Overall Impression : Dishes at Bank were expertly prepared and delightful. Though no one is perfect all the time, Bank’s ability to consistently serve outstanding food on a regular basis was noteworthy. The décor was eclectic, warm and elegant with an exotic dash. The dining room, housed in a former bank lobby, was an inviting place to linger and savor our meal. Service staff were attentive and eager to please and the ambiance provided privacy including a relaxed and quiet atmosphere where meaningful conversation was inspired.

At lunch, it was possible to enjoy a leisurely meal or request a gourmet express experience. On one occasion we asked to complete our meal in an abbreviated time without giving up any of our courses. We left, glowing with the pleasure of the recently satiated, on time for our meeting across town. Regarding the food, the mix of flavors was refreshing and in harmony. The dishes were innovative, fresh, fragrant, and appetizing. Almost every meal we had at Bank was excellent. We look forward to repeat visits to Bank, a new favorite restaurant, when we are in the downtown Houston area.

About The Chef De Cuisine Chef Caswell returned to Houston to open Bank after working with Executive Chef Jean-Georges as executive sous-chef at Dune at the Ocean Club hotel in The Bahamas. Prior to that, he worked in the kitchens of Jean Georges and Union Pacific in New York , Via Veneto in Barcelona and the Oriental hotels in Hong Kong and Bangkok .

Chef De Cuisine Bryan Caswell

Established January 2004

Executive Chef Jean Georges Vongerichten

Executive Sous-Chef Ashton Hall who was formerly the executive sous-chef at the exclusive Little Dix Bay, a Rosewood Resort, in the British Virgin Islands .

Handicapped Access Yes

Location In the lobby of the newly restored Icon hotel in the heart of downtown Houston

Manager Ron Bradani

Owned A partnership between the Hotel Icon and Jean-Georges Enterprises

Pastry Chef : Christine D’Angeli, formerly the pastry chef at the Ritz Carlton Boston Common. He has also worked in the pastry section at the Ritz Carlton New Orleans and Russian Tea Room in New York .

Size Seated 96 in the main dining room and 30 more in a separate lower lobby conference room.

Type Of Restaurant New American cuisine with Asian and French influences

About The Executive Chef In 1986, Chef Vongerichten, a native of Alsace ( France ), was first recognized for his abilities at the now defunct Lafayette in New York . By 1991, he had established Jo Jo, a bistro. He later opened Vong, an Asian influenced restaurant, and the Lipstick Café, a midtown breakfast and lunch eatery. By 2001, the able chef had opened Jean Georges at the Trump International Hotel and Tower in New York , Vong restaurants in London , Hong Kong and Chicago and Vong’s Thai Kitchen, which emphasized salads, noodle dishes and pizza. He had also opened Dune in The Bahamas, Prime Steakhouse in Las Vegas and Market in Paris .

Jean-Georges Vongerichten received twelve stars from The New York Times for his four New York City restaurants, Jean Georges, JoJo, Vong and Mercer Kitchen. In 1998 he was awarded three medals at the James Beard Restaurant Awards: Best New Restaurant, Outstanding Chef, and Who’s Who of Food & Beverage. He is also the author of several cookbooks.

DÉCor-Ambiance : The interior, created by the award-winning San Francisco firm of Candra Scott & Anderson, who specialize in the historic reinvention of landmark buildings, was warm and elegant with rich reds and an oriental feel. The decorators worked to showcase the building’s (landmark 1911 bank building) unique period detail, while incorporating the luxury of strong textures, plush fabrics and an eclectic collection of original European objects d’art, chosen specifically for the site. Notable features included two rows of 30-foot Doric columns, attractive ironwork, an intricately detailed ceiling, an original vault door in view of the restaurant, a dollar sign on the bread plates, menus in bank ledgers and bills presented in deposit envelopes.

Cellars Wine And Alcoholic Beverage Selection There were several wines (e.g. 2002 Lockhart Chardonnay, 2002 Monchhof Riesling, a 2000 ZD Cabernet Sauvignon) and sparkling wines and one champagne ( Taittinger NV brut “La Francaise”) by the glass including some moderately priced and affordable options. The wine vault held a collection of approximately 2,000 wine bottles. Bank also featured a full-service bar with an Art Deco motif. Bar seating was available at the counter and at adjacent banquettes and cocktail tables.

Meal Every meal we have had a Bank was satisfying. One of our preferred selections was the steamed shrimp salad. We also favored the brûlée style fois gras (French style duck or goose liver). First course style items like Ribbons of Tuna with avocado, spicy radish and ginger marinade; Steamed Shrimp Salad, avocado, mushroom and tomato-champagne vinaigrette; Fois Gras brûlée with slow roasted strawberries, blue crab cakes, and butternut squash raviolis were surprisingly good and satisfying.

The excellent “substantive” dishes: Maine lobster with Thai herbs; Grilled NY Strip Steak with gingered mushrooms and soy caramel sauce, and Seven Spiced Rack of Lamb with cucumber mint relish, were more adventurous and complimented the others. Favorite desserts included the refreshing Chilled Lemongrass Soup with summer berries and crème fraiche and the fun Lemon Meringue Composition.

Special Menus An excellently priced lunch menu ($20 for two dishes with $5 supplements for a couple of pricier items) was one of the best we’ve seen in a restaurant of this caliber, for the quality of the food, advantageous location and outstanding service. Though lunch portions were smaller than dinner portions we never left the restaurant hungry. A six course chef’s tasting menu was available for $75 (excluding tax, beverages and gratuities).

