Pirate's Beach 2009

 

FOR SATURDAY, APRIL 18th
MIDTOWN FARMERS MARKET
We're Year-Round, Rain or Shine!

This is what spring looks like!





DRINK UP!

Tito's Vodka
FREE TASTING
10am-12noon

MIMOSAS
for sale inside at PLUM EATS!!!


IT'S EASY TO
BUY LOCAL
ALL WEEK LONG!
-------------------

TUESDAYS

Houston
Farmers Market

at Rice University

SATURDAYS


Bayou City
Farmers Market

at Eastside

Midtown
Farmers Market

at t'afia

SUNDAYS


Green Market
at Discovery Green



OUR GROWERS ARE GROWING!!

Here's what you might see at this week's market:
(no promises, now..all items are based on availability and Mother Nature)


FRUITS!
Grapefruit
STRAWBERRIES!

VEGGIES!!
GREENS/LETTUCES
Tatsoi Bak Choi
Chorus Nappa Cabbage
Okayama Butter Lettuce
Mizuna
Mibuna
Green Rocket Cabbage
Kale
Mustard Geens
SPINACH!!!
Green Leaf
Red Leaf
Romaine
Dandelion
Sorrel
Mache

MORE VEGGIES
Carrot-Party
Daikons
Red Bunching onions
Cilantro
mushroomsgreen garlic
Brussels Sprouts
Broccoli
Beets
Radish
Green Onions
Peas
Turnips
HEIRLOM TOMATOES!


AND
Jams & Jellies
Yard Eggs
GOOSE EGGS
Honey
Infused Vinegars Organic Texas Rice
Organic Texas Pecans
Grassfed Beef (all cuts)
Texas Gulf shrimp
smoked trout


THANK YOU ARROYOS FAMILY FOR BEING AN INSPIRATION
TO US ALL!!

Maggie & Adrian Arroyos are committed to eating local - you can watch their story, which aired on the CBS Early Show recently, by clicking here. If you see them at the market, please tell them how their commitment to local food inspires you.
ALL LOCAL,
ALL THE TIME

GROWERS
COMMUNITY MARKET TABLE
Matt Family Farms
Home Sweet Farm
Bassman Farms
Bellecreek Farm
Keatingrove Farms
Knopp Farms
All We Need Farm
Pomona Farms
Gourmet Country Farms
LAST ORGANIC OUTPOST
LOLA DANIELS URBAN FARM
UTILITY RESEARCH GARDEN
VILLAGE BOTANICA

RANCHERS
Family Beef
Georgia's Grass-Fed Beef

All growers are growing without the use of pesticides or herbicides. All ranchers are raising herds free of antibiotics, growth hormones, steroids & animal by-products.


HANDMADE,
SMALL-BATCH
PREPARED FOODS
for Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
& Everything In-Between!

INSIDE VENDORS

NEW VENDOR!
The Grateful Bread
with artisan charcuterie

ANGELA'S OVEN
fresh-baked breads, croissants and more!!!
BREAKFAST
scones, quiches, breakfast biscuits, chilaquiles, breakfast flan, fritatta, granola
HOUSTON DAIRYMAIDS
incredible Texas cheeses
KATZ COFFEE
fresh-roasted organic and fair-trade coffee by the cup & pound
MAISON BURDISSO
French-style baked goods
PANTRY ESSENTIALS FOR EASY HOME COOKING
Monica Pope's Plum Pantry prepared foods
QUICK AND EZEE INDIAN FOODS
ready-to-heat traditional Indian dishes
TRENTINO GELATO
by the scoop, pint and quart
YA YA's RAW-RAH
Unique Organic, wheat-free, gluten-free, yeast-free, raw snacks and meals
OUTSIDE VENDORS COOKIES
Ginger & chocolate cookies from Alicia Lee, benefitting The Center for the Retarded/Willow River Farms

LOCAL ARTISANS
& SERVICES

INSIDE
Australian Scent
all-natural bath and body products

OUTSIDE

Welch St Soap
Jeannine Peace Jewelry & Clothing


2 DULL 4 You
bring your knives & GET SHARP on-site!



Bring Your Knives to the Knife Experts
On-Site Knife Sharpening
from 2 DULL 4 YOU

sharpen your knives while you shop
serrated knives, too!
blade repairs
knives ONLY please!

www.2dull4you.com

SO MANY THANKS

A HUGE thank you to Steve Jordan for DONATING the audio equipment to the Cooking School.

