Retail wrap

The Galleria has seen the opening of a few new boutiques to make a gal swoon! Miu Miu sparkly store offers ready-to-wear, bags, footwear and accessories collections. The visually impressive outside façade interprets the brand’s distinctive identity elements: golden damask, embellished by glass and studs, and the polished brass logo.

Prada also opened shop with smokey mirrors and dark marble finishes.

Franco Mondini-Ruiz presents his latest pop-up art sales performance, Couture on Canvas, a boutique art gallery that caters to lovers of fashion, romance, humor and art. The collection, created exclusively for Tootsies, was partially inspired by the enthusiastic support of Mickey Rosmarin, whose eagle eye for the couture was delighted by Mondini-Ruiz’s quirky and fresh interpretations of feminine glamour. Thursday, Feb. 9 – Tuesday, Feb. 14, 10am – 7pm, Tootsies, 2601 Westheimer at Kirby, Houston, TX 77098

Target will partner directly with the shop owners of specialty stores and boutiques to co-create affordable, limited-edition collections for its guests. The first flight of The Shops at Target debuts on May 6 at all Target stores and Target.com. Five exclusive collections across five different product categories, from five different U.S. specialty stores (The Candy Store, Cos Bar, Polka Dog Bakery, Privet House and The Webster) will reflect each shop owner’s unique perspective.

Pinto Ranch is hosting a few trunk shows to get you Rodeo ready!
Saturday, February 4, 10am-6pm – Lucchese. Meet the reps from Lucchese and be fitted by the experts. See What’s new in the Lucchese Handmade Classics Collection. Choose from the largest inventory of handmade boots in the U.S. or special order your dream pair of Lucchese boots. Saturday, February 11, 10am-6pm – Rocketbuster. Exclusive to Pinto Ranch. Meet Nevena Christi, owner & designer and her amazing “Art” collection of handmade boots. Have your foot traced for a truly custom pair. Saturday, February 18 from 10am-6pm – Stallion Boots. Meet owner and designer Pedro Muñoz who will be in-store with his high-fashion collection of handmade boots. See the newest skins and fine leathers from around the globe. Be fitted by Pedro or choose from our inventory.

Saturday, February 25 from 10am-6pm – Old Gringo. See the coolest boot collection showcasing the latest trends including zippers, embroidery and studs! Be fitted by the reps from Old Gringo and even special order from the Old Gringo warehouse…a Pinto Ranch exclusive.

www.pintoranch.com

open

The breakfast klub, a Houston dining institution famous for its Wings & Waffles and Katfish & Grits, celebrates its 10th anniversary with the launch of the breakfast klub Waffle & Pankake Mix and the breakfast klub Signature Seasoning – Soulful & Savory.

Whole Foods Market Houston and Sugar Land stores launched a Health Starts Here Challenge to help make attaining a healthier lifestyle easy and fun. Thru February 20, Whole Foods Market stores will have events to support you on this venture including access to cooking classes, cooking demonstrations, how-to guides, store tours, meet-up groups, lectures, workouts, reading materials and more recipes than you can use in one month! Visit their website for more information.

Snap Kitchen Memorial Park recently opened a new location at 5710 Memorial Drive. The location brings customers chef-prepared, flavorful, healthy meals and snacks that are portion- and calorie-controlled. The Food Experiments, which organizes food competitions throughout the U.S. for amateur chefs, is coming to Houston for the first time to host the Houston Beer Experiment. Local amateur chefs will have the opportunity to cook a unique “taste” that incorporates beer as an ingredient and serve it to the people attending the event. Winners will be chosen by attendees and celebrity judges, such as top food critics, after sampling each creation. For more information on participating and/or attending, please visit TheFoodExperiments.com. The Houston Beer Experiment presented by The Brooklyn Brewery, March 4, 2012, at Fitzgerald’s (2706 White Oak Blvd., Houston, TX 77007)1-4pm. Tickets: $10 (includes a free beer).

Blu is the newsest addition to Sugar Land’s Town Square. The sophisticated boutique restaurant and lounge serves a blend of Euro-Asian cuisine and street foods from all over the world.

