CELEBRATING & DISCOVERING HOUSTON’S FINEST
Uncommon Olympic Sports The Timeless Toy – a Stick Beautiful Rio de Janeiro UltraMagTexas.com
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PUBLISHER Juliet Hubbell
EDITOR Tamara Abel
ASSISTANT EDITOR Nancy Moreland
August 2016
ART DIRECTOR Adra Stafford
ADVERTISING DIRECTOR Ann Greer
CONTRIBUTORS
CONTENTS SPORTS
Summer Olympics
Bobby McCallitt on Common and Uncommon Olympic Sports
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Bon Appetit
10
HUMOR
Honest Lies and Other Misguided Thoughts
12
REAL ESTATE
Talk to Tammy
13
TRAVEL
Rio de Janeiro
14
HEALTH
Organic Eggs?
17
DINING OUT
Tasting Tour with Chef Patrick Blackman
19
Easy and Fun Summer Cooking with Anice Shelton
Newt Harlan on the Perfect Toy for the Ages – a Stick
Researching Home Selling Prices
The Beautiful 450-Year-Old City
What do the USDA Organic Standards Mean?
Lisa Smith’s Guide to Eating Out
Simplifying Your Divorce
20
Byron Barclay Offers Five Invaluable Tips for Divorcing
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EDITORIAL SUBMISSIONS editor@UltraMagTexas.com ULTRA Magazine Houston is published monthly. All rights reserved. Material may not be reproduced by any means whatsoever without written permission from the publisher. Opinions expressed in articles or advertisements do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the publisher. The magazine is not responsible for omissions or information that has been misrepresented. Advertisers and their agencies assume all liability for advertising content. We encourage our loyal readers to support our advertisers. Printed on recycled paper. PLEASE RECYCLE.
PETS
Cancer in Canines
BABY BOOMERS
Refresh, Restore and Repair Your Health
23
Understanding Cancers in Dogs
Six Ways to Improving Your Health From Head to Toe
Reader correspondence, editorial submissions and advertising inquiries are welcome.
ADVERTISING INQUIRIES
FOOD
LEGAL
4
Woodlands Getaways, Page 9
Byron Barclay Tammy Bateman Audrey Boutros Karen Bunch Julia Davila Newt Harlan Ahmad Khan Bobby McCallitt Anice Shelton Lisa Smith Dillon Sorensen Susan Scott Watts
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ULTRA SPORTS
TIME FOR THE SUMMER OLYMPICS By Bobby McCallitt
RIO 2016 The 2016 Summer Olympics are upon us and I can think of no greater sports accomplishment than to win an Olympic gold medal – particularly in an individual sport. Olympic gold means that at that given time, you were, without a doubt, the greatest in the world at your particular sport. That’s quite an accomplishment. Many sports comprise the Summer Olympics. Most people are familiar with the popular sports like gymnastics, swimming, and track & field. Other sports are perhaps a bit unknown. Did you know the USA team could bring home the gold in badminton? It’s true. Badminton premiered as a full-medal Olympic sport at the 1992 Olympic Games in Barcelona, Spain. There are tournaments for men and women in both singles and doubles. Mixed doubles were added for the first time in Atlanta in 1996. Denmark is the only non-Asian country to ever win an Olympic gold medal as they won the singles event in 1996. How about the game of handball? Handball was first introduced at the Olympic Games in 1936 at Berlin. Originally a men’s-only event, it was actually played outdoors on a grass surface. The sport was dropped from the program after this single appearance, and not played again at the Olympics until 1972. The women’s competition was added for the 1976 Summer Games. Table tennis anyone? What Americans refer to as ping pong, table tennis has been a part of the Summer Olympics since 1988. Participants compete in both men’s and women’s singles and doubles events. Athletes from China have dominated all the table tennis events.
After the 2008 Olympics, the sports of baseball and softball were dropped from the program. The International Olympic Committee voted on which two sports would be added to the program for Rio in 2016. They selected golf and rugby. Several other sports are under consideration for future Olympic Games, including surfing, wakeboarding and bowling. Yea bowling! Other sports, sadly, have been long discontinued from the Summer Olympic program. Here are a few I’d love to see make a return. Tug-of-War. Believe it or not, the Summer Olympics actually held competition in Tug-of-War. That’s right – grab one end of the rope and pull! Tug-of-War was held at the Olympics from 1900 to 1920. Tugof-War was a contest between two teams of eight. Just as you might imagine, one team had to pull the other team a total of six feet in order to win. If after 5 minutes no team had succeeded, the team, which had pulled the most distance, was declared the winner. I wish they’d bring Tug-of-War back as it would be a really fun competition to watch! Another long-departed Summer Olympic sport is underwater swimming. While this is common in the neighborhood pool, it actually once made it to the international stage. This event was held once at the Olympics, in Paris in 1900. Not surprisingly, it was never seen again on the Olympic program, mostly for the lack of appeal with spectators. Competitors were awarded two points for each meter swum underwater, and one point for each second they stayed underwater. Maybe now with underwater cameras it can make a comeback!
