Glamour Returns to Courtlandt Place Clara C

FASH ION
LIFESTYLE
ART
E NTE RTA I N M E NT
OCTOBER 2010
FREE
Glamour Returns
to Courtlandt Place
Clara C Keeps the
Hits Coming
Love Your Chopsticks
Miss Chinatown to
Miss Universe
yellowmags.com
F R O M
T H E
E D I TO R
I N
C H I E F
I like October because it is a relaxing month and serves as a buffer between the brutally hot days of summer and the hot holiday
season that looms around the corner. Gone are the 100 degree days and I can comfortably participate in outdoor activities that were
a struggle during the preceding months. We may not have the explosive fall foliage found in other parts of the country but we definitely
can appreciate our “change of the seasons”, nonetheless.
There is a private gated community in Houston that is centrally located yet, generally, invisible. Courtlandt Place consists of a collection
of stately homes that include many that are 100 years old, harkening back to a simpler time in our city’s history. Unless you have been
fortunate to attend a private party or event in this community, it is unlikely that you have had an opportunity to absorb its timeless
beauty and essence. Read our article about the history of Courtlandt Place and see how you can participate in a home tour this month.
See a part of our city that is splendid and truly unique.
When I channel surf, I often land on a show about how something works or about the origin of ordinary things. I am often amazed
that even the most mundane items can make for interesting stories. We take a stab at such a story as we consider the history of
chopsticks. Perhaps “stab” is not the most suitable word because using chopsticks to stab one’s food is strictly taboo.
We introduced you to the aspiring YouTube sensation, Marie Digby, several years back, and now we want to introduce you to another one,
Clara Chung. Clara was the Kollaboration-X winner and has just released her debut CD. A recent self-described “closet musician”, Clara
has an enormous and growing presence online. Her music has been “hit” millions of times and that is, of course, music to her ears.
Enjoy the temperate days of October. Stroll through historic neighborhoods as you listen to the edgy music of Clara Chung on your
iPod. The rest is up to you. See you in November!
Photo by Collin Kelly
V. Hoang
The color yellow has played a recurrent symbolic role throughout
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On the cover
On Kristen:
VIntage fur collar coat
provided by residents of
Courtlandt Place
Hat by Louise Green
Available at
Neiman Marcus
On Sherry:
Cheetah coat by Dolce &
Gabanna
Hat by Louise Green
All available at
Neiman Marcus
October 2010
P E O P L E
Thousands of Fans and Millions
of Hits Can’t be Wrong
Clara Chung
b y V. H OA N G
It has been a number of years since we connected with a YouTube sensation for an
interview. In this day and age, it seems that stars are born via venues such as American
Idol and YouTube, and Clara Chung is on the launching pad. Having just released her
debut album, this talented songstress plays A LOT of instruments (some of which are
new to me) and she writes her own lyrics. Clara has a growing army of fans and has been
viewed millions of times. Pretty good for a newcomer. Oh, she also conquered all contenders
and took home the prize in this year’s Kollaboration-X talent competition.
You have been described as a closeted musician. When did you first realize
that you wanted to become a singer and what inspired you to finally give
in to your passion?
It wasn’t a realization as much as it was a desire I was born with. I always
watched music videos and listened to songs thinking, “Man, that is the
perfect job.” I just never thought I could make it anywhere because it’s
such a competitive and sometimes corrupt field.
You have been singing professionally for about a year now and in that
short period of time have attracted 70,000 YouTube subscribers and
chalked up 2.5 million upload views. That is pretty quick success. How do
you process this?
Clara C’s album Art in My
Heart is currently available.
For more info, visit
claracmusic.bigcartel.com.
Clara Chung will be at the
Houston Korean Festival, an
event featuring Korean food
and both traditional and
contemporary Korean Cultural
performances.
Saturday, October 23, 2010
11am-6pm
Discovery Green,
1500 McKinney Ave.
Free and open to the public
For more info, visit
KoreanFestivalHouston.com
It does.not.compute. That was my robot voice…well, it was the best I could
do on paper. It’s all unbelievable to me. More so than YouTube, I realize
that I have an album that’s being printed and shipped to my house by the
truckload. I realize that the people of YouTube have ordered this CD and
kept my music alive by doing so. The dream I had as a little girl actually
came true. In my mind, that’s just not the way the world worked. Most
people don’t actually get their biggest wish. As a result of all the blessings
I have received, I’ll be eternally grateful.
I read that you play many instruments including a melodica. I have seen
you play the guitar on your videos. What other instruments do you play
and have you or do you plan to incorporate those into your songs?
Yes! I love my melodica. I wish I could surgically attach it to my hip so that
I could walk around and play it all day. I also play the guitar, piano, glockenspiel,
drums, trumpet, percussion, flute, piccolo, and my voice (of course).
I never heard of a melodica prior to this interview. Can you tell us what
it is, exactly? How on earth did you wind up learning how to play it?
As most people call it, a melodica is a “snake piano.” There is a keyboard
with a long mouthpiece coming out of it. You simply blow into the tube
and start playing the keyboard as if you play piano. Its timbre is like a
hybrid of a harmonica and accordion. I wanted something portable and
fun, and there it was in the store, calling my name. So, I answered it…with
my wallet.
Did you have formal musical or vocal training?