Destination
Picosa Ranch Resort, a premier luxury guest resort ranch steeped in history and located in South Texas, will welcome leisure guests for the first time in history. 30 minutes south of San Antonio, Picosa Ranch, the original homestead of former Texas Governor John Connally, is a working ranch nestled among centuries old oak trees and surrounded by 2,800 breathtaking acres and vistas over Texas pastures. Guests will be treated to an all-inclusive stay offering fine dining, wines and top-shelf liquors along with a wide range of activities including horseback riding, two swimming pools, fishing, skeet shooting, exotic photo safaris, tennis, billiards, canoeing, mini-rodeos, archery, arts and crafts for children or adults, hay bale climbing and open land as far as one can see to explore while walking, running or biking.

Hotel Sorella CITYCENTRE earned a spot on the prestigious Conde Nast Traveler Gold List for a second year in a row.  The sought-after accolade places Hotel Sorella among the top 511 hotels, resorts and cruise lines in the world.

For art’s sake

Dance Month at the Kaplan Theatre introduces Motion Captured, An Evening of Dance on Film featuring local and national choreographers and film-makers. Sunday, February 12, 7pm at the IW Marks Theatre Center, 5601 S. Braeswood Blvd. To purchase tickets, visit erjcchouston.org/dancemonth or call 713.551.7255.

Eat Gallery opened shop last month. Designed like a traditional art gallery, The Eat Gallery is an eatery that features the edible artwork of local culinary artists and provides cultural arts to the city of Houston. Their statement says: “We curate a space in which: 1) People are cared for; 2) A dreamer can live his or her dreams; 3) Others can experience and taste those dreams, and imagine their own.” The next experience is a cross-pollination of local performing poets who will guide a poetry writing workshop, then curate an open-mic night of poetry at The Eat Gallery. Every Saturday at 6pm, 4420 Almeda at Rosewood. For more information, email dewing@awakeningsmovement.com.

community

The George R. Brown Convention Center will be celebrating its 25th year of operation with a series of events throughout 2012.

community

The beginning of the end starts with you! 2011 marks the 30th anniversary of AIDS, and a chance to create your own panel on the (2015) quilt. The (2015) QUILT is a groundbreaking piece of digital artwork from people all over the world who are fighting for the first AIDS-free generation in 30 years. www.2015quilt.com.

The Julia Ideson Library opened last month after a five-year, $32 million restoration and expansion. Nestled in the shadows of towering contemporary skyscrapers, the landmark Spanish Renaissance-style Julia Ideson Library, home of the Houston Metropolitan Research Center (HMRC) and part of the Houston Public Library system, has undergone an ambitious, comprehensive restoration and expansion project, providing Houstonians with a greatly enhanced community resource. In addition to drawing individuals interested in the HMRC’s extraordinary collection of books, maps and images, the Ideson Library now provides a breathtaking historic venue for exhibits, meetings and special events. Inspiring indoor research and reading areas and a unique outdoor reading room further secure the Julia Ideson Library as one of Houston’s historic architectural treasures.

foodie
Bite into Oh-La-La’s oh-so-
luscious turtle cupcakes and other delicious treats at their newest location at CityCentre. You can have their sweet treats anywhere and any way you like from eating in at the cute and fun boutiques to take-out or drive-thru whenever you’re on the run. Ooh-La-La also does catering for your
special events. www.oohlalasweets.com

With a nod to the culinary triad of sweet, savory and spirits, Executive Chef Ryan Hildebrand and a stellar lineup of culinary talent have banded together to create Triniti, a progressive American restaurant designed by locally based MC2 Architects. Joining him in the kitchen are Chef de Cuisine Jose Hernandez, Chef Greg Lowry and Chef Matt Lovelace. Triniti’s core menu, which will change seasonally, features what Hildebrand is describing as “progressive, regional American cuisine with California/West Coast sensibilities.” 2815 S. Shepherd Drive.

Amazon Grille on Kirby, of the Cordua Restaurants, has a new look and a new menu. One of the few chef-driven fast casual restaurants in the city, Latin culinary pioneer Michael Cordúa has been in the kitchen for the past several months playing with the food he is so passionate about. His creativity has been unleashed carving the menu into beef, fish and chicken – as one might see in Asian dining. But here it’s Cordúa’s way to make choosing even easier. You can find Churrasco steak served with cilantro rice, black beans, maduros and vegetable escabeche – Skinny Fish Tacos, grilled fish served with jalapeño tartar sauce – Chicken Pita B.A.L.T. with smoked bacon, avocado, lettuce, tomato, basil with cheese pita bread and cilantro dressing – and as at any Cordúa restaurant The Original™ Tres Leches! Made even more approachable in a casual setting. A new vibrant color scheme has the place glowing.
5114 Kirby Drive. 713.522.5888

