When I first met Monica Pantoja, I was amazed at her enthusiasm and passion for what she was doing.  She is a retailers’ dream come true.  Monica lives and breathes her career, and her work ethic is a perfect example of someone who is willing to go the extra mile on behalf of her client, whomever that may be, and the brand she represents.  Fashion is important to all she meets.  It is not how much you spend, it’s what she can help you accomplish on your budget. 

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Chef Peter Laufer is the Executive Chef for the InterContinental Houston, and how fortunate we are that he chose to make Houston his last culinary stop. His first cooking experience was in his grandmother’s kitchen who inspired him to boldly trust his taste buds. Chef Peter began his culinary training in Munich, Germany with an apprenticeship followed by a position as Commis de Gardemanger at the Weinhaus Schwartzwalder. His culinary career has taken him from Gstaad, Switzerland at the Grand Hotel Bellevue, to the luxury cruise industry where he fine tuned his culinary skills in South America, the Caribbean, the Mediterranean, Northern Russia and Scandinavia. In 2002, he joined the Miami InterContinental and catered to the high energy and glamorous social set. He is no stranger to preparing global cuisine for presidents, celebrities and royalty. Chef Peter is recognized by the American Culinary Federation as a Certified Executive Chef and is a member of both the Chaine des Rotisseure and the Les Amis de Escoffier. Chef Peter and his wife Noelle have twins Frances and Peter. If he had his choice of favorite people on the planet to dine with, it would be his family. On a personal note, his favorite musician is Herbert Gronemeyer, known for his humanitarian work and best selling albums especially his signature song “Bochum”.

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In a recent conversation with Executive Chef Eric Aldis, a Katy, Texas native, I learned that his heart will forever belong to Texas. Eric discovered his passion for cooking at an early age and was encouraged by his mother super chef. He attended the Art Institute for his culinary training which led him to the hallowed kitchens at the Bellagio Hotel in Las Vegas and later toward home at the Ritz Carlton in New Orleans.

When I asked him what made him stop his world adventure, he said he just heard Texas calling. That call came in the form of the dynamic restaurant entrepreneur Johnny V. Eric was asked to consult on Mo’s….A Place for Steaks. He became so enamored with the culture and Johnny V’s philosophy of get it done and get it done right, that he felt that he wanted to make Mo’s his permanent base. Once he gained Johnny’s trust which didn’t come easy of not only how to be a great chef, but to manage staff and food costs, he was given free reign.

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20+ Tips To Consider Before You Make Your Next Move:

• Be aware of your environment --- Avoid toxic personalities. Immediately change your orbit. How does one detect a toxic person? Use primal techniques.

• Alert --- You could be the guest invited by a damsel in silk who deems herself a social connector, beware there are no free lunches or dinners. You may be part of a scenario to benefit your host. If the setting is grand and not the abode of the “host” and you’re assured of meeting the latest and greatest, beware and know that you are part of the master plan. On the other hand it’s quid pro quid --- the gracious one who opens their home benefits as well as they climb the social ladder.

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Houston is most fortunate that Stages Producing Artistic Director Kenn McLaughlin was given the reigns to lead the theater.  Isn’t that a mouthful, which Kenn truly deserves, and more.  It has been nine years since Kenn walked through Stages’ door, and how quickly the time has passed.   There is great theater being produced with a wee budget in a small venue.  Stages has always welcomed the seasoned theater goer as well as the novice, and provides a positive experience for all who enter the portals.   

Stages is no youngster as the Company had its beginnings in the basement of a brewery in 1978, and was one of the first alternative theaters where new ideas flourished.  It remains a cornerstone, and you might now even reference Stages as mainstream.  Under Kenn’s leadership, Stages constantly embellishes its’ commitment and support of new talent in the nurturing of local theater personnel.

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One of the many treasures in our city is the Dominic Walsh Dance Theater which was founded a mere seven years ago. Through the persistence, dedication, and vision of founder Dominic Walsh, he is now recognized as someone who pushes the boundaries of ballet into new realms of theatricality. There are only a handful of contemporary ballet companies in America, and the Dominic Walsh Dance Theater is at the top of the list. It is said that only in Texas would it be possible for a young and small dance company to grow and flourish.

Dominic Walsh was a former principal dancer with the Houston Ballet for over a decade. He has received national and international praise for both his classical and contemporary repertoire interpretations. Bringing Houston a world class contemporary ballet company was no small feat for the faint of heart. Dominic is a visionary always exploring new paths, meeting challenges of everyday survival, never compromising art, pleasing audiences and donors. Contemporary ballet fills a unique niche with its themes, sensibilities, and movements interpreted and brought to life through this classically trained seven member dance company.

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Everyone is high on Houston!  In the July 9th, 2009 edition of The Economist, an article entitled, "Lone Star Rising" expressed how great our city is. 

Joel Kotkin, an urbanologist based in California compiled a list of the best cities for job creation over the last decade.  Among those with more than 450,000 jobs, the top 5 spots went to the 5 main Texaplex cities.  He particularly admires Houston, which he calls a perfect example of an "opportunity city"-a place with lots of jobs, lots of cheap housing and a welcoming attitude to newcomers.  Not many cities could have absorbed 100,000 refugees post-hurricane Katrina.  Houston has vibrant Asian communities, a balanced Hispanic community, a good mix of white and black, with no discernable racial tensions and more foreign consulates than any other American city with the exception of New York and Los Angeles. 

Houston stands out as America's most enthusiastically cosmopolitan city, a place where the future has already arrived. 

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1. The ebullient spirit of our citizens

2. Our eclectic demographics are setting a precedent for other cities to follow

3. The entrepreneurship and opportunities afforded to everyone who is willing to step up to the plate

4. My personal hero and grandfather was Jakie Freedman who founded the Sands Hotel in Las Vegas and really knew the real Rat Pack

5. When Jakie asked Judge Elkins what would happen if he took his money out of First City National Bank, the Judge said it would fold, so he is credited with saving the bank during the Depression

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When I heard the statistics that Houston is the hub of human trafficking in the United States, I found it unbelievable. What we have decided to do to increase awareness, raise funds, and help children have a better life, was to put on an event with CBS' Late Late Show Host Craig Ferguson. The format had already been established of different comedians "Standing Up" for Houston's children. We wanted to reach out to everyone on all different economic levels. We have created a fundraiser which will have a benefactor portion of the evening, with tables and catering by Tony's, live auction, and performance. The table sponsorship begins at $2,500 and goes upward to $15,000. There are individual dinner reservations at $300 per individual ticket.

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