I have had nine years of classical piano training but I took lessons on and
off. Classical music and I were always either hot or cold. I didn’t want to
play someone else’s work note for note. So, I branched off and taught
myself different styles on piano and also picked up a bunch of other
instruments. As for my vocals, I wish I had a vocal coach, but I’m selftaught in that realm, too.
The dream I had as a little
girl actually came true.
Well, naturally, budget and time are always issues with every project. This
is especially difficult when you’re an independent artist. I wish that we
could have spent more time in the studio. I could live the rest of my life
trapped in a music studio, even if it means no sunlight because there
aren’t any windows in studios.
There has been a mile-long list of positive experiences from when we first
stepped foot into Paramount’s beautiful recording studios to when fans
respond to the previews of the album by saying how much they loved a
song. However, the best moment has yet to come. This coming Monday,
the CDs are going to arrive at my doorstep by the truckload, and I’m going
to actually have it in my hands. All my hard work, compressed and written
into this one little digipack case. OHMYGOD I can’t wait. Whoever is with
me at that moment is the designated tissue box holder because I may
soak the box with tears of joy.
How is the release being received?
Amazingly well. Everything’s going better than I had ever expected. My
team always had complete faith in me all the way, but I’m my own worst
critic. I feared that the album would flop, that nobody would like my music
because it wasn’t what mainstream sells. However, my lovely fans have
shut those lame-o voices up. I can’t express how much I love my supporters
for, first of all, actually purchasing the album and for actually loving it.
You have won many talent competitions. What impact did this have on
your career?
Each competition definitely serves as a launching pad for your career. After
every competition I won, some corner of my life burst open with
opportunities, whether it was networking with great people, awesome
gigs or meeting investors.
You have sung with Marie Digby who was a YouTube sensation several
years back. Did you know her before the competitions? Has she given you
any good tips?
I actually met Marie, not at a competition, but at a show at the Loft in
San Diego. I can’t remember if it was before or after the competitions but
I’m thinking it was after. She’s a real sweetheart. We never talked about
music so there was no tip-exchanging.
You have also been singing with talented artists including Far East
Movement, 2pm, Wonder Girls and other established musicians. What is
the one thing that you got from these musicians?
It’s an honor to be on stage with those artists. They all have great stage
energy and that’s something the audience always loves to see.
What is your most memorable performance to date and why?
I think that would be Kollaboration for two reasons. First, it was the first
time I got to showcase an original song I was really proud of titled,
“Offbeat.” Secondly, I had never won anything on a big scale like that.
There were 6,000+ people in the audience, very talented artists competing
against me and I never expected to win. It was a big win because it shut
up all the voices that told me I couldn’t do music.
Kal Penn (Harold and Kumar) was instrumental in getting you invited to
participate in the Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month
event sanctioned by the White House. Can you tell us about that honor
and how Kal Penn knows you and/or your music? Is he a fan?
It’s definitely the “pattern for success” on YouTube, if you will. However, I
try to do that as little as possible. I never liked the idea of covering
something just to get the view counts. I cover something because I can
make my own sonic interpretation of it. And yes, I write all of my songs!
They’re my babies and they make me proud.
If my sources are correct, their committee was holding a meeting on who
to invite to the event. Kal Penn suggested me and that was that!
Bubbles.Real.Eargasms.Happiness.Sunshine. So, in other words, pop folk.
You just released your first album in September. Has your life changed as
a result?
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What was the hardest thing about producing your first CD? What was
the most positive experience associated with it? How would you describe
the music?
As I understand the way artists “grow” their musical careers on YouTube,
you begin by doing covers of others’ songs and once your name becomes
better known, you introduce your own work. Have you reached this stage
in your career? Do you write your own songs?
How would you describe your music?
4
Well, I’m still the same old me. But, seeing that I’m an independent artist,
my life has gotten insanely busy. There’s going to be a lot of touring now,
a ton of things to do, and bigger and better opportunities to come.
October 2010
How do you envision your career progressing from this point? Do you
have a plan or are you just going to go with the flow?
I’m a fan of going with the flow of things. I like my life to feel like every
turn is very natural instead of forcing directions onto it. I’m a free spirit,
so I guess this approach would make sense. As far as my career’s progression
goes, I’ll let Daft Punk do the talking: harder, better, faster, stronger. Always
gotta be looking upward for the next big step.
AWA R E N E S S
Sephora Collection Pink Eyelash Curler
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Sephora Helps
Like many companies, this October Sephora is honoring women affected by
breast cancer by offering pretty pink products that bring hope and add color
to their lives – while also raising money. In celebration of Breast Cancer
Awareness Month, Sephora has created five exclusive items and will donate
$1 from the sale of each to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF):
an organization dedicated to breast cancer prevention by finding a cure during
our lifetime through funding clinical and translational research worldwide.
Sephora Collection Compact Mirror
This beautifully crafted metallic pink mirror
offers dual magnification and comes with a
protective organza pouch. $18
Sephora Collection Brush Set
The perfect travel companion, this ten piece brush set features
brushes for face, eye and lip with a pink travel case, including both
natural and synthetic brushes. $60
Sephora Collection Pink Color-to-Go Palette
Sephora’s signature limited edition palette is perfectly portable. Complete with eight wearable eyeshadows,
four lip glosses and a blush to match any skin tone, it’s an indispensible kit to create any look. $15
H E A LT H
Raising Awareness,
Racing for a Cure
Breast Cancer Month
by H EN R I MERC ERO N
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month (BCAM). It is a time to celebrate
those who have bravely fought breast cancer and to renew the national
attention paid to this relentless disease that continues to impact far too
many women and their families and friends.
