H Texas Top Lawyers 2018 by Bridal, Weddings, City Magazines Houston, Texas

BO OK WE Y ’ M E R E T OUR XIC AK A N O , I N G TIC D M HA OF K O R WA F T O ET ! E II

YE ’S RS

PL U TO PL C T S AW I T H E Y TE X A S

HOUSTON’S PREMIERE LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

OR IN NT T A EV GS S, S MA ER TO H ZI YO D OP NG NE O— S !

B TE EST HT RE OWN 2 X A N S TA ’ S M 01 A OF D T UR O 8 F H A S S

TH E

® ®

2017

HOUSTONâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S TOP DENTISTS

Table of Contents 22

FEATURES 32 Best of H Texas 2018 Get the down-low on which establishments live up to the hype, plus tips for scoring hard-to-get dinner reservations, upping your culture quotient, making your dye job go the distance and even where to snap the perfect selfie.

Lynn Ashby shares his personal story plus a blast from the past.

42 Fly Away with Us Pack your bags. Take off to a sustainable sanctuary in Mexico, a snow report in Utah, the lowdown on South Carolina’s best-kept secret to finding Hawaii’s hidden gem.

55 Houston’s Top Lawyers Nominated by their peers and by you, here are the city’s best lawyers.

TE X A S PUBLISHER Sir McMillen EDITORIAL Editor-in-Chief Laurette M. Veres Managing Editor Bambi Abernathy Senior Editor Tom Flynn Executive Editor Lynn Ashby Contributing Editor Warner Roberts

DEPARTMENTS 10 Health & Wellness

Profile & Copy Editor Amanda Altman Food & Wine Editor Matthew Abernathy Contributing Writers Amanda Altman Kelsea Buddo

Tips and the newest research to have you feeling and looking your best, plus a pop quiz and more.

Marisa Byers Vicki Dill Tom Flynn Rima Jean

16 Society

Nicole Grippo Ruotolo

The scoop on the latest charitable events around town.

20 Culture New art benches coming to the Woodlands, three must-reads and events for the everyone.

22 Community Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson scores a touchdown for Habitat for Humanity,

24 Beauty Post summer hair repair. Here’s how your strands can get their bounce back.

Brogen Woodward ART Sr. Creative Director Rick McMillen Creative Director Nicholas Nguyen Webmaster Rima Jean SALES Executive Marketing Matthew Abernathy Advertising Director Heather Chancellor Advertising Coord. Bambi Abernathy CORPORATE President Sir McMillen Vice President Bambi Abernathy Finance Manager Marna McMillen Consultant Rick McMillen

26 Spa Whether you’re craving some sand or snow, we’ve found just the way for you to decompress and recharge your battery.

42 COLUMNS 4 Editor’s Letter All about an amazing meal.

6 Inside Harvey’s aftermath: Newspapers’ declining health.

8 Heart of Houston How to stay stylish this fall.

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28 Destination Gather the wolf pack; The coastest with the mostest

88 Eat Out Wonder what’s burning in Citycentre? It’s the wood at International Smoke where they smoke and grill meals over open flames.

90 On the Menu Pair wines with each course to create fond memories for all.

96 H Marks the Spot The Esperson Buildings.

H Texas magazine is published by 10403 Five Oaks Ct. Missouri City TX 77459 832-886-1120 www.htexas.com

H Texas magazine, Issue #1, Fall 2018, Volume 27, is published quarterly for a total of four issues for $18.95 per year by Bayou City Publishing, 10403 Five Oaks Ct, Missouri City TX 77459. Subscriptions $18.95 per year. Single copies $4.95 plus $3.00 postage and handling. All payments must be in US funds. Visa, MasterCard and Discover accepted. The contents of this magazine may not be reprinted in any manner without permission from the publisher. Opinions of contributing authors do not necessarily reflect those of the publisher. Articles and photographs are welcome, but cannot be considered unless exclusive publishing rights are given, affording the publisher full ownership of content. Publisher assumes no responsibility for accuracy of unsolicited manuscripts and any material accepted is subject to possible revision at the discretion of the publisher. Please allow 6-8 weeks for an adderss change to take effect. H Texas is not responsible for missed issues due to an address change. Sales/ Management 832-886-1120 • Fax 281-261-5999 • Toll Free Subscription/Inquires 886-418-5548 • www.htexas.com

POOL PHOTO COURTESY OF THE FOUR SEASONS RESORT LANAI; DESHAUN WATSON PHOTO COURTESY OF AFFL / ASSOCIATED PRESS

38 The Scandal of Harvey

HOUSTON’S TOP LAWYERS

2018

ATTORNEY KEVIN MURRAY IS OUR CITY’S GO-TO FOR CIVIL LITIGATION.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT

MURRLAW.COM. 5075 Westheimer Road, Ste. 980 Houston, TX 77056 713-355-5500

K EVIN MURR AY practices in all areas of civil litigation with a high concentration in personal injury, real estate, entertainment and employment law. In the past, Murray formed a strategic relationship with KPRC Channel 2 Houston in an effort to inform the general public regarding employment law. Murray is admitted to practice law in the United States Supreme Court, United States Tax Court, The Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals, The United States District Court for the Southern, Northern, Eastern and Western Districts of Texas and all Texas State Courts. Murray represents individuals who have been seriously injured, as well as the families of individuals who have been killed because of someone else’s negligence. Specifically, Murray represents individuals in the areas of auto accidents, defective drugs, defective products, workplace accidents, maritime accidents, OSHA refinery process safety management compliance, petrochemical and refinery accidents. Murray represents clients in matters involving Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, the Fair Labor Standards Act, the Family and Medical Leave Act, and Chapter 451 of the Texas Labor Code (workers’ compensation retaliation). Murray also provides advice to clients regarding severance agreements, covenants not to compete, non-solicitation agreements, and confidentiality agreements. Murray is a real estate developer and he is currently working on projects in inner loop Houston. His real estate expertise originates from his experiences as a former owner of a mortgage company and former fee attorney for a title company. Further, Murray’s diverse real estate experiences allow him to assist the following clients: property owners and property managers; developers, builders and contractors; realtors and title companies; real estate investment trusts (REITS); residential and commercial property associations; and buyers and sellers in varied transactions and disputes, ranging from multi-million dollar commercial properties to single-family residences. Also, Murray is the executive producer of independent plays and films. Murray currently has several projects in various stages of production.

Editor’s Letter

OUSTON’S CONSUL ATE GENER AL OF THE PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF CHINA , LI QIANGMIN, INVITES A GROUP OF DISTINGUISHED GUESTS TO HIS HOME FOR DINNER . Six decorated chefs from the best facilities in Guangdong prepare “Delicacies from Guangdong Province.” The meal is part of a three-city outreach tour showcasing the region’s culinary arts. The food is extensive, decadent, beautiful and amazing. Compared to other Asian cuisine, Canton food has lighter sauces and favors sweet over spice. Appetizers of spiced beef, duck, kelp and spare ribs give us some insight into the cuisine. Hollow orbs, larger than basketballs, are delivered to our tables; chefs whip out their knives and begin slicing what turns out to be spiced bran bread. The scallop and chrysanthemum soup appears to have come from an exotic coral reef with tofu sliced so fine it looks like a flowing sea anemone; learning this tofu technique takes three years of

practice. Then, the main dishes arrive: lobster, chicken, Canton-styled spring pork rolls, beef ribs, and snow pea leaves in pumpkin sauce. We couldn't get enough ginger milk pudding and fried rice balls filled with red bean, a perfect replacement for chocolate. Chefs show off their skills throughout the evening. One uses an air filled balloon as his cutting board and finely slices a potato, all done while blindfolded. The balloon does not pop. Did I mention he is blindfolded? Throughout the evening we’ve been admiring a whole watermelon with beautiful etchings hand carved into the rind. As a final surprise, the top of the melon is removed, revealing a fresh fruit salad inside. A perfect ending for a perfect meal.

LEFT TO RIGHT:

THE SCALLOP AND CHRYSANTHEMUM SOUP WITH DELICATELY SLICED TOFU; THE INTRICATELY CARVED WATERMELON WITH FRUIT INSIDE

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Editor-in-Chief Follow me @HTexas

LAURETTE PHOTO BY ANA & IVAN PHOTOGRAPHY; FOOD PHOTOS COURTESY OF LAURETTE M. VERES

The food is extensive, decadent, beautiful and amazing. Compared to other Asian cuisine, Canton food has lighter sauces and favors sweet over spice.

PERRY’S: RARE AND WELL DONE® DINING

Bar 79, with specially-priced bar bites and cocktails during Social Hour M – F, 4 – 7 p.m. and Sundays 4 – 9 p.m.

Filet Perry, paired with Perry’s Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon. Special pricing on magnums of Perry’s Reserve Wines for “Magnum Mondays.” Peachy Glen with mini edible orchids From its humble beginnings as a butcher shop almost 40 years ago, Perry’s Steakhouse & Grille is known as one of the country’s premier, award-winning steakhouses. Vibrant, casually elegant yet remaining true to its meat market roots, Perry’s is famous for its mouth-watering, seven-fingerhigh pork chop, prime USDA-aged steaks, a selection of customizable signature additions, tableside carvings, and flaming desserts. The menu is complemented by seafood dishes like the Pan-Seared Sea Bass and Everything Crusted Ahi Tuna as well as vegan and vegetarian selections.

Private dining rooms host up to 120 guests

Pan-seared Sea Bass

Perry’s Famous Pork Chop, available with salad and dessert for $34.95 during Sunday Supper Special.

Known for their innovative handcrafted cocktails and fine wines — including their own reserve Chardonnay and Cabernet — Perry’s popular Bar 79 is a hit with the locals particularly during Social Hour. Enjoy the enticing, shareable bar menu items including Perry’s Beef & Bleu, Cherry Pepper Calamari….even Steakhouse Pizza. And new cocktail creations are introduced seasonally – don’t miss favorites such as the Peachy Glen, Bourbon Bloom and Lemon Bubbles, also available in a mini martini trio. Perry’s features private dining rooms for family celebrations or corporate events and impeccable service that’s part of the Rare and Well Done® dining experience. Visit PerrysSteakhouse.com for more information.

BAYBROOK • CHAMPIONS • KATY • MEMORIAL CITY • SUGAR LAND • THE WOODLANDS • RIVER OAKS (COMING SOON)

Inside Out of Circulation

T Better read the fine print: These days requesting an address change on your newspaper is an exercise in Newsie-like persistence. by Lynn Ashby

Ashby advises at ashby2@comcast.net. 6

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HE FRONT PORCH— Someday my prints will come, or rather my printed papers will come. But I can’t hold out much longer. Out of news, out of comics, down to my last liner for the birdcage. I need my news fix, for I am out of touch. Terrible about the Lusitania. Where is the cavalry, or at least a pimplefaced newsboy? But let me begin at the beginning and see if you can identify with my plight. Having been flooded out of my home by Hurricane Harvey, with a great deal of help from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers who released a tidal wave of water from the dams so my neighborhood wouldn’t flood, we are now in our new digs. Among our problems is changing addresses for our newspapers. I had dutifully stopped the papers, I thought, once the Coast Guard helicopter had pulled me and my vodka collection off the roof. But my former neighbors, still bailing, hunted me down at the Salvation Army shelter to demand that I come get 23 soggy papers off my front yard. When I moved to my new address, I called up the papers—I get both the Houston Chronicle and The New York Times—to renew my subscriptions. Of course, these days companies don’t employ humans to deal directly with pesky customers, so we get recordings, something like: “Your call is very important, etc. Push 1 for…push 2 for… This call will be recorded in case you are one of those malcontents who make threats, and this way we can track you down.” I called the Chronicle. After being put on hold and listening to “The Best of Polish Polkas,” plus a greeting from the Chron “right here in the great state of Texas,” I finally got an actual

person. “Hi, I’m Amber, how can I help you?” I gave her my name and address, and told her I wanted to subscribe to her paper. “Certainly, can I have your name, address and why you are bothering me? We can start your paper tomorrow.” Next, I called the Times. My call was very important to them, so I only had to wait one season. “We will be glad to put you down for a subscription. Would you like the paper in English? We are an international paper, so we never know. We can start your paper tomorrow.” The next day, no papers, nor the next, nor the next. I called the Chron “in the great state of Texas.” The paper’s two employees in the circulation department seemed to be busy, but eventually I got someone. I explained my predicament. “Can I have your name, age, address and the last four digits of your Social Security number?” I am told that the Chron will be on my doorstep tomorrow. The Times also assured me that all the news that’s fit to print would be on my doorstep the next morning. This situation goes on for a week, then two. By now I have the Chron’s number on speed dial, and I am on a first-name basis with Amber. She says she will pass my complaints on to her supervisor. The Times tells me to “Press 1 for English, 2 for Tibetan, 3 for…” My call is very important to them, but apparently not important enough to actually address. A voice asked, “Now, you are at 122 Senility Circle, right?” I grit my teeth and reply: “No, I am 123 Senility Circle. That’s my address. I know where I live.” “Oh, we must have gotten it wrong. Silly us.” One morning the doorbell rang, and my wife answered. It was a neighbor, slightly exasperated. He was holding five soggy New York Times

papers in his arms. He said he’d even called the Times to stop cluttering his front doorway with the paper. It did no good. I made another call and was told: “I see that you have a vacation stop, with no restart date.” Do you ever get the idea that you are surrounded by below-par IQs? At times (or Chronicle) we like to beat up on various levels of our government and ask: “Why can’t the government be run like a private business?” We’d better be glad it isn’t. Three weeks later, honest, I finally got my Times. But no Chronicle. “Hi, Amber, I still haven’t gotten my paper. This is a recording.” I get one in return, “in the great state of Texas.” A voice eventually answers, and I ask: “Why don’t you say, ‘in the great city of Houston?’” Pause. “Because we’re in Dallas.” Maybe I’d have better luck if I subscribed to the Dallas Morning News. This may explain why, when I asked for the supervisor, I got put on hold, and heard Cowboy cheers in the background. The supervisors—I’ve talked to several—assured me that they would take care of the problem. One ominously referred to “discipline,” but it was not clear if he was referring to the carrier or that troublemaker from Houston who keeps complaining. Maybe they learned I’d worked for The Houston Post and this was their revenge. That day’s mail brought me my Visa bill. It showed a $44 charge from the Houston Chronicle. It is not fair to beat up on the poor souls who spend their waking hours sitting in a cubicle dealing with angry customers, but it would be nice if companies trained them correctly and kept their promises. “Amber, check your records. How many times have I called to complain?” “It looks like six.” “More like 16.” So here I stand in my bathrobe at my front door, looking silly and despondent for my lifeline to the rest of the world. We keep hearing that newspapers are sick and dying. Perhaps it’s because of poor circulation. H

Bradley congratulates Jim Collura, Jeff Davis, Ian Faria and Peter Scaff on being named to H Texas Magazine’s list of “Houston’s Top Lawyers 2018”

HOUSTON’S TOP LAWYERS Bayou City Publishing, LLC

2018

At Bradley, our attorneys understand that legal matters are more than contests of critical thought; they have real-world implications, which is why we prioritize integrity. It is this integrity that inspires all of us to go above and beyond our clients’ expectations by striving to provide innovative solutions, dependable responsiveness and a deep commitment to success.

bradley.com

No representation is made that the quality of the legal services to be performed is greater than the quality of legal services performed by other lawyers. ATTORNEY ADVERTISING. Contact: Ian Faria, Esq., 713.576.0302, ifaria@bradley.com, Bradley Arant Boult Cummings LLP, 600 Travis Street, Suite 4800, Houston, TX 77002. Principal office location Birmingham, AL. BEST OF 2017

Heart of Houston Life IS an Adventure…

Warner’s fashion friends give us the scoop on what’s red hot for fall. by Warner Roberts

OU MAY NOT REMEMBER , BUT SEVER AL ISSUES AGO I MENTIONED THAT I WAS WORKING ON MY BOOK . It is out now and a number one, best seller on Amazon and in a bookstore near you, published in conjunction with Jenn Foster and Melanie Johnson of Elite Online Publishing and edited by Ginger Bertrand of Bertrand Communications. The full title is Life is an Adventure... Eight Steps to a Happy Life… What I learned Walking (Modeling), Talking (Talk Show Host), and Managing (Marriage, Motherhood & Miracles). Blessed with good reviews, I want to thank everybody who has helped me with the book. Much of my early life was spent modeling. This lengthy career started quite by accident. I was working as an executive secretary downtown next door to Neiman Marcus, where you could find me all the time. One day, a man asked if I was a model. (I almost said “yes” but decided against it.) That started me on the path to modeling full time. TWO OF MY FAVORITE DESIGNERS WERE OSCAR DE LA RENTA AND BILL BLASS One of Oscar’s quotes: “If my life were to end now, I would have no regrets. I have lived every day to the fullest. In regard to fashion, know yourself, and dress accordingly. Some instinctively understand; for others, it may take a lifetime.” Bill Blass said, “When in doubt, wear red.” WHAT’S NEW IN FASHION THIS YEAR? I asked a couple of fashion experts this question: “If you are

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going to add one thing to your wardrobe this fall, what would it be?” SYLVIA FORSYTHE, Saks Fifth Avenue Marketing Director: “A huge trend this fall is animal prints. Therefore, I will add a blouse, a jacket or shoes in an animal print.”. PAUL-DAVID VAN ATTA, PDV Special Events, man about town: “Easy answer: Anything ETRO or Zegna.” RUDY FESTARI of Festari’s for Men: “The Chelsea Boot is one of the hottest looks for fall in men’s fashion! This versatile shoe can transition from dressy to casual. My favorite is a black one by Bruno Magi—patent leather blended with pebble grain—very elegant.” STACEY SWIFT, Neiman Marcus Public Relations Manager: “One of our favorite trends for this fall season is Anytime Sequins—whether going to coffee with girlfriends or a cocktail party. Wearing sequins for day is easier than you think. It’s all about balance. Pair denim with a sequin shoe or take a tonal approach grounding a glitzy statement with a frill-free tee or sweater.”

ALICIA SMITH, March of Dimes Best-Dressed: “ A pop of leopard whether it be shoes, jacket, belt, etc. And, of course, first on my list would be to wear Decorte Skin Care products from Saks Fifth Avenue. Can’t leave the house without them!” SHELLEY TAYLOR LUDWICK, Tootsies Customer Experience and Events Manager: “It’s all about the Western influence, cowgirls, fringe, boots, etc., as well as the hearland; Americana, if you will. So, something with fringe would be a great thing to add for fall!” AND, ONE LAST NOTE ON HURRICANE HARVEY A YEAR LATER. I have many friends who are just getting back into their homes, those who are still out of their homes and, alas those who will not be returning to their home. Memories of the unbelievable destruction to our city remain; but somehow Houstonians seem to have been brought closer together. Memories remain of those who opened their homes, their hearts and their wallets to support their neighbors. God bless them, every one. H Have you done something good for somebody today?

DO DENTAL IMPLANTS LOOK NATUR AL?

When it comes to replacing a single missing tooth or multiple missing teeth, dental implants can provide the most natural-looking results. Implant-anchored ceramic restorations, including crowns, bridges, or dentures, are fully customized to blend beautifully with your surrounding teeth. Because they are secured in the jawbone, dental implants feel and function much like natural teeth, allowing you to eat, speak, and smile with confidence. Dr. Fawcett integrates CEREC® and GALILEOS® 3D technology for precise surgical planning and full implant design, which helps him to consistently achieve superior outcomes for his patients.

ARE DENTAL IMPLANTS RIGHT FOR ME?

If you are missing one tooth, several teeth, or even all of your teeth, dental implants may be able to provide you with the freedom, confidence, and outstanding smile aesthetics that so many of our patients already enjoy. During a one-on-one consultation with Dr. Fawcett, you can find out if you are a good candidate for dental implants. He will perform a full oral examination to establish the status of your dental health and review your medical history to determine if dental implants are the best tooth replacement option for you.

WHY CHOOSE DR. FAWCETT FOR DENTAL IMPLANTS?

In addition to his many impressive credentials, Dr. Fawcett has received extensive training specifically in dental implants. His knowledge and valuable experience allow him to plan and perform every stage of the procedure—including placing implants and creating/ securing final restorations—all within our office using the most advanced technology available. This process is not only convenient and efficient, it helps improve precision,

ACCREDITED BUSINESS

HOUSTON’S TOP DENTISTS

2018

Dr. Fawcett has been providing a wide range of services in general dentistry in his hometown for more than 34 years, with a special focus on cosmetic dentistry, dental implants and full smile makeovers.

13956 Cutten Road • Houston, TX 77069 281-440-6648

www.DrFawcett.com

predictability and quality from start to finish. From porcelain veneers and dental implants to periodontal care, All-on-4 (“teeth-in-a-day”), and complex full mouth rehabilitation cases, Dr. Fawcett utilizes his expertise in combination with innovative technology and superior materials to create healthy, beautiful smiles for his patients. His attention to detail and dedication to quality are evident in the custom treatment plans he designs to meet the unique dental needs and cosmetic goals of each individual.

BEST OF 2017

Need help getting in your steps? The quickest way to get your Fitbit to launch those fireworks—the signal you’ve hit your 10,000-step goal—might be to organize a regular walking group, finds a new meta-analysis from the U.K. Another reason to rejoice: The study authors found that group walkers reported higher feelings of overall life satisfaction and social connectedness. Talk about a power walk. Source: The International Journal of Technology Assessment in Health Care

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Health

5.5 Pounds a 140-pound person would drop over the course of four years if they worked in a standing position for six hours a day. In addition to burning calories, researchers point out that being on your feet promotes more muscle activity, decreasing your risk of heart attack, stroke and diabetes. Okay, we get that staying upright all day might not be the most realistic of goals, but even standing a little more can go a long way for overall health. Source: European Journal of Preventive Cardiology

Dr. Muñoz was the Director of Neonatology at Memorial Hermann Northeast Hospital for 25 years and provided expert care for more than 25,000 babies during his 25 years of service.

Celebrating 15 Years of Serving Our Community Please visit us at both of our locations, accepting all private and Medicaid insurance plans: 19333 Hwy 59 N., Ste. 145 Humble, TX 77338

14630 Woodforest Blvd. Houston, TX 77015

281-540-KIDS www.weekare.net

HOUSTON’S TOP DOCTORS

2018

On June 28, 2018 Memorial Hermann and the Northeast Hospital Authority honored Dr. Angel Muñoz by dedicating and naming there newly renovated and expanded NICU unit after him. Dr. Muñoz is a Neonatologist, a medical doctor trained to handle the most complex and highrisk situations for newborns. He established Lake Houston's first Neonatal Intensive care unit (NICU) at Memorial Hermann Northeast Hospital in Humble, TX in 1994 until May 2017 when he transitioned to working full time at WeeKare Pediatrics, the two pediatric clinics he founded in Humble and in East Houston in 2002. Dr. Muñoz enjoys caring for newborns and has established two successful practices that provide care for children in the community.

BEST OF 2018

Health PUMP-kin it Up It’s officially pumpkin season—hooray! But before you make a beeline for that pumpkin-spice latte, pick up these products that have actual pumpkin in them, and more fiber, less sugar. T H E C R AV I N G : Cake, cake, cake T H E F I X : Gluten-free Base Culture Nutty Pumpkin Paleo Bread, sweetened with maple syrup and honey (but not overly so), combines pumpkin, cashews, pecans and flax to deliver some staying power (hi, fiber!), plus a generous pinch of those warming spices ($8.49 per 12-ounce loaf; basecultue.com). T H E C R AV I N G : Brunch T H E F I X : If you don’t have time to whip up a batch of pumpkin pancakes, we hear you, and Nature’s Path Organic Pumpkin Spice Waffles are the next-best thing. Not only are they organic and free of gluten, they toast up perfectly crispy and light ($3.29; naturespath.com).

T H E C R AV I N G : Something warming

Add This to Coffee’s List of Benefits It can help foster better teamwork, including a boost in group morale, discussion and overall focus. Researchers reported that subjects who drank coffee responded more positively to their peers (and gave themselves a higher rating, too), compared to those who didn’t down a cup of joe beforehand (poor things). In a second study, half the people were given caffeinated java and the other half decaf; those on the caffeine found themselves to be more alert, more participatory and able to stay more on topic. Interestingly, the

—Amanda Altman

35%

The decrease in blood-glucose levels when people swapped half their white-potato side dish for one that was half spud, half lentil. The results were similar with rice: There was a 20 percent drop when subjects ate half white rice, half lentil.

“more alert” folks—regardless of the drink they were given—rated themselves and their team members more favorably. Source: Journal of Psychopharmacology

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Source: Journal of Nutrition

BEANS AND RUNNING PHOTOS BY BIGSTOCK

T H E F I X : While most pumpkin soups are made with heavy cream, the pumpkin in Splendid Spoon Pumpkin Pear Hempseed soup is pureed with pears and hemp to yield that silky texture. Spices, including rosemary, cinnamon, nutmeg, cayenne and cardamom, add that depth of flavor requisite for a fall soup ($65 for 4 bottles and 1 bowl of choice; splendidspoon.com).

www.AngeloIP.com

THE LATEST

COLD + FLU FIGHTER Basil M. Angelo Patent Attorney & Professional Engineer

Lucas T. Mikeska Trademark Attorney

HOUSTON’S TOP LAWYERS

2018

Although past studies have indicated that endurance sports (like that marathon training you’re pondering) put strain on the immune system, a new analysis in Frontiers in Immunology is flipping the script. We know that during intense exercise, infection-fighting immune cells increase 10 fold in the bloodstream, drop to low levels afterward and finally return to normal hours later—a finding that was previously interpreted as a sign of immune suppression. But now researchers speculate that this cell-turnover timeline is impossible, meaning that the “destroyed” cells (that were thought to have regenerated just hours later) can’t be replaced that quickly. Moreover, these “lost” cells actually end up in other more infection-prone parts of the body like the lungs. So it turns out that all exercise, and that includes the intense stuff, is good for immunity. One last thing, though: Make sure you’re balancing your marathon-training schedule with plenty of lowimpact, flexibility excercises like Pilates or yoga. —A.A.