Retail

H&M announced a spring designer collaboration with the Italian brand Marni. Famed for its original prints and inventive spirit, Marni is one of fashion’s most-loved labels, and its founder and creative director, Consuelo Castiglioni, has created a spring collection for H&M for both women and men that captures the essence of Marni. Available from March 8, 2012, in over 250 stores worldwide and online. www.hm.com

Mi Tienda opened its second Houston location at 3800 East Little York Road. 97,000sf of great finds on authentic products and fresh produce, specifically designed with the Latino shopper in mind. Some of the store features include its very own Panaderia, offering 30 varieties of homemade Mexican pastries; an Aguas Frescas bar; a Cocina where customers can order freshly made prepared foods; Tortilleria; and a full-service Carnicería.

Business

Lufthansa announced that it will be the first airline to offer scheduled Airbus A380 service to the Lone Star State. The Airbus A380 is the world’s most fuel-efficient aircraft, burning about 12 percent less fuel than other wide-body jets, and is approximately 30 percent quieter than the current generation of wide-body aircraft. The airline has ordered a total of 17 A380 aircraft, all scheduled for delivery by 2015. This will make Lufthansa the largest A380 operator. Flights are available for booking on www.lufthansa.com.

New to the Area

Tesla in Texas. The innovative Tesla motor brings their electricity to the Houston area. From the design to the road Tesla is changing how Houstonians view electrical vehicles. With their new convenient location by the Houston Galleria you can now experience the practical advantages of driving a Tesla motor.
Great Play is a new, unique children’s gym combining learning and exercise in the most inventive way. From as young as 6 months old to 5th grade, Great Play helps construct competence and confidence bringing classes to life using computer technology, image projection and directional sound. The new facility will be opening in Sugar Land on November 2 at 4646 Highway 6 South. To register, go to www.greatplay.com/sugarland.

Robert Redford’s Sundance Cinemas opened last month specializing in film programming, independent and foreign language films and – best of all – there are no annoying commercials! The Cinema also has a bistro and bar offering food, drinks and comfortable rockers to laugh, cry or scream at your favored films. Check out your favorite seat warmers at 510 Texas Ave. (The old Angelika Film Center at Smith St.). www.sundancecinemas.com

The British shoe brand known for its royal following, LK Bennett, opens shop in Houston at The Galleria.

Fashion Studio opens December 17. Michael Malik’s latest men’s and women’s fashion boutique will keep quantities low but variety high, ensuring customers exclusivity. 1111 Westheimer, www.fashionstudiohouston.com

foodie

Samba Grille has a new heart behind its latest state-of-the-art South American menu. Chef Guerrero has been promoted to Executive Chef and with his promotion comes more palate-pleasing plates. With the recent change you will experience South America through your taste buds.

All dogs go to Tila’s. You can now bring your four-legged friends in to enjoy some of Tila’s Mexican cuisine out on the patio. The restaurant is pleased to announce that they have received the permit allowing all dogs on the patio. So bring your dogs in and let them experience why Tila’s restaurant and bar is the talk of the dog park.

Friends for Good will host a cooking class at Central Market in conjunction with the release of their new cookbook, Green Beans and Guacamole, on Monday, December 12, 2011. Guests attending the class will be introduced to prominent Houston chefs including David Cordua of Americas, Philippe Schmidt of Phillippe’s and Randy Evans of Haven, who will demonstrate their featured recipes. Cost is $65 per person. rsvp www.centralmarket.com

 

Community

Be a Santa to a Senior program runs through Dec. 20. You have a unique opportunity to help local senior citizens who might otherwise be overlooked this holiday season. Home Instead Senior Care is teaming up with nonprofit agencies and area retailers to sponsor Be a Santa to a Senior – a program that collects, wraps and delivers gifts to lonely and needy seniors in Houston.

For more information about the local program, visit www.beasantatoasenior.com.

 

Few shows have touched audiences like RIVERDANCE, the Original International Phenomenon, now on its FAREWELL TOUR. This thunderous celebration of joyful music, song and dance will play at the Hobby Center Feb. 10 – 12, 2012, for 5 performances only! This not-to-miss performance is a special addition to the Gexa Energy Broadway at the Hobby Center 2011-2012 season. Tickets can be purchased by calling 800.982.ARTS or visiting www.BroadwayAcrossAmerica.com/Houston or www.TheHobbyCenter.org.