For additional information
about breast cancer, visit
komen.org
For more details about breast
reconstruction options, visit
breastreconstructionhouston.com
While science continues to make strides in the race for a cure, the greatest
contribution that has resulted from recognizing Breast Cancer Awareness
Month is in the vast improvement in early detection and, hence, survival
rates over the years. The importance of early detection cannot be overstated.
Here are some facts: when BCAM was first launched in 1984, 40,000 women
died annually from breast cancer. Today, notwithstanding that the number
of diagnoses has doubled, the annual number of deaths has remained relatively
constant. Death rates are on the decline.Whereas, that is a positive development,
the fact remains that breast cancer continues to be the leading cause death
amongst women ages 34 to 44 and that it strikes younger women, as well.
One in eight women will develop breast cancer during their lifetime.
Today, most women understand the importance of conducting regular
self-breast examinations and scheduling annual mammograms after reaching
the age of 40. Whereas, understandably, women fear loss of one or both
breasts as a result of cancer from a health standpoint, they also fear the impact
on their sense of femininity. For these reasons, it is of the utmost importance
that they become familiar and comfortable with the options available to
them to restore their breasts following early cancer treatment.
A breast reconstruction plan can be specifically tailored to meet the needs
and wants of each patient and takes into account the type and stage of cancer
as well as body types.There are three major reconstruction options: implantbased, autologous (using one’s own tissue), and a combination of the two.
Sales of the limited edition GUESS by
Marciano Love, Laugh, Cure T-shirt will
benefit Susan G. Komen for the Cure.
Available at GUESS stores and online.
The advantage of implants is that the procedure is relatively brief (1-2 hours)
and the recovery short (1-2weeks). The disadvantages are that implants may
rupture and scars may develop around them. A common donor area used
for autologous reconstruction is one’s abdominal (lower belly) tissue. Since
it uses one’s own tissue, patients need not be concerned about rejection or
The importance of early
detection cannot be overstated.
other complications common to implants. It should not be overlooked that
another benefit of autologous reconstruction for some patients is that they
effectively receive “tummy tucks” as part of the procedure. Disadvantages
include longer surgery times (6 hours) and recovery times (3-6 weeks).
Here are the facts that women should know: breast cancer reconstruction
is a staged-operation; it can be done immediately following a mastectomy
or delayed months or even years afterwards; it is covered by insurance,
including Medicare/Medicaid; and it can be tailored for each patient.
If you have questions or are interested in learning more about postcancer breast reconstruction options, the good folks at the Institute of
Advanced Breast Reconstruction are a welcoming and informative resource.
C U LT U R E
Standing the Test
of Time
Chopsticks
b y H E N R I M E RC E RO N
Between 3,000 and 5,000 years ago, it is believed that the ancient Chinese cooked their
food in large pots and fished it out with twigs from nearby trees. As the millennia
peeled away, the population grew and the resources for fuel became less abundant. It
was observed that food cooked more quickly when chopped into smaller morsels and,
hence, saved fuel. In response, the long twigs that were previously used were shortened
and became chopsticks, much more useful tools for picking up morsels.
Throughout history, there are written references to the existence of
chopsticks forged out of a wide array of materials besides bamboo and
wood. The primary ones included ivory around 1100 BC, followed by bronze
(1100- 771 BC), lacquer (206-24 AD) and gold and silver (618-907 AD).
While common folk routinely used wood and bamboo chopsticks, the elite
exhibited a preference for the more precious materials. It was widely
believed that silver chopsticks turned black if exposed to poisons. In fact,
arsenic, cyanide, and other poisons have no effect on silver. However,
rotten eggs, garlic and onion release sulfur compounds that do darken
the metal.
It is generally accepted that Confucius, a vegetarian, promoted the
widespread use of chopsticks around 500 BC. “The honorable and upright
man keeps well away from the slaughterhouse and the kitchen. And he
allows no knives at his table,” he stated. The practice of cutting food into
bite size morsels in the kitchen precluded the need for knives and other
utensils (beside chopsticks).
By 500 AD, the popularity of chopsticks had spread to Korea, Vietnam,
and Japan. Ki-Tse, a minister of the Shang Dynasty in China, immigrated to
Korea when the Zhou Dynasty assumed power around 1100 BC. He founded
the first Korean dynasty and introduced chopsticks to his adopted country.
However, it was centuries before the Koreans came to accept them for
normal day-to-day use. Chopsticks were introduced to Vietnam during the
Chinese occupation of that country between 111 BC and 938 AD. The
Japanese originally used chopsticks for religious ceremonial purposes until
the rule of Taishi in 593 AD, who encouraged their use for dining.
Food culture has influenced the appearance of chopsticks used in the
four countries that use them as their primary utensils. Chinese chopsticks
are called kuai-zi (“quick little fellows”) and are nine to ten inches in length.
They are circular at the bottom and square on top, believed to represent
the earth and the sky, respectively. Whereas, the first Japanese chopsticks
(hashi) were actually connected at the top, resembling long tweezers,
contemporary ones are short (7-8 inches), rounded, pointy and separated.
This style is well adapted to the Japanese diet, consisting of thin flat food,
such as slices of fish. Unique amongst the group, the Koreans rely on metal
chopsticks which may withstand the high temperatures to which they
are subjected as diners reach for barbecue meat, a favorite staple in their
diet. Vietnamese chopsticks (doi dua) are similar to those of the Chinese,
whose food is similar in style and texture.
