Mid-Spring 2021

Mid-Spring 2021

The 2021 Portrait Series

Leaders & Legends Bill Baldwin Eric Berger Frank Billingsley Chloe Dao Scott Gertner Hugo Ortega Page Parkes Stephen Spann Martha Turner Darren Van Delden LeChauncy Woodard & Chris Williams, pictured

Why Houston, Not Austin, Should Be the Next Tech Hub

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Contents

64 12 PUBLISHER’S LETTER 14 EDITOR’S LETTER 16 CITYBOOK AT LARGE

Feeder 22 NEWS The Houston fashion scene’s rising stars, sensational spring art, and all the hard (seltzer)-hitting news!

34 STYLE Ready to venture back into the public eye? These five fab trends can help complete your closet this season.

Book Reports 64 DINING Over-the-top experiences at Montrose’s March, Malaysian cuisine in Katy, and all the latest dining buzz!

68 FOOD CULTURE Covid’s baking craze hits home for Filipinos in Houston.

70 WELLNESS Nontoxic nail salon Paloma is on the grow! Founder Maryam Naderi shares how she found success during the pandemic.

42 DESIGN Channel an interior designer’s art-deco-savvy aesthetic.

72 TRAVEL Opened just before the shutdown, Austin’s ZaZa provides an urban oasis. Plus: Inside H-Town’s reno’d Four Seasons!

44 ESSAY Patrick Magee opines how Houston — not Austin — should be the next tech hub.

74 GUIDEBOOK 80 SECOND GUESS

48 GVING BACK Operating an unconventional treatment program out of a Heights home, Daniel Garcia is destigmatizing mental health.

Features 50 LEADERS & LEGENDS In its annual portfolio, CityBook spotlights rising stars and icons in fields like medicine, journalism and more.

6 | houstoncitybook.com

On the Cover This issue of ‘CityBook’ features two covers, the home-subscriber version with fashion designer Chloe Dao and the newsstand one with chef-activist Chris Williams, both shot

by Gittings Photography.

INVESTOR ADVOCATE GIL BAUMGARTEN PRESENTS

JEFF GREMILLION Editor-in-Chief Managing Editor

Evan W. Black

Creative Director

Patrick Magee

Style Editor-at-Large Senior Stylist Podcast Producer Senior Writer Writers

FOOLISH

Photographers & Illustrators

HOW INVESTORS GET WORKED UP AND WORKED OVER BY THE SYSTEM Stylists & Groomers

Kate Stukenberg Todd Ramos Luke Brawner Daniel Renfrow Chris Becker, Leah Cast, Holly Crawford, Brant Croucher, Ray Dennison, Amanda Llanes, Zachary McKenzie, Ed Nawotka, Mellanie Perez, Mai Pham, Gemini Quintos and Natalia Gonzalez Blanco Serrano Kat Ambrose, Dionne Christiansen, Greta Connolly, Fulton Davenport, Jenn Duncan, Kelli Durham, Kirsten Gilliam, Carla Gomez, Jhane Hoang, Shannon O’Hara, Daniel Ortiz, Phoebe Rourke, Ashkan Roayaee, Debora Smail, Julie Soefer, Al Torres and Steven Visneau Bianca Linette, Edward Sanchez and Tanesha Seafous

LISA HOLTHOUSE Executive Publisher Sales Director

Peter Remington

Associate Publishers

Lisa Appleby and Jennifer Kahlden

Operations Director

Eric Holden

Technology Director

Christopher J. Nodd

Advisors & Partners

M. Sonny Garza and David Paul Rabalais

Accountant

Christopher Doyle

945 McKinney Street, Suite 119, Houston, Texas 77002 832.514.3001 Phone | 832.514.3002 Fax FOR SALES INFORMATION sales@houstoncitybook.com TO CONTACT AN EDITOR evan@houstoncitybook.com

President and Chief Executive Officer Jeff Gremillion Vice President Lisa Holthouse Chief Operations Officer Eric Holden Chief Technology Officer Christopher J. Nodd Advisors M. Sonny Garza and David Paul Rabalais Style Editor-at-Large Kate Stukenberg

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Publisher’s Letter

M LISA HOLTHOUSE Executive Publisher

We are all given different gifts when we are born. And as we grow and nurture those gifts, we all become realized. We use our gifts to grow into our life’s callings or professions. And so I’m pondering the idea of special gifts that we all possess in different forms and fashions.

It’s always a privilege for us at CityBook to highlight forerunners across so many fields, all with specific gifts that they have nurtured over their lifetimes. It’s never an easy task for our team to narrow it down to so few when we have an impressive population across the city of smart, industrious and innovative leaders and legends. Houston is chock-full of them, in varying fields that we can’t even count.

So as you peruse the pages of this year’s luminaries, be mindful of the many gifts they not only possess, but that they pass on to our great city with such grace — Godgiven grace. Just like the Bible tells me so!

photo by steven visneau; shot at omni houston

12 | houstoncitybook.com

onths ago, I began attending a weekly Bible study.

I was raised Catholic and have always been a spiritual person. But I have never really been a Bible-reader. The book flat-out scared me. It seemed hard to conquer, even harder to understand, and borderline intimidating. But because it’s the oldest piece of literature on the planet, I thought it was time to bite the bullet, open up the book and begin to read and learn.

The reason I bring this up is not to convert you into a Bible-reader. I bring it up because sometimes I find a quote during my readings that I save and refer back to — a quote that really resonates with me. And as I collect my thoughts for this Leaders & Legends issue, one quote from Romans comes to mind.

“Since we have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, each of us is to use them accordingly,” reads Romans 12:6.

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Editor’s Letter

E

14 | houstoncitybook.com

Turner Sotheby’s International Realty both started out in the same year: 1981.

After many years as a schoolteacher, and also a stint selling wigs to make ends meet, Martha Turner started a new career in real estate. She visualized herself as an agent working hard, full-time, and becoming a market expert — not a lackadaisical part-timer, which is how many approached real estate agent work in those days. And she gathered others with the same mindset, revolutionizing the biz, forming a company that would eventually log billions in sales.

Page Parkes also recognized an unmet need. As a college fashion-design major working with models for a student show, she became aware of both how important models are in the fashion world — they make the clothes come alive! — and how vulnerable they are to predatory treatment and exploitation. She built one of the country’s most notable agencies based on the simple notion that models aren’t cattle; they should be protected — and paid well.

Most women have both grit and a desire to nurture.

Turner and Parkes tapped both instincts in their business lives, and they became wealthy and famous (and generously philanthropic) in the process. Here’s to the divas of ’81! May they, 40 years on, inspire women struggling through hardship to believe in themselves — and to themselves become, someday soon, legendary.

JEFF GREMILLION Editor-in-Chief

photo by steven visneau; jacket by zegna, shirt by eton, pocket square by eleveny, jeans by ag, all at m penner; shot at omni houston

xcitement is building about returning to normal. A lot of us are vaccinated. Many restaurants and other businesses are full to the brim. The stock market and real estate market are going nuts. Optimism abounds.

But the era of good feelings isn’t being experienced the same way by everyone. Today I read a Washington Post article, outlining the results of its new poll with ABC News, noting that a full quarter of women nationwide feel as if they’re financially worse off now than they were before the pandemic. Only 18 percent of men said the same.

Women, it turns out, were unevenly affected by service-sector shutdowns in restaurants, hotels, spas and salons — and they picked up more than their share of the slack when schools closed and sent kids home for childcare. Women had to leave good jobs in droves, or “take lower-paying ones that gave them more flexibility,” the paper reported.

I hope these circumstances change soon, and more women get fully back on their feet.

Maybe they’ll be inspired, as I am, by the women we feature in this year’s Leaders & Legends portfolio, our popular annual portrait series, now in its fourth year.

Two of the ladies have similar stories, of turning their unique drive and dedication into booming businesses that bear their names. The Page Parkes modeling agency and the firm that would become Martha

The Ray Booth Collection

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CityBook At Large Updates

from HoustonCityBook.com & beyond

ICYMI

Insta-Worthy Moments

Here are a handful of hits from our social-media feed. Follow @houstoncitybook for more!

DEVELOPMENT

The Zadoks’ Post Oak Place Now Open

CityBook Digital covered the debut of the highly anticipated new mixed-use setup Post Oak Place on Post Oak Boulevard. The anchor tenant is the Zadok family of jewelers, which has moved into a sparkling new two-tiered space double the size of its old digs next door, and full to the brim with new showrooms, shops-within-shops and pop-ups.

The Zadoks are also the owners of the new development.

April 5 Chef Lance Fegen and the rest of F.E.E.D. TX Restaurant Group opened Fegen’s in the former Liberty Kitchen spot on Studewood.

April 6 In honor of Stop Food Waste Day, Bayou & Bottle inside the Four Seasons created a new cocktail that utilizes a whole lemon.

FOOD

MUSIC

Cafe Leonelli Serving at MFAH

Uncle Tino Releases Rainbow-FlagInspired Album

The MFAH’s Nancy and Rich Kinder Building, the stunning new wing that first opened in November, now boasts a restaurant helmed by Michelin-starred chefs. Set among art installations, Cafe Leonelli serves traditional Italian fare for breakfast and lunch — and ice cream creations, too!

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As reported in CityBook Digital, trans Latin rapper Santino Alcoser, 26, released his debut album under his Uncle Tino moniker.

Song titles on the nine-track Color Fool start with red and work through the colors of the rainbow.

April 16 HMNS announced plans for its newest permanent exhibition hall, the Matter & Motion Chemistry and Physics Hall.

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We all love our Mothers! Tootsies is pleased to honor these Mothers and their daughters, daughter- in-laws, and granddaughters. Tootsies will be donating a percentage of sales in honor of all our Mothers from May 1 to May 8 to Kids Meals and Homemade Hope. kidsmealsinc.org | homemadehope.org

Photos by Al Torres Photography

Carol Smith, Ganni top and Hellessy jeans.

Lauren Smith, Veronica Beard top, Agolde skirt and Kat Maconie shoes.

Christian Richardson Fuqua, Teri Jon dress.

Leslie Richardson Denby, Karolina Zmarlak top and pants. Anne Richardson, Peter Cohen top and pants.

Cynthia Wolff, Saloni dress and Sam Edelman shoes. Beth Wolff, Catherine Regehr top, Peter Cohen pants and Paris Texas shoes.

Brooke Bentley Gunst, Alice and Olivia dress and Stuart Weitzman shoes. Beverly Bentley, Trina Turk top, Vince pants and Stuart Weitzman shoes. Blair Bentley, Cinq A Sept top, skirt and Bottega Veneta shoes.

Lilly Lewis Cullen, Red Valentino dress. Katie Cullen, Oscar De La Renta dress. Kathy Cullen McCord, Oscar De La Renta dress.

Jennifer McCord Anderson, Lela Rose dress. Katie Rose Cullen, Veronica Beard blazer, shorts and Jimmy Choo shoes. Rosanette Cullen, Oscar De La Renta gown and Jimmy Choo shoes. Sarah McCord, Cinq A Sept dress and Dolce Vita shoes.

Katie Steitz Tsuru, Gilner Farrar dress and Stuart Weitzman shoes. Stephanie Tsuru, Misa dress, Valentino belt and AGL shoes. Bailey Tsuru, Alice and Olivia blazer, shorts and Castaner shoes.

Grandchildren: Camilla Cullen, Katherine Anderson

Allison Lewis Cattan, Rotate dress and Valentino shoes.

Donna Lewis, Boutique Moschino dress and Fendi shoes. Emily Mayfield Lewis, La Double J dress and Francesco Russo shoes.

Grandchild: Palmer Lewis

Kate Swenson White, Alice and Olivia dress and Loeffler Randall shoes. Claire White Day, Zimmermann dress and By Far shoes. Martha White, Veronica Beard top and pants. Audrey Pustka White, Veronica Beard top, Zimmermann shorts and Aquazzura shoes.

Grandchildren: Campbell Claire White, Mary Tyler Day, Vivienne Belle White.

Elise Lubanko McKinney, Jonathan Simkhai dress. Kaia Lubanko Kessler, Tanya Taylor dress. Caroline Kessler, Veronica Beard dress. Kelley Lubanko, Boutique Moschino dress and Valentino shoes.

