May 6-May 16 Galleria’s Spring Primavera

THURSDAY, MAY 6 – SUNDAY, MAY 16, 2010

THE GALLERIA CELEBRATES SPRING WITH PRIMAVERA
IN PARTNERSHIP WITH SHERRARIUMS PLANTSCAPING COMPANY
Houston tradition featuring lush floral gardens throughout the mall returns

WHAT:
Spring will be in bloom inside The Galleria, as it brings back the beloved tradition of Primavera Thursday, May 6 through Sunday, May 16.

The event will boast a variety of living vignettes throughout the shopping center, each a unique interpretation of spring with lush floral and breathtaking design. Guests are invited to stroll the gardens created by professional landscape artists.

Saturdays and Sundays (May 8/9 and May 15/16), patrons can enjoy live music from a select group of artists while indulging in lite bites and wine tastings from some of The Galleria’s premier restaurants including Gigi’s Asian Bistro & Dumpling Bar, Daily Grill and Kona Grill.

COST:
Free and open to the community

WHEN:
Thursday, May 6 through Sunday, May 16 during mall hours

Regular Mall Hours
Monday to Saturday from 10 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Sunday from 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.

WHERE:
The Galleria
5085 Westheimer Rd.
Houston, TX 77056

MORE INFO:
Call The Galleria at (713) 622-0663 or visit www.galleriahouston.com

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May 15: Art & Culture Scavenger Hunt

Art & Culture Scavenger Hunt. On Saturday, May 15, from 2-8 p.m., Betz Art Gallery, located at 1208 W. Gray, and seven galleries and art-related locations, will be hosting a scavenger hunt focusing awareness on the West Gray area as a culture and arts destination. A free trolley route has been set up and trolleys will visit all participating venues. Visitors to each venue can enjoy free refreshments and an art exhibition. At each stop, visitors get a playing card and can use these cards to register for a grand prize but there are also instant winners. Visitors can get on the trolley at any participating location and go to all venues — riding the trolleys all day for a $5 donation. All proceeds will benefit the Artist Gallery League to help fund scholarships and grants. As part of the day’s events, Betz Art Gallery will also be presenting the exhibition “Faces” featuring art by Lori Betz. For more information, contact Betz Art Gallery at 713-576-6954 or visit the website www.betzgallery.com .

Lupe Tortilla

Multiple Locations; www.lupetortilla.com
Houstonians line up for beef fajitas marinated to perfection at seven area locations. Children play on the outdoor patio while adults pass time with margaritas. Brave the crowds; it’s definitely worth the wait. $$

Last Concert Cafe

1403 Nance, (713) 226-8563; www.lastconcert.com
Hidden in the Warehouse District, the restaurant doesn’t have a sign, but patrons know to knock on the red door for admittance. The patio brings a bit of the beach to Houston, complete with sand, a cabana and a stage. $$

Hugo’s

1600 Westheimer, (713) 524-7744; www.hugosrestaurant.net
Chef Hugo Ortega dishes out interior favorites such as slow-cooked pork, homemade guacamole, and fresh-squeezed lime margaritas. Don’t miss the Sunday brunch buffet. $$$

Escalante’s

Multiple Locations www.escalantes.net
Tex-mex favorites like tacos, burritos and enchiladas are the rage here, where fresh guacamole is prepared table-side. They do queso right. $$

Cyclone Anaya’s

Multiple Locations www.cycloneanaya.com
A hot spot for young professionals craving crabmeat nachos and ceviche, three locations make it a convenient place to meet after work. The margaritas pack a punch. Pace yourself! $$

Azteca’s Margarita Bar

2207 Richmond Ave., (713) 526-1702; www.aztecasbarandgrill.com
Multiple flavors of margaritas perfectly complement the fresh, authentic Mexican food here. With scrumptious steaks, homemade tortillas, vegetarian options and mouth-watering tres leches, this is a great stop for a quick bite or a long evening.
L, D, Bar, $$

Vinoteca Poscol

1609 Westheimer, (713) 529-2797
Chef Marco Wiles offers a tapas menu replete with pastas, cheeses, flat bread and house-cured sausage. Great wine list. $$$

Tintos

2015 W. Gray @ Shepherd, (713) 522-1330; www.tintosrestaurant.com
Enjoy this Spanish restaurant and wine bar. Buy wines from all over the world at retail price. Sunday brunch is a stand out with crepes, paella, tapas and live music. Happy hour Monday thru Friday. $

Nelore

4412 Montrose, (713) 395-1050; www.nelorechurrascaria.com
Named after Brazil’s most famous breed of cattle, Nelore serves 11 different meats in an upscale atmosphere. The churrascaria boasts a salad bar chock full of fresh vegetables and first-rate service from skewer-toting gouchos. Open Tues.-Sun. $$$$

Mi Luna

2441 University, (713) 520-5025; www.mi-luna.com
Joining the ranks of tapas bars is Mi Luna, offering paella, vegetarian options and a weekend brunch on their covered patio. The sangria is made fresh daily – order a pitcher!
Open late. $$

America’s

1800 Post Oak, (713) 961-1492; www.cordua.com
The ambiance and food are equally outstanding. Sides of sauted garlic shrimp compliment flavorful South American dishes like pork tenderloin. The bread pudding with coconut ice cream is sublime. $$$

Voice

220 Main, (832) 667-4470; www.hotelicon.com
Receiving rave reviews state-wide; Voice stets a new dining standard. The decadent mushroom soup is a showstopper. $$$

Textile

611 West 22nd St., (832) 209-7177; www.textilerestaurant.com
You must have a reservation to dine here. The very small dining room’s highlight is the multi-course tasting menu by Scott Tycer. $$$$$

The Rockwood Room

5709 Woodway Dr. Ste J, (832) 251-FOOD; www.therockwoodroom.com
From a fabulous prime rib to broiled lobster tails and fondue, chef Michael Dei Maggi brings his own personal style to this kitchen. Reminiscent of the opulent post World War II era, but updated, the menu focuses on flavor, quality and local ingredients. $$$

Ruggles Green

2311 W. Alabama & 800A West Sam Houston Parkway North, (713) 533-0777; www.rugglesgreen.com
Houston’s first GRA-certified restaurant has gluten-free beer and quinoa pasta for green lovers everywhere. This revolution takes green to gourmet levels. $$

Raven Grill

1916 Bissonnet, (713) 521-2027; www.theravengrill.com
Diners flock here for comfort food in a casual ambiance. The brunch menu features traditional fare: French toast, eggs benedict and cheese grits. $$

Monarch @ Hotel ZAZA

5701 Main St., (713) 527-1800; www.hotelzazahouston.com
Looking swankier than ever after a recent renovation, Hotel ZaZa’s Monarch restaurant is sharpening its kitchen cutlery. Diners can nosh on Monarch’s fine cuisine in the formal dining room, vibrant lounge, or recently renovated terrace. Chef Aaron Neeley recently amped-up the menu with a fusion of classic American and Mediterranean flavors. $$$

Mockingbird Bistro Wine Bar

1985 Welch, (713) 533-0200; www.mockingbirdbistro.com
The Mockingbird Bistro offers upscale dining in a neighborhood atmosphere. The award-winning menu is made largely from local ingredients by local favorite chef John Sheely. $$$

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