The Houston 100

 

Take a permanent voyage at Art of the World Gallery

luggage
Discover Spanish artist Cristóbal Toral at Art of the World Gallery, starting March 23.

This spring, take a permanent voyage at Houston’s Art of the World Gallery. In an exhibition titled “The Permanent Voyage,” Spanish artist Cristóbal Toral showcases nearly 40 works covering his entire artistic philosophy.

Toral is known for his use of magical and pictorial realism to portray everything from the journey as a state of passage to the use of space and time to make modern classics of artistic masterpieces. His use of luggage imagery and places of transit encourages viewers to look at their own journeys in new and different ways. The exhibit runs from March 23 – May 19.

 

Easter eats

Lucienne's Easter brunch
Just a few mouthwatering items featured on Lucienne's Easter brunch menu.

Check out these Easter dining options:

ARA Restaurant: Savor lunch or dinner with traditional roasted leg of lamb, red bliss potatoes, ratatouille, mint jelly and natural jus. Cost is $29 for adults, $14.50 for children 11 and younger.

Lucienne: Enjoy a sumptuous, three-course brunch from 11am-3pm. Pricing is $58 per person, plus tax and gratuity. A kids’ menu is available.

Radio Milano: Indulge in a brunch buffet featuring an array of breakfast items alongside contemporary Italian fare from 10am-3pm. Pricing is $30 for adults, $12 for children under 10 and no charge for kids under 5.

 

Loans of the future

BBVA Compass loans
Acquiring a personal loan is easier than ever with the help of BBVA Compass.

BBVA Compass is changing the landscape of personal loans with the introduction of its fully digital BBVA Compass Express Personal Loans. The new technology offers nearly instantaneous decisioning and potential same-day funding for BBVA customers and non-customers alike. This opportunity, which represents months of effort, underscores BBVA Compass’ drive toward digital transformation and achieving excellence in customer experience.

“There is a clear demand on the part of consumers for personal loans,” said Executive Director of Consumer Lending Shayan Khwaja. “This demand represents an opportunity for banks to demonstrate their own digital prowess and ability to serve the customer.”

 

Patio party

Armadillo Palace patio
Usher in the spring weather at one of these standout patios.

Patio season is upon us. Enjoy the outdoors at these four restaurants:

Balls Out Burger: The 4,000-square-foot, dog-friendly patio offers games like cornhole, giant Jenga, giant Connect Four and darts.

Fig & Olive: The newly-opened Galleria location boasts a 40-seat terrace, perfect for al fresco dining.

The Raven Tower: Overlooking Little White Oak Bayou, the dog-friendly venue offers outdoor games, beer and handcrafted cocktails and live music.

The Armadillo Palace: Kick back and relax on this spacious patio. Enjoy a selection of craft beers, savory bites, live music and crawfish every Saturday in March.


More: Food

 

Bridgeland launches Parkland Village

Celebrate the grand opening of Bridgeland's Parkland Village this weekend.

On Saturday, March 24 & April 7, Bridgeland invites you to explore its community and celebrate the grand opening of Parkland Village.

In the market for a new home? Parkland Village represents the latest and greatest in community living. It has the best of everything: prime access to all parts of Houston, premium educational facilities, and affordable, luxurious homes positioned amidst lakes and parks.

Grand opening events are from 10 AM-4 PM and will feature live music, food trucks, scavenger hunts and goat yoga. Everyone participating in model home tours will be entered to win a $2,500 gift card.

 

Katz’s never kloses

Katz's interior
A preview of what Katz's Montrose interior will look like come April.

Katz’s Montrose flagship is unveiling a major interior face-lift next month, thanks to Austin-based creative force Michael Hsu.

The redesign, entirely encompassing two floors, will offer diners a whimsical yet polished take on a classic Brooklyn diner, complete with a newly expanded bar. Katz’s inaugural happy hour will showcase a spread of $5 bites, including loaded chips, Reuben sliders and its famous fried pickles. The drink menu has undergone a refresh with new $6 Kraft Cocktails.

Die-hard fans will be happy to know that the phased construction project continues the landmark’s 20-year tradition of never closing.

