Hana Mae Lee Has Perfect Pitch H&M + ... - Yellow Magazine

NOVEMBER 2012
FREE
Hana Mae Lee
Has Perfect Pitch
H&M + Margiela
Target + Neiman Marcus
MGM Grand
Gambles on Vietnam
Happiness From
Bai Ling
yellowmags.com

f r o m t h e e d i t o r i n c h i e f
Each year, I have the pleasure of making a trip to Beverly Hills to attend the annual Operation Smile gala in
support of a charity in which I have strong conviction. Whereas, I usually visit for three or four days, this time was
for only two. As is often the case, the less time one has, the more there is to do. I am not complaining, mind you,
because it resulted in two wonderful interviews that are included in this issue.
We first interviewed Bai Ling several years ago when she was filming Love Ranch with Helen Mirren and Joe Pesci.
This year, we were fortunate to have her join us at the Operation Smile gala where she attracted considerable
interest on the red carpet as she struck her signature “Bai Ling” poses. The following day, we met for an interview
during which Bai offered us some insight into what drives her and counters some of her public persona. If you
happen to look at her acting resume on imdb, you cannot help but be impressed by the sheer volume of this
actor’s work.
Photo by Collin Kelly
Millions of fans have enjoyed the film Pitch Perfect which was released last month. I had not had the opportunity
to see it when I received a call from Hana Mae Lee’s publicist asking if I would like to interview her. As it turned
out, the timing could not have been more perfect and I went from visiting with Bai to meeting up with Hana a
half hour later. She is beautiful, funny, creative and fearless. During the interview, Hana said I would not be able
to miss her in the movie because her face took the whole screen. Have you seen the movie? Sure enough, there
are several times when her face took the entire screen…every square inch. Hana has worn many hats as a model,
stand up comedienne, clothing designer, singer and actor. Her range appears limitless.
There are interesting alliances occurring in the fashion and retail world. Target has matched up with Neiman
Marcus in a collaboration that features a collection from 24 of America’s premier designers, and H&M is pushing
the edge by launching its “Re-Edition of Maison Martin Margiela Garments from Various Seasons” collection. We
agree that you can never have too many luxury shopping options at affordable prices, especially with the holidays
just around the corner.
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
Henri Merceron
Cultural Editors
Vuthy Kuon
Tricia Volore
Health Editor
Ivy Yang
Travel Editor
Matt Sims
Wine Editor
Philip Cuisimano
Music Editor
Tyler Merceron
Lifestyle Editor
Chau Nguyen-Todd
Beauty Editor
Tree Vaello
Fashion Editor
Vi Hua
Contributing Writers
Deanne Nguyen
Leo Sipras
Ashley Vu
Creative Director
Jeff Martin
Website
Leo Sipras
Assistant to the Editor in Chief
Ashley Vu
Contributing Photographers
Mitchell Alexander
Thang Nguyen
kevinvideo1@yahoo.com
Timothy Frederick
timothyfrederick.com
Shehla Z. Shah
shehlazshahphotography.com
Peter Tham
Fashion Photographer
Debbie Porter
Fashion Stylist
Summar Salah
Hair and Makeup
Andrea Schutter
Hair
James Fojt
Business Manager
Karla Montejo
Publisher
MV Media
Publisher/Managing Director
Frank Perez
Advertising
713.528.6000 x103
sales@yellowmags.com
Yellow Magazine
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Suite 815
Houston, TX 77056
p 713.528.6000
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Yellow Magazine is published monthly. All rights reserved. Reproduction in
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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 Stella McCartney,
available at Neiman Marcus
Lasso belt by Jeremy Laing,
available at sloan/hall
Neck piece on shoulder by
Hacienda Montaecristo,
available at sloan/hall
Headband by Deepa Gurnani,
available at Neiman Marcus
Model: Kelly Denkler of Neil
Hamil Agency
Location: Houston Polo Club
November 2012

