Downtown Magazine- Winter 2014 by DowntownHouston

downtown WINTER 2014-15

CONNECTING YOU TO THE CENTER OF HOUSTON

downtown

LOVING WHERE YOU WORK

WINTER 2014-15

OLD SCHOOL FOOD, DRINKS + A SHOW

THE NUTCRACKER 42 YEARS YOUNG

10 Q + A HDA BOARD CHAIRMAN PERRYN L E E C H B R I N G S H I S E X P E R T I S E TO T H E H O U S TO N T H E AT E R D I S T R I C T

40 BESOTTED W E'R E S W O O N I N G O V E R T H E H O N E YM O O N F O R C O F F E E, DRINKS + NIBBLES

45 FIND IT D I S C O V E R T H E P E R F E C T S H O W, E V E N T, P E R F O R M A N C E I N D AT E B O O K

GreenStreet FOOD

FASHION

urban linear park destination for premier shopping, dining, entertainment and events

25,000

ENTERTAINMENT

2 great stops for all your holiday fashion needsâ&#x20AC;&#x201D; BCBGMAXAZRIA & Forever 21

EVENTS

SOCIAL HOUR

260

new Zipcars in the GreenStreet parking garage

bikes checked out from the Main Street B-cycle station every month

50 fresh ingredients to choose from at Salata, opening in the New Year

lights will be installed for the holidays

HOLIDAY HAPPENINGS: Rockets Viewing Party presented by BudLight

unique venues to host your holiday get-togethers

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dynamic green space, The Lawn, featuring yearround events

concerts & events each year at House of Blues

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blocks from Discovery Green, George R. Brown & Toyota Center

room luxury hotel, Hotel Alessandra, slated to debut in Fall 2016

GREENSTREET greenstreetdowntown.com

December 5, 7PM Join Clutch and the Rockets Power Dancers as they watch the Houston Rockets take on the Minnesota Timberwolves on a 32ft screen.

Coffeehouse Christmas December 11, 5-9PM Get cozy on The Lawn as we celebrate the holidays with live music, sweet treats, warm drinks, a Julie Beth Handbag Trunk show & more. Visit greenstreetdowntown.com for more details.

INSIDE.

WINTER 2014-15 VOL. 7, NO.2

Hiring Hotbed / p. 19

SCAN downtown Managing Editor/ Creative Director Angie Bertinot, Downtown District Copy Editor Barbara Linkin Mendel, Mendel Creative Solutions Design ph Design Shop

12 BACK IN TIME

Photography Katya Horner, Slight Clutter Photography

Prohibition, Downtown’s new supper club, is beautifully reimagining a time long past. Housed in a luxuriously gorgeous space in the Historic District, Prohibition serves up an impressive chef-driven menu with handcrafted cocktails and an entertaining side of burlesque. BY AMBER AMBROSE

Contributing Writers Amber Ambrose, Holly Beretto, Toni Capra, Sandra Cook, Melissa Fitzgerald, Nicole Marin, Barbara Mendel

19 HOT COMPANIES

Advertising Information Angie Bertinot, 713.650.3022/ angie@downtowndistrict.org

Houston’s job market is white hot, and nowhere is that more obvious than Downtown, which offers young talent a dynamic neighborhood in which they can live, work and play. BY SANDRA COOK

28 MAKING MAGIC

Questions or comments? Drop us a line at dtmagazine@downtowndistrict.org

Downtown magazine is published quarterly and is free of charge. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reprinted or otherwise reproduced without written permission from the publisher. Downtown District, 909 Fannin, Suite 1650, Houston, Texas 77010.

More than 1 million people have seen The Nutcracker since Houston Ballet first brought it to life in 1972. And yet each year the company manages to keep the classic production fresh while remaining true to the story that has captivated generations of boys and girls alike. BY HOLLY BERETTO

PUBLISHERS’ NOTE

Published by:

NEWS + NOTES Updates on exciting streetscape projects for Main and Dallas, a new residential option for Downtown dwellers, and what’s new on Buffalo Bayou.

BACKSTAGE

Holiday favorites and hot new shows take to the stage this season in the Downtown Theater District. And meet Perryn Leech, who shares his vision as the new chair for the Houston Downtown Alliance. BY MELISSA FITZGERALD

Downtown development is reaching a critical mass with 20 new projects under construction and another 20 likely to come online in 2015.

close-up look at one of the city’s hottest new spots for coffee, drinks, bites and more – The Honeymoon.

AND TONI CAPRA

PLATE/SIP Our comprehensive listing of everything scrumptious in Downtown Houston and a

DATEBOOK Theater, concerts, tours, festivals, special events and much more.

DESTINATION DOWNTOWN MAP

PUBLISHERS’ NOTE

Full steam ahead Deadlines. We live by the clock and the calendar. Making sure that critical presentation is ready for the big meeting or the hotel reservation secured in time for a long-anticipated visit or vacation. Sometimes we can push that project, that presentation, that vacation off. And sometimes there’s just no ignoring the calendar. Like when you’re hosting a giant party – the Super Bowl of parties, you might say. Happily, Houston is well on its way when it comes to preparations HAPPILY, HOUSTON for the 2017 Super Bowl (and the IS WELL ON ITS WAY Final Four in 2016). We are WHEN IT COMES TO experiencing an unprecedented number of projects under PREPARATIONS FOR construction this year and expect THE 2017 SUPER BOWL to see nearly two dozen more added to the roster in the (AND THE FINAL FOUR upcoming year. Time is of the IN 2016) essence when it comes to having our house in order for our guests, but we are supremely confident that we will be more than ready for the thousands of visitors each event will bring to Downtown. Houstonians always rise to these types of challenges, and Downtown has changed dramatically since the last time we hosted a Super Bowl in 2004. While the event was a success, today we have even more hotel rooms, better public transportation options and welldeveloped entertainment venues in place with plenty more to come online in the next two years. We’ve always got all the details, so for a quick update on just a few of these projects, check out our News + Notes on page 4. And for an in-depth look at Prohibition, one of Downtown’s most exciting new nightlife venues, turn to page 12. We’ve also got our extensive calendar of events and activities in datebook on page 45 and our comprehensive listing of eateries in plate on page 38. Of course, be sure to visit us online at downtownhouston.org, where we always keep you up to date on the latest when it comes to our city’s center. And let us know what you think about downtown. We’re more than happy to take your comments and suggestions.

Bob Eury

Angie Bertinot

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR DOWNTOWN DISTRICT

DIRECTOR OF MARKETING DOWNTOWN DISTRICT

ON THE COVER This is how you store tutus! A huge thank you to Houston Ballet for allowing us a behind-thescenes look at their biggest show of the year The Nutcracker. The Houston Ballet Center for Dance is a beehive of activity this time of year with rehearsals and costume fittings for the14 different casts performing the ballet's 35 public performances.

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news

Nearly two dozen development projects are complete, nearing completion or well underway Downtown. It’s a dynamic time for Houston and if you live, work or play Downtown, you’ve got a front-row seat!

notes 1

DOWN ON THE BAYOU buffalobayou.org

The more than $50 million transformation of Buffalo Bayou Park is steaming along. In January the dog park at Allen Parkway and Montrose will open. Two new ponds, one for small and one for large dogs, are canopied

naucenter.org

by leafy trees while shade pavilions will provide relief for pet parents. The dog park is just a small part of the massive construction project, which includes restoration of natural landscapes; new and upgraded trails for walkers

and hikers; two pedestrian bridges; extension of the blue lunar cycle lighting and the creation of destination features such as The Water Works and The Dunlavy overlooking the banks of the bayou and Lost Lake.

4 A N E W FAC E

3 EMBRACING HISTORY Houston’s story will come to life at the new Nau Center for Texas Cultural Heritage, which broke ground in November. Located between the George R. Brown Convention Center, Discovery Green and Minute Maid Park, the Nau Center will serve as both a cultural museum and a visitor’s center. In addition to the main building, the center will house the historic Foley house and Southern Pacific steam engine 982 – both of which will be rehabilitated. An information center, hospitality room, gift shop and gallery, exhibition and event space round out the plans.

Two new major street projects will completely change the pedestrian experience in the heart of Downtown. The Downtown Redevelopment Authority and Downtown District are set to begin work on both this January. The first project will focus on enhancements along Main Street from Commerce to Pierce. The 19 blocks of improvements will include new lighting, landscaping and wayfinding, as well as pavement and sidewalk improvements. The Dallas Street project will be more significant, creating a pedestrian-friendly experience from Milam to Crawford, with widened walkways on both sides of the street. The walkways will feature dense street trees, landscaping and signature lighting. While the street is under construction, sewer and water line improvements will also be made to better support the increased development in the area. Both projects are scheduled to be complete by February 2016. downtownhouston.org

2 H E’S B AC K!

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Houston real estate developer Randall Davis is making a big splash with his new residential project. Davis, who plans to build Downtown’s first condominium in more than a decade, received a Downtown Living Initiative incentive from the City of Houston and the Houston Downtown Management District. Marlowe will be located at the corner of Caroline and Polk.

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The 20-story hi-rise condominium will have 100 one-bedroom to three-bedroom residences, ranging in size from 909 to 2500 square feet. As the driving force behind a number of early Downtown revitalization projects, including Hogg Palace, Rice Lofts, Dakota Lofts and the St. Germain, Davis is meetmarlowe.com known for generating buzz.

THANKS FOR A GREAT FIRST YEAR! The Westin Houston Downtown is celebrating its first anniversary with a special offer for weekend and holiday stays through the end of the year. Book your Westin experience now and receive: • 1,000 bonus Starpoints® • Complimentary Wi-Fi in your guestroom • Complimentary valet parking

VISIT WESTINHOUSTONDOWNTOWN.COM OR CALL 866.716.8108 AND MENTION RATE PLAN ‘ONEYEAR’ TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THIS OFFER.

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

B A C K S TA G E .

PHOTO BY ROBERT WORKMAN

BY MELISSA FITZGERALD

Houston Grand Opera's The Magic Flute

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2014-15

WINTER

ALLEY THEATRE

PHOTO BY MSG ENTERTAINMENT

The Alley Theatre’s holiday family favorite, A Christmas Carol - A Ghost Story of Christmas, returns through Dec. 24. Join literature’s famed grumpy miser, Ebenezer Scrooge, for a Christmas Eve adventure of reﬂection, projection and lessons on the supreme power of love. This tale of redemption and the spirit of the holiday season will fill you to the brim with laughter, Christmas cheer and perhaps some personal reﬂection of your own. The classic tales continue with Shakespeare’s romantic comedy, As You Like It, Feb. 4-22. “All the world’s a stage” in this masterpiece of romance and mistaken identity. Post banishment from their home, Rosalind and Orlando embark on independent journeys through the Forest of Arden in this delightful story of friendship, family and love.

with its hilarious tale of overseas adventure and self-discovery. The nine-time Tony Award-winning show, written by the creators of South Park, follows two young Mormon missionaries as they complete their rite of passage expedition in northern Uganda. Broadway at the Hobby Center presents this sidesplitting and heart-warming tale, Jan. 20-Feb. 8. Theatre Under The Stars presents the world premiere of Waiting for Johnny Depp, Jan. 20-Feb. 1. This one-woman musical follows aspiring New York actress Rita Donatella in her zany pursuit to land the role of a lifetime alongside Johnny Depp. Join this spirited and heartfelt journey of longing, hope and realization that sometimes life is what happens when you’re busy making other plans. The winter season continues with six-time Tony Award-winning Broadway musical, Kinky Boots. Lift your spirits to new high-heeled heights in this story of a struggling shoe factory worker and fabulous entertainer in need of some sturdy stilettos. The seemingly opposite duo put their judgment aside, join forces and change their whole world. Catch this sensational show inspired by true events, Feb. 10-22. JONES HALL

The Radio City Christmas Spectacular starring the Rockettes HOBBY CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS

Get your toes tapping and resist the urge to high kick during the triumphant return of The Radio City Christmas Spectacular Starring the Rockettes, co-presented by Theatre Under The Stars and Broadway at the Hobby Center. Expect brand-new scenes, sets and costumes, the addition of five numbers from the eye-high-kicking Rockettes, and an unforgettable new finale. Tour New York City on a life-size, double-decker tour bus as a 50-foot LED screen enhances the show with breath-taking imagery. Iconic scenes are enriched, making the experience simultaneously familiar and fresh. Don’t miss the most spectacular Christmas ever imagined, Dec. 5-28. Acclaimed as “the best musical of this century” by the New York Times, The Book of Mormon, returns to Houston

Get a taste of New Orleans when the Preservation Hall Jazz Band presents A Creole Christmas for its Houston debut with the Society for the Performing Arts. This ensemble leaves their French Quarter home just long enough to spread some Christmas cheer in a performance more likely to feel like a party than a concert. Geux kick off your holiday season with this fete on Dec. 5. Join SPA on Jan. 9 for an evening of continuous movement. Diavolo – Architecture in Motion features dancers, gymnasts, athletes, and actors exploring the space between

PHOTO BY MIKE MCCORMICK

s temperatures lower outside, the Theater District heats up with a packed winter season sure to keep your toes toasty from all that rhythmic tapping. Classic holiday favorites return and world premieres abound this winter. For a complete listing of performances, visit houstontheaterdistrict.org.

Alley Theatre's A Christmas Carol - A Ghost Story of Christmas winter winter2014-15 2014

The Houston Symphony

PHOTO BY ANTHONY RATHBUN

WORTHAM THEATER CENTER

Kinky Boots, Feb 10-22

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Journey with Clara and the Nutcracker Prince to the Land of Snow and Kingdom of Sweets in Houston Ballet’s, The Nutcracker. Delight in the dancing dolls, Mother Ginger, lavish sets, a giant Christmas tree and the sounds of Tchaikovsky’s iconic score. See the Sugar Plum fairy grace the stage through Dec. 28. The annual Jubilee of Dance showcase on Dec. 5 features a fast-paced tour of programs past and future. Evening highlights include a special guest appearance by principal ballerina Julie Kent of American Ballet Theatre and a tribute to Kelly Myernick, who is retiring after 14 years with the company. Aptly timed weeks after Valentine’s Day, fall head over heels with Romeo and Juliet Feb. 26-March 8. Set to Prokofiev’s breathtaking score, Stanton Welch’s classic production tells the touching tale of star-crossed lovers, featuring grand sets, stunning costumes and achingly beautiful dance. Houston Grand Opera joins in the holiday festivity with their world premiere of A Christmas Carol, running Dec. 5–21. The spellbinding chamber opera is a one-man tour de force in the intimate Cullen Theater, offering a unique telling of the classic tale. The new year brings themes of loss and love in Puccini’s beloved opera Madame Butterfly

PHOTO BY MATTHEW MURPHY

Nozomi Iijima, Christopher Gray and artists of Houston Ballet.

PHOTO BY AMITAVA SARKAR

imagination and reality. Artistic Director Jacques Heim, who has choreographed for Cirque du Soleil, reinvents dance, reimagines theater and redefines thrills with surrealistic abstract narratives. Buddy – The Buddy Holly Story, is an unforgettable musical account of the true story of Buddy Holly’s meteoric rise to fame. Enjoy Holly favorites, Peggy Sue, Oh Boy, That’ll Be the Day and more. Catch one of three performances Feb. 6-7. No holiday would be complete without fan favorite conductor, Michael Krajewski, a decked-out Jones Hall and the music of Very Merry Pops. This family night features traditional standards like Winter Wonderland, Sleigh Ride, and Little Drummer Boy. Get your hot chocolate ready because this show’s Dec.12-14 run means Christmas is just around the corner. The Houston Symphony orchestra teams up with Tony Award-winning performer Sutton Foster for a night of powerhouse song and dance. Sing along to hits such as Gimme Gimme and Anything Goes Jan. 30-Feb. 1. Legendary violinist Itzhak Perlman proves his multi-faceted talent in Perlman Plays & Conducts, Feb. 12–15. Since his rise to fame as a child prodigy, the violinist has performed all over the world. Expect masterfully performed pieces from Bach, Weber and Schubert.

DOWNTOWNHOUSTON.ORG

The Book of Mormon

returns to the Hobby Center

PHOTO BY JOAN MARCUS

Season Sponsor

Jan. 23-Feb. 8. The mesmerizing story of a young Japanese girl who sacrifices everything for a U.S. Navy lieutenant is infused with atmospheric Eastern motifs and passionate declarations of devotion. Period costumes, Egyptian inﬂuences and dancing bears are all elements of the visually and aurally stunning fairytale, The Magic Flute, which runs Jan. 30-Feb. 15. The resplendent visuals are matched with some of the most beautiful music ever written. Mozart’s profound understanding of humanity is supremely evident in his last opera and clearly illustrates the genius that set him apart from many of his rivals. Society for the Performing Arts brings virtuosic and stylish violinist Amadéus Leopold to the stage for one night only on Jan. 23. Formally known as Hahn-Bin, the head-turning musician changed his American name to pay homage to his musical heroes: Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and Leopold Auer. With a reputation for incredible skill and eccentric appearance, Leopold will dazzle you with his unconventional presentations of classical and postmodern music. Chilean singer and songwriter Claudia Acuña brings her beautiful and angelic voice to the Wortham stage with Da Camera of Houston. Equally graceful in both Spanish and English, Acuña is hailed as having one of the most compelThe Romeros Guitar Quartet ling voices in jazz. Catch her on stage Dec. 6. The Romeros Guitar Quartet charms audiences Jan. 24 with works from Vivaldi, Boccherini, de Falla and more. Known to millions as The Royal Family of the Guitar, the Romeros invented the guitar quartet in 1960 and have carried on the familial tradition, making them unmatched in the world of classical guitar. The world premiere commission by Da Camera, Jason Moran: The Rauschenberg Project, debuts Feb. 7. Daring pianist, composer and native Houstonian, Moran returns to Houston with his multimedia exploration of the visual art of Robert Rauschenberg expressed through the sounds of jazz.

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ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT: P R O F I L E

Q&A WITH PERRYN LEECH

HDA BOARD CHAIRMAN BY TONI CAPRA

he Houston Downtown Alliance is thrilled to announce the appointment of its new chairman of the board of directors, Perryn Leech. Perryn has just begun his eighth season at Houston Grand Opera and his fourth as the company’s managing director. He is originally from Brighton, England and is a graduate of Mountview Theater School. During his 30-year career, Perryn has worked with all of the UK’s major opera companies and many other arts festivals in the UK and Europe, including Welsh National Opera, English National Opera, English Touring Opera and Edinburgh International Festival. This breadth of experience provides a wonderful point of view for furthering the efforts of the Theater District and for creating the destination for those who live, work and visit Downtown Houston. CONGRATUL ATIONS ON BEING ELECTED THE CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD OF THE HOUSTON DOWNTOWN ALLIANCE. WHAT IS THE MISSION AND PLEASE TELL US A LIT TLE BIT ABOUT THE GOALS THE BOARD HAS SET FOR THE ORGANIZATION THIS YEAR.

The organization that has been called the Houston Downtown Alliance will transition into the Houston Theater District, and our aim is to focus more clearly on the amazing performing arts companies that occupy the Downtown Theater District. Downtown is poised for significant growth with additional residential and retail facilities coming in the next few years - we need to do a better job of spreading the word that this is the place to hang out and to be thrilled by live performance. IN YOUR DAY JOB, YOU ARE THE MANAGING DIRECTOR OF HOUSTON GRAND OPERA (HGO). HGO IS ONE OF THE L ARGEST PERFORMING ARTS ORGANIZATIONS IN HOUSTON. WHAT ROLE DO YOU FEEL HGO PL AYS IN PROVIDING AN IMPORTANT RESOURCE TO THE CIT Y OF HOUSTON?

HGO is an opera company for the whole City of Houston and our goal is to engage both within the Theater District and across the entire city and surrounding areas. Corporations from all industries are trying to attract the very brightest and best creative people to work in Houston. When you are trying to attract employees who have the option to go anywhere in the world to work, cultural resources like HGO are a major draw that hopefully will help them choose Houston as their home. YOU ARE ORIGINALLY FROM LONDON AND HAVE WORKED WITH MANY OF THE MA JOR OPERA COMPANIES IN THE UK. THIS IS

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THE BEGINNING OF YOUR EIGHTH SEASON IN HOUSTON – WHAT IS THE MOST SIGNIFICANT DIFFERENCE ABOUT THE ARTS HERE THAN BACK HOME?