 

Calling all cooks

Blues Brews and Barbecue
Blues, Brews & Barbecue runs from 12-5 p.m., with VIP entry at 11 a.m.

Picnic season is in full swing for the Houston Area Parkinson Society, which is knee deep in planning for its Blues, Brews & Barbecue event at Wicklow Heights on April 29.

Cook-off chair, chef Brandi Key, is rustling up both professional and amateur teams to raise money and the bar on barbecue bites and sides, which will be awarded both judge’s and people’s choice honors.

Teams can email perry@hapsonline.org. For those who would rather sample the fun, food and festivities, including live music, tickets are $35 per person for general admission and $65 for VIP with swag bags.

 

Curated crafts

outdoor mural
T-shirt from vendor Louie Loo, offering indigo-dyed home goods plus clothing and accessories for kids and pets.

Art Is An Outdoor Market, the only event of its kind, breadth and scale in West Houston, returns to the wooded grounds of Republic Square on March 24 from 11am-6pm.

The community-driven and family-friendly creative celebration is open to the public with complimentary admission and parking. More than 70 specialty vendors, ranging from painters, sewistas and sculptors to quilters, candle and print makers, join vintage clothing and jewelry dealers. There will be culinary purveyors, beer and wine garden, live entertainment plus kids’ areas featuring bubble machines, music lessons, seed planting, Pop Shop America DIY and wildlife interaction.

 

Even better than ‘Kimye’ is … BRUNCH

brunch table
Hotel Granduca's legendary brunch buffet is finally back.

The wait is finally over. Hotel Granduca has officially reintroduced its legendary Sunday brunch buffet, a meal that was long beloved by both hotel guests and locals before eventually being phased out for a la carte brunch service.

Now, with new chef Henry Hamor at the helm, the Italian-inspired hotel has returned to its roots with a sprawling brunch spread every Sunday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The extravagant brunch features everything from freshly-carved sage butter roasted turkey and slow-roasted prime rib to herb-roasted pork loin and shrimp cocktail. | Adults, $65; Children, $25.

 

The season is changing … but not my financial situation

spring break party
“Sprang Breeeaaak” - James Franco from that one awful movie.

Yep, it’s that time again. Time to see an influx of vacation pics from friends on Instagram and wonder how they can afford the trip. Time for everyone to hit the gym and drink Flat Tummy Tea to get “summer ready.” Time for all the good shows to go on an unnecessary break after super-intense winter finales. Time for Beyonce to take everyone’s tax refund after announcing another tour.

In Houston, it’s time for day drinking, crawfish and taking in the sun at one of the many parks, parades and festivals around town!

Bring on the bad tan lines!

 

Chair-et-table garage sale at Ladco

Ladco Design Center is located at 7900 Washington Ave. in Houston.

Buyers be aware. Ladco Design Center, Houston’s largest trade-only luxury home furnishings showroom, will open its doors to the general public for the first time in 10 years.

Shoppers will get to peek behind the designer curtain to experience the veritable Oz of high-end furniture showrooms for two days only: Friday, April 27, and Saturday, April 28, from 10 am-4pm. Huge discounts up to 80% off of retail on designer home furnishings brands like Century, Sherrill , Marge Carson, Bernhardt , Caracole, Theodore and Alexander, Vanguard and more. For two days only, shop like a designer … discounts and all.

 

Sold on savings

Leslie Lerner
Leslie Lerner Properties is celebrating its fifth year in business.

Harnessing her love of education, customer service and sales, Leslie Lerner’s 25 years in residential real estate has been a calling.

The fourth-generation Houstonian marks another milestone: The five-year anniversary of Leslie Lerner Properties. Houston’s first full-service, flat-fee brokerage was initially conceived as a fresh model for the city, based on the dramatic shift in buying and selling habits because of the internet.

A tiered structure provides a clear, concise road map for clients with opportunities for substantial savings when selling and rebates when buying. And, this comes with the firm’s goal of leaving nothing undone.

 

Spruce up your home’s curb appeal

To maintain curb appeal, create a yearlong schedule for outdoor cosmetic maintenance, including fertilizing the lawn to keep it lush and green. (Photo courtesy of CalAtlantic Homes)

Curb appeal is your home’s version of a first impression. Create a welcoming outdoor environment at your home and build curb appeal with these inexpensive and simple ideas:

– Upgrade your front door with enhancements like new hardware or exterior lighting. Add a wreath or plants for a pop of color.