t r a v e l
A Spectacular New Development
Comes to Vietnam
MGM Grand Ho Tram Beach
The five-star MGM Grand Ho Tram will open its doors in early 2013, offering
541 luxury guest rooms, a full spectrum of world-class amenities, a conference
center and a spectacular gaming area consisting of 90 live table games, 500
electronic games and exquisite VIP facilities, plus a private beach and access to a
spectacular new Greg Norman-designed golf course.
MGM Grand Ho Tram
Beach
Phuoc Thuan Commune
Xuyen Moc District
Ba Ria Vung Tau, Vietnam
+84 838 251 690
mgmgrandhotrambeach.com
Special grand opening
promotions and pricing
on accommodations runs
February 1 to June 30, 2013
MGM Resorts International and Asian Coast Development (Canada)
Ltd. (ACDL) have partnered to develop the MGM Grand Ho Tram—
Vietnam’s first large-scale integrated resort. MGM Grand Ho Tram will
be the first component of the $4.2 billion multi-site Ho Tram Strip resort
complex along pristine beaches overlooking the South China Sea.The
property is expected to be the largest tourism complex in Vietnam.
The MGM Grand Ho Tram will be a fully-integrated luxury
resort and entertainment destination, offering guests a premium
hospitality experience in a spectacular natural setting. Slated to be
among Vietnam’s most luxurious resorts, the hotel will be supported
by a variety of recreational activities, premium food and beverage
establishments, a luxurious spa and state-of-the-art gaming facilities.
The second phase of the hotel development will incorporate a new
tower containing 559 additional guest rooms. When complete, the
MGM Grand Ho Tram will include 1,100 five star hotel rooms, including
suites and villas, plus an additional 500 electronic games, bringing the
total to 1,000.
Rooms
The 541 elegant five star rooms at MGM Grand Ho Tram Beach are
as lavish as they are comfortable. Featuring plush beds, double marble
vanities and full length windows that open to Juliet balconies with
breathtaking views, the hotel’s rooms promise ultimate comfort and
elegance. Spacious bathrooms with marble flooring, rain showers,
standalone bathtubs, and fragrant Italian bath products by Etro provide
an indulgent, relaxing retreat.
LED televisions with an abundant selection of channels, wired
and wireless broadband Internet connection, and other technological
amenities will provide both business and leisure guests every
convenience at their fingertips.
Spa
With a fresh, holistic style unique to MGM Grand, the spa embodies
the spirit of peaceful tranquility and pure escape. The spa is rooted in
the timeless healing traditions of the world’s richest cultures, designed
to restore balance and harmony between body and mind in an oasis
of beauty, grace and serenity. Intoxicating aromas of the world’s most
exotic elixirs and oils are used in treatments designed to replenish,
renew, and bring about a quiet sense of well-being.
Golf
The Greg Norman-designed 18 hole championship golf course site
features spectacular rolling dunes and dramatic ocean views which
will come into play on virtually every golf hole. Designed to utilize the
natural rolling topography of the native dune system with minimal
disturbance to the environment, the course is scheduled to open in the
third quarter of 2013.
Dining
At MGM Grand Ho Tram Beach’s signature restaurants, every meal
becomes an experience to remember. With a variety of world-class
restaurants, carefully chosen to cater to a wide variety of international
tastes and influences, there is something for everyone. Ranging
from contemporary to classic, upscale to casual, the hotel’s dining
destinations are sure to please even the most discerning guests.
Restaurants include: Pearl, featuring Cantonese fine dining; Bistro An
Nam, a French bistro; 8 Dragons, a Southeast Asian noodle house; and
Dunes & Grill, for Vietnamese poolside fare. You can even build your
own specialty burgers at Chi’s Burger.
Convention Center
The expansive Convention Center offers attendees a unique
combination of high-class meeting rooms with all the amenities guests
would expect from one of the world’s leading hospitality companies.
The center features state-of-the-art audio/visual equipment and
lighting facilities, elegant appointments, gourmet food and beverage
options, together with an unlimited supply of warm and friendly
service. The Grand Ballroom features over 1,250 square meters of pillarless
flexible venues divisible into four sound-proofed sections that can
accommodate up to 1,500 seated guests. There are also five meeting
rooms with state-of-the-art technology, convenient freight access for
large product displays, and a full service business center.
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Yellow Magazine

