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.

Brace yourselves, Star WarsTM fans…you might want to sit down. June 18 thru September 18, The Health Museum will host an innovative exhibit, Star Wars: Where Science Meets Imagination. Presented by Bose Corporation and developed by the Museum of Science, Boston and Lucasfilm Ltd., the Star Wars objects are on loan from the Archives of Lucasfilm Ltd. The exhibit explores the futuristic technologies depicted in the Star Wars films, the real science behind them and the research that may someday lead to real-life versions of the technologies seen in the film series, plus props and costumes from all six Star Wars films. www.thehealthmuseum.org/starwars

development

Houston House is a 31-story apartment building built in 1966 by noted Washington architect Charles Goodman (also architect for 24 East Greenway Plaza). The mid-century modern building, then considered one of the most stylish luxury high-rise apartment buildings in Houston, is currently undergoing a renovation and restoration in excess of $10 million. Slated for completion by spring 2012, rental rates will range from approximately $1,000 up to $2,800 per month. For information, call 713.308.2000. www.HoustonHouseApts.com

Local launches

Houston author and columnist Lori Lemon Geshay recently release her book, Dating Diva Adventures, sharing her personal dating experiences while on the quest for true love. Dating Diva Adventures begins with three BFFs in tow,

who create an online dating profile for Lori with a well-known social networking site. After over 3,286 hits in 30 days, Lori set out on a journey of self-discovery in hopes to learn about her own needs, desires and basic human interaction while on the quest for true love. www.lorilemongeshay.com. Available on Amazon.com, Barnes & Noble, iPad/iBookstore, Lulu, eBay and through other local retailers.

• No need to lose your glamour at the hospital anymore. Cure-Couture makes a fashionable gown that is functional. From chemotherapy to child delivery or at-home care, www.cure-couture.com offers a variety of options to keep you chic! Creator Linsay Alvarado was the Design Assistant/Creative Director at Linda Segal Design for more than 25 years. Segal, who lost her battle with breast cancer in 2009, had the idea of chic patient gowns, but never got the chance to fulfill that dream. Her daughter Ashley with design protégée Linsay fulfilled it for her.

travel

Austin’s award-winning Barton Creek Resort & Spa in the Hill Country launches “Spa Splash,” where Three Springs Spa guests will be allowed daytime access to the resort’s refreshing outdoor pool – until now only available to overnight guests and club members. Guests who purchase any 50-minute spa service will receive a pool pass for the day, a glass of wine, parking and up to 90 minutes of complimentary childcare. Prices start at $99. For more information, call 1.800.336.6158 or visit www.bartoncreek.com/spasplash. •  Hotel Missoni Kuwait, in collaboration with iconic Italian fashion and interiors house Missoni, opened its 169-key property, part of the Symphony Center, a boutique emporium located in the shopping district of Kuwait City. This is the Rezidor Hotel Group’s second Hotel Missoni; the first opened in Edinburgh, Scotland, in June 2009. www.hotelmissoni.com

Health + Beauty

Craft Salon owner Cara Crafton will introduce The Do Bar, Houston’s first blowout-only bar offering a high-end professional salon blow dry and style for a fraction of the high-end salon price, at West Ave. in River Oaks by June 2011. The salon will be open 7 days a week and will not offer color treatment or haircuts; rather it will focus only on hair blowouts with a menu of styles to choose from, all for $35. •  Azur Salon recently opened their second location Azur West, designated as a Shu Uemura Art of Hair Sanctuary Salon, one of just three in the U.S. The new 2,000sf luxury salon, designed by prominent retail designer Peter Millard, serves as a designated educational center for Shu Uemura Art of Hair stylists to receive training on new and existing products. Azur West is located in West Avenue.

