ZarkanaGoes to Las Vegas Catch a Ride on a

FASHION
LIFESTYLE
ART
ENTERTAI NMENT
OCTOBER 2012
FREE
Zarkana Goes
to Las Vegas
Catch a Ride
on a Dragon Boat
Danang Sun Pensinsula
Resort Beckons
Celebrate at the
AAFS Golden Ball
yellowmags.com
F R O M
T H E
E D I TO R
I N
C H I E F
This month, I encourage everyone to head out to Brooks Lake in Sugar Land to enjoy the 9th Annual Dragon Boat
Regatta. Dragon boat racing has a rich and long history spanning more than 2000 years and the sport engages an
estimated 50 million competitors in more than 60 countries. You may be surprised to learn that it is considered to be
the fastest growing water sport in the United States. One of the driving forces is that the low cost sport has demonstrated
a remarkable team-building dynamic that corporations and organizations find very attractive. In addition to the action
in the water, there is plenty on land to keep the whole family busy including Asian cuisine, lion dancing, belly dancing,
and martial arts demonstrations.
If you liked Cirque du Soleil’s performance of Kooza last month, you just may want to fit in Zarkana at the Aria Resort
and Casino in Las Vegas in between your poker games. This show replaces Viva Elvis! which has taken its last curtain
call. The modern rock opera was sold out in New York and at locations in Spain and Russia. All indicators are “go”.
Going east, New York City’s Modern Museum of Art is unveiling its new exhibit, Tokyo 1955-1970: A New Avant Garde.
During this period, artists of every ilk experimented with various media in ways that reflect the incredible transformation
that was occurring in Tokyo during that period. The manner by which highly active periods of social and economic
change is reflected in the art of the people who lived through it offers a unique historical perspective that is inspired
and inspiring.
If you are planning a vacation to Vietnam, you may want to consider the recently opened Intercontinental Danang
Photo by Collin Kelly
Sun Peninsula Resort. With incredible panoramic views of the South China Sea and a restaurant by three-star Michelin
chef Michel Roux, you can have a great vacation by just staying put.
Did you get your numbered Hennessy V.S. Limited Edition by Ventura? I did. I have mixed feelings about it, though. I
want to drink it but it’s numbered and, therefore, collectible. I’m a collector. Perhaps I know someone who bought a
bottle and who is not a collector and doesn’t mind opening it and sharing? Just asking.
V. Hoang
The color yellow has played a recurrent symbolic role throughout
the history of Asian culture. It symbolizes the earth that sustains
all life, yet has been embraced by Buddhist monks as an expression
of unchallenged power. Such is the role of yellow: always revered
but in different ways under different circumstances.
The mission of Yellow Magazine is to introduce our readers to the
artistic , fashion, lifestyle and entertainment contributions made
by Asian Americans. It is our hope that the depth and breadth of
the topics and events we cover do justice to the pride that the color
yellow has represented throughout the millennia. As the editor in
chief of Yellow Magazine, my last name is Hoang, which also means
yellow. Just as I am proud of my name, I am proud of my heritage,
and proud of Yellow Magazine.
Editor in Chief
V. Van Hoang, President of MV Media
Editor
Creative Director
Henri Merceron
Jeff Martin
Cultural Editors
Website
Vuthy Kuon
Tricia Volore
Leo Sipras
Health Editor
Ashley Vu
Ivy Yang
Contributing Photographers
Travel Editor
Matt Sims
Mitchell Alexander
Thang Nguyen
Wine Editor
kevinvideo1@yahoo.com
Philip Cuisimano
Timothy Frederick
Music Editor
timothyfrederick.com
Tyler Merceron
Lifestyle Editor
Chau Nguyen-Todd
Beauty Editor
Tree Vaello
Fashion Editor
Vi Hua
Contributing Writers
Deanne Nguyen
Leo Sipras
Ashley Vu
Assistant to the Editor in Chief
Shehla Z. Shah
shehlazshahphotography.com
Peter Tham
Fashion Photographers
David Nguyen for
DavidNguyenStudio.com
Fashion Stylist
Vico Puentes
Hair and Makeup
Bianca Linette
Business Manager
Karla Montejo
Publisher
MV Media
Publisher/Managing Director
Frank Perez
Advertising
713.528.6000 x103
sales@yellowmags.com
Yellow Magazine
1990 Post Oak Blvd.
Suite 815
Houston, TX 77056
p 713.528.6000
f 713.228.3186
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Yellow Magazine is published monthly. All rights reserved. Reproduction in
whole or part of the magazine is strictly prohibited without the permission
of the publisher. Yellow Magazine is not responsible for any unsolicited
materials submitted. Subscriptions to Yellow Magazine may be purchased
for $36/10 issues. Mail check to: Yellow Magazine, 1990 Post Oak Blvd., Suite
815, Houston, TX 77056. © 2012 MV Media
On the cover
Dress by Halston, available at
Saks Fifth Avenue
Model: Kaylen Dao
for Wunder Management
October 2012
T R AV E L
Redefining the Luxury
Resort Experience
Danang, Vietnam
One of South East Asia’s most anticipated new resorts, InterContinental Danang Sun
Peninsula Resort has opened its doors, heralding a new standard of luxury
accommodation in Vietnam. Located along the pristine shores of Son Tra Peninsula,
InterContinental Danang is the third brand-defining resort the company has opened
in Asia this year, following InterContinental Samui Been Taling Ngam Resort and the
Crowne Plaza Phuket Panwa Beach Resort in Thailand.
