Intown magazine web ok (2)

MARCH / APRIL 2015

Real Estate Roundup

Interview with Jeff Luhnow Arts & Events Steak Houses Women’s Chamber Conference The Buzz

Nestled in the heart of Houston, one block West of Kirby Drive between Richmond and Alabama,Thornwood has earned a reputation of providing high quality artwork by international, national and local artists. Our extensive inventory represents a wide variety of styles from abstract to impressionism and realism.

Thornwood also provides art consulting and advisory services for collectors of modern and contemporary art, including paintings, drawings, photography and sculpture. We are pleased to work with individual collectors, corporations, architects, and interior designers.

Member ASID.

2643

Colquitt

2643 Colquitt St. Houston,TX 77098 713.528.4278 thornwoodgallery.com

Filet Mignon “Oscar Style”

Creating Opportunities for Women

The Greater Houston Women’s Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors is proud to announce the election of Denise CastilloRhodes, Executive Director and CFO, Texas Medical Center, as the 2015 Chair of the Board.

January Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon Photos by Kim Coffman Photography

2015 GHWCC Board of Directors

Suzan Deison, Chamber President; Karen Love, PKF Texas; President’s Key Supporter Tracey Shappro,VISION Production Group; Leisa Holland-Nelson, ContentActive LLC; Dr. Mary Ann Wilkins, Stewart Title

Cyndy Garza Roberts, H-E-B; Richard Nguyen, Houston City Council District F; Dana Kervin Clark, Houston Association of Realtors

Robert Sergesketter, Fieldwood Energy, LLC; Newly Appointed Chair of the Board Denise Castillo-Rhosdes, Texas Medical Center; Texas Supreme Court Justice Jeff Brown

Cheri Davies, COMCAST, Accepts the Media Company of the Year Award

Suzan Deison, Chamber President, GHWCC Marketing Committee Co-Chairs: Sally Ramsay, Pierpont Communications, and Matt Ross, Ventures Marketing

Leisa Holland-Nelson, ContentActive, LLC; Global Outreach Award Winners Lupina McMains & Rosanna Moreno, McMains & Moreno Global Consultants; Dr. Mary Ann Wilkins, Stewart Title

Denise Castillo-Rhodes Vision for 2015 “One of the Texas Medical Center’s top priorities under the leadership of Dr. Bobby Robbins, is to nurture cross-institutional collaboration,creativity and innovation. The GHWCC STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts & Math) TOWN USA initiative provides a tremendous opportunity for the GHWCC and the TMC to work together to enhance the work environment for women across the TMC with a goal to make the institutions at the TMC an attractive career destination for women.”

Greater Houston Women’s Chamber of Commerce For more information call: 713.782.3777 www.ghwcc.org

Houston’s Premier Women’s Business Organization Moody Law Group, PLLC 3003 W. Alabama Houston TX 77098 Stout Risius Ross 811 Walker Suite 1140 Houston, TX 77002 Dynamo Charities 1001 Avenida de las Americas, Ste. 200 Houston, TX 77010 Emerson Sloan 3409 Georgetown Houston, TX 77005 Compass Bank 24 Greenway Plaza Houston, TX 77046 Gulf Publishing Company 2 Greenway Plaza, Ste. 1020 Houston, TX 77046 Tulane University 1700 West Loop South, Ste. 900 Houston, TX 77027

Conference Speakers

Post Oak Publishing, Inc. 675 Bering, Ste. 120 Houston, TX 77057 Best Buddies International 6212 N Main Street, Unit C Houston, TX 77009

Lynn Povich Newsweek, Senior Editor Author, The Good Girls Revolt

Special Performance Bárbara Padilla Soprano, America's Got Talent first runner-up

Dr. Debora Spar Barnard College Columbia University President

Jeanne M. Sullivan StarVest Partners, Co-Founder and Special Advisor

REGISTER ONLINE @ WWW.GHWCC.ORG or BY PHONE (713) 782-3777

Thank You New Members

Oil States International 333 Clay Street, Ste. 4620 Houston, TX 77009 PlusCorp Photography & Marketing 3005 West Loop South, Ste. 244 Houston, TX 77027 Marketing Logix 650 W Bough Lane, Ste. 150 Houston, TX 77024 Weinstein Spira 3 Greenway Plaza, Ste. 1700 Houston, TX 77046 West University Travel 3622 University Blvd.

Houston, TX 77005 BrightSpot 2503 South Blvd., Suite 203 Houston, TX 77098 Lavandula Design 12662 Goar Road Houston, TX 77077

CONTENTS

24-25

Publisher’s Letter 8 28-29

26-27

Arts & Events 10 - 12

Real Estate 13 - 23

The Game 24 - 25

The Best Steaks 26 - 27 in Houston?

Financial Focus 28 - 29

The Buzz 30

MARCH / APRIL 2015

Real Estate Roundup

Interview with Astros Jeff Luhnow Arts & Events Steak Houses Women’s Chamber Conference The Buzz

ON COVER Astros George Springer

MARCH/APRIL 2015

intown houstonintown.com

PUBLISHER M.A. Haines EDITOR Lisa June

PRODUCTION Web Design: Melaroo Layout & Graphic Design: Andre Paris Photographer: Wells Brown

CONTRIBUTORS Lindsay Mowad William Hanover Christopher Mauer John Granato Maren Gustin Evans Attwell Sean Salisbury

For advertising rates and information: 713.525.8607 intownmagazine@gmail.com Space reservation deadline is 15 days prior to publication.

Intown Magazine is published bi-monthly by SNS Media. Articles are welcome and will be given careful consideration for possible publication. Intown Magazine does not assume any responsibility for unsolicited materials.

Materials submitted will be returned if accompanied by a stamped, self-addressed envelope. Box 980757 Houston, TX 77098.

You can also e-mail intownmagazine@gmail.com Copyright 2015 by Intown Magazine. All rights reserved. Content may not be reprinted or reproduced with permission from Intown magazine.

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sns media

ASK THE EXPERTS

Custom Cabinetry

SATURDAY APRIL 11 10AM - 2PM

Wood-Mode, Brookhaven and Katana

THERMADOR CHEF WILL BE HOSTING A LIVE COOKING DEMO

Appliances and Plumbing

We織ve assembled experts from the Kitchen & Bath Industry in our showroom to provide you with a unique opportunity.

Meet one on one with any or all of these professionals in a relaxed atmosphere while enjoying food and drinks.

Morrison Supply Thermador

Countertop and Tile Fabrication Installation Pavlina Stone

Custom Glass Dauphin Sales CABINETS & DESIGNS, INC. 4200 WESTHEIMER #102 HOUSTON, TX 77027

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PUBLISHER’S LETTER

THE THREAD ALLIANCE

Why March is The Best Month As cold as it seems every year around Barbeque Cook-off, I know from experience it is only days away from the best time of the year. It’s the time Azaleas bloom and befallen leaves return while daylight savings gives us longer days just in time for the kids’ much anticipated Spring Break. It’s official - the best month of the year is here.

Highlights for March include the opening match for our own Houston Dynamos and March Madness at NRG stadium as Houston hosts the NCAA South Regionals. The latter part of the month features the PGA’s Shell Houston Open and another excuse to enjoy springtime - the Bayou City Art Festival at Memorial Park. It’s anticipation for the Astros’s opening day and yes, of course, March is the month for the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo.

March means it’s time to test your green thumb, take in sidewalk sales and cafe lattes, and enjoy your favorite outdoor brunch spot. Yes, March is the best month of the year no matter where in the country you are - but April is pretty good too.

