Mid-Spring 2023 Issue

COOL THE 100

Ranking the Houston movers, shakers & makers knocking it outta the park now!

Slugger Jeremy Peña (No. 2) as

depicted by artist Israel Rodriguez (No. 41)

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Central Houston Cadillac Opening Late Summer 2023 Tony McClelland Central Houston Cadillac

Tony, a native Texan, has worked as a Sales Professional at Central Houston Cadillac for the past 9 years. With his personal touch and attention to detail, Tony has created a vast array of delighted customers from all walks of life. His sincere and transparent approach earned him the Title of “Best Domestic Car Sales Professional in Houston" for 2022 from Outsmart Magazine of Houston. When Tony is not working, he spends most of his free time as a volunteer with several 501C3 organizations, including the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo.

Tony absolutely loves working at Central Houston Cadillac, which is currently located

in Midtown, at the corner of Main St. and McGowen. The dealership is in the process of building a brand-new landmark facility on the 610 South Loop across from NRG Stadium and is expected to open by the end of August 2023. To serve current and future demands, the new location is being equipped with the latest technological advancements and will be one of the largest Cadillac facilities in the country. With the new state of the art facility, and a team of great associates that genuinely care for their customers, Central Houston Cadillac is moving another step forward in its vision of being the #1 Luxury Car Dealer in Houston.

IN HOUSTON

Tony McClelland

Photo by Al Torres

On the Cover We commissioned artist Israel Rodriguez (@ir_artwork), No. 41 on our Cool 100 list, to paint Houston Astro Jeremy Pena, who lands at No. 2.

36 ESSAY Focusing

38 PARTY PEOPLE

51 THE COOL 100 Drumroll please… Introducing our ranking of the coolest people in Houston. From athletes and aesthetes to musicians and moguls, the Cool 100 has their number! But who’s No. 1?

Book Reports

70 DINING

Summertime’s savory trend: fun French fare. Plus, all the latest dining news, in small bites!

76 TRAVEL

Dive in and discover Bonaire, a hidden gem in the Caribbean Netherlands.

Dr. Kristi Hustak 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, René Garza, 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

Stylists & Groomers

Kali Jefferson and Brandon Lee

LISA HOLTHOUSE

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

“Advocacy, education, and passion are core tenets of medical professionals, and I embrace them whole-heartedly”

Dr. Hustak

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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 believe it’s already the mid-spring issue (which feels more like full-blown hot and humid summer rather than spring, truth be told). Next thing ya’ know, we will be off and running with summertime splashes or globetrotting vacations.

At least, I hope that’s true for you. For me, lately and in the foreseeable future, I will be happily holed up in my cozy little studio working on my latest artistic venture –unless, weather permitting, I can be working outside on a terrace taking in nature while working on that venture.

Yes, while Jeff and the wonderfully creative editorial team have been crazy busy working on the newest and coolest CityBook feature, I have been working in watercolor and ink and creating inspirational miniature works of art.

I mentioned in the Art Issue last month that I had a little something up my sleeve. But that little something has already yielded nearly

100 mini-art sales to date. I couldn’t wait to share it with you, and I’m excited to spread the word.

If my art, coupled with a scripture verse, can bring someone peace, hope, love or inspiration, then my mission will have been accomplished. Check out some of my pieces at lisaholthouseart.com, and don’t be shy to reach out directly with your thoughts.

Now back to the cool CityBook feature: I’m just as excited as you to peruse the final “Cool 100” list. (Although I may have had a quick peek on the way to the printer.) I so enjoyed the brainstorming session months ago as the team pulled together a great group of creatives to discuss the feature idea, with the goal of lobbing up names of those worthy of the accolade.

But in usual form, I stepped back from the big picture and let Jeff and his pros run that show. Now we get to enjoy the fruits of their labor. Happy reading!

JEFF GREMILLION Editor-in-Chief

Editors love lists of interesting people.