21 Waterway Ave., Ste. 300 The Woodlands, TX 77380 O: 281-362-2839 F: 888-333-9698

Health Q.

I’ve cut out ultra-processed foods like chips and candy from my diet. Should I alsobe cutting down on things like whole-grain cereal and whole wheat bread and pasta?

POP QUIZ: IF YOU WANT TO EAT MORE HEALTHFULLY, YOU SHOULD:

By eliminating foods from this important food group, you’re depriving yourself of essential nutrients that provide numerous health benefits. In fact, swapping in whole grains in lieu of refined grains in products like bread, cereal and pasta is an easy way to boost the nutritional value of your meal. They’re not only low in fat, but serve as excellent sources of B vitamins,

fiber, magnesium, iron and protein. But even the healthiest foods should be eaten in moderation. According to the latest Dietary Guidelines for Americans, the recommended serving size for grains is a half-cup cooked rice, pasta or oatmeal, one slice whole-grain bread or a cup of dry cereal. It’s also important to distinguish between a whole and refined grain by reading labels

carefully. Look for keywords like “whole,” “rolled,” “stone ground,” “sprouted” and “cracked” as part of the first ingredients. You don’t have to limit yourself to whole wheat as your go-to grain, either. There is a wide variety to experiment with, such as quinoa, oats, amaranth, bulgur, farro and barley, which are equally nutritious, plus have different flavors and textures to give a new twist to

your favorite recipes. For those with gluten sensitivities, try millet, corn or brown or wild rice. Numerous studies have shown that whole grains help decrease your risk of obesity, heart disease, hypertension, certain cancers and diabetes. Before you alter your own dietary intake, have all the facts and do what’s right for you. —Leslie Dantchik

A . Take a bath before bed. B . Eat the same thing every day. C . Work out more. D. Play soft music during mealtime. ANSWER: D. A study out of the University of South Florida found that people made more nutritious choices while listening to any genre of soft, lowvolume tunes, while loud ambient music prompted more indulgent decisions like red meat and cake. Scientists speculate that the quieter music might increase mindfulness, while the loud stuff tends to

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decrease inhibition.

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I’ve been hearing a lot about “counting macros.” What does that mean exactly? Would it be beneficial for weight loss?

Posted with photos of various meals and snacks, #IIFIYM, an acronym associated with the Macro Diet that stands for If It Fits In Your Macros, is a popular hashtag trending throughout social media. Not to be confused with a macrobiotic diet, counting macros has long been used by bodybuilders to track daily macronutrient (carbohydrates, fat and protein) intake, as a means to lose weight and/or build muscle. Counting macros is not a one-size-fits-all diet. It’s tailored for your specific needs that can be adapted as your goals change. The first step is to figure out your own target by factoring your age, gender, activity level, height and current and goal weight using an online macro calculator or with the help of an experienced fitness or nutrition professional. If you find other diets too restrictive, counting macros offers flexibility by allowing you to eat what you want. It’s not about deprivation; eat

what you want as long as it fits within your daily set macro ratios. The focus isn’t necessarily on the total calories, but on the food composition. It sounds simple, but counting macros can be complicated. It’s not an exact science—most foods contain more than one macronutrient—and it may take time to get it right before it becomes second nature. You also need to be diligent in tracking everything you eat by using an app or a spreadsheet, which can be be time-consuming and possibly lead to obsessive eating behaviors. While there is no set diet per se, counting macros doesn’t give you carte blanche to gorge on doughnuts and fast food. For a healthier you, the ultimate goal is to consume a balanced diet with minimal processed foods. —L.D.

BEST OF 2018

AIDS Foundation Houston’s Dining Out for Life 2018

Helmed by event chairs Michael Pearce, Jessica Rossman and Travis Torrence, the AIDS Foundation Houston hosted its annual fundraiser, Dining Out for Life, sponsored by Gillman Subaru. Guests from around the city gathered in support of the Houston foundation’s goal of "Getting to Zero." Zero new infections. Zero AIDSrelated deaths. Zero stigma. CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: DINERS AT STARFISH; RUDY

AND DEBBIE FESTARI; JONATHAN RUSSELL AND TIM FISCHER; EVENT CHAIRS JESSICA ROSSMAN AND TRAVIS TORRENCE

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AIDS FOUNDATION PHOTOS BY MORRIS MALAKOFF, CKP; WARNER PHOTOS COURTESY OF WARNER ROBERTS; PEANUT PHOTOS BY GRAY MOORE

Society

Warner Roberts’ Book Launch Houston’s treasure, Warner Roberts, celebrated a successful book launch of Life Is An Adventure. Her title hit number one in eBooks in six categories: Women’s Spirituality, Self-Help Inner Child, Children’s Nonfiction Performing Art, Children’s Television and Radio Books, Children’s Nonfiction Arts and Music Books, and Biographies of Journalists. Friends and family joined together to honor and congratulate the woman of the evening.

TOP ROW: LAURETTE M. VERES, ALICIA SMITH, DEBORAH

DUNCAN, LARA BELL AND MELANIE JOHNSON BOTTOM ROW: HOSTESSES ANGIE ROBERTS, SHARON

ABERCIA, WARNER ROBERTS, MONCIA HARTLAND AND LAURA WARD

A Place for Peanut Second-Annual Gala Supporters of A Place for Peanut celebrated the horse sanctuary and equine therapy foundation, which rescues horses, donkeys and miniature horses while bringing joy to children and veterans alike through special programs and therapy. More than 200 galloping guests raised upwards of $20,000 for the sanctuary to continue raising awareness about kill pens in order to rehabilitate and adopt out equines. AT RIGHT: PEANUT AND BARRY WARNER

BEST OF 2018

Society Houston Children’s Charity 21st Annual Gala

TOP ROW: EVENT CHAIRS STEPHEN AND LETICIA

TRAUBER WITH HONOREES PENNY AND PAUL LOYD, JR. SECOND ROW: GERALD GREEN, TILMAN FERTITTA AND

DIKEMBE MUTOMBO; CLIFTON AND TABATHA MILLER WITH TOMMY AND VERONICA KURANOFF THIRD ROW: SUE AND LESTER SMITH; BOB AND

DR. MARY ANN WILKINS

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CHILDREN’S CHARITY PHOTOS BV MICHELLE WATSON, CATCHLIGHT GROUP ALEXANDER'S FINE PORTRAIT DESIGN

The Houston Children’s Charity 21st Annual Gala, held at the new Post Oak Hotel in Uptown Houston, was an evening to remember. The gala, the first black-tie event held at the new venue, was chaired by Leticia and Stephen Trauber and honored Penny and Paul Loyd, Jr. The annual event raised a record-breaking $2.2 million for Houston Children’s Charity’s various programs focused on improving the quality of life for the city’s underprivileged, abused and disabled children who might otherwise be left behind.

Huddle Up with Coaching Legends Mack Brown and Gene Stallings Huddle Up with Coaching Legends Mack Brown and Gene Stallings paid tribute to the renowned football coaches’ work, both on and off the field, as advocates for those with special needs and chronic illnesses. Held at the Post Oak Hotel, the dinner was emceed by Ed Clements of KLBJ Newsradio and garnered more than $400,000 for Camp Aranzazu, which provides therapeutic recreation-based programming in Rockport, TX. ABOVE: CAMP ARANZAZU FOUNDER TOM FORNEY AND

HOLLY FORNEY AT LEFT: GENE STALLINGS AND MACK BROWN

HUDDLE UP PHOTOS BY DAVE ROSSMAN; BARC PHOTO COURTEST OF BARC

Third-Annual BARK for BARC Pet Walk Proving that not even Harvey can keep Houston’s animal advocates down, more than 280 Houstonians, pet lovers and Astros fans strutted their mutts at the 3rd Annual BARK for BARC Pet Walk, raising upwards of $100,000 for Houston’s homeless animals. In the days following Harvey, BARC worked with rescue, foster and animalwelfare groups from across the country to ensure that any displaced pets had a happy and healthy place to stay until they could be reunited with their owners or find a new home. In total, more than 380 animals were adopted and 1,000 were transferred to rescue groups from BARC, a testimony to Houstonians’ commitment to helping each other in times of need. Houston Astros pitcher Lance McCullers, Jr. joined the event as an honorary chair to advocate for BARC’s shelter and the thousands of animals in need of homes. AT RIGHT: THE BARC FOUNDATION WITH LANCE

McCULLERS, JR. AND MAYORS SYLVESTER TURNER AND ANNISE PARKER IN ATTENDANCE BEST OF 2018

Culture Woodlands Art Bench Project

ANT A SNE AK PEEK OF THE SIX NEW ART BENCHES THE WOODL ANDS ART COUNCIL PL ANS ON UNVEILING IN OCTOBER? Pictured here are two of the upcoming installations: Proud Souls by Houston artist Gaston Carrio (above), to be placed on The Woodlands Waterway, and Leaf Vein Bench by Canadian artist Owen Dixon (at right), which will be located in Hughes Landing. The third phase of the project will expand the number of art benches to 20 as part of an effort to beautify the public parks and increase their accessibility to residents and visitors. Located in high traffic areas, the installations are

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each uniquely designed by local, national and international artists and underwritten by generous individuals, businesses and organizations in the Houston area. The Woodlands Arts Council is currently seeking underwriters for Phase 4, which will include five to six benches to be revealed in October of 2019. For more information, visit thewoodlandsartscouncil.org. â&#x20AC;&#x201D;Rima Jean

BOOK REVIEWS THE UNITED STATES OF SPORTS By Bill Syken (Hardcover, $24.99; barnesandnoble.com) Do you have a little athlete in the family? Sports Illustrated Kids Books is releasing this fun, beautifully illustrated reference for ages eight and up on October 23, and it’s a must-have for any budding sports fan. The book goes across the country, graphically depicting interesting factoids about sports teams and famous athletes from each state. Photos, maps, and insider tidbits make this an engrossing read for kids and parents alike, and the section on Texas elaborates on local heroes such as José Altuve of the Houston Astros and James Harden of the Houston Rockets, among many others. Both pro and college teams of all kinds of sports are featured, guaranteeing to keep your future champ engrossed for hours.

BENCH PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE WOODLANDS ARTS COUNCIL; CAROL BURNETT PHOTO BY BIGSTOCK

HURRICANE SEASON: THE UNFORGETTABLE STORY OF THE 2017 HOUSTON ASTROS AND THE RESILIENCE OF A CITY By Joe Holley (Hardcover, $27.00; bookpeople.com) There isn’t a single Houstonian who wasn’t inspired by the Astros’ 2017 World Series win, particularly since it came immediately after Hurricane Harvey, the devastating storm that left the city underwater for several days. Tens of thousands of homes were destroyed or damaged in the storm, turning the lives of Houstonians upside-down. The flood waters left $200 billion in damages behind, and Houston’s morale in tatters. But nine weeks later, the Astros' fought and won their first-ever World Series victory, and Bayou City’s motto, “Houston Strong,” was everywhere. With this much-needed boost, the city’s faith was revitalized. Regardless of team affinity or city of residence, every single American will be inspired by this story of hardship overcome. SANPAKU By Kate Gavino (Hardcover, $16.50; amazon.com) When her beloved grandmother dies, Marcine, a 12-year-old Filipino-American girl, becomes fascinated with the Japanese concept of sanpaku— the belief that if the whites of one’s eyes are visible beneath the iris, tragedy will strike. Of course, her grandmother was afflicted with this phenomenon and regaled Marcine with stories of famous people who suffered from it while alive, feeding her superstition. Set in 1995, this coming-of-age, blackand-white graphic novel will resonate with young adults as they struggle to navigate puberty, providing a unique world view—and plenty of tongue-in-cheek humor—for any teen to enjoy. —R.J.

Houston’s Hottest Happenings You won’t want to miss these events. A NIGHT AT MARKET SQUARE October 13 Market Square Park marketsquarepark.org Houston’s historic district is transformed into a carnival of curiosities on this magical night. Talented aerialists, contortionists, jugglers and fire breathers from Cirque Mythos will captivate audiences while the market comes to life with a selection of unique vendors. SCREAM ON THE GREEN October 26 Discovery Green discoverygreen.com If you haven’t taken the kids to Houston’s annual Halloween celebration, you’re missing out on a scary good time (but not too scary)! The whole family will enjoy a costume contest, special performances and big-screen viewing of E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial. THE WIZ October 24–November 4 Hobby Center for the Performing Arts hobbycenter.org This modern twist on L. Frank Baum’s The Wizard of Oz will transport you to the magical world of Oz with 13-year-old Dorothy and her dog Toto. Better bring your dancing shoes! CAROL BURNETT November 13 Jones Hall houstonfirsttheaters.com Comedy queen Carol Burnett is coming to H Town! Don’t miss the chance to interact with the legend herself in “An Evening of Laughter and Reflection,” where your burning questions will be met with unfiltered responses. Buckle up. —R.J.

SUMMER 2018

Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson scores a touchdown for Habitat for Humanity.

HIS PAST JULY, THOUSANDS OF FOOTBALL FANS PACKED INTO THE BBVA COMPASS STADIUM TO WATCH THE FIRST-EVER FL AG FOOTBALL MATCH BET WEEN PRO AND AMATEUR PL AYERS IN A NATIONALLY TELEVISED G AME . Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson headlined the event, pairing up with the American Flag Football League to benefit Habitat for Humanity. Even though the pros lost, Watson’s humanitarian efforts weren’t lost on anyone. Moved by the incredible gift Atlanta Falcons running back Warrick Dunn gave his family when he was just 11 years old—a home—Watson donated his first NFL game check to NRG Stadium employees hit hard by Hurricane Harvey in 2017. Trophy or no trophy, Watson will always be a winner to Houston. —Rima Jean FROM TOP TO BOTTOM: PLAYERS GET FIRED UP AS THEY ENTER THE FIELD; AN

EXCITING PLAY DURING THE TELEVISED GAME; DESHAUN WATSON SMILES FOR A PREGAME PHOTO.

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PHOTOS COURTESY OF AFFL / ASSOCIATED PRESS

Community Flag Football for the Win

Attend America’s Largest Bridal Show! January 5-6, 2019 George R Brown • Houston

Two fun-filled Days! Fashion Shows Major PRIZES Educational Seminars

Tickets $15 Online • $20 at the Door BridalExtravaganza.com photo: ANA&IVAN photography • gown: Ventura’s Bridal Fashions • hair and makeup: Simple Beauty Artistry • flowers: B&M BEST OFFloral 2018 Creations 23

Beauty POST-SUMMER

Hair Repair Months of sun, saltwater, chlorine and heavy doses of products take a toll on your mane. Here’s how your strands can get their bounce back.

TO REPAIR SPLIT ENDS: Yes, you could just chop your hair off, but products labeled “anti-breakage” or “bond” contain proteins that restructure, mend and smooth frayed ends. B.

TO REMOVE BUILDUP: Look for “clarifying” products, which are designed to get rid of chlorine, saltwater and product residue more effectively than regular shampoos, hitting refresh on dull, lifeless hair for fall. A . Fekkai Apple Cider Clarifying Shampoo takes advantage of apple cider vinegar’s reputation as a great detoxifier. Use it weekly to gently remove chlorine, product accumulation and oil, without stripping your natural oils or dye job ($19.99 for 8 fluid ounces; fekkai.com).

C . The trio of products in Seven Kente BOND Repair System are clinically proven to reduce breakage by 60 percent. They contain amino acids that cling to the hair’s cortex, optimizing moisture retention, elasticity and strength ($88 for 10.8 fluid ounces of shampoo, 10.7 fluid ounces of conditioner and 8 fluid ounces of reparative spray; 7haircare.com). D. Turn straw-like strands to silk with OGX AntiBreakage Keratin Oil Instant Repair Weightless Healing Oil. The combo of argan and keratin oils helps prevent breakage and strengthen hair ($8.29 for 4 fluid ounces; walgreens.com). D.

B . Volcanic clay products like Alba Botanica Hawaiian Detox Shampoo and Conditioner are all over Instagram these days, for good reason: Clay absorbs and washes away product build-up, and de-gunks even color-treated hair without harming your highlights (around $15 for 12 fluid ounces each; amazon.com).

From Courtroom to Clean Beauty Lots of people talk about clean beauty, but Houstonian Estela Cockrell actually talks the talk and walks the walk. When she was diagnosed with food allergies, autoimmune disorders and Lyme disease, the lawyer and mother started examining every label she and her family used and looked for safer alternatives. “I needed 24

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to find products that were as luxurious as I was used to, but didn’t affect my immune system,” she says. MAKING THE SWITCH So she decided to launch her own beauty and wellness brand, switch2pure.com. She worked with scientists to create the “Purist List,” consisting of all the ingredients that are

E. F.

TO RESTORE MOISTURE: Without adequate hydration, your hair is prone to dullness, damage, breakage and frizz. The secret to baby-like softness? Goop on a mask while hair is still wet so the nourishing ingredients penetrate best. G . The blend of gardenia tiare flower, coconut and monoi oils in Fave4 Take Me to Tahiti One Minute Moisture Mask repairs damage and prevents frizz by sealing the hair’s cuticle ($22 for 5 fluid ounces; fave4.com).

TO REVITILIZE COLOR: Bleach blond turned brassy? Ombré fade in the completely wrong direction? No worries—a little at-home TLC will get your color back on track.

H. Rare El’ements Essentials Daily Masque Conditioner is chock-full of Brazilian nut butters like cupuacu and murumuru that replenish moisture, but it’s lightweight enough to use on the daily ($48 for 6 fluid ounces; switch2pure.com). G.

E. ClearItUp ColorProof Detox Shampoo is known in the industry as the rehab for color-treated hair. It’s infused with gentle ingredients like baking soda and vitamin E, to help counteract the negative effects of free radicals that cause fading ($33.99 for 10.1 fluid ounces; beautybrands.com). F. Neutralize brassy blonde or cancel out undesirable orange with Christophe Robin Shade Variation Care Nutritive Mask with Temporary Hair Coloring, which comes in five shades. Almond butter and buiti oil—and an acidic pH of 4.5—revive your color and leave strands feeling soft like butta ($53 each for 8.33 fluid ounces; sephora.com).

banned by countries around the world (the EU has banned 1,300 known toxins, only 11 of which are prohibited by the FDA). All Switch2Pure products are free of known carcinogens, GMOs, artificial preservatives, dyes, fragrances and endocrine disruptors.

NATURAL BEAUTY TRENDS Here, two of her most innovative products:

Mount Lai Rose Quartz Facial Roller, $44. “Crystal facial rollers help depuff, provide lymphatic drainage, encourage product penetration and minimize the appearance of fine lines.”

Invitamin Natural Spearmint Whitening with Activated Charcoal, $9. “It is half as abrasive as regular chemically based whiteners,” she says. —Nicole Grippo Ruotolo SUMMER 2018

Spa

Yourself

You’re so busy tending to others, you often forget about your own needs. Whether you’re craving some sand or snow, we’ve found just the way for you to decompress and recharge your battery. Because you’re going to need it again soon!

WORLDLY REJUVENATION Eforea Spa, Hilton Aruba Caribbean Resort and Casino, Palm Beach, Aruba hilton.com Relax in one of the eight private treatment rooms and let your mind go elsewhere as the soothing sounds of the ocean waves calm you. With its Japanese-inspired bamboo relaxation area, guests can continue to enjoy the tranquil space while sipping on complimentary champagne. The Eforea Spa also features a Vichy room, steam room, sauna and cold plunge pool. With 19 spa treatments from around the world, especially designed for Eforea, you’ll leave feeling pampered and reinvigorated. H TEXAS RECOMMENDS: After a day in the warm

Caribbean sun, soothe your skin with the spa’s signature Aloe Vera, Rum and Stone Massage, which combines hot black beach stones, lime-infused oil, local rum and aloe vera liquid. —Brogen Woodward 26

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MANDARA PHOTO BY LAURETTE M. VERES; OTHER PHOTOS COURTESY OF RUSTLER LODGE, THE HILSTON ARUBA CARIBBEAN RESORT AND CASINO AND SOUTH SEAS ISLAND RESORT

TAKE CARE OF

HIGH ALTITUDE ESCAPE Alta’s Rustler Spa, Rustler Lodge, Alta, UT rustlerlodge.com The spa takes up an entire level at the Rustler Lodge, an authentic ski-in, ski-out lodge 45 minutes from Salt Lake City. Before you head to the dining room to make new friends (singles and couples are invited to the communal table), relax and unwind at the Alta’s. Chat about the slopes while enjoying some steam and sauna, plus a heated pool and Jacuzzi—all with a majestic mountain backdrop. H TEXAS RECOMMENDS: After a long day on

the slopes, cryotherapy is just what the ski patrol ordered. Overworked muscles say ahhh when ice is used to flush out toxins and decrease inflammation. —Laurette M. Veres

ARUBA ESSENTIAL Mandara Spa, Aruba Ocean Club, Palm Beach, Aruba mandaraspa.com You’ll get pampered with a soothing, refreshing treatment encompassing natural elements at Mandara Spa, the largest spa on Aruba. Customize your experience by selecting your scent: Mandara, Tranquility, Harmony or Island Spice. Your essential oil is then incorporated into your treatment. H TEXAS RECOMMENDS: Arrive early and spend some relaxing time in the adult pool. —L.M.V.

SHE SELLS SEA SHELLS Kay Casperson Lifestyle Spa, South Seas Island Resort, Captiva Island, FL southseas.com On the tip of Captiva Island on Florida’s Gulf Coast is a perfect place to set sail into relaxation. The Kay Casperson Spa at South Seas Island Resort offers a full range of spa and salon services, from massages to makeup application with their own line of hypoallergenic products. There are even services—from nails to facials—designed for little ones and teens, so bring the kids. H TEXAS RECOMMENDS: Shop the boutique

BeaufiuLife by Kay to score shell-inspired unique gifts. —Vicki Dill SUMMER 2018

Destination Gather the

Wolfpack

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Canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t stomach or afford Disney? The entire family will have a blast at Great Wolf Lodge, which is far more than just an indoor water park. by Rima Jean

OR EVERY CHILD WHO DRE AMS OF VISITING ONE OF THE DISNEY RESORTS, there’s a parent out there who dreads the cost, the travel exhaustion and the tantrums. For a happy medium, one that’s equally magical for kids and convenient and easy on the wallet for grown-ups, there’s Great Wolf Lodge. With locations throughout the U.S., including California, Texas and one coming to—you guessed it—Orlando, you’re certain to live within a reasonable proximity to one of the 16 properties scattered throughout the States. Even though the chain is touted as “North America’s largest indoor water park resort,” it’s far more than just an upscale Schlitterbahn. The Grapevine, TX, location sticks with the rustic, Northwoods theme of the original Wisconsin Dells resort and offers a range of “dry” activities for the whole family, in addition to an 80,000-squarefoot water park.

Mom and Dad. Parents must be aware, however, that while wands are included in the package price, other “wizard” gear, such as capes and hats and wand holsters, are extra and add up quickly. Those who do complete the quest are “knighted” in the lobby every morning.

Squeals of joy echo throughout the space as an enormous bucket (of 700 to 1,000 gallons of water!) tips over and floods the park every five minutes.

WHERE TO BEGIN? THERE’S SO MUCH TO DO… The indoor water park is kept at a comfortable 84 degrees, and features a 12-level treehouse fort armed with a variety of water guns, fountains and hoses. Squeals of joy echo throughout the space as an enormous bucket (of 700 to 1,000 gallons of water!) tips over and floods the park every five minutes. Water play options abound for for all ages, including toddler pools, lazy rivers, slides and a wave pool, with monikers such as River Canyon Run and Raccoon Lagoon. Perhaps most impressive is the vigilant lifeguard staff on constant rotation, scanning the waters with highly trained eyes. Even if you aren’t that into water parks, the resort has plenty of other activities that will keep you and your little ones busy. A (very) close second-favorite activity is MagiQuest, in which kids can choose a customized magic wand with special powers to help them on a quest that takes them throughout the resort, feeding them clues as they befriend tree pixies, dragons and eventually defeat the Goblin King. While most kids don’t complete the quest without parental assistance (or at all), the process itself is an enchanting experience for any age, including

WAIT, THERE’S MORE. As if the expansive water park and MagiQuest weren’t enough, the resort features a 24-hour arcade, a 3-D theater and a ropes course. Need a quick break, Mom? Enjoy a bit of pampering in the Elements Spa Salon or sneak in a workout at the Iron Horse Fitness Center. When it comes to dining, you can do it poolside, with a character parade and open buffet, or at a grill with finerdining options, depending on what you’re in the mood for. A Starbucks and “Wine Down” service cater to tired adults to boot. The best part about the resort is the lodging and water park packages: Depending on which package you choose, you can effectively budget your family vacation without worrying about large, unexpected costs. There’s no question that Great Wolf Lodge is a one-stop, affordable vacation destination for families with children of all ages. H ESSENTIALS: greatwolf.com

OPPOSITE PAGE: THE INDOOR WATER PARK PROVIDES ALL-

SEASON FUN, REGARDLESS OF THE WEATHER OUTSIDE. ABOVE: ROOM OPTIONS INCLUDE THE WOLF DEN,

KIDCABIN AND KIDKAMP, WHICH HAVE SEPARATE BUNK AREAS RESEMBLING CABINS FOR THE KIDS. PHOTOS COURTESY OF GREAT WOLF LODGE

BEST OF 2018

Destination The

Coastest with the Mostest What do you get when you put Turks-and-Caicoslike beaches, a splash of Southern hospitality and a touch of New England-stylecoastal-town feel in a blender? You’ll find out soon... by Amanda Altman

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’M SIT TING ON THE BE ACH—NOT ON A CHAISE LONGUE , THOUGH THERE’S NO SHORTAGE OF ’EM—BUT THE ACTUAL BE ACH. The sand is blindingly white, and feels more like silky cake flour than grainy particles of aged rock. The water is that murky mix of shimmering green and clear blue; if you stare at it for too long like I’ve been doing for the past hour, you’ll be transported to a trance-like state. It’s early May, and the sun is warm and bright, the air is casually breezy. Waves crashing and sea birds shrilling aside, it’s eerily quiet as a chipper waitress comes to take my order. I’ll have a bloody Mary, extra spicy, extra celery, thank you very much. Not quite sure where I’m at? Well, after two drinks, neither am I.