Wines And Beverages Bill Floyd (director of food and beverages including wines)

Other Parking for the restaurant was most convenient using the valet service of the Icon hotel. Bank was the result of a partnership between the Hotel Icon and chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten ( www.jean-georges.com ), who operates acclaimed restaurants in New York , Hong Kong , Shanghai , Paris , The Bahamas and Las Vegas . Bank awards included: Bon Appetit 2004 Where to Eat Now/Splurge-Worthy Restaurants, City Search 2004 Highly Recommended, H Texas 2004 Hot Spots, Houston Business Journal 2004 Executive Dining Survey #1 Best Décor/Atmosphere, Houston Business Journal 2004 Executive Dining Survey #2 Best Business Lunch, Houston Business Journal 2004 Executive Dining Survey #2 Best Hotel Dining, Houston Chronicle 2004 Ultimate Houston Food and Drink, Houston Press 2004 Best of Houston Downtown Restaurant, My Table 2004 Houston Culinary Awards Best New Restaurant, New York Post 2004 Critic’s Choice in Houston, Texas Monthly 2004 Pat’s Pick.

Date Of Review November 2004

Service Unobtrusive, discreet, always available, helpful and willing are words that come to mind when describing the service at Bank. Champagne was bitterly cold as requested; meals were served in accord with our dining pace. Not once did anyone look displeased at any request we made. When a lamb dish was overcooked (kitchen’s mistake), the staff insisted we allow them to replace it with another lamb. The second lamb arrived quickly and perfectly prepared. After it arrived, the staff went to pains to ensure we were satisfied

Would You Dine There Again-Recommend It? Yes

Overall Impression We enjoyed the sequin and tuxedo filled opening of Puccini’s tearjerker Madam Butterfly, one of the top ten most frequently performed operas in North America , at the Houston Grand Opera, which was housed in the large and modern Wortham Theater building.

Established 1955

General Director : David Gockley (scheduled to depart at the end of the 2004-05 season)

Handicapped Access : yes. There was wheelchair access. An infrared listening system was available free of charge. Descriptive services for persons with vision loss were available with 48-hours notice. Details: 1.713.546.0230

Location in the Theater District in downtown Houston

Music Director And Conductor Patrick Summers

Owned-Managed nonprofit organization managed by the City of Houston Convention & Entertainment Facilities Department

Size The 437,000-square foot Wortham Theater has an 88-foot tall Romanesque arch at the entryway with enough room for a six-story building in the Grand Foyer. The roof is as large as three football fields and has seven levels. The Theater seats 2,465.

Type Of Attraction modern opera house and performing arts center

Description with 30 world premiers and six American premiers since 1973, the Houston Grand Opera garnered a world reputation. The Opera has toured extensively, including trips to Asia and Europe . The only opera at the time of this writing to have won a Tony, two Grammy Awards and two Emmy Awards. The Houston Grand Opera’s productions are broadcast internationally on World of Opera on National Public Radio over the European Broadcasting Union and the Australian Broadcasting Corporation. Designed by Eugene Aubry of Morris Aubry Architects, the Worthan Theater has a 17,000 square foot stage used primarily for the Opera and the Houston Ballet. No seat is more than 138 feet from the stage.

Snack Shop drinks and snacks were available, before the performance and during the intermission.

Souvenir Shop There were season opera recordings, books, clothing items, children’s games and jewelry. Opera fans were also able to make online purchases through the Houston Grand Opera website.

Other The 50-year old Opera’s forward thinking administration was among the first in the country to include surtitles for foreign language operas. In 2000, they added OperaVision, a system of plasma and projection screens designed to improve sight lines to the stage for certain areas of the Wortham Theater Center ‘s Brown Theater and allows the audience special camera views which are otherwise not visible. The Wortham Theater, named for American General Insurance Company founder Gus Wortham, was funded entirely by the private sector. More than 3,500 donors contributed $66 million to build it.

Date Of Review October 2004

Performance Madam Butterfly in the Paris version in Italian with on screen English surtitles

Would You Visit This Attraction Again? Yes

Overall Impression : A grand dame of Houston hotels and preferred accommodation of many a distinguished and famous visitor, The Houstonian Hotel Club & Spa offered classic upscale Texas style accommodations in an 18-acre compound. Guest centered staff attended to visitor needs and distinctive décor added charm to the 280-room hotel. Thanks to the location, the property’s green features and wooded views, we felt secluded though we were within easy reach of Houston ’s main business and shopping districts.

A large, practical and comfort oriented concierge floor suite made staying in as desirable as venturing out. We returned time and again to the concierge floor common room for Internet access, daily newspapers, breakfast, and cocktails hour and after dinner snacks. The in-house dining restaurant Olivette, obligatory bar, nearby golf club and selection of meeting rooms made the Houstonian an ideal work and leisure option. For spare time activities we especially appreciated deluxe facilities such as the Hotel’s immense and well equipped fitness center and its exclusive and inviting adjacent Trellis Spa.

Concierge Paul Brenkus

Connectivity High speed connectivity was available in our room and in the concierge common room on our floor.

General Manager : Jim Mills

Handicapped Access Yes

Length Of Stay Two nights

Location In the Galleria area

Owned-Managed Redstone Companies

Pets Welcome No

Size 18-acre compound including 280 deluxe guest rooms, seven luxury suites and one presidential suite

Year Opened-Renovated Built 1980, rooms renovated in October 2001

Lobby And Common Areas : Great Room Lobby with a 30-foot hand carved fireplace, fine European fabrics, wood paneling and inlaid parquet floors. Contemporary Texas style furnishings including dark wood colors and a solid feel throughout.