Floss Dental recently opened their third location in Rice Village, right next door to J. Silver. The one-stop shop dental office’s appeal is their simple approach. Dental services offered in a super-modern space, surrounded by cool art and superb service. www.flossdental.com.

wedding

Priscilla of Boston, bridal couture house, is elevating the brand experience with a new web series of videos showcasing a bride preparing for her wedding day. The first video vignette, Your Moment, showcases a bride enjoying the personal and quiet moments that come before she shares her wedding with her groom, friends and family, from putting on her jewelry, shoes and then finally the dress as she walks towards her wedding ceremony. www.youtube.com/user/PriscillaofBoston

www.priscillaofboston.com • Brides-to-be, think outside the box! A bevy of shops have opened wedding branches including Shopbob.com, Bloomingdale’s and Anthropolgie, to name a few. So get ready to expand your search.

Community

Houston is kicking off PetsJam! 2011, May 14 and 15 at Tom Bass Park. The pet-friendly family festival presents over 100 exhibits featuring pet services, retail items with pet contests, attractions, working dog demonstrations, celebrities plus live music – all to raise money for The Humane Society. www.petsjam.org •  Market Square’s got some great events this month: April 3 & May 1, first Sunday of every month join the Bayou Bikers for an informal meet-up featuring the beauty of Houston’s waterways on 25-40 mile rides exploring the area’s bayous. Rides are free and open to all skill levels, but mountain bikes or bikes with fat tires are necessary. Thursdays, 6-7pm, April 7-May 12, Paw It Forward Dog Training Presents “Tails About Town.” Come with or without your furry friend and receive a wealth of amazing information plus a welcome gift and handouts on the topics covered. Register at pawitforwardtraining.com. Fridays, 6:30-8:30pm, April 8, MoTel Aviv, April 22, Sauce the Band, May 6, Beetle. Heritage Texas Properties presents the Houston Sound Spring Concert Series, a free neighborhood music series supporting the mission of The Houston Sound. April 16, 4-9:30pm (screening at 8pm). Join Aurora Picture Show for a special series of artist-made short films inspired by and in partnership with The Houston Humane Society and in collaboration with the Downtown District for a dog- and family-friendly event. For more information, visit www.marketsquarepark.com.

• YTAC (Young Texans Against Cancer) Kiss My Grits – Gulf Coast Throwdown is scheduled this year for Thursday, April 21, at Winter Street Studios. Up to 12 culinary masters including Restaurant Cinq’s Chef Jeramie Robison; Underbelly’s Chef Chris Shepherd; Zelko Bistro’s Chef Jamie Zelko; Beaver’s Chef Jonathan Jones; Quisie’s Chef Ouisie Adams and Ouench’s Chef Jason Gould will prepare signature versions of dishes with one special ingredient – GRITS! The signature event helps raise funds YTAC 2012 Beneficiaries including The Methodist Hospital Foundation and MD Anderson Cancer Center. Individual tickets are $65 at houston.ytac.org.

retail

Fashion designers who have not yet tapped into Houston’s local shopping scene will be featured Saturday, May 16, from 9am until 6pm at Boheme, a coffee/wine bar tucked away in Houston’s Montrose area. THE FIND created by Houston native Chelsea Dreyer is made up of a selected group of talented, emerging designers selling their jewelry, handbags, shoes and ready-to-wear collections. The fashion market’s third year will be a Spanish market-style shopping experience. For more information, visit www.thefindhouston.blogspot.com. Tickets are $10; available for purchase at the door. Boheme, 307 Fairview, Houston, TX 77006

food

Cordúa Restaurants signed a lease in Sugar Land’s Lake Pointe Village West to open a new Churrascos. The restaurant will be approximately 7,500sf, innovative and vibrant in its dining experiences with signature elements to any Cordúa restaurant set to be in place. Slated to open Fall 2011. • Arturo Boada has left his eponymous haunt in Uptown Park and is slated to open a casual eatery called Boada near Tanglewood.