The etiquette that surrounds the use of chopsticks is steeped in tradition
and culture. When one finishes eating, chopsticks should be placed on
the plate and point to the left. Never stick them into food, as this is a
practice best reserved for funerals. Never spear your food. Chopsticks were
only to be held in the right hand (even if you were left handed) and your
wrist should never twist in such a manner as to expose your palm upward.
This is considered unrefined.
The etiquette that
surrounds the use of
chopsticks is steeped
in tradition and culture.
Some things are obvious and would also be considered inappropriate
with Western utensils in hand; do not wave your chopsticks around, play
with them, point them at others, use them to select the choicest morsels,
or grab food from the communal plate and put it directly into your mouth.
And then, there are some interesting differences between cultures. For
instance, in China, one should not be surprised to find that their version
of double dipping is acceptable. It is okay to use your personal chopsticks
to remove food from the communal plate. It is also proper to lift a rice
bowl to your mouth and scoop in the contents. These practices are not
acceptable in Japanese culture.
Chopsticks have in recent years gained honor and recognition in the
form of The Chopstick Festival in China that celebrates the artistic and
stylistic diversity exhibited in the production of this utensil, and the
Japanese Chopsticks Day on August 4th. On the latter, Japanese women
purchase new chopsticks and burn used ones in an expression of
appreciation. Interestingly, the recent recognition of the unique and
aesthetic virtues of chopsticks has paralleled an unprecedented flood in
the production of disposable chopsticks. While the Japanese have been
credited with inventing the first disposable chopsticks in 1878, the Chinese
dominate the industry, today. They produce more than 60 billion pair each
year. One thing is certain; with the popularity of Chinese, Vietnamese,
and Japanese food, the role of chopsticks in the global community will
maintain a significant presence.
8
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October 2010
C U LT U R E
Houston’s Architectural History
Comes to Life
Courtlandt Place
b y SA L LI E G O R DO N w it h P E N N Y JO N E S
On October 16th and 17th, Courtlandt Place, a crown jewel of historic preservation
just one block long, will open its gates to the public. Seven splendid homes, c. 19101926, celebrated for their exemplary architecture, craftsmanship, and sophisticated
interior design, as well as two charming gardens will be open. A leisurely, self-guided
tour of the neighborhood and displays of vintage Courtlandt Place photographs and
vintage clothing will enable guests to step back in time to experience Houston as it
was at the early part of the 20th century. Homes will be open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Proceeds benefit Courtlandt Place Civic Association and the Hermann Park Conservancy.
Echoes of the past resound in Courtlandt Place as reminders of the
powerful influence of bygone days. For 104 years, threads of continuity
have woven through the lives of its residents. Celebrations have abounded;
tragedies have ensued. Social events throughout the years have been
classy, sophisticated, and replete with friends. Classy merged with raucous
when, ignoring the laws of Prohibition in the 1920s, Jessie Carter hosted
gambling parties complete with roulette wheels, professional croupiers,
and a boxing ring in the expanded basement beneath her house at 22
Courtlandt Place.
Courtlandt Place
Home Tour
October 16-17, 2010
11am - 5pm
$25 at brownpapertickets.com
$30 at the gate
Children under 10 free
The book Houston’s
Courtlandt Place was recently
published, and is available at
amazon.com
The Past
At the turn of the 20th century, Houston was an emerging dynamo
with a fledgling industrial base, and the city was crisscrossed with railroad
lines and depots servicing the Southern cotton and lumber trades.
Devastated by the Great Storm of 1900, Galveston was in decline. Its
commercial lifeblood was redirected north to its inland rival, Houston,
which seized the advantage and accelerated the on-going dredging of
Buffalo Bayou as a deep-water channel to Galveston Bay. In a classic
example of preparation meeting opportunity, oil gushed in at Spindletop,
creating a new class of companies and individuals awash in money,
drowning in oil, and in desperate need of railroads and deep-water access
to the Gulf. And so Houston became the oil capital of the world.
Immediate and profound change overtook the city as the population
doubled between 1900 and 1910. When the commercial district downtown
expanded and encroached upon the serene precincts of the city's elite,
blocks of beautiful Victorian homes along Main Street were abandoned
as the established gentry experienced a major upheaval.
It’s an ill wind that blows no good, and there was opportunity for a
profitable business venture amidst the chaos. In 1906, Sterling Myer
purchased 15 1/2 acres of prairie land for a residential development outside
the city. Myer chose the park-like, enclosed Private Place suburbs of St.
Louis as his pattern for the new neighborhood. A perfect foil for downtown’s
rampant commercialism, Myer’s suburb, which he named Courtlandt
Place, was designed to maintain its residential character, despite the
absence of protective zoning in Houston. The deed of each property carried
restrictions prohibiting commercial development and setting building
standards for the residences of Courtlandt Place. With remarkable foresight,
Myer wrote these restrictions without an expiration date, providing
essential protections for the neighborhood which are still in place.
After World War II, Courtlandt Place began to lose its prestige as rapidly
as Montrose lost population to Houston’s more fashionable western
suburbs. By the 1960s, decline was strikingly evident, and the elegant old
Private Place had become an oasis in the middle of appalling urban blight.
