The Ritz Carlton Club and Residences

Vail, CO

theresidencesvail.com

877-525-3620

The Ritz Carlton Company continues to push the envelope by appointing Tom Hays as the first and only Wellness Concierge at the worldwide company. From his home base at The Ritz Carlton Club and Residences in Vail, CO, he says, ”wellness is very high on people’s list of what’s important to them.” The seed of the Wellness Concierge concept is to anticipate needs. There are so many trends, from hot yoga, Pilates, P90X to the Tracy Anderson Method, active spa goers can have their own, favorite routine. “We cannot provide all of those things internally, so our concept is to provide solutions,” he says. “I do not teach Pilates, but I will schedule it for you.” And so it goes, Hays offers consultations on nutrition, allergies and diet restrictions. “When you come to the Ritz, you should not have to change the lifestyle you are in the course of living,” he says. At the same time, Hays and his team help guests explore new healthy options.

What’s Hot Now?

Poolside Yoga “Sun salutations should take the cue from the early morning sun,” says Hays. When the sun is low in the sky, the temperature is cooler. “We salute the sun with the Rocky Mountains as a backdrop.”

Body Sculpting An older crowd attends this class because the focus is not on lifting weights, but using your own body weight to provide resistance. The class is filled with push-ups, pull-ups, planks and balancing on the stability ball. This low-key class doesn’t result in high sweat; rather, it focuses on neuromuscular training, injury prevention, toning and definition as opposed to physical, functional training.

Sullivan’s re-opens Thursday

From Zaidi Syed, General Manager, Sullivan’s Steakhouse of Houston:

Less than 48 hours after a small grease fire caused minor damage to the Sullivan’s Steakhouse kitchen, located at 4608 Westheimer, Houston, TX 77027, the restaurant has re-opened for business. The fire, which occurred shortly before midnight on Valentine’s Day, caused no structural damage and resulted in no injuries. Repairs in the kitchen began immediately and the restaurant has been cleared to resume normal operations.

Dinner service will run as normal from 5:30 to 11 p.m. this evening, Thursday, February 16, 2012. Ringside, the lively lounge located inside of Sullivan’s Steakhouse will also swing into action tonight featuring the Buck Yeager Band from 9 p.m. – 1 a.m. Performances on Friday, February 17^th include Nobody’s Fool from 9 p.m. – 1 a.m and on Saturday, February 18^th a Mardi Gras party from 9 p.m. – 1 a.m.

About Sullivan’s of Houston Steakhouse:

Sullivan’s has been a local Houston mainstay for the last 10 years. Sullivan’s 1940′s styled steakhouse features the finest steaks and seafood, hand-shaken martinis, and great live music inside the Ringside jazz lounge. With 20 locations across the U.S., Sullivan’s offers comfortable fine dining in a lively atmosphere.

The bar boasts live entertainment Wednesday through Saturday and is graced with a beautiful baby grand piano, high-end cognacs, single malt scotches, and an incredible wine selection. Whether it’s for business, pleasure or both, Sullivan’s is quickly becoming Houston’s favorite local steakhouse.

Zaidi Syed serves as Sullivan’s General Manager along side Sullivan’s of Houston Executive Chef Teli Trikilis.

Sullivan’s offers lunch service Monday – Friday; 11a.m. – 2 p.m. and dinner service Monday – Saturday; 5:30 p.m. – 11p.m., and 5 p.m. – 10 p.m. on Sundays. Ringside is open Wednesday – Saturday; 8:30p.m – 1p.m. To make advance reservations for dinner or special events in the wine room, call (713) 961-0333.

 

The Spa at Four Seasons Provence

FOCUS ON DAILY FITNESS

Var, France

www.fourseasons.com/provence

33-04-94-39-90-00

 

The luxury, five-star resort is continuing to reinvent its wellness initiatives by offering a six-day, all-inclusive package.

What’s Hot Now?