Grandchild: Jessamine Kessler

Laid-Back Luxury

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Mid-Spring 2021 STYLE, CULTURE, BUSINESS & MORE

Red-Hot Report PRICES ARE UP, active listings are down — by 55 percent year-over-year in March!

— and homes are going fast. Such is the real estate story around the country and especially in Houston, where houses in the luxury sector are flying off the market. This new build, at 3736 Del Monte in River Oaks, was a designer showcase home last year, and sold this spring for more than $5 mil.

FEEDER News

THE DISPATCH

ART

Karen Navarro hangs her first solo exhibition at Montrose’s Foto Relevance, April 30-June 25. In The Constructed Self, the photographer and multimedia artist’s colorful photosculptures speak to how people reorder and rearrange their identities in various situations. fotorelevance.com

Trend

SELTZER & CHILL

K

nown as the “unofficial cocktail of West Texas,” Ranch Water, a refreshing and low-calorie blend of tequila, lime and soda water, has long been a staple of glassraisers across Texas eager to find a simple way to imbibe away their sweaty summer malaise. When it comes to hard seltzers, Houstonians now have more choices than ever before, thanks to a bevy of bubbly newcomers and some revamped old faithfuls. Here’s the pour!

–daniel renfrow

LONE RIVER RANCH WATER

In March, it was announced that Diageo acquired Lone River Ranch Water, launched by Houstonian Katie Beal Brown last spring. With flavors like Spicy (with jalapeño, of course) and Rio Red Grapefruit, Lone River was among the fastest-selling brands in the segment last year.

TOPO CHICO

Texan favorite Topo Chico released its first line of canned hard seltzers in March. Four fruity flavors — Exotic Pineapple, Strawberry Guava, Tangy Lemon Lime and Tropical Mango — provide imbibers with a bold punch rounded out by the brand’s famous bubbles.

LONE STAR BREWING

Dive-bar staple Lone Star Brewing’s first foray into canned hard seltzers arrived in April. Lone Star Agave Seltzers come in two flavors, Agave Lime and Agave Watermelon, that are inspired by beloved Texas ingredients and local taste profiles.

CITY LIFE

Discovery Green’s new playground — a $2.3 million project in the park’s northwest corner — was completed in August, but the finished space remained walled-off due to Covid. Now open, it doubles the amount of play space in the park, and features 31 new shadeproviding trees. discoverygreen.com

SHOPPING

As the season turns, several new shopping destinations are now open at the Galleria, including Giorgio Armani’s temporary boutique, the redesigned Valentino flagship and John Varvatos.

Coming soon are the only Houston locations of Rag & Bone, Moncler and Louis Vuitton Men’s.

22 | houstoncitybook.com

KARBACH BREWING

Karbach was one of the first local breweries to roll out canned Ranch Water, which it started doing in January. It’s brewed with lime and agave, a blend that’s been in the works for two years, and is available in six-packs and 12-packs.

RANCH20 SPIRITS

Texas-based RancH2O was founded by A&M grad Amelia Lattieri last year. It offers a canned version of the staple cocktail, which it launched in October alongside three other flavors — Classic Marg, Vodka Soda and Gin Fizz.

SAINT ARNOLD

In late March, Saint Arnold debuted its Superfine hard-seltzer lineup. The company uses 100-percent real fruit in the product, now available in variety packs containing a mélange of flavors: Mimosa Morning, Berry Lounge, Sangria Sunset and Lemon Drop.

Legendary

Culinary

Craftsmanship.

Homegrown Texas ranch meats, fresh Gulf seafood, and locally sourced produce are featured throughout the restaurant’s well-rounded menu.

Brunch | Lunch | Happy Hour | Private Events 1605 Post Oak Blvd • Houston, TX 77056 • 832.427.3049 KingRanchTexasKitchen.com

FEEDER News

Style

THE DISPATCH

SEASONS GREETINGS BONJOUR! Inspired by the women of the French New Wave era, rising-star local designer Christy Lynn’s newest line features feminine pieces ready to transition from spring into summer.

Flowing dresses and structured blouses boast beautiful fabrics of silk, chiffon, linen and lace — and belts and bows aplenty.

Christy Lynn is available at Tootsies, and by appointment at her new studio at La Colombe d’Or. christylynn.com

THEATER

Catastrophic Theatre has appointed Laura Moreno as its next managing director, replacing Shayna Schlosberg.

Moreno — producer, director, arts administrator, actress, makeup artist, costume and wig designer, and teaching artist — is set to complete her MA in arts leadership and an MFA in directing at UH this spring.

Catastrophic also brought back its innovative, socially distant Drama Squad performances, which take place in patrons’ front yards on weekends through May 9. catastrophic theatre.com

SPORTS

Take us out to the ballgame! The Hampton Inn and Homewood Suites Downtown have announced a special that runs all season long, including complimentary valet, beer vouchers for St. Arnold’s and swag from both the Astros and the brewery.

Less than a mile from the stadium! hilton.com

24 | houstoncitybook.com

Art

Jung at Heart

S

pring has sprung at Off the Wall Gallery, where beautiful oil paintings

by Mario Jung adorn the walls. Jung, born in South Korea, suffered a near-fatal three-story fall, which resulted in his paralysis and loss of sight and hearing. A miraculous recovery ensued, and he then realized his deep desire to become an artist.

He dedicated his life to his paintings, utilizing a unique impasto style to create

three-dimensional, amazingly realistic works that depict flowers — poppies, bluebonnets — blooming under trees of varying colors.

Jung hopes his richly textured and meditative paintings — like this one created in 2019, titled “Blue Over Me” — deliver a sense of peace to viewers; he also takes commissions for specific sizes of canvas and composition of flowers. In the Galleria, offthewall.com –ewb

Christy Lynn’s Aurelie blouse

Jewelry

Fab at Five!

Cheers to five years of Lesley Ann Jewels, the high-end-yet-hip jewelry store near the Galleria. A celebratory mega-trunk-show in April featured stunning pieces from Sylva & Cie, Etho Maria and others; the boutique has also become known for its on-site repair, custom design work and chic digs. lesleyannjewels.com

FEEDER News

THE DISPATCH

MUSIC

The Houston Botanic Garden launches a new Sunday Concert Series on May 2. For six weeks, experience live music and the aural sensations of nature from 3-5pm. The diverse lineup kicks off with Latin funk-jazz group Zenteno Spirit on May 2, and is followed

by Trudy Lynn and Steve Krase on Mother’s Day. Houston Botanic Garden — created on the site of a former municipal golf course — is a new “zoo for plants,” housing more than 350 different species native to Southeast Texas and from around the world on its grounds that straddle Sims Bayou. hbg.org

BEAUTY

Upper Kirby’s Milk + Honey spa now offers medical aesthetics services in partnership with dermatologist S. Tyler Hollmig.

Expect minimally invasive services such as photofacials, microneedling, injectables and fillers, along with monthly specials. milkand honeyspa.com

26 | houstoncitybook.com

Movement & meaning!

HOUSTON MOMS Elizabeth Thompson and Hilary Amburgey spent the past year developing Jollie, a brand of high-quality yoga mats in beautiful, soothing patterns, and customizable straps for adults and children — all made from ecofriendly materials and processes. A portion of proceeds from every sale will be donated to yoga therapy programs for pediatric cancer patients, including ones at Texas Children’s — and for every mat purchased, one is donated. bejollie.com –ewb

Art

Time to Explore Opening May 1, an exhibit at Archway Gallery features the paintings of friends Shirl Riccetti and Donna Perkins. Included in Exploring Paint are avid traveler Riccetti’s pen-and-watercolor works that evoke wanderlust. archwaygallery.com –ewb

Riccetti’s ‘Beginning of the Season’

FEEDER News

Events

THE DISPATCH

Revving Up! Houston’s iconic Art Car Parade had to kill its engines last year — but May 14-16, Houstonians can check out a new parking-lot version of the event at the Orange Show HQ off I-45.

Here, socially distanced revelers can take a digital self-guided tour of the maze of masterpieces. artcarexperience.com

CULTURE

On May 8, HGO returns to in-person performances for the first time in over a year. The singalong and fundraiser My Favorite Things: Songs from The Sound of Music stars Trinidadian soprano Jeanine De Bique as Maria, and takes place at UH’s TDECU stadium. And the Houston Ballet announced its return to in-person shows the same weekend, with two performances at Miller Outdoor Theater.

Style

A Cut Above

SPIRITS

TX Whiskey has released its first Bottled-In-Bond Texas Bourbon, a single-barrel expression of TX Straight Bourbon.

The unique “bottled-in-bond” designation means that the alcohol is a product of one distillation season, by one distiller, at one distillery, and is aged for four years before being bottled at 100 proof. frdistilling.com

SHOPPING

The Buffalo Soldiers National Museum is the site of the BLCK Market on the second Saturday of each month (1-5pm, May 8), featuring booths by more than 50 Black-owned businesses. Find clothing, food, skincare products, vintage items and more! blckmarket houston.com

28 | houstoncitybook.com

C

ovid prompted many a pivot among businesses small and large.

Lloyd and Lewis, founded by Mickey Winston, is no exception. After years representing national lines, Winston launched his custom tailoring biz just weeks before the shutdown — but he persevered, and as social events begin filling up calendars and folks head back into the office, Lloyd and Lewis is in demand. Winston, who counts restaurateur Ben Berg and former Longhorn star Jeffrey McCulloch among his clients, works with high-end fabrics like Dormeuil and Scabal, and pays special attention to the smallest of details, such as stitching and buttons. He’s planning a poolside fashion show in June, where models will mingle while showing off 10 bespoke men’s and women’s suits. “If we can make it through 2020, we can make it through anything.” lloydandlewis.com –ewb

Top Realtors of L E A D E R S I N M E M O R I A L A R E A R E A L E S TAT E

PROMOTION

Mike Mahlstedt With 15 years of experience, Mike Mahlstedt consistently ranks as one of the top 3 real estate agents in Houston. He has more than 600 closed transactions and tops $700 million dollars in career sales - with some $200 million of that coming in the last two years alone. He sells properties throughout the Houston area, focusing on the traditional Memorial area and other closein neighborhoods.

“Memorial is attractive to home buyers,” he says, “because they get more land for their money. Schools and community lifestyle are driving factors for home buyers, too, plus the added value of having a sense of security with the Memorial Villages Police and Fire Departments.”

In his personal life, Mike is dad to two boys — Payne, 3, and Reaves, 2. He’s also a triathlete; in one Ironman, he guided a blind athlete through the 140.6-mile competition, raising more than $100,000 for various charities. Philanthropy is a focus of his work, as well, as he donates to each client’s charity of choice after every closing.

M I K E M @ C O M PA S S . C O M 713-435-9126

PROMOTION

Marnie Greenwood Giving back to Houston is important for Marnie Greenwood, one of the city’s top realtors for 10 years.

She’s the founder of the Marnie Rocks Beading Cancer nonprofit, which provides kids in outpatient cancer treatment beading supplies as a creative outlet and entertainment option. “Giving these children the tools to make jewelry creates a positive impact during their stay at the hospital, not only with the children and their families, but also with the volunteers. Until Covid, we made jewelry at hospitals with kids, and we cannot wait to get back to doing that!”

As for her own kids — Griffin, Remi, Casey and Chloe range from 14 to 22 — the UT grad chose to raise and educate them in Memorial.

“So I feel personally connected to the area.”

Besides the great schools, and the independent municipalities in the villages with their own fire and police departments, she says you can’t underestimate the appeal of the Memorial area’s incredible restaurants. “I love that Torchy’s Tacos and Mia’s Table have made their way to the area,” she says.

“Cheesecakes by Elizabeth are the perfect cure for any sweet tooth.

They even deliver!”

M A R N I E . G R E E N WO O D @ C O M PA S S . C O M 713-416-8402

PROMOTION

Shelly Porter “When it came to raising my own family, I chose Memorial,” says Compass Real Estate Agent Shelly Porter, whose husband, and now her son, have attended Memorial High School. “I have many family and friends who also live in Memorial, so I am well rooted in the area. This is why, when I started my real estate career, I wanted to specialize in the Memorial area. It’s home to me.”

And there’s never been a better time to live there! The area is booming with great new restaurants, shopping and even a farmers market in the Villages, says Porter, also pointing out the growth along the Katy Freeway.

