Holiday 2022 Issue

LUXURY RESIDENCES

IN HOUSTON, TEXAS

Patiently held in reserve for 70 years, 1661 Tanglewood builds upon the founding Farrington-Miller family tradition of bold vision. Accommodating every comfort of urban high rise living, these mansions in the sky offer interiors of exceptional character, generous proportions and a considered lifestyle. Discover the latest landmark in the continuing story of Tanglewood.

boutique. Would you dare to bare? On the Cover Page Parkes model Charlotte Stevens in a gown by Christian Dior with French-cut diamond earrings and an emerald-cut diamond necklace from Deutsch Fine Jewelry, photographed by Steven Visneau in Memorial.

Dr. Germán Newall Plastic Surgeon

JEFF GREMILLION

Managing Editor

Creative Director

Style Editor-at-Large

Contributing Editors

Senior Stylist Podcast Producer Writers Photographers & Illustrators

Editor-in-Chief

Evan W. Black

Patrick Magee

Kate Stukenberg

Chris Becker and Robin Barr Sussman

Todd Ramos Luke Brawner

Leah Cast, Julia Davila, Ray Dennison, Amanda Llanes, Zachary McKenzie, Ed Nawotka and Mai Pham

Kat Ambrose, Dionne Christiansen, Greta Connolly, Fulton Davenport, Jenn Duncan, Kelli Durham, Kirsten Gilliam, Carla Gomez, Jhane Hoang, Shannon O’Hara, Daniel Ortiz, Phoebe Rourke, Ashkan Roayaee, Debora Smail, Julie Soefer, Al Torres, Steven Visneau and Becca Wright

Edward Sanchez and Darcie Teasley

LISA HOLTHOUSE

Stylists & Groomers Sales Director Associate Publisher Account Executive Operations Director Technology Director Advisors & Partners Accountant

Executive Publisher

Peter Remington Jennifer Kahlden

Nader Safinya Eric Holden Christopher J. Nodd M. Sonny Garza and David Paul Rabalais Christopher Doyle

945 McKinney Street, Suite 119, Houston, Texas 77002 832.514.3001 Phone | 832.514.3002 Fax

FOR SALES INFORMATION sales@houstoncitybook.com TO CONTACT AN EDITOR evan@houstoncitybook.com

President and Chief Executive Officer Jeff Gremillion Vice President Lisa Holthouse Chief Operations Officer Eric Holden Chief Technology Officer Christopher J. Nodd

Advisors M. Sonny Garza and David Paul Rabalais Style Editor-at-Large Kate Stukenberg

“The

HOUSTON’s Choice in Plastic Surgery

Dr. Paul Fortes

Dr. Abigail Rodriguez

Dr. Henry Mentz

Dr. Rolando Morales

Dr. Germán Newall

Dr. Chris Patronella

Dr. Kris� Hustak

LISA HOLTHOUSE Executive Publisher

Ican’t help but feel thankfulness and cheer as we pull this holiday issue together. Thanksgiving and Christmas, separated by only 30 days, bring so much excitement, nostalgia, gratitude, festivity, joy and love into the air. Throw in a well-deserved city celebration for our hometown heroes, the Astros… dang! It’s a special time of year, and I feel blessed to have a few moments to sit quietly and think about all we have incorporated into the issue, and all we have to look forward to this holiday season. Only thing missing is a little cool air to stick around for more than a minute.

What an honor it was to host this issue’s beautiful fashion shoot in our home. Playing dress-up with all of the dazzling jewels sent over by our incredible jewelry partners around the city — not to mention the gorgeous high fashion shipped in from around the country — was a blast. I was giddy watching it all come together. And to see it now packaged up so meticulously in these pages for all of our readers to drool over is so exciting.

Miss USA!? Not only do we have the best baseball team in the country but we have a world ambassador with the most talent, beauty and brains right here in Houston as well. What a cool bragging right to add to our repertoire! Houston has so much to be proud of, pinch me.

I also must vaunt the

homegrown entrepreneurs who are constantly sprouting up and building our city into the economic magnet that attracts people from coast to coast. My young friends, the handsome sons of my besties Kara and Ray Childress (lest we forget Ray’s celebrity status in his own right!) are taking the creative world by storm with their new venture — and I’m thrilled to see their work highlighted for you. Congrats, Wells and Knox.

Oh what fun it is to ride … in the CityBook open sleigh! Our team works so hard to bring you a vast picture of our city in only a limited number of pages — which could easily be an encyclopedia (does that date me or what!). As always, I’m honored to play a small role as I write this essay, wishing you the best during this holiday season. Starting now, it’s all about sharing special moments with loved ones, family and friends alike. Oh — and maybe also about the gift-giving. My love language is gifts so I’m especially excited to have the gift guides sprinkled throughout, including some special suggestions from yours truly.

Sending so much peace, love and fun your way! Keep a light heart and focus on the beauty in every moment. I feel that’s the best way to make the most of an illustrious holiday season. And that is certainly my plan as we roll into my favorite season of the year.

With gratitude…

JEFF GREMILLION Editor-in-Chief

I’m going to tell you a secret about the Astros, the World Series and CityBook Not this year, but 2017.

As in 2022, the Astros won the Series just as our year-end Holiday Issue was going to press. I have to say I was caught a little flat-footed and hadn’t planned to cover it. But, as the city exploded in long-awaited and wellearned jubilation over our boys’ first-ever World Series championship, my colleagues and I scrambled to find a CityBook-style way to mark the milestone.

As fate would have it, one of the gowns photographer Samantha Jane Beatty had already shot for our fashion and jewelry cover spread was an orange and blue number by Delpozo. What are the odds? Somehow, miraculously, we had a great image of a model in a fabulous gown — in ’Stros colors!

But something was missing. If only we’d thought to have her wearing a baseball glove. Or, better yet, holding a baseball. Could we, perhaps, through the magic of Photoshop, put one in her hand?

We almost wrote off the idea as impossible, especially with a print deadline looming. But then we thought

of Claudia Casbarian, a photographer who works with my good friend Julie Soefer and who, as it happens, is a Photoshop whiz. She said maybe, just maybe, she could pull it off.

The rest is history. Our 2017 “Celebrating the Year of Houston” edition (pictured at left), which also noted how the city had survived Hurricane Harvey and hosted the Super Bowl, hit stands with a gorgeous woman in an orange and blue dress holding a baseball on the cover. As if it had been planned all along. We were elated.

Although there are no such tricks on our cover this year — we went with a classic Dior red dress and diamonds — we may be even more thrilled by the Astros’ victory this time. We love ’em! After all, we had Alex Bregman and his then-fiancé Reagan on the cover a couple summers ago, and just this past spring, we were honored to make team owner Jim Crane the face of our annual Leaders & Legends issue.

Congrats to the ’Stros, and to the city that has supported them through thick and thin. I wish you peace and joy for the holidays, too. Like our 2017 Astros cover, you absolutely must have a ball!

CityBook At Large

REAL ESTATE

‘Darth Vader House’ Hits the Market — Again

Less than a year after it last sold, listed at the time for $3.1 million, CityBook Digital reported that West U’s iconic “Darth Vader House” is on the market again. The 7,000-square-foot mansion at 3201 University Blvd., designed by architect Lynn Swisher Spears, has been re-listed by Nicole Handy of Braden Real Estate Group for $3.7 mil. The photos accompanying the 2022 listing appear unchanged.

ICYMI Insta-Worthy Moments

Here are a handful of hits from our social-media feed. Follow @houstoncitybook for more!

the “stunning”

PEOPLE FOOD

‘Smart’ Moves in the Kitchen

Cooking teacher Marcia Smart emphasized how important it is for “busy working and over-extended moms” to feel empowered and calm in the kitchen. Her gorgeous first cookbook, Dinner is Done: Simple Weeknight Meals from Smart in the Kitchen, is out now.

Give Thanks for These Restos!

For those who opted to nix the shopping, cooking and cleaning and dined out for Thanksgiving instead, dozens of delicious options awaited — like this classic pecan pie at Bludorn, which, like many restaurants, served a multicourse spread of comforting classics and savory specials.

October 17 A new cocktail trend was spawned by a viral TikTok, and we rounded up where to try

Negroni Sbagliato in Houston.

October 13 Former Page Parkes model Tabitha Pagel Garcia is now a partner and co-owner of the famous agency.

October 10 Casey Barbles is the gorgeous guru behind the Feel Good Group, which puts on many of the city’s most popular new farmers markets.

Made America Mad Again

APPEARING IN THEIR fourth World Series in six seasons, and hoping to win for the first time since the signstealing scandal of 2017, the Astros had a lot to prove to everyone except Houston. Led by rookie and MVP Jeremy Peña alongside veterans Jose Altuve, Yordan Álvarez and Alex Bregman — pictured, in a locker-room Champagne spray — the ’Stros handed the Phillies a convincing Game 6 defeat at Minute Maid Park to clinch the title. It was the first time in nearly a decade that a team secured the championship on their home field. –evan w. black

STYLE, CULTURE, BUSINESS & MORE

THE DISPATCH GIFTS

The still-new Creed boutique in the Galleria offers unique gift ideas for the holidays, like this limited-edition fragrance sleeve with a magnetic clasp.

HOLIDAY

Stages Repertory Theatre’s beloved Panto series returns, this time telling the tale of Snow White and the Seven Dorks. The show runs through Christmas Eve.

Holiday

J out of the box

SHOPPING

SoCal-founded activewear brand Vuori opened the doors to its first Houston outpost in Rice Village. The ecoconscious brand makes premium performance apparel inspired by the active coastal California lifestyle an integration of fitness, surf, sport and art.

ust in time for all the festivities, iconic dessert spot The Chocolate Bar has expanded, opening a new outpost on West Alabama under the name Winfield’s Chocolate Bar There’s a takeout window, 44-foot-long counter, vintage-inspired décor, and a display case filled with rows of cakes, cookies and all types of chocolate-covered delights by Executive Pastry Chef Grace Lapsys. –ewb

visions of sugar plums

A TRUE MARK of the holiday season’s arrival in H-Town is the Houston Ballet’s The Nutcracker, which this year opens Nov. 25 and runs through Dec. 27. For the first time since the pandemic, the full cast — including a chorus of 300 young dancers — will take to the Wortham stage, flitting and floating through snowflakes and sword fights houstonballet.org –ewb

Holiday

THE DISPATCH ART

The Menil Drawing Institute has unveiled its latest exhibition, on view through March 12.

Robert Motherwell

Drawing: As Fast as the Mind includes works from about 25 public and private collections.

DESIGN

Interior designer Mary Patton recently opened her first brick-and-mortar design studio in Rice Village. The studio will sell items from Patton’s e-commerce store, brand collaborations with local artisans, and one-of-a-kind redesigned vintage furniture; areas for one-on-one design meetings with clients can be reserved by appointment.

People

facing the music

HOLIDAY

The Houston Symphony plays music from the holiday classic Home Alone on Dec. 3, and tunes from family faves like Frozen, Polar Express and others on Dec. 17.

Catch the classic Handel’s Messiah Dec. 9-11.

Holiday

Get Lit!

