Downtown Magazine- Fall 2014 by DowntownHouston

downtown fall 2014

connecting you to the center of houston

ta p p i n g i n t o t h e local brew scene

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shopping, dining, shopping, dining, shopping, dining, shopping,and dining, entertainment events entertainment and events entertainment and events entertainment and events

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5050 50 50 fresh ingredients fresh ingredients

happy hour seats fresh ingredients tofresh choose from at happy hour seats ingredients happy hour seats to choose from at at McCormick happy hour seats to choose from at Salata, opening this at McCormick to choose from at at McCormick Salata, opening this & atSchmick’s McCormick Salata, opening thisthis fall & Schmick’s Salata, opening & Schmick’s expanded patio &expanded Schmick’s fallfallfall patio expanded patio expanded patio

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FALL HAPPENINGS: FALL HAPPENINGS: FALL HAPPENINGS: FALL HAPPENINGS: Live Music Live Music Live Music Live Music Thursdays & Fridays, 5-8PM Thursdays & Fridays, 5-8PM Thursdays && Fridays, 5-8PM Thursdays Fridays, 5-8PM

Enjoy live music on The Lawn— Enjoy live music on Lawn— The Lawn— Enjoy livelive music onon The GreenStreet’s newly minted event space! Enjoy music Theminted Lawn— GreenStreet’s newly event space! GreenStreet’s newly minted event space! GreenStreet’s newly minted event space!

Games onon thethe Green Games Green Games ononthe Green Games the Green 3rd Thursday of every month 3rd Thursday of every month 3rd Thursday ofof every month 3rd Thursday every month through November, 5-8PM through November, 5-8PM through November, 5-8PM through November, 5-8PM

Enjoy live music on The Lawn and games Enjoy live music on Lawn The Lawn and games Enjoy livelive music on The games including bocce ball, Jenga &and more. Enjoy music on The Lawn and games including bocce ball, Jenga & more. including bocce ball, Jenga & more. including bocce ball, Jenga & more.

Friday Flicks onon The Lawn Friday Flicks The Lawn Friday Flicks ononThe Lawn Friday Flicks The Lawn 4th Friday of every month 4th Friday of every month 4th Friday ofof every month 4th Friday every month through October, 8PM through October, 8PM through October, 8PM through October, 8PM

Visit greenstreetdowntown.com for the Visit greenstreetdowntown.com for the Visit greenstreetdowntown.com forfor the complete line-up. Visit greenstreetdowntown.com the complete line-up. complete line-up. complete line-up.

LUXURY HAS A NEW ADDRESS

The new JW Marriott Houston Downtown, opening early fall 2014.

HE BEST OF ALL WORLDS. It’s here. The JW Marriott Houston Downtown. Originally the city’s first skyscraper built in 1910, the Samuel F. Carter Building is now the future of luxury. A

spectacular 22-story, 328-room exclusive hotel – with culinary-inspired dining venues, state-of-the-art spa, galleries and event spaces – all artfully designed to accommodate every taste and cater to every need. Located in Houston’s most prestigious district, and connected to the tunnel system, it’s an address that also ensures instant access to every possibility and all of the city’s best nightlife, sports and entertainment. Contact us at 713 237 1111 or visit jwmarriotthotelhouston.com.

inside.

fall 2014 VOL. 7, NO. 1

SCAN

Beer Appreciation / p. 24

downtown Managing Editor/ Creative Director Angie Bertinot, Downtown District Copy Editor Barbara Linkin Mendel, Mendel Creative Solutions Design ph Design Shop

12 CLASS ACT

Photography Katya Horner, Slight Clutter Photography

For 135 years, Trinity Lutheran School has been giving students from around the city a top-notch education while encouraging service to the community and instilling a strong sense of faith – all from its historic home on the edge of Downtown. by HOLLY BERETTO

Contributing Writers Amber Ambrose, Holly Beretto, Sandra Cook, Melissa Fitzgerald, Nicole Marin, Mason Lerner, Vi-An Nguyen

17 GET A ROOM

Advertising Information Angie Bertinot, 713.650.3022/ angie@downtowndistrict.org

After more than a few years of stagnation, business is booming for Downtown Houston’s hotel industry. By 2017 visitors can expect to find nearly 8,000 rooms to choose from and a wide variety of hotel options. BY MASON lerner

24 CHEERS!

Questions or comments? Drop us a line at dtmagazine@downtowndistrict.org

Downtown magazine is published quarterly and is free of charge. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reprinted or otherwise reproduced without written permission from the publisher. Downtown District, 909 Fannin, Suite 1650, Houston, Texas 77010. Published by:

Craft beers are in high demand these days, and suddenly Downtown Houston is more than ready to meet the needs of thirsty consumers. Whether you choose the wide variety of Flying Saucer Draught Emporium, the oldtime charm of the Brewery Tap or the refreshing brews of local favorite Saint Arnold Brewing Company, you’ll find your thirst for quality is easily quenched. BY AMBER AMBROSE

publishers’ note Just what makes a city great? And does Houston have it?

hot companies MRC Global keeps the energy industry flowing smoothly from its headquarters in Downtown Houston, and its employees couldn’t be happier with their central location. by SANDRA COOK

backstage

The fall always means a fresh new palette of offerings in the Houston Theater District. Start marking your calendar for your holiday favorites and exciting world premieres. And make sure you leave some time to check out two of Houston’s most dynamic small theater companies – Catastrophic Theatre and Bayou City Theatrics. BY MELISSA FITZGERALD AND VI-AN NGUYEN

plate/sip Our comprehensive listing of everything scrumptious in Downtown Houston and a close-up look at one of the city’s most exciting new dining destinations – Springbok.

datebook Theater, concerts, tours, festivals, special events and much more.

destination downtown map

PUBLISHERs’ NOTE On greatness

"a great city is that which has the greatest men and women."

Those words penned by the iconic American poet Walt Whitman more than 100 years ago could easily have been written about Houston today. Certainly Houston’s greatness lies in many things – its robust economy, its embrace of diversity, its boundless energy, its friendly nature. But above all Houston is great else, Houston is great thanks to thanks to those those committed men and women who have pushed us to committed men evolve from an impressive and women who business hub and energy capital have pushed us into something so much more. Forbes, Architectural Digest, Money to evolve from Magazine, The Wall Street Journal, an impressive even the New York Times, are all business hub and sitting up and taking notice. While it may not be a destinaenergy capital tion city just yet, Houston is well into something on its way. And our dynamic Downtown is one of the reasons. so much more. The Houston Downtown Management District is grateful to be on the frontlines of change, and this magazine helps us share all the hot developments that make Downtown so exciting. We’ve got all the details – whether it’s the burgeoning craft beer industry explored in our cover story by Amber Ambose on page 24, the explosion of new hotel development detailed in our feature by Mason Lerner on page 17 or the proliferation of events and activities found in our exhaustive datebook on page 49. Of course be sure to visit us online at downtownhouston.org, where you’ll find plenty of info to help you make the most of Downtown. And please, let us know what you think about downtown. We’re more than happy to take your comments and suggestions.

Bob Eury

Angie Bertinot

executive director Downtown District

director of marketing downtown district

ON THE COVER We had a blast shooting for the beer feature, especially our visits to the four breweries featured - each has a very unique personality. The bottling line at Saint Arnold's is pretty cool and we knew it would be our fall 2014 cover.

fall 2014

hot co.

d o w n to w n's m o v e r s a n d s h a k e r s

by Sandra Cook

In the Pipeline MRC Global goes to great lengths to supply pipes, valves and fittings to the energy industry

hile oil and gas remain top commodities that drive

business locally and across the globe, pipelines make it all flow. Energy companies rely on suppliers for all the pipes, valves and fittings – that’s PVF in industry shorthand. For oil and gas companies all over the world, Houston-based MRC Global is the go-to for all things PVF. “MRC Global is the largest distributor of pipes, valves and fittings to the energy industry worldwide,” says Andrew R. Lane, chairman, president and CEO of MRC Global. “We are a major supplier to the energy industry by providing the vital products that make up the oil and gas production facilities that bring energy to homes and businesses around the world.” MRC Global provides the essential materials, support and services to build and maintain the infrastructure that allow the energy to flow. That means big business not only in terms of building new pipelines, but also in relation to upgrading and replacing older pipelines. “Energy demand is on the rise and our customers are some of the largest producers of energy in the world,” says Lane. “As they work to meet that demand, we are growing right along with them to provide the PVF products that are needed in their oil and gas production and refining operations.” Today, MRC Global is a global leader in PVF distribution. The company traces its history back to Charleston, WV-based McJunkin Corporation, which was founded in 1921. More than 80 years later in 2007, with investment and advice from Goldman Sachs, McJunkin merged with Tulsa, OK-based Red Man Pipe & Supply, founded in

fall 2014

downtownhouston.org

1977. The merge created the industry’s first PVF supply powerhouse known as McJunkin Red Man Corporation, and later MRC Global. Also in 2007, the company continued to expand across North America, acquiring LaBarge Pipe & Steel Company in the US and Midfield Supply in Canada. This was followed by expansion internationally in 2009 with the acquisition of Transmark Fcx. “Our company still operates based on the core values of our founders – integrity, customer service and hard work – and we have the best people in the industry on our team” says Lane. “If we stay true to our values and continue to serve our customers with excellence as we grow, we know that MRC Global has a bright future.” Energy Capital Location

MRC Global established its global headquarters Downtown in 2009, seizing the opportunity to be near the offices of its major customers. After the merger of McJunkin and Red Man, the company saw Houston as a preferred location that facilitated the blending of companies, experience and philosophies. Plus, Houston already housed MRC Global’s largest North American distribution center, with a combined 200,000 square feet of warehouse space, 40,000 square feet of office space, 80 acres of pipe yard and more than 300 employees. “Houston is the energy capital of the world,” says Lane. “As the largest provider of pipe, valves and fittings to the energy industry, we knew we needed to be near our customers. The Downtown location gave us the opportunity to do that.” From its corporate home on the 31st floor of 2 Houston Center, the

Caring for the Community

Through the McJunkin Red Man Foundation, the company donates to charities recommended by our employees. The MRC Global Cares initiative is focused on directly impacting communities near its locations worldwide through financial donations and volunteering. That includes the Houston area. “While we make financial contributions to many Houston area charities like the American Cancer Society, Boy Scouts of America, March of Dimes and United Way of Greater Houston through our corporate foundation, we are also proud to be a major sponsor of the ConocoPhillips Rodeo Run each year,” Lane says. “In April, our first team of cyclists participated and completed the BP MS 150. Donations came in from employees around the country and helped the team surpass their donation goal. We are looking forward to growing that number next year.” The MRC Global Team donated $25,000 to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.

company continues its dream of providing PVF and related services across the globe, gathering the strongest players and securing strategic locations. The company currently employs more than 4,900 workers at more than 400 locations worldwide. Each year since the first merger, MRC Global has expanded across the U.S. and internationally, acquiring more than 14 PVF supply companies since 2007, including the most recent additions of Stream AS, MSD Engineering, and Hypteck AS. MRC Global went public in 2012 and became a Fortune 500 company that same year. MRC Global also sees potential to grow its business domestically. With 60 percent of gas pipelines in the U.S. built before 1970, those pipes are ripe for inspection, testing and replacement. Furthermore, replacing pipes often involves installing more valves along the pipeline for more precise shutdowns, which means more demand for new pipe and valves.

MRC Global by the Numbers 4,900 workers at more than 400 locations worldwide 115 employees Downtown, a total of 323 workers in Houston Second quarter 2014 revenue of approximately $1.5 Billion

Downtown Works Well

“We have 115 employees in our global headquarters,” says Lane. “One of the benefits we offer our Downtown employees is that they can choose between parking and taking the METRO Park & Ride system at the company’s expense. Nearly 15 percent of them rely on the METRO Park & Ride system to commute to and from work each day, and for people whose job doesn’t require them to travel often during the day it seems to be a great solution.” MRC Global chose Downtown based on proximity to industry giants, transportation, close location of profressional sports teams, amenities and the inspirational views of the city skyline. “When we first started looking for an office space for our new global headquarters in Houston, we considered locations in and near the Energy Corridor as well as Downtown, but once we saw the space in 2 Houston Center we knew it was the right one,” says Debbie Rank-Morgan, MRC global corporate director of real estate. “The view of the City of Houston laid out in front of you from the floor to ceiling windows in our board room was exactly what we were looking for. It was just the right space, in just the right location at just the right time.”

fall 2014

arts & entertainment

b a c k s ta g e .

PHOTO BY ANTHONY RATHBUN

by Melissa Fitzgerald

Houston Symphony's AndrĂŠs Orozco-Estrade

fall 2014

downtownhouston.org

2014

FALL

fter a long summer of dark theaters and empty seats, the doors are opening and the curtain is rising on the 2014-2015 Houston Theater District season. The dawning of fall means a fresh new selection of world-class performing arts entertainment to enjoy in the heart of Downtown. Opera, music, theater and dance illuminate the stages multiple nights a week. Visit houstontheaterdistrict.org for the full lineup of performances.

Hobby Center for the Performing Arts

some of musical theater’s most memorable standards. Tap your toes to I Get A Kick Out Of You, You’re The Top and Anything Goes. Two young loves from different worlds come together in the most challenging and triumphant summer of their lives in Dirty Dancing: The Classic Story on Stage, Nov. 18-23. Expect heartpounding music, passionate romance and sensational dancing. You’ll have the time of your life. Alley Theatre

Exciting renovations to the Alley Theatre building mean a temporary, new performance home at the University of Houston’s theater, conveniently located 12 minutes from Downtown. Perfectly timed for Halloween, the Alley presents the classic vampire thriller, Dracula, Oct. 3-Nov. 2. The production is based on the original 1927 adaptation that marvelously balances the menace of the horror tale with sophisticated satire. Houston’s holiday favorite, The Christmas Carol, returns Nov. 25-Dec. 24. Join Ebenezer Scrooge and his ghostly tour guides on a Christmas Eve adventure through his past, present and future. This Dickens tale of redemption and holiday cheer will stay with you long after the eggnog is gone. Jones Hall

The Houston Symphony welcomes new conductor Andrés Orozco-Estrada in an Opening Night Concert with Andrés, Sept. 13. The night salutes the official start of his inaugural season featuring Alison Balsom on the trumpet and a selection of pieces from Mozart, Haydn and Mussorgsky/Ravel. Byron Stripling “pops” by for Ragtime, Blues & All That Jazz, Oct. 31-Nov. 2. Stripling will showcase works from ragtime masters

PHOTO BY DAVID SCHEINMANN

PHOTO BY CLAIRE McADAMS PHOTOGRAPHY

Gender lines are blurred in Theatre Under The Stars’ rendition of Victor/Victoria. The life of a struggling singer is changed overnight as she transforms into “Victor” and becomes a singing sensation in the nightclubs of Paris. This funny look at the nature of love, gender perceptions and the battle of the sexes will grace the Sarofim stage Sept. 16-28. The ever-edgy, TUTS Underground brings Reefer Madness, Sept. 25-Oct. 5. This tongue-in-cheek musical comedy is inspired by the 1936 anti-marijuana propaganda film in which wholesome kids experiment with the drug, and a hysterical downward spiral ensues. It’ll be a smoking good time. This performance is intended for mature audiences. Get into the holiday spirit early as The Radio City Christmas Spectacular starring the Rockettes, triumphantly returns to the Hobby Center, opening Dec. 5. Eye-high kicks, life-sized toy soldiers and a visit from Santa are sure to start your holiday season off right. Broadway at the Hobby Center opens its season with the saucy three-time Tony award-winning production, Anything Goes, Oct. 14-19. Two unlikely pairs take to the sea on a course for true love featuring a crew of singing sailors and some good old-fashioned blackmail. This Cole Porter comedy is peppered with

Victor/Victoria at Hobby Center Dirty Dancing comes to Hobby Center Nov 18-23 fall 2014

dancers: katherine precourt & aaron robison

photo by amitava sarkar

Joshua Bell for one night only.

Scott Joplin, Jelly Roll Morton, B.B. King and Muddy Waters, along with entertaining anecdotes about the music and its creators. Sounds from the dramatic, Beethoven’s Fifth, fill Jones Hall, Nov. 14-16. All it takes is the four opening notes to realize why it is considered one of the most influential pieces of music ever written. This performance kicks off three weeks of Beethoven with Andrés Orozco-Estrada and begins a three-year cycle of all nine Beethoven symphonies. Society for the Performing Arts

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downtownhouston.org

PHOTO BY LISA MARIE MAZZUCCO

Paquita, part of Houston Ballet's From Houston to the World

welcomes violin master and Houston favorite, Joshua Bell, for a dazzling recital. Bell continuously enchants audiences with his breathtaking virtuosity and charismatic stage presence. Bell is performing one night only, Nov. 5. Wickedly funny humorist David Sedaris returns to Houston, Nov. 8 for an evening of readings from his new and unpublished works. The great skill with which Sedaris slices through cultural euphemisms proves that he is indeed a master of satire and one of the most observant writers of the current human condition. Wortham Theater Center

Fall into A Midsummer Night’s Dream with Houston Ballet Sept. 4-14. Shakespeare so brilliantly wrote, “the course of true love never did run smooth,” and he used that rocky path to create his most delightful comedy. Houston Ballet is the first American company to welcome this production, making it both a Houston and national premiere. The love-struck Athenians and meddlesome fairies create a dreamy cacophony of color, magic and merriment sure to delight children and adults alike. From Houston to the World is a mixed-repertory program

with each piece heavy on technical prowess and created uniquely for the Houston Ballet dancers. ONE/end/ONE brings wit and humor; Murmuration is a deeply spiritual work for a cast of 17; and the closing piece, Paquita, is a challenging, Spanishflavored ballet first performed in 1846 and vividly interpreted today by artistic director Stanton Welch. This mixed rep is on stage Sept. 18-28. The Sugar Plum Fairy, Clara and her Nutcracker Prince return for the traditional holiday journey through the Land of Snow and the Kingdom of Sweets. Ben Stevenson’s production of The Nutcracker has entertained children and grown-ups alike for more than 25 years. Performances begin Nov. 28 and continue through the holiday season. Society for the Performing Arts kicks off its season Sept. 20, with Three Acts, Two Dancers, One Radio Host, by Ira Glass (of the popular radio show, This American Life), Bill Barnes and Anna Bass. The show combines two art forms to create a funny, lively evening of dance and heartfelt storytelling. Da Camera of Houston kicks off their celebration of musical inventors with The Birth of the String Quartet: Haydn Discovery on Sept. 27. The modern ensemble St. Lawrence String Quartet will break down works from Franz Joseph Haydn and will passionately make the case for Haydn as the greatest composer of all time. The show closes in a fiery performance of one

Chick Corea

Season Sponsor

PHOTO BY ROBERT MILLARD

of Beethoven’s masterpieces. With a group known to add a hint of rock ’n’ roll energy to Haydn and Beethoven, this won’t be your average chamber music concert. Long-awaited piano soloist Chick Corea makes his Da Camera debut Oct. 10. A pioneer in the world of jazz piano, his 1971 record Piano Improvisations opened the floodgates to a new genre of piano that continues today. Leave Earth behind in a sensory explosion of celestial imagery and sounds in The Galileo Project: Music of the Spheres

with Tafelmusik, on Nov. 13. The commemoration of Galileo’s first public demonstration of the telescope features works of Monteverdi, Vivaldi, Bach and Handel performed by Canada’s award-winning period instrument ensemble, Tafelmusik. High-definition images from the Hubble telescope and Canadian astronomers rotate through behind the performers to make this an other-worldly musical affair. William Shakespeare’s classic tale of love, jealousy and rage opens Houston Grand Opera’s season with Otello Oct. 24-Nov. 7. Manipulated by his friend, Otello becomes convinced of his wife’s infidelity, despite her innocence. The paranoia culminates in a jealous rage with fatal consequences. Performed as an opera by Giuseppe Verdi, Otello is a virtuosic fusion of great literature and sublime music. The season continues with Così fan tutte, the third and final collaboration between Mozart and Lorenzo da Ponte. Confident in the love of their fiancées, two young men make a bet that their intended will remain faithful under any circumstance. They are surprised to find their loves’ lack of devotion when the women are courted by two “Albanian soldiers.” This study of contrasts is a story of a friendly wager gone hilariously awry, paired with music of luminous beauty. You’ll be in for a well-rounded evening of laugher and awe. Performances run Oct. 31 – Nov. 15.

sept. 16 – 28 hobby center

tuts.com 713.558.tuts

Houston Grand Opera's Otello fall 2014

arts & entertainment: p r o f i l e

Keeping it Local B ayo u C ity T heatrics and C atastrophic T heatre prove that good things come in small packages . By Melissa Fitzgerald and Vi-An Nguyen

ummer has closed but that doesn’t mean the fun has to stop. Downtown’s theater scene offers many opportunities to explore new productions and a fresh take on performing art. Houston has its fair share share of theater giants, internationally acclaimed and worldrenowned. But amidst the hustle and bustle of large-scale production theater companies there are two niche groups that are making a big name for themselves with smaller audiences, intimate spaces and local talent. In May of this year, Bayou City Theatrics moved Downtown to their permanent home, The Kaleidoscope, at 705 Main. With a new space and a fresh place to start, they are ready to show the city professional, fresh and diverse theater productions. As Houston’s first off-Broadway theater, their mission is to entertain, enrich, educate and unite all of Houston’s artists and patrons of the arts. Relying primarily on Houston-based talent and audience support, BCT provides opportunities for high-quality, affordable performing arts education for students of all ages (including adults) and all levels of household income. As a recent recipient of a Best New Theatre Company award and with artistic director Colton Berry and actress Erin Wasmund named in the list of “100 Creatives of 2013” from the Houston Press, Bayou City Theatrics has proved they are a force to be reckoned with. Upcoming performances include Chicago – A Musical Vaudeville, Richard O’Brien’s The Rocky Horror Picture Show and William Golding’s Lord of the Flies. In 2007, Jason Nodler and Tamarie Cooper, created Catastrophic Theatre on one foundational principle, “We will destroy you,” a concept meant to break the barriers of traditional theater-going and encourage audience engagement. To be “destroyed” by communal laughter or to be overcome by an emotion shared by everyone in the room, is high on the list of goals for every performance. Catastrophic’s programming meaningfully expands the artistic conversation by presenting plays not otherwise available in Houston. They vary widely and aim to create a human experience connecting the actors to the audience on an emotional level. Their pay-what-you-can price structure promotes an inviting way for patrons to experience new works they would otherwise be hesitant to try. Upcoming productions include Detroit, exploring the

fall 2014

downtownhouston.org

Bayou City Theatrics Lord of the Flies Sept 18-28

A Houston favorite, A Very Tamarie Chrismas by Catastrophic Theater modern definition of neighbors and the quest for second chances, and The Economist, with subject matter centering on mental illness. One thing is certain for both these companies, you’ll leave their performances with a theater experience unlike any you’ve had before. If you leave challenged, with a new take on the world or simply moved beyond expectation, you’ll have experienced the truly unique power that comes from an intimate theater setting. And with affordable pricing, not even financial limitations can stand in your way. So step outside the box, try something new and open yourself up to all the fun that’s waiting for you. To purchase tickets and learn more about these companies, visit bayoucitytheatrics.com and catastrophictheatre.com.