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Continued on page 8 7
Winning Smiles with a Personal Touch
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Finally, the International Olympic Committee should consider a return of the 200 meter swimming obstacle race. No, I’m not kidding. This unusual swimming event seems very complex but it had to have been a lot of fun. Just as the name suggests, it was a combination of a swimming event and an obstacle race. The competitors had to climb over a pole, scramble over a row of boats, and then swim under another row of boats. All this was done in the River Seine, so competitors had to contend with the current and weather. This event was only held once, in 1900, but would surely be a crowd favorite if it were to return. Enjoy the 2016 Summer Olympics – whichever sports are your favorites – as they only come around every 4 years. And good luck to Team USA!
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Exploring The Woodlands... A Fun and Easy Getaway Getting away from it all shouldn’t mean spending more time traveling than relaxing. The Woodlands – just 30 minutes north of downtown Houston – provides the perfect staycation respite from the hustle and bustle of daily life, encompassing an ideal mix of big-city appeal and small town charm. Shop until you drop at local boutiques and sought after national retailers, reconnect with nature while exploring miles of hike and bike trails and kayaking in one of the area’s scenic lakes, or attend a concert at one of the world’s top-ranked outdoor amphitheaters. And when you’re ready to kick up your feet and relax, The Woodlands and The Howard Hughes Corporation offer a variety of premier properties suited to every taste and style.
The Westin at The Woodlands
Embassy Suites by Hilton, The Woodlands at Hughes Landing
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A dazzling addition to Town Center, The Westin at The Woodlands sets a new bar for hospitality in the region through its striking architecture, chic decor, destination amenities and elevated service levels. Ideally situated to take advantage of Town Center’s pedestrian orientation, guests don’t have to worry about the hassle of the car with top attractions such as The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion, The Woodlands Mall and upscale Market Street district easily reachable by foot, water taxi or trolley.
Perched on the eastern shore of Lake Woodlands, Hughes Landing is one of The Woodlands’ most exciting new destinations. Explore exclusive retail and specialty shops, grab a bite along Restaurant Row or dive into adventure with an array of watersports and hike and bike trails. Embassy Suites by Hilton The Woodlands at Hughes Landing puts you in the heart of the action and features stylish suites, plus complimentary made-to-order breakfast and cocktails at the Evening Reception. Relax with a workout in the hotel’s 24-hour fitness center, or a dip in the rooftop infinity pool overlooking Lake Woodlands.
In the summer months, The Woodlands Resort comes alive with excitement, centering on the property’s Forest Oasis Waterscape™. Located within a vast poolside environment and surrounded by three luxurious guest wings, towering pines and lush landscaping, the spectacular amenity with double-helix water slide and new lazy river was designed to create a fun and refreshing experience for the entire family.
And while an array of dining and entertainment options are located steps away off Waterway Square and along The Woodlands Waterway, many visitors opt never to leave thanks to on-site offerings that include a WestinWORKOUT fitness studio, waterway-oriented, vanishing edge pool with fire feature, full-service Starbucks, sophisticated Lobby Bar, rooftop SideBar lounge, plus acclaimed CURRENT restaurant, which is dedicated to highlighting the finest and freshest ingredients from local and regional farms, ranches and producers.
The hotel also features a new restaurant concept – E’terie – where guests can enjoy the convenience of a 24-hour grab-and-go gourmet market, as well as a full menu of fresh, simple dishes for lunch and dinner.
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In addition to multiple pools, the Resort’s soothing, wooded landscape is overflowing with recreational opportunities, ranging from two championship golf courses and a world-class tennis center to an indulgent spa, fitness center and vast network of trails. An enticing array of on-site dining venues is sure to please the palate, including Robard’s, named one of the best steakhouses in Houston. Overlooking the Panther Trail golf course, the restaurant and bar showcases an extensive menu of USDA prime grade, dry-aged steaks and chops, seafood and chef-inspired specials.
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August…
ULTRA FOOD
The time of year when most Houstonians question our sanity for living in this city. But despite the heat and humidity, I wouldn’t choose to live anywhere else.
Bon Appetit
August also tends to be the time of year I most want out of the kitchen. When I must cook, I prefer to make dishes that are light, healthy and easy to prepare. So with that in mind, I am sharing two fish dishes, a veggie dish, a refreshing salad and a cocktail.
