HOUSTON HOTEL MAGAZINE SPRING 2018 by Dallas Hotel Magazine

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Elaine Turner Houston’s Boldest Lifestyle Entrepreneur on Redefining Retail

T H E D E F I N I T I V E G U I D E TO H O U STO N

The

ISSUE

BLUE RIBBON BREWERY Meet Texas’ First Craft Brewers

HANDMADE TEXAS LUXURY Stash Co. is Building for Leaders

BEYOND JAMES BEARD

The Unstoppable Chef Chris Shepherd

THE MUSIC MAN Marchione’s Masterful Handmade Guitars

LOCAL FLAVOR Houston’s Best Brunches + Bars

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FEATURES

ISSUE 14: SPRING 2018

CONTENTS

ON THE COVER:

22 BEAUTIFUL, BRAVE, AND BOLD

32 STASH CO.’S HANDMADE LUXURY

Meet Houston designer Elaine Turner, who’s reshaping the retail landscape with her eponymous fashion and lifestyle brand. BY MARY CATE STEVENSON AND NOAH NOFZ

Founder Cheryl Schulke is building inimitable leather bags for the world’s leaders and travelers. BY NOAH NOFZ AND MARY CATE STEVENSON

36 HOUSTON’S BEST BRUNCHES,

BARS, & SNAPPY HOURS

A few city-wide favorites, conceived by James Beard Award winners and nationally-known names. BY MARY CATE STEVENSON

28 BLUE RIBBON BEERS

photo courtesy of St. Arnold Brewing Co.

photo courtesy of Elaine Turner.

Belly up to the bar of the oldest craft brewery in Texas. Founder Brock Wagner takes you inside Saint Arnold, the Best Mid-Size Brewery in the nation. BY NOAH NOFZ AND MARY CATE STEVENSON

28 ON THE COVER:

Reshaping the world of retail - Elaine Turner Beautiful, Brave, and Bold. Photo courtesy of Elaine Turner

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An Art-Filled Oasis SEE / DINE / SHOP

First Sculpture: Handaxe to Figure Stone Through April 28 Foundations: First Sculpture Through April 22 nashersculpturecenter.org Dallas Arts District

Theaster Gates: 2018 Nasher Prize Laureate Through April 28

Photo: Carolyn Brown © Nasher Sculpture Center)

Tradition of Revolution May 12 – August 19

IN EVERY ISSUE

ISSUE 14: SPRING 2018

CONTENTS (Chef Chris Shepherd) The James Beard Award Winner on Houston’s unique culinary community.

Two Cats Communications

photo by Julie Soefer Photography

14 THE RUNDOWN

38 THE SCENE Over 300 of the best upcoming events, performances, and can’tmiss attractions.

54 DINING The ultimate guide to indulgence in one of America’s most renowned culinary hubs.

57 ATTRACTIONS To the final frontier and back, these are Houston’s don’t-miss destinations.

59 SHOPPING Treat yourself at the best boutiques in the city’s swank shopping districts.

64 OUR PARTING SHOT

Araya Artisan Chocolate serves some of America's finest confections at three Houston locations.

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Image courtsy of Araya Artisan Chocolate

(Marchione Guitars) Meet the master luthier who’s hand-making guitars for the stars.

shutterstock.com

16 THE RUNDOWN

PUBLISHER’S NOTE

ISSUE 14: SPRING 2018

WELCOME

pring is in the air, a time of renewal, growth, and celebration. This season, we’re highlighting some of our favorite Houston artisans in our inaugural Craft Issue. Prepare to meet a cast of makers and doers who are building the best of Houston with skill that will leave you amazed. Start with Chris Shepherd, the trailblazing chef who’s been delighting Houston diners since long before his 2014 James Beard win for Best Chef: Southwest. Next, step into the Montrose studio of Stephen Marchione, master guitar-maker to the stars. His instruments are coveted by the likes of Paul Simon and Mark Knopfler.

Photo: Kristy Glazebrook Wardrobe provided by: Collectivo

Gracing our cover is the inimitable Elaine Turner, the glam and giving designer who’s bringing attainable luxury to women across the country—all while using her platform to strengthen her community. She’s the Texan best friend you always wanted. Be sure to add a few of her stylish pieces to your closet; she’s on the move to make her designs even more accessible, no matter where you live or how busy you are.

While you’re out exploring the town, odds are you’ll see beer from Houston's own Saint Arnold Brewing Company on the menu. The oldest craft brewery in Texas was founded by Brock Wagner in 1994, and its moxie and independence have made it an integral part of our city—don’t miss a visit, or this behind-the-scenes glance. Cheryl Schulke is another community gem, an expert creator whose high-caliber leatherwork will turn heads in the airport as you make your way home. Before you go, consult our entertainment calendar, “The Scene,” for an insider’s look at over 300 of Houston’s best upcoming performances, festivals, and can’t-miss events. Tune into our comprehensive listing of Houston sporting events (go, 'Stros!), and browse through some of our favorite places to dine, shop, and relax around town. Thank you for choosing Houston Hotel Magazine as your guide to the best of Bayou City. I’m glad you’re here.

Ryan Miller Publisher, Houston Hotel Magazine

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PUBLISHER Ryan Miller

EDITOR Mary Cate Stevenson Noah Nofz

ART DIRECTOR Mark McKenzie Scott Braud

COPY EDITOR Noah Nofz

CONTRIBUTORS Dave Muscari Noah Nofz Mary Cate Stevenson

EDITORS-AT-LARGE Dave Muscari Noah Nofz Mary Cate Stevenson

INTERNATIONAL EDITOR-AT-LARGE Angela Youngman

PUBLISHER & PRESIDENT OF CORE PUBLISHING Pete Northway

PRESIDENT & ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER OF HOUSTON HOTEL MAGAZINE Darla Chapman Ripley

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HoustonHotelMagazine.com Reproduction without permission from publisher is prohibited. Although every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained in the publication, the publisher cannot accept liability for errors and omissions. 12

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Here’s some of what we think makes this part of the world special — from Houston Hotel Magazine.

Left: Chef Chris Shepherd on the line at Underbelly. Above: Charred Octopus at One Fifth Romance Languages, with almond romesco, salsa verde, and squid chicharones.

The Unstoppable Chris Shepherd Houston’s James Beard-Winning Chef on Cooking and Community BY MARY CATE STEVENSON & NOAH NOFZ

et’s get one thing straight: Chef Chris Shepherd doesn’t sleep. How else can we explain the vast sea of his accomplishments, which range from a 2014 James Beard Award for Best Chef: Southwest to a themed restaurant concept that closes each year, only to unveil an entirely new menu and look one month later? Ask him directly about his seemingly boundless energy, and the most you’ll get is a modest grin—though he does admit to being a “big fan of change.” The simple truth behind his brio is

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this: Chris Shepherd loves to cook. “I cooked as a kid growing up. I cooked with my family. And it’s something that I’ve always truly loved to do,” he explains. As is the case for most, what he loved to do as a child didn’t immediately translate into a career; throughout college, Shepherd found himself searching for the right professional fit to no avail. Many of his friends found their way to business school, but Shepherd made a bolder move. “I just followed my heart,” he says simply. “I want to cook for a living. That’s what makes me happy. I always figured—and I still believe—that if you love what you do, you don’t really work.” If you’ve visited Shepherd’s restaurants, that love shines through—everything from the menus to the meals resonates with personality, craft, and a love

for the local community. His dedication to community began to flourish about a decade ago with an innovative program through the Greater Houston Convention and Visitors Bureau led by Lindsey Brown. “Houston’s core group of restaurants all came up together,” he explains. “[Lindsey] believed in what we were doing. She got all of us together to do culinary tours to highlight our city—to show people where chefs went, what we did.” “I realized that it’s not just our restaurants that are making our city special,” says Brown. “It’s the diversity—it’s the fact that there are all of these places that are inspiring our cooking. Visitors were always inspired by these places we visited that general Houstonians didn’t know about.” The relationship Houston chefs built through collabora-

tion has developed into a lasting community. “We all support each other,” Shepherd says. “And that’s what’s unique about this city. Yeah, we kind of fight for business, but we all believe in each other.” Shepherd’s love of local extends beyond his support for fellow chefs—it’s there on his menus, too. Shepherd was one of the first chefs in Houston to throw his support behind the farm-to-table movement. “It’s all about sourcing in life,” he explains. “When I started cooking, there wasn’t the farming aspect. When I saw the produce coming in from big companies, I thought, ‘There have to be farms out here. We just need to look for them.’” So he grabbed his friend Randy Evans, a celebrated chef in his own right, and hit the road. “Randy and I would just get in the truck and drive around the

Photos by Julie Soefer

Above: One Fifth’s paella, with fideua pasta, chorizo, and shellfish. Left: Duck Heart Bolognese at One Fifth Romance Languages, with casarecce pasta and whipped ricotta. The interior of One Fifth Romance Languages.

countryside, talking to farmers. We turned their hothouses into viable businesses. I can buy a tomato from anywhere. But I want your uglies. I want the ones that come from around here and are grown, not put under gas. You get textures and flavors that don’t happen to tomatoes you buy at the store.” For all the love Shepherd shows Houston, the city has loved him right back. “Houston has meant everything to me,” he says. “It’s been very giving and accepting. People want to see change and what’s next.” Houston’s hunger for change is the perfect incubator for a tireless creator like Chris Shepherd. In 2018 alone, he’s debuting a steakhouse called Georgia James and evolving two of his other concepts, all while operating popular hangout Hay Merchant,

where he serves elevated bar food alongside a world-class selection of craft beers. So where, exactly, can you treat yourself to Shepherd’s cooking? See if you can keep up. Shepherd’s popular Montrose spot One Fifth Romance Languages is open for dinner seven nights a week. It’s dedicated to Italian, Spanish, and French cuisine—but not for long. Shepherd debuts a new concept in the same space every year. Come August, Romance Languages will close for a month and reopen— with a brand new menu. “We’re going into Mediterranean next, because I like the cultures and the food,” Shepherd says. “And we have the same product lines here in Texas. We have the same growing seasons.” Underbelly, site of his 2014 James Beard Award win, is moving down the street and re-

branding as UB Preserv. “It’s my interpretation of how Houston is evolving,” Shepherd says of the transformation. “It’s becoming more global, with flavors and spices and products from around the world.” Underbelly closed to make way for Georgia James, which will debut towards the end of the year. Meanwhile, Hay Merchant, which shares a building with Georgia James, will remain open and fold a few Underbelly favorites into its new menu. There may be more news on the horizon. With Shepherd, you —Chris Shepherd never know. By now, it should be clear: Shepherd’s restaurants are essential Houston dining. He’s the city’s busiest chef and its most tireless supporter—if you want to taste what Houston has to offer, this is where you start.

“Houston has meant everything to me. It’s been very giving and accepting. People want to see change and what’s next.”

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Courtesy: Marchione Guitars

Marchione’s unique headstock on an acoustic guitar.

Stephen Marchione at work in his Montrose studio.

The Music Man Marchione’s Masterful Handmade Guitars BY NOAH NOFZ

n a light-filled studio behind a small house in Houston’s historic Montrose district, Stephen Marchione and his team of artisan woodworkers craft some of the finest guitars in the world. You wouldn’t know it, driving down the tree-lined residential street where he makes his music magic. You wouldn’t know it if you ran into Marchione walking his dogs around the block—he’s affable and down-to-earth, never mind that he’s received special orders from musical icons like Paul Simon and Mark Knopfler. Here’s how you’d know it: By 16

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hearing one of his instruments in action. Marchione guitars are things of beauty, aesthetically and sonically. The two go handin-hand. Marchione builds his guitars from hand-selected pieces of solid wood, much of which is locally sourced, giving each instrument a polished look and a rich, warm sound. Take apart another professional-quality guitar—a $3,000 Gibson 335, say—and you’ll find... plywood. To Marchione and his clients, nothing can beat the real thing. And that’s not all. Every detail of a Marchione guitar, from the fit of the neck to the feel of the frets, is engineered for maximum performance. “My guitars feel like driving a Porsche compared to most guitars, which feel like driving a Toyota,” Marchione explains. “In a really good sports car, things feel tight and accurate and very excitable. It’s not just that the guitar looks good, it actually func-

tions really well. Great materials, exciting to play—it gives musicians an oomph and an edge.” “And now I’ve been making guitars for almost thirty years,” he adds. “So that’s a lot of practice, too.” To see Marchione at work today, a master in his studio, you’d be forgiven for thinking that he was born with a lathe in his hands. In reality, he learned his craft at a camp in the Texas Hill Country that he attended as a boy. He and his fellow campers would pass the day working on various projects for woodshop. He was always interested in music, and in high school he began tearing apart guitars and putting them back together. Somewhere, something clicked. Marchione enrolled at the University of Houston, absorbing all he could about musical theory and instruments for three years before heading to Boulder, Colorado to further his studies. Having earned his music degree, Marchi-

one did what generations of artists and musicians before him had done: He moved to New York. “I had my music degree and I wanted a job as a guitar-maker, so I went out and got one, apprenticing,” he remembers. There followed an impressive run in New York City. He opened his own studio in Manhattan in 1993 and made his way as a businessman and master luthier in that largest and most competitive of cities. But as the years passed, the New York he loved started to fade. What was once a vibrant neighborhood full of guitar- and violin-makers slowly gave way to retail and office space. “It’s all gone now,” he shares. “All the makers I know have moved—either up the Hudson River Valley or way out in Brooklyn or New Jersey.” When it came time for Marchione to move, months after the September 11 terrorist attacks

Two Cats Communications

A violin-in-progress awaits Marchione’s attention.

A finished ’59 Burst Semi-Hollow Maple Top in Marchione’s studio.

Courtesy: Marchione Guitars

devastated the city and prevented him from reaching his studio for two and a half weeks, Houston— and Montrose, in particular—was a natural choice. “Montrose is very much like the older, lower Manhattan that I loved. It feels a lot like the East Village and West Village in the late ’80s and ’90s,” he says. He’s been here ever since. These days, he runs a small operation consisting of two seasoned woodworkers and an apprentice or two—an integral part of the studio system, particularly for someone who’s seen his craft, and the opportunity to learn it, disappear in an increasingly digital age. “There’s a lot less hands-on stuff for kids today,” Marchione laments. “I come from a generation where there used to be so much shop class! I think it wired my brain to understand how to make things. I do feel an

“My guitars feel like driving a Porsche compared to most guitars, which feel like driving a Toyota.” —Stephen Marchione

obligation to keep the tradition alive. I want to train people to do higher-level work.” In the meantime, his instruments are coveted throughout the industry, fully worth a price tag that can run into the tens of thousands. Houston-born jazz guitarist Mike Moreno is among Marchione’s most devoted clients. The moment he picked up one of Marchione’s creations, he knew he was holding something special. “When I first played Marchione’s Semi-Hollow electric guitar, it was the weight and width that was the main difference I noticed,” Moreno explains. “It’s half the weight of a Gibson 335. Then the way the woods connect and vibrate when you play it…. The sustain and balance of the guitar is very special. A chord rings like it does on a piano. It’s a pure sound.” The guitar he’s referring to— the ’59 Burst Semi-Hollow Maple

Top—is Marchione’s spin on a classic Gibson 335, and his most popular product. But all kinds of variations come out of his studio—archtops, acoustics, basses, and even the occasional violin to keep him honest. “My real teacher was Guy Rabut, a violin maker in New York City,” he says. “Even now, I build a guitar like I build a violin—it’s that precisely glued.” But guitars are where his true passion lies. “There’s a lot more creative leeway with guitars,” he explains. “I’ll take a few basic parameters, but I have the flexibility of making my own shapes and f-holes and headstocks.” He grabs a ’59 Burst from off the wall and gives it a strum. Anyone could see that he’s right at home.

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THE ULTIMATE STEAK EXPERIENCE

S PE CIA L A DV E RT IS ING S E CT ION

FEED YOUR NEEDS

Forget Chinese, French, or Italian. You’ve come all the way to Texas — home of the steer — and you want some meat. From mouthwatering rib-eyes to succulent strips, the best steaks in the country can be found right here. Because there’s nothing better than that first bite of premium beef grilled to perfection, we’ve rounded up a list of some of the best steakhouses in Houston. At each one you’ll find fine dining, excellent service, extensive wine lists, and prime cuts of beef you will be raving about for days.

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S PE CIA L A DV E RT IS ING S E CT ION

Houston: III FORKS

The Prime Cit y FOR Prime Beef The Capital Grille A classic steakhouse offering all of your surefire favorites, The Capital Grille has been wowing Galleria diners for years. Start your evening with one of the coldest martinis in town, then take our recommendation and throw a dart at the menu— the talented kitchen staff won’t let you down.

1001 McKinney St. (Downtown) 713.659.3700 mortons.com

The Palm

5365 Westheimer Road (Galleria) 713.623.4600

Ruth’s Chris Steak House For a romantic steak dinner, an important business meeting, or a private party, Ruth’s Chris Steak House can accommodate your needs. The Houston restaurant provides guests with a warm, comfortable atmosphere. Ruth’s Chris Steak House is centrally located in the heart of Houston next to the Aloft Hotel. 5433 Westheimer Road (Galleria) 713.480.1433

thecapitalgrille.com

ruthschris.com

Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steak House III Forks Steakhouse Houston is a contemporary take on the classic upscale steakhouse, featuring a lively bar and lounge area with menu items ranging from USDA Prime beef to ocean-fresh seafood as well as lighter, local favorites. As you enter, the foyer welcomes you with an array of over 1,500 fine wines from the spectacular glass wine room.

Opulent and romantic, Del Frisco’s in Houston is located in an elegant two-story space with sweeping windows, offering guests a luxurious dining experience. This location offers something you won’t find in any other Houston steakhouse with their New Orleans-inspired “lagniappe” menu. 5061 Westheimer Road (Galleria) 713.355.2600

Shula’s Steakhouse The Palm proudly serves USDA prime-aged beef, jumbo Nova Scotia lobster, heritage Italian entrées, and premium seafood cooked to perfection with service and an atmosphere not found anywhere else. The Palm’s philosophy is simple: Treat guests like family, serve great food, and always exceed expectations.

Owned by Football Hall of Fame coach turned restaurateur Don Shula, this fine dining restaurant features the Shula Cut® premium black angus beef. “We feature the biggest and best steaks, so it’s fitting to be here in Texas— where everything is bigger,” says Don Shula. The 48-ounce porterhouse is seared to perfection.

1201 Fannin, Suite 129 713.658.9457

delfriscos.com

6100 Westheimer Road (Galleria) 713.977.2544

1200 Louisiana St. (Downtown) 713.375.4777

iiiforks.com

Fleming’s Steakhouse

thepalm.com

donshula.com

Pappas Bros. Steakhouse

Smith and Wollensky

B&B Butchers & Restaurant Set in an old converted bakery, this Washington corridor favorite has everything you want in a steakhouse—from exclusive, dry-aged cellar cuts to a decadent selection of seafood. Settle in with the exposed brick of the industrial-chic dining room, or opt for a spot on the sprawling rooftop bar, which comes replete with an unbeatable view of downtown. 1814 Washington Ave (Washington) 713.862.1814 bbbutchers.com

Bob’s Steak and Chop House Ranked as one of the top steakhouses in the country, this traditional American prime steakhouse combines simple elegance, a lively atmosphere, big drinks, fine wines, and large cuts of the finest prime steaks, chops, and seafood with service that’s a cut above.

The restaurant offers the finest USDA Prime beef, available both wet- and dry-aged and broiled at 1,600 degrees or iron-crusted. Steak companions include truffle-poached lobster, Diablo shrimp, and king crab topped with caviar. Each dish is crafted from scratch by the culinary team and served by skillful staff. 2405 W. Alabama St. (River Oaks) 713.520.5959 788 W. Sam Houston Parkway North (Town & Country) 713.827.1120 1201 Lake Woodlands Drive, The Woodlands 281.362.0103 flemingssteakhouse.com

Mastro’s Steakhouse

bobs-steakandchop.com

One of Houston’s newest steakhouses, Mastro’s is also one of its very best. Set in Tilman Fertitta’s dazzling Post Oak, this elegant restaurant is redefining fine dining. An elevated menu, featuring over 16 steaks and chops, is sure to please discerning palates, while nightly live music pairs perfectly with a selection from the impeccable wine list.

Brenner’s Steakhouse on the Bayou

1650 West Loop S (Galleria) 713.993.2500

1700 Research Forest Drive, The Woodlands 281.292.2627

For generations, Houston diners have chosen Brenner’s to mark a special occasion or to indulge in an excellent dining experience. It also features an unparalleled Sunday Brunch and Blue, a luxurious high-energy patio bar. Menu offerings also include favorites such as crunchy German potatoes and apple strudel. 1 Birdsall St. (Memorial) 713.868.4444 brennerssteakhouse.com/bayou

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mastrosrestaurants.com

Morton’s The Steakhouse Morton’s, part of the Landry family of restaurants, opened in 1996 as one of the first fine dining steakhouses in the Galleria area. Morton’s has become a regular for the Houston social scene, athletes, lawyers, and oil professionals, and was recently updated with the addition of Bar 12.21. 5000 Westheimer Road (Galleria) 713.629.1946

Pappas Bros. has two locations in Houston—the original in the Galleria area and a newer one Downtown. They provide their guests with a dining experience like no other by putting immeasurable care into everything they do. They buy the highest-quality ingredients, use a timeless recipe, and cook it flawlessly each and every time. Discover for yourself why Pappas Bros. is ranked as one of the top steakhouses in the country. 5839 Westheimer Road (Galleria/Uptown) 713.780.7352 1200 McKinney Street (Downtown) 713.658.1995 pappasbros.com

Perry’s Steakhouse and Grille The comfortable, casual yet elegant restaurant serves hand-selected USDA-aged prime beef cuts that are brought in fresh daily. For a memorable dining experience, try one of its specialties, including Perry’s Famous Pork Chop, chateaubriand, and flaming desserts, or sample from a spectacular selection of world-class wines. 9827 Katy Freeway (Memorial) 832.358.9000 perryssteakhouse.com

The traditional green-and-white steakhouse is more than a neighborhood icon, but one of the most desirable destinations in the Houston social scene. Seating up to 350 guests indoors or on the outdoor patio, it’s the ultimate atmosphere for luxury dining and drinking. The restaurant serves USDA Prime steaks, premium seafood, and award-winning wines. 4007 Westheimer Road (Highland Village) 713.621.7555 smithandwollensky.com

Steak 48 If you’re looking for the best USDA prime beef Houston has to offer, look no further than Steak 48, where an in-house butcher hand cuts custom steaks before they’re cooked to perfection in an 1,800-degree broiler. With over 3,000 bottles in their impressive wine vault, treating yourself to a memorable meal has never been easier. 4444 Westheimer Road (Galleria) 713.322.7448 steak48.com

Vic and Anthony’s Located near Minute Maid Park, this premier steakhouse features an elegant, yet intimate atmosphere with an undeniable attention to detail. The award-winning menu features only the finest prime beef, fresh seafood, and more, as well as an extensive wine collection. 1510 Texas St. (Downtown) 713.228.1111 vicandanthonys.com All restaurants are located in Houston unless otherwise noted.