 

Leah White and Sarah Gish have released their CD called Our Roots are Strong! Its release is timed to coincide with Houston’s 175th birthday. Leah wrote 14 original songs for the City about historic Houston landmarks including River Oaks Theatre, Astrodome, Rice Hotel, NASA, Vaquero Statue in Moody Park, Julia Ideson Library, Christ Church Cathedral, Buffalo Bayou and Allen’s Landing, The 1940 Air Terminal Museum, Live Oak Trees, Downtown Aquarium, Goodnight Houston (goes with the lyrics of a book written by a Houston author), Heritage Society and more! The goal of this music is to educate and inspire youth in Houston about the City’s history and need for preservation.

 

Local Factoid

Fall is here and with the gorgeous weather also come pesky pests invading our homes in every nook and cranny trying to find up a home for the winter. According to the The National Pest Management Association (NPMA; www.pestworld.org), the top two most challenging pests are house mice and yellow jackets while the most destructive are carpenter ants, roof rats and Eastern subterranean termites.

Pest Fact

• Fleas can survive for months without feeding.

• Mice can fit through an opening the size of a nickel.

• Three percent of the American population is allergic to a stinging insect’s venom.

• Mice can jump a foot high.

• More human deaths have been attributed to fleas than to all the wars ever faught.

• One colony of Formosan termites can eat up to 1,000 pounds of wood

a year, compared to the 7 pounds that native termites eat.

 

art

Simon Gentry created the ultimate artistic space with The Photobooth on Montrose. This one-of-a-kind space contains a photo-studio and performance space all wrapped in one with a twist. No matter which activity you decide to participate in, there will always be a camera on to catch the action. So stop on by and get caught on camera at 2710 Montrose Blvd.

Clear your calendar for Art on the Avenue on November 12th. The event features live entertainment, a silent auction and an art show with work contributed from more than 300 artists. All proceeds from the event benefit the affordable housing programs of Avenue CDC. www.avenuecdc.org

Don’t miss the amazing Via Colori: Search, Sip and Stroll event at Sam Houston Park Downtown presented by the Center for Hearing and Speech. The event allows for an unconventional up close and personal art experience mix with music and eats. www.centerhearingandspeech.org/via-colori/street-scene

Austin native Ethan Hawke is slated to present his latest film, The Woman in the Fifth, for the first time at the 2011 Cinema Arts Festival Houston. Hawke will receive the Levantine Cinema Arts Award from the festival, honoring his multifaceted career in the arts, which started at age 14. The screening at the Museum of Fine Arts Brown Auditorium on Saturday, November 12, at 7pm will be followed by a conversation on his multifaceted career, moderated by film teacher and critic Joe Leydon. If that is not enough, Hawkeʼs good friend, famed director of Slacker and Dazed and Confused, Richard Linklater, will join Hawke the following day for a tenth anniversary screening of their 2001 collaboration, Tape, on November 13 at 1pm at Edwards Greenway Grand Palace. 

bites

Chef Michael Cordúa is bringing his award-winning food to Sugar Land in early December in the Lake Pointe Village Shopping Center (1520 Lake Pointe Parkway). Churrascos, which Cordúa opened in 1988, and known for its charcoal-grilled, center-cut tenderloin basted in chimichurri, was voted among the “Top 20 steaks in America” by Esquire Magazine. Guests at Churrascos Sugar Land will have a tantalizing array of choices including Smoked Crab Fingers, Ceviche Copacabana, Pollo Encamisado, Cilantro salad dressing, indulgent side orders and the “Original” Tres Leches and Alfajores – melt-in-your-mouth dulce de leche cookies. Paired with a wine list that celebrates the best of the Americas’ varietals and signature Latin cocktails such as the Mojito, Pisco Sour and White Sangria. 

Just by the owner’s motto – “Work is love made visible” – you know that La Cake Petite isn’t your ordinary bakery. Each cake purchased is unique and extraordinary, made specifically to the customer’s request. For La Cake Petite it goes beyond just baking a simple cake; it’s more about creating a smile, seeing a face light up and satisfying an appetite. Email at lacakepetite@gmail.com.

shop

Target announced its latest designer partnership with Jason Wu to bring a collection of women’s wear, handbags and scarves to the retailer. If it’s anything like the Missoni collection, you better save the date now. The collection is slated to launch February 2012, for a limited time only.

Out with the old, in with the remodeled. Bering’s has unveiled a new look and the renovation is something to experience. Through their doors you will find extensive department expansions and superior updates in the Houseware, Gourmet and Lawn & Garden Departments.

