My Fellow Texans Politics, the way we’d like to hear it

Dear Constituents,
I pause in this hectic session of the Texas Legislature to bring you up to speed on what your own lawmaker, me, Rep. T. J. Shady, is doing to protect you against Godless communism, higher taxes, bureaucrats and the danger of recounts.

First, a little old business. The 23 indictments stemming from my last election campaign were thrown out by the judge after discovering that he has to run for re-election next year and has hired my former campaign manager, food taster and bodyguards. Besides, oppositional research is as old as American politics. So is blackmail and intimidation. The charges against me were groundless, simply an attempt by my political enemies to play the facts card. Just ask my campaign adviser, Talmadge Heflin.

As for me again being named by Texas Monthly as one of the 10 worst legislators, that has happened so many times the editors are retiring the trophy. The magazine’s accusations that I am ethically challenged are proof that the liberal media are just out to get me. My reply is that of all politicians under fire, “blame it on the press.”

Getting down to business in this session, some of you have asked what I am doing to clean up Houston’s pollution. Mainly, I am part of the solution by staying in Austin year-round. You won’t find my SUV belching carbon dioxide emissions into your lungs. Yes, our district has foul air and water, but what you refer to as “pollution” I call “campaign contributions.” You think those lobbyists from the SmoKoMo Refinery & Toxic Dump support me because they’re philanthropists?

This brings us to lobbyists or, as we legislators call them, “hosts.” There have been questions involving my dealings with SmoKoMo, especially the campaign contributions, special interest laws, my bill authorizing Smog Week and my efforts to abolish the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality.

Let me set the record straight. While some hosts have been extremely generous, my old colleague and former fellow Texas legislator Tom DeLay has assured me everything I do (and take) is legal. Actually, he wrote his opinion on a postcard to me from a country club in Scotland. The Texas Ethics Commission has ruled state officials need only to report donations of $250 or more and the name of the donor, but do not need to state the amount of the money. Therefore, I won’t. Some of you say that is a stupid ruling. I say it is close enough for government work.

Immigration is a top priority with many of you. So, you will be happy to know that I have introduced the Great Wall of Presidio Bill, which would install a 45-foot-high electrified fence from Brownsville to El Paso. This should stem the tide of immigrants, as I was telling my nanny, gardener and driver — through an interpreter, of course. They don’t speak English and tend to hide when the authorities come around.

I have taken the lead among my colleagues in working for a better Texas in other ways, as well. As chairman of the House Committee on College Stuff, I have ensured that legislators sit in luxury suites on the 50 yard line during all UT and A&M football games. This was done by my enthusiastic support for higher education, the constant pursuit of scientific research and by threatening to cut off state funding.

We want to do something about school finance by ending the Robin Hood plan some day, maybe in yet another special session when the weather gets better for golf. As for capping property taxes, it’s on our to-do-eventually list, right behind authorizing Louisiana as Texas’ Official State Orphan.

Some of you have questioned me about term limits. A few even trot out my first campaign speeches in which I declared that I would run for no more than three terms. “I am not a professional politician,” I said many times. True, I am now in my 15th term, but my constituents need my background knowledge and veteran skills as a lawmaker. Besides, as the late Sen. Bill Moore of Bryan, the Bull of the Brazos, so aptly noted, “Honesty is no substitute for experience!”

At this point, you may be wondering how I have time to write and send out a newsletter in the midst of this busy, busy time — especially a newsletter that contains 15 color photographs of me shaking hands with the governor, welcoming the All-Houston Curling Team and, in at least one case, actually voting. The reason I have a moment off from the hurly-burly of a Texas legislative session is because right now on the floor of the House the members are debating some dumb thing about prisons or maybe the state budget. Who cares?

Since most of you haven’t a clue as to who I am or why I am here, I can pretty well do anything Ronnie Earle allows. My mail shows that many of you are totally ignorant of the Texas Legislature. The other day some idiot sent me a letter demanding that FEMA be abolished. Another didn’t want U.S. troops under a NATO commander, and still one more constituent complained about global warming. Hey, this is the state government here.

Legislators deal with such minor issues as education, highways and health care. We determine, to a large extent, your school taxes, sales taxes and how filthy your air will be. Most of you didn’t vote for me, or for anybody else. We like it that way. Actually, most of you won’t even read this newsletter, but will just toss it away unopened. That, too, is fine. Just keep sending me back to Austin till my state pension kicks in.

Your faithful servant,
T.J.

Romantic Getaways with your special someone

Escape to a dream-worthy destination

Excellence Punta Cana
Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
To reach the Dominican Republic, you have to change planes in Miami’s International Terminal. Be prepared — this isn’t the easiest task, even for seasoned travelers. Once you arrive, the trip to Punta Cana is a little more than an hour from the airport on bumpy roads, although the expedition is well worth it when you reach your final destination — Excellence Punta Cana.