The New York Times’ Style section does the Most Stylish every year, Vanity Fair has its New Establishment roster. “Power lists” of various types have been bread-andbutter magazine making for decades. Even at CityBook, we have “Leaders & Legends,” which we present every year — now in the fall.

But I’ve had an ambitious idea for years to do something a little different, called the “Cool 100,” a ranked list of the 100 coolest people in the most fascinating city in America. This issue, it turns out, is the one. It’s been a bit of a Herculean task, which we knew it would, which was largely why we haven’t introduced it till now.

(Thanks, Managing Editor Evan W. Black and Creative Director Patrick Magee for doing the heaviest lifting.)

We’ve worked on it for months now, in a somewhat organic process that included not only old-school reporting and digging by our editorial team but also spirited discussions with valued contributors and folks attuned to the city’s culture, and a curated call for nominations from others in the know, folks with

opinions we trust.

And, of course, we had to have criteria, which we describe at length in the opening of the “Cool 100” feature. I call it A.I., for short. That means we’re looking for aesthetic (attractive, usually young-ish people who present themselves with style and aplomb), attitude (you need to be regarded as kind and upbeat), impact (have you made a mark in whatever it is you do?) and intrigue (folks who are captivating and compelling, just generally).

Get it, they all start with A’s and I’s?

We’re also looking for what we kinda jokingly call the Janet Jackson Factor, which has to do with timeliness. What have you done for me lately? And are we genuinely curious about what you’ll do next?

I’m sure we won’t please everyone. Our list will be different from yours. But hopefully more readers than not will find it amusing and informative. In any case, we hope to spark conversation and dialogue. If we get people talking about who and what is cool in Houston now — reminding us all how much talent and heart we have here — then that would certainly be, oh damn, what’s the word? Cool!

KEEP YOU MOVING

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CityBook At Large

Updates from HoustonCityBook.com & beyond

Afro-Brazilian Artist Nascimento Brings Work to Houston

The artist’s brightly colored portraits of his fellow Brazilians, including a series of paintings of children wearing various carnivalesque animal masks, hit in the Jung Center’s exhibition space in early May.

ICYMI Insta-Worthy Moments

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

April 5 On Easter, everybunny wants a nice meal. We recommended MFAH’s Le Jardinier’s, whose holiday menu included fruitful burrata.

THEATER CULTURE

Stages ‘Drags’ HotButton Issue into Spotlight

Think drag is easy? Think again. Just ask actor Jeremy Gee, who starred in Stages’ The Legend of Georgia McBride as a struggling Elvis impersonator who detours to drag and makes it big.

As Comicpalooza Neared, Cosplayers Got into Character

Who does cosplay and why? Why is being nerdy cool? We asked four award-winning cosplay devotees from Houston. “It helps me put myself out there and go for my dreams,” one of them told us.

March 17 For more than a month, a playable basketball court — an invention of Trenton Doyle Hancock featuring characters from his colorful universe — was open at CAMH.

April 19 UH Downtown’s Thursday night concert reappeared earlier in the spring, boasting H-Town faves like Kam Franklin.

ART

Mid-Spring 2023

A Whole New Ballroom

THREE NEW concepts by restaurateur-activist Chris Williams open soon inside the recently restored Eldorado Ballroom in the Third Ward, in conjunction with Project Row. First to open is Hogan Brown Gallery, named after Williams’ grandparents and featuring work by neighborhood artists, curated by Robert Hodge. Rado Café & Market will be stocked with goods from Third Ward and minority-owned businesses, plus produce from two of Williams’ community gardens. And, of course, the Eldorado Ballroom will resume its life as a storied music venue, having once hosted the likes of B.B. King and Etta James.

–robin barr sussman

STYLE, CULTURE, BUSINESS & MORE

THE DISPATCH CULTURE

I’ll Have What She’s Having: The Jewish Deli is an immersive, entertaining exhibit at the Holocaust Museum Houston, on view through Aug 13. The expansive show includes fullylit neon signage, vintage menus and advertisements, restaurant fixtures, film and television clips, and surprising historical photos.