We truly appreciateyour support and help above and beyond the call of duty!!

If you ever need digital restorationof photos, video or sound, Steve's your man!

JordanMedia@Comcast.net


Monica Pope's
GREEN PLUM
COOKING SCHOOL
at the Midtown Farmers Market

Learn how to make simple, tasty meals with the local produce and products you'll find at our city's farmers markets.

Chef Monica Pope will conduct a free cooking class (inside, upstairs) every Saturday using Alice Waters' cookbook, "The Art of Simple Food" -- and what's currently available at the farmers markets -- as inspiration.

TO SIGN UP
You can sign up for each free class beginning at 9am the morning of the class at the Midtown Farmers Market. Classes begin at 9:30 am and can accommodate 45 guests. We will not take advance reservations for this class - you have to show up at the market to sign up!

Make sure to purchase your own copy of "The Art of Simple Food" at your local bookstore (shop the independents, please!!) to use at home.

Every week, Monica blogs about the cooking class on Facebook - don't miss out...become a FAN today!

WHAT, WHERE, WHEN...

WHAT
The Midtown Farmers Market is a home-grown market - intimate, friendly, community-based. Come out and support the hard-working farmers growing whole, healthy foods for you!

WHERE
INSIDE AND OUTSIDE of Monica Pope's restaurant, t'afia, one block north of West Alabama at 3701 Travis St.

WHEN
Every Saturday, RAIN OR SHINE, 8am -12 noon

PARKING
And PLENTY of it!!!! HUNDREDS of FREE parking spaces in the lot two blocks north of t'afia (on the corner of Berry and Travis). 75 cent parking in the lot on West Alabama and Travis. $2 parking in the Continental Club parking lot (on the corner of Winbern and Travis).

Forward email

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t'afia & midtown farmers market 3701 travis st houston TX 77002

Rent or Buy?

TO RENT OR BUY A HOME, THAT IS THE QUESTION

OK, you’ve tucked away enough for a modest down payment and closing costs to buy your first home. Does it make more sense to buy now or continue to rent. The new housing environment will be driven by tighter loan underwriting and rising interest rates.




--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Does this mean that you should wait to buy your first home? There are many solid reasons for you to consider buying your first home now:

1. The inventory selection of homes for sale has not been greater for a serious buyer.

2. The current interest rate environment has not been this buyer-favorable for years. The old axiom is you either get good pricing or good terms, not both. Today, this old saying has been turned on its head. You can get both pricing and terms plus you have unprecedented selection. This is a buyer’s market.

3. Homeownership can stabilize your monthly housing payment. If you purchase your home with a fixed-interest rate you have frozen the basic monthly payment for your home. When you rent year in and year out your rent payment will increase with no cap…ever.

4. Homeownership is a solid investment and delivers a good return on your invested dollars over time. While you should not buy your first home for turning a rapid appreciation into profit, history teaches us that over time your home’s appreciation will become a major portion of your total assets. If you plan on making the new home your primary residence for several years, time will minimize the market risks of owning the property. Renting leaves no assets.

5. Homeownership delivers pride of ownership, the freedom to “nest” your home, independence and control in decision making and privacy in living. Renting always creates obligation and restriction.

6. Homeownership can stabilize your stake in your community. As long as you make your payments, your residency is not subject to the whims of a third-party, as with renting. You can secure the primary and secondary school districts for your children, predict your commuting and transportation needs, and establish the level and depth of your community evolvement. Renting provides little stability or housing security.

7. Homeownership delivers considerable tax benefits. When you rent you are paying all the bills and your landlord is reaping all of the benefits: tax write-offs, property appreciation value, etc.

The reasons for and benefits of homeownership remain as true and real today as they have for many generations, even for first-time buyers.