Located to the north of the easternmost tip of Punta Cana, seclusion rules supreme at Excellence’s luxurious Punta Cana resort. Upon arrival, guests are greeted with an open-air lobby, offered a refreshing hand towel and handed a fruity drink to sip on. Beaches and pools encompass the exotic landscape, as do honeymooners. Two giant pools, including swim-up bars and beautiful waterfalls, create the perfect playground for games of water volleyball. Beautiful beaches beckon guests to stroll along the ocean day and night, although exploring beyond the resort’s perimeters may yield a few surprises. (Relentless locals may push you to purchase their goods — even jumping out of trees to get your attention and a sale!)

Highlights of the evenings always include shows put on by the resort’s friendly and amusing staff. Our trip to Excellence Punta Cana included a night of entertainment by featured artist Michael Jackson. Not the real M.J. of course, but some great dancers and singers who performed many of the chart-topping hits from his early years. Any cheesiness from the shows is made up for at the seven different (and delicious) restaurants from which you may choose. Drinks are included at this all-inclusive resort, although you’ll have to pay extra for a special bottle of wine or champagne. Opt to dine on the beach for an especially romantic evening out — the breeze blowing through the open-air bars is just enough to keep the bugs away and your drinks perfectly cool.

Hotel Park City
Park City, Utah
A quaint, all-wooden resort, Hotel Park City offers 54 all-suite luxury rooms in an elegant setting. Fine dining is paired with world-class skiing, golfing at the Park City Golf Club championship course and an 8,500-square-foot spa to please any guest seeking adventure, or just pure relaxation.

Bustling with happy staffers offering up water, tea and coffee, each day at the resort greets guests with sounds from the grand lobby’s piano and breathtaking views of the Wasatch Mountains. In the morning, steam from the hot tub and pool rises like dew inviting you to take a dip before you head out for skiing at one of three resorts located five minutes away or hiking among lush Pine and Aspen trees. Best of all, Utah welcomes its guests with a special treat: Ski free on the day of your arrival by presenting your boarding pass.

After a day of outdoor activities, the hotel’s luxurious spa is the ultimate destination. Offering eight treatment rooms, a health club, a beauty salon, dry saunas, herbal-infused steam rooms, whirlpools and meditation rooms, the full-service Alpine Spa and Health Club channels the tranquility of its natural surroundings to provide superior spa treatments for its guests. The deep tissue sports massage works to reduce scar tissue and pain, while improving muscles by removing inhibiting toxins. Although the masseuse moved her hands so quickly against my spine that the heat was almost unbearable, the massage was without a doubt well worth it — leaving me refreshed and rejuvenated from my daily activities.

Hotel Park City’s elegant Sleigh Restaurant, overlooking the golf course and mountain scape, invites guests to dine among the warmth of a fireplace, while offering diners top-quality American Continental specialties for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The intimate Wasatch Room may be reserved for private gatherings, hosting up to 90 people — the perfect destination for a business getaway or special event. — LMV

Essentials:
Excellence Punta Cana
www.excellence-resorts.com
(809) 685-9880

Hotel Park City
www.hotelparkcity.com
(435) 200-2000

End Hunger Network

Feeding Houston’s hungry one meal at a time

More than 36 million Americans are regularly unsure of where or how they will get their next meal. More than 800,000 of these men, women and children live in the greater Houston area — enough people to fill every seat in Reliant Stadium 11 times. The End Hunger Network’s mission is to dwindle this number to zero by enabling everyone — from individuals to food industry businesses — to donate food for the thousands of our Houston neighbors who suffer from hunger.

Mary Barden Keegan established the End Hunger Network in 1985 after watching a television program about hunger in Houston. She was one of 450 Houstonians who called the station that aired the show to offer pledges, food and time. Soon after beginning End Hunger Network, Keegan created its signature initiative — placing red oil barrels in grocery stores to make it easy for people to donate food. Today, red barrels are found in more than 200 stores in the community, along with preprepared “Help End Hunger” grocery bags for sale that make donating food even easier. The red barrels and premade grocery bags are just a few ways End Hunger Network works to connect food donated by people and businesses with food pantries, emergency shelters and other hunger-relief agencies in 18 Houston-area counties.