p e o p l e
Right on Pitch,
Making Herself Heard
Hana Mae Lee
by V. Hoang
“Hana Mae Lee is definitely one to watch, “is the first line in her official
biography on IMDB. I was so fortunate to be in Beverly Hills when Hana was
around to be interviewed. By the end of the interview, I came to agree with
IMDB. Hana is into modeling, fashion design, standup comedy and acting on
television and the silver screen. I interviewed Hana before I had the opportunity
to see her performance in the very popular Pitch Perfect that was released in
October. She was so funny and engaging in person that I could not wait to see
her in the film. She told me that her face took the whole screen. It did. And I
laughed. The future looks bright for this aspiring comedic actress who has many
irons in the fire of creativity.
For more information about
Hana Mae Lee’s fashions, visit
hanamahn.com
I was reading about you on IMDB and was surprised to see how active
you have been as a model, actress, comedian, and fashion designer.
I don’t know if that is a good thing. I think girls like to stick to one thing
but I can’t. I love all of them and have to do all of them to be happy.
You went to school for fashion design?
I did. I have a BFA in fashion design and I also went to acting school
during that time for two years. I have always loved the entertainment
business but growing up in an Asian family, it was, like “no”. My dad
is already upset that I am not in the FBI. But then he kind of has hope
because I am in the fashion industry which is great because he thinks
there is a lot of mafia action taking place. I am like “Dad, I am not going
to be in the FBI.”
What is his fascination with the FBI?
He used to be a cop in Korea and thinks it would be cool to be in the FBI
or CIA.
Don’t you have any brothers who could apply instead of you?
NO, it’s just me. I am the son in the family.
That’s what happens. He is projecting on to you as the son. But you got
all the attention, too.
Yes, all the attention, all the worries and all the everything.
So, how did you get such a Southern sounding name?
The funny thing is that my birth name is just Hana Lee. Hana means
“one” in Korea. My mom knew she was not going to have another child,
so she named me “one”. The Mae was added because the Screen Actors
Guild told me there was already a Hana Lei. I pointed out that it was
spelled differently but they did not care and told me I needed to change
my name or add something to my name. So, I asked my American friend
from Kansas what was the whitest name she could think of because
I didn’t want something like Hana Ching Chong Lee! I wanted the
whitest name so I could use it as my middle name. She suggested Mae
like Mae West. I thought that was pretty. You wouldn’t believe it. From
that point forward I have been called such names as Mei Lin Chong and
Mei Long. Oh well, I tried!
I would love to go to all the red carpet
events wearing my own designs.
Your new film Pitch Perfect is really popular and you have a really funny
part. Can you tell us about it?
My part is really funny. Lilly is her name and she is a seemingly shy quiet
girl who looks naïve. I brought out this naiveté because everything she
said was really “out there” such as “I set fire to feel joy” and “I ate my
twin in the womb”. She speaks in a near whisper and you just know that
she has done the things she says. She is such a funny character who is
a big addition to the group. That group of misfits emerges amazingly
at the end of the movie by virtue of the mosaic of unique talents and
differences that they each bring. Lilly is such that she never takes life too
seriously and if there is a fight she just sits back and watches.
Do you share any personality characteristics with Lilly?
No, I am a worrier who overthinks things and I can be very loud.
Do you sing and dance?
I sing in the movie and we did all of our own dancing. We rehearsed
seven hours a day for 4 weeks; 4 hours of dance and 3 hours of voice. I
sing a lot in my comedy sets and I sing a lot of Korean folk music for fun.
It’s seems as if the movie should be a great vehicle for you since it is
your first feature film appearance.
Yes, this is my first big movie. It’s a great way to showcase my dancing,
singing, comedy and acting. And I also learned how to beatbox. I can
make a lot of noises with my mouth.
Are you happy with the film?
Yes, I am. They did a great job because it was such a big ensemble cast.
It’s so difficult to allow everyone to have their own voice with such a
large group. Each character had a unique voice and character. Everyone
in the audience could relate to some character in the movie and wind
up really caring about them in the end.
Did you get along with Rebel Wilson?
She is very funny and I got along with her very well. She is a very smart
business woman and an amazingly dedicated actress. We are good
friends. I feel lucky that all of us became friends by the end of filming.
You already have experience in the fashion industry. You know that
once you are branded you are going to become an industry. What are
your plans?
That’s what I am waiting for. I am ready for that sponsor or company
to buy my name. Let’s go! Let me be the creative director! This is what
I’ve been waiting for since I was in fashion school. I don’t want to do
the business side of designing such as marketing, branding and all the
other business affairs. I just want to do handle the creative end. I know
what to do; I just need to find the right people to back me up.
I would love to go to all the red carpet events wearing my own designs.
What would you say on the red carpet when Ryan Seacrest asks you
who you wearing?
I will say, “I am wearing Me!” “Me by me…from head to toes to tittles
(because I have little titties). I also design my own accessories such as
this “Tittles” necklace which calls attention to what is not there. Haha.
Where can your clothes be found?
On hanamahn.com which means “just one” in Korean.
How do you envision your future in acting?
I love comedy. I want people to be like “wow” she is a great comedic
actress and want me to be in their films and TV shows. I just love being
in this industry and I want to sell my own pilot. I write as well and want
to produce my own TV shows.
Do you have a boyfriend?
No. I am very particular. I was in a relationship for 7 years and learned
a lot from it. He was the love of my life and I had to let him go because
we were not on the same level and wanted different things. Now that I
want my career to go a specific way, I want a relationship to be easy and
loving. I don’t want to have to work so hard at it.
Are you ready for all the paparazzi?
I have been preparing all my life. Bring them on!
How’s your Korean? Have you visited Korea?
My Korean is very good. I can read at a 3rd grade level! I have visited
Korea twice and found the people to be very nice and beautiful.
Would you ever consider acting in a Korean soap opera?
Absolutely! To have the opportunity to cry every five seconds? Sign me
up, now. But, seriously, they are so popular because they are so funny
and the comedians are hilarious.
Photo by Mitchell Alexander
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Yellow Magazine

a r t
Rapidly Evolving Video
and New Media in China
CAMH
A new exhibition opens this month at the Contemporary Arts
Museum Houston that takes a look at the growing power of
video and new media in China. Perspectives 180—Unfinished
Country: New Video from China presents a cross-section of work
by a new generation of Chinese artists working in video and
video installation.
Perspectives 180—
Unfinished Country:
New Video from China
November 2, 2012 –
February 17, 2013
Contemporary Arts Museum
Houston
Located in Houston’s
Museum District
5216 Montrose Boulevard
Houston, TX 77006
713.284.8250
camh.org
Screening: New Video
from China, Program 1
December 2, 2:00pm
Screening: New Video
from China, Program 2
January 6, 2:00pm
Asia Society Texas Center
1370 Southmore Blvd.
Houston 77004
asiasociety.org/texas
Admission is free to all events
Since the introduction of market-based economic
reforms in 1978, China has become one of the world’s
fastest growing economies. Parallel to this economic growth
has been the unprecedented production of art. While
the majority of contemporary art practices have centered
upon the traditional genres of painting and sculpture, the
expansion of work in video and new media has been rapidly
evolving. The exhibition is guest curated by James Elaine,
an independent curator who has lived and worked in China
since 2008.
Not long ago, works in new media were unavailable and,
depending on content, even illegal in China. But now, the
medium is at the forefront of a new generation of young
artists. Formerly a curator at the Hammer Museum in Los
Angeles, Elaine moved to China to experience first-hand the
country’s rapidly evolving culture and its impact upon the
production of contemporary art. What he has chronicled,
first in an exhibition and later in a blog for the Hammer, is
work by a new generation of artists emerging from China
who are increasingly inventive, thoughtful, and masterful in
their use of the medium.
Unfinished Country: New Video from China is presented
in two parts. On view at CAMH is work by eleven young
emerging artists from China ranging from projections to
sculpture and installations. Featured artists are Chen Qiulin,
Chen Zhou, Hu Xiaoyuan, Huang Ran, Jin Shan, Li Ming, Li
Ran, Lu Yang, Ma Qiusha, Sun Xun, and Yan Xing.
A separate but integral component of the exhibition is a
selection of cinematic shorts that will screen at Asia Society
Texas Center. The two-part screening features work from
artists Cheng Ran, Chen Xiaoyun, Wang Qingsong, Yang
Fudong, Yu Ying, Zhai Chenglei, and Zhang Ding, among
others. The screenings are on Sunday, December 2, and
Sunday, January 6, both at 2PM.
“The title Unfinished Country comes from a video
of the same name by Yu Ying, a recent graduate of the
Central Academy of Fine Arts in Beijing. His video is based
on an unfinished painting from the Cultural Revolution
era in China. I borrowed his title intending it to portray
contemporary China in a broader sense—the country is in
transition in every respect. Unfinished Country provides us
a small window through which to view what is going on in
the minds and lives of these artists and to look at the ancient
country of China as it rises to a new position in the twentyfirst
century,” says Elaine.
Yan Xing
Daddy (still), 2011
Single video, 58:27 minutes
Courtesy the artist and Galerie Urs Meile Beijing-Lucerne
Jin Shan
“Dynamiter” (still) from One Man’s Island, 2009-10
Video, 4:15 minutes
Courtesy the artist and Platform China, Beijing
Lu Yang
Reanimation! Underwater Zombie frog ballet! (still),
2011
HD video, 6:06 minutes
Courtesy the artist
Yellow Magazine
N o v e m b e r 2 0 1 2 | 7

