The Woodlands, TX October 2023

Layers of W orldly Flavors

FOOD + BEVERAGE THE TWO GREATEST WINES IN HISTORY?

THERE’S A BETTER APPROACH TO CANCER CARE in The Woodlands

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Food is everything we are.

"Food is everything we are. It's an extension of nationalist feeling, ethnic feeling, your personal history, your province, your region, your tribe, your grandma. It's inseparable from those, from the get-go."

— Anthony Bourdain

Welcome to our anticipated annual Foodie Issue. Food brings us together. Whether it be at a table with friends or new introductions, at a local pub or favorite cafe, on our travels around the globe or family dinners at home, food is at the center point of our tables, our lives and our history.

Breaking bread with another, I think could be considered one of the ties that bind us to life. There, I said it. Sharing, dining, conversing, reminiscing, toasting the past and the future - that IS life in my opinion. But there are some less fortunate than others with no family and no food - they are alone. We must come together in an effort to gather support and donations for those in need. We must build a bigger table so to speak.

October 16th is World Food Day, created as a collaborative effort to fight global hunger issues we face.  It's a day when people around the world come together to raise awareness and take action against hunger. Read our story on how Kristine Marlow and her team at Montgomery County Food Bank fight the cause on a daily basis.

We traveled the globe (right here in The Woodlands) to find fantastic worldly cuisine in our community. We uncovered a true melting pot, and discovered the tastes of India, Italy, South America, Japan, Mexico and America. Around the World in The Woodlands is our International feature story on worldly food, chefs, countries and cultures right here in our own back yard.

We are honored to include stories on renowned Chef Tiffany Derry and her Ode to Southern Cuisine and also Wine Aficionado Denman Moody and the Two Greatest Wines in History.

Our Foodie issue has something for everyone including food, drink and art enthusiasts. And be sure to check out our Cocktail Tour and discover places to sip unique and refreshing cocktails around town.

My compliments to the Chefs...

Cheers,

October 2023

PUBLISHER

Tonya Butler | tonya.butler@citylifestyle.com

MANAGING EDITOR

Jo Hammon | jo.hammon@citylifestyle.com

ACCOUNT MANAGER

Kelly Blum | kelly.blum@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Laura L. Green, Melanie Saxton, Kelly Twedell, Jo Hammon, Annette Palmer, Teresa Otto

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Bex Wood, Chris Spicks, Presley Daniel

Corporate Team

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry

VICE PRESIDENT OF SALES Tiffany Slowinski

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson

DIRECTOR OF FIRST IMPRESSIONS Jennifer Robinson

TECHNICAL DIRECTOR Josh Klein

CONTROLLER Gary Johnson

AD DESIGNER Hunter Richie

LAYOUT DESIGNER Kirstan Lanier

My photo this month is a mouthwatering Crawfish Étoufée, a nod to my time living in Louisiana!

JO HAMMON, MANAGING EDITOR

@THEWOODLANDSCITYLIFESTYLE

Chef Jassi is at the heart of Amrina.  The restaurant ambience of authenticity and visual appearance matches the beautiful taste and aroma of Celebrity Chef Jassi’s culinary creations. Read more about the winner of Chopped Netflix cooking series.

city scene

Where neighbors can see and be seen.

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Tag your Instagram photos with @TheWoodlandsCityLifestyle

1: Outgoing Chairman, Jim Carman (left) on stage with Chamber President & CEO JJ Hollie (right). 2: The Mitchell Intermediate Chorale performs for Chairman Ball attendees. 3: Line Dancing capped off the evening at the Chairman’s Ball. 4: Guests enjoy dancing to the music of the Gone to Texas Band. 5: Attendees pose before custom entrance designed and constructed by WC Construction. 6: The Texas themed photo booths were the backdrop for many smiles at the Chairman’s Ball. 7: Outgoing Chairman of The Woodlands Area Chamber of Commerce B.O.D, Jim Carman addresses Chairman’s Ball. Photography by 209 Photo Booth Company

business monthly

A round-up of exciting news from local businesses.

Vitacca Balley Announces 2023/2024 Season

Vitacca Ballet’s Artistic Director Kelly Ann Vitacca is pleased to announce the 2023/2024 season.

SOWN

from October 20-21, 2023 at 7:30pm MATCH, Matchbox 2 (3400 Main St, Houston, TX 77002)

The Nutcracker from November 24-26, 2023

The Woodlands Resort (2301 N Millbend Dr, The Woodlands, TX 77380)

WOVEN

on February 24, 2024 at 7:00pm Charles Bender Performing Arts Center (611 Higgins Street, Humble, TX 77338)

ONE

on April 5-7, 2024 at 7:30pm

Venue TBA

Photography: Ashkan Image

1,000 MOCO Families Benefit from H-E-B's Summer of Sharing Event

In a mega mobile food distribution, 1,000 Montgomery County families in need received free groceries, hot meals, and school supplies at the H-E-B Summer of Sharing event held at Woodforest Bank Stadium. H-E-B distributed meals via their mobile kitchens and provided all the school supplies and food, including prepared meals and a full set of groceries, including fresh produce. Conroe ISD offered for the event to take place at Woodforest Bank Stadium with 100 volunteers!

Photography: H-E-B/Montgomery County Food Bank

Avanti Italian Kitchen & Wine Bar - Research Forest Gets a New Name

Terra Vino Italian Kitchen & Wine Bar, a contemporary scratch Italian kitchen is now open in the space formerly known as "Avanti Italian Kitchen & Wine Bar" and is still family owned and operated by Orioli Restaurant Group. Terra Vino is featuring a creative line-up of antipasti dishes, hand-made pasta, and traditional artisanal pizzas, handcrafted cocktails, wine flights, and an impressive wine list. Most dishes found on the menu have been passed down over generations.

Photography: The Orioli Restaurant Group

Want to be featured?

Get in touch by heading over to our landing page to connect: CityLifestyle.com/TheWoodlands

Around the World in The Woodlands

ARTICLE BY KELLY TWEDELL | PHOTOGRAPHY BY PRESLEY DANIEL, BEX WOOD & PROVIDED

Chef Jassi in the private dining room.

The Woodlands international food scene is bursting with options. One does not have to travel afar to experience the myriad flavor combinations and tastes of regional cuisines. We’ve rounded up six local restaurants with global cuisine characteristics unique to their respective country regions and cultures. The plethora of global cuisine dining options is solid, and our lineup of restaurants boasts rave reviews and annual awards; no passport is needed on the local dining scene.

Amrina’s inception revolved around delivering an unparalleled dining journey that breaks free from the conventional boundaries of upscale Indian cuisine. Their mission involves crafting dishes with boundless creativity, catering to diverse palates. Beyond their reputation for exceptional cuisine, Amrina’s distinction extends to their cocktails, spirits, and wine list that has earned the esteemed Wine Spectator Best of Award of Excellence since 2022.

Located near The Waterway, Amrina differentiates itself through an impressive selection, ranging from juicy customizable steaks and exceptional seafood to delightful vegetarian creations. To add a touch of extravagance, guests can elevate their experience with different caviar options. Every culinary journey at Amrina is unique and carefully composed by their skilled team led by the guiding hand of Head Chef Jassi Bindra.

Recognize the name? Chef Jassi appeared on a recent Food Network’s Chopped episode, where he was the overall winner, a prestigious honor among competitors and chefs in the industry with his personal approach to Indian cuisine.