“Also, the Memorial Green shopping area is relatively new,” she says, “and offers a fabulous lock-and-leave lifestyle that Memorial really never had.”

“I love that Memorial Drive retains the feeling of a pleasant country road dotted with beautiful homes and mature trees,” she adds. “Memorial offers a laidback, relaxed lifestyle with excellent schools, making it a number-one choice for families.”

S H E L LY . P O R T E R @ C O M P A S S . C O M 713-4 4 6-2473

PROMOTION

Michelle Hinton For Michelle Hinton, who’s worked in the Houston real estate game for more than a decade, the city’s booming Memorial area is part of her daily life.

“My husband Rick, who is also part of my real estate team, and I live in a nearby community,” she says. “I work, dine and shop in the area on a daily basis. I do outside workouts in Wilchester Park. Jonathan’s The Rub in Memorial Green and Federal American Grill in Hedwig Village are two of my weekly go-to restaurants. Dog friendly patios for brunch are a huge attraction to me. Terry Hershey Park is an amazing park with many different trails — it’s beautiful.

Citing Nottingham Forest, Memorial Villages and Frostwood as some of the hottest sections, Hinton says great schools, and the general excitement over the Memorial area’s expansion — especially along I-10 — are helping driving the area’s popularity. “The Memorial area offers residents a huge sense of community,” she says. “I believe the Memorial area is becoming the center of Houston.

Everything is moving west!”

MICHELLE@HINTONHOMETEAM .COM 8 3 2-7 9 5 -2 24 6

FEEDER Style

Back to Style

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Ready to venture back into the public eye? From happy-hour haute to glorified pajamas-gone-glam, here are five mustshop trends to revamp your spring style.

By Amanda Llanes

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’90s Mega-Glam Take the ’90s trend in a sleek direction with a bold blazer, power pumps and a vintage screen tee, with layered chunky gold chain necklaces.

1. Medusa bracelet, $775,

by Versace 2. A spring look by Balmain 3. Hot Girl pump, $695,

by Christian Louboutin 4. T-clasp waist belt, $690,

by Tom Ford 5. Cropped tee, $225, by Versace 6. Blazer, $595, by Smythe 34 | houstoncitybook.com

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AWARD-WINNING DESIGN FIRM AND SHOWROOM 1300 Shepherd Drive, Houston, TX 77007 832.804.6300

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Sleeveless Chic Gone is the cold shoulder — this trend is as hot as it gets! Vaccine-ready shoulderbaring blouses, tees and tanks can be dressed up or down, and as denim and trouser rises get higher, so does the crop.

1. Mara top, $225, by Retrofete 2. Viscose top, $298, by The SEI 3. Padded-shoulder French cherry top, $225, by Philip Lim 4. Étoile Filante earrings, $15,259,

by Chanel 5. A spring look by Chanel 6. Handbag, $350, by Coach

by Judith Leiber Couture 7. Cropped denim top, $1,095, by Balmain 8. Paisley-print canvas top, $790, by Gucci

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FEEDER Style

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Monochromatic Pastel Minimalism packs a pretty punch with monochromatic looks in soft shades.

1. Spring looks by Alice + Olivia 2. Mask, $95, by Tom Ford 3. Hourglass top-handle bag, $1,790, by Balenciaga 4. Emma double-breasted blazer, $820, by Bernadette 5. Emma short, $399, by Bernadette 6. Rachel shoulder bag, $340, by By Far 7. Square Knife pump, $1,420, by Balenciaga

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FEEDER Style

Sexy-Smart Readying for a return to the office — or a night on the town? The season's attire mixes menswear with ultra-sexy lace bodysuits and satin camis.

1. Tree of Life scarf, $250, by Dior 2. Keiko boyfriend-style button-down, $228, by Veronica Beard 3. Pétales De Camélia ear cuff, $8,300, by Chanel 4. Pumps, $795, by Yves Saint Laurent 5. The Shoulder Pouch, $2,800, by Bottega Veneta 6. A spring look by Zimmerman

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The Best You is What We Do

(713) 352-3869 | www.MyBeautifulBody.com

FEEDER Style 2

Classy Comfort

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For those not ready to part with their sweats, try a chic upgrade! A trend of matching sets provides both cozy comfort and a sense of style ready for reengaging with reality.

1. A spring look by Brunello Cucinelli 2. Hair clip, $400, by Gucci 3. Orlan crinkle satin shirt, $300, by Alexis 4. Tippi top, $425, by Nanuska 5. Le Petit Riviera bag, $330, by Jacquemus 6. Makiko crinkle satin pant, $260, by Alexis 7. Tupsa satin trouser, $510, by Nanuska 8. Wedge, $770, by Valentino

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Jeremy Fain

Helping Houston Find Their Home GREENWOOD KING

PROPERTIES a place to f ind your home

713.677.4337 jfain@greenwoodking.com

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FEEDER Design

FEEDER Design

Get the Look

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Laurie Pearson designed this showstopping living room in West U. Green with envy? Channel her high-end, art-deco-tinged aesthetic now! By Evan W. Black, Photo by Julie Soefer Interior designer Laurie Pearson seeks in every project to combine the old with the new. “Antiques give a home a very fine feel, while contemporary art makes it relevant and updated,” explains Pearson, whose goal is to land on a scheme unique to each client. “I don’t ever want anyone to walk into to someone’s house and say, ‘Oh, L. Pearson Design did this, didn’t they?’”

For this West U family with four grown children, Pearson took on this living space in the front of the house, and used the existing black-lacquered built-ins as a jumping-off point. “She wanted a pop of color and something that looked original,” she says. “When we found the Porter Teleo wallpaper, we knew we had to have it.”

They covered antique furniture in contemporary Schumacher fabrics, and for more old-meets-new, “the bookshelves started with two antique prints the clients found in Europe. I paired those and antique books with fun pop-culture books and some funky little different pieces.” 

Shop the Style 1. Leopardo down pillow, $339, by Scalamandre at Perigold.com. 2.

Wallpaper, by Porter Teleo. 3. Pearson combined “very traditional chairs with a touch of modern or art deco in the coffee table.” Duplicity table, $899, at Z Gallerie. 4. The homeowner “loves drama,” and she and Pearson landed on the “perfect color green.” Rocky performance velvet, by Schumacher. 5. Postmodern marble urn, $975, at 1st Dibbs. 6. Sari Bazaar mirror, $1,826, by Kathy Kuo. 7. Vanderbilt fabric, by Schumacher.

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FEEDER Essay Back

Innovation Station Clockwise from left: NASA’s Johnson Space Center; the Med Center’s new TMCx facility for healthcare startups; the Ion, opening soon in Midtown’s Innovation District.

Come and Make It

As people leave Cali for Texas in droves, it becomes clear that ATX is indeed weird — but Houston is for innovators. By Patrick Magee

M

y aunt and cousin live in Silicon Valley. We go once a year to visit them, and, as you pull out of the airport when you get there, the San Jose skyscrapers in front of you bear the logos of a who’s-who of the internet: eBay, PayPal, Adobe, Cisco.

It’s pretty impressive, out there in California. But, then again, vacations have to be planned around forest-fire season, and Reuters reported that twothirds of people living in the Bay Area say the quality of life has deteriorated in the last five years, citing homelessness and a rising cost of living as the main factors.

People and companies are leaving — and some of them are coming to Texas. A handful of notable people have said they are making the move to Austin: Elon Musk is going to ATX (they can have him), as did Joe Rogan. Meanwhile, Adam Carolla may come to Houston from L.A. And Hewlett Packard announced in December it was leaving San Jose for H-Town. It’s understandable that cool, weird Austin

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would get its share of interest from newcomers, but smart, industrious Houston seems more poised to be a leading center of innovation in the ’20s, a position we’ve been in before.

Houston has a long history of innovation, and its commitment to being a state-of-the-art hub for it in the near future is virtually unmatched.

In a piece about Texas’ tech prospects, Bloomberg describes the “Rice Mafia,” a group of Rice University tech and engineering graduates who moved to the Bay Area in the ’50s and ’60s and helped make the region a tech mecca. But, according to recent data, that educated workforce is now staying in Houston. H-Town is home to an above-average percentage of college graduates with degrees in science, engineering and business.

Higher education has helped propel Houston’s innovation.

Rice donated the land for Johnson Space Center and today is finishing completion on the Ion. As CityBook previously reported, the Ion is revitalizing a forgotten part of Midtown by anchoring a 16-acre innovation district in a former Sears.

The new center is targeting young talent, continued on page 79

SPOTLIGHT ON

Rice Boulevard

One of Houston’s most famous streets is also a shopping destination.

K E LV I N D R

Raspberry Rose

Oui JetSet

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MORNINGSIDE DR

Emerson Sloan

British Isles

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Emerson Sloan is Houston’s go-to modern party supply and gift shop. At Emerson Sloan, you will find stylish and unique party supplies and gifts for any celebration. Emerson Sloan offers a carefully curated selection of gifts, party decor, toys and more.

RaspbeRRy Rose is a cool, contempoRaRy boutique located in the middle of Rice Village! With 38 yeaRs of expeRience, We haVe you coVeRed fRom head to toe foR youR next eVent, Vacation, and eVeRyday WeaR. We offeR something foR eVeRyone...fRom stylish on tRend clothing, gReat jeWelRy, fun handbags, and shoes. let us be youR go-to neighboRhood boutique!

2438 Rice Blvd, 713.497.5876 & 1319 S. Voss, 713.505.1772 emersonsloan.com

2434 RICE BLVD | (713) 529-2260 FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM @SHOPRASPBERRYROSE

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A HAUTE YEAR

Croissant Brioche FRENCH BAKERY & CAFE

Nestled in the Rice Village is a hidden gem formerly known as Miss Robinson’s Fashion House. For over a year customers have gravitated to their first storefront with it’s marble luxury aesthetics, and golden racks of carefully curated looks. The stylish owner, Jessica Robinson recently rebranded with a new name, Oui Jetset.

2435 Rice Boulevard | 7am-7pm daily Shop online at www.ouijetset.com or visit our storefront | 2414 Rice Blvd.• Houston, TX 77005 •281-703-1695

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"Founded in 2010, Piermarini is a family owned luxury women’s and men’s clothing boutique. With an ever-changing window, you can find high quality basics and one-of-a-kind handmade items from American & International brands. The Piermarini team is on hand to get to know your wardrobe and style to give you an immersive shopping experience.”

John Piermarini

2427 Rice Blvd / piermarini.us / 713-291-2059 / info@piermarini.us

Serving The Village since 1984

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Your Can’tAd get to France?

Here

Stop in at La Taste instead. See the vast array of French products including traditional artisanal pottery, hard-milled soaps, fragrant bubble bath concoctions, lotions scented with lavender, verbena, roses, cherry blossoms, and a stunning collection of the finest things from France.

2417 Rice Boulevard | (713) 520-0027

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Fundamentally Toys is a full-service, specialty toy store providing quality, age-appropriate playthings in a welcoming environment. We offer free gift wrapping and a wide assortment of unique and classic toys and games for kids and parents of all ages.

YOUR AD HERE FundamentallyToys.com | 2401 Rice Blvd. | 713-524-4400

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FEEDER Giving Back

Into the Light A resident’s bedroom at the Mend Center

On the Mend Operating an unconventional treatment program out of a beautiful Heights home, Daniel Garcia is destigmatizing mental health one patient at a time.

By Evan W. Black, Portrait by Kelli Durham

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n a former law office on Heights Boulevard, wedged in between adorably redone bungalows and a stone’s throw from the hip Mercantile development, sits a first-of-its-kind mental-health treatment facility called the Mend Center. It’s not sterile and hospital-like; it’s a home.

This is less of a distinction than a feeling — one that is crucial for those living with chronic or severe mental illness such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorders.

Touting both residential and outpatient programs, the Mend Center was founded in 2016 by Daniel Garcia — a licensed psychologist and bilingual UT and Harvard

48 | houstoncitybook.com

grad who completed his postdoctoral fellowship at the Menninger Clinic here in Houston — and moved into the Heights space about a year ago.

The home is outfitted with beautiful, homey elements like fireplaces and comfortable yet stylish furniture in warm textures and tones; a handful of residents each have their own bedroom.

They share common spaces such as laundry and the fourth-floor living area, complete with an expansive patio boasting treetop and skyline views. Others come just for the day, participating in important therapies, group work and activities specific to each patient’s personal development.