p e o p l e
Sexy, Not Dumb
Intelligent, Not Boring
Brave Bai Ling
by V. HOANG
This is not our first time interviewing Bai Ling, who has recently completed filming
five movies. That seems like a lot of movies at one time until you review her profile
and history on IMDB. This is one prolific actor! Bai was my guest at an Operation
Smile gala in Beverly Hills and was genuinely moved by what she discovered
about the organization. So much so, in fact, that she expressed interest in being
an ambassador to the Asian countries in which the charity is active. Bai ignited
the attention of the many photographers who lined the red carpet. She has the
capacity to capture the attention of people wherever she goes, and there is a
positive energy that always seems to surround her.
The last time we interviewed you, you had just finished filming Love Ranch
with Joe Pesci. What have you been doing since then?
Many things. It’s funny though. I almost don’t remember everything I have
done in the past because I am always living in the moment.
Can you tell us about the highlights?
Well, I’m still single. Haha. I think I should celebrate that. I am working
on it. I’m not very good with relationships because I have a little girl’s
mentality. I love romance. It’s not structured around thinking about family and
stuff like that. It is more about how the heart smiles and how two people are
enamored with one another. I always think that when you are in love or are
making love that you reach the highest state of Zen Buddhism. You are there
and nothing else matters.
I think I have been in love many times but maybe the timing wasn’t right.
You have to win the lottery to find your true love. It’s God made. You have to
be right in that moment.
Does being so busy professionally make it hard to be in a relationship?
Yes, because I am travelling so much and always somewhere else. And I
always go out as an actress, as Bai Ling, kind of sexy, free and open. I think that
that is an obstacle. I think it is good that I am celebrating my individuality but
others may think I am too open, too sexy and too busy. And too “out there”.
It may be hard for men to feel secure around me.
Are you aware of how the public perceives you?
I have just started to. I was not aware at all before. It’s like I came from the
moon. I wish when I came to the United States and Hollywood that someone
would have guided me but I was totally on my own journey. I’m not from
this culture so I don’t know how Hollywood is or how to be a celebrity…
how to be “Bai Ling”. So, I was basically walking along the path as a child and
learning. Of course, during the process, you fall but you get up again. You get
punished, you get up. I feel like I came by this accidentally and have become a
victim of the Hollywood machine that made me appear as this modern, crazy,
provocative, open woman.
Of the movies you have been working on recently, of which one are you most proud?
Although I like all of them, the most recent one that I finished is freshest
in my mind. My part is the lead character in Age of the Hobbits and she’s got a
super action part that was originally written for a white actress. The director
was really happy with my performance. I really want to encourage writers,
directors, and producers to have an open mind as to who can play certain
parts. We are all human beings with different hearts and different looks but our
spirits are the same. It is most important.
You dressed very elegantly last night at the Operation Smiles gala, and you
mentioned that the media tends to only showcase your wild side and crazy
dressing days. Has something changed?
I know. I am changing it. Thank you. Because I have a different audience
and I am bringing awareness that I am a different person than they may have
come to expect.
It seems to me that we have two different kinds of women. We have Meryl
Streep who has won many awards and is considered one of the best actresses.
She gets a lot of respect. But Hugh Hefner would never invite her to be on
the cover of Playboy magazine. And you have the Pamela Anderson types who
are sex babes who are always on the cover. She will never be invited to be
a jury member or win awards for her acting. But I am both. I won an Asian
Academy Award for my breakthrough performance in Red Corner in 1997 and
I was the first Asian woman to be featured on the cover of Playboy in 1995.
A contemporary woman should be both. It should not be that if you are sexy
you are dumb or that if you are intelligent you are boring. It has to be both
and it is something that I want to show the world.
Your look is very exotic. It comes from being confident and being true to yourself
that you truly stand out from the rest.
I think I am lucky and brave to be me. I am also going to direct my own
movie. I have no strong desire to direct but if it is a project that I feel strongly
about, I would like to do that. I’ve got an idea in mind that is about dating
and contemporary relationships. It’s funny and it’s based on truth. I am excited
about it’s boldness. I also have other action films in development. Someone
approached me about doing my own show, as well. Also, I have four love songs
on itunes and Youtube. They are pop but really don’t fit into any category. It’s
just me. It’s very sexy, fast paced, and the lyrics are beautiful. It is very personal.
Tuesday Night at 8 pm and I Love You My Valentine. And You Touch Me, I Don’t
Know You.” The last song has lyrics such as “You touch me, I don’t know you.
You tweet me, I don’t know you. You Facebook me, I don’t know you.” It’s
about pop culture.
There’s no right or wrong.
It’s just me. I’m simply doing
something I love to do.
I can see a remix being played at clubs.
Listen to my music. You might like it. It’s something different. But it is not
only the music. There’s something behind that. People have fear. Like me. If I
was not Bai Ling, I would think “I am not a musician and all the people are
going to judge me so I better not do it.” But for me, I want to encourage that
potential that human beings have and of which they aren’t even aware. I want
them to say that if Bai Ling can do it, I can do it, too. I want to encourage
people to explore and contribute whatever talent they have.
It may not go anywhere but it could go everywhere. If you don’t try, you
will never know. If you are just talking about dreams, they remain only dreams.
You have to make them reality. Someone once told me that he hoped I’d be
successful as a recording artist. I told him that I already was because I was
already recording and doing it. I’m not doing it for anyone’s approval. It’s kind
of like birds singing. They are not aware of whether people like their singing
or not. They just sing. That’s how Bai Ling sings, as well. There’s no right or
wrong. It’s just me. I’m simply doing something I love to do.
You never know who you are going to affect. Recently, I was at a
convention in London and a middle aged English guy approached me. He
was sweating and shaking as he took about twenty pictures of me. I asked him
what was wrong and he said, “Bai Ling, when the economy crashed, I lost
my job, house…everything. I was ready to commit suicide. But, I read your
blog every day and your positivity got me through. That’s the truth”. If he
had not come forward I would never have known. Maybe my music has also
positively helped someone. You never know. I am sober now. My first song was
called Rehab. Maybe there are people walking around sober because the song
influenced them. I may never know. I did not do it for this but when you are
true, you affect people. Isn’t that cool?
You don’t attract people for more than 5 minutes based upon looks alone.
What more do you have to offer? Choose healthy thoughts to think. That’s the
most important thing in your life right now.
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Yellow Magazine