“My decision to embrace the world of “Chopped” was rooted in its power to challenge my culinary skills,” says Chef Jassi. “The show’s dynamic grappling with unknown ingredients and rapid cooking decisions not only provided me with an exhilarating and demanding

Chef's favorite Hokkaido Scallops with roasted cauliflower & potato puree, onion and capers

experience but also created an opportunity to present my culinary craftsmanship in a refreshingly distinct light.”

Chefs have established themselves as masters of time management, and his application of these skills within the Chopped competition played a definitive role in his winning, he explained. “The innovative techniques I used throughout each round, coupled with the fusion of flavors in my dishes, undoubtedly contributed as well,” says Chef Jassi. “Looking back, the entire experience was incredibly enriching, and I look forward to the opportunity of being part of many other shows in the future so I can continue to let my cuisine shine.”

At the heart of Amrina, it’s about culinary conversions weaving together taste, aroma, visual appearance, and an unwavering dedication to authenticity at every step of the meal. From the evocative fragrances of smoke to the symphony of spices and intricate embellishments, each element

LEFT: The exotic charm of India is seen throughout the restaurant. RIGHT: Chef’s flaming sauté skills!

converges to craft a theatrical experience for the senses. Blending traditional Indian recipes with modern presentation and ingredients takes center stage in their cuisine and craftsmanship, resulting in an exceptional experience for all.

Chef Jassi says that Amrina’s cuisine is a perfect example of how the star ingredient of the dishes can be married with the different elements to create a composed dish. He ensures that the dish’s core reflects its Indian heritage, but his diverse culinary training equips him to incorporate exhilarating new flavors. He says his most popular dishes are the chaat, rara lamb chops, and cardamom chocolate mousse, octopus, Chilean sea bass, and steaks.

Amrina’s dishes are crafted using ingredients sourced from local farms, sustainable seafood options, and natural, freerange poultry and meats, whenever available. “If I can’t find the quality I am looking for locally, I seek out the best alternative,” Chef Jassi says. “My focus is to find the best, most sustainable options as I believe every ingredient carries a unique story. I have a great relationship with vendors and farmers to ensure Amrina has the finest ingredients.”

Since May 2021, Uli’s Kitchen has become a staple for authentic Mexican food in The Woodlands. Chef Ulises Alcaraz and his spouse and co-owner Bonnie Alcaraz feature their cultural heritage on the colorful murals and photos that reflect cities and meaningful tributes.

Their menu features recipes handed down from Chef Uli’s grandmother, and their hand-selected ingredients make Uli’s Kitchen a time-honored favorite. “We try to buy ingredients as locally as possible,” says Chef Ulises Alcaraz. “Two notable exceptions to that are our molé, which I have made especially for us by a small business in Oaxaca, and our tortillas, which are handmade and brought in raw from Monterrey.”

“First-timers gravitate to our Enchiladas de Molé,” shares Bonnie. “I feel like most of us here in Texas are close enough to Mexican culture and cuisine to have at least a basic understanding of molé, so it’s something safe for people venturing a little outside of their usual Tex-Mex. And for those who’ve grown up eating molé, whose grandmothers spent all day Sunday making molé for family dinner, the Enchiladas de Molé is kind of their ‘litmus test’ for our food,” says Bonnie.

Chef Uli defines their culture as modern with lots of pre-Hispanic roots. “One of my favorite things about Mexican culture is how we are always innovating, always evolving, but always paying homage to our most ancient traditions,” he says. “The most obvious example of this is, of course, the taco. People worldwide continue to find new, interesting, and artistic ways to serve tacos. Still, at the end of the day, the foundation of the taco is the ancient and virtually unchanged tortilla.”

TOP LEFT: Chef Uli’s passion for food, culture, and serving up upscale Mexican fare shines | MIDDLE LEFT: Uli’s taco choices are loaded with options from fresh stewed meats or veggie options too | BOTTOM LEFT: Bloofin’s specialty sushi and sashimi plates have all your favorites and make a customize a Bento Box | RIGHT: Authentic Italian recipes handed down for generations.

Whether it’s classic carnitas or something more modern like the birria taco, you enjoy ancient and traditional food with a creative and contemporary twist.

“Of course, where there’s food, there’s family, and that’s another cornerstone of Mexican culture,” says Chef Uli. “The way we come together after mass for dinner, usually several generations, you know? Abuela is making her mole - and every family has their secret recipe, right? Family, food, and heritage all go hand in hand with my culture, which I love.”

Blōōfin, a Japanese establishment located within the walkable destination at Hughes Landing overlooking Lake Woodlands, is a must-try for sushi connoisseurs. Their fresh sushi, directly imported from the Toyosu market of Tokyo, makes their high-quality cuisine a favorite dining spot for locals. Their Edomae-inspired sushi restaurant’s soul of authentic Japanese food shines through in Bloofin’s menu offerings. According to the owner, Laurence Ho, Edomae is the traditional Tokyo method of preparing sushi with local fresh fish. ‘Edo’ means the old name for Tokyo, and ‘Mae’ means front, as the fish are fresh caught in the area.

Their higher-end Japanese whisky, sake, and craft cocktails pair well with the menu offerings boasting seasonal ingredients and vegetables. While their large variety of fresh sashimi, nigiri, and maki are sought-after, the 72-hour slow-cooked Wagyu skewer is a menu standout.

The 5,000-square-foot space is set to open in late October as they put the finishing touches on the space at Hughes Landing.

Looking for authentic traditional Italian-American dishes? Chef Arturo “Art” Huerta’s handmade pastas and classic sauces, all made in house are scratchmade family recipes passed down generations from Italy. Art says he locally sources his seasonal veggies, eggplants, and micro greens from the Woodlands Farmer’s Market. Of course, his Italian cheeses, cured meats, and more come from Little Italy’s own Arthur Avenue in the Bronx.

Papa Amadeos is the quintessential romantic night out, especially Singing Saturdays when Maurizio Panciera, their piano player from Venice, sets the ambiance for your meal. Once a month, a five-to-six-piece jazz band sets the vibe for this upscale casual romantic eatery.

CONTINUED >

Chef Arturo hand made dishes and classic sauces at Papa Amadeus

“Our most popular menu items include their thin sliced beef Milanesa stuffed with prosciutto, spinach, and mozzarella, or the homemade pappardelle pasta with egg, served with a hearty Bolognese sauce,” says Art. “Our vegan options are wildly popular, like the panko-crusted eggplant rollatini, rolled up with spinach and mozzarella, baked and served over linguini.”

Art’s passion is passed down from his family, his grandfather, now 92, was one of the first bakers to work at the Woodlands Country Club. Art has worked for many prestigious restaurants in Texas and carries on the family traditions well in our Woodlands community, serving the freshest, unique Italian fare.

Lights, cameras, action – where the food at the American bistro is the star, shining bright under its gold and crystal chandeliers amidst the deep jewel tones. Channel a  Breakfast at Tiffany’s experience with their weekend brunch. The Audrey Restaurant & Bar is inspired by Audrey Hepburn, with décor resembling the golden age of Hollywood. Fresh pasta, seafood, and steaks, all unique to the restaurant, come together to provide a truly unique experience. Fresh produce and herbs are locally sourced, along with species of fish like Ora King Salmon from the waters of New Zealand.

The Audrey Restaurant & Bar brings an exquisite touch to Market Street with popular dishes by Chef Justin Yoakum, such as Audrey Hepburn’s favorite Spaghetti al Pomodoro made with fresh pasta, Fresh Tuna, and Avocado Martini with Truffled Taro Chips. Save room for dessert and coffee. The popular coconut and white chocolate Tom Cruise cake is the most sought-after dessert.