But then I turn around and it comes back in waves. No, I’m not on some remote Caribbean island named for some saint I can’t really pronounce. No, I’m not jet-lagged on the shores of Sicily or Sardinia. “Is there anything else I can get you, ma’am,” the chipper waitress asks, when it hits me harder than when I fell off my paddleboard a few hours earlier. I’m in America, less than a two-hour flight from Houston. I’m at The Henderson in Destin. That’s in—wait for it— Florida. ROOM TO THE RESCUE If you’ve never been to Florida’s Northwest Gulf Coast, you might not believe that such beaches exist in the States, let alone in the South. At the The Henderson, a Salamander Beach and Spa Resort, the Southern hospitality you’ve

come to expect gets an unexpected twist. Despite having your usual creature comforts, the resort feels nostalgically reminiscent of a New England-style coastal town, almost like you’re on the set of a Nicholas Sparks film. Admittedly, The Notebook isn’t for everyone, but The Henderson decidedly is. Thanks to shingled roofs and steep gable rooflines, the drive up to the entrance makes you wonder if you’re about to enter a time machine. But when you step foot in the lobby, with its “new smell” smell and aesthetic that conjures up images of a luxurious ski lodge in Aspen, it’s obvious that you’re in 2018. The not-even-twoyear-old property feels intimate—but not too intimate—decked out with local artwork and housing 170 guest rooms, with views ranging from beach to garden. I opted for one of 16 Spa Rooms, which

don’t spare any detail, from the super-plush beds, porcelain bathtub, spa-grade products and huge closet, to the yoga mat and gear. There’s an outdoor space, where you can sip your Nespresso in your robe, and maybe even dine on a bentostyle breakfast box from room service. Trust me, you’ll want to move in. #BEACHLIFE After unpacking literally (my luggage) and figuratively (my stress from home) in my room, followed by a quick meditation, I hoist myself up from the thick mattress and out the door, beach bag in tow. But first…coffee. Following a quick stop at the free java and tea service in the lobby, I head outdoors to find two large outdoor pools—one cabanaclad pool for adults only (hooray!), and one with a lazy river for the kids. There’s also a sprawling,

green-grass-covered lawn with games. I quickly learn that, although little ones are welcomed, you don’t even notice them at The Henderson. After some poolside lounging and reading, I get restless. I can’t wait another minute to step foot onto the sand and inhale the salty ocean air. The Henderson isn’t directly on the beach, but it’s just a three-minute jaunt to their private beach area, where you can seamlessly arrange for beach sets (chairs, umbrellas, towels) and water activities (kayaks, boogie boards and paddleboards). Speaking of seamless, that’s exactly how I’d describe their staff; it’s the rare place where each and every employee seems genuinely happy to be working, and their service reflects that. If you’re not keen on the water, you also have the option to rent a bicycle and tour the

area, or hike the 200acre preserve right next door. Off-site, you can arrange for a fishing trip (Destin is The World’s Luckiest Fishing Village, after all), tee up on Arnold Palmer– designed courses, shop for bargains at the nearby outlets and more. Just make sure to drop the kids off at the resort’s day camp first (score!). STILL FULL I’m getting hungry just thinking about all the stuff to do at The Henderson. The good news is that there are eight places to dine or grab a drink, ranging from fine dining to beach eats. Primrose, the resort’s crown jewel, lives up to the hype. From the artful sushi to the huge, family-sized paella and the best dessert I’ve ever had—think chocolate lava cake covered in torched marshmallow—I certainly don’t leave

hungry. Also amazing: the customized cocktails and attentive servers at Horizons, the spot with more casual bar service. Although I don’t have the stomach for Sprinkles, the aptly named ice cream parlour (too. much. marshmallow. cake.), it looked super fun for kids and adults alike. A NEW-AGE SPA EXPERIENCE With all that indulging, I was thankful for the fitness scene at The Henderson. There’s a spacious workout area with ample cardio and weight equipment, and workout classes at the movement studio. The outdoor spin area with breathtaking beach views is pure Instagram gold. Post-workout, I clean up in the experiential shower at the world-class Salamander Spa (complete with a Himalayan salt room and hydrotherapy area, too). There’s a

touchscreen that allows you to customize everything from the water pressure to the music and lights. Then, I bliss out with the Tibetan Bowl Ritual, ($140 for 50 minutes), which combines vibrational energy work—via traditional singing bowls made from a variety of metals, including gold—and massage. Although I was a bit skeptical of its purported benefits, it was somehow intensely anxietyrelieving and energizing at the same time. By the end of my long-weekend-stay, although I certainly didn’t want to leave the Ryan Gosling vibes behind, I feel recharged and ready to head back to reality, where I certainly know where I am at all times. Until next time, Destin. H

OPPOSITE PAGE: THE

HENDERSON IS JUST STEPS FROM ONE OF THE BEST BEACHES IN THE U.S. BELOW, CLOCKWISE FROM TOP RIGHT: GET

YOUR SPIN AMIDST THE MOST MAGICAL BACKDROP; COASTALINSPIRED ARCHITECTURE BRINGS YOU BACK IN TIME; THE 10,000-SQUAREFOOT SALAMANDER SPA IS INSPIRED BY NATURE.

ESSENTIALS: hendersonbeachresort.com

PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE HENDERSON

No, I’m not on some remote Caribbean island. No, I’m not jetlagged on the shores of Sicily or Sardinia. I’m in America, less than a two-hour flight from Houston.

BEST OF 2018

The hottest spots around town include everything from old, faithful standbys to newcomers you’ve never heard of (but need to). Get the down-low on which establishments live up to the hype—and which you can pass on—plus tips for scoring hard-to-get dinner reservations, upping your culture quotient, making your dye job go the distance and even where to snap the perfect selfie. This is us. by Kelsea Buddo

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Eat & Drink BEST COFFEE AND BEER ON TAP: FIX Coffee Bar, Montrose While the friendly folks at this Montrose-based joint know their coffee (try their Honey Lavender Latte for a treat!), swing by late afternoon and you’ll find them serving up wine and cold craft beers on tap. Before “wine time,” the casual atmosphere is serene enough to get some work done, plus they offer 20 percent off your beverage if you arrive by bike. fixhtx.com

BEST AUTHENTIC MEXICAN MARGARITA: El Vaquero Restaurant and Cantina, Sugar Land With the ambiance of an old-school Mexican diner, it’s no surprise that El Vaquero’s homemade enchiladas and house margaritas boast a fanatic following in Sugar Land. Even better? This family-owned joint offers a weekday happy hour. Make sure you order one of the area’s most drool-worthy cheeseburgers while you’re at it. mexicanrestaurantsugarlandtx.com

Fix Coffee Bar

HOUSTON PHOTO BY BIGSTOCK; PHOTOS COURTESY OF FIX COFFEE BAR AND STACK BURGER; UCHI PHOTO BY LOGAN CRABLE

BEST BURGER DEAL: Stack Burger, Downtown Burgers, banh mi sandwiches and breakfast tacos—what’s not to love? Stack Burger’s mouthwatering patties aren’t the only thing this downtown hot spot has going for it. The building is covered in an intricate tapestry of graffiti art, making it the perfect place to snap a picture-perfect selfie on your lunch break. stack-burger.com

Stack Burger

BEST POTSTICKERS: Pepper Twins, Montrose Pan-fried with a crispy, crepe-like layer underneath, it’s hard to forget the dumplings from Pepper Twins’ Montrose location. Although the menus vary slightly from each of the five Houston-area eateries, their always-accommodating staff, complex flavors and organic ingredients are guaranteed to leave this particular spot lingering in your mind—kinda like the tingle of Szechuan spice. txpeppertwins.com

BEST JAPANESE HAPPY HOUR: Uchi, Montrose With a name that literally means “house,” the Uchi crew is sure to make you feel right at home with their daily Sake Social Hour. Though this often-frequented lower-Westheimer restaurant is known for their sushi, don’t miss their innovative specials and drinks starting at 5 p.m. uchihouston.com

BEST HOMESTYLE ITALIAN: Lomontes Italian Restaurant and Bar, Katy Buon appetito! Renowned for their Stuffed Artichoke, Shrimp Scampi Lomonte and live music calendar, this St. Louis–style Italian spot on the westside of town doesn’t miss a beat. The staff is accommodating, but we suggest calling ahead to make a reservation; weekends get a bit crowded with regulars. lomontes.com

Uchi

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Culture & More BEST UNDISCOVERED ARTISTS/ART SHOWINGS: Hardy and Nance Studios, Downtown As unique as Hardy and Nance themselves, this artist-owned and artist-run studio focuses solely on generating exposure for hyper-local creatives from photographers to painters. The unpretentious atmosphere and historic building in Houston’s Art Warehouse District make it reason enough to visit, but their monthly themed art shows with affordable pieces make it a nobrainer for those looking to add to their collection. hardyandnancestudios.com

BEST PLACE TO FIND FLOWERS ON THE FLY: Picked Flower Truck, Heights Houston Celebration 2017

Houston’s first flower truck drove into town just a few months ago, making it easier than ever to pick up an arrangement in a pinch. Inside the rustic silver van (often found parked near Heights Bier Garten) you’ll find the owner, a University of Houston Business School grad, crafting designer-level bouquets and offering sound advice for customers of the custom flower bar. pickedflowerco.com

BEST DOG-FRIENDLY PATIO: The Local Bar, Katy Both pups and people alike are invited to enjoy cushy seating and live music at this open-air patio in Villagio Town Center. In addition to a diverse wine selection and refreshing libations, like the Blueberry Basil Lemonade, Local Bar’s adjoining restaurant (suitably named Local Table) serves up seasonal menu items from nearby farms. thelocalbarkaty.com

Emerson Rose Pink Wall

Houston History Bus

BEST WORLD SERIES COMMEMORATIVE ART: Houston Celebration 2017 We’ve lusted after Opie Otterstad’s artwork for many seasons, but for his 16th consecutive year of commemorative art, he brought a scene 57 years in the making to life on canvas. His new and notable masterpiece, aptly titled Houston Celebration 2017, captures the historic moment when our own Houston Astros clinched the World Series this past November. opieart.com

BEST COZY BOOTH DATE NIGHT: Moxie’s Grill & Bar, Uptown The outdoor patio of this Canadian-based restaurant is fabulous in its own right, but upstairs you’ll find what truly gives Moxie’s a leg up on the competition. Combined with a chef-driven menu offering a fresh selection of items like Grilled Ahi Tuna and Lobster Tail, it’s easy to get cozy in a booth and take in the atmosphere. us.moxies.com 34

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Not all history lessons take place in a classroom. Hop on board the city’s one-and-only yellow-school-bus-on-wheels for an in-depth exploration of downtown. The owner and operator, a resident historian for KHOU, personalizes each tour for 20 seat holders, primarily focusing on the city’s founding, the Texas Revolution plus some local street history for good measure.

BEST NEW INSTAGRAM WALL: Emerson Rose Pink Wall, Montrose These days, you’re only as cool as your Instagram feed. Luckily, the new Emerson Rose store on Westheimer has your grid covered with a newly revealed, pink-ombre brick wall. Stop by on a weekday to avoid fellow ‘grammers, and while you’re there pick up a new frock at the hipster-favorite boutique. shopemersonrose.com

BEST STUDIO TO SWEAT FOR A CAUSE: RYDE, River Oaks/Downtown Tap it back, then give back with this local spin studio’s monthly charity ride supporting local and national non-profits like the Alzheimer’s Association and CYCLE. Locations in River Oaks and Downtown make it easy and convenient to get in a full-body workout while you make a difference. letsryde.com

ART BY OPIE OTTERSTAD; PHOTOS COURTESY OF EMERSON ROSE AND HOUSTON HISTORY BUS

BEST WAY TO LEARN HOUSTON HISTORY: Houston History Bus, Downtown

PARK PHOTO BY SWP SLYWORKS; SNOWCONE PHOTO COURTESY OF AJ’S SNOWCONES; PLAYGROUND PHOTO BY KATYA HORNER, COURTESY OF BUFFALO BAYOU PARTNERSHIP

Family

AJ’s Snowcones

Midtown Park

Nature Play Area

BEST NEW FAMILY PARK: Midtown Park, Midtown

BEST PLAYGROUND: Nature Play Area, Downtown

This newly revealed, three-acre green space in Midtown is hardly short on attractions for visitors from all walks of life. A lush lawn for games and activities, a playground with interactive water features, a concert stage and public art installations are just a few of the draws for residents and visitors inside the loop. midtownhouston.com

The Nature Play Area at Buffalo Bayou is a multi-level fun zone, thanks to a 33-foot slide that connects two areas as well as a three-level tree house for the little ones to explore. Kids get to climb around logs, nets and boulders in a giant sandbox with the Houston skyline as a gorgeous backdrop for parents to enjoy. If the tykes play a little too hard and get dirty, there are bathrooms for a quick change before heading home from the conveniently located parking lot. buffalobayou.org

BEST SHADED PICNIC SPOT: Barbara Fish Daniel Pavillion at Buffalo Bayou Water Park, Downtown Even though summer’s behind us, there’s nothing quite like a peaceful picnic in the great outdoors. Pack a basket with your favorite chicken salad sandwich and head to the Barbara Fish Daniel Pavillion to enjoy a meal alfresco under the large shaded pavillion while the kids splash around in the nearby water features. buffalobayou.org

BEST KID-FRIENDLY DESSERT: AJ’s Snowcones, Pearland Specializing in Hawaiian shaved ice with outrageously fun flavors like Fuzzy Navel and Batman, it’s no wonder this neighborhood gem is brimming with locals all summer long. Looking to avoid the crowd? A drive-thru makes it easy to pick up your order and head to the nearest park for an easy-breezy activity. facebook.com/ajs-snowcones

BEST CHILDREN’S BOOK: Beautiful You by Leah Cast Houstonian Leah Cast has a message for every child: You are beautiful. Children of all shapes, sizes, colors and backgrounds will enjoy this inspirational rhyme, as they learn about the unique qualities that make them beautiful inside and out. Colorful illustrations bring this celebration of diversity and kindness to life in a way that will stick with young readers for years to come. amazon.com

BEST OF 2018

Beauty & Fashion BEST HASSLE-FREE HAIR EXTENSIONS: Amanda K. Extensions With appointments that last less than three hours, it’s no wonder Houston-native Amanda Kelly has an avid fanbase. Using a uniquely crafted technique with Natural Beaded Rows extensions, she offers the perfect solution for anyone looking to achieve fuller, natural-looking hair without messy glue or tape. amandakextensions.com

BEST TEXAS-THEMED GIFT SHOP: Paris Texas Apparel Co., Memorial

Saint Lo Boutique

BEST WOMEN’S UPSCALE CONTEMPORARY BOUTIQUE: Saint Lo Boutique, Heights After a two-year search for the perfect flagship store, Saint Lo husband-and-wife team found the hip Heights Mercantile district and never looked back. Offering a curated collection with uncommonly found brands of the utmost quality, you’ll walk away from this style-forward shop with the perfect piece for any occasion. saintloboutique.com

BEST LOCAL LIP GLOSS: Parry Botanicals When she discovered her favorite lip gloss was discontinued, local health and beauty guru Elizabeth Parry decided to launch her own version. The mineral-based product, available at select wellness studios around town, properly hydrates your pout without the sticky aftermath of a typical gloss. parrybotanicals.com

BEST COLOR PRESERVATION: Color Wow at Blo Blow Dry Bar

Parry Botanicals

Gone are the days of washed-out hair color! Thanks to a recent visit from Color Wow Artistic Director and Celebrity Hairstylist Joseph Maine, Blo Dry Bar's newest product-line technology not only extends your color, it actually acts as a virtual treatment with each use. Expect longer-wearing color, as well as softer, smoother hair. Win. Win. Win. blomedry.com

Color Wow

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SAINT LO PHOTO COURTESY OF SAINT LO BOUTIQUES; PARRY BOTANICALS PHOTO BY KERRY KIRK; COLOR WOW PHOTO BY LAURETTE M. VERES

Warm wood accents and vintage signs adorn the walls of this rustic apparel shop conveniently located inside the Beltway. Rodeo-ready menswear, custom leather goods and statethemed graphic tees are just a few of the treasures you’ll find inside, making it the place to shop for a one-of-a-kind gift any time of year. paristexasapparelhouston.com

Getaways BEST RESORT POOL: Jewel Grande Montego Bay Resort and Spa, Jamaica Nestled on a private cove between Jamaica’s sprawling rolling hills and vibrant Caribbean Sea, this all-inclusive resort exemplifies the island’s laid-back ambiance. You can relax all day at the pool while enjoying music, drinks, food and fun. Elevated relaxation infused with local charm—we can’t think of anything better! jewelgrande.com

BEST ADULT STAYCATION: Hotel ZaZa, Memorial

ZAZA PHOTO COURTESY OF HOTEL ZAZA; OTHER PHOTOS BY LAURETTE M. VERES

Boasting all the amenities of a luxury resort, the newly opened Hotel ZaZa in Memorial exudes staycation vibes. Following a few poolside cocktails at The Beach Club, book a facial and massage at the acclaimed ZaSpa, where seasonal, local products and restorative techniques will leave you nothing short of rejuvenated. hotelzaza.com

BEST HISTORICAL RE-DO: Adolphus Hotel, Dallas

BEST ROLLER-COASTER ON THE COAST: OWA, Foley, Alabama

This Dallas Landmark (built by beer baron, Adolphus Busch, in 1912) is on the National Register of Historic Places for its preserved Beaux Arts architectural style. From the drawing room to the Social Lobby and City Hall Bar, each space is more impressive than the next. Best of all, one of the most revered names in Texas fine dining, The French Room, has reemerged following a thoughtful and meticulous two-year restoration. adolphus.com

Hold on to your hats! There’s something for everyone at the new OWA (pronounced oh-wah) amusement park in Foley. Guests of all ages will enjoy the 21 attractions (including the largest steel coaster in Alabama), an interactive splash pad, free concerts and the onsite dining and retail. Spend a day at the park, then enjoy a 30-minute drive to catch the sunset on some of the country's best beaches. visitowa.com

BEST HEALTH KICK-START: Raw Weekend at Deer Lake Lodge and Spa, Montgomery, TX Forget the juice cleanse. Get a jumpstart at Deer Lake Lodge’s Farm to Table weekend. Enjoy a three-day simple detox with the bonus of delicious raw-food meals, as the spa’s fabulous raw chefs show you how to transform your kitchen and eating habits. deerlakelodge.com

Hotel ZaZa

Adolphus Hotel

Jewel Grande Montego Bay Resort and Spa

BEST OF 2018

THE SCANDAL OF HARVEY Watergate was nothing like Floodgate.

by Lynn Ashby

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HE LOT – THIS IS AN EMP T Y, MUDDY SPACE ON A NICE RESIDENTIAL STREET IN THE MEMORIAL ARE A . A couple of trees still stand, along with a For Sale sign and a port-o-potty. The lot doesn’t look like much today, but it was a nice place at low tide and for 50 years it hosted my happy home. Raised three kids here and a few dogs, some termites and roaches. Nice neighborhood back then. Today dumpsters, looking like metallic beached whales, are still on driveways. Panel trucks from plumbing companies, and painting and electric firms, are lined up on the street, working for those survivors who have made the decision to stay and repair. My house was too far gone. We sold it to a developer who promptly bulldozed the place. The property, like three others on the block, was worth more without a house. And to think, it didn’t need to happen. Hurricane Harvey visited Houston and wrecked entire neighborhoods. But during the storm here in Running Rats Acres, we just looked out the window and shrugged. No problem. The TV weather people gave us some warning, but they get excited when a rain cloud develops just this side of Burkina Faso. They’ll hype a heavy dew. I guess I should have been worried when the animals in the Houston

Zoo started lining up two-by-two. As for my own saga, my house was on a cul-de-sac (French for dead end) that stops at Buffalo Bayou, but through the years, with Alicia, Allison, Ike and, yes, even Harvey, we never got water above the curb. So this neighborhood was safe from the storm. Yes, we were safe until the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers decided to save our neighborhood from flooding by opening the gates of Barker and Addicks Dams to flood the neighborhood. It wasn’t Harvey that ruined us, it was those helpful soldiers. Lawsuits have been filed, lawyers are standing by, and maybe my grandchildren will see $1.50 minus legal fees. After the storm, my family and friends came to our rescue by hauling wet, smelly stuff from our house, into kayaks and anything else they could find. In a scene duplicated a thousand (if not 10 thousand) times in the Houston area, we hauled and pitched. Lamps, rugs, chairs and books—lots of books. They had been stacked in (what else?) bookcases. (Fortunately, a grandson brought along his football team to do the heavy lifting. Good thing he wasn’t on the swim team.) The water in my house came to about two and a half feet, thoroughly soaking books on the lowers shelves, but water has a way of seeping upwards, so the volumes even above high tide got

When it comes to damages, Harvey is tied with Hurricane Katrina as the costliest storm on record, with at least $125 billion in damages. soaked, too. My fellow refugees from Harvey, you know by now that a soaked book is a dead book, you can’t separate the pages. They just come off in your hands or won’t separate at all. And they stink. There was enough mold in my house to let Sir Alexander Fleming start his own penicillin farm. Houston suffered through a record rainfall. How wet was it? Back on July 25, 1979, Tropical Storm Claudette arrived in Alvin and settled in, dropping 43 inches over the next 24 hours. That amount stood as the greatest one-day rainfall in the U.S., according to the National Weather Service. Then came Harvey. In a four-day period, many areas received more than 40 inches of rain as the system slowly wandered over East Texas, causing unprecedented flooding. A weather station near Nederland, about 10 miles north of Port Arthur, received 60.58 inches of rain. Another weather station, about five miles southeast of Nederland near Groves, registered 60.54 inches during the storm. Both are records for the U.S. The resulting floods inundated 10,000 houses and apartments, or maybe

more. One report puts the figure at 204,000. It displaced more than 30,000 people; 852,744 households applied for assistance, but that’s low-balling it because—get this—applicants were turned down if the FEMA investigators couldn’t get to the house because of flooding. And the storm prompted more than 17,000 rescues. Harvey caused at least 107 confirmed deaths: 106 in the U.S. and one in Guyana (which I never understood). When it comes to damages, Harvey is tied with Hurricane Katrina as the costliest storm on record, with at least $125 billion in damages. Incidentally, Katrina forced 250,000 evacuees to Houston from Louisiana. It is estimated that 40,000 stayed. Wouldn’t you? The Pelican State sent us a lot of great chefs, high school halfbacks and later, the Cajun Navy. Hey, Louisiana, we’re even. ARE WE HAVING FUNDS YET? Now let’s talk money. For years I dutifully paid my flood insurance premiums. When it came time to collect, well, FEMA had forms and papers and more forms to fill out. Even if I received the maximum, which I didn’t, it wouldn’t BEST OF 2018

A BLAST FROM THE PAST

We may now go back to the spring of 2017, when we discussed in H Texas Houston’s water, how bayous drain, safe dams and other urban myths. In 1929 and 1935, flood waters inundated parts of Houston. Then some bright soul said, “Let’s build a dam so this won’t happen again.” They built two: the Barker and the Addicks dams. The idea is that the dams and reservoirs will prevent Buffalo Bayou from leaving mud rings around our den walls. Does it make you feel more secure to know that the dams are 69 and 71 years old? But these dams were constructed before half the world moved here. To the west is the fast-growing Katy area where developers are pouring concrete and asphalt over the salt grass prairie as fast as they can. Each square foot is a square foot where rain can’t soak in. (By law, realtors don’t have to tell a prospective home buyer about the flood plain.) We have thunderstorms on the average of 65.1 days a year, average rainfall is 52.69 inches, average humidity 120 percent. The Harris County Flood Control District’s (HCFCD) argues, “Contrary to popular belief, not many of the miles of man-made or improved channels are concrete lined. Only about 6 percent of the channels in the county are concrete lined—most are grass lined.” HCFCD also says: “It is a popular urban myth that, in Houston's and Harris County's past, flood plains were contained to the channel banks, and that land development has caused all of the area's flooding problems. That is not true. Nature can and will provide more rainfall than the area's channel systems can handle.” Nothing can go wrong, go wrong, go wrong…

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have covered my house and its contents. Okay, I may have inflated the value of my collection of Thomas Jefferson’s letters to George Washington, and the Matisse was suspect, but it could have been real. A neighbor, who had neglected to pay his flood insurance in 2017, promptly got a check from FEMA or somebody for $35,000. Gov. Greg Abbott refused to spend any of Texas’ $11 billion set aside in our rainy day fund. Governor, what exactly do you call a rainy day? We keep hearing about Congress allocating $3 billion or $20 billion for hurricane relief. How much of that did you get? In a year or so it would be interesting to know exactly where that money went. The Trump administration earmarked $89 billion for Texas, Florida and Puerto Rico. That paid for a lot of blue tarps. President Donald Trump came to visit Houston, and at least he didn’t throw us rolls of paper towels. But later he did maintain his own brand of the truth: “Sixteenthousand people, many of them in Texas, for whatever reason that is. People went out in their boats to watch the hurricane. That didn't work out too well.” What in God’s name was he talking about? The City of Houston did come by a week or so after the flood to pick up a bunch of junk piled high on my front yard. (I thought it a bit cheeky for one workman to say they had scheduled the

pickup even before Harvey.) But the city water department was another story. As mentioned, we had to move to new digs. That shift led to one snafu after another. First, the water department told me that my new house didn’t exist—I thought I was in “Brigadoon.” So I had to present documents showing that I had actually moved. We like to beat up on our various governments for inefficiency and say, “Why can’t the government be run like a private business?” We better be glad it isn’t. The Postal Service was prompt and efficient, but stores sent the wrong purchases, and an electrical appliance arrived with the wrong cord. My bank said that our account had “insufficient funds,” even though we had already deposited the money ($150) from our first house. The phone company had said we could keep our old phone number if we paid $14 a month. When we tried to keep the number but switch locations, we were told we couldn’t. We switched phone companies and kept the old number. The worst of all was my cable company, Disable Cable. Surveys show that the most disliked industry in America is the cable industry, and no wonder. I was talking to yet another cable worker on the phone. She asked for a second number in case we got cut off, which I gave her. Then I said: “I want to disconnect this line and let me

give you my new...” Click, buzz. After a while my second phone rang. It was the same person. “I think we got cut off,” I said. She replied, “Yes, you said to disconnect that line.” “But not in the middle our conversation!” Attempting to get cable service at my new digs was a nightmare. Technicians came and went. One of them looked around, and left without even saying goodbye. Another came twice in the same day and never did get it right. My computer worked on Wednesdays. It took seven—yes, seven— visits to get the TVs more or less working, although one set requires one remote

to turn on the set and another to change the volume. No wonder the Chinese are catching up with us. FINGER POINTING (THE MIDDLE ONE) Several matters we can agree on: • Staying in hotels used to be fun. It meant vacations, conferences, visiting friends or business buddies, someone else to make our beds and clean our toilets. Let me tell you, I got so tired of hotels that I never want to stay in one for years to come—or at least until Mardi Gras. • No more of this “voluntary evacuation.” If the weather is so bad

that an evacuation is ordered, don’t expect the National Guard, firefighters, Coast Guard or anyone else to risk their lives to pluck you from a rooftop because you refused to leave when ordered to. • Once the hue and cry about flood control is over, in a few years nothing will have changed. Developers will build and rebuild in flood-prone zones. So beware of real estate salesmen with glass bottom boats. We were lulled into a false sense of security by officials, flood engineers and the Army. Afterward, we were told: “But no one could see that much rain coming down.”