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H o l ly B e r e t t o

p i a n h g s - the -

FUTURE

photos by brenda reed photography

Trinity Lutheran School Embraces its Past and Educates the Leaders of Tomorrow

From the deck of the Early Childhood Center on Houston Avenue you can see 14

the Downtown skyline rising above the red-hued walls of Trinity Lutheran Church and School across the street. The glass and steel skyscrapers contrast with the nearly century-and-a-half-old complex, its stone and mason work echoing another era, one before the Information Superhighway – before highways altogether – before the oil gushers that would usher in Houston’s prosperity, before air conditioning. There are few places in Houston where you can see the past and the future in one place. This is one. As Trinity Lutheran School prepares to celebrate 135 years in operation, the hallmark of its community is an appreciation for its past, even as it looks ever onward to the future. “Inspiring and empowering students with a Christ-centered education” is more than a slogan on a brochure, more than a mission statement on a white paper that’s filed away in a drawer. For Trinity, those elements are present in the real, dayto-day happenings of the school, where the goal is to nurture its young people, even as it teaches them to fly. Founded in 1879, the same time as Trinity Lutheran Church, the school has devoted itself to creating students who are confident, well educated, and have a keen

sense of service to others. History is everpresent at TLS. And that history serves as a connector between its students and the school. “My favorite thing about being here is the lifelong friendships I’ve had,” says Elaina Baden, who graduated from Trinity’s eighth grade class of 2014, and is heading to Lutheran North High School. Her family has been attending the church and the school for five generations. “The academics were challenging at times, but the teachers are really helpful – you feel like you can talk to them and ask questions, and they care about you.” A statement like that doesn’t surprise Principal Natalia Junkans, who just completed her first year at Trinity, most recently working at Travis Elementary School. She says she enjoys being part of a school where rigorous academics prepare students to be competitive while encouraging service to the community and to others. While there is no doubt that TLS wants and gives a foundation for its students to be successful, there is something more to the setting. “There’s a sense of family here,” she says.

“And our parents like that we offer a small atmosphere for their children, and that we are able to offer strong academics and an environment that helps create well-rounded students.” Many of those parents work Downtown, and they recognize that having Trinity as a neighbor is a benefit. That sense of nearness works both ways at TLS, which strives to be a good neighbor in its Downtown setting. “Houston is a wonderful city, and Trinity is blessed to be in the heart of our community,” says Michael Dorn, the pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church. “We are constantly looking at ways in which we can support the people who live and work in Downtown. From providing ministries to the homeless to mentors in HISD we love our community. Moreover, our school offers those in our community with an option for their child’s education that’s minutes from where they work in a caring, loving and safe environment.” And parents certainly see that as a plus. Lisa Jakel, director of advancement for TLS tells the story of a mother who was enrolling her little boy in the school last year. Standing on the library balcony, she pointed

“

Our school offers those in our community with an option for their child’s education that’s minutes from where they work in a caring, loving and safe environment.”

to where she worked in the maze of buildings Downtown and told him, “Now, I can come have lunch with you, I’ll be nearby.” The school draws its student body from across Houston, even though many of its students have a parent who works in Downtown. TLS is proud of its small

class sizes (the largest has 22 students), its two libraries, the mandatory Spanish lessons, two gyms, cafeteria service that offers a healthy box lunch that parents can customize for their children, a stage where students put on plays and musicals, art and music offerings, and weekly chapel attendance. There’s even a garden planted by the elementary school students, who last year enjoyed the vegetables they grew. With its two main buildings on either side of Houston Avenue, the campus provides education and enrichment for infants through the eighth grade. The school is fully accredited and its graduates attend some of the city’s most prestigious schools, including St. Thomas, Lutheran North, the High School for the Performing and Visual Arts and St. Pius. TLS knows it’s providing the building blocks for students to succeed, both academically and spiritually. And school leaders aren’t shy about discussing the importance of TLS faith-based teaching. “Our teachers are ‘called workers’,” explains Junkans, “which means that in addition to their education credentials, they’ve studied religion and teach a daily religion class to their students. We believe in creating a service-based environment. We

have older students serve as buddies, reading to younger students. This is a whole community of respect from the youngest students to the oldest students.” Baden says she and her friend Isabella McCorkle were part of a group of students who read to younger students. The activity was a volunteer one, but doing it was fun. Junkans notes that smaller students are really thrilled when the older children recognize them and know who they are. Connections like these are part of what sets TLS apart from other schools, its leaders feel. Creating that environment has always been paramount for the school. Sitting as it does in the shadow of Downtown, TLS has had a front row seat to 135 years of development, growth, struggle and change. “We have had a glimpse of many different aspects that have shaped Downtown’s surrounding communities,” says Lori Roesel, a first-grade teacher at TLS for 13 years. “But as our communities have changed we have not. The same purpose that our church had 135 years ago, is the same for our families today. We strive for every person who comes to Trinity to experience the joyful saving love of Jesus Christ.”

That doesn’t mean that TLS doesn’t have students or families who aren’t Christian. It does. But the tenets of Christian faith are a defining factor for the school and its values. “Not enough could be said for how the Christian perspective enhances what our students get in the classroom about faith and life,” says Dorn. “Our teachers receive special training beyond that of those who teach in a secular environment in order to bring this special nuance into the lives of parents and children who are part of the school community.” Combining faith and family means students, teachers, administrators and alumni feel a strong sense of connection. “Trinity Lutheran School was an important part of my life,” says alumna Cheryl Hampton, whose family traces its connection to the school and church back to 1885. “Most of my class went to school together kindergarten through 8th grade. There were a few who came and went and some who came later on but it was such a great experience to be able to have the same classmates for all those years. I still keep in touch with a large majority of those classmates, and we still get together for dinner or for reunions.” In fact, Hampton is hoping to see many of them at the upcoming alumni reunion on Nov. 9. When alumni return to campus, Jakel says they’ll have a great deal to see. Walls that were bare this summer will be hung with new art. Classrooms will be bustling with energy from students and teachers, tackling everything from language arts to current events. There will be a new floor in the Tiger Gym. There will be more students (last year’s incoming kindergarten class increased by 18 students). Clearly, there is a sense of growth: educational, spiritual, physical. That idea of growth is echoed in the school’s 2014-2015 theme for its class: “The chosen generation – do something.” It both reminds TLS scholars that they are part of a rich tradition and pushes them to use their gifts and talents to achieve change within their community and themselves. Those sentiments make perfect sense to those who work and study here. Marie Heinke, Baden’s grandmother, who is also a graduate of TLS, says that her own growth was shaped at the school. “The teachers here were like my parents,” she says of their influence on her. “I learned to love people, even if they’re ugly to you, and I know that my life is different because I came here.”

IT’S EASIER THAN EVER TO MAKE YOUR PERSONAL HEALTH A PRIORITY. The Advanced Wellness Exam is offered exclusively at Kelsey-Seybold’s Downtown at The Shops location. The comprehensive physical exam consolidates all the medical testing, medical expertise and consultations that ordinarily take several office visits into one streamlined visit. Now, it’s easier than ever to manage your personal health with: • A comprehensive physical exam, age and gender specific health screenings and a 45-minute one-on-one consultation with your physician to personally review your outcomes. • Same-day results on most testing and labs, to eliminate waiting and to minimize follow-up visits.

Save $100 on the Extended Wellness Fee Schedule your Advanced Wellness Exam by October 31, 2014 and receive a $100 discount on the $250 extended wellness fee (all other fees are covered by insurance, with applicable copays or co-insurance amounts direct billed to the company or paid by the individual). Ask us about direct billing with a corporate-sponsored program!

• Catered light breakfast in a private dining room. • Validated parking at the 4 Houston Center parking garage. • Personal concierge to assist you the day of your exam and throughout your visit.

To schedule an Advanced Wellness Exam, call 713-442-2AWE (2293).

Downtown at The Shops at Houston Center 4 1200 McKinney, Level 4 (above the Food Court)

kelsey-seybold.com/downtown WELCOMING NEW PATIENTS and 50 HEALTH PLANS

hotel boom

conventional

wisdom

New Downtown hotels will give Houston competitive edge

||| mason lerner |||

With so many new people moving to the city, a healthy energy sector and a thriving downtown, “boom” is one of the few words that does justice to what’s happening in Houston lately.

In the late ‘90s, Downtown room numbers had plummeted, and few people would have predicted today’s growing Downtown hotel industry. But a funny thing happened at the dawn of the 21st century. Demand increased, and investors responded in a big way. Since 2001, more than 3,300 hotel rooms have been added, giving Downtown more than 5,000 rooms. That number will jump by nearly 50 percent over the next two years – in part because of new Downtown projects. The eight new hotels will add 2,461 rooms to the mix, bringing the total to more than 7,700 by late 2016, just in time for the 2017 Super Bowl. The new hotels will bring more than additional rooms to the Downtown scene. Projects such as the Marriott Marquis, JW Marriott on Main Street and the ultra-exclusive Hotel Alessandra will add a touch of luxury to Downtown Houston. “We’ve certainly had two very large and beautiful hotels Downtown, the Hyatt and the Hilton,” said Holly Clapham, vice

president of marketing for the Greater Houston Convention and Visitors Bureau. “But these new products will allow us the capacity to grow by 2,000 rooms, which is phenomenal. Not only that, we’re going to have a level of service that will allow us to compete with the other large cities in the country.” Jamie Bryant, executive vice president of Midway Cos, the company developing the Hotel Alessandra, expounded on Houston’s need to get more competitive with other big cities in the United States. “It’s exciting to see Houston grow up,” said Bryant. “Being the fourth-largest market in the U.S., when you compare us to the other three largest cities in the country, L.A., Chicago and N.Y., we don’t have the high-end products those markets have. And there is no reason we shouldn’t with the size of our market, and our international and business clientele that travels in and out of Houston every day. It’s really exciting to see Houston take that next step.”

Above

the historic samuel f. carter building is being converted into a 328-room jw marriott (next page) that will open early this fall.

hotel boom

Of course, an ability to pamper highpowered CEOs, celebrities and visiting royalty is only a small part of why the hotel boom is going to have such a major impact on both Downtown and the City of Houston as a whole. The new development is expected to improve the city’s ability to attract conventions. Peter McStravick, chief operating officer with Houston First, was brought on to help finance Downtown’s Hilton Americas in 2000 and is now helping develop the Marriott Marquis, which is currently under construction. “Over the last five years, we’ve identified through studies performed by the

Convention and Visitor’s Bureau that Houston has been losing out on convention group visits because we did not have adequate hotel housing packages within walking distance of the convention center,” McStravick said. McStravick said Houston needs to catch up with smaller cities in its “competitive set” before it can ever hope to compete with cities like Chicago, Los Angeles and New York. “If you look at cities such as Atlanta, Dallas, Denver and Indianapolis, they have more hotel rooms per square feet of exhibit space, which is one metric conventions look at,” McStravick said. “In addition,

“Attracting more conventions won’t just benefit Downtown. The bigger the convention is, the more its impact is felt throughout the city.” H o l ly C l a p h a m vice president of marketing for the Greater Houston Convention and Visitors Bureau

these markets have more hotel rooms within 10 minutes walking distance of their convention centers as well.” “This just reaffirmed that in order to be competitive within our competitive set, we need to get more hotel rooms Downtown,” he added. For an idea of how much impact conventions have on the local economy, all one has to do is look at the numbers. The convention and visitors bureau reported that its sales team contracted 316 groups in 2013 for a total of 551,397 room nights. It’s easy to see how an infusion of more than 2,000 hotel rooms will benefit the entire city of Houston. “Growth is a very good thing,” Clapham said. “I can tell you from listening to sales that our opportunities will grow along with our hotel industry. There will be more and more opportunities in Houston as our convention packages continue to evolve. And attracting more conventions won’t just benefit Downtown. The bigger the convention is, the more its impact is felt throughout the city.” McStravick agreed. “What we’ve noticed is that you really do want citywide conventions because those really do impact all hotels, not just the convention hotels, but all the hotels Downtown,” he said. “That is what they call “compression” in the hotel industry, and at those hotels that are located on the perimeter of the business area as well as the suburbs, they’ll experience that compression, which increases the rate.” It’s probably fair to say that the 1,000room Marriott Marquis that Houston First is helping develop at the northern end of the George R. Brown Convention Center will do more to attract new conventions to Houston than any of the new hotels slated to be unveiled over the next two years. In addition to its proximity to the convention center, McStravick said there are many other reasons the Marquis will be a useful tool in attracting conventions. “Whenever you make a capital investment like this, you want to make sure you have justification to support that kind of investment,” he said. “Houston First has the ability to do this because it owns Hilton Americas, which gives us a lot of experience in this market. We know how well the market has been doing in Houston.”

Left

rendering of the marriott marquis next to discovery green and the george r. brown convention center

McStravick says the Marquis’ location will be a huge factor in its ability to attract conventions. “After touring a number of convention centers around the country, we identified that Discovery Green, which is a 12-acre urban park located just in front of the George R. Brown Convention Center as well as the Hilton Americas, is probably the greatest selling feature that we have in our convention package that’s different than others,” he said. “There are things going on there every day, every week, every month,” he added. “There is always something to do. Discovery Green has one million people a year utilizing its programs. So when conventioneers and meeting planners plan their conventions, they actually want to go to locations where people really get a chance to experience that regional culture. Discovery Green provides that without having to go to another area of the city.” But it’s not just the volume of activites that makes being close to Discovery Green so important, according to McStravick. It’s that there is nothing else like it in the country. And while common sense dictates that adding 1,000 high-quality hotel rooms within walking distance of the convention center will help attract more conventions, it remains to be seen just how much. “Most of these large conventions want to see the new hotel nearly topped out before Below

lancaster hotel Right

hyatt regency houston Bottom Right

hilton americas-houston

they commit to a city,” said McStravick. “That’s partly because other cities have started hotel projects that were never completed. So there have been times when conventions have committed, and the hotel was never developed.” “But there is a great deal of interest,” he added. “We know of companies that have turned us down in the past and as soon as we top out the Marquis, it’s really just a matter of getting those contracts signed.”

t’s pretty clear Downtown is primed for plenty of convention and business travel growth. But as Bryant noted,

there is also plenty of room for hotels catering to a clientele demanding high-end luxury service. To that end, both Hotel Alessandra and the JW Marriott currently under construction on Main Street are looking to fill that niche. Hotel Alessandra, which is being developed by Midway and managed by Valencia Group, aims to be the most luxurious hotel in Houston. The 225-room property will anchor GreenStreet, a mixedused destination located just a few blocks from the George R. Brown Convention Center, Toyota Center and the oh-so-crucial Discovery Green Park.

hotel boom

â&#x20AC;&#x153;When conventioneers and meeting planners plan their conventions, they actually want to go to locations where people really get a chance to experience that regional culture. Discovery Green provides that without having to go to another area of the city.â&#x20AC;? P e t e r Mc S t rav i c k chief operating off icer with Houston First

Above

rendering of the hotel alessandra at greenstreet Bottom

magnolia hotel

where to stay

downtown now C lub Qua r t e r s

720 Fannin This full-service hotel caters to business travelers and offers member organizations fixed-rate pricing. Nonmembers can stay there on weekends and holidays.

C our t ya r d by Ma r r iot t

916 Dallas In addition to its proximity to the convention center, this hotel is known for the unique ambience it creates with its synthesis of old-school luxury and modern technology.

C r owne Pla za H oust on Downt own

1700 Smith This newly renovated hotel is in the heart of the Skyline District and features upscale, aesthetically pleasing hotel rooms.

Double t r e e H oust on Downt own

400 Dallas Located in the heart of the business district, this hotel offers easy access to Allen Center, Heritage Plaza and many attractions such as the Theater District and Bayou Place.

Emba ssy S uit e s H oust on Downt own

1515 Dallas Located in a high rise overlooking Discovery Green, this hotel is steps away from pretty much everything there is to do Downtown.

F our S e a sons H ot e l

1300 Lamar Established in 1982, this hotel gives guests the luxury service they expect along with a bit of Texas charm.

H ilt on Ame r ica s – H oust on

Above

hotel icon Middle

embassy suites Bottom

indoor/outdoor event space at the sam houston hotel

1600 Lamar This property is known for the high quality represented by the Hilton brand and is the anchor that symbolizes Downtown’s growth over the last decade.

H oliday Inn Ex pr e ss & S uit e s

1810 Bell Since it opened in 2001, this hotel has been a key component in helping Houston build its convention profile.

H ot e l Ic on

220 Main An exclusive member of Marriott’s Autograph Collection, this hotel is known for its luxurious style and incredibly convenient location.

H yat t Re ge ncy H oust on

1200 Louisiana Located within walking distance of the George R. Brown Convention Center, this hotel is connected to Downtown’s famous 7-mile tunnel system, giving guests incredible access to a plethora of retail shops, restaurants and services.

La nca st e r Hotel

701 Texas This historic hotel, which was established in 1926, is a 93-room boutique hotel known for its incredible concierge service.

Magnolia H otel

1100 Texas Built in the historic Post-Dispatch building, the hotel is in close proximity to both the convention center and all the new bars and restaurants in Downtown’s bustling Historic District.

Re sid e nce Inn by Ma r r iot t

904 Dallas Housed in the stunning 1921 Humble Oil Building, this hotel is located within walking distance of the convention center and many other Downtown attractions, such as Minute Maid Park and GreenStreet.