“We don’t have a curriculum,” says Garcia, noting that this alone sets his facility apart. “Change takes a long time, and no two people are the same.

We build something for each person in particular, and what happens today affects what we do tomorrow.”

At the Mend Center, the daily routine and structure remains, and the activities experienced within change. For example, every day at 1pm, everyone gathers in the fourth-floor open kitchen to cook and eat lunch together, something Garcia says is among the most critical aspects of the center’s programming. Many who suffer from chronic mental illness are intelligent, but lack a degree of organization within the brain that healthy people might take for granted.

“Usually they’re very bright, but when it comes to making a meal, or even a sandwich, they lack that know-how,” he explains with compassion, noting that none of us is ever “taught” to make a sandwich, but rather we have an ability to watch and learn and file that information away. “It becomes a burden. We try to teach continued on page 79

Simplifying Real Estate

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All material presented herein is intended for informational purposes only. Information is compiled from sources deemed reliable but is subject to errors, omissions, changes in price, condition, sale, or withdrawal without notice. All measurements and square footages are approximate. Exact dimensions can be obtained by retaining the services of an architect or engineer. This is not intended to solicit property already listed.

Nothing herein shall be construed as legal, accounting or other professional advice outside the realm of real estate brokerage. Compass is a licensed real estate broker. Equal Housing Opportunity.

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LEADERS & LEGENDS 2021

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Leader

CHRIS WILLIAMS When Covid shut Houston down, Chris Williams, 42, parlayed his anxiety into action. His Museum District restaurant Lucille’s made enough via takeout to not only retain 75 percent of its staff, but also to deliver meals to frontline workers and to the elderly in low-income areas. The effort evolved into the nonprofit Lucille’s 1913.

To “get to the root” of food insecurity, Williams says, the org has added initiatives like a self-sustaining farm and a culinary-arts education program. Williams also announced that he and biz partner Dawn Burrell will roll out several new concepts soon, including one in Canada.

LEADERS & LEGENDS Envoy Mortgage Presents

In a time of bold optimism and goodwill, the next Houston boom is beginning! Meet the icons who have helped get us here — and the bright stars lighting the way forward.

Portraits by Gittings Photography

FOOD CULTURE

Legend

HUGO ORTEGA James Beard winner Hugo Ortega’s backstory is well known: He began as a dishwasher and busboy at Backstreet Café, owned by Tracy Vaught, working his way up to exec chef and eventually marrying Vaught, with whom he opened several other restaurants such as Hugo’s, which turns 20 next year. Now, Ortega wishes to pay it forward, funding scholarships to HCC’s Culinary Arts program, which will soon bear his name.

“My time at HCC was so special and important to me,” says the alum, “and it means a great deal [to assist] others looking to find their dream and follow their passion. … It is a wonderful addition to my American dream.” Ortega and Vaught are currently cooking up a fifth restaurant, Urbe, in Uptown Park — a hush-hush project that will, unsurprisingly but deliciously, celebrate Mexican food. “I hope my legacy will be that I tried to honor my homeland by cooking its food as honestly and as well as I was able,” he says.

Legend

STEPHEN SPANN The University of Houston College of Medicine’s inaugural class began its journey in August, on a path to change the face of Texas’ healthcare system. Stephen Spann, its founding dean who previously held posts at Baylor College of Medicine and UTMB, has taught and practiced medicine in resource-poor countries in Latin America and around the world, intimately learning the importance of a robust primarycare infrastructure. “Well trained primary-care physicians can resolve 85 to 90 percent of their patients’ problems,” he says. Texas ranks 47th of 50 in primary-care physicians per capita, but with a focus on family medicine, UH is poised to drastically affect that ratio. Spann cites a 19.3year difference in life expectancy between Harris County’s healthiest and unhealthiest zip codes; he says 80 percent of preventable disease and death in the U.S. is related to “social determinants of health” — like housing, food supply and transportation. Spann, an outdoorsman and grandfather of four, will encourage students to “engage and partner” with the community on those issues. “I’ve applied my experience to [design] the kind of medical school that I believe our state and city need to train the kinds of physicians we need to improve our health and healthcare.”

MEDICINE

Leader

LECHAUNCY WOODARD SOLARI One of the brightest lights among the impressive constellation of faculty at the new UH College of Medicine is physician LeChauncy Woodard Solari, a busy mom of two teens who grew up in the northwest Houston neighborhood of Acres Homes and is eager to give back to her community and others like it in the city. She was drawn to the school’s mission to address both the dearth of primarycare physicians in the city and “tremendous health disparities” in many communities of color. “We have to fill the void,” she says. “We have to care for the underserved.”

That the med school’s first class of 30 students is diverse — not only in terms of race and culture, but also considering factors like urban vs. rural backgrounds — is key. “Communities have to see themselves reflected in their doctors. You have to build trust.”

She adds that the Covid crisis, which has hit the school’s target communities especially hard, has “strengthened our resolve and our focus.” Among her initiatives: Helping develop contact-tracing protocols, and empowering the Black community with information and encouragement about vaccines.

Legend

FRANK BILLINGSLEY In the aftermath of Hurricane Ike in 2008, before residents were able to return to their homes on Galveston Island, Frank Billingsley pulled off what he calls his “best idea ever.”

“I flew in the helicopter above Galveston showing people what to expect when they returned home,” says the iconic KPRC reporter. “We did four hours of live reality TV that day, with viewers on the phone and me … and my cameraman finding their homes to show them any damage.” Stunts like that one — simultaneously informative and entertaining — are why viewers have tuned in to Billingsley’s forecasts for the past three decades, through Harvey and crazy ice storms and all the rest. He has also become known for his activism and volunteerism with orgs like The Diana Foundation.

“This town is the most giving-back city in the world, and I genuinely am happy to play a role in promoting so many of our great causes.”

MEDIA

Leader

ERIC BERGER Houstonians are used to dealing with hurricanes — but that doesn’t make the start of a new season any less nerve-wracking. Eric Berger, 47, wants to change that. His blog, Space City Weather, “began as a hobby” with pal Matt Lanza when the reporter left his post at the Houston Chronicle in 2015. But then Hurricane Harvey hit. “All of a sudden we had 1 million page views a day at the height of the storm,” he says. After its passing, Space City Weather picked up Reliant as a sponsor. The site has garnered something of a cult following for its “hype-free” forecasts, which “cut through the noise, and tell people what we know and what we don’t. … When we do sound the alarm on a weather event, our readers take us very seriously.” At the start of this year’s hurricane season, the dad of two — and all-around space enthusiast who penned the book Liftoff: Elon Musk and the Desperate Early Days, last year — is proud to roll out Space City Weather’s new app, which he says readers have been requesting for years.

Legend

MARTHA TURNER For the last 40 years, few names have been as synonymous with luxury residential real estate in Houston as Martha Turner, a former music teacher from Hemphill who once lived in a mobile home and sold wigs to make ends meet. In 1981, after years as an educator, she started a real estate agency and changed the industry forever. Gregarious and hard-working, she wasn’t happy with the notion that her associates would be part-time, partly engaged agents, which was de rigueur at the time. She created a company in which all involved would be committed, knowledgeable pros. It worked — well. Seven years ago, after her firm had logged more than $2 billion in sales, Sotheby’s International Realty acquired her operation, renaming it Martha Turner Sotheby’s International Realty. “We are the jewel in their crown,” she once told a reporter proudly. Turner continues to engage the city as a philanthropic leader, with particular interests in healthcare, women’s needs, the arts and education; she’s been a major donor to the United Way for 20 years.

REAL ESTATE

Leader

BILL BALDWIN “I love Houston and I feel that real estate presents a really hands-on way to make a difference in your community,” says Bill Baldwin, whose boutique firm, Boulevard Realty, engages civically with sponsorships, public-private partnerships and many hours of volunteer service.

“I’ve always felt strongly that realtors should be giving back and investing in the communities where they work.” Baldwin is also a certified educator for the Houston Association of Realtors and a planning commissioner for the City of Houston, having been the very first appointment of Mayor Sylvester Turner’s administration. But it’s his day job that keeps him excited.

“Buying a home in Houston is a great investment. The cost of living here is still relatively cheap for the worldclass city Houston is. And as remote work becomes more common, I think you’ll see more people moving here to live, work and play. I see a very bright future for our city.”

Leader

CHLOE DAO More than two decades ago, Chloe Dao brought the national fashion spotlight to Houston, winning season two of Project Runway and choosing Rice Village, rather than New York or L.A., as the site for her boutique.

“I might have been the only boutique [in Houston] showcasing my designs and supporting local small artists and fashion designers,” Dao says of that time. Now, “there are a few boutiques that do that so well,” and “the selection is wide, which reflects the [diversity of Houston] I truly love.”

And Dao herself is continuing to add to the fabric of Houston’s fashion scene, having opened a one-year popup, which she describes as an “openconcept, design-meets-retail space,” in the Heights. A working studio located in the new M-K-T development, it’ll focus on made-to-order or custom cocktail and evening attire. “It is a truly personalized experience, and saving the environment, too.”

STYLE

Legend

PAGE PARKES It’s been 40 years since a college-age Page Parkes began her model-scout career — by accident. While studying fashion design in Switzerland, she asked eight girlfriends, young black women from Africa, to model her student collection for a competition.

She won, but she felt she didn’t deserve the credit: “It was the models who won, not me,” she says. “The magical part of the fashion business is the model. And they need to be protected. They need to be paid.” In 1981 she founded her eponymous agency for models and actors, which at one point had offices in Houston, Dallas, Austin and Miami, where Parkes is credited for discovering a young Channing Tatum, among many other famous finds. In fact, her eye for talent is almost as noted as the business and leadership skills she imparts to the young people she works with, as a byproduct of grooming them as models. Moving forward, the agency will shift focus to more explicitly offer leadership training. “Our youth have been locked up for so long, with no motivation. There’s been some damage done. I’d like to help.”

Leader

DARREN VAN DELDEN When nightlife impresario Darren Van Delden, 45, reflects on the past year, he sees more than a lack of revenue. “There are so many other people and companies in this industry that people may not realize were also hurt by the shutdowns,” says a somber Van Delden, who was vocal in his criticism of Gov. Abbott’s handling of the Covid crisis. “Our vendors, purveyors, cleaners, valet personnel, DJs… they all suffered greatly.” But Van Delden — founder of Union Venture Hospitality, which is behind popular bars like Jack & Gingers and 77 Degrees, as well as yesteryear’s hits like Red Door — fostered “an enormous sense of team,” and praises his employees for sticking it out and sticking together.

After several months of hunkering down at his Highland Village-area home with wife Anna and their two young daughters, Van Delden is revving up for a busy rest of 2021, which kicked off with the opening of the colorful Wonder Bar in Midtown.

He plans to open one additional concept in Austin and two in Dallas by the end of the year.

NIGHTLIFE

Legend

SCOTT GERTNER Three-time Grammy nominee and Houston nightlife institution Scott Gertner opened his new Rhythm Room near Memorial Park in February 2020 after years of searching for the right spot. A couple weeks into its soft opening, the club had to shut down — along with the rest of the city. But Gertner, who during his soulful singing career opened for acts like Elton John and Harry Connick Jr. and also performed regularly at his storied SkyBar & Grille in Montrose, wasn’t discouraged. “[During] the small amount of time we were open, we had such an outpouring support from our fans; they gave us positive vibes that encouraged us to fight hard to stay in business,” says the HSPVA grad, who dubs Rhythm Room a “Southern hip Creole restaurant” with nightly live music.

“The fact that I’m still popular with the in-crowd is rewarding.”

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Eat. Drink. Travel. Live.

Tonight’s Special After years of restoration, La Colombe d’Or and its restaurant, Tonight & Tomorrow, has reopened. And with dishes like these Vadouvan-curry carrots, it was worth the wait! For more foodie news, see Latest Dish. page 65

Dining

Forward March Clockwise: herb and flower cocktails in the lounge; the private dining room’s art installation grows on you; bar manager Alex Negranza; a dessert of beeswax gelato with heirloom turmeric and honey

Top Tier Long-awaited, exclusive and daringly refined, Montrose’s March is the season’s hottest table. By Jeff Gremillion, Photos by Julie Soefer

S

Slowly, for years now, passersby have watched the site that now houses the exquisite and grandly subtle March restaurant come to life on Westheimer’s Restaurant Row. Little by little the two-story structure was erected, on the campus that now houses hip Goodnight Charlie’s country bar in back — the first arrival of the ambitious Goodnight Hospitality group a few years ago. Rosie Cannonball, a smart and bustling upscale pizzeria of sorts, and the Montrose Cheese & Wine shop occupy the bottom floor and have been earning plaudits for their chill, urbane flair for a while now.