Why not? Where does it say, “It will never rain that much in Houston”? How many of our tax dollars were spent on flood control that didn’t work? Who gave the order to open the flood gates—and why? Someone, or several someones, really, really screwed up, and left Houston devastated, when it didn’t have to happen, and absolutely no one takes the blame. We’ve had three 500-year floods in three years. It’s a scandal, and may happen again. Keep your eyes on the animals in the zoo. H Ashby is flooded at ashby2@comcast.net.

BEST OF 2018

FLY AWAY AWAY WITH WITH

US Pack your bags and book that window seatâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;your next vacation awaits.

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A Sustainable Sanctuary PLANE PHOTO BY BIGSTOCK; RESORT PHOTOS COURTESY OF MUKAN

I EX

Mexico’s largest biosphere meets modern-day luxury at Mukan Resort. Just don’t be alarmed if you stumble upon a jaguar (and we’re not talking about the car). by Marisa Byers

IDDEN ON THE K A'AN RESERVE BIOSPHERE COASTLINE , ONE OF MEXICO' S L ARGEST PROTECTED ARE AS, RESTS THE MUK AN RESORT. Mukan is the first luxury eco-resort in Sian Ka’an, and their primary goal is to be a “self-sustaining” property with minimal impact on the environment around it. To wit, the resort boasts energy generation through solar panels and a wind turbine (generators are there for cloudy days), a natural source of water that’s filtered through the highest purification system, a chef’s garden with fruits, vegetables and herbs for delicious cuisine, and local, hand-crafted furniture. Mukan is situated on the eastern coast of Mexico’s Yucatan peninsula, roughly 23 miles from the beach town of Tulum. There are many options,

ABOVE: NIGHTTIME IS

SPECTACULAR OVER THE PRISTINE LAGOON

BEST OF 2018

at a variety of price points, which allow you access the private resort, including boat, vehicle or helicopter.

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: AN AERIAL VIEW OF THE

RESORT; LOUNGE BEACH SIDE IN COMFORT; GET A RELAXING MASSAGE IN FRONT OF THE BEACH; COMFORT IS CALLING IN ONE OF THE BUNGALOW BEDROOMS

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FRESH OFF THE BOAT My choice: by boat, through the calming waters of the biosphere. The biosphere is filled with lush, vibrant jungles with jaguars, pumas, ocelot and the Central American tapir. The various hues of blues from the lagoon and Caribbean Sea provide diverse marine life habitats for the West Indian manatee, four species of nesting turtles, dolphins, crocodiles and hundreds of species of fish. It's also home to many varieties of resident and migratory birds that are almost as curious about us as we are about them.

THIS PAGE: THE DINING

ALONE IS WORTH THE TRIP TO MUKAN.

Upon arrival, the welcoming staff present refreshments and greetings. Walking through the pathway garden to the entrance of Mukan, iguanas skirt alongside me, as if they, too, are another welcome party. Ornate, castle-like doors beckon you into the main “house”—i.e., the resort. RELAX WITH A VIEW The exclusive property of Mukan has five luxury rooms located off the Main Villa, plus four bungalows; there’s three ocean bungalows and one premium bungalow with a private garden. Each room is uniquely furnished with elements that promote sustainability and preservation of the authentic Mexican culture. Natural Mexican stone, indigenous wood etched with cultural details, native fabrics and materials are woven in all of the accommodations throughout Mukan. There are many shared spaces throughout the property for guests to engage with one another, or if seclusion is your fancy, that can be arranged as well. Mukan’s main villa offers a unique, quaint pool area on the main floor, and a rooftop hot tub with breathtaking views of both the Caribbean Sea and the lagoon. The hot tub is the perfect place to end your evening “star bathing” with a refreshing Mexican cocktail and good conversation. If pool lounging is not your desire, the crystal-blue Caribbean coastline and complimentary water sports equipment, such as, kayaks, paddle boards, and snorkeling gear, are at your fingertips. Throughout the day, there are complimentary yoga and meditation classes to help you become one with your surroundings.

THE BEST WAY TO TOUR THE BIOSPHERE When you’re ready to venture off the resort, offroad bikes are available to tour the biosphere at your leisure. The resort can also schedule boat tours where you may encounter any number of the unique aquatic and avian life the biosphere has to offer. My guides were very knowledgeable about the creatures in the lagoon and sea, and were keen on showing us their world. It was reported that the biosphere has some of the best fishing spots in the world, and on some tours, the guides catch dinner (think Mahi Mahi or lobster).

The exclusive property of Mukan consists of five luxury rooms located off the Main Villa, plus four additional bungalows; there’s three ocean bungalows and one premium bungalow with a private garden.

ECO CUISINE Although Mukan prides itself on its sustainability elements, rest assured, the Mexican cuisine is heavenly. Highlights included ceviche with mahi, yellowfin tuna and shrimp; sopa de lima, a soup made of indigenous limes that are unique to the peninsula; authentic “tortilla soup”; and flavorful street tacos of carne asada. The dining alone is worth the trip to Mukan. Each dish is carefully paired with a Mexican wine to bring out the rich flavors of the authentic delicacies. Mukan offers an allinclusive or à la carte dining option; I’d wholeheartedly recommend the allinclusive option. Mukan resort is the perfect spot for honeymooners, couples looking to reconnect, a girls’ getaway, or for those seeking relaxation. Mukan is a place that will restore your soul and remind you to relish the beauty that is all around you. H

TAKE OFF TO UTAH! BEST OF 2018

AH UT

Snow Report Experience great snow. Story and photos by Laurette M. Veres

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: THE LODGE AT DEER VALLEY;

MAGNIFICENT CHANDELIERS LIGHT UP THE LODGES AT SNOWBASIN; AT SNOWBASIN, HIT THE VERY SAME SLOPES THAT OLYMPIANS HAVE BEEN ON

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AST SE ASON’S SNOW REPORT WAS ABYSMAL; EXCEP T IN UTAH. Telluride, Santa Fe and Keystone were dry and rocky. Utah had lots of snow; smooth sliding winter fun. I spent five days experiencing the “greatest snow on Earth” on several Utah mountains, each with unique personality and charm. Where will you go on your next ski vacation? SNOWBASIN Just outside Salt Lake City is the authentic western town of Ogden and the Snowbasin Resort, one of the oldest continuously operating ski areas in the nation. Snowbasin hosted the 2002 Winter Olympic alpine skiing races for downhill, combined and super-G. You can ride the same lift and ski the same runs as the Olympians. The magnificent lunch, dinner and aprèsski lodges at Snowbasin rival any country club. Elegant crystal chandeliers, comfortable leather chairs, cozy fireplaces and the nicest ski lodge bathrooms. No lodging here, so stay a mere ten minutes from the slopes, in Ogden Valley at Wolfcreek Resort.

TOP TO BOTTOM: THE

VEUVE CLICQUOT CHAPAGMEN YURT AT DEER VALLEY; YOUR LITTLE ONE WILL LEARN

DEER VALLEY Luxury abounds at Deer Valley with lodging options such as Stein Eriksen, St. Regis and Montage. Speaking of the Montage, Veuve Clicquot champagne has a pop up après ski lounge in a yurt! Champagne is available by the bottle or glass along with caviar and small bites. The children’s ski school here is spectacular with a fully stocked play area; there's plenty of personal instruction thanks to a very small skier to coach ratio. They have children skiing in two days. For easy access to the entire ski area, stay at the Newpark Hotel.

ALL THE SKIING BASICS AT THE DEER LODGE CHILDREN'S SKI SCHOOL; ALTA'S RUSTLER LODGE IS NESTLED INTO THE SNOW-COVERED MOUNTAINS

ALTA Lodges are built into the mountain where Utah’s first ski lift was installed. The scenery, diverse terrain, quality snow, small lodges and communal dining feel like a European ski experience. No snowboarding! Alta’s Rustler’s Lodge is a home away from home with a lively bar and great spa area. Guests feel comfortable walking around the lobby in a robe. Boot heaters are located in your closet. Dinner and breakfast are included and guests are encouraged to dine with other guests. H

ESSENTIALS: snowbasin.com parkcitymountain.com deervalley.com alta.com

TAKE OFF TO SOUTH CAROLINA! BEST OF 2018

Lowcountry The Lowdown on the

H UT O S

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The best-kept secret along South Carolina’s coast? That would be the über-private, exclusive Montage Palmetto Bluff. by Tom Flynn

HE COASTAL REGIONS AND ISL ANDS ALONG SOUTH CAROLINA’S COAST MAKE UP THE LOWCOUNTRY, a collection of historic communities and natural habitats replete with Southern hospitality. Naturally, with all that comes tourism. Deep in the Lowcountry, between Hilton Head and Savannah, sits Palmetto Bluff. The 20,000acre development is nestled along the May River, a coastal estuary teeming with wildlife. Entering the community is like stepping back in time. Building exteriors resemble 1930s architecture, and winding roads lead to quaint shops, restaurants, parks, chapels and outdoor activities; classic one-speed bicycles are the preferred mode of transportation. Residents of the 700 homes and guests of the Montage Palmetto Bluff are pulled together through an extensive list of activities and events to form a strong sense of community. THE PERKS OF PRIVACY Life in this mainly getaway community can be tailored to individual desires. The amenities are

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reserved for residents and Montage guests, so tee times on the Jack Nicholas–designed golf course are readily available, parks are never crowded, and traffic jams are nonexistent. Reading a book on a park bench and watching neighbors play bocce ball is a great way to spend the afternoon. Want something more? Preplanned activities are numerous, from 10 to 20 per day. Yoga, cycling, tennis clinics and paddle boarding entertain the athletic, while beachcombing, sip-and-sail river cruises amid dolphins and porching—i.e., tea and lemonade gatherings on a porch—are there for the social. Outdoor enthusiasts enjoy archery, shooting sporting clays, fishing and kayaking. There are tons of kids’ activities, including a state-of-the-art four-lane bowling alley and a nightly s’mores gathering at the firepits. WATER, WATER EVERYWHERE The property touches 32 miles of May River shoreline. The marshy estuary has an eight-foot daily tide change. During low tide, you can walk out and harvest oysters by hand. When the tide

comes in, so do the dolphins, chirping, playing and feeding. Alligators and beautiful white egrets are always plentiful. A good way to experience the May River is a cruise on Grace, a luxurious wooden yacht built in 1913. Many holes on the golf course play along the river, and diners enjoying Lowcountry cuisine at Cole’s have stunning views of the marsh while eating fried pickles.

was burned to the ground during the Civil War by Union troops. The guides at Bluffton Bike Taxis will show you the few surviving structures, outline the town’s history and point out the best places to eat and drink with the locals. The Old Town Dispensary has lots of outdoor seating, Lowcountry grub and live music. Farm arguably has the best food in the region—quite possibly any region, for that matter. Many restaurants have a chef who runs the kitchen and a maître d' in charge of seating and service, but Farm adds a third partner: the farmer who grows produce and sources the best meats and seafood. Their fresh, light tapas-sized plates are absolutely amazing; the crafted cocktails are an added bonus. Palmetto Bluff feels hours and ages away from the real world, when it’s actually less than 25 miles from Savannah, GA. Just think: You can be sitting in one of the Montage’s luxury rooms, snacking on the shortbread cookies and bourbon milk jam that they leave as a greeting gift, while watching alligators sun on the banks of the lagoon. There’s nothing “low” about this place! H

The Montage Palmetto Bluff rests on a tranquil lagoon, where miles of hiking and biking trails run through the nature reserve.

RIDE AND RELAX The Montage Palmetto Bluff rests on a tranquil lagoon, where miles of hiking and biking trails run through the nature reserve. With dining options and a bar, the Montage is the liveliest spot in the community; many residents gather here in the evenings to listen to live music. The world-class Spa Montage is an attraction all on its own with the finest treatments and amenities. Enjoy the fitness center, eucalyptus steam room, redwood sauna, pool and cold plunge after your signature 90-minute facial. Best of all, the Montage’s amenities and guests inject energy into Palmetto Bluff.

WITH ACCOMMODATIONS ON THE LAGOON.

BELOW: THE MAY RIVER IS AN ECOLOGICAL WONDER! THERE ARE MANY WAYS TO EXPLORE THE RIVER AND SURROUNDING MARSHES, INCLUDING TOURS ON GRACE, A WOODEN YACHT BUILT IN 1913.

TAKE OFF TO HAWAII!

PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE MONTAGE PALMETTO BLUFFS; ILLUSTRATION BY BIGSTOCK

GO OFF PROPERTY If you feel the need to get away from your getaway, Bluffton is less than a 30-minute drive. Virtually every building in this historic town

OPPOSITE PAGE: ENJOY LOWCOUNTRY SERENITY

BEST OF 2018

AI W A H

hawaii's

Hidden Gem

Lei aside your notions of Hawaii. The island of Lanai is something else entirely. by Nicholas Nguyen

UNGLES, CRYSTAL- CLE AR BE ACHES, WARM TROPICAL WE ATHER AND TOURISTS (LOTS AND LOTS OF TOURISTS): THOSE ARE THE IMAGES THAT COME TO MIND WHEN I THINK OF VACATIONING IN HAWAII. Don’t get me wrong, those things are great, but if you want to try something off the beaten path that’s still in the lap of luxury, then follow me to the little island of Lanai, where you’ll find a calmer, less crowded pace at the secluded Four Seasons Resort Lanai. But before you pack your bags, make sure you know how to pronounce ”Lanai” like an island local: “Lah-nah-ee.” Say “lah-nigh,” and they’ll think you’re talking about a covered porch, which is nowhere near as glamorous as a trip to the intimate island and world-class resort. ARRIVE IN STYLE Lanai is a quick hop to the southeast from Honolulu; Maui is even closer east. While en route to the Lanai, the high red cliffs jutting into the ocean are mesmerizing, the contrast of green pine trees and rusty dirt surreal. I instantly know that this place is nothing like my preconceived notions of Hawaii. After I snap up my luggage, a shuttle awaits to whisk me away to the Four Seasons. As we drive through hilly terrain and then down a winding road, I can see the sprawling resort that takes over the southern edge of the island. There’s a more traditional-looking, crescent-shaped beach in the distance, and pine trees that give way to palm trees. I’d later learn at the resort, which sits at a lower elevation than the town, the temperature was much warmer, making you feel like you’re in two places at once.

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CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT: A VIEW OF THE POOL WITH

THE BEACH NOT SO FAR IN THE DISTANCE; BOOK A JEEP EXCURSION TO SEE HOW UNTOUCHED MOST OF THE ISLAND IS; TAKE IN A MAJESTIC VIEW AT ONE FORTY, ONE OF THE MANY DINING OPTIONS AT THE FOUR SEASONS; THE LOBBY PERFECTLY FRAMES THE VIEW OF THE BEACH AND CLIFFS BEYOND; TAKE A DIP IN ONE OF THE EXQUISTELY CRAFTED OASES. LOBBY PHOTO BY NICHOLAS NGUYEN; OTHER PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE FOUR SEASONS RESORT LANAI; ILLUSTRATION BY BIGSTOCK

BEST OF 2018

FROM TOP LEFT: ON A

SUNSET SAIL, ONE OF THE CREW MEMBERS INDULGED US WITH A “WHALE BOMB,” WHERE HE STRATEGICALLY PLACED A TOY WHALE IN FRONT OF THE CAMERA FOR A LAUGH; LOOK RAINBOW DURING OUR SUNSET CRUISE; THE ISLAND'S ATMOSPHERE CHANGES WHEN YOU GO INTO TOWN WHERE THE STABLES ARE LOCATED FOR HORSEBACK RIDING. OPPOSITE PAGE: A VIEW

OF A COVE AND ONE OF THE HIGH TRAILS LEADING TO SWEETHEART ROCK.

Going into Town To experience Lanai City and give your bathing suit a rest, go where the locals live, eat and shop. The small town is walkable and features the Lanai Culture and Heritage Center. There, I learned that the island used to be home base for Dole’s pineapple plantations before operations moved to Asia. There are little galleries and boutiques, too, perfect for grabbing a trinket to commemorate your visit or a souvenir for a loved one. I highly recommend making a stop at Richard’s Market for some unbeatable local poke. I’ve never had better tasting salmon or tuna in my life!

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FINE DINING WITH A SIDE OF VIEWS The Four Seasons doesn’t skimp anywhere, so it’s no surprise that there are five, stellar on-property restaurants to whet your appetite. The bonus is they all look out toward the ocean or lush grounds. There’s Nobu for fusion sushi and teppanyaki. (I was treated to a spectacular show by Chef Hung on my final night.) Or you can hang out at the golf course and soak in the 360-degree views of the resort with cocktails and light foods at the aptly named Views. For more casual fare, try Malibu Farm and the Sports Bar and Grill. The former is poolside and features fresh, locally sourced ingredients in the form of salads and burgers. The latter is an open-air

Lanai is a special place, one that intersects quiet, refined opulence and a lively spirit of adventure and natural romanticism.

CLOSELY FOR THE SECOND

From the entrance, little switches command the shades and curtains, offering varying degrees of darkness, a boon for the jet-lagged set. After a quick roll across the ultra-comfy king-sized bed, I check out the masterpiece of a bathroom. The large mirrors have ring lighting, which is super flattering. However, the large walk-in shower encased in glass with a rainfall showerhead and the soaking tub are the true highlights.

SUNSET PHOTOS COURTESY OF NICHOLAS NGUYEN; OTHER PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE FOUR SEASONS RESORT LANAI

THIS PAGE, CLOCKWISE

LUXURY, LANAI-STYLE As soon as I get off the shuttle with my fellow vacationers, a smiling staff is there to greet us with leis and cool pineapple beverages. It feels like I’m standing in the hall of a great palace as we check in. The ceilings are at least 30 feet high, and the warm, dark frames of the gigantic windows and doors open to views of the crystal beach, greenery and bluffs in the distance. The sheer size of the Four Seasons is a little intimidating, and it takes me much of the first day to get a lay of the land. Immaculate gardens line the paths, and there are ponds and quiet areas to retreat to when you just want to soak in some sun and tropical vibes. Suddenly, getting a little lost doesn’t seem so bad. My large Garden View room has its own lanai—the “lah-nigh” kind—with a little bit of privacy afforded by lush flowers and shrubs. Treat yourself to a morning with breakfast delivered to your patio, which is an easy thing to do, thanks to the iPad installed at the desk, which makes ordering room service, scheduling activities, getting reservations and more a snap.

hot-spot that offers shareable apps like venison pizza and steamed clams, as well as mains like braised short ribs and an ahi poke tower. My favorite meal is dinner at One Forty, a steakhouse that also offers freshly caught Hawaiian seafood. The Texan in me loved the fact that the menu had no shortage of steaks and chops, but because I’ve had my share of meat and seafood, I opt for one of the island’s newer specialties: the rack of Lanai venison. It’s cooked perfectly and doesn’t have an overly gamey taste. (Fun fact: The island is overrun with Axis deer, and it was only recently that they were approved to be hunted and have their meat sold for consumption.) One Forty is an ideal breakfast spot, too, with continental-style fare as well as dim sum and other local specialties. SOAKING IT ALL UP As tempting as it can be to lounge at the beach all day with the chair and towel service, or hang out at one of the on-site oases (aka cabana-style pools tucked away in foliage with one designated for adults only), that’s not the only reason to come to Lanai. You want a little bit more excitement, don’t you? Most of my mornings consisted of sunrise yoga, and it’s hard to think of a more dazzling sight than seeing the sun rise from behind Maui across the sea. Two trails from the beach offer great hiking experiences. I trekked multiple times to Puu Pehe, also known as Sweetheart Rock, from different directions. The large red formation juts out of the ocean, and you can see it from a cliff or down at the magnificent tide pools. Adrenaline junkies will want to book an off-road UTV ride to see the island. A much calmer Jeep excursion is also available to take you to sites such as the stunning Garden of the Gods; one of my travel mates described it as what Mars must look like. Another off-resort activity is horseback riding around the central part of the island; this was when it most feels like I'm in a different kind of

Hawaii. Riding through hills and forest, I can't help but think of Seattle, yet just 20 minutes away, sun and sand awaits at the Four Seasons. Don’t forget to book some sort of sailing excursion, available for whale watching depending on the season, or a sunset trip down the coast complete with surreal pink skies, and in my case, double rainbows to top off a memorable evening. The resort can also arrange for helicopter rides and private flying lessons, in case you somehow miss the gorgeous views of all the forests and red lava rocks on your flight in. Other activities include golfing, snorkeling and scuba diving, archery, clay shooting and deep-sea fishing. To get rejuvenated, a visit to the Hawanawana Spa is a must. The Sports Massage will work out the kinks and knots, a well-deserved reward for a day’s worth of activities, and the Lomi Lomi massage is pure bliss. The spa offers a variety of beauty treatments as well as packages for couples in suites and even by the pool. “I TOOK THE ONE LESS TRAVELED BY, AND THAT HAS MADE ALL THE DIFFERENCE.” Lanai is a special place, one that intersects quiet, refined opulence and a lively spirit of adventure and natural romanticism. I was able to unplug, feel pampered by the attentive staff, dine on exquisite food while also never feeling bored or like I had no space for myself. The Four Seasons makes it easy to feel like you can have it all in a perfect package, so why not take Robert Frost's road less traveled? H

Plan Your Stay To view all available vacation offers as well as the full list of amenities and activities offered by the resort, visit fourseasons.com/lanai. Plus, to find out how you can arrive in style on the resort's newly launched private jet, visit lanaiair.com.

BEST OF 2018

Attend America’s Largest Bridal Show!

January 5-6, 2019 George R Brown • Houston

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$15 Online • $20 at the Door BridalExtravaganza.com photo: Ivan Garcia Studio • gown: Ventura’s Bridal Fashions • hair and makeup: Simple Beauty Artistry

2018

HOUSTON’S TOP LAWYERS

A lawyer’s job is to relentlessly work the legal system to get the best possible results for their clients. Whether it’s a personal matter or a business-related issue, we all seek the counsel of an attorney at some point in life. The good news is that our metropolis is brimming with highly specialized lawyers to tackle your every obstacle, from complex litigation and intellectual property to family and personal-injury law. By nominations from clients and peers as well as rigorous background checks, we proudly present our annual list of Top Lawyers. Congratulations to this year’s honorees. Every effort has been made to verify information for the professionals listed. Any omissions or inaccuracies are unintentional and H Texas magazine cannot be held liable. If your legal professional does not appear on the list, that does not mean that he or she is not the best professional for you.

HOUSTON'S TOP LAWYERS 2018

G. SCOTT FIDDLER Employment Litigation G. SCOTT FIDDLER’S PRACTICE IS FOCUSED ON REPRESENTING BUSINESSES AND EXECUTIVES

in employment and commercial litigation, including wrongful termination, wage and hour, non-compete, and trade secret cases. Fiddler is Board Certified in Labor and Employment Law and in Civil Trial Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, making him one of only approximately twenty-five attorneys in Texas with both board certifications. Fiddler, who has also been named by Texas Super Lawyers® magazine as one of the top attorneys in Texas in employment litigation, believes experience and skill in a specialized practice benefits his clients through cost-effective, proven results. “We try cases, and we believe our track record in the courtroom benefits all of our clients,” says Fiddler. Because Fiddler routinely represents both employees and employers in the courtroom, he is in a unique position to understand employment cases from both sides. Running a highly specialized practice means carefully selecting cases. “We don’t believe a law practice should be run like an assembly line. We limit the number of cases we take to ensure we can devote the time each case deserves to obtain the best possible results for our clients,” Fiddler says. FIDDLER & ASSOCIATES, PC 1004 Congress, 3rd Floor Houston, TX 77002

HOUSTON’S TOP LAWYERS

2018

713-228-0070 • fiddlerlaw.com

HOUSTON'S TOP LAWYERS 2018

RAED GONZALEZ, JD LLM Immigration RAED GONZALEZ IS THE CHAIRMAN OF GONZALEZ OLIVIERI LLC. His firm developed

into an immigration powerhouse, celebrating a legacy of success in difficult and complicated cases. In recent years, among many accolades, he had his third Supreme Court victory in Mata v. Lynch. Mr. Gonzalez and his firm are making a real difference in immigration law. His firm has experienced significant growth, and is currently 13 attorneys strong. Each attorney is a generalist and an expert in their niche of immigration law. In addition to Mr. Gonzalez, the firm's litigation team includes Naimeh Salem, Noel Zuniga, Daniel Ottaviano, Jorge Arias and Roberto Quijano, all experts in removal or deportation defense. The appellate team includes Alexander Afanassiev, who is certified in immigration and nationality law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, with more than a decade of experience, as well as Aaron Prahbu and Eric Brown, who handle appeals to the Board of Immigration Appeals, Circuit Courts and the U.S. Supreme Court. The Business and Investment team includes Michael Dominguez (previously with Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy) and Mario Gonzalez, who work on all types of employment and investment-based matters. Mr. Gonzalez and Ms. Salem also handle all family law cases with attorney Ricardo Tapia and Roberto Zavaleta. Under the leadership of Mr. Gonzalez, Gonzalez Olivieri LLC provides tactical solutions and expert knowledge to each client’s case.