BounceU, the play and party place for kids filled with giant inflatable structures in an indoor environment, launched a nationwide search for their new 2011 Create and Bounce Graphic Artist. The contest is open to children age 13 and under and invites children to design the official Create and Bounce T-shirt for the summer 2011 camp program. Download the printable coloring sheet for children to color in their submission from BounceU’s Facebook page or pick up an entry form at a BounceU location. For more details, visit www.facebook.com/BounceU.

community

Market Square Park in downtown Houston received a Good Brick Award recognizing local contributions to the preservation, restoration and enhancement of Houston’s architectural and cultural heritage. This month Heritage Texas Properties presents The Houston Sound Concert Series showcasing local and regional performers on select Friday evenings throughout the spring. Plus special film nights featuring quirky classics from the Alamo Drafthouse Rolling Roadshow – and dog owners can take advantage of on-site dog training classes. Slated to launch

March 1 is the park’s new website: www.marketsquarepark.com.

entertainment

The opening tipoff during the Men's Basketball Championship Kris Rieser NCAA Photos

The NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Championship (the Final Four) dribbles into town on April 2, 2011. Reliant Stadium will host two national semifinal basketball games to determine which two teams will play for the National Championship on Monday, April 4, 2011. Final Four weekend break down:

March 31 – April 4, Bracket Town™ by Coke Zero® is the ultimate Final Four fan fest! Fans of all ages can test their skills and enjoy championship action while engaging in a variety of NCAA sports, or view exciting championship highlights, basketball clinics, former NCAA player and coach autograph sessions, demonstrations, prizes and much more. George R. Brown Convention Center.

April 1 – 3, The Big Dance® at Discovery Green will feature both local and national acts. Past artists performing at The Big Dance include Fergie, Taylor Swift, Daughtry, LL Cool J, Robert Earl Keen, Goo Goo Dolls, Stone Temple Pilots and Carrie Underwood.

Final Four Friday® on April 1 is a free public event at Reliant Stadium with open team practices for the participating Final Four teams, as well as the Reese’s All-Star Game, featuring top senior student-athletes from around the country playing on the Final Four court.

Cirque du Soleil (above) returns to Houston with its live touring production OVO premiering on March 10, 2011, for a limited engagement under the trademark blue-and-yellow Grand Chapiteau (Big Top) at Sam Houston Race Park. Directed by Deborah Colker, the first female director at Cirque du Soleil, OVO, meaning “egg” in Portuguese, is a headlong rush into a colorful ecosystem teeming with life, where insects work, eat, crawl, flutter, play, fight and look for love in a non-stop riot of energy and movement. OVO is the 8th Cirque du Soleil touring show to visit Houston and the 25th production from the international dance troupe. For ticket information, visit or call: www.cirquedusoleil.com/ovo or 1.800.450.1480.

Bites+lounge

Construction on downtown Houston’s first Einstein Bros.® Bagels is currently underway at Hyatt Regency Houston (1200 Louisiana Street). The new Einstein Bros. Bagels and More store is expected to open March 7, when the first 50 people in line will receive coupon books good for a free breakfast sandwich weekly for one full year. Located in the hotel’s lobby, Einstein Bros. will offer all-day dining from 5am to 11pm.

The new 024 Lounge at The Westin Houston Memorial City opens this month. Named after the prestigious 77024 ZIP code in which it resides and designed to create a welcoming atmosphere, the lounge will feature a full-service bar with a menu of specialty cocktails and local indulgences from the “small plate” selections bar menu.

COMING SOON! RA Sushi at CITYCENTRE is expanding its second floor patio space, renovating a secluded area on the south side of the building, tucked away near the back of the restaurant apart from the rest of the dining areas, and opening as the Geisha Lounge. The 1,000sf patio space will feature a private bar, plasma TV and rooftop views. Stay tuned for an opening date!