The Houston Botanic Gardens in southeast Houston is bringing back its popular holiday exhibition Lightscape, an outdoor, illuminated trail of festive sculptures. New this year: “Bluebonnets,” “Framed” and “Nautilus Forest,” all created by Mandylights, a visual arts house based in Australia and the UK.

“BACK IN THE day, I honestly didn’t care for boleros,” says Mexico-born, Houston-based mezzo soprano Cecilia Duarte of the dramatic genre of Latin American music she grew up hearing her mother sing around the house. Duarte’s new album, Reencuentros, is a collection of classic boleros from Argentina, Cuba, Chile, México, Ecuador and beyond, each with its own unique flavor. “I call them Latin American art songs,” says Duarte, who grew to love this romantic repertoire (and says her mom is “super excited” about the album). Beginning Dec. 8, Duarte also reprises her role as Renata in HGO’s El Milagro del Recuerdo, a holiday-themed mariachi opera. –chris becker, photo by ashkan royayee

SHOPPING

Don’t Be Scared is a new fitnessapparel brand based in Houston, with men’s and women’s styles made for “courageous” activity. Purchase online at dbsliving.com.

GAME ON

A FAMOUSLY GREAT gift-giver, our executive publisher, Lisa Holthouse, shares a few of her go-to’s for the holiday season. “I factor in who they are and what they love to do,” she says of her intended recipient. “And I love having

ART

Nonprofit Avenue hosts Art on the Avenue at Winter Street Studios Dec. 1-3. Shop art and jewelry by more than 250 local vendors; silent auction proceeds go to build and preserve affordable housing, revitalize distressed neighborhoods, and support local artists.

April 16, the MFAH showcases beautiful works spanning all major ancient cultures of Colombia. Think feathers, hammered gold, ancient textiles and more.

Real Estate

‘Sexy’ Sells

WORTH THE WAIT? Situated on more than four acres in Memorial and listed for $26.5M, the English-style manor at 120 Carnarvon Dr. recently set the record for the most expensive home ever sold in Houston, per HAR. It was on and off the market several times over the last four years — and was even the set of CityBook’s infamous annual “Sexy Issue” shoot in 2019.

by Indulge 3) $145, by Hermes. 4) Cosmos porcelain flower, $150, by Aerin at Collection. 5) Zoe jewelry portfolio, $185, by Wolf at Bella Madre.

SQUARE BANG UNICO

18K King Gold and black ceramic case. In-house UNICO chronograph movement.

THE DISPATCH GIFTS

Wellness tech company Therabody opened a Reset location in The Galleria, designed to deliver a spectrum of mind-body health and wellness services. Some of Reset’s unique offerings include a full-body Theragun massage and stretch, PowerDot electrical stimulation, eye massage glasses (below), IV hydration, sound therapy and

SHOPPING

Paloma & Co. has moved to 2509 River Oaks Blvd. The curated home-decor shop from beloved local designer Paloma Contreras will soon be neighbors with Sid Mashburn, J.Landa Jewelry, Itsy Bitsy Boutique and à bientôt.

ART

Archway Gallery presents Only the Forest Knows… from Dec. 3-Jan. 5, with sculptures of wild animals by Andrea Wilkenson and textural paintings the environments which they live by Christie Coker.

JEWELRY

Celeb-adored earpiercing studio and earring brand Studs has opened its first Houston storefront (and third in Texas) in Rice Village. The neon-happy boutique is taking over the former Shop Rice Owls store.

Wellness

great escapes

AS PEOPLE REEMERGE from many months spent at home, it seems medspas are having a moment. The brand-new Tulum Wellness Spa from Brittany Moss and Briana Hubbard combines traditional spa offerings like facials and massages with tech-savvy

new location on Washington, and acclaimed Nuveau Plastic Surgery + Medical Aesthetics recently moved into a 5,500-square-foot space on Westheimer, on the cusp of its fifth anniversary. And in Upper Kirby, the SkinCeuticals SkinLab by Dr. Roth has rolled out a great new gift idea: Custom D.O.S.E., a hyperpersonalized serum formulation created during a superquick skincare consultation. ewb

Holiday

Festive Dress

open in Rice Village: Nanos, children’s clothing boutique based in Spain and made with premium materials. The Christmas sets are a delightful exception to the sophisticated neutrality. Good things come in small packages! –julia davila

THERE’S A BETTER APPROACH TO CANCER CARE

At Houston Methodist Neal Cancer Center, we treat every aspect of your cancer. Leading oncologists work with our specialists across disciplines to minimize cancer’s effects on major organs. One comprehensive team — dedicated to your individual care — uses the latest research, treatments and technology to stop your cancer. From infusion and clinical trials to surgery and reconstruction, our innovative care is available at locations across Greater Houston.

That’s the difference between practicing medicine and leading it.

THE DISPATCH SHOPPING

Los Angeles-based online apparel brand Buck Mason opened its first Houston store in Montrose Collective. The store includes men’s and women’s apparel, including t-shirts, sweats, cashmere sweaters and denim.

HOLIDAY

The Christmas Village at Bayou Bend returns nightly at 5:30pm beginning Dec. 9, featuring thousands of lights twinkling throughout the 14acre estate, along with games, treats, faux snow, shopping and Santa photos.

GIFTS

Top Chef contender Rebecca Masson unveils a limited number of stuffedto-the-brim gift boxes for the holidays. Online orders (fluffbakebar. com) go live Dec. 6, with pickup on Dec. 13. Boxes include four each of her Gooey Butter, Christmas Unicorn Bait, chocolatepeppermint and ginger-molasses cookies, plus two DIY hot chocolate kits.

TEXAS RETAIL LEGEND

Brian Bolke has opened The Conservatory in the River Oaks District space previously home to Forty Five Ten. Shop women’s and men’s clothing and accessories, beauty, wellness, fragrances and home decor. Brands exclusive to the Houston gallery include Gabriela Hearst, Maison Margiela, Sidney Garber, Metier, ATP, Perfumer H and more theconservatory nyc.com –jd

A winter look by LouLou studio, at The Conservatory

In Lisa B Woods’ ‘Re)cognition,’ landscape-like images are projected on a paper, geodesic masque, modeled after the face of a young Black woman.

‘Love’ Lives

he could be your grandmother, this elderly Black woman, sitting quietly on the couch, keeping her thoughts to herself. Her head is kept warm by a black knit cap, and her feet, also warm in thick slippers, are propped up for comfort. This photo by Houston’s Jamie Robertson, one of five artists in the group show Black Love Now, on view through Dec. 31 at Nicole Longnecker Gallery, is one of many works that provides a space for contemplation and healing; the show also includes pieces by Texas-based Madelyn Sneed-Grays Lanecia Rouse Tinsley, Lisa B Woods and Ann Johnson.

“It’s a directive to the audience to love Black people now,” says curator Scarlett Wieliczki of the show’s title, which she feels is very much “on the nose.” “I feel like when we become elusive with meanings and we’re not direct, then our intentions … become lost.”

Wieliczki, a Black woman born and raised in Houston, describes the exhibit as her form of protest, inspired by the Black Lives Matter marches. Loss and renewal are its “core conceptual pillars,” and the attention artists pay to

what Wieliczki describes as “ancestral informants” may be the key to a better future. “So much of Robertson’s work is about remembrance,” explains Wieliczki, pointing out the attention to detail in Robertson’s photos that “connects you to a past that you never really articulated or expressed to anyone else before.”

Anchoring time while making it clear the future is now is Austin-based light and sculpture artist Lisa B Woods’ “Re)cognition,” a kaleidoscopic face surrounded by several feet of tightly weaved curls of black paracord.

As a curator, Wieliczki strives to support new forms of contemporary artistic practice, but with Black Love Now, she is after something that transcends the typical gallery experience. “The grief part of this show is really loud,” says Wieliczki, who becomes very emotional when discussing the art and artists she has gathered for Black Love Now and alludes to personal losses she herself experienced during the production of the exhibition. “We’ve consumed so much death, I feel we need a time and a space to process and come to terms with that as a community.” 

A new group show echoes loss and renewal for Black artists. By Chris Becker

Behind the Mask

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

When you combine the prestige of the Coldwell Banker name, with state-of-the-art technology, bespoke marketing strategies and one of real estate’s most robust global networks – the result is extraordinary representation that crosses oceans, continents, and language barriers. Coldwell Banker encompasses more than 100,000 independent sales professionals in 41 countries and territories. Our Luxury Property Specialists –many of whom rank among the top luxury real estate agents in the world – have a track record of representing some of the most significant properties of all time.

The elite Houston Mastermind Group is comprised of seasoned professionals that connect each month to mastermind strategies, enhance their skillset & share creative methods to showcase exquisite homes with extraordinary amenities across the greater Houston area.

Memorial Joy Badger (7) 713.854.9135

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The Woodlands Deanna Clark (1) 713.304.0427

©2022 Coldwell Banker. All Rights Reserved. Coldwell Banker and the Coldwell Banker logos are trademarks of Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. The Coldwell Banker® System is comprised of company owned offices which are owned by a subsidiary of Anywhere Advisors LLC and franchised offices which are independently owned and operated. The Coldwell Banker System fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act.

In a large bowl, combine peanut butter & marshmallow crème; add cereal & stir well until coated. In a small bowl, microwave chocolate chips & shortening 1-2 minutes or until chips are melted. Stir until smooth.

Roll cereal mixture into 1 inch balls; dip in chocolate. Place on waxed paper lined pan. Refrigerate until set.

By Julia Davila, Photo by Zac Grimaldo

For Missouri City’s R’Bonney Gabriel, 28, who only just began competing in pageants two years ago, becoming in October the first Filipino American ever crowned Miss USA was about more than adding another sash to her curio cabinet. “It’s an extremely big honor,” says the Neal Hamil model, University of North Texas grad and fashion designer who sometimes wears her own creations on stage. (The LED-laced bluebonnet number she wore at Miss USA “lit up!”) Beauty and fashion can be about more than pretty frocks, says Gabriel, who teaches sewing at Houston’s Magpies and Peacocks, a sustainable nonprofit design house that “upcycles” discarded

clothing and uses found objects and textiles in its collections. “We work with women who have survived human trafficking and domestic abuse,” she says, “providing them with tools to learn sewing, a sense of community and a pathway to success.”

We asked the beauty queen, who’ll compete for the Miss Universe title in New Orleans in January, a few questions — some serious, some silly — about her passions and her purpose.

Tell us more about winning Miss USA. I’m so happy to represent Filipino Americans and Asian Americans. As a child growing up, I didn’t really see that many women in pageantry or in pop culture that looked like me. I get messages from young girls and mothers telling me they’te so inspired by me, and I’m just so happy to set an example for Asian Americans, to help them feel inspired and believe in themselves.

What’s your most useless talent? Girl, I can juggle. I can juggle three balls and three oranges. I can juggle four balls and four lemons.

If you were arrested without explanation, what would your friends and family think you had done? It would definitely be me speeding and cutting somebody off because, you know, I’m from Houston, and we drive a little bit crazy.

What would you choose as your last meal? I would definitely make sure it’s a feast and eat until I’m absolutely full. I would have some salmon sinigang — it's a Filipino soup. I would have halo-halo, a Filipino dessert. And a really good pizza with pineapple on it. Oh, what else? Ube ice cream is another Filipino ice cream that’s so yummy. And cookie dough and cake batter that’s uncooked.