Th e Sa m H ouston H ot e l

1117 Prairie Opened in 1924, this newly renovated hotel is known for its high-end services and amenities.

We st in H ouston Downt own

1520 Texas Formerly Inn at the Ballpark, the Westin is located just blocks from several Downtown attractions such as Minute Maid Park, the Toyota Center and the George R. Brown Convention Center.

hotel boom

Slated to debut in late 2016, Hotel Alessandra will be the newest brand in Valencia Group’s portfolio, which is known to be one of the most acclaimed in the world. “Valencia has won numerous awards for their high-level service across all properties,” said Bryant. “The hotels they manage are consistently on the Conde’ Naste Gold List, which includes the top 500 hotels in the world. We expect the same level of service here.” A glance at the plans for Hotel Alessandra show that Bryant means what he says. Although the hotel’s design is still evolving, the contemporary property’s rooms will feature suites with oversized bathrooms, as well as top-of-the-line meeting and event spaces equipped with the best technology available. Plans also include architectural details that will allow for breath-taking views of the city as well as over-the-top luxurious indoor and outdoor spaces. “Our team is proud to partner with Midway in creating what will be one of the most impactful new additions to the Houston hospitality scene,” said Valencia Group president and CEO Doyle Graham, Jr. “As with all Valencia Group properties, Hotel Alessandra will serve as a bustling destination and gathering place within the community for dining, entertainment, as well as corporate events.”

lthough Hotel Alessandra expects to benefit from increased convention traffic, Bryant made it clear they have a very diverse business plan. “I would say (convention traffic) is important, but it will not make or break this hotel,” Bryant said. “We’re a small project, 225 rooms when it’s all said and done, versus the 1,000-room Marriott Marquis going up or the Hilton Americas. Those hotels are really dependent on convention business. We’re not so much, but what we will see are those high-end executives who are coming to town when there’s a convention in town and they don’t want to stay in the same hotels as the other conventioneers.” In other words, Hotel Alessandra is aiming to attract the elite of the elite. “I don’t think it’s any one thing that will decide if the hotel is successful,” Bryant continued. “The goal here is to create the nicest hotel in the city, not just Downtown.” Hotel Alessandra won’t be the only luxury option Downtown. Historic stalwarts like The Sam Houston Hotel, Lancaster Hotel, Hotel Icon and Magnolia Hotel have

Above

four seasons houston

“Houston is booming and it has been for a couple of years, and there’s no slowdown in sight whatsoever.” n ata l i e w i s e m a n

director of sales and marketing for JW Marriott Houston Downtown

been providing high-end experiences for decades. And there is another luxury option on the way. The 328-room JW Marriott, scheduled to open early this fall, will be housed in the historic Samuel F. Carter building at 806 Main. Built in 1910, it was the city’s first steel-framed skyscraper and was the tallest structure in Texas at the time of its construction. “We are taking a 100-plus-year-old office building, which was the first skyscraper built in Houston, and we are converting it to a luxury property,” said Natalie Wiseman, director of sales & marketing for JW Marriott Houston Downtown. Like Hotel Alessandra, Wiseman said the JW Marriott will not be dependent on convention traffic. “The Marquis will be your standard convention hotel, whereas we will be boutique driven,” she said. “The JW brand, specifically our property, is very unique in all of the design, the furnishings and the eclectic art. Everything in our rooms, our suites, our restaurant is finely crafted and definitely different than anything else in Downtown Houston. It’s not your typical

convention hotel. We’re specializing in the luxury traveler who wants a unique experience.” “We are going after the business travelers,” she added. “A lot of them are Platinum Marriott Reward members. We’re going after smaller, intimate groups and meetings along with social events like weddings, galas and special corporate meetings. So that is our niche market.” In addition to these three huge projects, there also will be five other new hotels and plenty of renovation projects in advance of the Super Bowl. And while it may seem like all of these new hotels could saturate the market, the need is so great that everyone involved expects the boom to positively affect the entire industry. “Houston is booming, and it has been for a couple of years,” said Wiseman. “And there’s no slowdown in sight whatsoever.” McStravick agreed, saying there is enough potential business for everybody to flourish. “There is a lot of opportunity for additional business growth in Houston if we can get all these hotels Downtown” he said. “Everybody wins in that environment.”

downtown

MXIV

feature

local breweries are exploding in Houston and downtown is just one of its many beneficiaries

amber ambrose

p . 24

It’s not just about the beer in the bottle, it’s also about

the community we create.

ust as downtown is

undergoing a renaissance, so is the world of craft beer in Houston. The two go hand-inhand, with more local, small-batchbrewed beers on tap in the new crop of bars and restaurants than ever before. Ronnie Crocker, author of Houston Beer: A Heady History of Brewing in the Bayou City; Houston Chronicle editor; and Beer, TX blog founder thinks this groundswell has reached a tipping point that may have permanently changed the city’s public opinion of the beverage. “I’m not sure how long craft beer will be a term,” says Crocker. “At some point it will just be...‘beer.’” Beer, by name, is something Downtown residents like Mike Leska enjoyed before it became a trend. Leska is a regular at the Flying Saucer, earning multiple plates – a feat that requires patrons of the bar to sample a whopping 150 beers – and a deeper understanding of both the beverage and the culture along the way. He’s been watching from

the sidelines and has also noticed the expansion. “Craft beer is now on tap everywhere,” says Leska. “When I moved here 10 years ago, most bars just carried the big brands. Houston’s palate for craft beer has grown rapidly.” Part of the growth is due to the stability of Houston’s oldest craft brewery, Saint Arnold Brewing Company, which in the last few years relocated its operations just north of Downtown. Founder Brock Wagner has been part of the movement for the last 20 years and has a bigpicture perspective of what beer can do for a city. “Beer is a very communal beverage,” says Wagner. “It’s not just about the beer in the bottle, it’s also about the community we create. It’s so important in a large city like Houston where people are transient. People need to feel that connection.” There’s never been a tastier way to build community or a better time to do it.

crafted in houston

fa l l 2 0 1 4

beer scene

| d ow n t ow n f e at u r e

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Mega Brewery The Ups and Downs of the H o u s t o n I c e a n d B r e w i n g C o m pa n y

eer was as free flowing as Buffalo Bayou when

the Houston Ice and Brewing Company was founded in 1892, though its enormous success was cut short in 1920 with the onset of Prohibition. The vestiges of what was also known as the Magnolia Brewery still stand, but only represent a small percentage of what was once a sprawling, grandiose complex. According to Ronnie Crocker’s Houston Beer: A Heady History of Brewing in the Bayou City, the Houston Ice and Brewing Company covered four city blocks, with buildings on either side of Buffalo Bayou, and was the first air-conditioned building in the city. It was impressive even by today’s standards, with production capacities in the hundreds of thousands of barrels. Crocker writes that an illustration in the Galveston Daily News of the newly built facility boasted “a grand complex, five stories high in places, with

leaving, but eventually returned to Houston post-Prohibition to work with Howard Hughes on Gulf Brewing. Brogniez was able to resurrect Southern Select at his new brewery, calling it Grand Prize after the award it had garnered in Belgium all those years ago. Meanwhile, the Houston Ice and Brewing Company wasn’t able to recover as easily as its former brewmaster. The company relied solely on ice sales to survive Prohibition, and many of its buildings were destroyed in a 1935 flood. According to

The vestiges at what was also known as the Magnolia Brewery still stand, but only represent a small percentage of what was once a sprawling, grandiose complex. multiple turrets and a pair of belching smokestacks.” In addition to the facility’s impressive stature was the beer itself. A brew called Southern Select became the pride of the city in 1913 after it beat out more than 4,000 other entries in the International Exposition in Ghent, Belgium to claim the Grand Prix and the bragging rights that accompanied it. Magnolia Brewery’s brewmaster Frantz Brogniez, a Belgian native with strong family ties to the industry, was integral in the victory and became what Crocker calls the “most celebrated of Houston’s pre-Prohibition brewers.” As storied as Brogniez’s tenure at the Magnolia Brewery became, it was less than a decade before Prohibition robbed him of the job. According to the Magnolia Ballroom website, Brogniez pursued brewing across the Mexican border in Juarez after

Crocker, the company merged with Galveston Brewery in 1934 and slowly faded into obscurity. What’s left of the Magnolia Brewery is now home to the Magnolia Ballroom (715 Franklin St.), a small Houston Ice and Brewing Company annex that once housed executive offices and a company-run cafe where bigwigs would rub elbows with the movers and shakers of Houston over beers and sandwiches. Current owner Bart Truxillo has taken great care to preserve both the building itself as well as the story behind it. “The last 20 years of my career as an architect have been focused on historic preservation because of this building,” says Truxillo. “It’s on the National Register of Historic Places, a Texas landmark and is a protected City of Houston landmark. That means you cannot tear it down. It’s here forever and ever I’m glad to say.”

• instructional Guide

how beer is made Step one

Step five

Malt

Final Destination

Malted barley is barley seed that’s started to germinate and then is dried out. That malted grain is then ground up, and soaked in 150-degree water . Why this specific temperature? That’s when the enzymes start to convert the starches in the grain to fermentable sugars. The sweet liquid produced from this process is called wort .

150

d ow n t ow n f e at u r e

beer scene

While different styles of beer require different preparations, the basic process of beer making remains the same. Here’s how malt, hops, yeast and water transform into the beloved beverage that’s making a comeback in downtown and throughout the entire city.

The finished, filtered beverage is kegged for use on tap or bottled for shipment to restaurants, bars, grocery stores and beyond.

No. 5

o Step four

Condition

Step two

Hops

After the beer becomes beer, it sits at cold temperatures to allow the yeast to settle . It’s then filtered “loosely” according to Brock Wagner, who says “the tighter you filter, the more flavor you strip out.”

The wort is boiled with hops to give

bitter and aromatic qualities to the final product.

Step three

Yeast

No. 2

The wort, now with hops infused, is cooled down and yeast is added . The tiny organisms feed on the sugars in the liquid and produce alcohol and carbon dioxide (carbonation) in a process called fermentation . The length of this step varies according to what style the beer is, the intended alcohol content and the strain of yeast.

No. 4

No. 3

beer c h at

“ Beer has been brewed for thousands of years. By trial and error, people figured out how to make it back in the earliest days of civilization. As we’ve understood the chemistry, biology and microbiology of it, we’ve gotten better and better at brewing it.” Brock Wagner founder of Saint Arnold Brewing Company

e s o o d h n c a ck

c r aw beer

l des

ion t i n at

do s in

wn wnto

924 Congress Ave. It’s hard to resist the altruistic charms of this beautiful space, which donates each month’s proceeds to a different charity. The beer selection is small but tasteful, and the mission behind it all makes it that much better. How To Get There: One block off the METRORail Preston station, close to the Market Square Park B-Cycle station.

3 5

beer scene

| d ow n t ow n f e at u r e

| 30

MARKET SQUARE PARK

Brewery Tap

717 Franklin St. How appropriate that one of Downtown’s old stalwarts in the beer scene would be located in a historic former brewery building. Paying homage to the Magnolia building’s heritage as a former brewery, they serve over 30 beers on tap. Their location is just a stone’s throw from Allen’s Landing, the famous landmark where Houston was founded. How To Get There: It’s just a few blocks away from the METRORail Preston station.

The Original OKRA Charity Saloon

congress + travis

6 PRESTON STATION

B texas + smith MAIN STREET SQUARE STATION

B mckinney + smith

B B

Lamar + Milam

dallas + smith

5 Fusion Taco

801 Congress Ave. Not only are their ethnically diverse tacos a hit, so is their beer selection. Grab a beer and some queso at this stop right on Market Square. How To Get There: Two blocks from the METRORail Preston station and within spitting distance of the Market Square Park B-Cycle station.

BELL STATION

dallas + main

Pease + Milam

DOWNTOWN TRANSIT CENTER

St. Joseph Parkway + main

Mongoose Vs Cobra

1011 McGowen St. The tap list at this industrial-chic Midtown haunt reads like a novel, a novel with great local, national and international selections of beer. Light bar bites are available as well. How To Get There: Hop on the METRORail and get off at the McGowen Station.

Market Square Bar & Grill

311 Travis St. One of the first wave bars in Downtown to offer local beers, this old-school pub with great bar food is still going strong. There’s a nice variety on draft, and it’s within walking distance of OKRA, Brewery Tap and Fusion Taco. How To Get There: Just blocks off METRORail Preston station and across the street from the Market Square Park B-Cycle station.

The ultimate party is one that progresses, even crawls you might say. With all the mobility options in Downtown — B-Cycle, METRORail, Six in the City ($6 taxicab fares anywhere Downtown) — a beer crawl has never been easier or safer. Leave the keys at home and bring friends. It’s going to be a foamy ride.

UH DOWNTOWN STATION

in a m

Springbok

711 Main St. One of Downtown’s newest residents, Springbok is a gastropub featuring South African food and beer to wash it down. Dark wood and an African hunting lodge theme make it a nice alternative to typical sports bars and a great place to fill up on food for the rest of the crawl. How To Get There: In between METRORail Main Street Square and Preston stations.

Flying Saucer Draught Emporium

705 Main St. It isn’t a valid Downtown beer crawl without a stop at the granddaddy of craft beer bars. The draft selection is astounding on its own, but the arsenal of American and international brews in bottles puts it over the top in terms of breadth. How To Get There: In between METRORail Main Street Square or Preston stations.

Tips

DISCOVERY GREEN

mckinney + caroline

MKT Bar

lamar + la branch

lamar + crawford (fall 2014)

1001 Austin St. Buy your groceries and whet your whistle with one of the many well-selected beers on tap, or in bottles at this offshoot of Phoenicia Specialty Foods. Flights (4-oz pours of specially selected beers) are available for those who want to try a variety, but don’t want the commitment of a full pint. Bonus: Phoenicia has a great selection of local and international brews in their downstairs cooler to take home with you. How To Get There: Four blocks from the rail line, and very close to the La Branch and Lamar B-Cycle station.

= B-Cycle Station

Little Woodrow’s East End

2019 Walker All levels of beer folk will feel right at home at this EaDo sports bar, as the selection is varied. Bonus: Great specials every day of the week. How to get there: Cab it or bike it from the B-Cycle station at La Branch and Lamar.

METRORail ends service at 11:40 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 2:20 a.m. Fridays and Saturdays. B-Cycle rentals are included in the price of a membership ($5 for 24 hours, $15 for seven days and $65 for one year), but only up to one hour. If you haven’t docked your B-Cycle within the hour, charges are $2 for each half hour.

g tin Ta s s e Not

7 Beer Styles Everyone Should Try at Least Once beer scene

Saint Arnold Brewing Company founder Brock Wagner suggests a lineup of styles everyone should try in their beer adventures at least once. Be sure to keep track of what styles you prefer, and which you don’t. Apps like Untappd are dedicated to tracking your every beer move, and make it easy to reference your drinking history. If you’d really like to delve into the specific characteristics of different beer styles, check out the Beer Judge Certification Program (which is exactly what it sounds like).

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Presented from beginner to advanced palates.

Pilsner (also known as a pils) What Wagner describes as a “light, hoppy lager,” is a style that originated in the Czech Republic. It’s characterized by a light body, lighter color — usually a straw to golden hue — and a lower alcohol content.

Examples: Saint Arnold Summer Pils, Austin Beerworks Pearl Snap Pils Pairing suggestions: Fish and chips, fresh vegetable salads

Light Ale Specific ale styles that might fall on the lighter end of things would be the German-style kölsch, the cream ale and the blonde ale. Colors generally fall somewhere in the blonde or straw range with lighter body and unobtrusive, delicate flavors of malt and hops for a smooth sip. Examples: Saint Arnold Fancy Lawnmower (kölsch), eighth Wonder Dome Faux’m (throwback cream ale), Southern Star Bombshell Blonde (blonde ale) Pairing suggestions: Grilled vegetables, mild cheeses, lighter pasta dishes, shellfish

Hefeweizen Hops and malt play a big role in various beer styles, but the yeast used to ferment it also makes a big difference. Hefeweizens are wheat beers fermented with a yeast that produces noticeable fruitiness in the finished product and often flavors of clove, banana and even bubble gum. Examples: Karbach Weisse Versa, Live Oak Hefeweizen Pairing suggestions: Warm soft pretzels, apple desserts, roasted pork, goat cheese

What’s the difference between

an ale & a lager? Brock Wagner says the only difference is the yeast that’s used to ferment it. Ale yeast is typically fermented at warmer temperatures — in the 65 to 70 degree [Fahrenheit] range — and those warmer temperatures promote ester production, which give the beer a fruity quality. Lagers are fermented at colder temperatures — usually within the 45 to 50 degree [Fahrenheit] range — and those colder temperatures suppress the ester production. Lagers take longer, because the cooler temperatures slow down the metabolism of the yeast.

Pale Ale or Amber Ale

Brown Ale Not surprisingly, the color of this style ale is a darker one, though it can vary depending on the actual recipe. Flavors are usually malty with caramel and sometimes coffee or nutty notes and very low on the bitterness scale. Brown ales are usually smooth and almost sweet. Examples: Lone Pint Gentleman’s Relish, Real Ale Brewhouse Brown Pairing suggestions: Pecan pie, pot roast, wild game

A pale ale might sound mild, but its lack of luster does not equate to flavorless. Pale ales are usually crisp with a hoppiness that varies per individual beer – from faintly floral to astringent. Amber ales are darker in color than their pale cousins, and the name says it all when it comes to the look. These are all over the map in terms of flavor profiles, but generally have a heavier malt component than a pale ale. Examples: Saint Arnold Amber Ale, Karbach Weekend Warrior (Pale Ale), Buffalo Bayou 1836 (“Copper” Ale) Pairing suggestions: Hamburgers, barbecue, fried shrimp, pizza

Porter or Stout

IPA

Roasty, toasty malts make these styles great for coffee lovers. The malts used in porters and stouts are the most heavily roasted, which often brings with it flavors of coffee and chocolate. It is often enhanced by the addition of the two aforementioned in the actual brew. Alcohol content can be higher with these styles but is not an overarching characteristic. Special versions can include barrel aging or a malt that is smoked for even more depth.

The India Pale Ale, known in beer lingo as the IPA, is the most intense of the styles listed. It originated during the British occupation of India when the English discovered that adding more hops to the beer would help preserve it on the long journey between the two countries. American breweries have fully embraced the style, which is heavily hopped and offers bitterness, floral qualities and citrus aromas.

Examples: Southern Star Buried Hatchet Stout, 512 Pecan Porter Pairing suggestions: Rich desserts like bread pudding, anything coffee or chocolate flavored, raw oysters on the half shell (yes really!)

Examples: Karbach Hopadillo, Saint Arnold Elissa, Lone Pint Yellow Rose Pairing suggestions: Spicy ethnic foods like Thai, Indian or Korean

spotlight

brewers in the cit y

Houston’s

Expanding Saint Arnold Brewing Company Founded: 1994 (Texas’ Oldest Craft Brewery)

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beer scene

Brewing Scene

Hours/Tours:

Monday-Friday 2-4:15 pm (tour at 3:30 pm); Saturday 11 am-2 pm (tours at noon, 1 and 2 pm).

Ronnie’s Pick:

Summer Pils: Crocker says, “You just can’t overstate the importance of Saint Arnold in this town. They really built an institution. They built something people want to rally around.”

Karbach Brewing Co. Founded: 2011 Hours/Tours:

Monday 4:30-7:30 pm (tour at 6 pm); Thursday 4:30-8:30 pm (tour at 6 pm); Friday 4:30-7:30 pm (tours at 5:15 and 6:15 pm); Saturday noon-3 pm (tours at 1 and 2:15 pm)

Ronnie’s Pick:

Weisse Versa: Karbach brought a head brewer into town who had star power — Eric Warner, formerly of Flying Dog Brewery — plus the beer itself is great for Houston’s hot climate.

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Buffalo Bayou Brewing Co. Founded: 2011 Hours/Tours: Saturday noon-3 pm

Ronnieâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Pick: More Cowbell: This high-octane (9 percent alcohol), double IPA is an example of some of the more intense brews Buffalo Bayou is tackling. At a recent beer tasting led by Crocker, he discovered it was the unexpected crowd favorite.

8th Wonder Brewery Founded: 2012 Hours/Tours:

Friday & Saturday 6-9 pm with expanded days and hours beginning this fall

Ronnie’s Pick:

Dome Faux’m: Crocker says this Astrodome tribute beer is a “quality brew,” while the brewery itself calls it a “tip of our hat to the light, easy drinking beers” that used to be served at the once legendary Houston landmark.

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beer c h at

“It’s great to see these breweries coming onto the scene with a lot of passion for what they do and the cooperation between the companies and the fun that they’re having. Plus, their beers are good. It’s good for consumers, obviously, and I think it’s good for the overall economy. There are a lot of hassles living in a city. These are a type of amenity. It’s a trade off. That’s why we do it.” Ronnie Crocker author of Beer Houston: A Heady History of Brewing in the Bayou City, on Houston’s emerging brewery scene

Judging a beer by its

Label

Just because a book shouldn’t be judged by its cover doesn’t mean a beer can’t be judged by its label.

As beer lovers become more adventurous with their palettes, breweries are also keen to take some risks to establish their differences on the creative front. In fact, some of Houston’s most vibrant artwork adorns the tap handles, bottles and cans of beer made here in the city.

“ Don’t be intimidated. There are no right or wrong answers. Just because someone else likes a beer doesn’t mean you have to.” Downtown resident and avid beer drinker, Mike Leska ’s advice for those wanting to learn more about craft beer.

Events Brewing in Downtown This Fall

udsy soirées abound Downtown this fall. The biggest and baddest of them all makes its debut in October and promises to be one for the ages. The inaugural Big Brew festival is already the second largest of its kind in the entire nation with more than 1,000 beers in the lineup. There’s a whole series of events leading up to the celebration of all things craft beer — all of which you can choose a la carte — including a food and beer pairing shindig, a Texas-beeronly evening, a massive pub crawl and the grand tasting event itself, which is the climax of the weekend. Visit BigBrewHouston.com for more details, as only a duo of events from the series are listed here.

Sundown at the Grove When Wednesdays through Sept. 17, 5:30-8 pm What Sample a featured craft brewery’s flight of beer with unique food pairings created by The Grove’s sous chef team, led by Chef De Cuisine Ryan Williams.

are $15 and include a flight of beer and custom food pairings (wine lovers can swap out their flight for two glasses of wine).

Bonus—cool tunes provided by DJ Sun! Who Sept. 3 Shock Top; Sept. 10 Karbach; Sept. 17 Saint Arnold Where The Grove’s treetop patio overlooking Discovery Green (1611 Lamar) How much Tickets

evenings of beer flights and food pairings combined with live music. Who Hosted in part by the Houston Press and open to the public. Where MKT Bar inside Phoenicia Specialty Foods, 1001 Austin

MKT Bar Hoppy Hours When Sept. 19 and Oct. 17, both starting at 5 pm What Two separate

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beer scene

beer chat

UnTapped Beer Festival When Sept. 20 What Music! Beer! General awesomeness! Who With a band lineup including local musicians Robert Ellis and The Suffers combined with national acts like the Toadies, Owen Pallet and Bad Books, even half of this event should be enticing enough to draw folks out on a September day. Factor in the abundance of craft beer sampling and it’s a win-win situation for both music and beer lovers. Where Discovery Green (1500 McKinney) How Much $25 for tickets bought in advance Oktoberfest

When Oct. 10 and 11 What Yet another

party with a big nod to German heritage, this annual Saint Arnold shindig is one of the liveliest events of the year. In fact, it’s become so

popular, the brewery has expanded it to include two evenings to meet the demand. A polka band, grand German buffet and plenty of fresh beer on tap equal one fantastisch evening (or two if you decide you’d like to double your fun). Who The 21-and-over crowd is welcome to attend. Where Saint Arnold Brewing Company (2000 Lyons Ave.) How Much $45 per person, buy tickets throughout SaintArnold.com.