Money, money, money! In Europe there is a level of state funding provided for arts groups, which allowed a security of future planning that made building a company less reliant on luck and good will. In the U.S. the lack of base level support does make it a little more hair-raising! However, in the eight years much of that has changed – the European governments are finding it harder to continue supporting the arts and they are now looking at the U.S. model of philanthropy to try and make up the shortfall. They are many years behind, however, and the tax breaks are nowhere near as beneficial; it will take a long time to reach significant levels. THE THEATER DISTRICT IS ALSO ABOUT TO HAVE ITS OWN STOP ON THE METRO RAIL LINE. WHAT PL ANS ARE IN PL ACE TO CAPITALIZE ON THIS ADDITIONAL ACCESSIBILIT Y FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS VENUES DOWNTOWN?

The METRO extension is very exciting, and to see the Theater District rail stop emerging from the construction is a great thrill. It is part of the changing nature of Downtown travel. There is a much improved bus service, Uber and other vehicle-for-hire services, a new bikeshare program, the Buffalo Bayou trails, Zipcars; and although the car is still king for now, I believe the infrastructure will continue to evolve. The number of residential properties that are being built within Downtown will also add significantly to the foot traffic in the area. HOW CAN VISITORS TO HOUSTON FIND OUT ABOUT THEATER DISTRICT PERFORMANCES THAT MIGHT BE ON WHEN THEY ARE IN TOWN?

The Downtown website has a weekly updated calendar of everything that is in, and that is always a good place to start. HOW CAN HOUSTONIANS BECOME MORE INVOLVED IN FURTHERING THE ARTS IN HOUSTON?

Houstonians are not known for being shy about things and they can help by being vocal about the significance of the arts in their lives. No matter which art form you think that you like the best, try out something different and bring a friend with you. Spoil yourself by coming early to eat out, attend a live theatrical event, and then give yourself time to talk about it after and avoid the post-performance traffic. There really is such diversity in the arts offerings in the Theater District. If you like musicals then try a popular opera, if you like ballet then keep an eye out for the dance groups that SPA is bringing to Houston. See classic drama and new writing and allow yourself to take a risk at seeing something new – you never know when it will surprise you. Over the course of the season there is something for everyone – from age 3 to 103!

WE’LL BRING THE SPREAD. YOU SPREAD THE JOY. When planning your next event, make everyone happy by choosing catering and hosting services from many of your favorite Shops restaurants. Whether it’s an office party or family gathering, The Shops will help make your event a success.

d’lish catering • Massa’s Seafood Grill • Treebeards Otto’s Barbecue & Hamburgers • Tejas Grill & Sports Bar 1200 McKinney St., Houston, TX 77010 • ShopsatHC.com

Prohibition Supper Club and Bar FEELS RIGHT AT HOME IN DOWNTOWN

BY AMBER AMBROSE

hen one door closed rather abruptly for Prohibition, another two serendipitously opened. The speakeasy cocktail bar and restaurant once housed in The Galleria closed last year (due to Galleria construction and expansion), but the perfect space was waiting at 1008 Prairie Street — just shy of the Theater District — in Downtown’s Historic District. Channeling an era of luxury, extravagance and entertainment, Prohibition’s new home is divided into two sections. One for lunch, dinner and drinks, another for dinner, drinks and a show.

“What’s different about this space [from the Galleria location], is that we have a clear separation from the bar area and the show,” says managing partner and coowner Anh Mai. “Now, people can come enjoy a night at Prohibition, wining and dining, with or without the show.” The front is the 90-seat bar and restaurant with a massive art deco-themed mirrored wall and wooden bar with hand-picked ornate details and moldings, while the front wall is lined with whimsical purple dome chairs that could just as easily have been spotted on a movie set for Alice in Wonderland. Setting it all off is a charming pattern of black and white floor tiles inspired by the 1932 movie Grand Hotel. “My business partner Lian [Pham] and I basically designed everything ourselves,” says Mai. “It’s not because we are designers. It’s because we have limited resources. We had to think outside the box and utilize the people we have. It was a

collaborative effort.” The second part of Prohibition’s Downtown location was resurrecting the Isis Theater, which was built in 1912 and is one of Houston’s first silent film houses. Mai and Pham took inspiration from the building’s history, and as Mai puts it, “decided to respect what had already been done to the space over the years,” reusing or repurposing many existing elements. “We came in here and looked at what was already designed,” says Mai. “For instance, we tried changing the wall color and then we realized that the designers had chosen that color because it blended with the existing brick. The plaster and the faces on the wall [sculptures] are also mostly original.” The dual-level, cavernous dinner theater sports a serpentine staircase near the keyhole entryway that leads to a balcony with table seating with an overall look inspired by 1920s-built

PROHIBITION’S EXECUTIVE TEAM, LEFT TO RIGHT Grace Salinas (manager, Moonlight Dolls), Matt Wommack (sous chef), Lainey Collum (beverage manager), Ben McPherson ( corporate chef), Anh Mai (owner), Lian Pham (owner), Shaif Al-Min (general manager) Not pictured: Robby Rodriguez (manager)

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Long Island, NY mansion, Oheka Castle and its Great Gatsby-like grandiosity. A wrought-iron railing wraps around the upper level, allowing for easier viewing of the stage, with a massive chandelier hovering front and center above the entire high-ceilinged room. High-backed booths line the walls on the ground level with tables and chairs filling in the remaining space with a capacity of 130 dinner guests or 200 in the case of private events. The stage — which was a perfect fit — is sandwiched between huge Greek columns on each side and provides ample room for burlesque troupe the Moonlight Dolls to strut their stuff and store their props, while an adjoining balcony gives musicians an area to perform a live soundtrack for their shows. The acclaimed dancers perform six shows a week at Prohibition Thursdays through Saturdays. Each performance is paired with a pre-fixe meal for a full supper club experience. Moving locations meant more work, more expense, more risk and more hassles, but it also meant Prohibition

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could evolve into something truly spectacular. Mai says he and Pham had originally planned to duplicate the Prohibition concept, but changed their minds after finding the Downtown location was “so unique.” “There are many advantages of this location over our previous one,” says Mai. “Now that we’ve taken it over, we’re turning it back into a theater of sorts. The history and authenticity are here. I think we got really lucky. It’s like it was meant to be.” The cocktails and food at Prohibition are worthy of the beautiful space they inhabit. Though they only account for one third of the Prohibition trifecta — the other two being the gorgeously appointed, historic space and the one-ofa-kind burlesque performances — they’re destination-worthy in their own right.

LOVELY LIBATIONS

“The big challenge was trying to figure out drinks that match this gorgeous space and the gorgeous ladies of the Moonlight Dolls,” says beverage manager Lainey

Collum. “Not to compete with it, but to coordinate. We have a few different ways we’re doing that.” Among the quaffable offerings at Prohibition are “classic cocktails executed very well,” according to Collum, who doesn’t want anyone to have to wait 10 minutes for a drink. Other than a simple inconvenience, the timing is important since many guests are whisked away to the theater in time to make their supper club reservations. To skirt the timing issue as well as adding a bit of intrigue to the menu, Collum instated a program where drinks like the Manhattan, Old Fashioned, and New Orleans’ classic Vieux Carré are made in bulk and then aged in barrels. The extensive program fills up an entire wall with barrels, all of them harboring some combination of spirits that will evolve in complexity before they’re ready for your glass. Intriguing indeed. Additionally, there will be house cocktails like the “Remember the Alamo,” giving a Texas spin to an old classic.

“It’s a drink reminiscent of something called Remember the Maine,” says Collum. “But instead of being made with rye whiskey, this one is made with tequila. It’s bringing in a bit of that hometown spirit.” And of course, with Prohibition and the surrounding time period being known for its extravagance, Collum made sure to have a “pretty intense bubbles” list in addition to a sophisticated wine program. Popping the bubbly isn’t mandatory, but it is one of the most decadent and appropriate ways to enjoy an over-the-top evening at an over-the-top destination.

DECADENT DINING

Lunch, happy hour, dinner, supper club and catering; it’s a daunting line-up of meals for one kitchen to cover, but Prohibition’s corporate chef

Ben McPherson and sous chef Matt Wommack are up to the task. Aside from extensive research that included traveling to local farms to source ingredients and plenty of test kitchen experiments, McPherson largely drew from his Gulf Coast heritage to create the menu. “We’re doing a full raw bar in the front like you’d see in New England, but with Gulf Coast seafood,” says McPherson. “There are plenty of oysters from this region as well as East Coast cold-water oysters at any given time.” Those oysters come as unadorned or as dressed up as requested, served with a variety of accompaniments like a cucumber mignonette (a vinegar-based sauce), potent cocktail sauce and even seasonal granita (flavored ice) made with local citrus and frozen with the use of liquid nitrogen. Other seafood favorites from the raw bar are a straightforward, but delicious shrimp cocktail with plump,

poached shrimp and crudo (raw or quickcured preparations of fish). Also served in the front portion of Prohibition is an extensive, frequently changing menu for lunch and dinner, both also featuring heavy Gulf Coast influences: gumbo, barbecue oysters and shrimp, fish beignets, shrimp and grits and charcuterie to name a few. “We’ll do things like bring in a whole pig, so we can change it up often to utilize the whole animal,” says McPherson. “Some of our charcuterie is done in-house.” Just because there’s plenty for seafood and meat seekers doesn’t mean the vegetable lovers are left out. There are salads made with local lettuces, salads that eat like a steak, minus the actual steak (try their loaded eponymous Prohibition salad), plus an entire menu section dedicated to veggies. Having an abundance of produce-based dishes makes it even easier to dine familystyle with a group — order one of Prohibition’s platters like the whole fried catfish, grab a few veggie sides and dig in.

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On the other side of the threshold, the supper club will feed up to 130 guests simultaneously and sometimes more for catered, private events. To ensure efficiency as well as quality, the options are limited, but not boring by any means. “We have an a la carte menu in the dining room and a two-tiered menu for the meals in the theater,” says McPherson. “There are nostalgic options

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and decadent options for guests to choose, and of course, vegetarian options with both three-course menus.” Nostalgic is the lighter, less expensive option for the budget-conscious; think shrimp and chicken. The decadent option is exactly what it sounds like, a splurge for special occasions and big nights out on the town, a la steak and lobster. It’s all about giving the guests a choice, but not

at the expense of a memorable meal. Of course, it does help that each meal in the supper club also comes with a side of burlesque, though if McPherson and Wommack continue their hard work, the food at Prohibition will hold its own amidst the performances, the cocktails and the incredible space that surrounds it all.

GETTING ALL DOLLED UP

Houston burlesque troupe Moonlight Dolls are Prohibition’s resident entertainers, and the main draw to the venue’s supper club. Founded in 2011 after the speakeasy opened in their first Galleria location, the Dolls became an integral part of Prohibition’s allencompassing 1920s-era theme. Now armed with a much larger performance space with plenty of historical context, the Moonlight Dolls are in a “venue that’s as amazing as the performers,” according to production manager Grace Salinas.

What you need to know before coming to a show: \1 Each performance comes with dinner.

The fixed-price, three-course meal (with high-end or budget-friendly options) is served as you sit and watch the show. The price covers both your meal and entry to the theater.

There will be two shows a night Thursday through Saturday at 7:30 and 9:30 PM. Reservations are a must.

\3 The shows differ according to the day of the week.

Thursday American Vaudeville means high-flying aerial acts, contortionists, acrobats, ribbon dancing and other circus or variety show-style performances. Friday Provocateur brings the sexy back with an updated interpretation of burlesque, complete with modern lighting effects and contemporary music. Saturday Their original burlesque showcase is a 1920s-themed performance featuring playful strip teases, comedy acts, musical numbers and a high-energy host. “It’s important to know the shows are extremely classy and that it’s a fun experience,” says Salinas. “It’s old school theater that’s feminine and beautiful. We want to create a landmark for the city of Houston. I really think this could be a place that becomes as well known as the Moulin Rouge.”

winter 2014-15

HOT CO. FEATURE

TAKE THIS JOB AND LOVE IT Dynamic Downtown is a hotbed for hiring, offering a landscape that is both livable and workable. P. 19

X Sandra

Cook

ACCORDING TO THE BUREAU OF LABOR STATISTICS THE HOUSTON METROPOLITAN STATISTICAL AREA ADDED 87,500 JOBS FROM JUNE 2013 TO JUNE 2014, WHILE HOUSTON REMAINS ATOP NUMEROUS LISTS OF CITIES WITH GROWING POPULATIONS. MORE THAN 150,000 WORK DOWNTOWN, AND THAT NUMBER IS GROWING AS MAJOR CORPORATIONS AND LOCAL FIRMS STAFF UP TO KEEP PACE WITH THE ECONOMY. AND IT’S NOT JUST ENERGY. OPENINGS ABOUND IN THE FIELDS OF LAW, CONSULTING, DESIGN, FINANCE, HOSPITALITY AND HEALTHCARE.

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“O

bviously, the energy industry is one of the key drivers of the robust economy in Houston,” says Bob Harvey, President and CEO of the Greater Houston Partnership. For more than 100 years oil and gas, along with the extraction and transport of the two have fueled (yes, fueled) Houston’s economy, as well as its population. “It’s extremely fortunate that over the last 20 years, Houston has secured its position as the energy headquarters city for the industry. For those of us who were here in the early ’80s that simply wasn’t the case – as important as energy was back then — we were much less the energy headquarters city than we are today,” says Harvey. “We’ve benefitted from the resurgence of the energy industry, but in the context of this being THE place in the world where decisions are made that impact the industry globally. Harvey highlights the international character of Houston in terms of trade and logistics. “Certainly, the airport with nonstop direct flights around the world, again that is fed and has benefitted from the energy industry and its global nature,” says Harvey. “The availability of global air service has

+ + + + + + + + + KAREN RAND INTERIOR DESIGNER ZIEGLER COOPER

Rand started at Ziegler Cooper in April 2014 after moving from Albuquerque and says she considered jobs in multiple cities. “I never had thought of Houston as a destination, but when I came out for my interview, I thought, ‘Wow, this is actually really cool,’” says Rand. “There is a lot of uniqueness and culture and it wasn’t this big suburban thing that everyone always talks about. You’d think for being the fourth largest city that it would have the attitude and competiveness of other big cities, like New York or LA, but people are so friendly here.”

made it possible for people to realize that Houston is a great place to locate a business, even if it’s not energy related It’s a great place for a business that is global in character. We have also secured our position as the gateway to Latin America. Twenty years ago that was Miami, but today it’s Houston. Another factor is the Port of Houston. With the resurgence of manufacturing in Houston, having a world-class port is increasingly important.”

Houston Dreams Harvey also acknowledges an intangible: success breeds success. “You take the fact that we are growing, the fact that we are attracting young professionals – for energy, for manufacturing and professional services – that creates an effect of other young people coming here for other fields, such as healthcare and technology,” says Harvey.” “Kids graduating from colleges all around the country see Houston as one of those more exciting and dynamic, vibrant, fun places to live and work and to begin a career. “This happened over a period of years, but now our city is perceived as one of those select cities that has young people saying, ‘Hey – I

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want to go Houston.’ ” Harvey notes that the neighborhoods adjacent to Downtown, such as Midtown, Washington Avenue and the Heights, provide additional choices and depth for quality of life every year. “What was once a deficiency has really become a strength, and for the younger generation that matters tremendously,” says Harvey. “Young people make their big decision as much about where to live as which company to work for. My generation likes to say that you just took the job wherever it was, but there’s been a big shift.” “Many, many young people today are drawn to the urban environment,” says Harvey, paraphrasing Alan Ehrenhalt, author of The Great Inversion and The Future of the American City, who spoke at Central Houston’s 2014 Annual Meeting. Ehrenhalt talked about how the millenial generation watched TV shows such as Friends, Sex in the City and Seinfeld from their suburban sofas growing up, but as young adults they want to live the lifestyle they saw in those shows.” GHP’s recent City With No Limits campaign seeks to stomp out any lingering perceptions that Houston is not all that it truly is by inviting residents of the Houston area to show their love for the city. “There are 6.3 million people living in the greater Houston area, and therefore 6.3 million notions of what makes Houston great,” says Harvey. “People find what they want – and every individual is different. You can find it all here.” “Houstonians have to be the ambassadors of the City With No Limits campaign,” says Harvey. “Since we don’t have that one big, iconic bridge or building, we have to show people the whole playbook of what Houston has to offer.”

“People universally say that Houston is an incredibly welcoming and

may think they’re just saying that, but the 10th time you say it or hear told me ‘I’ve lived all over the world, and let me tell you, when I

+ + + + + + + + + TIM TYLER COUNSEL VINSON & ELKINS

Tyler has lived in the Woodland Heights for the last 18 years. “Part of the reason I moved to the neighborhood was because it was close to Downtown,” he said. “Since the summer, I have been experimenting with public transportation, the bike share program and Zipcar. My bus stops are about two blocks from my house and about 100 feet from V&E’s front door. I’ll sometimes ride the share bike to Stude Park. The bike trail from Downtown through the Heights and up Nicholson is now complete; and I am amazed at how much it is used and how pleasant the ride is.”

GHP is also working on an additional marketing effort to attract professional talent. Niloufar Molavi, Vice Chair and Greater Houston Market Managing Partner & US Energy Leader for PricewaterhouseCoopers, is leading the charge for the GHP talent attraction efforts.

With Millenials in Mind Advisory, audit and tax services firm Grant Thornton moved its Houston office to Pennzoil Place in 2012, instituting a major office layout reconfiguration, known as an inversion format. The firm moved from more than 60,000 square feet at Allen Center to a space that is just over 40,000 square feet. The office layout and design were handled by Gensler. “We took all the exterior window offices that the senior staff had occupied previously and moved them to the central core,” says Michael Bennett, managing partner for Grant Thornton’s Houston office. “That inversion of where the senior staff had been situated went along with a fairly drastic reduction in size per office, from about 400 square feet to around 100 square feet. That allowed us to open it up, it allowed us to make use of hoteling.” Hoteling in the workplace refers to employees using workstations on a temporary basis as they are assigned to a specific team or project. “The most senior managers, those employees just below the partners, they get the prime corners and spots around the exterior on a fixed basis. They get the views and the most natural light,” says Bennett. “The benefit of this concept really does fit the majority of our workforce, which is largely made up of millenials,”

says Bennett. The millenial generation is generally defined as those born between 1982 and 2000, according to Pew Research Center. Grant Thornton currently employs 280 people in their Houston office, and expects to reach close to 400 employees within the next 2-3 years. “They want to have access to natural light, they make health-conscious choices, they crave an open environment with the freedom to work in a variety of spaces, and it all has to be wireless,” says Bennett. Grant Thornton’s Houston office dates back 40 years. “Downtown has been our preferred location; Downtown means a lot,” says Bennett. “In professional services you want to be at the core of the action for business.” “We will always be a firm that grows from recruiting new college graduates, frequently brings on new talent,” says Bennett. “Part of that growth in the CBD, particularly with respect to residential, that growth continues and begets more options, more things to. This will continue to be more attractive for young people to live Downtown. They will be more connected and ultimately that’s going to be a benefit for our firm.”

Firm Position Gensler also recently completed an in-place redesign of Vinson & Elkins 400,000-square-foot offices on 13 floors in First City Tower. The Houston office employs 630 people and serves as the firm’s headquarters. V&E also maintains offices in Austin and Dallas, and 12 additional locations across the US and the globe. “We’ve always been Downtown since the beginning of the firm back in 1917,” says Chris Popov, Vinson & Elkins’

supportive city. That may sound a little trite,” says Harvey. “You it you can’t deny it. One executive from a major oil company moved to Houston I have never felt so welcomed in all my life.’”