Speaking of the Westin, The Westin Oaks Houston has just completed a multi-million dollar renovation of the lobby, guest rooms and meeting space of the 406-room property located within The Galleria shopping complex. The transformation offers a distinctive, upscale retreat with a new lobby and lobby bar designed to offer a well-balanced feel of restfulness and inspiration. All of the hotel’s 23,000sf of meeting space has been completely renovated. Twelve meeting rooms can accommodate from 10 to 1,000 people and provide the perfect setting for any type of meeting or special event. The hotel’s spacious and luxurious guestrooms include eleven executive king guestrooms and three luxury suites offering up to 1,800sf.

Bobby Heugel and Kevin Floyd, co-owners of Anvil Bar & Refuge, announced plans to open The Hay Merchant, a beer bar to be located at 1100 Westheimer in the old Chances location. While the concept is still being fleshed out, the owners report that the beer bar “will be to craft beer what Anvil is to cocktails. The extensive beer selection will be a global representation of the craft beer movement, and the bar will offer a “stepped up” food menu that reflects the concept.

retail

credit PWLStudio

Tootsies’ over-the-top new space opened shop last month in the city’s newest hot spot, West Ave. The store will offer the quality upscale shopping experience it has delivered for the last thirty years – now with a fresh twist. “We are expanding our product lines and adding amenities like a private room reserved for special trunk shows and luxurious products,” says Mickey Rosmarin, Tootsies CEO. Opened in the mid-1970s as Houston’s first hip boutique, Tootsies became an overnight success with its unique approach to luxe merchandising.

713.629.9990, www.tootsies.com

Enticingly Chic opened its doors in the River Oaks Shopping Center last month. The upscale boutique offers women’s contemporary clothing, jewelry, accessories and home décor. Owner Jennifer Diehl brings together a defined mix of styles from both emerging and established designers like Cynthia Steffe, Tracy Reese, Britt Ryan, Mark & James, McGinn, Sea New York, Rachel Antonoff, Hunter Dixon and Love Tanjane. 2015 A West Gray Street in the River Oaks Shopping Center.

Chick & Chica is a new boutique on Main Street near Alabama. From houseware items and home décor to women’s clothing, jewelry, boots, baby clothes, candles and men’s shirts – the store is stocked. 310 Main Street.

Bentwood Luxury Kitchens opened its new 1,700 sf showroom in the Galleria area with products, which marry old-world craftsmanship with sophisticated engineering and technology. In 1989 Randy Pittard and Wyman Stewart combined their 30 years of kitchen experience to open Bentwood Luxury Kitchens, a custom design cabinet and furniture shop in Lancaster, Texas. Kevin Bryant joined the management team ten years later. Beyond Bentwood’s own manufacturing capabilities, they offers an array of appliances, flooring, countertops, custom architectural windows and doors and other related home products. Primary brands besides Bentwood include, Wolf/Sub-Zero Appliances, Miele Appliances, Cosentino Stone Products and Panda Window and Doors.

safety

The Houston Downtown Management District unveiled the Downtown Public Safety Guide Program with a focus on both safety and hospitality solutions. The DPSG will monitor high traffic areas downtown to help deter crime, interact with the homeless and assist the public. The Guides will focus on busy pedestrian areas to identify and monitor on-street activity and will work with property and business owners, Downtown Street Teams, HPD and others to help resolve problems. They will monitor the streets Sunday and Monday, 9am to 6pm, Tuesday through Thursday, 9am to 8pm, and Friday and Saturday, 9am to 11pm.

www.downtowndistrict.org

East Anglian Ambulance Service launched a national “In Case of Emergency (ICE)” campaign. The idea is that you store the word “ICE” in your mobile phone address book and enter the number of the person you would want to be contacted “In Case of Emergency,” allowing ambulance and hospital staff to quickly contact them.

foodie

Minneapolis-raised chef Jason Robinson has taken over the helm at Eddie V’s in CityCentre. Known for his creativity, Robinson is adding flair to a menu long renowned for its fresh, well-appointed seafood delicacies. With his father’s advice, Jason took a job as a prep chef before deciding on college, and quickly found his passion under the tutelage of several colleagues whom he acknowledges as “truly great chefs.”