What’s something about you people would find surprising? I’m pretty clumsy. People see me as a model, and I can walk on stage and hit my turns and be all serious at photoshoots. But I’m super clumsy and drop things a lot. Sometimes I’ll drink water and bring the cup up to my mouth and miss my mouth. I’m not as put-together as people think.

Surely winning Miss Universe is on your bucket list. What else? I dream of having a design studio in a treehouse overlooking the beach. And designing and making a really amazing dress to wear to the Met Gala. 

An historic, homegrown Houston beauty queen vies for Miss Universe in January.

We are proud to be Houston owned and Houston focused. We have been since the start. We hope to share other businesses that do Houston proud so that you can truly experience what it means to support local. Where you spend your money matters and we take that seriously. We want to be your next Realtor ®

Broker/Owner

Tech Bros

By

iven their lineage, the Childress brothers’ success may come as little surprise. Masterminds behind 3-D productimaging company Kermit Labs, Wells, 31, and Knox, 26, got their sharp eye for design from their interior-decorator mom Kara — and their entrepreneurial spirit from HoustonOiler-turned-auto-dealer father Ray.

They grew up interning for their mom during summer breaks. “When she would present ideas to clients, she’d show a mood board with a small, pixelated image of a sofa next to a tiny fabric swatch next to a tiny wood sample,” says Wells. “And she’d say, ‘Imagine this sofa covered in this fabric with this type of wood leg.’ This client is about to spend $15,000 on the sofa, but they still can’t completely visualize it.”

The brothers saw an opportunity and pursued the business idea that became Kermit Labs. Kermit allows clients to see products in a photorealistic way, “in the exact fabric and finish and in the exact room they

want,” says Wells.

Utilizing special software, the Childresses create a 3-D model, “basically a digital twin of the product,” Wells explains. “Then we’ll also create a texture, like a fabric or wood finish.” But the real fun happens next: “We create amazing, slick, virtual room scenes that include the client’s products.” Even though the exact furniture item or floor covering hasn’t yet been built IRL, the customer still gets a scalable and interactive experience. And since Kermit Labs can swap textiles, finishes or accent pieces digitally, it saves the client from producing tangible products in multiple variations — which cuts travel and photography costs by nearly 90 percent while creating stunning product imagery. The business model has earned the endorsement of major industry players like Ashley Stark Home, Lee Industries, and Visual Comfort & Co.

“We’re working on view-in-room capabilities,” says Knox, “where you can look through your phone and picture the proportions of a sofa or chair in your own home.” 

Wells and Knox Childress bring your dream décor into virtual reality.

Sam Byrd, photo by Phoebe Rourke, shot at the Republic Building

Minds for Design Kermit Labs’ Wells, left, and Knox Childress

Kim Zander

Marla Reade

Julie Sheets

Jill Knowles

Kim Perdomo

Susan Boylan

Beth Stephan

Tracy B. Ackley

In the Balance

Rebuffing hustle culture, busy mom and soprano Julia Fox sings her way through the holiday season.

By Chris Becker, Photo by Fil Nenna

Life as an artist can feel like a juggling act, requiring the ability to stretch and bend to the demands of making art while maintaining one’s physical and mental health. It’s a challenge Houston-born and -raised soprano Julia Fox knows well. A married mom to a three-year-old boy, the classical singer strives for a holistic approach to her career, and believes it’s best to let her work speak for itself.

“I want to protect against burnout,” says Fox, whose clear and rich voice can sing everything from Baroque masterpieces to avant-garde art songs. “I did not get into singing because I love ‘the hustle.’ I got into it because it moves my heart, and I think it matters to humanity.”

Fox is one of the featured soloists in Ars Lyrica’s Dec. 13 concert, A Marian Feast, a holiday-themed program featuring music inspired by the Virgin Mary, including Claudio Monteverdi’s 1610 setting of the Magnificat for six voices and continuo. The story of Mary resonates deeply with Fox, who is expecting her second child in

December. “She is a mother with unknowns and deep fears, just like any mother,” says Fox. “It’s pretty universal for mothers to care deeply for their children and want to fend off any and all adversaries.”

When asked how she manages the often conflicting demands of the day-to-day, motherhood, and maintaining a creative practice, Fox bursts into laughter. “I would love to know what other people do!” she says. Fox recalls score studying while nursing and continues to rely on “juggling and creativity” to find time to practice. She admits as her son has gotten older he’s become a little fussier about what he wants to hear his mom sing around the house. “Sometimes, after bedtime, I’ll sneak out and do a warm-up and practice session in the car,” says Fox. Two cats and a dog round out her family’s lively household.

“I have found that when I am engaged in my own practices of meditation, prayer, yoga, when I am fully wellrounded in those realms, I feel sturdier on my feet as an artist,” says Fox. “I think there is a way we can assume a posture that is more welcoming to inspiration.” 

Meet LAUREN VARNADO

auren Varnado is a prominent Houston-based oil and gas attorney known for her stellar work on behalf of a roster of toptier clients in the energy space. Sought after for her extraordinary capacity to navigate the most complex and business-critical legal issues, Lauren has compiled a remarkable record of success representing oil, gas and petrochemical companies in highstakes, “bet the company” commercial litigation.

For these reasons, Lauren was handpicked earlier this year to open and lead Michelman & Robinson, LLP’s office in Houston. M&R is a national law firm headquartered in Los Angeles, with additional branches in San Francisco, Irvine, Dallas, Chicago and New York. Now M&R’s Houston Office Managing Partner, Lauren has tried and resolved significant oil and gas cases, including her recent defense of a royalty-related lawsuit in which the plaintiffs sought more than $400M in damages.

That dispute, in which Lauren was able to negotiate a highly favorable resolution during the first week of trial, made headlines in Vanity Fair, People Magazine, Daily Beast, and on CBS and NBC News (to name a few media outlets) after the judge presiding threatened her at gunpoint inside the courtroom. As a testament to her courage and tenacity and despite the judge’s menacing behavior, Lauren did not blink and continued to zealously represent her client, an energy company engaged in hydrocarbon exploration and pipeline transport.

Beyond the courtroom, Lauren routinely advises private and public exploration and production companies about rights and obligations under upstream, midstream, power and LNG contracts; litigation avoidance and risk mitigation; and investments and contractual rights in renewable energy (solar and wind). Clients also frequently seek guidance from Lauren on matters concerning the acquisition and divestiture of oil and gas properties and midstream assets; oil and gas production and business operations; oil and gas leases; accounting obligations to interest owners; and royalty payment practices.

Here, Lauren answers a handful of questions, including those about her current role at M&R, female representation in the energy space, and her vision for the future.

You manage the Houston office of one of the country’s leading midsized law firms. What does that role mean to you? Being named the Office Managing Partner at M&R Houston is, without question, the most significant accomplishment—and highlight—of my career to date. I feel so blessed that Sanford Michelman (M&R’s Co-Founder), Dana Kravetz (the

Firm Managing Partner) and the rest of M&R’s leadership team have put their faith in me to lead and grow our presence in Houston. I like to think that I’ve risen to the occasion and I’m happy to report that we’re already moving the needle in terms of the firm’s size and reach in Houston and within the energy space, more broadly.

What is your view about the status of female attorneys in the energy sector? The news regarding female representation among female lawyers in the energy space is both good and not-so good. On the plus side, women are fairly well represented in in-house legal departments industry-wide. This is an inspiration to folks like me and the other women I work closely with, and in my view, these female professionals are hitting it out of the park when it comes to the work they do day-in and day-out. That being said, law firms are not keeping pace and there’s still much to be done to get more women among the ranks of associates and partners acting on behalf of oil and gas clients. Given the want of female energy attorneys in law firms, it is quite a statement that M&R named me as its Houston Office Managing Partner.

Can you comment on your vision for M&R Houston as you and the firm look to the new year? Growth and client service excellence—that’s my mantra as we approach 2023. I’m hoping to keep adding quality lawyers and staff to my team here in Houston. If the traction we made in 2022 is any indication (we’re now 10 strong in my office), our strategic and measured growth should continue with a flourish.

What are your professional goals going forward? I want to be known as a preeminent first-chair trial attorney—a go-to lawyer handling the most consequential cases impacting the energy industry in Texas and beyond. Truth be told, not many women fit this bill. I’m proud to say that I do, and I’m so grateful to the clients that entrust me with their most important pieces of litigation.

Switching gears, as the holidays approach, what is your favorite tradition of the season? That’s easy: waking up early on Christmas morning to see what Santa has left under the tree! The holidays are so special to me and my family, and I always make sure to reflect on my good fortune this time of year. Santa aside, I love nothing more that reaching out to those in my circle to wish them a holiday season and new year filled with joy, good health and love.

LEGACY OF LIFE

A year after the Astroworld tragedy, a victim’s loved ones are determined that no other family should ever face such senseless grief. By Peter

In early November, the city marked a terrible anniversary, one year since the Travis Scott Astroworld music festival tragedy at which 10 young lives were lost, and numerous others were injured both physically and mentally. In a year’s time, sadly, little has been done by the city to make changes in security policies or responsibilities. The one exception might be the formation of the Pink Bows Foundation, developed by the parents of beautiful Madison Dubiski, one of the victims.

It began organically. In the wake of the disaster, people around Houston started displaying “Pink Bows for Madison.” The grassroots movement spread, and people across the country and around the world began wearing pink shirts, adorning their homes and businesses with pink decor, and using the #pinkbowsformadison hashtag.

But the Dubiskis realized that the movement was special, and that all victims from that day should be honored, their passing not in vain. So on May 1, 2022, which would have been Madison’s 24th birthday, the Pink Bows Foundation was formed to advocate safety and security reform at live events, to prevent a similar tragedy from happening in the future. Fundraising has been robust, with the likes of Christian Louboutin and Saks Fifth Avenue supporting with donations and in-store events. There’s a “Bingo and Bubbles” event planned for February at Minute Maid Park.

Safety and security are the first priority of the Pink Bows Foundation. The organization, of which I’m proud to serve as president, believes that things do not end up wrong. They start off wrong. And if all safety protocols are not followed, the consequences could be devasting.

Pink Bows Foundation mission is to promote stronger safety protocols … consistently implemented at entertainment venues, while providing safe spaces and protecting attendees to prevent avoidable injuries or death.

The first priority is to heighten the awareness of safety measures at large venues. Having better trained security personnel, enough exits, wider aisles for traffic, and an independent firm with the authority to halt an event should crowd control become unruly is vital. Additionally, the envisioned Pink Bows Safe Space would create a place within a festival or live concert venue where attendees can go when they feel overwhelmed or if they become uncomfortable with event safety and security.

At large events, attendees can feel scared, helpless and voiceless when they have concerns about their safety. Often, event staff and security personnel lack the training to identify and mitigate dangerous crowd dynamics. Moreover, promoters and venue managers can be slow to make safety decisions that could adversely impact the profits. The Pink Bows Safe Space will serve as a sanctuary for people who are overwhelmed at a venue, offering a seat for those who need a break, water for those who are dehydrated, someone to talk to and more.