The Theta Charity Antiques Show will have Emmy Award-winning TV host, best-selling author and entertaining expert extraordinaire Martha Stewart at this year’s show on Saturday, November 19, at 10:30am. She will be there to share her creative principles, practical ideas and signature on her new book, Martha’s Entertaining. Contact Blue Willow Bookshop as soon as possible to reserve a spot! 14532 Memorial Drive, 281.479.8675.
By Elloria Lindley

retail

French Cuff Boutique – a staple on Bellaire – known for 4 years for its women’s apparel and accessories opened a second location at 6401 Woodway last month with a grand opening celebration to follow on Thursday, October 6.

Last month Zara launched online shopping in the United States, at www.zara.com, offering free delivery to all 50 states. Zara’s online platform will sell the full range of women’s, men’s and children’s clothing that is also available in-store.

books

ASSOULINE released its second volume of the Impossible Collection,

The Impossible Collection Fashion. In this limited edition, Ultimate Collection format, linen clamshell and handmade oversized book, Valerie Steele flexes her curatorial muscle by showcasing the most iconic dresses of the 20th century. www.assouline.com

 

Chicks with Guns by Lindsay McCrum comes out this month and features fifteen women from Texas (ten from Houston and five from San Antonio). The internationally renowned portrait photographer beautifully documents the exploration of the powerful connection between women and their firearms. Houstonians included are Alexandra Knight as well as Karol and Kelly Barnhart.

gastronomy 

 

 

Pinkberry FINALLY opened in Houston…well, the Clear Lake area (Webster) last month. Never fear there are a plethora of local shops in the works.

 

benjy’s is opening a new concept called Local Foods in Rice Village in the former Antone’s space this month. The concept will feature local foods with counter service, made-to-order sandwiches, salads and prepared foods plus various house-made favorites from benjy’s restaurants including the beer nuts, granola and cheese crackers.

 

Crave partners with MD Anderson Children’s Cancer Hospital’s Art in Medicine program to raise awareness about childhood cancer. With the help and guidance of Artist in Residence Ian Cion, pediatric cancer patients have designed a special label for CRAVE Cupcake delivery boxes that feature the iconic CRAVE mixer. For each Childhood Cancer Awareness box purchased and/or any cupcake delivery to the Medical Center, a portion of proceeds will go to support the Art in Medicine program.

 

community

 

On October 25, Dress for Success Houston will host the groundbreaking ceremony of its new home at 3310 Eastside St. As a result of the robust fundraising efforts led by campaign co-chairs Kelli Blanton and Arthur Smith, along with the full support from the agency’s Board of Directors, Dress for Success Houston has raised over $4.4 million of the $6.3 million it needs from foundations, corporations and individuals.  www.dressforsuccess.org/houston

 

 

Floranthropy is philanthropy through flowers – spreading joy, kindness and love with the simple act of giving flowers. The Christian-based, charitable organization works with wedding planners, florists and event organizers to collect the flowers left over from various celebrations and takes those flowers to area retirement homes, hospitals and charitable organizations. If you’re interested in donating, email info@floranthropy.com | www.floranthropy.org

Misti Styles hosts the second in its series of super cool and innovative The Mommie Series – Houston. The evening is a refreshing educational series where a team of experts enlighten, educate and entertain modern Houston Moms about family, health, finance and fashion. November 2, at New Living, 6111 Kirby Dr. from 6:30–8:30pm with Courtney Zavala as Master of Ceremonies. www.mististyle.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

food

 
FUEL Kitchen & Health Bar, a healthy meals to-go concept, is set to open this month. Backed by veteran nutritionist Keith Klein, they will provide meals, snacks and juices tailored to individuals’ dietary and fitness goals, ranging from Mediterranean pasta to sushi. 1005 Waugh St., next to Pei Wei.

 

Travel + Leisure magazine named Houston “America’s Best Burger City.” Mentioned on the list is Lankford Grocery and Market where third-generation owners flip handmade patties, Bubba’s Texas Burger Shack with the tastiest buffalo burger, The Burger Guys’ ever-changing custom burger list and the Quadruple Heart Clogger at downtown’s Hubcap Grill. Jonathan’s the Rub in Hedwig Village, RDG + Bar Annie round out the list while Ruggles Green, Beaver’s and Dry Creek serve tasty veggie burgers.