THE ORIGINAL COOL

Â®

SINCE 1926.

6100 Westheimer Road 713.977.2544 www.thepalm.com/Houston

Photo courtesy of Elaine Turner

Beautiful,

Brave,

Bold and

Houston entrepreneur ELAINE TURNER on fashion, philanthropy, and the future. BY MARY CATE STEVENSON AND NOAH NOFZ

dds are, you haven’t met Elaine Turner, the Houston designer and philanthropist who’s reshaping the retail landscape with her fashion and lifestyle brand. But step into one of her eight eponymous storefronts, and you’ll get a pretty good idea of what she’s about—gorgeous, glam, and community-oriented, each Elaine Turner space sparkles with the personality and passion of their founder. Open the door, and it’s like stepping into your fashionable

best friend’s massive walk-in closet. You’re greeted by glittering jewelry displays, plush, hot-pink couches, and a mirrored, floorto-ceiling shoe display that would make Carrie Bradshaw swoon. It’s the sort of place that creates instant comfort—a bold boutique where you can play dress-up with your glamorous girlfriends. No surprise, Elaine’s story is just as compelling—an entrepreneurial saga that journeys from Houston to New York and back, from Tootsies to Neiman’s, from a traditional retail space to the ever-changing digital landscape of

tomorrow. (Beautiful brick-andmortar boutiques are just the half of it—this is the digital age, and Turner is busy innovating new and modern ways to serve the best of her brand to her customers.) She was raised in a home headed by business owners, a pair of independent spirits who successfully instilled the values of entrepreneurship in each of their children. With her parents’ example to guide her, Elaine knew she’d march in her own unique direction. “I think of myself first and foremost as an entrepreneur,” Elaine shares. “Really, I’m a creator. My

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dad was an entrepreneur, and my mom is, too. Each of my siblings has created their own path.” “It’s a unique breed of people that choose something like entrepreneurship, or working for an entrepreneur,” she continues. “All the way down the pipeline, there’s a vibe of not following the norm. You invest so much of yourself, and you have a unique responsibility. It takes a lot of courage and a lot of risk.” That degree of wildcatter confidence is a rare trait, but it’s one that defines Elaine Turner—her brand, her team, and the community she’s building. Like all forms of strength, it was developed over time. Like all journeys, the road was winding. It’s sprinkled with the glamour of success and the charming, chin-up determination that defines true Texans. If you don’t know her, you want to. This is Elaine Turner.

On the Come Up

Head Turners Versatility and laidback luxury are key to Elaine Turner’s Spring 2018 product line. Materials like cork and fine leather add a refined flair to shoes and accessories, while pops of color and bold prints evoke Elaine’s Texas roots.

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Born and raised in Houston, Elaine and her husband Jim were living in New York City when the seed of the Elaine Turner brand took root. Elaine started to experiment with making handbags, producing her take on classic designs of the ’50s and ’60s. But she and Jim were ready to start a family, away from the bustle of New York. Though the move back to Texas was family-oriented, it also led to Elaine’s first big break. “When my husband and I moved back to Houston, I decided to start making samples, which I sold to Tootsies,” Elaine explains. Since 1975, Tootsies has been a leader in luxury style. As the first Houston boutique to carry European imports, its reputation is dazzling, and its shelves are coveted real estate. But Elaine wasn’t done. “As my work evolved, I thought ‘What am I trying to do with this?’” Determined to explore her options, Elaine started expanding her reach and diversifying her skills. “I began selling wholesale to Neiman Marcus, and I learned more about being a merchant,” she explains. The experience revealed a whole new world of possibility. She was already creating fantastic products—why not sell them on

her own terms? “I began to think, ‘I want to service and express my products in my own way,’” she recalls. Over time, that idea evolved into their first brick-and-mortar location, a pretty pink boutique in Houston’s Rice Village, one of the city’s oldest and most eclectic shopping districts. Needless to say, it was a success.

“ The glamorous undertone of what I do is rooted in being from Texas.” ELAINE TURNER

“Elaine’s aesthetic and brand sensibility speak to the Texas woman,” explains her husband and Elaine Turner CEO Jim Turner. “We are glamorous, yet down-to-earth and REAL. The community in Houston is like no other. It’s a ‘can-do’ city with a big heart. Entrepreneurs thrive here, and the city gets behind its own. I honestly can’t imagine being any other place.” “Texas is a huge part of my story,” Elaine agrees. “I like to think of Texas women as having very bold spirits. They’re known for not being afraid of color, for not being afraid to express themselves. The glamorous undertone of what I do is rooted in being from Texas.” It’s an influence that goes beyond mere style. “Texas is a huge part of not just my company, but who I am as a human being, the way I’ve raised my kids, and how I engage in my life,” she adds. “We truly are the gateway to the West. We’re the frontier. We’re not dependent on anyone. I think Texas represents this idea of no holds barred, can-do spirit. We overcome. And when you live here, you feel that energy around you.”

That energy—and look—has defined her brand for over a decade. By mixing a timeless foundation with modern flair, Elaine Turner pulls off a rare, multi-generational appeal. “Ladylike, classic design has always been an underpinning of what we do,” Elaine says. “When I started creating bags, my inspirations were the iconic women of the ’50s and ’60s. One of our very first bags was called the Jackie bag, after Jackie Onassis. Next, we did the Grace Kelly bag. They were very structured, refined, and polished in design.” Indeed, it was the Jackie bag that helped put Elaine on the map when she launched her business in 2000. Her material of choice—finely-woven raffia that lends the bag a timeless grace— has become a staple of her line. “As we’ve evolved, that classicism is still there, but now we pride ourselves on versatility,” Elaine continues. “Anything that we design, you can wear in any way that suits your style.” That’s true for not only her bags, which can be found sporting anything from an elegant gold chain to an embroidered guitar strap, but also the products she’s developed since starting out. Shoes were the first addition to her line. Like the handbags, Elaine’s footwear brings superior style—fine materials like velvety washed leather or eye-catching cork are put to use in a variety of vibrant hues. But even more impressive than the line’s artistry is its comfort—each pair, from heels to flats, boasts a pillowy memory foam lining. Apparel came next. Designed for flawless functionality, the brand uses the highest quality fabrics, such as as Georgette, Silk Charmeuse, and Crepe de Chine, to round out their luxurious pieces. The last addition to the Elaine Turner lifestyle brand was jewelry. They say the devil is in the details, and it took time for Elaine to find the right finishing touches for her line. “We started making jewelry about two years ago, but we were sourcing the manufacturing, and it wasn’t as dynamic as we wanted it to be,” she shares. Enter

Photos courtesy of Elaine Turner

Courtesy: H Town Restaurant Group

Photo courtesy of CITYCENTRE

Each of Elaine Turner’s eight boutiques brims with warm lighting, inviting seating, and pops of her signature shade of hot pink, chosen in part as a tribute to her mother’s battle with breast cancer.

H O U S TO N H OT E L M A G A Z I N E

Amy Dust, a versatile designer who had already been applying her skills to Elaine’s handbag line. Amy approached Elaine about hand-making a few pieces directly from the Elaine Turner headquarters in Houston, using locally-sourced materials. “Design is a very organic process. A large part of my inspiration comes directly from the materials,” Dust explains. What better way to evoke Texas spirit than to use Texas materials? Her first few pieces flew off the displays and opened the door for much bigger things. “Amy is a designer through and through,” Elaine affirms. “She’s a blessing.” Now, she’s responsible for creating the entire Elaine Turner jewelry line, all of which is painstakingly handcrafted just minutes from Elaine’s flagship store. Needless to say, it’s been a rollercoaster journey for the ambitious team. Eleven years and seven addi-

tional storefronts later, Elaine Turner is setting the bar for Houston retail—and she has her sights set even higher.

Redefining Retail in the Digital Age Even as you read this, the digital landscape is changing. The world is faster paced than ever, and consumer behavior is evolving alongside our gadgets. For Elaine Turner, service has always been a main pinnacle of the brand. As the service landscape changes, she’s working hard to stay ahead of the curve. “The next phase of the business is all about how we service the customer,” Elaine confides. “Today, the customer is totally different; her behavior is not dependent on walking into brick-andmortar stores. We’re focused on creating innovative ways to reach her that fit into her lifestyle.” Indeed, that’s the most significant puzzle in the minds of merchants across the globe. Lacking

a viable solution, many businesses have suffered in the face of the online market. Elaine’s team, however, has exciting solutions on the horizon. “The world has become so fast-paced—it’s all about ‘How can you meet my needs quickly?’” Elaine explains. “This industry is being turned upside down. It’s an interesting time for retail and an interesting time for brands. There’s a lot of excitement ahead.” The key, then, as the industry flips, is to jump right along with it. Though you won’t find one of her stores outside of Texas, the Elaine Turner brand has never been more accessible. “We have a direct sales division of stylists across the country,” Elaine explains. It’s a pretty fabulous amenity, too— shoppers from coast to coast can connect with a professional for a complimentary styling session, or even arrange a private shopping social with friends. “We’ve seen incredible success

Photos this page courtesy of Elaine Turner

with the stylists and how they’re working one-on-one with clients,” says Elaine. “So we’re going to take that seed of success and make it even more modern and up-to-date with a ‘try it on for free’ box program.” For a brand that’s known for their down-to-earth friendliness, the box program seems like the perfect marriage of digital convenience and the intimacy of a personal stylist. “As brands, we all have to stay true to what we offer and what we do best,” Elaine explains. “When a new challenge arises, I have to go back to my roots, which are intimacy and connection and friendliness. You have to always remain true to who you are. We want to be your best friend. We have value and glamour at a good price, and we’re very involved in community building and philanthropy. That’s what we do best.” Jim agrees. “Our value and quality set us apart from a product standpoint, and our direct-to-consumer approach makes us agile and adaptable in a market that demands ease and convenience.” He adds, “If I had to name our main key brand differentiator, it’s simple—it’s Elaine. Her giving heart, meaningful wisdom, and passion for helping women are what truly sets our brand apart. It is unique to have a brand ambassador who truly lives and breathes the mission.”

A Giving Heart A leader through and through, Elaine’s ambassadorship for the business extends beyond bold, beautiful style—the brand also highly values community building and philanthropy. “I want to be a positive light for

The River Performing and Visual Arts Center is a program within Theatre Under the Stars, or TUTS, a Houston-based nonprofit that brings musical theater productions—from locally-produced performances to full-scale Broadway shows—into town. It is dedicated to providing accessible, affordable fine arts education to young people with different abilities and their siblings, and it’s become a beloved Houston institution. Elaine Turner has been supwomen,” Elaine says. “Ultimately, porting the program since 2011. we use our platform to give back. “Elaine’s commitment to When we began opening our Theatre Under The Stars and our stores, we realized that we could use River Performing and Visual Arts the space to bring people together. Center means the world to us,” Our stores are a place for women to says Donna Nisenson, Manager of gather, educate, and inspire.” Special Events and Development “We host over 300 give-back at TUTS. “From shopping parties events a year across our eight at her stores to incredible donastores,” notes Marketing Manager tions for numerous TUTS events, Meredith Wierick. “PhilanthroElaine has been a constant source of generosity and support. We were fortunate to honor Elaine at our River and Humphreys School Celebration this past fall. Selecting Elaine was an easy choice because of her tireless efforts in arts education for children with disabilities and their siblings.” Truly, philanthropy is an encompassing mainstay of the Elaine Turner brand, and it’s brought the business close to the community it serves. “This is a part of our DNA,” says Jim. “We exist to become a part of the ELAINE TURNER framework of each community we do business in—that’s essential to our brand purpose.” py is one of the major pillars of Ever the eloquent brand the brand. We focus heavily on ambassador, Elaine says it best: “I women’s and children’s charities, love art, and I love fashion, and because Elaine’s passion lies with I love creating, but there’s really those two areas.” nothing more beautiful than creElaine and Jim’s love for those ating a sense of connection and charitable causes is rooted in a bringing people together.” powerful place: their family. “We “We’re here to do good and are very involved with breast can- raise awareness, and create a cer, because my mother has Stage sense of compassion,” she affirms. IV breast cancer,” Elaine shares. “The greatest gift that we were “We also have a special needs given as human beings is our daughter. She’s thirteen, and she capacity for empathy, and if we was born with a genetic abnorexercise that, there’s no limit to mality that she manifests similarly what we can do.” to high-functioning autism. So we A fitting motto for Elaine work with many autism nonprofTurner, the bold and beautiful its, including Autism Speaks, No Houston designer who’s accomAutism, Autism Rescue Angels, plished so much. and Best Buddies. We also love to work with The River.”

“I want to be a positive light for women. Ultimately, we use our platform to give back.”

Elaine to a T The Byrdie clutch in turquoise catches eyes with its geometric raffia weave, while bright feathers and golden bamboo detailing enliven the Keating clutch in cork. Below, Turner’s clothing line and accessories are at once refined and relaxed, comfortable and convenient.

BLUE

Two Cats Communications

Founder Brock Wagner surveys Saint Arnoldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s limited edition Bishop Barrel brews.

RIBBON Saint Arnold Brewing Company is the Best MidSize Operation in the Nation.

BEERS

BY NOAH NOFZ AND MARY CATE STEVENSON

From Humble Home Brewer to Craft Beer King Microbreweries have worked their way into consumers’ hearts in the soundest possible way—through their stomachs. But the superiority of micro-brewed beer wasn’t always as obvious as it is today. Indeed, the very existence of craft beer was a mystery to most. It was certainly a mystery to Brock Wagner, who didn’t discover great beer till his college days. “I started to realize that there was more to the world than just the bland light beer that people were drinking at college parties,” he explains. The RA of his dorm took note, and did what any responsible RA would do: Introduced Wagner to home-brewing. “That opened up a whole new world of flavors and creativity,” he recalls. “It’s a lot like cooking, which I already loved to do. You mix that with a passion for beer, and you could actually brew styles that you couldn’t necessarily buy commercially. Either because they weren’t available, or in a few cases because nobody was brewing those styles anymore.” “Down here in Texas, there wasn’t a craft beer scene,” he goes

Saint Arnold Brewing Company

eeting brock wagner at Saint Arnold Brewing Company feels like meeting a kid in a candy store. Never mind that Wagner founded the company 24 years ago and can be found working long hours most days—you get the sense that he’s just as excited to be there as the legions of fans that show up for twice-daily (thrice on Saturday) guided tours. Wagner’s enthusiasm, his belief in what he’s doing, is what allowed Saint Arnold to survive as the first microbrewery in Texas, long before craft beer was even a gleam in the average consumer’s eye. You can taste it in the beers that he and his team create, from the Amber Ale that started it all to more recent efforts, like a collaboration with local James Beard Award-winning chef Hugo Ortega. But beneath his easy-going charm, Wagner is a fiercely independent businessman with a serious mission: Saint Arnold is here to stay, craft-crushing Budweisers of the world be damned. And Houston is the better for it.

on. “Sierra Nevada came into the market around 1985. I would go buy Sierra Nevada Pale Ale, and it would have about an inch of sediment in the bottom of it.” Beer, it should be noted, is also in the family. “The first beer I brewed was called Edouard Lafayette Stout, after my greatH O U S TO N H OT E L M A G A Z I N E

Clockwise from above: Brock Wagner in the Saint Arnold Beer Hall. ❚ Saint Arnold’s Fancy Lawnmower, a German-style kölsch synonymous with Houston summers. ❚ The Wurst of der Week, available at the Saint Arnold Beer Hall. ❚ Wagner’s love of Houston is on proud display at Saint Arnold. ❚ Raise a glass to the oldest craft brewery in Texas.

Brock Wagner

Owner, Saint Arnold Brewing Company

H O U S TO N H OT E L M A G A Z I N E

Photos courtesy of Saint Arnold Brewing Company

“my great-great grandfather... started the oldest bar in san francisco. so alcohol runs in the blood.”

what my hurdle was. And lo and brews on tap at all of the best bars behold, I’m able to put food on the in Houston, and no Texas grocer table, I have a roof over my head, worth its salt is without an assortand I’m putting a kid through ment of Saint Arnold six-packs. college. So it’s all worked out.” Ordinarily, it’s easy to take What Wagner didn’t see something so ubiquitous for coming—what he couldn’t have granted. Not so for Saint Arnold. seen coming—was the craft beer Every sip of their beer shines boom that has since captivated with fantastic flavors and supethe palates of beer-lovers across rior mouthfeel. The secret, per America. “I never expected it Wagner, is simple: “Use the fewest to grow the way it has,” Wagner number of ingredients to achieve marvels. “There were fewer than what you’re after,” he advises. great grandfather,” Wagner says. 100 shipping craft breweries when It’s a philosophy that’s served “He started the oldest bar in San I started looking at opening Saint him well, underpinning everyFrancisco. So alcohol runs in the Arnold.” By the time he actually thing from his Amber Ale (still blood.” With a stout in the bag, opened, that number had risen to brewed according to the original there followed a porter—darker just shy of 200. The count today? 1994 recipe) to the bolder, heavier beers are “easier and more forgiv- Over 6,000, with the greater Bishop Barrel brews, a series of ing” to brew for beginners—and Houston area alone accounting small-batch beers aged in wood finally a pale ale. for almost 50. barrels that once held anything But lives are rarely led along diHere’s an anecdote that’s aged from cognac to tequila. rect paths, and Wagner’s has been particularly well: When it was time While he still pitches in with no different. Although he’d long to name his company, Wagner new brews, Wagner has assemdreamed of owning a business, took inspiration from Arnold of bled a crack team of beer lovers starting a brewery, while it’s never Soissons, the patron saint of brew- to innovate recipes, fostering an been easy, was practically unheard ers who, in the eleventh century, open-minded company culture of thirty years ago. “I ran the encouraged peasants to drink that welcomes suggestions from numbers and didn’t think I could beer as a healthier alternative to anyone on the crew. (The day make any money,” Wagner admits. soiled local water. Today, Wagner we meet, he’s getting ready to So he did what most people have has risen to something approacharrange a batch of test brews to do at one point or another: He ing canonical status himself; cooked up by an avid home-brewswitched tracks and worked on there’s an argument to be made er who works on the packaging Plan B, landing a job in investment that the craft beer scene that line.) Much of that innovation banking. It was, in many ways, the so many Texans enjoy wouldn’t comes from the creative mind responsible thing to do. But it left be where it is today without his of Brewing Operations Manager a creative void in Wagner’s life that leadership. Aaron Inkrott. refused to subside. Inkrott has traveled his own “I realized that money wasn’t unique journey to the suds The Brew’s the Thing my motivator,” he explains. “I sphere—a fact that many of his In the 24 years since its inception, wanted to do something I was colleagues have in common. Saint Arnold has grown from truly passionate about. So I went fledgling outsider to a 67,000-bar- “Most brewers had some other back, looked at those numbers rels-per-year powerhouse, ditching career before they got into the again, and decided that I could industry,” he says. After spending its “micro” label and picking up keep food on the table, a roof over Best Mid-Size Brewery of the Year ten years in the music industry my head, and hopefully put a kid honors at the 2017 Great American working as a recording engineer through college one day. That’s Beer Festival. You can find Brock’s and producer, Inkrott had had

enough of the light-on-content, big-on-image scene. When he came into brewing, he knew he’d found his sweet spot. “I realized that a brewer is kind of the marriage of the recording engineer and the artist. They’re doing the engineering and science behind formulating and brewing a recipe, and then finally they create this tangible product people can enjoy. That’s kind of how I got into brewing—it had everything I loved about the music industry, but I could be the musician and the engineer all in one.” If it sounds like a dream job, you’re not far off the mark. Not only is Inkrott spending his days engineering (and tasting) the next great Texas brew, he’s exploring equally fascinating avenues for inspiration. “The longer I’m in this industry, the more I realize I need to find inspiration outside of beer,” he explains. “I’m a huge fanatic of wine and cocktails, so I get inspiration from that. I also take inspiration from baking pies.” It may sound far-fetched, but brewing requires a fair amount of culinary skill. Inkrott knows his hops, and he’s also tapped into the effects of everything from yeast varieties to the subtleties of flavor that arise from different periods of aging. “We have a beer that has a lot of cherry flavor, and we use this yeast that creates a kind of almond, powdered sugar aroma,” he says. “I really like finding inspiration outside of beer and bringing it to fruition.”