The Food Rescue program helps bring perishable foods that would otherwise go to waste to the thousands of hungry Houstonians who need them most. Food Rescue trucks take perishable food, such as produce, meat and dairy products that food-industry businesses will soon throw out, and deliver it to Houston hunger-relief agencies. The Community Kitchen program is an initiative with S.E.A.R.C.H, a Houston organization that helps Houston’s homeless, that prepares individuals for jobs in the food-service industry. The 14-week culinary food-service job training program, free for adults who qualify, simultaneously teaches skills for employment while helping to prepare meals for distribution. In 2003, End Hunger Network created a fresh meat rescue program, named the Meal Prep program, in response to the millions of pounds of fresh meat that is wasted in the community annually. Using fresh, but short-dated meat, Meal Prep creates nutritious meals that are then quickly distributed through the Houston Food Bank network.

This past summer, the End Hunger Network celebrated the grand opening of the Mary Barden Keegan Hunger Relief Center, a new 14,950-square-foot building located at I-45 North and North Main. The new home of the End Hunger Network features state-of-the-art kitchen facilities, cold and freezer storage, and meal preparation, as well as distribution services. The facility will help End Hunger Network bring even more meals to the members of the Houston community suffering from hunger.

“Imagine having to choose between paying your utilities and buying food for your family,” says David Davenport, End Hunger Network’s executive director. “Food may be the most basic human need, but for many families, food is used as a flexible expense, not a fixed expense.”

What began as an idea is now an organization that collects 4 million pounds of food annually — enough to provide 3.2 million nutritious meals a year. Thanks to her vision and the passion of the staff and volunteers that support End Hunger Network, obstacles that prevent getting food to Houston’s hungry are surpassed.

History Making Music Making History

Da Camera of Houston presents two composers’ history-inspired works

U2. The Beatles. Woody Guthrie. The list of artists whose music has been influenced by history could easily fill this entire page. In every type of music, in every era and in every corner of the globe, artists use pivotal moments in history as inspiration for their music — sometimes making history themselves in the process. Steve Reich and Frederic Rzewski, two American composers, are no exception.

On Feb. 27 at The Menil Collection, Da Camera of Houston, an organization that produces themed classical and jazz events, will present Made in America: Different Trains. The event will spotlight two monumental works of the 20th century that were inspired by significant moments in history — Steve Reich’s “Different Trains” for string quartet and recorded tape and Frederic Rzewski’s “The People Will Never Be Defeated!” for solo piano. The Houston-based Enso String Quartet will be presenting “Different Trains,” which won a Grammy Award in 1989 for Best Contemporary Classical Composition. Pianist Marilyn Nonken, a gifted musician whose performances have been called “marvels of keyboard mastery and musical command,” will make her Da Camera debut with “The People Will Never Be Defeated!”

Steve Reich, described as one of the few composers to have altered the direction of musical history, drew on his childhood memories for “Different Trains.” Between 1939 and 1942, he traveled with his governess back and forth between his separated parents — his father in New York and his mother in Los Angeles. As a child, the frequent cross-country train trips were an adventure, but later Reich realized that if he had been in Germany during those wartime years, his Jewish background would have caused him to ride very different trains. To prepare the tape that is played in “Different Trains,” Reich not only recorded 1930s and 1940s American and European train sounds, but also recorded his governess talk about their train trips together, as well as a retired Pullman porter who used to ride lines between New York and Los Angeles, and three Holocaust survivors the same age as Reich speak about their experiences. The collected sounds and speech are the basis for “Different Trains'” three movements: America — Before the War, Europe — During the War, and America — After the War. “Thus,” Reich says, “the work presents both a documentary and a musical reality.”

Frederic Rzewski’s “The People Will Never Be Defeated!” is a set of 36 variations for solo piano of the Chilean song “¡El pueblo unido jamás será vencido!” by Sergio Ortega and “Quilapayún.” “Quilapayún” is best known for being the song that became an anthem for the Chilean working class and their resistance to the 1973 coup that installed General Augusto Pinochet. Rzewski composed the variations in September and October 1975 as a tribute to the Chilean people. Intertwined in the 36 variations are two additional politically charged songs: the Italian revolutionary song “Bandiera Rossa” and Hanns Eisler’s 1932 “Solidaritätslied.”

“The ways in which music and history meet are many,” says Da Camera’s Artistic Director Sarah Rothenberg. “Sometimes composers are inspired by a particular event; other times, a time and place are perfectly captured in a musical style. World history and experiences far from our own find their way into musical compositions. Music has the power to communicate the past of others into our present. And music has a history of its own, made each day by living composers and performers.”

Family Values

Mother-daughter duo making waves in the Bayou City

The theme of the March 2, 2007, Houston Symphony Ball, “A Touch of Class (ical) — and All That Jazz,” reflects the sense of fun and creativeness of the ball chairs, Cathy Campbell-Hevrdejs and her mother, Lynne Tyrrell Campbell.

