hotel gem range from 425 to 2,100 square feet. The bar is charming, and a piano player or guitarist performs Thursday through Saturday. Ristorante Cavour is gently grand with draped tables puddling at your legs. I%26#8217;m innamorato. Rates from $195 to $2,400. 1080 Uptown Park Blvd., Houston, 713.418.1000; granducahouston.com.

Ocean Prime

Wed, 02 Dec 2009 12:36:19 GMT

2101 Cedar Springs Road
214.965.0440
dallas.ocean-prime.com
Keys to the Door: Owner Cameron Mitchell, general manager Brandon Davis.
Hop on Board: For Dallas-residing, modern-day Mad Men, Ocean Prime is the new supper club at which would-be Don Drapers must be seen sipping a Gentleman Jack Whiskey cocktail and devouring a New York strip. Owner Cameron Mitchell%26#8217;s 10,000-square-foot culinary fantasy at Rosewood Court is his sixth Ocean Prime endeavor and the first in Dallas. Here, executive chef Sonny Pache is crafting his surf-and-turf menu, with such savory dishes as ahi tuna tartar with ginger ponzu and avocado, black-truffle macaroni and cheese, blackened snapper, and pork porterhouse with pommery mustard jus %26#8212; all paired splendidly with the impressive wine list. For ambiance, think a contemporary version of the Queen Mary%26#8217;s first-class dining room %26#8212; circular lighting fixtures, candles in glass lanterns and washes of blue light. Along for the ride are Sammy Davis Jr. and Frank Sinatra, the namesakes of two of Ocean Prime%26#8217;s private dining rooms.%26#160;

Off to Grandmother’s House We Go!

Wed, 02 Dec 2009 12:28:52 GMT

Over the river and through the woods, past heavy construction along I-45, it%26#8217;s off to grandmother%26#8217;s house we go! %26#8216;Tis the holidays, the time family and friends gather, drink too much eggnog and prepare the big feast. Here are some of our favorite food and drink picks to tote to grandmum%26#8217;s house.

Mom isn%26#8217;t much of a baker? Put her three steps ahead of scratch and let her whip up Cobblestone Kitchens Chocolate Caramel Cupcakes ($8), Anna Mae%26#8217;s Chocolate Cupcakes with Peppermint Icing from Robert Rothschild Farm ($9) or the Christmas Tree Dipped Cookie Kit by In The Mix ($11), all at Central Market. Decorate them with Crate %26amp; Barrel%26#8217;s Holiday Sanding Sugars/Decoratifs sweet set ($6, at Crate %26amp; Barrel). For the more adventurous, play Frank Lloyd Wright and bake your own Gingerhaus gingerbread house kit %26#8212; complete with blueprints for a structurally sound abode ($25, at Rice Epicurean Markets). Or go the ready-to-assemble route with Cobblestone Kitchen%26#8217;s Gingerbread House Kit with tons of candy and easy-to-mix-up royal icing ($16.50, at Central Market).

Now we know how those Scandinavians keep toasty through the chilly winter months: with Gl%26#246;gg, a festive, warm beverage spiced with cinnamon, cloves, cardamom and citrus. Try Grandpa Lundquist%26#8217;s version ($9, at Rice Epicurean Markets). It%26#8217;s a Hiball of a different sort %26#8212; this version is a 10-calorie, no-sugar, sparkling energy water with ginseng and B vitamins that will put the spring back in granny%26#8217;s step ($2), while Mash is water with a soda look, in flavors such as Lemon Peel Ginger Root and Grapefruit Citrus Zing ($2 each, all at Central Market, Spec%26#8217;s). Grandpa gussies up his gin with Fentiman%26#8217;s traditional tonic water fermented with herbal extracts and botanicals ($2, at Central Market, Spec%26#8217;s). Need something stronger? Hudson Ferus is a new American vodka made by two Texans with fresh Sierra Mountain water and distilled from corn ($17). Or maybe Granny %26#8212; or you %26#8212; could use a tequila shot. Milagro%26#8217;s limited-edition Silver Select Barrel Reserve goes down so smooth ($70). Or nurse a classic Grand Marnier Cordon Rouge ($50). The latter three at Spec%26#8217;s.

Indulge your hosts with delicious tokens of appreciation. Crate %26amp; Barrel%26#8217;s Sea Salt Caramels dipped in chocolate are even certified kosher ($20, at Crate %26amp; Barrel). Or try The Caramel Candy Co.%26#8217;s Pecan Caramel candies, made in small batches in Chappell Hill, Texas ($20 to $60, at Rice Epicurean Markets). Maybe she prefers dark chocolate? Who can turn away }the Barefoot Contessa%26#8217;s new Dark Chocolate Toffee ($15) and French bark ($17), both at stonewallkitchen.com? Splurge on something they might not treat themselves to: an exquisite 12-year-old balsamic vinegar from Modena, Italy ($30), paired with Marca Verde il Classico Extra-Virgin Olive Oil ($10), both at Sur La Table. Sorelle Nurzia%26#8217;s Panettone is a traditional Italian fruit-studded bread that%26#8217;s perfect for breakfast; try making French toast with it, too ($25, at Central Market).