– Clean and pressure wash outdoor surfaces such as your deck, fence, patio, walkway and driveway.

– Upgrade your front landscape for a fresh look, or try potted plants or window boxes as an easier alternative. Crotons and hibiscuses are low-maintenance and colorful plants that thrive all year in warmer climates.

– Steve Seeger, Lennar Homes

 

Why adaptable employees have an edge in today’s workplace

Sarah Gibson of Accent Learning and Consulting explains why adaptability is a key skill in today's workplace.

The ability to adapt to rapidly changing work situations and the flexibility to overcome obstacles is a game-changer.

Why employers want it: Today’s fast-paced business environment requires employees who are open to change, willing to take initiative and don’t get emotionally sidetracked when plans go awry. “Adaptable employees can manage conflict and change more effectively,” says Sarah Gibson of Accent Learning and Consulting, based in Wisconsin.

How to gain it: Become a continuous learner. Embrace change. Seek ongoing development opportunities to help you stay relevant in an ever-changing business world. “It’s a lifelong learning process,” says Gibson.

– Rebecca Konya, The Wisconsin 100

 

What’s a micro-influencer?

How can your business crack Instagram's new algorithm?

The recent changes on Instagram make it harder for marketers to engage their audiences. Rather than listed chronologically, posts are now based on the number of likes, comments, views, shares, saves and direct messages. High engagement signals to Instagram that the content is what people want to see.

So how can marketers and users crack the Instagram code? Forbes suggests using micro-influencers – everyday consumers who have a significant following on social media (between 1,000-10,000 followers). They’re more likely to become authentic advocates for brands, so they’re an essential, emerging tool for marketers to relay their messaging.

– Becca Hartleib, The New Orleans 100

 

Fig & Olive extends an olive branch to Houston

New Houston Restaurants
Houstonians don't give a fig about hype ... they want great food. Fig and Olive will serve up exactly that when it opens on March 9.

The spirit of the French Riviera has landed at The Galleria as acclaimed coastal Mediterranean concept Fig & Olive officially opens its first Houston outpost tomorrow.

What can Houstonians expect from the luxe NY-based eatery as it makes its Texas debut? For starters, authentic Mediterranean ingredients and a joie de vivre synonymous with the coastal regions of France, Spain and Italy make way for the brand’s unique blend of fresh flavors, seasonal dishes and signature premium olive oils.

Look out for a bevy of dishes like rosemary lamb chops, authentic Spanish paella, truffle risotto, quinoa salad & Provence roasted Amish chicken.


More: Food

 

Swamped and need a staycation – giveaway ends today

Hotel Alessandra
Hurry and sign up for a chance to win this luxurious prize package.

Houston’s top real estate blog, Swamplot, knows how to keep us super informed and seriously entertained when chronicling the ins and outs of the city’s ever-changing landscape.

It can be a little exhausting to keep up with all that news, so here’s the perfect opportunity to relax while enjoying an up close and personal look at one of the area’s newest and newsiest gems, GreenStreet’s Hotel Alessandra.

Registration ends today for a prize package that includes an overnight stay with valet, $50 off a spa service, plus $25 gift cards for Lucky Strike and $75 for III Forks steakhouse.

 

BBVA helps take small businesses to new heights

houston small banks
And the winner is ... BBVA Compass is awarded at Greenwich Excellence Awards for Small Business Banking.

BBVA Compass has been recognized for its outstanding service & attention to small businesses by the Small Business Administration. One of the four small business banking winners recognized, BBVA Compass sets itself apart through “the passion of [its] employees,” said BBVA Compass Small Business Banking Executive Elizabeth Dobers.

BBVA Compass understands small businesses contribute to thriving communities; its clients agree. At least 50 clients responded to the survey, enabling BBVA Compass to meet requirements for national awards.

Greenwich Associates, a market intelligence provider for the financial industry, has presented the “Proactively Provides Advice” award to BBVA Compass three times since 2016.