Pink Bows strives to cooperate with promoters and venues as a valued safety and security partner. We hope the Pink Bows Safe Place will become a visible symbol of safety and security for attendees.

For more information or to donate, go to pinkbowsfoundation.org 

Safety in Numbers Family and friends of Madison Dubiski founded the Pink Bows Foundation in her memory, calling for better protocols and safe spaces at large events, such as the one depicted in the rendering above.

Remington

Gown, by Naeem Khan; ruby and diamond suite, $549,000, diamond and ruby bracelet, $198,000, wide diamond bracelet, $179,800, and rubellite tourmaline ring, $18,900, all at Tenenbaum.

’Twas the Night

This holiday season, diamonds really are a girl’s best friend. Oh, and also rubies, emeralds and statement pieces from Houston’s top jewelers. Especially paired with stunning evening gowns and bold looks from Naeem Khan, Dior, Gucci and more.

Photos by Steven Visneau

Styling by Todd Ramos

Art Direction by Patrick Magee

Hair and Makeup by Edward Sanchez Model Charlotte Stevens for Page Parkes

Shot on Location at the Memorial home of Michael and Lisa Holthouse

Dress and wrap, by Michael Kors; Hot Crystal handbag, $265, by Creations by Niki Lassiter; tourmaline and pink-sapphire earrings, $7,690, by Barry Kronen, oval sapphire necklace, $11,385, and multi-row diamond ring, $18,475, both by IWM Signature Collection, all at IW Marks. Opposite page: Dress and gloves, both by Versace; leopard cuff, $32,800, and lion cuff, $30,400, both by David Webb, doorknocker earrings, $48,900, by Sabbadini, and Navette ring, $22,500, all at Tenenbaum.

Blazer, by Michael Kors; diamond heart necklace, $4,500, mixed-metal bar necklace, $3,938, and mother of pearl butterfly necklace, $1,700, all at Bella Madre. Opposite page: Gown, by Naeem Khan; emerald and diamond drop earrings, $849,000, and emerald and yellow diamond necklace, $790,000, diamond and emerald bracelets, $34,500 and $31,500, and cocktail ring, $7,000, all at Valobra Master Jewelers.

Gown, by Christian Dior; French-cut diamond earrings, $498,950, and emerald-cut diamond necklace, $172,025, both at Deutsch Fine Jewelry.

Sweater and leather dress, by Versace; Disco earrings, $32,000, by Fernando Jorge, Patchwork necklace, $7,800, Geode cuff, $16,000, Chubby ring, $16,800, and Sparkle ring, $14,900, by Emily P. Wheeler, all at Elizabeth Anthony.

Opposite page: Sequin jacket and pants, and earrings, all by Chanel; Spirit of Big Bang King Gold with pink ceramic and diamonds, by Hublot.

Dress, by Naeem Khan, shoes, $845, by Christian Louboutin at Saks Fifth Avenue; sapphire earrings, $8,100, sapphire bracelet, $8,125, diamond tennis bracelet, $17,250, diamond ring with a center emerald, $10,965, and sapphire statement ring, $12,220, all at Zadok Jewelers.

Opposite page: Sequin top, $4,290, and pants, $2,990, by Oscar de la Renta, and shoes, $825, by Saint Laurent, all at Saks Fifth Avenue; diamond and emerald choker, $42,768, diamond and tsavorite garnet ring, $11,858, mother and child ring, $8,712, diamond starburst bracelet, $14,685, flower bracelet, $10,846, cuff, $5,478, and emerald lattice bracelet, $55,000, all by Arman Sarkisyan at Lesley Ann Jewels.

Jacket dress, by Gucci; freshwater pearl pendant with white diamonds, $5,830, on handmade gold chain, $4,270, and pearl ring with white diamonds, $6,920, all by Lika Behar at Cotton Club.

Girl

Designer Allie Wood created this upstairs “she room” for homeowner Lauren Marouni, including a custom built-in with Emtek hardware, Stark carpeting, a custom coffee table and sofas, and a show-stealing pendant from Circa Lighting.

Power

In a Southampton home built for a basketball star, a couple mixes and matches masculine and feminine — and orderly neutrals with whimsical color — to create a dream home for two. And wait till you see the guest room!

By Sam Byrd, Photos by Josh Gremillion

HIS & HERS

Green with Envy

The downstairs living room is lovingly dubbed the “green room,” named for the Kermitcolored sofa and verdant views.

A Rejuvenation pendant light and rug by Stark complete the space. Bottom right: The kitchen is Wood’s warm take on an all-white room.

The Marouni household is a lesson in well manicured restraint — followed by a double shot of playful color. Outfitted by Allie Wood Design Studio, the home in Southampton was built by former Houston Rockets player Brad Miller and purchased by Bellaire High School sweethearts Oren Marouni and Lauren Weingarten Marouni in March 2020.

“I’ve known Allie since middle school,” says Lauren, 35, who is a quadruplet. “We interviewed a couple of decorators, but what impressed me about Allie is that she also has a degree in architecture. She understands space and proportions.”

The hallways and room entrances were designed to accommodate the sky-high previous owner. It makes the pint-size lady of the house look almost cartoonishly

small by comparison — but Lauren says the thoughtful floorplan and “great bones” won her over.

The first level is all business, with clean white walls and sculptural lighting fixtures and whimsical accent pieces that become focal points in the two-story, 4,600-squarefoot home. A number of art pieces were inherited from Lauren’s grandmother.

Wood — whose father Preston and husband Aaron Rosenberg are home builders — and Lauren took advantage of the home’s nooks and crannies, creating small vignettes out of meaningful pieces like the geometric console table in the first-floor hallway, which also hails from a former classmate, artist Sydney Shatz.

“I wanted her to integrate something besides just wood and resin because I feel like that’s standard,” says the designer, who prides herself on an ability to source and customize unique pieces at any price point — and on her impossibly long, bright-blonde mane. “We found this great round piece of stone, and she popped it through a

Things Are Looking Up

Clockwise from top left: The towering guest quarters are fit for children and adults alike; the entryway is funky yet welcoming, with Circa Lighting pendants, a table by Four Hands and accessories from CB2 and Area; family dog Bologna loves watching for squirrels in the “green room;” the wet bar off the dining room is made for entertaining.

wood-and-resin slab so it could be one leg of the table.”

Another interesting element is the Kermit the Frogcolored couch in what is lovingly dubbed as The Green Room — which is also one of their pup Bologna’s favorite areas. When Oren isn’t reading a book on the sofa or Lauren isn’t enjoying a sip of Champagne with her friends, Bologna is known to nestle in and watch the squirrels.

Geometric shapes abound in everything from the carpets to the bathroom tiles to give a clean, organized, crisp finish to each room. Wood offers her updated take on the everpopular all-white, subway-tiled kitchen, with a massive stainless-steel-topped island and cool gray-green accents.

Upstairs, however, Wood and the Marounis let loose. A staircase leads to what can only be described as ultimate hangout spots. The “he room” and “she room” are where the two spend their discretionary time.

Lauren’s room is like a designer-savvy take on a Dylan’s Candy Bar, evident from the moment the massive steel double doors are thrown open. Funky wallpaper, multicolored art by Sarah Luna that mimics spilled paint, and scalloped and striped throw pillows provide texture,

and bowls of colorful candy are irresistibly fun accents.

Meanwhile, Oren’s space is a celebration of his alma mater, the University of Texas, with dark peppercorn wall paint, colonial brass shelving and leather furniture complete with burnt-orange accessories.

“These rooms are a way to entertain upstairs and bring people into other parts of the house without it being just a bedroom. These are everyone’s favorite rooms,” says Wood, who strived to achieve masculine and feminine looks, respectively, “without being cheesy.”

For their guests, the Marounis commissioned custom sleeping arrangements down the hall: queen-size bunk beds, situated against leather headboards and cleverly placed sconces. And for the primary suite, Wood purposefully kept the room in a neutral palate, adding only plaster to replace a shiplap wall and keeping the colors serene, including putty and soft metallics, to provide a sense of calmness in an otherwise kinetic second floor.

The one area where Wood splurged? The cluster-bulb pendant lights dangling on either side of the bed. “To dial up the drama.” 

Party People

HAVING A BALL

For the first time in years, Houstonians enjoyed a truly full social season, with all the big-name, in-person galas back and better than ever. HGO and Mercury celebrated their respective opening nights in style; the latter honored Lynn Wyatt, who serves as a special advisor to the Mercury board of directors and is the sponsor of Antoine Plante’s artistic director chair. HGO’s celebration of La Traviata was its largest ever, attended by 500, including the who’s-who of Houston society. Meanwhile, the Red Hot gala, created and co-chaired by Alan and Elizabeth Stein, featured a runway show with shirtless firemen and raised $625K for HFD equipment and training. Una Notte in Italia also had a fashion show, but this one starred local celebs and benefited Children at Risk. The 25th annual Houston Children’s Charity gala at the Post Oak Hotel included performances by Pat Benatar and hubby Neil Giraldo and brought in $3.6 mil. 

Russell Ybarra and Monica Ybarra at ‘HCC’

Ryan and Amber Jay with Laura Ward at ‘HCC’

Steve Wyatt, Lynn Wyatt and Joyce Echols at ‘Mercury’

Monica and Russel Ybarra at ‘Red Hot’

Brigitte Kalai and Joanna Marks at ‘Red Hot’

Hunky firefighter at ‘Red Hot’

Debbie and Rudy Festari at ‘Notte’

Party People

Pete Bell, Dominique Sachse and Greg Fourticq at ‘Notte’

Kristen Cannon and April Salazar at ‘HCC’

Deborah Lugo and Jonathan Godfrey at ‘Mercury’

John Eddie and Sheridan Williams at ‘HCCC’

Danilo and Stephanie Juvane at ‘HGO’

Jim Crownover, Phoebe Tudor and Diana Hawkins at ‘HGO’

Margaret Alkek Williams at ‘HGO’

Ann and Jonathan Ayreat ‘HGO’

Garret Wallow and Jonathan Owens at ‘Notte’

Party People

SIPS & SOIREES

After a two-year hiatus, the Best Cellars wine dinner, benefiting the Martell Foundation, returned to the Hotel ZaZa in the Museum District. Similarly, the Bone Bash Gala, raising funds for Arthritis Foundation Houston, reemerged at the Post Oak Hotel. Meanwhile, at the first annual La Nuit Du Caviar event benefitting The Houston Symphony League, Champagne flowed as 20 chefs whipped up deluxe creations. Around 400 Houstonians dressed up to party down at Viva, the Institute of Hispanic Culture of Houston’s annual scholarship fundraiser. Hundreds also gathered to support the Buffalo Bayou Partnership, enjoying a seated dinner on the park’s lawn. The spooktacular Howl-O-Ween Ball raised more than $900,000 for the SPCA’s mission to save animals from abuse and neglect. Homemade Hope, which helps underprivileged kids develop life skills, took over the ballroom of the River Oaks Country for a bright gala. Urban Harvest hosted its Sunday Supper fundraiser at Downtown’s The Grove. HMNS celebrated the opening of its King Tut exhibit with a Victorianthemed “mummy unwrapping” party for special patrons. And in River Oaks District, the Zimmerman boutique toasted its grand opening with a stylish soiree. 