Personalized Well-Being Program This six-day experience focuses on daily fitness regimens, slimming spa treatments and healthy cuisine. The package also enlists a nutritionist to create a balanced and complete plan for each person. Three hours of fitness instruction and one hour of guided meditation per day are included. Some of the fitness programs include Pilates, Body Sculpt, Aquafitness, Stretching, Fitball and Posture and Aquagym.

MOKARA spa

FOCUS ON BEAUTY: Houston, TX

www.omnihotels.com

713-871-8181

Spas across the country are offering their own version of B & Bs. But, at the MOKARA spa at the Omni Hotel in Houston, B&B stands for Brow Designs and Blow Outs. Typically, you would have the brow boot camp and the blow out simultaneously.  The brow boot camp is completely customized based on the state of your brows. The blow out bar styles can be customized based on your lifestyle, or whether or not you are on your way to a special event.

What’s Hot Now?

 

Brow Boot Camp According to Spa Director Laura Latronico, “The brow design experience is a definite way to enhance any woman’s face, in a fashion-forward, non-invasive atmosphere.” First, meet with a brow specialist who leads “boot camp” for unruly brows. The shape of your face and brows are analyzed and shapelier brows are designed. She pencils in your new shape, showing proper angle or arch. If applicable, a “no-tweeze zone” is identified.

NuFACE Facial Toning True magic happens via “NuFace.” Some call this handheld device a “Pilates trainer for your face.” The tiny machine delivers small electronic pulses to the forehead, eyebrows, and upper and outer eye, re-educating muscles and giving tired eyes a lift.

Blow Out Bar Treat yourself to a shampoo and blow dry. We all know our hair looks best when coifed by an expert. This is a perfect pick-me-up for active spa goers.

Weekend in Wimberley

Looking for a quick getaway with a nod to yesterday? Chill out in Wimberley.  By Laurette M. Veres

Chill Out

A little off the beaten path, you drive on dirt roads, over one-lane bridges and dodge armadillos, possums and deer. What a great get-away.

It was a little stressful finding our cabin.  After navigating winding dirt roads with numerous switchbacks and deer sightings, we found our cabin and headed to dinner.  It took me a while to wind down. Just off the main drag, Ino’z Brew and Chew’s picturesque setting is the perfect location to enjoy a hill country sunset.  The open-air deck looks down on the Blanco River.  At first glance, I think the tables are too close to each other, promoting socializing and I’m not here to chat; I’m here to get away. As the final rays of the sun peak through the Cypress trees, I realize everyone here knows each other.  Before long, this Houstonian finally starts to wind down.  The tuna-stuffed-tomato is just the right size for a light lunch or dinner.  Soon, we converse with the family at the next table.  And the table next to them.  Along the river, there is a ceremony.  Is it a wedding?  No, women have joined together to thank God for the rain.  Yes, people in Wimberley have time to say thank you for rain.

Wake Up and Shop

Get lost in San Marcos’ Premium Outlets.  Most major brands have outposts here.  We visit a few, just to make sure the prices are lower. All this shopping makes us hungry.

The line at Centerpoint Station is long and for good reason.  Half of this establishment is an Americana memorabilia store with fun brands like Brighton and Vera Bradley. The other half is a counter service casual eatery. The fresh salad is brimming with bacon, pecans, strawberries and feta cheese.  It’s the buttery bread that makes the burger so flavorful and has earned the accolade “best burger in Hays County.”

Great Grapes

In the heart of the hill country, Trattoria Lisina is an unexpected, rustic Italian oasis.  Reminiscent of an Italian Villa, this is the closest you’ll come to Tuscany in Texas.  Enjoy wine in the tasting room, or try to snag a seat in the sold out dining room.  Enjoy Veal or chicken marsala, prime rib, asparagus and gelato or tiramisu.

Moreover, enjoy the slower pace of life. Where diners aren’t anxious to get their checks and always make time for desert.

