HOUSTON, TEXAS COMES TO CALGARY

Been to Houston yet?

If not, the Houston CVB has many reasons why you should.

1. Did you know that Houston is the largest port in the United States?
2. Did you know that Houston boasts the largest theatre district after Broadway in New York?
3. Did you that Houston is the fourth largest city in terms of population in the United States after New York, Los Angeles and Chicago (and will be the third largest city by 2012)?

4. Did you know that the city has more than 11,000 restaurants (a CSL favourite is Hugo's)?

5. Did you know that the Houston based Texas Medical Center is the largest medical center in the world?

At the hosted dinner Executive Chef Romuald Coladon of Teatro Restaurant offered many delights.

The menu for the evening


Asparagus veloute with truffle oil foam

Caprese insalata with buffalo mozzarella

Grilled chicken breast

Halibut with potato mille feuille


Varieta of Dolce

For more on Houston, Texas see the Winter 2009/2010 issue of City Style and Living magazine, http://www.citystyelandliving.com/Archive.html

http://www.visithoustontexas.com/

GALVESTON ONE YEAR LATER

Series of Events Celebrate 1 year After Ike on Galveston Island
Revival and Reflections- September 8-13, 2009

GALVESTON, Texas (July 13, 2009) – Galveston Island has reached a number of significant milestones through its recovery from the 20 foot storm surge and 110 mph winds brought by Hurricane Ike. In celebration of the Island’s swift recovery the city is hosting a series of events called “Revival and Reflections,” commemorating the year of dedication and resiliency, Sept. 8 through Sept. 13.

“We realized early on that virtually everything in Galveston needed to be fixed and that Ike left nothing in this community untouched,” said Betty Massey, chair person of the Galveston Island Recovery Committee, helping to organize the events. “We knew right away that we wanted to be a stronger, more resilient community and these events will celebrate the hard work we have put forth to make Galveston a better place.”

The week long series of events begins on Sept. 8, the 109th anniversary of the Great Storm of 1900, and will continue through Sept. 13, marking Hurricane Ike’s arrival. There will be a variety of events from giving thanks to the first responders at the United Way luncheon, commemoration ceremonies, a showing of the Ike Documentary, live entertainment and art projects, to various tours of the Island’s progress. A full list of events can be found on http://www.galveston.com/.

Virtually all structures on the Island were impacted by the hurricane causing more than $3.2 billion in damage to housing, infrastructure, beaches, and businesses, as well as tourism related properties and attractions. Recovery on the Island has been progressive; 1.6 million cubic yards of debris has been removed and 19,379 building permits have been processed. More than 75% of Galveston’s population has returned and 110,000 volunteer hours have been spent on recovery projects.

The all important tourism business, bringing in $800 million economic impact annually to the Island, is back in full swing with the majority of hotels open, all but two attractions remain closed and the first phase of a $10 million beach nourishment project complete. A plethora of new businesses have opened and 75% of businesses have already returned to the Island. Various areas of the University of Texas Medical Branch have reopened and the emergency room is planning to reopen in August. These milestones and accomplishments are the reason for the celebration of Galveston Island.

“Revival and Reflections, marking the first anniversary of Hurricane Ike, will celebrate the progress made and motivate the community to continue making the Island a better place for all,” said Massey.

More details on the series of free events or general Galveston information can be found on http://www.galveston.com/ or call 1-888-GAL-ISLE or by emailing info@galvestoncvb.com.

JUST BACK FROM: HOUSTON

In Galveston at Moody Gardens

At NASA



A Victorian Inn in Galveston

Some CSL staffers went to Houston and Galveston Texas for a upcoming story in City
Style and Living magazine.

Imagine Calgary without the snow, graffiti, or Chinooks and with better shopping, huge freeways and hundreds of restaurants to choose from. Then multiply the population by six and you have Houston. As one of the largest cities in the United States, Houston still feels accessible and spread out with lots of greenery (an especially welcome sight, as we had left snow and frostbite here ). Check out our photo at NASA above.

From Houston the team headed about 45 minutes to Galveston, a seaside town. Though it was in the headlines last year because of hurricane Ike, Galveston is definitely back up and running with plenty to do for the entire family.

Look for more in the Fall 2009 issue of City Style and Living Magazine.

www.citystyleandliving.com