Latin roots run deep at Costa Fina, according to Co-owner Enrique Orioli. Their family is a beautiful mix of Italian and Latin heritage. “My grandmother (Nonna Elda) and my grandfather, Domenico, were born and raised in Italy but met and married in South America after World War II. Our Italian restaurant concepts successfully operate with the recipes my Nonna Elda brought from Italy,” shared Orioli. “Now, we are excited to share our Latin roots with the vibrant flavors of the Pan-American stretch.”

TOP LEFT: Art and wife Bonnie. Chef learned to cook as a boy from his grandfather, Papa Amadeos! | BOTTOM LEFT: Chef Arturo Huerta’s scratchmade recipes are crafted precisely. | TOP RIGHT: The Audrey's ambient glam is the perfect spot to dine in elegance | MIDDLE RIGHT: The Audrey’s charismatic menu offers a unique take on favorites | BOTTOM RIGHT: Costa Fina Architectural Rendering

“The flavors stretch across Argentina to Brazil, where we want to showcase hearty churrascos. Peru will get highlighted with bright Peruvian ceviche and Pisco cocktails to complement,” says Orioli.  “From Peru, we take you on a journey across Venezuela and finally land you in Mexico. As for Mexico, our chef makes a superb traditional Mexican dish called Arroz a la tumbada, a traditional Mexican dish originating from Veracruz. This delicious dish combines fluffy white rice cooked in a mildly spiced tomato-based sauce with a savory selection of fresh seafood.”

Their crudos and ceviches will be showstoppers on the menu. They are working with boutique importers to source specialty ingredients. For example, the aji amarillo and rocoto peppers used in Peruvian cuisine aren’t found in stores or with large wholesale food distribution companies. They use ingredients indigenous to the region to keep the cuisine true to its roots. The preservation of food is essential to make guests feel connected to every dish.

In a city like the Woodlands, opportunities abound to sample flavors from around the globe. Our local restaurants, chefs, owners, and investors proudly showcase their international specialties. From food, beverages, and desserts to music, ambiance, and decor that reflects each venue’s respective culture, each restaurant exceeds its ambitious caliber to serve its best fare. Start exploring new seasonal menu features for fall and make your reservation because it’s no secret the locals know where to eat, including a few new hotspots opening soon. Bon appetite!

The Two Greatest Wines in History?

(Except for the Wines at the Wedding in Cana in 30 AD)

ARTICLE BY DENMAN MOODY AND LAURA GREEN PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

About Denman Moody

Denman Moody is a treasure. If you love wine, and you’re on a mission to understand the subject at a deep level, he’s the person to know.

Denman was already a wine aficionado before many of us took our first sip. A native Houstonian and a UT School of Law graduate, he caught the wine bug early on while serving as executive assistant to U.S. Senator Lloyd Bentsen of Texas.

Denman has traveled the world, rubbing elbows with an exclusive inner circle of winemakers, from Napa, to Mendoza, to Barossa, to Bordeaux–anywhere that interesting, wellcrafted wines can be found.

Writing about wine was a new thing in the U.S. when Denman launched Moody’s Wine Review, which became a go-to source within the industry. He eventually sold the publication to International Wine Review and stayed on as a contributing editor for a time.

Denman has written about wine for La Revue du Vin de France, The International Wine & Food Society Journal in London, Wine Spectator, and Wine & Spirits Magazine, as well as publications closer to home. In 1991, he was inducted into the Who’s Who in Food and Wine in Texas. He’s a past president of the Houston Chapter of the International Wine & Food Society and has conducted wine talks and tastings at events across the Houston area and throughout the world.

“Wine is so civilized—there are extra dimensions to the enjoyment of wine that no other beverage can match. And the food/ wine pairings that create synergisms are endless,” says Denman in his book, “The Advanced Oenophile.” It’s an honor to have him grace our pages with a bit of storytelling and perspective that only he can impart.

THE TWO GREATEST WINES IN HISTORY?

Most wine connoisseurs agree that a magnum is superior to a standard bottle for aging great vintages from Bordeaux and Burgundy.  It is generally accepted that a jeroboam—four bottles in one in Burgundy—is also superior for aging than a regular bottle.

Two wines: an 1870 Chateau Lafite-Rothschild in magnum from the Glamis Castle Cellar in Scotland, and a 1945 Romanée-Conti in jeroboam, are possibly the greatest wines of their type ever produced.  Unbelievably, my wife and I are among probably no more than five or ten living people who have tasted both wines. Here is the evidence.

THE 1870 GLAMIS CASTLE CHATEAU LAFITE-ROTHSCHILD IN MAGNUM

I believe it was 1970 when my late friend Michael Broadbent, former Chairman of the Wine Department at Christie’s in London, author of “Michael Broadbent’s Vintage Wines: Fifty Years of Tasting Three Centuries of Wines,” published in 2002, and arguably the most knowledgeable person in the world regarding great wines, visited the Glamis Castle Cellar to see what could be great auction items for Christie’s. He found forty-two magnums of this wine in original wax seals, embossed “Coningham.”

Michael tasted one of the magnums with about a dozen client connoisseurs, and it had perfect balance and flavor. He has stated, including personally to me, that Chateau LafiteRothschild 1870 in magnum from Glamis Castle is the greatest wine he ever tasted.

Of the forty-one magnums sold, and a magnum generally serves eight or ten people at a dinner party, it is possible that less than 500 people tasted this wine; however, since it has been fifty-one years since the sale, many of those fortunate few have died. My guess is that there are less than 200 or so alive today.

My wife and I shared a magnum in the early ‘80s at a magnificent dinner held by Houston’s and possibly America’s most brilliant Bordeaux expert, Lenoir Josey. I believe he had purchased six magnums at the original sale at Christie’s. It was and still is the greatest Bordeaux I

Denman Moody (center) at Dinner of the Decade with unrivaled lineup of chefs Daniel Boulud, Jerome Bocuse, Thomas Keller, Richard Rosendale

Wine aficionado, Denman Moody

have experienced, including all the First Growths from most of the great vintages.

A bottle of 1870 Lafite sold for $80,275 at Zachy’s March 30, 2019 auction at Le Bernadin Privé in Manhattan. I believe that a magnum from Glamis Castle, if any are left, would sell today for at least $250,000.

ROMANÉE-CONTI JEROBOAM 1945

At a recent auction, a standard bottle of this wine sold for slightly over $500,000.  So, theoretically, a jeroboam would bring over $2,000,000!

My wife and I were fortunate to attend the late Dr. Frank Komorowski’s fiftieth birthday dinner in 1995 at La Française in Vermillion, Ohio. He had been collecting 1945s for years in large format bottles. The full menu, which I called “Dinner of the Century” is on pages 255 and 256 of my book, “The Advanced Oenophile.” It would be impossible to reproduce today, even for a billionaire.

Even though Michael Broadbent said in the aforementioned book that no 1945 jeroboams were recorded as produced, Frank said that three were produced and he had two of them and served one at this dinner. He had flown Wolfgang Puck from California to assist the French chef at the restaurant, and the dish that accompanied

this wine was a mushroom risotto with white truffle shavings from Alba.

In his book, Michael said this was the last of the ungrafted vines at RomanéeConti (from the phylloxera epidemic of the 1860s-1870s). He also said one bottle of this wine was the outstanding wine of an incredible three-day Burgundy tasting, held in San Francisco, and on his rating scale, of which five stars is the highest, he gave it six stars! Since he tasted this wine just before the above book was published in 2002, and he had told me about the Lafite many years before that, it may have become his favorite wine.