Essentials:

Ino’z Brew & Chew, 14004 Ranch Rd 12, Wimberley, 512-847-6060

Centerpoint Station, S IH 35, San Marcos, 512-392-1103

Trattoria Lisina 13308 FM 150 West
Driftwood, 512- 894-3111

 

 

Spa Montage Deer Valley – Sundance Festival Starts Today

FOCUS ON BREATH: Park City, UT

Spa Montage Deer Valley

www.spamontage.com

435-604-1300

SpaMontage Deer Valley welcomes athletic visitors to the 35,000-square-foot, holistic-minded retreat. Each service begins and ends with a focus on breathing, aptly called the art of breath. Although there is a spa menu, the highly accredited spa therapists are trained to interpret your body’s personalized language. According to Loren Kornreich, spa director, the goal is to completely customize offerings to the point where there will be no menu. The wet area is where the ritual begins. For heat, you can choose between a trip to the steam room or sauna, and then follow with a cold shower before entering the Jacuzzi. Repeat this series three times for deeper relaxation.

What’s Hot Now?

Thai massage Through a series of assisted stretches, your body is pushed to limits you might not reach on your own. This is done on a floor mat, or an abbreviated version is offered on a massage table.

.

 

Ten Thousand Waves

Leading the world in wellness treatments and relaxation, Ten Thousand Waves is four miles north of Santa Fe on the western slopes of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. This rugged, Southwestern spa features top-notch, Japanese-style treatments along with hot, mineral water baths.  “We always recommend a tub,” says Mary Johnson, public relations manager who has been helping visitors relax for more than 25 years. “It helps you relax and warms the muscles, preparing you for any treatment.” This is the first step in the cleansing process. Private and group baths are available.  All of the treatments here are customized to individual needs. The following facial can be customized and you can add the foot massage to any standard massage.

What’s Hot Now?

Japanese Facial This treatment includes cleansing products, masks and exfoliations. The differentiator is the amount of massage done to the face. Each lotion is massaged into the skin to increase the rate of absorption. Techniques include light stroking, kneading and percussive movements. “It’s like someone is dancing tango on your face,” says Johnson. Further regenerate your cells with a CryoStem Cell Treatment in which a serum is frozen until applied to your skin to stimulate collagen production.

Ashi Anma Foot Massage Imagine 25 minutes focused on your feet. This new treatment is crafted after the finger-pressure massage readily available in Japan and helps move energy through the body. Your feet will tingle long after the treatment is over.

www.tenthousandwaves.com

505-982-9304

Bridal Extravaganza Show Jan 7-8, 2012

Life-sized Houston Texan Cake Being Created to Inspire Fans at Bridal Extravaganza Show

Houston, TX -Jan. 6, 2012– Nothing would be tastier than a victory on Saturday, but the folks at the Houston Bridal Extravaganza are creating something almost as sweet — a life-sized cake sculpture of a Houston Texan player.

The 200-pound, 6-foot tall creation honors all the Houston Texan players who’ve contributed to the historic playoff birth.  Houstonians have been waiting for 17 years.

“Since the game is on Saturday and so is our show, we can’t think of a better way to pay tribute to the team than to immortalize them in flour and sugar,” says Laurette Veres, who’s been producing the show for more than a decade. “We’re proud of the winning recipe the Texans have come up with this season, but if they can get hot during the playoffs that truly would be icing on the cake.”

The cake is sweet work for Nadine Moon, owner of Who Made the Cake! She’s not just an artist; she’s a fan.

“We’ve made specialty cakes for some of the players over the years, but never anything this big. It wasn’t in any of my playbooks,” jokes Nadine. “But I love the Texans and if this cake can help rally this town around the team, it’s a project I’m happy to tackle.”

The cake is expected to take two days to create and will be carefully transported to the George R. Brown Convention Center in time for the opening of the show on Saturday.

“We’re still not quite sure how we’re going to move it,” says Nadine. “We’re thinking of moving it in two pieces and reassembling it at the Convention Center. All I know is that I can’t afford to fumble.”