The restrictive covenants carried on all Courtlandt Place deeds were all
that stood between the neighborhood and the “redevelopment” still so
familiar to Houstonians today. Adding injury to insult, in 1969, the intrusion
of freeway Spur 527 obliterated the tall pillars of Courtlandt Place’s grand
east entrance, the iconic gateway to this exceptional place for more than
60 years.
This picturesque Montrose
neighborhood continues to enjoy
the strong sense of community
initiated by its founders.
Fortune again smiled on Courtlandt Place, however, and as suburbia
lost its luster in the 1970s and 1980s, appreciation for older homes and
neighborhoods grew. Some Courtlandt Place residents began to consider
alternatives for the preservation of their now historic neighborhood.
Unregulated intrusion from lower Westheimer was a major impediment
to its revival, and the only solution required bold action: purchase
Courtlandt Place Boulevard from the city and erect a barrier along Taft
Street. The project was mired in controversy for years, but, in 1980, each
resident paid their share of $103,115 to accomplish the goal. The western
wall along Taft Street was erected, securing the neighborhood’s perimeters,
and Courtlandt Place was preserved for all Houstonians who value
Houston’s history.
The Present
This picturesque Montrose neighborhood continues to enjoy the strong
sense of community initiated by its founders. Residents stroll along the
wide boulevard beneath towering trees, gather on the manicured
esplanades for the occasional pot luck dinner, and appreciate the privilege
of considering their neighbors as friends.
Today, Courtlandt Place has gained recognition as one of Houston’s
most valued landmarks. All the original Courtlandt Place homes stand
intact, remarkable in any city, but miraculous in Houston.
Photos by Woodallen Photography
10 |
October 2010
Glamour Revisited
Thank you to the residents of Courtlandt
Place for sharing their vintage collections.
On Sherry:
Bow-tie blouse by Chloe
Tulip wrap skirt by Phillip Lim
Gloves by Portolano
Shoes by Miu Miu
Hat by Louise Green
On Kristen:
Fur shawl by Trilogy
Silk knot shoulder top by Jocelyn
Knit skirt by Chloe
Shoes by Miu Miu
Parasol and necklace provided by
residents of Courtlandt Place
Photographer
Collin Kelly
Assistant Photographer Jonathan Foelker
Fashion Stylist
Leslie Rivas
Assistant Stylist
Jenn Joe
Makeup
Bianca Linette
Hair
Sarah Frank
Fashion Intern
Reisa Traboulay
Models
Kristen Lee Raines
Sherry Lin
Issacc Rendon
On Issacc:
Dress shirt by Ermenegildo Zegna
Suit by Ermenegildo Zegna
Tie by Ermenegildo Zegna
Pocket square by Gucci
Shoes by Ermenegildo Zegna
Hat and cane stylist’s own
All available at Neiman Marcus
October 2010
| 11
12 |
October 2010
Yellow Magazine
On Sherry:
Silk V-back dress by ABS
Tassle necklace and vintage earrings provided by residents of Courtlandt Place
On Kristen:
Velvet one-shoulder dress by Tadashi Shoji
Shoes by Elie Tahari
Bracelet and ring provided by residents of Courtlandt Place
All available at Neiman Marcus
October 2010
| 13
Fur Shawl by Pologeorgis
Available at Neiman Marcus
Brooch and necklace provided by residents of Courtlandt Place
14 |
October 2010
Yellow Magazine
Feather shoulder dress by Tadashi Shoji
Knit gloves by Ralph Lauren
Pearl necklace by Chanel
Shoes by Prada
All available at Neiman Marcus
Hat and bracelet provided by residents of Courtlandt Place
October 2010
| 15
On Issacc:
Velvet black blazer by Roberto Graham
White shirt by Eton
Pants by Theory
All from Neiman Marcus
On Kristen:
Vintage Yves Saint Laurent cape and jewelry provided by residents of Courtlandt Place
Lingerie and gloves stylist’s own
16 |
October 2010
Yellow Magazine
Maroon velvet blazer by Gucci
White shirt by Eton
Pants by Theory
Bowtie by Steffano Ricci
All available at Neiman Marcus
October 2010
| 17
On Kristen:
Flapper Naeem Khan Dress
Pearl Necklace by Chanel
On Sherry:
Black Beaded Dress by Naeem Khan
Shoes by Prada
Chocker necklace provided by
residents of Courtlandt Place
On Issacc:
Maroon Velvet Blazer by Gucci
White Shirt by Eton
Pants by Theory
Bowtie by Steffano Ricci
All available at Neiman Marcus
18 |
October 2010
Yellow Magazine
W I N E
Phillip’s Top 5 Reasons
to Serve Wine with Food
Wine Reasoning
Every day, more people discover that the sensory enjoyment
of eating can be enhanced by consuming a glass of wine with
their repast. In fact, the ability to artfully pair wine with food
has become a highly coveted social grace and its practice has
become a requisite for “fine dining”. What is it about the
pairing of wine and food that increases the pleasure of both?
Well, with a nod to David Letterman, here are the top 5
reasons to serve wine with food:
Reason #5: Wine is itself a food product. Wine is a type of
“liquid food” containing calcium, iron, copper, riboflavin,
protein, vitamins A, B-complex and C. It has far greater nutritional
value than does carbonated water, beer and soda pop. No
wonder this beverage is so “at home” on the dining table.
Wine and food consumed
together can serve to maximize
the enjoyment of each.