Maurizio Ferrarese of Alba Ristorante at ‘Caviar’

Elizabeth and Alan Stein at ‘Cellars’

Laird and Helena Doran at ‘SPCA’

Jordan Williams and Ryan Russell at ‘Caviar’

Brooke and Adam Beebe at ‘Hope’

Val and Steve Ruppat ‘Urban’

Party People

Megan Cushing, Angela Daniels, Laura Zehl and Melissa Strong at ‘Zimmernan’

Justin and Jamie Cooper at ‘Bash’

Lesha Elsenbrook, Caroline Kenney and Denise Monteleone at ‘Cellars’

Nancy and Rich Kinder at ‘Bayou’

Emily Tallman, Ashley Gilliam and Jordan Jackson at ‘Hope’

Mark and Erin Packwood at ‘SPCA’

Bill Baldwin and Fady Armanious at ‘HMNS’

Milka Waterland, Rania Edlebi and Elia Gabbanneli at ‘Viva’

Olivia Mizell, Cassie Georgantasat ‘Urban’

Party People

FAB FETES

The Salute to Champions lunch and fashion show, held at River Oaks Country Club, celebrated pediatric cancer survivors. Four-hundred-plus guests attended the MS Society’s Together for a Cure event, where KTRK reporter Melanie Lawson spoke about her experience living with MS. Houstonians were also captivated by beloved Frank Billingsley’s recounting of his family history at the Heritage Society’s annual luncheon. Mother-daughter duo Gina Saour and Carolyn Mohsenzadeh chaired the seventh annual Power of Literacy lunch, benefiting the Barbara Bush Houston Literacy Foundation. Under a large tent at City Place Plaza in Spring, a four-course wine dinner (also featuring margaritas from Picos, of course!) celebrated Dia de los Muertos. Back in Houston, celeb chefs competed on a beautiful fall day at the city’s first Chefs for Farmers festival. And fashion was on full view at the second annual Fashion on the Farm party in Round Top. Gals also gathered to sneak a peek Round Top’s new Cotton Pearl Motel. 

Jo Furr and Harriet Latimer at ‘Heritage’

Jackie Ward with Patient Champion at ‘Salute’

Carolyn Mohsenzadeh and Gina Saour at ‘Literacy’

Courtney Zavala and Jill Davis at ‘Motel’

Armanda Simon, Rita Joubran, Ellen Yarrell at ‘MS’

Jacquie Baly and James Craig at ‘Farmers’

Hunter Bell and Margot Hoganat at ‘Fashion’

Party People

Heather Almond at ‘Motel’

Lauren Ruehl and Enrique Martinez at ‘Farmers’

Peter Boudreaux and Susan Fernbach at ‘Camp’

Duyen & Marc Nguyen with Patient Champion at ‘Salute to Champions’

Julia Pardue and Clara Reily at ‘Dia’

Margot Hogan, Nicole Katz, and Linsay Radcliffe at ‘Fashion’

Stephanie Mays, Laura Weaver at ‘Literacy’

Nancy Strohmer and Beth Wolff at ‘MS’

Kyle and Mindy Merten at ‘Camp for All’

Eat. Drink. Travel. Live. Downtown’s Lyric Market, the city’s newest food hall, spans an entire city block — and lights up all year round. For more on this and other food news, see page 85.

To Market, To Market

Power Coupling

IIn a city as diversely delicious as Houston, fusion food is everywhere. The seemingly endless combinations of global ingredients and preparations have served the city, and its foodie-friendly rep, well. Adding to the mix is Pacha Nikkei, now open on Westheimer near the Beltway, the first (believe it or not) Nikkei concept in Houston.

Nikkei is a cuisine that combines the flavors native to Peru with a style of preparation more akin to Japanese food. Helmed by chef Masaru Fukuda and operator Sebastien Laval (an alumnus of La Table, Le Colonial and Musaafer), Pacha Nikkei touts a ceviche bar, lounge area and dining room, where sharable plates and craft cocktails boasting sake and pisco alike can be enjoyed.

Fukuda cut his teeth at Latin Bites and Kata Robata, and has been hosting Nikkei pop-ups all over town for the last several years; he most recently operated a Nikkei stall at the now-closed Politan Row food hall. Repeat customers came to love his seafood-heavy dishes like pulpo a la parrilla and Peruvian-spiced-infused sushi rolls.

Perhaps the most interesting section of the menu is

the ceviches. Houstonians are certainly familiar with this refreshing dish, often enjoyed out of a martiniesque glass with tortilla chips. Here, however, versions are artfully plated, and deliver a punchy sneak-attack to your taste buds. With guanabana leche de tigre and sweet potato puree, the poached-lobster ceviche may as well be your dessert. And the chunky chirashi ceviche is served over sushi rice.

The entrees are designed to share, too, which is good news, because once the lomo soltado arrives at the table, it would be challenging to keep everyone’s chopsticks out of it. It’s a deceptively simple bowl filled with chunks of perfectly cooked beef tenderloin, potato, red onions and tomato, all sitting in and soaking up a mixture of soy and oyster sauce.

Fukuda mills about the restaurant during mealtime, chatting with diners and very modestly accepting praise. Colorful, sweeping murals depict four generations of Fukuda’s family, alongside other immigrants who came to Peru from Japan in the 1800s, but an otherwise clean and simple design scheme lets the food bring all the flavor. 

A first-of-its-kind restaurant melds Peruvian and Japanese, and the results are surprising — and delicious. By Evan W. Black, Photos by Marco Torres

Palate Perplexers Clockwise from top: Wagyu Old Fashioned topped with a dehydrated shitake; the surprisingly sweet lobster ceviche; Chef Fukuda

Tasty Little Number

Village’s Numero28 joins Houston’s growing list of great Italian spots.

By Robin Barr Sussman,

by Becca Wright

OOver the past year or so, Houston has experienced an influx of Italian eateries — Il Bracco, Marmo, Lulu’s, Davanti, and more on the way. Numero28 in Highland Village is the newest kid on the block.

Charming, family-friendly and affordable, the restaurant turns to southern Italy for inspiration, with an authentic menu based on classics from the “old country.” The vibe is bustling with an all-Italian soundtrack, as well as an eye-popping Italianesque cocktail list, and an emphasis on presentation and service.

For antipasti and salads, there’s everything from arancini to a wide-ranging selection of cheeses and cured meats. Veal meatballs, caprese salad, and an impressive high-quality carpaccio garnished with lemons and drizzled with EVOO and reduced balsamic round out this section of the menu. To sip, the bright green basil martini with lime juice is a refreshing way to start.

Most of the pastas are handmade, including the crowd favorite cacio e pepe, the Roman dish rich in cheese and black pepper pictured above. At Numero28, it’s finished tableside with the spaghetti tossed inside a wheel of pecorino cheese the size of a hubcap. It’s also easy to love the blistered, thin Neapolitan-style pizzas — and for the finale, go for the real-deal tiramisu or gelato.

Outside Texas and New York, Numero28 restaurants are open in Miami and Bergenfield, New Jersey. 

LATEST DISH! HOUSTON’S BEST FOOD NEWS, IN SMALL BITES

Discreetly located next to The Annie Café & Bar in what was originally a storage closet, Emilia’s Havana, the latest from Berg Hospitality, is an exclusive 50-seat lounge reminiscent of a vibrant 1950s Cuban club. James Beard-winning mixologist Alba Huerta’s cocktails are $30 a pop — but it makes meeting the $100-perperson minimum food and beverage spend a cinch.

Lyric Market, which spans an entire city block in Downtown Houston’s Theatre District, is now open, with nine food stalls and one bar as well as a 7,500-square-foot deck, communal plaza, private event space and street-side terrace. Tenants include Lottie’s Smokehouse, Press Waffle Co., 1929 Po-Boy Kitchen, and others.

Sambrooks Management Company is on a smokin’ hot trail: The company will expand The Pit Room handcrafted barbecue concept to Memorial City. SMC also will open Andiron steakhouse later this year.

“Brunch has its own vibe,” says Warwick co-owner Rob Wright of its new brunch service. Its Board Room Brunch platter is a stunner for four to five guests — green chili hash, eggs, butter pecan waffles, muffins, fruit, candied bacon and croissants. Groups can also order a Martini Tree — six or 12 Casamigos Reposado lemon drops served in a showy tree-like display.

Opening soon in Rice Village: Bludorn spinoff Navy Blue, a seafood spot in the former Politan Row food hall. New York chef and rising star Jerrod Zifchak, with whom Aaron Bludorn worked at Café Boulud, has been reeled in to lead the kitchen.

Los Angeles friedchicken joint Daddy’s Chicken Shack opened its second-ever location, at 1223 W. 11th St. in the Heights. Founding chef Pace Webb, a Houston native, melds southernfried goodness and Southeast Asian flavors in sandwiches, tenders, sliders, breakfast bites and bowls.

Highland

Photo

Daddy’s Chicken Shack wife-husband cofounders Pace Webb and Chris Georgalas

Take It EZ

By Robin Barr Sussman, Photo by Mikah Danae

AAgricole Hospitality just opened EZ Liquor Lounge right next door to its Coltivare in the Heights. Matt Tanner, an Anvil alum with experience at Pappas Restaurants as a concept beverage manager, co-owns the new bar.

Tanner says his vision is “a place that people want to hang out day or night, with something for everyone.” That includes playful decor like an Alice’s Tall Texan figurine from the beloved former bar, an old-school refrigerator that belonged to Tanner’s uncle, and plenty of cheeky wall art. “Our hope is for EZ’s to be that go-to, comfortable place where you watch sports, play games and be with friends.”

As for the goods, expect

the Texas roadhouse divebar vibe to carry over to the menu, with well-crafted takes on classic cocktails — and a couple of creative twists, as in the Hillbilly Highball with salted-peanut-butter bourbon, Mexican Coke and peanuts.

Nosh on bar food from notable chefs Ryan Pera and Vincent Huynh like savory pickled-jalapeno dip and pimento cheese with pickled okra, as well as four inventive hot dogs.

The Caliente Dog features a R-C Ranch Wagyu dog, jalapeno cheese spread, onion, habanero-honey mustard and garlic celery. And a vegan version is topped with pickled onion and veggie chili.

Hot diggity dog! 

LATEST DISH!

HOUSTON’S BEST FOOD NEWS, IN SMALL BITES

Chef JB Babaran’s new menu at La Colombe d’Or hotel’s Tonight & Tomorrow brings starters ranging from steak tartare Rossini to octopus al pastor. Stuffed Bandera quail and braised bone-in short rib headline the entrees. Guests visiting Bar No. 3 will find new craft cocktails — and an outdoor living room with a fireplace.

Now that patio weather has (finally!) arrived, the rooftop terrace at newly debuted Georgia James in Regent Square is the place to take it all in. The restaurant is lighter and airier than its predecessor on the Westheimer Curve, but the fare remains largely the same.

Abbas Dhanani has opened a brickand-mortar location of his popular smash

burger pop-up Burger Bodega on Washington. Find new menu items, along with the classic double smash burgers and a fun New Yorkinspired bodega atmosphere.

Katy boasts the newest outpost of cult-followed dim-sum restaurant Tim Ho Wan, a.k.a. the “World’s Cheapest MichelinStar Restaurant.”