Dance

SWAN SONG

Early on in his career with the Houston Ballet , Artistic Director Stanton Welch choreographed a new production of Swan Lake , which earned international raves such as “overflowing with beauty and grace,” per Broadway World

THEATER

The Alley brings back its seventh annual Alley All New Festival, with readings and workshops of plays from the most exciting voices in contemporary theatre. Visit alleytheatre.org for the schedule of events that are free and open to the public.

MUSIC

In a series of pop-up concerts all over the city, including ones at Kashmere High and Willowridge High, the Houston Symphony presents its free Summer Neighborhood Concerts — with activities like the Instrument Petting Zoo for the whole family — throughout June.

This summer, Welch revives one of the dance genre’s most romantic tales

and looks ahead to his 20th season with the company. This is the fifth time the Houston Ballet has performed Welch’s Swan Lake , but the first on its home stage at the Wortham in almost a decade, as Hurricane Harvey prompted a venue relocation in 2018, and the company took the show on the road to Tokyo in 2022.

Swan Lake runs June 8-18. –ewb

Style With Bells On

Hunter Bell’s feminine silhouettes and sumtuous fabrics make for stylish summer days. The local designer’s latest collection, available at stores like Hemline and Frock Shop, is filled with shades of coral and denim blue perhaps a subtle nod to that vacation you’ve been meaning to take.

Timeless Exclusive Permanent

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.

THE DISPATCH STYLE

In River Oaks District, LoveShackFancy touts a new sustainable collection of reworked vintage and hand-dyed silk slip dresses, quilted minis, and embroidered tees — all lightweight and breezy for summer.

‘Sun’ Set Culture

Among the dozens of shows and performances celebrating Miller Outdoor Theatre’s 100th anniversary this summer is a live orchestral performance of local celeb DJ Sun’s latest album, Loveletter (June 10, 8:30pm). Who doesn’t want an evening of lo-fi summer jams?! –ewb

MUSIC

John Cusack hosts a screening and discussion of his 2000 film High Fidelity at 713 Music Hall on June 25.

THEATER

The Alley presents a world premiere of a show conceptualized during its Alley All New festival. Torera, the story of a young female bullfighter breaking boundaries, runs through June 4.

THEATER

Broadway sensation Wicked returns to the Hobby Center for an epic run of more than a month, May 31-July 2.

1) Russo table, $1,000, at World Market.

2) Side table, $120, by Threshold at Target.

3) Cloud side table, by Patrick Cain. 4) Vase, $490, by Kelly Wearstler. 5) Renworth outdoor coffee table, $2,890, at McGee & Co. 6) Roth ottoman, $450, at McGee & Co. 7) Wrinkle bowls, from $44, by Sarah Sherman Samuel for Lulu & Georgia.

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When you walk through our doors, bring an idea. A dream. A vision. Our showroom is designed to inspire you with on-site chefs, product experts, and exclusive events - all so you can fully experience everything your kitchen can be.

THE DISPATCH

ART

Now open at the Houston Museum for African American Culture is Evita Tezeno: Out of Many CityBook flagged the show in our spring Arts Issue, and then Vogue got the scoop with a feature on the 62-year-old, Dallas-based artist shortly after it was announced Tezeno and Houstonbased artist Jamal Cyrus had each been awarded a 2023 Guggenheim Fellowship.

Real Estate

party’s over

Apiece of Houston history has gone on the block. With deets of the sale unknown at press time, Martha Turner Sotheby’s International

Realty agreed to sell John and Becca Cason

Thrash’s 20,000-000-square-foot, artfilled mansion

MUSIC

The annual Texas Music Festival takes place June 6-24 at UH’s Moores Opera House. For the first time, UH and Houston Symphony will merge their summer competitions to create a single, prestigious one. The winner of the new Cynthia Woods Mitchell-Ima Hogg Young Artist Competition will receive a chance to perform a festival-closing solo concert, as well as play alongside the Houston Symphony at a later date.