EASY AND FUN SUMMER RECIPES by Anice Shelton
Let’s start with the cocktail recipe. I named it Blueberry Lemontini. The color of the cocktail is a beautiful light purple. It can be made as sweet or tart as you like.
BLUEBERRY LEMONTINI Fresh blueberries 1-2 fresh lemons 3 oz. Western Son Blueberry Vodka Ice Note: I prefer the Western Son (found at most Specs) blueberry vodka to other flavored vodkas. It is not too sweet, the vodka is good quality, and it has a lovely light-blue tint. Stolichnaya and Skyy also produce a good quality blueberry vodka.
In a cocktail shaker, muddle about 15 blueberries with the juice of one lemon. If you prefer a little more tartness use another half of a lemon or 2 full lemons. You want about an ounce of lemon juice at least. Add in the vodka. Shake with ice. Pour into a martini glass and garnish with fresh blueberries and lemon zest. To lighten this up, mix as above and pour into a highball glass over ice and add berry flavored sparkling water (like LaCroix) or club soda or tonic water.
Now let’s see what we can do with Houston’s bounty of summer produce. PICK-JUST-ONE WATERMELON SALAD Watermelon cubes Cheese (Feta, cotija, goat) pick just one cheese
Herbs (mint, basil, arugula, cilantro) pick just one herb
Optional other fruit (blueberries, strawberries, blackberries) pick just one berry
Jalapeno (if desired for a bit of heat) 2 oz. good quality fruity olive oil 1 oz. Balsamic vinegar Salt and pepper to taste 10
There is really no “recipe” or measurements to this one. Choose a cheese, an herb, and an additional fruit or jalapeno if you wish. Just do one of each or it loses freshness and becomes muddled. Cube your watermelon and put in a bowl. If using mint or basil chiffonade it into tiny ribbons or finely chop. If using arugula, place in the bowl with the watermelon. If cilantro is your preferred herb, pick the leaves or just give it all a bit of a chop. Crumble in the cheese. Add in an additional berry or jalapeno if you wish. Whisk together the oil and vinegar and season with salt and pepper and toss with the salad. Adjust seasonings. Serve cold. UltraMagTexas.com
And now for some easy veggies CORN AND GREEN BEANS
A few light and easy fish dishes delicious enough to serve guests. SALMON AND ASPARAGUS IN A FOIL PACKET Per person: 1 Salmon filet (6 oz. skin removed) 1-2 TBS pesto 5-6 grape tomatoes sliced 8-10 thin asparagus spears
Fresh corn, sliced off the cob Fresh green beans cut into 1-inch pieces Butter Olive oil Salt and pepper Again, this recipe is not one I measure but I count one ear of corn per person (2 if small) and about 10 long green beans per person. Wash and slice the beans. To easily remove corn from the cob without making a mess, invert a small bowl inside a larger bowl and place the cob on the bottom of the small bowl. Slice carefully. All the kernels will fall inside the larger bowl. Heat a skillet to medium high heat and put in a TBS of olive oil and a TBS of butter. Lightly sauté the corn and the green beans. Put a lid on the skillet to help it “steam” a bit and soften the veggies. I prefer my corn and green beans a bit crisp so it is usually ready in just a few minutes. Season to taste. Sometimes I like to throw in a little red pepper.
Note: I use store-bought prepared pesto. Whole Foods makes a delicious one and their jalapeno cilantro pesto is especially delicious with this recipe. You can also make this with fresh trimmed green beans but they must be par-cooked for 3 minutes in salted boiling water. Either way you have a meal in a packet. Preheat oven to 400° Cut a 12-inch length of aluminum foil for each salmon filet. Season each filet with salt and pepper. Place trimmed asparagus (or green beans) on foil and season with salt and pepper. Place salmon filet on top of asparagus. Top the filet with enough pesto to cover. Top pesto with sliced grape tomatoes. Seal the ends of the foil loosely so that you have a nice packet that lets the heat circulate. Bake for 18-24 minutes depending on preferred doneness and thickness of the filet. I prefer my salmon to be medium so I cook a 1-inch thick filet for 18 minutes. Continued on page 22
If your kids like salmon, letting them “build” their own packet is fun and a great way to introduce them to cooking!