Cathy and Lynne call this “a celebration of the entire symphony family.” With Music Director Hans Graf and Principal Pops Conductor Michael Krajewski greeting attendees at the $750-a-plate gala at the Hilton Americas-Houston downtown, the event should prove quite a coup, as the two men are very much in demand worldwide. As the Houston Symphony League’s largest fundraising event of the year, the Symphony Ball supports the symphony’s extensive education and community-outreach programs.

Philanthropy is a way of life for Cathy and Lynne. It is a family tradition that began in Beaumont. Lynne says her grandfather “was smart enough to invest in Spindletop,” the legendary gusher that ushered in the Texas Oil Era in 1901, and his generosity set the tone for future generations. “He bought an old Baptist church that was falling down and turned it into a library for all of Beaumont,” Lynne says. “He bought land and turned it into a park for everyone.” Lynne says that her father, too, was very generous. “He gave anonymously, and my aunt gave publicly.”

Cathy’s first memory of charity work is handing out the Spindletop Award at a charity horse show in Beaumont when she was a young girl. After graduating from Houston’s Robert E. Lee High School and The University of Texas, Cathy earned an M.B.A. at the University of Houston. She put that degree to work in international banking in Houston and Boston. While with Aramco, she traveled extensively, especially in the Middle East.

Despite Cathy’s hectic schedule, her mother encouraged her to join the Junior League. Lynne was an active member, and Cathy says it was worth it. “The Junior League is a great way for young women to learn management,” Cathy says. “It’s a fabulous training ground.”

Now, Cathy is heading up her own company, Tyrrell Energy Corporation. “I’m CEO, CFO; I’m all the Os, including chief cook and bottle washer!” she says. Cathy started the company 15 years ago, before she married, and credits ex-husband and friend, Frank Hevrdejs, “for a lot of what I’ve learned business-wise, as well as about leadership and philanthropy.”

Both women are longtime Houston Symphony supporters. “The symphony is her love,” Cathy says of her mother. Even though most of Lynne’s active charity work simmered on the back burner while she cared for her husband (and Cathy’s father) during many years of illness, this proud daughter reveals that her mother always found time to help the Houston Symphony.

Now that Lynne is widowed, Cathy is reinvigorating her mom’s charity work, making her Symphony Ball co-chair. A past president of the River Oaks Garden Club, Lynne’s favorite organizations include The Colonial Dames of America; AWARE, which she helped found; and St. Martin’s Episcopal Church. “I’ve never chaired something this big,” Lynne admits of the monetary goals of the ball, but both her daughter and the Symphony League are sure of her skills.

Although this is Lynne’s first “big ball,” Cathy is a veteran. She raised $1 million for the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, chairing its Grand Gala Ball in 2000, and has also chaired galas for the Houston Grand Opera, Houston Zoo and University of Houston.

Named a Texas Legend this past November, Cathy was honored as a Woman of Distinction in 1998 by the Gulf Coast Chapter of the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of America. In addition, the Houston Chronicle named her Best Dressed in 2004. It is true that Cathy is a tireless community volunteer, but above all else, she is a devoted daughter to a wonderful mother.

Romantic Getaways

Escape to a dream-worthy destination with your special someone

Excellence Punta Cana
Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
To reach the Dominican Republic, you have to change planes in Miami’s International Terminal. Be prepared — this isn’t the easiest task, even for seasoned travelers. Once you arrive, the trip to Punta Cana is a little more than an hour from the airport on bumpy roads, although the expedition is well worth it when you reach your final destination — Excellence Punta Cana.

Located to the north of the easternmost tip of Punta Cana, seclusion rules supreme at Excellence’s luxurious Punta Cana resort. Upon arrival, guests are greeted with an open-air lobby, offered a refreshing hand towel and handed a fruity drink to sip on. Beaches and pools encompass the exotic landscape, as do honeymooners. Two giant pools, including swim-up bars and beautiful waterfalls, create the perfect playground for games of water volleyball. Beautiful beaches beckon guests to stroll along the ocean day and night, although exploring beyond the resort’s perimeters may yield a few surprises. (Relentless locals may push you to purchase their goods — even jumping out of trees to get your attention and a sale!)

Highlights of the evenings always include shows put on by the resort’s friendly and amusing staff. Our trip to Excellence Punta Cana included a night of entertainment by featured artist Michael Jackson. Not the real M.J. of course, but some great dancers and singers who performed many of the chart-topping hits from his early years. Any cheesiness from the shows is made up for at the seven different (and delicious) restaurants from which you may choose. Drinks are included at this all-inclusive resort, although you’ll have to pay extra for a special bottle of wine or champagne. Opt to dine on the beach for an especially romantic evening out — the breeze blowing through the open-air bars is just enough to keep the bugs away and your drinks perfectly cool.