InterContinental Danang
Sun Peninsula Resort
Bai Bac, Sontra-Peninsula
Danang City, 00000
Vietnam
+84 511 3938888
ichotelsgroup.com
To celebrate the opening,
InterContinental Danang Sun
Peninsula Resort is offering
special rates on stays between
June 1, 2012 and January 1,
2013. The rate includes
complimentary daily buffet
breakfast for two, high-speed
Wi-Fi access, 10% off dining at
the resort’s Citron Restaurant,
Barefoot Café or L_o_n_g Bar,
and complimentary shuttle
bus service into Danang City
and Hoi An Ancient Town.
The Bill Bensley-designed InterContinental Danang is nestled within
one of the region’s most exquisite locations, cascading through rainforestcovered mountain slopes that act as a natural amphitheatre for the resort’s
private bay. Embedded in the hills of the famous Son Tra Peninsula, the
resort features beachfront villas with private pools and a range of more than
20 suites. All 197 of the resort’s rooms, suites and beachfront villas are
designed to take full advantage of their location and panoramic South China
Sea views. Large terraces and shuttered windows elevate private living spaces
that draw in the surrounding jungle and crystal bay, and add depth to the
spacious rooms.
Taking six years to design and build, InterContinental Danang is the
latest creation of one of Asia’s most celebrated resort designers, Bill Bensley.
The design features a rich template of earthy colours and bold features, and
marries traditional and contemporary designs with the pristine surrounding
landscape. Everything, down to the in-room dining cutlery, was specifically
selected to create an aesthetic that sets InterContinental Danang apart from
any other Vietnamese resort.
Also highly anticipated is the arrival of the first three-star Michelin chef
in Vietnam, Michel Roux at InterContinental Danang’s signature restaurant,
La Maison 1888. Founder of renowned UK restaurant The Waterside Inn,
Roux will bring some of the world’s most celebrated French cuisine to the
Son Tra Peninsula. La Maison 1888 is one of three restaurants and two bars
spread throughout the resort. Guests can swim in the bay or one of the
resort’s outdoor pools, experience Spa InterContinental and make use of
the many entertainment and recreation facilities available, including a round
of golf at the world-acclaimed Montgomerie links golf club or the challenging
links style Danang Golf club. The resort’s youngest guests will also be
delighted by InterContinental’s signature kid’s club, Planet Trekkers.
The InterContinental Danang Sun Peninsula Resort is a half-hour drive
from Danang International Airport, and only a few kilometres from the
UNESCO World Heritage Sites of The Imperial City of Hue, The Old
Town of Hoi An and the My Son ruins. As the country’s fourth largest city
and third largest commercial port, Danang plays a key strategic role as the
economic, cultural and tourism hub of central Vietnam.
Suites include butler service, all the latest technology, and a huge square-shaped stone bathtub
and separate rainforest shower.
World-class luxury resort service begins the minute you enter the gorgeous lobby, designed
to marry traditional and contemporary design.
The resort overlooks Bai Bac Beach.
Embedded in the hills of the famous Sun Tra Peninsula, the resort features beachfront villas with private pools and a range of more than twenty luxurious suites.
4
|
October 2012
A R C H I T E C T U R E
Awesome Abodes
in the Spotlight
AIA Home Tour
This month, the American Institute of Architects (AIA) Houston is hosting the Home
Tour 2012, featuring eight area homes selected by a jury of industry experts that
represent the finest in residential architecture. The two day self-guided tour offers
the public a rare opportunity to view an impressive variety of privately owned
residences that were designed by accomplished Houston architects.
Helena Street home, designed by studioMET
AIA Houston
Home Tour 2012
October 27-28, 2012
aiahouston.org
Each home is designed to meet the particular needs and desires of the
respective homeowners. The home by Stern and Bucek on Mott Lane has
high tech DNA that begins with a master bath mirror that transforms into
a television monitor. Built-in iPads are located throughout the house to
control window shades, lighting, temperature and entertainment components.
There is also an indoor workout room, complete with a spring floor, and
an in-ground trampoline outdoors.
The Midtown home on Helena by studioMET is an oasis for simple
living in the heart of the city, balancing density with green space. While
single-family dwellings are unique to the neighborhood, the home’s design
is perfectly suited to its surroundings. The homeowners enjoy the energy
and vitality of urban living and can walk, not drive, to nearby shops, restaurants,
entertainment and work.
The owners of the Bellview home by Murphy Mears Architects + Wm.
T. Cannady invested more in materials than the size of the living space.
While the house includes four bedrooms, three baths, a study and a potential
fifth-bedroom suite, its smaller structure allowed for a larger private rear
yard. An open-air portal through the home’s center connects the front and
rear yards with interior space via glass sliding doors. The master bedroom
is located above the first-floor portal as a glass bridge with transparency from
front to back.
The Murphy Mears-designed home on Robinhood meets the owners’
current needs, with an eye towards their future needs as they approach
retirement. To reduce the energy and maintenance costs later on, the home
is designed with features such as ample natural lighting, the latest energyefficient glass, automated dimming and solar shading and drought- tolerant
landscaping. The owners also chose to apply for LEED certification. Rather
than demolish the original home and send its contents to a landfill, the owners
hired Habitat for Humanity to disassemble and recycle all salvageable materials.