GONZALEZ OLIVIERI LLC 2200 Southwest Freeway, Ste. 550 Houston, TX 77098

HOUSTON’S TOP LAWYERS

2018

713-481-3040 • gonzalezolivierillc.com

HOUSTON'S TOP LAWYERS 2018

ROBERT WOODS

Personal Injury–Criminal AS A RETIRED POLICE LIEUTENANT AND A GRADUATE OF THE FBI NATIONAL ACADEMY,

attorney Robert Woods of Woods Law Firm has an advantage over most criminal and personal injury attorneys. With more than 20 years of experience in investigation and law enforcement, he knows how to build and defend cases. “I’ve dedicated my life to protecting Texans and upholding the law. As your attorney, I will investigate and process your case with the utmost integrity and zeal,” says Woods. The Woods Law Firm represents individuals and families facing personal-injury crises as well as those facing criminal charges. The primary focus of the firm has been representing victims injured in 18-wheeler, auto and motorcycle accidents, DUI accidents, commercial vehicle accidents and animal bites and attacks. Woods is wellknown among his peers for his quick recognition of liability and aggressive pursuit of justice. “At the Woods Law Firm, you get personal attention regarding your case. Our firm is small enough to give you the personal attention you deserve, but large enough to go against the big insurance companies,” explains Woods. Attorney Woods holds a degree in criminal justice from Sam Houston University and a law degree from South Texas College of Law. WOODS LAW FIRM, PC 2016 Main St., Ste. 111 Houston, TX 77002

HOUSTON’S TOP LAWYERS

2018

713-651-1115 • attorneyrobertwoods.com

HOUSTON'S TOP LAWYERS 2018

GOLDA R. JACOB Family Law

LAW IN THE HOUSTON AREA FOR OVER 25 YEARS. Her strong

commitment and dedication to clients has consistently produced outstanding results. Jacob and her staff have a reputation for providing personal attention to each and every client they represent. “We treat every case as a priority,” Ms. Jacob states. “We care about our clients, their children and their problems. We want clients to make it through the divorce process as unscathed as possible.” Golda R. Jacob, PC, is experienced in every aspect of family law including adoption, divorce, property division and creative solutions, child custody, child support, child protective service cases, modifications, visitation rights, grandparent access, prenuptial and postnuptial agreements and paternity suits. The combination of real-life experience and extensive legal

GOLDA R. JACOB AND ASSOCIATES, PC 440 Louisiana St., Ste. 1500 Houston, TX 77002 713-489-5656 • goldajacob.com

knowledge ensures that the firm always provides outstanding legal guidance. Over the years, Ms. Jacob has maintained relationships with many clients who often seek her counsel regarding various legal issues including business law, estate planning, wills, trusts, bankruptcy, guardianship and probate. Ms. Jacob was named to the Super Lawyer® list through 2011–2018. She is board certified in Family Law by the Texas Board of Law Examiners, a member of the State Bar College of Texas, a member of the Gulf Coast Legal Foundation, and a fellow of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers. “I take the time to understand the unique situation of each client in order to act in their best interest,” says Ms. Jacob. “While our firm understands that litigation is not always the way to settle issues, sometimes it is necessary and when that happens preparation is everything.”

HOUSTON’S TOP LAWYERS

2018

GOLDA R. JACOB HAS SUCCESSFULLY PRACTICED FAMILY

HOUSTON'S TOP LAWYERS 2018

ADMIRALTY Matthew D. Shaffer Schechter, McElwee, Shaffer & Harris, LLP smslegal.com 713-524-3500 Michael D. Williams Brown Sims, PC brownsims.com 713-629-1580

ADMIRALTY, MARITIME & ENERGY F. Daniel Knight Chamberlain, Hrdlicka, White, Williams & Aughtry chamberlainlaw.com 713-658-1818

ANTITRUST LITIGATION Russell Chorush Heim, Payne & Chorush, LLP hpcllp.com 713-221-2021 Scott M Clearman The Clearman Law Firm, PLLC 713-223-7070

APPELLATE Noel Terry Adams, Jr Akerman LLP akerman.com 713-960-7319 Claudia Frost Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman, LLP 713-276-7648 David Holman The Holman Law Firm, PC 713-400-4840 Dori Kornfeld Goldman Yetter Coleman LLP 713-632-8000 Robert York godwinlewis.com 713-595-8301

APPELLATE LAW & ESTATE PLANNING Julia Dean The Dean Law Firm PLLC juliadeanlaw.com 281-277-3326

APPELLATE, BUSINESS, CIVIL & COMMERCIAL LITIGATION Joan Bain Bain & Bain, PLLC bainandbainlaw.net 713-629-6222 Scott Cunningham The Cunningham Law Firm thecunninghamlawfirm.com 713-273-8950 Dylan Russell Hoover Slovacek LLP hooverslovacek.com 713-977-8686

BANKING Nelson Block Winstead, PC winstead.com 713-650-2400 George Craft, Jr Winstead, PC winstead.com 713-650-2751

Brian Kilmer Kilmer Crosby & Quadros PLLC kcq-lawfirm.com 713-300-9662 Demetra Liggins Thompson & Knight, LLP 713-951-5884 Chris Morrison filebankruptcyhouston.com 713-863-1001 Heather Potts McFall Breitbeil & Smith 713-590-9365 Craig Power Cokinos Bosien & Young cbylaw.com 713-535-5500 Ronald Sommers Nathan Sommers Jacobs, PC 713-960-0303 Eric Southward Busby & Associates, PC busby-lee.com 713-974-1151

Cassandra Smith Winstead, PC 713-650-2732

Christian Sternat bankruptcylawyer-houston. com 714-686-8961

Doug Stewart Winstead, PC winstead.com 713-650-2705

Neil Wasserstrom Mayer Brown Rowe & Maw LLP 713-546-0510

BANKING, BUSINESS, CIVIL & COMMERCIAL LITIGATION Kari Robinson Baker, Donelson, Bearman, Caldwell & Berkowitz, PC bakerdonelson.com 713-650-9700

BANKRUPTCY & WORKOUT Ryan Dove Dove Law Firm, PLLC dovebankruptcylaw.com 832-509-3400 Joseph Epstein Winstead, PC 713-650-2740

HOUSTON'S TOP LAWYERS 2018

Randy Williams Thompson & Knight, LLP 713-654-8111

BUSINESS & CIVIL LITIGATION Benjamin Hisey Hendershot, Cannon & Hisey PC hchlawyers.com 713-783-3110 Dale Jefferson Martin, Desiere, Jefferson & Wisdom mdjwlaw.com 713-632-1700 Melissa Martin Garcia-martin & Martin, PC mgmartinlaw.com 281-277-3066

Raymond Panneton Hendershot, Cannon & Hisey PC hchlawyers.com 713-783-3110 Benjamin Sanchez Sanchez Law Firm sanchezlawfirm.com 713-780-7745

BUSINESS & COMMERCIAL LITIGATION Wendie Childress Yetter Coleman LLP 713-632-8000 Jeffrey Davis Bradley Arant Boult Cummings LLP bradley.com 713-576-0370 Doug Griffith Yetter Coleman LLP 713-632-8000 Simon Hendershot III Kerr, Hendershot & Cannon, PC k-hpc.com 713-783-3110 Andrew Hicks Schiffer Odom Hicks & Johnson, PLLC sohjlaw.com 713-357-5150 Pamela Hohensee Yetter Coleman LLP 713-632-8000 Peter Scaff Bradley Arant Boult Cummings LLP bradley.com 713-576-0300 Cody Schneider Chamberlain, Hrdlicka, White, Williams, & Aughtry chamberlainlaw.com 713-356-1613 Nicolas Thompson Yetter Coleman LLP 713-632-8000

ABRAHAM, WATKINS, NICHOLS, SORRELS, AGOSTO & AZIZ Personal Injury/Business Litigation NOT ONLY DO THEIR CLIENTS TRUST THEM, LAWYERS ACROSS TEXAS TRUST THEM TOO.

Throughout its illustrious history, over 5,000 lawyers have referred clients to the lawyers of Abraham Watkins. These lawyers understand Abraham Watkins’ philosophy: practice law at the highest level, work hard to achieve the best results for their clients, and honor your word.

For almost seven decades, Abraham Watkins has been recognized as a go-to trial law firm for injured victims, families who have lost loved ones, and businesses who have been harmed by wrongdoers. The lawyers at Abraham Watkins want to work with you on your case. Their first consultation is free. They are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and are ready to take your call.

SORRELS, AGOSTO & AZIZ 800 Commerce Street Houston, TX 77002

HOUSTON’S TOP LAWYERS

2018

ABRAHAM, WATKINS, NICHOLS,

713-222-7211 • abrahamwatkins.com

HOUSTON'S TOP LAWYERS 2018

BUSINESS LITIGATION Brandon Allen Reynolds Frizzell Black Doyle Allen & Oldham, LLP 713-485-7200 Kathleen Boll Henke Law Firm, LLP henkelawfirm.com 713-940-4500 Josh Bowlin Walston & Bowlin walstonbowlin.com 713-300-8700 W. Montgomery Briscoe Eggleston & Briscoe, LLP egglestonbriscoe.com 713-659-5100 Robert Burford Burford Perry LLP burfordperry.com 713-401-9790 Collin Cox Yetter Coleman LLP 713-632-8000

Patrick Larkin The Larkin Law Firm larkin-law.com 281-412-7500 Tony Malley Malley Law Firm 713-858-8143 Neal Manne Susman Godfrey, LLP 713-653-7827 Lionel Martin Garcia Martin & Martin PC mgmartinlaw.com 281-277-3066 George Murr Business Litigation my-lawyers.com 713-966-6141 Donald McFall McFall, Breitbeil & Smith 713-590-9300 Toni Pham 281-422-8378

Dax Faubus Faubus & Scarborough, LLP 713-222-6400

Stephanie Roman Roman Law Firm romanlawfirm.com 713-337-6449

Ada Ferrer Burford Perry, LLP burfordperry.com 713-401-9790

David Smith Eggleston & Briscoe, LLP egglestonbriscoe.com 713-659-5100

Matthew Foytlin Winstead, PC winstead.com 713-650-2653

Harry Susman Susman Godfrey, LLP 713-653-7875

Toby Fullmer Toby Fullmer LLC fullmerlegal.com 713-355-4357 Robin Gibbs Gibbs & Bruns gibbsbruns.com 713-650-8805 Raymond Gregory II Eggleston & Briscoe, LLP egglestonbriscoe.com 713-659-5100 Daniel Hedges Porter & Hedges, LLP 713-226-6641

Cliff Walston Walston & Bowlin walstonbowlin.com 713-300-8700 Teri Walter Walter Law Firm, PC prevaillawyers.com 713-529-2020 Kiren Wheeler Rapp & Krock 713-759-9977 Jett Williams Henke Law Firm, LLP henkelawfirm.com 713-940-4500

HOUSTON'S TOP LAWYERS 2018

BUSINESS, CIVIL & COMMERCIAL LITIGATION Rob Ellis Yetter Coleman LLP 713-632-8078 William Engelhaupt Alston & Engelhaupt aeattorney.com 281-277-9872 Adam Green Baker, Donelson, Bearman, Caldwell & Berkowitz, PC bakerdonelson.com 713-650-9700 Andrew Green McCathern, PLLC mccathernlaw.com 832-533-8689 Jeffrey Hastings Baker, Donelson, Bearman, Caldwell & Berkowitz, PC bakerdonelson.com 713-650-9700 Joseph Kennedy Baker, Donelson, Bearman, Caldwell & Berkowitz, PC bakerdonelson.com 713-650-9700 David Loveless Eggleston & Briscoe, LLP 713-659-5100 Kenneth McKay Baker Donelson Bearman Caldwell & Berkowitz, PC bakerdonelson.com 713-650-9700

James Zucker Yetter Coleman LLP yettercoleman.com 713-632-8000

BUSINESS, CIVIL, COMMERCIAL LITIGATION & INSURANCE William Eggleston Eggleston & Briscoe, LLP egglestonbriscoe.com 713-659-5100 John Michael Raborn Eggleston & Briscoe, LLP 713-659-5100 Martin Schexnayder Winget Spadafora & Schwartzberg wssllp.com 713-343-9200

BUSINESS, CIVIL, COMMERCIAL LITIGATION & INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY Wesley Lotz Fulkerson Lotz, LLP fulkersonlotz.com 713-654-5830 Veronica Montemayor McCathern, PLLC mccathernlaw.com 832-533-8689

CHILD PROTECTIVE SERVICES

Bruce Oakley Hogan Lovells Us, LLP hoganlovells.com 713-632-1400

Bert Steinmann Steinmann Law Firm steinmannlaw.com (936) 441-8675

Matthew Parks Burford Perry, LLP burfordperry.com 713-401-9790

CIVIL & COMMERCIAL, LABOR/EMPLOYMENT, PERSONAL INJURY

Christopher Porter Yetter Coleman LLP yettercoleman.com 713-632-8000 Keshia Rodriguez Sedgwick, LLP sedgwicklaw.com 832-426-7000

Phil Griffis The Law Office of Phil Griffis griffislawfirm.com 832-284-4013

TOP LAWYERS IN PERSONAL INJURY

TOP LAWYERS IN FAMILY LAW & DIVORCE

ADAMS LAW FIRM Personal Injury

Family Law & Divorce THE FAMILY LAW GROUP AT ADAMS LAW FIRM STANDS TALL FOR

PERSONAL INJURY LAWSUITS. He is Double Board Certified in

TEXANS DURING DIFFICULT TIMES. The firm has been representing

Personal Injury by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization and Civil Trial Law by the National Board of Trial Advocates. Will has been recognized as one of the Top 10 Trucking Trial Lawyer in Texas and has been selected as a Texas Super Lawyer ® in Texas Monthly every year since 2010 and one of the ‘Top Lawyers for Personal Injury’ in Houston every year since 2006. Will shall serve as President of the Texas Trial Lawyers Association for 2019.

families and individuals in a wide range of challenging family law and divorce matters since 1977. The firm is proud of the recognition of Attorneys Heather M. Bachman and John F. Lemos as among Houston’s Top Lawyers for Family & Divorce for 2018. Heather shall serve as President of the Fort Bend County Bar Association for 2019.

Adams law firm

HOUSTON’S TOP LAWYERS

2018

WILL ADAMS AND HIS TEAM REPRESENT PLAINTIFFS IN SERIOUS

ADAMS LAW FIRM 23501 Cinco Ranch Blvd., Ste. H205 Katy, TX 77494 281-391-9237 • adamslawfirm.com

HOUSTON'S TOP LAWYERS 2018

CRAIN, CATON & JAMES, PC Wills, Trusts & Estates

TEAM OF H TEXAS “TOP LAWYERS” FOCUS THEIR PRACTICE ON REPRESENTING TRUSTEES, EXECUTORS, BENEFICIARIES AND OTHER INDIVIDUALS IN COMPLEX ESTATE, TRUST AND FIDUCIARY MATTERS, INCLUDING LITIGATION AND ADMINISTRATION. Sarah is repeatedly recognized for her expertise, including being named as one of the “Top 50 Female Attorneys in Texas” by Texas Monthly magazine and the 2017 and 2014 “Lawyer of the Year” for Litigation – Trust & Estates in the Houston region by Best Lawyers. She is Board Certified in Estate Planning and Probate Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization and the coauthor of three legal treatises regarding estate, trust, and guardianship matters. Sarah believes that her success is

attributable to her passion for this area of the law, and assembling a team of outstanding professionals who are committed to old-fashioned hard work. Senior Associate Chasity W. Cooper is also Board Certified in Estate Planning and Probate Law, and concentrates on estate planning, administration and related tax issues, while Senior Associate Kathleen Tanner Beduze advises clients in all aspects of fiduciary, estate and trust litigation, as well as guardianship proceedings. Associates Joshua R. Flores and Joe Savoie focus their practice on estate, trust and fiduciary litigation, along with business and commercial litigation. Kathleen and Josh have also been named as Texas Super Lawyer Rising Stars by Texas Monthly magazine.

CRAIN, CATON & JAMES, PC 1401 McKinney St., Ste. 1700 Houston, TX 77010 713-658-2323 • craincaton.com

HOUSTON'S TOP LAWYERS 2018

HOUSTON’S TOP LAWYERS

2018

CRAIN, CATON & JAMES’ SARAH PATEL PACHECO AND HER

TYRONE C. MONCRIFFE Attorney at Law

THE NATIONAL BOARD OF TRIAL ADVOCACY, AND CERTIFIED FIRST CHAIR IN DEATH PENALTY CASES IN HARRIS COUNTY. Currently, he is a faculty member of the Criminal Law Institute. Moncriffe handles serious felony cases and always strives for excellence in the courtroom. He graduated from Texas Southern University Magna Cum Laude and received his Juris Doctorate from Thurgood Marshall School of Law in 1982. Texas Super Lawyers® in Texas Monthly magazine voted Moncriffe as one of the best in 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2012 and Top Lawyers in H Texas magazine from 2008 to 2016. He always believed that no goal is accomplished by one person. He acknowledges his wife Brenda and his daughter

TYRONE C. MONCRIFFE ASSOCIATES 1001 Texas Ave., Ste. 720 Houston, TX 77002 713-224-6628 • tyronemoncriffe.com

Chantel for constant support. His brothers Randy, Errol, Brian, and Burford and best friend Alvin Hubert have provided years of encouragement. He thanks his grandparents, Mary Moncriffe, Morris and Annie Conner and also his father Richard and Uncle Charles Moncriffe for never allowing him to give up his dreams, and the loving memory of his beloved mother Lois Moncriffe, who told him to, “always reach for the sky and even if you fail you will be among the stars.” Moncriffe gives acknowledgement to Sandra Zimmer of Self Expression Center; she taught him the importance of, “being with the audience and not performing for them.” Moncriffe has dedicated himself to constant selfimprovement and providing the best representation possible for his clients.

HOUSTON’S TOP LAWYERS

2018

TYRONE C. MONCRIFFE IS BOARD CERTIFIED IN CRIMINAL LAW BY

HOUSTON'S TOP LAWYERS 2018

CIVIL & COMMERCIAL, MEDICAL MALPRACTICE

Jacks Nickens McGuire Woods, LLP 713-571-9191

W. Mark Lanier The Lanier Law Firm 713-659-5200

Chris Pappas Kane Russell Coleman & Logan, PC 713-425-7400

CIVIL LITIGATION Allison Beckham Litigation craincaton.com 713-658-2323 Jason Bernhardt Winstead, PC 713-650-8400 Brittany Bouette McCathern PLLC mccathernlaw.com 832-533-8689 Robert Clark, Sr. Clark & Jordan, LP houtexlaw.com 713-236-0000 Paul Heyburn Mehaffyweber, PC mehaffyweber.com 713-655-1200 Richard Kaplan Weycer Kaplan Pulaski & Zuber, PC wkpz.com 713-961-9045 Harry Klaff Brown Sims 713-629-1580 Miles Klaff Brown Sims brownsims.com 713-529-1580 James Leahy gtlaw.com 713-374-3534 Michael Lowenberg The Oquinn Law Firm 713-223-1000 James Martingano Mehaffyweber, PC 713-210-8947 Kevin Murray murrlaw.com 713-355-5500

Craig Ribbeck The Ribbeck Law Firm ribbecklawfirm.com 713-621-5220 Timothy Rothberg Rothberg PLLC rothberg.law 281-560-3825 Craig Saunders Barlow Jones, LLP 281-488-8440 Joe R. Savoie Crain, Caton & James, PC craincaton.com 713-658-2323 Jeffery Steidley steidleylaw.com 713-523-9595 David Thrasher Kane Russell Coleman & Logan, PC 713-425-7415 Marc Tittlebaum Tittlebaum Law Firm 713-349-4275 Dick Watt Watt Beckworth Thompson & Henneman, LLP 713-650-8100 Jan Woodward Fox 713-623-6800

CIVIL LITIGATION & CRIMINAL DEFENSE Frederick Williams II fdwilliams.com 281-970-5556

CIVIL LITIGATION & FAMILY LAW Paul Savinov The Huynh Law Firm, PLLC thehuynhlawfirm.com 281-702-8128

HOUSTON'S TOP LAWYERS 2018

Jared Woodfill Woodfill Law Firm, PC woodfilllaw.com 713-751-3080

CIVIL LITIGATION & INSURANCE Barbara Barron Mehaffyweber, PC 713-655-1200 Kevin Dossett Preis Plc preisplc.com 713-355-6062

CIVIL LITIGATION & PERSONAL INJURY Sherie Beckman Mithoff Law mithofflaw.com 713-654-1122 Janie Jordan Mithoff Law mithofflaw.com 713-654-1122 Hank Stout Sutliff & Stout sutliffstout.com 713-987-7111

CIVIL LITIGATION, CORPORATE LAW Madison Hagopian Sponsel Miller Greenberg PLLC smglawgroup.com/ 713-892-5400

CIVIL LITIGATION, CRIMINAL DEFENSE, PERSONAL INJURY & REAL ESTATE Arden Morley The Morley Law Firm morleylaw.com 713-839-9956

CIVIL LITIGATION, INSURANCE, LEGAL MALPRACTICE & PERSONAL INJURY John Davis Brown Sims brownsims.com 713-629-1580

CIVIL LITIGATION, LABOR/EMPLOYMENT Kevin Fulton The Fulton Law Office 713-677-0109

CIVIL LITIGATION, MASS/TOXIC TORT, PERSONAL INJURY Paul Griffin Bunnell Williams Kherkher Hart & Boundas, LLP williamskherkher.com 713-230-2200

CIVIL LITIGATION, MEDIATION, PERSONAL INJURY Bruce Bain Bain & Bain bainandbainlaw.net 713-629-6222

CLASS ACTION LITIGATION Sharla Frost 713-767-1555

COMMERCIAL LITIGATION Tom Ajamie Ajamie LLP ajamie.com 713-860-1600 John Bissell Strong Pipkin Bissell Ledyard 713-651-1900 Hilary Borow Winstead, PC winstead.com 713-650-8400 Kiwi Camara Camara & Sibley, LLP 713-966-6789 Armando Chiu Phillips & Akers, PC 713-552-9595 C. Vance Christopher Crain, Caton & James, PC 713-658-2323 Dan D'acquisto D'acquisto, PLLC 713-974-1488

STILWELL LAW FIRM Personal Injury

LEAN ON. While these attorneys have tried numerous cases at

some of the biggest law firms in the city, they are now regarded as a formidable plaintiff’s trial team with select clients. “We know exactly how the other side thinks, and we recover the complete compensation that you deserve,” says Tom Stilwell.

The Stilwell Law Firm specializes in wrongful death and serious personal injuries involving aircraft, airports and aviation; oil and gas drilling and exploration; highway and truck crashes; bicycle collisions; and complex commercial claims. For a free consultation, call 713-931-1111 or 844-931-3111. Referrals and co-counsel arrangements are accepted.