Reason #4. Moderate wine consumption can benefit
health. Since the television news magazine 60 Minutes first
brought to light the “French Paradox” in 1991, there have
been consistent scientific findings that indicate that moderate
wine consumption can help prevent coronary disease as well
as certain types of cancer. Additionally, the book on the healthy
benefits of moderate wine consumption has not been closed;
ongoing research continues to validate its salutary effect on
our physical well-being. The key word is “moderate” and for
b y P H I L I P C U I SI M A N O
those of us who are in or associated with the wine industry,
we should not seek to encourage consumers to drink greater
quantities but to drink less but more frequently. For example,
have a glass of wine with lunch and dinner.
Reason #3. Wine relieves stress. A meal is best enjoyed
when one is relaxed; the negative correlation between a healthy
digestive system and anxiety is well documented. Ours is a
stressful society and the “rat race” takes its toll upon personal
well being. The alcohol in wine is a “depressant” and relaxes
us. As relaxation takes hold, our digestive system functions
more efficiently.
Reason #2. Wine and food consumed together can serve
to maximize the enjoyment of each.Wine can accentuate and
frame food flavors while cuisine can highlight and showcase
the key components of a wine’s structure, thus, maximizing
the enjoyment of both. As examples, imagine a buttered lobster
accompanied by a delicious California Chardonnay with just
the right balance of cream to acidity. Or, how about matching
the gamey flavors found in a rack of lamb alongside a peppery,
spicy, Chianti; I can only say, “Mamma-Mia”!
Now, we need a drum roll.
The #1 reason to serve wine with food is that wine is the
perfect palate cleanser. When you sit down to a meal, the first
bite you take is the best; residual flavors from it linger and the
flavor of the subsequent bites can be distorted. However, wine
is the ultimate cleansing solution and if you sip a bit of wine
in between tastes, your palate can stay clean and fresh, allowing
every bite to be as delicious as the first. “Buon’ Appetito”!
Wines available at Spec's Wines, Spirits, & Finer Foods, various
locations. Visit specsonline.com for the store nearest you.
You don’t need any special reason to check
out one of these great wines:
D’Alessandro Nero d’ Avola 2007
Nero d’Avola is considered to be the king of Sicilian red wines.
Few are aware that the island of Sicily produces more wine than
any other Italian region. To add perspective, it produces more
wine than the entire country of Chile. Try this delicious wine
with its luscious plum and blackberry fruits undercoated with
subdued notes of pepper and spice. This wine is fine with meats,
aged cheeses or just by itself. $15.00
Dante Rivetti Chardonnay “La Valletta” 2007
This wine is amazing, or to quote my children, “it is awesome”!
Luscious pear and tropical fruit infused with minerals and kissed
with a combination of oak and cream that all come together in
a full-bodied package. Most who taste this blind will think it is
white Burgundy. There should be a picture of this bottle in the
dictionary under the word “Elegant”. This Chardonnay will be
perfect with all types of seafood and most dishes that feature
cream. $41.00
Icardi Dolcetto 2005
This wine really surprised me as many people think of Dolcetto
as a lighter, fruity wine but this baby is “oh, so not”. On the
contrary, this offering from the renowned house of Icardi is rich
with ripe, dark, fruits buttressed by firm yet round tannins, all
infused with notes of black peppers and somewhat sweeter
spices. This is a full-bodied wine that you should try quickly as
the vintage should surely change soon. Serve with meats and
aged cheeses. $22.00
40th Annual Miss Chinatown Houston Scholarship Pageant
Held at JW Marriott, Galleria
Photos by Mitchell Alexander
For more photos please visit malexphoto.ifp3.com
The Chinese American Citizen Alliance (CACA)
Houston Lodge presented their 40th Annual
Miss Chinatown Houston Scholarship Pageant
at the JW Marriott. Joy Le was crowned Miss
Chinatown Houston 2010-2011, Giselle Yeung
Miss Chinese New Year, Melissa Tseng 2nd
Princess, and Phoebe Pan Miss Talent. This year
more than half of the past Miss Chinatown
Houston winners came to celebrate the 40
years of Miss Chinatown pageant in Houston.
Miss Chinatown USA 2010 made a special
appearance to congratulate the newly crowned
Miss Chinatown Houston, Joy Le.
Joy Le, Miss Chinatown Houston
2010-2011
Adela Uchita, Michael Su
Connie Chen, Reina Tzeng, Li Yi, Jenny Sung, Jessica Song, Crystal Lee,
Angela Wang, Joyce Hu, Kitty So
Phoebe Pan
Cookie Joe’s Dance group
Former Miss Chinatown honoring Jane Gee, founder of Miss Chinatown Pageant
Alice Kwok, Betty Gee, Jacquie Chaumette, Mandy Kao, Tammy Su
Cookie Joe, Miss Chinatown Houston 1972
Lindsey Gee, Moid Khan, Dorothy Chow, Emily Kuo, Joy Le,
Tanaz Choudhury, Bryce Kennard
Giselle Yeung
Dorothy Chow, Tammy Su, Betty Gee, Crystal Lee,
Linda Wu, Kitty So
Simon Fashion Now, Presented by Cadillac
Photos by Jenny Antill, Bill Olive, Dave Rossman
Held at The Galleria on the Polar Ice Rink
More than 800 fashion
forward Houstonians
attended a cocktail party and
fashion show that kicked off
Simon Fashion Now, a
dynamic three-day
celebration of beauty and
style at The Galleria
presented by Cadillac.