Extremely energy efficient and relying heavily on sustainable materials,
the home on Columbia by McIntyre + Robinowitz features a large outdoor
screened porch is ideally positioned to capture cool southeast breezes and
spotlights a barbecue and fireplace as the focal points of daily living. Properly
located and protected from sun, rain and mosquitoes, the porch allows the
homeowners to enjoy Houston’s weather year-round and to regularly dine
al fresco.
Full-tour tickets, good for both days are $25 per person. Single-house
tickets are $10 per person. This year, the cyclist-friendly tour offers full-tour
tickets for $20 per bike rider. Tickets may be purchased online or at any
tour home during the event.
About AIA
The American Institute of Architects Houston is the professional
organization for more than 1,800 architects and other design professionals
in the greater Houston area. Its mission includes service to members and
to the public. For more information, visit aiahouston.org.
Columbia Street home, designed by McIntyre + Robinowitz Architects
Mott Lane home, designed by Stern and Bucek Architects
6
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October 2012
A RT
Hennessy V.S. Limited Edition
by Futura
Never Stop, Never Settle
We all know that Hennessy is the world’s number one selling cognac. While the company
has mastered the art of producing some of the world’s finest cognac over the course of
more than two centuries, it has a committed appreciation of other contemporary art
forms. It has partnered with pioneering graffiti artist, Futura, who designed a limitededition bottle of Hennessy V.S. that celebrates cognac and street art.
The artist known as Futura
The Hennessy V.S Limited
Edition bottle by Futura retails
for $32.00 (750 ml) and is
available at fine retailers
nationwide.
For more information, visit
neverstopneversettle.com or
Facebook.com/Hennessy.
Each bottle is individually numbered and is adorned with signature
Futura artwork. The bold design incorporates a forward-thinking use of
color, line and form that speaks to the innovative style of the artist as it
draws inspiration from the spirit’s warm tones. “Futura embodies the
notion of ‘never stop, never settle’ with his cutting-edge design of our
new limited-edition bottle. Spirited and unbounded, Futura’s bottle design
captures the unique energy and bold colors that have made him one of
the world’s most sought after graffiti artists. It’s a fresh adaptation that
brings together Futura’s artistic roots and the DNA of the Hennessy brand
in a novel, highly creative expression that commands attention,” said
Rodney Williams, Senior Vice President, Hennessy USA.
On the heels of the limited-edition bottle launch,
Hennessy also partnered with the Pratt Institute, one of
the world’s leading colleges of art, design and architecture,
to celebrate both organizations’ commitment to
excellence and innovation. Futura mentored eight
students from around the world who participated in a
competition in which they created works of art that
interpreted Hennessy through the media of their choice.
The students competed for a trip to Paris, France and for
seed money to jumpstart their artistic careers.
“It is an honor to design for a brand
like Hennessy, because of their strong
connection to and support of art,” said
Futura. “When working within this new
medium, I was able to challenge myself,
go a step further and reach street art
lovers through a revolutionary new
design.”
About Futura
Leonard McGurr is a New York-based artist and designer most
commonly known as Futura. He began his career as a graffiti writer in his
teens and is known for his influence in the abstract expressionist
movement in street art. Futura continues to work to expand his universe
as a painter, graphic designer, sculptor and photographer and showcases
his art globally.
Asian American Family Services 13th Annual Golden Ball
Held at Hotel ZaZa
Photos by Mitchell Alexander
The Asian American Family Services (AAFS) held their
13th annual Golden Ball at the luxurious Hotel ZaZa.
This year’s gala was a huge success, with over 300
people in attendance. The evening began with cocktails
provided by Ketel One and sushi provided by Zushi,
Inc., while guests enjoyed an innovative combination
of strings and DJ music by Collide. Models were dressed
in paper clothing designed by Debbie Porter and a
magician roamed the room to entertain and amaze
the guests. AAFS honored the Honorable Allen Owen,
Dr. Mary Spangler, Vican Tan Sun and Nancy Allen,
individuals who have made contributions to AAFS, the
field of mental health, or for their philanthropy. The
evening also awarded two AAFS ambassadors: Hiru
Mathur and Nick Merchant for their hard work raising
money and awareness for AAFS.