 

8th Wonder Brewery will make its debut in late 2011, in the EaDo District. Ryan Soroka, Alex Vassilakidis and chef Matt Marcus (founders of the food truck Eatsie Boys) will try their hand at craft beer. New member Aaron Corse is in the process of being certified as a Master Brewer by the International Brewers Guild. The brewery will be located at 2202 Dallas at Hutchins, just blocks from the new Houston Dynamo soccer stadium.

 

Yard House just launched a new Fresh & Skinny™ cocktail menu featuring sake concoctions and a new half pint glass of beer dubbed Shortys. Fresh & Skinny™ cocktails range from 115 to 176 calories and are made with Yard House’s own citrus agave blend. Fire up your iPhone with Central Market’s first ever app, The Hatch Chile Fest Pocket Cookbook. Get answers to all your burning Hatch questions. The app is available now on iTunes!

 

GoodPop’s All-Natural Frozen Pops are a gourmet update to the traditional paleta, chock-full of colorful fresh fruit made with only organic, locally sourced and all-natural ingredients, and are now available at Whole Foods. Watermelon Agave, Strawberry, Mango and Hibiscus Mint, Banana Cinnamon and Cold Brew Coffee are this season’s choices.

 

 

 

 

Fresh from the oven, new bakery Nothing Bundt Cakes debuts in the Galleria area. Nothing Bundt Cakes offers customers a wide range of cake selections, from Bundtlets – single-serving cakes – to the larger Bundts that serve up to 18 people, and tiered cakes which serve up to 26 people.

 

 

 

community

 

 

 

The Food Bank’s warehouse operations moved to a much larger facility in east Houston on Portwall Street. The new headquarters quadruples the size of the nonprofit. The new facility includes a volunteer center, community rooms and a cafe to create an experience and serve as a launching point for more community projects and volunteerism. The expansion will allow the Houston Food Bank to triple its food distribution capacity; they have a goal to distribute 120 million pounds of food annually by 2018.

 

A remembrance ceremony, Houston Remembers, presented by Dignity Memorial, will commemorate the 10-year anniversary of 9/11. The event will spotlight the Houston premiere of the critically acclaimed movie ReBirth, a feature-length documentary combining time-lapse photography with the stories of individuals shaped by September 11. The event will be held at Discovery Green.

 

 

The Houston Fine Art Fair is the city’s first international fine art fair and America’s third largest art market in the United States. Approximately 80 galleries will be represented, concentrating on post-war, contemporary and Latin American works. Artwork from 1950 to present will include painting, drawing, print, video, sculpture and photography. Friday, September 16 – Sunday, September 18, at the George R. Brown Convention Center.

 

 

 

retail

 

 

 

 

Neiman Marcus’s Fashion Director Ken Downing introduces his second collection with Le Métier de Beauté for Fall/Winter 2011. The Bordeaux Collection takes the essence of the fall runways and distills them into a beauty collection mixing and matching essential color combinations into feminine, elegant beauty duos. Available October 2011.

 

Gucci recently opened their renovated 5,070sf space in the Galleria boasting elements of a brand-new design concept conceived by Gucci Creative Director Frida Giannini.

 

 

 

 

CrOp by David Peck just launched its e-commerce website. Each collection is inspired by the newest cause it supports. Ten percent of profits from this first online collection will go to Baylor International Pediatric AIDS Initiative, which focuses its work in Uganda. www.davidpeckcollection.com

 

 

 

awareness

Pink Ribbons Project®, with its official dance partner, the Houston Ballet Academy, launched a new initiative called Pink Aware which is a 20- to 30-minute demonstration that uses dance and art as vehicles to introduce the often sensitive topic of breast health to a variety of audiences. It creatively brings the message of breast health, self-care and well-person awareness to teens and adults, both male and female. Each performance is followed by a lecture led by a volunteer medical professional with a public health or oncology background. To schedule a Pink Aware program for your company or organization, please contact megan@pinkribbons.org or call 713.524.PINK.

gastronomy

A Fare Extraordinaire recently brought on Sam Beier, the former executive chef from Restaurant *17. The graduate of CIA New York is young, talented and has studied under big names like Caswell and Antunes. He’s been feeding the mouths of Houston elite for quite some time at the Alden and Hotel Icon, and now will reach the masses.

The Sweet Boutique Bakery is set to open in Sugar Land’s Town Square this summer. The 1,526sf space will be designed using an open-air concept, allowing patrons to observe the decorating process while selling baked goods, including custom-designed cakes, cake pops, cupcakes, cookies and French macarons. www.tsbcakes.com.