Bathroom A bright and light colored oversize bathroom featured a vanity, shower, separate deep bath tub, separate W.C. and his and hers sinks on a granite countertop and a beige stone floor.

Room Our spacious 960 square feet Concierge Level Suite consisted of two rooms. The first was a sitting room with a desk and chair near the entrance and a closet. A lounge with wood floor, a sofa and two chairs facing an entertainment center was adjacent to it. Beyond the lounge there were sliding glass doors leading to a green area. The carpeted sleeping area featured a king bed with a night table on either side, a luggage table, a dresser including a television which allowed us to watch TV while in bed and a closet with an electronic safe.

Food And Restaurants We had breakfast from the buffet at the concierge floor common room. We also stopped by the common room for cocktail hour snacks and drinks and for after dinner fresh baked cookies, coffee and tea. Room service options were available though we didn’t take advantage of them during our stay. Olivette, the Houstonian’s premier restaurant open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, featured a display kitchen. There welcoming and helpful staff saw to our dining needs while the kitchen staff successfully blended Mediterranean and regional American flavors producing a hearty meal.

Amenities Floor to ceiling windows with wooded views, hairdryers, in-room refreshment center, 24-hour room service, terry bathrobes, Crabtree & Evelyn toiletries including soap, body lotion, shampoo, conditioner, and shower gel. Also extra-large, executive works desk, dual line cordless phone and Internet access, in-room electronic safe, twice daily room service. Concierge floor rooms also had access to breakfast buffet, evening cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, after-dinner sweets, business services and a concierge.

Facilities Houstonian (Fitness) Club including The Center Court Café, The Bar, Olivette Restaurant, The Manor House restaurant and private function facility, Trellis spa (and gift shop), Restone Golf Club (off the property).

Pool The main swimming pool was being rebuilt when we visited. Only a small pool was available for our use. The Houstonian’s state-of-the-art pool complex, slated to include alarge resort-style pool, a 25-meterby 25-yard lap pool anda shaded children’s wading pool was due to open in April 2005. The new complex was expected to includea water slide, waterfall feature and increased deck space featuring ample shaded areas.

Fitness Center The Houstonian Club, reserved for hotel guests and members, featured more than 125,000 square feet of health and fitness space including 200 modern and well maintained exercise machines for cardiovascular and weight training. There were indoor and outdoor walking and running tracks, a 20-foot rock climbing wall, a full size basketball court, eight outdoor tennis courts, courts and equipment for squash, racquetball and paddle, a Kid’s Club, a café, and a gift shop with bathing suits, workout and dressier clothing, jewelry and sundry items. There w re personal trainers and nutritionists available for guest consults. Activities available: 100 group exercise classes per week, yoga, Pilates, Tai Chi, martial arts, and boxing. The Club was the recipient of the 2004 Fitness Magazine’s 10 Best Gyms in America . We made our way to the Club every morning during out stay. It was fully of energetic Houstonians getting their daily workouts. We always found a machine available and helpful staff to guide us around the maze of exercise rooms.

Conference Facilities There were 32,000 square feet of function space including 26 meeting rooms(21 with views; 19 with solid walls instead of air walls) ranging from 300 to 6,600 square feet, executive conference seating. There was also a full business center with a private teleconferencing room and computer workstations.

Other For those wishing to self park there was parking available under the hotel. There was also convenient valet parking in the reception area. AAA Four-Diamond Award winner, Mobile Travel Guide Four Star Award, member with Preferred Hotels and Resorts Worldwide. Listed in 2004 and 2002 Travel & Leisure magazine’s 500 Best Hotels in the World.

Check-In-Check-Out Process Ease Excellent

Cleanliness Good

Date Of Review October 2004

Service 24-hour room service, twice daily maid service.

Would You Stay There Again? Yes

Overall impression Established in 1900 under the auspices of the Houston Public School Art League, this Houston institution was the fifth largest art exhibition space in the country when we visited it last. Housing more than 48,000 works of art and hosting more than two million visitors per year, the Museum could have been over large, over busy or overwhelming. Instead and in spite of its size it was welcoming, uncluttered and a delight to visit. There was ample space for the art and for visitors.

We were greeted cordially by many of the staff we encountered or approached for guidance during our visit. When we arrived, the reception desk staff oriented us in our visit; during our visit gift shop staff answered our questions and guard staff made helpful suggestions. Over the years, the museum evolved into two buildings, two art schools, two decorative arts centers and an outdoor sculpture garden. One building was dedicated to a permanent modern and contemporary art collection while the other was home to an impressive collection of world art. There were also regular exhibitions from around the globe. We greatly enjoyed a visiting exhibit of Native Americans the last time we were at the Museum and look forward to other future rewarding visits.

Audio Tours there were tours of the main collection, in English and Spanish, as part of many ticket options. The tours included more than 300 works from the permanent collection and sometimes items from ticketed exhibitions.

Average Duration Of Visit three hours

Established 1900

Handicapped Access Yes. Tours for sight and hearing impaired visitors were available by appointment at 1-713-639-7300. Wheel chairs were available on a first come first served basis for all museum locations. There were also assistive listening devices for tours, lectures and programs at 1-713-639-7389

Managed Board of Trustees of the MFAH

Owned Nonprofit organization

Size 48,000 works housed in two buildings with a total of 300,000 square feet of exhibit space

Type Of Museum art of antiquity to the present

Souvenir Shops They were located near the lobbies of the Beck and Law buildings. Offerings included books, jewelry, decorative items, note cards, and. children’s toys. Details: 1-713-639-7360

Tours available: t ours were available in multiple languages with drop-in tours held on a regular basis; tours of the permanent collection were best scheduled in advance.