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ULTRA HUMOR
THE PERFECT TOY A PLAIN OLE STICK
Honest Lies and Other Misguided Thoughts By Newt Harlan
A magic wand, a fishing pole, a knight’s broadsword or a royal scepter, do you know what can easily be all of these things and more? A common stick! Did y’all ever play with a lowly stick? A stick is a universal plaything needing only a child’s imagination to become a hundred different objects. The stick is a toy that is widely recognized and remembered, one that fosters learning and creativity, and having lasting popularity across generations. The stick joins the baby doll, skateboard and several other toys in the National Toy Hall of Fame. Do you remember when we were growing up all the uses we found for sticks? Although a stick had no real identity of its own, it quickly became whatever we imagined. Sticks became staffs when we were Robin Hood and his merry men balancing on a log over a stream and whacking at each other for the right to pass. I still recall getting a few too many raps on my knuckles. Then, we would bend limber sticks to make passable bows while other semi-straight sticks became arrows. In actuality the arrows never flew very far, but in our imaginations, they soared above the treetops and defeated the archers of the wicked king. When we played army or cowboys and Indians, the stick became a rifle or pistol complete with sound effects for shots and ricocheting bullets. 12
We’d take careful aim at the bad guys with our sticks, and then yell pow, pow, zwiingg! Our shots rarely missed, but after dying a dramatic death, the dead soldier could miraculously return to life as a new warrior. In our imaginary battles, a stick weapon always worked just as well as any storebought toy rifle or pistol and felled just as many bad guys. A stick was a magic wand that could turn anyone into a troll or a toad and then could become the royal scepter as the good King Arthur knighted his loyal knights. The sticks then became mighty swords as we knights went out in search of dragons and other enemies of our good king. There were many sword fights when the barn was a castle and the surrounding woods were the enchanted forest. We were always very careful to stay out of mama’s sight lest we be admonished about “putting each others eyes out with those sticks.” Next, the sticks became batons for my sisters and our next door neighbors to twirl as they led an imaginary band while my stick turned into a perfectly tuned trumpet and played flawless renditions of Sousa marches and the local high school’s fight song. Or drumsticks as we pretended to pound out our cadence on a hollow-tree war drum. There were countless uses for a good stick in UltraMagTexas.com
sports. It was a bat when we played sandlot baseball using a tennis ball. It was the bat used for a game similar to hockey played on roller skates which we called tin can shinny. It was a staff when we went on hikes. A strong stick with a good fork and a couple of pieces of inner tube rubber made an excellent slingshot. A good limber willow stick made a super fishing pole and we caught many fish from ponds and creeks. Sticks were useful to retrieve things such as cattails and water lilies from swamps and ponds in the woods to be transplanted in mama’s home fishpond or garden. The sharpened end of a forked stick was perfect to stab a baked potato from the campfire or hold a marshmallow or a hot dog over the coals while it cooked. Humans aren’t the only beings on this earth to play with sticks-- as every country boy knows, there is nothing better than a stick for a country dog to fetch. Yes, the lowly stick has a myriad of uses and we have barely scratched the surface. Best of all, sticks are still free and plentiful. My great grandsons enjoy them just as much as I did at their age. The stick is an excellent and timeless toy. It just may be the perfect toy!
TALK TO TAMMY What’s Changing in Houston’s Real Estate Market?
Tammy Bateman and Mustang
Let’s talk about the number one question my dog, Mustang, and I get asked: What’s changing in the real estate market in Houston? Well, the market has shifted and it is more important than ever to price the home correctly, right from the get-go! So how do you start? We pull “comps,” comparable sales to the subject property. But beware, comps are only a part of the equation and it is important to understand the other factors such as: LOCATION Exact location within the neighborhood and city LOT ATTRIBUTES Is it smaller, larger, hilly, water feature or on a ravine? RENOVATIONS Homes with improvements usually get a higher price. AGE The competition from new construction needs to be taken into consideration. PRICING The difference between listing price and sales price. Sold inventory is more reliable to determining a realistic price than asking price of homes active on the market. The process can be tricky, so please give us a call to help you navigate the process and get your property positioned to sell in today’s market. Enjoy the rest of your summer! Have a Real Estate Question for Tammy?
TAMMY BATEMAN PROPERTIES 713.461.7070 | tammy@tammybateman.com www.tammybateman.com ADVERTORIAL
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VISITING BEAUTIFUL RIO DE JANEIRO By Bobby McCallitt
ULTRA TRAVEL With the Olympic spotlight on Rio de Janeiro, what better time to point out some of the amazing things this wonderful city has to offer?
But the things to do once there! Oh my, where to begin? Let’s start with the one single most iconic landmark in Rio – the statue of Christ the Redeemer. If ever the phrase “you’d have to see it to believe it” applied, it would be to this breathtaking monument. Sitting atop Corcovado Mountain in the Tijuca tropical rain forest, this 700-ton colossal sculpture literally overlooks the city. Even after reading about the construction, its sheer size and location alone beg the question “How did they do this?” Going to see it multiple times should be strongly considered as it is both awe-inspiring and spiritual.
A few basics: First, Rio is only a 2-hour time difference from us, so other than the 10-hour plane ride, jetlag isn’t really an issue. Your stomach will want food at the appropriate times. And if you plan ahead, really cheap airfares can be found. Second, although the official language of Rio is Portuguese, most everyone there speaks or at least understands English. And Portuguese is very similar to Spanish. So that is a nice bonus – particularly when said stomach is ready for food.