STILWELL LAW FIRM 3131 Eastside St., Ste. 440 Houston, TX 77098 713-931-1111 • stilwelltriallaw.com

HOUSTON’S TOP LAWYERS

2018

THE STILWELL LAW FIRM POSSESSES THE EXPERIENCE YOU CAN

HOUSTON'S TOP LAWYERS 2018

Brannon Dillard Winstead, PC winstead.com 713-650-2711 Ty Doyle Smyser Kaplan Veselka LLP 713-221-2300 John Easton Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman, LLP 713-276-7624 Richard Fason Patterson, Boyd & Lowery, PC 713-222-0351 Cory Fein Cory Fein Law Firm 713-730-5001 Mary Frazier Bradley Arant Boult Cummings LLP gardere.com 713-576-0300 Tom Fulkerson Fulkerson Lotz LLP fulkersonlotz.com 713-654-5800 Ethan Gibson Fulkerson Lotz LLP 713-654-5800 Charlie Henke Henke, Williams & Boll, LLP henkelawfirm.com 713-940-4500 Dean Hunt Baker & Hostetler, LLP 713-646-1346 Caroline Jacobs Buck Keenan, LLP 713-225-4500 Kristin Kruse Winstead, PC winstead.com 713-410-8183 David McDougald Attorney at Law thekimlawfirm.com 713-522-1177 Shannon Quadros Kilmer Crosby & Walker PLLC kcw-lawfirm.com 713-204-4144

Kent Radford Camara & Sibley 713-966-6789

COMMERCIAL LITIGATION & PERSONAL INJURY

Mindy Riseden Crain, Caton & James, PC 713-658-2323

Ernest "Butch" Boyd Butch Boyd Law Firm 713-589-8477

Rocky Robinson Andrews Kurth, LLP 713-220-4182

William G. Hagans Hagans Burdine Montgomery & Rustay PC hagans.law 713-222-2700

William Russell Schirrmeister Diaz-arrastia Brem, LLP 713-221-2500 Adam Schiffer Schiffer Odom Hicks & Johnson, PLLC sohjlaw.com 713-357-5150

Jennifer B. Rustay Hagans Burdine Montgomery & Rustay PC 713-222-2700

COMMERICAL CIVIL & APPELLATE LITIGATION

Charles Schwartz Skadden Arps Slate Meagher Flom, LLP 713-655-5100

Godwin Lewis 713-595-8300

Russell Smith Ware Jackson Lee Chambers 713-659-6400

Heather Asselin Kilpatrick Townsend & Stockton LLP kilpatricktownsend.com 281-809-4079

Thane "Tyler" Sponsel III Sponsel Miller Greenberg 713-892-5400 John Stevenson Stevenson & Murray 713-622-3223 Brian Wunder Fulkerson Lotz LLP 713-654-5824

COMMERCIAL LITIGATION & ENVIRONMENTAL LAW Robert Morse III Crain, Caton & James, PC, PC 713-658-2323

COMMERCIAL LITIGATION & OIL/GAS Joe Thompson Watt Thompson & Henneman LLP 713-333-9104

HOUSTON'S TOP LAWYERS 2018

CONSTRUCTION

Jason Davis Crain, Caton & James, PC 713-658-2323 John Engvall Engvall & York, LLP 713-787-6700 Debra Norris 713-858-0359

CONSUMER LAW Dana Karni Karni Law Firm, PC texasconsumerdebt.com 713-552-0008 Zachary McArthur Karni Law Firm, PC karnilawfirm.com 713-552-0008

CORPORATE FINANCE & SECURITIES David Loev The Loev Law Firm, PC 713-524-4110

CORPORATE FINANCE; MERGERS AND ACQUISITIONS Thomas Brandt Latham & Watkins 713-546-7486 Mark Hughes Corporate hakllp.com 713-443-2104

CORPORATE FINANCE; MERGERS AND ACQUISITIONS, FINANCE Shalla A. Prichard Gibson, Dunn, And Crutcher, LLC (346) 718-6600

CORPORATE LAW CONSTRUCTION & ENERGY/NATURAL RESOURCES, OIL/GAS James "Jim" Collura Bradley Arant Boult Cummings LLP bradley.com 713-576-0300 Ian Faria Bradley Arant Boult Cummings LLP bradley.com 713-576-0300 Paula Johnson Phillips 66 phillips66.com 832-765-2832

Will Anderson Bracewell & Giuliani, LLP 713-221-1122 Bill McDonald Thompson & Knight LLP tklaw.com 713-951-5832Bob Rapfogel Rap Firm 832-408-6400

JARED R. WOODFILL Attorney at Law

TALENT WITH BROAD LITIGATION EXPERIENCE IN FAMILY LAW, BUSINESS LITIGATION, PERSONAL INJURY AND ISSUES INVOLVING CONSTITUTIONAL QUESTIONS. Mr. Woodfill is a 1990 graduate of the University of Texas and received his law degree from St. Mary’s University in 1993 where he was a cum laude graduate. He is active in Houston-area community issues and served as chairman of the Houston-area Republican Party from 2002–2014. Mr. Woodfill is licensed to practice in Texas and New York state courts, as well as the District of Columbia Court of Appeals, United States Court of Federal Claims and U.S. District Courts for Northern, Southern, Eastern and Western Districts of Texas and the U.S. Court of Appeals, Fifth Circuit. In 2015, Mr. Woodfill was named Local Person of the year by Fox 26 Roundup. In 2016 and 2017, Woodfill was named one of Houston’s top lawyers by Houstonia Magazine. He has also received the TRL Defender of Life Award, Texas Values’ Kelly Shackleford Award, San Jacinto Republican’s Patriot Award, and Vision America’s Local Hero of the Faith Award.

Woodfill Law Firm guides each client through the legal process with passion and attention to detail utilizing modern technical trial practices. The firm utilizes state-of-the-art technology, powerful graphic presentations and the latest trial science techniques to achieve favorable results. Mr. Woodfill's commitment to superior client service is reflected throughout Woodfill Law’s attitude, philosophy and our approach to the law—that’s why people turn to Woodfill Law Firm.

WOODFILL LAW FIRM 3 Riverway, Ste. 750 Houston, TX 77056 713-751-3080 • woodfilllaw.com

HOUSTON’S TOP LAWYERS

2018

FOUNDING PARTNER JARED WOODFILL IS A DYNAMIC COURTROOM

HOUSTON'S TOP LAWYERS 2018

CORPORATE, CORPORATE FINANCE; MERGERS AND ACQUISITIONS Marissa Arreola Baker, Donelson, Bearman, Caldwell & Berkowitz, PC bakerdonelson.com 713-650-9700 Ronald Wright McCathern, PLLC mccathernlaw.com 832-533-8689

CORPORATE, FRANCHISE AND DEVELOPMENT Michael Longoria International Center for Entrepreneurial Development, Inc. 281-256-4238

CORPORATE, REAL ESTATE F. Maxwell Evans Eggleston & Briscoe, LLP egglestonbriscoe.com 713-659-5100

CORPORATE, TECHNOLOGY Jason Smith Apttus 832-470-5178

CRIMINAL DEFENSE Gilbert Alvarado Criminal Defense galvaradolaw.com 713-236-8700 Eric Benavides Benavides & Serrano ericbenavides.com 713-222-2828 Wilvin Carter Law Office of Wilvin Carter 713-454-9890 Jay Cohen Blass Law, PLLC blasslaw.com 713-225-1900

Myron Davis 832-661-1969 Danny Easterling Easterling & Easterling PC easterlinglawfirm.com 713-228-4441 John Floyd III John Floyd Law Firm 713-224-0101 Rachel Fraser Law Fraser, PLLC lawfraser.com 713-252-7281 Charles Ganz ganzdefenselaw.com 713-222-6644 Charles Johnson houstonlawyer.com 713-222-7577 David Kiatta David Kiatta, Attorney at Law kiatta-law.com 713-785-8005 Jim Lavine Zimmermann, Lavine, Zimmermann, & Sampson, PC texasdefenselawyers.com 713-552-0300 Thomas A. Martin Law Offices of Thomas A. Martin thomasamartinlaw.com 713-222-0556 Linda Mazzagatti 713-661-0043 Kenneth P McDaniel McDaniel Law Office mcdaniellegal.com 713-240-4646

Dustan Neyland Greco Neyland PC greconeylandtx.com 713-972-1100

Steve Dennis Steve Dennis, Attorney at Law stevedennislawyer.com 936-539-1234

Ben Pearce Greco Neyland, PC greconeylandtx.com 713-972-1100

Alexander Gurevich The Law Offices of Alexander Gurevich 713-224-9600

Joe Ray Rodriguez Rodriguez & Associates, PC 713wasntme.com 713-522-3232

Charles Kingsbury Kingsbury Law Firm kingsburylawfirm.com 832-315-0070

Gus Saper Mallett, Saper, & Berg, LLP msblawyers.com 713-236-1900

Herman Martinez Madrid, Martinez & Associates 713-225-1038

Randy Schaffer The Schaffer Law Firm 713-951-9555 Paul Schiffer Law Office of Paul Schiffer paulschifferlaw.com 713-521-0059 Mekisha Jane Walker Walker Law Houston walkerlawhouston.com. 713-228-2611 Michael Westbrook II The Westbrook Firm, PC 713-893-6204

James Randall Smith Law Office of James Randall Smith texasparole.com 713-630-0500 Geoff Womack Guy Womack & Associates, PC guywomack.com 713-224-8815

CRIMINAL DEFENSE, DUI/DWI Keith Allen Law Offices of Keith Allen kgallenlaw.com 832-230-0075

Jonathan Zendeh Del Zendeh Del & Associates, PLLC galvestonjustice.com 409-740-1111

Brian Ayson Ayson Law Firm 832-304-2176

CRIMINAL DEFENSE: WHITE COLLAR

James "Jim" Butler Law Office of James Butler 713-236-8744

Armen Merjanian Armen Merjanian, Lawyer 281-232-0505

Jose Ceja Ceja Law Firm, PLLC cejalawfirm.com 713-568-5380

HOUSTON'S TOP LAWYERS 2018

Anthony Segura 281-242-7070

Shahin Zamir The Law Office of Shahin Zamir, PLLC criminallawyersinhouston.com 832-372-7571

Larry P McDougal, Sr Law Office of Larry McDougal larrymcdougal.com 281-238-8500

Phil Morin The Morin Law Firm philmorinlaw.com 281-229-2883

John Papantonakis 713-574-7507

Sean Darvishi The Law Offices of Sean R Darvishi PLLC defendmetexas.com 832-766-4019

Dane Ball Smyser Kaplan Veselka LLP skv.com 713-221-2300 Sadiyah Evangelista Law Office of Sadiyah Evangelista 832-623-2323 Matt Hennessy Deguerin, Dickson, Hennessy & Ward 713-223-5959

GRECO NEYLAND, PC Criminal Defense

PRACTICING STATE AND FEDERAL CRIMINAL DEFENSE. With a

full legal staff of attorneys, paralegals and investigators with offices in Houston, New York and Los Angeles, the firm has the reputation, experience and resources to provide effective legal representation and get great results.

GRECO NEYLAND, PC 701 N. Post Oak Rd., Ste. 425 Houston, TX 77024 713-972-1100 • greconeylandtx.com

The attorneys with Greco Neyland, PC have years of experience trying cases to juries across the state of Texas and in Federal Courts. Managing Partner, Dustan Neyland (standing) and Senior Associate, Ben Pearce (seated) are both located in the Houston office. Call us today at 713-972-1100 to schedule a meeting to discuss your case.

HOUSTON’S TOP LAWYERS

2018

GRECO NEYLAND, PC IS A CRIMINAL DEFENSE LAW FIRM

HOUSTON'S TOP LAWYERS 2018

Philip Hilder Hilder & Associates hilderlaw.com 713-655-9111 Edward Mallett Mallett Saper, LLP 713-236-1900 Gerardo Montalvo Montalvo Law Firm, PLLC montalvolawfirm.com 713-526-5002 Heather Peterson Nugent & Peterson 713-227-4000 Grant Scheiner Law Office of Grant Scheiner 713-783-8998 Jack Zimmermann Zimmermann Lavine & Zimmermann, PC texasdefenselawyers.com 713-552-0300

ELDER LAW, WILLS, TRUSTS AND ESTATES Sidney Braquet Braquet Law Firm braquetlawfirm.com 713-863-9333

ENERGY & NATURAL RESOURCES John Ale Skadden Arps Slate Meagher Flom, LLP 713-655-5263

ENVIRONMENTAL LAW Kelly Brown Crain, Caton & James craincaton.com 713-658-2323 Nicholas Deutsch Shook, Hardy & Bacon L L P 713-546-5613

CRIMINAL LAW

FAMILY LAW

Tyrone C. Moncriffe Tyrone C. Moncriffe and Associates tyronemoncriffe.com 713-224-6628

Amy Allen Gray Reed & McGraw grayreed.com 713-986-7000

DISPUTE RESOLUTION

Reagan Armstrong armstrongbedell.com 281-894-1590

Timothy Fjeldal timfjeldal-mediator.com 713-869-9690

DIVORCE Shawn Rudisel Rudisel Law Firm houstondivorcesource.com 713-781-7775

ELDER LAW, FAMILY LAW, WILLS, TRUSTS AND ESTATES Kim Hegwood Hegwood Law Group hegwoodlaw.com 281-218-0880

Heather Bachman Adams Law Firm adamslawfirm.com 281-391-9237 Maisie Barringer Jenkins & Kamin, LLP jenkinskamin.com 713-600-5500 Lori Blackwell Hendershot, Cannon & Hisey PC hchlawyers.com 713-783-3110 Andrew J Bolton Bolton & Bolton boltonlegal.com (936) 435-1908 Scott M. Brown Scott Brown & Associates sbrownlawyer.com 281-488-1918

HOUSTON'S TOP LAWYERS 2018

Paul Calzada Garza & Associates calzadalaw.com 713-664-6200

Gina Gilstrap Gina Gilstrap gilstraplawandmediation.com 713-225-4462

Patricia Cantu 713-669-8500

Daniel Gray Law Office of Daniel Gray grayfamilylaw.com 713-521-2051

Christopher Carmona The Fulton Law Group PLLC 713-677-0109 Lorraine Cervantes 713-641-5151 Larry Chamberlin Chamberlin Law & Mediation larrychamberlin.net 281-580-2222 George Clifton George Clifton, PC tomballfamilylaw.com 281-351-4040 Maisha Colter Avda avda.org 713-224-9911 Papa Dieye The Dieye Firm 832-301-3636

John Grubb John Grubb & Associates, PC johnkgrubb.com 713-877-8800 Shailey Gupta-Brietzke slatelaw.com 281-476-9447 Frank Hale Law Office of Frank Hale frankahale.com 713-941-4100 Marcela Halmagean M Halmagean, PLLC 713-975-1202 Brendan Hammer Koonsfuller, PC koonsfuller.com 713-789-5112

Stefanie Drew Holmes Diggs & Eames 713-802-1777

Catherine Herrington Hale The Herrington Law Firm, PC herringtonlawfirm.com 713-227-0050

Gardner Eastland Eastland Firm houstondivorceguy.com 713-255-4880

Hayley Hollands Hunt Law Firm, PLLC familylawyerkaty.com (214) 789-3147

Susan Edmonson 281-849-8877

Alex Hunt Hunt Law Firm, PLLC familylawyerkaty.com 832-315-5494

Tiffany Elkins Elkins Law, PC elkinslawpc.com 713-893-0630 Jack Emmott III Gray Reed & McGraw 713-986-7000 Sherri Evans Koonsfuller PC koonsfuller.com 713-789-5112 Karleana Farias The Farias Law Firm 713-226-7999 Leonel "Leo" Farias II The Farias Law Firm 713-226-7999

Taylor Imel Koonsfuller, PC koonsfuller.com 713-789-5112 Golda R. Jacob Golda Jacob & Associates, PC 713-227-7383 goldajacob.com Renee Kennedy Law Office of Renee Kennedy 832-428-1552 Lacy Lafour Lafour Law Firm, PC acy@lafourlaw.com 713-223-7700

NAIMEH SALEM Immigration Law MRS. SALEM IS AN IMMIGRATION EXPERT AND MANAGING SHAREHOLDER OF GONZALEZ OLIVIERI, LLC LAW FIRM. She earned

GONZALEZ OLIVIERI LLC 2200 Southwest Freeway, Ste. 550 Houston, TX 77098 713-481-3040 • gonzalezolivierillc.com

HOUSTON’S TOP LAWYERS

2018

her JD degree from the Interamerican University School of Law, in San Juan, Puerto Rico. She ranked in the top 10 students of her law school and graduated magna cum laude. Mrs. Salem is a member of the State Bar of Texas, and she is admitted to the U.S. Supreme Court, the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals, ABA and AILA. She is well-versed in all aspects of immigration. She recently won several groundbreaking asylum cases, defending victims of religious persecution and human exploitation, and many other victories, both before the Immigration Courts and the Board of Immigration Appeals. She has received notoriety for her innovative litigation and appellate victories. Mrs. Salem states, "I take pride in tackling the most challenging immigration matters—even those deemed impossible." As an attorney, Mrs. Salem’s compassion for others and dedication to the field shines through in all aspects of her work.

MARY E. RAMOS Family Law AT THE HELM OF THE RAMOS LAW GROUP, PLLC, WHICH SPECIALIZES IN ALL ASPECTS OF FAMILY LAW, MARY E. RAMOS IS KNOWN AS THE

HOUSTON’S TOP LAWYERS

2018

GLADIATOR OF FAMILY LAW. From adoptions, divorce litigation and child custody to high-asset property division and more, the firm provides exceptional service and insight to each and every client. “From the first time I stepped into a family courtroom, my role as a family law attorney was clarified. I couldn’t see myself doing anything else with my life. Few people get the opportunity to do what they love every day, and I am blessed in being able to pursue my dreams as an advocate,” says Ramos, who’s Board Certified in Family Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization with more than 12 years of experience. Together with her seasoned associates, Jessica Mikell and Lindsey Lewis, Ramos is a firm believer in continuing education. To that end, the team is active in various legal organizations, with Ramos maintaining membership in the Texas Bar College, which warrants four times the education requirement for all attorneys. Membership is an honor bestowed to less than 10 percent of Texas attorneys.

RAMOS LAW GROUP PLLC 1214 Miramar St. Houston, TX 77006 713-225-6200 • ramosfamilylaw.com

HOUSTON'S TOP LAWYERS 2018

TC Langford Langford Law Office (214) 450-0935 Sebastian "Skip" Lanz Vernier & Associates, PLLC vernierlawfirm.com 281-364-1187 Yoka Larasati Hendershot, Cannon & Hisey PC hchlawyers.com 713-783-3110

Virginia Portz Law Office of Virginia Portz virginiaportz.com 713-504-0506 John Powell III Powell Law Firm powellfirm.com 281-870-2053 Stephanie Proffitt Proffitt & Associates proffittfamilylaw.com 713-224-3400

Diana Larson Larson Law Office, PLLC thelarsonlawoffice.com 713-221-9088

Mary Quinn The Law Office of Mary Quinn maryquinnlaw.com 713-225-0094

Erik Larson Larson Law Office, PLLC thelarsonlawoffice.com 713-221-9088

Jessica Ramos Hunt Law Firm huntlawfirm.com 832-315-5494

Daniel Chung Lee Family Law And Personal Injury leelegalgroup.com 832-632-4639

Mary Ramos Ramos Law Group PLLC ramosfamilylaw.com 713-225-6200

John Lemos Adams Law Firm adamslawfirm.com 281-391-9237

Pat Regnier Paul Regnier 713-355-7054

Lindsey Lewis Ramos Law Group, PLLC ramosfamilylaw.com 713-225-6200 Douglas "Woody" Lyons Lyons & Marek 281-583-2777 Tasha McInnis Wilson Jacqueline Smith & Associates, PC 713-863-0003 Richard Mintz Law Offices of Richard Mintz 713-622-8996 Susan Myres Myres & Associates thehoustondivorcefirm.com 713-622-1600 Bo Nichols Koonsfuller Family Law koonsfuller.com 713-789-5112 Dora Olivo 281-342-0880

William Rice, Jr Rice & Webb 281-356-4474 Gregory Rincon Rincon Law Firm, PLLC 281-485-9911 David Romero The Romero Law Firm PC attorneyromero.com 281-220-1067 Jessica Mikell Ramos Law Group, PLLC ramosfamilylaw.com 713-225-6200 Barbara Runge barbarakrunge.com 713-523-5363

Dennis M. Slate slatelaw.com 281-476-9447 Jacqueline Smith Jacqueline Smith & Assoc., PC jacquesmith.com 713-863-0003 Jacqueline Taylor Law Office of Jacqueline Taylor familylawhouston.com 713-228-1515 Mack Travers Travers & Travers katylawyer.com 281-492-2166 Sherrie Travers Travers & Travers katylawyer.com 281-492-2166 Allison Travers Hamilton Travers & Travers katylawyer.com 281-492-2166

Teresa Waldrop Law Office of Teresa J Waldrop PC waldroplaw.com 713-622-5100 Alvin L Zimmerman Zimmerman Axelrad Meyer Stern & Wise, PC 713-552-1234

FAMILY LAW, ADOPTION Lennea Cannon Kerr, Hendershot & Cannon, PC k-hpc.com 713-783-3110

FAMILY LAW, PERSONAL INJURY

Annilee Travers Reed Travers & Travers katylawyer.com 281-492-2166

Nga "Natalie" Le Le Law Group PLLC 832-559-0923

Jordan Turk Koonsfuller Family Law koonsfuller.com 713-789-5112

FAMILY, DIVORCE LAW

Patrick Upton Koonsfuller Family Law koonsfuller.com 713-789-5112 Jennifer Varadi Koonsfuller Family Law koonsfuller.com 713-789-5112 Sam Veenstra The Veenstra Law Firm PLLC veenstralaw.com 832-779-8529

Katherine Scardino 713-520-5223

Ruth Vernier Vernier & Associates, PLLC vernierlawfirm.com 281-364-1187

Cali Schwarz Law Office of Warren Cole 713-275-4444

Truett Vestal Easterling & Easterling, PC 713-228-4441

Mathew Skillern Skillern Law, PLLC mytexasdivorceattorneys.com 713-229-8855

Nicole Voyles Tindall England, PC tindallengland.com 713-622-8733

HOUSTON'S TOP LAWYERS 2018

Lauren Waddell Fullenweider Wilhite fullenweider.com 713-624-4100

Richard A Lybarger Lybarger Law Firm 713-863-9000

FAMILY, MEDIATION Rose Cardenas 832-419-4110

FINANCIAL RESTRUCTURING Mickey Sheinfeld King & Spalding, LLP 713-751-3200

FOREIGN TRUST PLANNING Carlos E Kepke Law Office of Carlos E Kepke kepkelaw.com 713-626-0612

JAY COHEN Criminal Defense JAY COHEN IS A CRIMINAL DEFENSE ATTORNEY FOCUSING ON DWI AND DRUG CHARGES. Jay—a certified practitioner and instructor

in standardized field sobriety testing—continually gets excellent results for his clients by knowing more than the state's experts, investigating every witness and staying current on the law. Jay is committed to staying one step ahead of the prosecutors. Certified as an ACS-CHAL Forensic Lawyer-Scientist and in forensic chromatography for both alcohol and drugs, he can scrutinize every step in the crime lab’s analysis of the evidence. Jay analyzes his clients' cases from all angles to ensure the best outcome. Keeping innocent people innocent.®

HOUSTON’S TOP LAWYERS

2018

FOUNDING MEMBER: DUI Defense Lawyers Association MEMBER: The College of the State Bar of Texas; National College for DUI Defense; Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association; Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association; National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers; American Chemical Society BLASS LAW, PLLC 917 Franklin St., Ste. 400 Houston, TX 77002 713-225-1900 • blasslaw.com

VERNIER & ASSOCIATES, PLLC Family Law VERNIER & ASSOCIATES, PLLC, IS FULLY DEVOTED TO THE PRACTICE OF FAMILY LAW, AND HAS SUCCESSFULLY TRIED NUMEROUS CASES INVOLVING COMPLEX CUSTODY BATTLES AND PROPERTY DIVISIONS. Our attorneys assist clients in achieving the most

HOUSTON’S TOP LAWYERS

2018

positive “restructuring” of their families through compassionate communication, zealous representation and expert navigation of complex legal issues. Ruth Lavada Vernier is a member of the State Bar of Texas, the State Bar of Michigan, the State Bar of Ohio, the College of the State Bar of Texas, the International Academy of Collaborative Professionals and Texas Lawyers for Children. She’s also a charter member of the Collaborative Law Institute of Texas and a certified mediator and arbitrator. Associate Sebastian “Skip” Lanz, who concentrates his practice on criminal and family law, is a member of Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association.

VERNIER & ASSOCIATES, PLLC 2441 High Timbers Dr. , Ste. 110 The Woodlands, TX 77380 281-364-1187 • vernierlawfirm.com

Vernier & Associates, PLLC HOUSTON'S TOP LAWYERS 2018

GENERAL PRACTICE William Soffar 713-857-8824

HEALTH LAW James Passamano Sufian & Passamano, LLP 713-224-1166

Teresa Messer Law Office of Teresa Messer teresamesser.com 832-514-3915 Susham Modi The Modi Law Firm themodilawfirm.com 832-514-4030

INSURANCE Scott Hunziker Voss Law Firm 713-861-0015 Michael Johnston Johnston Legal Group 713-830-4816

Pablo Nossa Nossa Law nossalaw.com 713-599-1633

G. Byron Sims Brown Sims, PC brownsims.com 713-629-1580

IMMIGRATION

Ruby Powers The Law Office of Ruby Powers rubypowerslaw.com 713-589-2085

Jonathan Amdur The Amdur Law Firm amdurlaw.com 713-268-1000

Pegah Rahgozar Rahgozar Law Firm, PLLC rahgozarlaw.com 832-792-3636

Justin Vandenbout Chamberlain, Hrdlicka, White, Williams & Aughtry chamberlainlaw.com 713-658-1818

Annie Banerjee Banerjee & Associates visatous.com 713-604-1947

Edwin Reyes Edwin Reyes, LLC edwinereyes.com 281-936-7795

Oralia De Luna De Luna Law Offices, PC delunafirm.com 713-589-5269

Paola Romero The Romero Law Firm PC attorneyromero.com 281-220-1067

Nicole Ezer The Ezer Law Group ezerlawgroup.com 281-404-7781

Luis Ruiz The Law Offices of Luis Ruiz luisruizlaw.com 832-390-4664

Tiarals Figueroa-Kelly bad site 713-637-4094

Naimeh Salem Gonzalez Olivieri, LLC gonzalezolivierillc.com 713-481-3040

Ivan Wood Baker Donelson Bearman Caldwell & Berkowitz, PC bakerdonelson.com 713-650-9700

Raed Gonzalez Gonzalez Olivieri, LLC gonzalezolivierillc.com 713-481-3040 Geoffrey Hoffman University of Houston Law Center's Immigration Clinic law.uh.edu/clinic 713-743-2094 Kathryn Karam Law Office of Kathryn Karam immisolver.com 832-582-0620 Hector J Lopez Law Offices of Hector Lopez 832-305-5382

Samuel Serrano Benavides & Serrano ericbenavides.com 713-222-2828 Aseel Saqer Simon Simon Law Group, PLLC simonimmigrationlaw.com 713-839-0639

Sebastian Simon Simon Law Group, PLLC simonimmigrationlaw.com 713-839-0639

HOUSTON'S TOP LAWYERS 2018

INSURANCE, PERSONAL INJURY Karen Alvarado Brothers Alvarado, PC brothers-law.com 713-337-0750

INSURANCE, WORKERS COMPENSATION Camille Espey White Espey, PLLC 713-882-5351

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY Basil M. Angelo Angelo Mikeska PLLC angeloip.com 281-362-2839 Jeffrey Bergman Osha Liang LLP oshaliang.com 713-228-8600 Carlyn Burton Osha Liang LLP oshaliang.com 713-228-8600 Tammy Dunn Osha Liang LLP oshaliang.com 713-228-8600 Tracy Druce Novak Druce & Quigg, LLP 713-571-3400

Robb Edmonds Edmonds& Nolte, PC 281-480-2700 Richard Fladung Strasburger & Price, LLP strasburger.com 713-951-5626 Aron Griffith Osha Liang LLP oshaliang.com 713-228-8600 Gregory Hasley Hasley Scarano, LLP hasleyscarano.com 713-667-6900 Lisa Margonis Osha Liang LLP oshaliang.com 713-228-8600 Robert J McAughan, Jr Locke Lord Bissell & Liddell, LLP 713-226-1154 Lucas T. Mikeska Intellectual Property angeloip.com 281-362-2839 Seema Mehta Osha Liang LLP oshaliang.com 713-228-8600 Jonathan Osha Osha Liang LLP oshaliang.com 713-228-8600 Rajesh Patel King & Spalding, LLP 713-276-7387 Collin Rose Chamberlain, Hrdlicka, White, Williams & Aughtry 713-654-9650 Thomas Scherer Osha Liang LLP oshaliang.com 713-228-8600

TRAVERS & TRAVERS Family Law, Appellate Law, Mediation PROVIDING SUPERIOR LEGAL REPRESENTATION IN DIVORCE AND FAMILY LAW MATTERS, Travers & Travers is a family of family lawyers.