Aaron Barringer, Michelle Yeglic, Lisa Bendfeldt,
Federico Linares
Kristi Nguyen, V. Hoang, Mimi Dinh
Alyssa Kilpatrick, Stacey Swift Lester & Sue Smith
Lauren Anderson, Carolyn Farb, Deborah Colton Jonathan Glus, Alton LaDay
Diane Do, Suzette Nguyen
Brooke Baker, Charlie Chanaratsopon, Aubrey Yost
Miss Universe Pageant VIP Party
Held at Mandalay Bay Hotel in Las Vegas
The meet and greet VIP Party for the
2010 Miss Universe Pageant was held
at the Moorea Beach Club in the
Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino the
night before the pageant. Many
special guests, including Houston’s
own Miss Chinatown Houston 20102011 Crystal Le, were treated to an
up close and personal sneak peak of
all the Miss Universe contestants.
Crystal Lee and Allen Lee before
the show
Miss Thailand
V. Hoang with contestants
Allen Lee with contestants
Yen Pham with Miss Indonesia
Dining Guide
Yellow Magazine’s featured restaurants
J A PA N E S E
KOREAN
Shabu House
Arirang Korean Restaurant
8719- Bellaire Blvd., 713.995.5428
9715 Bellaire Blvd., 713.988.2088
Only beef or seafood items are served and will
be cooked with the classic shabu shabu style.
Boiling broth is situated at the bar. When the
food arrives, place everything in the broth and
begin the unique experience.
From the décor to the cuisine, everything about
this place exemplifies tradition. The Moh Dum
Bulgogi is a classic family style dinner which
includes barbecued short ribs, squid, chicken
and a vast assortment of side dishes such as the
potato salad, kim chi and spicy cucumber salad.
Tokyo One
7465 W. Greens Rd., 281.955.8898
2938 W. Sam Houston S., 713.785.8899
Korea Garden Grille
Tokyo One is a sushi buffet restaurant, situated
in a fancy boat house with an outside deck. The
food is fresh and is constantly replenished.
Selections include: salads such as sea weed, beef,
squid, salmon and watercress. Sushi includes a
variety of rolls and sashimi. A “must have” is the
escobar. There are also a variety of fresh crabs
during dinner. Great price and great atmosphere.
Clean with nice ambience and quiet atmosphere
all you can eat Korean BBQ style. Serving of
endless good quality Korean BBQ, steaks &
seafood along with traditional side dishes, BYOB.
Zushi Japanese Cuisine
1520 Westheimer Rd. 713.807.8857
5900 Memorial Dr., 713.861.5588
If you are looking for authentic Italian food, Da
Marco is the place to find it. It has a charming
atmosphere to go along with the excellent fare.
All of the entrees are subtle and prepared nearly
perfect. Must try Sweet Corn Ravioli and Lobster
and the Sea Bass with Aceto Tradizionale.
Zushi serves extremely fresh and high quality
sushi. Stand out items are the sashimi appetizers
served with perfectly paired sauces or any one
of the many house specialty rolls.
11360 Bellaire Blvd #990, 281.568.0008
Uptown Sushi personifies an upscale sushi
restaurant located near the Galleria in the swanky
Uptown Park Plaza. The menu offers Japanese
fusion dishes and a great selection of high-end
sashimi and sushi. Side note: Uptown Sushi has
“off-the-menu” specialty rolls served daily!
CHINESE
Auntie Chang’s
2621 South Shepherd #290, 713.524.8410
Auntie Chang’s offers the most flavorful homestyle Chinese cuisine around. Although known
for their dumplings, any of your favorite classic
Chinese dishes are done extremely well.
Hong Kong Food Street
9750 Bellaire Blvd., 713.981.9888
Peking duck and roasted pork hang from cleavers
in a front window display giving a Hong Kong
street market feel. In addition, the menu is
divided into sections including Seafood, Hot Pot,
Special Stir Fry, Sizzling and Chef Specials. The
Peking duck, Beef Pot and Dry Scallops are
recommended items.
San Dong Noodle House
9938-F Bellaire Blvd., 713.271.3945
Authentic hand pulled Chinese noodle dishes are
served at a reasonable price. A few favorites
include the Roast Beef Noodle soup served in a
beef broth accented by ginger and soy, or the oh
so addicting pan fried dumplings.
Sinh Sinh
9788 Bellaire Blvd., 713.541.0888
The seafood at Sinh Sinh is quite exciting
because everything served comes from live tanks.
Prawns, Australian king lobster, King crabs, Coral
Leopard trout, Surf clams, Geoduck clams, Trunk
clams, Elephant clams, etc…are all featured as
live seafood.
Arco Seafood
9896 Bellaire Blvd., 713.774.2888
A refreshing take on Chinese seafood offering an
upscale ambience. Subtle flavors allow the natural
taste of the seafood to emerge. Dishes to try: Sea
Cucumber, Crab Meat and Fish Maw Soup,
Noodle’s with Abalone Sauce, Sautéed Snow Pea
Leaf or the Steamed Whole Tilapia.
5176 Buffalo Speedway, 713.664.7303
Trendy yet elegant, Vietopia delivers top notch
Vietnamese cuisine at reasonable lunch prices and
a stellar dinner menu. The lounge at Vietopia works
perfectly for those who want a less formal dining
experience but still want to enjoy quality food.
Van Loc Restaurant
3010 Milam St., 713.528.6441
A great lunch time eatery serving classic
Vietnamese cuisine which, according to the
establishment, has around “200 menu items
that come straight from mama.” Dishes to try
are the Vietnamese egg rolls and the beef cubed
steak with lettuce and tomato.