Houston is a city long known for its Mexican cuisine, and now you can prepare many of your favorite dishes with the help of Erin Hicks Miller’s new book, Houston Classic Mexican Recipes. From Cyclone Anaya’s Lobster Enchiladas to Molina’s Poblano Soup and tamales from Taco Milagro – the images are mouth-watering and the recipes delicious.

As Urban Harvest partnered with Highland Village to manage and expand the shopping center’s existing farmers market, the biggest change was the decision to move the market to a new day. The Urban Harvest Farmers Market at Highland Village debuted last month on its new day and time – Sundays from 9am to 1pm. The market will also feature a farm-to-table market brunch theme each Sunday with chef- and farm-driven market menus. Other changes include an infusion of many new vendors offering a wider selection of offerings, with a focused expansion of the local farm product component with more produce, meats and dairy products. There will also be a Chef’s Corner, sponsored by My Table magazine, where chefs will do live cooking demos using local products. For more information on Urban Harvest, its Farmers Markets and other programs, visit www.UrbanHarvest.org.

Chick-fil-A Houston kicked off 2011 with the launch of their Spicy Chicken Biscuit. And just when we thought their breakfast biscuits couldn’t get any better – they do.

be mine

Authentic Mediterranean deli Phoenicia Deli serves up a Berries and Cream Cappuccinothrough Valentine’s Day. The frothy concoction with a kiss of lavender and a heart is a special Valentine’s creation served with shortbread heart cookies/ Phoenicia Deli, 12151 Westheimer. | Central Market’s annual Chocolate Festival begins before Valentine’s Day on February 9. Don’t miss out on chocolate samplings, bubbling pots of fondue, fresh fruits for dipping, chocolate truffles, chocolate bars and even chocolate beer. Sign up for any of the Chocolate Cooking classes:

Chocolate Love – Tuesday, February 1, from 6:30-9pm
Learn to make: Gianduja Cookies, Mexican Chocolate Cookies, Fudge Brownies, Bittersweet Chocolate Chile Truffles and Dark Chocolate Pave (take this home in the pan)

Kids in the Kitchen: Sweets from the Sweet (6–9-year-olds) – Saturday, February 12, from 10am-12:30pm
Learn to make decorated heart-shaped cookies, chocolate truffles, chocolate peppermint bark and cinnamon-crusted pecans to give to a Valentine.

Chocolate Extravaganza, Ruben Ortega, Pastry Chef, Backstreet Café and Hugo’s, Tuesday, February 22, from 6:30-9pm

Join the 2010 My Table magazine’s Pastry Chef of the Year. Learn how to make chocolate tart with raspberry preserves, chocolate pudding with raspberry marshmallows, milk chocolate créme brulée with orange-cardamom cream and poached pears with chocolate cream sauce & almond-orange streusel.

art

The Menil Collection transforms into an after-work oasis and date destination on Friday evening, March 4, with “Menil by Moonlight,” when the museum will stay open until 9pm, with light refreshments and door prizes. All galleries will be open, including the Menil’s renowned Surrealism and Modern and Contemporary Art collection featuring works by such modern masters as Jasper Johns, Mark Rothko and Andy Warhol. On the Menil lawn will be Andy Warhol & TV, a special screening in collaboration with Aurora Picture Show of excerpts from “Andy Warhol’s Fifteen Minutes,” a cable television series from the 1980s (with celebrities interviewed by the artist), plus clips of Warhol’s cameo appearances on “The Love Boat” and “Saturday Night Live.” For more information, visit www.menil.org.

retail

Rebecca & Drew introduces a made-to-measure suiting collection with custom choices ranging from lapel style and zipper placement to fabric and color options for women! Owner Lindsay Aronstein launched the suiting collection last month. A complete suit includes a jacket, skirt and pant; and you can choose from linen, cashmere, cotton and other high-quality suiting fabrics. A Rebecca & Drew specialist will assist customers with the suiting selection and, if needed, a one-time alteration is included in the cost of the suit. A three-piece suit starts at $700 and takes three to four weeks to receive after placing an order. 2015 D West Gray in River Oaks Shopping Center. For more information, call 713.522.7500 or visit Houston.RebeccaAndDrew.com.