The towering Texan cake will be on display throughout the two-day show and fans are encouraged to come down and take pictures next to it.

“Everyone keeps wanting to know if we’re going to cut it up and serve it,” says Laurette. “I think fans want to have their cake and eat it too. But we’re afraid that might bring bad luck. If we were going to create anything for Texan fans to devour, I’d want it to be in the shape of a Bengal.”

About the Bridal Extravaganza Show

At the Bridal Extravaganza Show, thousands of brides, bridesmaids, mothers-of-the-bride, grooms, and wedding planners have their pick of over 350 vendors in 700 display showcases who cater exclusively to the ever fashionable, stylish, and romantic wedding industry. This huge event held twice annually, draws marriage bound couples from all over Texas and beyond to find invaluable resources and to register to win honeymoons and shopping sprees.

The show is open to the public and runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and 11a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday at the George R. Brown Convention Center.

Ten Thousand Waves, NM

Leading the world in wellness treatments and relaxation, Ten Thousand Waves is four miles north of Santa Fe on the western slopes of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. This rugged, Southwestern spa features top-notch, Japanese-style treatments along with hot, mineral water baths.  “We always recommend a tub,” says Mary Johnson, public relations manager who has been helping visitors relax for more than 25 years. “It helps you relax and warms the muscles, preparing you for any treatment.” This is the first step in the cleansing process. Private and group baths are available.  All of the treatments here are customized to individual needs. The following facial can be customized and you can add the foot massage to any standard massage.

What’s Hot Now?

Japanese Facial This treatment includes cleansing products, masks and exfoliations. The differentiator is the amount of massage done to the face. Each lotion is massaged into the skin to increase the rate of absorption. Techniques include light stroking, kneading and percussive movements. “It’s like someone is dancing tango on your face,” says Johnson. Further regenerate your cells with a CryoStem Cell Treatment in which a serum is frozen until applied to your skin to stimulate collagen production.

Ashi Anma Foot Massage Imagine 25 minutes focused on your feet. This new treatment is crafted after the finger-pressure massage readily available in Japan and helps move energy through the body. Your feet will tingle long after the treatment is over.

www.tenthousandwaves.com

505-982-9304

Ritz Carlton Vail focus on Wellness

The Ritz Carlton Company continues to push the envelope.  Tom Hays is the first and only Wellness Concierge at the company.  From his home base at The Ritz Carlton club and Residences in Vail, Colorado, he says “wellness is very high on people’s list of what’s important to them.”  The seed of the Wellness Concierge concept is to anticipate needs.

There are so many trends; from Hot yoga, Pilates, P90X to Tracy Anderson, active spa goers have their own routine.  “We cannot provide all of those things internally, so our concept is to provide solutions,” he says.  “I do not teach Pilates, but I will schedule it for you.” And so it goes, Hays consults with guests on such topics as nutrition, allergies, and diet restrictions.  “When you come to the Ritz, you should not have to change the lifestyle you are in the course of living,” he says.  At the same time, Hays and his team help guests explore new healthy options as well.

 

What’s hot right now?

Poolside Yoga.  “Sun salutations should take the cue from the early morning sun,” says Tom Hays.  When the sun is low in the sky, the temperature is cooler.  “We salute the sun with the Rocky Mountains as a backdrop,” says Hays.

 

Body Sculpting.  An older crowd attends this class because the focus is not on lifting weights, but using your own body’s weight as resistance.  The class if filled with push-ups, pull-ups, planks and balancing on the stability ball.  This low-key class doesn’t result in high sweat, rather, it focuses on neuromuscular training, injury prevention, toning and definition as opposed to physical, functional training.

 

 

Valobra Master Jewelers of Houston Debuts Exclusive Palmiero Italian Jewelry Collection

World-renown jewels available exclusively in the US at Valobra until December 20, 2011

Houston (December 12, 2011) – Valobra Master Jewelers’ Houston location is premiering one of Italy’s most coveted brands, Palmiero Jewellery Design, for the first time in the United States.