Building Community Through Beer Saint Arnold has achieved greatness. With the distinction of being Texas’ first craft brewery, plus a slew of award-winning brews and the honors, the only question is: What’s next? “Our mission is to build community through our passion for beer,” Wagner explains. “And it turns out that beer is a great way to build community.” In keeping with their mission, Saint Arnold has community-oriented plans for 2018. Currently, the company boasts a magnificent community element,” he explains. brewery and popular tap room, “When you get too far afield, it’s all housed in a repurposed East hard to have that kind of spirit. Downtown warehouse. “We wantWe’re in Texas and Louisiana. ed to be somewhere that Houston And our plan is to grow and could be proud of,” says Wagner. expand and sell our beer in Texas Not one to opt for the easy soluand Louisiana.” tion, he forewent building someWhen the community’s as thing out of town and moved into strong as it is in Houston, it’s easy an existing historical structure. to understand why businesses “I wanted to find an old building, and I got lucky with this one,” choose to focus on their local market. “Without Houston, we he says proudly. “It’s a 100-yearwouldn’t exist,” Aaron Inkrott old building, and we completely affirms. “75% of our beer is still gutted and repurposed it. You sold in Houston, so we realize that couldn’t replace a building with we need to take care of the city as this kind of character.” well as it takes care of us.” Having achieved the perfect tap “I love Houston,” Wagner adds. room, Saint Arnold is expanding. “It’s the most welcoming place I’ve This summer, they’re opening a ever been. It’s incredibly pro-busibiergarten—right next door to ness. It’s a great place to work.” He their historical brewery. “We want pauses for a moment, then laughs. to keep the feeling of the neigh“And I actually like the climate borhood alive,” Wagner says. here!” That’s good news for HousFor anyone surprised that this ton—after 24 years as the head of expansion isn’t taking place outof-state, the reasoning is perfectly its most beloved brewery, it’s hard to imagine the city without him. sound. “Beer is a local tradition, and we’re really driven by the

“Our mission is to build community through our passion for beer. And it turns out that beer is a great way to build community.” Brock Wagner

Owner, Saint Arnold Brewing Company

Cheryl Schulke

Above: Stash Co.â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Market Bag and Modernist with wristlet strap in Dusty Cowboy. Right: Owner Cheryl Schulke in her studio.

H O U S TO N H OT E L M A G A Z I N E

Gary Griffin

The Haynes Mattress Factory, built in 1909, where Stash Co. produces its luxurious line.

Debora Small

STASH CO.’S HANDMADE

LUXURY Cheryl Schulke is Building Bags (and More) for Leaders BY MARY CATE STEVENSON AND NOAH NOFZ

s many stories do, this one one begins with a journey— a forty-minute trip west to the small Texas town of Sealy, where the land is mostly undeveloped and the sky is big and free. Down back roads and across train tracks, there waits a mattress factory. It looms large, tall and white against the Texas sky, with more than one hundred years of memories housed within its wooden walls. It is the old Haynes Mattress Factory, built in 1909, where Daniel Haynes showcased the

technology and skill that allowed his Sealy mattress brand to become a global success. Even today, tufts of soft cotton sit in holding bins, alongside the massive, patented technology that turned out tens of thousands of mattresses throughout much of the twentieth century. The machinery creaked to a halt over 40 years ago, but the spirit of innovation they represent lives on. Today, a small team of dedicated artisans uses the space to build beautiful, handmade leather goods under the name of Stash Co. Each piece designed by owner Cheryl

Schulke—from totes to journals to elegant minimalist clutches—is brought to life using vintage tools, hand-selected hides, and the kind of old-fashioned ingenuity that makes Texas famous. The result? Genuinely unique products—the ultimate luxury in a world defined by consumer culture and mass production. “I sell to leaders—I don’t sell to followers,” Cheryl explains. “I sell to people who want a one-of-akind piece that gets you followed around in the airport in Paris because people want to know, ‘Where H O U S TO N H OT E L M A G A Z I N E

Gary Griffin

“ONE OF THE THINGS ABOUT BEING A MAKER IS THAT, IF YOU DON’T KNOW THE RULES, YOU CAN BREAK ’EM.” —Cheryl Schulke

H O U S TO N H OT E L M A G A Z I N E

Two Cats Communications

shop and offered Cheryl a fateful swap—a few photos for a cowhide. “I thought, ‘Okay, I don’t know what I’m going to do with that,’” Cheryl laughs. “So I hung it over the back of the chair for months, and the Round Top Antiques Festival came up.” Cheryl was keen to head to the festival with her camera gear, but she didn’t have the right vessel for her equipment. “I didn’t want a bag that everybody else had,” she says. “So I cut the cowhide, I took an old belt out of the closet, and I made myself a bag with my home sewing machine. I went out to Round Top, and I couldn’t believe it—I got stopped like 50 times. People were asking, ‘Where’d you get that bag?’” In a cosmic twist, the woman who traded her the hide talked Cheryl out of that first bag—this time swapping her another, bigger cowhide. Five bags later, it was clear that Cheryl had hit upon something. For their next anniversary, Cheryl’s husband, entrepreneur and Stash Co. CFO Paul Forde, gifted her an industrial sewing machine. Armed with the right equipment, the dream took off. “I decided to make a business out of it,” she says. But she knew she had a steep learning curve ahead. With an architect for a father and a husband equally as innovative as she, Cheryl’s workshop quickly blossomed into a laboratory of self-determination and invention. “I am self-taught,” Cheryl explains. “Every day is university around here, even after 12 years.” She’s an enthusiastic student. “I grew up in the hardware, construction, and lumber business, so my husband and I have developed unique techniques and tricks that utilize those concepts—we use all kinds of crazy stuff that isn’t found in a normal saddlemaker shop,” she says. “We have a vacuum press machine downstairs, that Paul actually built for me, and we use it to compress two layers of leather together. That’s a woodworkers’ technique—I don’t know any The Best Stories Break the Rules After the birth of her first daughter, leather workers who do that. But one of the nice things about being Cheryl turned back to her roots. a maker is that, if you don’t know She dabbled in creative writing, the rules, you can break ’em.” taught yoga, and returned to Technique isn’t the only photography, a longtime interest. thing that sets Stash Co. apart An early client owned an antique did you get that bag?’” Cheryl is a maker through and through, born with an enterprising spirit that was passed on from generations past. With an architect-carpenter as a father and grandparents who purchased the Haynes Mattress Factory in the middle of the last century and swiftly added upholstery and decorating businesses to their operations, hers is a legacy of innovation. “I worked here [at the factory] when I was in high school, and I think that might have struck a love for textiles with me,” she muses. “That fueled my creativity.” As did the rural Texas landscape, with all those wide open spaces waiting for the right imagination to fill them up. “What did you do to entertain yourself? You went skipping stones at the pond, or exploring in the woods with a notebook to write. That’s all there was to do, and I think all of those things fueled my creativity.” “Raising things from nothing,” she adds, “was essential to my growing up.” As a maker, designer, and business owner, it’s essential to her adulthood, too. But Cheryl’s professional career did not immediately revolve around those gifts—she spent years traveling the world as a corporate leader in the technology industry, working 90-hour weeks and selling the intangible. Though her position required leadership and innovation, something was missing.

from the industry. As dedicated as Cheryl is to her process, she’s equally focused on the materials with which she’s building. “I call myself a collector, and materials are what inspire me,” she shares. “I’m a storyteller as an individual and a writer, so I’m looking for materials that have a story, that look interesting. Every single hide you get is completely different.” Those very differences are what companies churning out mass-produced products desperately seek to stamp out. But they’re part of the magic to Cheryl. “I want to see all the natural beauty—the marks, the scratches,” she says. “When you buy something from us, it’s going to accumulate story as it ages. Some people want perfection—I think the story is the perfection.” Pick up any piece, and you’ll discover the truth in this sentiment. The bags of Stash Co. are a study in story. Organic, burnished edges celebrate the individuality of every hide. Some pieces even bear the original brands from the cattle that once grazed in the Texas prairies. That’s not something you’ll find in other brands, where uniformity is key—and wastefulness is second nature. “When we’re done cutting a hide, there’s not enough left to wipe the sweat off your forehead,” Cheryl says with a smile.

Cheryl Schulke

Made in Texas, Carried Around the World A winning combination of creative and pragmatic, Cheryl isn’t solely concerned with the beauty of her materials. “Cowhides are like a piece of art. You have to balance usability and design with the art of it. I think we do that really well. I’m interested in functionality, in usability.” With each iteration, Stash Co.’s bags develop, subtly evolving for a customer base that moves fast and values the best. But even as Cheryl optimizes for functionality, she’ll never consider compromising quality. “A lot of people, once they figure something out, think, ‘How can I make this cheaper?’ Our focus is always on how to make it better.” Cheryl’s customer base recognizes that dedication to quality, and Stash Co. enjoys a loyal following that’s quick to recommend the brand. “It’s a passion thing,” Cheryl explains. “People who find us really love us. They give our things to their friends as gifts. The leaders collect, and they come back because they can’t wait to be the leader in what’s next.” As evidenced by her product line, her customers favor travel, and that’s led to a growing international recognition. Stash Co. bags can be found from India to Australia to Singapore, splashed across Europe, and even in New

Zealand and South Africa. “Never underestimate the value of word-of-mouth,” Cheryl says. “Houston is such an international city, so if someone comes in, word gets around. People come looking for things that were truly made in Texas that can’t be gotten anywhere else.” “I’ve been working and living in and around Houston for 25 years, so my heart is there. We have this love and openness to global culture, which I think Houston reflects,” she muses. With such a diverse client base, it makes sense that Stash Co.’s brick-and-mortar, Curate by Stash, is located in one of Texas’ biggest centers for tourism—and the place where Cheryl received that first cowhide. The tiny town of Round Top (population: 90) hosts an unbelievable, multi-week antiques fair in the spring and fall of every year. The festival attracts collectors from all over the world, and Stash Co.’s unique, handmade pieces have been a real hit. “I got to do the big fly-all-over-the-world job, but this one’s filling my soul,” Cheryl says. 2017 was a significant year for Stash Co.—their busiest yet. As the brand grows and garners further recognition, Cheryl reflects on what’s next for her business: “Less,” she says succinctly. “2018 is the year of ‘No,’ because I said ‘Yes’ to

everything in 2017. In 2017, we wet every line. We put corporate branding out there full throttle; we put wholesale out full throttle; we opened a brand-new, beautiful retail space in Round Top. In 2017, we did it all. So this year, we’re trying to figure out how to maximize the investments. We’re going to make our own way, put our ear to the ground.” “My goal in 2018 is to do more design and take more pictures. Tell more stories. My horoscope told me this is the year to write the book. We’ll see.”

Above left: The flags draped across Cheryl’s studio reflect her love of textiles. Above right: The Crossbody Astro bag in hair hide. Below: Stash Co.’s small Artisan Fyn bag in Camel.

Cheryl Schulke

Nâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S BES W O T T H

BRUNCHES SNAPPY HOURS

BARS &

BY MARY CATE STEVENSON

Jullie Soefer

VINO AND VITTLES AT THEODORE REX James Beard Award winner Justin Yu serves a rotating menu of globally-inspired, locally-sourced fare alongside an extensive international wine list in his intimate downtown bistro. Located in the historic Warehouse District, Theodore Rex reflects a cozy, rustic aesthetic with high ceilings, cushioned banquettes, and walls of exposed brick. Small plates are plentiful and popular, especially the raved-about Tomato Toast and the Italian Bread Dumplings. An excellent wine list, heavy on the bubbles, promises the perfect pairing for each dish. T. Rex is open Thursday through Monday from 5 to 10 p.m., and a happy hour special of half-off glasses of wine is offered from 5 to 6 p.m. Touted as one of the best spots in the city to sip and sup, we recommend making reservations in advance to claim your share of the restaurantâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s coveted 28 seats. 1302 Nance Street // (832) 830-8592 // trexhouston.com

3210 W Dallas Street // (713) 523-3210 // dineemmaline.com

Jenn Duncan

PICTURE PERFECT BRUNCH AT EMMALINE Come as you are to the most darling neighborhood restaurant in Houston. Set within a two-story vintage building, Emmaline boasts four unique, picturesque spaces that range from a garden-inspired sunroom to a wood-paneled central bar area with adjacent Hollywood-style booth seating. Within each stylish setting, guests nosh on delicious European-inspired American fare and choose from seasonal handcrafted cocktails, a dozen craft brews, and an array of wines drawn from a growing inventory of 200 European and American labels. Brunch is a must-try in this casually chic space. Choose from such delights as the Mascarpone Pancake Stack, a tower of temptation featuring berry and quince compote, candied pignoli, smoked syrup, and whipped butter, or the savory Wood-Fired Cioppino Bianco with prawns, mussels, clams, vermouth, tomato, fennel, and pearls. Brunch is served on Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Photo courtesy of Better Luck Tomorrow

EADO EVENING AT NANCY’S HUSTLE For an exciting evening out, choose Nancy’s Hustle. Smack dab in the middle of EaDo, Houston’s hippest up-and-coming neighborhood, this cozy, modern bistro is an unbeatable spot for dinner and drinks. The unique menu offers imaginative medium and large dishes, plus desserts. Notable fan favorites include Nancy Cakes, served with whipped butter and smoked trout roe; Turkish Dumplings with spicy tomato vinaigrette, labneh, and lamb jus; and Hanger Steak, served alongside herb-crusted potato pave and black truffle jus. The drinks offerings are equally unique and include house-crafted cocktails, sherrys, ciders, and all-natural wines. Happy hour is offered from 5 to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, and includes select discounted cocktails and beer, plus 20% off bottles of wine. Nancy’s Hustle is open Tuesday through Sunday from 5 p.m. till midnight. 704 Polk Street // (346) 571-7931 // nancyshustle.com

Chelsea Thomas

BRUNCH AND BAR BITES AT BETTER LUCK TOMORROW This playful concept from Houston Cocktail King Bobby Heugel (Anvil Bar & Refuge) and James Beard winner Justin Yu is a can’tmiss destination. Recently opened in the hip Houston Heights, Better Luck Tomorrow serves a seasonal menu of upscale bar bites, unique brunch offerings, plus craft cocktails, wine, and beer on tap in their simple, modern space. Settle down at a table in their interior room, cozy up to the colorfully-backlit bar, or opt for a spot on their casual patio. Brunch is a laid-back affair and boasts comfort food mains, such as Yeast Donuts with a warm sugar glaze, Custard French Toast with angostura crème fraiche and orange jelly, and Fried Chicken with Mashed Potatoes. Brunch drinks boast a range of updated classics, like a Tomatillo Bloody Mary and a Julep’d Toddy. Brunch is served Saturdays and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Better Luck Tomorrow is open seven days a week and closes at 2 a.m. 544 Yale Street // (713) 802-0845 // betterlucktomorrowhou.com

Photo courtesy of Hotel Alessandra

END-OF-DAY DRINKS AT BARDOT This luxurious lounge is perfectly-poised above the atrium within downtown’s sleek and stunning Hotel Alessandra. Indulge in a handcrafted cocktail in the Old World-inspired space while admiring the city lights through floor-to-ceiling windows. Named for the sultry French star, the décor is perfectly posh, with plush couches and a copper-trimmed wood paneled bar. Don’t miss the Alessandra, a standout signature cocktail made with Grey Goose L’Orange, cointreau, cranberry, and lime, and finished with an elegant orange twist. Bardot is open Sunday to Thursday from 3 p.m. to midnight and Friday and Saturday from 3 p.m. to 2 a.m. Enjoy happy hour offerings, such as gently-priced house wines, well drinks, and small light bites, Monday through Friday from 3 to 7 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday from 3 to 6 p.m. 1070 Dallas Street // (713) 242-8555 // hotelalessandra-houston.com

H O U S TO N H OT E L M A G A Z I N E

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CALENDAR

JUNE 7

Harry Styles, Kacey Musgraves Toyota Center

In Houston, we’ve got events to suit everyone’s style. Check our calendar for the best of the city’s culture and entertainment during your stay. Houston Hotel Magazine is not responsible for schedules or changes in venues. Please check with venues regarding cancellations and/or rescheduling of events.

H O U S TO N H OT E L M A G A Z I N E

Following the stellar reception of the first leg of the former One Direction singer’s headlining tour comes this new set of cities. His self-titled debut album was released last May and soared to the top of the charts around the world. In the U.S. it topped the Billboard 200-album chart with over 230,000 equivalent album units sold. Now the singer/actor is on the road with the brilliant young Texas performer (Same Trailer Different Park, Pageant Material) as an opening act.

april Downtown

APRIL 12-14

Smart Financial Centre (Sugar Land)

APRIL 14

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Art Car Weekend

CALENDAR

The weekend festivities include the Main Street Drag, Art Car Ball, and hundreds of thousands of spectators jamming downtown streets to get a view of the annual parade. It showcases Houston’s most outlandish folk art creations on four wheels (and less). The weekend is dedicated to vehicles ranging from wild to weird and back, and is produced by the Orange Show Center for Visionary Art.

Most Americans were formally introduced to the Fritch, Texas stand-up artist when he was a charter member of the heralded Blue Collar Comedy tours (along with Bill Engvall, Jeff Foxworthy, and Larry the Cable Guy). With his ever-present cigar and tumbler of Scotch in hand, these days he’s a bestselling author, and the kind of solo act who sells out performance halls all over.

APRIL 1

APRIL 4 *

APRIL 5-8

George R. Brown Convention Center

Heights Theater

Galveston

Music, fashion, art, and collectibles—it’s the latest and greatest from Japan’s catwalks, studios, and stages, at one of the largest anime conventions in North America.

Three friends formed a powerful musical experience featuring Brittany Howard (of Alabama Shakes), Becca Mancari, and Jesse Lafser.

See 100-foot-tall sailing vessels from the 1800s to modern times race. This is the first time it has landed in Texas via a port-to-port race from Galveston to Pensacola, Florida.

Anime Matsuri

Bermuda Triangle

Tall Ships Challenge

APRIL 5 * APRIL 2-3

Cy Twombly and Music, Da Camera The Menil Collection

Virtuoso flutist Claire Chase features works inspired by the artist’s paintings in the gallery dedicated to his work.

John Cleese

APRIL 6

Smart Financial Centre (Sugar Land)

Juilliard String Quartet, Da Camera

It’s a night of hilarious stories of life, career, and infamous unladen swallows. Plus, watch Monty Python and the Holy Grail in its entirety on the big screen.

Hobby Center for the Performing Arts

Founded in 1946, the ensemble has become a living American legend. “The most important American quartet in history… completely revitalized,” says The Boston Globe.

roles such as Day-Day Jones in Next Friday and its sequel, Friday After Next. He also appeared in The Hangover. APRIL 7

OMD

House of Blues

English musicians Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark formed in the 1970s and have been a significant force in electronica ever since. THROUGH AUGUST 5

Right Here, Right Now: San Antonio Contemporary Arts Museum Houston

The third iteration of this series focuses on Texas artists, featuring sculpture, painting, photography, drawing, ceramics, textiles, and performance.

THROUGH APRIL 29

APRIL 5

Main Street Theater (Rice Village)

Cullen Performance Hall (University of Houston)

In 1964, the infamous political ad played only once, but carved a deep scar. Based on actual events, the play explores a TV moment that forever changed how we elect our leaders.

The Tony Award-winning Broadway actress (You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown, Wicked) sits down for an intimate conversation and audience Q and A.

APRIL 3

APRIL 5 *

Violinist Benjamin Beilman performs Mendelssohn’s sparkling Violin Concerto, and conductor Andrey Boreyko leads selections from one of the world’s treasured ballet scores.

Warehouse Live

White Oak Music Hall (Downstairs)

APRIL 6-29

Named for a Dickens character, the prog rockers were among the genre’s elite in the 1970s, playing alongside peers including Black Sabbath and Deep Purple.

The singer/songwriter/actor/producer has blended funk, RNB, pop, and more into one distinctive sound.

This seven-piece New Orleans group deftly mixes jazz, hip-hop, funk, and rock in their high-energy live performances. Winners of NPR Music’s 2017 Tiny Desk Contest.

Hubbard Theatre

APRIL 7

Daisy

Miguel

Kristin Chenoweth

Tank and the Bangas

APRIL 6-8

Tchaikovsky’s Sleeping Beauty, Houston Symphony Jones Hall

Cleo, Alley Theatre

THROUGH APRIL 29

Smart Financial Centre (Sugar Land)

Dissent and Desire

The world premiere comedy focuses on the titanic love affair between Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton during the scandalous filming of Cleopatra.

Celebrate the 50th nniversary of the release of Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band with the group the AP calls “the next best thing to seeing The Beatles.”

Contemporary Arts Museum Houston

APRIL 7

Collaborators Sunil Gupta and Charan Singh present a series of documentary color photographs chronicling LGBTQ+ life in Delhi, India.

NRG Arena

APRIL 4

Rain: A Tribute to The Beatles

Mike Epps The comedian may be best known for movie

APRIL 7

Uriah Heep Dosey Doe Big Barn (The Woodlands)

Long Live the Queen, Ars Lyrica Houston Hobby Center for the Performing Arts

The program includes Bach’s rarely heard Trauerode, written for the 1717 funeral of Christiane Eberhardine of Saxony, and Handel's 1713 Ode for the Birthday of Queen Anne. *Editor’s Choice H O U S TO N H OT E L M A G A Z I N E

april

APRIL 19

APRIL 23

Cynthia Woods Mitchell HobbyPavilion Performing (The Arts Woodlands) Center

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Foo Fighters, The Struts

Sam Revention Houston Music RaceCenter Park

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CALENDAR

Former Nirvana drummer Dave Grohl’s once-upon-a-time side project became a driving force in alternative rock soon after forming in the 1990s. The Grammy-winning grunge group from Seattle is on tour promoting Concrete and Gold, an album of fresh music, which was released in late 2017. Houston is the second of three Texas dates for the band on this second leg of the tour. APRIL 7

Imparables featuring Adrian Uribe y Omar Chaparro Revention Music Center

APRIL 12

The veteran Mexican stars of Suave Patria and No Manches Frida are on tour with a live comedy show that’s getting rave reviews.

Dosey Doe Big Barn (The Woodlands)

Little River Band

APRIL 8

The Australian musical ensemble has been together for years, playing FM radio staples such as “Reminiscing” and “Help Is On It’s Way.”

The Grand 1894 Opera House (Galveston)

APRIL 12

An Evening with Sophia Loren

APRIL 13

APRIL 14

McGonigel’s Mucky Duck

The Post Oak at Uptown Houston

The universe of guitar heroes knows no boundaries for this magnificent triad who have enthralled listeners with a singular sound since forming in 1991.