Mo Mong
I TA L I A N
Da Marco Cucina E Vino
Uptown Sushi
1131 Uptown Park Blvd. #14 713.871.1200
Vietopia
THAI
Thai Spice
8282 Bellaire Blvd. 713.777.4888
Thai Spice on Bellaire is a foodies dream. It’s a
casual place that serves Thai dishes you won’t
find anywhere else in Houston, with a huge
selection of interesting, rare, tasty dishes at
excellent prices. A must have is the whole fried
tilapia with hot and sour dipping sauce and
papaya salad and Tom Yum soup.
Nit Noi
6700 Woodway Pkwy., Suite 580
281.597.8200
Nit Noi means “a little bit” and Thai food lovers
pack Nit Noi restaurants and cafes all around
Houston. Nit Noi will always be known for their
Pad Thai, but other must try dishes include
PadThai Korat (flat noodles stir-fried with
chicken, pork or shrimp with vegetables) and
Tom Yum Goong (spicy and sour shrimp soup).
1201 Westheimer Rd. #B, 713.524.5664
This Trendy Montrose establishment has a great
lunch crowd as well as a packed martini night
on Wednesdays. But the real draw is the foodtraditional family recipes mixed in with some
tasty modern dishes. Must try items include the
Mango Spring Rolls, Shrimp and Avocado Spring
Roll, Volcano Chicken, and the Bo Luc Lac.
WINE BARS
So Vino Bistro & Wine Bar
507 Westheimer Rd., 713.524.1000
So Vino highlights the unique tastes and styles
of Southern Hemisphere wines. The pairing of
stellar wines with the new interpretations of
traditional world cuisine is the passion of cofounder Elizabeth Abraham. Must try include
cooked mussels served with a soy potatoe patty
and topped with a mushroom ragu, also the
short ribs.
The Tasting Room
1101 Uptown Park Blvd. #18, 713.993.9800
Each of The Tasting Room’s three Houston
locations offers a unique food and wine
experience. Uptown has a more sophisticated
feel that attracts a hip, professional crowd. It is
the newest “in” spot to sip and be seen. Check
out the Sunday Brunch Buffet for $24, or their
delicious thin crust pizza anytime.
CO N T I N E N TA L
Red Basil
Backstreet Café
11322-C Westheimer Rd., 281.293.0426
1103 South Shepherd Dr., 713.521.2239
A gourmet take on traditional Thai cuisine, Red
Basil offers fabulous food at a reasonable price.
If you are a fan of Thai soup try the Tom Yam
with shrimp. It will evoke all of your senses of
taste with its sweet, sour and spice flavors. The
papaya salad and the Massaman curry beef are
a few others to try.
A well hidden restaurant with one of the nicest
patios in town delivers the best Prosciutto
Wrapped Scallops in town. The tasty New York
Strip is an 11 oz Black Angus encrusted with
white, pink, black and green peppercorns and
pan seared. Highly recommended if you are
looking for a romantic place for dinner.
Tony Thai
Bistro Calais
10613 Bellaire Blvd., 281.495.1711
2811 Bammel Lane,713.529.1314
A sophisticated approach to traditional Thai
cuisine, Tony’s executes with perfect balance
and pizzazz. Tony’s Wings, wet or dry, and the
Steamed Mussels are popular appetizers. For
the main course try the Basil Lamb, Garlic
Salmon or the Steamed Fish with Chili.
French and Continental fare with some Southern
favorites. Must try are the Gumbo (if you like it
spicy) and Lump Crab Cakes (all crab with
minimal breading), the best in town. Experience
their Sunday Brunch, which was voted best
“Morning-After Brunch” in 2008 by Citysearch.
INDIAN
Kiran’s Restaurant
4100 Westheimer Rd. #151, 713.960.8472
This northern Indian style restaurant embodies
a fusion approach to its cuisine. With a focus on
well balanced flavors rather than spice, the Flaky
Halibut Swimming in Watermelon Curry sauce
and the Tandoori Platter typify this perfectly.
Voice Restaurant & Lounge
Hotel Icon, 220 Main, 832.667.4470
The impressive décor has thoughtfully
transformed the space of an old bank lobby into
a warm cozy and elegant dining area. Try the
Mushroom Soup “Cappucino”, reduction of
garlic, onion, crimini mushrooms topped with
frothy truffle foam, and the Bryan Farms Roast
Chicken, a free range and 100% corn fed chicken.
Colombe d’Or Restaurant and Hotel
VIETNAMESE
Kim Son Restaurants
2001 Jefferson (and other locations),
713.222.2461
The menu is the most imposing part of this casual,
highly regarded landmark Vietnamese restaurant. There are no poor choices among the 100 or so
options. Enjoy finely prepared delicacies as well
as the expected fare, such as the pork vermicelli
and fried eggroll. Must try is their black pepper
softshell crab. Expansive banquet and special
event facilities are also available.
3410 Montrose Blvd. 713.524.7999
Built in 1923 and originally the mansion of
Walter Fondren, one of the founders of Humble
Oil, Colombe d’Or Hotel is considered a Texas
historical landmark. Featuring French and
Continental fare, we recommend the Carre
d’Agneau, individual rack of baby lamb grilled
with natural herbs and red wine sauce.
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that you enjoy, please email the information
to [email protected].
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