The Great Match (in conjunction with Big Brew) When Thursday, Oct. 23, 6-9 pm What It’s all about the pairings at this feast, where prominent Houston chefs will put their skills to the test marrying specialty dishes with various craft beers. Who The lineup is coming together nicely, with Michael Cordúa of Cordúa Restaurants (Artista, Churrascos, Américas and more), Robert Del Grande of RDG + Bar Annie and Randy Evans formerly of Haven cooking up a storm alongside restaurants like Killen’s Steakhouse, Latin Bites, Mr. Peeples, Quattro and more. Where The George R. Brown Convention Center (1001 Avenida de las Americas) How much Tickets are $100 per person in advance.

Big Brew Grand Tasting (main event) When Saturday, Oct. 25 / Divided into two sessions, with the first running between 1 and 4:30 pm, the second from 6:30 to 10 pm What The main event of the Big Brew, this tasting session offers a chance for attendees to sample from a selection of more than 1,000 craft beers. While physical limitations — and livers — obviously exclude folks from tasting all of them, guests do received a tasting card and a sample glass that allows for 24, 1-oz sips. Additionally, many brewmasters and brewery representatives will be on site to spread the craft beer gospel in person. Who This is an event that will appeal to newcomers to the world of craft beer as well as old pros. Who it will not appeal to are folks under 21. No one under legal drinking age will be admitted into the event. Where The George R. Brown Convention Center (1001 Avenida de las Americas) How Much $45 for a general admission ticket, though if you’re smart, you’ll also budget for a cab ride home. A VIP option ($100) allows for early access to the tasting, complimentary food, special seating and more.

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plate.

the guide to eating downtown

Edited by Angie Bertinot & nicole m arin

Springbok

photo by melissa fitzgerald

Refined food and craft cocktails transport diners to South Africa.

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plate. L 17 Restaurant The New American Found in the lobby of the luxurious Sam Houston Hotel, this lush and lavish destination oozes elegance. Detailed American cuisine and smart service make this a restaurant of note. thesamhoustonhotel.com. 1117 Prairie, 832.200.8800. D Daily. $$$ L Andalucia Restaurant & Bar Tapas/Spanish Dim lighting, large wooden tables and heavy iron accents provide for a cozy, rustic atmosphere. The menu features large dishes, such as paella for up to 16 people, and tapas that range from the traditional such as gambas al ajillo (shrimp cooked in olive oil and garlic) and empanadas, to veal tongue and oxtail. andaluciatapas.com. GreenStreet, 1201 San Jacinto, 832.319.6675. L Mon-Fri, D Mon-Sat. $$ L Artista American Artista offers inspirational contemporary American cuisine and theatrical ambiance with high ceilings, glass walls and sweeping views of the Downtown skyline. cordua.com. Hobby Center, 800 Bagby, 713.278.4782. L Mon-Fri; D Mon-Sat (Open for L & D on Sun only if a theater performance is scheduled). $$$ Atrium Lobby Lounge Contemporary Located inside the Doubletree Hotel overlooking the Allen Center courtyard. Relax after a busy day and enjoy your favorite beverage or a bite to eat while you catch up on the day’s news on the wide screen TV. Doubletree Hotel, 400 Dallas, 713.759.0202. L, D & LN Daily. $$ L Azuma Sushi & Robata Bar Japanese/Sushi Voted “Best Sushi in Houston” by Citysearch.com, this new-age Japanese restaurant is anything but typical. The ambience is terrific, the sushi is innovative and fresh and the outside seating area provides great people watching. azumajapanese.com. 909 Texas, 713.223.0909. L Mon-Fri; D Mon-Sun; LN Fri & Sat. $$

L Batanga Tapas + Drinks Latin This tapas joint whips up delicious dishes inspired from Spain, Brazil, Mexico, Chile – anywhere that sangria is served. The spacious patio is as good as it gets when it comes to outdoor dining with its festive twinkle lights, great music and stellar views of the Historic District and Market Square Park. batangahouston.com. 908 Congress, 713.224.9500. L & D Daily. BR Sat & Sun. $$ L Benihana of Tokyo Japanese While some restaurants allow their guests to view the kitchen, this Japanese grill brings the kitchen to you. Benihana chefs set up shop right in front of your table. The meal is made from scratch, and you can witness the entire show. benihana.com. 1318 Louisiana, 713.659.8231. L & D Daily. $$$ Birraporetti’s Italian This Italian restaurant/Irish bar is a Theater District staple. Their delicious pizzas continue to hit the spot, while items such as the chicken picatta and La Dolce Vita have become standouts. Enjoy a signature dessert to finish the meal. birrarestaurant.com. 500 Louisiana, 713.224.9494. L, D & LN Daily. $$ The Bistro American The Bistro is a full-service restaurant serving up breakfast and dinner in a casual atmosphere. Courtyard by Marriott, 916 Dallas, 832.366.1600. B & D Daily. $ L Bistro Lancaster New American Located in the historic Lancaster Hotel, this cozy getaway is a great place to dine before catching a show in the Theater District. You’ll find hearty soups, sizzling steaks and savory seafood. thelancaster.com. Lancaster Hotel, 701 Texas, 713.228.9502. B, L & D Daily. $$$$ Blue Fish Sushi Japanese Not your typical Japanese restaurant. Don’t expect small, minimal décor. Be prepared for innovative sushi in a high-energy atmosphere at Bayou Place. thebluefishsushi.com. 550 Texas, 713.225.3474. L Mon-Fri; D Mon-Sat. $$

Ballpark Café American Enjoy the all-American cuisine and a nostalgic atmosphere for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Just across the street from Minute Maid Park, Ballpark Café is a great place to have a pre/post-game meal. westin.com/Houston-Downtown. The Westin Houston Downtown, 1520 Texas, 713.228.1520. B & L Daily. $

L Bombay Pizza Co. Indian Fusion Fusing the cuisines of India with pizza, innovative creations are served on a homemade, dense, thin and crispy crust. Try the saag paneer, which is topped with fresh spinach and four cheeses or the Gateway to India topped with cilantro, tandoori chicken, garlic and artichoke hearts. bombaypizzaco.com. 914 Main, 713.654.4444. L Mon-Fri, D Mon- Sat. $

L Bangkok Chef Thai A casual Thai joint that keeps booths packed with hungry downtowners looking for eclectic dishes to satisfy their spice cravings. And there’s a pretty tempting happy hour for drinks and nibbles under $5. bkchef.com. 914 Main Street, #125, 713.659.1600. L & D Mon-Sat. $$

Bon Jour Café Deli Offering soups, sandwiches and salads. 945 Capitol, 713.237.0419. B & L Mon-Fri. $

L Barnaby’s at Market Square American A local favorite, Barnaby’s serves up oversized sandwiches, salads and burgers, putting a Southwest spin on traditional deli dishes. Colorful murals adorn the walls of the restaurant along with large windows for a perfect view of the park. barnabyscafe.com. 801 Congress, 713.226.8787. L Mon-Sat. $

Brazos Restaurant American Upscale seafood and casual American fare come together in a Texaschic atmosphere. Newly refurbished, black booths and white tablecloths offer elegance and décor not typically found in hotel restaurants. Crowne Plaza Hotel, 1700 Smith, 713.495.7854. B, L & D Daily. $$$

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Bouray’s Burrito Bar Fast Food Bouray’s offers made-to-order Mexican and Vietnamese food using ingredients that are prepared fresh daily. bourays.com. 609 Clay, 713.652.5999. L Mon-Fri. $

downtownhouston.org

L Brown Bag Deli Fast Casual Located in the Houston Club building, Brown Bag Deli serves up tasty, fresh sandwiches “just like you like it.” Known for its fluffy, soft bread you won’t be disappointed and neither will your wallet. thebrownbagdeli.net. 702 Main, 713.224.7000. L Mon-Fri. $ Buzz Barista Coffee House This full-service espresso bar offers much more than caffeinated beverages for a morning fix. People on the go can grab freshbaked pastries, Naked juices, yogurt parfaits and fruit cups along with their brewed delights. B & L Mon-Fri. 811 Main, 713.228.3033. $ The Cafe American Located in the lobby of the Hilton Americas. An elaborate buffet is offered for breakfast, with a la carte selections from the menu available for lunch and dinner. Hilton Americas, 1600 Lamar, 713.739.8000. B, L, D & LN Daily. $$ L Cafe Express Fast Casual Need to grab a quick lunch? Cafe Express is an informal yet sophisticated choice. You can always find a variety of delicious entrees, salads and sandwiches. cafe-express.com. 650 Main, 713.237.9222. B & L Mon-Sat. $ China Garden Chinese A popular Chinese restaurant, China Garden has been serving downtown for more than 30 years. Their egg rolls and lemon chicken have become favorites. 1602 Leeland, 713.652.0745. L Mon-Fri. D Daily. $

key to symbols These listings are not reviews but are a guide to downtown dining spots. "Recommended" restaurants are selected by Downtown Magazine editors and are based on food quality, menu selection, service, ambiance and value.

L recommended new! just opened average price of an entrée $ - $10 or less $$ - $11-$19 $$$ - $20-$29 $$$$ - $30+ B: Breakfast BR: Brunch L: Lunch D: Dinner LN: Late Night

For a searchable database of downtown Houston restaurants by cuisine, location and price, visit downtownhouston.org and click on Guide.

Springbok 711 Main 281.501.9679

INternational delight R e f i n e d f o o d a n d c r a f t c o c k ta i l s h av e a S o u t h A f r i c a n t w i s t at S p r i n g b o k By Nicole Marin

The Downtown bar and restaurant scene has a new kid on the block.

Springbok, which originally got its start in Los Angeles, has only been open in Houston for a few short months and is already packing in crowds seeking its contemporary South African cuisine and specialty craft cocktails. If Springbok guests are seeking the same pub-like experience they’d get at the restaurant’s namesake, then they’re in for quite a surprise. When Chef Seth Greenburg, who has 25 years of mostly French fine-dining experience under his belt, was approached by owner Peter Walker about the concept, he was asked to elevate what was already being done at the L.A. location – and that is exactly what he is doing. Greenburg, who has added his own modern twist to traditional South African cuisine, is wowing guests with dishes like lamb curry, which is made in a madras Indian-style and served with mieliepap, house-made mango chutney, golden raisins and topped with red onion and cilantro. While there are a few ornate items on the menu, the food is relatively simple, “We’re not trying to revolutionize anything here,” says Greenburg. For example, one of the most popular dishes has been the homemade Boerewors, which is a farmers sausage made with beef and Black Hill Farms pork belly, served on a bread roll with

whiskey-infused mustard, Shiner Bock braised onions and a side of fries. But don’t expect the same menu each time you walk into Springbok. Chef Seth compares his new restaurant to an art gallery, where things are always changing. There will be quite a few mainstays, but you could dine at the restaurant two weeks in a row and find completely different menus depending on what is currently inspiring the cooks in his kitchen. The cocktail program at Springbok is run by Michael Macklemore, who has worked everywhere from dive bars to four-diamond dining establishments and most recently as the bar manager at Hearsay Gastro Lounge. Macklemore believes that success is driven by the guests’ experiences, and that is what has inspired him to create unique cocktails that complement the food on the menu, like a drink that doesn’t quite have a name yet, but consists of Old Tom gin, maraschino, bitters and Goldschläger, which when paired with the lentel stew makes for a perfect combination of flavors. The most impressive thing about this restaurant isn’t the way it combines amazing food and specialty craft cocktails in its rugby-inspired bar; it’s the philosophy of the owners who see Springbok as an extension of their homes. Walker and Greenburg want nothing more than for Springbok to completely embody traditional South African hospitality, which has both a “festive and communal feeling,” says Greenburg. So while you may find a different setting depending on the time of day one thing is guaranteed – a relaxed, comfortable and most importantly, a welcome atmosphere.

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plate. Chipotle Mexican Known for its large portions, this Mexican fast casual spot offers a variety of wholesome menu items. chipotle.com. 909 Texas, 713.225.6633. L & Early D Mon-Fri. $ L Corner Bakery Fast Casual A bakery cafe, offering fresh breads, salads, sandwiches, soups and sweets in a casual atmosphere. Located right on Main Street Square, you can’t beat the people watching or just relax and watch the rail line and Main Street Square’s jumping fountains. cornerbakery.com. 1000 Main, 713.651.0673. B & L Mon-Fri. $ L Crossroads at House of Blues Southern Classic Crossroads at HOB serves Southern-inspired classic dishes such as voodoo shrimp, St. Louis ribs and the Cajun classic, Creole jambalaya. Praise the Lord and pass the biscuits, you can’t miss Kirk Franklin’s Sunday Gospel Brunch. hob.com. GreenStreet, 1204 Caroline, 888.402.5837. L & D Daily. $$ Domino’s Pizza 975 McKinney, 713.227.3030. $ Don Patron Bar & Grill Mexican Good Mexican food and margaritas, Don Patron is great for lunch and a good spot for an after-work happy hour. Available on weekends for private parties. donpatron.com. 500 Dallas, One Allen Center. B, L & D Mon-Fri. $$ L The Downtown Aquarium Seafood The menu features a huge variety and offers something for everyone. While dining, guests are surrounded by a 150,000-gallon aquarium. Enjoy the sights and a great meal at this family-friendly spot. aquariumrestaurants.com. 410 Bagby, 713.223.3474. L & D Daily. $$ L Droubi Bro. Mediterranean Grill Mediterranean This authentic Mediterranean grill offers up a quick and satisfying spot for lunch. Pita sandwiches are popular. 507 Dallas, 713.652.0058. L Mon-Fri. $ Eats Mesquite Grill Classic American Craving a burger downtown? Popular for its juicy burgers and great-tasting fries, Eats makes for a great lunchtime stop. Guests can make their burgers exactly how they like them. 804 Milam, 713.223.3287. L Mon-Fri. $ L Einstein’s Bagels Deli Known as a great place to grab freshly-baked bagels and coffee for breakfast, they also serve up delectable lunch choices that include paninis, melts and pizza bagels. Be an office hero and use the catering service to treat your work pals. einsteinbros.com. 1200 Louisiana, 713.375.4775. B, L & LN Mon-Sun. $ El Big Bad Mexican Brought to you by the El Gran Malo crew, this casual Tex-Mex restaurant brings hand-crafted tequila infusions, specialty margaritas and craft beers to the table. The gastrocantinainspired menu is chock full of tasty tacos with fresh toppings like pomegranate salsa, charred scallions, pumpkin seeds and more. elbigbad.com 419 Travis, 713.229.8181. L, D & LN Mon-Fri; D & LN Sat & Sun, BR Sun. $$

fall 2014

L Flying Saucer Pub Fare Offering more than 200 beers, almost half on draft, Flying Saucer is a beer drinker’s paradise. Excellent staff and tasty eats give the place an identity all its own. beerknurd.com. 705 Main, 713.228.7468. L, D & LN Daily. $ L Frank’s Pizza Pizza Home of the “late-night slice,” Frank’s Pizza has built a quality reputation for itself serving up delicious food in a great atmosphere. Not only can you grab a slice of pizza, Frank’s also serves up darn good hamburgers, Philly cheesesteak sandwiches, Buffalo wings, lasagna and salads. frankspizza.com. 417 Travis, 713.225.5656. L & D Daily; LN Fri & Sat. $ L Fusion Taco Latin/Japanese Taking the best from Asian and Latin cuisine, Fusion Taco comes up with creations like jerk chicken tacos, chickentikka masala quesadillas and Asian pulled pork flautas. An extensive beer and wine selection rounds out the menu. fusiontaco.com. 801 Congress, 713.422.2882. L & D Mon-Sat. $ Georgia’s Market Downtown American The market is stocked with fresh organic produce, grass-fed meats, prepared foods and snacks and home basics, while the cafe offers breakfast, lunch and dinner from its organic buffet and a bistro menu. georgiasmarket.com. 420 Main at Prairie, 713.225.0990. B, L & D Daily. $ L Goro & Gun Asian This Historic District haunt is a gathering place for all things cool. Chow down homemade ramen and Asian-inspired comfort food. Their creative cocktails can’t be beat! twitter.com/ gorongun. 306 Main. 832.708.6195. D Mon-Sat. $$ L The Grove American Rustic This two-story, ultra-urban restaurant is found at Discovery Green. The menu features rustic American cuisine such as Gulf Coast seafood, steaks and signature rotisserie dishes. grovehouston.com. Discovery Green, 1611 Lamar, 713.337.7321. L & D Daily. $$$ L Guadalajara del Centro Mexican This familyowned restaurant consistently serves up tasty food in a new, very cool environment. It’s the perfect place to bring the family or a large group of co-workers or friends. Great happy hour specials. guadalajarahacienda.com. GreenStreet, 1201 San Jacinto, 713.650.0101. L & D Daily. $$ Hard Rock Café Classic American What do you get when you mix a music-themed diner with an all-American menu? Hard Rock is a great familyfriendly spot serving up items such as burgers, nachos and chicken varieties. hardrock.com. Bayou Place, 570 Texas, 713.227.1392. L, D & LN Daily. $$ L Hearsay Gastro Lounge New American Located in a beautifully refurbished historic building, this upscale restaurant and lounge serves up delicious sandwiches, salads and entrees. They feature an extensive wine list, numerous beers on draft and bottle and premium liquors with a focus

downtownhouston.org

on Scotch whisky. hearsayhouston.com. 218 Travis, 713.225.8079. L Daily; D Mon-Sat; LN Fri–Sat. $$ Home Plate Bar & Grill Classic American A great hangout spot before or after an Astros ballgame. Enjoy a full menu of all-American favorites. homeplategrill.com. 1800 Texas, 713.222.1993. L & D Daily (may close earlier during off-season so call first). $ new! The Honeymoon Bistro The Honeymoon brews local Boomtown Coffee, has perfectly hand-crafted cocktails and satisfies the appetite with light lunch bites and delectably sweet treats! With all the natural lighting, the ambiance is like a dream! thehoneymoonhtx.com. 300 Main St. B, L, LN Daily. $ L Hubcap Grill American Classic Small but packs a punch. One of the best burger joints in town. 1111 Prairie, 713.223.5885. L Mon-Sat. $ L Irma’s Mexican Irma Galvan has been crowned Houston’s Tex-Mex goddess. This authentic spot is a longtime favorite among Houston politicos and downtown business people. Traditional, homecooked Mexican cuisine is served for breakfast and lunch on weekdays. 22 North Chenevert, 713.222.0767. B & L Mon-Fri; D Thu-Sat. $$ L Irma’s New Southwest Grill Mexican Irma’s second location is a hip spot to satisfy a Mexican food craving. Enjoy tasty foods and great drinks for lunch or dinner. Only a few short blocks from Minute Maid Park. irmassouthwest.com. 1314 Texas, 713.247.9651. B & L Mon-Fri. Open on Astros baseball game days and nights three hours before first pitch. $$ Jason’s Deli Deli Order to please, Jason’s will make your sandwich or salad exactly how you like it. jasonsdeli.com. 901 McKinney, 713.650.1500. B & L Mon-Fri. $ Jimmy John’s Gourmet Sandwiches Deli All subs are served on your choice of fresh-baked French bread or thick-sliced seven-grain bread or try the low-carb lettuce wrap: all the regular sandwich ingredients without the bread. jimmyjohns.com. 820 Main, 713.222.9995. L Mon-Sat. $ The Lake House Fast Casual The Lake House offers family-friendly food, featuring burgers, Kobe beef hot dogs, salads, shakes, wine and beer. Located on Kinder Lake, there is a large patio where you can watch model boats race across the water or listen to some live music from the nearby amphitheater stage. thelakehousehouston.com. Discovery Green, 1611 Lamar. L Tue & Wed, L & Early D Thu-Sun. $ L La Palapa Fast Food A Courthouse District favorite, there’s always a line at this free-standing pink concession stand for breakfast tacos and hamburgers. 1110 Preston, 713.228.9620. B & L Mon-Fri. $ Lacey’s Deli Deli The sandwiches are fresh, tasty, and affordable. We recommend the Italian Stallion which has homemade meatballs and marinara with sliced beef and sausage. laceysdeli.com. 416 Caroline, 713.237.0000. L Mon-Fri. $

L Last Concert Cafe Mexican Tucked away in the Warehouse District, this Tex-Mex cafe was born in 1949 and still supplies tasty food and local music today. Spend some time on the leafy back patio and you’ll swear you’re in your neighbor’s backyard throwing back a cold one. lastconcert.com. 1403 Nance, 713.226.8563. L Mon-Fri; D Mon-Sun; LN Fri-Sat; Bar & live music Tue-Sat. $ L Line & Lariat Modern American An award-winning dining experience located in the historic lobby of Hotel Icon’s landmark bank building. The intimate dining room is extravagant, and the exquisite dishes from the Gulf Coast and South Texas emphasize fresh ingredients. A contemporary lounge with a modern setting for cocktails and an elegant after-work meeting place. hotelicon.com. Hotel Icon, 220 Main, 832.667.4470. B Daily; D Mon-Sat. $$$ Little Napoli Italian Theater and moviegoers can now enjoy these southern Italian dishes before the big show! The healthy options, such as whole wheat pizza crust and low-fat cheeses, are a nice touch. littlenapoli.net. 540 Texas, 713.225.3900. $$ new! Lone Star Taco Tex-Mex Fast-casual Tex-Mex restaurant, specializing in great tacos! Lone Star Taco quickly serves artisanal quality, made-fresh tacos at an affordable price. txlonestartaco.com. 1001 Texas St, 713.223.8226. B, L, D Daily. $ Luby’s, etc. American Enjoy an incredible view of downtown along with 10 food stations offering a wide variety of goodies: a build-your-own salad bar, made-to-order grill, pizza by-the-slice, delightful deli, global café and traditional Luby’s cafeteria line with all the classic dishes. lubysetc.com. 1301 Fannin, 13th Floor, 713.759.9954. B & L Mon–Fri. $ Lucky Strike Lanes & Lounge American Bowlers and patrons relax on sleek leather couches and enjoy floor-to-ceiling video screens that flash movie clips and music videos as DJs deliver danceable grooves. Delectable munchies are available laneside and in the lounge. bowlluckystrike.com. GreenStreet, 1201 San Jacinto, Level 3, 713.343.3300. L, D & LN Daily. $$ new location Macondo Latin Bistro Latin The menu is a tasty fusion of Latin dishes with a strong influence of Colombian cuisine. Try the migas on an English muffin for breakfast. Macondo has a full coffee and juice bar, featuring delicious Colombian coffee. 713.229.8323. B & L Mon-Sun, D Fri-Sat. $ L Market Square Bar & Grill American This Chicago-style neighborhood hangout is a local favorite. Boasting a handful of “fire-powered” burgers, Market Square offers plenty of reasons to stop by for a meal or drink. The backyard patio,

friendly staff and full bar add flavor. marketsquarehouston.com. 311 Travis, 713.224.6133. L, D & LN Mon-Sat. $

wine and martini menu along with its specially priced “bar bites.” mortons.com. 1001 McKinney, 713.659.3700. L Mon-Fri ; D Daily. $$$$