Known for their precious stones, exquisitely-assembled colored diamonds, and the intricate attention to detail of each piece, Palmiero designs are truly pieces of art. This one-of-a-kind haute couture jewelry collection is available for a limited-time engagement from now until December 20^th, and is showcased exclusively at Valobra.

The stunning collection of rings, necklaces, earrings, bracelets, pins and broaches feature precious white, black, green, blue, yellow, and purple diamonds, sapphires with the most unusual shades of blue, pink and yellow, intense topazes, brilliant rubellites, and sparkling rubies, all expertly crafted to create unmistakable chromatic mixtures that speak the language of art.

Included in the prestigious Palmiero collection on exhibit at Valobra is the award-winning Optical Necklace. The 78.98 carat diamond necklace won The Best Fashionable Jewellery category at the Premier Middle East Watches, Jewellery & Pens Award in Bahrain.

“Given the high caliber of service and attention to detail offered by Valobra Master Jewelers, Carlo Palmiero decided we were the perfect retail outlet to carry his unique, exclusive collection,” said Franco Valobra, owner of Valobra Master Jewelers.

Until now, Carlo Palmiero’s extraordinary contemporary pieces have only been available in Bahrain, Hong Kong, Italy, Switzerland and Qatar. Because each piece of art in the line cannot be easily replicated due to the extensive craftsmanship, all items are guaranteed to be one-of-a-kind.
Valobra Master Jewelers is located at 4078 Westheimer. 713-961-4500

About Palmiero Jewellery Designs

Palmiero represents one of the most coveted and in demand brands in the international jewelry panorama. Timeless shapes, jewels and even more. It’s all about exercising style, excellence of ideas, and evolution of shapes. These jewels are dedicated to those women with strong personalities, who are ready to be noticed.

Haute couture jewels that speak the language of sculpture through vocabulary proper to the artists, who mould the precious materials to give them soul.

Palmiero has raised the diamonds and the natural stones to their maximum level; he conceived it with strong colours to get the luxurious “arlecchino” effects or fading, thus creating fabulous optical effects.

Gold is molded using the same process: he drapes it, he curves it, taming it to the will of his inspirations, crossing the fleeting borders that divide handicraft and art. Carlo Palmiero the epitomy of top quality and creativity, authentically haut de gamme and authentically made in Italy.

About Valobra Master Jewelers  

Since 1905, Valobra Master Jewelers has been creating and offering spectacular jewelry, designed and manufactured in Italy. Valobra Master Jewelers offers a magnificent collection of estate, antique, and vintage jewels, vintage and modern watches, and top quality art from Italy.

Valobra’s jewelry collection is among the finest in the world with beautifully set rare gems, pearls, and precious metals. Valobra offers classic design and original creations with contemporary touches, all with a distinctive and sophisticated flair.

Valobra features unique and beautiful antiques from around the world. The antique collection also comprises one-of-a kind paintings, unique objects d’art, and the most spectacular collection of Venetian chandeliers from Italy.

Bridal Extravaganza Show announces Couture Fashion Show on January 8

The Bridal Extravaganza Show brings the excitement of New York’s choreographed fashion shows to Houston with the Couture Fashion Show, which will take place on Sunday, January 8 at 4:00 p.m.

This is just one of the many events of the Bridal Extravaganza Show, taking place on January 7 and 8. Brides who purchase VIP Tickets will be treated to a special swag bag and a glass of champagne. They will also be the first to see the latest fashion offerings from The Princess Bridal and Winnie Couture. Houston’s own Todd Ramos, is coordinating the show.

New this year, Couture brides will be part of the Couture Procession. Beginning at the Couture Lounge and ending at the Couture stage.