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DOWNTOWN’S A-LIST WORK SPACES

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+ + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + 1 / ROTTET STUDIO

2 / ZIEGLER COOPER

3 / NRG ENERGY

4 / JACKSON WALKER

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Houston office hiring partner. “Since before this building existed, the firm’s bread and butter has been the oil and gas industry and the financiers of the oil and gas industry. And obviously the industry has grown, the city has grown, but Downtown is the center of gravity for business. Law firms need to be, want to be in close proximity to their clients.” Sue Fahey, Vinson & Elkins’ chief human resources officer, points out the convenience of having the major courthouses nearby. “From the HR side of things, for doing business, Downtown is really centrally located,” says Fahey. “There is transportation to Downtown, such as Park and Ride, and people can get here.” Beyond lawyers, the firm employs hundreds of other highly skilled professionals. “To make our international operation work, we also have support staff, professional assistants, mail room staff, reprographics, conference services, event planners, marketing, business development, HR/talent management, financial services, IT, library staff, records management, facility management, and a document specialists group that is on-site 24-7,” says Fahey. Compared to other cities “I started my career in Austin, a smaller city than Houston, but a big difference is that there are a lot of different ways to get Downtown,” says Popov. “If one route is backed up, I can choose another one. Not every city has that advantage.” Popov oversees the hiring of many young attorneys. “We hire a lot of attorneys who are from the Houston area who have gone off to law school and want to come back here to practice,” says Popov. “But even those folks who are from the broader parts of Houston, such as Katy or Sugar Land, they start working Downtown and live in close proximity to Downtown and suddenly the city is new to them, usually in a very positive way. When they are comparing jobs in other cities, such as LA, New York and Chicago, Houston has a lot to offer.” “We have a good number of tenured attorneys that have become empty nesters now,” says Fahey. “They have started moving to Midtown and Downtown because they want a change in lifestyle.

They don’t want the commute, the upkeep of the house and lawn.” Popov says proximity of colleagues is key to serving clients. “When your graphics specialist is across the street and the accounting expert, or whomever it is that you’re collaborating with, is nearby then it’s easier to get those smart people together in a room to share ideas and brainstorm. That’s huge. It’s harder to do that on conference calls,” says Popov. Downtown’s Draw With the City of Houston’s and Downtown District’s Downtown Living Initiative, offering a tax incentive of $15,000 per unit for up to 5000 units, in full swing, residential projects are set to rise all over Downtown. The influx has been a boon to architecture firm Ziegler Cooper’s business. “Our firm saw its revenue increase by 100 percent in the past two years,” says Scott Ziegler, founding principal and senior principal of the firm’s Urban Residential Studio. “We also doubled the total number of employees in the past two years. We are currently working on seven high-rise towers – two commercial and five residential. That’s a lot of work.” Ziegler praises the urban planning efforts of the Downtown District’s Lonnie Hoogeboom and Bob Eury. “They have done a masterful job of

establishing overlay district planning principles, enriching the streetscape to make Downtown Houston a nicer place to live. To receive the tax incentive, the developers have to help beautify the streets with nice trees, lighting, nicely paved pedestrian zones and hide the + + + + + + + + + KEEGAN WAGSTAFF SENIOR AUDIT ASSOCIATE GRANT THORNTON

A Houston-area native, recent business school grad and CPA, Wagstaff moved to Midtown three years ago, but now lives in East Downtown. “When I lived in Midtown I would take the light rail and I can’t wait for the one that runs east to west to open so I can utilize the public transportation option,” says Wagstaff, who enjoys the flexibility of coming in and leaving without the hassle of parking or traffic.

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parking garages, creating an urban environment that will be enduring.” Ziegler says Downtown has the full package. “What people are looking for, in addition to an employment center, is a total lifestyle, and we have what I call a ‘20-minute bubble.’ You can walk 20 minutes in any direction and access three sports stadiums, world-class performing arts, including ballet, opera, symphony and theater. We have the largest employment center in the city and it’s all connected to the Buffalo Bayou hike and bike trails, which is just an amazing amenity.” He also cites the emerging foodie culture and bar culture, drawing the younger crowd who may live in Midtown, Montrose or the Heights. “We are working on those two commercial tower projects because those employers are banking on the fact that Downtown is very appealing to employees,” says Ziegler. “Ziegler Cooper is Downtown because it is an attractive place for employees. We’re on the new light rail line. It straddles both sides of our building and will connect us to the University of Houston and the East

+ + + + + + + + + ALYSSA ABDULLAH SALES COORDINATOR JW MARRIOTT

Abdoullah grew up in Sugar Land, and has plans to move to the Galleria area. “I’ve never been a city girl, but I’ve always loved a fast-paced environment, says the 20-something hotel employee. “It’s a privilege to be working around such established companies, and meeting people with so much experience from so many industries. The city of Houston’s Downtown area is growing and changing every day, and our hotel especially, has a chance to be a part of something so large.”

GRANT THORNTON’S OFFICES AT PENNZOIL PLACE.

side. That’s in addition to existing rail that serves the Medical Center, Museum District and NRG Stadium.” Ziegler Cooper hires architects and interior designers, technical staff, building envelope specialists, model makers, as well as marketing, accounting, and administrative staff. The architecture firm now has 120 employees – five years ago there were 60. “We could still grow today, but don’t want to get any bigger,” says Ziegler. “There is a certain energy and life Downtown that appeals to architects,” says Ziegler. “Houston has a strong community of residential builders, especially in the areas of urban residential and multifamily projects. They share knowledge – it’s rather collegial. Because we’ve had to build so much in a short time, we are well ahead of other cities in terms of innovation.”

Hospitality embracing history Opened in October 2014 in the historic Samuel F. Carter building, the 328room JW Marriott Houston Downtown features a unique approach and is a fresh, new concept from Fort Worthbased Pearl Hospitality Group. The hotel, located in a 1910 bank building, combines Houston’s history with its modern attitude. The design team reached out to local artists, Texas artists and others to help curate the art collection displayed throughout hotel. “Our staff has to represent us as a luxury hotel, so we make sure to hire people that can exhibit that quality of service,” says Natalie Wiseman, director

of sales and marketing at the new hotel. “Each candidate goes through several different interviews, with a lot of practical performance tests to make sure each person is a good fit.” The JW Marriott Downtown Houston employs housekeepers, valets, food and beverage staff, cooks, executive chef, front desk staff, doorman, accounting, IT, admin, sales and marketing personnel. The more than 150 members of the hotel staff get to choose from an extensive hotel wardrobe collection designed specifically for the hotel by David Peck. Wiseman specifies the clothing lineup doesn’t resemble a generic uniform, but is a wardrobe collection from which the staff can mix and match. “The fact that they can choose their own look to show their personality, really underscores the company policy of personal stake in their job.” Wiseman says the hotel’s location and proximity of services will be hard to beat. “It’s a great location on Main Street, adjacent to existing light rail on Main and with the Rusk line coming soon,” says Wiseman. “We’re also connected to tunnels, which is very helpful for employees to have access to those services and shops. The hotel is located near Market Square and Discovery Green, plus the proximity to all the new restaurants and bars – that’s important to have. With all transportation options and a variety of services nearby, we expect to draw guests from conventions, leisure travel, and business travelers for Downtown businesses.”

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ARTISTS OF HOUSTON BALLET

The Houston Ballet Brings a Holiday Favorite to Life By Holly Beretto

here’s a special anticipation this winter at the Wortham Theater Center. Little girls in fluffy dresses parade through the lobby. Couples in cocktail attire share a glass of wine, cuddled together on the sweeping red leather banquettes. Families in their holiday best file into the wide, welcoming aisles of the Brown Theatre. The orchestra members tune their instruments, adding to the cacophony of girlish giggles and gentle conversation. And then, the lights dim and the overture starts, bringing forth a rippling, tripping tune that’s both familiar and fantastic. The curtain rises … and magic begins. It’s the seemingly age-old story of a little girl named Clara who receives an amazing Christmas gift, a wooden nutcracker who brings forth a glimmering fantasy.

ARTISTS OF HOUSTON BALLET ACADEMY. PHOTO BY AMITAVA SARKAR

he Nutcracker is an American tradition,” says Stanton Welch, artistic director for Houston Ballet. “But it’s always been a part of the classical ballet cannon.” When the curtain rises this winter on Houston Ballet’s rendition of Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker, it will mark the 25th anniversary of the production. Choreographed by Ben Stevenson, the ballet is a beloved part of the holiday season. “It’s a wonderful family ballet, whether you’re 5 years old – or 75 years old,” says Welch.“And it’s music that people recognize.” Welch says that this year, there are 14 different casts performing the ballet’s 35 performances of the ballet. Ten of those casts are for the main company, with dancers switching out roles from performance to performance; four are made up of students from the Houston Ballet Academy. Together, they will perform

33 public performances and two closed performances for school groups. Ads for the production started airing in late September, and the buzz has been steadily building. But what does it take to make The Nutcracker happen? Where did it come from? How has it evolved? Downtown shares some behind-the-scenes stories of the people who help bring this holiday classic to life.

A Life in The Nutcracker

If there’s one ballet in all the classical repertoire that’s absolutely personal to Sara Webb, principal dancer with Houston Ballet, it’s The Nutcracker. And why not? It’s the ballet that made her decide to dance. “When I was about 8 year old, my parents took me to see it in Las Vegas,” which is where she and her family were living at the time. The Dallas native was

hooked. “Oh, I wanted to be Clara! I could just identify with her so much.” Webb remembers deciding at the performance’s intermission that she wanted to dance. “I literally danced up the stairs in the theater,” she recalls. The very next month, her parents gave her dance lessons and she eventually left home at the age of 14 to study at the Harid Conservatory in Boca Raton, a professional training school for young dancers. She graduated in 1996, and joined Houston Ballet in 1997 as an apprentice when she was 17. She’s been here ever since, and was promoted to principal dancer in 2003. This year, she’s entering her 18th season with the company and she’ll dance the Sugar Plum Fairy. It’s a role she loves (she performed it for the first time her second year with the Ballet). “She makes the magic happen,” Webb says, her voice sparkling with effervescence

SKETCH BY DESIGNER DESMOND HEELEY

A NUTCRACKER COMES TO LIFE AND DEFEATS THE EVIL MOUSE KING IN BATTLE 31

and wonder. “It’s such a great role.” Throughout her ballet career, she’s been praised for the elegance and fearlessness of her dancing and the graceful interpretation of both ballet poses and the roles she’s danced. Her long association with The Nutcracker began by dancing a rat, something she said was a real challenge. “The mask makes it very hard to see.” She’s also performed as a Snowflake, which she calls “something of a rite of passage.” Along the way, she’s danced Clara, Clara’s friend in the party scene, the Snow Queen, various Flowers and says that she still sometimes dances the Arabian Princess. “I’m so happy with the parts I’ve had,” she says. While she’s earned national praise for performing roles such as Juliet in Romeo and Juliet and Aurora in The Sleeping Beauty, and has performed as a guest artist in companies such as the Australian Ballet and the National Ballet of Japan, Houston is her home. And as a principal with Houston Ballet, she dances The Nutcracker every year. “It changes from year to year because what you know, your technique and your growth as a dancer changes,” she says about how dancing the same role and the same ballet stays fresh. “And there’s also something about where you are in your life. You put your own experience into it.” She recalls performing the ballet as a young

IT’S THE SEEMINGLY AGE-OLD STORY OF A LITTLE GIRL NAMED CLARA WHO RECEIVES AN AMAZING CHRISTMAS GIFT dancer in the company, before she was married, before children. At the time, she says, it was a privilege to be on stage with a world-renowned company, performing in such a beloved ballet. It’s still a privilege, but her perspective is different. “Now, I get to see it through my own children’s eyes. Or, when I go out into the green room sometimes and meet children who’ve come to the show, I realize I was just like them. That’s part of what makes this so special.” She says that children in particular are eager to share their excitement with her, whether it’s the children from the audience or those who are performing with the company. That enthusiasm buoys her own, and she always looks at The Nutcracker as the show that started her on her career. “It’s such a tradition for people,” she says. “And it’s always magical, whether it’s date night or a family night out. I know some dads who take their daughters to it every year. Nearly everyone has a Nutcracker memory. And I love it because it just gives you that warm feeling.”

ARTISTS OF HOUSTON BALLET PHOTO BY AMITAVA SARKAR

The Story of The Nutcracker

Published in 1816, E.T.A. Hoffman’s story, The Nutcracker and the Mouse King, tells how young Marie’s favorite toy, a Nutcracker, comes to life and defeats the evil Mouse King in battle, then takes her on a journey to a kingdom of dolls. The ballet, composed by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky and originally choreographed by Marius Petipa and Lev Ivanov, premiered in St. Petersburg in 1892. While it was not a success at that time, it has since become one of the most popular ballets in the world and a Christmas-time staple for ballet companies across the U.S. Some of its most familiar pieces of music include the Trepek, the Russian dance; and the Waltz of the Flowers (heard along with the Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy in Walt Disney’s Fantasia). The original HoffmWan story has Marie (who is often called Clara in productions of the ballet) falling in love with the Nutcracker. “It’s something of a coming-of-age story,” says Stanton Welch, artistic director of the

Houston Ballet of the source story. “We keep Clara a child, and the journey she takes is a dream.”

ARTISTS OF HOUSTON BALLET ACADEMY. PHOTO BY AMITAVA SARKAR

The Wonder of a Child

“It’s a chaotic, organized event,” says Shelly Power, director of Houston Ballet Academy. She’s talking about the work leading up to putting The Nutcracker on stage, specifically

about working with the many children who are enrolled in the Academy and will be performing in the ballet. There are nearly 150 of them – across four different casts – who dance across the 33-performance run. There’s a lot to grasp for a child. “When you see it from the audience, it looks seamless and maybe even simple,” she says of children’s dancing. “But it requires a level of ability and maturity. They have to be able to be in a certain place on stage on a certain count, Children at every level of the Academy take part. They audition for roles in The Nutcracker and are cast as everything from “party children,” the kids you see on stage at the fabulous Christmas party thrown by Clara’s parents; clowns; the legs on Mother Ginger; mice; soldiers; even flying cooks. In general, children between the ages of 7 and 12 are dancing the roles of party children. Mice, flying cooks, dancing cooks, soldiers and flowers typically go to students between the ages of 12 and 19. Houston Ballet Academy enrolls students in pre-school, and then structures the coursework from Levels One through Eight. Students progress through

ARTISTS OF HOUSTON BALLET ACADEMY. PHOTOS BY AMITAVA SARKAR

up there at a prima ballerina on stage and realizing you’re standing there, too,” says Power. The entire process teaches them the essence of being a professional artist, even if that’s not what they’re planning to do later in life. There is a lot for a child to juggle. While adult dancers can spend nearly all day working on their craft, students have school, and rehearsals afterward; then, there are technical rehearsals and dress rehearsals, not to mention the 33 performances. And, when a child gets sick, as Power says happens, the company needs to shift the cast a little bit, and have someone else step in to play a part. The Ballet works with the children to help make the transitions as easy as possible. Someone from the company meets the children as they arrive for performances. There is always a company staff member to escort them from the dressing room to the backstage area, and back again. And the kids help each other, too. “In the dressing rooms, they’ll decorate their mirror space, and I’ve seen a lot of them help each other with making sure everything is in place,” says Power. “They really become a team of people encouraging each other and wanting everyone to succeed. It’s such great camaraderie.”

each level depending on skills set, although Power says it’s typical that they move up one level each year until achieving the highest. (After that, they can audition to be part of Houston Ballet II.) In all, more than 500 students are enrolled in the Academy, nearly half of Houston Ballet’s company dancers come from the ranks of the Academy. Preparations for The Nutcracker began in late September, with auditions. Even though the students will learn choreography of the ballet in their regular classes, making them familiar with it, they’re required to audition so they can demonstrate they have a basic mastery of the steps and are able to perform. During the rehearsal processes, special

accommodations are made for the kids, to help them better learn their parts. “The older dancers come in the costumes they’ll be wearing for the party scene,” says Power. “That way, the children can learn who they are and be able to connect, ‘Hey, that’s my parents for the scene. I follow them.’ They also get to learn how they’re a part of this story – are they happy to be at the party? Are they running around? Are they bored? It’s all part of the storytelling.” Power says that each child and young adult naturally brings something different to each role, infusing it with his or own personality, and that they are obviously excited to be part of it all. “This is a big deal for a child, looking

THERE’S SO

MUCH MORE TO IT THAN JUST PUTTING AN 8 YEAR OLD IN A COSTUME.

It’s a tradition, for example, that the children on various casts do a Secret Santa program throughout the run of the show. It’s one more way they gain a connection to each other and to this time in their lives. “As we get older, sometimes we forget that magic,” says Power. “And when you see these children perform, they work so hard, and you see them leave the theater at the end of the night so joyful, you really get to relive this ballet through the eyes of a child.”

Small Details

Flooded with light from the huge windows offering sweeping views of Buffalo Bayou and Downtown, Houston Ballet’s costume

1987

1,000,000

Approximate number of people who have attended Houston Ballet’s The Nutcracker since its debut.

Date Houston Ballet’s current version of The Nutcracker premiered. (Choreography by Ben Stevenson)

Orchestra conductors over the course of The Nutcracker this year.

69,776

Pairs of pointe shoes a dancer goes through during the run of The Nutcracker.

People attended The Nutcracker last year.

200 lbs

Dry ice used per show.

1892

Year of the first performance of The Nutcracker at Mariinsky Theatre in St. Petersburg, Russia.

Dancing snowflakes in the snow scene with the Snow Queen.

130

Props used during one show of The Nutcracker.

Different costumes used in one performance of The Nutcracker.

100

40 ft

Height the tree “grows” to on stage.

Dancers perform in each show.

Performances of The Nutcracker this season!

Children featured in each show.

People working backstage coordinate the scenery, lighting and costumes during each performance.

Layers of tulle and netting used in the Sugar Plum Fairy’s tutu.

1972

People it takes to hand-tear snow for the snow scene.

Year Houston Ballet first performed a version of The Nutcracker.

Stagehands and 3 days to load the show into the theater before the first rehearsal.

7,000 lbs

Total amount of fake snow used throughout The Nutcracker season.

Loads of laundry after one performance.

IT’S OFTEN THE SMALLEST DETAILS THAT MAKE THE BIGGEST IMPACT.

PHOTO BY AMITAVA SARKAR

shop is a hive of activity. There’s a woman sewing a tiny sliver of ribbon onto a jacket. Another is carefully cutting a pattern out of what looks like butcher block paper. Wheeled racks of costumes line up like soldiers, each carefully marked with the show and the roles. “Right now, we’re building Rome and Juliet,” says Laura Lynch, the Ballet’s wardrobe manager, she says referring to the Ballet’s much-anticipated premiere for next year. Since the Ballet’s version of The Nutcracker is an established show, costumes don’t need to be created from scratch. But there’s still plenty to do. Throughout the fall, there were fittings for the dancers. With 10 casts, costumes are worn by multiple dancers. Rows of hooks and eyes are sewn into them to make sure the fit is correct. All of the costumes had to be brought out of storage and checked, to ensure that there were no rips or tears. Adornments may have come off of headpieces. As you’re reading this, all that work has been done and the costumes are in the dressing room areas of the Wortham Theater Center, awaiting dancers to put them on and bring the magic of the ballet to life. Lynch says it’s often the smallest details that make the biggest impact. “The Snow Queen costume is my favorite,” says Lynch. “That scene is so ethereal, and simplistic in its beauty. And there are just these little glittery stars sewn onto the skirt of that costume. They catch the light and it’s just like snow when it falls.”

“Downtown has really been thriving and changing,” says Stanton Welch, artistic director of Houston ballet. “I think that people might be surprised to see just how much has been happening. It’s so easy now to make an event out of The Nutcracker. Come in, stay for dinner, stay overnight.

Bring the whole family and experience the city – it doesn’t have to be you drive in, see the show and drive home anymore. There are so many options.” Performances for Houston Ballet’s The Nutcracker are held in the Brown Theater of the Wortham Theater Center. 500 Texas

PARKING

Parking fees range from $7 - $16 at multiple locations convenient to the theater. Theater District Parking Entrances at the Wortham Center on Texas and Prairie (Credit cards accepted) The Alley Theatre Parking Garage 600 Prairie Street. Entrances are on Louisiana Street and Smith Street (Cash only for event parking)

Merit Parking at the Lyric Center Entrance at Louisiana and Smith (Cash only for event parking)

RESTAURANTS

Batanga 908 Congress batangahouston.com Birraporetti’s 500 Louisiana birrahouston.com Downtown Aquarium 410 Bagby aquariumrestaurants.com The Blue Fish Sushi 550 Texas thebluefishsushi.com

Bistro Lancaster 701 Texas thelancaster.com Hearsay Gastro Lounge 218 Travis hearsayhouston.com Line & Lariat in the Hotel ICON 220 Main hotelicon.com

AGE GUIDELINES

The Houston Ballet recommends that children be at least 3 years old in order to appreciate the magic and wonder of The Nutcracker.