In other sweet news, Sprinkles Cupcakes has extended its hours giving you more options to satisfy your craving! Monday – Saturday | 9am – 8pm  Sunday | 10am – 7pm. 4014 Westheimer Road, 713.871.9929.

retail

Although Target has held many a fashion coup with its collaborations, it’s the one coming in September that has us in a tizzy. Missoni is set to introduce an affordable, limited-edition collection for fashion and home. Missoni for Target features apparel and accessories for women, men, girls and baby, as well as home goods including bedding, dinnerware, stationery and décor items. Ranging in price from $2.99 to $599.99, with most items less than $40, Missoni for Target will be available Sept. 13 through Oct. 22, 2011, at all Target stores and Target.com.

New Living, the healthy, green building and home store, announced the opening of The Green Painter, specializing in non-toxic paints and coatings and offering an exclusive line, NOVOC. With all-natural, organic paints as well as contractor-grade non-toxic paint priced competitively with traditional, toxic paints, The Green Painter selections can be matched to almost any paint color. The Green Painter will provide customers with access to the country’s only Certified Green Painters – a select group of trained paint professionals who have chosen to put health at the forefront of their professional practice. 6115 Kirby.

community

To celebrate the sale of its 100,000th pass, CityPASS, the Greater Houston Convention and Visitors Bureau and Houston attractions have put together a celebratory sweepstakes package that includes two cool prizes: A Houston VIP vacation experience and two CityPASS ticket booklets to the winner’s CityPASS destination of choice (New York City, San Francisco, Hollywood, Southern California, Chicago, Seattle, Atlanta, Boston, Philadelphia or Toronto) plus $500 spending money. The sweepstakes runs from May 9 – Sept. 5, 2011. To enter the sweepstakes and for more information and details, simply post a Houston CityPASS review on www.VisitHouston.com. Once the sweepstakes closes, one randomly selected – and very lucky – traveler will be chosen from among the entries.

The Hobby Center Foundation is raffling an All New Lexus CT Hybrid at $100 a pop. Proceeds will support the Hobby Center Foundation, the 501(c)(3) organization that operates the Hobby Center for the Performing Arts. Only 2,650 tickets will be sold, representing the exact number of seats in Sarofim Hall. The winning ticket will be drawn on August 28 at the Theater District Open House; ticket purchasers do not need to be present to win. Tickets may be purchased online at www.thehobbycenter.org/WinLexus or at the Hobby Center Box Office during normal business hours. For questions regarding ticket purchases, call Julie Anderson-Smith, Senior Director-Donor Programs, at 713.315.2415.

Heritage Texas is supporting the American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women Campaign, designed to empower women to take charge of their heart health, through a two-month, citywide initiative, which will coincide with all of the company’s open houses held during that period. Throughout June, red, heart-shaped balloons will be placed on each of the company’s open house signs throughout the city of Houston plus a percentage of the commission for each house sold during this time will benefit the Campaign.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

development

 

BBVA Compass will begin construction of a 380,000sf, eco-efficient corporate office building which will meet all LEED® gold standard requirements, the second highest certification in the rating system, at 2200 Post Oak Blvd. The new facility will allow BBVA Compass to centralize operations that are currently spread across four different offices throughout the Greater Houston area.

 

Emely Galvez, a graduate from the University of Houston, started www.HoustonBookExchange.com in Nov. 2010 for students to buy/sell/swap textbooks with each other – and save money. For more information, visit www.HoustonBookExchange.com.

 

Wulfe & Co. reports that retail construction is looking up. New large anchor stores planned for the Houston region in 2011 include three HEB supermarkets plus two of HEB’s Joe V’s Smart Shop stores, one Walmart Super Center, one Kroger, one Whole Foods Market and the Phoenicia Market downtown. In addition, Academy will open three new stores, Tootsies opened a new facility in West Ave, a new Star Furniture is under construction in Clear Lake and two new dd’s

 

DISCOUNTS stores (owned and operated by Ross) will open. “People are still moving here from other areas with or without jobs, because of the quality of life potential for employment and opportunity. This continued growth should further ensure the future of Houston’s shopping center industry and confirm its resiliency and strength,” Wulfe reported.

 

Midtown Scout Square Property – Dr. Lucky Chopra with Deccan Development is renovating the historic Boy Scouts building in Midtown and repurposing it into a mixed-use building which will include club space and restaurant space as well as banquet and/or conference center and office space. The building will feature a 3-story wine tower & waterfall integrating three entertainment floors destined to be a one-stop destination for fun, food and music. This project has great visibility from the Pierce Elevated and is expected to transform the Midtown skyline. Expected completion is September 2011.