At the Bridal Extravaganza Show, thousands of brides, bridesmaids, mothers-of-the-bride, grooms, and wedding planners have their pick of over 350 vendors in 700 display showcases who cater exclusively to the ever fashionable, stylish, and romantic wedding industry. This huge event, held twice annually, draws marriage bound couples from all over Texas and beyond to find invaluable resources and to register to win honeymoons and shopping sprees. Brides may walk away with a honeymoon in the Riviera Maya, or a free wedding announcement in the local paper.

Tickets are $15 at the door or are available online at www.BridalExtravaganzaShow.com

FOCUS ON WELLNESS: Santa Fe, NM

BODY, Santa Fe

An emphasis on healing and wellness has always attracted people to Santa Fe, New Mexico. Trend-setting BODY is a destination for well-being and health, offering massage, classes and an organic café and boutique. Massages are customized to individual needs by the healers who deliver them.

What’s Hot Now?

Eat Raw If you have been afraid to jump on the raw food train, BODY’s organic café is the perfect place to tempt your palate. The menu pushes the envelope with tantalizing vegan, raw and organic options. Don’t miss the raw enchilada; it is surprisingly enchilada-like. A tortilla is created from a dehydrated puree of veggies. Amazingly spicy, the red chile sauce will trick your taste buds into thinking they are in the Mexican Riviera.

Nia Short for “neuro-muscular integrative action,” is a mixture of martial arts, yoga and dance. Sessions begin with deep-breathing exercises set to soft music. Movements are slow and steady. As the music gradually speeds up, so do the ballroom dance-type steps (heel-toe-slide-dip). “Sometimes you vocalize,” says Spa Services Manager Lynse Rubin. During a Tae kwondo-style kick, you might be asked to emit a “huh!” or shout “yes” while throwing your arms skyward. “It’s touchy-feely and playful,” comments Rubin, who adds that this is their most popular new class.

BODY; www.bodyofsantafe.com  505-986-0362

 

CELEBRATE MILESTONES: St. Thomas, USVI

@RitzCarlton

The Ritz Carlton St. Thomas

www.ritzcarlton.com

340-775-3333ext 8606

St. Thomas is an American territory offering stress free travel to the Caribbean. A hop, skip and a jump across this small Island lands you in the lap of luxury: The Ritz Carlton, St. Thomas. Not your grandfather’s Ritz, you don’t need a tie as you enjoy the glorious grounds, infinity pool, world-class spa and superb accommodations.

What’s Hot Now?

Babymoon Always ahead of the curve, The Ritz-Carlton, St. Thomas is focusing on an underserved target market, expecting parents. The Resort Reconnect^® package for moms-and dads-to-be is designed to give them some alone time before the baby arrives. This exclusive offer includes overnight accommodations, breakfast, spa credits and a menu of spa experiences tailored specifically for mothers-to-be. She’ll love the Mellow Mamma and Yummy Tummy treatments.

Anniversary Celebration December marked the resort’s 15^th anniversary and you can enjoy the commemorative Crystal Anniversary Celebration package. “We are delighted to share this significant milestone with our guests. The Crystal Anniversary Celebration package captures the very essence of the resort with an experiential vacation that exudes the magic of the islands,” says Marc Langevin, general manager of The Ritz-Carlton, St.Thomas. Enjoy the Presidential Suite and Seaside Cabana couples massages, and the signature CrystalRain Therapy that revitalizes your skin with organic exfoliating crystals while a seven-head Vichy shower warms your body.

Owen Daniels at Morton’s

Houston Tight End Owen Daniels and Friends 2nd Annual Celebrity Server Night at Morton’s was a huge success.