L Massa’s Restaurant Seafood An upscale and elegant restaurant offering a fine selection of American and seafood cuisine. Superior service and a great dining atmosphere allow guests to enjoy a memorable experience. massas.com. 1160 Smith, 713.650.0837. L Mon-Fri; D MonSat. $$

Murphy’s Deli Deli Indulge in a variety of sandwiches and salads. Hot or cold, Murphy’s specializes in creating your sandwich any way it’s ordered. murphysdeli.com 601 Jefferson, 713.652.4939. 1021 Main, 713.275.1912. 440 Louisiana, 713.247.9122. B & L Mon-Fri all locations. $

L Massa’s Seafood Grill Seafood Like its sister restaurant, you can count on superior service and a great dining atmosphere. Conveniently located close to the convention center and Toyota Center, it’s a prime spot for lunch and dinner. massas.com. The Shops at Houston Center, 1331 Lamar, 713.655.9100. L Mon-Fri; D Mon-Sat. $$

L Niko Niko’s Greek & American Houston icon Dimitri Fetokakis opened his cafe in 2010 at Market Square Park. Favorties such as the gyro and kebob are on the menu along with new items such as the breakfast pita. Specialty coffee drinks, beer and wine also available. nikonikos.com. Market Square Park, 301 Milam. B, L, D Daily. $

L McCormick & Schmick’s Seafood The extensive menu changes daily depending on each day’s fresh seafood deliveries. With more than 80 preparations on the menu each day, every guest is sure to find something to satisfy their palate. mccormickandschmicks.com. GreenStreet, 1201 Fannin, 713.658.8100. L & D Daily. $$$

Nit Noi Cafe Thai Head Chef Mama Alice has a secret sauce that has made this Thai gem successful for more than 20 years. Diners can go light with fresh cucumber salads or fill up on classic noodle dishes with a choice of beef, chicken, pork, tofu or shrimp. nitnoithai.com. 301 Main, 713.225.1069. L Mon-Fri. $$

McDonald’s Fast Food 808 Dallas @ Milam, 713.651.9449. B & L Daily; D Mon-Fri. $ L Mia Bella Italian You’ll enjoy an eclectic variety of Italian cuisine blended with a Mediterranean feel. A longtime favorite, this intimate little bistro’s simple, yet appealing décor, makes it a downtown standout. bellarestaurants.com. GreenStreet, 1201 San Jacinto, 832.319.6675. 320 Main, 713.237.0505 L & D Daily; LN Fri & Sat. $$ L Minuti Coffee Coffee House The coffee is created by a roast master in Italy, before making its way into the hands of talented baristas. This is the perfect place to bring the laptop and take advantage of Minuti’s free Wi-Fi. They also have beer and wine, which makes it a great pre/post theater spot. Be sure to sample some of the freshbaked pastries and smoothies, too. minuticoffee.com. 909 Texas, 281.265.3344. B, L, D & LN Daily. $ L MKT Bar Mediterranean Part of Phoenicia Specialty Foods, it's the perfect place to stop when you need a chill moment. The bar offers coffee, pastries, wine, beer, gourmet pizza and other yummy nibbles for which Phoenicia is known. phoeniciafoods.com. 1001 Austin, 832.360.2222. B, L, D, Daily. $ Molly’s Pub Pub Fare A good ol’ Irish bar with tasty food to soak up the beer. Your standard pub fare – sandwiches, dogs and pretty much anything that’s not good for you. mollyspubs.com. 509 Main, 713.222.1033. L, D & LN Daily. $ L Morton’s Steakhouse This award-winning steakhouse offers an outstanding menu. The downtown location features its new bar concept, Bar 12•21, which includes an impressive

L Pappas BBQ Barbecue Voted one of Houston’s best year after year, this barbecue joint offers an excellent selection with Texas-sized portions. Traditional favorites such as brisket, ribs, sausage and ham are served with Pappas’ flare. Delivery and take-out are available. pappasbbq.com. 1217 Pierce, 713.659.1245. L & D Daily. 1100 Smith, 713.759.0018. L & D Mon-Fri. $ new! Pappasito’s Cantina Tex-Mex One of Houston’s most popular casual Tex-Mex restaurants, Pappasito’s specializes in sizzling fajitas, creamy queso and tortillas that almost melt in your mouth! The downtown location offers six unique ceviches and crudos that can’t be found at any of the other restaurants. pappasitos.com. Hilton AmericasHouston, 1600 Lamar St, 713.353.4400. L, D Daily. $$ L Perbacco Italian An adorable little spot located at street level of one of Houston’s skyscrapers, Perbacco serves up Italian cuisine in a modern and fresh atmosphere. Catering to downtown workers and the theater crowd, you always get quick and friendly service and tasty food. 700 Milam, 713.224.2422. L Mon-Fri; D Thu-Sat. $ L Quattro Contemporary Italian Vivid colors, creative lighting and a unique design create a sophisticated and inviting ambience for guests. Located in the Four Seasons Hotel, Quattro is one of downtown’s best restaurants. Four Seasons Hotel, 1300 Lamar, 713.652.6250. B, L & D Daily. $$$ Quizno’s Fast Food 811 Rusk, 713.227.7702. L & D Mon-Fri. 1119 Commerce, 713.228.9000. L & D Mon-Sun. $

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plate. Rachel’s Sandwich Shop Deli Simply stated, a great little sandwhich shop. 421 San Jacinto, 713.223.3913. B & L Mon-Fri. $ Roma’s Pizza Italian Located just across from the Preston Station on the MetroRAIL, Roma's Pizza offers New York-style pizza by the slice or pie, as well as a variety of salads, lasagnas, ravioli, and chicken dishes. 223 Main, 713.222.1184. L & D Daily. $ The Sam Bar American Casual The Sam Houston Hotel's relaxed dining option where you'll find a breakfast buffet and a great bar menu with tasty appetizers, salads, burgers and sandwiches every day of the week. thesamhoustonhotel.com. The Sam Houston Hotel, 1117 Prairie, 832.200.8800. B, L & D Daily. $$ L Sambuca New American A hip, trendy and upscale restaurant right in the mix of Main Street. The menu includes a wide variety of favorites and combined with the live music, Sambuca is Houston’s ultimate supper club. sambucarestaurant.com. 909 Texas, 713.224.5299. L Mon-Fri; D & LN Daily. $$$ Shay McElroy’s Pub Fare This authentic Irish pub offers up a menu of appetizers, sandwiches, salads and soups. mcelroyspub.com. 909 Texas, 713.223.2444. L Mon–Fri. $ The Shops at Houston Center Food Court Au Bon Pain, Bullritos, Chick-fil-A, D’lish N’ Dash, Doozo’s Dumplings & Noodles, Freshii, Fusion Grillerz, Great American Cookie, Great Wraps, Greenz, Murphy’s Deli, Otto’s Barbecue & Hamburgers, Pho Huy Vietnamese Noodle House, Potbelly Sandwich Works, Pretzel Time, Quizno’s Subs, Salata, Sarku Japan, Simon’s Homestyle Café, Snap Kitchen, Squeezed, Starbuck’s Coffee, Subway, Thai Basil, The Mediterranean Grill, Treebeards, Wok & Roll. shopsathc.com. 1200 McKinney, 713.759.1442. Mon-Sat, hours vary. $ L Shula’s Steakhouse Dark wood, sports memorabilia and menus hand painted on official NFL game footballs makes Pro Hall-of-Famer Don Shula’s Steak House stand out from the rest. Become a member of the 48oz Club by finishing a 48-ounce Shula Cut. donshula.com. Hyatt Regency Hotel, 1200 Louisiana, 713.375.4777. B, L & D Daily. $$$ Skyline Deli Deli With their freshly baked bread, Skyline makes a great deli sandwich. 717 Texas, 713.571.0509. B & L Mon-Fri. $ Sol Cafe Mejicano Mexican A family-owned cafe offering traditional Tex-Mex breakfast and lunch dishes made from fresh ingredients. 1205 Travis, 713.651.0049. B & L, Mon-Fri. $ L Spaghetti Warehouse Italian Making its home in an old warehouse, this Italian-American eatery offers up large portions for lunch and dinner. Traditional menu items such as spaghetti and meatballs, lasagna and pizza allow the Spaghetti Warehouse to cater to all ages and appetites. meatballs.com. 901 Commerce, 713.229.0009. L & D Daily. $$

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L Spindletop American A favorite Houston seafood restaurant and fine dining experience ideal for birthday parties, family reunions, anniversaries and engagements. Perched on the 34th floor of Hyatt Regency Downtown, this glass-walled restaurant makes one revolution every 45 minutes, ensuring you'll enjoy 360-degree views of the city and all of its famous landmarks. houstonregency.hyatt.com. Hyatt Regency, 1200 Louisiana, 713.375.4775. D Tue-Sat. $$$ new! Springbok South African Springbok features a contemporary take on classic South African dishes such as local game, house-made sausages, burgers and curries. Enjoy an amazing selection of local and international beer and cocktails while watching rugby and other national and international sporting competitions. thespringbok.com. 711 Main, 818.201.6979. L, D & LN Daily. $$

beans and rice and étouffée. For dessert, try the famous butter bar. treebeards.com. 315 Travis, 713.228.2622. Cloisters at Christ Church Cathedral, 1117 Texas, 713.229.8248. L Mon-Fri. $ Trofi Restaurant Continental Trofi’s menu is described as Continental with a Mediterranean and Latin flair and the ambience is simple, yet sophisticated. Lunch buffets are available Monday through Friday. 400 Dallas, Doubletree Hotel, 713.759.0202. B, L & D Daily. $$

Subway Fast Food 405 Main, 713.227.4700. 805 Dallas, 713.651.1331. Daily. $

L Vic & Anthony’s Steak House This world-class steak house is one of the most elegant dining locations in Houston. It boasts rich mahogany woodwork and one-of-a-kind hospitality. Located in the heart of the Ballpark District and across from Minute Maid Park, Vic & Anthony’s is the ideal spot for entertaining business clients, a special celebration or a pre/post-game dinner. vicandanthonys.com. 1510 Texas, 713.228.1111. L Fri, D Daily. $$$$

Table 7 Bistro American Table 7 Bistro is a combination of an upscale, yet casual atmosphere. Weekday happy hour includes $4 well drinks and $2 domestic beers, and it’s happy hour all weekend with $2 mimosas all day on Saturdays and Sundays. district7grill.com. 720 Fannin @ The Club Quarters, 713.227.4800. B, L & D Daily. $

Warren’s Inn Fast Casual Let the good times roll with a killer jukebox, excellent drinks and a fun, bohemian environment. Quick sandwiches and other items are served during the day; you can order in from nearby restaurants at night if you have the munchies. 307 Travis, 713.247.9207. L Mon-Fri, LN Daily. $

Tejas Grill & Sports Bar American Located at The Shops at Houston Center, Tejas offers the perfect tailgate menu and full-service bar. tejasgrillandsportsbar.com. 1201 Lamar at The Shops at Houston Center, 713.739.8352. L Mon-Fri, D Mon-Sat. $$

Which Wich Deli A fast and easy build-your-ownsandwich joint where doodling is encouraged and the possibilities are endless! Which ‘wich will you make? B & L Mon-Fri. L Sat. 811 Main, 713.227.0860. $

Thepthidaa Thai Thai A traditional Thai restaurant located at the ground level of the loft residence Hogg Palace. The warm and cozy atmosphere offers a great setting for a dinner escape and is a local favorite. 401 Louisiana, 713.225.4900. D Daily. $ L III Forks American Upscale, warm atmosphere and impeccable service sets the stage for this sophisticated steakhouse. New York strip and filet mignon, bone-in ribeye, porterhouse, young rack of lamb and veal chop are served with duchess potatoes, off-thecob cream corn, and perfectly cooked vegetables. Seafood items include Chilean sea bass, Ahi tuna, salmon, halibut, scallops and lobster tails, which are flown in daily. iiiforks.com. GreenStreet, 1201 San Jacinto, Level 1, 713.658.9457. L Tue–Fri; D Mon–Sat. $$$$ Tony’s Barbecue & Steakhouse Barbecue Get world-class hickory-smoked pork ribs and brisket, rib eye and T-bone steaks, chicken-fried steak and even quail. Don’t leave without trying the delicious homemade cobblers and pies. tonys-bbq.com. 1225 Travis, 713.655.0028. L & D Mon-Fri. $$ L Treebeards Southern A downtown institution for more than 30 years, Treebeards offers tasty Cajun dishes that are sure to satisfy. Favorite menu items include the chicken and shrimp gumbo, red

downtownhouston.org

Wimpy’s Hamburgers Fast Food Wimpy’s serves up a pretty good burger but they also have many other down-home favorites. 632 Polk, 713.652.0123. B & L Mon-Fri. $ Zero’s Sandwich Shop Deli A great little spot for a freshly made deli sandwich. zerossandwichshop.com. 809 Dallas, 713.650.3333. 1110 Lamar, 713.655.7722. 507 Dallas, 713.739.9955. B & L Mon-Fri. $ L Zydeco Louisiana Diner Cajun This cafeteriastyle Cajun joint brings Louisiana dishes to the Hospital District of downtown Houston. Traditional Cajun items such as po-boys, jambalaya and gumbo make Zydeco a great lunch stop. A casual atmosphere adds to the enjoyment. 1119 Pease, 713.759.2001. L Mon-Fri. $ For a searchable database of downtown Houston restaurants by cuisine, location and price, visit downtownhouston.org and click on GUIDE.

sip.

Fall 2014 Looking for a spot to go after a long day or for a fun night out with friends? Check out some of our favorites— from the quintessential dive to swanky lounges, you’re sure to find something that will quench your thirst!

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Barringer Bar | 410 Main Street (upstairs) Enter through the unassuming side door entrance and up the winding staircase to discover a true speakeasy style gem in the old Historic District. Amazing beer, wine, and libations are served to customers as they unwind in this cozy lounge. Patrons can enjoy live music, DJ's, and other varying forms of entertainment throughout the week and weekend. barringerhouston.com The Brewery Tap | 717 Franklin Sit at one of the long wooden picnic tables (think biergarten) and chill with one of the 35 beers on tap. Laid-back and friendly, a great place to catch a soccer game and play some darts. Mon-Thu 4-10 pm; Fri & Sat 4 pm-1 am; Sun 4-11 p.m.

House of Blues | 1204 Caroline Street @ GreenStreet A well-known national franchise with a lively, fun atmosphere. A 1,500-person concert venue is onsite and some of the best touring shows in the country come through on a weekly basis. The members-only Foundation Room is available for VIPs. Show times and events vary nightly. hob.com

Captain Foxheart’s Bad News Bar & Spirit Lodge | 308 Main A fun and quirky bar that doesn’t take itself too seriously (hence the name), but the cocktails are seriously good. Patrons enjoy the speakeasy vibe and the patio terrace for prime people watching. Mon-Sun 4 pm-2 am. twitter.com/badnewsbar

Last Concert Café | 403 Nance You have to knock three times on the red door to gain entry to the unmarked house in the Warehouse District (well, not anymore). With a backyard stage and sandpit, hoola-hooping and tiki bar, Last Concert has live music most nights. Tue-Fri 11 am-2 am, Sat 5 pm-2 am, Sun 3-9 pm. lastconcert.com

Char Bar | 305 Travis Char Bar offers stiff drinks alongside custom suits. Drenched in nostalgia, Char Bar is proud of its history, as reflected in the old photos of family members who have worked in the space since the 1930s. Enjoy the second floor balcony or chat it up with Weldon Renfro, who has a permanent shoe shine booth at the entrance. Mon-Wed 10 am–midnight, Thu-Sat 10 am-2 am. Clutch City Squire | 410 Main Somewhere between a dive bar and a swanky lounge, this Main Street drinking hole is always spinning good tunes on vinyl. Mon-Sat 3 pm-2 am. Sun noon-midnight. twitter.com/clutchcityhtx Dean’s | 316 Main Under new ownership and with a new look and feel, Dean’s adds to the cool vibe found on the 300 block of Main. Great attention from the bartenders and the trendy crowd make it a unique place to socialize. Mon-Thu 8 pm-2 am, Fri-Sat 5 pm-2 am. The Dirt Bar | 1209 Caroline The non-venue rock 'n' roll lounge is a popular pre- and post-show destination spot that has become famous for its performer patronage. Drawing crowds and artists from every venue in the city has allowed The Dirt to host hundreds of memorable after-show events, including Lady Gaga, Foo Fighters and Kings of Leon. Daily 6 pm-2 am. dirtbar.com 1820 Bar | 1820 Franklin Located just one block north of Minute Maid Park. Small flat-screen TVs dot the bar, allowing patrons to keep tabs on games while not being the center of attention. On the first and last Friday of every month Joystix Classic Games and Pinball next door is open, and $15 gets you all night to practice your Ms. Pac-Man skills. Daily 4 pm-2 am. El Big Bad | 419 Travis El Big Bad is a Gastro-Cantina that specializes in infused tequilas, fresh juice margaritas and cocktails, Mexican and Texan Craft Beer and scrumptious fare. Sun-Thu 11 ammidnight; Fri-Sat 11 am- 2 am elbigbad.com Flying Saucer | 705 Main Offering more than 200 beers, with nearly half on draft, Flying Saucer is a great place to hang out and enjoy a cold one. Check out the website for information on beer tastings, trivia night and specials. Mon-Wed, 11 am-1 am, Thu & Fri 11 am-2 am, Sat noon-2 am, Sun noon-midnight. beerknurd.com The Honeymoon | 300 Main The Historic District welcomes The Honeymoon - a new, adorable bistro with great cocktails, wine and coffee from local Boomtown Coffee. Mon-Thu 7 am-midnight; Fri 7 am-2 am; Sat 10 am-2 am; Sun 10 am-10 pm. thehoneymoonhtx.com

La Carafe | 813 Congress The oldest building in Houston, this dark and cozy hideaway boasts a great jukebox, moody atmosphere and an extensive beer and wine selection. Sit on the outside patio or balcony and look up in awe at the amazing downtown skyline. Cash only. Mon-Fri noon-2 am, Sat & Sun 1 pm-2 am.