This may be the season the Astros begin their ascent back toward the World Series. Hope springs eternal.

Now, if I can just make it through lent without fail.

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April is National Child Abuse Prevention month. Mayor Annise Parker has proclaimed April 2, 2015 as The Thread Alliance Day in Houston.

The proclamation recognizes The Thread Alliance’s efforts to bring child abuse awareness to the forefront.

Sheila Aron is the founder of the organization and declares “that all children deserve unconditional love and a childhood free of abuse.”

The Thread Alliance’s mission is to provide resources to prevent the cycle of child abuse.

Beginning in April, many of Houston’s finest restaurants will be participating in the organization’s annual “Blue Plate Special.” The citywide child abuse prevention awareness campaign encourages Houstonians to weave the thread of love and end the cycle of child abuse. Each restaurant participating will give a percentage of their “Blue Plate Special” to The Thread Alliance.

To participate or for a list of restaurants visit www.thethreadalliance.org and help make child abuse a thing of the past.

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Eye on Houston: High School Documentary Photography Ongoing through May 10 Arts of Islamic Lands: Selections from The al-Sabah Collection, Kuwait Ongoing through January 30, 2016

MUSEUMS MUSEUM OF FINE ARTS HOUSTON Silver: An American Art-Selections from the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston Opens August 30 through February 15, 2015 Works from American silversmiths and silver companies such as Gorham and Tiffany.

Fangs,Feathers, and Fins: Sacred Creatures in Ancient American Art Ongoing through January 25, 2015 Line: Making the Mark Ongoing through March 22, 2015

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Selection from the Museum’s Collection: Modern and Contemporary Art Ongoing through May 3, 2015 Spectacular Rubens Opens February 15 through May 10, 2015 Unfolding Worlds: Japanese Screens and Contemporary Ceramics from the Gitter - Yelen Collection Opens March 1 through May 10, 2015 For a New world to Come: Experiments in Japanese Art and Photography, 1968-1979 Opens March 8 through July 12, 2015

CONTEMPORARY ARTS MUSEUM HOUSTON Art On The Lawn: Joseph Havel Ongoing through April 30, 2015 Double Life Ongoing through March 15, 2015 Mel Chin: Rematch Opens January 17 - April 19 Perspectives 189: From The Margins Opens May 2 through July 19, 2015

HOLOCAUST MUSEUM HOUSTON Current Exhibits “Birthrights Left Behind” Ongoing through June 15, 2015 “The Art of Gaman” Opens January, 2015 through September 20, 2015

THE MENIL COLLECTION Takis: The Fourth Dimension Ongoing through July 26, 2015 The Infinity Machine. Janet Cardiff and George Bures Miller: A new commission for the Byzantine Fresco Chapel Ongoing through July 26, 2015

HOUSTON MUSEUM OF NATURAL SCIENCE Special Exhibits Battleship Texas Gemstone Carvings Masterworks of Harold Van Pelt Shark!

Ongoing through March 22, 2015 Special Exhibit Faberge; from A Snowflake To An Iceberg

Missy Mazzoli’s Song From The Uproar: The Lives and Death of Isabelle Eberhardt March 20 Becoming Modern: Music and Arts in Paris Sarah, Piano Rothenberg March 31 An Evening With Branford Marsalis April 18 Shanghai Quartet With Wu Man, Pipa April 21, 2015

Houston Ballet Romeo & Juliet March 1,6,7,8 Modern Masters March 12,14,15,20,21,22 Spring Showcase April 24 and 25 Houston Symphony Keyboard Conversations March 1

Do I Have enough to retire?

Will I outlive my savings?

When should I claim my social security benefits?

What can be done about market declines?

Samurai: The Way Of The Warrior Ongoing through September 7, 2015 China’s Lost Civilization: The Mystery Of Sanxingdui Opens April 10

ASIA SOCIETY TEXAS CENTER Mel Chin: Rematch Opens January 17 through April 19 A homecoming for one of the city’s most renowned artists.

The Other Side: Chinese and Mexican Immigration to America Opens March 28 through July 19, 2015

MUSIC & DANCE

Do I need a Financial planner?

We offer a complimentary initial consultation for you to discuss your concerns and learn how we can assist with your financial and retirement planning.

Your Financial Service Partner Call us today or visit us on the web

713.667.4884

ARS LYRICA Music of The Baroque Bach & Sons: At Court March 28

DA CAMERA CHAMBER MUSIC AND JAZZ Kendrick Scott Oracle March 7

p arkp lacefinancial.co

Christopher J. Maurer, J.D., CFP® Certified Financial Planner™

Securities and advisory services offered through SagePoint Financial, Inc., member FINRA/SIPC. Insurance services offered through Park Place Financial, which is not affiliated with SagePoint Financial or registered as a broker-dealer or investment advisor. SagePoint Financial, Inc. does not offer tax or legal advice. Legal advice provided by Christopher J. Maurer. 6300 West Loop South, Suite 690, Bellaire, TX 77401 (713) 667-4884.

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Enjoy a

Blockbuster Film Scores March 6 - 8

THEATRE UNDER THE STARS

Star Wars and More March 7

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat March 17 - 29

Copeland and Dvorak Dvorak’s Symphony No. 7 March 12,14,15

RIVER OAKS CHAMBER ORCHESTRA “The Little Prince” April 12 at Studio 101

at any of these participating locations and support

THE THREAD ALLIANCE to end child abuse in Houston and the world.

Adair Kitchen, Armando’s, Brennan’s, Brooklyn Athletic Club, Buffalo Grille, California Pizza Kitchen, Ciao Bello, Dessert Gallery Bakery and Cafe, D’Marco’s Pizzeria, Frank’s American Revival, Giacomo's, Glass Wall, Houstonian Center Court, Manor House and Olivette, Mariposa Room, Modermo, Prego, Ragin Cajun, Red Ox Bar and Grill, Sorrento’s, Ristorante Cavour, Siphon Coffee, Steamboat House, Tony’s and Triniti.

BENEF I T I NG

“Notes to be Written” April 23 at The Church of St. John the Divine

THEATER A. D. PLAYERS THEATER Alexander and the Terrible Horrible No Good Very Bad Day March 3 - 22 Surprise God April 1 - 26

ALLEY THEATER All Shows at the University of Houston’s Lyndall Finley Wortham Theatre All My Sons March 22 through April 19

THE ENSEMBLE THEATRE

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HOUSTON ASTROS Minute Maid Park April 6 Opening Day Indians 6,8,9 Athletics 13-15 Angels 17-19 Mariners 30

HOUSTON DYNAMO BBVA Compass Stadium March Columbus 7 Orlando City 13 Colorado 28 April Montreal 11 Kansas City 25

PGA GOLF GOLF CLUB OF HOUSTON Shell Houston Open March 30 - April 5

HOUSTON ROCKETS

Home Games at Toyota Center March 1 Cleveland 4 Memphis 6 Detroit 17 Orlando 19 Denver 21 Phoenix 27 Minnesota

STAGES REPERTORY THEATRE

April 1 Sacramento 10 San Antonio 12 New orleans 15 Utah

Character Man Opens Ongoing through March 15

THOROUGHBRED HORSE RACING

Girls Night: The Musical Ongoing through March 15

Sam Houston Race Park Meet Ends March 10

What I Learned in Paris March 19 through April 12

WWW.THETHREADALLIANCE.ORG

SPORTS

FOCUS

HUNTERS CREEK VILLAGE BUNKER HILL VILLAGE PINEY POINT VILLAGE HEDWIG VILLAGE PINEY POINT RIVER OAKS BRAESWOOD PLACE UPPER KIRBY BELLAIRE SOUTHGATE BRAES HEIGHTS SOUTHDALE SOUTHSIDE PLACE GREENWAY PLAZA BROADACRES MONTROSE OAK ESTATES SOUTHAMPTON PLACE WOODLAND HEIGHTS AVALON PLACE GALLERIA BRIARGROVE BRIARGROVE PARK RICE MILITARY CRESTWOOD-GLEN COVE GREATER UPTOWN NEARTOWN UNIVERSITY PLACE HEIGHTS HIGHLAND VILLAGE MEMORIAL SANDALWOOD TANGLEWOOD AUDUBON PLACE SUNSET TERRACE AFTON OAKS RICE VILLAGE ROYDEN OAKS WEST UNIVERSITY WHISPERING OAKS

INTOWN

REAL ESTATE

cont. to page 16

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Commercial Lending Services:

Roger Farrow, owner of City Homes of Houston and Craig Wooten, President and CEO of Tradition Bank.

