If there is one thing we all know about Houstonians it’s
that we love to eat. Now I don’t mean in a glutton sense but in a “we love good
food and we’ve got a lot of it” way. There is no shortage of places to grab a
great meal. Most of us have our favorites and know of all the amazing places to
land what you are looking for. 
Well, add a new favorite place to your list,
because for the first time ever BlackFinn is in Houston.

 

The new Midtown spot (1910 Bagby) has no shortage of range
on its menu. Happy hour is Mon-Fri from 4pm till 7pm…I recommend the
flatbreads, all of them. They have a menu that runs until 1am on the weekends
and also have a killer brunch.

 

What also sets this place apart from other restaurants is
the atmosphere. They have 4 different settings to dine in. The Grille Room is a
chill/swank bar area with free wifi and outlets at every booth so you can tweet
non-stop while you eat. The Dining Room is very dimly lit for a romantic vibe
and also has a fireplace. The Saloon is definitely the most energetic room with
19 beers on tap and 42 by bottle, over 17 screens to watch the game or reality
show and of course a late night menu until 2am. The Patio for the dog lovers,
it’s dog friendly. And they have local bands playing on the weekends.

 

I went for the grand opening and I was not alone in enjoying
the eats and vibe that BlackFinn had to offer. They even had a fundraising
effort to benefit the Ronald McDonald House. It’s clear that Ralph Matthews,
Chris Funaro, Chef John Turner and Courtney Maddox have assembled a team that is
ready to further fuel your appetite.

 

BY OMAR MEJIA

PHOTOS BY OMAR MEJIA FOR LASTNIGHTPICS

 

Ralph Matthews, Cindi Rose & Frank Rose

Lucy Breitling, Iva Tomova & Jennifer Smith

Emily Cotton & Karen Lix

Tod & Betsy Eason with Alex & Carla Martinez

Therese Trikilis, Courtney Maddox, Beth Rice & Chris Roth

Sarah Tucker & Stuart Rosenberg

Amy Stanley, Rich Alven & Aly Ramos

Lauren Haize & Valerie Puentes

Ashley Miranda, Stefanie Cotton & Ashley Birdwell

Jenn Molina, Michelle Tarallo & Kelli Cunningham

Aimee Woodall & Jayme Lamm

 

It is well known that Houston is one of the most giving cities in the
nation. We rank at or near the top in philanthropy and giving in all
categories. I have spoken in the past about the many organizations that touch
all of us in their quest for a better tomorrow. I love the Alzheimer’s
Association – we have lost too many amazing minds to Alzheimer’s.

 

Thousands came to support the Houston Walk to End Alzheimer’s, the
nation’s largest event to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer care, support
and research. Since 1989, this all-age, all-ability walk has mobilized millions
to join the fight against Alzheimer’s disease, raising more than $347 million
for the cause. Events are held annually in the fall in nearly 600 communities
nationwide.

 

This year’s goal of $370,000 for Houston was exceeded – at last tally
there was over $375,000 raised. Sheila Jackson Lee spoke on the importance of
giving to this organization to help those that are suffering from this disease.
The goal is to one day say that Alzheimer’s is no more.

 

Morning radio icon Tom Joyner, one of the Alzheimer’s Association
biggest supporters, also spoke on the importance of these fund raising walks.
Other supporters in attendance were State Rep. Sarah Davis and reigning Miss
Texas USA 2012, Brittany Booker.

 

All donations can be mailed to:

Alzheimer’s Association

Attn: Houston Walk to End Alzheimer’s

2242 W. Holcombe Blvd.

Houston, TX 77030

*The Alzheimer’s Association website will remain open for all donations
as well.

 

Their vision is a world without Alzheimer’s. It should be yours too.