Michele Baker

Marketing Resource Manager
Houston Title Company
777 Post Oak Blvd. Suite 100
Houston, TX 77056
832-259-8584 cell
713-552-7361 direct
281-715-5684 fax
www.houstontitle.com
mbaker@houstontitle.com

AN AFTERNOON DOWNTOWN

Last Sunday, I did something I hadn't done in a long time; I went Downtown, parked my car, and walked. That's it. I took a stroll down Main St. and walked to the Flying Saucer under the St. Germain, sat and had a drink, then down to Commerce Towers, and out to the Pavilions to see what the fuss was about. And I can honestly tell you that I'm proud of the direction our downtown is going. The Pavilions are great! I stopped in "Books A Million" and to check out their selection, upstairs to the new BCBG, and then to the House of Blues where their "Gospel Brunch" was just letting out. All in all, I have to say that my afternoon walk was.... well..... refreshing. Below are a few pictures I snapped of the St. Germain. I hope you enjoy them and the great listings below.

Sincerely,

Sandra Gunn Properties

ST. GERMAIN LOFTS
705 Main St.

FEATURED LISTINGS

St. Germain Unit 206
$2,600 / month (furnished)or $2,200 / month
2 bedrooms / 1 bath

1,485 sq. ft.
Situated in the St. Germain Lofts building, one of the premiere Houston Loft buildings, this stunning unit is located in the heart of Downtown Houston's restaurants and nightlife, and embodies the true feeling of Houston loft living.

St. Germain Unit 413
Market Adjustment!
$175,000
2 bedrooms / 1 bath 1,020 sq. ft.
Upon entry, one

finds themselves in a large living/kitchen/dining area. The angular room and exposed brick lends it to an array of arrangements. Feel free to make this unit a one bedroom with study/sitting

St. Germain Unit 601
New Listing $195,000
1 bedroom / 1 bath
906 sq. ft.
Live in the St. Germain on the exciting corner of Main St. and Capitol, above The Flying Saucer, Zula and a multitude of Downtown amenities. Living at 601 St. Germain provides you with everything you expect from a downtown loft: exposed ductwork, brick and concrete accents.

St. Germain Unit 606
$179,000
1 bedroom / 1 bath
834 sq. ft.
At the end of a long hallway, perfect for displaying art, is an open living and kitchen space with ample room for a dining area and kitchen island, wood floors high ceilings with exposed ductwork, and large picture windows that look to Capitol St. and Main St.

St. Germain Unit 607
$155,000
studio / 1 bath
762 sq. ft.
Located by Downtown restaurants and nightlife, this stunning studio loft in St. Germain Lofts puts you towering above the center of the action.... and with a large living space, corner kitchen and an expansive walk-in shower, this loft epitomizes luxury studio living.

RICE VILLAGE OFFICE SPACE FOR LEASE

2421 Tangley Suite 117
$895 / month
Get ready to move your office to the Village! Located between Tangley and Dunstan, this office suite is in a prime location... right next to Benjy's! The building features: a rustic, brick-lined hallway, stained concrete floor, gated back porch, tranquil water feature and a common conference and server room. Perfect for any growing business.

For information, contact:
Jim Reid (713) 524-5300

Houston Business Journal Reports Houston Condo Prices are Rising

Thursday, January 15, 2009, 12:39pm CST

Report: Houston condo prices rise

Houston Business Journal

Condominium sales prices rose in Houston during the third quarter of 2008, according to a report released Thursday by the National Association of Realtors.

The Houston-Baytown-Sugar Land area came third in a list of the six strongest markets in median condo sales price growth.

NAR’s Existing-Home Sales quarterly report stated that the area had a “healthy” 8.1 percent increase in the median condo price during the third quarter of 2008.

“It did slightly better than its northerly neighbor (Dallas-Fort-Worth-Arlington) in the area of unemployment, reporting a 5.5 percent jobless rate in November of 2008,” the report stated. “The median income is lower than the Dallas area, however, at $61,100. It has outranked Dallas in gross domestic product in the past, with the fifth-highest in the nation. More condo for the money is available here. More spacious three-bedroom, two-and-a-half bath homes are being offered for around $135,000.”

Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington led the six markets with an 11.1 percent increase in the median condo price.

Bismark, N.D. came between the two Texas cities with an 11 percent price gain.