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David Michael Young

Bruce Kink

CEO / Team Leader KW Luxury Homes BOD Keller Williams Metropolitan

REALTOR速, CLHMS, GREEN, CNE Coldwell Banker United, Realtors

(713) 621-8001 www.kwmet.com

(713) 320-6453 www.davidyoungteam.com

Betty Bezemer

Weldon Rigby

KW Luxury Consultant, CLHMS, CRS Keller Williams Memorial

(713) 461-9393 www.bettybezemer.com

Mariana Saldana

Mariana Broker,Saldana CIPS

Broker, CIPS UptownReal RealEstate Estate Group, Uptown Group,Inc. Inc. (713) 629-7771 (713) 629-7771 www.uptownhouston.com

www.uptownhouston.com

Members and

Broker Associate

Keller Williams Realty Metropolitan

713-621-2555 www.weldonrigby.com

Beverly Smith Carrie Ousley CISR CLHMS, Lake Conroe CIC, Specialist Luxury Home and Condo Insurance Coldwell Banker United, Realtors HUB International Personal Insurance (713) 569-2113 (832) 681-5020 www.har.com/bevsmith

www.hubousley.com

Shane Kidwell

REALTOR速, CLHMS, GRI, CNE Martha Turner Properties

(713) 303-1413 www.thekidwellteam.com

Shane Kidwell CLHMS, GRI, TRLP Marlene Foad KellerABR, Williams CRS,Metropolitan ePro (713) 303.1413 RE/MAX 360 www.har.com/TheKidwellTeam

281-686-4444 Mobile

www.houstoncondosandtownhomes.com

Betty Bezemer Ken Jacobson CMPS KW Luxury Consultant, CLHMS, CRS Vice President/Sr. Mortgage Planner Keller Williams Memorial Hometrust Mortgage Company (713) 461-9393 (713) 369-4040 www.bettybezemer.com www.kenjacobson.com

of the Institute for Luxury Home Marketing

W W W. G R E A T E R H O U S T O N L U X U R Y. C O M

24743 AJs Way | Hempstead List Price $1,800,000 | MLS# 89028851 Exquisite 30+ acre estate horse ranch. 7,345 sq ft 5 bed/4.5 bath/8 car garage custom home with pool, 10 stall horse barn with turn outs & covered working area, Trojan variable speed 4 horse walker, metal round pen, multiple paddocks & loafing sheds. Pond with lighted fountain.

Wendy Cline Properties Phone: 281-858-3451

Marilyn Arendt Broker - Owner Marilyn Arendt Properties C: (281) 433-9113 mma@castle2sell.com

Visit our web site

11606 Monica St Bunker Hill Price - 2,700,000 | MLS #79596403 Stunning executive 5 bedroom, 5/2 bath home with 3 car garage, screened in porch and sparkling pool sits on an almost half an acre lot in the sought after area of Bunker Hill Village. Built by Abercrombie, this elegant property boasts soaring two story entry, handsome study, elegant formal dining and living room, great room with wet bar, gourmet island kitchen and breakfast area. Expansive master retreat is down. Four secondary bedrooms, game room and custom wine room are located on the second level.

Moira Holden Phone: 281-460-9402

Members and affiliates of the Institute for Luxury Home Marketing

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Marlene Foad ABR, CRS, ePro, CLHMS RE/MAX 360 (281) 686-4444 www.houstonluxuryestates.com

W W W. G R E AT E R H O U S T O N L U X U R Y. C O M

Visit our Website

HS, ABR

Real Estate Professionals the Greater Houston Luxury Home Community David MichaelServing Young Shane Kidwell

Bruce Kink

CEO / Team Leader KW Luxury Homes BOD Keller Williams Metropolitan

REALTOR®, CLHMS, GREEN, CNE

REALTOR®, CLHMS, GRI, CNE

www.davidyoungteam.com

www.thekidwellteam.com

Coldwell Banker United, Realtors Martha Turner Properties RealProfessionals Estate Professionals Serving Greater HoustonLuxury Luxury Home Real Estate Serving the the Greater Houston HomeCommunity Community (713) 320-6453 (713) 303-1413 Greater Houston Luxury Home Community (713) 621-8001

m

www.kwmet.com

Dawn Gervais

REALTOR® Consultant, CLHMS, GRI, ALHS, ABR

David Michael Young Dawn Gervais Keller Williams Realty David Michael Young

REALTOR, CLHMS, CNE LTOR® REALTOR®, Consultant, CLHMS, GRI,GREEN, ALHS, ABR CLHMS, GREEN, CNE

(832) 752-6114 Coldwell Banker United, Keller Williams Realty Coldwell Banker United,Realtors Realtors

www.dawngervais.com (713) 320-6453 Betty Bezemer (832) 752-6114 (713) 320-6453 dmyoung@cbunited.com KW Luxury Consultant, CLHMS, CRS www.dawngervais.com www.davidyoungteam.com Keller Williams Memorial (713) 461-9393 www.bettybezemer.com

David Michael Young

Bruce Kink

Shane Kidwel

REALTOR®, CLHMS, GREEN, CNE REALTOR®, CLHMS, GR CEO / Team Leader Monica Foster Homes BOD ClineYoung Carol Ann FaKouri David Wendy Michael Shane Kidwell Bruce Kink Coldwell Banker United, Realtors Martha Turner Prope KW Luxury Shane Kidwell Broker CRS, CLHMS, CLHMS, SRES, ABR, CPRES CNE ASP ePROCLHMS, GRI MCNE CLHMS, GREEN, GRI, CNE CEO / Associate, TeamWilliams Leader Keller Metropolitan REALTOR®, CLHMS, GRI, CNE REALTOR®, (713) 320-6453 REALTOR®, (713) 303-141 Wendy ClineUnited, Properties Coldwell Banker Realtors

John Daugherty, Martha TurnerRealtors Properties www.davidyoungteam.com www.thekidwellteam Keller Williams Memorial (713) 553-7272 Marlene Foad (713) 320-6453 (713) 303-1413 (713) 303-1413 www.kwmet.com 387-8805 (281) 858-3451 www.carolann-realtor.com (713)(281) 621-8001 Founding Member KW Luxury ABR, CRS, ePro, CLHMS www.davidyoungteam.com www.thekidwellteam.com www.thekidwellteam.com RealtyByMonica.com www.wendyclineproperties.com www.kwmet.com Keller Williams Realty Metropolitan RE/MAX 360

ABR, Homes CNE, CNHS, CDPE KWSRS, Luxury BOD Martha Turner Properties (713) 621-8001 RE/MAX Space Center Keller Williams Metropolitan Weldon Rigby