Notable movers, shakers, and tastemakers gather for an epic evening tribute to the Golden Age of Hollywood in support of the Houston Grand Opera.

APRIL 13-14

APRIL 14

Moody Center for the Arts (Rice University)

Rockeller’s

With her rockabilly roots and a heartachemeets-honky-tonk voice, the country sweetheart shares the stage with the Houston favorite.

California Guitar Trio

EcoSono: Matthew Burtner

Opera Ball

Kelly Willis, Hayes Carll

The prolific career of this legendary Oscarwinning movie star spans over five decades. Former E.T. host Bill Harris conducts a Q&A from the audience.

Trailer Park Boys Irreverent, risqué, and completely off the wall, their documentary-style ensemble comedy is a laugh riot.

This innovative multimedia performance addresses climate change and the role the arts can play in shaping conversations around the future of the planet.

APRIL 10

APRIL 12

APRIL 13-14 *

Main Street Crossing (Tomball)

The series concludes with pieces featuring violinist/concertmaster Scott St. John, clarinetist Nathan Williams, and pianist Kevin Lau.

Tabbed the New Queen of Bluegrass by The Wall Street Journal, she incorporates savvy contemporary touches while drawing deeply on authentic traditions.

With his wild guitar contraption and a trunk of songs (“Highway Patrol,” “My Wife Thinks You’re Dead”), he’s Texas irresistible.

This annual event draws tens of thousands of fans, and celebrates the rich cultural heritage of Japan with music, traditional and folk dance, and martial arts.

APRIL 13, 15, 19 & 21

APRIL 15 *

APRIL 10

APRIL 13

Lambert Hall

House of Blues

Based on the classic novel, Bernstein’s brilliant score has made it a favorite amongst devotees of both opera and more popular forms of musical theatre.

Wildly popular and forever innovative, the musical collective turns current day songs on their ear by performing them in 1920s and ‘30s style.

River Oaks Chamber Orchestra: Magical Inspirations Cypress Creek FACE

Houston Press Menu of Menus Silver Street Station

Cullen Performance Hall (University of Houston)

APRIL 14-15

Rhonda Vincent

Brad Mehldau Trio, Da Camera Jazz Series

Foodies come together for the 16th annual culinary extravaganza, featuring unlimited food samples from many of Houston’s top favorite restaurants.

Cullen Performance Hall (University of Houston)

APRIL 10

APRIL 13

His leadership has grown as he’s transformed the paradigm of jazz and classical performance, performing both solo and with his sensational trio.

Jean-Michel Jarre

Hudson Moore

Smart Financial Centre (Sugar Land)

White Oak Music Hall (Upstairs)

A four-time Guinness World Record holder for largest concerts ever performed, the international

Named one of Rolling Stone's “10 New Country Artists You Need to Know,” he’s opened for ZZ Top, Alan Jackson, Rascal Flatts, and Gary Clark, Jr.

*Editor’s Choice 40

electronica star has sold 80 million albums in his career.

Paul Anderson, Jon Schmidt, Steven Sharp Nelson, and Al van der Beek make up this team of talented musicians and multimedia artists. In 2016 the group surpassed one billion views on their YouTube channel, which at that time had nearly 5 million subscribers. Their unique collage of classical, orchestral pop, and cello rock has carved a genre all its own, and made the group a sensational hit.

H O U S TO N H OT E L M A G A Z I N E

Junior Brown

Candide, Opera in the Heights

Japan Festival Japanese Garden, Hermann Park

Scott Bradlee’s Postmodern Jukebox

APRIL 15 APRIL 14

TAO: Drum Heart Jones Hall

The energized group has played to soldout audiences all over the world, thrilling spectators with their unique musical and performance skills.

Midawo Gideon Foli Alorwoyie Menil Collection (Lawn)

Recognized as one of Ghana’s foremost virtuosos of traditional music and dance, he’s also worked with scholars and composers such as John Chernoff and Steve Reich.

april Jack Johnson

Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion (The Woodlands)

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Hamilton

APRIL 26

Hobby Center for the Performing Arts

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APRIL 24-MAY 20

CALENDAR

Few productions can rival the inventiveness of Lin-Manuel Miranda’s multiple Tony Award-winning story of founding father Alexander Hamilton, which took home prizes including Best Musical, Best Orignal Score, and Best Choreography in 2016. With a clever score that blends hip-hop, jazz, blues, rap, and rhythm and blues, it's no wonder that Hamilton is one of the most successful Broadway shows ever.

APRIL 15

Movies Houstonians Love: Army of Shadows

APRIL 20

I’m With Her: Sara Watkins, Sarah Jarosz, and Aoife O'Donovan

The Hawaii native is the son of a famous surfer, and best known for his rhythmic, guitar-driven folk sounds that range from cool, breezy tunes to children’s songs. Over the years, he’s had a number of songs soar into the upper reaches of the Billboard charts. He’s also quite an active voice in the ecology and sustainability movement, often with an ocean-centric focus.

APRIL 21

Wartime Stories, Da Camera Hobby Center for the Performing Arts

Museum of Fine Arts, Houston

Heights Theater

Da Camera artistic and general director Sarah Rothenberg provides insights about the French Resistance as portrayed in this 1969 gripping war drama.

A band of extraordinary chemistry and exquisite musicianship, these multi-Grammy Award winners are esteemed artists.

Steve Reich’s Different Trains features fragmented memories of Holocaust survivors; Olivier Messiaen’s Quartet for the End of Time was composed in a 1940s POW camp.

APRIL 20

APRIL 21

Smart Financial Centre (Sugar Land)

APRIL 17 *

That 1 Guy White Oak Music Hall (Upstairs)

Mike Silverman is a phenomenon not to be missed. He plays an instrument called the Magic Pipe, with results that have to been seen to believe. APRIL 18

Big Sean Smart Financial Centre (Sugar Land)

The rapper’s Unfriendly Reminder Tour gives fans a unique opportunity to vote and help curate the evening’s setlist.

Jim Gaffigan His truest calling is as a stand-up comedian with humor that largely revolves around fatherhood, life observations, laziness, and perhaps his greatest trademark—food.

Keith Sweat joins Guy and Teddy Riley in this year’s lineup to take the annual soulful party to another level.

APRIL 20-21

Ruthie Foster, Seth Walker Trio

Galveston Island Wine Festival Saengerfest Park, Hotel Galvez, Others

Culinary events, artisan exhibits, live entertainment and more are highlights of the annual Gulf Coast festival APRIL 20-22

APRIL 19

Lee Ann Womack Heights Theater

The single “I Hope You Dance” is country crossover gold. The East Texas native has returned to her roots and a new album and tour. APRIL 19 *

Lee Roy Parnell Main Street Crossing (Tomball)

A talented guitarist and singer, the Texas native has had songs at the top of the country charts (“A Little Bit of You,” “Tender Moment”) for years.

H-Town 90s Block Party

The Best of John Williams, Houston Symphony Jones Hall

Take a thrilling tour through unforgettable scores in this must-see concert that highlights music from the Star Wars franchise in celebration of its 40th anniversary. APRIL 20-MAY 6

West Side Story, Houston Grand Opera Wortham Theater Center

Leonard Bernstein’s score includes some of the most beloved songs in musical theater, including “Maria,” “There’s a Place for Us,” and “Tonight.”

APRIL 21

Dosey Doe Big Barn (The Woodlands)

The Grammy-nominated blues singer is a terrific solo artist, and an in-demand collaborator with The Allman Brothers, Susan Tedeschi, and more. APRIL 21 *

A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder The Grand 1894 Opera House (Galveston)

The celebrated Broadway musical won four Tonys: Best Musical, Direction of a Musical, Book of a Musical, and Costume Design. APRIL 21

Step Afrika! Miller Outdoor Theatre

Their intricate kicks, stomps, and rhythms mixed with spoken word pound the floor and fill the air with excitement.

APRIL 21

San Jacinto Day Festival and Battle Reenactment San Jacinto Museum of History

The reenactment recreates events leading up to Texas winning its independence from Mexico over 180 years ago at the decisive Battle of San Jacinto. APRIL 21

Two Tons of Steel McGonigel’s Mucky Duck

Mix high-energy hillbilly, Texas Country, and raw garage-band excitement and you get this cow punk treat. APRIL 22

Marion Meadows, Paul Brown: Bayou City Jazz Series House of Blues

The talented saxophonist and the soulful guitarist are both staples on the contemporary smooth jazz circuit. APRIL 22

Big Sam’s Funky Nation Dosey Doe Big Barn (The Woodlands)

Once a member of the famed New Orleansbased Dirty Dozen Brass Band, the trombonist struck out on his own. APRIL 23

The Breeders House of Blues

The alternative rock band originally formed in the 1980s behind Kim Deal (Pixies) and Tanya Donelly (Throwing Muses). *Editor’s Choice H O U S TO N H OT E L M A G A Z I N E

april

APRIL 27

APRIL 28-29

Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion (The Woodlands)

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Eric Church, Steve Earle & The Dukes

Toyota Center

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CALENDAR

He’s a sensational solo performer as well as a successful, charttopping writer (“Raise ‘em Up” with Keith Urban) all melded into one spectacular package. His songs include number one hits such as "Talladega" and "Give Me Back My Hometown,” plus “Hell on the Heart,” “Springsteen,” “Cold One,” and “Like a Wrecking Ball.” The country superstar is back in Houston after a cancellation in 2017.

APRIL 24

David Archuleta Dosey Doe Big Barn (The Woodlands)

He was among the youngest performers to ever compete on American Idol when he finished as runner-up in 2008. APRIL 25

Haim

Revention Music Center

The pop-rock trio of sisters grew up in a musical family and was nominated as Best New Artist at the 2015 Grammys. APRIL 26

Maks, Val, & Peta Live on Tour: Confidential Smart Financial Centre (Sugar Land)

ABC’s most popular Dancing with the Stars performers are back with an all-new spectacular show—and this time the family has grown.

Evgeni Bozhanov performs Chopin’s poetic Piano Concerto No. 2. APRIL 26-28

Josh Blue

Joke Joint Comedy Showcase

The Last Comic Standing winner makes a point to find unique ways to laugh about his real-life different ability (cerebral palsy) in routines. APRIL 26-29

Latin Wave: New Films From Latin America Museum of Fine Arts, Houston

Meet an array of internationally-acclaimed filmmakers presenting and discussing their work at Q&A sessions and informal conversations throughout the weekend. APRIL 27

Brave Combo Bayou Theater, University of Houston-Clear Lake

APRIL 26

The Four Freshmen Dosey Doe Big Barn (The Woodlands)

Since the 1950s, a configuration of the group has played their brand of harmonic conversion to the hilt with songs such as “Graduation Day.” APRIL 26, 28-29

Also sprach Zarathustra, Houston Symphony Jones Hall ˘ Conductor Juraj Valcuha returns to perform music made famous by 2001: A Space Odyssey. *Editor’s Choice 42

H O U S TO N H OT E L M A G A Z I N E

What happens when you mix polka, cumbia, blues, and zydeco with a Texas flavor? You get this two-time Grammy winner, making waves for nearly four decades.

The international sensation is a multifaceted dancer, singer and actress. She burst onto the scene with a series of chartbusting anthems, including “Get the Party Started” and “Just Like a Pill.” She’s sold over 47 million albums, over 70 million singles, and over 2.4 million DVDs worldwide. Now, she’s on the road again, this time bringing her Beautiful Trauma World Tour to Texas.

APRIL 27-29

APRIL 28

Improv

McGonigel’s Mucky Duck

His network TV show (Time Magazine called it “brutal, hilarious and audacious,”) thrust the comic into the national spotlight.

The evening features a Texas Country legend, by way of The Lost Gonzo Band, and a Mississippiborn folkie with razor sharp edges.

APRIL 27-MAY 11

APRIL 28

Wortham Theater Center

The Post Oak at Uptown Houston

An ancient priestess’s betrayed love culminates in human sacrifice in a fierce and tragic story told through Bellini’s magnificent melodies and vocal fireworks.

The annual fundraiser benefiting the Alley Theatre is always a showstopper with great entertainment, a silent auction, dinner, and late night dancing.

APRIL 28

APRIL 29

Arena Theatre

Berry Center (Cypress)

A Spanish superstar, he’s respected as an actor as well as a singer, boasting a large cache of Latin pop and ballads.

The biggest hits happen when past band members take the stage together with the current lineup for a night of classics.

APRIL 28

APRIL 29

Christopher Titus

Norma, Houston Grand Opera

Raphael

Lewis Black Revention Music Center

APRIL 27

The comic has been called one of the most hilarious people in show business. He’s not really mad; he’s just very funny.

Discovery Green

APRIL 28 *

Harvey Heroes: Discovery Discussion The evening features inspiring testimonials by some of the Houstonians who stepped up to rescue, assist, feed, clothe, and shelter people affected by Hurricane Harvey.

David Byrne White Oak Music Hall (Lawn)

A founding member of Talking Heads, he’s been honored with an Oscar, Grammy, and Golden Globe awards, and is a member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Bob Livingston, Charlie Mars

The Alley Ball

Newsboys

Bach Vespers for Easter, Bach Society Houston Christ the King Lutheran Church

Bach’s Easter cantata Bringet dem Herrn Ehre seines Namens concludes the season, complete with choralorchestral fugues, a sinfonia, and gorgeous arias. APRIL 30-MAY 1

Jack White

Revention Music Center

The 12-time Grammy-winning artist has expanded his musical palate again with a new collection of songs, which he’ll perform along with old favorites too.

may MAY 4

Revention Music Center

Juanes Shutterstock.com

Kathleen Madigan: Boxed Wine and Bigfoot Tour

Smart Financial Centre (Sugar Land)

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MAY 4

CALENDAR

Comedian Lewis Black says: “She's one of the best comics working today … and I'm not getting paid to say that.” For three decades the diminutive stand-up giant has been playing the circuit for years. From late night TV appearances to recently riding around with Jerry Seinfeld in his series Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee, she is still a blast and selling out theaters.

Latin Rock’s leading global ambassador and the most-awarded solo artist in Latin Grammy history is back on tour. His career began with the popular rock group Ekhymosis, before moving on to an individual career. His debut album, Fijate Bien, scored big time, earning a trio of Latin Grammys. In all, the Columbian heartthrob has won 20 Latin Grammys and two Grammys.

MAY 1

MAY 3

MAY 4-6

MAY 5

Warehouse Live

Cullen Performance Hall (University of Houston)

Jones Hall

he Grand 1894 Opera House (Galveston)

The storied art, rock, and musical collective are a cultural kick that’s been blending a variety of mediums for four decades.

Two of the most well-known figures in contemporary American politics engage each other in conversation—as well as the audience members.

Clarinetist Mark Nuccio takes center stage with the melodies and virtuoso passagework of Mozart’s Clarinet Concerto. The Houston Symphony Chorus joins for Brahms’ sublime work.

They've created magical musical moments on-stage, singing and performing nearly a dozen songs together laced with creativity, excitement, and renowned performances.

THROUGH MAY 13

THROUGH JUNE 24

MAY 5

MAY 5-6

Smart Financial Centre (Sugar Land)

Lakewood Yacht Club (Seabrook)

The Museum annually collaborates with area high schools to document and celebrate Houston’s diverse neighborhoods through photographs. This marks the 23rd edition of the exhibit.

The global singing sensation brings their latest show to town with classic Irish tunes, such as “The Water Is Wide,” “Green Grow the Rushes,” and “The Parting Glass.”

The 23rd edition of the annual weekend event, benefiting The Boys & Girls Harbor, features a nationally-acclaimed classic car and vintage wooden boat show.

Jason Isbell and The 400 Unit, Richard Thompson

MAY 4

MAY 5

MAY 7

Smart Financial Centre (Sugar Land)

McGonigel’s Mucky Duck

Asia Society Texas Center

Revention Music Center

He was a member of the Drive-By Truckers before moving on to a solo career with a band named for a psychiatric ward in a small Alabama town.

His timeless lick kicks off the Commander Cody classic, “Hot Rod Lincoln,” which the scorching “diesel-billy” guitarist is always happy to play.

Celebrate Asian Pacific American Heritage Month with the annual family event featuring community performances, fusion cuisine, activities, and more.

The indie folk band rose to prominence in 2007, and released their third album Crack-Up last year to enthusiastic reviews.

MAY 3

MAY 4

Hobby Center for the Performing Arts (Zilkha Hall)

Miller Outdoor Theatre

The Latin Grammy-nominated pop/folk music group represents torchbearers of the history and the future of Argentinean folklore.

The six-piece Jalisco group blends metal riffs with powerhouse funk drumming, hip-hop scratching, and horn lines pulling from jazz and mariachi traditions.

Miller Outdoor Theatre

Brent Cobb & Them, Savannah Conley

MAY 4

MAY 5 *

Heights Theater

Main Street Crossing (Tomball)

Allen’s Landing

The acclaimed singer/songwriter has embarked on the Ain’t A Road Too Long Tour, playing his Georgia blues/folk/country music.

The Georgia-born country artist’s “I’d Be Better Off (in a Pine Box)” was released in 1990 and remains a classic.

The Residents

Lilies of the Field, A.D. Players Jeannette and L.M. George Theater

The classic play tells the saga of a traveling Army veteran/handyman who finds work and faith when he reluctantly builds a chapel for a small band of immigrant nuns. MAY 2

Los Nocheros

Sarah Palin and Donna Brazile

Eye on Houston: High School Documentary Photography Museum of Fine Arts, Houston

Bill Kirchen

Troker, SPA

MAY 3

Doug Stone

A German Requiem, Houston Symphony

Celtic Woman

AsiaFest 2018

The Manhattan Transfer Meets Take 6

Keels & Wheels Concours d’Elegance

Fleet Foxes

MAY 9 MAY 5

Mariachi Los Camperos Celebrate Cinco de Mayo with the two-time Grammy Award-winning group that was founded in 1961 by Mariachi musical giant Nati Cano.

David Wilcox Dosey Doe Big Barn (The Woodlands)

A master folk singer/songwriter, he performs a nice range of provocative acoustic originals from a deep catalog of music. MAY 10

Dragon Boat Festival The yearly festival showcases teams competing along the banks of Buffalo Bayou—plus, sample Asian cuisine and music, arts and crafts, and culture.

Enrique Bunbury House of Blues

The Spanish singer-songwriter made his debut in the 1980s, and has progressed to become one of the hot stars in contemporary Latin pop. *Editor’s Choice H O U S TO N H OT E L M A G A Z I N E

may Jones Hall

MAY 12

MAY 16

Tom Jones Shutterstock.com

Ira Glass

Smart Financial Centre (Sugar Land)

Shutterstock.com

CALENDAR

He started working in public radio in 1978 as a teenage intern at NPR headquarters. Over the next 17 years, he worked on nearly every NPR news show and did nearly every production job from desk assistant to writer, editor, producer, reporter, and substitute host. He moved to Chicago in 1989 and put This American Life on the air in 1995.

MAY 10

MAY 11

Dosey Doe Big Barn (The Woodlands)

McGonigel’s Mucky Duck

The reconstituted jazz-rock band from the ‘70s features vocalist Bo Bice (American Idol) playing “Spinning Wheel” and more.

He’s an actor, writer, and musician specializing in a blend of guitar-driven blues, rockabilly, and country with plenty of twang.

MAY 10-11

MAY 11-13

George W. Bush wants to kill PBS’ Jim Lehrer… on the stage of his first presidential debate with John Kerry. The Houston Press calls the play “a must-see.”

McGonigel’s Mucky Duck

Improv

MAY 12

The critically acclaimed, bilingual alternative rock band features the former American Idol contestant as its star singer.

A regular on TV’s The Mind of Mencia, the California stand-up comic is a reminder that big laughs can come in small packages.

House of Blues

MAY 10-11, 13

Blood, Sweat & Tears

Allison Iraheta & Halo Circus

Brahms & Sibelius, Houston Symphony Jones Hall

Brilliant young violinist Augustin Hadelich returns, plus Brahms’ Symphony No. 3 is a showcase for the orchestra—an epic score with a hauntingly beautiful horn solo and an ending with a twist. MAY 10-JUNE 3

Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom Ensemble Theatre

The legendary singer and her band convene to record an album and hash out their own blues about race, and exploitation of black recording artists. MAY 11

Shinyribs Dosey Doe Big Barn (The Woodlands)

Whether on his six-string Uke, an electric guitar or singing a cappella, Kevin Russell’s musical collective is an entertainment machine. *Editor’s Choice 44

“It's Not Unusual,” “Delilah,” “What's New Pussycat,” “I'll Never Fall In Love Again,” and “If I Only Knew” were all mega pop hits for the 77-year old Welsh singer, who was knighted by Her Majesty the Queen in 2006. His 50-year career has never slowed down, and now he’s back on the road playing rhythm and blues classics, and new songs as well.

H O U S TO N H OT E L M A G A Z I N E

Webb Wilder

Brad Williams

MAY 11-JUNE 3

The Strangerer, The Catastrophic Theatre MATCH

Dweezil Zappa

MAY 12

Atif Aslam, Neha Kakkar Arena Theatre

The Pakistani singer/songwriter with the big voice has numerous chart-toppers. He joins the celebrated Indian singer and other Bollywood stars. MAY 12

Lynyrd Skynyrd, Bad Company, The Outlaws Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion (The Woodlands)

MAY 11-13 *

The accomplished guitarist plays his own music, as well as songs by his late father, Frank, one of the world’s jazz-rock pioneers.

After a career that’s spanned 40 years and more than 60 albums, the Southern Rock icons call it quits with the Last of the Street Survivors Farewell Tour.

Miller Outdoor Theater

MAY 12

Sir Ben Stevenson created his full-length production of the ballet in 1995, and it returns to close the season after a 12-year hiatus.

The Post Oak at Uptown Houston

Don Quixote, Houston Ballet

Houston Symphony Ball

MAY 11-12, 18-19

A highlight of the Houston social season, the whimsical theme for this year’s annual black tie gala event is The Balinese Room.