There were about thirty attendees at the dinner my wife and I attended in 1995, including a Master of Wine and a Master Sommelier. None of them questioned the authenticity of the wine. I imagine Frank served his other jeroboam at his sixtieth birthday dinner in 2005. There might be thirty or so still with us who have tasted this wine from a jeroboam. The odds are great that less than five or ten of these would have also experienced a magnum of 1870 Chateau Lafite-Rothschild from the Glamis Castle Cellar, where they had been stored perfectly for almost 100 years.

Most wine connoisseurs agree that a magnum is superior to a standard bottle for aging great vintages from Bordeaux and Burgundy.  It is generally accepted that a jeroboam—four bottles in one in Burgundy—is also superior for aging than a regular bottle.

Where to Gather

Local Table Brings Its Warmth, Ambience and Menu of Fresh Favorites to The Woodlands

ARTICLE BY LAURA L. GREEN

A place where the whole family can find something to love on the menu. A place to meet after work for cocktails and apps. A place that’s as spot-on for hosting a special occasion as it is for hosting a laidback brunch with the gals. Local Table recently opened its doors on Research Forest with the mission of creating a gathering place for The Woodlands community that spans all these categories.

This is the fifth iteration of Local Table, which over the years has become a go-to spot in neighborhoods across the

“The Woodlands was a natural next step for us,” says Shervin Sharifi, who co-owns the restaurant along with his brother Neima and their cousins Arash, Ashkan, and Alex Nowamooz, who are brothers. Shervin says there is a dynamism and a focus on innovation and quality in The Woodlands community that naturally meshes with the concept behind Local Table. The warm and spacious mid-century décor of the new Research Forest location is punctuated by a huge light-up sign that spells out “TWTX” in a dazzle of bulbs. A handsome bar extends along one side of the restaurant and is flanked by an inviting patio.

The idea for Local Table came about because there was a need for the kind of local gathering place where neighbors, friends and families could come together for a great meal, where everyone could find something to love on the menu, a hub that provided the kind of warm hospitality, ambiance and menu options that could satisfy a variety of tastes, says Shervin.

smoked salmon avocado toast during weekend brunch service. “We always strive to bring new flavors and variety to

Houston area, including Cinco Ranch, Fulshear, Garden Oaks, and Cypress.

Ashkan’s daughter, Nousha Nowamooz is marketing and development director for the restaurant. She says Local Table uses fresh ingredients and sources locally whenever possible. Menu items run the gamut of tastes and preparations, including woodstone pizzas, short rib tacos, burgers and hand-cut fries, gourmet salads and sandwiches, meatloaf, pasta, and fried chicken, as well as croissant French toast, chicken and waffles, omelets, and

the table—it keeps our menu unique and exciting,” says Ashkan’s wife, executive chef Sue Nowamooz. That includes vegetarian and gluten-friendly options, as well as an array of vegan bowls.

Sue says that she expects the menu to evolve as the tastes of The Woodlands become apparent. “We are always experimenting in the Local Table kitchens to bring new items and improve existing items – we are always cooking!”

fall’s freshest harvest

Our raw bar menu changes daily based on the Gulf’s morning harvest. That’s straight from the shores to our doors—and best when paired with a crisp martini or glass of rosé.

Make a reservation at GOODECOMPANYFISHCAMP.COM and follow us @GOODECOFISHCAMP.

Beaumont’s Ode to Southern Cuisine

Fried chicken. The imagery evokes a sense of comfort, and with words like dredged, coated, crispy, crunchy, and brined, this time-honored family staple brings nostalgia, however, you opt to fry it. One Beaumont-born and raised chef veered from her family’s traditional recipe and chartered a path, elevating the southern staple with her duck-fat fried chicken rendition, complete with a bottle of handmade hot sauce and a plate of biscuits.

Beaumont-born and raised, Tiffany Derry lights up a room with her entrance, and her passion for food and hospitality shines

through. She is no stranger to the bright lights and big cities. Dallas’ award-winning local chef and TV mega-cooking competitor have anchored her roots in Texas’ culinary scene with her signature Roots Chicken Shak inside Plano’s Legacy Food Hall, and an Austin location, before opening their highly anticipated full-service restaurant, Roots Southern Table.

Having inherited a love of cooking from her family at age 15, Tiffany thrived in her high school’s culinary career training center in Beaumont. Family gatherings always seemed

ARTICLE

BY KELLY TWEDELL | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

Tom Foley and Tiffany Derry of T2D Concepts

to center around food, and everyone cooked; her mom is one of 11 kids, and Tiffany has more than 50 cousins between Beaumont and Houston. One could only imagine the holidays around her table growing up. Before formalizing her education with a culinary degree from The Art Institute of Houston, she simultaneously worked her way up as a short-order cook at IHOP.

Rooted in Southern hospitality, Houston’s renowned chef, Mark Holley, sharpened Tiffany’s world-class cuisine skills. After she interned, cut her teeth on fine dining, and kicked off her culinary career at Holley’s notorious Pesce, her job at Landry’s eventually sent her to Dallas to open a location.

After that, the kitchen doors were wide open, and the rest, as they say, is history.

Roots Southern Table and chef Tiffany Derry have buttoned up two James Beard nominations as finalists for Best New Restaurant and Best Chef, Texas, and hold one of the ten national spots as a finalist for Best New Restaurants and The New York Times “50 Most Vibrant and Delicious Restaurants”, all that to say; they are on the proverbial foodie map. The menu is an ode to some treasured family recipes.

Tiffany codified her recipe for success after she reached out to Tom Foley to gain his insight on restaurant investor relations and business structure. She was introduced to him because he knew a “little bit about restaurants and a little bit about law.”

“We bonded over our shared passion for driving social change and creating opportunities for women and minorities,” says Tiffany.

In 2016, Tom and Tiffany joined forces to create Tiffany Derry Concepts, aka T2D Concepts, a purpose-driven hospitality group committed to bridging the gender and racial wealth gap in the industry. T2D Concepts—which operates Roots Southern Table and Roots Chicken Shak — was founded on Tom’s mantra: Passion, Principle, Purpose, and Profit (in that order).

“Much like cooking, our approach to business combines purpose with intent. When preparing

an entrée, you must be purposeful – from sourcing the right ingredients to the final plating,” says Tom. “The process demands thoughtful planning and flawless execution. We apply this throughout our restaurants. We hope our planning and execution results in unparalleled hospitality and can truly be felt when walking into each T2D restaurant.”

Tiffany is passionate about redefining Southern food. Roots Southern Table is an homage to her culinary upbringing in the South, with modern influences and global flavors. She aims to show people that Southern food is much more than down-home comfort food, like mac and cheese.

“Southern cuisine is about land, about the water, about the people who live in the South and what they contribute to Southern cuisine – it’s about who’s stirring the pot,” exclaims Tiffany.

She is most known for her infamous duckfat fried chicken. It was such a hit on her menu at the former Dallas venue, Private|Social; they created their fast-casual concept Roots Chicken Shak around this dish and served it in a variety of ways, from whole birds to sandwiches and robust salads. Tiffany credits her trip to France at age 18, where she first ate duck-fat fries, as inspiration. She also recalls her grandmother’s version of a whole duck baked on top of a bed of cornbread dressing, where the flavorful duck fat drips down on the decadent entrée.

Tom shares that culture is the keystone to their success. They work diligently to live their core values and rely on them to steer their decisions. They impress upon their team the importance of embracing their values every day. “Indeed, we weave this through all of our team interactions,” he says. “As a mission-driven business, it is also vital that our team understands our “why,” from striving to drive social justice to more simple decisions as to why we implement different policies and procedures.”