(713) 621-2555 www.weldonrigby.com

(281) 686-4444

www.houstoncondosandtownhomes.com

Moira Holden FoadMarlene Foad CHMS,Marlene CNE, GRI, CLHMS Mariana Saldana Ken Jacobson CMPS Carrie Ousley CIC, CISR Home Marketing Specialist ABR, CRS, ePro,ABR, CLHMS Founding Member KW Luxury Founding Member KW Luxury CLHMS, CRS CLHMS, CRS RE/MAX Vintage Luxury Homeand andCondo Condo Insurance Founding Member KW Luxury Luxury CRS, ePro, CLH REALTOR®, CLHMS, CRS KW Luxury KWConsultant, Luxury Consultant, CLHMS, CRS ABR, CRS, ePro, CLHMS Founding Member KW Luxury RS REALTOR®, Broker, CIPS Vice President/Sr. Mortgage Planner Luxury Home Insurance BH&GRE GARY GREENE RE/MAX Vintage Keller Williams Realty Metropolitan (713) 562-4903 HUB International Personal Insurance RE/MAX Vintage RE/MAX 360 Keller Williams Realty Metropolitan Uptown Real Estate Group, Inc. Keller Williams Memorial Hometrust Mortgage Company HUB International Personal Insurance Keller Williams Realty Metropolitan RE/MAX 360 Keller Williams RE/MAX 360 Memorial Keller Williams Realty Metropolitan (281) 460-9402 (713) 621-2555 www.valarbona.com (832) 681.5020 (713)(713) 562-4903 (713)562-4903 629-7771 (713) 369-4040 (832) 681-5020 (713) 621-2555 (281) 686-4444 (713) 461-9393 (713) 621-2555 (281) 686-4444 (713) 621-2555 (281) 686-4444 (713) 461-9393 www.MoiraHolden.com www.weldonrigby.com www.hubousley.com m www.valarbona.com www.uptownhouston.com www.kenjacobson.com www.hubousley.com Val Arbona

Carrie Ousley

Val Arbona ValREALTOR, Arbona CLHMS, CRS Weldon Rigby

Betty Betty Marlene Bezemer CIC, CISR Bezemer Foad

www.valarbona.com www.weldonrigby.com

Members and

Weldon Rigby

Weldon Rigby Weldon Rigby CRS, ABR

www.houstoncondosandtownhomes.com www.bettybezemer.com www.houstoncondosandtownhomes.com www.weldonrigby.com www.houstoncondosandtown www.bettybezemer.comwww.weldonrigby.com

of the Institute for Luxury Home Marketing

W W W. G R E A T E R H O U S T O N L U X U R Y. C O M

Lane Mabray Carrie Ousley CIC, CISR

Mariana Saldana CMPS Ken Jacobson

Visit our web site

Carrie Ousley CIC, CISR

Ken Jacobson CMPS

CRS GRI CLHMS Broker, CIPSMortgage PlannerLuxury Home and Condo Insurance Vice President/Sr. Mortgage Planner Vice President/Sr. Luxury Home and Condo Insurance Lane Mabray Mariana Lane Home Team InsuranceUptown Real Estate Group,Saldana Inc. Jacobson CM Hometrust MortgageKen Company Ousley CIC, CISR Personal Insurance Hometrust Mortgage Company HUB International Carrie HUB Mabray International Personal

CRS GRI CLHMS Broker, CIPS Vice President/Sr. Mortgage Luxury Home and Condo Insurance (281) 925-3023 (713)(713) 629-7771 (713) 369-4040 (832) 681-5020 116 Bentwater Bay Dr 369-4040 (832) 681-5020 5646 Briar DrInternational | Tanglewood Area Lane Mabray Home Team Uptown Real Estate Group, Inc. Hometrust Mortgage Com HUB Personal Insurance www.lane2houston.com www.uptownhouston.com www.kenjacobson.com www.hubousley.com Price - $720,000 | MLS # 9076836 www.kenjacobson.com www.hubousley.com List Price $1,925,000 | MLS# 54944423 (281) 925-3023 (713) 629-7771

(713) 369-4040 (832) 681-5020 Large waterfront lot in the gated community of Bentwater. Open water views on 3 story Tanglewood home on private drive has 6 beds, 6.5 baths, 3 car garage on 1/3 Lake Conroe and is 23,740 square feet, one of the largest available. Bentwater www.lane2houston.com www.uptownhouston.com www.kenjacobson. www.hubousley.com acre lot w wrap around yard. Salt water pool with slide & waterfall. Outdoor kitchen offers 2 Golf Courses, Tennis Courts, Yacht Club, Country Club, 2 pools, and Fitness Center. Come and live the lifestyle that Bentwater offers.

Beverly Smith | Coldwell Banker United Phone: 713-569-2113

Members and nstitute for Luxury Home Marketing

& wood burning stone fireplace. Custom island kitchen with Sub Zero frig, Viking cooktop, Thermador double convection ovens, Kitchenaid ice freezer & micro, Fisher Paytel DW. Private office, Wine & Media Rooms. Two covered patios.

Wendy Cline Properties of the Institute for Luxury Home Marketing Phone: 281-858-3451 Visit our E web R HsiteO U S T O N L U X U R Y . C

R USTONLUXW U RWYW . C. G OMembers ME A Tand

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Members and affiliates of the Institute for Luxury Home Marketing

Visit our web site Visit our

W.. G S TUOSNTL U OM WWWWW G RREEAT A ETREHROHU O O XNULRUY.XC U R Y . C OWebsite M

Visit ou web sit intown 15

BELLAIRE

This city within the city just south of the private schools and the public schools Galleria and west of the Medical Center, are in the Houston Independent School has its own zip code (77401), four parks District, including the highly acclaimed

By David M. Young

Founded in the early 1900’s on what was and is made up of many neighborhoods, Bellaire High School. originally William Marsh Rice’s (Rice including Braeburn Country Club University founder) ranch, Bellaire Estates, Bellaire Place and Bellaire was originally an agricultural trading Oaks, Pin Oak Estates, Mulberry Manor

The average home is 42 years old, but

Bellaire’s with all of the new construction being and was connected downtown to Main government is made up of a mayor and built that number is rapidly decreasing. six city council members. There are three According to HARMLS, 226 homes Street by a trolley. center. It soon became a residential area and Westmoreland Farms.

There’s more to

life

AT THE GARDENS OF BELLAIRE!

sold in 2014 with a low of $250,000, a high of $3,000,000 and an average of $944,000 ($260/SF).

David M Young has been representing buyers and sellers of residential real estate throughout all areas of Houston for 13 years. He spent his childhood in Memorial, has lived for 14 years in Upper Kirby and has offices with Coldwell Banker in Bellaire as team

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HIGHLAND VILLAGE/ AFTON OAKS

By Laurie Personette Null Houstonians know the value of living “inside the loop” given its central location within Houston’s sprawling metropolis. And while The Galleria is Houston’s most iconic shopping

4620 Bellaire Boulevard • Bellaire, TX 77401

713-665-3888

www.GardensOfBellaire.com Pet Friendly

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center, Highland Village (just inside the West Loop) has emerged as a premier shopping

destination

featuring

a

SNF #000233 • ALF #000579

broad array of national retailers, local

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boutiques, and a Central Market, as

well as restaurants ranging from casual to fine dining. It is adjacent to established, affluent neighborhoods such as River Oaks as well as Greenway Plaza/Upper Kirby.