MUSIC

Willie Nelson’s Outlaw Music Festival hits The Woodlands on July 2.

Design

Take a Seat

CELEBRATED AUSTRALIAN furniture company Harbour has opened a new showroom at Decorative Center Houston on Woodway. It touts high-performance and high-design outdoor furniture that can withstand Houston’s extreme summers. –ewb

at auction in late May. Famous hostess Becca, who’s had movie stars, moguls and presidents at over-the-top bashes at the home, now spends much of her time in Europe. She says, however, more Houston parties are to come — although more intimate ones, and without the notorious indoor pool. –jeff gremillion

Indian Summer

The MFAH has two stellar shows on deck: Woven Wonders, featuring intriguing Indian textiles like the below Bandhani

turban cloth, and Impressionist and Post-Impressionist

Masterpieces from the Pearlman Foundation, both up through September. –ewb

Dolled Up

The live-action Barbie flick starring Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling debuts this summer and it has us thinking pink! Whimsical shades of the doll’s signature color are fun and fab.

By Evan W. Black

1. Gown, by Bach Mai. 2. Bajo desk, $699, at High Fashion Home. 3. Srunchie, $34, at Room Shop. 4. Canyon swivel chair, $599, at High Fashion Home. 5. Rumor heels, $190, by Caverley at Anthropologie. 6. Maya mini tote, $345, at Lele Sadoughi. 7. Padparascha and diamond ring, price upon request, at Valobra Master Jewelers.

TAKING THE WHEEL

In a colorful display at HCCC, Gabo Martinez celebrates her pre-Hispanic heritage.

By Chris Becker

Xochitlalpan is the Nahuatl word for “The Land of Flowers.” This land is a mythical afterworld of everlasting flowers and joy described in the Aztec/Mexica pre-Hispanic and later-colonial poetic tradition known as In Xochitl In Cuicatl (Flower and Song). It is also the evocative title of San Marcosbased artist Gabo Martinez’s exhibit at the Houston Center for Contemporary Craft, a colorful, immersive installation in the museum’s front gallery of ceramics and large-scale prints inspired by her indigenous roots, as well as images pulled from the oral tradition of Flower Songs. It’s a show where floor-to-ceiling

prints radiate with all the colors of nature on a sunny day, and the pottery simply sings.

Born in Guanajuato, Mexico, Martinez traveled back and forth from Texas to Tarimoro as a child, and her memories of the city’s Spanish mission-style architecture and colorfully painted terra-cotta homes with flowers on every patio continue to inspire her work. The distinctive red bricks of those houses were made from barro rojo (red clay), which was sourced from local mines, and Martinez’s wheel-thrown vessels, urns and bowls are created with this same type of clay. Using both ancestral and contemporary ceramic techniques, including sgraffito, in which after applying multiple layers the surface is scratched away to reveal the contrasting colors underneath, Martinez has created a beautiful body of work that honors and shares the history and narratives she has unearthed.

On view concurrently with The Land Of Flowers is Hot House, a collection of small, hand-made lace and bobbin creations and electroluminescent wire installations by Tel Aviv-born and -raised fiber artist Layla Klinger (they/them). Like Martinez, their practice is deeply connected to ancestral culture and history, specifically, Klinger’s Jewish heritage and upbringing. Both shows are on view June 3-Sept. 9. 

Laser Focus

Membership-based Skin

Monthly memberships like massages and meal kits can be convenient and cost-effective — until, perhaps, you suddenly have dozens of them, and they stress you out. If that stress is wearing on your face, there’s one membership that should remain high on the priority list: Skin Laundry, the California-based beauty company offering high-tech skincare like laser-resurfacing facials, is now open in Montrose. Members pay a monthly fee for one, two or even unlimited treatments.