Boil up some shrimp %26#8212; the easiest hors d%26#8217;oeuvre ever %26#8212; and put out Stonewall%26#8217;s new Lemon Dill or Tequila Lime Cocktail Sauce ($5).%26nbsp;Cradle a bit of p%26#226;t%26#233; or perhaps a dollop of gruy%26#232;re fondue in Chef Laurent%26#8217;s pastry spoons ($14). Craving something crisp and salty before dinner? Houston-made Uncle Shucker%26#8217;s Spicy Ranch Snack Crackers do the trick ($6, at Rice Epicurean Markets). Mary%26#8217;s Gone Crackers Sticks %26amp; Twigs are healthy, crunchy snacks made without wheat or gluten ($4.50), while Pop Chips take air-popped corn and form it into a dip-worthy chip ($3). Potato chips and onion rings don%26#8217;t have to be ordinary with Alexia%26#8217;s Waffle Fries and Onion Strips ($2.50 each). It%26#8217;s a Southern thing: We love those cheesy, savory, shortbread-like bites. Slice and bake your own fresh from the freezer with Mamie%26#8217;s Famous Cheese Wafers, made in Mobile ($9, at Rice Epicurean Markets). Holland%26#8217;s Beemster is aged 18 months for a complex depth of flavor ($14 a pound). Mourning the ban on imported raw-milk Vacherin? L%26#8217;Edel De Cleron, a pasteurized version, can fill the void ($21 a pound). This Vermont-made Grafton Village Cheddar is aged up to a whopping four years and gives you a whole new take on cheddar cheese ($19 a pound). It would be apropos to pair them with Earth %26amp; Vine%26#8217;s Provisions Apricot Chili Pepper Jam ($6, at Rice Epicurean Markets), Stonewall Kitchen%26#8217;s Apple Cranberry Chutney ($5) or Ficoco All Natural Fig and Cocoa Spread ($7). All at Central Market unless otherwise indicated.
Anyone charged with the task of cooking the holiday bird should consider shortcutting the work with Urban Accents Gourmet Gobbler Kit ($14). Step one, ensure that your bird doesn%26#8217;t dry out by presoaking it in a spiced salt brine; the next day, rinse and rub with olive oil and this smoky peppercorn rub. Easy, we promise. Serve with New England Cranberry%26#8217;s Cranberry Chutney ($7) or Texas Sweet Creations%26#8217; Cranberry Pineapple Pecan Relish ($5), all at Central Market. Or wow them with an impressive Niman Ranch crown roast of pork ($180 to $300, at williams-sonoma.com). Granny gave up canning peaches ages ago, but folksy Amish Wedding, an Ohio producer of old-fashioned jarred foodstuffs, hasn%26#8217;t ($8, at Rice Epicurean Markets). God bless granny, but she has nothing on Callie%26#8217;s Charleston Biscuits in buttermilk, ham, cheese and chive ($16, at Rice Epicurean Markets). Who can pass up mac n%26#8217; cheese? Better than boxed, these four come packed in heat-and-serve ramekins ($37, at williams-sonoma.com). Dessert%26#8217;s easy with La Donatella%26#8217;s imported tiramisu from Italy ($15, at Central Market). No assembly required %26#8212; simply plate and defrost straight from the freezer. Perhaps it%26#8217;s pie you crave? Bake one with Country Living%26#8217;s Classic Pumpkin Pie or County Fair Pecan Pie in a Jar ($12.50 each) with CL%26#8217;s flaky piecrust mix beneath ($10), both at Rice Epicurean Markets.

Let the grandparents sleep in; you%26#8217;re making everyone Daddy Cakes pancakes for breakfast ($11) or the Austin fave, Kerbey Lane Caf%26#233;%26#8217;s Gingerbread Pancake Mix ($6, at kerbylanecafe.com). Barefoot Contessa%26#8217;s Foolproof Popover mix ($5) is a cinch to make and bake. And popovers are especially yummy paired with Harvest Song%26#8217;s artisanal Wild Strawberry Preserves ($7). Or whip up some Merry Eggnog Muffins by Sticky Fingers Bakeries ($5). While granny likes a watered-down supermarket brew, we prefer a jolt of something stronger. Mokk%26#8230;a ($7.50) is one of the few good pre-ground dark roasts that aren%26#8217;t over-roasted. Forgoing coffee? Try Revolution%26#8217;s antioxidant rich Acai Green Tea ($5). Grandmother%26#8217;s remedy for nearly everything: honey. Cure all with a spoonful of The Hamptons Honey Company%26#8217;s raw and unfiltered Creamed Spring Blossom Honey in your tea. ($11). All at Central Market unless otherwise indicated.