Finally, the flagship has arrived, glowing the from the top story. An exclusive and pricey tasting-menu-only affair — a meal for two, with wine pairings, could easily run as much as your car payment — March isn’t named for the month.

Although it did make a point to open on the last day of

64 | houstoncitybook.com

March, one assumes as an appeal to karma.

The actual meaning connotes the spaces in the middle grounds between the formal boundaries of countries or regions. The frontier, if you will. The idea is that the food is informed by traditions — in this case, those of the Mediterranean — but will venture into surprising new places.

A bit familiar, a bit avant-garde. And this vibe is imparted from your first steps through the front door downstairs.

First you’re led up to the lounge, at once a slick and funky kind of space that favors a wheat-hued farm-house study — but one with a vaguely mid-century feel, with low-slung minimal banquettes and bits of colorful abstract art and chicly bulbous Roly Poly dining chairs that look uncomfortable but aren’t. This is where, with a soundtrack featuring the likes of Erykah Badu and next-level cocktails so laden with fragrant fresh herbs and blooms they resemble floral arrangements, all March meals begin. Posh snacks here include bite-size vehicles for caviar and foie gras.

After cocktails, again guests are led as if on a tour, with anticipation growing, to the dining room, which is brazenly understated, in soft hues of pinkish white and light caramel.

Brand-new exposed brick walls are painted to look old, like a refurbished loft in a city where they do that kind of thing. The only design element that shouts rather than whisper is in the private dining space to one side, on whose far wall and ceiling grows an art piece by the Argentinian Alexandra Kehayoglou

LATEST DISH! HOUSTON’S BEST FOOD NEWS, IN SMALL BITES ...

Chef Lance Fegen has opened his namesake restaurant on Studewood, where he once helmed the original Liberty Kitchen. At Fegen’s, he and the rest of the crew at F.E.E.D. TX Restaurant Group are serving approachable comfort food in a cozy atmosphere, marked by a dark and sophisticated color scheme — red leather banquettes, forestgreen subway tiles.

At the bar, order bites like “chowder fries,” and wash ’em down with creative spins on classic cocktails — heavy on the gin and whiskey — by Nicole Meza, who previously led the bar program at Weights + Measures.

1050 Studewood St., fegens.com

that appears to be a living wall but is really made of carpet-like green textiles.

Tables, with all seats angled to give a view of the open kitchen, are topped with custom, elasticized linens, like a fitted sheet — can’t have fabric flapping to the floor and breaking the minimalist chi. Likewise, a server will promptly bring you a little stool for your purse or phone if they see it cluttering up the table surface. They run a tight ship.

All of this, of course, is to set the scene for either six or nine courses of highly refined dishes — the kind in which each microherb is set in place with tweezers — by Chef Felipe Riccio, who is also a co-owner. The first one out might be a wonderfully fresh salad of local peas, bright green and al dente, with a pretty pile of smoked trout roe and a salty little hit of lamb pancetta. The next perhaps is a crudo of amberjack fashioned into four checkerboardlike squares, adorned neatly with apple slices and pickled rose petals. And so on.

The food is regal and yet feels bright and simple in its essence. Bold and unexpected flavor combinations, grounded ultimately in the Mediterranean and its longstanding influences, served up as theater. And, like any smash stage show, tickets are hard to get.

Reservations are definitely required, and advance planning highly recommended. 

The hottest table in town, Bludorn has launched Sunday brunch, complete with live jazz. A refined yet hearty menu of Southern- and Gulftinged plates includes classics like a Frisée salad, Monte Cristo sandwich and, of course, shrimp-andgrits and steakand-eggs. Expect top-notch pastries — donuts, cinnamon rolls — courtesy of chef Alejandra Salas, and a bar menu that includes a chipotleand-cinnamon-infused bloody Mary. Sunday brunch is available from 11am-2:30pm, and Bludorn reopens at 5pm for its alreadybeloved Sunday Suppers. 807 Taft St. Tonight & Tomorrow and Bar No. 3 are now serving

inside the newly reopened La Colombe d’Or. Full-service Tonight & Tomorrow serves breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner, touting modern European cuisine with Southern influences, a la crab bucatini with creamy Ravigote sauce. Touting craft cocktails and caviar service, Bar No. 3 occupies the reimagined bar space in the back corner of the mansion’s ground level, now with an adjoining outdoor “living room” and a passthrough to the hotel’s front library.

3411 Yoakum Blvd., lacolombedor.com This time last year, grocery stores were running out of essentials — and eateries created pop-up markets inside their restaurants. One year later, the hip hybrid is here to stay.

Kickin’ Kombucha in the East End

La Colombe d’Or’s F&B director Chris Fleischman and chef Jonathan Wicks and, below, eggs benedict at Bludorn

partnered with other purveyors early on in the pandemic to provide delivery and pickup from one place, and now its Kickin’ Local Market & Eatery (5420 Lawndale St.) has expanded to include breakfast and lunch service and a beer and wine program. Across the street, Harris County General Store (5434 Lawndale St.) is prepping for its May opening. Inside, expect traditional Texas barbecue, along with accoutrements and accessories for the at-home pitmaster.

And Agnes (2132 Bissonnet St.), a cafégrocery-store hybrid, opens in June in the former Tropicales space, offering indoor-outdoor Mediterranean-tinged breakfast, lunch and dinner. A retail portion includes grab-and-go food, baked goods, gifts and more.

Dining

Saucy! Hokkien Mee with thick egg noodles, shrimp and calamari at Phat Eatery and, at left, Cuc Lam and Alex Au-Yeung

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Power Pair

At two restaurants in Katy Asian Town, entrepreneur-chef duo Alex Au-Yeung and Cuc Lam cook up thoughtful Malaysian-inspired fare. By Patrick Magee

Alex Au-Yeung and Cuc Lam are as interesting and warm as the food they serve. Located inside the quietly thriving Katy Asian Town west of Houston, Au-Yeung and Lam’s Malaysian restaurant Phat Eatery and just-opened bahn mi shop Yelo are standouts in the growing complex, anchored by specialty grocer H-Mart and featuring well known favorites like Mala Sichuan plus 30 other restaurants, tea shops and karaoke bars.

Raised in Hong Kong by Malaysian parents, Au-Yeung came to the U.S. to attend UH and study aviation technology.

He found his way into the restaurant biz through a point-ofsale company he launched that catered to Asian restaurants.

Determined to start his own resto, he returned to Hong Kong, paying chefs to allow him to work as free labor in exchange for teaching him the ways of the Cantonese kitchen, which emphasizes simple preparations with fresh ingredients.

In 2018, he opened Phat, the cumulation of his studies.

Malaysian restaurants in Houston tend to serve “the same menu at the same price in the same environment,” he says. “I’m trying to bring something new to Houston.”

In the center of the restaurant is a bar, with illuminated signs lending the feeling of a street market, a vital aspect of Malaysian culture. “One vendor specializes in one thing and prepares it

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for generations,” he explains. In this tradition, Phat’s ingredients are sourced locally, and everything is cooked from scratch. A Malaysian twist on curry, Curry Laksa, with soft egg noodles and a thin curry “soup” topped with jumbo shrimp, tofu and bean sprouts, is a must-try. For the adventurous, the Feed Me special features six courses of the chef’s choosing.

And the chefs are busy: Next door, Lam is spearheading Yelo, the duo’s just-opened sandwich concept. Opening a restaurant during Covid is certainly a challenge, but Lam is no stranger to adversity. A daughter of refugees, Lam was raised in Mississippi where she developed a repertoire of Vietnamese, Cajun and Southern cuisine by watching her mom and aunts in the kitchen.

Yelo, named for a color associated with joy, was originally envisioned as a traditional diner; the concept evolved in light of Covid to a grab-and-go, designed with yellow walls and smart charcoal accents. Lam leans on her Asian-Cajun roots to create dishes like the Char Siu Xiu Mai, traditional Vietnamese meatballs with a Texas twist. “My mom has cooked this xiu mai for us my entire life,” says Lam. “No other Vietnamese places serve it this way, but it’s because in her version, she serves it with a Chinese barbecue marinade. It’s a dish close to my heart because it reminds me of my family.” 

Food Culture

BAKE TAKES THERE’S A FILIPINO BAKING BOOM, AND HERE’S HOW THAT LOOKED IN THE, AHEM, INSTAGRAM FEED.

Community Kitchen Bask Pastries’ Marie Yeo and Ube Co.’s Jai Duque and, at right, Flipanadas at Flip ’n Patties, which hosts bakers for pop-up events

Power of the Pop-Up

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Aleng Nina’s @alengninas After getting laid off last year, Nina Canete’s dream of owning a food biz was forced into fruition. Crowd faves include these sylvannas, a Filipino frozen cookie sandwich made of cashew-meringue wafers.

Filipino bakers turn a Covid hobby into a viable business — with a built-in network. By Gemini Quintos, Portrait by Daniel Ortiz After 2020’s fad of sourdough starters and parking-lot pastry swaps subsided, many continued to bake. Some even turned their newfound talent into a business.

In Houston, several Filipino home bakers have found success over the past year, perfecting traditional breads and desserts from the Philippines — pandesal, bibingka and leche flan — and incorporating customary flavors like ube (purple yam) and mango into nonconventional bakes, like babkas and Basquestyle cheesecakes. They craft the goods in their own kitchens, and sell them at Filipino restaurants across Houston, like Gerry’s Grill in Chinatown, On Da House in Sugar Land, and Flip ’n Patties in the Energy Corridor.

“Coming from food truck life, we’ve always had to collaborate with other businesses,” says Flip ’n Patties’ Don Jante, who opened a brickand-mortar outpost of his popular Filipino longanisa burger truck in 2017. “It benefits both parties and gives our guests different varieties of tastes and experiences.”

For Karen Guntalilib, who opened On Da House tapioca in December 2019, taking on pop-ups was just as crucial for her restaurant as it was for the bakers. “We started ordering goods from local businesses, a lot of whom got laid off.

We decided to do pop-ups to help them, and at the same time get some traffic at the shop.”

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This reciprocal pop-up model is not new, but it is extra special in a community whose centrifugal force is food and extended family.

The mutual support takes on additional meaning when many of the home-bakery businesses were born out of a need for income following job loss, and are serving a community in which so many work on the front lines in health care.

“Restaurant pop-ups are super important for small start-ups like us,” says Jai Duque, who started Ube Co. HTX — already known for its ube tart made with cream cheese, milk and an in-house ube jam — in 2020. “[The restaurants] allow us to use their space at no cost, since we do not yet have the capability to have our own.”

Plus, partnering with restaurants yields more personal encounters. “We get to stay in the store, and we get the chance to meet our customers and really showcase our products to them,” says Marie Yeo, a former F&B supervisor in the hotel industry who started Bask Pastries — with indulgent burnt cheesecakes in flavors like Earl Grey — when she got laid off due to Covid.

“Gone are the days where businesses bash and tear down each other to be able to survive,” adds Duque. “We believe that the business culture has evolved due to the difficulties our society has been experiencing. Everyone has been really supportive of each other.” 

Salvaje @salvaje_htx Nicu Dalman started Salvaje to earn a living during the shutdown. He incorporates Filipino flavors and techniques into items like doughnut holes, sourdough bread and more.

Bread Sisters @breadsisters_htx Two friends began baking bread at the onset of Covid, and one quit her job to serve up hits like the sweet-dough pastry ensaymada, above, full-time.

HOUSTON’S PREMIER

WE D D I N G A N D C O R P O R AT E E V E N T

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Wellness

Beauty ‘Clean’ Maryam Naderi’s Paloma Beauty salons are known for their minimalist-chic design scheme.