 

Luxe for less as Luxury Garage Sale arrives in Houston

Houston Pop Up Shops
Pop-ups are the new black. And Luxury Garage Sale is the real deal.

Luxury Garage Sale, the Chicago-based upscale consignment brand specializing in designer clothing, handbags, shoes and accessories, will open a pop-up shop in the River Oaks Shopping Center March 15-April 20.

Luxury Garage Sale has turned to Houston to open its first pop-up location of 2018, catering to the larger-than-life appetite for covetable couture. Top-selling brands are fashion’s most exclusive, coveted houses: Hermès, Chanel, Gucci and Louis Vuitton.

Drop off your items at the pop-up (no appointment needed!) or Luxury Garage Sale will make a house call. Stress-free consignment? Yes, please!

 

Post pop-up

Houston Delis
The EHS squad rolled through for a preview event full of tasty handcrafted sandwiches.

Fans of Dallas-based East Hampton Sandwich Co recently packed the back porch of Kirby Ice House for a teaser of what’s to come from the nationally acclaimed shop.

The evening, benefiting Young Houstonians for Houston Children’s Charity, was a preview for two upcoming openings. East Hampton makes its H-town debut in April at the River Oaks District, followed by a May opening in Montrose at 907 Westheimer.

Guests enjoyed a first taste of handcrafted fare, including mini lobster rolls and fried chicken & jack, along with whoopie pies, and 50% of sales were donated to support local, underprivileged children.

 

How the West was yum

Houston Restaurants
The Magic Shroom burger is all things magical.

Hopdoddy Burger Bar is opening its first Houston west side location at CITYCENTRE in early fall. Born in Austin, the brand brings a tasty mix of salads and a cornucopia of fries, along with an assortment of craft burgers, to its festive, quality-focused, fast-casual mix.

New flavors are coming to the district even sooner with San Francisco-based MINA Group’s International Smoke anticipated to bow as early as this spring. A collaboration with lifestyle expert and bestselling cookbook author Ayesha Curry, the concept focuses on how different cultures use fire and grilling to create inspired and flavorful dishes.

 

The gala gets its groove back

Houston Events
Be glam at CAMH on Friday, April 13.

Longing for the days when Bianca Jagger could make an entrance on a white horse at Studio 54? This gala is guaranteed to be anything but boring.

Join co-chairs Blakely Griggs, Melissa Mithoff & Katherine Phelps on Friday, April 13 (yes, Friday the 13th), in celebrating the Contemporary Arts Museum Houston at “Underground.” Inspired by the most infamous underground parties and clubs of the past, present & future, this is the night to let your freak flag fly!

The evening will be concluded with the ultimate after party in the museum’s basement hosted by co-chairs Margaret Naeve Parker & Matt Johns.

 

The luck of the Irish

st patrick day events
Rare Irish whiskeys and cocktails are on deck.

The pot of gold – a sensational spread of Irish cuisine – can be found at CITYCENTRE’s Milano Bar on March 16.

The speakeasy-style craft cocktail bar is kicking off St. Patrick’s Day weekend with a three-course menu featuring Irish whiskey pairings. Doors open at 4pm, and the celebration includes screenings of “The Boondock Saints” I and II, educational samples of Jameson Whiskey, plus fun giveaways.

Dinner is $30 per person or $50 with pairings. Guests are encouraged to dress in black peacoats and will receive a special prize for creative costuming. To reserve a table, call 713-827-3545.

 

What’s shakin’?

New Rice Village Restaurant
I scream, you scream, we all scream for .... Shake Shack's frozen custard concrete.

Shake Shack has officially opened its doors in Rice Village. The much-anticipated location at 6205 Kirby Dr. has some tasty surprises, including a frozen custard concrete exclusive to the neighborhood: West U-nicorn, a delectable combination of vanilla custard, unicorn bait cookie from Fluff Bake Bar, strawberry puree and salted caramel sauce.

Among the other notable indulgences are the chocolate minted marshmallow, featuring chocolate custard, minted marshmallow sauce and chocolate truffle cookie dough, plus Texas’ own Lockhart Link Burger, a cheeseburger topped with griddled Kreuz Market jalapeño cheese sausage link, pickles and ShackSauce. Get your fix daily from 11am-10pm.