Speaking to that, as fierce advocates for social justice and equity across gender, race, and food access, Tom and Tiffany founded T2D Concepts

“Southern cuisine is about land, about the water, about the people who live in the South and what they contribute to Southern cuisine – it’s about who’s stirring the pot.”

“Of course, the opportunity for guests to see Tiffany on TV creates interest in visiting our locations,” shares Tom. “What I love most, though, is that the Tiffany you see on TV –fun-loving, great spirit – is the same Tiffany you will see in our restaurants.”

Duck-fat fried chicken sandwich at Roots Chicken Shak is as crispy as it looks

with purpose and impact at the core. Their mission is to provide great food, great service, great conversation, and great impact through its concepts. They believe time spent around the table with good food serves as an opportunity to discuss and address critical social topics.

Their vision for T2D expands beyond the restaurants’ doors to create lasting change in the communities they serve. They are developing an innovative funding and strategic business model to expand the Roots Chicken Shak footprint and provide incentives and opportunities for females and people of color to operate their franchises.

HAVE APRON, WILL TRAVEL

If you are a fan of mega-hit cooking competitions on TV, you’ll surely recognize chef Tiffany Derry. In 2010, Tiffany appeared on season seven of Top Chef, where she snagged the fan favorite award. Then, she was a finalist again for Top Chef: All-Stars the following year. After working at Private|Social in 2013, she started doing more TV, like Bar Rescue and Cutthroat Kitchen, traveling between New York and Los Angeles. Recently, Guy Fieri’s Tournament of Champions III, the PBS show Great American Recipe- where they tasted over 20 plates a day—and Bobby’s Triple Threat [with Bobby Flay].

“Of course, the opportunity for guests to see Tiffany on TV creates interest in visiting our locations,” shares Tom. “What I love most, though, is that the Tiffany you see on TV – fun-loving, great

spirit – is the same Tiffany you will see in our restaurants. It’s great when fans meet Tiffany and can feel her energy and warmth.”

Chef Tiffany’s name is all over at the moment, in September, she was selected among top chefs to participate in the Inaugural Louisiana Food & Wine Festival. North Texas headlines anxiously await her new Italian concept, Radici, as she brings her culinary prowess into the Italian arena. Besides TV cooking competition stints, Tiffany returned from her annual Fourth of July tradition in Los Cabos at the Hilton’s Golf and Beach Resort, where she curated nightly menus with their chef, sourcing local ingredients. She has also served as an American cooking ambassador for the U.S. Embassy for groups in Mumbai, Paris, and Albania. It should be no surprise that Oprah requests her soulful cuisine concoctions, and Tiffany and her team pack up their kitchen knives and have traveled to Hawaii on a few occasions.

Dining at Root Southern Table was a kicked-up cajun epicurean delight. I started with “My Mother’s Gumbo,” with the cast iron cornbread served with Steen’s Syrup, Sweet Potato Butter, and Cranberry Apple Preserves was incredible. My Duck and Foie Gras Boudin left me full, only to sample the Texas Wagyu Braised Oxtails last. At $56, the family-style platter of duck-fat fried chicken was already sold out for the evening, so plan ahead; reservations are tight and fill up quickly.

One song lyric keeps playing in my head on the ride home after dining at Roots Southern Table, “The stars at night are big and bright, deep in the heart of Texas.”

Decadent dishes from Roots Southern Table Chef Tiffany's Banana pudding is classic take on this timeless dessert

The City CocktailLifestyle Tour

Getting in the Spirit

ARTICLE BY JO HAMMON | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JO HAMMON, KELLY BLUM

With the holidays approaching, a celebratory mood is in the October air and we thought a cocktail tour could kick off the Fall season.

We started at Prohibition Texas in Old Town Spring, typically known as an authentic whiskey and cigar bar. We were blown away by the selection of spirits and handcrafted cocktails. Our favorite drink was the Old Town Spring Smash, an off-menu treat made with Blackland Texas Pecan Brown Sugar bourbon, mint, Turbinado and fresh lemon juice!

A friendly crowd of locals peppered the bar and owner Belinda Lara and bartender Jimmy gave us a warm welcome and insisted we join in the Trivia contest. It was an enjoyable evening in a quaint area right outside The Woodlands.

Old Town Spring Smash

Our next stop was Sixty Vines, the lovely and fresh new wine bar in Market Street. My favorite aspect of the bar is the concept of the tap system - wine from a barrel to the steel kegs to the taps, a far more sustainable way to serve wine and according to Sixty Vines, each keg of wine they pour saves 1,560 bottles, corks, foil and labels from landfills. There is also a stunning list of curated cocktails to enjoy. We sampled a couple and really enjoyed The Dreamsicle. (Divine!)

The Dreamsicle

Wheatley vodka, Licor 43, simple, Peychaud’s Bitters, O.J., lemon

We then got creative and designed our own signature City Lifestyle Cocktail. We enlisted the help of our friend LaShan Arceneaux, a veteran in the cocktail industry and the head crafter and mixologist at Three Lumps of Sugar.

The Woodlands City Lifestyle

Signature Fall Cocktail -

Rosemary Pear Martini

1.5 ounces of vodka, 1 ounce of pear nectar, 1 ounce of rosemary lemon simple syrup.

RECIPE:

• Add 2-3 large sprigs of rosemary and half of a lemon to 1 cup of boiling water and boil for two minutes. Turn off heat and remove rosemary and lemon. Add one cup of brown sugar.  Stir until dissolved. Cool completely.

• Fill a mason half full of ice and add vodka, pear nectar, and rosemary simple syrup.

• Shake well until ingredients are combined and chilled.

• Strain into a glass with fresh ice,  Garnish with a rosemary sprig and lemon wheel.

The Woodlands City Lifestyle Signature Fall Cocktail

The Dreamsicle is a perfect blend of refreshing flavors.

CHAMPAGNE PAINTS

Brenda Rojo pops the cork with a series of bespoke champagne gifts

ARTICLE BY ANNETTE PALMER | PHOTOGRAPHY BY DYLAN YANES

When it’s your bestie’s big birthday, your sister’s wedding or even your boss’s retirement, it can be difficult to find that special something which says it all but also retains a quality of luxury. When Brenda Rojo painted a Frida Kahlo champagne bottle for a friend’s birthday, she wasn’t prepared for the reactions she received, or the stream of order requests which followed.  Unbeknownst to her, she had made an incredibly special gift, which was the catalyst for a whole new business venture.

As well as being a lover of champagne, Brenda loves art, poetry and writing. “This new venture was an opportunity to pursue my creativity and turn my love of art into something tangible,” she tells me. Drawing was her

favorite activity growing up and she is proud to be able to now utilize it in this way.

Champagne Paints is represented with a website and online store featuring an array of sophisticated designs. Celebratory of significant events from buying a new home to corporate milestones, “every bottle is completely bespoke and painted for the individual, every time I pour my creativity into paintings, it becomes a representation of the people and their stories, and it fills me with joy,” Brenda states.

Creating these extraordinary gifts since 2020, Brenda has painted champagne bottles for the engagement of Simone Biles and Jonathon Owens, as

LEFT: Brenda Rojo hand paints her bespoke bottles MIDDLE: A unique way to say “Congratulations”

RIGHT: Frida Kahlo meets Veuve Clicquot

well as for poet Rupi Kaur and also for a well-known Whitehouse representative.