Just when you thought the Galleria was a shoppers’ dream, it gets better. Slated for openings through the fall of 2011 in the Houston Galleria are Prada, Miu Miu, Microsoft, Omega and Lululemon, while Jimmy Choo and Michael Kors will both undergo renovations and Kors an expansion.

Last month Ivory Bridal Atelier opened in Upper Kirby at West Ave Shopping Centre. The chic and upscale bridal boutique offers an intimate and personalized shopping experience and one-of-a-kind couture wedding gowns. Expect designs by Badgley Mischka, Anne Barge, Rivini, Liancarlo, Ines Di Santo. Carried exclusively by Ivory in the Houston area are designers Lazaro, Alvina Valenta, Lela Rose, Jim Hjelm, YSA Makino and Stephen Yearick.

Houston Fixed Gear, a Montrose-area custom fixed gear bike maker and parts retailer, has outgrown its previous location on Westheimer at Hazard and relocated to a larger, chicer space at 2309 Dunlavy St. at Fairview. Houston Fixed Gear unearths hard-to-find and “bootleg” elements to convert bicycles into a custom product. Houston Fixed Gear also provides everyday life merchandise, such as bicycle inspired jewelry, clothing, accessories and more. The new space features double the square footage and an additional bike workstation (reduced customer wait time for bikes being built or maintenance). In addition, the new location offers more parking spaces behind the store and ample space for test rides in the storefront courtyard. The concept behind Houston Fixed Gear is to encourage people to design not only their bikes to their personality and lifestyle, but to the spaces around them.

Don’t Mess with Texas

Since its arrival in the museum over 70 years ago, a bust of Sam Houston sculpted by Gutzon Borglum has languished in storage at the San Jacinto Museum of History. Borglum, famous for designing the monumental presidents’ heads at Mount Rushmore, was also known for his public works of art honoring important people and events in American history. The 33-inch tall paraffin wax bust of Houston has never been able to be publicly displayed. To commemorate the 175th anniversary of the Battle of San Jacinto fought in 1836, there are plans to stabilize and conserve this important work of art, acquired by the museum in 1939 as a gift from historian and museum founder Louis Wiltz Kemp. The museum is raising funds for the conservation and exhibition which is expected to cost approximately $50,000. www.sanjacinto-musuem.org

Smoke-Free Texas congratulates Sen. Rodney Ellis (D-Houston) and Rep. Myra Crownover (R-Denton) who filed Senate Bill 355 and House Bill 670, respectively, proposing comprehensive smoke-free legislation that would give all Texans protection from the dangers of secondhand smoke exposure in the workplace. Many Texans live in unincorporated cities or rural areas where no entity exists to pass or enforce this type of legislation. Without a statewide smoke-free workplace law, 23 percent of Texans will remain unprotected from secondhand smoke exposure.

medicine

Last month, Emmy Award-winning CBS Sports commentator Jim Nantz returned to his adopted hometown of Houston to announce the creation of the Nantz National Alzheimer Center at The Methodist Hospital. The Center will be all-inclusive, committed to accelerating the progress of Alzheimer’s research and treatment in hopes of one day finding a cure while providing comprehensive care for patients and their families. Nantz’s father died in 2008, 13 years after being diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. Nantz chronicled his father’s story in his New York Times bestseller, Always By My Side:The Healing Gift of a Father’s Love.

tweens

Is your little girl a fierce fashionista? Then don’t miss the cheerful, whimsical and fun original designs at Chunky Monkey Designs runway show. Your little diva will embark on a journey of imagination, color, style and laughter! Chunky Monkey Designs Fashion Show, Monday, February 21, 11:30am at Westlake Club. Call Michelle Perez to make reservations, 832.731.0943. Lunch ticket $25 for adults; $8 kids 12 & under. Babysitting for younger siblings available for $8 hour and 2 days prior notice.

shop talk

Diane von Furstenberg takes on the world of home design. The new collection will be sold at DVF.com, Bloomingdales nationwide and online, and will hit stores February 28. The line includes tabletop, bedding, bath and decorative accessories. Expect von Furstenburg’s bold design of unexpected colors, patterns and materials.