Catalog-Publications The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston Visitor Guide by Janet Landay, Masterworks of European Paintings in the Museum of Fine Arts , Houston by Edgar Peters Bowron and Mary G. Morton , Texas: 150 Works from the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston by Alison de Lima Greene, Frederic Remington: The Hogg Brothers Collection of the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston by Emily Neff, with Wynne H. Phelan

Exhibit The largest art museum in America south of Chicago , west of Washington , D.C. , and east of Los Angeles . The encyclopedic collection of the MFAH embraced the art of antiquity to the present. Featured were fine artistic examples of major civilizations of Europe , Asia , North and South America , and Africa . Italian Renaissance paintings, French Impressionist works, photographs, American and European decorative arts, African and Pre-Columbian gold, American art, and European and American paintings and sculpture from post-1945 were particularly strong holdings.

Other There was free parking at the MFAH Visitors Center on Binz at Fannin streets and at two outdoor lots on Main Street . The MFAH collections were presented in six locations that made up the institutional complex. Together, these facilities provided 300,000 square feet of space dedicated to the display of art. The MFAH campus included:

Two major museum buildings: the Caroline Wiess Law Building , designed by Mies van der Rohe, and the Audrey Jones Beck Building , designed by Rafael Moneo. Two facilities for the Glassell School of Art: one with studio spaces for children and another with studio spaces for adults. Two housed museums that exhibit decorative arts: Bayou Bend Collection and Gardens features American works, Rienzi features European works. Outdoors there was the Lillie and Hugh Roy Cullen Sculpture Garden , created by Isamu Noguchi and 18 acres of public gardens

Most Recent Visit October 2004

Would You Visit This Museum Again yes

Overall Impression : For those wishing or needing to stay in downtown Houston , the recently renovated historic Sam Houston Hotel, offered many pluses. The city’s oldest hotel restored to its original state as a luxury boutique hotel was named for General Sam Houston, Texas’ first president. We prized the character and old Texas feel combined with modern sleek elements of the décor, the prime location, the attention to detail, focus on comfort and practicality for the business traveler and the gourmet dining option it offered.

Concierge Chef Concierge Konni Godley, Member Les Clefs d’Or

Connectivity Complimentary in-room h igh speed Internet access

General Manager : Susan Ward-Freeman

Handicapped Access Yes. Roll-in shower

Length Of Stay Two nights

Location In the center of the Downtown Historic District six blocks from the Theater District

Owned Barbara and Randall Smith

Pets Welcomed Pets of all kinds were welcome though they had to weigh 50 pounds or less. Guests with pets were required to provide a $150 deposit upon arrival and their pets had to be placed on a leash or in a cage when unattended. There was a limit of one pet per room.

Size 100 deluxe guest rooms, three one-bedroom suites with one bathroom and six one-bedroom suites with two bathrooms

Year Opened-Renovated 1924. Renovated October 2002

Lobby And Common Areas Before entering the building visitors might notice the russet brick with old-fashioned canvas awnings shading the sidewalk and the sign for restaurant 17. A wall still showed an original advertisement offering lodging for $2 a night. Once inside the look was more sophisticated. The lobby was contemporary including sculpted modern furniture and Texas artwork. Color highlights, based on the original tile floor color palate, included shades of brown and white. Interiors were designed by Gary and Jane Whitney of Whitney & Whitney. Features included Texas cowhide fabrics with urban design elements; a mural depicting the Battle of San Jacinto, where General Sam Houston fought, was front and center; there were leather tooled covered walls behind the reception desk and French chenille upholstered chairs.

Bathroom The highlight of the bathrooms was the understated and beautiful brown Russian Labrador antique granite with delicate turquoise light blue reflections. The glassed-in showers were spacious and inviting. Extras included designer touches, a make-up mirror and an attractive antique style sink.

Room Our one bedroom suite with two bathrooms was comfortable and spacious, especially for a downtown hotel. It was made of two distinct areas: A small sitting room with a bathroom and a bedroom with its own en suite bathroom. Sitting room furniture included a sofa, two chairs, and a center table; across the room from the sofa was a desk with a built in mini bar and swivel chair. This was where the complimentary high speed Internet access was located. A closet to the right of the entrance housed an electronic laptop size safe, a bathrobe, iron and ironing board. Next to the closet was a full length mirror.

Bedroom furniture included a wonderfully comfortable king bed, a dresser and night table with a lamp on each, and a small luggage bench. Extra touches included complimentary morning paper, complimentary shoe shine, Presidential Elite Pillow Top mattresses, 250-thread count European linens, hypo-allergenic duvets, lighted make-up mirrors, and in-room refreshment center, two 27” flat screen TV’s, two line speaker phones with voicemail and data port, private guest DID telephone number and call forwarding to guest cell phone, DVD player and stereo/CD and movie library. Though it was a bit noisy from horns, traffic, party sounds, and other street noises; and the view was uninspiring due to the hotel’s location, we found our brown themed room, handsome, agreeable and comfort zone to return to after a day of meetings and activities.

Food And Restaurants Diner at restaurant 17,named in Esquire magazine “Best New Restaurants ’04” was delicious. There was also room service available.

Amenities The Sam Houston offered guests use of bathrobes. In the bathrooms there were Kudos toiletries from Australia including body lotion, shampoo, conditioner, and shower gel.