Rounding out the list were New Orleans-Metairie-Kenner, La.; Rochester, N.Y.; and Philadelphia, Pa.-Camden, N.J.-Wilmington, Del.

Prediction: 30 Year Fixed Mortgages Will be at a 50 Year Low!

Bill Gross, one of the world's best bond experts, said in an interview on CNBC that he is predicting 30 Year Fixed mortgages will be at a 50 year low sometime shortly after Obama takes office.

This prediction is based on several more waves of Federal funds increasing the demand for mortgage backed securities.

His advice: "Don't refinance yet.

This information is provided by:

Cody Daniel

The Daniel Mortgage Group

Holiday Trolleys

Remember, you can catch a ride on our holiday trolleys Fridays from 6:30 -11:30 p.m.; Saturdays from 11 a.m.-11:30 p.m. and Sundays from 11 a.m.-7:30 p.m. Each stop is clearly marked with easy-to-see holiday signs so you know exactly where you are and where you're going.

NEW LISTING

St. Germain #601

$195,000 

 

 

1 bedroom /1 bath

Eye on Downtown Events

Lisa Williams: Messages from Beyond Tuesday, December 16 | 7:30 pm WorthamTheater Center(501 Texas Ave.) Join TV's top medium and clairvoyant Lisa Williams as she helps you understand the transition into the spirit world. She will also demonstrate her astonishing mediumship abilities by performing live readings with the audience. Tickets start at $45.50 For more details: tix.com    RenGen Houston:  Stepping into an Enlightened Age of Opportunity Wednesday, December 17 | 4:30 pm - 6:30 pm  Audrey Jones Beck Building, AIG Conference Room Museum of Fine Arts, Houston (5601 Main Street) The goal of the forum is to identify the creative resources and catalysts at work in Houston, and to open a community discussion about how these 'enlightened assets' can be leveraged to realize Houston's potential to become a catalytic city of the second renaissance.  Featured speakers include Jonathan Glus of the Houston Arts Alliance, Andrew Huang of the Houston Downtown Alliance, Larry Horn of the Art Institute of Houston and Walter Ulrich of the Houston Technology Center. Admission: $15  Click hereto register.   H-E-B Feast of Sharing Wednesday, December 17 | 4 pm - 9 pm George R. Brown Convention Center - Hall A (1001 Avenida de las Americas) In the spirit of the holiday season, H-E-B will host the Third Annual Feast of Sharing, an open-invitation and festive event where Greater Houston residents can enjoy a free holiday meal and live entertainment. Hundreds of H-E-B and community volunteers will collaborate on the meal preparations, which will serve more than 7,000 meals. In addition to a free meal, a full evening of fun will be at hand, with a Winter Wonderland, featuring children's activities and crafts; a visit from Santa Claus; and live on-stage entertainment. Admission: Free and open to the public For more details: heb.com

 

Emerging Leaders       Texas Bowl "Red Dirt Lounge Package" Tuesday, December 30 | 7 pm  The Texas Bowl is offering a special ticket for what they call the "Red Dirt Lounge".  For $40, you get a ticket to the Texas Bowl, hot dogs, nachos, snacks, soda and a cash bar AND pregame concert by Roger Creager and a halftime concert by Max Stalling.     Visit downtownhouston.org/elfor more info and to download the order form.   Lunch to Grown On Tuesday, January 13 | 11:30 am - 12:30 pm Haynes and Boone Offices (1221 McKinney, Suite 1200) Spend your lunch break gaining valuable professional advice from those who know business best.  This month's topic is "Smart Taxes" brought to us by Brandie Wilkins.  Tickets:  EL members $7 | Non-members $9 Buy tickets online at downtownhouston.org/elor call 713.658.8983  For more information contact Reda Dennis.

 

HYPA   Shop for a Cause. Thursday, December 18 | 5 pm - 9 pm  Save all of your holiday shopping for Thursday, December 18, when Langford Market and Houston Young People for the Arts host the holiday happy hour.   Drop by for a drink, listen to some music and pick-up a last-minute gift for someone on your list (or yourself!). In some cases, this may not be last-minute, so get it all done at once! 25% of sales will go to HYPA, so all of your purchases are guilt-free!   For more details visit downtownhouston.org.   ______________________________________________________________________ Uncertain of your status of membership?  E-mail heather@downtownhouston.org.     Membership to HYPA is free to all HDA members; however, we must have you listed in our database as a HYPA member in order to participate.