Dr. Peter Chang (AAFS board President)
Diem Tran, Michelle Tran, Stevie Vu
Erin Marquez, Danny Nguyen, Rosie
Toan Vu, Catherine Le, Viet Hoang
Chau Nguyen-Todd, Phil MacNaught,
Kathy Key
Omana & Sam Abraham,
Ravi & Monjula Chidambaram
Betty Gee
Sumit & Dr. Hiru Mathur
Amy Sung, Tammy Su, Connie Kwan Wong Reshma & Aly Jaffer
Taz Bana, Shehla Rana, Shenila Naseem, Munira Panjwani-Zahid,
Zeenat Mitha
Andrea Schutter, Kimberly Delape,
Debbie Porter
Denise Leigh, Dr. Vy Le, Mandy Kao, Dr. Duyen Huynh, Hanh Tran,
Reyne Hirsch
Rogene Calvert, Kim Szeto (CEO AAFS) Art installation featuring Neal Hamil Models
Victoria Ai Linh
Nick & Sneha Merchant
Randy Sim, Henri Merceron, Dr. Allen Lee, Dr. Kim Gee
Vican Tan Sun, Nancy Allen, Hon. Allen Owen, Dr. Mary Spangler
Tiffany Zhang
Connie Lai, Monit Cheung
Judy Yang
Dr. Peta-Gay Chen Ledbetter, Jack Joe,
Faye Chin
Dr. Marc Nguyen, Kate Tran, Dr. Andrew Huynh,
Dr. Duyen Huynh
October 2012 |
9
on the water
David Nguyen for DavidNguyenStudio.com
Fashion Stylist : Vico Puentes
Hair and Makeup : Bianca Linette
Model : Kaylen Dao for Wunder Management
Houston Watersports Complex nautiqueway.com
Photographer :
Location :
Dress by Teri Jon, available at Saks Fifth Avenue
Earrings available at Kuhl Linscomb
Bracelet by Phillipe Audibert, available at Joseph
10 |
October 2012
Yellow Magazine
Dress: Crop by David Peck
Shoes by Jimmy Choo, available at Joseph
Earrings by Gerard Yosca, available at Joseph
O c t o b e r 2 0 1 2 | 11
Dress by Alexander McQueen, available at Saks Fifth Avenue
Earrings by Margaret Elis, available at Joseph
12 |
October 2012
Yellow Magazine
Dress by Mathieu Mirano
Earrings by Coralia Leets, available at Joseph
O c t o b e r 2 0 1 2 | 13
Dress by Rafael Cennamo
Bracelet by Lauren Craft, available at sloan/hall
14 |
October 2012
Yellow Magazine
Blouse by Alexander McQueen,
available at Saks Fifth Avenue
O c t o b e r 2 0 1 2 | 15
E S S E N T I A LS
For the Fall,
Black is the New Black
In The Black
by L E O SI P R A S
I know what you're thinking: “Really, black clothes and accessories are essential for Fall 2012?”
You probably have tons of little black dresses and shoes in your closet already, and those LDBs
are perfectly appropriate for work or play. But do you have a LDB made of leather or heels trimmed
with little black studs? This season try pushing boundaries with black. Designers are offering
black with a little something extra that is tough and chic at the same time.
Queen of the Night
Steal the show in this structured leather dress balanced by
soft, asymmetrical draping.
Alexander Wang Draped Leather-Trim Dress, $1,275
saksfifthavenue.com
Magic and Uncompromising
Coco Noir reveals a black that is intimate, seductive and
intensely brilliant. .
Chanel Coco Noir 1.7 oz., $98
Chanel Boutique Galleria and chanel.com
Tough Love
Street-ready pebbled leather design with gleaming goldtone
hardware and expandable zipper gussets.
3.1 Philip Lim Pashli Mini Satchel, $650
saksfifthavenue.com
Lace Up Tight
Sound Waves
Get the party started wherever you are with huge wi-fi sound
and Bluetooth connectivity. Use it as a speakerphone too!
Big Jambox, $299
jawbone.com
Supple leather embellished by leather lacing
throughout in a unique, fold-down shape.
Alexander McQueen De-Manta Lace-Up Clutch, $995
saksfifthavenue.com
The Eights
Pieced together diamond-shape brass plaques and strips of
rich Italian leather come together in this street-smart, edgy
design.
Bliss Lau Moderne Leather-Trimmed Plaque Bib Necklace,
$288
saksfifthavenue.com
Rock On!
It’s time to throw subtlety out the window in these hot patent leather slingbacks with signature metal studs.
Valentino Noir Rockstud Slingbacks, $995
saksfifthavenue.com
16 |
October 2012
A RT
MoMA Presents
A New Avant-Garde
Tokyo 1955-1970
From the mid-1950s through the 1960s, Tokyo transformed itself from the capital of
a war-torn nation into an international center for arts, culture, and commerce, becoming
home to some of the most important art being made at the time. Tokyo 1955-1970:
A New Avant-Garde, an exhibition on view at MoMA from November 18, 2012, to
Designed to move effortlessly through ever-changing city terrain, Cole Haan’s innovative
Chelsea Pump provides unrivaled cushioning, flexibility and fit. Featuring a memory foam
sock bed and new, more flexible airbag technology, the enhanced construction techniques,
improved fit, and lightweight materials better meet urban anatomical demands. A stylish
February 25, 2013, provides a focused look at the extraordinary concentration and
network of creative individuals and practices in this dynamic city during these turbulent
years, with the work of around 60 artists on view.
Tokyo 1955-1970:
A New Avant-Garde
November 18, 2012 –
February 25, 2013
The International Council of
The Museum of Modern Art
Exhibition Gallery, sixth floor
11 West 53 Street
New York, NY 100019
moma.org
The exhibition is supported by
The International Council of
The Museum of Modern Art,
The Contemporary Arts
Council of The Museum of
Modern Art, and ITOCHU
International Inc.
Special thanks to JAPAN
AIRLINES.
Featuring nearly 300 works of various media—painting, sculpture,
photography, drawings, and graphic design, as well as video and
documentary film—the exhibition will offer a story of artistic crossings,
collaborations, and, at times, conflicts, with the city as an incubator. It will
introduce the myriad avant-garde experimentations that emerged as
artists drew on the energy of this rapidly growing and changing metropolis.
Tokyo 1955-1970: A New Avant-Garde is organized by Doryun Chong,
Associate Curator, with Nancy Lim, Curatorial Assistant, Department of
Painting and Sculpture, The Museum of Modern Art. The exhibition is coorganized by The Museum of Modern Art and The Japan Foundation.