These dynamic lawyers are family law leaders throughout Harris and Fort Bend Counties. From divorce, complex property cases, and custody disputes to mediation and appellate practice, Travers & Travers is experienced in all aspects of family law. Travers & Travers is AV-rated by Martindale-Hubbell. Both Mack and Sherrie are Martindale-Hubbell Preeminent Lawyers. Sherrie is board certified in family law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT: SHERRIE HAUSSNER TRAVERS, ALLISON TRAVERS

HOUSTON’S TOP LAWYERS

2018

HAMILTON AND ANNILEE TRAVERS REED.

TRAVERS & TRAVERS 20501 Katy Freeway, Ste. 124 Katy, TX 77450 281-492-2166 • katylawyer.com

ROBERT NORTH Property Litigation ENGINEER-TURNED-ATTORNEY ROBERT NORTH COMBINES HIS 23 YEARS OF LEGAL AND TECHNICAL TRAINING WITH A PRACTICAL APPROACH TO PROBLEM SOLVING TO PROVIDE EFFECTIVE SOLUTIONS FOR THE OBSTACLES IMPACTING HIS CLIENTS’ BUSINESSES. From

NORTH LAW, P.C. 1010 Lamar St., Ste. 1500 Houston, TX 77002 713-844-8030 • northlawpc.com

HOUSTON’S TOP LAWYERS

HOUSTON'S TOP LAWYERS 2018

2018

traditional real estate transactions to litigation, North and his firm counsel land developers, community associations and other landowners on all issues affecting real property, including: title conveyances; easements and land encumbrances; contract, warranty, fair housing, restrictive covenant enforcement, real property finance and security agreements; lien priority and foreclosure; landlord/tenant disputes; and legislation affecting landowner rights. “I always look at the impact of my client’s decisions not just in the short-term, but also in the long-term, so that today’s decisions don’t become tomorrow’s disasters,” says North. Among Robert North’s many distinctions include being selected as an H Texas Top Lawyer in Real Estate for 2014–2018, as well as being named to the Super Lawyers Texas Rising Stars list from 2015-2017.

LABOR & EMPLOYMENT

LITIGATION

Lucy Anderson Henke Law Firm, LLP henkelawfirm.com 713-940-4500

Lee Kaplan Smyser Kaplan & Veselka, LLP skv.com 713-221-2323

Charles Daughtry Daughtry & Farine 281-480-6888

Bill Voss Voss Law Firm 281-842-8679

Melissa Garcia-Martin Garcia-Martin & Martin, PC mgmartinlaw.com 281-277-3066 G. Scott Fiddler Fiddler & Associates, PC fiddlerlaw.com 713-228-0070 Anne Gbenjo Gbenjo Law Group 713-771-4775 Ken Hughes The Hughes Law Firm 713-492-0366 Michael Muskat Muskat, Martinez, & Mahony, LLP 713-987-7850 Eric Nelson Law Offices of Eric Nelson 713-526-1998 David Noll Hagan Noll & Boyle, LLC hnbllc.com 713-343-0478 Katrina Patrick 713-796-8218 Charles Peckham Peckham, PLLC 713-574-9044 Cristina Portela Solomon Gardere Wynne Sewell, LLP gardere.com 713-276-5352 Joshua Verde The Verde Law Firm, PLLC 713-909-4347

LEGAL MALPRACTICE

MARITIME Dennis McElwee Schechter, McElwee, Shaffer & Harris, LLP smslegal.com 713-524-3500

MASS/TOXIC TORT Karen Beyea-Schroeder Heard Robins Cloud LLP heardrobins.com 713-650-1200 Michael Gallagher Clark, Love & Hutson triallawfirm.com 713-757-1400

John Brothers McIver Brown Law Firm mciverbrown.com (877) 721-3839 Charles Brown McIver Brown Law Firm mciverbrown.com (877) 721-3839 Dale Burrus Kroger Burrus krogerlaw.com 713-961-7952 Richard Fass Perdue & Kidd perdueandkidd.com 713-520-2500 Kristina Frankel McIver Brown Law Firm mciverbrown.com 713-766-1236 Edward Kroger, Jr., M.D. Kroger Burns 713-961-7952

Ray Panneton The Talaska Law Firm talaskalawfirm.com 713-869-1240

Lauren Nelson Kroger Burrus krogerlaw.com 713-961-7952

Aimee Robert Johnson Law Group 713-626-9336

Robert Painter Painter Law Firm 281-580-8800

MEDIATION & ARBITRATION

MERGERS & ACQUISITIONS

Robert Black Mehaffyweber, PC mehaffyweber.com 713-655-1200

Greg Krafka Winstead PC winstead.com 713-650-2658

Jerry Hoover adrtexas.com 713-622-0650

Dana Murphy Crain, Caton & James, PC 713-658-2323

Charles Jordan 281-480-6888

OIL & GAS

Gary McGowan McGowan Dispute Resolution 713-552-1855

Jennifer Hasley Hasley Scarano, LLP 713-667-6900

MEDICAL MALPRACTICE

HOUSTON'S TOP LAWYERS 2018

William Hall Streit, Peterson, Hall & Keeney 713-977-5165 Caroline Musa Dwairy Bestway Oilfield 281-452-2525

Barry Wertz McGinnis Lochridge & Kilgore, LLP 713-615-8500

PERSONAL INJURY Tad Adams Adams Law Firm adamslawfirm.com 281-391-9237 Will Adams Adams Law Firm adamslawfirm.com 281-391-9237 Benny Agosto, Jr. Abraham, Watkins, Nichols, Sorrels, Agosto & Aziz abrahamwatkins.com 713-222-7211 Reshard Alexander Rj Alexander Law PLLC rjalexanderlaw.com 832-458-1756 Scott Brann Brann Sullivan Trial Lawyers, PLLC bstrial.com 713-278-7425 Denise Adkison-Brown The Law Offices of Denise Adkison-brown, PLLC wtx.com 713-714-6206 Gregg Anderson Terry Bryant Accident & Injury Law terrybryant.com 713-973-8888 Charles Argento Charles J Argento & Associates charlesargento.com 713-225-5050 Muhammad S. Aziz Abraham, Watkins, Nichols, Sorrels, Agosto & Aziz abrahamwatkins.com 713-222-7211 Jeff Befort Befort Law Firm, PC 713-785-5888 Mark Berry Sammons & Berry, PC sammons-berry.com 713-425-7200

SIMON LAW GROUP, PLLC Immigration Law IF YOU’RE IN NEED OF AN IMMIGRATION LAWYER WITH PERSONAL EXPERIENCE, LOOK NO FURTHER THAN SIMON LAW GROUP PLLC.

HOUSTON’S TOP LAWYERS

2018

Helmed by dynamic husband-and-wife team Sebastian Simon and Aseel Saqer Simon, the full-service immigration law firm specializes in family-and employment-based immigration, necessary visas, business and investor visas, naturalization and citizenship, deportation defense and asylum. The attorneys and staff work with clients worldwide in English, Spanish, Arabic and Malayalam. Sebastian Simon, a native of Chile who underwent the arduous process of immigrating to the U.S., has more than a decade of experience practicing immigration law. Bringing her legal corporate background and cultural upbringing to the practice, Aseel Saqer Simon focuses on assisting employers, entrepreneurs and investors with their immigration needs. The couple takes pride in identifying solutions for families who have chosen the U.S. to make their dreams come true.

SIMON LAW GROUP, PLLC 1111 N. Loop W., Ste. 1111 Houston, TX 77008 713-839-0639 • simonimmigrationlaw.com

ORALIA DE LUNA Immigration & Nationality Law BEING THE DAUGHTER OF IMMIGRANTS AND A FIRST-GENERATION AMERICAN, ORALIA DE LUNA UNDERSTANDS THE NEEDS OF HER CLIENTS. Due to her zealous representation in immigration

DE LUNA LAW OFFICES, P.C. 713-589-5269 • delunafirm.com

HOUSTON’S TOP LAWYERS

PRINCIPAL OFFICE

RIO GRANDE VALLEY

1627 Dunlavy St.

320 W. McIntyre St., Ste. 10

Houston, TX 77006

Edinburg, TX 78541

HOUSTON'S TOP LAWYERS 2018

2018

matters, she has earned the distinction as one of Houston’s top immigration lawyers for the past eight years by H Texas magazine, and 10 Best Immigration Attorneys in America for the past seven by the American Institute of Legal Counsel. Individual and corporate clients worldwide turn to Ms. De Luna for business, family and employment-based matters. A leader within the profession, she has held positions in the State Bar of Texas Hispanic Issues Section and Mexican American Bar Association of Houston. Whether you’re seeking legal representation or advice in the green card, naturalization, visa processes and federal courts, Ms. De Luna has the experience to handle and answer your most complex immigration questions. Her firm maintains direct communication with clients and provides the utmost reliability, hence their motto: “Clients First. Excellence Always!”

Larry Boyd Fisher, Boyd, Johnson & Huguenard, LLP fisherboyd.com 713-400-4010 John Bridger Strong Pipkin Bissell & Ledyard, LLP 713-210-4380

Dax F Garza Dax Garza, PC daxgarzalaw.com 713-522-3000 John Ghezzi Ghezzi Law Firm PLLC 713-419-7268

David Brothers brothers-law.com 713-337-0750

Gabriel Gonzaelz Schechter, Mselwee, Shaffer & Haris smslegal.com 713-524-3500

Sofia Bruera Personal Injury brueralaw.com 832-430-4000

Anna Greenberg Blizzard Law blizzardlaw.com 713-844-3751

Terry Bryant Terry Bryant Accident & Injury Law, PLLC 713-973-8888

Marilyn Griffin Griffin & Griffin 713-228-6568

Stacey Burke Stacey E Burke, PC staceyeburke.com 713-714-8446 Roy Camberg The Camberg Law Firm, PC 281-486-6900 Paul Cannon Simmons & Fletcher PC simmonsandfletcher.com 713-932-0777 Erren Chen Moriarty Law Firm redzonelawyers.com Scott Davenport Lewis Davenport & Hildebrand, PC 713-963-4898 Jimmy Doan The Doan Law Firm, PLLC thedoanlawfirm.com 832-835-0000 Jerome Fjeld bayoucitylaw.com 713-572-6446 Christopher Fletcher Simmons & Fletcher, PC simmonsandfletcher.com 713-932-0777 Keith Fletcher Simmons And Fletcher simmonsandfletcher.com 713-932-0777

Richard Grimes Grimes & Fertitta, PC grimesfertitta.com 713-224-7644 Kerry Guidry The Guidry Law Firm 713-864-5400 Stewart Guss 281-954-3799 Jonathan Harris Schechter, McElwee, Shaffer & Harris, LLP smslegal.com 713-524-3500 Gregg Harrison Gregg Harrison Attorney at Law 281-929-0110 Kevin Haynes Zehl & Associates, PC 713-491-6064 Robert Hildebrand hw-lawfirm.com 281-223-1666 Cynthia Huerta Schechter, McElwee, Shaffer & Harris, LLP smslegal.com 713-524-3500 Joe Jones Sloan Firm sloanfirmhouston.com 713-520-8833 Allen Kline, Jr The Kline Law Firm 713-224-3101

HOUSTON'S TOP LAWYERS 2018

Loren Klitsas Klitsas & Vercher 713-862-1365 Carlos A. Leon The Leon Law Firm 281-980-4529 Dan Linebaugh The Linebaugh Law Firm linebaughlaw.com 281-422-0505 Clive Markland Markland Law Firm robertsmarkland.com (569) 421-4437 Clark Martin Martin Law Firm 713-544-0660

Sarnie Randle, Jr S.A. Randle & Associates, PC randlelaw.com 713-626-8600 Lyle Rathwell Rathwell De Ford & Wallison, PLLC 281-296-8900 Sean Roberts Roberts Markland LLP robertsmarkland.com 832-651-5188 Adam J. Rosenfeld Schechter, McElwee, Shaffer & Harris, LLP smslegal.com 713-524-3500

Rick McGuire Law Office of Rick McGuire rickmcguirelaw.com (936) 336-9809

Arthur Schechter Schechter, McElwee, Shaffer & Harris, LLP smslegal.com 713-524-3500

Michael Moriarty Moriarty Law Firm 713-651-9600

Russell Serafin The Gallagher Law Firm 713-222-8080

Chris Morrell 713-834-1151

Hilda Sibrian Law Office of Hilda Sibrian hildasibrian.com 713-863-1515

Craig Muessig craigmuessiglaw.com 281-427-1111 Nick C. Nichols Abraham, Watkins, Nichols, Sorrels, Agosto & Aziz abrahamwatkins.com 713-222-7211 Rand Nolen Fleming & Associates, LLP 713-621-7944 Mark Oehl Oehl Law Firm 281-459-2850 Jose Orihuela Orihuela & Associates, PLLC paininthecarwreck.com 832-425-0239 Mary Alice Parsons The Parsons Law Firm hptxlaw.com 713-955-4878 Amanda Pierson Stilwell Law Firm stilwelltriallaw.com 713-931-1111

Robert Simmons Simmons And Fletcher simmonsandfletcher.com 713-932-0777 Sharon Simmons-Cantrell Simmons And Fletcher simmonsandfletcher.com 713-932-0777 Randall O. Sorrels Abraham, Watkins, Nichols, Sorrels, Agosto & Aziz abrahamwatkins.com 713-222-7211 Andrew Steinberg Steinberg Law Firm, PC 713-529-0025 Tom Stilwell Stilwell Law Firm stilwelltriallaw.com 713-931-1111 Brant J. Stogner Abraham, Watkins, Nichols, Sorrels, Agosto & Aziz abrahamwatkins.com 713-222-7211

JULIA DEAN Appellate Law & Estate Planning IN THE LEGAL PROFESSION, THE TRUST BUILT BETWEEN ATTORNEY AND CLIENT IS JUST AS IMPORTANT AS THE LEGAL EXPERTISE THE

HOUSTON’S TOP LAWYERS

2018

ATTORNEY POSSESSES. Julia Dean is an attorney who values each client and takes the time to ensure their concerns are addressed. Ms. Dean has a dual emphasis, handling complex civil cases on appeal in both the state and federal courts. Further, Ms. Dean designs custom Estate Plans to suit the needs of each individual client, and her expertise extends beyond Estate Planning into Elder Law, Probate and Guardianship in order to support the client’s Estate Planning needs holistically. Not only are the practical elements of the Estate Plan addressed, Ms. Dean incorporates planning which focuses on the legacy of the individual or family. Ms. Dean explains, “We are unique in that we strive to not only create excellent legal work, but to care for and truly listen to our clients.”

THE DEAN LAW FIRM, PLLC 1650 Hwy 6 South, Ste. 100 Sugar Land, TX 77478 281-277-3326 • juliadeanlaw.com

OSHA LIANG LLP Intellectual Property Law OSHA LIANG IS CELEBRATING 20 YEARS IN 2018!

HOUSTON’S TOP LAWYERS

2018

CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR H TEXAS TOP LAWYERS!

Osha Liang is a Houston-based intellectual property firm assisting companies with legal and technical services involving patents, trademarks, copyrights, and trade secrets. The firm also provides consulting services such as IP valuation and IP due diligence for mergers and acquisitions, bankruptcies, and venture capital financing. With attorneys, engineers, and scientists who collectively speak more than 15 languages, and with three domestic offices as well as offices in France, Japan, and China, Osha Liang brings technical expertise, legal experience, and a global perspective to any intellectual property matter. A list of industries and technologies served is available at oshaliang.com. PICTURED LEFT TO RIGHT: JEFFREY BERGMAN, TAMMY DUNN, ARON GRIFFITH, JONATHAN OSHA, CARLYN BURTON, SEEMA

OSHA LIANG LLP

MEHTA, THOMAS SCHERER AND LISA MARGONIS (NOT PICTURED)

909 Fannin St., Ste. 3500 Houston, TX 77010 713-228-8600 • oshaliang.com

HOUSTON'S TOP LAWYERS 2018

William Stout Sutliff & Stout sutliffstout.com 713-987-7111 Roger Sullivan Brann Sullivan Trial Lawyers, PLLC bstrial.com 713-278-7425 Jimmy Sunosky Donato, Minx, Brown & Pool, PC 713-877-1112 Kenneth Tekell, Jr Tekell Book Allen & Morris, LLP 713-222-9542 Rebecca Todd Simmons & Fletcher PC simmonsandfletcher.com 713-932-0777 Steve Waldman Terry Bryant Law Frim terrybryant.com 713-973-8888 S. Scott West The West Law Firm 281-277-1500 Sue E West The West Law Firm, PC 281-347-3247 Mark Weycer The Weycer Law Firm, PC 713-668-4545 J. Daniel Wilson hw-lawfirm.com 281-223-1666 Robert Woods Woods Law Firm, PC 713-651-1115 attorneyrobertwoods.com

POA LAW Luke Tollett Holt & Young, PC holtyoung.com 713-510-1000

PROBATE & ESTATE Erin Eggleston Salisbury Eggleston & Briscoe, LLP 713-659-5100 Jeannine Flynn 713-521-3303

PROBATE AND GUARDIANSHIP LITIGATION Robert Keith Morris III Jones, Morris, Klevenhagen 713-589-5061 Bridget O'Toole Schlanger Silver Barg & Paine LLP ssbplaw.com 713-785-1701

PROPERTY AND FINANCE Ephraim Del Pozo Porter & Hedges porterhedges.com 713-226-6000

PROPERTY, LABOR/ EMPLOYMENT

Trisha Farine Daughtry & Farine daughtryjordan.com 281-480-6888

A'drianna Higginbotham The Fulton Law Group PLLC 713-127-1901

Marni Zarin Real Estate winstead.com 713-650-2610

Bradford Irelan Irelan Hargis PLLC 713-222-7666 Jim Lombardi Ross, Banks, May, Cron & Cavin, PC rossbanks.com 713-626-1200 Margaret Maddox Daughtry & Farine daughtryfarnine.com 281-480-6888 Kurt Nondorf Jackson Walker LLP jw.com 713-752-4402 Robert North North Law, PC northlawpc.com 713-844-8030

REAL ESTATE

Barry E Putterman Winstead, PC winstead.com 713-650-2704

Adam Peavy Bailey Perrin Bailey, LLP 713-425-7100

Charles Boyd Boyd Munoz & Piper (936) 756-1175 John Cannon Coats Rose 713-653-5735 Larry Chapman 713-522-2226

HOUSTON'S TOP LAWYERS 2018

Ping-Ying Sung Amy Sung 713-988-5995 Reid Wilson Wilson, Cribbs & Goren, PC wcglaw.com 713-222-9000

Brad Porter Porter & Powers, PLLC porterpowers.com 713-621-0700

PHARMACEUTICAL LITIGATION

Richard Spencer Dow Golub Remels & Beverly dowgolub.com 713-403-4224

Timothy Heinrich The Heinrich Law Firm, PLLC timheinrichlaw.com 713-496-1157

Chris Archambault Daughtry & Farine 281-480-6888

Mark Arnold Hunton Andrews Kurth LLP huntonak.com 713-220-3938

E. Scot Dixon Vinson & Elkins, LLP 713-758-3373

David M Robins Thompson & Knight, LLP 713-951-5825 Louis Silver Schlanger, Silver, Barg & Paine, LLP ssbplaw.com 713-735-8515

SECURITIES LITIGATION AND ARBITRATION Andrew Harvin Doyle Restpro Harvin & Robbins drhrlaw.com 713-228-5100

SPECIAL EDUCATION LAW Karri Axtell The Law Office of Karri Axtell axtelltexaslaw.com 281-241-1175

TAX LAW Jay Chadha Norton Rose Fulbright 713-651-3770 Ray L. Cox, Jr The Cox Law Firm thecoxlawfirm.com 713-862-7772 Habeeb Gnaim Chamberlain, Hrdlicka, White, Williams & Aughtry chamberlainlaw.com 713-658-2544 Shawn O'Brien Mayer Brown LLP 713-238-2848

BRANN SULLIVAN TRIAL LAWYERS, PLLC Personal Injury THROUGH A COMBINED FIVE DECADES OF SUCCESSFUL PERSONAL INJURY TRIAL LAW PRACTICE, SCOTT BRANN AND ROGER SULLIVAN HAVE GARNERED EXPERTISE THAT MAKES THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN GETTING WHAT CLIENTS DESERVE OR SETTLING FOR SOMETHING LESS THAN FAIR. In its second year, Brann Sullivan looks forward to

BRANN SULLIVAN 602 Sawyer St., Ste. 700 Houston, TX 77007 713-BS-TRIAL • BStrial.com

HOUSTON’S TOP LAWYERS

2018

continuing and expanding that strong tradition. Scott received his law degree from South Texas College of Law, magna cum laude, and is licensed by the Texas, Florida, and U.S. Supreme Courts. He has held the AV Rating from the Martindale-Hubbell Peer Review Ratings system for 30 years, recently earning the AV Preeminent rating. He is a lifetime member of the Million and Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum. Roger earned his law degree from Texas Tech University School of Law. His accolades include Rising Star by Texas Super Lawyers in 2015 and 2016; Houstonia Magazine’s Top Houston Lawyers for 2015; Texas Super Lawyer in 2017; and National Trial Lawyers’ list of 2016 and 2018 Top 100 Plaintiff Lawyers. Both are Board Certified in Personal Injury Trial Law and members of the American Board of Trial Advocates.

LARRY CHAMBERLIN Family Law & Mediation FAMILY LAW, UNLIKE ANY OTHER TYPE OF LITIGATION, PITS LOVED

CHAMBERLIN LAW & MEDIATION 3724 FM 1960 Road W., Ste. 222 Houston, TX 77068 281-580-2222 • larrychamberlin.com

HOUSTON’S TOP LAWYERS

HOUSTON'S TOP LAWYERS 2018

2018

ONES AND SOMETIMES WHOLE FAMILIES AGAINST EACH OTHER. Larry Chamberlin knows the law, is highly articulate, and can make all the difference in the world. He is well known among his peers for his effective skills, handling contested cases since 1988. Board Certified in Family Law, he is also seasoned in probate, providing estate planning, criminal defense and civil litigation. “I explain my clients’ legal options and their consequences. I listen to understand their needs and desires. If they are unrealistic, I help formulate a reasonable alternative. I help articulate their experience,” says Larry. Larry earned his Juris Doctorate from Tulane Law School and is a life member in the elite national Order of Barristers. He has also received a Master’s in International Business Management at UT Dallas. He was accepted into Mensa more than 30 years ago, and in 2006, was elected to Psi Chi, the prestigious psychology honor society. Chamberlin Law & Mediation is certified by the BBB.

THE ROMERO LAW FIRM PC Family Law & Immigration Law DAVID AND PAOLA ROMERO ARE CLIENT-FOCUSED DIVORCE, CUSTODY AND IMMIGRATION LAWYERS. They believe that loyalty and

commitment to clients’ cases separate them from other lawyers. David and Paola bring their years of education and experience to help clients obtain the results they desire, by working with each client to present the court with what it needs. David is a Fellow of the State Bar of College, and Paola is Member of the State Bar Immigration Section. They provide professional representation while maintaining a comfortable rapport with their clients.

HOUSTON’S TOP LAWYERS

2018

THE ROMERO LAW FIRM

THE ROMERO LAW FIRM, PC 17041 El Camino Real, Ste. 209 Houston, Texas 77058 281-220-1067 • attorneyromero.com

PABLO NOSSA Immigration Law WITH EIGHT YEARS OF EXPERIENCE, PABLO NOSSA BECAME A LAWYER TO HELP PEOPLE. “What I love most about my job is client

HOUSTON’S TOP LAWYERS NOSSA LAW 1415 North Loop West, Ste. 905 Houston, TX 77008 713-599-1633 • nossalaw.com

HOUSTON'S TOP LAWYERS 2018

2018

interaction and knowing that I’ve had a positive impact on their lives, having contributed in some part to making the world a better place,” he says. Clients are always the top priority—Nossa is available to his clients 24/7, giving them personable service at all times. The Nossa Law Office prides itself in being a client-centered business, "working with people first, not numbers," he adds. Nossa obtained his degree from the University of Texas at Austin School of Law, also receiving a BA in Political Science and Latin American Studies. He has been named as a part of Super Lawyers Rising Star, Lawyers of Distinction and Houstonia Magazine’s top lawyers 2016 edition.