30th Anniversary Smile Gala
Held at the Beverly Hilton Hotel
Operation Smile held its 30th Anniversary Smile Gala
September 28 at the Beverly Hilton Hotel. It was an
unforgettable evening celebrating the more than 200,000
surgical procedures for children born with facial deformities
around the world whose lives Operation Smile has changed
forever—and recognizing the thousands more children who
desperately need help.
The 30th Anniversary Smile Gala honored Smile
Ambassadors Brooke Burke-Charvet and David Charvet,
philanthropist Jill Grey, outdoor eclectic footwear company
Sanuk, humanitarians Julia and Stephanie Argyros. Krista
Jajonie and Daneia Sanadiki were also honored.
Access Hollywood host Billy Bush served as Master of
Ceremonies; singer Chris Mann and violinist Caitlin Moe
performed; and Roma Downey and Mark Burnett, Sue
Naegle, Jennifer Salke and Dr. Randy Sherman, Chaired. Le
Dragon d’Or donated two beautiful diamond creations, each
over 2 carats, for the raffle. The highlight of the evening
was a surprise announcement by honoree Julia Argyros, on
behalf of the Argyros Family Foundation, that they would
be donating $1 million to Operation Smile. In total, the gala
raised more than $2 million to benefit the organization.
David & Brooke Burke Charvet Dr. Allen & Yen Lee, Henri Merceron Chris Mann Viet Hoang, Bai Ling
Photos by Mitchell Alexander
Daneia Sanadiki, Krista Jajonie,
Stephanie Argyros, Julia Argyros
Dr. Jason Rattan, Carlo Migliarini, Luis Nunez
Dr. Dane Hoang, Dr. Bill & Kathy Magee, Thanh Hoang
Billy Bush, Tom Bergeron
Carl & Veronica Barton Schwartz Thanh Hoang, Marie Fyhrie, Sandrine Rattan Dr. Gabriel & Christine Chiu Bethany Hotchkiss , Sharif Atkins
Henry Salke , Jennifer Salke Craig T. Nelson Deidre Hall Roma Downey Beryl Akcay
Jingkul Lee Laura Putman
Yellow Magazine
N o v e m b e r 2 0 1 2 | 9

Photographer
Debbie Porter
Stylist
Summar Salah
Makeup
Andrea Schutter
Hair
James Fojt
Model
Kelly Denkler of Neil Hamil Agency
Location
Houston Polo Club
Leather shorts by Skaist Taylor
Blouse by Elie Tahari
Jewelry beads by Elizabeth Showers
Gold chain with pendant by Ashley Pittman
All available at Neiman Marcus
fall rides
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Yellow Magazine N o v e m b e r 2 0 1 2 | 11

Leather jacket by Kelly Wearstler, available at Neiman Marcus
Top by Very J, available at DAO Chloe DAO
Skirt by Brunello Cucinelli, available at Neiman Marcus
Rose cuff by VIOLANTE, available at sloan/hall
Beaded bracelets, available at sloan/hall
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Yellow Magazine

Jacket by Stella McCartney, available at Neiman Marcus
Top by Ralph Lauren, available at Neiman Marcus
Legging by Very J, available at DAO chloe DAO
Boots by Chanel, available at Neiman Marcus
Brooch by Anton Heunis, available at Neiman Marcus
Yellow Magazine N o v e m b e r 2 0 1 2 | 13