Sugarloaf Mountain is another of Rio’s many famous attractions. Situated at the mouth of Guanabara Bay on a peninsula that sticks out into the Atlantic Ocean, it rises straight up from the water’s edge 1,299 feet and offers spectacular views of the harbor. To reach the summit, passengers take a short 3 minute, glass-walled cable car ride, offering a 360-degree glimpse of the surrounding city. (James Bond fans will remember the 1979 film Moonraker, in which the villainous henchman Jaws attempts to kill 007 on the cable car. Thankfully, Bond survives.)
Now let’s talk accommodations. Airbnb is the way to go! (At least it was for us.) If you’re not familiar with this service and their products, ask your kids. Basically, locals rent out their homes to vacationers. The process is amazingly simple, extremely effective, and unbelievably affordable – especially compared to hotel prices. You are afforded the opportunity to spread out, cook your own meals if so desired, and actually have a home-away-from-home. I’m the most skeptical guy around, so believe me when I say it couldn’t have been easier and more convenient. There are other similar home-rental services, but we used Airbnb with fantastic results. 14
Oh baby, those beaches though! The beaches in Rio are really something. Marked by numbered lifeguard watchtowers, both Copacabana Beach UltraMagTexas.com
and Ipanema Beach are not to be missed. Copacabana is a 2.5 mile-stretch of the most famous beach in the world – and for good reason. Hotels, restaurants, bars, and nightclubs dot the promenade facing the beach. And speaking of the promenade – it’s a huge black and white mosaic promenade of a geometric wave, running the length of the beach. Imagine the Galveston seawall, only down on beach level, and a hundred million times hipper. Copacabana Beach plays host to millions of revelers during the annual New Year’s Eve celebration. I can only imagine... As you reach the south end of Copacabana, the beach turns back to the west, and there you will find Ipanema Beach. Separated only by Fort Copacabana, a military base that is open to the public, Ipanema Beach is just as beautiful. Distinctive by its neighborhood, Ipanema is one of the most expensive places to live in all of
Rio. Sporting art galleries, theatres, and cafes on its promenade, Ipanema is known for its elegant development and social life. The Travel Channel listed Ipanema Beach as the sexiest beach in the world. Here, here! At both beaches you will find locals walking along the beach selling beer and snacks, along with various trinkets, beachwear, towels, and random souvenirs. There are always people playing soccer, volleyball, and footvolley, a locally invented sport that is a combination of volleyball and soccer. The whole thing is quite fun! For some non-beach action, visit the Santa Teresa district and climb the Selaron Steps, a set of worldfamous tile-painted steps in Rio. They are the work of Chilean-born artist Jorge Selaron and should not be missed. Continued on page 25
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3 SIMPLE RULES for Healthy, Organic Eggs
ULTRA HEALTH When you head to the grocery store for organic eggs, you assume a certain level of quality in how your eggs were produced. While there are standards and requirements that companies follow in labeling their eggs, the standards lack regulation and don’t truly reflect whether or not hens are treated humanely.
packaging, labels and imagery that they find on their carton of eggs, but oftentimes these labels say little to nothing about the way the hens were treated.
Give Them Space: The happy egg co. provides 21.8 square feet of space per hen, which is equivalent to roughly 20 shoe boxes high, long and wide – plenty of space for them to stretch their wings, dust bathe, forage and roam freely. Give Them Enrichment: Providing hens with “hen-richment” structures, including play kits and perches, encourages them to spend most of their day outside. This enrichment is meant to stimulate their natural instincts, which can only be exhibited outside of a cage or barn. Keep Consumers Safe: The FDA requires that egg producers test for salmonella once in a hen’s lifespan, but testing for salmonella every 15 weeks helps ensure that only the highest quality eggs enter the food chain.
The USDA’s latest proposed outdoor space requirements would give hens a mere 2 square feet of space in order to carry the USDA organic label. To put things into perspective, the average cubicle size in the U.S. is 75 square feet. The proposed requirements are the human equivalent of running laps in an elevator, essentially. While an improved organic standard would be a step in the right direction, it makes no headway in terms of alleviating consumer confusion over carton labeling. Rather than providing animal welfare-conscious consumers with the confidence that they are purchasing humanely produced eggs, it proposes living conditions for hens that are neither humane nor safe. Consumers should be able to trust the
hens to live happier, healthier lives, the happy egg co., the first U.S. free-range egg brand to be certified by the American Humane Association, abides by three simple rules:
To reinforce the integrity of the organic seal, hens should be given far more space than what has been outlined by the USDA. In order for UltraMagTexas.com
For more information about hen welfare and making humane purchasing decisions at the grocery store, visit thehappyeggco.com. (Family Features) 17
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Make Sure Your Home has Only the Best by Contacting Mainland Stoneworks Today.