The menu is more focused on quality than quantity; dumplings are handfolded and steamed to order, and turnip cakes are fried until golden.

Craving real New York-style deli fare at any hour of the day or night? A Katz’s is now open in a Michael Hsudesigned building on Westheimer near Fountain View.

A nostalgic dive bar has bowed next-door to Coltivare, by the same owners.

Georgia James’ Yellow Spain cocktail and Navy Blue’s Jarrod Zifchak

Seriously Southern

In hip, historic and holiday-happy Charleston, city strolls and resort-style luxuriating are recommended. As is the pimento cheese.

By Jeff Gremillion

TThere’s something special about an old-school Southern city, with its subtropical landscaping, old bricks, older trees and rib-sticking food everywhere, especially at the holidays. But, then again, a waterfront resort with a huge pool and potent cocktails served under cabanas is hard to beat. Can’t decide? May we suggest The Beach Club at Charleston Harbor Resort & Marina? Located across the harbor from downtown Charleston, it offers both.

It’s serious about its coastal Southerness, from the Colonial-era baby blue paint and chunky millwork that pervades the gracious and sprawling space — the whole thing feels a bit like an excellent country club at which you sip sweet tea with purpose and feel important — to the seersucker robes in the guestrooms. There’s maritime-inspired art by local artists in every vividly colorful room, and balconies overlooking the large pool. And, beyond that, the marina and a network of piers and boardwalks, and grassy, bird-beloved marshland that meets Charleston Harbor like a scene from a nature painting. The grilled salmon at the hotel’s Fish House comes with ratatouille and watercress puree, and the suggested pairing for the Lowcountry classic Shrimp and Grits, which here adds in andouille and sweet peppers, is an Argentine Malbec. Golden sunlight bounces

Up a Creek!

AS THE SUN rises over the limestone bluffs and peeks through the branches of cedar and elm trees, another morning at the Omni Barton Creek Resort and Spa has arrived. Some guests choose to wake slowly, letting those rays creep through famously dense hotel curtains before wandering into the lobby for a latte at Velvet Joe’s and eventually settling into a lounge chair poolside. Others are up-andat-’em, hitting the cart paths for a brisk walk and some serious hill-work before the golfers descend upon the course.

Let it be known: There is no wrong way to “do” Omni Barton Creek, especially after its $150M transformation. A whopping 493 renovated guest rooms, seven unique restaurants, several multilevel pools and the breathtaking yet life-giving 13,000-square-foot Mokara Spa await.

The resort reopened just months prior to shutting down for Covid in March 2020, so many Houstonians are unaware of the grandiosity that awaits just a couple hours away. Programming includes expert-led hikes (foraging for cocktail garnishes, anyone?) and fitness experiences — or a deliciously opposite s’mores experience, headlined by a s’mores charcuterie board filled with specialty chocolates and housemade marshmallows stuffed with seasonal fruit. As we said: No wrong way. 

A Hill Country icon shows off its $150 million expansion in glorious Texas fashion. By Evan W. Black

Coastal Elite Seersucker robes at The Beach Club and, below, a glimpse of old Charleston at Christmas

Flame On The Omni Barton Creek Resort & Spa

Quality health care with compassion. For all.

Several years ago, Bering Omega, an AIDS service organization which included a renowned hospice for those living with HIV, became part of Avenue 360 Health and Wellness.

Today, Avenue 360 is committed to providing primary, mental health, dental, and HIV care to those who need it — whether it's the thousands of Houstonians who have recently lost jobs, uninsured families struggling with mental health concerns, or children on Medicaid.

Avenue360.com

off the harbor and floods in at the magic hour. Above the restaurant is the open-air Bridge Bar with expansive views.

The hotel also offers sailing lessons, taught by faculty from the champion College of Charleston sailing team. Unique holiday-time happenings include Oysters on the Point, at which buckets of steamed oysters go for $13 on some Saturdays and come with a side of live music. The resort also sets up a large ice-skating rink, open till February.

Of course, there’s tons to do off property in the hip and historic Charleston area, including the USS Yorktown, a huge WWII aircraft carrier docked right next door to the hotel and open for tours — and Fort Sumter, where the Civil War began, on a tiny island you can see from The Beach Club. And then there’s simply tooling around Charleston, which is easy to get to by water taxi. The ride alone is an adventure: You’ve never seen so many dolphins putting on a show.

A stroll through the city is enchanting, with its leafy cobblestone streets lined with palmettos — not palms, thankyouverymuch — and French colonialera homes with long piazza porches on the side. It feels like the best of NOLA’s French Quarter and antebellum Natchez combined, with a fresh coat of paint, lots of shade from Live Oaks and curiously not infrequent sightings of hunky hipsters with tat sleeves and man buns. If you’re hungry after a morning walkabout, Miller’s All Day has biscuit sandwiches with fried chicken, pepper jam and the city’s favorite spread, pimento cheese; at most restaurants, the stuff seems to show up on pretty much everything except the peanut butter pie.

And we’re definitely not complaining. 

BUDDY SYSTEM

Inspired by Buddy Holly, Lubbock meets its fun future.

By Chris Becker

THE SPIRIT OF ’50s-era rocker Buddy Holly reigns supreme over Lubbock — which makes sense, as there is a connection between the Lubbock-born Holly’s enthusiasm for then-emerging recording technology and the city’s embrace of progress and innovation. Much of what you’ll see today in Lubbock has been built in the past few years, including the state-of-the-art Buddy Holly Hall of Performing Arts and Sciences.

Another welcome addition to Lubbock is the new Cotton Court Hotel, by the Houstonbased Valencia Hotel Group, touting 165 guest rooms — including a 1,600-squarefoot Presidential Suite, and an outdoor courtyard with a heated swimming pool and fire pits.

Within minutes of the Cotton Court is plenty of fab food, including the recently opened Dirk’s (fried chicken and other chickenfried things), The Nicolett (fine dining) and Cocina de la Sirena (Latin-infused,

farm-to-table fare).

Folks in Lubbock appreciate good wine, and West Texas wines are unbelievably tasty. For proof, visit McPherson Cellars, built inside what used to be a Coca-Cola bottling plant. Meanwhile, The Brewery LBK is the hip yet unpretentious go-to destination for local craft beers.

If art and history are your thing, Texas Tech is now home to a stunning, critically acclaimed public art collection with works by more than 100 artists, including Houston sculptor Tara Conley. And the National Ranching Heritage Center’s 19-acre park includes historical structures like Spur Trinity Church, a one-room, 1920s rural Episcopal church with stained glass windows and a working pump organ.

Upon your return to Cotton Court, grab a drink from your room’s retro Smeg fridge, have a seat on a rocker, and contemplate how much further Lubbock will venture in another few years. 

High Cotton The Cotton Court Hotel and, below, The Nicolette

Lowcountry Luxe The Beach Club at Charleston Harbor Resort & Marina, next door to the USS Yorktown

GuideBook

as pretty as the designer wares. 5175 Westheimer Rd., 713.623.6100

A’BOUZY american

DINING DISTRICT 1 MEMORIAL, GALLERIA AREA, RIVER OAKS, UPPER KIRBY, MONTROSE

51FIFTEEN american

Located inside Saks Fifth Avenue in the Galleria, this two-story restaurant’s lunch and dinner plates are

This sceney restaurant and patio combines a menu of shareable plates with prime meats and a raw bar. Pick from the substantial wine list that includes more than 250 Champagnes or sparklings. Excellent take-out and delivery specials! 2300 Westheimer Rd.

UPDATE! ADAIR KITCHEN american

This Tanglewood gem is popular for its cold-pressed juices, big breakfasts and

giant salads. Healthful home-style meals are casual and quick, but regulars are known to settle in with a bottle of wine at dinnertime and stay awhile. Now open in West U! 5161 San Felipe St., 713.623.6100

AMALFI italian Charming Amalfi touts coastal Italian dishes like homemade fettuccine in creamy black-truffle sauce by Salerno native chef Giancarlo Ferrara. 6100 Westheimer Rd., 713.532.2201

BACKSTREET CAFÉ american Housed in a two-story 1930s home, Hugo Ortega’s

Backstreet Café became a River Oaks staple 30 years ago. Expect a menu boasting an imaginative take on seasonal fare along with hefty vegetarian selections. 1103 S. Shepherd Dr., 713.521.2239

BCN spanish

Named after Barcelona’s airport code, BCN offers authentic Spanish cuisine in a white-tablecloth setting. The specialty gin and tonics are a must-have, as is the Spanish Iberico ham. 4210 Roseland St., 832.834.3411

BLUDORN american Aaron Bludorn and his wife Victoria Bludorn (née

Shrimp and Grits at Georgia James

photo by michael anthony

CITYBOOK DINING DISTRICTS

1 2 3 4

1 Memorial, Galleria Area, River Oaks, Upper Kirby and Montrose

2 Garden Oaks, the Heights, Washington Corridor

3 Midtown, Downtown, EaDo, Third Ward, Fifth Ward

4 Bellaire, West University, Museum District, Med Center

EL TIEMPO tex mex

El Tiempo delivers Tex-Mex in a big way with platters like the ancho-glazed grilled quail with cheese enchiladas and spicy shrimp chalupas. 322 Westheimer Rd, 713.807.8101 multiple locations visit restaurant website for details

Dishes like the crispy whole duck — which serves up to four people and must be ordered in advance — are authentic and full-flavored. 4444 Westheimer Rd., 713.629.4444

LIBERTY KITCHEN

american

Pappas, of that Pappas family) deliver a Gulftinged New American menu and low-key fine-dining to Montrose. 807 Taft St., 713.999.0146

BRENNER’S ON THE

BAYOU steakhouse

Enjoy dinner with a view at this steakhouse nestled on the lush banks of Buffalo Bayou. Steaks, sides and decadent desserts are all good bets, and the restaurant’s hip Blue Bar offers a less formal — yet still sophisticated — vibe with craft cocktails. One Birdsall St., 713.868.4444

CARACOL mexican/seafood Hugo Ortega’s seafoodsavvy concept boasts Mexican coastal cuisine in a swanky, mod space on Post Oak. 2200 Post Oak Blvd., 713.622.9996

UPDATE! COMMON BOND bakery

Don’t miss the buttery croissants as big as your face at this Montrose bakery and cafe. Take advantage of the free Wi-Fi and post up with a lavender latte on the dog-friendly patio. Now with a sit-down

restaurant in Downtown! 1706 Westheimer Rd., 713.529.3535

DA MARCO italian

High-end Da Marco puts a luxurious spin on Tuscan cuisine with dishes like spaghetti-and-sea-urchin and sweet-corn ravioli with lobster. The elegant space is one often considered for special occasions. 1520 Westheimer Rd.

DAILY GATHER american

This CityCentre patio spot is the latest under the Five 12 Restaurant Concepts brand, which also has Dish Society. Shareable starters and well rounded entrees make up the hefty lunch and dinner menus; weekend brunch is fun! In CityCentre, dailygather.com

DORIS METROPOLITAN steakhouse

This glam steakhouse is inspired by Middle Eastern flavors. Hot tip: The breadbasket alone may be worth the trip, with rolls flavored with caramelized onions and presented with crushed-tomato spreads and herb butters. 2815 S. Shepherd Dr.