Moody Center for the Arts (Rice University)

MAY 12

Dada Gert

The immersive work of dance-theater conceived, choreographed, and performed by Annie Arnoult and Open Dance Project is inspired by pioneering performance artist Valeska Gert. MAY 11-JUNE 3

Shemekia Copeland Heights Theater

The raucous blues-rocker fires up her gutsy New Orleans sound with a blistering, gospel-fueled, soul-shouting spirit.

Picasso at the Lapin Agile, Alley Theatre

MAY 12

Hubbard Theatre

Dosey Doe Big Barn (The Woodlands)

Comedian, actor, and writer Steve Martin’s hilarious imagining of Pablo Picasso and Albert Einstein’s meeting in a Parisian café comes to life onstage.

Ray Benson and his Grammy-winning musical collective deftly mix the best jazz, pop, and Texas Country this side of Bob Wills.

Asleep at the Wheel

Romantic Masterworks, Texas Medical Center Orchestra Hobby Center for the Performing Arts

The evening includes Dvorak’s Symphony No. 8 in G major, and pianist Mei Rui performs Rachmaninoff's Piano Concerto No. 2 in C minor. MAY 12-13

Houston Pet Expo NRG Center

Learn about everything from pet care and grooming to behavior and training, plus travel tips, breeding, vet tips, and more. MAY 12-JUNE 2

Jim Lehrer and the Theater and Its Double and Jim Lehrer’s Double MATCH

Mickle Maher’s regional premiere is centered on the PBS news anchor and presidential debate moderator in this inventive gothic horror-comedy.

jmay MAY 17

MAY 18

Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion (The Woodlands)

Dave Matthews Band www.kennychesney.com

Shutterstock.com

Kenny Chesney, Old Dominion

CALENDAR

During the course of his career, he’s received six Academy of Country Music awards (including four consecutive Entertainer of the Year awards from 2005 to 2008), plus six CMA awards including Entertainer of the Year in 2004, 2006, 2007, and 2008. Now, the country music star is on his latest Trip Around the Sun Tour, with supporting act, Old Dominion. MAY 12

The Fab 5 Main Street Crossing (Tomball)

One of the top Beatles tribute acts in the U.S. brings note-for-note recreations to the stage so good you’ll think it's the original mop tops. MAY 13

Dr. Dog White Oak Music Hall (Downstairs)

A throwback in some respects, the band’s vibe owes as much to contemporary lo-fi sound as it does to The Beatles and The Beach Boys. MAY 14

Natalia LaFourcade

MAY 17

Brian Culbertson: Bayou City Jazz Series House of Blues

The contemporary instrumentalist brilliantly mixes jazz, rhythm and blues, and touches of funk into his shows. MAY 17-20

Houston Greek Fest St. Basil the Great Greek Orthodox Church

Join an estimated 15,000 attendees at this annual celebration of authentic Greek cuisine, culture, dance, and more.

No two shows are ever the same, a hallmark of the jam band. With the release of their first new studio album since 2012's Away From the World, this summer DMB is back on the road playing old favorites, plus a thick slice of new material. The group is known for lengthy improvisational renditions of songs, accompanied by an elaborate video and lighting show. MAY 18

John Sebastian Dosey Doe Big Barn (The Woodlands)

He founded The Lovin’ Spoonful (“Summer in the City”), played Woodstock, and boasts a super solo career (“Welcome Back”) too. MAY 18 *

Marc Cohn, Blind Boys of Alabama Heights Theater

The soulful Grammy winner (“Walking in Memphis”) has solidified his place as one of this generation’s most compelling singer/songwriters. MAY 18-19

MAY 17-JUNE 9

Wanda, Daisy and the Great Rapture

Barber of Seville, Houston Grand Opera

The Landing Theatre Company

Miller Outdoor Theatre

MAY 14

It’s a sticky summer on Pawley’s Island, and stepsisters Wanda and Daisy struggle to get by as the people they love keep disappearing before their eyes.

Rossini’s unforgettable opera includes one of the world’s most recognizable pieces of music, the famous “Figaro, Figaro, Figaro!” aria, and much more.

Main Street Crossing (Tomball)

MAY 18 *

MAY 18-20

Their old school vibe channels everything from Bob Wills swing and Dan Hicks scatology, to more contemporary country jazz.

Smart Financial Centre (Sugar Land)

House of Blues

The Mexican singer/songwriter has grown into one of the most successful singers in the pop-pock scene in Latin America.

The Hot Club of Cowtown

Khalid

MAY 16

The 19-year-old singer-songwriter and Grammy nominee is already on his third North American headlining tour.

Dosey Doe Big Barn (The Woodlands)

MAY 18

Terri Hendrix with Lloyd Maines She co-wrote “Lil' Jack Slade” for the Dixie Chicks, and has had a fine solo performing career of her own; she’s joined by the award winning-producer for her set.

Karla Bonoff Main Street Crossing (Tomball)

The folk-rock songwriter’s classic tunes include “Someone To Lay Down Beside Me,” “Lose Again,” and “Home.”

Emanuel Ax Plus The Rite of Spring, Houston Symphony Jones Hall

MAY 18-JUNE 9

Shakespeare in Vegas, 4th Wall Theatre Company Studio 101

A talented but under-appreciated actress desperate to escape the New York theater scene takes on Shakespeare… in Nevada. Will the mojo work? MAY 19

A Day with Marie Antoinette, Ars Lyrica Houston Hobby Center for the Performing Arts

The season finale conjures up an artful day chez France's most famous queen, from intimate morning music lessons to a spectacular evening concert. MAY 19

Tash Sultana House of Blues

The young Australian singer/songwriter is a multi-instrumentalist who’s been described as a “one-woman band who brings new meaning to the concept of multi-tasking.” MAY 19-20

Minefaire NRG Center

The celebrated pianist offers the perfect contrast to Stravinsky’s wild score with Mozart’s refined Piano Concerto No. 27, his final work in the genre.

Capture the Minecraft imagination with workshops, live gaming and stage shows, costume-contests, photo ops, and a ton of fun.

MAY 18-20

MAY 19-JUNE 17

Improv

Main Street Theater (Rice Village)

D.L. Hughley The inventive writer/actor/stand-up comic is a jack-of-many-trades, probably best known for his own ABC sitcom, The Hughleys.

Daddy Long Legs Based on the novel, the two-person musical is the “rags-to-riches” love story of a bright young woman and her mysterious benefactor. *Editor’s Choice H O U S TO N H OT E L M A G A Z I N E

may Toyota Center

MAY 23 & 25

MAY 24

Smart Financial Centre (The Woodlands)

Steely Dan, The Doobie Brothers Shutterstock.com

Justin Timberlake

Shutterstock.com

CALENDAR

The Man Of The Woods Tour is named after the record-setting artist’s latest album of new material–a self-reflective look at his journey into fatherhood, and personal insights into his layered life experiences. After headlining the Super Bowl LII halftime show, his new tour hit the road, following up on the 20/20 Experience World Tour, which sold out arenas and stadiums around the globe.

MAY 20

Kat Edmonson, Matt Munisteri Heights Theater

NPR describes her recent album, Old Fashioned Gal, as a “handsome showcase for her songwriting, which has grown ever more confident over the last decade.” MAY 21

MAY 24-27

Dancin’ in the Street… Motown & More Revue Miller Outdoor Theatre

The Memorial Day Weekend tradition brings some of Houston’s most exciting entertainers onstage to cover soul classics, including an all-new Stevie Wonder tribute.

Joe Bonamassa Smart Financial Centre (Sugar Land)

He hit the big time as an opening act for the late B.B. King, growing into one of the most significant names in blues-rock worldwide. MAY 21-OCTOBER 28

Francis Alÿs: The Fabiola Project The Menil Collection’s Byzantine Fresco Chapel

The artist built an assemblage for himself by combing through Mexico City flea markets and junk shops to create an unforgettable collection. MAY 23-JUNE 10

Replica

Stages Repertory Theatre

A woman with a terminal illness volunteers for an experimental procedure, but what’s created soon takes on a life of its own in this sci-fi thriller. MAY 24

Lil’ Ed & The Blues Imperials Dosey Doe Big Barn (The Woodlands)

From smokin’ boogies to raw-boned Chicago shuffles and low-down blues by the score, this guitarist is simply awesome.

*Editor’s Choice 46

H O U S TO N H OT E L M A G A Z I N E

MAY 24

Holocaust Museum Houston’s Lyndon Baines Johnson Moral Courage Award Dinner

It’s a night of 1970s fun with a pair of breakthrough bands. Donald Fagen’s super group has sold more than 40 million albums worldwide with hits such as “Reelin’ in the Years,” “Hey Nineteen,” and “Babylon Sisters,” from seven platinum albums. The Doobies’ mind-blowing guitar-driven rock includes four Grammys for songs like “Listen to the Music,” “China Grove,” and “Minute by Minute.”

MAY 25

MAY 26

McGonigel’s Mucky Duck

Fitzgerald’s

He’s been on the country charts for years as a member of Foster & Lloyd, a solo performer, and a songwriter for Keith Urban, Jack Ingram, and others.

The 31-year old South African actor is a self-professed man of faith and family, and a rising pop music star in his native country.

MAY 25-27

MAY 27

Jones Hall

Toyota Center

Pink Martini vocalist Storm Large performs favorites such as “Come on Eileen,” “Forever Young,” “She’s So High,” “Take on Me,” and more.

The popular Mexican singer is among the most successful artists in Latin pop history. He’s on the road in support of his most recent studio album, ¡México Por Siempre!

Radney Foster

One Hit Wonders, Houston Symphony

Bobby van Jaarsveld

Luis Miguel

Hilton Americas

MAY 25-27

Poignant and meaningful, the Museum’s largest annual event is always unforgettable. This year’s honoree is former President George W. Bush.

George R. Brown Convention Center

Charlie Robison Main Street Crossing (Tomball)

MAY 25

Texas' largest pop culture convention is a kick with J-Fashion, cosplay, a film festival, literary conference, and more, all rolled into one.

Main Street Crossing (Tomball)

MAY 25-JUNE 16

The native Texan has had an outstanding career, performing his music, having it featured in TV and movies, and even acting as a judge on Nashville Star.

Theatre Southwest

MAY 31 *

David Bromberg As one of the world’s vastly underappreciated bluegrass and folk musicians, he’s collaborated with everyone from Willie and Dylan to Jerry Garcia.

Comicpalooza

Period of Adjustment

MAY 25

Tennessee Williams’ views of troubled relationships offer a not-so-subtle commentary on the ravages of war, early-sixties TV culture, and human sexuality.

White Oak Music Hall (Downstairs)

MAY 25-JUNE 9

Rev. Horton Heat With his hollow-body guitar and stand-up bass player, the Texas musician’s known as the “godfather of modern rockabilly… and psychobilly.”

The Graduate, Dirt Dogs Theatre Co. MATCH

Mike Nichols’ cinematic classic comes to the stage as Mrs. Robinson provides Benjamin Braddock an education typically not found on college campuses.

MAY 30

Peter Hook & The Light Warehouse Live

Best known as a member of Joy Division and New Order, the English bassist is touring as lead singer in his own band. MAY 31

The Everly Brothers Experience with the Zmed Brothers Main Street Crossing (Tomball)

It’s a youthful tribute to one of the world’s greatest songwriting teams who bridged the gap between country and rock years ago.

june JUNE 2

JUNE 1-3

Toyota Center

Paul Simon

CALENDAR Jones Hall

Shutterstock.com

The Sound of Music, SPA

His timeless songs dot The Great American Songbook, including “Slip Slidin’ Away,” “Sounds of Silence,” and “Bridge Over Troubled Water” (with Art Garfunkel), plus “Me and Julio Down By the Schoolyard,” “Graceland,” “Kodachrome,” and many more solid gold hits. Now the Hall of Fame musician is off on the Homeward Bound Tour, reportedly his final sweep of shows.

The spirited story of a wayward nun-turned-governess named Maria, and her misadventures with the storied musical von Trapp family is a joy. The production features the Tony Awardwinning Rodgers and Hammerstein score and unforgettable classic songs, including “My Favorite Things,” “(How Do You Solve a Problem Like) Maria,” “Edelweiss,” and more.

THROUGH JUNE 3

JUNE 1

THOUGH AUGUST 26

JUNE 2

Holocaust Museum Houston

Dosey Doe Big Barn (The Woodlands)

Contemporary Arts Museum Houston (Zilkha Gallery)

White Oak Music Hall (Downstairs)

The exhibition explores human rights, social justice, and environmental issues through the work of four artists’ art and personal statements, encouraging reflection and generating discussion.

On a final tour, his blue-eyed soulful songs are legendary in country music, including “Smokey Mountain Rain” and “Any Day Now.”

In his comically self-effacing works, the artist mixes his obsessions with popular culture and fine art with elements of social commentary, institutional critique, and comedy.

The indie rockers have played Bonnaroo and all the major festivals on their way up the alternative charts.

Human Rights Art

Ronnie Milsap

JUNE 1-JULY 1 JUNE 1

The Cake, Alley Theatre

Cary Leibowitz: Museum Show

JUNE 2

Minus the Bear

JUNE 2

29th Annual Accordion Kings & Queens

Neuhaus Theatre

Rioja Wine & Tapas Festival The Corinthian

There are tribute bands, and then there is this heartfelt compliment to Hall of Fame English mod rocker Rod Stewart.

A TV baking show, moral questions, and loads of butter make up the recipe for a comedy about women trying to reach across a divide that keeps growing.

Friends gather and enjoy the nationally celebrated event featuring Rioja’s best winemakers and notable chefs in the iconic local venue.

The evening event features dancing and roots music under the stars, plus Texas accordion genres, including conjunto, polka, country western, zydeco, and Cajun.

THROUGH JUNE 17

JUNE 1

JUNE 2

McGonigel’s Mucky Duck

Vagablonde Main Street Crossing (Tomball)

Passion for Perfection: The Strauss Collection of Renaissance Art

Mary Gauthier

Donated to the MFAH in 1941, the collection marked a turning point for the Museum with remarkable paintings, bronzes, sculptures, and works on paper.

The seasoned folk singer’s recently released album, Rifles and Rosary Beads, features eleven songs co-written with and dedicated to wounded veterans.

JUNE 1 *

TUESDAYS THROUGH SATURDAYS

Cullen Performance Hall (University of Houston)

1100 Bagby Street

Museum of Fine Arts, Houston

Dianne Reeves, Da Camera Jazz Series Heritage Society Historic Homes Tour As one of the pre-eminent jazz vocalists with five Grammys to her credit, her arsenal of talents is richly on display in every song of her repertoire. THROUGH JUNE 23

Artist Studio Program Exhibition Lawndale Art Center (O'Quinn Gallery)

The exhibition showcases the nine-month program that supports three artists annually with an honorarium, project grant, studio space, and curatorial support.

Nestled in the heart of downtown are ten historic structures dating from 1823 to 1905. Each is authentically restored to reflect its original magnificence. JUNE 2

Walt Wilkins & The Mystiqueros Dosey Doe Big Barn (The Woodlands)

The Austin-based ensemble is laden with big-name talent—a band, they say, that can “musically reference Sly Stone and Ray Price in one song.”

Sam Baker, The Accidentals His storytelling gives voice to emotions tender and bitter, personal and universal. Then, the Michigan indie band blends folk and rock with a progressive edge. JUNE 2

Houston Symphony Ima Hogg Competition Stude Concert Hall (Rice University)

The respected national competition is open to young musicians, ages 16-26, who play standard orchestral instruments and piano. THROUGH JUNE 23

Elaine Bradford + Sara Cress: Routine Fables Lawndale Art Center (Horton Gallery)

The innovative collaboration between writer and artist created weekly “sculpture poems” over the course of a full year, culminating in exhibition featuring 52 works.

Miller Outdoor Theatre

Josh Garrels Heights Theater

He combines traditional folk with other elements, while exploring a variety of nontraditional Christian themes in his music. JUNE 2

First Saturday Sketch Rienzi

Discover new techniques and exercises to strengthen sketching skills with a different topic every month (June is collage). All ages and levels of ability are welcome. JUNE 3

Poison, Cheap Trick Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion (The Woodlands)

The two rock bands combined forces for a sizzling summer tour of hits such as “Nuthin’ But a Good Time” and “Surrender.” *Editor’s Choice H O U S TO N H OT E L M A G A Z I N E

CALENDAR

june

JUNE 8

JUNE 9

Jones Hall

Shania Twain

Shutterstock.com

Penn & Teller

Toyota Center

The unlikely pair of magicians/entertainers has performed together since the late 1970s, blending a rare combination of provocative humor and unspeakable fun (Penn talks while Teller generally stays silent). Beyond magic, the pair advocates and exposes, which was a central theme on their cable TV hit, Penn & Teller: Bullshit, which aired for eight seasons on Showtime.

JUNE 3

Dance India! A Universal Language Miller Outdoor Theatre

Odissi and Silambam bring an exciting mixture of traditional and contemporary Indian culture to the stage. JUNE 4-10 *

Wine & Food Week Various Locations (The Woodlands)

From delicious cuisine from top chefs, to wine walks, beer sampling, and the anticipated grand tasting, Texas food and drink is on parade.

JUNE 6-JULY 14

JUNE 8

The Jung Center

He’s released six no. 1 country hits over the years, including “Down on the Rio Grande” and “Foolin'.”

Named one of the Top 50 All-Time Greatest Guitar Players by Guitar Player Magazine, the super six-stringer is a virtuoso artist.

JUNE 8-10

JUNE 11

Improv

White Oak Music Hall (Upstairs)

He was a regular on MADtv and recently released a new special called “Hollywood, Look I'm Smiling.”

Trained as a classical guitarist, the London singer/songwriter’s sleek modern electronic productions are laced with tasty hints of soul.

JUNE 8-10 *

JUNE 12

Visions: A Celebration of the Creativity Johnny Rodriguez Main Street Crossing (Tomball) of the Jung Center Community The annual showcase features the artwork of the Center’s students, members, instructors, volunteers, and staff in a variety of media. JUNE 6

Shay Domann Main Street Crossing (Tomball)

JUNE 5

The Texas country artist has performed shows with dozens of national acts including Gary Allen, Keith Urban, Johnny Lee, Chris Ledoux, and others.

McGonigel’s Mucky Duck

JUNE 7

Beppe Gambetta From his background as an Italian musician in love with both American roots music as well as the music of his native country, he’s traveled the world with his unique sound.

Lincoln Durham White Oak Music Hall (Upstairs)

JUNE 5

He won the Texas State Youth Fiddle Championship at age 10, was later mentored by Ray Wylie Hubbard, and now plays his own brand of southern gothic rock.

White Oak Music Hall (Upstairs)

JUNE 7

The introspective English electronic musician brings a special style of chilled down synth pop to the stage.

Main Street Crossing (Tomball)

Chad Valley

Prophets & Outlaws

JUNE 6 *

The Texas ensemble blends rock, pop, and country with a Lone Star sensibility, and plenty of guitars.

Smart Financial Centre (The Woodlands)

JUNE 8

The Illusionists Full of magic tricks, death-defying stunts, and acts of breathtaking wonder, the group has shattered box office records worldwide and thrilled audiences of all ages. *Editor’s Choice 48

H O U S TO N H OT E L M A G A Z I N E

She’s as resilient as she is popular with fans. And with 100 million records sold, the Canadian crossover star is the best-selling female artist in country music history and among the best-selling artists of all time. She’s collected five Grammys over the years, and has chartbusting hits such as “Forever and For Always,” “You’re Still the One,” and “From This Moment On” to her credit.

Aries Spears

Play, Houston Ballet George R. Brown Convention Center (General Assembly Hall)

The mixed repertory program is an eclectic evening of performance that features Stanton Welch's Play, and his Bolero.

JUNE 9

Monte Montgomery Main Street Crossing (Tomball)

Bruno Major

Insomnium, Dawn of Dissolution, Kozilek Scout Bar

JUNE 9

The melodic death metal band is a big name in their home country of Finland. Their album, Winter’s Gate, contained a unique single 40-minute track.

Smart Financial Centre (Sugar Land)

JUNE 12-24

The Latin phenomenon of the 1980s and ‘90s is back for a reunion, tour, and a new CD, Timbiriche, El Concierto.

Hobby Center for the Performing Arts

Timbiriche

JUNE 9

Dale Watson

Guys & Dolls, TUTS This classic musical based on Damon Runyon stories premiered in 1950, and won the Tony in every category in which it was nominated, including Best Musical.

Dosey Doe Big Barn (The Woodlands)

White Ghost Shivers McGonigel’s Mucky Duck

Revel in string music from the 1920s, mixing jazz, hokum, vaudeville, ragtime, swing, and hillbilly with the underbelly of modern rock.

He’s a tattooed, stubbornly independent outsider who brings authentic country music, making him a favorite of critics and alt-country fans alike.

JUNE 13-17

Houston International Boat, Sport & Travel Show NRG Center

A Texas tradition for 63 years, explore what’s touted as the largest indoor show on the Gulf Coast with something for every member of the family.

september

june JUNE 15

Toyota Center

The Eagles Shutterstock.com

Maroon 5

Minute Maid Park

The three-time Grammy Award-winning multi-platinum band brings their Red Pill Blues Tour to Texas. Adam Levine (The Voice) and his rock mates have scored repeatedly with mainstream pop songs including “Moves Like Jagger,” “One More Night,” “Daylight,” “Maps,” and many more, while building a global fan base.

Shutterstock.com

JUNE 10

CALENDAR

The great American, Hall of Fame band takes flight for a series of concerts after the death of founding member Glenn Frey in 2016. Armed with monster hits including “Best of My Love,” "Take It Easy,” “The Long Run,” “I Can’t Tell You Why,” “Peaceful Easy Feeling,” and “Hotel California,” the group added country star Vince Gill and Frey’s son Deacon to the line-up for the tour.

JUNE 14

JUNE 16

JUNE 16-17

JUNE 21

Dosey Doe Big Barn (The Woodlands)

Hobby Center for the Performing Arts (Zilkha Hall)

NRG Center

White Oak Music Hall (Upstairs)

The Red Dirt artist’s mentor was country legend Ray Wylie Hubbard, who led him to carve his own style of music.