Giacomo’s cibo e vino to serve Fall Harvest Pumpkin Risotto

 

Giacomo’s cibo e vino to serve Fall Harvest Pumpkin Risotto

Lynette Hawkins, owner and executive chef of Giacomo’s cibo e vino, 3215 Westheimer (at Bammel Lane), will be serving a Fall Harvest Pumpkin Risotto as a seasonal special. The Fall Harvest Pumpkin Risotto is made with pureed roasted butternut squash and pumpkin, cremini and shiitake mushrooms, and fresh cranberries. “The cool weather definitely inspires me to create autumn comfort food,” stated Hawkins. “Roasting the squash and the pumpkin until carmelized, creates a richer and sweeter flavor, that contrasts well with the tart cranberries. The meaty mushrooms define the flavor of autumn, and add an earthy, savory component to the risotto.” Price $15. Add pan-seared diver scallops: $20.  For more information about Giacomo’s Cibo e Vino, please visit GiacomosCiboeVino.com, or call 713-522-1934.
 

Giacomo’s Cibo e Vino is a casual neighborhood Italian café and wine bar decorated with retro furnishing and bright colors from the 1950’s. The menu offers authentic regional Italian as well as other Mediterranean inspired dishes and showcases “cichetti” – small plates of hot and cold antipasti. Giacomo’s has an extensive selection of boutique Italian wines, many of which are offered by the glass, in 3 ounce or 6 ounce pours, or by the “quartino” – ¼ litre carafe.

Giacomo’s Cibo e Vino is located at 3215 Westheimer (at Bammel Lane), Houston, Texas, 77098.  Giacomo’s is open from 11 am until 10 pm Tuesday through Saturday, and from 11 am until 9 pm on Sunday. Closed Monday. For more information on Giacomo’s Cibo e Vino, please visit Giacomosciboevino.com or call 713-522-1934.

Main Street Theater

Main Street Theater’s 7^th Annual Autumn Follies Gala raised $75,000 for the theater’s Outreach and Education Programs which reach over 140,000 children and educators annually.  The musical spoof “The Sound of Montrose” was enjoyed by the crowd of 175 at the Chelsea Market location.

Deborah Duncan and Erica Rose stole the show!  Ernie Manouse was on-hand to improvise and riff on the script.  (Ernie’s been in ALL of MST’s Autumn Follies.)  Others in the spotlight were Lisa Malosky, Donna McKenzie, David Nachtigall of The Handsomes, George Greanias, Erica Rose, and more.

Honorary Chair: Mary D’Andrea

Co-Chairs: Francesca London and Marian Strug

The photo credit RicOrnelProductions.com.

 

Green Beans and Guacamole

Houston non-profit Friends for Good Launches

“Green Beans and Guacamole” -

 Cookbook inspired by special needs and supported by 50 finest Houston restaurants

Proceeds Benefiting ARC of Greater Houston and the ARC of Katy

HOUSTON  – Houston based non-profit, Friends for Good (FFG), proudly announces the much anticipated release of their coffee-table style cookbook, Green Beans and Guacamole, featuring beautifully photographed recipes from 50 of Houston’s finest restaurants.

All proceeds from Green Beans and Guacamole directly benefit children and adults with cognitive and developmental disabilities at the ARC. The cookbook for a cause was inspired by Austin Hansen, an ARC of Katy member and son of FFG co-founder Belinda Hillhouse. 25-year-old Austin, who was diagnosed with down syndrome, has become a local celebrity in his own right because of his enthusiastic attitude and volunteerism. As a graduate of Katy High School and former trainer of their football team, Austin continues to stay busy participating with the Special Olympics. Austin also inspired the name of the cookbook after serving green beans and guacamole at his mother’s surprise birthday party.

“The recipes contributed to the Green Beans and Guacamole cookbook are, as my son Austin would say, ‘outstandable’,” said Belinda Hillhouse, co-founder of Friends for Good and Austin Hanson’s mother. “Throughout the process of putting the cookbook together, we worked with the Houston-area chefs to ensure a wide variety of signature dishes were included.”