281-824-9696 | www.mainlandstoneworks.com UltraMagTexas.com
TASTING TOUR with Chef Patrick Blackman By Lisa Smith
Photography By Lisa Smith
ULTRA DINING
I had the pleasure of meeting Patrick Blackman, a quiet, humble and charming guy, originally working at the Marque in City Centre, a private social club. The ambience is excellent and the food is crafted to match. Patrick was originally born in New Orleans, LA. His culinary journey began at the young age of 17. After graduating from Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, NY, he arrived in Houston. Patrick first worked with Chef Mark Holley, formerly of Pesce, for 7 years. Then he worked with Chef Danny Trace at Brennan’s for 3 years. Houston foodies know that Pesce was an outstanding restaurant and Brennan’s brings true New Orleans food to downtown Houston. Food tends to draw all walks of life to a common ground. After many chats about all the recent
Houston is filled with amazingly talented chefs.
culinary hot spots, Patrick decided he would take me on a culinary field trip to get a behind the scenes look and taste of just of a couple of restaurants that he currently and literally has his hands in.
They have worked alongside
We started at Midtown BBQ, my first time to visit. Using my map to locate the restaurant wasn’t
many of the chefs that have
needed once I got closer. The smells of the smoked meats led me straight to the restaurant. Patrick
opened great restaurants in
introduced me to the pit master Brett Jackson. They brought out a plate of their most popular
Houston and many other cities and countries and have created
items to taste. The beef rib was big enough to share if you are into that size of meat. All the meats were fork tender and seasoned to perfection. This was no mere rib shack but a delicious modern twist on a Texas staple.
culinary magic. When given the opportunity to shadow, and witness culinary greatness it sets the stage to create future great chefs.
Then we trekked to Agave Rio Restaurant in Katy. Agave looks like a beautiful southwestern little town nestled in Katy. The patio is just as beautiful as the inside of the restaurant. Chef Patrick let me witness his culinary skills up close and personal as he prepared prosciutto wrapped quail with corn and mushroom relish. As I sat and enjoyed the delicious meal and my beautiful surroundings, I tipped my crisp glass of Chenin Blanc to the chef and thanked him for an awesome day!
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ULTRA LEGAL
BIOGRAPHY & DISCLAIMER
Simplifying Your Divorce
A Few Tips that Might Help Courtesy of Byron K. Barclay
Divorce can be a trying and difficult part of life. Anything that you can do to simplify, or smooth the divorce process can save you money and some heartache. Here are a few tips that might help you through your trying times:
1.
While it takes two people to get married, it only takes one to get a divorce. You and your spouse agreed to marry, and so you did; however if you are unhappy, or he is, a court will grant a divorce. The reason for this advice is that you are not likely going to be able to change your spouse’s mind if he or she wants to divorce. It usually is not one thing, like “if I had just done this,” or “if she had just been able to do that.” Don’t beat yourself up about it, and try not to be angry. You might as well determine, from the beginning, that you ARE going to get through this.
2. Get a separate bank account. If you think you are going to ask for a divorce, or that your spouse will
do so, make sure that you have a bank account in place, in your name only, with money in it. Yes, you will later have to account to your spouse for the money and where it came from, however it is better to have the control of that money, and account for it, than to later have to ask him to give you some money from the joint account.
3. Get a lawyer. In fact, encourage your spouse to get a lawyer too. It is better for each of you to have a
lawyer, and have those two professionals communicate early in the process, than for one to have a lawyer and the other to represent himself or herself. Lawyers really don’t want to deal with people representing themselves. They are difficult to deal with, they don’t know enough about the process to trust the other lawyer, and they will actually slow down the process. Get a lawyer.
4. If you want to write a letter or send an email to your spouse, taking the blame or explaining your
reason for wanting a divorce, ask your lawyer to review it. While it is a really decent thing to do, and a heartfelt one as well, there are things that you may want to say, in writing, to your spouse that will actually hurt your case or prolong the process. Your letter can become a piece of evidence that will be used against you.