The favorite champagne chosen by a majority of clients is Veuve Cliquot, but Brenda also paints special bottles of tequila, whisky, wine, whatever is the giftee’s favorite tipple. It’s a custom business and the lengthy process includes preparing the surface of the glass using layers of primer, then paint, with a final sealant which protects and enhances the life of the bottle. After the contents have been enjoyed, it can be used as decoration. However, most recipients decide never to open the bottle at all, keeping it as a cherished token of a special occasion.

Working from her home studio, all compositions begin with a series of sketches and Brenda confers with the client before painting the finished bottle.  Her personal favorite is a special bottle of tequila which she painted with an oil pen, the filigree line drawing allows for the honey color of the nectar inside to shine through.

This business began during the pandemic and Brenda describes it as “the most beautiful lesson, even in hard times there’s beauty and inspiration that can flourish”.

You can check out Champagne Paints online and on Instagram.

instagram.com/champagnepaints champagnepaints.com

LEFT: Colorful designs featuring ice cream, flowers, fairies and logos MIDDLE: A gift for a special ‘Wonder Woman”

RIGHT: Las Vegas memories

DON’T FORGET TO USE YOUR FLEX SPENDING ACCOUNT!

ARTICLE BY ANNETTE PALMER | PHOTOGRAPHY BY PRESLEY DANIEL

Eric Sundin and his "liquid motion" paintings

Eric Sundin at Ardest Gallery

Just A Splash!

“LIQUID MOTION” PAINTINGS BY

ARTIST ERIC SUNDIN

The love of a line holds a common excitement for many artists, we love the curves and flows, bends and breaks that come with the body, structure and composition of our favorite works, Eric Sundin has refined this skill with his own splash of genius!

An early appreciation of comic strip art inspired Sundin, as a child, to recreate the superheroes who inspired him, he told me - “I was fascinated by how an artist could create an image that would come to life through the movement and action printed in a 2d comic book.” He subsequently worked as a draftsman for a mapping company in Houston, creating maps of The Intracoastal Waterway using airbrush and drafting techniques. Then later in the oil and gas industry, which included working as part of a team of artists creating large hand drawn renderings using inks, pens and templates, and then eventually in 3D visualization centers dealing with sub surface images, presented on a curved screen and viewed with 3D glasses!

After an art hiatus of 18 years, Sundin rekindled his play of creativity and returned to drawing and painting. His foundations in draftsmanship are apparent in his work, and he enjoys using tools from pre automation times in his augmentation of lines. His initial

linear structure is complimented by a poured paint technique in which acrylic paints are diluted to a workable fluidity before being literally poured onto the canvas. The paints ebb and flow together forming alluring organic patterns and configurations. This is a popular abstract technique, but Sundin sets his work apart by using it as an accent rather than the entire composition. The linear framework, coupled with the flow and play of the poured paint, completes the balance of formality and fun, making for a pleasing rhythm to his work. Inspiration can strike at any point, in any location, and the “liquid motion” series of works were unexpectedly triggered by stop motion photographs he observed whilst grocery shopping! Mesmerized by the liquid captured in the moment of mid pour, he carried out the initial drawings and then progressed to paintings. The result being a series of 13 paintings, striking, opulent and lively with either black or white backgrounds. These paintings exemplify Sundins graphic arts background. Cherries, ice cubes, slivers of lemon and olives are submerged in the fluidity and dash of liquid, contained in the finite linear glasses, these large paintings evoke feelings of happy times, celebrations, luxury and relaxation.

I enjoyed talking art with Eric Sundin and when asked about his technique he told me -

“One of the tools used was a French Curve, a ridged plastic guide that has allows artists to draw smooth curved lines. Once the wine glass has been drawn, I can begin to pour the paint onto the canvas. The canvas needs to be completely level, so the paint will not run to a low spot, for the mixture of paint, water and flow medium, each color needs to be mixed to the same consistency. I can now drizzle the paint within the wine glass image, and I can push it around or manipulate it with a pallet knife. It takes about 24 hours for the paint to dry.”

The “liquid motion” paintings are just one series of Sundins collections. A recent collaboration with Tomball gift store Cloud Chief has resulted in the creation of reinvented thrift store paintings - by adding unexpected elements to traditional scenes and landscapes. UFOs, monsters

These paintings celebrate happy times

and modern-day trash culture make an appearance in these off trend works of art, giving them a contemporary edge where the narrative has been completely transformed. The recycling and repurposing aspect takes it into a whole new level.

Sundin also enjoys teaching art and his “paint and sip” classes at the Bluebonnet Tasting Room in Tomball are immensely popular. A portrait of the TV show Dallas, J.R. Ewing, enjoying a glass of wine, hangs inside the venue, painted by Sundin!  The “Halloween Paint and Sip” event will take place on October 12th, 6-9 pm, where you can create your own take home original piece of art! Make your reservations online.

Sundins art can be seen in The Woodlands Children’s Museum, where a mural of a tree greets visitors in the entrance. He is also represented by the new Ardest Gallery located at 25200 Grogans Park Drive, where he exhibits his latest paintings.  Ardest Gallery hours are 10 am - 2 pm, Wednesday thru Saturday.

He has an informative website, Facebook and Instagram presence. sundinart.com, instagram.com/sundin.eric

Cherries, ice cubes, slivers of lemon and olives are submerged in the fluidity and dash of liquid, contained in the finite linear glasses, these large paintings evoke feelings of happy times, celebrations, luxury and relaxation.

"Fire Girl", a reinvented thrift store piece with the added fire!

IF YOU ARE READING THIS... SO IS YOUR BEST CLIENT.

BAYOU CITY ART FESTIVAL DOWNTOWN 2023

OCTOBER 14 - 15 2023

SATURDAY & SUNDAY 10 AM TO 6 PM

FEATURED ARTIST

MICHELLE MCDOWELL SMITH

n 250 National & International Artists

n 19 Disciplines of Art

n Live Music & Entertainment

n Active Imagination Zone

n Frost Bank VIP Hospitality Lounge

n Art Installations & Exhibits

n Food Truck Park

n Craft Beer Garden

n Culinary Arts Stage

TICKETS ON SALE NOW www.bayoucityartfestival.com

SAM HOUSTON PARK & ALLEN PARKWAY

ARTICLE BY TERESA OTTO PHOTOGRAPHY BY PHOENICIA SPECIALTY FOODS, TERESA OTTO

PHOENICIA SPECIALTY FOODS

appetite for food from home, so the Tcholakians started selling cases of hard-to-find specialty foods from their own warehouse.

As the demand grew, the Tcholakian family opened the 55,000-square-foot Westheimer supermarket and adjacent Arpi’s Phoenicia Deli. The Phoenicia Specialty Foods Downtown and in-house MKT Bar opened in 2011 and became the first downtown grocery store in four decades.

Phoenicia Specialty Foods specializes in Middle Eastern, Mediterranean, European, and Eastern European foods, but the family imports food from 50 countries worldwide. Their stores reflect the melting pot that is Houston — a city in which nearly a quarter of the residents are foreign-born, 145 languages are spoken, and 94 countries have consulates.

BRINGING THE WORLD HOME

Fond memories of a Turkish cooking class have you pouring over the recipes. Dolmas without grape leaves? Kofte without the proper meat and spices? And what about fresh pita bread?

Before you give up on the dream, it’s time for a short trip to Phoenicia Specialty Foods in Houston.

For the last 40 years, Phoenicia Specialty Foods has been bringing the world’s food to Houston and bringing people together in the process. Founders Zohrab and Arpi Tcholakian immigrated to Houston from Lebanon in 1978. As the oil industry faltered, the Tcholakians decided to follow their passion for food.“They definitely wanted to share their roots and staples from our family dining table,” daughter Ann Marie Tcholakian said of her parents who are of Armenian descent, “but they also wanted to be inclusive and be inviting of other cultures.”