Camel jacket by Billy Reid, available at Billy Reid
White shirt by Billy Reid, available at Billy Reid
Hat by Burberry, available at Neiman Marcus
Pants by Valentino, available at Neiman Marcus
Necklaces by Love Heal, available at Neiman Marcus
Cameo brooch, available at DAO Chloe DAO
Coat by Billy Reid, available at Billy Reid
Leather neck piece by Hacienda Montaecristo, available at sloan/hall
Brass necklace, available at sloan/hall
Red Jasper necklace, available at sloan/hall
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N o v e m b e r 2 0 1 2
Yellow Magazine

Dress by Catherine Deane,
available at Neiman Marcus
Belt and boots by Donald Pliner,
available at Donald Pliner
Yellow Magazine
N o v e m b e r 2 0 1 2 | 15

f a s h i o n
Fashion Reinvention and
Transformation on a Budget
H&M(argiela)
In its continuing series of collaborations with designers, H&M is going to the
edges with their new collection with Maison Martin Margiela. Officially named
Re-Edition of Maison Martin Margiela Garments from Various Seasons with
H&M, the clothing, shoes and accessories include iconic items specifically labelled
with a unique tag indicating the season from which it originated. Spanning 23
years since Maison’s founding, the most representative pieces of the archive are
reproduced in updated shapes and materials, along with prices a bit more in line
with H&M than Paris runways.
Plexi wedge Pump, $149.99
H&M Collection with
Maison Martin Margiela
for Autumn/Winter 2012
Launches November 15, 2012
at limited H&M locations
Duvet coat, $179.99; Mirror ball leggings, $29.99, Invisible wedge pumps, $149.99
Houston Area H&M
Stores
Baybrook Mall
Friendswood TX 77546
855.466.7467
Willowbrook Mall
Houston TX 77070
855.466.7467
hm.com
Adjusted biker
jacket, $179.99
Hitched up
dress, $99.99
Body with
integrated bra,
$29.99
Reversed
denim jacket,
$69.99
Mirror ball
tuxedo jacket,
$99.99
Glove clutch,
$79.99
Trompe l’oeil
high-top
sneakers,
$69.99
Padded leather shirt, $179.99; Painted jeans, $59.99; Guitar cover weekend bag, $199.99
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Yellow Magazine

E S S E N T I A L S
M•A•C Helps You
Glam It Up This Season
Holiday Glamour
Parties, parties, and more parties—that’s what the holiday season has
become for many of us. Whether you have to go straight from work to a
cocktail party or you have a full day of pamper and prep before a black tie
event, M•A•C Cosmetics has the glow and glamour you need. This year,
their exquisite holiday collections include Guilty Passions mini kits for
eyes and lips, the elegant Making Pretty with its signature bow, and the
aura of couture with Glamour Daze.
Glamour Daze from M•A•C Cosmetics
Glamour Daze
The aura of couture, the drama of the dressing room, the glamour of getting ready to step out for the holidays. From armoire to dressing
table mirror to full-length mirror and back again. Sweet to sexy, lips to nails. Every angle, every colour, every detail—obsessed over. And
suddenly, there’s chic, in a cool cloud of pale pink edged with smoky grey. One last glance and you’re out the door. An unforgettable
look emerges with the shimmer of M·A·C Extra Dimension Skinfinish and Powder Blush. Evening eyes are done in Extra Dimension Eye
Shadow, Fluidline and False Lashes. And, the festive finishing touches: Lipglass in Pink Fade and Nail Lacquer in Endless Night.
Available in stores through December 27, 2012
Making Pretty
For those in your life you want to spoil! Every opulent element and dramatic
detail is expressed in M∙A∙C’s luxurious Making Pretty collection. Modern
makeup darlings are dressed up in richly textured faux shagreen in a pale dusty
pink, detailed with a rose-gold signature bow.
Available online December 6, 2012; available in stores December 13, 2012
Guilty Passions
Giving in to Guilty Passions, from champagne and macaroons to a dazzling party
dress and seductive stilettos, to eyes that shimmer and lips that glisten. M∙A∙C mini
kits for eyes and lips, packaged in round, chevron-print boxes trimmed with a patent
black bow; in shades and finishes too irresistible to resist.
Available online November 1, 2012; available in stores November 8, 2012
Yellow Magazine
N o v e m b e r 2 0 1 2 | 17