HUGO’S mexican Chef Hugo Ortega’s namesake restaurant is a Houston staple, serving up authentic Mexican cuisine with margaritas to match. Guests love the festive weekend brunch buffet where indulging in seconds is a must. 1600 Westheimer Rd., 713.524.7744

KATA ROBATA japanese Discreetly situated in a retail center, this top-notch sushi bar serves up fresh, innovative Japanese dishes daily under the direction of executive chef Manabu Horiuchi. 3600 Kirby Dr., 713.526.8858

KILLEN’S southern Expect mouthwatering comfort-food fare like fried chicken and fried green tomatoes with buttermilk sauce, and an evercomforting chicken-anddumplings dish. 101 Heights Blvd., 713.637.4664

LA GRIGLIA italian

From caprese salad to wild mushroom lasagna, the menu at La Griglia is simple, but elegant. When Houston weather permits, enjoy the patio, complete with fire pits and scenic River Oaks views. 2002 W. Gray St., 713.526.4700

LE COLONIAL french/ vietnamese French-Vietnamese cuisine is presented in a posh space in River Oaks District.

A fab brunch destination with locations in River Oaks and Memorial City, Liberty Kitchen touts over-the-top, seafood-savvy comfort food. 4224 San Felipe St., libertykitchen oysterette.com multiple locations visit restaurant website for details

MAD spanish

Everything at this BCN sister concept — from the mirror-lined hall to the bathroom and the cartoon-like, cheesestuffed shiny red MAD Tomato — is photo-worthy. Reservations recommended. 4444 Westheimer Rd., 281.888.2770

MALA SICHUAN chinese

This longtime Chinatown favorite is equally popular inside the Loop. Mala’s menu packs a punch with dishes like the dry-pot chicken and three-pepper duck. 1201 Westheimer Rd., 832.767.0911

multiple locations visit restaurant website for details

MARCH mediterranean

An exclusive and pricey tasting-menu-only affair, March lives up to the hype. Posh snacks in the lounge include bite-size vehicles for caviar and foie gras; the main event is six or nine courses of highly refined, Mediterranean-inspired dishes by chef-owner Felipe Riccio. 1624 Westheimer

CityBook Partner

At more-is-more Mastro’s, Vegas comes to Houston, with everything but showgirls and roulette wheels. Try something out of the steakhouse box, like the Wagyu hamburger helper. 1650 W. Loop S., 713.993.2500

NOBU sushi

At socialite-savvy Nobu, hyperinformed waiters float around, delivering bite-sized delicacies on geometric white plates to tables. Unique takes on sushi include ones with pickled cucumbers, Shiso leaf and Japanese mackerel. In the Galleria, 832.987.2599

OSTIA mediterranean

Ostia is an indoor-outdoor oasis for farm-to-table Italian and Mediterranean eats. The terracotta-and-stucco patio feels worlds away from Houston, and is a nice place to post up and enjoy a cocktail. 2050 Dunlavy St., ostiahou.com

PAPPAS BROS.

STEAKHOUSE steakhouse

Given its expansive wine list and in-house dry-aging process, diners can expect nothing short of perfection when dining at family-owned Pappas Bros. Steakhouse. 5839 Westheimer Rd., 713.780.7352

RAGIN’ CAJUN cajun

Crawfish season is coming! There’s no better spot to get the fixins for a backyard boil than the original Ragin’ Cajun on Richmond. 4302 Richmond Ave., 713.623.6321

RELISH american

Quick counter service is offered for lunch and brunch at this café run by a husband and wife team, while evenings are reserved for a full-service dining experience.

2810 Westheimer Rd., 713.599.1960

RIEL american

Riel offers an American menu inspired by local color and chef Ryan Lachaine’s Ukrainian heritage; the Montreal smoked meat is splashed with French’s mustard. 1927 Fairview St., 832.831.9109

STATE OF GRACE southern

Grab a seat at the oyster bar during happy hour for $1 oysters at chef Ford Fry’s River Oaks restaurant. The new weekend brunch touts mouthwatering cinnamon rolls and batch cocktails — even to-go! 3258 Westheimer Rd., 832.942.5080

STEAK 48 steakhouse

A steakhouse standout delivers in its rich side dishes — the Hasselback potatoes are excellent — and desserts. Crowds of pretty people pour in early and stay late, so reservations are recommended. In River Oaks District, 713.322.7448

TONIGHT & TOMORROW european

In the storied La Colombe d’Or, expect eclectic but sophisticated European dishes with Southern touches. A new cocktail list touts ones named after works in the hotel’s sculpture garden! 3410 Montrose Blvd., 713.517.1001

TONY’S italian

A cherished part of the Houston dining scene, Tony Vallone’s namesake restaurant is an exquisite treat from start to finish. 3755 Richmond Ave., 713.622.67788

TRIBUTE southern

At this restaurant in the Houstonian hotel, savor

After

Buon Natale!

Celebrate the New Year at Amalfi! La Cena di San

Silvestro!

Italian born, Amalfi Coast native, will transport you to his homeland with his inspired menu of fresh seafood, vivid citrus, and cozy olive oil in addition to fresh pastas, assorted meats, family-made cheeses, and an extensive, thoughtful Italian wine list.

WESTHEIMER RD., HOUSTON, TEXAS 77057

GIANCARLO FERRARA Executive Chef & Owner

2022 is on it’s way out! Come bring in the New Year, with great food, wine, and wonderful live music from special guest, Italian DJ, Max Correnti.

3

MASTRO’S steakhouse

flavors of Texas, Louisiana and Mexico. Book the private wine room for a special occasion and pick your own playlist! 111 N. Post Oak Ln., 713.680.2626

UCHI japanese

It’s hard to beat Uchi for fresh, interesting sushi and sashimi — and the Brussels sprouts are can’tmiss. 904 Westheimer Rd., 713.522.4808

the best of his two favorite cities, Houston and New York, at his concept located across from his flagship B&B Butchers. Expect flavorful plates like bluecrab beignets, craft cocktails and retro-inspired desserts. 1809 Washington Ave., 713.554.1809

COLTIVARE italian

With its “no-reservation” policy, the restaurant’s onsite garden — where many of the herbs and produce for the Italian dishes are grown doubles as a charming waiting area. 3320 White Oak Dr., 713.637.4095

NEW! LORO fusion

POSTINO italian

Rosé — and everything else — all day! This patio spot in Heights Mercantile is always packed, especially during the bottle-and-board special, available after 8pm on Mondays and Tuesdays. Now open in Uptown Park! 642 Yale St., 346.223.1111 multiple locations visit restaurant website for details

RAINBOW LODGE

steakhouse

bright and early, but being part of the “klub” is worth the wait. 3711 Travis St., 713.528.8561

BRENNAN’S OF HOUSTON

southern

DINING DISTRICT 2 GARDEN OAKS, THE HEIGHTS, WASHINGTON CORRIDOR

BB’S CAFE southern

Get your Cajun-food fix at BB’s: From Maw Maw’s gumbo to a platter of fried catfish, find New Orleansstyle cooking with a Texas twist. 2701 White Oak Dr., 713.868.8000

multiple locations visit restaurant website for details

B&B BUTCHERS steakhouse Venture in for the deepfried A5 Wagyu katsu sando, or similarly stacked deli sandwich in the adjoining butcher shop, at this boutique steakhouse. A rooftop terrace makes B&B a premiere Sunday brunch destination. 1814 Washington Ave., 713.862.18144

B.B. LEMON american Ben Berg has combined

In a former church, Loro melds the flavors of Southeast Asian and Texasbarbecue cuisines, courtesy of Austin-based Tyson Cole (of Uchi fame) and pitmaster Aaron Franklin. Expect an elevated-country-dancehall vibe courtesy of architectdesigner Michael Hsu. 1001 W. 11th St., loroeats.com

MAX’S WINE DIVE

southern Here, keeping it classy means pairing fried chicken with a glass of Champagne. Max’s is hardly a dive, with a serious wine list and hearty Southern plates. 4720 Washington Ave., 713.880.8737; maxswinedive.com

NOPO CAFE american

An all-day café from Ben Berg, NoPo offers a menu of classics like a piled-high club sandwich, pizzas and more. In the front, find unique local provisions, premade meals and freshly baked pastries to-go. New happy-hour specials and cocktail list! 1244 N. Post Oak Rd., nopocafe.com

True to its name, Rainbow Lodge provides steakhouse and wild game fare in a rustic lodge setting. Outdoor seating on the newly expanded wine deck is coveted. 2011 Ella Blvd., 713.861.8666

TRATTORIA SOFIA italian

A new Italian-American spot from Berg Hospitality looks like a trattoria you might stumble upon in rural Italy, with enchanting and spacious indoor and outdoor garden seating. 911 W. 11th St., trattoriasofia.com

Count on this decadesold Houston staple for an exquisite dining experience full of Southern-Creole flavors. Seating spans two levels and guests love Sunday brunch in the courtyard. The turtle soup with sherry is famous, as are the pralines. 3300 Smith St., 713.522.9711

INDIANOLA american

On the Gulf-centric menu, find not only superb seafood, but lots of plates with influence from Mexico and ones utilizing local beef and pork. Now serving brunch! 1201 St. Emanuel St., 832.582.7202

NINFA’S ON NAVIGATION

tex mex

The origin of Tex-Mex as we know it, Ninfa’s is always packed no matter when you dine. Guests love the sizzling fajitas and loaded quesadillas. For something different, try the grilled octopus. 2704 Navigation Blvd., 713.228.1175

THE PALM steakhouse

DINING DISTRICT 3

MIDTOWN, DOWNTOWN, EADO, THIRD WARD, FIFTH WARD

THE BREAKFAST KLUB

southern

Enjoy a feast of home-style classics — wings and waffles, catfish and grits — at this no-frills Midtown diner. The line starts forming

Houston’s 43-year-old location of The Palm steakhouse has relocated from the Galleria to Downtown’s mixed-use GreenStreet development. 1201 Fannin St., thepalm.com

POTENTE italian

Top-tier chef Danny Trace and Astros-owner-turnedrestaurateur Jim Crane hit a haute homerun at this elegant eatery by the ballpark. Opt for tableside truffle service on handmade

spaghetti al tartufo, and save room for intricate desserts. 1515 Texas Ave., 713.237.1515

STREET TO KITCHEN thai

Chef-owner Benchawan Painter finally has a permanent home for her Street to Kitchen pop-up concept. The East End restaurant spotlights elevated Thai street foods. 6501 Harrisburg Blvd., 713.428.1975

TOUT SUITE bakery/coffee

Stop by this all-day-bakery for a macaron or cupcake, or post up for a while at a community table and enjoy bites like avocado toast and fresh-squeezed juice. There are also CBD-infused pastries, chocolates and more! 2001 Commerce St., 713.227.8688

made-from-scratch Italian fare from pizzas fresh out of the wood-fired oven to housemade cheeses and pastas. 3115 Kirby Dr., 713.522.3131

COPPA OSTERIA italian

All of the Neapolitan-style pizzas and handmade pastas are popular at this Rice Village winner. The walk-up pizza window is a hit in the largely pedestrian-friendly area. 5210 Morningside Dr., 713.522.3535

GRATIFY american

Grant Cooper’s Gratify is a see-and-be scene, with a creatively curated and highly shareable menu. The most memorable and delicious dish might be the charred octopus with sweet potato. 5212 Morningside Dr., gratifhouston.com

LE JARDINIER fine dining

10

DINING DISTRICT 4 BELLAIRE, WEST UNIVERSITY, MUSEUM DISTRICT, MED CENTER

UPDATE! BADOLINA bakery

From the owners of Doris Metropolitan, this unique bakery offers the classics and standbys, plus unique and artful desserts. Tip: Get there early, as items often sell-out before noon! Next door, the sit-down Hamsa just opened. 5555 Morningside Dr., badolina bakery.com

CARRABBA’S italian

One of two locations which are still familyowned by Houston’s famed Carrabba family, the original Carrabba’s on Kirby serves

The fine-dining French resto inside the MFAH’s new Kinder Building is, itself, a work of art — both in its decor and its food presentation. 5500 Main St.