 

Houston Theater District Visit houstontheaterdistrict.org for more information about all of our theater groups.    Spotlight On | Handel's Messiah | December 19 - 21 | Houston Symphony, Jones Hall Feed your soul through this transcendent experience of text and music. Hear your favorite choruses and solos from this most beloved choral work of all, a cathedral of music. Tickets: $25 - $60 For tickets or more details:  713.224.7575 orhoustonsymphony.org   Da Camera|  Messiaen Centennial Concert: Visions de l'Amen Friday, January 20, The Rothko Chapel For tickets or more details: 713.524.5050 or dacamera.com    Alley Theatre| A Christmas Carol Now - December 28, Alley Theatre    The Santaland Diaries Now - December 28, Alley Theatre  For tickets or more details for either play: 713.220.5700 or alleytheatre.org     Society for the Performing Arts| DrumLine Live Thursday, January 13, Jones Hall For tickets or more details: 713.227.4SPA or spahouston.org   Houston Symphony | Peter Cetera  January 9 - 11, Jones Hall For tickets or more details: 713.224.7575 or houstonsymphony.org   Houston Grand Opera| A Midsummer Night's Dream January 23 - February 6, Wortham Theater Center For tickets or more details: 713.228.6737 or houstongrandopera.org   Houston Ballet | The Nutcracker Now - December 29, Wortham Theater Center For tickets or more details:  713.227.2787 or houstonballet.org   Cadillac Broadway Across America| Spring Awakening January 6 - 18, Hobby Center For tickets or more details: 713.315.2500 or broadwayacrossamerica.com   Theatre Under The Stars| White Christmas December 4 - 21, Hobby Center for the Performing Arts For tickets or more details: 713.558.TUTS (8887) or tuts.com   All ticket prices reflect on-line ticket prices as of 11/24/08.  We are not responsible for any change in pricing.

 

TUTS Encore Boutique Special Holiday Lunchtime Hours Hobby Center for the Performing Arts, 800 Bagby    The official Theatre Under The Stars gift shop will open its doors from 11 am to 2 pm, Tuesday through Friday starting November 26 through Christmas Eve. Downtown workers will have the opportunity to shop for CDs, DVDs, Broadway memorabilia and unique gift items on their lunch hour.  Take advantage of these special hours today!   Visit tuts.com to view merchandise.

 

Music Picks    The editor's pick is pictured.   Tuesday, December 16 Roger Creager, Verizon Wireless Theater  All That Jazz... on Ice, Discovery Green   Wednesday, December 17 Blues, Beer & Bourbon with Michael Hardie and Milton Hopkins, Angelo's Drafthouse    Thursday, December 18 Lil' Wayne, Toyota Center     Saturday, December 20 Stoney LaRue, House of Blues    Angelo's Drafthouse, www.angeloshouston.com House of Blues, www.hob.com Hard Rock Cafe,www.hardrock.com  Meridian, www.meridianhouston.com Warehouse Live, www.warehouselive.com Verizon Wireless, www.verizonwirelesstheater.com Toyota Center, www.houstontoyotacenter.com Continental Club, www.continentalclub.com Discovery Green Park, www.discoverygreen.com   Sammys at 2016 Main, www.sammysat2016main.com Joe Carmouche's Legends Jazz Cafe, www.legendsjazzcafe.com Red Cat Jazz Cafe, www.redcatjazzcafe.com Last Concert Cafe, www.lastconcert.com Ticketmaster, www.ticketmaster.com

 