DRESS CODE

While there is no formal dress code for attending the Ballet, many audience members do dress up in their holiday finery. Don’t feel you need to don your tux and gown; you’re just as welcome in street clothes. A full listing of additional parking options, restaurants, guidelines for children and additional information about The Nutcracker is available at houstonballet.org or at downtownhouston.org

plate.

EDITED BY ANGIE BERTINOT & NICOLE M ARIN

The Honeymoon The perfect spot for a morning coffee, breakfast, lunch, dinner or a cocktail after hours.

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THE GUIDE TO EATING DOWNTOWN

L 17 Restaurant The New American Found in the lobby of the luxurious Sam Houston Hotel, this lush and lavish destination oozes elegance. Detailed American cuisine and smart service make this a restaurant of note. thesamhoustonhotel.com. 1117 Prairie, 832.200.8800. D Daily. $$$ L Andalucia Restaurant & Bar Tapas/Spanish Dim lighting, large wooden tables and heavy iron accents provide for a cozy, rustic atmosphere. The menu features large dishes, such as paella for up to 16 people, and tapas that range from the traditional such as gambas al ajillo (shrimp cooked in olive oil and garlic) and empanadas, to veal tongue and oxtail. andaluciatapas.com. GreenStreet, 1201 San Jacinto, 832.319.6675. L Mon-Fri, D Mon-Sat. $$ L Artista American Artista offers inspirational contemporary American cuisine and theatrical ambiance with high ceilings, glass walls and sweeping views of the Downtown skyline. cordua.com. Hobby Center, 800 Bagby, 713.278.4782. L Mon-Fri; D Mon-Sat (Open for L & D on Sun only if a theater performance is scheduled). $$$ Atrium Lobby Lounge Contemporary Located inside the Doubletree Hotel overlooking the Allen Center courtyard. Relax after a busy day and enjoy your favorite beverage or a bite to eat while you catch up on the day’s news on the wide screen TV. Doubletree Hotel, 400 Dallas, 713.759.0202. L, D & LN Daily. $$ L Azuma Sushi & Robata Bar Japanese/Sushi Voted “Best Sushi in Houston” by Citysearch.com, this new-age Japanese restaurant is anything but typical. The ambience is terrific, the sushi is innovative and fresh and the outside seating area provides great people watching. azumajapanese.com. 909 Texas, 713.223.0909. L Mon-Fri; D Mon-Sun; LN Fri & Sat. $$ Ballpark Café American Enjoy the all-American cuisine and a nostalgic atmosphere for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Just across the street from Minute Maid Park, Ballpark Café is a great place to have a pre/post-game meal. westin.com/Houston-Downtown. The Westin Houston Downtown, 1520 Texas, 713.228.1520. B & L Daily. $ L Bangkok Chef Thai A casual Thai joint that keeps booths packed with hungry downtowners looking for eclectic dishes to satisfy their spice cravings. And there’s a pretty tempting happy hour for drinks and nibbles under $5. bkchef.com. 914 Main Street, #125, 713.659.1600. L & D Mon-Sat. $$ L Barnaby’s at Market Square American A local favorite, Barnaby’s serves up oversized sandwiches, salads and burgers, putting a Southwest spin on traditional deli dishes. Colorful murals adorn the walls of the restaurant along with large windows for a perfect view of the park. barnabyscafe.com. 801 Congress, 713.226.8787. L Mon-Sat. $ L Batanga Tapas + Drinks Latin This tapas joint whips up delicious dishes inspired from Spain,

Brazil, Mexico, Chile – anywhere that sangria is served. The spacious patio is as good as it gets when it comes to outdoor dining with its festive twinkle lights, great music and stellar views of the Historic District and Market Square Park. batangahouston.com. 908 Congress, 713.224.9500. L & D Daily. BR Sat & Sun. $$ L Benihana of Tokyo Japanese While some restaurants allow their guests to view the kitchen, this Japanese grill brings the kitchen to you. Benihana chefs set up shop right in front of your table. The meal is made from scratch, and you can witness the entire show. benihana.com. 1318 Louisiana, 713.659.8231. L & D Daily. $$$ Birraporetti’s Italian This Italian restaurant/Irish bar is a Theater District staple. Their delicious pizzas continue to hit the spot, while items such as the chicken picatta and La Dolce Vita have become standouts. Enjoy a signature dessert to finish the meal. birrarestaurant.com. 500 Louisiana, 713.224.9494. L, D & LN Daily. $$ The Bistro American The Bistro is a full-service restaurant serving up breakfast and dinner in a casual atmosphere. Courtyard by Marriott, 916 Dallas, 832.366.1600. B & D Daily. $ L Bistro Lancaster New American Located in the historic Lancaster Hotel, this cozy getaway is a great place to dine before catching a show in the Theater District. You’ll find hearty soups, sizzling steaks and savory seafood. thelancaster.com. Lancaster Hotel, 701 Texas, 713.228.9502. B, L & D Daily. $$$$ Blue Fish Sushi Japanese Not your typical Japanese restaurant. Don’t expect small, minimal décor. Be prepared for innovative sushi in a high-energy atmosphere at Bayou Place. thebluefishsushi.com. 550 Texas, 713.225.3474. L Mon-Fri; D MonSat. $$

new! Bombay Indian Grill Indian

Bombay Indian Grill is a Maharaja treat in Downtown Houston serving an extensive menu of authentic Indian cuisine. 706 Main St, 832.269.5303. L & D Mon-Sat. $ L Bombay Pizza Co. Indian Fusion Fusing the cuisines of India with pizza, innovative creations are served on a homemade, dense, thin and crispy crust. Try the saag paneer, which is topped with fresh spinach and four cheeses or the Gateway to India topped with cilantro, tandoori chicken, garlic and artichoke hearts. bombaypizzaco.com. 914 Main, 713.654.4444. L Mon-Fri, D Mon- Sat. $ Bon Jour Café Deli Offering soups, sandwiches and salads. 945 Capitol, 713.237.0419. B & L Mon-Fri. $ Bouray’s Burrito Bar Fast Food Bouray’s offers made-to-order Mexican and Vietnamese food using ingredients that are prepared fresh daily. bourays.com. 609 Clay, 713.652.5999. L Mon-Fri. $ Brazos Restaurant American Upscale seafood and casual American fare come together in a Texaschic atmosphere. Newly refurbished, black booths and white tablecloths offer elegance and décor not typically found in hotel restaurants. Crowne Plaza

Hotel, 1700 Smith, 713.495.7854. B, L & D Daily. $$$ L Brown Bag Deli Fast Casual Located in the Houston Club building, Brown Bag Deli serves up tasty, fresh sandwiches “just like you like it.” Known for its fluffy, soft bread you won’t be disappointed and neither will your wallet. thebrownbagdeli.net. 702 Main, 713.224.7000. L Mon-Fri. $ Buzz Barista Coffee House This full-service espresso bar offers much more than caffeinated beverages for a morning fix. People on the go can grab freshbaked pastries, Naked juices, yogurt parfaits and fruit cups along with their brewed delights. B & L Mon-Fri. 811 Main, 713.228.3033. $ The Cafe American Located in the lobby of the Hilton Americas. An elaborate buffet is offered for breakfast, with a la carte selections from the menu available for lunch and dinner. Hilton Americas, 1600 Lamar, 713.739.8000. B, L, D & LN Daily. $$ L Cafe Express Fast Casual Need to grab a quick lunch? Cafe Express is an informal yet sophisticated choice. You can always find a variety of delicious entrees, salads and sandwiches. cafe-express.com. 650 Main, 713.237.9222. B & L Mon-Sat. $ China Garden Chinese A popular Chinese restaurant, China Garden has been serving downtown for more than 30 years. Their egg rolls and lemon chicken have become favorites. 1602 Leeland, 713.652.0745. L Mon-Fri. D Daily. $ Chipotle Mexican Known for its large portions, this Mexican fast casual spot offers a variety of wholesome menu items. chipotle.com. 909 Texas, 713.225.6633. L & Early D Mon-Fri. $

KEY TO SYMBOLS THESE LISTINGS ARE NOT REVIEWS BUT ARE A GUIDE TO DOWNTOWN DINING SPOTS. "RECOMMENDED" RESTAURANTS ARE SELECTED BY DOWNTOWN MAGAZINE EDITORS AND ARE BASED ON FOOD QUALITY, MENU SELECTION, SERVICE, AMBIANCE AND VALUE.

L RECOMMENDED new! JUST OPENED AVERAGE PRICE OF AN ENTRÉE $ - $10 or less $$ - $11-$19 $$$ - $20-$29 $$$$ - $30+ B: Breakfast BR: Brunch L: Lunch D: Dinner LN: Late Night

For a searchable database of downtown Houston restaurants by cuisine, location and price, visit downtownhouston.org and click on Guide.

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plate. THE HONEYMOON 300 MAIN 281.846.6995

THE BEST OF BOTH WORLDS THE HONEYMOON CHARMS GUESTS WITH H I G H - Q U A L I T Y C O F F E E A N D C L A S S I C C O C K TA I L S . BY NICOLE MARIN DOWNTOWN’S HISTORIC DISTRICT HAS SEEN A BOOM OVER THE LAST COUPLE OF YEARS with a number of new businesses opening up in the area. Many of these

establishments, such as Bad News Bar and Moving Sidewalk, have become popular Downtown destinations and were opened by avid Downtown investors, Ryan Rouse and his business partner, Brad Moore, who says that he has always had a love for Downtown and that it “feels important” to him to be a part of the re-emergence of the area. For years, Downtown has had a number of notable bars and restaurants but what Rouse and Moore felt was missing were coffee shops – more specifically, an upscale coffee shop. The Honeymoon, which sits in the heart of Downtown’s lively Historic District on the corner of Main and Congress, is far from your average cup of Joe coffee shop. It is more of a coffee shop/cocktail bar that serves an upscale product in a casual and welcoming setting. This unique concept perfectly rounds out the 300 block of Main which until recently was an area mostly made up of bars. The Honeymoon strives to be a place for everyone – Downtown business people wanting a quick coffee, visitors needing a bite to eat, theatergoers craving dessert after a show, and even bar-hoppers looking for an exceptional cocktail. During the work week, both early and late risers benefit from the all-day breakfast. And with such treats as the breakfast BLT, the sausage and cheese kolache, and a delightful little pastry selection, it’s hard to choose just one! The Honeymoon’s Sunday brunch has also become quite popular, with a line out the door most weekends. The simple, yet well-rounded lunch menu was carefully crafted by Amanda McGraw, formerly of Brasserie 19. Highlights include the oyster BLT with gulf oysters, caper

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remoulade, bacon, tomato and butter lettuce atop Slow Dough challah bread, and a classic turkey avocado sandwich made of herb-roasted turkey, avocado, sprouts, tomato and aioli on a light, flaky croissant. If a cup of coffee is more your speed, then you’re in the right place. Matt Toomey and his Boomtown Coffee team roast their own beans in-house and brew some of the best coffee in the city using their Slayer espresso machine, which is believed to be the only one of its kind in Houston. Or, if it’s a stiff drink you’re in need of, grab a classic Hurricane or the Leather Elbows which mixes the best of both worlds – bulleit rye and toddy cold brew, with a dash of condensed milk. The Honeymoon, located at 300 Main in the historic Sterne Building, is filled with carefully selected vintage décor and marvels guests with an abundance of natural lighting. It is the perfect place to get some work done or to catch up with an old friend!

plate. L Corner Bakery Fast Casual A bakery cafe, offering fresh breads, salads, sandwiches, soups and sweets in a casual atmosphere. Located right on Main Street Square, you can’t beat the people watching or just relax and watch the rail line and Main Street Square’s jumping fountains. cornerbakery.com. 1000 Main, 713.651.0673. B & L Mon-Fri. $

L Frank’s Pizza Pizza Home of the “late-night slice,” Frank’s Pizza has built a quality reputation for itself serving up delicious food in a great atmosphere. Not only can you grab a slice of pizza, Frank’s also serves up darn good hamburgers, Philly cheesesteak sandwiches, Buffalo wings, lasagna and salads. frankspizza.com. 417 Travis, 713.225.5656. L & D Daily; LN Fri & Sat. $

L Crossroads at House of Blues Southern Classic Crossroads at HOB serves Southern-inspired classic dishes such as voodoo shrimp, St. Louis ribs and the Cajun classic, Creole jambalaya. Praise the Lord and pass the biscuits, you can’t miss Kirk Franklin’s Sunday Gospel Brunch. hob.com. GreenStreet, 1204 Caroline, 888.402.5837. L & D Daily. $$

L Fusion Taco Latin/Japanese Taking the best from Asian and Latin cuisine, Fusion Taco comes up with creations like jerk chicken tacos, chicken tikka masala quesadillas and Asian pulled pork flautas. An extensive beer and wine selection rounds out the menu. fusiontaco.com. 801 Congress, 713.422.2882. L & D Mon-Sat. $

Domino’s Pizza 975 McKinney, 713.227.3030. $

L The Grove American Rustic This two-story, ultra-urban restaurant is found at Discovery Green. The menu features rustic American cuisine such as Gulf Coast seafood, steaks and signature rotisserie dishes. grovehouston.com. Discovery Green, 1611 Lamar, 713.337.7321. L & D Daily. $$$

Don Patron Bar & Grill Mexican Good Mexican food and margaritas, Don Patron is great for lunch and a good spot for an after-work happy hour. Available on weekends for private parties. donpatron.com. 500 Dallas, One Allen Center. B, L & D Mon-Fri. $$ The Downtown Aquarium Seafood The menu features a huge variety and offers something for everyone. While dining, guests are surrounded by a 150,000-gallon aquarium. Enjoy the sights and a great meal at this family-friendly spot. aquariumrestaurants.com. 410 Bagby, 713.223.3474. L & D Daily. $$ L Droubi Bro. Mediterranean Grill Mediterranean This authentic Mediterranean grill offers up a quick and satisfying spot for lunch. Pita sandwiches are popular. 507 Dallas, 713.652.0058. L Mon-Fri. $ Eats Mesquite Grill Classic American Craving a burger downtown? Popular for its juicy burgers and great-tasting fries, Eats makes for a great lunchtime stop. Guests can make their burgers exactly how they like them. 804 Milam, 713.223.3287. L Mon-Fri. $ L Einstein’s Bagels Deli Known as a great place to grab freshly-baked bagels and coffee for breakfast, they also serve up delectable lunch choices that include paninis, melts and pizza bagels. Be an office hero and use the catering service to treat your work pals. einsteinbros.com. 1200 Louisiana, 713.375.4775. B, L & LN Mon-Sun. $ L El Big Bad Mexican Brought to you by the El Gran Malo crew, this casual Tex-Mex restaurant brings hand-crafted tequila infusions, specialty margaritas and craft beers to the table. The gastrocantina-inspired menu is chock full of tasty tacos with fresh toppings like pomegranate salsa, charred scallions, pumpkin seeds and more. elbigbad.com. 419 Travis, 713.229.8181. L, D & LN Mon-Fri; D & LN Sat & Sun, BR Sun. $$ Flying Saucer Pub Fare Offering more than 200 beers, almost half on draft, Flying Saucer is a beer drinker’s paradise. Excellent staff and tasty eats give the place an identity all its own. beerknurd.com. 705 Main, 713.228.7468. L, D & LN Daily. $

L Guadalajara del Centro Mexican This familyowned restaurant consistently serves up tasty food in a new, very cool environment. It’s the perfect place to bring the family or a large group of co-workers or friends. Great happy hour specials. guadalajarahacienda.com. GreenStreet, 1201 San Jacinto, 713.650.0101. L & D Daily. $$ Hard Rock Café Classic American What do you get when you mix a music-themed diner with an all-American menu? Hard Rock is a great familyfriendly spot serving up items such as burgers, nachos and chicken varieties. hardrock.com. Bayou Place, 570 Texas, 713.227.1392. L, D & LN Daily. $$ L Hearsay Gastro Lounge New American Located in a beautifully refurbished historic building, this upscale restaurant and lounge serves up delicious sandwiches, salads and entrees. They feature an extensive wine list, numerous beers on draft and bottle and premium liquors with a focus on Scotch whisky. hearsayhouston.com. 218 Travis, 713.225.8079. L Daily; D Mon-Sat; LN Fri–Sat. $$

new! Hearsay on the Green American

Located inside the Embassay Suites in downtown’s Convention District, this upscale restaurant and lounge serves up the finest craft cocktails, New-American dishes and a chic dining experience. The drink menu features an extensive wine list, numerous bottle and draft beers and premium liquors. 1515 Dallas St, 832.377.3362. L & D Daily, LN Fri-Sat, BR Sun. $$ Home Plate Bar & Grill Classic American A great hangout spot before or after an Astros ballgame. Enjoy a full menu of all-American favorites. homeplategrill.com. 1800 Texas, 713.222.1993. L & D Daily (may close earlier during off-season so call first). $

new! The Honeymoon Cafe+Bar American The Hon-

eymoon brews local Boomtown Coffee, has perfectly hand-crafted cocktails and satisfies the appetite with light bites and delectably sweet treats! With all the natu-

ral lighting, the ambiance is like a dream! thehoneymoonhtx.com. 300 Main St. B, L, LN Daily. $ L Hubcap Grill American Classic Small but packs a punch. One of the best burger joints in town. 1111 Prairie, 713.223.5885. L Mon-Sat. $ L Irma’s Mexican Irma Galvan has been crowned Houston’s Tex-Mex goddess. This authentic spot is a longtime favorite among Houston politicos and downtown business people. Traditional, homecooked Mexican cuisine is served for breakfast and lunch on weekdays. 22 North Chenevert, 713.222.0767. B & L Mon-Fri; D Thu-Sat. $$ L Irma’s New Southwest Grill Mexican Irma’s second location is a hip spot to satisfy a Mexican food craving. Enjoy tasty foods and great drinks for lunch or dinner. Only a few short blocks from Minute Maid Park. irmassouthwest.com. 1314 Texas, 713.247.9651. B & L Mon-Fri. Open on Astros baseball game days and nights three hours before first pitch. $$ Jason’s Deli Deli Order to please, Jason’s will make your sandwich or salad exactly how you like it. jasonsdeli.com. 901 McKinney, 713.650.1500. B & L Mon-Fri. $ Jimmy John’s Gourmet Sandwiches Deli All subs are served on your choice of fresh-baked French bread or thick-sliced seven-grain bread or try the low-carb lettuce wrap: all the regular sandwich ingredients without the bread. jimmyjohns.com. 820 Main, 713.222.9995. L Mon-Sat. $ The Lake House Fast Casual The Lake House offers family-friendly food, featuring burgers, Kobe beef hot dogs, salads, shakes, wine and beer. Located on Kinder Lake, there is a large patio where you can watch model boats race across the water or listen to some live music from the nearby amphitheater stage. thelakehousehouston.com. Discovery Green, 1611 Lamar. L Tue & Wed, L & Early D Thu-Sun. $ L La Palapa Fast Food A Courthouse District favorite, there’s always a line at this free-standing pink concession stand for breakfast tacos and hamburgers. 1110 Preston, 713.228.9620. B & L Mon-Fri. $ Lacey’s Deli Deli The sandwiches are fresh, tasty, and affordable. We recommend the Italian Stallion which has homemade meatballs and marinara with sliced beef and sausage. laceysdeli.com. 416 Caroline, 713.237.0000. L Mon-Fri. $ L Last Concert Cafe Mexican Tucked away in the Warehouse District, this Tex-Mex cafe was born in 1949 and still supplies tasty food and local music today. Spend some time on the leafy back patio and you’ll swear you’re in your neighbor’s backyard throwing back a cold one. lastconcert.com. 1403 Nance, 713.226.8563. L Mon-Fri; D Mon-Sun; LN Fri-Sat; Bar & live music Tue-Sat. $ L Line & Lariat Modern American An award-winning dining experience located in the historic lobby of Hotel Icon’s landmark bank build-