BY OMAR MEJIA

PHOTOS BY OMAR MEJIA FOR LASTNIGHTPICS

 

 

Santa’s Elves and See’s Candies are working overtime to bring Houston the sweetest holiday treats! Get the candy lovers on your list covered at the See’s Candies Holiday Gift Center open now through December 26th at Willowbrook Mall. With an assortment of delicious goodies to choose from, this gift couldn’t be any sweeter.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Count from 1 to 38. In that time someone died. That equates to about 2300 people every day. The culprit is not war, famine or car wrecks…it’s cardiovascular disease. It shows no prejudice to race, age, religion or status. Chances are you know someone that has been affected by this.

 

It’s always a serious issue when the American Heart Association raises awareness about heart disease but on this day thousands gathered to help turn this to a brighter day for others. The funds raised by participants in the 2011 Houston Heart Walk came to over $1.7 million (and still growing). It just goes to show that when our city gets together we can make a difference with the steps we take (literally).

 

It’s no secret that this is a cause very close to Mayor Parker who lost her father at the age of 51. She along with 25,000 others made the 5-mile walk along Allen Parkway.

 

I could mention all the big donors, but it is everyone’s contributions that are helping make a difference here. Special thanks to all participants, stepping up and out for the AHA.

 

BY OMAR MEJIA
PHOTOS BY BRIAN VOGEL FOR LASTNIGHTPICS
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I gotta give it up to moms. They have a tough job no doubt.
The modern Houston mom has to be quick on her toes and juggle many titles/jobs.
A lot goes into motherhood that often goes unnoticed … thanks, Mom.

 

Enter (dramatic entrance theme music here) “The Mommie
Series.” Misti Style created the Mommie Series to help educate new mothers on
various aspects of motherhood. Everything from finance and fashion to health
from some successful female experts. They hold the events quarterly as each
season brings in different fashion and dieting styles, not to mention different
obstacles.

 

The latest installment (the winter edition) was about
“Holiday Stress and How to Overcome It.” They really compiled a roster of
experts to help these mothers: Lynnsey Dohmen, M.S. (EcoStation & Powerplay
Educator at The Children’s Museum) spoke on family and how being active
stimulates the brain; Lori Hudson (Define Body & Mind) spoke on health and
how stress affects the body; Christine Walker (CPA CFP, MWA Advisors Inc.)
spoke on finance and overspending during the holiday season; Jessica McMahon
(designer of FIT Couture) spoke on fashion and the perfect fit and performance
fabrics. KPRC’s Courtney Zavala was the master of ceremonies and brought the
whole evening together.

 

Of course the evening included champagne, hors d’oeuvres
from Green Plate Kids and all the latest mommy gossip. Salute the moms in your
life –  they have a tough job. But
it just got a bit easier.

 

 

BY OMAR MEJIA

PHOTOS BY CLAIRE LEARNED FOR LASTNIGHTPICS
 

 

Lisa Ounds & Misti Pace-Krahl

Sally Jackson & Anika Jackson

Marisa Brunson & Janette Lindner

Christine Walker, Amy Cerny, Lori Hudson & Lynnsey Dohmen

Sherry Azimi & Jeff Kaplan

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Do you know who Mac Miller is? Most people don’t. I first
heard of Mac Miller about a year ago. He is a teenage kid from Pittsburgh that
made some noise dropping mixtapes and releasing free music on the internet. He
is just the latest in a wave of rappers that have created buzz online before
dropping a single album.

 

Just last month J.Cole debuted his album Cole World to a #1 release. Two weeks
ago Wale released his 2nd album to a #2 debut; not bad considering Bieber was
#1. And last week Mac Miller released his independent debut to a #1 release
with over 144K albums sold.

 

What is remarkable about this feat is that he did it independently. The last time a debut
independent album landed the #1 spot was 16 years ago. His last mixtape, Best Day Ever, was downloaded over half
a million times; he has well over a million downloads of his mixtapes.