o o k s
You Can’t Get Everything
On Your iPad
Touch the Page
Kindles are great, and iPads are wonderful, but they simply don’t do justice for
some books that practically come to life in your hands. Books about fashion,
art and architecture are especially pleasing to the eye, probably because they
typically include incredible photography that leaps off the pages. You can scroll
and squish and stretch your iPad screen until the battery dies, but it will never
be the same as opening up a special edition and caressing it with your eyes.
Chanel Three Book Set,
Special Edition
Produced exclusively for
Assouline by Chanel, this luxe
slipcase is made of genuine
black quilted leather and
adorned with a metal Chanel
logo. The slipcase includes three
memoirs celebrating Chanel’s
revolutionary style: Chanel
Fashion, Chanel Fine Jewelry,
and Chanel Perfume.
assouline.com, $750
Pleats Please Issey Miyake
Issey Miyake’s Pleats Please collections were
launched in 1993. Made from single pieces of
high quality 100% polyester fabric, Pleats Please
clothing is innovative in its process. For the
first time, the story of this revolutionary line
of clothing is being told. The explanation of its
evolution also includes, also for the first time,
a section not only revealing the creation of the
original thread—but also the pleating process!
taschen.com, $40
Yohji Yamamoto
As one of the most mentally rigorous designers
working in fashion, Yohji Yamamoto creates
garments that can be intellectual, yet always
beautiful. Yohji’s free-spirited world is explored
here via i-D magazine’s archives, including his
adoration for women and the female form, the
painful process of creating anti-fashion through
fashion and how his timeless utilitarian designs
can be both avant-garde and classic at once.
taschen.com, $40
The Impossible Collection of Fashion
In this magnificent collection of the most iconic
dresses of the twentieth century, Valerie Steele
flexes her curatorial muscle. From Poiret to
Pucci, Doucet to Dior, Vionnet to Valentino, she
selects the 100 dresses that caused a stir on the
runway or as they entered a room and ultimately
inspired a new direction in fashion.
assouline.com, $695
AHAE: Through My Window
Korean artist Ahae took one million photographs
over a two-year period, through one window
in his house. This profoundly intimate portfolio
captures the infinite subtle changes of the
environment through the circle of the seasons.
This volum features the artist’s poems and a
foreword by the director of the Louvre, which
will host an exhibition of images from this
astonishing series.
assouline.com, $250
Backstage Dior: Collector’s Edition
This historical homage from top photographer
Roxanne Lowit traces John Galliano’s glittering
realm at Dior. Through her eyes we marvel at
the tantalizing backstage story. This is without
doubt the ultimate insider chronicle of couture.
Safe in its special archival case, this limited
edition Collector’s Edition is already part of
fashion legend.
teneues.com, $3,000
Fashion Designers A-Z
From Azzedine Alaïa, Cristóbal Balenciaga, and
Coco Chanel, to Alexander McQueen, Yves Saint
Laurent, and Vivienne Westwood, a century’s
worth of fashion greats from the permanent
collection of The Museum at the Fashion
Institute of Technology are celebrated in these
limited-edition volumes bound in fabric by one
of six designers: Prada (shown), Akris, Etro, Stella
McCartney, Missoni, Diane von Furstenberg.
taschen.com, $350
Yellow Magazine
N o v e m b e r 2 0 1 2 | 19

F A S H I O N
Award-Winning Designers
Hit the Target
Target + Neiman Marcus
We admit it: when we first heard of the Target/Neiman Marcus collaboration, we got a
bit dizzy. For many Texans, Neiman Marcus has been the be-all, end-all of luxury, even
if you can’t afford to step into their stores! But following months of anticipation, the
unprecedented holiday mashup is finally almost out the door and under our tree. The
collection features 24 of America’s preeminent designers—all members of the Council
of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA)—and will be available December 1.
Jason Wu for Target + Neiman Marcus Holiday Collection
Ornaments (set of 3), $49.99
The Target + Neiman
Marcus Holiday
Collection
Available December 1 at
all Target and Neiman
Marcus stores, as well as
online at Target.com and
NeimanMarcus.com.
In recognition of the 24
designers who created
products for the holiday
collection, Target and
Neiman Marcus are
donating a total of
$1 million to the CFDA.
Prabal Gurung for
Target + Neiman
Marcus Holiday
Collection
Clutch, $49.99
Designers include:
Alice + Olivia
Altuzarra
Band of Outsiders
Brian Atwood
Carolina Herrera
Marchesa
Oscar de la Renta
Philip Crangi
Prabal Gurung
Proenza Schouler
Derek Lam
Diane von Furstenberg
Eddie Borgo
Jason Wu
Judith Leiber
Lela Rose
Marc Jacobs
rag & bone
Robert Rodriguez
Rodarte
Skaist-Taylor
Thom Browne
Tory Burch
Tracy Reese
Jason Wu for Target + Neiman
Marcus Holiday Collection
Girl’s dress, $59.99
Derek Lam for Target + Neiman Marcus Holiday Collection
Slippers, $49.99
Altuzarra for Target + Neiman Marcus Holiday Collection
Double Old Fashioned glasses (set of 3), $49.99
Shaker, $49.99
Tray (not shown), $79.99
Derek Lam for Target + Neiman Marcus Holiday Collection
Skateboard, $99.99
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Yellow Magazine