Hotel Park City
Park City, Utah
A quaint, all-wooden resort, Hotel Park City offers 54 all-suite luxury rooms in an elegant setting. Fine dining is paired with world-class skiing, golfing at the Park City Golf Club championship course and an 8,500-square-foot spa to please any guest seeking adventure, or just pure relaxation.

Bustling with happy staffers offering up water, tea and coffee, each day at the resort greets guests with sounds from the grand lobby’s piano and breathtaking views of the Wasatch Mountains. In the morning, steam from the hot tub and pool rises like dew inviting you to take a dip before you head out for skiing at one of three resorts located five minutes away or hiking among lush Pine and Aspen trees. Best of all, Utah welcomes its guests with a special treat: Ski free on the day of your arrival by presenting your boarding pass.

After a day of outdoor activities, the hotel’s luxurious spa is the ultimate destination. Offering eight treatment rooms, a health club, a beauty salon, dry saunas, herbal-infused steam rooms, whirlpools and meditation rooms, the full-service Alpine Spa and Health Club channels the tranquility of its natural surroundings to provide superior spa treatments for its guests. The deep tissue sports massage works to reduce scar tissue and pain, while improving muscles by removing inhibiting toxins. Although the masseuse moved her hands so quickly against my spine that the heat was almost unbearable, the massage was without a doubt well worth it — leaving me refreshed and rejuvenated from my daily activities.

Hotel Park City’s elegant Sleigh Restaurant, overlooking the golf course and mountain scape, invites guests to dine among the warmth of a fireplace, while offering diners top-quality American Continental specialties for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The intimate Wasatch Room may be reserved for private gatherings, hosting up to 90 people — the perfect destination for a business getaway or special event. — LMV

Essentials:
Excellence Punta Cana
www.excellence-resorts.com
(809) 685-9880

Hotel Park City
www.hotelparkcity.com
(435) 200-2000

Best Chefs 2007

Presented in conjunction with the American Cancer Society’s Starlight Gala

The Top 10
1. Mark Cox – Mark’s American Cuisine
2. Marco Wiles – Da Marco
3. Philippe Schmit – bistro moderne
4. Olivier Ciesielski – Tony’s
5. Georges Guy – Chez Georges
6. Robert Del Grande – Café Annie
7. Charles Clark – Ibiza
8. John Sheely – Mockingbird Bistro
9. Robert Gadsby – Noé Restaurant &Bar
10. Rafael Galindo – Café Red Onion

The Rest of the Best
Arturo Boada – Beso
John Marion Carrabba – Piatto Ristorante
Bryan Caswell – BANK, Hotel ICON
Donald Chang – Uptown Sushi
James Cole – Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse &Wine Bar
Michael Cordúa – Américas
Lance Fegen – Glass Wall
Jason Gould – Gravitas
Mark Holley – Pesce
Joe Mannke – Bistro Le Cep
Youssef Nafaa – Mia Bella/Saffron
Arturo Osorio – Amerigo’s Grille
Ryan Pera – 17, Alden Hotel
Monica Pope – T’afia
Kent Rathbun – Jasper’s
Carlos Rodriguez – Vic &Anthony’s
John Schenk – Strip House

Mark Cox
This summer, Chef Mark Cox will have been pleasing palates for 10 years with his namesake, Mark’s American Cuisine. Built in 1927 as St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church, the building has seen quite a few businesses after the congregation moved in 1940. Despite the heavy rotation of tenants, this fine-dining institution has staying power. With seasonal menus, as well as a daily menu, Mark’s offers the freshest and highest quality ingredients from across the country combined in an artistically inventive way. Cox’s intention is to have a neighborhood restaurant; and although the scene and cuisine are definitely lavish, he has created an intimate environment that is unpretentious and homey. “I try to cook for our guests, but it is personal — not to intimidate, but tempt,” he says of his fare. In addition to his culinary prowess, this chef knows how to run an upscale establishment; from the linens to the wine to the service, everything at Mark’s is exceptional. “Ninety-nine percent of the time, I’m in the kitchen,” he says. “Each plate is a signature going out, and I only have one opportunity to serve it.” Mark’s American Cuisine, 1658 Westheimer

Philippe Schmit
Houston has been very happy to welcome bistro moderne, next to Hotel Derek in the Galleria — and it’s been especially eager to receive its celebrity-style chef. With stunning good looks and a sexy French accent, Chef Philippe Schmit sauntered into the city’s heart, as well as its stomach. As chef/partner of the 2-year-old French bistro, he has been happy to accommodate patrons, and there have been many. “They want to experience all different foods — as long as it’s not too cutting-edge and the new experience doesn’t interfere with the pleasure of eating,” he says about the Houston diner. From the hotel crowd to the business bunch to first-class foodies, people have been flocking to bistro moderne for its modern twist on classic French fare served in Texas’ largest city. Add in a steer mount, super-friendly service and cowboy-size portions, and you know that Schmit satisfies. “The key words are: great food in a casual atmosphere.” bistro moderne, 2525 W. Loop South