Conductor Antoine Plante leads a multimediainfused performance of one of history’s most beloved pieces.

The annual expo includes info on windows and doors, ceilings, floors, and more, with over 700 experts, products, services, and ideas under one roof.

The indie rock band from Australia led by singer/guitarist Hannah Joy and her husband Tim Fitz have opened for Ryan Adams and Cold War Kids.

JUNE 15

JUNE 16

JUNE 17

Dosey Doe Big Barn (The Woodlands)

Caleb and the Homegrown Tomatoes

JUNE 22

Revention Music Center

Each band’s long list of hits have grown into unforgettable cross-generational anthems, with concerts full of catchy melodies and musical nostalgia.

“The Letter,” “Soul Deep,” and “Cry Like a Baby” were all huge hits for the Memphis pop and soul ensemble.

Dosey Doe Big Barn (The Woodlands)

Discovery Green

Their splendid blend of Southern Rock and Americana, with hints of Texas and Alt Country, keep the sound down-home and accessible.

The annual LGBT community celebration and dance party under the stars features iconic entertainment, live music, games, and more.

Sam Riggs

Enanitos Verdes, Hombres G

Vivaldi's Four Seasons

The Box Tops

Home & Garden Show

Middle Kids

Rainbow on the Green

JUNE 16 JUNE 15

Folk Family Revival Dosey Doe Big Barn (The Woodlands)

The band has been described as Americana, folk, and country, but their unique sound has influences spanning rock and bluegrass too.

Devastation on the Nation Tour

JUNE 17

Slayer

JUNE 22-24

Walter’s

Death metal fans unite for the annual tour of bands, this year featuring Aborted, Psycroptic, Ingested, and more.

Smart Financial Centre (Sugar Land)

Improv

The heavy metal group is among the most influential musically, visually, and lyrically. They’re touring with Lamb of God, Anthrax, Behemoth, and Testament.

He co-hosts FOX Sports’ podcast The Fighter and the Kid, and is also a former pro football player and retired MMA fighter.

THROUGH AUGUST 19 * JUNE 15-17

Cajun Festival Galveston Island

Tune up your taste buds and celebrate the best of Texas and Louisiana-style food, family fun, and live entertainment at the third annual event. JUNE 15-17

International Gem & Jewelry Show NRG Center

With more than 300 booths, the exhibition of gems, minerals, and jewelry features singular creations, exotics, beads, pearls, estate collections, and more.

Peacock in the Desert: The Royal Arts of Jodhpur, India Museum of Fine Arts, Houston

Brendan Schaub

JUNE 22-JULY 22 JUNE 18-21

HITECH 2018

Holmes and Watson Hubbard Theatre

Centuries of royal treasures, masterpieces, and relics—never before seen beyond palace walls—illustrate the history and artistic legacy of the Rathore dynasty.

George R. Brown Convention Center

The world's largest hospitality technology show brings the brightest minds and latest technology from around the world to one place.

The new Sherlock Holmes stage adventure is by the author of Sherlock Holmes and the Adventure of the Suicide Club and the 2015 film, Mr. Holmes.

JUNE 16

JUNE 20

JUNE 23

Main Street Crossing (Tomball)

Scout Bar

Doug Allen Nash The Nashville musician and Johnny Cash tribute artist performed internationally in over 85 countries while touring for USO, MWR, and Armed Forces Entertainment.

HammerFall, Flotsam and Jetsam The Swedish heavy metal band embarked on their first world tour in 1998. Since then, the group has undergone numerous personnel changes but maintains a devoted fan base.

The Adventures of Kesha & Macklemore Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion (The Woodlands)

Her triumphant album Rainbow is at the top of the charts, and his first solo effort in 12 years, Gemini, debuted at the top of the Billboard 200 charts.

*Editor’s Choice

H O U S TO N H OT E L M A G A Z I N E

june

JUNE 16

Smart Financial Centre (Sugar Land)

Diana Krall Shutterstock.com

Yanni

JUNE 23

Smart Financial Centre (Sugar Land)

photo by Mary McCarthy

CALENDAR

It’s hard to believe that it has been a quarter century since the legendary Greek composer and performer recorded his landmark Live at the Acropolis album. Now, he’s on tour celebrating the music that made him an international sensation with his full orchestra and special guests recreating the musical magic that has followed him for years.

She has sold more than six million albums in the U.S. and over 15 million worldwide, and earned nine gold, three platinum, and seven multi-platinum albums. The internationally-beloved jazz pianist and vocalist is a musical hit wherever she performs her exotic blend of originals, fresh takes, and popular standards such as “The Look of Love” and “You Don’t Know Me.”

THROUGH JULY 31

JUNE 23-JULY 1 *

JUNE 28-JULY 1

The Health Museum

Jones Hall

Improv

From an acoustic bed to sonic tables and experiments on your emotional response to pop music, discover how music moves your body and brain in this new exhibition.

The ravishing production of the classic ballet composed by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky in 1875 remains one of the world’s favorites.

The Tennessee comedian appeared on Jimmy Fallon’s Clean Cut Comedy Tour, and was a winner at New York’s Comedy Festival and the Boston Comedy Festival.

Biorhythm: Music and the Body

Swan Lake, Houston Ballet

Nate Bargatze

JUNE 25 JUNE 23

The Rippingtons

Heartfulness Meditation

JUNE 28-JULY 29

Discovery Green

Sistas: The Musical Ensemble Theatre

With 30 years and five No. 1 albums under their belt, the band is considered one of contemporary jazz’s most influential forces.

Take time to tune into your internal essence and strengthen that mind-body connection to cultivate a mindfulness that offers solace and direction in busy lives.

JUNE 23

JUNE 27

City Hall

Main Street Crossing (Tomball)

Weezer, Pixies, & The Wombats

The annual event is a free festival that welcomes thousands of participants, as well as spectators from all over the world. This year marks the 40th anniversary.

The Texas musician began his career as a road manager before transitioning into recording and touring on his own.

Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion (The Woodlands)

Dosey Doe Big Barn (The Woodlands)

Houston LGBT Pride Celebration

JUNE 23

Opry on the Square Town Center (Pearland)

National, regional, and local acts in a Grand Ole Opry format perform everything from Western Swing to traditional and contemporary country music. JUNE 23

Space City Food Truck Festival Houston Food Park

With fun bites and drinks, hip-hop and rhythm and blues fans are set to participate in the third annual downtown event. *Editor’s Choice 50

H O U S TO N H OT E L M A G A Z I N E

Kody West

Five friends find solace in their sisterly bond and take a journey through the songs that were anthems marking social change, resonating for women around the world. JUNE 29

THROUGH JULY 8

Though the two bands are among the top-tier performance artists of their generation and have shared stages in the past, this marks their first full tour together.

Houston Center For Photography

JUNE 29

Chosen Family: David Hilliard The photographer has documented life for years. His work has appeared in New York Magazine, Harper’s, and Gentlemen’s Quarterly, as well as exhibits around the globe.

Zac Wilkerson, Mason Lively Dosey Doe Big Barn (The Woodlands)

The Panhandle-based singer/guitarist specializes in roots-rock with a hefty slice of soul, country, and folk influences.

JUNE 28

Michael Grimm

JULY 29

Main Street Crossing (Tomball)

Hamilton Loomis

He won the fifth season of America’s Got Talent with a combination of southern soul soaked in Mississippi blues.

Main Street Crossing (Tomball)

“If blues, soul, and rock can be said to form a triangle, you’ll find Loomis right in the center of it,” says Guitar Player of the Texas musician.

THROUGH JULY 29

Extravagant Objects: Jewelry and Objets d’Art from the Masterson Collection Rienzi

From small, personal objects to bejeweled adornments and extravagant sculptures, these creations reflect the artistic vision and innovations of their time. JUNE 30

Chicago, REO Speedwagon Cynthia Wood Mitchell Pavilion (The Woodlands)

With millions of albums sold between the groups, their dozens of smash hits include “25 or 6 to 4,” “Make Me Smile,” “Take It On the Run,” and more. JUNE 30

Cars & Coffee Gateway Classic Cars of Houston

From hot rods to collectibles, exotics, and more, the monthly free car show is a delight for friends of the four-wheel variety. JUNE 30

Carolyn Wonderland Dosey Doe Big Barn (The Woodlands)

The Texas whirlwind singer/guitarist is a powerful blend of blues, country, swing, zydeco, and gospel, all in one. OPEN YEAR ROUND

Bayou Bend Collection and Gardens The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston

The house is on 14 acres of gardens in the River Oaks neighborhood, showcasing among the finest collections of American furnishings, silver, ceramics, and paintings in the world.

september

SPORTS & RECREATION

Alex Bierens de Haan

2018 SEASON *

Houston Astros April 2-4 April 6-8 April 13-15 April 23-25 April 27-29 April 30-May 3 May 11-13 May 18-20 May 22-23 May 31-June 3 June 5-6 June 18-20 June 22-24 June 25-27

vs. Baltimore Orioles vs. San Diego Padres vs. Texas Rangers vs. Los Angeles Angels vs. Oakland Athletics vs. New York Yankees vs. Texas Rangers vs. Cleveland Indians vs. San Francisco Giants vs. Boston Red Sox vs. Seattle Mariners vs. Tampa Bay Rays vs. Kansas City Royals vs. Toronto Blue Jays

Houston Rockets

All games at Minute Maid Park

Astros.com

All home games played at BBVA

April 21 May 5 May 25 June 9

vs. Toronto FC vs. LA Galaxy vs. New York City FC vs. Colorado Rapids

HoustonDynamos.com

APRIL 7

MAY 5-6

JUNE 3

Sam Houston Race Park

George R. Brown Convention Center

Baylor College of Medicine (McNair Campus)

APRIL 7

MAY 6

JUNE 13-16

HOPE 2nd Chance Run

TWFG Muddy Trails Bash

April 3 April 6-8 April 10 April 20-22 April 27-29 May 2 May 11-13 May 15

vs. Sam Houston State Bearkats vs. Old Dominion Monarchs at Houston Cougars * vs. Florida Atlantic Owls vs. Charlotte 49ers vs. Lamar Cardinals vs. UAB Blazers vs. Houston Cougars **

*Schroeder Park ** Constellation Field (Sugar Land)

University of Houston Baseball All games at Schroeder Park except where noted

April 6-8 April 10 April 17 April 20-22 May 1 May 4-6 May 8 May 15

vs. USF Bulls vs. Rice Owls vs. Sam Houston State Bearkats vs. Wichita State Shockers vs. Sam Houston State Bearkats** vs. UCF Knights vs. SFA Lumberjacks at Rice Owls **

** Constellation Field (Sugar Land)

Santo De Mayo 5K

Rob Fleming Park (The Woodlands)

Saint Arnold Brewing Company

APRIL 7

MAY 6-11

Rice University Baseball All games at Reckling Park except where noted

Lone Star Regionals

Gay 10K

Houston to New Orleans

APRIL 7-15

MAY 12

Pear Run Town Center (Pearland)

River Oaks Country Club MAY 16 APRIL 12-15

Southwest International Boat Show South Shore Harbour Marina (Clear Lake)

Ride of Silence City Hall

Silverwood Country Retreat (Waller)

Sienna Plantation

MAY 26

303 Memorial City Way

JUNE 16

Dad’s Day Run JUNE 23

Houston Pride Run Location TBA

Original Mud Run Texas Exes Lone Star Stampede

The catamaran race along the Texas Coast goes from South Padre Island, finishing in Galveston and covering about 300 miles.

Prairie Street (Downtown)

Wicked Wine Run

APRIL 28

South Padre Island

MAY 19

APRIL 14

Doggone Fun Run and Walk

The Great Texas 300

Tour du Rouge

MacGregor Park

Fayez Sarofim & Co. U.S. Men's Clay Court Championship

Cancer Socks 5K/10K

Shutterstock.com

Houston Dynamo

Silverwood Country Retreat (Waller)

JUNE 24

26th Annual Jeff & Brede’s Triathlon Jo Peckham Park (Katy)

JUNE 3

Tejas Sugar Triathlon Memorial Park (Sugar Land)

JUNE 30

Independence 8K Meyerland Plaza

*Editor’s Choice

H O U S TO N H OT E L M A G A Z I N E

DINING

51fifteen Restaurant & Lounge

The Blue Fish Exquisite sushi and sashimi, innovative chef-inspired rolls, and exceptional grilled entrées have kept this restaurant award-winning for more than 16 years. The Japanese and Asian fusion concept centers on the finest flavors of the East, with emphasis on quality and freshness. Complement your meal with craft cocktails, an extensive wine list, and sakes selected by an in-house, certified sake specialist.

Located above Saks Fifth Avenue in the Galleria, this 5-star restaurant specializes in World Fusion cuisine by Chef Nick Banaszak and Chef Jamil Bean. The fashionably haute restaurant offers fine dining, a three-course power lunch, private events, brunch, live music, and happy hour.

550 Texas St. (Downtown) 713.225.3474

5115 Westheimer Road (Galleria/Uptown) 713.963.8067

Brasserie 19

51fifteen.com

Antica Osteria Italian Restaurant This quaint Italian restaurant located in the neighborhood of West University invokes romantic Tuscan decor and Old World charm. Enchanting candlelight soothes the hustle and bustle of city life, and the traditional Italian menu and expansive wine list make this eatery an easy favorite.

thebluefishsushi.com

With its crisp white interior and gorgeous table-hopping crowd, Brasserie 19 is easily the most see-and-be-seen restaurant in town. Here, friends gather to dine, drink, and converse, and simple hearty French fare is thoughtfully presented. Plateaux de Fruits de Mer, Frisee Salad topped with poached egg and lardon, Steak Frites, and the sautéed Dover Sole in a beurre noisette remain the perennial favorites. 1962 West Gray St. (River Oaks) 713.524.1919

2311 Bissonnet St. (West University) 713.521.1155

brasserie19.com

anticarestaurant.com

Brennan’s of Houston

Américas With adventure-themed interiors, the multilevel restaurant borrows design elements and colors from Incan artifacts and mythology. The adventure continues into the menu, which draws from foods and cooking techniques of North, Central, and South America to create New World cuisine. 2040 W. Gray St. (River Oaks) 832.200.1492 21 Waterway Ave., The Woodlands 281.367.1492 americasrestaurant.com

Benjy’s This see-and-be-seen hot spot features perennial favorites on its diverse, thoughtfully prepared New American menu. The trendy restaurant is open for lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch and features warm ambiance, a top-notch happy hour, and friendly, knowledgeable staff. 2424 Dunstan Road (Rice Village) 713.522.7602

5820 Washington Ave. (The Heights) 713.862.3474

H O U S TO N H OT E L M A G A Z I N E

Houston’s premier destination for true Southern hospitality provides passionately prepared, meticulously plated dishes that explore the evolution of Creole cuisine in the Bayou City. Brennan’s of Houston has maintained its rich, 45-year history of incomparable culinary offerings, superb customer service, and the making of enduring memories. 3300 Smith St. (Fourth Ward) 713.522.9711 brennanshouston.com

Caracol Hugo Ortega’s coastal Mexican kitchen is home to some of the most original cuisine—and the best wood-grilled oysters—in the city. Don’t miss the stellar dessert list, which features dazzling house-made chocolate from pastry chef Ruben Ortega. Caracol serves lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch. 2200 Post Oak Blvd. (Uptown/Galleria) 713.622.9996 caracol.net

Coppa Osteria Lo-

in the heart of Montrose, the restaurant features an imported, custom wood-burning oven and a casual atmosphere conducive to great pizza enjoyed by good friends. 500 Westheimer Road (Montrose) 713.520.8222 dolcevitahouston.com

cated in Rice Village, this sister restaurant of Coppa Ristorante features rustic Italian cuisine, including small plates, pastas, and pizzas, designed by Executive Chef Brandi Key, who reinvents Italian classics using local ingredients. The stylish, airy space is the perfect spot to sip fine wine while enjoying an artisanal salumi and formaggio board. 5210 Morningside Drive (Rice Village) 713.522.3535 coppaosteriahouston.com

Cuchara This authentic Mexico City bistro in the Montrose district provides an open aesthetic juxtaposed with jolts of color and texture. With a modern twist on classic Mexico City fare, the menu, which changes weekly, features ceviche, chicharrones, guacamole tradicional, and mole verde.

Down House Enjoy a Prohibition-style cocktail while lounging in this eclectic-toned neighborhood spot. Known best for its award-winning cocktails, Down House serves New American cuisine with a Southern influence and features classics such as chicken and waffles, fish and chips, and shrimp and grits. Desserts are so delicious they should be illegal. 1801 Yale St. (The Heights) 713.864.3696 treadsack.com/downhouse

El Big Bad

cuchararestaurant.com

This feisty gastrocantina specializes in infused tequila, fresh-juice margaritas, and fresh Mexican fare. The bar features 50 handcrafted tequila infusions that change to reflect the season. The menu created by Chef Randy Rucker and executed by Chef Ben Rabbani features scrumptious dishes such as roast duck empanadas, blue crab tostadas, and mushroom tacos.

Da Marco Cucina E Vino

419 Travis St. (Downtown) 713.229.8181

214 Fairview St. (Montrose) 713.942.0000

This 13-year-old Houston restaurant has earned a reputation for delicious, authentically prepared food served in an “urban relaxed” atmosphere. Italian-born owner-chef Marco Wiles is the genius behind the unique, upscale menu. 1520 Westheimer Road (Montrose) 713.807.8857 damarcohouston.com

Del Frisco’s Grille Located in the heart of Houston’s dining and social scene, this stylish venue provides a relaxed atmosphere perfect for meeting friends. The varied menu includes offerings ranging from designer burgers to hearty salads and signature steaks to chicken schnitzel and bourbon-apple chops, with gluten-free choices available. 2800 Kirby Drive (River Oaks) 832.623.6168 delfriscosgrille.com

Dolce Vita The second establishment in the Chef Marco Wiles family, Dolce Vita brings the taste of true, authentic Neapolitan pizza to Houston. Located

elbigbad.com

Federal Grill Dress up or down at this restaurant, which provides a contemporary American menu featuring local organic meat and produce, locally sourced fish and seafood, and an extensive cured meat and charcuterie program, all served with genuine old-school service. At the Federal Grill, the answer is always, “Yes!” 510 Shepherd Drive (The Heights) 713.863.7777 thefederalgrill.com

Frank’s American Revival This acclaimed River Oaks restaurant boasts awards by Zagat and the Houston Press. The ever-consistent menu features a balance of classic regional favorites and dishes influenced by modern American cuisine, with a bit of culinary soul. Open for lunch and dinner. 3736 Westheimer Road (River Oaks) 713.572.8600 frankshouston.com

Giacomo’s Cibo e Vino The casual, neighborhood Italian cafe and wine bar specializes in small plates of hot and cold antipasti for grazing, sharing, mixing, and matching. Located in River Oaks, the restaurant features scrumptious fare prepared from scratch using the best local, imported, and all-natural ingredients available.

Hugo's

beef, fresh vegetables, and more.

Authentic interior Mexican flavors shine through in the award-winning eponymous restaurant from Chef Hugo Ortega. Familiar Mexican flavors combine in innovative new and classic dishes. Put the excellent tequila and mezcal lists to good use and order a tableside shaken margarita to accompany your meal.

2002 W. Gray St. (River Oaks) 713.526.4700

DINING

lagrigliarestaurant.com

Liberty Kitchen 714 Yale St. (The Heights) 713.360.6133

3215 Westheimer Road (River Oaks) 713.522.1934

1600 Westheimer Road (Montrose) 713.524.7744

2424 Dunstan Road (West University) 713.521.7800

giacomosciboevino.com

hugosrestaurant.net

houstonlocalfoods.com

Grotto Ristorante

Ibiza

Masraff’s

Enjoy authentic Italian cuisine in a warm, entertaining atmosphere reminiscent of a cozy trattoria in the old country. With a winning combination of impeccable service, superb cuisine and unsurpassed passion for detail, Grotto is the perfect place for friends and family to enjoy a fabulous meal.

Like its namesake off the coast of Spain, this restaurant pulses with a confluence of sophisticated style setters, exciting environs, and fabulous fare. Awash in cool blues and grays, the restaurant evokes a modern Mediterranean mecca. Here, Houstonians dine around Grant Cooper and Chef Charles Clark’s bustling open kitchen.

4715 Westheimer Road (Galleria/Uptown) 713.622.3663

2450 Louisiana St. (Midtown) 713.524.0004

grottorestaurants.com

ibizafoodandwinebar.com

The Grove Situated on the beautiful south end of Discovery Green, Houston’s newest urban park, this culinary hot spot has redefined dining in the downtown core. Ahi tuna sashimi, house corned beef salad, Gulf shrimp and grits, rib-eye steak with roasted onions, and truffle parmesan fries are but a few of the savory choices at The Grove.

Indika Located in the middle of Montrose’s bustling culinary scene, this local favorite is known for its innovative Indian dishes and handcrafted cocktails, served in an airy, colorful, contemporary environment. Founder Anita Jaisinghani, the creative force behind Indika’s unique menu, brings personal influences to the flavorful menu.