t r a v e l
The Whole Family
Can Be Winners
Vegas Holidays
Typically, the activity in Las Vegas picks up after Christmas, with a growing New
Year’s Eve event combined with Lunar New Year festivities that are an especially
popular draw for Asian gamblers and tourists. But for some families, visiting Las
Vegas between Thanksgiving and Christmas is the perfect holiday treat. For most
hotels, room rates are at their lowest of the year and many properties go all out
with holiday decorations and related festivities.
Bellagio Las Vegas
3600 Las Vegas Blvd. South
Las Vegas, NV 89109
888.987.6667
bellagio.com
Mandalay Bay
Hotel & Casino
3950 Las Vegas Blvd. South
Las Vegas, NV 89119
877.632.7800
mandalaybay.com
Consistently the highlight of holiday decorations, the Conservatory
& Botanical Gardens at the Bellagio definitely won’t disappoint. Visitors
can ring in the holiday season at the Bellagio with a 45-foot-tall holiday
tree, an active family of floral polar bears and penguins and live musical
performances. Located in the Giardini corner, a large floral card in
a 6-foot-tall elaborately carved frame makes for the perfect winter
wonderland photo opportunity. The Conservatory’s holiday exhibition is
open 24 hours a day, seven days a week and will be on display the entire
month of December.
The iconic Fountains of Bellagio know how to get guests in the
holiday spirit, too. With a diverse repertoire of musical tunes to swoon
over, the holiday selection includes classic hits like Hallelujah Chorus, Carol
of the Bells, O Holy Night, It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas, The
Most Wonderful Time of the Year and Santa
Baby. The Fountains dance for visitors
every 30 minutes, Monday – Friday, 3
p.m. – 7 p.m.; Saturday, Sundays and
holidays, noon – 7 p.m. After 7 p.m., daily
performances are every 15 minutes until
midnight.
The kids won’t want to miss Santa Claus in the Mandalay Bay Shark Reef Aquarium.
At Mandalay Bay, Santa is making his list and checking it twice,
finding naughty sharks, a rare Komodo Dragon and piranha in his
sight. Throughout the month of December at Shark Reef Aquarium
at Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino, children can share their last-minute
holiday wishes with Mr. Claus in the aquarium’s shipwreck exhibit. With
each paid admission, children 12 and under will receive a complimentary
candy cane and a photograph with Santa to remember their unique
holiday experience. A very large and toothy holiday helper named Santa
Jaws will also make his rounds to join the kiddies for a photo.
The Fountains at Bellagio will be playing holiday selections.
Make sure to wave back to the floral polar bears at the Bellagio.
Bellagio’s Conservatory and Botanical Garden are a required visit during the holidays.
Yellow Magazine
N o v e m b e r 2 0 1 2 | 21

w i n e
Many Flavors in
Your Thanksgiving Meal
Holiday Wine Options
by ph i li p cu isim ano
Choosing a wine to serve with your Thanksgiving
meal is not an easy task, as the traditional holiday fare is
comprised of a mélange of contrasting flavors that include
sugar, pepper, acid, spice, fat, and game, all served on the
same plate. Delicious and decadent, as this certainly is, it
nonetheless requires some deliberation when selecting the
“right” wine.
No wine can compete with the rich flavors abundant
in this feast, so you really need a bottle that complements
in a subtle manner, much like background music that is
set at a low volume to allow easy conversation. The flavor
profile of such a wine should include some of the following
attributes: it should be medium-bodied with good acidity,
and be comprised of soft tannins with subtle flavors of fruit
buoyed by delicate notes of pepper and spice.
Dry Roses are my favorite type
of wine to accompany the
Thanksgiving feast and are also
high on my list of “anytime” quaffs.
Here are a few categories that match the profile.
Bubbly
Sparkling wines go well with most foods and always add
a touch of elegance to the celebration. For your holiday
meal, I suggest a drier style, such as a “Brut”, which is also
the most popular. Prosecco, from Italy is currently the
rage. There are also many fine domestic offerings from
California, New York and Oregon. Don’t overlook the
cuvees of France, where the most noble of all sparkling
wines are produced in the Champagne region. And there
are good values to be found in Spanish sparklers, labeled as
“Cava”. The bottom line is that there is an abundance of
choices with a range of prices to accommodate any budget.
Riesling
Demand for Riesling based wines has dwindled over
the years but is currently experiencing a comeback and for
good reason; these wines can be fabulous. The best of these
are from Germany, where medium to full-bodied wines are
produced, offering up bright tropical fruits with hints of
honey and buttressed by a crisp acidity. For the holidays, seek
out a drier style of German Riesling; look for “Trocken”
(driest) on the label or “Halb Trocken” (semi-dry).
Rose
Dry Roses are my favorite type of wine to accompany
the Thanksgiving feast and are also high on my list
of “anytime” quaffs. The best of these are mediumbodied,
featuring bright red-berry fruits, accompanied
by undercurrents of pepper and spice, with tannins that
provide structure but are of a gentile, yielding style. Served
chilled, the net effect is a sturdy drink with a delicate taste.
Others
Additional wines to consider include Gewürztraminer,
a white with a flavor profile similar to Riesling but
with more spice, an unmistakable wisp of smokiness and
fruit flavors of Lychee. Red wine options include those
produced from the grapes of Syrah and/or blended along
with Grenache, Mourvedre, Cinsault or Carignan. Finally,
there are some styles of Pinot Noir that may serve well as
an accompaniment to your holiday celebration; avoid those
that boast of hard tannins. Pinots from Oregon are more
likely to provide “the ticket”. Remember, whichever wine
you select should be a supporting actor, not the star.
Buon’ Appetito!
Wine of the Month
Zaca Mesa Z Cuvee 08
This tasty California blend will provide a delightful
accompaniment to any holiday fest. A cuvee comprised
of Grenache, Mourvedre and Syrah that should be
served slightly chilled, offering up red and black berry
fruit flavors with undercurrents of peppers and spices.
The tannins are soft and yielding providing back bone
without being obnoxious. Serve with duck or turkey and
you will be toasted by all your guests! $19.50
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
Tokyo One
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!
C H I N E S E
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.
San Dong Noodle House
9938-F Bellaire Blvd., 713.271.3945
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.
Sinh Sinh
9788 Bellaire Blvd., 713.541.0888
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.
T H A I
Thai Spice
8282 Bellaire Blvd. 713.777.4888
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.
I N D I A N
Kiran’s Restaurant
4100 Westheimer Rd. #151, 713.960.8472
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.
V I E T N A M E S E
Kim Son Restaurants
2001 Jefferson (and other locations),
713.222.2461
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.
Vietopia
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
food- traditional 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.
C O 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.
To have your restaurant featured in Yellow Magazine, or to recommend a restaurant
that you enjoy, please email the information to dining@yellowmags.com.