Olivier Ciesielski
Tony Vallone is the granddaddy of dining in Houston, and he knew exactly what he was doing when he chose French Chef Olivier Ciesielski to hold the culinary reins at his upscale European institution that bears his name. Tony’s is always filled to the brim with a list of Houston’s who’s who — from business lunches to ladies who lunch, special occasions to regular patrons. The guests who frequent this institution appreciate the fine ingredients, deliciously prepared, as well as the everyone-knows-your-name service. No one appreciates Tony’s more than Ciesielski. “I got what I want for the kitchen — like Christmas,” he says of the new location on Richmond. “I am very fortunate to be here. I have the best team I could ever have, from the dishwasher to the owner.” Truly grateful, Ciesielski praises the Bayou City, as well. “We surprise everybody when they come to Houston — people from New York, people from L.A. Business is very good in Houston.” Tony’s, 3755 Richmond Ave.

Georges Guy
Chez Georges is a family affair. From the guests in the dining room to the staff in the kitchen — they’re all one happy family. Chef Georges Guy, his wife, Monique, and their son Lionel (shown below at left) take fine French cuisine very seriously, even if it’s a lot of fun. “We like what we do,” the chef simply states. For 13 years, the family welcomed patrons on the west side of Houston, but they comfortably moved into their lower Westheimer home-turned-restaurant last year. Their lighthearted, adventuresome spirit is especially present in the degustation meal. Changing daily (according to the freshness of ingredients and the whims of the chef), this is a six-course “surprise” that leaves diners very happy, indeed. “I would like my customers to trust me,” Chef Guy says. “It’s not Americanized French cooking. I’m old-fashioned French cooking, but I’m real French cooking.” Chez Georges, 219 Westheimer

Robert Del Grande
Cafe Annie helped to establish the fine-dining scene in Houston 26 years ago. This elegantly Southwestern hot spot has been riding the wave of culinary greatness for a long time — due in very large part to Chef Robert Del Grande. Times have changed (including a move down the street expected for 2008), and Cafe Annie has managed to keep its top-notch rank by staying ahead of the curve. “I think that people are more stylish and more casual at the same time,” Del Grande reveals. In contrast to the formalities and forethought of the ’80s, he sees patrons decide to visit Cafe Annie and call from the car on the way to the restaurant to see about getting a table. And the restaurant has accommodated these changes, namely in the new Bar Annie, replete with a high-quality, but low-profile menu. Something that remains the same is the impeccable service, superior ingredients and creative cooking — embodied by the crabmeat tostada that’s been a favorite for 23 years. Cafe Annie, 1728 Post Oak Blvd.

Charles Clark
Change has become a constant for Chef Charles Clark. His urban-chic Mediterranean-influenced restaurant, Ibiza, has been shaking things up in the heart of Midtown for six years; and now, Clark has helped to successfully open Catalan Food &Wine on Washington Avenue. His passion for good food and wine is evident in what he’s brought to Houston — a comfortably sexy atmosphere infused with indulgent sights, smells and flavors. Like his favorite thing to do in the kitchen, braising, Clark has undergone his own metamorphosis. “It starts out tough, something no one would want to eat, but over time …” he trails off. “It’s a transition — from one extreme to the next.” Clark grew up in Louisiana, then traveled throughout Europe, soaking up the art of dining that is so integral to life there. He worked in Dallas waiting tables and in top kitchens, and studied culinary arts at The Art Institute of Houston. “I went to school, but I’m really self-taught,” he reveals. “I clawed my way to the top.” Ibiza, 2450 Louisiana, Ste. 300

John Sheely
Chef John Sheely started working in restaurants when he was 15 — as a dishwasher. He’s come a long way from those days, and Houston is all the better for it. “I thought I was going to be a doctor for a long time; but then, I got a job in the restaurant business, and it was all over,” he laughs. There is a precision to Sheely’s success, although not medical. He established Mockingbird Bistro as a “French-inspired Texas bistro” in a 1920s building, using local ingredients when he can. Downplaying his obvious culinary talent, Sheely insists the difference is in the ingredients. He tells of his favorite tomato farmer, a local lawyer who raises red rubies in Meyerland, selling his wares out of the back of his Mercedes. “You can taste the love and the work that goes into it. That’s what it’s about to me. He’s like a proud papa showing off his kids.” Despite his humble nature, Sheely is one of the founding fathers of the world-class culinary scene here in Houston. Mockingbird Bistro, 1985 Welch

Heart to Heart with Isaiah Washington

Houston native and star of “Grey’s Anatomy” on the before and after

Growing up in Northeast Houston, Isaiah Washington watched as his mother worked several jobs at a time — not only to feed him and his two sisters, but to move the family to a safer neighborhood. Washington’s father had been murdered on the streets close by in 1976. Because of his mother’s strong desire and diligence, she was successful in moving the family to Fort Bend County, where Washington played football, made good grades and ultimately became one of the first graduates from Willowridge High School in 1981.