Facilities There was a 24-hour fitness center; restaurant 17, a bar The Sam, and The Veranda, a second floor climate controlled meeting room.

Fitness Center Access to the tidy fitness center was possible with the guestroom card 24 hours a day. There were three treadmills, a rowing machine, a lifecycle and free weights. There was a selection of local and national newspapers, towels and a water cooler. A couple of minutes after our arrival, a waiter arrived unsolicited with a cool water bottle and a chilled towel. They were most appreciated.

Conference Facilities Five meeting rooms ranging from 14 to 215 in capacity and from 273 square feet to 2,400 square feet. Meals were catered by 17, the hotel’s gourmet restaurant.

Other Complimentary town car service for downtown locations, 24-hour valet parking, and in-room spa treatments.

Check-In-Check-Out Process Ease Excellent

Cleanliness Excellent

Date Of Review October 2004

Service All the staff we interacted with were pleasant and helpful. There was 24-hour room service and twice daily maid service.

Would You Stay There Again? Yes

Overall Impression : A bustling restaurant with a happening crowd, 17 offered well presented, well served, and well prepared gourmet American food in an attractive setting. The Sam Houston Hotel’s enthusiastic young chef, Jeff Amstrong, combined adventurous flavors and old favorites for a rewarding and tasty meal. He successfully emphasized local seafood with spicy accents. He also offered continental options like rich foi gras (goose or duck liver) with roast pineapple and a pink peppercorn sauce and hearty American short ribs.

Named for the 17 railroads that met by the sea, the restaurant’s menu highlighted fresh local produce including gulf shrimp, crawfish, crab, red snapper with a Texas and southwest style. There were also more surprising options including Asian and Indian touches such as basmati rice, lemongrass and coconut milk. A welcoming staff, inviting décor and promising young chef made 17 a great place for culinary aficionados.

About The Executive Chef A Key West native, Armstrong grew up in Maryland where at the age of 15 he began working at a crab shack. By 18, he was at the Scottsdale Culinary Institute. After graduation he worked at Christopher’s, Aubergine, the Domaine Restaurant Group, Troquet Restaurant, Red Pearl Kitchen, and later Whist Restaurant.

Executive Chef Jeff Amstrong

Handicapped Access Yes

Location In the lobby of the Sam Houston Hotel in downtown Houston

Opened-Renovated January 17, 2004

Owned Barbara and Randall Smith

Pastry Chef : Otto Sanchez, whose experience included The Houstonian Hotel & Spa, Redwood Grill, and La Madeleine.

Restaurant Manager Michael Scherzberg

Size Could seat 100

Type Of Restaurant American with regional and an international influence

Wine Steward Patrick Davila (director of food and beverage)

DÉCor-Ambiance : Designers from Las Vegas-based Avery Brooks & Associates were responsible for the interior look. The barrel vaulted ceiling and walls (silk) were accented in deep red. The result was at an attractive and lively modern setting, especially for the young at heart.

Cellars Wine And Alcoholic Beverage Selection The restaurant offered 525 wines by the bottle from around the world. There was a major focus on wines from California , Bordeaux , Burgundy , Italy and Australia . There was a selection of dessert wines, port and Madeira dating back to the 1800’s.

Meal Our seared fois gras with pineapple, coriander seed, and pink peppercorn gastrique was well prepared, the gulf shrimp curry with coconut milk, lemongrass, basmati rice and crispy shallots was delicious and hotter than aTexas summer. The desserts were a worthy reward after a day of touring and discovery.

Special Menus A tasting menu for the entire table was available

Other Named one of “Best New Restaurants of ’04” November Esquire magazine

Reservations Required Yes

Date Of Review October 2004

Service Though 17 was full the midweek night we were there, the service was attentive, patient, efficient and helpful.

Would You Dine There Again-Recommend It? Yes

Overall Impression : Trellis, Houston ’s large and luxurious entry into the burgeoning spa market was every bit as soothing and relaxing as we had hoped. The Mediterranean style Trellis building was stylish and tranquil inside and out. After a brief wait at the reception desk, we passed beyond the arrival area and were enchanted with the quiet and bright feel inside the building. As we made our way to prepare for our half day’s worth of treatments, the ambiance, enhanced by a floating pool and Japanese style stream, wooed us. We encountered spotless and well appointed ladies locker rooms including a steam room and a Jacuzzi.

We were glad we arrived a half an hour early. We took advantage of the extra time to explore and relax around the facility before our treatments. At the appointed hour a therapist led us upstairs where we received excellent treatments. Prior to and in between treatments we enjoyed a few quiet moments lounging by the floating pool downstairs. During the treatments, the staff were amenable to conversation though not intrusive and experienced enough to understand when we wanted to just unwind and when an exchange was welcome. They were knowledgeable and answered questions readily. We enjoyed a delicious and well served cold meal in the upstairs lounge while in the company of several ladies who were also lunching between treatments. We look forward to repeat visits to Trellis.

Handicapped Access There were elevators and handicap restroom facilities available.Spa management requested guests inform their appointment coordinators and service providers of any health problems to ensure the treatments could be specialized for their particular needs.

Location Adjacent to The Houstonian Hotel & Club near the Galleria area

Number Of Staff There were 75 full time employees including a management team, guest service coordinators, spa attendants and the following licensed professionals: shampoo technicians, hair stylists, nail technicians, estheticians and massage/body therapists

Owned The Redstone Companies (the parent company of The Houstonian Hotel, Club & Spa)

Size Trellis was housed in a 17,000 square foot two story u-shaped building.