1611 Lamar St. (Downtown) 713.337.7321

516 Westheimer Road (Montrose) 713.524.2170

thegrovehouston.com

indikausa.com

Hearsay Gastro Lounge

Located in Houston’s second-oldest building (built in 1860, rebuilt in 1889 after a fire), this restaurant offers a unique, chic dining experience. Hearsay offers fine craft cocktails, small and large appetizers, and New American dishes, and it’s a great place for a late-night cocktail and bites. 218 Travis St. (Downtown) 713.225.8079 hearsayhouston.com

Houston’s Restaurant This dependable menu features diverse American classics in which exceptional ingredients take center stage, as area growers and purveyors provide the premium produce, meat, fish, and chicken. A long-standing interest by the owner in art and architecture enhances the ambiance and overall dining experience. 5888 Westheimer Road (Galleria) 713.975.1947 4848 Kirby Grott Drive (Upper Kirby) 713.529.2385 hillstone.com

Kata Robata Sushi and Grill From its inception in 2010, this Asian restaurant has served a modern and creative array of Japanese fare with French fusion undertones. The ever-changing menu centers on the freshest local and international ingredients and an Omakase offering sure to pique the palate. 3600 Kirby Drive (Upper Kirby) 713.802.0533 katarobata.com

Kiran’s Kiran Verma, considered the godmother of Indian fine dining, has created world-class Indian cuisine at her eponymous restaurant. Here, diners enjoy Indian hospitality with French sophistication and American informality. Kiran’s house specialties include sea bass, lobster, lamb, and an array of the chef’s own fresh-fruit chutneys and light, flavorful sauces. 4100 Westheimer Road (Highland Village) 713.960.8472 kiranshouston.com

La Griglia In a lively, festive atmosphere reminiscent of a neighborhood trattoria, diners enjoy a delicious display of authentic Italian cuisine in the presence of colorful Italian murals. Relax and savor the aromas of Sicily, Roma, and Tuscany while choosing from the broad array of specialties, including fresh fish, creative pastas, chicken,

This restaurant is home to one of the few Houston oyster bars that features varieties from the East, West, and Gulf coasts. The Kitchen is committed to serving fresh, quality local products, including fish delivered daily from a local boat. Specialties also include steaks, spare ribs, chicken, and burgers prepared on the charcoal and applewood grill. 1050 Studewood St. (The Heights) 713.622.1010 libertykitchenoysterbar.com

Liberty Kitchen & Oysterette

This premier contemporary American restaurant offers affordable elegance, attentive yet unobtrusive service, and impeccably made, fresh cuisine prepared with quality ingredients and wine from around the world. 1753 Post Oak Blvd. (Galleria/Uptown) 713.355.1975 masraffs.com

Max’s Wine Dive This self-described dive is fun, funky, and eclectic. Guests can relax in the casual, industrial atmosphere while choosing among gourmet comfort-food offerings and a curated selection of wine. The menu includes both classics available at all Wine Dive locations and items that are unique to each location; these spotlight the in-house chef’s creativity with local ingredients and change seasonally. 214 Fairview St. (Montrose) 713.528.9200

This open-space showplace redefines what an oyster bar should be. With more than 90 menu items, Liberty Kitchen features a wide variety of local and regional seafood dishes and local beef from Kenney and Cameron, Texas. Its broad range of pricing ensures something for everyone. 4224 San Felipe St. (Highland Village) 713.622.1010 libertykitchenoysterette.com

Line and Lariat Savor mouthwatering dishes reflecting the bounty of Texas’ coast, waterways, farms, and ranches at this restaurant located in the Hotel Icon in downtown Houston. Saddle up to the L & L Bar for a unique blend of mixology that includes both iconic and contemporary craft cocktails. 220 Main St. (Downtown) 832.667.4470 hotelicon.com

Local Foods The menu showcases seasonal bounties from farms throughout Texas and is best described as fresh, local, and inventive. Local Foods celebrates Texas with artisan sandwiches crafted of locally handmade bread, farmer’s market sides, homemade soups, and an all-Texas beer and wine list.

4720 Washington Ave. (The Heights) 713.880.8737 maxswinedive.com

McCormick and Schmick’s Seafood and Steaks The Pacific Northwest’s favorite restaurant comes to the Bayou City with a menu that features garden-fresh salads, fresh-caught seafood and shellfish, and aged steaks. The restaurant was voted No. 1 Happy Hour in America by USA Today. 1201 Fannin St. (Downtown) 713.658.8100 1151 Uptown Park Blvd. (Uptown) 713.840.7900 791 Town & Country (CityCentre) 713.465.3685 mccormickandschmicks.com

Noé Grill Enjoy globally inspired cuisine with Pan Asian undertones and a locavore approach at this upscale restaurant in the Omni Houston Hotel. Located in the prestigious Uptown Post Oak/ Galleria area, Noé Grill reflects modern dining trends with its sustainable menu. 4 Riverway (Galleria/Uptown) 713.871.8177 omnihotels.com/hotels/houston/dining/noe-grill

2555 Westheimer Road (Upper Kirby) 713.255.4440 H O U S TO N H OT E L M A G A Z I N E

DINING Punk’s Simple Southern Food The Oceanaire Seafood Room This Houston favorite has been voted one of the best seafood restaurants in the country. Only top-of-the-catch fish from the world’s most reputable suppliers is served, and each dish is carefully crafted and perfectly plated. The menu is based on market availability, so selections change daily. 5061 Westheimer Road (The Galleria) 832.487.8862 theoceanaire.com

One Fifth From the inexhaustible Chef Chris Shepherd comes One Fifth, a daring new concept that closes annually—only to reopen a month later with a brand new theme and menu. The current iteration is dedicated to Spanish, French, and Italian cuisine. But come September, it will switch to Mediterranean. No matter what’s on the menu, know this: Anything that Shepherd cooks up is worthy of your attention. 1658 Westheimer Road (Montrose) 713.955.1024 onefifthhouston.com

Petite Sweets

For classic Southern dishes derived from deep family roots but featuring a simple and chef-driven approach, head to Punk’s, located in the heart of Houston’s Rice Village. A local favorite is the Waldorf chicken salad sandwich.

Seasons 52 A Houston favorite, this fresh grill and wine bar invites guests to discover the sensational flavors of a season-inspired menu and award-winning international wine list within a casual, yet sophisticated, ambiance.

5212 Morningside Drive (Rice Village) 713.524.7865

4410 Westheimer Road (Highland Village) 713.621.5452

punkssimplesouthernfood.com

842 W. Sam Houston Parkway (CityCentre) 713.464.5252

Quattro A warm, inviting retreat in downtown Houston’s business and financial district, Quattro’s focus is authentic, contemporary Italian cuisine by Chef Maurizio Ferrarese. Bringing Houston seasonally driven cuisine from Ferrarese’s native Italy, Quattro serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily, and a popular Sunday brunch.

seasons52.com

Spindletop Restaurant Created by a team of award-winning chefs, the menu focuses on fresh American seafood with a Southwest flair. Spindletop is designed to showcase the very best produce and ingredients from local and regional purveyors.

1300 Lamar St. (Downtown) 713.276.4700

1200 Louisiana St. (Downtown) 713.375.4775

quattrorestauranthouston.com

hyatt.com/gallery/spindletop

RA Sushi

Tango and Malbec

A “RA”ckin’ vibe with fresh sushi, distinctive Japanese-inspired dishes, and creative cocktails sets RA Sushi apart from a typical sushi joint. Founded in Arizona, the award-winning concept has 28 locations throughout the United States. Discover why it’s more fun at RA. 3908 Westheimer Road (Highland Village) 713.621.5800 799 Town & Country Blvd. (CityCentre) 713.621.5800

For an experience inspired by cuisine of Argentina and Uruguay, head to the Galleria Houston. Open seven days a week, Tango and Malbec offers traditional South American Parrilla style, which uses pecan and mesquite wood in preparation of perfectly grilled, juicy cuts of meat, including wagyu, tomahawk, dry-aged steaks, and grass-fed cuts of meat from around the world. The restaurant also boasts the most extensive South American wine list in Houston. 2800 Sage Road (Galleria) 713.629.8646

Ristorante Cavour

tangomalbec.com

The Tasting Room

2700 West Alabama St. (Upper Kirby) 713.520.7007 petitesweetshouston.com

Pondicheri Striving to bring together the best of classic, homestyle, and street foods from India, this restaurant inventively pairs traditional flavors with nourishing, locally sourced ingredients. The eatery also features fresh-baked goods in the Bake Lab and spices, chutneys, and snacks to take home. Pondicheri serves breakfast, lunch, dinner, and an afternoon happy hour. 2800 Kirby Drive (Upper Kirby) 713.522.2022 pondichericafe.com

Recognized as one of Houston’s Premier Italian Restaurants, Ristorante Cavour features authentic Northern Italian cuisine amid a beautiful setting. Savor traditional Italian favorites alongside seasonal house specialties with selections to indulge the most discriminating palate while a premier wine cellar features 600 vintages hand-selected from around the world. 1080 Uptown Park Blvd. (Galleria/Uptown) 713.418.1104 granducahouston.com

H O U S TO N H OT E L M A G A Z I N E

1212 Waugh Drive (River Oaks) 713.528.3474 tonymandolas.com

Uchi This contemporary Japanese and Sushi restaurant serves the freshest products available, as it flies seafood in every day from Fukuoka and Tsukiji markets in Japan and maintains close relationships with local Texas farmers. The innovative food combinations provide a truly unique dining experience. 904 Westheimer Road (Montrose) 713.522.4808

Uptown Sushi Houston’s premier, upscale sushi bar and restaurant specializes in unique Japanese fusion cuisine for business lunches and elegant dinners. Nigri sushi, sashimi, and 16 signature maki-sushi combinations await pairing with the diner’s choice of 20 sake selections. Entrées include Kobe beef, pork loin, rib-eye, snapper, and chicken. A late-night bar is also available. 1131 Uptown Park Blvd. (Galleria/Uptown) 713.871.1200 uptown-sushi.com

Vinoteca Poscol

Enjoy fine wines, artisan pizzas, and a cozy, social atmosphere in this restaurant, which features a variety of seating areas. Some 100 wines are priced from $15 per bottle to more than $1,000 per bottle, with dozens of wines available for purchase by the glass.

With a focus on Italian wine and small Italian bites, this intimate setting is reminiscent of a typical wine bar found on the streets of Venice. Internationally acclaimed Chef Marco Wiles, a native of Italy, has designed each dish to include the freshest ingredients and complement the ever-changing selection of wines.

2409 W. Alabama St. (River Oaks) 713.526.2242

1609 Westheimer Road (Montrose) 713.529.2797

818 Town & Country Blvd. (CityCentre) 281.822.1500

poscolhouston.com

1101-18 Uptown Park Blvd. (Uptown) 713.993.9800

Xochi

tastingroomwines.com

Theodore Rex James Beard Award winner Justin Yu serves a rotating menu of globally-inspired, locally -sourced fare alongside an extensive international wine list in his intimate downtown bistro. Small plates are plentiful and popular, especially the raved-about Tomato Toast and the Italian Bread Dumplings. An excellent wine list, heavy on the bubbles, promises the perfect pairing for each dish. 1302 Nance St (Downtown) 832.830.8592 trexhouston.com

Tony and Phyllis Mandola have been serving Houstonians since 1982. Rated one of the best seafood and Italian restaurants in Houston, Tony Mandola’s offers a savory mix of Italian and Cajun cuisine and is “dedicated to the preservation of the art of our mamas’ cooking.”

uchirestaurants.com

RAsushi.com

The menu features artisan macarons, cake balls, mini cupcakes, cookies, whoopie pies, marshmallows, frozen custard, and cones dipped in Belgian chocolate, all made in-house. Petite Sweets serves coffee, espresso, cappuccinos and more, all brewed around the clock.

Tony Mandola’s

One of the newest restaurants in the city, Xochi is also perhaps the best. It’s the latest creation from 2017 James Beard Award-winner Chef Hugo Ortega, and it brings to light the rich and varied cuisine of Ortega’s native Oaxaca. Mole is Oaxaca’s essential sauce; Ortega showcases its breathtaking versatility across the menu. 1777 Walker St (Downtown) 713.400.3330 xochihouston.com

ATTRACTIONS

MUSEUMS Art Car Museum This private institution is dedicated to contemporary art by local, national, and international artists, especially those rarely acknowledged by other cultural institutions. The museum focuses on art cars and other fine arts and seeks to encourage public awareness of cultural, political, economic, and personal dimensions of art. 140 Heights Blvd. (The Heights) 713.861.5526

science, and the human body.

Visitors can stroll among 10 historic structures built between 1823 and 1905 at this museum complex nestled in 10 acres of beautiful green parkland in the heart of downtown Houston. At its home at Sam Houston Park, the museum collects, preserves, exhibits, and celebrates the diverse history of the Houston region.

Children’s Museum of Houston

heritagesociety.org

Holocaust Museum Houston Charged with educating students and the public about the dangers of prejudice and hatred in society, this institution opened its doors in March 1996. Since that time, impassioned notes, poems, artwork, and other gifts from schoolchildren and adults alike attest to the life-changing thoughts generated by just one visit to this unique facility.

1500 Binz St. (Museum District) 713.522.1138 cmhouston.org

Contemporary Arts Museum Houston This non-collecting institution is dedicated to presenting the best and most exciting international, national, and regional art. Through dynamic exhibitions enhanced by scholarly publications and accessible educational programs, CAM reaches out to local, regional, national, and international audiences of various ages. 5216 Montrose Blvd. (Museum District) 713.284.8250 camh.org

The Health Museum A member institution of the world-renowned Texas Medical Center, this museum is Houston’s most interactive science learning center. Located in the heart of the city’s rich, varied Museum District, the museum seeks to foster wonder and curiosity about health, medical

spacecenter.org

Heritage Society Museum

1100 Bagby St. (Fourth Ward) 713.655.1912

5401 Caroline St. (Museum District) 713.942.8000 hmh.org

The Houston Museum of Natural Science Founded in 1909, this museum is one of the most heavily attended in the United States. The site houses the Burke Baker Planetarium, Wortham GIANT Screen Theatre, Cockrell Butterfly Center, and a fascinating variety of permanent exhibit areas that examine astronomy, space science, Native American culture, paleontology, energy, chemistry, gems and minerals, seashells, Texas wildlife, and much more.

PERFORMANCE VENUES Alley Theatre

Located in the heart of Houston’s Museum District, this dynamic cultural complex is comprised of two gallery buildings, a sculpture garden, library, café, movie theater, two art schools, two beautiful nearby house museums, and two gift shops. Visitors enjoy an ever-changing schedule of world-class exhibitions and exciting programs. 1001 Bissonnet St. (Museum District) 713.639.7300 mfah.org

Through historical research and education, this organization seeks to provide greater appreciation of Texas citizens who served their country in defense of liberty. Its members are recognized professionals who hold national standing for authentic restoration, and their efforts are displayed in historically accurate exhibits of military artifacts from all branches of service.

615 Texas Ave. (Downtown) 713.220.5700 alleytheatre.org

Hobby Center for the Performing Arts

nusafm.org

Located in the heart of downtown Houston, the center stands as the premier entertainment complex in the Houston Theater District. Two acoustically distinguished theaters, an impressive grand lobby, and a contemporary American cuisine restaurant create a first-class setting.

Space Center Houston

800 Bagby St. (Downtown) 713.315.2400

8611 Wallisville Road (Pleasantville) 713.673.1234

thehobbycenter.org

Houston Grand Opera – Wortham Center

hmns.org

The Menil Collection

1533 Sul Ross St. (Montrose) 713.525.9400

Founded more than 60 years ago, the organization provides audiences with quality theater through a broad variety of performances, including classics, new plays, rediscovered and rarely performed works, and musical theater, with emphasis on new American works. The Alley strives to be both inspirational and provocative as it motivates audiences to think, feel, and dream as they are entertained.

National United States Armed Forces Museum

5555 Hermann Park Drive (Museum District) 713.639.4629

The museum houses the private art collection of its founders John and Dominique de Menil that includes approximately 17,000 paintings, sculptures, prints, drawings, photographs, and rare books. The collection contains works by Max Ernst, Man Ray, Henri Matisse, Pablo Picasso, Jackson Pollock, Andy Warhol, and more. Award-winning Italian architect Renzo Piano designed the building, his first in the U.S.

inspire and amaze as they tell the story of NASA’s manned space-flight program. 1601 NASA Parkway (Clear Lake) 281.244.2100

mhms.org

artcarmuseum.com

This outstanding children’s museum was founded in 1980 by a group of Houston parents who hoped to elevate early childhood development to a community-wide priority. Serving more than 850,000 people annually, the institution focuses on bilingual (Spanish/English) learning programs for kids ages birth to 12 years and workshops in literacy, science, math, health, engineering, civic engagement, culture, and social studies.

Museum of Fine Arts, Houston

1515 Hermann Drive (Museum District) 713.521.1515

Here, visitors experience the amazing story of space exploration, from its dramatic history and exciting present to the compelling future. Space Center Houston is the only place on earth that gives guests an out-of-this-world journey through human adventures into space. The Center’s unparalleled exhibits, attractions, special presentations, and hands-on activities

Since its inception in 1955, the city’s leading opera house has grown from a small, regional performing company into an internationally renowned organization. HGO enjoys a reputation for commissioning and producing new works, including 47 world premieres and six American premieres since 1973. 500 Texas Ave. (Downtown) 832.487.7000 houstongrandopera.org houstonfirsttheatres.com/wortham-center

menil.org H O U S TO N H OT E L M A G A Z I N E

ATTRACTIONS NRG Park Houston Symphony – Jesse H. Jones Hall for the Performing Arts

In 2014, the Houston Symphony began its 101st concert season with new music director Andrés Orozco-Estrada. As the organization anticipates and exciting future, it continues to inspire and enrich the lives of Houston’s diverse citizenry through outstanding symphonic music performed by a world-class orchestra. 615 Louisiana St. (Downtown) 832.487.7050 houstonsymphony.org houstonfirsttheaters.com/JonesHall

House of Blues Think up when visiting the only member of the chain designed in a vertical format. Opened in 2008, this massive venue is the anchor for the GreenStreet (formerly Houston Pavilions) outdoor shopping and entertainment complex. The Bronze Peacock Room pays tribute to Houston’s first blues club, where Big Momma Thornton and Lightnin’ Hopkins bared their souls through song. 1204 Caroline St. (Downtown) 888.402.5837 houseofblues.com

Miller Outdoor Theatre This popular outdoor theater offers the most diverse season of free, professional entertainment of any Houston performance venue. Classical, jazz, ethnic music, modern dance, ballet, Shakespeare, musical theater, classic films, and much more are included in this year’s outstanding lineup. Relax in the covered seating or enjoy a pre-performance picnic on the hillside. 6000 Hermann Park Drive (Museum District) 832.487.7102 milleroutdoortheatre.com

McGonigel's Mucky Duck Predominantly a venue for live music, this beloved supper club also boasts a solid menu of Irish pub fare—with a killer whiskey list. The Duck prides itself on a diverse calendar—you'll hear anything from blues to folk, country, or Americana, with shows almost every night. 2425 Norfolk St (Upper Kirby) 713.528.5999 mcgonigels.com

At NRG Park, education, entertainment, competitions, trade, and commerce come together in one vibrant, energizing environment. Couple this with a professional staff dedicated to achieving the highest levels of customer and guest satisfaction, and it’s easy to understand why NRG Park is a leader in the event industry.

5015 Westheimer Road (Galleria/Uptown) 713.621.1500

nrgpark.com

iceatthegalleria.com

ZOOS & AQUARIUMS

Minute Maid Park

Downtown Aquarium This magnificent 6-acre entertainment and dining complex is a 500,000-gallon aquatic wonderland, home to more than 200 species of aquatic life from around the globe. The Aquarium is the product of the redevelopment of two downtown Houston landmarks: Fire Station No. 1 and the Central Waterworks Building. 410 Bagby St. (Downtown) 713.223.3474 aquariumrestaurants.com

Houston Zoo

variety of attractions, including 16 luxury suites overlooking the track, Pavilion Centre, and award-winning dining options at the Winner’s Circle Restaurant and Jockey Club. 7575 North Sam Houston Parkway West 281.807.8700 shrp.com

Toyota Center This award-winning center, which opened in 2003 and features a playing surface set 32 feet below street level, is considered one of the premier sports and live-entertainment venues in the nation. Toyota Center is home to the Houston Rockets, an NBA team, and plays host to the nation’s top concerts and touring shows. 1510 Polk St. (Downtown) 713.758.7200 houstontoyotacenter.com

This jewel in the crown of the majestic downtown skyline has become a welcome home for the Houston Astros and has ushered in a new era of Major League sports in the city. The downtown ballpark continues a proud tradition of visionary innovation in stadium construction that began with the ball club’s former home, the Astrodome.

GOLF Champions Golf Club

houston.astros.mlb.com

Since its founding by Jack Burke, Jr. and the late Jimmy Demaret in 1957, this superior course consistently has reestablished its place in golf history, hosting such prestigious events as the Ryder Cup Matches in 1967, United States Open in 1969, and Champions International, a PGA tour event.

NRG Stadium

13722 Champions Drive (Champions) 281.444.6262

501 Crawford St. (Downtown) 713.259.8000

championsgolfclub.com

TopGolf Plan to spend a day with the 6,000 furry, feathered, and finned fauna (and more) at this Houston institution. Nearly 1,000 professional staff members and volunteers provide housing, meals, medical care and, yes, even education for residents. More than 2 million guests per year experience the incredible variety of animals and ecosystems, attend special entertainment and enjoy both private and public events. 6200 Hermann Park Drive (Museum District) 713.533.6500 houstonzoo.org

NRG Stadium is the only rodeo and NFL indoor/ outdoor stadium that can be configured to utilize a 125,000-square-foot space for general sessions, catered functions, exhibits, concerts, and much more. In addition, NRG Stadium offers four immense concourse levels for special events. The design of the stadium roof provides a flexible rigging configuration for major audio and visual presentations.

SPORTS

One NRG Park (Medical Center) 832.667.1400

BBVA Compass Stadium

nrgpark.com/nrg-stadium

Situated on a six-block urban site near Houston landmarks, including Minute Maid Park, the George R. Brown Convention Center, and Toyota Center, this eye-catching stadium is easily accessible to patrons from the entire Houston metropolitan area. The building is readily recognizable, thanks to its distinctive façade that features Dynamo orange color and geometrically-shaped, tessellated aluminum mesh encompassing the structure.

bbvacompassstadium.com H O U S TO N H OT E L M A G A Z I N E

Set beneath the spectacular glass atrium in the Houston Galleria Mall and open 7 days per week, this impressive ice rink has been an icon in the Houston area for more than 30 years. Skaters can enjoy extended public skating sessions, group events, birthday parties, a quality Learn to Skate program, and a beginner hockey program.