Restaurant Buzz

Tue, 01 Dec 2009 03:59:49 GMT

Michelin-starred French chef Albert Roux will personally host a six-course Robert Mondavi tasting dinner ($100 per person) on Saturday, December 12, at his restaurant Chez Roux at La Torretta Del Lago. Reservations 936.448.3010 %26#8230; Have you promised to ring in the New Year by eating more healthfully? Then consider the recently launched Armandos Food For Life for breakfast, lunch and dinner. This Tex-Mex-flavored healthful fare %26#8212; no, that%26#8217;s not an oxymoron %26#8212;%26nbsp;is available for pick-up or delivery at armandosfoodforlife.com %26#8230; Houston is home to a new Tex-Mex concept, Ruby Tequila%26#8217;s Mexican Kitchen. This Amarillo-style restaurant banishes microwaves, freezers and can openers from the kitchen in order to create fresh food made from scratch daily %26#8212; much of it over a mesquite-fired grill. Open now in Midtown and Willowbrook %26#8230; Ooh La La Dessert Boutique has expanded to a second location in Katy. Rumor has it that their next expansion (date unknown) will be to Houston, so we can partake in the signature jumbo cupcakes, cheesecakes, cakes, pies and cookies made by pastry chef/owner Vanessa O%26#8217;Donnell closer to home %26#8230; Quattro, the Italian-inspired restaurant downtown in the Four Seasons Hotel, is taking a casual approach to dining after dark. Gone are the formal white tablecloths, servers in neckties and smooth jazz musak; instead, you%26#8217;ll find bare, dark-wood-surfaced tables, black-on-black uniforms and Hotel Costes lounge music. And did we mention the enoteca dinner menu? Aside from the traditional menu, Quattro now offers small sharing plates, none priced over $9, with more than 50 (mostly Italian) wines by the glass %26#8230; Also downtown, Jerrell Powers has opened Byrd%26#8217;s Market %26amp; Cafe in the Historic District. The neighborhood gourmet grocer will feature artisan breads, wines, specialty food products, as well as the everyday basics, plus a chef-driven cafe and catering services (care of chef Marlies Wasterval) %26#8230; Hearsay, a new two-story %26#8220;gastro-lounge%26#8221; at the edge of downtown in the city%26#8217;s second oldest building, has opened. Created by Houston Landmark Hospitality Group (with several concepts in development), its bar is manned by Scotch whiskey expert/mixologist Britton Douglass, while the kitchen is headed by chef Pedro Silva, who mans the range at Grille 5115 at Saks Fifth Avenue by day %26#8230; Want to start a conversation %26#8212; or maybe a knock-down, drag-out fight? Pick up a copy of the Fearless Critic Houston Restaurant Guide 2010 ($15.95). We%26#8217;ll leave it up to you to decide if these opinioned write-ups (by part-time bloggers and the like) are gospel or if the info makes a better, albeit weighty restaurant directory %26#8230; Next year, the Greater Houston Convention %26amp; Visitors Bureau is coordinating culinary tours of the city led by chefs Bryan Caswell, Randy Evans, Monica Pope and Chris Shepherd. The five-hour excursions ($180 per person; limited to 15 attendees each) will take foodies to off-the-beaten-path favorites. The first one takes place Sunday, March 14, with a taste of Southeast Asia, as chefs Caswell and Pope venture to Kasra Persian Grill, Balaji Bawan, Sinh Sinh and Kim Tai. Reservations 713.520.1937; visithoustontexas.com. Laurann Claridge

Charmed By This Pair

Mon, 30 Nov 2009 09:49:26 GMT

Two new friends, Deirdre Heekin and Caleb Barber, are, respectively, a very knowledgeable wine director and a chef %26#8212; and Heekin, it comes to pass, is quite the wordsmith. I first met these two in Woodstock, Vermont, one summer as they tended their celebrated bo%26#238;te, Osteria Pane e Salute, located in a charming second-story space that seats just 22 patrons, four nights a week. Both will be in Houston this month for a whirlwind of book signings and cooking engagements. Pick up their sensual and charming books, In Late Winter We Ate Pears: A Year of Hunger and Love and Libation: A Bitter Alchemy (Chelsea Green Publishing), at Brazos Bookstore; book signing Saturday, December 5, 3 to 5 pm. On Tuesday, December 1, Heekin and Barber are featured chefs at the opening of Canopy restaurant at 7 pm ($175 per person, benefitting Recipe for Success; reservations 713.520.0443; recipe4success.org). And finally, Libation is celebrated at a five-course dinner paired with drinks at T%26#8217;Afia on Friday, December 4; reservations tafia.com. Holly Moore