Although we are still waiting for our own H&M, Hennes & Mauritz, here in Houston if you’re headed to Vegas, check out the international fashion retailer known for offering fashion-forward apparel and quality basics. The largest H&M location in the world opened last month at The Forum Shops at Caesars.

Luvi Wheelock, the fashionista behind Casa de Novia Bridal Couture, is adding ready-to-wear to her repertoire. Located adjacent to Casa de Novia at 3331 D’ Amico, Atrium’s décor is unmistakably French with a modern touches. Slated to debut in mid-January, the boutique will carry elite labels and offer clients attention to detail.

Tiffany & Co. recently opened its doors in The Woodlands. The 3,500sf store is located on Market Street, the community’s charming shopping area of elegant boutiques and fine restaurants. Tiffany & Co. also designed a 13-foot clock that stands outside the new store. The clock features the distinctive Roman numerals of the Atlas clock that was created in 1853 and today presides over the entrance of Tiffany’s Fifth Avenue store.

boob tube

Coming Spring 2011, several Houstonians have partnered with international news professionals to launch an independent world news network called the Global Broadcasting Channel, or GBC, based out of the most global city in the world – Houston, TX. GBC will deliver news via DirecTV to 18.7 million American households. The network will be the first US news channel to bring world news in a 24/7 stream to an American audience, ensuring insight into global events and issues – information presently absent or incomplete in other the major media outlets. gbcworldnews@gbctv.us

Only in America with Larry the Cable Guy is a new History show, a coast-to-coast celebration of the people, places and institutions that make us proud to be Americans. In each episode, Larry will visit various sites across the country revealing their history while immersing himself in new and different lifestyles, jobs and hobbies that celebrate the American experience. Plus, Larry gets a chance to experience the “barrel man” job under the tutelage of veteran barrel man Leon Coffee. The history of rodeos? Got their start in the 1800s! The Houston Rodeo has been around since 1932 and seats 75,000.

Green

Houston’s first green fitness facility is open. Quality Life Fitness, led by business partners Brian Nash and James Huter, is located at 4150 Westheimer Rd., next to Highland Village in the Galleria area. The 7,000sf facility is the city’s first certified green gym (www.gbb.org.). Quality Life Fitness operates with energy-efficient lighting and equipment – all powered 100 percent by wind energy harvested in Texas. Recycled materials were used in the construction of the facility, with all natural bamboo flooring covering the fitness studio.

The Green Elf Recycling Co. LLC is a modern recycling company powered by emission-free electric vehicles and charged by a renewable energy plan. They offer weekly pick-up services for home, apartment and business at low subscription rates. A portion of the proceeds from recycled materials are turned into charitable donations on behalf of the customers of Green Elf. Slated to start at ZIP codes 77005, 77006, 77007, 77008, 77009, 77019 and 77098. They recycle and properly dispose of most everything and no sorting is required: glass, plastic, aluminum, bi-metal, paper, cardboard, small electronics, ink cartridges, cell phones, computers, batteries and styrofoam. For more information, visit GreenElfRecycling.com or call 713.864.1501.

bites

Strip House partners with luxury lingerie designer, Kiki de Montparnasse (www.kikidm.com) to create the Studio Manasse-inspired cocktail dresses, recently launched for the Las Vegas location. The sexy sophistication of the cocktail uniforms coupled with Strip House’s seductive atmosphere and innovative menu seduces diners’ senses.