Little Dipper | 304 Main This spot is a cool, blue neighborhood bar with pinball machines, cheap bourbon and a bad-ass jukebox. Daily 4 pm-2 am. twitter.com/LittleDipperBar Lone Star Saloon | 1900 Travis The Lone Star Saloon is a true classic Texas dive bar that seems misplaced in its urban setting. The crowd, half aging townies and half world-weary road dogs, are always willing to share have-been-to-hell-and-back stories. Daily noon-2 am. Lucky Strike Lanes & Lounge | 1201 San Jacinto @ GreenStreet Swanky upscale bowling alley with a separate restaurant/ lounge area. Bowlers and patrons relax on sleek leather couches and enjoy floor-to-ceiling video screens that flash movie clips and music videos as DJs deliver danceable grooves. Sun-Thu 11 am-midnight, Fri & Sat 11 am-2 am. bowlluckystrike.com MKT Bar | 1001 Austin Phoenicia’s MKT bar, located at the first floor of One Park Place, is the perfect place to stop when you need a chill moment. The bar offers coffee, pastries, wine, beer, gourmet pizza and other yummy nibbles for which Phoenicia is known. Mon -Wed 7 am-9 pm, Thu 7 am-2 am, Fri-Sat 9 am-2 am, Sun 9 am-8 pm. phoeniciafoods.com Molly’s Pub | 509 Main This classic Irish pub offers a variety of Irish whiskeys and international beers. Tables and coves lead you to the back, where pool and darts can be found and a second-floor balcony provides excellent views of Main Street and downtown. Daily 11 am-2 am. mollyspubs.com Notsuoh | 314 Main The name is Houston spelled backwards. A bar full of random weirdness: Think grunge lounge and artsy. You’ll find people playing chess, and drinking beer, live music, lots of crazy, weird artwork and maybe walk in on a night of punk-rock karaoke. Live bands on weekends. Daily 8 pm-2 am. The Original OKRA Charity Saloon | 924 Congress Houston’s first charity bar is a true collaboration from Houston's finest, including owners from Anvil, Paulie's, Grand Prize and more. Expect classic cocktails and brews in a gorgeous historic building. Every drink purchase earns you a vote that can go toward select charities to win the bar’s monthly earnings. Daily 3 pm-2 am. friedokra.org The Pastry War | 310 Main A Mezcaleria from Bobby Heugel and Alba Huerta that serves up agave spirits along with classic Mexican cocktails and beers

in a festive and intimate environment. This specialty tequila joint not only accepts pesos, but is on a brave mission to serve the best margaritas in town. Salud! Tue-Sat 4 pm-2 am. Pete’s Dueling Piano Bar | 1201 Fannin @ GreenStreet Two dueling pianos and a sing-along, clap-along, drink-along, have-one-helluva-good-time-along bar! Wed-Sat, 7 pm-2 am Wed-Sat 7 pm-2 am, showtime @ 8 pm. petesduelingpianobar.com Public Services Wine & Whiskey | 202 Travis Nestled in the historic Cotton Exchange Building, lies Public Services Wine & Whiskey. Public Services isn’t just any cocktail bar, in fact, they’re the complete opposite. Here, patrons can find classic wines and a vast yet distinctive whiskey selection served straight, on the rocks, or with a small selection of mixers. Craft beer and cider help round out the carefully crafted drink menu. Mon-Sat 4 pm- 2 am. publicservicesbar.com Reserve 101 | 1201 Caroline A whiskey and martini bar touting more than 220 specialty liquors that will make any cocktail aficionados mouth water. Stop by on Tuesday for complimentary tastings of special selections. Order up delicious bites from the new, chef-driven menu featuring tasty flatbreads, appetizers and sandwiches. Sun 5 pm - 2 am, Mon-Sat 2 pm - 2 am. reserve101.com The Sam Bar | 1117 Prairie Street @ The Sam Houston Hotel Located in the Alden Hotel. This upscale bar is furnished with dark leather banquettes and a menu of 30 cocktails, both classic and new mixologist creations. Sun-Thu 11 am-midnight, Fri & Sat 11 am-1 am. thesamhoustonhotel.com Sambuca | 909 Texas @ Rice Lofts Guests can enjoy live music most nights of the week in this upscale and eclectic environment. Enjoy your favorite drink inside or hang outside on the patio with the locals. Sun-Wed 11 am-midnight, Thu 11 am-1 am, Fri 11 am-2 am, Sat 4:30 pm-2 am. sambucarestaurant.com Shay McElroy’s Pub | 909 Texas @ Rice Lofts Dublin native and owner John McElroy created this space around a richly detailed, 19th-century bar he had shipped from Ireland. The crowd is an inviting collection of young professionals and not-so-young merrymakers. Mon-Fri 11 am-2 am, Sat & Sun 1 pm-2 am. mcelroyspub.com Springbok | 711 Main Springbok is the perfect bar to catch a good Rugby match or other live national and international sporting competitions. With an extensive selection of local and international beer and cocktails, as well as amazing house made sausages, burgers and other local game dishes, Springbok is a place where people from all over the world can gather and share their passion for sports, food and ice cold adult beverages. Daily 11 am-2 am. thespringbok.com Sunny’s Bar | 901 Capitol @ Main Laid-back place with a friendly atmosphere and great prices that keep the regulars coming back. Sunny will likely be behind the bar serving up the beer and cocktails and great conversation. Foosball, darts and shuffleboard are in the back of the house to keep you entertained. Mon-Sat 2 pm-2 am. Warren’s Inn | 307 Travis This tavern is long known for its top-notch jukebox full of American classics, strong mixed drinks and its diverse crowd of customers. Mon-Fri 11 am-2 am, Sat noon-2 pm, Sun 2 pm-2 am. The Wine Cellar | 540 Texas Unwind and relax with more than 400 varieties of wine and imported beers. Wine tastings Mon-Thu, 2-7 pm. Daily 11 am-midnight.

fall 2014

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FALL 2014

datebook.

Performing Arts 50 Market Square Park 54 Discovery Green 56 Festivals & Special Events 58 and more

Edited by NICOLE MARIN

Quilts Downtown’s largest convention. The International Quilt Festival celebrates its 40th year. See quilts such as Nora Bebee’s Metamorphosis and more.

fall 2014

datebook.

PERFORMING ARTS A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM Sep 4-14 Houston Ballet is the first American company to welcome this production – staged by acclaimed Hamburg Ballet Artistic Director John Neumeier – into its repertoire. With its love-struck Athenians, meddlesome fairies and bumbling troupe of amateur actors, A Midsummer Night’s Dream is a cacophony of magic and merriment. This colorful production will delight children and adults alike. Tickets $20-$165. Wortham Center, 501 Texas. 713.227.ARTS. houstonballet.org

PHOTO BY DAVID BAZEMORE

JASON ALEXANDER - AN EVENING OF COMEDY & SONG Sep 5-7 Tony Award winner and multi-talented star of the groundbreaking hit TV show Seinfeld, Jason Alexander joins the orchestra for his firstever symphonic performance in Texas. Alexander engages you for an evening of music and laughs as he reminisces about his remarkable and versatile career on the stage and screen. Hear songs from Broadway’s Music Man, Pippin and Merrily We Roll Along. Tickets start at $29. Jones Hall, 615 Louisiana. 713.224.7575. houstonsymphony.org

Opening Night Concert with Andrés Sep 13 Saluting the official start of his inaugural season, Andrés leads the opening night concert with Alison Balsom, British trumpeter extraordinaire and recipient of the 2013 Gramophone Awards Artist of the Year title. The concert opens with Mozart’s delightful Overture to The Marriage of Figaro. Balsom performs Haydn’s Trumpet Concerto, and the night concludes with Pictures at an Exhibition, Mussorgsky’s 10-movement suite, in a brilliant orchestration by Maurice Ravel. Tickets start at $29. Jones Hall, 615 Louisiana. 713.224.7575. houstonsymphony.org

From Houston to the World Sep 18-28 A mixed-repertory program, all originally choreographed for Houston Ballet dancers. Finnish choreographer Jorma Elo brings wit and humor to ONE/end/ONE. Inspired by flocks of birds flying in breathtaking unison, Edward Liang’s Murmuration is a deeply spiritual work for nine men and eight female dancers. Closing the program is Stanton Welch’s vivid interpretation of the third act of Paquita, a challenging, Spanish-flavored ballet first performed in 1846. Tickets $20-$165. Wortham Center, 501 Texas. 713.227.ARTS. houstonballet.org

STEPPES - A Crossover Sep 6 In celebration of Voloshky’s 40th year, artistic director Taras Lewyckyj created STEPPES: A Crossover, a program that includes traditional Ukrainian works lost during Soviet times along with new works created in the United States. The production reinforces the pluralistic American experience that respects and embraces all cultures. Tickets $35.50-$85.50. Wortham Center, 501 Texas. 281.648.0422. iaahouston.com

Fiesta Sinfonica con Andrés Sep 14 Houston Symphony’s weekend-long Bienvenido celebration culminates with Andrés leading the orchestra for their annual free concert saluting Hispanic Heritage Month. Gabriela Montero, acclaimed Venezuelan pianist, performs Gershwin’s jazz-influenced Rhapsody in Blue. The New York Times describes Montero as “compelling, elegant, and incisive.” Tickets start at $29. Jones Hall, 615 Louisiana. 713.224.7575. houstonsymphony.org

Watts Plays Rachmaninoff Sep 19-21 Renowned pianist Andre Watts returns to Houston to perform Rachmaninoff ’s deeply romantic Piano Concerto No. 2. Enduringly popular since its 1901 debut, the concerto’s themes have found fame in movies such as Brief Encounter, The Seven Year Itch and the popular song All by Myself. Tickets start at $29. Jones Hall, 615 Louisiana. 713.224.7575. houstonsymphony.org

Texas Tenors Sep 11 Snce their whirlwind debut four years ago on NBC’s America’s Got Talent, The Texas Tenors have performed more than 600 concerts around the world. John Hagen, Marcus Collins and JC Fisher bring their unique blend of country, classical and Broadway to the stage with breathtaking vocals, humor and a touch of cowboy charm. Tickets $55-$200. 7:30 pm. Wortham Center, 501 Texas. 832.487.7041. brilliantlectures.org

Victor/Victoria Sep 16-28 A warm, funny look at the nature of love, gender perceptions and the battle of the sexes. Victor/Victoria is the story of an out-of-work singer whose life changes when she meets the flamboyant Toddy and with his help, she becomes “Victor,” an overnight singing sensation in the nightclubs of Paris. However, success becomes hilariously complicated when she meets the love of her life, King Marchan, a macho Chicago gangster. Tickets start at $25. Hobby Center, 800 Bagby. 713.558.8887. tuts.com

Lord of the Flies Sep 19-28 The classic novel comes to life on stage. Featuring an all-female cast, Lord of the Flies explores the depths of our own savagery. Greed, power and the fight for survival fill the air as a group of normal school children slip slowly into madness. Tickets $25-$30. The Kaleidoscope, 705 Main St., Suite B (facing Capitol St.). bayoucitytheatrics.com Three Acts, Two Dancers, One Radio Host Sep 20 This American Life host Ira Glass returns to Houston. His new format combines two art forms that, as Glass puts it, “have no business being together - dance and radio.” The result is a funny, lively evening of dance and heartfelt storytelling. Glass delivers his trademark narratives, and dancers Monica Bill Barnes and Anna Bass evoke characters through their silent art form, allowing the three to produce “a perfect and perfectly unexpected union.” Tickets $40-$67. 8 pm. Wortham Center, 501 Texas. 713.227.4772. spahouston.org The Passing Zone Sep 26 In their new show, Jon Wee and Owen Morse take the art of throwing and catching to hilarious new heights. And in the process they prove, once again, that they are in a class by itself when it

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Foyer of the Wortham Center. Each concert is designed to deliver Da Camera’s signature programming to a diverse Downtown audience. The series features a variety of chamber music and jazz, presented in an accessible one-hour concert format. Audiences are invited to enjoy their lunch while listening to the music. Free. Wortham Center, 501 Texas. 713.524.5050. dacamera.com

comes to juggling. Shattering expectations and redefining juggling for more than two decades, their comic chops and creative stunts have landed them on many television shows including The Tonight Show, Hell’s Kitchen and as finalists on America’s Got Talent. Tickets $21-$55. 7:30 pm. Wortham Center, 501 Texas. 713.227.4772. spahouston.org TV’s Greatest Hits Sep 26-28 Join the Houston Symphony for a night celebrating some of TV’s most memorable music. With the wickedly funny singer/comedian Nicole Parker from MADtv and guest conductor Steven Reineke as your hosts, explore themes from your favorite TV shows like M*A*S*H, Downtown Abbey, Hawaii Five-O and The Flintstones, among others. Plus, join the fun with sing-alongs and an on-stage game show. Additionally, Parker salutes iconic variety show performances by the likes of Carol Burnett, Judy Garland and Ethel Merman. Tickets start at $29. Jones Hall, 615 Louisiana. 713.224.7575. houstonsymphony.org

recorded Piano Improvisations, he was the first jazz pianist of his era to release such a recording. This groundbreaking album opened the floodgates to a new genre of solo piano that continues strong today. The NEA Jazz Master makes his long-awaited Da Camera debut. Tickets $42.50$72.50. 8 pm. Wortham Center, 501 Texas. 832.487.7041. dacamera.com National Acrobats of China Oct 11 China’s most dazzling company of 35 tumblers, cyclists, martial artists and acrobats will mesmerize audiences. Directed by Gui Zhongshan, The National Acrobats of China was formed in 1956 and has performed in hundreds of cities and more than 30 countries worldwide. Back by popular demand, the world’s most award-winning acrobatic troupe will tumble onto the Jones Hall stage for two family-friendly performances only. Tickets $21-$76. Jones Hall, 615 Louisiana. 713.227.4772. spahouston.org

Sarah Chang Plus Copland Oct 2-5 Touted by the New York Times as “technically brilliant, lively and characterful,” Sarah Chang has been captivating audiences since her New York Philharmonic debut at age 8. The Korean-American violinist performs Barber’s intensely lyrical Violin Concerto on this program, which also features Al-Zand’s three-part, urban-inspired City Scenes and Copland’s Symphony No. 3. Tickets start at $29. Jones Hall, 615 Louisiana. 713.224.7575. houstonsymphony.org

Mozart Symphony 40 Oct 11 Join Mercury for a performance of Overture to Lucio Silla Concerto No. 20, Symphony No. 40. Tickets $18-$65. 8 pm. Wortham Center, 501 Texas. 713.533.0080. mercuryhouston.org

An Evening with Rob Lowe Oct 9 Never mean spirited or salacious, actor Rob Lowe delivers unexpected glimpses into his successes, disappointments, relationships, and one-of-a-kind encounters with people who have helped shape our world over the last 25 years. Tickets $64-$209. 7 pm. Wortham Center, 501 Texas. 832.487.7041. brilliantlectures.org

Anything Goes Oct 14-19 All aboard for this saucy and splendid production of Anything Goes, winner of three 2011 Tony Awards, including Best Musical Revival and Choreography. One of the greatest musicals in theater history, Cole Porter’s first-class musical comedy is sailing into Houston. Tickets start at $30. Hobby Center, 800 Bagby. 713.315.2525. thehobbycenter.org

Chicago Oct 9-19 The quintessential Broadway hit comes to Houston like you’ve never seen it before. Following the story of criminal Roxie Hart, this tale of corruption, deception, and celebrity in the 1920’s challenges our idea of justice. Performed in true Vaudevillian style this musical is guaranteed to bring laughter, tears, and all that jazz. Tickets $25-$30. The Kaleidoscope, 705 Main St., Suite B (facing Capitol St.). bayoucitytheatrics.com

Scheherazade Oct 17-19 Musical storytelling at its best, RimskyKorsakov’s Scheherazade captivates and seduces with vibrant tales of Arabian nights. Let your imagination soar as dazzling symphonic sounds portray Scheherazade’s stories that captured the Sultan’s curiosity and admiration. Plus, hear young Russian pianist and winner of the 2010 Queen Elisabeth Competition Denis Kozhukhin perform Prokofiev’s virtuosic Piano Concerto No. 2. Tickets start at $29. Jones Hall, 615 Louisiana. 713.224.7575. houstonsymphony.org

The Birth of the String Quartet: Haydn Discovery and Beethoven St. Lawrence String Quartet Sep 27 Rediscover Haydn as the St. Lawrence Quartet’s Geoff Nuttall passionately makes the case for him as the greatest composer of all time. Nuttall and the Quartet break down the Emperor quartet before playing it in its entirety, opening up the music for all to enjoy. The virtuosic St. Lawrence Quartet brings the program to a fiery close with one of Beethoven’s most thrilling masterpieces. Tickets $30-$65. 8 pm. Wortham Center, 501 Texas. 713.524.5050 dacamera.com

MOMIX Oct 10 The irrepressible Moses Pendleton presents Alchemia, his new work for the dazzling dancer-illusionists of MOMIX. It’s all about the art of alchemy, and the alchemy of art. With a dash of Harry Potter charm and a whimsical exploration of the four elements, Pendleton’s latest creation is an enchanting, phantasmagorical multimedia spectacle full of invention, beauty, sensuality and humor. Tickets $21-$76. 8 pm. Jones Hall, 615 Louisiana. 713.227.4772. spahouston.org

A Little Day Music Oct 1 A series of free concerts presented at noon on the first Wednesday of the month in the Grand

Chick Corea, solo piano Oct 10 When the legendary artist Chick Corea

Rafal Blechacz, Piano Oct 17 Polish pianist and emerging superstar Rafal Blechacz began his piano studies at age five and graduated from the Feliks Nowowiejski Academy of Music in Bydgoszcz in 2007. He became an exclusive recording artist for Deutsche Grammophon in 2006 and released his latest album in September 2013. Tickets $18-$55. 8 pm. Wortham Center, 501 Texas. 713.227.4772. spahouston.org

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datebook. Tarang Oct 18 A cross-cultural blend of melody and rhythm by a group of innovative musicians is a presentation of traditional Indian classical music wrapped in Western form. Tickets start at $35. 8 pm. Wortham Center, 501 Texas. 832.487.7041. iaahouston.com Shaping Sound Oct 19 Created by Emmy Award-nominated choreographers Travis Wall, Nick Lazzarin, Teddy Forance and Kyle Robinson, Shaping Sound is an electrifying mash-up of dance styles and musical genres brought fully to life on stage by a dynamic company of contemporary dancers. Audiences of all ages will experience the exhilarating collaboration of these visual musicians whose explosive choreography, dynamic rhythm, speed and physical strength give shape and form to sound. Tickets $54$109. Wortham Center, 501 Texas. 832.487.7041. brilliantlectures.org Ravel and Debussy Oct 23-26 Peer through a musical kaleidoscope as Conductor Laureate Hans Graf leads a program full of French imagery and evocative melodies. Ravel’s Mother Goose epitomizes his light and colorful musical style while Debussy’s trilogy Images explores colorful landscapes including Iberia, complete with castanets and orchestral effects reminiscent of a Spanish guitar. Also hear world-class pianist and Houston favorite Jon Kimura Parker in Ravel’s jazzy Piano Concerto. Tickets start at $29. Jones Hall, 615 Louisiana. 713.224.7575. houstonsymphony.org Otello Oct 24-Nov 7 Cruelly manipulated by his ensign Iago, Otello becomes convinced of his wife’s infidelity. Although she is innocent, Otello is driven to jealous rage with fatal consequences. Otello is a virtuosic fusion of great literature and sublime music. The result is riveting entertainment. Tickets start at $15. Wortham Center, 501 Texas. 713.228.6737. houstongrandopera.org

Ragtime, Blues & All That Jazz Oct 31-Nov 2 Hailed by the New York Times as “a powerful trumpeter, at ease with the most complicated and detailed bebop lines and an open-armed Armstrong swagger,” Byron Stripling returns, showcasing ragtime masters Scott Joplin and Jelly Roll Morton and blues legends B.B. King and Muddy Waters. Hear Byron’s entertaining anecdotes about the music and its creators from this unforgettable era. Tickets start at $29. Jones Hall, 615 Louisiana. 713.224.7575. houstonsymphony.org MOZART’S COSI fan tutte Oct 31-Nov 15 Having bet their friend Don Alfonso that their fiancées will resist any temptation, two young men are astounded by their lovers’ lack of devotion when courted by two “Albanian” soldiers. Of course, all is forgiven at the end of the comedy, and the farce is underscored by the genius of Mozart’s superb music and keen understanding of human nature. Tickets start at $15. Wortham Center, 501 Texas. 713.228.6737. houstongrandopera.org The Rocky Horror Show Oct – Select Dates When two young lovers are stranded in a rainstorm their only choice is to brave the castle of the mysterious Dr. Frank-N-Furter.