Residents living in these neighborhoods enjoy tree-line streets and expansive yards, while benefiting from the easy access to all of the shopping, dining and entertainment this area has to offer. With surface streets like Westheimer, West Alabama, Weslayan and Richmond, and easy freeway access to the 610 Loop and US 59, those living near Highland Village also have direct access to major employment and entertainment centers throughout Houston.

Since the 1980s, the Personette Group has worked with developers throughout Texas to market and sell their

2207 Bancroft #1502 | Briar Hollow Offered at 878,400 | MLS #84645340 Stunning 15th floor unit w/Galleria views. Split floor plan,2 bedroom 2.5 bath w/ extra high ceilings, gourmet kitchen w/marble countertops/Upgraded stainless appliances and 3 plasma TV's/custom lighting and closets, 2 parking spaces w/24 hour concierge, infinity pool loggia/summer kitchen,fitness center, putting green & RIVER OAKS DISTRICT ACROSS THE STREET! Mariana Saldana | Uptown Real Estate Group, Inc. Phone: 713-629-7771

high-rise, mid-rise, loft, single-family and townhome developments. Their experience spans new construction (for sale and lease), repositioned properties and conversion properties, with an emphasis on urban properties.

HEIGHTS

By Kelly Gurevich The Houston Heights has one of the richest histories in town was established during the late 1880’s and was master planned to accommodate both work and living. This booming area is located between TC Jester, I-45, I-10 and 610.

23003 Two Harbors Katy Price - 1,250,000 | MLS # 76395694 Resort style living at its finest in this fabulous 5 bedroom executive home on the golf course with private tropical pool and spa! Amazing lake and golf views abound from both formals and open concept family great room with island kitchen. Perfectly sized for family living and entertaining the oversized game and media rooms come complete with balcony to further enjoy the breathtaking vistas. 3 car garage. gated Community.

Great Schools.

Moira Holden Phone: 281-460-9402

The rich culture, eclectic local businesses, historic homes and one-of-a-kind shops have made it one of the most desired areas to reside. It’s revered for its sense of individuality, quirkiness and open-armed acceptance for the culinary creative.

In 2013, Houston Heights was named one of the top 10 best big city neighborhoods by CNN Money. Residents are regularly seen running or walking along the tree-lined Heights Boulevard which features a 60 foot wide esplanade.

Architecturally, the Heights boasts classic craftsman style homes with more contemporary new construction sprinkled throughout. A good percentage of new construction pays homage to the craftsman style and helps

40271 Wildlife Run | Ranches of Clear Creek List Price $945,000 | MLS# 64350694 Barndomidium on 28 AC in exclusive equestrian community of Ranches of Clear Creek. Home has 2 beds, 2 baths, combined Kit/Din & large living/game room with balcony overlook of barn interior. Deep covered porch overlooks nearby lake from gentle rise. Hard woods, granite, wood ceilings. Stone & Hardi exterior. 3 stall horse barn. Tack Rms. Storage. Loafing Sheds. Pastures & Turn Outs.

Wendy Cline Properties Phone: 281-858-3451 Members and affiliates of the Institute for Luxury Home Marketing

WWW.GREATERHOUSTONLUXURY.COM intown 17

maintain and enhance the unique flavor of quaint cottages, ranch style homes,

In 2013, HOUSTON HEIGHTS was named one of the top 10 best big city neighborhoods

by CNN Money

that is the Houston Heights. Currently, charming bungalows, as well as new the median real estate price is $363,845 construction. With the median real and is comprised mostly of homes built estate price at $309,430, it’s slightly less in the early 1900’s.

expensive than neighboring Houston Heights, but still has the community feel

Neighboring areas of Garden Oaks that makes the area so popular. and Oak Forest are on the north side of 610 between Hwy. 290, North Main Kelly Gurevich is a top producer with and Pinemont sits Oak Forest/Garden Ross Dunn Realty Inc. and is a long time Oaks. This area features a large number Heights resident.

CLOSE IN MEMORIAL

By David M. Young Larger lot sizes that are enjoyed by the Memorial Villages, but is part of the City of Houston, and has some of the most expensive homes in Houston. Its prime neighborhoods include Sherwood Forest, Bayou

Woods,

Stablewood,

Winton

Woods, Pinewood Estates, Longwoods, Saddlebrook and Huntleigh. There are several high end patio home communities, two condo towers and a large section of townhomes built in the 1970s, but the area is defined by the large wooded lots on which we can still find some ranch style homes from the 1950s and 1960s, mixed in with the grand estates.

MLS records show 17 homes sold in Close-In Memorial in 2014, with a low of $1,750,000, a high of $6,900,000, and an average of $2,750,000 ($450/SF). After several years of rapid appreciation, halfacre lots are now selling in the $1.2 to $2 million range, and 1 to 5 acre lots on the prime streets are selling for over $3 million per acre. This data is not complete, as some of the most expensive properties in intown 18

this area do not get listed in the MLS.

David M. Young is team leader for Young largest sale last year was $11,980,000 for Realty Group and has been representing a 1994 home on two + acres. Eight solds

By Nicole Christensen - Rembach buyers and sellers of residential real this year are all resales. Last year at the estate throughout all areas of Houston same time period seven resales sold with the average price under $3 million The newly built City Centre–Town for 13 years. He spent his childhood & Country is conveniently located at and price per square foot under $400. in Memorial, has lived for 14 years in the Sam Houston Tollway between Upper Kirby and now offices in Bellaire.

Sharon Brier with Greenwood King Memorial Drive and I-10. Houstonians Properties has lived in the Memorial will travel from all over to spend a Villages since 1978 and has sold homes day in this vibrant area. With the since 1980.

Memorial City complex at Gessner,

WEST MEMORIAL

MEMORIAL VILLAGES

By Sharon Brier

Out of 56 homes for sale (as of Feb 19) in the exclusive Memorial Villages of Bunker Hill, Hedwig Village, Hunters Creek and Piney Point 22 are new construction on lots as small as 8000 square feet and as large as an acre plus.

New construction starts at $1,995,000 to as high as $5,995,000 for a home on an acre. Most of the homes are priced between three and four million and on a half acre. Eight homes are over 7,000 square feet. Prices per square feet vary depend on the lot size, location and shape of the property.

Lots start at

1,395,000 for an half acre to $15,500,000 for an unique sub drivable three acres on Buffalo Bayou and a creek. As of mid February, 19 homes were pending. Entry level properties that will go to the same schools as these Village properties can be found in patio homes surrounded by the villages.

Last year 13 new homes were sold with an average of 7000 square feet on an half acre. Most of the new homes sold between 400-500 per sq foot. One exceptionally large home (over 12,000 square feet) with a 14 car garage sold for $8,750,000 and was on an acre. The intown 19

visitors and residents have access One major lure to home owners are the America’s Best High Schools. to the popular Memorial City mall, two public high schools – Memorial Sandalwood, Frostwood, Wooded the world class Memorial Hermann and Stratford – both ranked in the top Hollow, Memorial Bend, Rustling Oaks, schools nationally. Whereas residents Medical Center, the new Westin hotel Gaywood, Yorkshire and Wilchester in many other areas feel the need to are just some of the time honored and the growing business centers, all spend additional money to enroll their subdivisions sprinkled throughout. developed by Midway Corporation. The children in private schools, this is not the For the last six months, 174 homes growth though is well managed by the case for most who live here. Memorial sold in the area and 154 of them were established neighborhoods that keep High School has earned an especially listed at $500,000 and above, with the the idyllic feeling of the area alive. prestigious reputation as being one of highest sales price being $2,950,000.