Tokyo 1955-1970 will bring together some of the most iconic works
from the period as well as works recently discovered or reevaluated by
new scholarship. A significant number are already part of MoMA’s
collection, while others will be on loan from important public collections
in Japan and the United States. Artists in the exhibition include: artist
collectives such as Jikken Kobo (Experimental Workshop), Hi Red Center
(Takamatsu Jiro, Akasegawa Genpei, Nakanishi Natsuyuki), and Group
Ongaku (Group Music); critical artistic figures such as Okamoto Taro,
Nakamura Hiroshi, Ay-O, Yoko Ono, Shiomi Mieko, and Kudo Tetsumi;
photographers Moriyama Daido, Hosoe Eikoh, and Tomatsu Shomei;
graphic designer Yokoo Tadanori; and architects Isozaki Arata, Tange Kenzo,
and Kurokawa Kisho, among others.
In conjunction with Tokyo 1955-1970, MoMA will present a 40-film
retrospective of the Art Theater Guild, the independent film company that
radically transformed Japanese cinema by producing and distributing
avant-garde and experimental works from the 1960s until the early 1980s.
Art Theatre Guild of Japan, December 6, 2012, to February 10, 2013, will
feature such filmmakers as Teshigahara Hiroshi, Shindo Kaneto, Imamura
Shohei, Oshima Nagisa, MatsumotoToshio, and Wakamatsu Koji, and will
run concurrently with the exhibition. The retrospective is organized by Go
Hirasawa (Meiji-Gakuin University), Roland Domenig (University of Vienna),
and Joshua Siegel, Associate Curator, Department of Film, The Museum
of Modern Art. Art Theatre Guild of Japan is co-organized by The Museum
of Modern Art and The Japan Foundation.
Kurokawa Kisho. Helix City Plan for Tokyo (Helix keikaku).
1961. Ink, tracing paper, and gelatin silver prints collaged on paper. 21 1/2 x 17 1/2” (54.6 x 44.5 cm).
The Museum of Modern Art, New York. Gift of the architect. © 2012 Kurokawa Kisho
Yokoo Tadanori. Diary of a Shinjuku Thief (Sozosha) (Shinjuku dorobo nikki [Sozosha]).
1968. Screenprint. 39 1/4 x 28” (99.7 x 71.1 cm). The Museum of Modern Art, New York. Gift of the designer.
© 2012 Yokoo Tadanori
Murakami Saburo. Work Painted by
Throwing a Ball (Tokyu kaiga).
1954. Ink on paper. 41 5/8 x 29 3/4”
(105.7 x 75.6 cm). The Museum of
Modern Art, New York. Committee
on Drawings Funds and funds
provided by Hanjin Shipping.
© Estate of Murakami Saburo,
courtesy Artcourt Gallery, Osaka,
and McCaffrey Fine Art, New York
Moriyama Daido. Baton Twirler (Baton towara).
1967. Gelatin silver print. 18 7/8 x 14 11/16” (48.1 x 37.4 cm). The Museum of Modern Art, New York.
Gift of the photographer. © 2012 Moriyama Daido
October 2012
| 17
E V E N T S
Super Heroes and
Dragons and Slayers
Nine Years of Inspiration
by VI ET HOANG
In the Chinese zodiac, The Year of the Water Dragon is characterized by breakthroughs
and is filled with harmony, virtue, riches, fulfillment and longevity. It is against this
backdrop that the races of the 9th Annual Dragon Boat Regatta between teams of
individuals contending with difficult personal health challenges will take place.
9th Annual Dragon Boat
Regatta
October 20-21, 2012
8:30 AM – 4:00 PM
Brooks Lake at Fluor Daniels
Campus in Sugar Land, Texas
Free admission to the public
Discount hotel rates are
available at Hyatt Place Hotel
Sugar Land
If you are interested in joining
this year or would like more
information on sponsorship,
vendors, committee and
volunteer opportunities, please
contact Eve Marie Ruhlman,
the Executive Director at
director@texasdragonboat.com
or visit texasdragonboat.com
The 9th Annual Dragon Boat Regatta represents the Houston area’s
participation in a sport that has a long history and which has enjoyed an
explosive growth in popularity throughout the world in modern times.
Believed to have originated during the Warring States period in China (475221 BC) around the same time that the Greeks had begun engaging in
rigorous athletic competition in Olympia, it was not until the 1970s when
the Hong Kong Tourist Board promoted an international Dragon Boat
Festival that the sport caught the attention and interest of the international
community. Today, it is estimated that more than 50 million people compete
in races in more than 60 countries.
In the United States, dragon boat racing is the fastest growing water
sport because it is low cost and participation is easy and accessible. Further,
corporations and organizations enthusiastically embrace the sport because
it has proven to be a formidable team-building activity that is well received
by participants and supporters alike.As such, it is also the center of tremendously
successful fundraising efforts for charitable causes.
Among the competitors in this year’s regatta are teams comprised of
breast cancer survivors, and the parents, doctors, nurses and patients on the
MD Anderson Cancer Slayers and the MD Anderson Super Heroes Youth
teams. More than 5000 attendees cheered the positive attitudes and stamina
that these teams displayed last year, which is considerable given the health
issues with which they are dealing and the challenge of powering a 40 foot
500 pound boat.
In addition to the dramatic competition in the water, there is plenty of
action on land as well. Enjoy Asian cuisine, colorful arts and crafts, and
cultural performances including Chinese lion dancing, martial arts
demonstrations, belly dancing, and a variety of other performances that focus
on Asian traditions.