BAIN & BAIN PLLC Civil Litigation BAIN & BAIN PLLC, ESTABLISHED IN 1994, IS A BOUTIQUE LAW FIRM SPECIALIZING IN CIVIL LITIGATION, ALTERNATIVE DISPUTE

HOUSTON’S TOP LAWYERS

2018

RESOLUTION AND APPEALS. The firm's attorneys are also arbitrators and mediators with a success rate of over 90 percent. At Bain & Bain PPLC, the attorneys know that success is dependent upon frequent and open communication with clients, and include them in every major decision in their case. They have built their reputation by providing clients with straight answers, analyzing their situation and outlining their legal options so they can make the most informed decision possible. The firm's two shareholders Joanie and Bruce Bain, have more than six decades of combined legal experience in state and federal courts. They are trained negotiators and effective litigators who put their experience to work for their clients. Bruce has been named as one of Houstonia's Top Lawyers 2017, Top Attorneys of North America 2016-2017 and Who’s Who Top Attorneys in Texas 2017 by the Dallas Morning News. Joanie was also selected as one of Houstonia’s Top Lawyers 2017.

BAIN & BAIN PLLC 10810 Katy Freeway, Ste. 102 Houston, TX 77043 713-629-6222 • bainandbainlaw.net

WALSTON BOWLIN, LLP Trial Lawyers WALSTON BOWLIN, LLP IS ONE OF HOUSTON’S TOP LITIGATION BOUTIQUES, HANDLING MATTERS IN HOUSTON AND ACROSS THE COUNTRY IN PLACES LIKE NEW YORK, CHICAGO, AND LOS ANGELES.

HOUSTON’S TOP LAWYERS

2018

The firm represents individuals and some of the nation’s most respected international corporations alike, going toe-to-toe with the largest law firms in the United States. The firm often handles commercial litigation cases on contingency or hybrid fee arrangements. This flexibility, along with the depth and experience of the firm, makes Walston Bowlin an attractive option for clients large and small. In addition to its formidable commercial practice, the firm devotes itself to fighting for individuals injured by the negligence of others, whether in automobile accidents, workplace injuries, or products liability claims.

WALSTON BOWLIN, LLP 4299 San Felipe, Ste. 300 Houston, TX 77027 713-300-8700 • walstonbowlin.com

HOUSTON'S TOP LAWYERS 2018

WILLS, TRUSTS & ESTATES Brett Berly Chamberlain, Hrdlicka, White, Williams & Aughtry 713-654-9698 Ray Black, Jr. Law Offices of Ray Black, Jr 713-840-1955 Ryan Cantrell Chamberlain, Hrdlicka, White, Williams & Aughtry chamberlainlaw.com 713-658-1818 Chasity Cooper Crain, Caton & James, PC craincaton.com 713-658-2323 Joshua R. Flores Crain, Caton & James, PC craincaton.com 713-752-8650 Laura Davidson Fowell Joe R Davidson, PC 713-623-2700 T. Aaron Dobbs Ford & Bergner, LLP fordbergner.com 713-260-3926 Wendy Farner Farner & Perrin, LLP farnerandperrin.com 713-622-0900 Mary Galligan Galligan & Manning 713-522-9220 Larry George Crain, Caton & James, PC 713-658-2323 Karen Gerstner Karen S Gerstner & Associates, PC 713-520-5205

Melissa Masoom Hunt Law Firm, PLLC familylawyerkaty.com 832-315-5494 Stephen Mendel The Mendel Law Firm, LP 281-759-3213 Sarah Patel Pacheco Crain, Caton & James, PC craincaton.com 713-658-2323 Diane Perrin Farner & Perrin, LLP farnerandperrin.com 713-622-0900 Michael Rubenstein Schlanger, Silver, Barg & Paine, LLC ssbplaw.com 713-785-1700 Elyssa M Schnurr Law Offices of Elyssa M Schnurr schnurrlaw.com (714) 662-2889 Kathleen Tanner Beduze Crain, Caton & James PC craincaton.com 713-658-2323 Jeffrey Watters Gray Reed & McGraw 713-986-7113

BENJAMIN K. SANCHEZ Business and Civil Litigation BENJAMIN K. SANCHEZ, A 20-YEAR ATTORNEY, IS CONSISTENTLY RATED AS ONE OF HOUSTON’S TOP LAWYERS IN BUSINESS AND CIVIL LITIGATION. Born in The Heights,

Benjamin graduated from the University of Texas at Austin and the University of Houston Law Center. He is celebrating the 10-year anniversary of his firm’s opening and continues to serve a variety of clients in various litigation matters. Benjamin is also a dual-certified (John Maxwell and Les Brown) speaker, trainer, and coach. SANCHEZ LAW FIRM 1122 W. Bell St. Houston, TX 77019 713-780-7745 • sanchezlawfirm.com

Joseph Horrigan Horrigan & Goehrs, LLP hgprobate.com 713-659-4200

Tama Klosek Klosek & Associates 713-255-0495

HOUSTON'S TOP LAWYERS 2018

HOUSTON’S TOP LAWYERS

2018

Anna Kavanaugh Baker Williams Matthiesen LLP bwmtx.com 713-698-9143

BARBARA K. RUNGE Family Law BOARD CERTIFIED IN FAMILY LAW SINCE 1981, BARBARA HANDLES

CATHERINE HERRINGTON HALE Family Law and Civil/Probate Litigation

DIVORCE CASES, COMPLEX

SCOTT M. BROWN Family Law AT SCOTT M. BROWN AND ASSOCIATES, SUCCESS IN THE COURTROOM IS NOT SOMETHING

PROPERTY CASES, CUSTODY CASES,

CATHY HALE IS THE FOUNDER OF

MODIFICATIONS AND PREMARITAL

THE HERRINGTON LAW FIRM AND

AND MARITAL AGREEMENTS. She is also a mediator and arbitrator. Additionally, Barbara represents clients using the collaborative method or litigation as determined by the case and the client’s desires. Her individual practice is only enhanced by her active participation in and dedication to many top legal organizations. Barbara has received numerous awards and honors, including the Distinguished Alumnus Award from the Texas Tech School of Law, the Gulf Coast Family Law Specialists’ David Gibson Award for Professionalism and Excellence in Family Law and the Outstanding Service Award for Texas Tech School of Law.

HAS REPRESENTED HUNDREDS OF CLIENTS SINCE 1998 IN FAMILY LAW AND CIVIL/PROBATE DISPUTES.

She is committed, along with her team of associates and paralegals, to providing quality legal representation to her clients and obtaining the best outcome through trial or mediation. Clients often note her passion for the law, respect in the legal community and accessibility of her firm. At The Herrington Law Firm, you will receive personal service and experienced advocates in the courtroom.

THAT’S TAKEN LIGHTLY. Whether it’s a matter of family law, including high-asset divorce and complex child custody battles, criminal law or personal injury, Scott M. Brown and his team are steadfast in their commitment to achieving the best possible outcome for their every client. “Our number-one goal is to help our clients achieve success with their legal problems,” says Brown, who’s board certified as a family law specialist through the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, a distinction held by less than one percent of the attorneys in Texas. A 2016-2018 Texas Super Lawyer®, Brown also holds the highest possible Avvo rating.

THE HERRINGTON LAW FIRM, PC 10190 Katy Freeway, Ste. 440

SCOTT M. BROWN & ASSOCIATES

Houston, TX 77043

17210 Mercury Dr.

713-227-0050 • herringtonlawfirm.com

Houston, TX 77058

BARBARA K. RUNGE

281-488-1918 • sbrownlawyer.com

5615 Kirby Dr., Ste. 920 Houston, TX 77005

HOUSTON’S TOP LAWYERS

2018

HOUSTON’S TOP LAWYERS

2018

HOUSTON’S TOP LAWYERS

2018

713-523-5363 • barbarakrunge.com

HOUSTON'S TOP LAWYERS 2018

Eat Out

FIRE

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Wonder what’s burning in Citycentre? It’s the wood at International Smoke where they smoke and grill meals over open flames. By Tom Flynn • Photos by Shannon O’Hara

OPPOSITE PAGE: THE

SMOKED KOREAN RIBS THIS PAGE, CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: THE TRENDY

DINING ROOM WITH A VIEW OF THE KITCHEN; THE DOUBLE DUCK WINGS; THE VIETNAMESE PORKCHOP

NTERNATIONAL SMOKE IS OWNED BY A COUPLE OF FOODIE CELEBRITIES, CELEBRIT Y CHEF MICHAEL MINA AND FOOD NET WORK STAR AYESHA CURRY (who happens to be married to Golden State Warriors star Steph Curry). The restaurant initially received bad social media reviews from pouting Houston Rockets fans still burning (pun intended) from the season ending defeat delivered by the Warriors. After some research, the reviews were proven unfounded and the only bad thing about Steph Curry is that he plays for the Warriors instead of the Rockets. Still, Ayesha ruffled some feathers when she opened a business in H Town. Believe it or not, it smells like smoke in the restaurant. High-flying flames in the big open kitchen add some ambiance to the lofty interior as cooks run up and down the line flipping meat. Stained concrete floors, brick and cement pillars (some with graffiti) and dark, comfortable furniture contrast nicely with the fires. The beef comes from 44 Farms just north of Austin where they’ve been producing prime and choice Angus cuts of meat for over a century. We order some, shaking. The Waygu Shaking Beef appetizer is cooked tableside in a cast iron dish with an Asian sauce. It’s accompanied with lettuce leaves, pickled carrots and radishes, fresh jalapeño and fried peanuts. Diners pile the beef on the lettuce, add a little sesame ginger sauce and roll their own lettuce wraps. The dish is fun, interactive and delicious, $16.

The Asian influences continue with Korean Smoked Short Ribs. It’s a large portion of meat served over sticky rice with a side of cold kimchi. The bone-in ribs are coated in a barbecue rub and Korean barbecue sauce and smoked until the exterior looks and tastes like burned end brisket. Inside, the meat is tender and juicy, $36. In contrast, the smoked sausage plate was just that, three types of sausage, mashed potatoes, stone ground mustard and an interesting dollop of fennel jam; $26. We ordered Green Papaya Slaw to lighten up our meal, plus another batch to take home, $9. The menu is pretty extensive. Charcoal grilled oysters, clams and shrimp; steaks and lots of ribs; redfish on the half shell and fried snapper; duck wings, chicken and more. Most appetizers are $15–$20; entrees $30–$50 and sides $9–$15. There was one Cabernet Sauvignon for $55 (which was good), the rest were $100–$400. Fall is here and they have a large patio to hang out on. If it’s too hot or cold, you can enjoy the large, indoor bar. Even though I’m a big Rockets fan, I’ll be back to International Smoke. Hopefully I can throw a Rockets victory party there at the end of this season; I’ll invite the Curry’s. H

INTERNATIONAL SMOKE 800 Sorella Ct., Ste. 940 Houston, TX 77024 internationalsmoke.com

BEST OF 2018

On the Menu CANTALOUPE SOUP WITH MELON SKEWERS ROASTED GRAPE BRUSCHETTA TUNA TARTARE ON WONTON CHIPS DUCK CONFIT SALAD ROASTED DUCK BREAST WITH BRUSSELS SPROUTS AND CHERRY SAUCE BRAISED SHORT RIB TACOS WITH MANGO PICO DE GALLO Serves 4–6

Fancy Flight of

Pair wines with each course to create fond memories for all. Story and recipes by Tom Flynn Photos by Nicholas Nguyen

E ' VE ALWAYS LIKED ENTERTAINING , HAVING FRIENDS OVER FOR HOME COOKED ME AL S AND WINE . My wife claims she never met a bottle of red she didn't like, so that's usually what we serve. Recently we decided to up our game when her high school friends came to town for an event. Inspired by a Sonoma weekend, we created a tasting menu and paired wines with each course. And it worked! With a little online research and some help from the guys at the Downtown Spec's, we selected wines, and the wines created interesting chatter on how they accented the food. There is nothing wrong with that big bottle of red, but if you want to try something a little different, our recipes and pairing here give some inspiration. H

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CANTALOUPE SOUP WITH MELON SKEWERS WINE PAIRING: VEUVE CLICQUOT For the skewers: ½ CUP SUGAR ½ CUP WATER 10 MINT LEAVES, PLUS MORE FOR GARNISH 1 CANTALOUPE, CUBED 2 HONEYDEWS, CUBED For the soup: 1 CANTALOUPE, CUBED 2 CUPS FRESHLY SQUEEZED ORANGE JUICE, DIVIDED 1 TABLESPOON LIME JUICE ¼ TEASPOON CINNAMON 4-5 MINT SPRIGS 1. Make the skewers: Make a simple syrup by combining the sugar and water in small pot over high and boil until the sugar dissolves. Pour the syrup into a jar and set aside to cool. 2. Wrap the mint leaves in cheese cloth and tie off with butcher's twine. Place the mint packet in the simple syrup and refrigerate overnight. 3. Thread the fruit cubes on a toothpick or skewer and chill in the fridge until ready to serve. 4. Make the soup: Place the cantaloupe and 1/2 cup orange juice in a blender and puree until smooth. Add the lime juice, cinnamon and remaining orange juice. Pulse to combine then add the mint. Chill in the fridge for 2–3 hours. 5. To serve, pour the soup in a cordial or shot glass and place on a plate. Add the melon skewer and spoon some of the minted syrup over the top. Garnish with mint leaves.

DINNER WITH H TEXAS: VICKI DILL, LAURETTE M. VERES, MAYRA MALIK,

LISA ATKINS AND CARLA MENENDEZ

ROASTED GRAPE BRUSCHETTA WINE PAIRINGS: HATTINGLEY VALLEY CLASSIC RESERVE SPARKLING WINE AND CHATEAU TROCARD MONREPOS 4 CUPS RED GRAPES 1 TABLESPOON OLIVE OIL 1 TEASPOON CHOPPED THYME 1 TEASPOON SALT ¼ TEASPOON PEPPER 1 TABLESPOON BALSAMIC VINEGAR ½ CUP GOAT CHEESE 24 SLICES BAGUETTE, LIGHTLY TOASTED ¼ CUP CHOPPED WALNUTS, TOASTED HONEY FOR GARNISH THYME SPRIGS FOR GARNISH 1. Preheat the oven to 325°F. Coat a baking dish with nonstick spray and set aside. 2. Place the grapes, oil, thyme, salt and pepper in a mixing bowl and toss. Transfer to the baking dish and roast in the oven, stirring occasionally until the grapes begin to wrinkle, for about 50 minutes. 3. Remove from the oven and drizzle on the balsamic vinegar. 4. To serve, spread the goat cheese on the bread, top with the grapes, walnuts and a sprig of thyme. Finish with a drizzle of honey.

SUMMER 2018

TUNA TARTARE ON WONTON CHIPS WINE PAIRING: STARBOROUGH SAUVIGNON BLANC For the tuna: ¼ CUP OLIVE OIL 1 LIME, ZESTED ¼ CUP FRESHLY SQUEEZED LIME JUICE ½ TEASPOON WASABI POWDER 1½ TEASPOONS HOT PEPPER SAUCE 1½ TEASPOONS SOY SAUCE 1½ TEASPOONS SALT 1 TEASPOON PEPPER ¾ POUND TUNA STEAKS, CUBED ¼ CUP MINCED SCALLIONS 1 JALAPEÑO, SEEDED AND MINCED 1 AVOCADO, CUBED 1 TEASPOON TOASTED SESAME SEEDS DINNER WITH H TEXAS: LISA ATKINS, BARBARA VERES, AND LAURETTE M. VERES

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For the wonton chips: 16 WONTON WRAPPERS, CUT INTO TRIANGLES 1 TABLESPOON OLIVE OIL 1 TEASPOON SALT ½ TEASPOON PEPPER 1. Combine the oil, lime zest, lime juice, wasabi, pepper sauce, soy sauce, salt and pepper in a bowl. Add the tuna, scallions and jalapeños and mix well. Fold in the avocado and sesame seeds. Chill in the fridge for at least 1 hour. 2. Preheat the oven to 375°F. 3. Arrange the wrappers on a baking sheet and brush with the oil. Sprinkle on the salt and pepper then bake for 7–9 minutes until golden brown. Transfer to a wire rack to cool. 4. To serve, arrange some chips on a plate and spoon the tuna mixture on top.

DUCK CONFIT SALAD WINE PAIRING: XARMANT TXAKOLI For the stock: 2 DUCK CARCASSES, CUT INTO PIECES 2 LARGE CARROTS, SLICED 3 CELERY STALKS, SLICED 3 WHITE ONIONS, SLICED 7 GARLIC CLOVES 4 QUARTS COLD WATER 6 SPRIGS PARSLEY 20 BLACK PEPPERCORNS, CRACKED 3 BAY LEAVES For the duck confit: 4 GARLIC CLOVES, MINCED 4 SKINLESS DUCK LEGS 3 TABLESPOONS SALT ¼ TEASPOON PEPPER 4–5 CUPS DUCK FAT (FROM STOCK) 6 THYME SPRIGS For the salad: 1 TEASPOON DIJON MUSTARD 1 TABLESPOON SHERRY VINEGAR 2 TABLESPOONS MINCED SHALLOT 5 TABLESPOONS OLIVE OIL, DIVIDED SALT AND PEPPER TO TASTE 3 RED, ANJOU OR BARTLETT PEARS, CORED AND SLICED 8 CUPS MIXED GREENS ¼ CUP SHREDDED ITALIAN CHEESE ½ CUP TOASTED PINE NUTS

1. Make the stock: Preheat the oven to 425°F. Place the carcasses and veggies on baking sheets and roast for 45 minutes. Transfer everything into a stock pot, add the water and bring to a boil. Reduce to a simmer, skimming the foam as it rises to the surface until foam stops appearing. 2. Add the remaining ingredients and simmer for 1 hour. Strain the stock through cheesecloth or a strainer into a bowl. Chill and then remove the fat that rises to the top. Set aside and reserve for later. 3. Make the confit: Massage the garlic into the duck legs and season with pepper and salt. Place in a resealable bag and marinate for 24 hours. 4. Melt the duck fat in a large, heavy bottomed saucepan over medium-low. 5. Wipe the excess salt from the duck legs and arrange in a single layer in the pan. Add the thyme and cook until the meat is tender and easily pulls from the bone, about 2–3 hours. Set aside to cool then pull the meat from the bones. [Note: Save the duck fat! Some is needed for other parts of this meal.] 6. Make the salad: Combine the mustard, vinegar and shallots in a mixing bowl. Whisk in 4 tablespoons oil until emulsified. Season to taste with salt and pepper. 7. Warm 1 tablespoon olive oil over mediumhigh, add the duck meat and cook until crispy, stirring frequently. 8. Add the greens and cheese to the dressing, season with salt and pepper and toss to evenly coat. Place some greens on a plate and top with the pears, nuts and duck confit. SUMMER 2018

For the Brussels sprouts: 30 BRUSSELS SPROUTS, TRIMMED AND HALVED 6 TABLESPOONS OLIVE OIL, DIVIDED 3 GARLIC CLOVES, CHOPPED SALT AND PEPPER TO TASTE

ROASTED DUCK BREAST WITH BRUSSELS SPROUTS AND CHERRY SAUCE WINE PAIRING: RIOJA ONTANON RESERVA For the duck breast: 4 BONELESS DUCK BREASTS, SKIN-ON, SLIGHTLY SCORED SALT AND PEPPER TO TASTE For the cherry sauce: 6 OUNCES DRIED CHERRIES ½ CUP BOURBON 1/3 CUP RESERVED DUCK FAT ¾ CUP FINELY DICED SHALLOTS 1½ CUPS DUCK (OR CHICKEN) STOCK 1/3 CUP TAWNY PORT ¼ CUP HONEY 6 TABLESPOONS COLD BUTTER SALT AND PEPPER TO TASTE 94

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1. Make the duck breast: Season the duck with salt and pepper. Place in a resealable bag and chill for for 24 hours (optional). 2. Preheat the oven to 425°F. 3. Warm a large ovenproof skillet over high until hot. Place the duck skin-side down in the skillet and cook until golden brown, about 3–4 minutes. Flip and quickly sear the other side. Transfer to the oven and cook for 6–8 minutes, or until fully cooked. Remove the duck from the pan and set aside to rest for 5–10 minutes. 4. Make the sauce: Cook the cherries and bourbon in skillet over medium until the bourbon begins to bubble. Use a long lighter to ignite the booze and flambé until the flame burns out. Remove from the heat and set aside. 5. Warm the duck fat in a saucepan over medium and cook the shallots for 30 seconds. Add the cherry mixture, stock, port and honey. Increase the heat to high and reduce to a glaze. Whisk in the butter 1 tablespoon at a time. Remove from the heat and season with salt and pepper. 6. Meanwhile, make the Brussels sprouts: Toss the sprouts and 3 tablespoons oil in a bowl to evenly coat. Warm the remaining oil in large skillet over medium. Add the garlic and sauté until it begins to brown, about 1–2 minutes. Place the sprouts flat side down in the pan and season with salt and pepper. Cover and cook until the sprouts are browned. Flip the sprouts, season with salt and pepper. Cover and cook for 3–4 minutes. 7. To serve, place the Brussels sprouts on a plate. Slice the duck breast, place on top then spoon on the cherry sauce.

BRAISED SHORT RIB TACOS WITH MANGO PICO DE GALLO WINE PAIRING: STEWART CABERNET SAUVIGNON For the ribs: 8 (1-POUND) BONE-IN SHORT RIBS SALT AND PEPPER TO TASTE 9 TABLESPOONS BUTTER, DIVIDED 3 ONIONS, CHOPPED 14 CUPS CABERNET SAUVIGNON 12 CUPS CHICKEN STOCK 12 GARLIC CLOVES, CHOPPED 3 CELERY STALKS 2 SMALL CARROTS 10 PARSLEY SPRIGS For the pico de gallo: 2 ROMA TOMATOES, SEEDED AND CHOPPED ½ ONION, DICED 1 JALAPEÑO, SEEDED AND DICED 1/3 CUP CHOPPED CILANTRO 1/3 CUP CHOPPED MANGO ½ LIMED, JUICED For the tacos: 1 (28-OUNCE) PACKAGE FLOUR OR CORN TORTILLAS 2 TABLESPOONS BUTTER OR DUCK FAT 1 (16-OUNCE) CAN VEGETARIAN REFRIED BEANS, WARMED SALSA VERDE FOR SERVING CRUMBLED QUESO FRESCO FOR SERVING MEXICAN BLEND SHREDDED CHEESE FOR SERVING

1. Make the ribs: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Season the ribs with salt and pepper and set aside. 2. Melt 6 tablespoons butter in a Dutch oven or braising pot. Add the ribs and evenly brown. Remove from the pot and set aside. 3. Add the onions and sauté until translucent. Add the wine and bring to a boil. Cook until the liquid reduces to about 3 cups. 4. Return the ribs to the pot and add the stock, garlic, veggies and parsley. Cook until slightly bubbling then cover and cook in the oven for 2½–3 hours, or until meat is tender but not falling off the bone. 5. Meanwhile, make the pico de gallo: Combine all the ingredients in a bowl and season with salt and pepper. Chill in the fridge for at least 1 hour. 6. Once the ribs are tender, remove from the pan and strain the drippings into a saucepan. Skim the fat off the top and reduce the drippings to 2 cups over high then whisk in 3 tablespoons butter. Remove the meat from the bones and combine it with the sauce in bowl. Mix to evenly coat. 7. Make the tacos: Working in batches, toast the tortillas in the melted butter or duck fat in a skillet over medium. 8. To serve, fill the tortillas with the braised meat and top with the salsa verde and queso fresco. Serve the beans topped with shredded cheese and the mango pico on the side.

SUMMER 2018

H Marks the Spot

OUSTON MAY NOT BE ONE OF THE OLDER CITIES IN THE COUNTRY, BUT IT CERTAINLY HAS MORE THAN ITS FAIR SHARE OF GHOSTS. One of those ghosts, that of Mellie Neeson Esperson, is said to haunt the halls, lobby, and (occasionally malfunctioning) elevator of her namesake building, making the Esperson Buildings not only two of the most recognizable structures downtown, but also two of the most intriguing. Completed in 1941 at the corner of Travis and Walker, Mellie’s namesake was the second of two buildings, the first of which she constructed for

Circa 1927–1941

her husband, Niels, a real estate and oil tycoon, shortly after he died in 1922. She commissioned Majestic Theater architect John Eberson to design both structures in an ornate, visionary style, complete with Roman marble, arabesque obelisks, terra-cotta urns, bronze elevators, and a gold-leafed dome at the top, reminiscent of the grand tempietto of San Pietro in Rome. They are the only complete examples of Italian Renaissance architecture in Downtown Houston. As a final touch, Mellie had their names carved on their respective buildings, in large letters over the entrances. The thirty-two story Niels Esperson Building opened in 1927, and was the tallest structure in Texas at that time. Mellie’s 19-story annex, separate from the first structure but adjoining it on most floors, became Houston’s first skyscraper with central air in 1938. The Esperson complex continues to provide office space for Houston’s commercial sector, including banks and oil companies. For twenty years after Niels’ death, Mellie remained active in the oil business as a prospector and producer, and she continued to acquire several significant real estate assets in Houston. From her suite of offices on the twenty-fifth floor of the Niels Esperson Building, Mellie oversaw her downtown construction projects and developed the Niels Esperson Industrial District. She continued to work even after she lost her eyesight, and was laid to rest in 1945. Contrary to local legend, neither she nor her husband is entombed at the top of the Niels Esperson Building beneath the temple-like dome—both are buried in the Forest Park Cemetery. Regardless, her pioneering spirit will always remain on the property... —Rima Jean

Contrary to local legend, neither she nor her husband is entombed at the top of the Niels Esperson Building beneath the temple-like dome.

AT LEFT: A VIEW OF THE NIELS ESPERSON BUILDING

WITH THE ICONIC DOME ON TOP.

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PHOTO COURTESY OF THE WIKIPEDIA COMMONS, BY I_AM_JIM

The Esperson Buildings

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