The average price of all homes sold was $843,941 and the median price was $746,500 with an average days on market of 34.

W

A Houston Business Journal TOP 25 Residential Real Estate Team for three consecutive years

Nicole grew up near the Town & Country area, attending SBISD schools. During her years there, she witnessed the current vibrant growth in the area. Nicole is an agent with Wendy Cline Properties.

RIVER OAKS

By David M. Young There are neighborhoods some consider within the River Oaks area (Royden Oaks,

Oak

Estates,

Avalon

Place,

Glendower Court, The Huntingdon, Upper Kirby), but there is only one true River Oaks – undisputedly Houston’s premier subdivision.

With a buy-in

price of $1 million and previous nonMLS sales in excess of $30 million,

Serving Houston and the surrounding areas with over a decade of experience

this genteel neighborhood is home to many of Houston’s wealthiest families.

Established in the 1920s by Houston’s famous Hogg family and anchored by the exclusive River Oaks Country Club, the neighborhood was primarily built in the20s and 30s. With about 1,300 home, the subdivision is roughly bound by Willowick, Buffalo Bayou, Westheimer and Shepherd.

intown 20

The magnificent four acre Rienzi on the Galleria and Uptown Park, Houston Single Family Homes “Sold” in the Kirby Dr, which is part of the Museum Country Club, The Houstonian, and last 12 months of Fine Arts, is an annual stop on the Memorial Park are just a short drive away. Total properties sold: 63 popular Azalea Trail sponsored every

Price range: $535,000. - $5,195,000.

March by the River Oaks Garden Club. Single Family Homes “For Sale” in the Average sold price: $2,177,166.

There are no commercial properties in last 12 months

Average square footage: 5,874

this deed restricted subdivision, but the Active properties for sale: 22 area is served well by the high end retail Price range: $987,500. - $5,195,000.

Lots for “Sale” in the last 12 months

shops and fine restaurants in Upper Average sale price: $3,079,227.

Total lots for sale: 6

Kirby and in the River Oaks Shopping Average square footage: 6,449

Price range: $1,399,000. - $ 3,250,000.

Center along West Gray.

Many of the highest priced homes are not listed in MLS, but according to HAR MLS, there were 54 sales of single family homes in 2014, with a low of $980,000, a high of $7,200,000 and an average of $2,841,000 ($517/SF).

David M. Young is an Upper Kirby resident and team leader at Young Realty Group.

TANGLEWOOD

By Weldon Rigby In the 1940’s the William G. Farrington Company chose 750 acres of farmland in

Houston

to

develop

a

new

residential area. By 1949 the original Tanglewood area had 32 lots and seven one-story ranch style homes. Today there are roughly 1,200 single family homes with lot sizes ranging from approximately 8,000 square feet up to 2+ acres. Tanglewood is a beautiful neighborhood with a mixture of the original ranch style homes and the new homes of estate stature.

The convenient location of Tanglewood allows access to all of Houston’s best shopping amenities and restaurants in intown 21

Average sale price: $1,956,000.

Average square footage: 25,319 Lots “Sold” in the last 12 months Total lots sold: 5 Price range: $785,000. - $1,350,000.

Average sold price: $1,221,000.

Average square footage: 18,217

Based on information from the Houston Realtors® Information Service or its MLS for the period (2/21/14) through (2/20/15).

As a residential Realtor who has lived in the area and sold properties over the past 40 years, Weldon Rigby has experienced the changes and growth of Tanglewood, one of Houston’s finest neighborhoods.

UPPER KIRBY

By David M. Young In 2001, I moved into a townhome in Upper Kirby and have seen the transformation over the past 14 years. The area has blossomed from a deteriorated central area that wasn’t sure if it was part of Montrose or River Oaks, to one of the hottest zip codes in Houston (77098) with its own identity – look for the Olde English style red telephone booths. Home to some of Houston’s finest restaurants and bars, as well as mixed use centers like West Ave, providing retail, offices and luxury apartments at the same location. Upper Kirby is undergoing an upheaval, with a focus now on the taming of Westheimer and Shepherd to bring those roads up to the standard set by Kirby Drive. Power and phone lines are being buried under ground, larger storm drainage pipes are being installed, modern durable pavement will be laid and truly walkable sidewalks with lighting are planned for completion by early 2016. Learn more about the area and ongoing projects at www.upperkirbydistrict.org.

Residential real estate in Upper Kirby includes a combination of homes from the 1920s and 1930s, townhomes and patio homes from the 1980s onward, and condo towers with Houston’s prime addresses like The Huntingdon, 2727 Kirby and The Regency House. Here are the sales summaries for 2014: Single Family - 83 sold in 2014 (40 built within 15 years) intown 22

Low - $290,000 | high - $2,130,000 | average - $760,000 ($275/SF) Townhomes – 38 sold in 2014 (16 built within 15 years) low - $270,000 | high - $970,000 | average - $465,000 ($198/SF).

Hi-rise Condos – 23 sold in 2014 (11 built within 15 years) Low - $217,000 | high - $2,053,000 | average - $850,000 ($450/SF)

David M. Young is an Upper Kirby resident and team leader at Young Realty Group.

WEST UNIVERSITY

By Carol Rowley Popular with physicians, professors and executives, West University Place is a highly sought-after location and community. Named for its proximity to Rice University, West U. is known as a city within a city. Established in the early 1900’s, West University is bordered by Bellaire/Holcombe, Bissonnet/Law, Kirby Drive and Community. Incorporated since 1924, West University has its own Mayor and City Council along with its own fire and police departments.

Paired with one of the top elementary schools in the area and ample green space, West U. is an ideal place to call home.

Real estate in West University continues to sell at a rapid pace with homes ranging from lot value teardowns to multimillion dollar new construction. The advantage of location, competitive pricing and community amenities add to the quick sale of homes in the area.

2015 WEST UNIVERSITY

ACTIVE PROPERTIES 53 AVG LOT SIZE 7184 SQ FT.

AVG SQ FT 3900

PENDING 24 PRICE RANGE $669,000 -$2.99M

2014 WEST UNIVERSITY

SOLD AVG SQ FT AVG LOT SIZE 206 3443 6437

PRICE MEDIAN MEDIAN RANGE SALE PRICE LIST PRICE

$285,000 - $3.44M $1.15M $1.17M

Carol Rowley is a Top Producer with Greenwood King and raised her children in West University and has lived inside the loop for 30 plus years. intown 23

Much of that run production will come via the home run, as it did last year (Carter finished second in the AL in home runs). We have three right-handed batters – Carter, Gattis and Springer who are all capable of hitting 30 plus home runs over a full season. From the left side, we have Castro, Rasmus and Singleton all proven to be able to hit the long ball. The rest of the lineup, featuring players like our batting champion Altuve, and newcomers Lowrie, and Valbuena will also be chipping in with some power but we need those guys to also be on base when the sluggers come to bat.

The Game

The downside of power production is typically more swing and miss, which leads to strikeouts.

Our team has had quite a few strikeouts in the past few years and we are always cognizant of that fact and trying to minimize them. We do feel like we are making progress.

AN INTERVIEW WITH

JEFF LUHNOW Your career path is an interesting one. Tell us how you transitioned into baseball from your early career as an engineer to become the General Manager of the Houston Astros.

JL: I had three careers prior to entering baseball.

The first was as an engineer right out of college.

The second was as a management consultant after business school. The third was as a technology entrepreneur during and after the late 90s dot com boom and bust.

How much is too much really depends on understanding the entire offensive formula – ideally the run production due to the power bats outweighs the negatives of the type of outs that are produced with those players. I’m optimistic it will, and it certainly will be fun for our fans to see the power.