Chinese lion dancing is just one of the highlights of the event.
Dragon Boat races are held every twelve minutes.
18 |
October 2012
Over 50 teams will be competing this year.
Cultural performances will be featured throughout the weekend.
Events and entertainment take place both Saturday and Sunday.
Shop, Mingle, Support
Held at DAO Chloe DAO
Photos by CarPe Photography
Mandy Kao recently held her birthday party at DAO Chloe
DAO boutique in the Rice Village, with the evening
organized and sponsored by The Mandy Kao Foundation.
Chloe Dao generously donated 15% of the total sales for
the event. All funds raised by The Mandy Kao Foundation
that evening were donated to The Community Cloth, a
microenterprise initiative empowering women in Houston.
The Community Cloth targets economic, educational and
social goals through the provision of seed grants, training,
and peer support, and by expanding market opportunities
for refugee women artisans.
Ailie Chang, Mandy Kao
Fatima Mohiuddin, Nihala Zakaria
Chloe Dao, Jacquie Chaumette
Duyen Huyhn, Marc Nguyen, Connie Kwan Wong
Betty Gee, Peggy Lum
Christina Zhou, Jennifer Yang, Amy Sung, Connie Kwan-Wong
Miya Shay
Donna Cole, Rogene Calvert, Diane Do
Nabila Ansari, Shafaq Zakaria, SabinaZakaria,
Rabia Hashmani
Ruchi Mukerjee,
Sandeep Khandelwal
Sydney Dao, Janet Wong
Quynh Anh McMahan, Durga Rai, Devi Rai, Roxanne Paiva, Allison White
E N T E RTA I N M E N T
Surrender Yourself to a
Spellbinding Extravaganza
Zarkana at Aria
Photo Credits: Jeremy Daniel, Richard Termine
Costume credits: Alan Hranitelj ©2011 Cirque du Soleil
Elvis has left the building, but Zarkana is about to bring a lot more than just blue
suede into the spectacular theater at the Aria Resort and Casino in Las Vegas.
Zarkana by Cirque du Soleil is a visually stunning modern acrobatic spectacular set
in a world where physical ability meets with the extraordinary.
Cirque du Soleil Zarkana
Beginning November 1, 2012
855-ZARKANA
When the cutting-edge Aria was looking for the right show to take the
place of Cirque du Soleil’s Viva Elvis after its run came to an end, they
turned to Zarkana, a modern rock opera that has already sold out
performances at Radio City Music Hall and at venues in Spain and Russia.
The story follows Zark, a magician who returns to the abandoned theatre
where he was successful several years earlier. His friends the White Clowns
come out of hiding to try and help him put a show together, but nothing
works the way he wants: his magic powers are out of control because Lia
is missing. Lia was Zark’s assistant, but above all, she was the love of his
life. Without her, there can be no magic. Zark also runs into the Mutants,
four sirens as sinister as they are fabulous, who are determined to divert
him from his quest.
Zarkana is a visual vortex set in a slightly twisted musical and acrobatic
fantasy univers where, little by little, chaos and craziness give way to
festivity and love regained. The diverse cast of more than 75 international
artists transports the audience into a fantastical and suspenseful world,
blurring the boundaries between the real and imaginary.
The writer and director of Zarkana, François Girard, is one of Quebec’s
most respected creators. He navigates easily from one medium to another
and has, over the years, acquired an enviable international status. A music
lover, he has carved out a unique reputation for writing and directing
works imbued with great musicality in productions in which music plays
a major role. Zarkana is Girard’s second engagement as Writer and Director
with Cirque du Soleil, following the Tokyo-based show ZED.
The overall aesthetics of the set were inspired by the Art Nouveau
movement of the last century, as well as the works of Gaudí and Klimt,
In a moment of poetry and grace, an artist performs a series of elegant figures, seemingly
effortlessly transferring his weight from one arm to another as he smoothly twists and swirls.
A quartet of high wire artists with amazing balance and precision move at high speed on their
wire, running, performing breathtaking somersaults and creating column formations.
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Two Wheel of Death artists, one of them wearing a full head mask at one point, leap into
action on their apparatus to perform jumps with amazing speed, control and teamwork.
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Funeral of the Pickled Lady
20 |
October 2012
while many of the organic shapes in the set elements are a nod to the
master French glassmaker and jeweler René Lalique. The costume themes
are modern twists on the 1920s and 1930s, as the characters in the show
inhabit a surreal world inspired by the American circus sideshows that
flourished in the 1930s and the spirit of the golden age of Coney Island.
Flowers are important to the overall color scheme and design motifs
of the costumes, and the reds and pinks of roses play a particularly
significant symbolic role in the show, representing the love and passion
between Zark and Lia—the only characters dressed predominantly in red.
To create the costumes for Zarkana’s quirky crew of oddball characters
and acrobats, the designers worked with a wide range of synthetic fabrics
such as polyester, and neoprene, and specialized color printing techniques
such as sublimation, many of which were developed by the innovators in
the Cirque du Soleil costume workshop.
Asian American Bar Association of Houston Gala
Held at Omni Hotel
Photos by Mitchell Alexander
The Asian American Bar Association (AABA) of Houston celebrated their 28th
anniversary with the 2012 Gala and Silent Auction at the Omni Hotel Galleria.