Nailing It

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With a well timed ‘super clean’ ethos, Paloma’s Maryam Naderi opens a fourth location of her popular nail salon. By Natalia Gonzalez Blanco Serrano Boasting clean practices and high safety standards, Maryam Naderi’s Paloma Beauty — with salons in the Heights, Uptown and Downtown — is expanding, even after a year of countless industry-wide closures. Her fourth location, next-door to DryBar on Kirby, opens in mid-May. “Just in the last month alone, our sales have picked up tremendously,” says the beautiful, engaging Naderi. “People are getting vaccinated and feel comfortable leaving the house and going back to work. People are resuming social activities, and they want to look good.”

and that for the work that they’re doing they’re happy with their paycheck.

Even before the pandemic, people have been seeking out “clean” beauty. What’s the appeal? It’s something that has gained a lot of traction on social media. So now more than ever, people want to know what’s being put on their face or what is being used to remove their polish. For us, there are two components to clean beauty: The first is using products that are safe. We’re not using any chemicals that are harmful. Secondly, and just as importantly, we provide a safe environment for our employees. … We really focus on ensuring that our team feels like they’re in a safe, positive space, they’re not overworked,

What’ll set the new salon apart? That location will represent what I view as the future of the spa industry. We will offer nail, facial, waxing and body services. I think that the modern person … wants convenience, accessibility and affordability. My goal for our River Oaks location was always to make this space feel like you’re going to your very fashionable aunt’s apartment in Paris … comfortable but elegant, inviting and super clean. I think people are just going to want to be there just to be there, and then think to themselves, “Oh, I’m also getting a great manicure or facial or massage.” 

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Many salons and spas closed their doors for good in 2020. How did Paloma stay open? The fact that we built this business on the premise that we are a clean space worked out really well for us during the pandemic, when people became hyper-aware of cleanliness and sanitization. We had a lot of new customers as soon as we reopened last year that were saying to us, “I can’t even imagine going to my old place anymore.”

We’ve Made Some Changes for Spring EXPANDED FOODIE MARKET • NEW WINE SHOP • NEW MENU I TEMS TM

Nosh new, fresh chef-prepared dishes highlighting locally sourced proteins, vegetables and grains.

Choose a bottle from our seasonallyevolving collection of red, white, and sparkling wines in our upstairs bottle shop and sip it with friends on our new patio.

And, while you’re here, take a minute to shop for foodie staples — discover items from around the block and around the world.

See you soon.

2424 DUNSTAN IN T HE RI CE V I LL AGE | 713.522.7602 | LOCALFOODSMK T.COM

Travel

WEEKEND UPDATE

‘FOUR’ SCORE! Sun-sational The pool at Hotel ZaZa Austin

Spring Awakening Austin’s Hotel ZaZa is an urban oasis beckoning visitors back to downtown. By Evan W. Black

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Covid changed Austin, to say the least — festival cancelations, an influx of California license plates, a steep and sudden decline in tourism. But the weirdly wonderful city is poised to make a full return, even without landmark spring events like SXSW. One bright spot is the still-new Hotel ZaZa, located on a prime corner downtown, across from Republic Square and just a few blocks from Lady Bird Lake. It’s four-star-property central here, as The W, Driskill and Austin Proper hotels are all a stone’s throw away. But the ZaZa, which opened in September 2019 and had a hyped-up six-month run ahead of the pandemic, is set apart.

The hotel is luxurious without being stuffy; unique design elements, like a mod sculptural light fixture hanging over bohoupholstered spindle-leg chairs in the lobby, lend a right-at-home feel. Guest rooms are spacious, and come equipped with a handsigned “cleanliness” report as well as a “Fresh Air” purifying machine.

A signature of the ZaZa brand, the twelfth floor offers the beautifully designed Magnificent Seven suites, each with a unique décor scheme. For example, the Orient Express suite spans the entire width of the hotel, with train-car-style sleeping arrangements for a large party.

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Downtown obviously provides plenty of dine-around options. Everything from breakfast tacos and barbecue to celebrated high-end fare at new Comedor is within walking distance. But it’s not a bad idea to stay on-property for at least one meal at the rooftop-poolside restaurant Group Therapy.

Delightfully greasy pepperoni pizza awaits, as does a well executed wedge salad with cinnamon-roasted butternut squash, bacon, pecans and a peppercorn-parmesan dressing.

And buttermilk-fried chicken sits atop a bed of Brussels sprouts and whipped potatoes, all drizzled with a bit of peppered honey.

The first-floor restaurant Perfect Strangers has remained mostly closed over the last year, but plans to open soon. Likewise, the ZaSpa is currently operating on weekends, and should resume weekday hours in the months to come.

When it opened a year and a half ago, ZaZa was garnering buzz as an event space, given its ballroom with incredible downtown views and ample conference rooms. And while those aspects have been largely irrelevant until just recently, management feels optimistic that as businesses opt out of large-scale office spaces in the future, unique meeting places like the ones the ZaZa provides will be in high demand. 

SHORTLY BEFORE the pandemic hit, negating the mere idea of in-person galas or conferences, the Four Seasons Hotel Houston embarked on a lengthy and expensive reno process for its ballroom, guest rooms and suites. Fast-forward to a world in which Houstonians are getting vaccinated at an encouraging rate, and the luxury property is ready to unveil its new look. Talk about timing!

Celebrated architect and designer Lauren Rottet utilized a warmly contemporary color palette in the new guest rooms and suites; hues of blue, brass and wood come together to create a soothing, yet distinctly Texan, aesthetic. The State, Ambassador and Presidential suites and Penthouse are all newly outfitted with custom furnishings, contemporary art, sculptural light fixtures — and an excellent wet bar situation.

The Presidential Suite and Penthouse now boast openfloorplan-style layouts, designed to recall an urbane apartment rather than a hotel room. They even have in-suite gym areas complete with weights, a Peloton and the new interactive fitness program, Mirror.

In January, the hotel debuted its expanded grand ballroom and revamped meeting spaces, designed by Meyer Davis, who was also responsible for the living-room-style reno of the lobby a few years back.

–ewb Take a Seat A newly redesigned corner guest room at the Four Seasons

Chocolate cake with popcorn ice cream at Tonight & Tomorrow

GuideBook

Here’s where to dine, what to order, and who to know now in the most deliciously diverse city in America. raw bar. Pick from the substantial wine list that includes more than 250 Champagnes or sparklings.

Excellent take-out and delivery specials! 2300 Westheimer Rd., 713.722.6899

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DINING DISTRICT 1 MEMORIAL, GALLERIA AREA, RIVER OAKS, UPPER KIRBY, MONTROSE

A’BOUZY american This sceney restaurant and patio combines a menu of shareable plates with prime meats and a

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ADAIR KITCHEN american This Tanglewood neighborhood gem is popular for its cold-pressed juices, big breakfasts and giant salads. Healthful home-style meals are casual and quick, but regulars are known to settle in with a bottle of wine at dinnertime and stay awhile. 5161 San Felipe St., 713.623.6100 AMALFI italian Charming Amalfi touts coastal Italian dishes like homemade fettuccine in

creamy black-truffle sauce by Salerno native chef Giancarlo Ferrara. 6100 Westheimer Rd., 713.532.2201 AVONDALE FOOD & WINE french

L’Olivier on Westheimer is now Avondale Food & Wine. Expect still-amazing shareable plates that chef Olivier Ciesielski rotates seasonally. There’s a private dining room filled with 100 bottles of wine, selected by consultant Nate Rose, available for retail purchase. 240 Westheimer Rd., 713.360.6313 BACKSTREET CAFÉ american Housed in a two-story 1930s home, Hugo Ortega’s Backstreet Café became a River Oaks staple

30 years ago. Expect a menu boasting an imaginative take on seasonal fare along with hefty vegetarian selections. 1103 S. Shepherd Dr., 713.521.2239 BCN TASTE & TRADITION spanish Named after Barcelona’s airport code, BCN offers authentic Spanish cuisine in a whitetablecloth setting. The specialty gin and tonics are a must-have, as is the Spanish Iberico ham. 4210 Roseland St., 832.834.3411 NEW! BLUDORN american Aaron Bludorn — who’s worked in several Michelin-starred restaurants and appeared on Netflix’s The Final Table — and his wife Victoria Bludorn (née Pappas, of that Pappas family)

deliver a Gulf-tinged New American menu and low-key finedining to Montrose.

BRASIL american/coffee Part coffee shop, part wine bar, part bistro and part art gallery, Brasil is a buzzy brunch destination, and the shaded back patio stays packed with drinkers and diners well into the night.

2604 Dunlavy St., 712.528.1993 BRENNER’S ON THE BAYOU steakhouse

Enjoy dinner with a view at this steakhouse nestled on the lush banks of Buffalo Bayou.

Steaks, sides and decadent desserts are all good bets, and the restaurant’s hip Blue Bar offers a less formal — yet still sophisticated — vibe with craft cocktails. One Birdsall St., 713.868.4444

another coming soon to Garden Oaks! 1706 Westheimer Rd., 713.529.3535 multiple locations visit restaurant website for details DA MARCO italian High-end Da Marco puts a luxurious spin on Tuscan cuisine with dishes like spaghetti-andsea-urchin and sweet-corn ravioli with lobster. The elegant space is one often considered for special occasions. 1520 Westheimer Rd. DESSERT GALLERY bakery This Upper Kirby café is clean and bright, with colorful treats that range from bite-size brownies to decadent custom cakes for big parties. Sit and enjoy with a cappuccino. 3600 Kirby Dr., 713.522.9999 UPDATE! DISH SOCIETY american

CARACOL mexican/seafood Hugo Ortega’s seafood-savvy concept boasts Mexican coastal cuisine in a swanky, mod space on Post Oak. Order the banana-leafwrapped sea bass or coal-roasted peppered tuna, and spring for the signature El Coco dessert and use a wooden mallet to crack open its chocolate shell. 2200 Post Oak Blvd., 713.622.9996

Fast-casual diner Dish Society is known for its relationships with local purveyors. From fresh juices to the customizable farmer’s plate, diners love the revolving menu of clean eats. Now open in Bellaire! 5740 San Felipe St., 832.538.1060 multiple locations visit restaurant website for details

UPDATE! COMMON BOND

steakhouse

bakery

Enjoy gourmet coffee and buttery croissants as big as your face at this Montrose bakery and cafe.

Take advantage of the free Wi-Fi and post up with a lavender latte on the dog-friendly patio.

There’s a drive-through location now open in the Heights, and

GIANCARLO FERRARA Executive Chef & Owner

Italian born, Amalfi Coast native, will transport you to his homeland with his inspired menu of fresh seafood, vivid citrus, and cozy olive oil in addition to fresh pastas, assorted meats, family-made cheeses, and an extensive, thoughtful Italian wine list.

P RIVATE D INING Book your next special event or private occasion at Amalfi!

CATERING & EVENTS Bring the magic of the Amalfi Coast with our worldclass full catering service!

R OMOLO B IANCO

DORIS METROPOLITAN This glam steakhouse in the old Triniti space is inspired by Middle Eastern flavors. Hot tip: The breadbasket alone may be worth the trip, with rolls flavored with caramelized onions and presented with crushedtomato spreads and herb butters.

2815 S. Shepherd Dr.

Book Romolo Bianco for Your Special Event or Private Party.

WORLD-CLASS MUSICIAN FROM NAPLES, ITALY

Pianist, Guitarist & Singer specializing in his heartfelt ballads from his native Napoli.

Performing Nightly, Exclusively at Amalfi.

CITYBOOK DINING DISTRICTS

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1 Memorial, Galleria Area, River Oaks, Upper Kirby and Montrose

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3 Midtown, Downtown, EaDo, Third Ward, Fifth Ward 4 Bellaire, West University, Museum District, Med Center

Mother’s Day Brunch

Sunday, May 9, 2021 11am - 3:30 pm

CityBook Partner

6100 WESTHEIMER RD., HOUSTON, TEXAS 77057

/AmalfiHouston

713.532.2201

www.amalfihouston.com 91 | houstoncitybook.com @AmalfiHouston

GuideBook

EL TIEMPO tex-mex El Tiempo — now open in Kingwood and The Woodlands — delivers Tex-Mex in a big way with platters like the ancho-glazed grilled quail with cheese enchiladas and spicy shrimp chalupas. Pair with a peach margarita and be sure to save room for tres leches cake and sopapillas. 322 Westheimer Rd, 713.807.8101 multiple locations visit restaurant website for details ELOISE NICHOLS southern Regulars post up at this Highland Village restaurant where hearty plates like the maple-brined grilled pork chop are offered alongside craft cocktails and wine.