Spa Director : Angie Day

Treatment Rooms There were 19 treatments rooms including eight for body treatments, six for facials, two for couples (each including two treatment tables, couples showers and tubs), one VIP room, one Vichy shower room and one hydrotherapy room. There were also six hairstyling stations, seven manicure and four pedicure stations, locker rooms with steam room and Jacuzzi, indoor co-ed float pool, upstairs lounge with fireplace, and rooms for pre and post treatment relaxation.

Treatments Available Massages, facials, hydrotherapy, Vichy , hair services, body treatments, nail services and professional make-up. Custom services for: Men, couples, mothers to be, teens and special occasions.

Year Opened-Renovated 2003

Special Training After meeting the necessary licensing and certification requirements to perform massage, face, nail and hair services, the staff received additional on-the-job Trellis standard’s training. According to Angie, the spa director, “We prefer a minimum of two years experience for our estheticians, massage therapists, hair stylists and nail technicians. Spa industry experience is a plus. Our extensive interview process is team based and includes several interviews as well as the delivery of three back-to-back services.”

Trellis in-house training included product knowledge training and a combination of several group and one-on-one hands-on training sessions with the spa’s lead supervisor and management representatives prior to performing all the services.

Common Areas The exterior of the two-story Mediterranean style building was covered with salmon colored stucco. The u-shaped building surrounded a small courtyard and a natural garden environment which could be seen through large windows located throughout the spa.When the weather was good, guests could take advantage of the outdoor patio seating that overlooked the wooded 18 acre property. The indoor float pool extended the width of the first floor of the spa encouraging guests to float weightlessly.Outside the second story of Trellis, there was a balcony overlooking The Houstonian’s lush landscape.

Reception Excellent. After finding our names in the computer system and learning what treatments we were scheduled for, the young attendant showed us the way to the ladies locker room. She handed us copies of the schedule which included the treatment types, times and names of the staff assigned to us.

Food And Restaurants We had a break in between treatments during which the spa staff served us a tasty and freshly made cold lunch. We enjoyed our lunch sitting in cushy chairs in front of a large fire in the second floor lobby lounge. The ambiance was relaxing and we had a pleasant lunch, which enhanced the overall spa experience . Staff pre-arranged lunches and dinners were delivered to guests from the nearby Center Court Café located at The Houstonian Fitness Club.

Amenities Bath robes, slippers, hair spray, deodorant, combs, brushes, Trellis bottled water, shampoo, conditioner, body scrub, razors, feminine items, and disposable undergarments.

Facilities Co-ed float pool; men and women’s Jacuzzi and steam room; short and full length wooden lockers; two outdoor patios with lounge furniture; and a peaceful tranquility room with oversized chaise lounges and fireplace.

Pool Indoor co-ed float pool

Lockers And Bathrooms The women’s locker room had three private restrooms and the Men’s locker room had two. Each private restroom included a sink, shower, towels and amenities.

Other Visitors had to cancel appointments, which were secured with a credit card, more than 24 hours in advance. Trellis charged clients in full for cancellations made with less notice. The staff recommended their guests make appointments two weeks in advance to ensure availability of treatments and schedules. Trellis was a recipient of the 2004 Mobil Four-Star Award for Hotel & Resorts Spas (one of two spas in Texas ).

Cleanliness Excellent

Date Of Review October 2004

Number Of Treatments Three

Treatments Experienced Our Aromatherapy 50-minute Massage (we chose the Deep Tissue technique) was wonderful. Olga, the therapist had strong and gentle hands. She identified sore and tender spots and soothed some of the aches away using a soft scented essential oil blend. Crina’s 50-minute Aromaplasty Facial for all skin types included a 100 percent natural blended herb cocktail which helped hydrate our skin. Bertha’s Prestige Pedicure featuring a clay mast and pressure point massage placed the final touches on a wonderful spa visit.

Would You Return? Yes

Overall Impression Dinner at this long famous Houston restaurant was full of eclectic culinary surprises, satisfying and savory at once. In spite of a busy full house the Tuesday night we were there, the servers were attentive, circumspect and efficient. Many in the crowded restaurant appeared to be regulars. Our meal was a crescendo of flavors from mild crab to zesty red fish, concluding with a tasty and perfectly prepared lamb and later a lemon themed dessert.

The ideal place for a fun get together, Café Annie was full of joyful diners in a celebratory like atmosphere. With delicious, inventive fare, excellent service and a lively ambiance, it is no wonder Café Annie celebrates its 25 anniversary in 2005. We wish them many more years of continued success and look forward to more of their fine cuisine in the future.

About The Chef Robert is a self-trained chef whose first cooking job was at Cafe Annie. He studied to be a biochemist and has a Ph.D. from the University of California at Riverside .

Assistant And Pastry Chefs Clinton Davis and Elliott Kelly

Executive Chef-Partner Robert Del Grande

Handicapped Access The main dining room was wheelchair accessible

Location In the Uptown District, five miles from downtown Houston

Opened 1980 and renovated in 1989

Owner Schiller Del Grande Restaurant Group (Robert and Mimi Del Grande)

Restaurant Managers Jose Calze, Jose Perez and Mimi Del Grande

Size Capacity for 120 guests

Type Of Cuisine Regional and southwestern cuisine

Wine Steward Jose Calze

Style Of DÉCor One of the owner’s sisters, Candice Schiller decorated the interiors in a c ontemporary style. Notable features included large and beautiful fresh flower arrangements, original artwork including an ethnic mural on the back wall painted by Geri Moore , marble floors, art deco style lamps and a high ceiling. Local artist Eduardo Alcozer was responsible for several oil paintings.