One NRG Park (Medical Center) 832.667.1400

2200 Texas Avenue (EaDo, Warehouse District) 713.547.3000

Ice at the Galleria

Sam Houston Race Park

Sports competition meets your favorite local hangout at this premier golf entertainment complex where friends and families compete in addictive, point-scoring golf games. The 215yard outfield is studded with ground-mounted, dartboard-like targets that determine points based on the distance microchipped balls travel. TopGolf is designed for all ages, from the hopeful pro golfer to the 7-year-old wannabe. 1030 Memorial Brook Blvd. (Energy Corridor) 281.406.3176 topgolf.com/houston

Wildcat Golf Club The preferred golf club of Houston’s professional sports teams, Wildcat boasts two spectacular golf courses designed by Roy Case. Located just south of the city, both courses feature elevations up to 100 feet, providing spectacular views of the downtown skyline, the Galleria, and the Reliant Stadium complex. 12000 Almeda Road (Central Southwest) 713.413.3400 wildcatgolfclub.com

Sam Houston Race Park is Houston’s premier horseracing and entertainment facility, located 15 minutes from downtown Houston. It offers a

All attractions are located in Houston unless otherwise noted.

SHOPPING

SHOPPING CENTERS BLVD Place BLVD Place encompasses 20 acres at the intersection of Post Oak Boulevard and San Felipe in the heart of Houston’s Uptown District. Post Oak Boulevard’s prestigious shopping address and San Felipe’s connection to Houston’s exclusive residential neighborhoods provide BLVD Place with the ultimate location, one that surpasses all others. 1800 Post Oak Blvd. (Galleria) 713.621.1700 blvdplace.com

CityCentre Houston Developed by Midway, CityCentre is a thoughtfully planned community of sophisticated retail, elegant dining, luxurious brownstones and lofts, upscale apartments, and the 255room Hotel Sorella, a world-class hospitality and conference facility. It is surrounded by European-style open-air plazas and beautifully designed greenspaces. 800 Town & Country Blvd. (CityCentre) 713.629.5200 citycentrehouston.com

The Galleria

Highland Village Shopping Center For the past 50 years, Highland Village has been home to some of Houston’s most distinctive and appealing retail venues, and it is a favorite destination for the most discriminating shoppers. This mix of upscale boutiques, national retailers, and restaurants is located a few blocks west of River Oaks and a few blocks east of the Galleria. 4055 Westheimer Road (Highland Village) 713.850.3100 shophighlandvillage.com

Houston Premium Outlets This home to more than 145 designer namebrand outlets includes top labels such as Tory Burch, True Religion, Kate Spade New York, Kenneth Cole, Burberry, Coach, and Cole Haan, where customers can save up to 65 percent off full-retail prices.

GreenStreet The revitalization of a 570,000-square-foot mixed-use center in downtown Houston, now known as GreenStreet, is quickly becoming a destination hot spot. It features dynamic green space, monthly event programming, and a variety of eateries, entertainment, and shopping options. 1201 Fannin St. (Downtown) 832.320.1201 greenstreetdowntown.com

Uptown Park European elegance meets Texas style at this warm, inviting shopping area designed as an attractive, Italian-style piazza with fountains and lush surroundings. Uptown Park is lined with more than 50 shops, boutiques, and cafes, with places for shoppers to rejuvenate in a charming, intimate atmosphere. 1101 Uptown Park Blvd. (Uptown) 713.850.1400 uptownparkhouston.com

West Ave at River Oaks

Market Street Market Street in The Woodlands is one of the nation’s finest shopping and entertainment destinations. It represents pure luxury, from upscale shopping and dining to boutique hotel accommodations.

Rice Village

galleriahouston.com

riveroaksshoppingcenter.com

premiumoutlets.com

marketstreet-thewoodlands.com

5085 Westheimer Road (Galleria) 713.622.0663

1964 W Gray St. (River Oaks) 713.866.6982

29300 Hempstead Road, Cypress 281.304.5820

9595 Six Pines Drive, The Woodlands 281.419.4774

The Galleria is Texas’ largest shopping center, spanning 2.4 million square feet of space. Houston’s most popular retail and tourist destination, it is filled with amenities, including a full-size ice rink and a state-of-the-art children’s play area. No trip to Houston is complete without a visit to this famous Texas retail space.

Jill, Chico’s, Sur La Table, Barnes & Noble, Ann Taylor, Steinway Piano Gallery, Araya Artisan Chocolate, and Steven Cash Jeweler.

Lankford. Knowledgeable staff members are dedicated to helping you find the perfect piece. 5600 Kirby Drive (West University) 713.668.6350 chardejewelers.com

Deutsch & Deutsch Fine Jewelry and Watches

This fine jewelry and watch company began as a small tourist shop in Mexico nearly 100 years ago and has evolved into one of the most prominent jewelers in Texas and the nation. The store carries accessories, bridal products, diamonds, estate jewelry, fine jewelry, pearls, and timepieces, with additional locations in El Paso, Laredo and McAllen, Texas. 3747 Westheimer Road (Highland Village) 713.627.7787 deutschjewelers.com

A carefully planned, pedestrian-friendly urban village is at the center of this already thriving area at the intersection of River Oaks and Upper Kirby Districts. The art deco-inspired development captures the spirit of the surrounding neighborhood, while offering a contemporary collection of cafés, fine-dining establishments, boutiques, luxury apartment homes, and more.

deBoulle

2800 Kirby Drive (River Oaks) 713.533.9966 westaveriveroaks.com

JEWELRY & ACCESSORIES Family-friendly by day and adult-friendly by night, this open-air shopping area is a muststop Houston hot spot. Located within Loop 610 at Kirby/University Boulevard, the Arcade includes more than 50 shops, restaurants, and indulgences. 2400 University Blvd. (West University) 713.630.0585 ricevillagedistrict.com

River Oaks Shopping Center The modern, art deco-inspired center offers a sophisticated shopping experience featuring more than 75 nationally recognized stores, eclectic shops, and dining options, including J.

À Bientôt This chic River Oaks accessories boutique offers everything from earrings and shoes to bags and bracelets. The storefront is stocked with Jeffrey Campbell animal-print flats, Italian leather handbags, pashmina shawls, one-of-a-kind reading glasses, and more. 2501 River Oaks Blvd. (River Oaks) 713.523.3997 shopabientot.com

Chardé Jewelers

Chardé represents more than 100 jewelry designers from all around the world and features local artists, including Lemel Designs and Rebecca

Timeless beauty, refined luxury, attention to detail, and fine craftsmanship are hallmarks of deBoulle Diamond & Jewelry. Experience a premier collection of fine jewelry, worldrenowned Swiss watchmaker, Patek Philippe, impeccable service, and a beautiful and friendly environment. 4444 Westheimer Rd. 713.621.2400 deBoulle.com

HUBLOT Houston

From in-house watch complications, to revolutionary materials, to world class collaborations, HUBLOT characterizes itself through the “Art of Fusion” philosophy, bringing tradition into the future. Visit the HUBLOT Boutique in the Galleria to view their latest timepiece collection. 5085 Wertheimer Rd. 281.768.3950 hublot.com H O U S TO N H OT E L M A G A Z I N E

SHOPPING Zadok Jewelers IW Marks Jewelers

With muted tones and a traditional design, this space offers a tranquil atmosphere conducive to leisurely browsing among the many showcases of watches and jewelry. There is a dedicated area for watches, fine jewelry, and bridal lines, with shop-in-shops for many brands, including Mikimoto, Charriol, Lagos, Stephen Dweck, Judith Leiber, Dominique Cohen, and Kabana. 3841 Bellaire Blvd. (Braeswood Place) 713.668.5000 iwmarks.com

Kendra Scott

Kendra Scott is an American accessories brand inspired by the personal experiences, travel, and sense of community of its CEO and designer Kendra Scott. Shop the kaleidoscope of beautiful jewelry at her three Houston-area boutiques. 816 Town & Country Blvd. (CityCenter) 713.965.4115 2411 Times Blvd. (Rice Village) 713.965.4056 For additional locations, visit kendrascott.com

Maida’s Belts & Buckles

An array of exquisite, handmade, and engraved buckles and buckle sets from the finest artists in the United States are found at this unique store. The heirloom quality buckles can be worn and enjoyed now and also passed down to future generations. 5727 Westheimer Road (Galleria/Uptown) 713.629.9091 maidasbelts.com

Tenenbaum & Co. Classic Jeweler

Shop the largest collection of estate jewelry in the southern United States with styles ranging from antique from renowned designers including David Webb, Tiffany & Co., Cartier, and Van Cleef & Arples. Now home to Past Era Antique Jewelry and Queen of Heirs. Inventory changes daily so be sure to stop by often! 4310 Westheimer Road 713.629.7444

This Texas-size retail mecca, a privately owned design and lifestyle store with 70,000 square feet of display space, spans five separate showroom buildings on one campus. Expect to find Texas hospitality and professional staff, in addition to a unique selection of home accessories, bath and bedding, fragrances, antiques, furniture, interior and exterior lighting, and much more.

1749 Post Oak Blvd. (Galleria/Uptown) 713.960.8950

2424 W Alabama St. (Upper Kirby) 713.526.6000

zadok.com

kuhl-linscomb.com

ANTIQUES & FURNITURE Alyson Jon Interiors This family-owned business opened its doors in the Houston area in 1967. Alyson Jon features quality furniture, accessories, bedding, and lighting carefully selected from around the world. The expert staff is available to assist clients in choosing unique accessories, from a single room accent to furnishings for an entire home. 2401 Bissonnet St. (West University) 713.524.3171 alysonjon.com

The Antiquarium A large, varied collection of original antique prints, old maps and globes, historical Texas documents, and other objects of historical, scientific, and aesthetic interest is on display and available for purchase at this unique gallery located at the Centre at River Oaks in the heart of Houston. 3021 Kirby Drive (River Oaks) 713.622.7531 theantiquarium.com

antique-pavilion.com

For additional locations, thomasmarklejewelers.com

Lam Bespoke Serving the Greater Houston area for years, this home furnishings store combines comfort and style in its products for the well-tailored home, including art, accessories, coffee tables, chairs, ottomans, sofas, custom upholstery, and more.

2515 River Oaks Blvd.(River Oaks) 713.936.9503

Atrium Ready to Wear

2032 W Alabama St. (Montrose) 713.523.1558 lambespoke.com

Roche Bobois This leader in European high-end furniture is in a class all its own. With a network of 240 stores in 40 countries, the company recently celebrated its 50th anniversary. Known for unmatched quality, European know-how, and customization, each furniture piece is born of close collaboration by the brand, designers, and manufacturers. 4810 San Felipe Road (Galleria/Uptown) 713.629.0442 roche-bobois.com

This exclusive boutique with a French flair offers one-of-a-kind couture cocktail attire and evening wear from a curated collection of fashion’s finest designers, including Prabal Gurung, Vera Wang, Jason Wu, Angel Sanchez, and Yigal Azrouel, among others. Shoppers experience personal attention from the Atrium’s expert staff. 2040 West Gray St. (River Oaks) 713.520.0206 atriumrtw.com

Cakewalk Style Shop

WOMEN’S APPAREL Abejas Boutique

Conveniently located between Kirby Drive and Shepherd Drive, this 27,000-square-foot showroom houses 80 of Houston’s finest dealers. As it has for the past 20 years, this collaborative showcases exceptional home furnishings, art, silver, accessories, and jewelry.

Thomas Markle Jewelers

9595 Six Pines Drive, The Woodlands 281.363.2400

Since opening in 2010 as a feminine counterpart to Sid Mashburn, this stylish shop strives to be a place where women can come and enjoy the experience of finding something they need (the perfect white shirt) or just something that they want (African beads in beautiful colors). Ann Mashburn aims to make a woman’s life simpler by making getting dressed a joyful and effortless part of her day.

Antiques & Interiors at the Pavilion

2311 Westheimer Road (River Oaks/Upper Kirby) 713.520.9755

4417 Kingwood Drive, Kingwood 281.360.4367

Ann Mashburn

annmashburn.com

tenenbaumandco.com

Established in 1981, Thomas Markle Jewelers is not only is one of North Houston’s most trusted family jewelers, but also is recognized as one of Texas’ premier jewelry stores. Houston residents and area visitors are served in a friendly atmosphere by an experienced staff of jewelry professionals.

Kuhl-Linscomb

Featuring a vast array of merchandise, Zadok includes spectacular collections from the world’s leading jewelry designers and Swiss watch brands. Several graduate gemologists are on staff, including all of the Zadok sons. With expert guidance and a non-pressure selling ethic, a relaxing shopping experience awaits.

Carl Moore Antiques

Founders Gina Cartwright and Jennifer Grigsby fill their charming River Oaks shop with handcrafted jewelry and stylish fashion by Vince, Elizabeth & James, Tibi, Equipment, Mother Denim, Current Elliott, and more. 3201 Westheimer Road (Upper Kirby) 713.284.8283

This exquisitely decorated showroom offers classic style for a contemporary age through its distinctive selection of memorable antiques and reproductions, all individually chosen with an eye for style, line, and value.

This cozy hangout is filled with unexpected basics every girl needs in her closet. The boutique specializes in casual, bohemian-style designer clothes, handbags, accessories, shoes, and fragrances.

1610 Bissonnet St. (Museum District) 713.524.2502

5600 Kirby Drive (West University) 713.522.3025

carlmooreantiques.com

abejasboutique.com

cakewalkstyleshop.com

Collectivo Founded in 2017, this upscale concept store in River Oaks is already making a name for itself. Dedicated solely to showcasing the best of Latin American fashion and luxury ("LATAM glam"), Collectivo is filled with hand-picked high-end clothes and accessories from some of the freshest designers around. 4310 Westheimer Road (River Oaks) 832.831.8818 collectivostore.com

H O U S TO N H OT E L M A G A Z I N E

SHOPPING Dao Chloe Dao Formerly LOT 8, this boutique is one of the premier shops located in the Rice Village shopping district. Its philosophy centers on service with openness, warmth, and charm and seeks to ensure each customer feels she is shopping with a trusted girlfriend. 6127 Kirby Drive (West University) 713.807.1565 chloedao.com

Elaine Turner A Texas woman with a chic, cosmopolitan sense, Elaine Turner combines her love of exotic travels and colorful spaces to create a collection of luxury handbags and shoes for every woman. 2429 University Blvd. (Rice Village) 713.255.0052 800 Town and Country Blvd. (CityCentre) 713.255.9095 elaineturner.com

Elizabeth Anthony Located in Houston’s upscale Uptown Park, Elizabeth Anthony seeks to dress ladies in chic styles for work, vacation, and special evenings out. The luxurious retail space welcomes women who desire both personal attention and advice from knowledgeable staff while shopping for high-end apparel. 1180 Uptown Park Blvd. (Galleria/Uptown) 713.622.1331 elizabethanthonyhouston.com

Hemline Established in 1994 in New Orleans, the brand today includes six locations throughout the South. A trusted, sought-after resource for coveted fashion, Hemline is the ultimate style destination for Show Me Your Mumu, French Connection, Free People, Hudson, Sam Edelman, and more.

to cocktail dresses, KB Kasuals is always searching to find the next new hot designers and trends.

MEN’S APPAREL

2015 West Gray St. (River Oaks) 713.679.8481

Known for his classic Southern style, William Reid designs clothing from quality fabrics with added unusual accents, dubbed “low-fi Southern-bred luxury.” The quaint shop, located in a Craftsman-era home in River Oaks, specializes in high-end men’s clothing and also carries Reid’s women’s collection.

kbkasuals.com

Pinto Ranch Fine Western Wear

Live the Western lifestyle on or off the ranch with more than 4,000 in-stock pairs of handmade boots by Lucchese, Old Gringo, Stallion, Rocketbuster, Rios of Mercedes, and Liberty Boot Co. Unique designer apparel for men and women, including hand-engraved buckles, hats, and jewelry, embody the romanticism and traditions of the Old West. 1717 Post Oak Blvd. (Galleria/Uptown) 713.333.7900 pintoranch.com

More Than You Can Imagine

The best of upscale retail and resale converge in this charming Upper Kirby boutique. From Louboutin pumps to Chanel suits, from distinctive gifts to high-end household products, founder Vicki Rizzo's beloved shop truly does live up to its name. 2817 Westheimer Road (Upper Kirby) 713.668.8811 mtyci.com

SAM and lilli The brainchild of restaurateur Lee Ellis, this West Avenue shop is known for contemporary and casual lines. Designers such as Elizabeth and James, Tibi, and Ace & Jig fill this Upper Kirby, West Coast-inspired boutique. 2800 Kirby Drive (Upper Kirby) 713.942.9520 samandlilli.com

2702 Westheimer Road (Upper Kirby) 713.552.0333 billyreid.com

GIFTS & SPECIALTY STORES Events More than just a gift boutique, Events is a complete sensory experience and offers an abundance of gift ideas for him or her, a bridal registry, stationery, and home accessories. 1966 West Gray (River Oaks) 713.520.5700 eventsgifts.com

Maida’s

M Penner Located in Uptown Park and known for upscale men and women’s clothing, this shop carries tailored clothing, made-to-measure suits and shirts, footwear, accessories, and an extensive designer’s collection for men and women. M Penner was awarded the Gold Standard in Esquire magazine’s “Best of Class” issue. Maida’s is the oldest family owned and continuously operating boot and shoe company in the U.S. 100% hand crafted in Houston by master MPenner.com boot and shoe makers, one pair at a time. Come in and experience what it’s like to select your exotic leathers, design, and get fitted for Norton Ditto Respected as the city’s premier retailer for more custom footwear. than a century, this Houston landmark is dedi- 3733 Westheimer Road (River Oaks) cated to providing its customers with the latest 713.492.0645 trends in men’s fashion. From custom-fitted suits to jeans, Norton Ditto offers the most Lucchese complete collection of fine clothing, including big and tall at the River Oaks location. 1180-06 Uptown Park Blvd. (Galleria/Uptown) 713.527.8200

2425 West Alabama St. (River Oaks) 713.688.9800 9595 Six Pines Drive, The Woodlands 281.367.0995 nortonditto.com

Tootsies

Sid Mashburn This men’s shop, which opened in 2010 as the counterpart to women’s clothing store Ann Mashburn, expresses its spirit by pairing iconic pieces with its own stylish products. The staff assists customers through wardrobe combinations, while offering the perfect suit, shirt, sweater, and socks to provide buyer’s confidence.

2505 Amherst St. (Rice Village) 713.520.1184 2047 West Gray St. (River Oaks) 713.520.0060 shophemline.com

KB Kasuals Located the heart of River Oaks, Tootsies is a full-line specialty store offering ready-to-wear, shoes, handbags, jewelry, and accessories. Known for its stellar customer service, the store features enormous fitting rooms designed by top interior designers, a private room for exclusive trunk shows, and a dining room for special customer luncheons. This upscale women’s clothing boutique in River Oaks offers top designers at affordable prices for all ages. Providing a versatile selection ranging from pajamas to everyday clothes

Billy Reid

2601 Westheimer Road (Upper Kirby) 713.629.9990 tootsies.com

2515 River Oaks Blvd. (River Oaks) 713.936.9502 sidmashburn.com

Texas-based Lucchese is a legendary bootmaker and iconic brand of the American West. Applying the same craftsmanship principles and techniques since 1883, Lucchese artisans use only the finest leathers and unrivaled materials to construct handmade boots of exceptional quality, comfort, fit, and style. 4051 Westheimer Rd. (Highland Village) 713.960.1121

Oolala Located in The Heights, this quaint store specializes in women’s apparel, fashion accessories, home decor, bath products, books, art, and more, and focuses on unique, quality merchandise and one-on-one customer service. 833 Studewood St. (The Heights) 713.862.9800 oolalagifts.com

H O U S TO N H OT E L M A G A Z I N E

Nestled in the Aliso and Wood Canyons, in the heart of Orange County, resides The Ranch at Laguna Beach resort where canyon and sea meet. Their premier boutique coastal ranch hotel and spa is the perfect blend of the rich history of this storied canyon and the artistry that is Laguna Beach. Welcome to the distinctly local resort.

T H E R A N C H AT L A G U N A B E A C H 3 1 1 0 6 S o u t h C o a s t H i g h w a y, L a g u n a B e a c h , 9 4 9 . 4 9 9 . 2 2 7 1 , t h e r a n c h l b . c o m

THE FACTS. THE MYSTERY. THE LEGACY. Expore the story of President John F. Kennedy from the impact of the assassination to his ongoing influence today. 411 Elm | Dallas, TX 75202 | 214.747.6660 | jfk.org Cecil Stoughton. White House Photographs. John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, Boston

Photo courtesy of Araya Artisan Chocolate

PARTING SHOT

Sweet Dreams There’s something magical about chocolate— its silky texture, its balletic dance between bitter and sweet. Chocolate is the jazz of food, the universal cordon of love. It should surprise no one that chocolate is a natural source of tryptophan, a chemical that causes mood-enhancing serotonin to flood the brain. Eating a chocolate, chemically speaking, is an act of self-care. Some of the finest chocolate in the world is made here in Houston at Araya Artisan Choc-

H O U S TO N H OT E L M A G A Z I N E

olate, a family-owned business that has been pleasing local palates since 2010. Headed by Venezuelan sisters Carla and Silvana Susi, and Carla’s husband Stefano Zullian, Araya uses fairly traded, single-origin Venezuelan cacao to create bite after memorable bite. Classic flavors like Salted Caramel and Chipotle provide a natural point of entry. From there, venture a little further into the realm of imagination and discover artful creations like Port Wine and Violet, Margarita, or Strawberry

Balsamic. Each Araya chocolate doubles as a work of fine art. Unexpected pops of color and geometric patterns elevate the experience into one that pleases all the senses. Guilt has no place here—only pleasure. With locations in River Oaks, Uptown Park, and Katy, and a distribution deal with local grocer Central Market, Araya’s creations are easy to find—and a perfect taste of Houston to take home. arayachocolate.com

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FINDING FUTURELAND Mayor Annise Parker On The Rebirth Of Urban Cores

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