 

Mac came to do a concert at Warehouse Live last week and
followed that up with an after-party at Rich’s. I had a chance to exchange a
few words and enjoy a crazy/fun time with him at the after-party. Let’s just
say that he handles himself very humbly but knows that he is a rock star in the
making. He opened up his after-party with his biggest single to date, Party on 5th Avenue. He went thru a few
choice cuts from his catalogue before he came back to the VIP area to chop it
up with a few fans and friends/entourage.

 

When I asked him about how he is handling his newfound
success, he said he attributed it to the fans, and that even though he missed the
mark of 50,000 pre-orders, he still intended to donate $50,000 to the Make A
Wish Foundation. He plans to release another mixtape once his tour raps up (pun
intended) before working on another album. His favorite thing about Houston
other than the people, he said, was eating at Frenchy’s
Chicken near UH, which Bun B introduced him to. It was not long before he was
surrounded by a lot of beautiful ladies, so not wanting to get in the way I
just fell back and enjoyed the atmosphere.

 

Who is Mac Miller? Just the guy that slayed Michael Bublé,
Adele, Justin Bieber and Twilight in
one week. If you don’t know, you will soon enough.

 

 

BY OMAR MEJIA

PHOTOS BY OMAR MEJIA FOR LASTNIGHTPICS

 

It’s that time of year again. 002 held its annual “Cover Contest” at the ColtonFarb Gallery this year. Attendees got to sip on some good drinks and vote on their favorite entry. There were various styles and options to choose from – everything from photos to paintings to digital art. This year’s theme was “Our City” and it was clear that there is a lot of depth to this town. I voted on my favorite but we will all have to wait and see who the lucky winner is next month. Good luck to all who entered!
 

BY OMAR MEJIA

PHOTOS BY CLAIRE LEARNED FOR LASTNIGHTPICS
 

 

War'hous was in the building with Chris Bridgewater, Dandee Warhol and Dustin Chad Gann

Daisy Gomez, Beatriche Cordoba & Tiffany Cintron

Carla Valencia & Bea Allen

Debbie Villasana & Tiffany Cintron

the voting was intense

there were many to choose from

 

 

002 men’s issue release party 11.03.11 from Jill Hunter on Vimeo.

002 men’s issue release party 11.03.11 from Jill Hunter on Vimeo.

 

SHORT FILM BY JILL HUNTER

 

MUSIC BY AARON COURTLAND

 

PHOTOS BY OMAR MEJIA FOR LASTNIGHTPICS

002 men’s issue release party 11.03.11 from Jill Hunter on Vimeo.

Tiffany Rodriguez, Misty Rockwell, Brandon Cotter & Danielle Schwausch

Bea Valencia Allen & Wilbert Chinchilla

Alex Rosa, Cody Bess & Edward Sanchez

Kirsten Guerra, Brandon Arvie & Monica Fridman

Ameer Jumabhoy & Isabella Adamiak

Alicia Thill, Michael Yafi & Dana McDonald

Izkali Tequila promo girls, Sully Rubio & Julia Vawters

Joy Sangel & Gloria Karyetta

Emmanuel Eloundou, Nikki Hart & Josh Weisman

Pedro Anderson, Jake Duong, Tanya Nguyen & William Daniel

Javar Foty & Meagan Hunt

the man behind the wardrobe..Vico Puentes

 

 

 

It’s simple. Women love shoes. I go shopping with my
girlfriend so I know how it can be when a woman sees those must-have shoes. In
the shoe world Brian Atwood has become synonymous with modernity and drop-dead
glamour since he launched in 2001. When he unveiled some of his first lines he
used peep shows and back-bending contortionists to show off his collection; these
days word of mouth travels through the Internet via blogs and social
networking, so Atwood partnered with Saks Fifth Avenue to have his latest
collection unveiled with the help of some of the country’s fashion bloggers.

 

Here in Houston Saks hooked up with Fashionably Broke at
Shoes On One to celebrate the launch. Partygoers received touch-ups courtesy of
Laura Mercier and received $10 off Do Bar for posting
their favorite Brian Atwood shoe. It’s simple. Women love Brian Atwood shoes.