Although Galleria hotspot Gigi’s Asian Bistro & Dumpling Bar contributed their signature green bean recipe, and Houston renowned Hugo’s Mexican restaurant loaned their famous guacamole recipe, you can expect more than just green beans and guacamole from this cookbook. The one-of-a-kind book includes signature dishes from the following Houston-based restaurants:

America’s Armando’s Ava Backstreet Cafe Benjy’s Bistro Alex Brennan’s Cafe at Brookwood Canopy Carrabba’s Ciao Bello Coppa Crapitto’s Cullen’s Grille Damian’s Feast

Frank’s Chop House Gigi’s Haven Hugo’s Ibiza Indika Kiran’s Le Mistral Mandola’s Mark’s Massraf’s Max’s Wine Dive Mockingbird Bistro Olivette at Houstonian Ouisie’s

Pappa’s Restaurants Phillipe Piatto’s Quattro Rainbow Lodge Ray’s Gourmet Country RDG Reef Ristorante Cavour Shade Slow Dough Sorrel’s Sorrento’s T’afia The Grove Tony’s Zelko Bistro

Friends For Good members Belinda Hillhouse, Laurie McNay, Maria Glymph and Shelly Lesikar de Zevallos collaborated with two of Houston’s top food photographers, Deborah Smail and Shannon O’Hara, whose photographs of the signature recipes make the eye-catching cookbook an adornment for coffee tables and kitchens alike. Green Beans and Guacamole also includes a forward from Houston Magazine’s editor in chief Jeff Gremillion, with editing done by Natalie Bogan.

Green Beans and Guacamole’s mission goes beyond bringing exclusive Houston restaurant recipes to dinner tables throughout homes, it also feeds the hope that the ARC of Houston and Katy provide to countless disabled children and adults. Launching just in time for the holiday season, the cookbook makes the perfect gift for friends, family, and corporate and client gifts.

A series of special events will be hosted at Houston-area locations in support of the book including a Chef Fashion Show, Iron Chef Competition, and a Green Beans and Guacamole cook-off.

The cookbook-for-a-cause will be available for purchase on October 15, 2011, exclusively at Central Market and HEB. To pre-order Green Beans and Guacamole, visit http://www.greenbeansandguacamole.com/.

Green Beans and Guacamole, hardcover with jacket, $49.95

About Friends for Good

Friends for Good is a Houston-based non-profit 501c3 that strives to bring people together to raise awareness to worthy causes close to our members’ hearts.

About The Arc

The Arc: Greater Houston is a nonprofit organization serving children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.The Arc promotes and protects the human rights of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and actively supports their full inclusion and participation in the community throughout their lifetimes.

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Convivio tapas + bar + lounge

Convivio opens this week.

The atmosphere at this Durham located establishment is festive.  The evening we visited, tables were singing and clapping.  There is a communal dining vibe, this is the perfect place to party with a big group.  One long room with concrete floors makes for a loud evening, be prepared. There is a bar area, small patio and balcony.

The kitchen was bustling as they served up the tasting menu.

 

It  started with a flavorful bang! 

 

Albondigas: the Meat/Pork meatballs and spicy tomato concasse is the best item on the menu. We’d swim in this sauce if we could.

 

 

 

 

The next item was the Pizzetas de Queso de Cabra y Vegetales.  A long name basically meaning a flat bread pizza with fresh vegetables. Yes!  The veggies on this item were very fresh!

 

 

 

 

 

Other items included:

Fideua: Seafood noodle paella. This came in a small bowl; more like a tiny shrimp spaghetti.

Croquetas de Chorizo: Chorizo Revilla, Bechamel Sauce.  Special note about the Bechamel sauce. This should be offered with as many dishes as possible.  It’s super great! Pinchose de Ensaladilla Rusa: Spanish Baby Potato salad. This was light and refreshing.  We’ve never had potato salad on bread, but it worked.

Pinchos de Chorizo: Revilla Chorizo

700 S. Durham

832-360-1750

www.conviviohouston.com

Engage 10 The Breakers

H Texas attended the Engage 10 Conference at the Breakers in Florida.

 

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