“My memories of childhood [are] organic … filled with love,” Washington reminisces about growing up in Houston. “Because Mom was working all the time, I lived with my grandmother, a great human being, who was such a strong presence in my life and instilled in me a deep, abiding faith in God.”

“I thought I was going to get a football scholarship,” he continues about his youth. “And truth is, I did — but it wasn’t a full scholarship. It wasn’t what I needed, and I didn’t want to be a burden on my mother. I decided to join the Air Force, where I got a degree in aerospace engineering. I thought, if I’m not going to be a famous football hero, I’ll be General Washington on the cover of Time magazine. I was just 18 or 19, and I really thought I was going to have a 20-year military career. I don’t regret a minute I spent in the Air Force.”

Getting his start
“I went to Howard University and studied art management and worked on a master’s in English,” he says. “Vera Katz, professor of drama at Ossie Davis’ Howard Players, saw something special in me and encouraged me, recommending me to Harry Poe of the Ebony Improvisation Theatre in Cleveland, who became like a guru to me.”

It was after seeing Spike Lee’s first feature film, “She’s Gotta Have It,” in 1986 that Washington decided to give acting a try. He made a promise to himself and to those in his world that within 10 years, he’d appear in one of Spike Lee’s films. In the meantime, he says he “planned, prayed, pushed and prepared.”

By the end of this 10-year period, Washington had been in four of Lee’s films. The writer and director had seen Washington in “Strap,” an HBO film in which the actor had a small scene. Washington had made his impression, and he got a part in Lee’s 1992 movie, “Crooklyn.” The other three movies that he did with Lee are “Girl 6,” “Clockers” and “Get on the Bus,” which earned Washington great notices from critics. He has guest starred on a myriad of television programs, and his film credits are many, including “Romeo Must Die,” “Exit Wounds,” “True Crime,” “Dead Presidents” and “Dead Bids,” for which he also served as co-producer.

Making a change
It was discontentment at being typecast as a criminal, a crooked cop or a thug that prompted Washington to tell his agent that he was not going to accept another role where he portrayed a negative stereotype. “I looked around and realized I was off track,” he reveals. “My roles had to change. And, guess what? I didn’t work for two years, and, I refused to touch my children’s trust fund.

“Then the call came to audition for the pilot of a series originally called ‘The Surgeons,’ which later became ‘Grey’s Anatomy,'” he says. “I read for the part of Dr. Derek Shepherd and was sorely disappointed when I didn’t get the role that ultimately went to Patrick Dempsey. That was until I was offered the role of Dr. Preston Burke, a cardiac thoracic surgeon, originally written as a nebbish, stout doctor; and, they told me that I could make the role my own.

“What a great opportunity this has been!” Washington says of his ABC drama series. “I had worked with a lot of fine actors in film and television, but in my 20 years’ experience, I’ve never worked with such talented people as the cast and crew of ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ — absolutely the greatest imaginable.

“I never dreamed I would ever get the opportunity to push myself spiritually, emotionally, mentally and leave it all out there on the table,” he reveals. “I feel unbelievably blessed that the writers have enough faith and creativity to allow this to happen.”

Clearing the air
Several months ago, rumors circulated that a feud existed between Washington and Patrick Dempsey (an incident recently rehashed at the Golden Globes). Washington sheds light on the true inner-workings of the cast. “There are no perfect humans in life,” Washington says. “I like to say that we have ‘perfect imperfections.’ Much like me, I have perfect imperfections. We’re all individuals with raw emotions, passions, despondencies. It’s human stuff. But, all of the cast are friends, just as down-to-earth as you can get. Patrick and I are great friends. When things are said that are not true, it’s painful on both sides. So much is invented to make a juicy story. It’s like a hologram.”

Family man
Playing an integral role on America’s No. 1 show can be draining on the whole family. “That’s tough: that’s the challenge,” Washington says of incorporating his career success into his home life. “My wife, Jenisa, and I have two sons, Akin, 7, and Tyme, 4, and a daughter, Iman, who is 15 months. Most of the time, they’re asleep when I leave home to go to work and they’re asleep when I get back. Those are the huge sacrifices you make. We have to make time for each other. We try to go to the park on Saturday and to church together on Sunday. We take yoga, go bowling, watch art-house films.”