Special Menus Tasting menus needed to be requested at least a full day in advance so the restaurant could secure specialty items and consider allergies or other requests. The average cost was $150 per person including wine pairings.

Wine And Spirits Details Cafe Annie featured 1,000 wine varieties with a total of 13,000 bottles. Bottles were stored in a basement cellar as well as well as the signature Wine Room, which was located on the second floor and could accommodate up to 16 guests. An extensive variety of liquor was also available, including some artisanal tequilas.

Food Dinner began with scrumptious Gulf Crab Meat Tostaditas accompanied by brut Delamotte Champagne . Next we were served melt-in-your-mouth Rare Bluefin Tuna with Shaved Roasted Beets with wonderfully paired Drylan’s 2003 Sauvignon Blanc “ Marlborough .” It was followed by delicate and memorable Texas Farm Raised Red Fish over Tamale with a Mole Sauce and an Ambroise, Bertrand 2002 Bourgogne Blanc Chardonnay. Wood Grilled Lamb with Smoked Walnut & Chipotle and a Chile Relish Casa Castillo 2002 Monestrell “Jumilla.” We finished the fabulous meal with Carmel Custard & Lemon Variation made with lemon sorbet, lemon meringue tart and pastry with mascarpone cheese filling and lemon flavoring and a smooth Bernardins 2002 Muscat de Beaumes de Venise

Conference-Meeting Rooms Inaddition to the Wine Room, Café Annie featured two function spaces. Overlooking the bustling dining room below, the upstairs Ventana Room could accommodate up to 25 people. French doors fashioned a charming entry point to the space, which featured custom carpeting, mahogany beams, plus wainscoting topped by a matching cap rail. The largest of Cafe Annie’s private venues, the dramatic Sapele Room could accommodate 50. Named for the stunning Sapele African mahogany paneling used throughout, the function area boasted carpeting in a baroque design, two walls of ornately framed mirrors and a marble and brass bar.

Other Recent Café Annie recognitions included: Guest Chefs James Beard Awards Reception, 2003, Best Bar Menu, CitySearch 2004, Outstanding Restaurant, Mobil Travel Guide, 2003, Top Restaurant in Houston, Zagat, 2000, 2001/2002 and 2003. The company that owned Café Annie when we visited also owed Bar Annie, Houston’s first restaurant-within-a-restaurant at a fine dining establishment; Rio Ranch, a venue for rustic Texas cowboy cuisine; Taco Milagro, known for hand-made Mexican food; and the sporty Cafe Express, an early pioneer of fast casual dining (which we enjoyed on several occasions). The restaurant welcomed diners with special needs, such as vegan or vegetarian diets.

Date Of Most Recent Visit October 2004

Service Service staff were efficient, service oriented and friendly. From refreshing our napkins after a moments absence from the table to clearing dishes immediately after we finished a course. A number of touches such as offering to substitute a hot dish for one without the sauce after it was served the wrong way (we were able to eat around the sauce and the exchange was unnecessary) to noticing our wine preferences ensured our comfort and enjoyment of the meal.

Would You Dine There Again? Yes

Overall Impression : Our stay at the modern and jazzy Hotel Derek, billed as the first contemporary hotel in Houston , emphasized style and business guest services. Our senses were rewarded with decorative touches in unexpected places. At the same time all our business requirements such as high speed Internet access, fax/printer/copier, and meeting room space were met. Leisure time could be spent poolside, at the 24-hour fitness center, relaxing with an in-room spa treatment or at a nearby spa. For those wishing to shop, the hotel was conveniently situated in the Galleria area and a short drive from downtown Houston .

We appreciated the staff’s accommodating attitude and the hotel’s many amenities and comfort oriented extras (not often seen in boutique hotels), meeting room options, style and business oriented features. A fit for business travelers, the Derek offered leisure options for time in between meetings and after hours. People watchers would surely be impressed by the long list of celebrities and personalities who have called the Derek home during their Houston stay

Concierge Joseph Chavez

Connectivity In-room high speed Internet access was complimentary

General Manager : Steven P. André, who worked in management positions at The Avalon Hotel in Beverly Hills , and the Burnham, Allegro and Monaco hotels in Chicago prior to arriving at the Derek.

Handicapped Access Yes, all of the rooms were ADA compliant with wide entrances and appropriate sink and shower heights. Additionally, TDD (Telecommunication Device for the Deaf) equipment was available on request.

Length Of Stay Two nights

Location Inside the “ Loop ” at the intersection of Westheimer and 610 West Loop South. Walking distance from the Galleria mall, one of Houston ’s largest malls.

Management Company Amerimar Enterprises, Inc.

Owned Amerimar Enterprises, Inc. and Angelo Gordon & Co.

Pets The Hotel’s Dogs & Cats Program provided canine guests with Hotel Derek bandanas, treats, dishes and beds made up with Derek sheets. Feline guests received toys, treats and litter boxes, which their owners were welcome to take with them when they checked out. All pets had to be less than 25 pounds and be kept on leashes or in carriers while in public areas.

Size 314 guestrooms including 10 suites and 16 studio rooms with adjacent business alcoves

Year Opened-Renovated The Derek began operations in January 2002 in a refurbished building

Lobby And Common Areas Designed by movie set creator Powerstrip of Hollywood, California, the Derek’s interior combined modern, classic and Texas features. Accents included English white fur covered wingback chairs resting on a cowhide rug, a virtual fireplace or fish bowl (depending on the season) on the lobby’s plasma television, and a playful Lucite chessboard. There were also Arthur Meyerson original photos of Houston set in backlight frames throughout the hallways and elsewhere. We loved the outdoor furniture complete with a rocking chair. It was set living room style next to the hotel’s entrance where we sat to wait for someone to collect us one afternoon.