Mistress of Ceremonies, Adela Uchida of ABC-13, and keynote speaker, Russell
Libby, General Counsel of Sysco Corporation, were on hand to join the
celebration. The AABA proudly honored Judge Theresa Chang as its 2012
Impact Award Winner, for her outstanding contributions to the Houston
legal community and community at large. Proceeds from the silent auction
benefitted the Asian American Bar Foundation (AABF), which awarded the
2012 Community Organization Grants to: Korean Asian Family Services, Boat
People SOS, VN Teamwork, and OCA of Greater Houston. AABF also awarded
the prestigious Herbert W. Gee Memorial Scholarship to Fei Ji of the University
of Houston College of Law, and the AABF Scholarship to Nickie Tran of South
Texas College of Law.
Emily Kuo, Michael Chu
Dr. Giao Hoang, Hon. Kathy Han, Judge Theresa Chang,
Antje & Harry Gee
Nick Shum, Laura Evanoff, Grace Ho
Margaret Lee, Daniel Chen, Adela Uchida
Ko Nakamura, Kei Ashizawa
Kari Konikowski Blackman, Gordon Quan, Helene Dang Daniel Chen, Joseph Tung, Audrey Chang
Rekha & Huan Le
Ami Desai,
Dr. Sarosh Dastoor
Rina & David Chang
Claire Le, Christina Tjok, Jennifer Dinh Nguyen
Albert Liou, Rina Tzeng
W I N E
Marrying the Right Wine
With the Right Food
Being a Matchmaker
A feast without wine is like a beautiful flower without
aroma; while the food is still enjoyable, the experience is
lacking. Although pairing wine with food is relatively simple,
it is not uncommon for doubt and anxiety to infiltrate the
psyches of those tasked with making the match. Hoping to
reduce the stress that such decisions create, we present this
primer on the basics of wine and food pairing.
First, we need to examine why wine and food play so well
together; while each is enjoyable separately, they enhance one
another when combined.The ingredients in food can “frame”
a fine wine which, in turn, can heighten and complement the
flavorful nuances of fine cuisine. The collaborative effect of
serving wine with food creates a dining experience more
enjoyable than just the sum of its parts.
If you cleanse your palate by
sipping wine between bites,
then every subsequent bite
can be enjoyed as if it is the first.
Perhaps an even more important role of the wine is that of
a palate cleanser. The first bite of food you take after you take
a sip of wine is the best because your palate is fresh. Without
cleansing your palate, the flavor of subsequent bites of food will
be muted by the residual flavors that linger from the first bite,
preventing you from fully savoring the rest of your meal.
However, if you cleanse your palate by sipping wine between
bites, then every subsequent bite can be enjoyed as if it is the
first. No other beverage is as effective a palate cleanser.
As to the search for the “right” wine, we present a few
guidelines to assist you in the selection process.
by PH I LI P C U I S I M ANO
Today it is easier than ever to select wine; contemporary
dining is defined less by rigid social rules of etiquette and
more by utility. Thus the most important consideration in
planning your party is to select a wine that you really like. It
is unlikely that whatever wine you select will ruin your meal;
therefore, do not pick one that you like less than another
because you think it better matches the menu. Chances are
your preferences will be shared by your guests.
The age old saw “red wine with meat and white wine
with fish” still has merit. Some of its enduring wisdom lays
in the fact that red wines typically are heavier than whites
and the weight of a dish should be balanced by the bulk of
the wine; a big tannic Brunello served alongside a delicate
baked fish would probably not pair well.
Finally, identify the dominant flavor in the food you are
serving and match the wine accordingly. It could be the butter
in a lobster sauce, crying for a creamy California Chardonnay
or perhaps the spices in a wild game entrée that suggests a
glass of tangy Chianti. Once the “alpha” flavor is determined
you can experiment with different types of wine; for example,
try several white wines with a taste of butter. This can be a
lot of fun and illuminating.
Bottom line, don’t stress! Wine pairing is simple, fun and
subjective; a gift to be enjoyed. Salute!
34th Houston Italian Festival
Just a reminder that the Festa Italiana will be held on the
grounds of the University of St.Thomas on October 11–14th.This
celebration of Italian-American culture offers entertainment and
activities for the entire family, including wine classes and tastings
designed to increase your level of wine proficiency. For more information,
please visit HoustonIitalianFestival.com or you can call the Italian
Cultural and Community Center at 713.524.4222.
Wine of the Month
Wild Horse Pinot Noir 2009
This is one of my favorite California wineries, located on
the “postcard beautiful” Central Coast, an area that
produces distinctive wines of great character and taste.
This delicious Pinot Noir offers bright red berry fruits
infused with light notes of pepper and spices and finishes
with a wispy hint of chocolate. Yummy! This medium
bodied wine is versatile and can be paired with most red
meat courses as well as with grilled white meats. $17.50
Wines available at Spec's Wines, Spirits, & Finer Foods, various
locations. Visit specsonline.com for the store nearest you.
Dining Guide
Yellow Magazine’s featured restaurants
J A PA N E S E
Sinh Sinh
VIETNAMESE
Tokyo One
9788 Bellaire Blvd., 713.541.0888
Kim Son Restaurants
7465 W. Greens Rd., 281.955.8898
2938 W. Sam Houston S., 713.785.8899
Tokyo One is a sushi buffet restaurant, situated
in a fancy boat house with an outside deck. The
food is fresh and is constantly replenished.
Selections include: salads such as sea weed, beef,
squid, salmon and watercress. Sushi includes a
variety of rolls and sashimi.