Breakfast is served on weekday mornings and happy hour — “Afternoon Bites” include a yummy cheese board — is offered daily. 2400 Mid Lane, Ste. 100, 713.554.0136 FLEMING'S steakhouse Situated at the corner of West Alabama and Kirby, this River Oaks steakhouse is beloved for its happening happy hour and impeccable service. 2405 W. Alabama St., 713.520.5959 FLOWER CHILD vegetarian Wash down a scratch-made vegan wrap — the Thai Dye has spicy tofu and daikon radish — with flavored lemonade or organic wine or beer at this healthy resto. New location just opened in the Heights! In Uptown Park, 713.730.4261 multiple locations visit restaurant website for details GEORGIA JAMES steakhouse Chris Shepherd puts a distinct spin, as only he can, on this steakhouse named after his parents. Cast-iron-seared or wood-fire-grilled steaks from 44 Farms are presented with sides like Steen’s-vinaigrette-dressed Brussels sprouts. 1100 Westheimer Rd., 832.241.5088 GROTTO RISTORANTE italian Find sophisticated takes on Italian classics like Veal San Pietro. A festive Sunday brunch brings French toast with Grand Marnier batter and frozen peach Bellinis. 4715 Westheimer Rd., 713.622.3663 multiple locations visit restaurant website for details

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HOPDODDY american This wildly obsessed-over burger bar features a menu of piled-high patties with toppings like seared poblanos, apple-smoked bacon and truffle aioli alongside fries and queso. 4444 Westheimer Rd. 713.227.2337; hopdoddy.com mulitple locations visit restaurant website for details HS GREEN american Fast-food meets clean-eats at this order-at-the-counter restaurant near the Galleria. Wash down a customized wrap or salad with a cold-pressed juice. 5092 Richmond Ave., 713.904.3547 HUGO’S mexican Chef Hugo Ortega’s namesake restaurant is a Houston staple, serving up authentic Mexican cuisine with margaritas to match.

Guests love the festive weekend brunch buffet where indulging in seconds — even thirds! — is a must. 1600 Westheimer Rd., 713.524.7744 KATA ROBATA japanese Discreetly situated in a retail center, this top-notch sushi bar serves up fresh, innovative Japanese dishes daily under the direction of executive chef Manabu Horiuchi. Try a heaping bowl of spicy soy ramen — or Chef Hori’s inventive new caviar service. 3600 Kirby Dr., 713.526.8858 KILLEN'S southern Ronnie Killen’s first inner-Loop endeavor is now open in the former Hickory Hollow space. At Killen’s, expect much of the same mouthwatering comfort-food fare experienced at his fried-chicken pop-ups throughout the last year, plus fried green tomatoes with buttermilk sauce, and an ever-comforting chicken-anddumplings dish. 101 Heights Blvd., 713.637.4664 LA GRIGLIA italian From caprese salad to wild mushroom lasagna, the menu at La Griglia is simple, but elegant.

When Houston weather permits, enjoy the patio, complete with fire pits and scenic River Oaks views.

2002 W. Gray St., 713.526.4700 LE COLONIAL french/vietnamese French-Vietnamese cuisine is presented in a posh space in River Oaks District. Dishes like the crispy whole duck

— which serves up to four people and must be ordered in advance — are authentic and full-flavored. Weekend brunch brings Vietnamese steak and eggs and “exotic” mimosas! 4444 Westheimer Rd., 713.629.4444 MAD spanish Everything at this BCN sister concept — from the mirror-lined hall to the bathroom and the cartoon-like, cheese-stuffed shiny red MAD Tomato — is photoworthy. Reservations weeks in advance highly recommended.

4444 Westheimer Rd., 281.888.2770 UPDATE! MALA SICHUAN chinese This longtime Chinatown favorite is equally popular inside the Loop, where its corner location in a Montrose shopping strip is reminiscent of a trendy New York resto. Mala’s menu packs a punch with dishes like the dry-pot chicken and three-pepper duck.

Now open in Sugar Land! 1201 Westheimer Rd., 832.767.0911 MASTRO'S steakhouse At more-is-more Mastro’s, Vegas comes to Houston, with everything but showgirls and roulette wheels. Try something out of the steakhouse box, like the Wagyu hamburger helper. 1650 W. Loop S., 713.993.2500 MERUS GRILL american Uptown Park’s newly enhanced dining scene includes industrialglam Merus Grill, from the folks at J. Alexander’s. The menu touts beautifully prepared, classic American dishes — fresh seafood, burgers, piled-high salads. 1180 Uptown Park Blvd., 346.299.5775 NARIN’S BOMBAY BRASSERIE south asian

Indulge in saag paneer and chicken tikka masala (and oh so much more) at this traditional Indian restaurant run by father-and-son team Narin and Sanjay Sehgal.

Visit during weekend brunch and see what’s cooking on the tandoor in the main dining room. 3005 W. Loop S., 713.622.2005 NOBU sushi At socialite-savvy Nobu, hyperinformed waiters float around, delivering bite-sized delicacies on geometric white plates to tables. Unique takes on sushi include ones with pickled cucumbers, Shiso leaf and

Japanese mackerel. In the Galleria, 832.987.2599 NORTH ITALIA italian Stop in to this hip Uptown Italian restaurant for happy hour on weekday evenings and all day on Sundays to enjoy the $20 special: a choice of a pizza, bruschetta, or meat-and-cheese board, with a bottle of wine. In BLVD Place, 281.605.4030 ONE FIFTH gulf cuisine In its fourth phase, One Fifth explores the fresh flavors of the Gulf coast, with a menu of raw, cured, fried and roasted seafood. 1658 Westheimer Rd., 713.955.1024 OUISIE'S TABLE southern This River Oaks institution serving Southern standards — shrimp and cheese grits, New Orleans red snapper, chicken and waffles at brunch! — is charming. With a beautiful patio and private rooms, it’s a popular locale for showers, receptions and more, too. 3939 San Felipe St., 713.528.2264 OUZO BAY mediterranean This Greek spot in River Oaks District, known for its eye-catching seafood displays and simply delicious whole-fish presentation, is next door to the whiskey-centric Loch Bar. 4444 Westheimer Rd., 832.430.6610 PAPPAS BROS. STEAKHOUSE steakhouse

Given its expansive wine list and in-house dry-aging process, diners can expect nothing short of perfection when dining at familyowned Pappas Bros. Steakhouse.

Visit the newest location in the heart of Downtown. 5839 Westheimer Rd., 713.780.7352 PEPPER TWINS chinese Don’t take the “pepper” in foodie fave Pepper Twins lightly.

The dishes at this Szechuanstyle restaurant, now open in CityCentre, incorporate serious spices like the fresh nine-leaf peppercorn, helping customers to feel the burn. Try the mung bean smoothie! 315 Fairview St., 832.649.7175 multiple locations visit restaurant website for details RAGIN’ CAJUN cajun Crawfish season is here! There’s no better spot to get the fixins for a backyard boil than the original

GuideBook

Ragin’ Cajun on Richmond.

Don’t miss Jambalaya Tuesday, when a bowl is served with bread and a drink for just $10. 4302 Richmond Ave., 713.623.6321 RELISH american Quick counter service is offered for lunch and brunch at this café run by a husband and wife team, while evenings are reserved for a full-service dining experience. 2810 Westheimer Rd., 713.599.1960 RISTORANTE CAVOUR italian When a European vacation is not in the immediate future, visit the romantic Ristorante Cavour inside Hotel Granduca.

The elegant menu, executed

by Maurizio Ferrarese, boasts Italian plates and a wine list for days. 1080 Uptown Park Blvd., 713.418.1104 UPDATE! RIEL american Riel offers an American menu inspired by local color and chef Ryan Lachaine’s Ukrainian heritage; the Montreal smoked meat is splashed with French’s mustard. Check out the sandwiches at lunchtime, when Riel operates as Louie’s. 1927 Fairview St., 832.831.9109 UPDATE! STATE OF GRACE southern

Grab a seat at the oyster bar during happy hour for $1 oysters at chef Ford Fry’s River Oaks restaurant. Dining out with the fam? Try the festive Sunday supper for $29/person.

The new weekend brunch touts mouthwatering cinnamon rolls and batch cocktails — even to-go! 3258 Westheimer Rd., 832.942.5080 STEAK 48 steakhouse A steakhouse standout delivers in its rich side dishes — the Hasselback potatoes are excellent — and desserts.

Crowds of pretty people pour in early and stay late, so reservations are recommended.

In River Oaks District, 713.322.7448 NEW! TONIGHT & TOMORROW european Storied Montrose hotel La Colombe d’Or has reopened after years of restoration, and its restaurant was worth the wait.

Expect eclectic but sophisticated European dishes with Southern touches. Be sure to check out the

cocktail lounge, Bar No. 3. 3410 Montrose Blvd., 713.517.1001 TONY’S italian A cherished part of the Houston dining scene, Tony Vallone’s namesake restaurant is an exquisite treat from start to finish. Opt for the three-, fiveor seven-course tasting menu for a true culinary experience, featuring the foie gras flambé — a feast for the senses! 3755 Richmond Ave., 713.622.67788 UPDATE! TRIBUTE southern At this restaurant in the Houstonian hotel, savor unique fare that blends the flavors of Texas, Louisiana and Mexico.

Book the private wine room for a special occasion and pick your own playlist! 111 N. Post Oak Ln., 713.680.2626 UPDATE! UB PRESERV american Underbelly lives on at Chris Shepherd’s cozy concept on the Westheimer curve. Chef Nick Wong’s dim sum-style Sunday brunch was called out by Food & Wine as the most interesting brunch in America. Check out the new late-night menu on Thursdays! 1609 Westheimer Rd., 346.406.5923 UPDATE! UCHI japanese It’s hard to beat Uchi for fresh, interesting sushi and sashimi — and the Brussels sprouts are can’t-miss. The sake social hour seating, which offers heavily discounted plates and wine from 5 to 6:30pm, is one of the most sought-after in the city.

Prepare to wait in line. Equally delicious: An eight-course dinner to-go, with wine, for less than $100. 904 Westheimer Rd., 713.522.4808 VIBRANT american It's easy to be happy and healthy at this adorable neighborhood café. Enjoy breakfast — dishes like the coconut-chia pudding, which is both creamy and crunchy, are served all day — and lunch in an indoor-outdoor space that feels much more Santa Fe than Houston. 1931 Fairview St., 832.409.6423 WHITE ELM

bakery/mediterranean

The Memorial area’s new White Elm Café Bakery is a nearly 3,500-square-foot space with a patio that offers walk-up coffee and pastries in the morning and lunch and dinner daily.

GuideBook

Expect fresh bread, and Greek specialties nodding to chef-owner “Bread Man” Tasos Katsaounis’ upbringing. 14079 Memorial Dr., 281.496.2920 WILLIE G'S seafood The new Willie G’s, steps from Tilman Fertitta’s new Post Oak Hotel, is glam and modern. Enjoy the rotating selection of fresh fish, and the Mexican-street-corn-topped seared scallops. 1640 W. Loop S., 713.840.7190

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dishes are grown — doubles as a charming waiting area. 3320 White Oak Dr., 713.637.4095 FIELD & TIDES american This Heights restaurant in an old 1940s gas station may seem unassuming, but the food is incredible. Try the braised octopus with chorizo and chimichurri, or the colorful soba noodle salad. 705 E. 11th St., 713.861.6143 MAX'S WINE DIVE southern Here, keeping it classy means pairing fried chicken with a glass of Champagne. Max’s is hardly a dive, with a serious wine list and hearty Southern plates. 4720 Washington Ave., 713.880.8737; maxswinedive.com

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DINING DISTRICT 2 GARDEN OAKS, THE HEIGHTS, WASHINGTON CORRIDOR

BB’S CAFE southern Get your Cajun-food fix at BB’s: From Maw Maw’s gumbo to a platter of fried catfish, find New Orleans-style cooking with a Texas twist. 2701 White Oak Dr., 713.868.8000 multiple locations visit restaurant website for details B&B BUTCHERS steakhouse Venture in for the deep-fried A5 Wagyu katsu sando, or similarly stacked deli sandwich in the adjoining butcher shop, at this boutique steakhouse. A rooftop terrace makes B&B a premiere Sunday brunch destination. 1814 Washington Ave., 713.862.18144 B.B. LEMON american Ben Berg has combined the best of his two favorite cities, Houston and New York, at his latest concept located across from his flagship B&B Butchers. Expect flavorful plates like blue-crab beignets, craft cocktails and retroinspired desserts. 1809 Washington Ave., 713.554.1809 COLTIVARE italian With its strict “no-reservation” policy, the restaurant’s onsite garden — where many of the herbs and produce for the Italian

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POSTINO italian Rosé — and everything else — all day! This patio spot in Heights Mercantile, with a second location in Montrose, is always packed, especially during the bottle-andboard special, available after 8pm on Mondays and Tuesdays.