They opened Phoenicia Deli on Westheimer Road in 1983. The deli whetted many a patron’s

The city’s diversity is evident in Phoenicia Specialty Foods. “Our family sees how the power of food, gathering, and celebration brings people together,” Ann Marie says. Whether you’re shopping for ready-made food or specialty ingredients for dishes you’ve sampled abroad, a visit to Phoenicia Specialty Foods is like a trip to the United Nations on a good day.

Maybe it’s the soothing fresh-baked-bread aromatherapy. Forty- to fifty-thousand loaves of pita bread are whisked from the mezzanine bakery to the Westheimer market’s shelves by way of the Pita Belt daily — a conveyor belt that Zohrab, an engineer, designed to cool the bread after leaving the 1200-degree ovens.

Near the pita bread, zaatar bread, and crisp Italian breadsticks, you’ll see deli cases with salads, hummus, and baba ganouj as well as a 25-foot olive bar. Looking for Lebanese olive oil to drizzle on the hummus? You’ll find it in the company of Palestinian, Greek, Spanish, and Italian varieties in an aisle devoted solely to olive oil.

If you’re making hummus from scratch instead, you’ll find a mind-boggling selection of tahini. Among the legumes, you’ll not only find

Westheimer's Deli Case

the necessary garbanzos, but also lupini beans (natives of the Middle East) cozied up to black turtle beans (originally from Mexico and smaller, shinier, and milder than black beans); you’ll see Israeli wines socializing with Chilean varieties. Indeed, Old World ingredients mingle with New World ones, just as customers from around the globe mingle and shop for their favorites from home. “Food is our common ground, a universal experience,” James Beard once said. And while food is a necessity, what and how we eat can define our heritage and culture.

As you stroll through Phoenicia Specialty Foods, you’ll see ready-made dolmas or grape leaves to make your own. You’ll discover a spice selection that rivals that in Istanbul’s spice market. You’ll find ready-to-eat food that transports you from Houston to the world at large — from Armenian lavash bread and Moroccan couscous to Belgian ale and Turkish coffee. All, coincidentally, are on UNESCO’s list of “Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity” foods. And even though Arpi’s walnut baklava isn’t on that list (as it should be), it makes a delightful finish to your Turkish meal and makes the world a sweeter place.

Baklava-Filled Bakery Case

Zohrab Tcholakian Tending His Father's Corner Grocery in Beirut

The Olive Bar

WORLD FOOD DAY 2023

ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY MONTGOMERY COUNTY FOOD BANK

Fighting Hunger and Feeding Hope

World Food Day, observed on October 16th each year, serves as a reminder of the global issue of hunger. It’s a day when people around the world come together to raise awareness and take action against hunger. While the issue may seem overwhelming on a global scale, impactful change can begin at the local level. One way to make a difference in the community is by getting involved with a Food Bank.

Many residents may be surprised to learn that hunger is a big issue within Montgomery County. Last year, Montgomery County Food Bank served over 10 million meals to an average of 65,000 people each month. This year, those numbers are growing at an alarming rate due to the rising cost of groceries, fuel, and other necessities.    Montgomery County Food Bank’s impact relies on the support of volunteers, donors, and advocates.

HOW YOU CAN HELP:

• Spread the Word: The first step to fighting hunger is awareness. Spreading the word about the prevalence of hunger in Montgomery County and the work of MOCO Food Bank is the one thing we can all do to help. Share a social post on World Food Day!

• Volunteer: Volunteer opportunities range from sorting and packaging food, volunteering at mobile food

distributions, assisting with grocery deliveries to seniors, and more. Sign up at mcfoodbank.org .

• Financial Contributions: With its strong buying and sourcing power, MOCO Food Bank can stretch a dollar to provide up to four meals. Every dollar makes an impact. Donate on the website.

• Donate Food: The Food Bank depends on nutritious, non-perishable food donations to help keep up with the growing number of people seeking food assistance. Most needed items include canned fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and canned proteins.

• Host Food and Fund Drives: Rally your friends, family and/or colleagues together to host a food and fund drive. The Food Bank makes it easy to get involved by providing a variety of resources on its website to help kickstart your food drive and make it a success.

World Food Day is a reminder that collective efforts can drive change. Every contribution, no matter how small, plays a role in building a stronger Montgomery County - and beyond.  “Together, our efforts can resonate beyond a single day as we work towards a future where every child, individual, senior, and family in need has access to the basic human right of nutritious food. I am so grateful for the strong support of our community,” said Kristine Marlow, President and CEO of Montgomery County Food Bank.

1. Volunteers sort the donations and make an impactful change on a community level. | 2. Kristine Marlow at the Mobile Market 3. Fresh produce was donated by H-E-B out at the Mobile Market. | 4. Canned goods are donated by the dozens.

Kristine Marlow, President and CEO of Montgomery County Food Bank, began her career of service as an officer in the US Air Force, where she served for eight years.

Kristine and her family have lived within the community for over 20 years. She led many programs as a volunteer and served as St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church’s Children’s Sacrament and Formation Coordinator for almost 10 years. In the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey and amid initial COVID-19 emergency response, she offered crucial aid to neighbors in need via St. Anthony’s Bread Food Pantry.

Feeling called to continue hunger relief efforts in a more impactful way, Kristine was selected to lead Montgomery County Food Bank in August 2020. A hands-on servant leader, Kristine encourages a continual quest for excellence within the organization. Kristine’s passion and esteemed leadership has brought the Food Bank’s impact to new heights in the community.

Kristine is a member of the Leadership Montgomery County Class of 2022 and currently serves as a director on The Woodlands Area Chamber of Commerce and Feeding Texas Boards.

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Kristine Marlow

Threads of Joy

Ivy Jensen has been sewing for as long as she can remember, initially inspired by her mother, an expert quilter, whose favorite expression was “interest creates energy” which referenced bringing ideas to reality. Ivy, now aged 87, continues to create and sew daily.

“Threads of Joy” is presented by The Woodlands Arts Council, where we take a retrospective

A CELEBRATORY EXHIBITION OF WORK BY FIBER ARTIST IVY JENSEN PRESENTED BY THE WOODLANDS ARTS COUNCIL

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journey through the many facets of Ivy Jensen’s lifetime of work to date.

I was honored to visit Ivy in her home where she is surrounded by countless examples of experimental fabric and fiber art, in a multitude of shapes and forms.  Painted, dyed, torn, frayed, bleached, melted, embellished and cherished, these beautiful works of art are a kaleidoscope of color and are emblazoned with heavy textures and fanciful stitches, made both by hand and machine, there is a world of detail in every piece.

However, Ivy isn’t your regular quilter, her initial skills motivated her to attend workshops in creative sewing, fabric weaving and other fiber art related courses. A longtime member of SAQA - Studio Art Quilt Associates, a wonderful international community of over 4000 artists, curators, collectors and art professionals around the globe, all with a passion for quilting and fiber arts. Through SAFA and other groups in which she was an active member, Ivy would regularly have her designs in exhibitions and fashion shows including exhibiting her work in San Francisco, Louisiana, Istanbul, Turkey and The Houston International Quilt Festival.

A lover of words and literature, Ivy has a B.S. from The University of Houston, and her words find their way into her art. “Salvage the Selvedge”, a coat made from the routinely discarded selvages and edges of fabric, is lined in red with a hand painted poem inside written by Ivy.  Words regularly make an appearance in her art works.