Bathroom The long and narrow small bathroom was comfortable and appealing. Instead of the usual bathroom flooring, it had laminate-covered oak wood floor. A bath tub/shower combination sat across from an attractive glass vanity with Chrome fittings and a Kohler sink. Though we liked the style and look of the bathroom, we were disappointed to discover the tub drained slowly and the paint was peeling. On the plus side, the shower head was wonderful.

Room We especially liked the feeling of spaciousness and the bright light in our 480 square foot Studio Room. There were many large windows through which the Houston autumn light shun. Our end unit had a balcony with sliding glass doors next to the work alcove. We overlooked the unremarkable view of the adjacent parking lot in favor of the more pleasant view of downtown Houston in the background. Furniture included a king bed covered with a pinstriped goose down duvet, a glass top night table with a lamp on each side and an alarm clock on one of the night tables. Other features included: electronic safe, mini bar, zenith remote controlled television, long Mohair banquette sofa and wood table, two lamps and a full length mirror. The adjacent office cubby hole had: glass top desk, wireless phone, touch sensitive lamp, another small lamp and fax machine, zenith remote controlled television, rolling office style chair and complimentary High speed Internet connection. Thin walls allowed traffic noise to filter through and we could clearly hear a child in the neighboring room laughing and screaming in the wee hours of the night. Our favorite features were the work alcove, the thick curtains that kept the morning light out for a late weekend morning, and the colorful aquarium video on the television screen.

Food And Restaurants Complimentary breakfast, cocktail hour snacks and a newly opened (the hotel was in the process of redesigning and rebuilding its restaurant when we were there) restaurant, the French bistro moderne. The restaurant included a forty-seat café with a bar, featuring a custom-formed pewter bar top, aged mirrors, custom cement tile floor, classic dark wood banquettes and chairs as well as white marble in-laid tabletops. Bar and café menu items included Hangar Steak and Foie-Gras Burgers for example. The upscale restaurant dining room seated 110 people and the menu featured items such as Wood Plank Cote de Boeuf; Prime Rib for two carved tableside with a Choron sauce, served with a Gonzalez Farm-glazed vegetable casserole; and Marseille Bouillabaisse, a Mediterranean fish and shellfish stew in a Tomato Saffron broth served with garlic toast. Guest could also choose from the 24-hour in-room dining options.

Amenities German Hydro fragrant toiletries including body lotion, body gel, shampoo and conditioner. Work related: One two-line cordless phone and a regular two-line corded phone, complimentary in-room high speed Internet access, FedEx supplies in closet, complimentary in-room fax machine/printer, VCR, and DVD, oversized in-room electronic safe, complimentary daily newspaper and complimentary overnight shoe-shine. Comfort related: shower cap, sewing kit, shoe shine sponge, ear plugs, choice of pillow-top or firm mattresses, 100 percent goose down duvets, goose down or non-allergenic pillows, mini-bar including gourmet goodies, interactive TV including on-demand movies and Nintendo, an iron and full-size ironing board, in-room coffee/tea maker, cotton pique bathrobes, unattached hairdryer, magnified make-up mirror, access to a complimentary CD library, CD/alarm clock radio, rain shower head, and bathroom dimming night lights. Guests could also avail themselves of concierge, valet, and business center services. There was complimentary transportation within a three mile radius.

Facilities Fitness center, restaurant, conference facilities, a small pool and a Spa Treatment Suite staffed upon request.

Fitness Center Access was possible with the guestroom card 24 hours a day. There were 14 machines including Life Fitness cardiovascular and resistance training equipment such as treadmills, stair climbers, cycling machines and a multiple use machine all with individual TV monitors.

Pool The freeform pool was about 20 feet by 30 feet. The pool area offered direct sunlight or a partially shaded spot under the slatted roof.

Conference Facilities Meeting rooms were available in a total space of 10,000 square feet Options included a 4,800 square-foot ballroom overlooking the pool; the Rogue boardroom, featuring red leather chairs and a 21-foot table; two executive boardrooms with dataports at each seat; and the Great Room with a residential feel and contemporary seating, a built-in bar and a plasma screen fireplace.

Other During business hours, reaching the hotel presented a challenge due to the heavy traffic resulting from nearby construction. Though we didn’t spot any celebs while we were there, a number of famous people have, according to the Hotel, stayed there including: David Carr, Cher , Cheryl Crow, Morgan Freeman, James Gandolfini, Laura Ingrahan, Bon Jovi, Gwyneth Paltrow and Gwen Stefani. The Derek, a member of Preferred Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc., a global brand of independently owned luxury hotels and resorts, launched the Derek “Giving Room” in January 2005. Each month during 2005, the property is scheduled to donate a portion of proceeds from its junior suite, renamed the “Giving Room”, to select non-profit groups. The Hotel Derek selected a designated charity each month and highlighted the group by displaying organizational information in the Hotel Derek “Giving Room,” on the property’s website, in the lobby and in additional hotel collateral materials.

Check-In-Check-Out Process Ease Excellent

Cleanliness Excellent

Date Of Review October 2004

Service Twice daily maid service in the room. Staff we encountered in common areas were helpful and pleasant.

Would You Stay There Again? Yes