 

Community

 

 

The Encouragement Project has just signed a contract on a 16’ display window in the Houston Galleria, right in front of the Westin Hotel. With more than 100,000 people walking past it each week, the EP will be putting up a nonprofit and community-based corporate events calendar. So organizations of all sizes will be able to promote their events, fundraisers, parties, etc., for a large portion of Houston to see. They ask for a $100 donation from nonprofits and $200 from corporations to help underwrite the window.

 

 

The Second Annual Skate & Rock Free Concert Series at the Lee & Joe Jamail Skate Park kicked off last month and continues with A concert on Saturday, May 21, and concludes Saturday, June 18. All shows start @ 7pm and end by 9pm with three bands playing each night. The goal is to create a way to expose young skaters to some great live music and possibly inspire them to start their own bands. Band line-ups include Dolly Rockers, Born Liars, Something Fierce, The Octanes, Talk Sick Brats and Disfrutalo.

 

The Houston Grand Opera received a major donation of $4 million from The Alkek and Williams Foundation for the creation of the Margaret Alkek Williams General Director Chair Fund. This endowed Chair recognizes Margaret Alkek Williams, a major philanthropic figure in Houston and a longtime supporter of HGO. The Alkek family has supported HGO for over four decades. The $4 million donation will be received as $800,000 per year over five years.

 

 

Twenty-plus private water gardens and koi ponds (all private residences, many designed and built by the homeowners themselves) will be open to the public on Saturday, June 4, and Sunday, June 5. The homeowners will be on hand to talk with visitors. Hours are from 10am-5pm. The $10 ticket is good for both days and can be purchased in advance at Nelson Water Gardens in Katy.

 

www.nelsonwatergardens.com

 

 

In celebration of World Oceans Day on June 8, La Mer continues its partnership with Oceana, the world’s largest international ocean advocacy organization. Since 2005, La Mer has worked with Oceana to promote ocean protection and restoration in honor of La Mer’s founder, Dr. Max Huber. Oceana has greatly reduced over-fishing and protected threatened marine habitats with its science-based policies. A limited-edition 100 ml World Oceans Day Crème in a commemorative ocean-inspired jar is available in May and June at Neiman Marcus. In addition, La Mer will make a $200,000 donation to Oceana in support of their Habitat Protection Campaign as well as other global initiatives for ocean conservation.

 

For more information, visit www.lamer.com/oceana.

 

foodie

 

 

CRAVE Cupcakes recently rolled out a new mini-offering of their signature cupcakes. CRAVE Minis are available for order in-store and online in Vanilla, Dark Chocolate, Chocolate on Vanilla, Strawberry, Red Velvet and CRAVE Chocolate and Crème. Only sold in two-dozen increments; $44 for two dozen. www.cravecupcakes.com

 

Co-owners of Revival Market, chef Ryan Pera and farmer Morgan Weber, are offering Houstonians the opportunity to shop, cook and eat “from farm to table” on a daily basis. The Market stocks its shelves with fresh vegetables, fruits, dairy and grocery staples sourced locally, fills its butcher cases with all-natural, pasture-raised meats, deli and charcuterie, and offers a seasonal selection of prepared foods made by Chef Pera.

 

Flying Saucer Draught Emporium’s array of appetizers, hot sandwiches, burgers, pizzas, salads, wraps and an extensive array of micro and imported beers on tap, along with a full-service bar, is set to open at a second location in Sugar Land Town Square at 15929 City Walk in the fall of 2011. For more information, visit www.beerknurd.com.

 

RA Sushi hosts its seventh annual “Nicky’s Week” fundraiser Sunday, May 29, through Saturday, June 4, to benefit St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital®, the nation’s top children’s cancer research center. RA donates 100 percent of the proceeds from the sale of a variety of menu items and drinks. Nicky’s Week was developed in memory of St. Jude patient Nicholas “Nicky” Mailliard of Scottsdale, Arizona, who lost a long battle with brain cancer in February 2005 at the age of 13. A nephew of one of RA Sushi’s founders, Nicky held a special place in the hearts of RA Sushi associates. The fundraiser was initiated to honor Nicky while raising awareness and funds for St. Jude, where no child is ever turned away because of a family’s inability to pay for medical treatments.