5. Understand, from the beginning, that very little about your marriage and your relationship with
your spouse will have anything to do with the court’s decisions about custody of your children. Even more important, custody is one of the most expensive things to litigate. Whether your spouse had an affair or spent all of the money gambling in Las Vegas will likely have no impact on whether your spouse gets visitation or even primary custody of your child. Yep. That’s right. There is no substitute for a smart, experienced lawyer. It will be quicker and cheaper for both of you in the long run, and you are more likely to get through the process with more of your sanity in place if you have a good tour guide. Good luck. 20
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BYRON K. BARCLAY BKBarclay@lawyer.com www.BarclayLawFirm.com 713.224.2334 Byron K. Barclay is a Houston, Texas attorney and Board Certified by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization in Personal Injury Trial Law. In addition, Mr. Barclay handles estate planning matters and is regularly appointed to serve various courts in Harris County as an Attorney Ad Litem for the estates of persons who have died without a will. Mr. Barclay also handles commercial litigation, divorces, family law and child custody issues. The foregoing article is offered only as a public service to this community and does not constitute solicitation or provision of legal advice. This site and column should not be used as a substitute for obtaining legal advice from an attorney licensed or authorized to practice in your jurisdiction. You should always consult a suitably qualified attorney regarding any specific legal problem or matter. The comments and opinions expressed on this site are of the individual author. Nothing in this column or on any website where it may be published is intended to create an attorneyclient relationship and nothing posted by Mr. Barclay constitutes legal advice. Should you have questions, you may forward them via email to Mr. Barclay at BKBarclay@lawyer.com. Questions may be edited for length or clarity. Mr. Barclay will choose questions submitted for brief answers and possible publication. Mr. Barclay reserves the right to choose which questions to answer, and submission of a question does not guarantee that he will provide an answer.
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BON APPETIT Continued from page 11
FISH WITH SHRIMP IN TOMATO WINE SAUCE Note: for this recipe any flaky white fish will do. I prefer black drum but red snapper, redfish and tilapia are all good options. Whole Foods offers drum at most of their stores. Per person: 1 filet of black drum, snapper, tilapia or redfish 10 peeled and deveined shrimp, tails removed Salt, pepper, garlic powder Cayenne (optional for a little heat) Olive oil Butter For the sauce: Sliced grape tomatoes Garlic White wine Season the filets with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and cayenne. Set aside shrimp. Heat a skillet to high and add in a TBS of olive oil and TBS of butter per filet. Sear one side of the fish for about 3 minutes. Flip and sear the other side for 3 minutes and then turn heat down to medium to finish cooking the fish. Once fish is cooked set aside. Sauté the grape tomatoes in the pan drippings (I use about 10-12 tomatoes per person). Once the tomatoes have softened and are starting to char use a micro grater to grate in some garlic (as desired). Turn the heat off and add in a cup and half of white wine per person and then turn heat back up to high to deglaze the pan. When the wine is reduced by about half, add in the shrimp and cook until done. Should only take a minute or two. Place shrimp over fish and continue to reduce the sauce a bit longer. Pour sauce over fish and serve. I like to serve my fish and shrimp over brown rice or a bed of arugula. Another option for this fish (minus the sauce) is to serve it over the corn and green beans. Season and sauté fish and cook as above. Place over corn and green beans (sometimes I add in minced jalapeno to the corn/bean sauté). Top with a squeeze of lime and garnish with chopped cilantro and green onion. These are recipes I make at least once a week. My friends and family love them and I hope you do too! Follow me on Instagram and please share your cooking photos! @ultracookingwithanice
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ULTRA PETS
CANCER in CANINES College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University
Cancer is a debilitating disease affecting millions of Americans daily. The same is true for animals, as approximately 50 percent of all dogs over the age of 10 will be diagnosed with some form of cancer. Being aware of the possibility of cancer in your canine and having your veterinarian perform regular checkups can help to ensure that you are doing the best for your dog. According to Dr. Heather Wilson, assistant professor in oncology at the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences (CVM), the most common types of cancer in dogs is lymphoma (tumor of the lymph nodes), osteosarcoma (tumor of the bones), and mast cell tumors (skin tumor). “Any dog can get cancer, but certain breeds such as Golden Retriever, Boxer, German shepherd, Rottweiler, and Bernese Mountain are predisposed to many forms of cancer,” notes Wilson. As cancer is so common in dogs, annual geriatric exams with a veterinarian are strongly encouraged. After a cancer diagnosis and treatment, Wilson recommends monitoring the pet for recurrence every two to six months for three years. The frequency of the checkups depends on the type of tumor. It is important to regularly perform at-home physical examinations on your pet. You should look for any lumps, specifically around the lymph nodes in the neck. However, not all tumors are visible; therefore, regular veterinary visits are crucial to guarantee your pet’s health.