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ing. The intimate dining room is extravagant, and the exquisite dishes from the Gulf Coast and South Texas emphasize fresh ingredients. A contemporary lounge with a modern setting for cocktails and an elegant after-work meeting place. hotelicon.com. Hotel Icon, 220 Main, 832.667.4470. B Daily; D Mon-Sat. $$$ Little Napoli Italian Theater and moviegoers can now enjoy these southern Italian dishes before the big show! The healthy options, such as whole wheat pizza crust and low-fat cheeses, are a nice touch. littlenapoli.net. 540 Texas, 713.225.3900. $$ Lone Star Taco Tex-Mex Fast-casual Tex-Mex restaurant, specializing in great tacos! Lone Star Taco quickly serves artisanal quality, made-fresh tacos at an affordable price. txlonestartaco.com. 1001 Texas St, 713.223.8226. B, L, D Daily. $ Luby’s, etc. American Enjoy an incredible view of downtown along with 10 food stations offering a wide variety of goodies: a build-yourown salad bar, made-to-order grill, pizza by-theslice, delightful deli, global café and traditional Luby’s cafeteria line with all the classic dishes. lubysetc.com. 1301 Fannin, 13th Floor, 713.759.9954. B & L Mon–Fri. $ Lucky Strike Lanes & Lounge American Bowlers and patrons relax on sleek leather couches and enjoy floor-to-ceiling video screens that flash movie clips and music videos as DJs deliver danceable grooves. Delectable munchies are available lane-side and in the lounge. bowlluckystrike.com. GreenStreet, 1201 San Jacinto, Level 3, 713.343.3300. L, D & LN Daily. $$ new location Macondo Latin Bistro Latin The menu is a tasty fusion of Latin dishes with a strong influence of Colombian cuisine. Try the migas on an English muffin for breakfast. Macondo has a full coffee and juice bar, featuring delicious Colombian coffee. 917 Franklin, 713.229.8323. B & L MonSun, D Fri-Sat. $

new Main Kitchen American Named Main Kitchen

to reflect its location on Main Street and the hopes of becoming a staple in Houston’s culinary scene, the restaurant seats 120 and boasts an exhibition kitchen providing guests with an insight into the chefs’ creative process. jwmarriotthotelhouston.com/main-kitchen. 806 Main St, 713.400.1245. B, L, D Daily. $$ � L Market Square Bar & Grill American This Chicago-style neighborhood hangout is a local favorite. Boasting a handful of “fire-powered” burgers, Market Square offers plenty of reasons to stop by for a meal or drink. The backyard patio, friendly staff and full bar add flavor. marketsquarehouston.com. 311 Travis, 713.224.6133. L, D & LN Mon-Sat. $ L Massa’s Restaurant Seafood An upscale and elegant restaurant offering a fine selection of American and seafood cuisine. Superior service and a great dining atmosphere allow guests to enjoy a

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memorable experience. massas.com. 1160 Smith, 713.650.0837. L Mon-Fri; D Mon-Sat. $$ L Massa’s Seafood Grill Seafood Like its sister restaurant, you can count on superior service and a great dining atmosphere. Conveniently located close to the convention center and Toyota Center, it’s a prime spot for lunch and dinner. massas.com. The Shops at Houston Center, 1331 Lamar, 713.655.9100. L Mon-Fri; D Mon-Sat. $$ L McCormick & Schmick’s Seafood The extensive menu changes daily depending on each day’s fresh seafood deliveries. With more than 80 preparations on the menu each day, every guest is sure to find something to satisfy their palate. mccormickandschmicks.com. GreenStreet, 1201 Fannin, 713.658.8100. L & D Daily. $$$ McDonald’s Fast Food 808 Dallas @ Milam, 713.651.9449. B & L Daily; D Mon-Fri. $ L Mia Bella Italian You’ll enjoy an eclectic variety of Italian cuisine blended with a Mediterranean feel. A longtime favorite, this intimate little bistro’s simple, yet appealing décor, makes it a downtown standout. bellarestaurants.com. GreenStreet, 1201 San Jacinto, 832.319.6675. 320 Main, 713.237.0505 L & D Daily; LN Fri & Sat. $$ L Minuti Coffee Coffee House The coffee is created by a roast master in Italy, before making its way into the hands of talented baristas. This is the perfect place to bring the laptop and take advantage of Minuti’s free Wi-Fi. They also have beer and wine, which makes it a great pre/post theater spot. Be sure to sample some of the fresh-baked pastries and smoothies, too. minuticoffee.com. 909 Texas, 281.265.3344. B, L, D & LN Daily. $ L MKT Bar Mediterranean Part of Phoenicia Specialty Foods, it's the perfect place to stop when you need a chill moment. The bar offers coffee, pastries, wine, beer, gourmet pizza and other yummy nibbles for which Phoenicia is known. phoeniciafoods.com. 1001 Austin, 832.360.2222. B, L, D, Daily. $ Molly’s Pub Pub Fare A good ol’ Irish bar with tasty food to soak up the beer. Your standard pub fare – sandwiches, dogs and pretty much anything that’s not good for you. mollyspubs.com. 509 Main, 713.222.1033. L, D & LN Daily. $ L Morton’s Steakhouse This award-winning steakhouse offers an outstanding menu. The downtown location features its new bar concept, Bar 12•21, which includes an impressive wine and martini menu along with its specially priced “bar bites.” mortons.com. 1001 McKinney, 713.659.3700. L Mon-Fri ; D Daily. $$$$ Murphy’s Deli Deli Indulge in a variety of sandwiches and salads. Hot or cold, Murphy’s specializes in creating your sandwich any way it’s ordered. murphysdeli.com. 601 Jefferson, 713.652.4939. 1021 Main, 713.275.1912. 440 Louisiana, 713.247.9122. B & L Mon-Fri all locations. $

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L Niko Niko’s Greek & American Houston icon Dimitri Fetokakis opened his cafe in 2010 at Market Square Park. Favorties such as the gyro and kebob are on the menu along with new items such as the breakfast pita. Specialty coffee drinks, beer and wine also available. nikonikos.com. Market Square Park, 301 Milam. B, L, D Daily. $ Nit Noi Cafe Thai Head Chef Mama Alice has a secret sauce that has made this Thai gem successful for more than 20 years. Diners can go light with fresh cucumber salads or fill up on classic noodle dishes with a choice of beef, chicken, pork, tofu or shrimp. nitnoithai.com. 301 Main, 713.225.1069. L Mon-Fri. $$ L Pappas BBQ Barbecue Voted one of Houston’s best year after year, this barbecue joint offers an excellent selection with Texas-sized portions. Traditional favorites such as brisket, ribs, sausage and ham are served with Pappas’ flare. Delivery and take-out are available. pappasbbq.com. 1217 Pierce, 713.659.1245. L & D Daily. 1100 Smith, 713.759.0018. L & D Mon-Fri. $

new! Pappasito’s Cantina Tex-Mex One of

Houston’s most popular casual Tex-Mex restaurants, Pappasito’s specializes in sizzling fajitas, creamy queso and tortillas that almost melt in your mouth! The downtown location offers six unique ceviches and crudos that can’t be found at any of the other restaurants. pappasitos.com. Hilton Americas-Houston, 1600 Lamar St, 713.353.4400. L, D Daily. $$ L Perbacco Italian An adorable little spot located at street level of one of Houston’s skyscrapers, Perbacco serves up Italian cuisine in a modern and fresh atmosphere. Catering to downtown workers and the theater crowd, you always get quick and friendly service and tasty food. 700 Milam, 713.224.2422. L Mon-Fri; D Thu-Sat. $

new! Prohibition American

Prohibition is the home of the Moonlight Dolls who dazzle audiences with their sexy yet fun burlesque performances. Beaming with glitz and glamour, this upscale supper club has an exquisite menu featuring fresh Gulf seafood and steaks which are cooked to perfection! prohibitionhouston.com. 1008 Prairie, 281.940.4636. L Mon-Fri, D Mon-Sat, LN Thu-Fri. Sat 5p-2a. $$$ L Quattro Contemporary Italian Vivid colors, creative lighting and a unique design create a sophisticated and inviting ambience for guests. Located in the Four Seasons Hotel, Quattro is one of downtown’s best restaurants. Four Seasons Hotel, 1300 Lamar, 713.652.6250. B, L & D Daily. $$$ Quizno’s Fast Food 811 Rusk, 713.227.7702. L & D Mon-Fri. 1119 Commerce, 713.228.9000. L & D Mon-Sun. $ Rachel’s Sandwich Shop Deli Simply stated, a great little sandwhich shop. 421 San Jacinto, 713.223.3913. B & L Mon-Fri. $

Roma’s Pizza Italian Located just across from the Preston Station on the MetroRAIL, Roma's Pizza offers New York-style pizza by the slice or pie, as well as a variety of salads, lasagnas, ravioli, and chicken dishes. 223 Main, 713.222.1184. L & D Daily. $ The Sam Bar American Casual The Sam Houston Hotel's relaxed dining option where you'll find a breakfast buffet and a great bar menu with tasty appetizers, salads, burgers and sandwiches every day of the week. thesamhoustonhotel.com. The Sam Houston Hotel, 1117 Prairie, 832.200.8800. B, L & D Daily. $$ L Sambuca New American A hip, trendy and upscale restaurant right in the mix of Main Street. The menu includes a wide variety of favorites and combined with the live music, Sambuca is Houston’s ultimate supper club. sambucarestaurant.com. 909 Texas, 713.224.5299. L Mon-Fri; D & LN Daily. $$$ Shay McElroy’s Pub Fare This authentic Irish pub offers up a menu of appetizers, sandwiches, salads and soups. mcelroyspub.com. 909 Texas, 713.223.2444. L Mon–Fri. $ The Shops at Houston Center Food Court Bullritos, Chick-fil-A, D’lish N’ Dash, Doozo’s Dumplings & Noodles, Freshii, Fusion Grillerz, Great American Cookie, Great Wraps, Greenz, Murphy’s Deli, Otto’s Barbecue & Hamburgers, Pho Huy Vietnamese Noodle House, Potbelly Sandwich Works, Pretzel Time, Quizno’s Subs, Salata, Sarku Japan, Simon’s Homestyle Café, Snap Kitchen, Squeezed, Starbuck’s Coffee, Subway, Thai Basil, The Mediterranean Grill, Treebeards, Wok & Roll. shopsathc.com. 1200 McKinney, 713.759.1442. Mon-Sat, hours vary. $ L Shula’s Steakhouse Dark wood, sports memorabilia and menus hand painted on official NFL game footballs makes Pro Hall-of-Famer Don Shula’s Steak House stand out from the rest. Become a member of the 48oz Club by finishing a 48-ounce Shula Cut. donshula.com. Hyatt Regency Hotel, 1200 Louisiana, 713.375.4777. B, L & D Daily. $$$ Skyline Deli Deli With their freshly baked bread, Skyline makes a great deli sandwich. 717 Texas, 713.571.0509. B & L Mon-Fri. $ Sol Cafe Mejicano Mexican A family-owned cafe offering traditional Tex-Mex breakfast and lunch dishes made from fresh ingredients. 1205 Travis, 713.651.0049. B & L, Mon-Fri. $ L Spaghetti Warehouse Italian Making its home in an old warehouse, this Italian-American eatery offers up large portions for lunch and dinner. Traditional menu items such as spaghetti and meatballs, lasagna and pizza allow the Spaghetti Warehouse to cater to all ages and appetites. meatballs.com. 901 Commerce, 713.229.0009. L & D Daily. $$ L Spindletop American A favorite Houston seafood restaurant and fine dining experience ideal for

birthday parties, family reunions, anniversaries and engagements. Perched on the 34th floor of Hyatt Regency Downtown, this glass-walled restaurant makes one revolution every 45 minutes, ensuring you'll enjoy 360-degree views of the city and all of its famous landmarks. houstonregency.hyatt.com. Hyatt Regency, 1200 Louisiana, 713.375.4775. D Tue-Sat. $$$ L Springbok South African Springbok features a contemporary take on classic South African dishes such as local game, house-made sausages, burgers and curries. Enjoy an amazing selection of local and international beer and cocktails while watching rugby and other national and international sporting competitions. thespringbok.com. 711 Main, 818.201.6979. L, D & LN Daily. $$ Subway Fast Food 405 Main, 713.227.4700. 805 Dallas, 713.651.1331. Daily. $ Table 7 Bistro American Table 7 Bistro is a combination of an upscale, yet casual atmosphere. Weekday happy hour includes $4 well drinks and $2 domestic beers, and it’s happy hour all weekend with $2 mimosas all day on Saturdays and Sundays. district7grill.com. 720 Fannin @ The Club Quarters, 713.227.4800. B, L & D Daily. $ Tejas Grill & Sports Bar American Located at The Shops at Houston Center, Tejas offers the perfect tailgate menu and full-service bar. tejasgrillandsportsbar.com. 1201 Lamar at The Shops at Houston Center, 713.739.8352. L Mon-Fri, D Mon-Sat. $$ Thepthidaa Thai Thai A traditional Thai restaurant located at the ground level of the loft residence Hogg Palace. The warm and cozy atmosphere offers a great setting for a dinner escape and is a local favorite. 401 Louisiana, 713.225.4900. D Daily. $ L III Forks American Upscale, warm atmosphere and impeccable service sets the stage for this sophisticated steakhouse. New York strip and filet mignon, bone-in ribeye, porterhouse, young rack of lamb and veal chop are served with duchess potatoes, off-the-cob cream corn, and perfectly cooked vegetables. Seafood items include Chilean sea bass, Ahi tuna, salmon, halibut, scallops and lobster tails, which are flown in daily. iiiforks.com. GreenStreet, 1201 San Jacinto, Level 1, 713.658.9457. L Tue–Fri; D Mon–Sat. $$$$ Tony’s Barbecue & Steakhouse Barbecue Get world-class hickory-smoked pork ribs and brisket, rib eye and T-bone steaks, chicken-fried steak and even quail. Don’t leave without trying the delicious homemade cobblers and pies. tonys-bbq.com. 1225 Travis, 713.655.0028. L & D Mon-Fri. $$ � L Treebeards Southern A downtown institution for more than 30 years, Treebeards offers tasty Cajun dishes that are sure to satisfy. Favorite menu items include the chicken and shrimp gumbo, red

beans and rice and étouffée. For dessert, try the famous butter bar. treebeards.com. 315 Travis, 713.228.2622. Cloisters at Christ Church Cathedral, 1117 Texas, 713.229.8248. L Mon-Fri. $ Trofi Restaurant Continental Trofi’s menu is described as Continental with a Mediterranean and Latin flair and the ambience is simple, yet sophisticated. Lunch buffets are available Monday through Friday. 400 Dallas, Doubletree Hotel, 713.759.0202. B, L & D Daily. $$ L Vic & Anthony’s Steak House This world-class steak house is one of the most elegant dining locations in Houston. It boasts rich mahogany woodwork and one-of-a-kind hospitality. Located in the heart of the Ballpark District and across from Minute Maid Park, Vic & Anthony’s is the ideal spot for entertaining business clients, a special celebration or a pre/post-game dinner. vicandanthonys.com. 1510 Texas, 713.228.1111. L Fri, D Daily. $$$$ Warren’s Inn Fast Casual Let the good times roll with a killer jukebox, excellent drinks and a fun, bohemian environment. Quick sandwiches and other items are served during the day; you can order in from nearby restaurants at night if you have the munchies. 307 Travis, 713.247.9207. L Mon-Fri, LN Daily. $ Which Wich Deli A fast and easy build-your-ownsandwich joint where doodling is encouraged and the possibilities are endless! Which ‘wich will you make? B & L Mon-Fri. L Sat. 811 Main, 713.227.0860. $ Wimpy’s Hamburgers Fast Food Wimpy’s serves up a pretty good burger but they also have many other down-home favorites. 632 Polk, 713.652.0123. B & L Mon-Fri. $ Zero’s Sandwich Shop Deli A great little spot for a freshly made deli sandwich. zerossandwichshop.com. 809 Dallas, 713.650.3333. 1110 Lamar, 713.655.7722. 507 Dallas, 713.739.9955. B & L Mon-Fri. $ L Zydeco Louisiana Diner Cajun This cafeteriastyle Cajun joint brings Louisiana dishes to the Hospital District of downtown Houston. Traditional Cajun items such as po-boys, jambalaya and gumbo make Zydeco a great lunch stop. A casual atmosphere adds to the enjoyment. 1119 Pease, 713.759.2001. L Mon-Fri. $

FOR A SEARCHABLE DATABASE OF DOWNTOWN HOUSTON RESTAURANTS BY CUISINE, LOCATION AND PRICE, VISIT DOWNTOWNHOUSTON.ORG AND CLICK ON GUIDE.

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WINTER 2014-15

sip.

am-2 am; Sat 10 am-2 am; Sun 10 am-10 pm. thehoneymoonhtx.com

LIKE US AT FACEBOOK.COM/VISITDOWNTOWNHOUSTON The Brewery Tap | 717 Franklin Sit at one of the long wooden picnic tables (think biergarten) and chill with one of the 35 beers on tap. Laid-back and friendly, a great place to catch a soccer game and play some darts. Mon-Thu 4-10 pm, Fri & Sat 4 pm-1 am; Sun 4-11 p.m. brewerytaphouston.com Captain Foxheart’s Bad News Bar & Spirit Lodge | 308 Main A fun and quirky bar that doesn’t take itself too seriously (hence the name), but the cocktails are seriously good. Patrons enjoy the speakeasy vibe and the patio terrace for prime people watching. Mon-Sun 4 pm-2 am. twitter.com/badnewsbar Char Bar | 305 Travis Char Bar offers stiff drinks alongside custom suits. Drenched in nostalgia, Char Bar is proud of its history, as reflected in the old photos of family members who have worked in the space since the 1930s. Enjoy the second floor balcony or chat it up with Weldon Renfro, who has a permanent shoe shine booth at the entrance. Mon-Wed 10 am–midnight, Thu-Sat 10 am-2 am. twitter.com/TheCharBar Clutch City Squire | 410 Main Somewhere between a dive bar and a swanky lounge, this Main Street drinking hole is always spinning good tunes on vinyl. Mon-Sat 3 pm-2 am, Sun noon-midnight. twitter.com/clutchcityhtx Dean’s | 316 Main Under new ownership and with a new look and feel, Dean’s adds to the cool vibe found on the 300 block of Main. Great attention from the bartenders and the trendy crowd make it a unique place to socialize. Mon-Thu 8 pm-2 am, Fri-Sat 5 pm-2 am. deansdowntown.com

House of Blues | 1204 Caroline Street @ GreenStreet A well-known national franchise with a lively, fun atmosphere. A 1,500-person concert venue is onsite and some of the best touring shows in the country come through on a weekly basis. The members-only Foundation Room is available for VIPs. Show times and events vary nightly. hob.com La Carafe | 813 Congress The oldest building in Houston, this dark and cozy hideaway boasts a great jukebox, moody atmosphere and an extensive beer and wine selection. Sit on the outside patio or balcony and look up in awe at the amazing downtown skyline. Cash only. Mon-Fri noon-2 am, Sat & Sun 1 pm-2 am. Last Concert Café | 403 Nance You have to knock three times on the red door to gain entry to the unmarked house in the Warehouse District (well, not anymore). With a backyard stage and sandpit, hoola-hooping and tiki bar, Last Concert has live music most nights. Tue-Fri 11 am-2 am, Sat 5 pm-2 am, Sun 3-9 pm. lastconcert.com Little Dipper | 304 Main This spot is a cool, blue neighborhood bar with pinball machines, cheap bourbon and a bad-ass jukebox. Daily 4 pm-2 am. twitter.com/LittleDipperBar Lone Star Saloon | 1900 Travis The Lone Star Saloon is a true classic Texas dive bar that seems misplaced in its urban setting. The crowd, half aging townies and half world-weary road dogs, are always willing to share have-been-to-hell-and-back stories. Daily noon-2 am. Lucky Strike Lanes & Lounge | 1201 San Jacinto @ GreenStreet Swanky upscale bowling alley with a separate restaurant/ lounge area. Bowlers and patrons relax on sleek leather couches and enjoy floor-to-ceiling video screens that flash movie clips and music videos as DJs deliver danceable grooves. Sun-Thu 11 am-midnight, Fri & Sat 11 am-2 am. bowlluckystrike.com