Who are some of the potential stars in the system that Astros fans may not know about?.

JL: We also have some notable young players I did not know how my skills and training who have yet to reach the big leagues like would translate to baseball, but I found out Mark Appel, Carlos Correa, Colin Moran and that many of the experiences I had outside Vincent Velasquez. of baseball helped me quite a bit – especially knowing how to manage people and projects Our minor league system is loaded with good and how to think critically and work towards players, and it’s difficult to single out just a few.

I will point out two that tend to fly under the favorable business outcomes. radar but have the upside to be household names What has to happen for the Astros to have a winning down the road. They are both 20 years old and both played A ball last year. Brett Phillips is an record and a possible playoff berth in 2015? exciting outfielder that we drafted in 2012 who JL: We need to stay healthy, that is typically a can hit, run, catch and throw. Josh Hader is a prerequisite for good teams. The stars from last year - Altuve, Carter, McHugh, Keuchel and Qualls need to come close to repeating what they did last year. We need Springer to play a full year and pick up where he left off. The rest of our regulars just need to do what we know they can and should do. If they don’t we have options at most every position so we won’t have to expose ourselves to players that aren’t helping us win or aren’t ready to compete. That was part of our strategy in assembling this roster for 2015.

Great teams usually have some unexpected strong performances from one or more players. I believe we will, whether that is from Marisnick or Singleton or someone new like Tucker or Straily.

Jeff Luhnow

In 2003, a former management consultant colleague of mine whose family was involved in baseball reached out to me to inquire if I had any interest in working for a Major League baseball team. It was completely unexpected and I was very intrigued, having been passionate about baseball my entire life! intown 24

Our division is tough, but we have a robust roster of good players with a ton of upside, so let’s play ball!

There are some who say that the middle of the Astros will strike out too much. What do you say to those critics?

JL: I believe this team will produce runs and give us a chance to win more ballgames as a result.

George Springer enters 2015 with high expectations

Jose is the face of the Astros for great reasons.

He not only plays the game the right way and has an intense desire to succeed and win, he is a tremendous asset to the organization and the community by his attitude and work off the field. He is a humble star, and those don’t grow on trees.

Last year’s Astros rookie phenom George Springer, didn't disappoint belting 20 home runs in only 78 games prior to his season ending injury? What do you expect from him in his second campaign?

Astros home run leader Chris Carter

left handed starting pitcher we acquired from Baltimore in the Bud Norris trade in 2013 with an impressive repertoire of pitches who has dominated tough leagues so far in his career.

Both these guys are still a few levels away from Houston but names worth keeping in mind!

How did so many teams miss drafting Jose Altuve and how important is he to the Astros success?

JL: Jose was signed out of the Astros academy in Venezuela. The Astros have signed more Major League players from Venezuela than any organization in baseball by a big margin, so it’s no surprise that he signed with us. I give tremendous credit to our scouts who took a chance on him at a young age.

JL: George is one of the most exciting players in the game with a combination of power and speed that can change a game at any time.

Typically, it’s hard to extrapolate a half season’s worth of performance to a full season but in the case of George, who knows? No matter what, he will be an offensive force who plays excellent defense and keeps the spirits high in the dugout and clubhouse. 2015 could be huge for him, and if it is, for us too!

What are the team’s goals or expectations heading into the 2015 season?

JL: As a baseball executive, I have learned to steer clear of making predictions because inevitably they are wrong! Our division is strong. We are stronger every year and this

Jose Altuve - reigning AL batting champ

year we expect to take a big step forward. This roster is the best since I’ve been in Houston and therefore I expect the result will be as well. The effort will be there for sure, and now it’s just a matter of seeing it all come together on the field. I hope to see many of you at the ballpark in 2015!

intown 25

The

Best

STEAKS in Houston?

Ten to Try Before You Die

by Marene Gustin

THE PALM If you haven’t been to The Palm in years, you need to book a table, now. After a five-month, multimillion dollar makeover, the restaurant reopened in 2013. Started in New York City in 1926, the Houston Palm location opened in 1978. A beautiful new dining room, excellent service and a quality menu make this a spot for special occasions, high-powered business meets and romantic dates. The famed steakhouse serves USDA Prime, corn-fed, 35-day aged beef. Try the 14-ounce New York strip done medium rare with a choice of sauces (the brandy peppercorn really brings out the beef flavor) or the classic Oscar topped with lump crabmeat and Hollandaise sauce.

Beef has long reigned supreme in the Lone Star State. Beef in Tex-Mex dishes and barbeque joints always tempts the taste buds but it’s steaks, big juicy ones, that draw diners to upscale restaurants, like the slab of steak that the dining room at Salado’s Stagecoach Inn has been serving since 1861.

Luckily, you don’t have to go that far afield for a delicious steak, Houston has some of the finest steakhouses you’ll find anywhere. This isn’t an arbitrary “best of” list but we think we’ve put together a pretty good list of ten superb steaks. Consider it a bucket list of steaks. Some darn good ones, and in no particular order.

The Palm

Yes, it’s a little pricey but it’s worth a once in a lifetime meal. Melt-in-your-mouth meat from 60 DEGREES FLEMING’S PRIME Mishima Reserve providers’ American raised MASTERCRAFTED STEAKHOUSE & black Wagyu cattle. Yes, that’s another Japanese WIN BAR IN RIVER OAKS As one of only 65 Certified Master Chefs, it’s breed that has more fat marbling and produces no surprise that Fritz Gitschner can make a a tastier steak that also provides health benefits Still one of the go-to spots in the tony River Oaks mean steak. Chef Gitschner serves only certified like higher Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids that are area, Fleming’s also offers USDA Prime (a top good for you, but the real benefit is an amazing Akaushi beef from HeartBrand Beef, a company grade of American beef) and while a good steak steak that you will remember for a long time. that sources the Japanese cattle cuts from Texas should always stand alone there’s a well-dressed ranchers. The beef is delicious and heart healthy. dish on the menu here we suggest. The porcini While any steak or burger on this menu is worthy (mushroom) rubbed filet mignon has that extra KILLEN’S STEAKHOUSE you really must bring a dining companion and umami flavor. Dressed with a gorgonzola cream try the Cowboy Steak — a 32-ounce bone-in While not technically in Houston, Ronnie Killen’s sauce and topped with grilled asparagus the dish rib-eye steak with chili corn sauce, fork-smashed steakhouse is worth the short drive. The chef/ makes for a satisfying dinner especially when potatoes, vegetables, tobacco onion rings and owner also serves Akaushi as well as real Kobe paired with the Fleming’s Potatoes — an au avocado relish. beef imported from Japan but it’s his Certified gratin dish with a Texas nod of jalapenos.

Piedmontese 12-ounce bone-in filet mignon that dazzles. This breed of Italian “double muscled” TRINITI RESTAURANT TONY’S cattle is still fairly rare in America, Killen buys AND BAR his from Nebraska, and makes for a very lean but While there are so many wonderful Italian still tasty steak. Filet mignons are one the most dishes on the venerable Tony’s menu — one of expensive and tender cuts of steak and cooking Executive Chef Ryan Hildebrand is known for his Houston’s best restaurants for more than four with the bone-in makes for a fancy presentation gourmet dishes combing excellent ingredients decades — the Mishima filet is a true treat. and a beefier flavor. with creative flourishes but if it’s a big, juicy steak intown 26

you want, Triniti has that, too. Go for the meaty

VIC & ANTHONY’S STEAKHOUSE

14-ounce New York strip simply rubbed with garlic and thyme and grilled to perfection. Pair Downtown? We’ve got your steak cravings covered. this with A Gunsmoke craft cocktail of tequila, Check out the elegant Vic & Anthony’s where mescal, lime and black pepper from the new steaks are king. All the usual suspects of fine cuts Sanctuary bar inside the restaurant for a real are on the menu but there’s a very wonderful Australian Wagyu (again, a Japanese breed) skirt manly meal. steak here that really wows. This cut from the underside of the cow as opposed to the back is prized more for the flavor than the tenderness.