LOCAL FOODS american

This fast-casual diner has a guilt-free menu of sandwiches, salads, soups and sides, all made fresh using locally sourced ingredients. The Rice Village location has an attached wine bar. 2424 Dunstan Rd., 713.521.7800 multiple locations visit restaurant website

TINY BOXWOOD’S american

Expect a line at this popular garden-set getaway, where the chocolate-chip cookies have earned as much of a reputation as the restaurant itself. Snag some, along with housemade ice cream, at the next-door Milk & Cookies. 3636 Rice Blvd., tinyboxwoods.com multiple locations visit restaurant website for details 

5. The Great The Ski Lodge Cardigan $425, at Frock Shop, frockshoptx.com.

4. Emerald and Diamond Drangle Earrings, $125,000, at Valobra Master Jewelers, valobrajewelry.com.

3. A platinum Asscher-cut diamond eternity band with buttercup setting, $23,695. at Tenenbaum Jewelers, tenenbaumjewelers.com.

2. Extra Aged Premier Cru Blanc De Blancs, $64.95, at madamezero.com.

1. Charcuterie board, $199, at Landry’s Kitchen, landryskitchen.com. Treat your guests to the luxurious Charcuterie Executive Board, crafted with artisanal cold cuts and hand-selected cheeses from creameries worldwide.

With a growing list of Houston’s best in retail, dining, and entertainment, whatever your schedule and whatever your style, M-K-T provides the convenience of being a one-stop destination located in the heart of the Houston Heights. Visit themkt.com for a list of open and upcoming retailers, restaurants, and events.

4. Paperclip Chain Bracelet with Large Diamond Link, $1,936 5. Gold Zodiac Charm, $900 6. Emerald Oval Eternity Band, $4,620 7. Bar Studs with Pearl Drop, $840 8. Gold Box Chain Bracelet, $1,990

3. Tight Twist Round Hoops, $445

2. Emerald and Marquise Diamond Dangle Earrings, $2,600

1. Large Leaf Pendant Necklace, $2,350

BELLA MADRE jewelry exudes a glamour that's both timeless and of the moment. They select and craft their pieces with exquisite materials like diamonds, sapphires, emeralds, pearls and other semi precious stones. The jewelry is designed to celebrate the women who wear it — their spirit, their style, their sense of adventure.

SEASON BRIGHT

Shorts with Liner, $69 T-Shirt, $44 Cap, $29

WOMEN’S Leggings, $74 Bra Top, $49 Bike Short, $49 Crop T-Shirt, $39 MEN’S

PREMIUM MEN’S AND WOMEN’S apparel for adventure and style that’s made better, made bold, and made for courage. The DBS brand is committed to inspiring and building a community of bold people with apparel that’s designed equally as bold as those who wear it. We know that what you wear isn’t what makes you bold. Only you can choose to be bold. But, the DBS community is all about inspiring you to go beyond. So we decided your bold life should be paired with bold apparel. While you’ll find neutral staples in our collection, we’ve gone away from bland and boring and crafted. Our premium line-up of performance clothing using vibrant colors that stand out from the rest. Our made bold promise is a commitment to be a community that isn’t afraid to make bold decisions and wear clothing that breaks the mundane.

FIT-TING GIFTS

Sanctuary Spa | 1701 S Shepherd Dr, Ste C, 77019 | 713-622-7722 | besanctuary.com

5. Back Massage, $110-$215. Our Sanctuary Signature Massage is created specifically for you by our talented massage therapists to address your concerns.

4. Facial, $110-$300. Receive thorough restoration with a facial from our talented estheticians. Glow for tomorrow’s event or create a program for the healthiest skin.

2. Stress Relief Backpack, $55 + Massage. Enhance your favorite massage with warmed silt and fango mud for the added benefits of minerals, hydration, healing, and detoxification.

1. Spa Package, $160-$700. Plan a luxurious spa day for one person, a couple, a mama, or a runner! We have a package for everyone on your list.

3. Debonair Facial, $125-$150. Specifically designed to treat men's common facial concerns. Our estheticians will nourish a beard or treat shaved skin while thoroughly rejuvenating the skin.

FOR MORE than three decades, Sanctuary Spa has been serving Houston with the best services – luxurious facials, therapeutic massages, relaxing hydrotherapy services and more. Our spa is truly something to look forward to, offering an escape and giving you time to reconnect with yourself: mind, body and spirit.

FESTIVE & FABULOUS

5

HER JOURNEY down some very difficult roads has led Niki to the destination of Creations by Niki Lassiter. She lovingly creates affordable, beautiful purses and accessories for you, her extended family of customers. Shop from her unique, trendy, and fabulous collection or inquire about a custom bag that is uniquely you. A portion of her sales are donated to charitable causes dear to her, including the Dan Pastorini Charity benefiting Be An Angel.

SEASON’S SPARKLE

Ultimate

Ultimate

Luxury

Luxury

Luxury

Luxury

Emerald and Diamond Drop Earrings, $52,500

Argensi MAGNOLIA Centerpiece Bowl (Silver), $450

Colored Sapphire and Diamond Bracelet, $58,500

Rolex Datejust (31mm) with Jubilee Dial, $15,750

18KT Yellow Gold Diamond Chain Link Necklace, $85,000

VALOBRA MASTER JEWELERS is Houston’s premier jewelry store. Since opening in Italy in 1905, the Valobra family has been committed to offering the highest quality of custom jewelry and timepieces in a warm and welcoming environment. The River Oaks showroomis a MUST visit this holiday season!

VALOBRA MASTER JEWELERS is Houston’s premier jewelry store. Since opening in Italy in 1905, the Valobra family has been committed to offering the highest quality of custom jewelry and timepieces in a warm and welcoming environment. The River Oaks showroom is a MUST visit this holiday season!

ALL THAT GLITTERS

Pearl’s | 401 Franklin Street, Suite 1235, Houston, TX 77201 | lucypearls.com

2. Bar Plater with Lemon, Pecan, and Brownie, 3 bars (1 of each), $15; 6 bars (2 of each) $30; Large 9 bars (3 of each), $45

1. Hand Decorated Butter Cookies, 3 cookies $18.75; 6 cookies $37.50; 12 Cookies $75.00

3. Banana Pudding Cake, 8 Inch $ 60; 10 inch $70 4. Holiday Themed Cupcakes, 4 Pack $20 5.Atomic Cake with 3 layers of flavors: Banana Pudding with fresh banana, Yellow Cake with Fresh Strawberries, Chocolate cake, wrapped in Belgium Cream, and dripped with Chocolate Ganache, 8 Inch $ 60.00/10 inch $70.00.

LUCY PEARL’S owes their start to their founder’s mother. Affectionately known as “Sweets,” she built an incredible collection of dessert recipes dating back to five generations in the family. Lucy Pearl’s honors Sweets today by using these same recipes in their dessert bakery and sharing them with the community. You won’t find better flavors in the great state of Texas!

SUGAR & SPICE

Lucy

Le Petit Market | 6401 Woodway #131, Houston, TX 77057 | 713-862-5249 | www.lepetitmkt.com

8. BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND! Taylor Paladino’s Heaux Heaux Heaux stationary and tray collections. Note cards set of (10), $20; square notepad with acrylic holder, $45; porcelain tray, $35

7. South Texas Tailgate Trinity with glazed pecans, buttery seasoned pretzels and dark chocolate toffee infused with mole, $40

6. Le Petit Market EXCLUSIVE collaboration with Brennan’s of Houston. Holiday package includes a quart of gumbo, Jazzmen rice, garlic bread and of course, legendary pralines, $45

5. ONE OF OPRAH’S FAVORITES! Skyros “Estrella” holiday cup, $52 each

4. Le Petit Markets “Grab& Go” gourmet specialties in holiday tins. Tins can be customized for business order + fulfillment. 1 lb. holiday glazed pecans, $30; 1 lb. chocolate coated toffee, infused with molé and sea salt, $35; sparkly peppermint shortbread cookies, $25; savory Mississippi cheese straws, $25

3. TOP SELLER! Small cluster of white enamel with antique gold bottom serving bowls. 8 bowls, $65; 9 bowls, $125

2. Arte Italica Bella Natale dessert plate, set of (4) $185.00; small oval platter, $88; tree glass tea light votive assortment $15 each

1. Taylor Paladino acrylic serving tray, $125

LE PETIT MARKET is a specialty market featuring Brennan’s of Houston meals to geaux plus many more local brands for you to meet and enjoy! Our purpose is to showcase a highly curated collection of local epicurean delights. From fine dining to farmer’s markets, Le Petit Market hosts a collaboration of talent that highlights Houston’s most delectable flavors-from the old guard

HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS

Curated Collection of NEW, ESTATE & ANTIQUE JEWELRY:

-PETER REMINGTON, CHIEF POSSIBILITY OFFICER

OBSERVANT READERS MAY have noticed we’ve been doing something a bit different lately with what used to be the back of our magazine. This is CityBook’s third “reverse cover” edition — with a whole separate issue off the back cover — and it won’t be the last. We’ve had such a wonderful response to the concept because of its singular focus — a smart real estate update in the summer issue, and directory of top nonprofits in the fall — and ease of access to the content it provides. If you haven’t already figured it out, this is our holiday shopping guide, filled with wonderful gift ideas for the holidays from our local merchants. Each store marketed in the section is inviting you to come in and visit with them and discover the perfect holiday gift for that special someone on your list.

Over the last two years retailers have missed the contact and intimacy of Houstonians coming to their store and shopping, talking, sharing ideas, and wrapping gifts for their clients. A lot of people got use to the idea of ordering from Amazon, or big box stores on-line. But wouldn’t this holiday season be a great time to support our local stores? They are Houstonians. They do go to church with you, their kids go to school with your kids, they pay taxes and donate to our local charities. I feel that, in the spirit of the season, we should connect with our neighbors and friends, supporting their businesses and their employees at this special time of year. I wish everyone a very healthy, happy and love-filled holiday season. That all your fears have melted away, and that 2023 will be a blessed and prosperous New Year.

Remington's dog Molly is ready for the Holidays.

GOUTAL PARIS: De Parfum

SUZANNE

HAUTE GOWNS & JEWELS