 

 

 

BY OMAR MEJIA

 

PHOTOS BY OMAR MEJIA FOR LASTNIGHTPICS

 

 

Michael Yafi, Dana McDonald, Rachel Ehrhardt & Michael Pearson

Crystal Saldivar & Christina Magri

James Phelan & Heather Pray

Lauren Pray & Tiffany Whiteley

Naomi Harris & Curtis Thompson

Sara Churchill & Lauren Gregory

Lauren Pray, Daniel Ortiz & Heather Pray

Promo photos courtesy of Brian Atwood™

 

 

 

 

 

“A child who is not nurtured is a child who never learns to trust, never develops empathy, never accepts responsibility for his behavior and hurts others with impunity.”

 

Usually I try and put a funny spin on what I write about but there are times when something comes around that touches me and the inner serious me comes out. I was fortunate enough to have a hard-working mother that at times had to work 2-3 jobs to keep me and my sister fed and spoiled. In this day and age there are many children that are not as fortunate as I was, as many of us were. Since its inception in 1974, Child Builders [a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization] has been providing innovative programs that educate parents, children, teachers and the community about healthy social and emotional development in children. Today they train teachers, nurses, counselors and volunteers who teach children how to be safe, to build healthy relationships and to be nurturing parents to future generations.

 

I could blow you up with the core values and mission statement but the bottom line is that Child Builders does what is needed to ensure that the children of today have a properly paved road in their future.

 

Now is where the fun comes in and my witty banter explodes all over this piece (kinda). Night Shift is a young professionals group that benefits Child Builders. Recently Nift, short for Night Shift, put together a “When I Grow Up” party to help raise funds for Child Builders. I was invited by Nift members Rebecca Koch & Lisa Hayes and was strongly encouraged to come as what I wanted to be when I was a youngling. Of course knowing that everyone else was going to be dressing up as well, I was inclined to dress up, soooo … I came as a hipster. Fortunately there were no photos taken of me.

 

Nift knows how to put together a great party, especially since it was for a great cause. I mean Yvonne Washington and the Mix had me shaking to some of the best songs from “Word Up” to “Crazy.” There was a silent auction for, among other things, five nights in a mountaintop condo overlooking Beaver Creek, CO, three nights in a riverside house in Bandera, TX, a staycation at Hilton Americas, seats at Opera Vista, tasty meals from My Fit Foods and classes at Yoga One. Oh yeah, and amazing food & drinks from Lola, FireHouse Subs, Central Market, Tacos A Go-Go, Pinks Pizza, Spec’s and Niko Niko.

 

Nift also honored Ken Bridge for his various philanthropic efforts to help support Child Builders. Ultra-thanks go out to Momentum Audi, Tito’s, HEB, Central Market, Spec’s, Firehouse Subs, BB’s, Fox Hollow, Tacos A Go Go, Law Offices of Ed Burwell, Michelle E. Bush, P.C. Law Firm.

 

BY OMAR MEJIA
PHOTOS BY OMAR MEJIA FOR LASTNIGHTPICS
 

 

Thai Long as Justin Bieber & Michelle Sacks as a brickhouse

Christy Logsdon as the Ginger Bread Man and Brian Vogel as a hipster

Rebecca Koch as Cheshire Cat, Dara Percely as a flower child & Debra Reyna as Madonna (Like a Virgin era)

Christina Bridge as a pin up girl & Ken Bridge as Billy Gibbons

Patty Fadhouli as a stylist, Dan Govin as a wealthy soccer player, Kari Govin as a nun & Joe Francisco as Sidney Crosby

James Phelan as Garth Brooks & Lisa Hayes as Elvis

Misti Rel as a cowgirl, Mike Oneil as a detective & Tanya Hayes as swat team member

Lisa "Lava" Bernas, Brandy "Irish U Dead" Brown, Samara "Sam I Am" Barks & Christine "Shocker Zulu" Ragland

Yvonne Washington and the Mix