Ivy has taught many classes in creative stitching, needle lace, alcohol ink techniques and marbling, and uses each of these categories in her own work. Experimental use of textiles has been a great passion throughout the years and led to working with unusual materials including rubber bands, hair pins, cassette tapes, acrylic rods and Tyvek which is used in the construction industry. The different weights of Tyvek lend themselves to accepting paint and can be sewn easily, like fabric. Ivy works in this way and then melts and burns the Tyvek with a heat gun for further effects which create sculptural forms and formations, these webs and threads allow the vivid backing fabrics to show through.

Family and community are paramount in her work, and Ivy has created art quilts for members of her family, all designed and sewn with love at the heart of the project.

“Threads of Joy”, is the inaugural exhibition welcoming The Woodlands Arts Council to their new location at 9540 Grogans Mill Road, suite 160.   Every artwork was carefully hand selected and curated by interior designer Nancy Charbonneau and artist/ curator/writer Annette Palmer. A well-attended private viewing took place on September 22 as part of the soft opening at the new location. Please check the Woodlands Arts Council website for details of exhibition opening hours when the show will be open to the public.

“The Woodlands Arts Council (TWAC), Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. The mission of The Woodlands Waterway Arts Council, Inc. is to provide regional cultural and educational enrichment opportunities that encourage, support and promote the performing and visual arts.

Our primary goal is to create a strong and vital arts presence in the area. We believe the arts can open the doors of our minds, strengthen character, heal the body and foster an appreciation of other cultures.”

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1. Work in progress | 2. A Kaffe Fasset inspired bedroom | 3. Ivy Jensen with one of her off loom woven art pieces | 4. Ivy with her quilt which shows examples of quilting and appliqué, “The Really Perfect Storm” | 5. “Metamorphosis” fiber art sculpture, made from painted and burned Tyvek and wool

events

A curated selection of the most intriguing upcoming events in our area.

OCTOBER FRIDAYS & SATURDAYS

Old Town Spring Ghost Walks

OLD TOWN SPRING TRILOGY BREW

417 GENTRY ST., SPRING, TX

Lantern light will guide you through the streets of Old Town Spring as you experience chilling tales that will change your perception of the quaint town revitalized with boutique stores and restaurants! The tour starts at Trilogy Brew on Gentry Street. Fridays and Saturdays in October - check the calendar for times.  oldtownspringghostwalk.com/oldtown-spring

OCTOBER 5TH

Wine Walk at Market Street

CENTRAL PARK AT MARKET STREET

9595 SIX PINES DRIVE | 6:00 PM

The 19th annual H-E-B Wine Walk delivers wines of the world to Market Street along with culinary creations from our local restaurants, chef and caters. Enjoy sipping wine, live music and art exhibits. Get tickets:  wineandfoodweek.com/events/2023/ wine-walk-at-market-street-2023

WEEKENDS OCTOBER 7TH - NOVEMBER 26TH

Texas Renaissance Festival

21778 FARM TO MARKET, 1774 TODD MISISON, TX 77363

9:00 AM

49th Annual Texas Renaissance Festival. 8 weekends October 7 - November 26. 9 AM - 8 PM. texrenfest.com

OCTOBER 7TH

Memorial Hermann 10 for Texas

NORTHSHORE PARK

2505 LAKE WOODLANDS DRIVE, THE WOODLANDS, TX | 7:00 AM

The Memorial Hermann 10 for Texas 10-mile race, 3.1 Armadillo Run

5K and One 4 Texas Kids' Fun Run through The Woodlands will begin at Northshore Park at 7:00 a.m. A USA Track and Field (USATF) sanctioned event, has a certified 10 mile course and finishes with a Post Race Pary with Live music. Tickets:  thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/298/ Memorial-Hermann-10-for-Texas

OCTOBER 13TH - 15TH

Conroe Cajun Catfish Festival

101 S. MAIN STREET, CONROE, TX

Don't miss the 29th Annual Conroe Cajun Catfish Festival. Live music and Cajun cuisine and libations. Laissez les Bons Temps Rouler!  friendsofconroe.com/p/getcon nected/festival-information

OCTOBER 13TH

Chris Stapleton's All-American Road Show

THE CYNTHIA WOODS

MITCHELL PAVILION | 7:00 PM

Chris Stapleton's All-American Road show is making a stop in The Woodlands. Joining him will be Charley Crockett and Nikki Lane! woodlandscenter.org/events/2023/ chris-stapleton CONTINUED >

OCTOBER 14TH

2023 Walk to End

Alzheimer's - N. Harris/ Montgomery County, TX

TOWN GREEN PARK, 2099

LAKE ROBBINS DR. THE WOODLANDS, TX | 8:00 AM

600 communities nationwide annually hold the Alzheimer's Association Walk to End Alzheimer's®, the world's largest fundraiser for Alzheimer's care, support and research. This inspiring event calls on participants of all ages and abilities to join the fight against the disease. 2 mile route starting at Town Green Park.  Register: act.alz.org/site/TR/Walk2023/ TX-HoustonampSoutheastTexas

OCTOBER 15TH

Sting

THE CYNTHIA WOODS

MITCHELL PAVILION | 8:00 PM

Sting brings his "My Songs " World Tour to The Woodlands. Sting performs songs with a set list spanning some of his biggest hits with The Police as well as from his solo career including "Englishman in New York," "Fields of Gold," "Roxanne" and many others. Sting's son, Joe Summer will join him on the tour! Tickets wood landscenter.org/events/2023/sting

OCTOBER 17TH

The Woodlands Area

Chamber of Commerce

Annual Golf Classic

THE WOODLANDS COUNTRY

CLUB WEST/NORTH COURSE

2311 N. MILLBEND DRIVE | 8:00 AM

Kick off the morning with "Putting for Proof" in The Chamber's Annual Golf Classic. You will get to "Move the Mark" on the 18th Hole.  Sign up as a team or a single and have the opportunity to meet Chamber members at every hole. Wrap up the day with a festive reception. woodlandschamber.org/golfclassic

OCTOBER 18TH

Interfaith of The Woodlands 50th Anniversary Dinner

TRULUCK'S, 1900 HUGHES LANDING BLVD, THE WOODLANDS, TX | 6:00 PM

Celebrating Community, Caring & Connecting at Interfaith of The Woodlands 50th Anniversary Dinner at Truluck's.  woodlandsinterfaith. org/event/50thanniversarydinner

OCTOBER 20TH

Houston Symphony - Hocus Pocus POPS

CYNTHIA WOODS MITCHELL

PAVILION | 7:30 PM

Hocus Pocus POPS by the Houston Symphony brings Halloween ghoulish music and trick-or-treating and kiddos in costumes and more. The Goblin Parade and Halloween Express is sure to delight everyone in the family.  houstonsymphony.org/tickets/ concerts/hocus-pocus-popscynthia-woods-mitchell-pavilion-2

OCTOBER 28TH

Parker McCollum

THE CYNTHIA WOODS

MITCHELL PAVILION | 7:00 PM

Parker McCollum is returning home to sing for his hometown fans and rock the pavilion with hits like "Pretty Heart" and "To Be Loved by You." Josh Abbott Band, from Lubbock will open the concert! Enjoy a night of country hits and cowboy boots! woodlandscenter.org/ events/2023/parker-mccollum

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Prioritize self-care. Schedule your mammogram.

Take charge of your breast health with an annual mammogram. We offer convenient hours at more than 15 Greater Houston locations, near home and work. All with 3-D screening for your best chance of early detection. This is breast care designed for you.

memorialhermann.org/mammo

877.40.MAMMO (62666)