Highlights at the Green Week of December 15 - 21  Discovery Green Park, 1500 McKinney www.discoverygreen.com     This month, it's all about THE ICE.  Lace up your skates and get ready for a new outdoor winter experience! Outdoor ice skating returns to downtown Houston this holiday season at Discovery Green. Located at the Model Boat Basin on Kinder Lake | $10 includes skate rental Rink hours of operation: Monday-Thursday (School Days) 4 - 9 pm Fridays/Saturdays/School Holidays10am - 11 pm Sundays 10 am - 7 pm Christmas Eve 10 am - 7 pm Christmas Day 1 - 11 pm New Year's Eve 10 am - 8 pm New Year's Day 10 am - 11 pm   Tuesday, December 16 | 7 - 9 pm | All That Jazz... on Ice!:  Veteran Houston jazzman JAWAD caresses the senses and lightens the heart. Impromptu sets might include Stevie Wonder, Sting, Dylan Babyface, or Bacharach. Jawad has performed with the greats, including Dizzy Gillepsie.   Thursday, December 18 | 4 - 9 pm | Silver Blades on the Silver Screen: Fallen Angel:  It's not a drive-in. It's a glide-in! See a collection of the best holiday and skating movies every Thursday. Come see The Bishop's Wife (1947) starring Cary Grant, on the Anheuser-Bush Stage overlooking the rink.  Come witness this Houston miracle!   Friday, December 19| 7 - 9 pm | Hot 95.7 Cool Tunes, Hot Ice!: Houston's most wanted DJ's from Hot 95.7 have you skating to the best beats every Friday.   Friday, December 19| 10 - 11 am | Radio City Rockettes High Kick for a Cause:  Discovery Green will host the Radio City Rockettes!  Meet the Rockettes from 10 am - 11 am and Goodfellows at the park through 6 p.m. The Radio City Rockettes will be at Discovery Green giving tickets to the Radio City Christmas Spectacular featuring the Rockettes to those who donate a minimum of $150 to Goodfellows (while supplies last).

 

Sports District Headlines    Houston Rockets Next home games: Tuesday, Dec. 16 vs. Denver Nuggets, 7:30 pm Friday, Dec. 19 vs. Sacramento Kings, 7:30 pm Saturday, Dec. 27 vs. Utah Jazz, 7:30 pm Monday, Dec. 29 vs. Washington Wizards, 7:30 pm Wednesday, Dec. 31 vs. Milwaukee Bucks, 6:00 pm   All home games at the Toyota Center.  Visit houstonrockets.com for tickets or further details.   Houston Aeros Friday, Dec. 26 vs. San Antonio Rampage, 7:35 pm Tuesday, Dec. 30 vs. Lake Erie Monsters, 7:05 pm Friday, Jan. 16 vs. Toronto Marlies, 7:35 pm   All home games at the Toyota Center.  Visit aeros.com for tickets or further details.

 

Give the gift of a meal downtown    Angelo's Buy $100 worth of gift certificates and get a $25 gift card for free!  Give it away or keep it for yourself!  Call 713.225.3500 or info@angeloshouston.com   McCormick & Schmick's For every $100 in gift cards you buy, get a $25 gift card free!  This gift would be a treat for your friends or relatives that haven't visited the new Houston Pavilions.  Or an even nicer treat for those who have! Call 713.658.8100 or mccormickandschmicks.com

 

Members Only Offers   HDA members save 10% Divine Performing Arts: 2009 World Tour in Houston Brilliant. Inspiring. Glorious. It's traditional Chinese culture as it was meant to be-a brilliant blend of beauty, energy, and grace. Dozens of dancers in dazzling costumes move in seamless, flowing patterns. Thunderous drums shake the stage, while spectacular backdrops take you to another world.   See ancient legends of virtue brought to life alongside modern tales of courage. Hear soaring songs by masterful vocalists that will move and inspire. Experience a sense of beauty and enchantment like no other with this unique, thrilling, and unforgettable show.    More information can be found on the following websites: DivineShows.com/houston orDivineArts.org.  HDA Discount Code:  HSGT12.  Tickets: $30-$150 | ticketmaster.com _________________________________________________________________________   HDA members save 20% TUTS presents RENT RENT is the classic musical about love, friendship and community, and the seventh longest-running show in Broadway history. Now, RENT is coming to Houston in a new touring production starring original Broadway cast members Adam Pascal and Anthony Rapp! Offer available NOW before public sale DEADLINE TO PURCHASE January 6th, 2009 Wednesday, April 29th at 8pm Thursday, April 30th at 8pm Saturday, May 2nd at 2pm Sunday, May 3rd at 7:30pm Discount Code: HDA