The Dirt Bar | 1209 Caroline The non-venue rock 'n' roll lounge is a popular pre- and post-show destination spot that has become famous for its performer patronage. Drawing crowds and artists from every venue in the city has allowed The Dirt to host hundreds of memorable after-show events, including Lady Gaga, Foo Fighters and Kings of Leon. Daily 6 pm-2 am. dirtbar.com

MKT Bar | 1001 Austin Phoenicia’s MKT bar, located at the first floor of One Park Place, is the perfect place to stop when you need a chill moment. The bar offers coffee, pastries, wine, beer, gourmet pizza and other yummy nibbles for which Phoenicia is known. Mon -Wed 7 am-9 pm, Thu 7 am-2 am, Fri-Sat 9 am-2 am, Sun 9 am-8 pm. mktbar.com

806 Lounge | 806 Main A favorite of the locals, 806 Lounge located inside the JW Marriott Houston Downtown, ignites the senses with sophisticated creations. Their mixologists are experts in creating cocktails, lively in conversation, and can recommend a favorite dish to accompany your handcrafted drink. Daily 11 am - 11 pm. jwmarriotthotelhouston.com/806-lounge

Molly’s Pub | 509 Main This classic Irish pub offers a variety of Irish whiskeys and international beers. Tables and coves lead you to the back, where pool and darts can be found and a second-floor balcony provides excellent views of Main Street and downtown. Daily 11 am-2 am. mollyspubs.com

1820 Bar | 1820 Franklin Located just one block north of Minute Maid Park. Small flat-screen TVs dot the bar, allowing patrons to keep tabs on games while not being the center of attention. On the first and last Friday of every month Joystix Classic Games and Pinball next door is open, and $15 gets you all night to practice your Ms. Pac-Man skills. Daily 4 pm-2 am. 1820lounge.com El Big Bad | 419 Travis El Big Bad is a Gastro-Cantina that specializes in infused tequilas, fresh juice margaritas and cocktails, Mexican and Texan Craft Beer and scrumptious fare. Sun-Thu 11 ammidnight, Fri-Sat 11 am- 2 am elbigbad.com Flying Saucer | 705 Main Offering more than 200 beers, with nearly half on draft, Flying Saucer is a great place to hang out and enjoy a cold one. Check out the website for information on beer tastings, trivia night and specials. Mon-Wed, 11 am-1 am, Thu & Fri 11 am-2 am, Sat noon-2 am, Sun noon-midnight. beerknurd.com The Honeymoon Cafe+Bar | 300 Main The Historic District welcomes The Honeymoon - a new, adorable bistro with great cocktails, wine and coffee from local Boomtown Coffee. Mon-Thu 7 am-midnight, Fri 7

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Moving Sidewalk | 306 Main This upscale bar has an intimate setting complete with antique chandeliers, dark lighting and candles. The cocktails at Moving Sidewalk are sure to please as they have handcrafted ingredients such as rosehip infusion and a fig and marigold shrub. Perfect for a romantic night out or to catch up with friends over drinks! Tue-Sat 4 pm - 2 am. twitter.com/movingsidewalk Notsuoh | 314 Main The name is Houston spelled backwards. A bar full of random weirdness: Think grunge lounge and artsy. You’ll find people playing chess, and drinking beer, live music, lots of crazy, weird artwork and maybe walk in on a night of punkrock karaoke. Live bands on weekends. Daily 8 pm-2 am. notsuoh.com The Original OKRA Charity Saloon | 924 Congress Houston’s first charity bar is a true collaboration from Houston's finest, including owners from Anvil, Paulie's, Grand Prize and more. Expect classic cocktails and brews in a gorgeous historic building. Every drink purchase earns you a vote that can go toward select charities to win the bar’s monthly earnings. Daily 3 pm-2 am. friedokra.org The Pastry War | 310 Main A Mezcaleria from Bobby Heugel and Alba Huerta that

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serves up agave spirits along with classic Mexican cocktails and beers in a festive and intimate environment. This specialty tequila joint not only accepts pesos, but is on a brave mission to serve the best margaritas in town. Salud! Tue-Sat 4 pm-2 am. thepastrywar.com Pete’s Dueling Piano Bar | 1201 Fannin @ GreenStreet Two dueling pianos and a sing-along, clap-along, drinkalong, have-one-helluva-good-time-along bar! Wed-Sat 7 pm-2 am, showtime @ 8 pm. petesduelingpianobar.com Public Services Wine & Whiskey | 202 Travis Nestled in the historic Cotton Exchange Building, lies Public Services Wine & Whiskey. Public Services isn’t just any cocktail bar, in fact, they’re the complete opposite. Here, patrons can find classic wines and a vast yet distinctive whiskey selection served straight, on the rocks, or with a small selection of mixers. Craft beer and cider help round out the carefully crafted drink menu. Mon-Sat 4 pm- 2 am. publicservicesbar.com Prohibition | 1008 Prairie One of downtown’s only entertainment-style bars, Prohibition is the home of the Moonlight Dolls, who dazzle audiences with their sexy yet fun burlesque performances. Beaming with glitz and glamour, this upscale bar resembles a scene right out of The Great Gatsby. Mon-Wed 11 am - 12 am, Thu-Fri 11 am - 2 am, Sat 5 pm - 2 am. prohibitionhouston.com. Reserve 101 | 1201 Caroline A whiskey and martini bar touting more than 220 specialty liquors that will make any cocktail aficionados mouth water. Stop by on Tuesday for complimentary tastings of special selections. Order up delicious bites from the new, chef-driven menu featuring tasty flatbreads, appetizers and sandwiches. Sun 5 pm - 2 am, Mon-Sat 2 pm - 2 am. reserve101.com The Sam Bar | 1117 Prairie Street @ The Sam Houston Hotel Located in the Alden Hotel. This upscale bar is furnished with dark leather banquettes and a menu of 30 cocktails, both classic and new mixologist creations. Sun-Thu 11 ammidnight, Fri & Sat 11 am-1 am. thesamhoustonhotel.com Sambuca | 909 Texas @ Rice Lofts Guests can enjoy live music most nights of the week in this upscale and eclectic environment. Enjoy your favorite drink inside or hang outside on the patio with the locals. Sun-Wed 11 am-midnight, Thu 11 am-1 am, Fri 11 am-2 am, Sat 4:30 pm-2 am. sambucarestaurant.com Shay McElroy’s Pub | 909 Texas @ Rice Lofts Dublin native and owner John McElroy created this space around a richly detailed, 19th-century bar he had shipped from Ireland. The crowd is an inviting collection of young professionals and not-so-young merrymakers. Mon-Fri 11 am-2 am, Sat & Sun 1 pm-2 am. mcelroyspub.com Springbok | 711 Main Springbok is the perfect bar to catch a good Rugby match or other live national and international sporting competitions. With an extensive selection of local and international beer and cocktails, as well as amazing house made sausages, burgers and other local game dishes, Springbok is a place where people from all over the world can gather and share their passion for sports, food and ice cold adult beverages. Daily 11 am-2 am. thespringbok.com Sunny’s Bar | 901 Capitol @ Main Laid-back place with a friendly atmosphere and great prices that keep the regulars coming back. Sunny will likely be behind the bar serving up the beer and cocktails and great conversation. Foosball, darts and shuffleboard are in the back of the house to keep you entertained. Mon-Sat 2 pm-2 am. Warren’s Inn | 307 Travis This tavern is long known for its top-notch jukebox full of American classics, strong mixed drinks and its diverse crowd of customers. Mon-Fri 11 am-2 am, Sat noon-2 pm, Sun 2 pm-2 am. The Wine Cellar | 540 Texas Unwind and relax with more than 400 varieties of wine and imported beers. Wine tastings Mon-Thu, 2-7 pm. Daily 11 am-midnight. thewinecellarhouston.com

datebook.

WINTER 2014-15 Performing Arts 46 Market Square Park 50 Festivals & Special Events 51 Discovery Green 52 AND MORE

EDITED BY NICOLE MARIN

Radio City Christmas Spectacular

PHOTO CREDIT: MSG ENTERTAINMENT

Dec. 5-28

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datebook.

PERFORMING ARTS

JUBILEE OF DANCE Dec 5 A fast-paced tour of programs past and programs yet to come, the annual Jubilee of Dance showcases the depth and range of the extraordinary Houston Ballet company. The great American ballerina Julie Kent, a principal dancer with New York’s American Ballet Theatre, will make a special guest

PHOTO BY PATTIMA SINGHALAKA

A CHRISTMAS CAROL – A GHOST STORY OF CHRISTMAS Through Dec 24 Houston’s seasonal favorite described by the Houston Press as having “Spectacular London sets ... the inimitable Dickens’ tale – spiced

chamber music and jazz, presented in an accessible one-hour concert format. Audiences are invited to enjoy their lunch while listening to the music. Free. Noon. Wortham Center, 501 Texas. 713.524.5050. dacamera.com

with the usual fog and an unusual twist on the ghosts past, present and future.” A Christmas Carol – A Ghost Story of Christmas returns this year with a re-telling of Charles Dickens’ classic story, which follows Ebenezer Scrooge’s journey with the three ghostly spirits that visit him on Christmas Eve. Tickets $34-$80. Alley Theatre at UH, Wortham Theatre located inside the Cynthia Woods Mitchell Center for the Arts Building, 4116 Elgin St. 713.220.5700. alleytheatre.org THE NUTCRACKER Through Dec 28 Journey with Clara as she dances on the arm of the Nutcracker Prince to the stunning Land of Snow and the delectable Kingdom of Sweets. There are so many reasons to delight in The Nutcracker: the giant Christmas tree, the dancing dolls, Mother Ginger and her adorable clowns, the lavish sets and the iconic Tchaikovsky score. Ben Stevenson’s production of The Nutcracker has entertained children and grown-ups for more than 25 years. Tickets $19-$135. Wortham Center, 501 Texas. 713.227.ARTS. houstonballet.org A LITTLE DAY MUSIC Dec 3 A Little Day Music is a series of free concerts presented at noon on the first Wednesday of the month in the Grand Foyer of the Wortham Center. Each concert is designed to deliver Da Camera’s signature programming to an audience that includes senior citizens, Downtown professionals, and homeschool students. The series features a variety of

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appearance at the Jubilee of Dance, performing the leading female role in Stanton Welch’s Clear, a role she created at the work’s premiere in 2001 in New York. Houston Ballet will also pay tribute to beloved first soloist Kelly Myernick, who is retiring after 14 years with the company. The evening concludes on a high note with a performance of Stanton Welch’s blockbuster staging of Bolero, set to Ravel’s mesmerizing score and featuring the entire company of 55 dancers. Tickets $35-$170. 7:30 pm. Wortham Center, 501 Texas. 713.227.ARTS. houstonballet.org PRESERVATION HALL JAZZ BAND – A CREOLE CHRISTMAS Dec 5 Celebrate the holidays – New Orleans-Style – when Preservation Hall Jazz Band brings A Creole Christmas to Houston for the first time! This ensemble will leave its famed French Quarter venue long enough to spread some holiday cheer on this side of the Sabine. Performing favorites such as Blue Christmas, Swingin’ in a Winter Wonderland, Bells will be Ringin’ and The Dreidel Song, this event for the whole family is sure to turn into one big party on stage! Tickets $23-$88. 8 pm. Jones Hall, 615 Louisiana. 713.227.4SPA. spahouston.org A CHRISTMAS CAROL Dec 5-21 When Charles Dickens’ novella A Christmas Carol appeared in 1843, it delighted Victorian London and still inspires imaginations today. Iain Bell, a promising young British composer,

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has written a captivating score to a libretto by Simon Callow, the renowned film and stage actor. The opera is a true tour de force - a one man show - with Houston favorite Anthony Dean Griffey as the narrator of this beloved fable. We will, without doubt, leave the theater with a deeper understanding of the holiday each time we say, “Merry Christmas.” Tickets $30-$100. Wortham Center, 501 Texas. 713.228.OPERA. houstongrandopera.org RADIO CITY CHRISTMAS SPECTACULAR Dec 5-28 The Radio City Christmas Spectacular starring the Rockettes triumphantly returns to Houston’s Hobby Center for the Performing Arts after eight years with an all-new show, and it’s more spectacular than ever before. The Rockettes perform five new numbers, showcasing their signature eye-high kicks and incredible precision dance style in some of the most challenging numbers ever conceived. In one of those brand-new scenes, New York at Christmas, the Rockettes will board a lifesize double-decker tour bus, taking audiences on a guided tour through the streets of New York City. A 50-foot LED screen enhances this scene and the entire show with breathtaking new imagery. Tickets start at $24. Hobby Center, 800 Bagby. 713.558.TUTS. tuts.com CLAUDIA ACUÑA, VOCALIST Dec 6 Chilean singer and songwriter Claudia Acuña possesses one of the most beautiful and compelling voices in jazz. Her most recent recording is En Este Momento, on the Marsalis Music label. Acuña has recorded and toured with a host of performers including George Benson, Joey Calderazzo, Billy Childs, Roy Hargrove, Christian McBride, Danilo Perez and Pablo Ziegler. Tickets $37.50-$67.50. 8 pm. Wortham Center, 501 Texas. 713.524.5050. dacamera.com LATIN CHRISTMAS Dec 9 The Latin Phil is a professional orchestra made up of excellent musicians from around the world but with the mission of promoting exclusively Latin American music. The orchestra is led by Venezuelan maestro Glenn Garrido. Tickets start at $25. 7:30 pm. Jones Hall, 615 Louisiana. 832.487.7041. houstonlatinphil.org ANDREA BOCELLI Dec 10 The Italian tenor and global superstar returns to Houston for one night at Toyota Center. Witness the unforgettable Andrea Bocelli and his unrivaled, moving voice. Bocelli joins the orchestra to perform new songs from his latest release Love in Portofino, along with soaring arias, famed loved songs and hits like Time to Say Goodbye. Tickets $75-$375. Toyota Center, 1510 Polk. 713.224.7575. houstonsymphony.org VERY MERRY POPS Dec 12-14 No holiday would be complete without the spirited Michael Krajewski, a decked-out Jones Hall and the festive, annual tradition of Very Merry Pops. Treat the entire family to a yuletide evening of traditional standards like Winter Wonderland, Sleigh Ride and Little Drummer Boy and remind yourself why this is simply the “most wonderful time of the year.” Tickets $25-$136. Jones Hall, 615 Louisiana. 713.224.7575. houstonsymphony.org

SHEPHERDS AND ANGELS Dec 13 A performance of beautiful cantatas by Bach, written in anticipation of the most celebrated birth of all time. This performance will be the highlight of the holiday season. Tickets start at $18. 8 pm. Wortham Center, 501 Texas. 713.533.0080. mercuryhouston.org

THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS Dec 13 Embrace the joy of the season when the timeless story ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas is set to beautiful music performed by the Houston Symphony and narrated by Mirron Willis of Houston’s esteemed Ensemble Theatre. Don’t miss this family holiday favorite, complete with festive carols and Jones Hall decorations to get you in the spirit of the season. Tickets $32. Jones Hall, 615 Louisiana. 713.224.7575. houstonsymphony.org TRANS SIBERIAN ORCHESTRA Dec 19 The famous rock orchestra known for its elaborate concerts and pyrotechnics is back in Houston for two holiday shows. The group includes an orchestral string section, full rock band, multiple vocalists, a narrator, extensive pyrotechnics, a stunning laser and light show, and a snowfall! Tickets $34-$74. Toyota Center, 1510 Polk. toyotacentertix.com HANDEL’S MESSIAH Dec 19-21 A fixture of the Houston holiday season, Handel’s masterpiece Messiah is a transcendent and captivating program, featuring the orchestra, chorus and guest soloists. Experience classics like Ev’ry Valley Shall Be Exalted, O Thou That Tellest Good Tidings to Zion and the timeless Hallelujah. Tickets $29-$124. Jones Hall, 615 Louisiana. 713.224.7575. houstonsymphony.org MANNHEIM STEAMROLLER CHRISTMAS Dec 27 Experience the Magic! Mannheim Steamroller Christmas by Chip Davis has been America’s favorite holiday tradition, and this year marks the 30th anniversary of the group’s annual tour. Grammy Award winner Chip Davis has created a show that features the beloved Christmas music of Mannheim Steamroller along with dazzling multimedia effects performed in an intimate setting. Don’t miss this ultimate holiday tradition. Tickets $41-$76. 8 pm. Jones Hall, 615 Louisiana. 832.487.7041. joneshall.org SHEN YUN Dec 28-Jan 7 Through the universal language of music and dance, Shen Yun weaves a wondrous tapestry of heavenly realms, ancient legends, and

modern heroic tales, taking you on an extraordinary journey through 5,000 years of Chinese culture. A Shen Yun performance features the world’s foremost classically trained dancers, a unique orchestra blending East and West, and dazzling animated backdrops—together creating one spectacular performance. Sold-out shows and standing ovations at the world’s top theaters have made Shen Yun an international phenomenon. Tickets $75.50-$205.50. 8 pm. Jones Hall, 615 Louisiana. 832.487.7041. joneshall.org ¡FELICES FIESTAS! Dec 31 Ars Lyrica offers a festive New Year’s Eve celebration and beautiful music featuring soprano Melissa Givens and mezzo-soprano Cecilia Duarte. Grammy nominee and plucked-string expert Richard Savino curates this holiday-inspired program, which includes Spanish and Latin American Baroque classics that are sure to be magnificos. The Ars Lyrica annual fundraising gala surrounds the Zilkha Hall program with cocktails and buffet-style dinner of Spanish fare before the concert, plus champagne and dessert gala afterward in the Sarofim Hall Grand Lobby with calls of “¡Feliz Año Nuevo!” at midnight. Tickets start at $36. 8 pm. Hobby Center, 800 Bagby. 713.315.2525. thehobbycenter.org DIAVOLO – ARCHITECTURE IN MOTION Jan 9 Diavolo’s dancers, gymnasts, athletes and actors brilliantly explore the space where reality ends and imagination begins. With outrageous and surrealistic sets playing an essential role in each work, Diavolo takes movement, athletics and daring to the extreme to create abstract narratives. For its return to Houston, Diavolo will perform the final work of a trilogy created specifically for the Hollywood Bowl, titled Fluid Infinities, as part of its program. Choreographed to Philip Glass’ Symphony No. 3, this work is set on an abstract dome structure on which performers explore metaphors of infinite space, continuous movement and humanity’s voyage into the unknown future. Tickets $23-$78. 8 pm. Jones Hall, 615 Louisiana. 713.227.4SPA. spahouston.org VIVALDI & PAGANINI Jan 10 The Crimson Prince of Venice is a dazzling duel of musical virtuosity adapted especially for Mercury from a short story by Edgar Allen Poe. Featuring music by Vivaldi and Paganini, this multimedia concert experience promises to deliver a dramatic punch. Tickets start at $18. 8 pm. Wortham Center, 501 Texas. 713.533.0080. mercuryhouston.org HOT BOX GIRLS Jan 10 The Hot Box Girls bring their brand of sexy, sassy cabaret burlesque to Houston for an intimate, immersive theater experience unlike any other. The Hot Box Girls’ Crown Jewel features beloved jazz and musical theater tunes with a burlesque twist. The audience will be immersed in a Prohibition-era vaudeville atmosphere, where they will not only be

privy to clandestine affairs and backstage gossip, but will also be unwitting accomplices in a crime caper that threatens to shut the whole gin joint down before the night is over. Tickets $63. 7 pm, 9:30 pm. Jones Hall, 615 Louisiana. 713.227.4SPA. spahouston.org MOZART AND SHOSTAKOVICH Jan 17-18 Twin sisters Christina and Michelle Naughton share the Jones Hall stage to perform Mozart’s Concerto for Two Pianos. Watch and listen in awe as the duo exchange musical dialogue across the two pianos in this light and playful concerto. Next, experience a rare performance of Shostakovich’s intense and expansive Symphony No. 12, The Year 1917. Tickets $25-$125. Jones Hall, 615 Louisiana. 713.224.7575. houstonsymphony.org THE BOOK OF MORMON Jan 20-Feb 8 The New York Times calls it “the best musical of this century.” The Washington Post says, “It is the kind of evening that restores your faith in musicals.” And Entertainment Weekly says, “Grade A: the funniest musical of all time.” Jon Stewart of The Daily Show calls it “a crowning achievement. So good it makes me angry.” It’s The Book of Mormon, the nine-time Tony Award-winning Best Musical from the creators of South Park. Contains explicit language. Tickets $65-$175. Hobby Center, 800 Bagby. 713.315.2525. thehobbycenter.org WAITING FOR JOHNNY DEPP Jan 22-Feb 1 This one-woman musical follows the zany adventures of struggling New York actress Rita Donatella in her desperate attempts to land the role of a lifetime - to star in a film with Johnny Depp. Join Rita on her heartfelt and spirited journey through the highs and lows of wishing to be famous and realizing that sometimes we let our goals get in the way of the important things in life. Tickets start at $25. Hobby Center, 800 Bagby. 713.558.TUTS. tutsunderground.com AMADEUS LEOPOLD, VIOLIN Jan 23 Amadéus Leopold, previously known as Hahn-Bin, is the head-turning musician who harnesses performance art, technical prowess, powerful emotion and dynamic staging to transport classical music into pop culture. The virtuosic and stylish performer recently changed his name to Amadéus Leopold as homage to two of his musical heroes: Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and renowned violinist Leopold Auer. The Juilliard graduate and Itzhak Perlman protégé is known for

