An exciting new restaurant is opening in the Montrose. Long-time restaurant manager Richard Cole and his business partner Paul Long will open Cole’s Restaurant this month. The restaurant will feature beef, poultry, seafood, and salads. Located at 2100 Waugh Drive, in the strip center between Michigan and Indiana, it will be open 7 days a week, 5:30—10 p.m. They offer a full bar service which will open every day at 4 p.m. Cole’s intimate and friendly setting is a welcome addition right in the heart of our neighborhood.

When Marco Polo discovered Japan, he used the Chinese word "Xipango" to describe the opulent island. Come rediscover for yourself the world of Xipango at the new store’s grand opening on Saturday, November 10. You’ll have the first opportunity to shop their most recent imports from the Orient! Xipango also features many unique treasures from around the world, including delightful handcrafted goods from right here in the U.S.A. Doors open at noon, with a champagne reception at 6 p.m. Xipango is located in the Centre at Post Oak. For more information, call 713/850-0020.

Although Bocados is one of Montrose’s popular Mexican restaurants, they are even better known for their Wednesday night entertainment, when the tables move out and the dance floor (and beautiful women) move in. On December 9, Bocados will be celebrating their 4th year of serving the community authentic Mexican dishes. Co-owners Lily Hernandez and Terry Flores are throwing a party (call for date and time) with dancing and a raffle of cool gifts (such as a holiday getaway package at the Victorian in Galveston). All proceeds from the raffle will be donated to the September 11 Disaster Fund. As part of the birthday celebration, Bocados has remodeled, sporting a fresh look inside and out, from brightly painted wall to the art deco patio furniture. Check out the new Brocados at 1312 W. Alabama, 713/523-5230. Save 25 percent when you present your OutSmart Pride Card on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5—9 p.m.!

Crate and Barrel relocates to Highland Village on November 9, opening its new furniture and home furnishings store at 10 a.m. The architecturally dramatic store at 4006 Westheimer at Drexel will showcase Crate and Barrel’s entire line of products. With the addition of Crate and Barrel to Williams-Sonoma, Pottery Barn, and Restoration Hardware, Highland Village becomes Houston’s prime shopping destination for things for the home.

Many people are exploring natural self-help and mental training methods to overcome their personal challenges. A new website called MindTraining.net contains free information about areas such as healing and relaxation, losing weight, sports training, and overcoming smoking. It also offers audiotapes for sale, utilizing visualization, relaxation, and subconscious suggestion. The site was created by Craig Townsend, a clinical hypnotherapist from Sydney, Australia; his clients have ranged from cancer patients to Olympic athletes to major corporations. The website covers how the mind/body connection directly affects our health and metabolism, personal relationships, business and sporting success; it discusses ways to improve these areas of our lives. Visit the website at www.mindtraining.net.

The owners of Chances, N’Between, and the New Barn Clubs announce the opening of their newest venture G-SPOT to be opened in November. The club owners say their slogan for the club is: "If you can’t find it, you can’t come." But for those needing directions, call 713/523-7217.

On October 25, Joe Cummings and his partner Jerry opened Houston’s newest entertainment spot, Keys West Piano Bar. Located in Neartown, it is beautifully decorated and features a grand-piano bar. Open daily 3 p.m. to 2 a.m. 817 W. Dallas, 713/571-7870. Free parking.