Just when you thought the cupcake craze was winding down, ICING, a new cupcake experience, launches in Houston. The specialty cupcake bakery and wholesaler brings its freshly baked confections to the customer’s door, free of delivery charge. Owned and operated by three long-time friends who set aside their “day jobs” to focus on their passion for baking and a desire to create unique, affordable cupcakes for the connoisseur. With a variety of flavors like peanut butter and jelly and cotton candy, a more grown-up approach is taken with their Margarita, Tiramisu and Sex in the City Cosmo cupcakes.

CITYCENTRE is putting on a photo contest called Show Us Your CITYCENTRE. In a nut shell send a cool picture (from January 1 – March 15, 2011) at one of their events, dining out, shopping or at the hotel and win a fabulous staycation spree at CITYCENTRE. Visit citycentrehouston.com/photo for a complete set of rules. Over $1,000 in prizes from CITYCENTRE businesses, including Hotel Sorella, Life Time Athletic, Studio Movie Grill, Elaine Turner, Cyclone Anaya’s, Flora & Muse, RA Sushi, Ruggles Green & more!

Not only is the Memorial area getting the first new hotel to the area in years in the new Westin slated to open April 2011, but also they recently announced the new restaurant. Famed New York eatery, Il Mulino New York, will open a  new concept called Trattoria Il Mulino. Il Mulino New York is world-renowned for their classic Italian dishes focusing primarily on the Abruzzi region. A fixture on the New York dining scene since 1981, Il Mulino New York is considered the Big Apple’s “see and be seen” destination for the best in Italian cuisine.

reads

Celebrate 100 years of Gaido’s Seafood Restaurant! Known for serving the freshest Gulf seafood from its famous location along the Galveston seawall, pick up Gaido’s Famous Seafood Restaurant: A cookbook celebrating 100 years. More than a mere cookbook, this historic documentary tells the story of San Jacinto “Cinto” Gaido, who rose above adversity to earn great success in the restaurant business. The Gaido family created the cookbook to honor Gaido’s legacy and includes 68 recipes. The book showcases their beloved Galveston, and captures the Gulf’s culinary culture with 100 year’s worth of stories and pictures of the Gaido family, employees and guests.

travel

In the Maldives, Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa, Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavru and the Four Seasons Explorer are the first in the country to develop comprehensive eco-preservation initiatives. Today, they remain the only hospitality collection in the destination to offer in-depth programs designed to create a long and successful future for the endangered atolls’ land and sea communities. Both locations house extensive research and preservation projects designed to help conserve the marine life and their habitats. Reviving the Reefs – Reefscapers, the resort’s coral propagation project is one of the most successful in the world, with more than 60,000 fragments of coral transplanted to date. For more information, visit www.fourseasons.com/maldiveslg/. Or specifically for marine conservation activities: www.fourseasons.com/maldiveslg/marine_conservation_activities/.

One of London’s most fashionable destinations, The Berkeley, has the most fabulously chic trunk on display. Curated by Carmen Haid, the founder of Atelier-Mayer, which specializes in luxury vintage fashion and accessories, the trunk celebrates the best of vintage fashion, featuring the most coveted pieces and rare finds from the 50’s, 60’s and 70’s. Guests staying at The Berkeley will have the opportunity to request the bespoke trunk, free of charge, for an evening, where they’ll be invited to wear their favorite designer accessories to complete their night-out look.

golf

A new premium venue called SHO Club 16 will be unveiled at the 2011 Shell Houston Open PGA TOUR Tournament. SHO Club 16 is a covered skybox venue that sits along the par-3 16th green. “SHO Club 16 is perfect for golf fans and those who are seeking a VIP experience at the tournament,” said Steve Timms, President and CEO of the Houston Golf Association and Tournament Director for the Shell Houston Open. “It will be an exclusive venue very close to the action to highlight the tournament experience. Skybox patrons have an unobstructed view from green to tee on one of the most exciting closing holes at Redstone Golf Club – Tournament Course.”  For more information, visit www.shellhoustonopen.com.