HOUSTON

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• BB1 CLASSIC read more ›
  (2001 W Gray St. Tel. 713-942-7565)
  bb1classic.com
  The trendy yet comfortable, well-made and wrinkle-resistant at this store are perfect for regular travelers. The eye-catching casual and formal clothes look as good coming out of a suitcase as they do going in.
• CATCH FIRE read more ›
  (2433 Rice Blvd. Tel. 713-636-9867)
  catchfirehouston.com
  Find candles, lanterns, votive holders and sconces at this new gift store in Rice Village. Look for sculpted metal and stone holders by co-owner Navid Ghedami.
• FIT STORE read more ›
  (9899 Bellaire Blvd. Tel. 281-201-1360)
  fitjpstore.com
  Bargain hunters who love quirky gifts should head to this Japanese home goods store. Inspired by hyakkin (100 yen stores, which are similar to American dollar stores), it offers everything from bento boxes to stationery for just $2 to $5 per item.

• HOUSTON LIVESTOCK SHOW AND RODEO read more ›
  (At Reliant Park, 1 Reliant Park. Tel. 832-667-1000)
  www.hlsr.com
  This three-week-long extravaganza features more than just a rodeo. There are top-notch musical performances (Rascal Flatts, Tim McGraw), an international wine competition and a barbecue cook-off in addition to several championship skills events. March 2-21.
• GILBERTO GIL read more ›
  (615 Louisiana St. Tel. 713-227-4772)
  spahouston.org
  Don’t miss this one-night-only performance from the Brazilian guitarist, vocalist and onetime Minister of Culture. His style is influenced by reggae, samba, rock and African music. March 26.
• SHELL HOUSTON OPEN read more ›
  (5860 Wilson Rd, Humble. Tel. 281-454-7000)
  www.shellhoustonopen.com
  In this PGA Tour lead-in to the Masters Tournament, Paul Casey will defend his title and compete for the $5.8 million purse. March 29 to April 4.

• KOJAK’S CAFE read more ›
  (1912 W 18th St. Tel. 713-426-1800)
  kojakscafe.com
  This unpretentious neighborhood deli is open all day, and serves favorites like crab and shrimp cakes with rémoulade, chicken salad sandwiches and tomato bisque. $
• PINK’S PIZZA read more ›
  (1403 Heights Blvd. Tel. 713-864-7465)
  pinkspizza.com
  Some patrons come to this specialty pizzeria for the regular pies. Others branch out with unusual combinations like the Santa Monica, topped with gorgonzola, cranberry and eggplant. $$
• CANYON CAFÉ read more ›
  (5000 Westheimer Rd. Tel. 713-629-5565)
  canyoncafe.com
  When you visit, it will be tempting to fill up on the sweet potato and corn chips—don’t. You’ll need room for the delicious poblano chicken chowder or chile-rubbed sirloin. $$

• ANVIL BAR & REFUGE read more ›
  (1424 Westheimer Rd. Tel. 713-523-1622)
  anvilhouston.com
  Making the perfect cocktail is such an art form at Anvil that the owners call the menu “100 Drinks to Try Before You Die.” Try #42, the Japanese, made with cognac, orgeat, angostura bitters and lemon, and orange zest.
• MARQUIS II read more ›
  (2631 Bissonnet St. Tel. 713-522-2090)
  marquis2.com
  Known for its Tuesday night $6 Long Island iced tea special, this dive—reminiscent of a VFW club—permits smoking and pool playing.

• GALVESTON, TX read more ›
  (50 miles southwest of Houston. Tel. 888-425-4753)
  www.mardigrasgalveston.com
  Visit historic Galveston—with its Strand entertainment district and daily harbor tours from the Texas Seaport Museum—for FeatherFest, when you can spot birds on their spring migration. April 8-11.

This month...

Fun Fact!
Houston’s Byzantine Fresco Chapel Museum contains the only intact Byzantine frescos in the Western Hemisphere.