Enter a world of transvestites, monsters, and aliens in this horrorcomedy experience that is truly one of a kind. Special Halloween performance. Tickets $25-$30. The Kaleidoscope, 705 Main St., Suite B (facing Capitol St.). bayoucitytheatrics.com African Safari Nov 1 Intuitive African dance and drum culture will help the audience explore one of the world’s most diverse and fascinating continents: Africa. This passport adventure guides you through the sounds of exotic wildlife, beloved characters with Disney’s The Lion King as well as traditional African folk tunes and dance music. Tickets start at $29. Jones Hall, 615 Louisiana. 713.224.7575. houstonsymphony.org Leipzig Orchestra Nov 3 Houston Symphony presents the Leipzig Gewandhaus Orchestra, touted as “one of Europe’s finest orchestras” by The Guardian. This concert presentation marks a significant, historic partnership with the City of Houston, Houston-Leipzig Sister City Association and the Houston Symphony. Repertoire will include German composers Bach and Mendelssohn; Riccardo Chailly, the Gewandhaus Orchestra’s music director (or the “gewandhauskapellmeister”), will conduct. Tickets start at $29. Jones Hall, 615 Louisiana. 713.224.7575. houstonsymphony.org Joshua Bell Nov 5 Violin heavyweight and Houston favorite Joshua Bell returns to Jones Hall for a dazzling recital. Bell enchants audiences with his breathtaking virtuosity, tone of sheer beauty and charismatic stage presence. Tickets $21-$93. Jones Hall, 615 Louisiana. 713.227.4772. spahouston.org Footloose Nov 6-16 Dancing has been outlawed in Bomont. But when a new kid from Chicago comes to town, a group of teenagers defy their parents, teachers, and the law to save their right to expression. Cut Footloose with performers from both BCT’s main stage company and BCTEDU in this Broadway classic that will have you dancing all the way home. Tickets $25-$30. The Kaleidoscope, 705 Main St., Suite B (facing Capitol St.). bayoucitytheatrics.com Senegal St. Joseph Gospel Choir Nov 7 Direct from Dakar, Senegal, the Senegal St. Joseph Gospel Choir will make its Houston debut this fall. The Choir was founded in 1950 by Julien Jouga, the United Nations Educational, Scientific

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and Cultural Organization’s Ambassador Artist for Peace. Each Sunday, in the heart of Dakar’s most working-class neighborhood, the choir interprets gospel spirituals, traditional African songs and the magnificent masses that Jouga composed in his country’s four national languages. Tickets $21-$63. 8 pm. Jones Hall, 615 Louisiana. 713.227.4772. spahouston.org

PHOTO BY HUGH HAMRICK

David Sedaris Nov 8 Whether he is sharing his deliciously sarcastic take on the human condition on NPR’s This American Life, as a guest on the Late Show with David Letterman or through the incisive yet funny essays from one of his many bestselling books, Sedaris is wickedly entertaining. Expect cultural euphemisms and political correctness to get skewered again and again by this master of satire. He’ll read new and unpublished works. We can’t wait. Adult content. Tickets $26-$71. 8 pm. Jones Hall, 615 Louisiana. 713.227.4772. spahouston.org

Cecile McLorin Salvant Nov 8 Winner of the 2010 Thelonious Monk International Jazz Competition, vocalist Cecile McLorin Salvant has dazzled audiences around the world with her expressive style and masterful technique. Tickets $37.50-$67.50. 8 pm. Wortham Center, 501 Texas. 713.524.5050. dacamera.com The Galileo Project Nov 13 Explore the fusion of art, science and culture of the 17th and 18th centuries in this imaginative concert commemorating Galileo’s first public demonstration of the telescope. Tafelmusik musicians will perform the music from memory with a backdrop of high-definition images from the Hubble telescope and Canadian astronomers. The Galileo Project: Music of the Spheres features poetic narration, choreography and music by Monteverdi, Vivaldi, Bach and Handel. Tickets $30-$65. 8 pm. Wortham Center, 501 Texas. 713.524.5050. dacamera.com Ars Lyrica: Bach & Sons-At the Cafe Nov 14 The first of a season-long tribute to the great Bach dynasty, this program includes a rarely performed ode by Carl Phillipp Emanuel Bach; his younger brother Johann Christoph Friedrich Bach’s cantata Die Amerikanerin, plus patriarch Johann Sebastian Bach’s beloved Coffee Cantata. The concert features soprano Lauren Snouffer, mezzo-soprano Sarah Mesko, and baritone Mark Diamond. Tickets start at $25. 7:30 pm. Hobby Center, 800 Bagby. 713.315.2525. thehobbycenter.org Beethoven’s Fifth Nov 14-16 Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony is considered one of the most influential pieces of music ever written. This performance kicks off three weeks of Beethoven with Andres Orozco-Estrada and begins a three-year cycle of all nine Beethoven symphonies. Also, experience Lalo’s Symphony Eespagnole, which features brilliant Spanish violin melodies performed by Concertmaster Frank Huang. Tickets start at $29. Jones Hall, 615 Louisiana. 713.224.7575. houstonsymphony.org

HOUSTON Fall PUBLIC LIBRARY Calendar All events free and open to the public. Central Library, 500 McKinney. Julia Ideson Library, 550 McKinney 832.393.1313. houstonlibrary.org

Stories of a Workforce: Celebrating the Centennial of the Houston Ship Channel Through Jan 31 The unique and overarching approach of this exhibition is driven by the narratives and stories collected through oral histories augmented by objects such as equipment, garments, personal work logs that serve as emblems of a transformed workplace and work practices. SENSORY STORYTIME Sep 13, Oct 25, Nov 15 This is an interactive program for children with Autism Spectrum disorders, sensory integration issues, other developmental disabilities, and their typically developing peers. This program includes stories, songs and activities in a small setting. 2 pm. LibroFEST – Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month Sep 27 LibroFEST celebrates literature, poetry, and documentary filmmaking. Award-winning Colombian author Patricia Engel will discuss her book, It’s Not Love, It’s Just Paris. Live music and food trucks will be on the Central Library Plaza. Panel discussions featuring various editors, publishers and media personalities will be presented. An evening presentation by the fifth inaugural poet of the United States, Richard Blanco, will take place 6-8 pm. Houston Metropolitan Research Center Tours Sep 27 Houston Metropolitan Research Center (HMRC) presents, as part of LibroFEST celebration,

guided tours of the Texas Room and Closed Stacks of the HMRC located in the historic Julia Ideson Building with a special behindthe-scenes peek at the Hispanic Archival Collections with Mikaela Selley, Hispanic Collections Archivist. Tours: noon, 1:30 pm and 3 pm. ART THING! Sep 27, Oct 18, Nov 8 Learn about art and artists and make your own creation to take home. Free and open to the public. Free. 3 pm. FUN WITH SCIENCE EXPERIMENTS Oct 11, Nov 22 Create a science experiment with us! For schoolage children. 3 pm. DAY OF THE DEAD PARTY Nov 1 Celebrate this tradition with crafts, activities and all things skulls! 1 pm.

FAMILY FUN Mondays Baby Time, 10:30 am Toddler Time, 11:30 am Tuesdays Toddler Yoga, 10:30 am Toddler Playtime, 11:30 am Get Fit! Get FLYE!, 5:30 pm Wednesdays Tunes at Noon Legos & Duplos at the Library, 3:00 pm Thursdays Get Fit! Get FLYE!, 5:30 pm Saturdays Get Fit! Get FLYE!, 10:30 am

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datebook. Dirty Dancing Nov 18-23 The classic story on stage is an unprecedented live experience, exploding with heart-pounding music, passionate romance, and sensational dancing. Seen by millions across the globe, this worldwide smash hit tells the classic story of Baby and Johnny, two fiercely independent young spirits from different worlds who come together in what will be the most challenging and triumphant summer of their lives. Tickets start at $25. Hobby Center, 800 Bagby. 713.558.8887. thehobbycenter.org Mozart’s Requiem Plus Beethoven Nov 20-23 Opening with two Beethoven overtures and concluding with Mozart’s Requiem, Music Director Andres Orozco-Estrada leads the Houston Symphony and Chorus in a program exuding drama and heroism. The Requiem, Mozart’s final composition, remains one of his most compelling and impactful masterpieces. Capturing the essence of Mozart’s musical genius, it expresses intense emotion, both powerful and serene. Tickets start at $29. Jones Hall, 615 Louisiana. 713.224.7575. houstonsymphony.org Beethoven & Elgar Nov 22 Join Mercury for a performance of Beethoven and Elgar, Concerto Grosso, Op 6 No. 2. Tickets $18-$65. 8 pm. Wortham Center, 501 Texas. 713.533.0080. mercuryhouston.org Wortham Tree Lighting Ceremony Nov 26 Join us at the 27th Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony at Wortham Theater Center. Costumed characters from Houston Ballet’s The Nutcracker will be on hand to greet the public for the occasion, which has become a holiday tradition for many. 11 am. Free. Wortham Center, 501 Texas. 832.487.7000. worthamcenter.org The Nutcracker Nov 28-Dec 28 Journey with Clara as she dances on the arm of the Nutcracker Prince to the stunning Land of Snow and the delectable Kingdom of Sweets. There are so many reasons to delight in The Nutcracker: the giant Christmas tree, the dancing dolls, Mother Ginger and her adorable clowns, the lavish sets and the iconic Tchaikovsky score. Ben Stevenson’s production of The Nutcracker has entertained children and grown-ups for more than 25 years. Tickets start at $19. Wortham Center, 501 Texas. 713.227. ARTS. houstonballet.org Beethoven 1 & 4 Nov 28-30 This Thanksgiving, bring your family and friends to Jones Hall and give thanks for Beethoven. The composer’s First and Fourth Symphonies combine his compositional style coupled with nods to Mozart and Haydn’s spirited classical tradition. Principal Cellist Brinton Averil Smith performs Schumann’s Cello Concerto, which was described by legendary cellist Pablo Casals as “sublime music from beginning to end.” Tickets start at $29. Jones Hall, 615 Louisiana. 713.224.7575. houstonsymphony.org

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MARKET Fall SQUARE Calendar PARK SPECIAL EVENTS

READY HOUSTON PREPAREDNESS KIT CHEF’S CHALLENGE Sep 20 Houston-area top-chefs compete against one another to find out who can render the best possible cooking under less than favorable conditions. Stipulations include using preselected ingredients and non-perishable food items typically found in a survival preparedness kit and camp stoves to simulate food preparation conditions during a disaster. Local celebrity judges will help choose a favorite dish and the winner will receive a commemorative trophy to display in his or her restaurant. The Chef ’s Challenge is part of the ongoing regional Ready Houston campaign to inform residents about the need to prepare for emergencies before they happen. 11 am-12:30 pm. BLANKET BINGO Sep 18, Oct 16 The stakes are high for Blanket Bingo benefiting Buffalo Bayou Partnership. Bring your blanket, lawn chairs or snag one of the tables at the park for a night of music and great prizes. $10 admission includes one bingo packet (approx. nine games). Additional games and daubers can be purchased for $1 each. 6-9 pm. Bingo begins at 7 pm.

HTX BIKEFEST Nov 1 This uber-cool fest brings cyclists and bike enthusiasts from all over the city to celebrate their favorite mode of transportation: bikes! The event kicksoff with an all-day swap meet boasting more than 50 vendors focused on the bike friendly lifestyle and will feature a variety of demos from various bike sports such as bike polo, bmx/fixed gear freestyle, various cycling contests, a huge obstacle race course and sprint contests presented by Texas Gold Sprint’em. 10 am-6 pm

SAVE THE DATE DESIGNCRAFT HOLIDAY MARKET Dec 6 DesignCraft is AIGA Houston’s 5th annual outdoor market featuring the work of local artists, crafters, creatives and more. The one-day event allows Houstonians to discover

local, well-designed and crafted goods in their city, and gives vendors an opportunity to sell their work. Featuring demonstrations by local artisans and live music. 10 am-6 pm.

CONCERTS AT THE SQUARE

BRUCE & KELLY SHOW Oct 11 Austin natives, Bruce Robinson and Kelly Willis are both highly recognized solo artists, but this husband and wife duo admit, sometimes songs just sound better when they sing them together! Catch this extremely talented couple sing some cool country tunes at our very own, Market Square Park, before they branch off again to work on each of their upcoming solo projects. 7:30 pm. THE SUFFERS Oct 30 This local, 10-piece band redefines

the sound of Gulf Coast Soul by blending elements of classic American soul with rock-n-roll. The Suffers, winners of multiple Houston Press Music Awards and regulars in the Texas music festival scene, will rock the park with the bold sounds of their horn section and the beautiful voice of lead singer, Kam Franklin. 7:30 pm. MUSIQA Nov 8 Following the success of its 2013 fall Market Square concert, Musiqa returns to fill the park with the sounds of new music The concert features the music of four saxophonists, four percussionists as well as mixtures of both sax and percussion. From the driving rhythms of Julia Wolfe’s Dark Full Ride to the hypnotic pulsation of Steve Reich’s New York Counterpoint and the haunting lyricism of Kati Agocs’Hymn, the

park will be alive with music. Come early for a picnic dinner and hear the Musiqa Student Brass Ensemble perform the six original works created for the Market Square Clock Project. Pre-show begins at 6:30 pm with main event beginning at 7:30 pm.

MOVIES ALAMO DRAFTHOUSE CINEMAS ROLLING ROADSHOW PRESENTS THE QUIRKY & THE CLASSICS Forget about trekking to the ‘burbs for your Alamo fix. Join us at the Rolling Roadshow for these fantastic films under the stars. Sep 12 Caddyshack (R), 98 min | Friday, 8 pm Sep 27 The Big Chill (R), 105 min | Saturday, 7:30 pm Oct 22 Young Frankenstein (PG), 106 min | Wednesday, 7 pm Nov 14 Spaceballs (PG), 96 min | Friday, 7 pm

RECREATION BAYOU BIKERS Sep 7, Oct 5, Nov 2 Bayou Bikers meet

at Market Square on the first Sunday of the month for 25- to 40-mile bike rides exploring the bayous of Houston. Rides are open to all. Mountain bikes or bikes with fat tires are necessary. Saturdays, 8 am. CRITICAL MASS Sep 26, Oct 31, Nov 28 Critical Mass is an informal bike group that meets the last Friday of every month to ride around the city, raise awareness and advocate for a bicycle-friendly urban environment. All bikes are welcome. 7:15 pm.. bayoucityoutdoors.com HOUSTON B-CYCLE STATION Park visitors can purchase daily, weekly or annual memberships and explore downtown on two wheels. Thanks to Blue Cross Blue Shield, this bike sharing program has expanded from three to 14 stations throughout downtown, as well as in other areas of Houston.

For more information, visit houston.bcycle.com

Park Information

Market Square Park is open daily from 6 am 11 pm. Blankets, lawn chairs, and picnics are welcome; food, beer and wine are available for purchase at Niko Niko’s. No glass containers or outside alcoholic beverages, please. Metered on-street parking is available and free after 6 pm. $5 parking is available nightly across the street at Market Square Garage. 301 Milam. MarketSquarePark.com Be sure to visit Market Square Park on Facebook and Twitter for special event announcements, weather related updates and other happenings in the neighborhood’s eclectic dining and bar scene.

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DISCOVERY Fall GREEN Calendar The events listed are confirmed at the time of printing. For a full listing of Discovery Green fall 2014 events, please visit the calendar at discoverygreen.com Blankets, lawn chairs and picnics are welcome; food, beer and wine are available for purchase at the Lake House. No glass containers or outside alcoholic beverages permitted. Most events are free, unless noted otherwise.

vendors selling vintage clothing, antiques, jewelry, art and more under the stars and twinkle lights! 6-10 pm. Dog Days Sep 26-28 This dog-gone fun weekend includes DockDogs (canine athletes from Texas, Oklahoma and Louisiana competing in the South Central Regional Championship), a doggie costume contest, and Olate Dogs – a high-energy, fast-paced theatrical act featuring amazing pet tricks! Free to attend; fee to participate. See Discovery Green website for daily schedule. The Fab 40 Perform the Beatles REVOLVER Oct 4 40 Houston musicians recreate The Beatles Revolver live on stage. 8-10 pm.

SPECIAL EVENTS Sundown at The Grove Wednesdays Join us for craft brews, chef inspired food pairings, live music and the best views in Houston at the 3rd Annual Sundown at the Grove! 5:30-8 pm. Green Mountain Energy presents Discovery Green Flea by Night Sep 20, Oct 18 Food trucks, live music and

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Scream on the Green Oct 31 Have a spooky good time at Houston’s seventh annual citywide costume contest and Halloween celebration! Prizes, music and more. Watch Frankenweenie (PG) 2012, 87 min. 6-10 pm, movie starts at 7 pm. Green Mountain Energy presents Discovery Green Flea Nov 15 Food trucks, live music, bicycle repair workshop and vendors selling vintage clothing, antiques, collectibles, jewelry and more! Plus activities for children in the kids’ zone. 11 am-5 pm.

Entertainment Bank of America’s Screen on the Green Catch a free flick in the shadow of Houston’s skyline. Arrive one hour early for contests and activities. Sep 13 Rio 2 (G) 2014, 101 min. 8 pm. Oct 3 Happy Gilmore (PG-13) 1996, 92 min. 7:30 pm. Oct 31 Frankenweenie (PG) 2012, 87 min. 7 pm. Nov 1 Maleficent (PG) 2014, 97 min. 7 pm. THURSDAY CONCERTS PRESENTED BY GREEN MOUNTAIN ENERGY Family-friendly concerts showcasing the best music of the Gulf Coast. Anheuser-Busch Stage. *Sep 25 Paul Thorn, and Craig Kinsey Band Oct 2 Wild Moccasins and Buxton Oct 9 The Jones Family Singers, and Milton Hopkins *Oct 16 Rodney Crowell, and Grand Old Grizzly *Oct 23 T-Bird and The Breaks, and Mikey and The Drag Blankets, lawn chairs and picnics are welcome. No glass containers or outside alcoholic beverages. Food, beer and wine are available for purchase. *Recycle your Saint Arnold six-pack carriers and double your reward points at this concert. 6:30 pm.

ART Jorge Marín’s Wings of the City Sep 5-Feb 8 Interact with and be inspired by magnificent winged wonders. This exhibition of nine, large-scale bronze sculptures by Jorge Marín, one of Mexico’s most important contemporary figurative artists, invites viewers to an aesthetic experience where the perfection of the human body mixes with allegorical and fantastic creatures. 6 am-11 pm daily.

glass, paper, plastic and aluminum to the mobile recycling station at Discovery Green. 10 am-2 pm.

healthy living fitness CHIPOTLE in the park GREEN FILM

SERIES Films that educate and challenge us to care for the earth. Arrive early for activities and samples from Chipotle, Saint Arnold and Barefoot Bubbly. Nov 1 GMO OMG! (Not rated) 2013, 87 min. 8 pm.

Kayak Rides on Kinder Lake Weekends through Oct 26 Enjoy a relaxing, guided kayak ride. $5 per person, no reservation required. 11 am-5 pm. Kayak Camp Sep 7, Oct 5 Children ages 5-16 years old learn safety, instruction and paddling techniques. $5 per person. 11 am-5 pm. Recycling Saturdays Saturdays through Nov 15 Bring your

Bum-ba Toning Mondays through Nov 10 6:30-7:30 pm

CIRCUS ARTS Tuesdays through Nov 11 5:30-7 pm Core-Focused Yoga Tuesdays through Nov 11 6:30-7:30 pm Zumba Wednesdays through Nov 12 6:30-7:30 pm Blissful Warrior Yoga Saturdays through Nov 15 9-10 am Discovery Hoop Dance Sundays through Nov 16 10:30-11:30 am

families & children

LICENSED EVENTS

Take Me Outdoors Houston Sep 13 Sixth annual family-oriented festival. Have fun with hands-on education opportunities and local attractions at this celebration of of the great outdoors. 11 am-5 pm.

Improving Birth National Rally - Houston Sep 1 Learn about evidence-based care during pregnancy and birth, with fun for the whole family. 10 am-1 pm.

Toddler Tuesdays presented by Amerigroup RealSolutions® Tuesdays through Oct 28 Story-time activities with your favorite characters. 10:30 am. Orbit Slams Sep 12, Oct 10, Nov 14 WITS writing and slam workshops for poets ages 13-19. 6-7:30 pm. Young Writers Workshop Saturdays through Nov 15 Houston’s only free writing workshop for kids presented by Writers in the Schools, HPL Express and Discovery Green. 10:3011:30 am.

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Houston: No Limits CityFest Sep 6 Celebrate all things Houston with live music by local bands, interactive displays, giveaways, photo booth, vendor tents, free children’s activities and more. Food and refreshments will be available for purchase. 10 am-2 pm. thecitywithnolimits.com

Friends for Life Sep 20, Nov 15 A state-of-the-art animal adoption center on wheels brings pets to people in style! Free admission, adoption fees apply. Noon4 pm. nokill1.org Untapped Beer Festival Sep 20 A craft beer and indie music festival. 3-10 pm. Ticket

fees apply. untapped-festival.com

Korean Festival Oct 18 Connect with Korea through an authentic culinary and cultural experience. 10 am-7 pm. koreanfestivalhouston.com

The Houston Halloween Festival Oct 19 The ultimate Sunday Funday! This all-day music fest and Halloween/ horror convention raises money for local children and animal charities. Noon-10 pm. Ticket fees apply. houstonhalloweenfest.org

Margarita Festival Oct 24 The ultimate margarita celebration, fueled by a who’s who list of Houston’s favorite bands. Noon10 pm. Ticket fees apply. houstonmargaritafest.com

Volunteer Houston’s 40th Birthday Celebration and Volunteer Fair Oct 26 Volunteer Houston celebrates 40 years of connecting people to their

volunteer passions. 10 am-3pm. volunteerhouston.org

Picnic in the Park with SEARCH Oct 30 A festive evening party that addresses the serious issue of homelessness. 6-9 :30 pm. Ticket fees apply. searchhomeless.org

Houston Fine Art Festival Nov 1, 2 Become an art collector! National artisans will display and sell original tapestries, paintings, sculpture, photography, jewelry, ceramics and more. 10 am-5 pm Nov 1 ; 11 am-5 pm Nov 2. paragonartevents.com

Houston Family Magazine’s Fun Fest! Nov 2 Celebrate the fall at Houston Family Magazine’s free Fun Fest! houstonfamilyfunfest.com

Lone Star Music Festival Nov 7, 8 Live music, local arts, great food. 4-10 pm Nov 7; noon10 pm Nov 8. Ticket fees apply. lonestarmusicfestival.com

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FESTIVALS & SPECIAL EVENTS City Hall Farmers Market Wednesdays (Starting Sep 17) It’s a food-lovers delight at Urban Harvest’s City Hall Farmers Market. The market hosts more than 40 vendors with an array of locally grown fruits and vegetables, as well as a variety of prepared lunch items made from local ingredients. Wednesdays, 11 am-1:30 pm. City Hall, 901 Bagby. 713.880.5540. greenhoustontx.gov Thursday Night Live Music Thursdays through Nov 20 Head to GreenStreet for live music Thursday nights in November. 5-8 pm. Free. GreenStreet, 1201 Fannin Street. greenstreetdowntown.com HOUSTON BRAZILIAN FESTIVAL Sep 6 Enjoy a fun and educational day celebrating Brazilian culture through live music, games, performances, food and more. Tickets $8-$10. 2-10 pm. Jones Plaza, 601 Louisiana. brazilianarts.org Marine Biologist for a Day Sep 6, Oct 4, Nov 1 See if you have what it takes to become a marine biologist. Spend a day behind the scenes where all the scientific action happens. Experience close encounters with exotic species from the deep sea to shallow reef and everywhere in between. You’ll even get to dissect a squid. Program includes guided tour, biologist dive show, squid dissection, animal feedings and much more. T-shirts and lunch included. Ages 6-12. Reservations required. Downtown Aquarium, 410 Bagby. 713.223.3474. downtownaquarium.com Aziz Ansari Sep 12 Aziz Ansari, co-star of the Emmy-nominated NBC series Parks and Recreation, is one of the biggest stars in the comedy world. Rolling Stone put him on the cover of their special comedy issue labeling him “the funniest man under 30.” Catch this comedian when he makes his stop in Houston this September. Tickets $35-$55. Toyota Center, 1510 Polk. 866.446.8849. houstontoyotacenter.com

kayaks, canoes, fishing boats and other floatable modes of transport to Buffalo Bayou. 11 am-1 pm with finish line festivities following. Allen’s Landing to Tony Marron Park, 1001 Commerce Street. 713.752.0314. buffalobayou.org Games on the Green Sep 18, Oct 16, Nov 20 The open-air green space also known as The Lawn at GreenStreet will be transformed into an outdoor playing field filled with everything from giant Jenga, bocce ball, live music and more. Lucky Strike will also have an interactive booth on-site as well. 5-8 pm. Free. GreenStreet, 1201 Fannin Street. greenstreetdowntown.com S.L.A.M Sep 19 The S.L.A.M. Tour is a never-seen-before extravaganza of Indian cinema’s magic that has gripped the world. Glitz and glamour combine with cutting-edge technology, world-class production, and slick and stylized choreography for a spectacle that you must see to believe. Don’t miss your chance to see the superstars of Indian cinema, such as Shahrukh Khan and Deepika Padukone together on stage this September. Tickets $65-$300. Toyota Center, 1510 Polk. 866.446.8849. houstontoyotacenter.com Puerto Rican Cuban festival Sep 20, 21 A day of culture, celebration and live music featuring all the flavors of the region through art music, food, fashion and car shows. Tickets start at $13. Sam Houston Park, 1000 Bagby. prcfestival.com Zoologist for a Day Sep 20, Oct 18, Nov 15 See if you have what it takes to become a zoologist for a day. Spend a day behind the scenes where all the scientific action happens. Experience close encounters with exotic species from the deep sea to shallow reef and everywhere in between. You’ll even get to dissect a squid.