While cancer can be extremely stressful for owners and pets, the good news is that with the amount of resources and specialists that are now available to treat cancer in pets, owners now have the power to make educated and responsible decisions to get their companion animals through this illness. In recent decades, veterinary medicine has progressively advanced to offer technology and treatment of human quality for pets to help aid in cancer treatment and other illnesses. The Diagnostic Imaging and Cancer Treatment Center (DICTC) at the CVM is one example of the new state of the art facilities now available for companion animals. The DICTC is set to open its doors in the next couple of months and it will greatly improve the quality of care animal patients receive due to the highly advanced capabilities of the new technology. “The DICTC will house advanced imaging equipment that will help us find and monitor cancer at a much earlier stage than was previously possible,” explains Wilson. “The earlier we can identify cancer the better we can treat it. Additionally, the Tomotherapy unit will allow us to very precisely treat hard to reach tumors in animals that we were previously unable to treat because of their location, such as brain or lung tumors. Additionally, we can treat multiple sites in the same animal with relative ease allowing us to potentially treat dogs with radiation or multiple mast cell tumors when previously this was not possible.” Cancer’s prevalent nature makes it an important topic to research and learn more about. However, cancer can be very complicated and hard to comprehend.
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REFRESH, RESTORE AND REPAIR YOUR HEALTH Six ways to improving your health from head to toe practicing relaxation techniques, including meditation and breathing exercises.
HELP REPAIR YOUR ORAL HEALTH Practicing proper oral hygiene and using the right tools are simple ways to improve your oral health. The American Dental Association recommends brushing twice daily for two minutes and flossing daily. Try Colgate Total Daily Repair Mouthwash, which helps kill bad breath germs while also helping to repair daily damage to teeth, and Colgate Total Daily Repair Toothpaste that helps repair early teeth and gum damage by remineralizing weakened enamel and helping prevent gingivitis, while freshening breath and whitening teeth.
EAT A WELL-BALANCED DIET Research supports eating a well-balanced diet of vitamin
ULTRA BABYBOOMER
and mineral-rich foods can be beneficial to your health.
When it comes to your overall health, taking simple steps to keep yourself in good shape is key. Regardless of age or physical ability, practicing healthy habits can help improve both your physical and mental states, and lead to a happier, healthier lifestyle. Whether it’s working a quick, refreshing yoga session into your daily routine, restoring energy with a nutritious snack or repairing your oral health, there are countless things you can do to improve your overall health and wellness. Take a step in the right direction and put your health first with some of these simple tips:
an easy way to maintain those healthy eating habits. You can also try different cooking methods, such as steaming, modifying recipes to reduce sugar, salt and fat, to help manage and sustain your diet changes.
MAKE TIME FOR A WORKOUT Finding the motivation to hit the gym is the hardest part of working out, said blogger Kelly Tomlinson of Live Love Texas. Outside of the obvious health benefits of staying
KEEP YOUR MIND SHARP Research shows that you can keep cognitive function strong with mental stimulation. Completing crossword puzzles, reading or challenging yourself with brain games like Sudoku or Mah Jongg can help boost memory and brainpower.
in shape, Tomlinson said she feels energized, strong and beautiful after a workout. If you make working out and taking care of yourself a priority, you can feel your best and also help set a good example for your children.
PRACTICE GOOD SLEEPING HABITS The National Sleep Foundation recommends adults get 7-9 hours of sleep each night. Staying on a regular sleep schedule, keeping your sleep environment cool, dark and
LOWER YOUR STRESS LEVEL Take stress levels seriously. Try managing it by focusing on hobbies or activities you find calming, like reading or listening to music. You can also try 24
Opting to cook at home rather than going out to eat is
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quiet, and avoiding napping for too long or too late in the day can help you make sure you’re getting the proper amount of rest. With these simple tips and tricks, you can finally put yourself first, contributing to better overall health. (Family Features)
VISITING BEAUTIFUL RIO DE JANEIRO Continued from page 15
Although we did not partake, I understand the neighborhood showcases vibrant street life and a charming atmosphere. If flowers are your thing, the Jardim Botanico, a more than 340-acre botanical garden, is just the ticket. This botanical paradise awes with over 6000 indigenous and exotic species of flora. This serene garden hosts everything from orchids to carnivorous plants. The park also contains over 140 species of birds and if you’re lucky, you just might see some monkeys! For the animal lover (or gambler) in the group, Jockey Club Brasileiro is right across the street from the botanical garden and is quite nice. Its architecture is old-world elegant and the track provides a great view of the mountains. And speaking of sports, soccer (or football as they more appropriately refer to it) is without a doubt the most popular game in town. Maracanã Stadium opened in 1950 to host the World Cup. Since then it is mainly used for major soccer matches while also hosting concerts and other sporting events. A local soccer match in Rio is a major event, and a far cry from what we are used to seeing. To say the games often mean life-or-death would not be overstating it. These folks are serious. Chain-link fence surrounding the visitors section serious. Armed guards around said visitor section serious. Opposing fans not allowed to leave the stadium until 45 minutes after the match has concluded serious. It was hard to imagine yet a sight to behold. So if you are looking to plan a vacation that goes beyond Mexico or the Caribbean, Rio is your spot!
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