Coming soon to CityCentre! 642 Yale St., 346.223.1111 multiple locations visit restaurant website for details RAINBOW LODGE steakhouse True to its name, Rainbow Lodge provides steakhouse and wild game fare in a rustic lodge setting.

Outdoor seating on the newly expanded wine deck is coveted.

2011 Ella Blvd., 713.861.8666 REVIVAL MARKET american Part grocery store, part coffee shop, part sidewalk café, Revival Market is your one-stop shop for a midday treat. Try the hot chicken honey butter biscuit and stock up on meat and charcuterie for the week. 550 Heights Blvd., 713.880.8463

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DINING DISTRICT 3 MIDTOWN, DOWNTOWN, EADO, THIRD WARD, FIFTH WARD

THE BREAKFAST KLUB southern Enjoy a feast of home-style classics — wings and waffles, catfish and grits — at this no-frills Midtown diner. The line starts forming bright and early, but being part of the “klub” is worth the wait. 3711 Travis St., 713.528.8561 UPDATE! BRENNAN’S OF HOUSTON southern Count on this decades-old Houston staple for an exquisite dining experience full of Southern-Creole flavors. Seating spans two levels and guests love Sunday brunch in the courtyard.

The turtle soup with sherry is famous, as are the pralines.

Inquire about cocktail kits and DIY bananas foster, to go! 3300 Smith St., 713.522.9711 UPDATE! INDIANOLA american This retro-chic diner reopened after Covid with a new focus on Gulf cuisine. On the simple menu, find not only superb seafood, but lots of plates with influence from Mexico and ones utilizing local beef and pork. 1201 St. Emanuel St., 832.582.7202 NEW! THE NASH american With a globally inspired menu of shareable seasonal items, plus plenty of hearty steaks and chops, The Nash occupies the ground floor of the historic Star building.

Guests can expect to be enticed by pies like the Pizza Bianco with truffled honey! 1111 Rusk St., 713.222.6274 NINFA’S ON NAVIGATION

for her Street to Kitchen pop-up concept. The East End restaurant spotlights self-proclaimed “unapologetically, authentically Thai” food, elevating items that are traditional street foods in Painter’s native Thailand to chefdriven dishes made with local and organic ingredients. 6501 Harrisburg Blvd., 713.428.1975 THEODORE REX american Justin Yu’s modern American bistro is housed in the same location as his late, lauded resto Oxheart. He presents farm-fresh a options like the uncomplicated tomato toast or Gulf snapper in broth and a short but sweet wine list. 1302 Nance St., unit A, 832.830.8592, trexhouston.com TOUT SUITE bakery/coffee Stop by this all-day-bakery for a macaron or cupcake, or post up for a while at one of the community tables and enjoy brunch bites like avocado toast and fresh-squeezed juice. There are also CBD-infused pastries, chocolates and more! 2001 Commerce St., 713.227.8688 WEIGHTS + MEASURES

bakery/american

Glass walls at this industrialchic bakery and restaurant allow guests to witness the pastrymaking magic up close. Partake in the lively Sunday brunch with plates like cake donuts and fried chicken (which comes with a side of spinach, making this a very healthy choice). 2808 Caroline St., 713.654.1970

tex-mex

The origin of Tex-Mex as we know it, Ninfa’s is always packed no matter when you dine. Guests love the sizzling fajitas and loaded quesadillas. In the mood for something different? Try the grilled octopus from the woodburning oven. 2704 Navigation Blvd., 713.228.1175 POTENTE italian Top-tier chef Danny Trace and Astros-owner-turned-restaurateur Jim Crane hit a haute homerun at this elegant eatery by the ballpark. Opt for tableside truffle service on handmade spaghetti al tartufo, and save room for intricate desserts. 1515 Texas Ave., 713.237.1515 STREET TO KITCHEN thai Chef-owner Benchawan Painter finally has a permanent home

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DINING DISTRICT 4 BELLAIRE, WEST UNIVERSITY, MUSEUM DISTRICT, MED CENTER

COPPA OSTERIA italian All of the Neapolitan-style pizzas and handmade pastas are popular at this Rice Village winner. While the restaurant and wrap-around patio are bustling with activity, it

is the walk-up pizza window that is truly a hit in the largely pedestrian-friendly area. 5210 Morningside Dr., 713.522.3535 NEW! GINGER KALE american This fast-casual, healthconscious café is a fab addition to Hermann Park. Watch the train roll by and be entertained by the ducks and geese on the lake, all while enjoying plates like beet-and-goat-cheese toast, or a crisp salad. Smoothies and popsicles, too! 6104 Hermann Park Dr., 713.429.5238 LOCAL FOODS american This fast-casual diner has a guilt-free menu of sandwiches, salads, soups and sides, all made fresh using locally sourced ingredients. A cocktail and wine list at the Upper Kirby, Downtown and new Heights and Tanglewood locations make it a hip hangout. Plus: Find essentials like eggs, milk, bread and produce — plus grab-and-go gourmet items — at the new Local Foods Market in Rice Village. 2424 Dunstan Rd., 713.521.7800 multiple locations visit restaurant website for details LUCILLE’S southern Named after his greatgrandmother, Chris Williams brings the comforts of down home Southern cooking to the table at Lucille’s. Go for the crab cake beignets or oxtails and grits, and adding on the piping-hot pan of corn bread is a must. Williams’ nonprofit, Lucille’s 1913, which combats food insecurity, is worth supporting, too! 5512 La Branch St., 713.568.2505, lucilleshouston.com UPDATE! TINY BOXWOOD’S american

Expect a line at this very popular garden-set getaway, where the chocolate-chip cookies have earned as much of a reputation as the restaurant itself. Snag some, along with housemade ice cream, at the next-door Milk & Cookies booth. Milk & Cookies is also now open in River Oaks, with a third coming to Memorial soon! 3636 Rice Blvd., 713.664.0141; tinyboxwoods.com multiple locations visit restaurant website for details 

'COME AND MAKE IT' CONTINUED FROM PAGE 44

especially in the STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) fields. Houston, incidentally, has the youngest population of any major city; nearly three-quarters of the population is under 45.

The Ion will provide resources, educational programs, corporate partnership opportunities and physical workspaces for emerging startup businesses.

It was announced recently a major tenant will be Microsoft. The Ion will be connected directly by rail to the Amegy building in Downtown, home to two tech “incubators”— The Cannon and Launch Pad, operated by the Downtown Development Authority.

But it’s not just in technology that Houston can lead. We are also the nation’s energy capital. With the world focused on clean energy, Houston can and should lead in its development. In an interview in Houston Business Insider: The Metro Region’s Official Economic Development Guide, produced by the Greater Houston Partnership in conjunction with CityBook, Bobby Tudor, president of the Partnership, spoke about why Houston is in the best position to lead this transition. “We have people who understand energy systems, who understand the dynamics of energy and power,” says Tudor. “It’s an area where Houston has a lot of the talent.” The business community is quickly becoming partners. Kinder Morgan, a major traditional oil and gas company headquartered in Downtown, announced recently it has formed a new Energy Transition Ventures group to pursue commercial opportunities emerging from the low-carbon energy transition.

According to a report by the Greater Houston Partnership, venture capital investment has nearly tripled in Houston over the last five years. Of that investment money, Houston is above average in clean energy deals, which overtook oil and gas in 2019 to become Houston’s third most funded tech vertical.

A third axis of innovation is Houston’s medical, oncology and life science research. The Med Center, the largest in the world, is already home to 300-plus startups, and next year TMC3 will open in the Medical Center. A 37-acre life science complex with research centers, multi-disciplinary laboratories and healthcare institutions, TMC3 will enable innovators from healthcare, science, academia, government, industry, manufacturing and the not-for-profit sector to collaborate on new medicines, medical devices, diagnostic and digital health platforms, and treatment solutions. The new center will be connected by light rail to the Downtown and the Midtown innovation districts.

H ou s to n h a s t h e i ndu s t r y d ive r s it y, infrastructure, talent and the culture to be America’s innovation capital. So while I’ll miss driving through downtown San Jose and feeling like I’m stuck in some figurative cyber web — and as Austin continues to rack up celebs — Houston will be pushing the limits of innovation. 

'ON THE MEND' CONTINUED FROM PAGE 48

them that it’s not as difficult as they might think it is.”

Those who come to the Mend Center, which is also a training facility for PhD students, suffer from schizophrenia and bipolar disorders. For these patients, little things — “Why did you pick that up and move it?!” — can cause disorganization, which can also be described as a mental unraveling. The building serves as a safe place for all.

The fourth floor has a writing nook, games, arts and crafts, and remotecontrolled screens that cover floor-toceiling windows. “It’s meant for them to use, to exist in the space without having to do something therapy-related,” explains Garcia. Other facilities are primarily for stabilization, “and then they’re out,” he says. “There isn’t another place with this treatment approach in the country.”

Garcia says a small but “enthralling and encouraging” degree of change takes place for most patients on a weekly basis. “We get to know every part of their life, and we celebrate with them every little change that they or their family or clinicians never thought was possible.”

Garcia’s soothing, soft-spoken voice and bright eyes exude a level of both empathy and intelligence that aren’t often observed, even among mentalhealth advocates. During his time at Southwest Houston’s Menninger Clinic, Garcia gravitated toward the people “others didn’t want to work with.”

“My critique was always, ‘He humors them too much,” says the dad of two young girls, whom he shares with his schoolteacher wife. “But I wanted to know and learn that there’s a logic that sutures it all. It’s just not the same logic we all have. And it wasn’t enough to understand this logic; these folks still have to learn how to live in a world that doesn’t share their logic.”

Garcia wishes for Mend Center patients to retain agency over their lives, and strives every hour of every day to walk alongside them and inch closer to their goals. Among his own goals is continuing to destigmatize mental illness. “I bring my daughters to work,” he says. “They’ve never been mistreated or in harms way. My girls have grown up around these people I work with.

That’s two more people who will grow up and say, ‘What’s the big deal?’’ 

Second Guess

Special Exhibit After a slow year, the spring season has so far delivered a delightful spread of dining news — and CityBook’s pages can only hold so much! The MFAH’s stunning new Nancy and Rich Kinder Building first opened in November, a trapezoidal concrete-and-glass building designed by Steven Holl Architects and, as of this spring, featuring Café Leonelli on its ground floor. Helmed by Michelin-starred chefs, the restaurant serves Italian fare amid artful environs that include Spencer Finch’s celestial light installation called “Moon Dust (Apollo 17)” and views of the sculpture garden. We highlighted this news on our CityBook At Large page with a photo of picture-perfect pastries. But would this architectural shot by Claudia Casbarian have been more delicious?

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Who you work with matters.

Let me guide you home in Houston.

River Oaks

River Oaks

3702 Olympia

2122 Del Monte

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SOLD

Boulevard Oaks

Boulevard Oaks

1620 South Blvd

2003 Milford

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SOLD

West University

Heights

2646 Tangley

1903 W 15th

SOLD

SOLD

Glendower Court

River Oaks

2401 Kingston

2007 F Brun

Andrew McCain 30 Years • Houston Realtor® 29 Years • Top Sales Producer 713.526.4847 · andrewmccain@compass.com All material presented herein is intended for informational purposes only. Information is compiled from sources deemed reliable but is subject to errors, omissions, changes in price, condition, sale, or withdrawal without notice. All measurements and square footages are approximate, but not guaranteed and should be independently verified. This is not intended to solicit property already listed. Nothing herein shall be construed as legal, accounting or other professional advice outside the realm of real estate brokerage. Compass is a licensed real estate broker. Equal Housing Opportunity.