Zushi Japanese Cuisine
5900 Memorial Dr., 713.861.5588
Zushi serves extremely fresh and high quality
sushi. Stand out items are the sashimi appetizers
served with perfectly paired sauces or any one
of the many house specialty rolls.
Uptown Sushi
1131 Uptown Park Blvd. #14 713.871.1200
Uptown Sushi personifies an upscale sushi
restaurant located near the Galleria in the swanky
Uptown Park Plaza. The menu offers Japanese
fusion dishes and a great selection of high-end
sashimi and sushi. Side note: Uptown Sushi has
“off-the-menu” specialty rolls served daily!
CHINESE
Auntie Chang’s
2621 South Shepherd #290, 713.524.8410
Auntie Chang’s offers the most flavorful homestyle Chinese cuisine around. Although known
for their dumplings, any of your favorite classic
Chinese dishes are done extremely well.
Hong Kong Food Street
9750 Bellaire Blvd., 713.981.9888
Peking duck and roasted pork hang from cleavers
in a front window display giving a Hong Kong
street market feel. In addition, the menu is
divided into sections including Seafood, Hot Pot,
Special Stir Fry, Sizzling and Chef Specials.
The seafood at Sinh Sinh is quite exciting
because everything served comes from live tanks.
Prawns, Australian king lobster, King crabs, Coral
Leopard trout, Surf clams, Geoduck clams, Trunk
clams, Elephant clams, etc…are all featured as
live seafood.
Thai Spice
The menu is the most imposing part of this casual,
highly regarded landmark Vietnamese restaurant. There are no poor choices among the 100 or so
options. Enjoy finely prepared delicacies as well
as the expected fare, such as the pork vermicelli
and fried eggroll. Must try is their black pepper
softshell crab. Special event facilities available.
8282 Bellaire Blvd. 713.777.4888
Vietopia
THAI
Thai Spice on Bellaire is a foodies dream. It’s a
casual place that serves Thai dishes you won’t
find anywhere else in Houston, with a huge
selection of interesting, rare, tasty dishes at
excellent prices. A must have is the whole fried
tilapia with hot and sour dipping sauce and
papaya salad and Tom Yum soup.
Nit Noi
6700 Woodway Pkwy., Suite 580
281.597.8200
Nit Noi means “a little bit” and Thai food lovers
pack Nit Noi restaurants and cafes all around
Houston. Nit Noi will always be known for their
Pad Thai, but other must try dishes include
PadThai Korat (flat noodles stir-fried with
chicken, pork or shrimp with vegetables) and
Tom Yum Goong (spicy and sour shrimp soup).
Tony Thai
10613 Bellaire Blvd., 281.495.1711
A sophisticated approach to traditional Thai
cuisine, Tony’s executes with perfect balance
and pizzazz. Tony’s Wings, wet or dry, and the
Steamed Mussels are popular appetizers. For
the main course try the Basil Lamb, Garlic
Salmon or the Steamed Fish with Chili.
INDIAN
Kiran’s Restaurant
San Dong Noodle House
4100 Westheimer Rd. #151, 713.960.8472
9938-F Bellaire Blvd., 713.271.3945
This northern Indian style restaurant embodies
a fusion approach to its cuisine. With a focus on
well balanced flavors rather than spice, the Flaky
Halibut Swimming in Watermelon Curry sauce
and the Tandoori Platter typify this perfectly.
Authentic hand pulled Chinese noodle dishes are
served at a reasonable price. A few favorites
include the Roast Beef Noodle soup served in a
beef broth accented by ginger and soy, or the oh
so addicting pan fried dumplings.
2001 Jefferson (and other locations),
713.222.2461
To have your restaurant featured in Yellow Magazine, or to recommend a restaurant
that you enjoy, please email the information to dining@yellowmags.com.
5176 Buffalo Speedway, 713.664.7303
Trendy yet elegant, Vietopia delivers top notch
Vietnamese cuisine at reasonable lunch prices and
a stellar dinner menu. The lounge works perfectly
for those who want a less formal dining experience
but still want to enjoy quality food.
Mo Mong
1201 Westheimer Rd. #B, 713.524.5664
This Trendy Montrose establishment has a great
lunch crowd as well as a packed martini night
on Wednesdays. But the real draw is the foodtraditional family recipes mixed in with some
tasty modern dishes. Must try items include the
Mango Spring Rolls, Shrimp and Avocado Spring
Roll, Volcano Chicken, and the Bo Luc Lac.
CO N T I N E N TA L
Voice Restaurant & Lounge
Hotel Icon, 220 Main, 832.667.4470
The impressive décor has thoughtfully
transformed the space of an old bank lobby into
a warm cozy and elegant dining area. Try the
Mushroom Soup “Cappucino”, reduction of
garlic, onion, crimini mushrooms topped with
frothy truffle foam, and the Bryan Farms Roast
Chicken, a free range and 100% corn fed chicken.
Colombe d’Or Restaurant and Hotel
3410 Montrose Blvd. 713.524.7999
Built in 1923 and originally the mansion of
Walter Fondren, one of the founders of Humble
Oil, Colombe d’Or Hotel is considered a Texas
historical landmark. Featuring French and
Continental fare, we recommend the Carre
d’Agneau, individual rack of baby lamb grilled
with natural herbs and red wine sauce.
Reserve your Marketplace ad today!
Call 832.778.4530