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MADAME BUTTERFLY Jan 23-Feb 8 When Puccini heard the story of a young Japanese girl who sacrifices everything for a faithless U.S. Navy lieutenant, he knew he had

found a winning idea for a new opera and immediately began work on Madame Butterfly. It would become one of the most beloved operas of all time. Puccini’s score, infused with atmospheric Eastern motifs, is mesmerizing. Tickets $20-$290. Wortham Center, 501 Texas. 713.228.OPERA. houstongrandopera.org MOZART’S ABDUCTION Jan 23-25 Laugh along to Mozart’s humorous The Abduction from the Seraglio, filled with colorful and

HOUSTON Winter PUBLIC LIBRARY Calendar All events free and open to the public. Central Library, 500 McKinney. Julia Ideson Library, 550 McKinney 832.393.1313. houstonlibrary.org STORIES OF A WORKFORCE: CELEBRATING THE CENTENNIAL OF THE HOUSTON SHIP CHANNEL Dec 1-Jan 30 Houston Arts Alliance’s Folklife + Traditional Arts program, in partnership with the Houston Public Library, presents Stories of a Workforce: Celebrating the Centennial of the Houston Ship Channel. The exhibit explores the diverse culture, heritage and lore of workers associated with the Port of Houston and the Houston Ship Channel. Special programs are also scheduled along with the exhibit. Julia Ideson Building. SEASON’S READINGS Dec 6 Celebrate the winter season with family-friendly, literary-inspired programs as part of HPL’s Season’s Readings. The event begins with Houston Youth Symphony performing classical and holiday favorites. Then enjoy story time with acclaimed author/animator Divya Srinivasan as she reads Little Owl & Octopus Alone. Finally, the Aurora Picture Show presents: Reel Reads (55 min), a Popcorn Kids Screening made possible by Reliant, an NRG Company, and curated by Liz Shepherd, director of the Annual Chil-

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dren’s Film Festival Seattle. 1-4 pm. Central Library. MAKE AND TAKE ART TABLE Dec 6 Drop in on Saturday and make your own creation to take home. All ages. 11 am-4 pm. Central Library. MAKE AND TAKE HOLIDAY ORNAMENTS Dec 20-23 Use our supplies to make an ornament to take home! All ages. 11 am to close. Central Library. SENSORY STORYTIME Dec 27, Jan 17, Feb 28 Sensory Storytime is an interactive program for children with Autism Spectrum disorders, sensory integration issues and other developmental disabilities, and their typically developing peers. This program includes stories, songs and activities in a small setting. 2 pm. Central Library. INTERACTIVE DISCOVERY TABLE Jan 3 Unstructured, drop-in activity featuring manipulatives and independent play. 11 am-4 pm. Central Library. SUPERFUN SATURDAY Jan 10 Play games, listen to

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stories, and make crafts that go with the Superfun Saturday theme! For school-age children. 2 pm. Central Library. FUN WITH SCIENCE EXPERIMENTS Jan 24, Feb 14 Create a science experiment with us! For schoolage children. 3 pm. Central Library. ART THING! Jan 31, Feb 21 Learn about art and artists and make your own creation to take home. 3 pm. Central Library.

exotic musical themes. The Symphony and guest vocalists portray a classic damsel in distress story in this opera-in-concert performance. Captured by Turkish pirates, an affluent Spanish woman awaits her fate – will her fiancé come to rescue her, or will she forever belong to the Pasha’s harem? Tickets $25-$125. Jones Hall, 615 Louisiana. 713.224.7575. houstonsymphony.org THE ROMEROS GUITAR QUARTET Jan 24 Known to millions as The Royal Family of the Guitar, the Romeros invented the guitar quartet half a century ago. Founded by the legendary Celedonio Romero with his sons Celin, Pepe and Angel in 1960, the Quartet today consists of the second (Celin and Pepe) and third generations (Lito and Celino) of the Romero family. Their extensive discography and the litany of prestigious concert halls where they have appeared is unmatched by any other guitar quartet. Tickets $35-$67.50. 8 pm. Wortham Center, 501 Texas. 713.524.5050. dacamera.com BILL COSBY: FAR FROM FINISHED Jan 24 One of America’s most beloved comedians of all time, Bill Cosby has captivated generations of fans with his comedy routines, iconic albums and best-selling books such as Fatherhood. His comedy transcends age, gender and cultural barriers. Cosby has received the Kennedy Center Honors, the Presidential Medal of Freedom (America’s highest civilian honor), the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor and the Marian Anderson Award. Tickets $35-$175. 7:30 pm. Jones Hall, 615 Louisiana. 713.224.7575. houstonsymphony.org LOVE LIES BLEEDING Jan 30-Feb 1 The undeniable joy of pop rock meets the breathtaking athleticism of ballet in Love Lies Bleeding, a celebration of the music of rock legend Sir Elton John and his writing partner Bernie Taupin. Performed by Alberta Ballet and created by the company’s artistic director Jean Grand-Maître, this wild and spectacular work features 14 classic songs. It explores the trials, victories and sacrifices of achieving super stardom with an unforgettable story of rock ‘n’ roll, drama, passion

MINECRAFT MADNESS Feb 7 Join us for an hour of Minecraft gaming and crafts. 2 pm. Central Library.

FAMILY FUN Mondays Baby Time, 10:30 am Toddler Time, 11:30 am Preschool Storytime, 1 pm Tuesdays Toddler Yoga, 10:30 am Toddler Playtime, 11:30 am Wednesdays Legos & Duplos at the Library, 3 pm

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his incredible skill and eccentric appearance. Leopold’s performances are noted for his unconventional presentations of classical music, as well as for the unusual juxtapositions of classical and postmodern music. Tickets $23-$63. 8 pm. Wortham Center, 501 Texas. 713.227.4SPA. spahouston.org

THE MAGIC FLUTE Jan 30-Feb 14 Mozart’s genius is supremely evident in his last opera, The Magic Flute. The fairytale is matched with some of the most stunningly beautiful music ever written, illustrating what set Mozart apart from his many rivals: a unique and profound understanding of humanity. Visually, this Flute finds a perfect balance between grandeur and comedy. Replete with elaborately detailed period costumes, Egyptian influences, and dancing bears, it is a feast for the eyes and the ear. Tickets $35-$373.75. Wortham Center, 501 Texas. 713.228.OPERA. houstongrandopera.org SUTTON FOSTER Jan 30-Feb 1 “Triple threat” and Tony Awardwinning singer, actress and dancer Sutton Foster, who starred in Broadway’s Thoroughly Modern Millie, Anything Goes and Shrek: The Musical, joins the orchestra to help kick-off the New Year with a

CONCERT OF ARIAS Feb 5 Some of the best emerging operatic talent compete head to head for top honors at this prestigious competition –cast your vote for the coveted Audience Choice Award! Don’t miss this special opportunity to see and discover the stars of tomorrow. Tickets $36-$76. Wortham Center, 501 Texas. 713.228.OPERA. houstongrandopera.org

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and, above all, love. Tickets $40-$85. Wortham Center, 501 Texas. 713.227.ARTS. houstonballet.org

BUDDY – THE BUDDY HOLLY STORY Feb 6-7 For a few short years, Buddy Holly set the music world on fire, breaking the mold and forever changing the face and sound of rock and roll. This unforgettable musical tells the true story of Buddy Holly’s meteoric rise to fame. Armed with a Fender Stratocaster guitar, his signature specs and a charismatic blend of rockabilly swagger, Buddy explodes onto the stage in a jukebox musical fully loaded with classics. Tickets $28-$78. Jones Hall, 615 Louisiana. 713.227.4SPA. spahouston.org JASON MORAN: THE RAUSCHENBERG PROJECT Feb 7 MacArthur Genius Grant recipient and native Houstonian Jason Moran has attained worldwide renown as a daring pianist, composer and creator of original projects including the Fats Waller Dance Party and the Whitney Biennial residency BLEED. Moran returns to Houston to create The Rauschenberg Project, an exploration of the work of visual artist Robert Rauschenberg, commissioned by Da Camera. Rauschenberg, a fellow Texan, has been a major influence on Moran’s work. For this multimedia project, Jason Moran expands his celebrated trio, The Bandwagon, to include some of Houston’s leading jazz musicians. Tickets $37.50-$67.50. 8 pm. Wortham Center, 501 Texas. 713.524.5050. dacamera.com

powerhouse song and dance extravaganza. Foster, who Vanity Fair describes as “the new Ethel Merman (meets Barbra Streisand),” belts hits such as Gimme, Gimme and Anything Goes. Tickets $25-$136. Jones Hall, 615 Louisiana. 713.224.7575. houstonsymphony.org A LITTLE DAY MUSIC Feb 4 A Little Day Music is a series of free concerts presented at noon on the first Wednesday of the month in the Grand Foyer of the Wortham Center. Each concert is designed to deliver Da Camera’s signature programming to an audience that includes senior citizens, Downtown professionals, and homeschool students. The series features a variety of chamber music and jazz, presented in an accessible one-hour concert format. Audiences are invited to enjoy their lunch while listening to the music. Free. Noon. Wortham Center, 501 Texas. 713.524.5050. dacamera.com

KINKY BOOTS Feb 10-22 Kinky Boots tells the story of Charlie Price, a man who has reluctantly inherited his father’s nearly bankrupt shoe factory. Trying to live up to his father’s legacy and save his family business, Charlie finds inspiration in the form of Lola, a fabulous entertainer in need of some sturdy stilettos. As they work to turn the factory around, this unlikely pair finds that they have more in common than they ever dreamed possible … and together they discover that when you change your mind about someone, you can change your whole world. Tickets start at $24. Hobby Center, 800 Bagby. 713.558.TUTS. tuts.com PERLMAN PLAYS & CONDUCTS Feb 12-15 Legendary violinist Itzhak Perlman doubly impresses as he plays violin and conducts the orchestra. Since his rise to fame as a child prodigy, the Israeli-American violinist has performed in nearly every major concert hall around the world and

even on TV in Sesame Street. With his emotion-filled, expressive musicianship, Perlman performs Bach’s Violin Concerto No. 2 and then conducts Schubert’s monumental and majestic Symphony No. 9, The Great. Tickets $35-$155. Jones Hall, 615 Louisiana. 713.224.7575. houstonsymphony.org HANDEL’S WATER MUSIC Feb 13 It’s instantly recognizable – one of the most elegant and beloved works ever written: Handel’s Water Music. Written to soothe the soul of a king with the weight of government fully on his shoulders, now you can enjoy this delightful piece with Mercury’s lively, fresh interpretation of this cherished classic. Tickets start at $18. 8 pm. Wortham Center, 501 Texas. 713.533.0080. mercuryhouston.org BERNADETTE PETERS Feb 13 The seven-time Tony Award winner Bernadette Peters, who has been headlining the Broadway stage for decades and whose screen credits include NBC’s Smash and her Golden Globe-winning performance in Pennies from Heaven, arrives in Houston just in time for Valentine’s Day. She captivates you as the orchestra accompanies her in a dazzling performance of some of Broadway’s best music. Tickets $35-$149. 7:30 pm. Jones Hall, 615 Louisiana. 713.224.7575. houstonsymphony.org LOVE LETTERS Feb 14 Italians make everything sound romantic A swoon advisory is thus in effect for this performance featuring duets from Claudio Monteverdi and cantatas by Vivaldi and Scarlatti. Two rising stars of the opera world return to the Zilkha Hall stage for this special Valentine’s Day treat: countertenor John Holiday and mezzo-soprano Ellie Jarrett Shattles. Presented by Ars Lyrica, this program is part of the third annual Houston Early Music Festival, which runs from Feb. 13–15. Tickets starting at $35. 7:30 pm. Hobby Center, 800 Bagby. 713.315.2525. thehobbycenter.org COMPLEXIONS CONTEMPORARY BALLET Feb 20 Complexions Contemporary Ballet, a SPA favorite, features 14 dancers of different ethnic and dance backgrounds and dazzling work encompassing everything from big, dynamic ensembles to poignant duets and solos. This season the company returns to Houston with Innervisions, an upbeat, mod-

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HOLIDAY EVENTS MISTLETOE ON THE GO! Dec 1-17 Pucker up— Texas’ biggest mistletoe ball is coming back to Downtown this holiday season. Mistletoe on the Go!, a 150-inch ball of kiss-inducing greenery hanging from a 15-foot giant candy cane, will be located at Downtown’s hippest park destinations for a tour of

holiday cheer. Passersby are invited to stand under the massive ball and kiss—just because! Share your smooches using #XOmistletoe. DESIGNCRAFT: AIGA HOUSTON’S 5TH ANNUAL MARKET Dec 6 DesignCraft is AIGA Houston’s 5th annual outdoor market featuring the work of local artists, crafters, creatives and more. The one-day event allows Houstonians to discover local, well-designed and crafted goods in their city and gives vendors an opportunity to sell their work. Featuring

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demonstrations by local artisans and live music by Mikey & the Drags, The Caldwell and Say Girl Say! 10 am-5 pm. houston.aiga.org NATIONAL LAMPOON’S CHRISTMAS VACATION Dec 13 Join the Alamo Drafthouse Rolling Roadshow for Market Square Park’s annual holiday movie extravaganza! Christmas Vacation

is a Chevy Chase classic—the Griswald’s big family Christmas predictably turns into a big disaster. PG-13, 97 minutes. Free. 7 pm.

RECREATION BAYOU BIKERS Dec 7, Jan 4, Feb 8 Bayou Bikers meet at Market Square on the first Sunday of the month for 25- to 40mile bike rides exploring the bayous of Houston. Rides are open to all. Mountain bikes or bikes with fat tires are necessary. This is an informal group whose purpose is to show Houstonians

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and visitors the beauty of Houston’s waterways. First Sunday of the month, 8 am. CRITICAL MASS Dec 26, Jan 30, Feb 27 Critical Mass is an informal bike group that meets the last Friday of every month to ride around the city, raise awareness and advocate for a bicycle-friendly urban environment. All bikes are welcome. 7:15 pm. HOUSTON B-CYCLE STATION Park visitors can purchase daily, weekly or annual memberships and explore downtown on two wheels. Thanks to Blue Cross Blue Shield, this bike sharing program has expanded from three to 14 stations throughout Downtown, as well as in other areas of Houston. For more information, visit houston.bcycle.com

PARK INFORMATION Market Square Park is open daily from 6 am11 pm. Blankets, lawn chairs, and picnics are welcome; food, beer and wine are available for purchase at Niko Niko’s. No glass containers or outside alcoholic beverages are allowed. Metered on-street parking is available and free after 6 pm. $5 parking is available nightly across the street at Market Square Garage.

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301 Milam. marketsquarepark.com Be sure to visit Market Square Park on Facebook and Twitter for special event announcements, weather-related updates and other happenings in the neighborhood’s eclectic dining and bar scene.

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ern dance tribute to the music of Stevie Wonder. Tickets $23-$78. 8 pm. Wortham Center, 501 Texas. 713.227.4SPA. spahouston.org GRAF CONDUCTS SCHUMANN Feb 20-22 Inspired by the Rhineland and majestic Cologne Cathedral in Germany, Schumann’s Symphony No. 3, Rhenish, is emotive, lyrical and uplifting. Returning to the Jones Hall podium, Conductor Laureate Hans Graf is joined on stage by young French pianist Lise de la Salle, who performs SaintSäens’ Piano Concerto No. 2. A rising star in classical music, The New York Times stated, “Ms. de la Salle is eminently musical; she offers depth as well as virtuosity.” Tickets $25-$125. Jones Hall, 615 Louisiana. 713.224.7575. houstonsymphony.org DANCE HOUSTON Feb 21 An evening of dance featuring local choreographers and dancers who embody artistic excellence in all the cultures that make up our world. Tickets start at $30. 8 pm. Wortham Center, 501 Texas. 832.487.7041. dancehouston.org AN EVENING WITH LAURA CLAYCOMB & DAVID DANIELS Feb 22 Appearing for the first time together in concert, the two vocal superstars join Mercury for an evening of Baroque songs, opera excerpts and many surprises. Tickets start at $18. 4 pm. Wortham Center, 501 Texas. 713.533.0080. mercuryhouston.org ROMEO AND JULIET Feb 26-Mar 8 It’s been 28 years since Houston Ballet staged a new production of Romeo and Juliet but Stanton Welch’s interpretation of this most famed love story is worth the wait. Set to Prokofiev’s breathtaking score, Welch’s classic production weaves the poignant tale of the star-crossed pair exquisitely. With lavish sets and costumes by acclaimed Italian designer Roberta Guidi di Bagno, the production pays tribute to Renaissance Italy. The theme is classic and the choreography fresh. Tickets $20-$170. Wortham Center, 501 Texas. 713.227.ARTS. houstonballet.org

FESTIVALS & SPECIAL EVENTS MAYOR’S HOLIDAY CELEBRATION AND TREE LIGHTING PRESENTED BY RELIANT Dec 5 This spectacular event is a holiday tradition of music, fireworks and family fun. Houston welcomes R&B divas, Grammy nominated recording artists and television stars, Angie Stone and Chante Moore. Immediately following their performances, Mayor Annise Parker and Reliant President, Elizabeth Killinger, along with Santa Claus and Houston Ballet’s Sugar Plum Fairy, will use their magic to light the Official Holiday Tree and ignite a spectacular fireworks finale perfectly timed to the Hallelujah Chorus from Handel’s Messiah, featuring the award-winning Ernest Walker Band and a 100-voice choir. Free. 6-8 pm. Hermann Square at City Hall, 901 Bagby. houstontx.gov

HOLIDAY TEA Dec 7 Relax and enjoy tea, savories and sweets while you listen to festive holiday music, take a tour of the Museum Gallery and chat with friends and family at The Heritage Society’s Holiday Tea. Tickets $50 adults, $35 children. 3-5 p.m. 1100 Bagby Street. 713.655.1912. heritagesociety.org UNSILENT NIGHT Dec 11 Join the Mitchell Center, in collaboration with Buffalo Bayou Partnership, for an interactive holiday event, Unsilent Night. It takes the form of a street promenade in which the audience becomes the performer. Upon arrival, participants download one of four tracks of music created by New York composer Phil Kline onto their smart phone. When participants play their different “parts” simultaneously, it helps create the special sound of the piece. Free. 6-9 pm. Sabine Promenade, 150 Sabine St. 713.752.0314. buffalobayou.org 52ND ANNUAL CANDLELIGHT TOUR Dec 13-14 Each year The Heritage Society decorates its historic buildings to reflect holiday traditions from different periods in Houston’s past. This is a perfect way to share the holidays with friends and family. Advanced tickets: Adults $10, seniors $8, students $5, children under 5 are free. 5-9 pm. 1100 Bagby Street. 713.655.1912. heritagesociety.org

event, which includes more than 5,000 participants of all ages, benefits the Tellepsen Family Downtown YMCA Partners Campaign. Participants in the event are encouraged to wear holiday costumes as they make their way through the city streets. A kids’ fun run for children 13 and under, a 3-mile family walk and a 5-mile adult run will be offered. See website for registration information. 11 am. The Tellepsen Family YMCA, 808 Pease. ymcahouston.org CITY HALL FARMERS MARKET Wednesdays through Dec 17 It’s a food-lovers delight at Urban Harvest’s City Hall Farmers Market. The market hosts more than 40 vendors with an array of locally grown fruits and vegetables as well as a variety of prepared lunch items made from local ingredients. 11 am-1:30 pm. City Hall, 901 Bagby. 713.880.5540. greenhoustontx.gov

6TH ANNUAL GINGERBREAD BUILD-OFF Dec 13 Over 30 competing teams will create their masterpieces using 100 percent edible materials. More than 3,000 spectators are expected to attend and cheer on the teams, play in the kids’ construction zone, and see Santa! Team registration is open to local architecture firms, design professional, students, and enthusiasts seeking the coveted Grand Prix de Show for their edible structure. Gingerbread buildings will be judged by an independent panel of food, design, art and architecture professionals. All entertainment is free and open to the public. 10 am4:30 pm. Hermann Square at City Hall, 901 Bagby. aiahouston.org

HOUSE OF BLUES NEW YEAR’S EVE BASH Dec 31 House of Blues rings in the New Year with four of Houston’s biggest parties – all happening under one rockin’ roof ! All-inclusive VIP packages and single event tickets available. See website for details. House of Blues Houston, 1204 Caroline St. houseofblues.com

BREAKFAST WITH SANTA Dec 13-14, 20-24 Have a delicious breakfast buffet with Santa and Sharkey! Don’t miss out. You may see Santa and his Elves swimming with the fish! Photo opportunities available. Reservations required. Downtown Aquarium, 410 Bagby. downtownaquarium.com

NYE BLACK & WHITE BALL AT MKT BAR Dec 31 Let the countdown begin and greet the New Year in style. Enjoy yummy light bites, a champagne toast at midnight, live music and more. Ages 18 and up. Complimentary parking is available in the One Park Place garage. Enter on McKinney. MKT Bar, 1001 Austin St. 832.360.2222. mktbar.com

31ST ANNUAL TOTAL JINGLE BELL RUN & WALK Dec 14 Get in shape and support a great cause during the 2014 Total Jingle Bell Run and Walk. The

NEW YEAR’S EVE PARTY AT HYATT REGENCY Dec 31 Kick off 2015 at the Hyatt Regency’s 37th annual New Year’s Eve Party. Houston’s longest-

SHARKEY’S NEW YEAR’S EVE Dec 31 Celebrate the New Year with Sharkey and the rest of his underwater friends complete with a buffet, balloon drop, contests and giveaways for the whole family. Reservations required. Downtown Aquarium, 410 Bagby. downtownaquarium.com

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datebook.