 

Party on the moon

"Moonlight drowns out all but the brightest stars." - JRR Tolkien Align with all the brightest stars on Friday, March 23, at the Midtown Arts & Theater Center.

Strap yourself in … Rothko Chapel’s Moonrise Party is back! The celestial soiree, which celebrates the halfway point between March’s new and blue moons, takes place this year at Midtown Arts & Theater Center Houston on Friday, March 23, from 6:30 to 10:30pm.

Guests will enjoy cocktails, succulent bites and authentic tacos from Cuchara Restaurant under twinkling lights on the breezeway by the light of the moon. Live music by local Texas artists Femina-X, Como Las Movies, and DJ Mexican Blackbird will be on hand to keep the party going. Hurry and snag your tickets today by clicking here.

 

Hotel Granduca says ciao to rodeo season

Houston Hotels
Italian-inspired Hotel Granduca will do as the Texans do ... rodeo style.

Rodeo season gets an Italian twist as Hotel Granduca commemorates the city’s annual event with a special Rodeo Wine Dinner at Ristorante Cavour.

As a special nod to the winners of Rodeo Houston’s wine show, Ristorante Cavour will offer a decadent four-course dinner menu paired with select wines from J. Lohr Vineyards & Wines throughout the rodeo season (Feb. 23-March 31).

The hotel will also inject the rodeo theme into its aperitivo happy hour each Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 7-10pm until March 31 at Bar Malatesta, which features complimentary western bites with the purchase of one cocktail.


More: Food

 

House party

World Water Day
Celebrating World Water Day the best way possible.

On March 22 from 6-9pm, hostess with the mostess Lily Paxson of Lily’s Events is partnering with Carnegie Homes for the dual launch of nonprofit Simply Clean Water Project and the Masterson Oaks residential enclave in Montrose’s historic Westmoreland district.

The rainforest-themed cocktail fundraiser is inspired by the 300-year-old tree that serves as centerpiece of the development. Former Houston Chronicle and CultureMap editor and current PaperCity contributor Clifford Pugh will play DJ for the fun-filled night of food, drink and entertainment, spanning three residences and central greenspace. Tickets are $50 each or $80 per couple.

 

Feed the Children donates 1 millionth H.E.L.P. backpack

Feed the Children distributed its 1 millionth H.E.L.P. (Homeless Education and Literacy Program) backpack with community partner support. H.E.L.P promotes school attendance and completion across the nation.

Samuel, the recipient of the 1 millionth backpack, attended an event with his mother to receive food and essentials not knowing he’d be the 1 millionth nationwide recipient.

“We want to make it easy for kids to stay in school,” Feed the Children Director of Education Partnerships Erin Carlstrom said. “For some homeless or at-risk children, these backpacks are the first thing they’re given that’s theirs.”

– Feed The Children

 

What type of manager are you?

Professional Development
Are you more in the weeds or in the sky? Studies say both styles are great, in moderation.

Business leaders can be overwhelmed by the myriad of managing styles. Inc. reports it may be possible to narrow it down to two thinking patterns: management- and leadership-focused.

The former is detail oriented, focused on the day-to-day activities, while the latter is known for its big ideas and blue-sky thinking. Which is better?

The answer is, of course, both. Prioritizing both the streamlined management of employees while also reaching for the stars is paramount to success. Every manager needs a detail-oriented yin to her vision-setting yang, whether in herself or through a trusted partner.

– Sarah H. Centorino, The New Orleans 100

 

Keeping up with Kikkan

2018 Olympic Gold Medalist
Follow Alaska's gold medalist Kikkan Randall as the celebrations continue.

Kikkan Randall finally has her gold medal, and she’s said that the Pyeongchang games are her last. This doesn’t mean you have to stop enjoying her inspiring adventures as a skier, mother and Alaskan.

Check out the Kikkanimal’s social media feeds to stay up to date on America’s golden girl as victory celebrations continue! She maintains Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube channels.

Want a taste of why cross-country skiing is a favorite of many Alaskans? This video brings to life a day of training for the Alaska Pacific University team near Hatcher Pass, Alaska, from Kikkan’s point of view.

– Gary Scott, The Alaska 100