“I’ll always remember Dr. Gene Allen, a lovely gentleman friend of mine, who said, ‘fifteen percent of the people are not going to like you — no matter what. They may never meet you, but they’re not going to like you! But, 85 percent of them will like you. Focus on that!'” Washington reflects. “I’m going to teach my children to focus on that 85 percent!”

Changing the world
Through African Ancestry and a DNA sample, Washington learned that his maternal bloodline is traced back to the Mendé people in Sierra Leone and his paternal bloodline is of the Mbundu in Angola. Joyful and proud to have found his lineage, Washington traveled to Sierra Leone with a film crew, a doctor and an architect. He got Nike to donate tennis shoes and soccer balls, and a medical organization to give penicillin. He quickly established the Gondobay Manga Foundation, which is committed to helping Sierra Leone recover from its war-torn past and prosper in its future. With his production company, Coalhouse Productions, he is making a documentary chronicling his connection to Sierra Leone — capturing its land and people, village by village. A five-year project, the one-hour television shows will document how one person, Washington, can focus on changing one person, then an entire village, make an impact and move on to help people in the next village. Last year, he was inducted into the Mendé tribe, in the village of Ngalu of the Bagbwe chiefdom, where he was named Chief Gondobay Manga.

“This kind of celebrity gives me access to many powerful people, who open their hearts to me,” he reflects of his successes. “This past December, I was invited to serve as Master of Ceremonies at the While House Summit on Malaria hosted by President and Mrs. Bush at the National Geographic Society in Washington, D.C., which focused on three themes: the Challenge of Malaria in Africa, the Power of Public/Private Partnerships and Growing the Grassroots. Mrs. Bush dedicated $1.2 billion to the African fight against malaria.” Washington was invited to speak about his Gondobay Manga Foundations’ involvement in combating malaria in Africa and how the foundation advocates cooperative planning to achieve positive, timely improvements in the lives of the people of Sierra Leone.

Other organizations he is committed to include the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank. “There were so many times when I was going to school in Washington, D.C., that I’d sleep in my car, and I was hungry a lot of the time,” he says. “But, the good news is, I never lost hope, heart or my passion.” He is also committed to promoting water safety for all children.

Leaving a legacy
The NAACP acknowledged Washington’s work with the 2006 Image Award for Outstanding Actor in a Drama Series and “Grey’s Anatomy” was the recipient of the Outstanding Drama Series Award. Most recently, the show won Best Drama Series at the Golden Globes. Additionally, his critically acclaimed performance in HBO’s “Dancing in September” earned Washington an NAACP Image Award nomination for “Outstanding Actor.” TV Guide, the magazine, included Washington in a list of TV’s Sexiest Men.

When aspiring actors seek his advice on how to make it in the business, he answers, “No. 1: You’ve got to love it! And, you’ve got to understand who you are as a person, good or bad. You have to have a clear idea of yourself. Don’t pretend; you can’t play it! You can’t act if you don’t know who you are. Do not listen to ‘No!’ P. S., you’ve got to have talent. If you’re not equipped, it won’t work. I can’t pretend I’m a quarterback in the NFL. Maybe I’d like to be a world-class ballerina, but that’s not very realistic. Get a mirror. Are you holding on to pipe dreams, floating around? Are you living in a house with no mirrors? Ask yourself, ‘Is this really for me?’ If it’s not gonna happen.”

Last August, the Houston Chapter of Women in Film and Television honored Washington and Chandra Wilson, another star of “Grey’s Anatomy” and Houstonian, as well, with the Reel Stars of Texas award. Several of Washington’s football coaches, Dennis Demel and Rex Staes, along with their wives, were among the surprise guests that honored him. After being introduced by Cynthia Neely, WIFT President, Washington reflected on growing up in Houston and how, 30 years before, his father had been murdered here. In a heartfelt speech, he said, “Today is the day that I can put to rest completely and unabashedly that little, angry black boy from Studewood. I can safely say I can rest my soul and my spirit, with no more anger or confusion. It doesn’t matter anymore.” He and his audience, filled with family, friends and fans, were visibly affected with tears of joy.

“I think this second, as we’re talking today, is just a moment in time,” he says of his goals for the future. “All we have is this moment. I take it one day at a time. A plan? A goal? Make a plan, and God laughs.

“I’m so grateful to God for my beautiful family,” Washington continues. “I’m grateful to have the best job on the planet. I’m thankful every day of my life. My mission statement for Coalhouse Productions lives with me: ‘To create change, we have to invite change. By asking ourselves to consider what a better world would look like, we encourage all of us to think deeper.'”