DISCOVERY GREEN WinterCalendar The events listed are confirmed at the time of printing. For a full listing of Discovery Green winter 2014-15 events, please visit the calendar at discoverygreen.com Blankets, lawn chairs and picnics are welcome; food, beer and wine are available for purchase at the Lake House. No glass containers or outside alcoholic beverages permitted. Most events are free, unless noted otherwise.

SPECIAL EVENTS THE ICE Through Feb 8 Ice skating returns to Downtown Houston this holiday season. Lace up your skates and get ready for a memorable winter experience on the largest outdoor ice skating rink in the Southwest. Admission is $13 and includes skate rental and tax. For hours of operation and information about purchasing a Speed Pass visit discoverygreen.com/ice. RAINBOW ON ICE Dec 18 The annual citywide GLBT celebration at Discovery Green heads to The ICE for the ultimate dance party with electrifying entertainment! 7-10 pm. DISCOVERY GREEN FLEA Dec 20, Jan 10 This outdoor market features vintage clothing, antiques, jewelry and more, plus kids activities and a bicycle repair workshop. 11 am-5 pm. FROSTIVAL! Feb 8 Witness an ice smack down with

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nationally renowned ice carvers including Reverend Butter and DLG Ice Factory. This event also features skating demonstrations, an ice ping-pong table, an ice graffiti wall, ice throne for pictures, snowball fights, live music and the ArtX Art Car glow procession. 4-8 pm.

WEEKLY EVENTS CHEAP SKATE NIGHT Select Mondays Skate for just $6 per person, thanks to media partner Houston on The Cheap. 4-10 pm.

Get caliente with an icy Zumba class followed by Latin music. 6-10 pm. HOT NIGHTS ON ICE Thursdays, Dec 4-Feb 5. Mix, mingle and turn up the heat! 7-10 pm. Take the mic at Karaoke Power Hour from 8-9 pm. BANK OF AMERICA FRIDAY NIGHT FLICKS Fridays, 7:30 pm. Skate and watch or just enjoy the movie!

JAZZ ON ICE Mondays, Dec 1-Feb 2. Join veteran Houston musician, performer and skating Jazzman Jawad for an evening of jazz jams. Sponsored by Ice Rink Events. 7-9 pm. TWO STEP TUESDAYS Tuesdays, Dec 2-Feb 3. Line dance to your favorite country western and swing music on the ice and Anheuser-Busch stage. 6-10 pm. LATIN NIGHT ON ICE Wednesdays, through Feb 4.

DOWNTOWNHOUSTON.ORG

Dec 5 A Christmas Story (PG) 1983, 98 min. CC English Dec 12 Miracle on 34th Street (G) 1947, 94 min. CC Spanish Dec 19 Frozen (Sing-aLong) (PG) 2013, 108 min. CC English Dec 26 Home Alone (PG) 1990, 103 min. CC Spanish Jan 2 Where the Wild Things Are (PG) 2009, 101 min. CC English

Jan 9 Willa Wonka & the Chocolate Factory (G) 1971, 100 min. CC Spanish Jan 16 March of the Penguins (G) 2005, 85 min. CC English Jan 23 Edward Scissorhands (PG-13) 1990, 105 min. CC Spanish Jan 30 Oz the Great and Powerful (PG) 2013, 127 min. CC English SKATE WITH SANTA PRESENTED BY EXXONMOBILE Saturdays through Dec 20. The man in the jolly red suit is on hand to skate with kids. Bring your camera for pictures. 4-5 pm. HOUSTON SKATING STARS Sundays through Feb 7. Featuring Houston’s top figure skaters performing demonstrations. 6-6:15 pm.

ART IN THE PARK WINGS OF THE CITY Through Feb 8 Interact with and be inspired by magnificent winged wonders. This exhibition of nine large-scale bronze sculptures by Jorge Marín, one of Mexico’s most important contemporary figurative artists, invites viewers to an aesthetic experience where the perfection of the human body mixes with allegorical and fantastic creatures. 6 am-11 pm daily. FIELD OF LIGHT Through Feb 8 Discovery Green will dazzle this winter with a captivating new, site-specific art installation Field of Light by internationallyrecognized artist Bruce Munro. Field of Light comprises 4,550 radiant, frosted glass spheres atop slender stems connected by illuminated fiber optic. 6 am-11 pm daily. Opening

running New Year’s Eve party boats a 50,000 balloon drop from the hotel’s 33-story atrium, two live bands, a DJ and fabulous room packages starting at just $299 per couple. 713.654.1234. nyehouston.hyatt.com BUFFALO BAYOU DOG PARK GRAND OPENING Jan 17 Buffalo Bayou Park’s official dog park is open and ready for business! Bring your pooch to enjoy the park’s features, fun games and giveaways. Free. 1-4 pm. Johnny Steele Dog Park, 2929 Allen Parkway. 713.752.0314. buffalobayou.org 2014 CHEVRON HOUSTON MARATHON & ARAMCO HALF MARATHON Jan 18 With more than 250,000 participants, volunteers and spectators, the Chevron Houston Marathon Race Day is the largest single-day sporting event in Houston. Watch the excitement at Discovery Green, where the races begin and end, or stake out a place along the route to cheer on the participants. Please note that with all the development and construction underway in Houston, the route has changed this year. Check online for all the info. chevronhoustonmarathon.com

celebration on Nov 22 from 5-7 pm at The Brown Promenade at Discovery Green.

Texas’ largest traveling mistletoe ball, when it makes a stop at Discovery Green.

OTHER EVENTS

CHANUKAH ON ICE Dec 21 Join thousands to light the Ice Menorah, skate with Judah Maccabee and enjoy Chanukah treats. Free. 5-8 pm.

YOUNG WRITERS WORKSHOP Saturdays through Feb 7. Writers in the Schools, Discovery Green and HPL Express offer the only free writing workshop in Houston for kids. 10:30-11:30 am. ORBIT SLAMS Dec 12, Jan 9 Free Writers in the Schools writing and slam workshops for poets ages 13-19. Support provided by the Salners Family Foundation. 6-7:30 pm. MISTLETOE ON THE GO! Dec 19-Jan 5 Get your kiss under Mistletoe on the Go!,

WE ARE HOUSTON RUNFEST Jan 17-18 The official Aramco Half Marathon and Chevron Houston Marathon post celebration for runners, family, friends and spectators. Check website for times. HOUSTON CREOLE HERITAGE FESTIVAL Feb 7 Celebrating the music, food and culture of Houston’s Creole community. Ticket fees apply.

SPEAKER SERIES INPRINT KAREN RUSSELL READING Jan 26 Karen Russell, MacArthur Foundation Genius fellow and bestselling author of Swamplandia! and Vampires in the Lemon Grove, reads from her work as part of the 20142015 Inprint Margarett Root Brown Reading Series. Tickets $5. 7:30 pm. Cullen Theater, Wortham Center, 501 Texas Avenue. 713.521.2026. inprinthouston.org INPRINT MARY SZYBIST and KEVIN YOUNG READING Feb 23 Mary Szybist, 2013 National Book Award-winning author of the poetry collection Incarnadine, and Kevin Young, American Book Award winner and author of the Book of Hours, will read from their work as part of the 2014-2015 Inprint Margarett Root Brown Reading Series. Tickets $5. 7:30 pm. Cullen Theater, Wortham Center, 501 Texas Avenue. 713.521.2026. inprinthouston.org

EXHIBITS & VISUAL ARTS TEXAS TREASURES: FINE FURNISHINGS FROM THE HERITAGE SOCIETY’S KELLUMNOBLE HOUSE Through Dec 31 Arts Brookfield in cooperation with the Heritage Society presents Texas Treasures: Fine Furnishings From The Heritage Society’s Kellum-Noble House, an exhibition featuring more than 100 Texas-made furnishings from the mid-19th century. The items on view are from the Heritage Society’s 1847 KellumNoble House, which is currently being renovated. Weekdays, 11 am-2 pm. One Allen Center, second floor lobby, 500 Dallas. 713.336.2280. artsbrookfield.com THROUGH THE LUNCHBOX, COLLECTED WORKS OF PAUL KITTELSON Through Jan 5 Arts Brookfield in cooperation with the artist and Devin Borden Gallery presents Through The Lunchbox, Collected Works of Paul Kittelson, an exhibition in which two hallmarks distinguish themselves: a boundless variety of media and an equally boundless variety of good humor. Kittelson’s work resonates with memories of family gatherings, our consumer culture, and one of the primary themes of art – food. One Allen Center, second level, 500 Dallas. Weekdays 8 am-6 pm. 713-336-2280. artsbrookfield.com

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datebook. ART GUYS: TUNNEL OF LOVE Jan 26-Apr 16 Arts Brookfield in cooperation with The Art Guys, present Tunnel of Love, an exhibition created for the One Allen Center Gallery that is the ultimate interactive trans-sculptural site-specific installation phenomenon. Tunnel of Love encapsulates everything that everyone has ever experienced or will ever experience. One Allen Center, second level, 500 Dallas. Weekdays, 8 am-6 pm. 713.336.2280. artsbrookfield.com

PAPER IN PIECES, LARGER THAN LIFE: THE ART OF AVRIL FALGOUT Through Jan 17 See a dozen of Avril Falgout’s expressive and unique sculpted figures of paper mache. Paper in Pieces, Larger Than Life: The Art of Avril Falgout will be on display in The Heritage Society’s historic Pillot House in a juxtaposition of a 19th-century period setting with contemporary artist interpreted figures. Free. The Heritage Society, 1100 Bagby Street. 713.655.1912. heritagesociety.org FORGOTTEN GATEWAY: COMING TO AMERICA THROUGH GALVESTON ISLAND Through Jan 31 From 1845 to 1924, the Port of Galveston was a major gateway for American immigration. This exhibition is the first of its kind to explore Galveston’s legacy as a port of entry on a national scale. It brings to light the little-known, yet rich, era of Galveston’s history and importance to the growth of Texas and the American Midwest. Free. The Heritage Society, 1100 Bagby Street. 713.655.1912. heritagesociety.org TEXAS DECORATIVE ARTS Dec 17 The Heritage Society presents a monthly lecture in conjunction with Texas Treasures: Fine Furnishings from The Heritage Society’s Kellum-Noble House. The exhibit, presented by Arts Brookfield, and now on display at One Allen Center, features Texasmade furniture from the mid-19th century. Free. 11 am-2 pm. One Allen Center, second floor lobby, 500 Dallas. 713.655.1912. heritagesociety.org THE LYRICISM OF BEN WOITENA, SELECTIONS IN STEEL, STONE, AND WOOD Jan 6-Jun 15 Arts Brookfield in cooperation with the artist and Devin Borden Gallery presents The Lyricism of Ben Woitena, Selections in Steel, Stone and Wood. On view at Heritage Plaza, 1111 Bagby. Weekdays, 8 am-6 pm. 713-336-2280. artsbrookfield.com

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BAYOU MUSIC CENTER Dec 2 Melissa Etheridge Dec 3 Ryan Adams Dec 6 Turnpike Troubadours Dec 11 Black Veil Brides/Falling in Reverse Dec 31 Blue October Jan 14 Engelbert Humperdinck Jan 23 Brian Regan Jan 24 The Fab Four Feb 12 Celtic Thunder Feb 28 Pierce the Veil/Sleeping with Sirens Bayou Music Center concert calendar is regularly updated. Check online for more info and to purchase tickets. Bayou Music Center, 520 Texas. 800.745.3000. livenation.com HOUSE OF BLUES Dec 1 3BallMty Dec 3 John Hiatt Dec 4 Jerrod Niemann Dec 7 Hannibal Buress Dec 11 Alex Clare Dec 17 Cheap Trick Dec 26 Robert Earl Keen Dec 30 Spoon Jan 7 Clutch, Torche, Lionize Jan 23 Led Zeppelin 2 Jan 24 Badfish Jan 30 Railroad Earth Jan 31 Big Head Todd & The Monsters Feb 3 Brooke Fraser Feb 4 Guster Feb 26 August Burns Red HOB’s concert calendar is regularly updated. Check online for more info and to purchase tickets. House of Blues, GreenStreet, 1204 Caroline. 888.402.5837. hob.com TOYOTA CENTER Dec 1 Justin Timberlake Dec 5 Usher Dec 10 Andrea Bocelli Dec 15 Fleetwood Mac Feb 17 Maroon 5 Toyota Center’s concert calendar is regularly updated. Check online for more info and to purchase tickets. Toyota Center, 1510 Polk. 713.4HOUTIX. toyotacentertix.com

DOWNTOWNHOUSTON.ORG

EXPOS HIGH CALIBER GUN & KNIFE SHOW Dec 6-7, 27-28 See hundreds of displays of new and old guns, ammo, gun parts, books, knives, knife sharpeners, coins, camouflage items and more all at discount prices. Tickets $8. Sat 9 am-5 pm, Sun 10 am-4 pm. George R. Brown Convention Center, 1001 Avenida de las Americas. 281.331.5969. texasgunshows.com

TOURS “LOOKING BACK” HISTORY TOUR WITH LOUIS AULBACH Dec 6 Learn about Houston’s rich history from local historian Louis Aulbach while cruising down the bayou. Reservations required. 10-11:30 am. Tickets $40. Location: Sabine Promenade Boat Launch. 713.752.0314 ext. 103. buffalobayou.org KAYAK TOURS Dec 6 Join North Lake Conroe Paddling Company to experience the heart of Houston, while gliding down Buffalo Bayou in a kayak! These fun, 3-hour group trips are designed for all skill levels of paddlers, ages 8 and up. All equipment will be supplied for you including the tandem (2-person) sit-on top kayaks. 9 am-1 pm. Cost: $60 per person (reservations required). Start/Finish: Allen’s Landing End. 936.203.2697. northlakeconroepaddlingco.com TOWERS & TREES DOWNTOWN WALKING TOUR Dec 13 This walking tour explores the magnificent architecture between Hermann Square and Discovery Green as well as the changing dynamics of our Downtown. Meet at City Hall at the base of the reflecting pool in Hermann Square, 900 Bagby Street. 713.520.0155. $10 for non-members; $5 for ArCH and AIA Houston members. 10 am. aiahouston.org CUPID CRUISES Feb 14 Hop aboard the Buffalo Bayou Partnership’s Spirit of the Bayou pontoon tour boat for a cozy cruise with your Valentine. Bubbly beverages and chocolate bites will be provided during a romantic evening boat ride with spectacular views of Downtown Houston. Reservations required. 5:30-6:30 pm and 7-8 pm. Cost: $40 per person. Location: Sabine Promenade Boat Launch. 713.752.0314. buffalobayou.org

DISCOVER HOUSTON TOURS Ghost tours, tunnel walks and rail tours, architectural tours and more are available. Tour guide Sandra Lord is the resident expert and has been conducting Downtown and Houston tours since 1988. Ticket prices vary. 713.222.9255. discoverhoustontours.com HERITAGE SOCIETY HISTORIC HOMES TOUR Nestled among 19 acres in the heart of downtown Houston, the Heritage Society boasts eight historic structures dating from 1823 to 1905. Each historic structure is authentically restored to reflect its original magnificence. Tickets $15 adults, $12 seniors, $6 children 6-8 and kids under 5 are free. Sam Houston Park,1100 Bagby. Times vary. 713.655.1912. heritagesociety.org MINUTE MAID PARK TOUR Get a behind-the-scenes look at Minute Maid Park including historic Union Station, broadcasting booth or press boxes, Astros’ or visitors’ dugout, luxury suites and much more. Tickets $9 adults, $7 seniors and $5 for kids 3-14. Mon-Sat 10 am, noon, 2 pm. Minute Maid Park, 501 Crawford. 713.259.8687. astros.com SAINT ARNOLD BREWING COMPANY TOUR Come visit Texas’ oldest craft brewery in their new location. Every Saturday, the doors open at 11 am and groups will rotate in and out of the facility in an open-house format until 2 pm. If Saturdays don’t work for you, check out their weekday open house at 3 pm. After the tour, guests are welcome to stay for a free tasting. Tickets $7, no reservations required. All minors under the age of 21 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. 2000 Lyons at I-10. saintarnold.com

SEGWAY TOURS OF HOUSTON Like the rest of Texas, Downtown Houston is a pretty big place to walk around. There are a lot of things to see up close and from a distance. Experience the Bayou City, once the capitol city of a sovereign country, from a talking perspective within a few hours while you have effortless fun on a segway. $75-$80. Meet at Wortham Center, 501 Texas. Daily. 10 am, noon, 2 pm, 4 pm and 6 pm. 866.673.4929. segwaytoursofhouston.com

SPORTS HOUSTON ROCKETS For schedule info and tickets, call or visit website.

Toyota Center. 1510 Polk. 866.4HOUTIX. rockets.com Dec 31 New Year’s Eve Rockets vs. Charlotte Hornets HOUSTON ASTROS January 24 Astros FanFest will cap off the weeklong Caravan at Minute Maid Park on Saturday, Jan 24 with baseball-themed activities including autograph sessions, running the bases, bullpen throwing sessions, an interactive kids zone, fan forums with front office staff and current players, a vendor expo, and more. The majority of FanFest event proceeds will benefit The Astros Foundation’s programs for at-risk children and teens. Admittance to FanFest is free with a voucher you can get at Astros.com. Check back soon for more details and to claim your voucher!

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