SMITH & WOLLENSKY Here it is served as a 10-ounce cut topped with an Argentine chimichurri sauce and plated with duck While tempting to fill up on the divine rolls fat potatoes and a sunny side up egg. served in an iron skillet and baked with rosemary

Certified Master Chef Fritz Gitschner of 60 Degrees

and sea salt at this still trendy Highland Village high-end eatery, do save some room for an entrée. One of the most interesting steaks on the menu is the USDA Prime long-bone rib eye. This is a big steak — 32 ounces — and charbroiled with a bone marrow butter crust. Plated with cipollini onions, a Madeira demi glace covers the whole elegant and delicious feast.

Be prepared for whatever life throws your way

RUTH’S CHRIS STEAK HOUSE When the first restaurant opened in New Orleans in 1965, you could get a sizzling steak for just $5.

Our unique Envision® process helps you identify your top priority goals and develop a plan designed to help you live your life the way you want. It also offers you the flexibility to adjust your priorities to account for any of life’s changes, such as:

Of course, it will cost you a little more than that

• Increasing medical costs

today but it’s worth it at the Galleria area location.

• Helping a child or grandchild afford higher education

Especially if you go with a friend and order the

• Caring for an elderly parent

Porterhouse for two. The Porterhouse is a bone-

• And more

in cut, basically the same thing as a T-bone, only larger. And it’s like getting two steaks in one. On

To find out how the Envision process can help ensure your investment plan keeps pace with your life, please contact me today.

one side of the bone is a filet mignon, about a

Envision is a registered service mark of Wells Fargo & Company and used under license.

1.25” thick, and the other is a strip steak. It’s a pricy but wonderful meal for steak lovers.

DEL FRISCO’S DOUBLE EAGLE STEAK HOUSE This bastion of beef and booze is a favorite of Texans’ Andre Johnson as well as other wellheeled oilmen and socialites. But here’s the tip: Sunday nights offer a $55 Prime Pair meal. For that very reasonable price you get your choice of salad, an eight-ounce hand-cut filet paired with the signature crab cake, BBQ-spice shrimp or lemon-garlic scallops and a side. Go for the

Patricia Green, CFP® Financial Advisor Senior Vice President – Investments 1300 Post Oak Blvd., Suite 400 Houston, TX 77002 Direct: (713) 403-7331 p.green@wellsfargo.com www.wfadvisors.com/p.green 773481 Investment and Insurance Products:  NOT FDIC Insured  NO Bank Guarantee  MAY Lose Value Wells Fargo & Company. © Wells Fargo Advisors, LLC. All rights reserved.

baked potato and you’ve got a filling, delicious dinner for a song. intown 27

FINANCIAL FOCUS

SPRING CLEANING insurance policies for your

A

Carl Maxwell Senior Vice President Frost Insurance

s surely as the frigid blasts of winter

time spent studying them can benefit you in more

give way to the milder breezes of March,

ways than one. It will refresh your memory about

thoughts turn to the annual chores of

the protection you have in place and can also help

spring cleaning. Organizing, reorganizing, clearing

you identify needed updates for recent life events,

out, remodeling—there’s something about the season

such as a marriage, divorce, birth of a child, the

that puts many of us in the mood to start fresh.

acquisition of valuable assets and more.

While you work on sprucing up your living spaces,

While you’re tackling this task, make sure you’ve

consider a different spring cleaning project with the

updated your home inventory for insurance.

potential for helping you better manage some of life’s

Or if you haven’t created one, get started on it.

risks. Spring cleaning for your insurance policies—

Consider using home inventory software, one

auto, homeowners, life, health and disability—is

of the mobile apps created for the purpose or a

worth some of your time and energy and requires

paper checklist—whatever works best for you.

just a few tasks.

Keep your inventory in a secure and accessible location, such as a safe deposit box, away from

intown 28

Read your policies. Your insurance policies may

your home. Then, make it a priority to review and

not always be the most exciting reading, but the

update your inventory regularly.

Understand what each policy coverage means. Reading through your policies is a good start, but clearly understanding the coverage they provide is even more critical. A thorough knowledge of what is actually covered by your policy and how it works if you need to use it might reveal some coverage gaps you weren’t aware of. Note any policy terms that you don’t understand or questions you have that aren’t answered in policy documents. You’ll want those for your next visit with your insurance professional.

Visit with your insurance professional to update coverage or make other necessary changes. You’ll want to review existing coverage and discuss any recent life changes to ensure you have adequate and appropriate insurance protection. While you’re discussing coverage updates and changes, ask about the possibility of discounts that you may have overlooked in the past or that you’re now entitled to use because of life changes.

Consider taking advantage of Frost’s complimentary annual insurance review.

If you have questions or want to schedule an insurance review, contact Carl at 713.388.1255 or Carl.Maxwell@frostinsurance.com.

Carl offices at Frost’s River Oaks financial center.

Insurance products are offered through Frost Insurance for solicitation in the state of Texas and are not insured by the FDIC or any other Federal Government Agency; are not a deposit, obligation or guaranteed by Frost Bank; and may lose value.

intown 29

The

BUZZ

By Jenny Antill

Barbara and Louis Sklar

Steve and Kate Gibson, Janet and Paul Hobby

Jackie Wallace, Dunham Jewett, Bass Wallace, Jill Jewett Weezy and Saks Dees; Kate Stukenberg

“LASSO YOUR HEART FOR THE PARK” MEMORIAL PARK CONSERVANCY’S ANNUAL GREEN GALA

Ed and Lorraine Wulfe

Andrea and Bill White

More than 400 guests shared their support of Memorial Park Conservancy (MPC) and this year’s honoree Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo for its longstanding support of the Conservancy and the Park. Memorial Park has been the home to the Show’s trailriders for nearly 60 years, and many of its 28,000 volunteers are Houstonians who consider the Park one of our city’s greatest assets. Since Rodeo was this year’s theme, City Kitchen prepared a custom menu that included Crispy South Texas Duck Tacos with Avocados, Trail Ride South Texas Bob White Quail with Ancho Chili Glaze, Jalapeno Cheese Grits, and for dessert Pear and Cranberry Crisp with Bourbon Gelato. Music was provided by Wood & Wire. The Austin, Texas band has a brand-new album that was just released on February 3rd called The Coast. The evening garnered more than $350,000 for MPC.

Kelli and Eddy Blanton

Dena Prasher, Tana Wood

Tom and Misty Leslie

Chris Knapp, Maggie Brown Carla Garcia-Atance, Sherry Davis Joel Cowley, Camille Patton, Tammy Jenkins, Jack Lyons

Wendy and Jeff Hines

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YOUNG Realty Group

2014 Sales: 74 transactions totaling $33,000,000 5th Generation Houstonian

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Young Realty Group is a collaboration of top producing agents working together to provide the highest quality of service to buyers and sellers of residential real estate throughout the Greater Houston Area.

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Young Realty Group 5111 Bellaire Blvd, Bellaire TX 77401 832-819-0391 www.youngrealtyhouston.com

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