Afloat! (A Parade on Water) Sep 13 This parade on water presented by Houston Arts Alliance brings together dragon boats,

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Program includes guided tour, biologist dive show, squid dissection, animal feedings and much more. T-shirts and lunch included. Ages 6-12. Reservations required. Downtown Aquarium, 410 Bagby. 713.223.3474. downtownaquarium.com Wild Dreams Overnight Sep 20, Nov 15 You’ve seen our white tigers of the Maharaja’s Temple, now you can learn about their cousins in the wild. Explore the rainforests of the world and learn about conservation through the eyes of a tiger. Get ready to stay up late, learn all about tigers, go on a scavenger hunt, sleep within inches of these awesome animals, plus so much more. Perfect for groups. Includes a snack, T-shirt and breakfast in the Aquarium Restaurant. Advanced registration required. Downtown Aquarium, 410 Bagby. 713.223.3474. downtownaquarium.com

Yappy Hour Sep 25 Have a dog-gone good time with Bayou Buddies during “Yappy Hour,” a happy hour for you and your dog on Sabine Promenade (21+ event)! Learn more about the dog park at Buffalo Bayou Park (located at Studemont and Allen Parkway) scheduled for completion at the end of 2014. 6–8pm. Tickets $15 for Bayou Buddies and $20 for general admission. Sabine Promenade, 106 Sabine. 713.752.0314. buffalobayou.org FRIDAY FLICKS ON The Lawn Sep 26, Oct 24 Guests are invited to bring out blankets, or dine on a nearby patio while enjoying an outdoor movie. September 26 - Romy and Michele’s High School Reunion, October 24 - Ghostbusters. 8 pm. Free. GreenStreet, 1201 Fannin Street. greenstreetdowntown.com Sharkey’s Luau Sep 27 Join Sharkey for festive food, hula lessons, Polynesian dancing, activities and more! Reservations required. Downtown Aquarium, 410 Bagby. 713.223.3474. downtownaquarium.com BAYOU CITY ART FESTIVAL Oct 11 The annual, juried fine art event boasts an outdoor gallery brimming with 300 artists working in 19 artistic media. Adding to the festive outdoor gallery are wine cafes, a creative zone for children, restaurants and a performing arts stage with ongoing multicultural and dance entertainment. Hermann Square, 901 Bagby. bayoucityartfestival.com

Barkitecture Oct 17, 18 The sixth annual Barkitecture event invites local architecture and builder firms to craft unique and stylish dog houses, to support Pup Squad Animal Rescue. Yappy Hour takes place on Friday evening from 5-9 pm. Saturday’s event which features live music, vendors, a tour, a charity auction and more takes place from noon-5 pm. greenstreetdowntown.com 8th Annual KBR Kids Day – Wild on Buffalo Bayou Oct 18 Activity stations will include numerous hands-on nature-themed activities from more than 20 Houston nonprofit organization partners, pontoon boat tours, local entertainment and performers, kayak and skateboarding demos, face painters, balloon artists and so much more. Additionally, there will be a Halloween costume parade, so come dressed as your favorite wild animal, reptile or insect. Food and drink available for sale. 11 am–3 pm. Free. Sabine Promenade, 106 Sabine. 713.752.0314. buffalobayou.org

Oprah’s Live The Life You Want Weekend Oct 17, 18 Toyota Center is excited to welcome Oprah Winfrey’s The Life You Want Weekend. On Friday night, Oprah will take the stage, bringing her personal story and insights to life in a oneof-a-kind intimate evening. On Saturday, Oprah will lead a daylong gathering of thousands with handpicked thought leaders and pop culture icons, including the best-selling author of Eat Pray Love. houstontoyotacenter.com

Smash the Squash Oct 18-19, 25-26 Our white tigers love Halloween! Come watch them train with, eat and pounce on pumpkins. Exhibit ticket required to watch tigers train, $10.99 adults/$7.99 children (exhibit only, does not include rides). Downtown Aquarium, 410 Bagby, 713.223.3474. downtownaquarium.com HALLOWEEN GET YOUR GHOUL ON Oct 31 Clad yourself in a costume and bring your bone appétit to MKT BAR for morbid munchies,

specials on smokin’ sangria, vampire wine, pumpkin gelato and soul-grooving music. Tricks and treats abound and there’s even an award for best costume. 7 pm-2 am. MKT Bar, 1001 Austin Street. 832.360.2222. mktbar.com Nick Swardson Nov 1 Actor, producer, screenwriter and stand-up comedian, Nick Swardson, makes his way to Houston with a collection of inappropriate jokes and lots of laughter. Tickets start at $39.50. 8 pm. Bayou Music Center, 520 Texas. 800.745.3000. bayoumusiccenter.com HOUSTON SALUTES AMERICAN HEROES VETERANS DAY CELEBRATION Nov 11 Mayor Annise D. Parker and the City of Houston will show support for our armed forces and celebrate Veterans Day with a ceremony, parade and job fair. The American Heroes Parade starts on Bagby, turns east on Dallas, heads north on Louisiana, turns west on Walker, south on Smith, west on Lamar and ends back on Bagby. 10 am-2 pm. houstontx.gov/nov11 Houston Cinema Arts Festival 2014 Nov 12-16 A film and multimedia arts festival thatshowcases films by and about artists in the visual, performing and literary arts. This five-day multivenue festival includes more than 50 narrative and documentary films, an interactive video installation gallery, 16mm screening room, live multimedia performances, Meet the Makers workshops, free outdoor events and free student field trip screenings. Tickets start at $12. Sundance Cinemas, 501 Texas. hcaf14.org

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NBC’s Last Comic Standing Live Tour Nov 19 Stretch your laugh muscles as the finalists of NBC’s Last Comic Standing bring their stand-up comedy acts to Houston. Tickets $29.50-$49.50. 8 pm. Bayou Music Center, 520 Texas. 800.745.3000 bayoumusiccenter.com Amy Schumer Nov 22 Comedian Amy Schumer, a season 5 finalist on NBC’s Last Comic Standing and the star of Comedy Central’s Inside Amy Schumer, will entertain the Houston audience with her provocatively entertaining show. Tickets start at $42. 8 pm. Bayou Music Center, 520 Texas. 800.745.3000. bayoumusiccenter.com

SPEAKER SERIES

INPRINT DAVID MITCHELL READING Sep 21 David Mitchell—named one of the 100 most influential people in the world by Time in 2007 and author of the novel Cloud Atlas—will read from his latest book The Bone Clocks to open the 34th season of the Inprint Margarett Root Brown Reading Series. Tickets $5. 7:30 pm. Cullen Theater, Wortham Center, 501Texas Avenue. 713.521.2026 inprinthouston.org

INPRINT DEBORAH EISENBERG & ANTONYA NELSON READING Oct 13 Deborah Eisenberg, MacArthur Foundation fellow and PEN/Faulkner Award-winning author of The Collected Stories of Deborah Eisenberg, and Antonya Nelson, Cullen Chair in Creative Writing at the University of Houston Creative Writing Program and author of seven story collections, including her latest Funny Once, will read from their works as part of the 2014/2015 Inprint Margarett Root Brown Reading Series. Tickets $5. 7:30 pm. Cullen Theater, Wortham Center, 501 Texas Avenue. 713.521.2026. inprinthouston.org INPRINT MICHAEL CUNNINGHAM READING Nov 10 Michael Cunningham, Pulitzer Prize-winning author of The Hours, will read from his latest novel, The Snow Queen, as part of the 2014/2015 Inprint Margarett Root Brown Reading Series. The reading will be followed by an on-stage interview, book sale and signing. Tickets $5. 7:30 pm. Cullen Theater, Wortham Center, 501 Texas Avenue. 713.521.2026. inprinthouston.org

VIA COLORI STREET FESTIVAL Nov 22, 23 Amazing chalk artists transform the streets of Downtown into colorful optical illusions and masterpieces in a festival benefiting the Center for Hearing and Speech. Enjoy food, beverages and live music. Free. Hermann Square and City Hall, 900 Smith Street. houstonviacolori.com 65th ANNUAL H-E-B THANKSGIVING DAY PARADE Nov 27 The Houston Thanksgiving Day Parade is one of the oldest parades in the country. Decorative floats, colorful marching bands, high-flying balloons, and other uniquely artistic entries will take over Downtown’s streets for the celebration. The parade begins at Lamar and Smith Street. Viewing areas include: Smith to Walker, Walker to Milam, Milam to Pease, to Louisiana, to Clay and ends at Smith and Dallas. 9am. Free. houstonspecialevents.org

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EXHIBITS & VISUAL ARTS A NEW VISUAL VOCABULARY: DEVELOPMENTS IN TEXAS MODERNISM FROM 1935-1965 Through Oct 8 An art exhibition highlighting the work of diverse artists who changed the aesthetic landscape in Texas. Mon-Fri, 8 am-6 pm. The Allen Center Gallery, 500 Dallas (second level). 713.336.2280. artsbrookfield.com LIVING LINES Through Oct 9 Arts Brookfield presents Living Lines. Artist Lynn Randolph has been commissioned to create a mural at Total Plaza on view until Oct 9. The mural consists of an expansion of images and words from her sketchbooks in the creation of a mural 16 feet long to add a touch of inspiration to your day and the opportunity to pause and reflect. Mon-

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FASHION HOUSTON 2014 Nov 18-21 An unparalleled fashion event, shining as brightly as the Lone Star itself, this pinnacle of bigcity style is infused with down-home charm. Fashion Houston brings the most-talented designers, the most-celebrated models, and worshippers of style from around the globe to Houston. Tickets start at $30. Wortham Center, 501 Texas. 832.487.7041. fashionhouston.net

Fri, 8 am-6 pm. Total Plaza, 1201 Louisiana (street level). 713.336.2280. artsbrookfield.com Women In Architecture Oct 9-Jan 16 The exhibit will spotlight contributions women have made to the profession and will provide a current snapshot of the changing role of women in this field. Profiles of exceptional women in architecture and related practices such as planning, interiors, and sustainability will be examined in video, text and images. ArCH Houston (315 Capitol, Ste. 120, 77002). 713.520.0155. aiahouston.org Answering the Call to Serve: Camp Logan, Houston, Texas 1917-1919 Through Nov 15 Learn about the hidden part of Houston’s history that resides in the underbrush at Memorial Park. The exhibit explores the history of Camp Logan with the help of local archeologists

and will feature the Heritage Society’s Permanent Collection of Camp Logan materials. Free. Heritage Society, 1100 Bagby Street. 713.655.1912. heritagesociety.org TEXAS TREASURES: FINE FURNISHINGS FROM THE HERITAGE SOCIETY’S KELLUM-NOBLE HOUSE Through Dec 31 Arts Brookfield in cooperation with the Heritage Society presents an exhibition featuring more than 100 Texas-made furnishings from the mid-19th century. The items on view are from the Heritage Society’s 1847 Kellum-Noble House, which is currently being renovated. Mon-Fri, 11 am-2 pm. One Allen Center, 500 Dallas (second floor). 713.336.2280 artsbrookfield.com VISUAL ARTS ALLIANCE 32ND JURIED OPEN EXHIBITION Sep 9-Nov 14 Arts Brookfield presents Visual Arts Alliance 32nd Juried Membership Exhibition. MonFri, 8 am-6 pm. 1600 Smith (Concourse Level). 713.336.2280. artsbrookfield.com

CONCERTS Bayou Music Center Sep 5 NEEDTOBREATHE Sep 24 The Piano Guys Sep 27 David Gray Oct 1 Santana Oct 2 Experience Hendrix Oct 3 Iggy Azalea Oct 10, 11 Erasure Oct 15 Rodrigo y Gabriela Oct 18 Brand New Nov 6 alt-J Nov 26 The 1975 Nov 28 SoMo Bayou Music Center concert calendar is regularly updated. Check online for more info and to purchase tickets. Bayou Music Center, 520 Texas. 800.745.3000. livenation.com House of Blues Sep 3 De La Tierra Sep 5 John McLaughlin Sep 5 The Molly Ringwalds Sep 7 Stick Figure Sep 9 B-Side Players Sep 12 Bunbury Sep 13 Lily Allen Sep 17 Coheed and Cambria Sep 18 Paradise Fears Sep 19 Conor Oberst Sep 20 DJ Shadow & Cut Chemist Sep 21 Theory Of A Deadman Sep 25 The Airborne Toxic Event Sep 26 Citizen Cope Sep 26 Lee Fields & The Expressions Sep 27 The War on Drugs Sep 28 The Pretty Reckless

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Oct 3 Interpol Oct 4 Sam Smith Oct 6 Fitz & The Tantrums Oct 7 Machine Head Oct 8 Zoe Oct 9 Bonobo Oct 9 MØ Oct 10 SBTRKT Oct 11 The Glitch Mob Oct 24 La Ley Oct 25 Anberlin Oct 31 Julian Casablancas Nov 3 Matisyahu Nov 7 Nick Carter & Jordan Knight Nov 18 Willie Nelson Nov 21 Reliant K HOB’s concert calendar is regularly updated. Check online for more info and to purchase tickets. House of Blues, GreenStreet, 1204 Caroline. 888.402.5837. hob.com Toyota Center Sep 25 Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers Sep 27 Marc Anthony Oct 10, 11 Katy Perry Oct 19 Enrique Iglesias & Pitbull Nov 15 The Black Keys Toyota Center’s concert calendar is regularly updated. Check online for more info and to purchase tickets. Toyota Center, 1510 Polk. 713.4HOUTIX. toyotacentertix.com

EXPOS HOUSTON ANTIQUES ART & DESIGN SHOW Sep 19, 21 This show will feature 125 premiere exhibitors from across the U.S., Canada and Europe in beautiful room settings offering fine antique furniture, decorative and fine arts that represent all design movements from ancient to the 20th-century modern. Tickets $15. 11 am-7 pm on Friday and Saturday, 11 am-5 pm on Sunday. George R. Brown Convention Center, 1001 Avenida de las Americas. houstonantiquesartdesign.com HIGH CALIBER GUN & KNIFE SHOW Oct 4, 5 See hundreds of displays of new and old guns, ammo, gun parts, books, knives, knife sharpeners, coins, camouflage items and more all at discount prices. Tickets $8. 9 am-5 pm Oct 4, 10 am-4 pm Oct 5. George R. Brown Convention Center, 1001 Avenida de las Americas. 281.331.5969. texasgunshows.com INTERNATIONAL QUILT FESTIVAL Oct 30-Nov 2 The world’s largest quilt show, sale, and quilt-making academy will feature more than 1,500 quilts and fiber artworks on display, shopping at more than 1,100 booths, and more than 365 classes, lectures, and special events from which to choose. Founded in 1974, the International Quilt Festival has been dubbed “The World’s Fair of Quilts” by Southern Living. Admission starts at $9. George R. Brown Convention Center, 1001 Avenida de las Americas. 713.781.6864. quilts.com

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TOURS Twilight Tours Sep 6 These 30-minute pontoon boat cruises are a great way to spend the summer evenings with your family and friends. First-come. First-served, no reservations, 20 person max per trip. 6-8:30pm. Tickets $7 for adults, $5 for children 4-12. Downtown’s Sabine Promenade along Buffalo Bayou 713.752.0314. buffalobayou.org Kayak Tours Sep 6 Join North Lake Conroe Paddling Company to experience the heart of Houston while gliding down its flowing bayou ... in a kayak. These are fun, group trips for all skill levels of paddlers. Join other water lovers, from age 8 and up, who enjoy recreating and meeting new paddlers, on this three-hour trip. All equipment is supplied for you, including the tandem (2-person) sit-on-top kayaks. Tickets $60 per person. 9 am-1 pm. Reservations required. Tour departs and ends at Allen’s Landing. 936.203.2697. northlakeconroepaddlingco.com WAUGH BRIDGE Bat COLONY Pontoon Boat TOURS Sep 13, Sep 27 Enjoy an amazing view of the bats’ dusk emergence and learn more about these magnificent flying mammals that share the city with us. Cancellations must take place 48 hours prior to the boat tour. Depart at dusk, time depends on day of the month (reservations required). Tickets $35 for adults, $20 for children 4-12. Allen’s Landing. 713.752.0314. buffalobayou.org Buffalo Bayou WALKING TOUR Sep 19, Oct 24 Join Buffalo Bayou Partnership and Katy Prairie Conservancy for a docent-led tour of the prairie areas in Buffalo Bayou Park, which will eventually have 11 acres of urban prairie land along the Shepherd to Sabine stretch of Buffalo Bayou. Learn about the importance of prairies and the historical background behind these sites. 6-7 pm. Free. Reservations required. Lee & Joe Jamail Skate Park, 150 Sabine Street, 77007. 713.752.0314. buffalobayou.org Second Saturday Buffalo Bayou Boat Rides Oct 11, Nov 8 These 30-minute pontoon boat cruises are a great way to spend the afternoon with your family and friends. First-come first-served, no reservations, 20 person max per trip. 10 am-2 pm. Tickets $7 for adults, $5 for children 4-12. Downtown’s Sabine Promenade along Buffalo Bayou. 713.752.0314. buffalobayou.org DISCOVER HOUSTON TOURS Ghost tours, tunnel walks and rail tours, architectural tours and more are available. Tour guide Sandra Lord is the resident expert and has been conducting downtown and Houston tours since 1988. Ticket prices vary. 713.222.9255. discoverhoustontours.com HERITAGE SOCIETY HISTORIC HOMES TOUR Nestled among 19 acres in the heart of downtown

Houston, the Heritage Society boasts eight historic structures dating from 1823 to 1905. Each historic structure is authentically restored to reflect its original magnificence. Tickets $15 adults, $12 seniors, $6 children 6-8 and kids under 5 are free. Sam Houston Park, 1100 Bagby. Times vary. 713.655.1912. heritagesociety.org MINUTE MAID PARK TOUR Get a behind-the-scenes look at Minute Maid Park including historic Union Station, broadcasting booth or press boxes, Astros’ or visitors’ dugout, luxury suites and much more. Tickets $9 adults, $7 seniors and $5 for kids 3-14. Mon-Sat 10 am, noon, 2 pm. Minute Maid Park, 501 Crawford. 713.259.8687. astros.com SAINT ARNOLD BREWING COMPANY TOUR Come visit Texas’ oldest craft brewery in their new location. Every Saturday, the doors open at 11 am and groups will rotate in and out of the facility in an open-house format until 2 pm. If Saturdays don’t work for you, check out their weekday open house at 3 pm. After the tour, guests are welcome to stay for a free tasting. Tickets $7, no reservations required. All minors under the age of 21 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. 2000 Lyons at I-10. saintarnold.com SEGWAY TOURS OF HOUSTON Like the rest of Texas, Downtown Houston is a pretty big place to walk around. There are a lot of things to see up close and from a distance. Experience the Bayou City, once the capitol city of the sovereign country of Texas, while you have effortless fun on a Segway. $75-$80. Meet at Wortham Center, 501 Texas. Daily. 10 am, noon, 2 pm, 4 pm and 6 pm. 866.673.4929.segwaytoursofhouston.com

SPORTS HOUSTON ASTROS For schedule info and tickets, call or visit website. Minute Maid Park, 501 Crawford. 877.927.8767. astros.com Fiestas Patrias Sep 20 Pregame street festival outside Minute Maid Park starts at 3 pm. Live music, food vendors and activities for all ages. HOUSTON DYNAMO For schedule info and tickets, call or visit website. BBVA Compass Stadium, 2200 Texas. 713.276. GOAL. houstondynamo.com HOUSTON ROCKETS For schedule info and tickets, call or check the website. Toyota Center, 1510 Polk. 866.4HOUTIX. rockets.com TEXAS SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY FOOTBALL For schedule info and tickets, call or check the website. BBVA Compass Stadium, 2200 Texas. 713.313.4263. athletics.tsu.com

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TAKE YOUR INNER FOODIE TO LUNCH. With dozens of restaurants to choose from, it’s easy to find the perfect fit.

Great Wraps • Chick-fil-A • Massa’s Seafood Grill • Snap Kitchen Bullritos • Potbelly Sandwich Shop • Tejas Grill & Sports Bar • Treebeards

1200 McKinney St., Houston, TX 77010 • ShopsatHC.com