Consistency is a key ingredient for a healthy complexion, so Skin Laundry’s goal is to reimagine expensive, in-office procedures as something more people could choose to afford on a monthly basis.

To begin, a friendly (and yes, glowing) face greets guests at the casualcool, airy space inside the burgeoning Montrose Collective. She hands over a quick intake form, plus a headband and face wipe, and then it’s off to a treatment room.

Using medical-grade lasers, a nurse or nurse practitioner administers a customized, pain-free laser treatment to resurface the skin; address concerns (rosacea, acne scars, melasma); and build collagen. The Signature facials

reveal a nearly instantaneously more radiant complexion.

The Thermo Fractional facial is a non-laser treatment that stimulates the skin using a combination of motion and heat. A matrix of tiny, heated, titanium points briefly penetrate the skin in short bursts, allowing the skin to absorb twice as much product in the hours that follow. The nurse then offers clinical recs of what to apply — Skin Laundry’s line of serums, ointments and sheet masks are fab — and when, to maximize results. Most members are in and out in about 20 minutes, and don’t require any downtime after the procedure, which makes the whole “consistency” thing a lot easier to come by. (Prices start at $150 per month; be sure to inquire about exclusive founding-member rates upon registration.)

Membership-based beauty services are growing in popularity. Next door to Skin Laundry will soon be Glosslab, with unlimited manis and pedis, including gel polish and gel removal, for its monthly members. And in the Heights, an Arizona-based concept called Hi, Skin just opened at M-K-T, offering facials, dermaplaning, gua sha and more, also on a monthly basis. A second outpost opens this summer in Uptown Park. 

Laundry alights in Montrose, offering high-powered skincare. By Evan W. Black

Global Prowess

Twenty years after launching Uchi in a humble Austin abode, Tyson Cole is still on a roll.

By Robin Barr Sussman

Austin-based Uchi, Japanese for “home,” was named for the little red house where chef Tyson Cole first created his nontraditional take on elevated Japanese cuisine in 2003. In the early days, you could pull up a chair at the sushi bar and chat with James Beard Award winner Cole himself as he handcrafted your sushi wonder. Texas had never seen Japanese cuisine like this. Frankly, we had never seen a sushi master like Tyson — a fresh-faced kid from Florida commanding a sushi bar with such skill and grace.

Flash forward to 2023. After bringing Uchi to Houston, forming Hai Hospitality and launching additional concepts — Uchiko in Dallas and Houston; bar concept Uchiba in Dallas; Loro in Austin, Dallas, Houston and Addison; and Uchi in Denver and Miami

the group chose H-Town to debut its newest concept, Oheya. Now, with plans for openings in California and beyond, it’s officially a coast-to-coast operation.

At Oheya, says Cole, “guests can still expect the delicate balance of elevated food and impeccable service they’ve come to know and love.” The omakase-style sushi bar’s decadent 15-course menu rotates monthly, with a different concept chef from Hai Hospitality at the helm, collaborating with chef de cuisine Stephen Conklin and head sushi chef Kevin Le of Uchi Houston.

“We create our food with a hyper-collaborative mentality and process and encourage all levels of cooks and chefs to work on dishes under the guidance and mentorship of the head chefs,” says CEO Tony Montero, who notes that even front-of-house team members can offer up dish ideas.

The passion and emphasis on training starts at the top. One of the few American sushi masters, Cole trained more than 10 years in Tokyo, New York and Austin under two different sushi masters. Incidentally, he studied physics and art in college at UT before working at a Japanese restaurant in Austin.

At 12-seat Oheya, Japanese for “the room,” the ambiance mirrors the cuisine with attention to detail right down to charger plates and custom-made ceramics by national artists. Each morsel on the plate is delectable, which might start with a lemongrass oyster and coconut, or asparagus with sunchokes and grapefruit, and segue to snow crab nigiri crowned with corn and kimchi.

Hai Hospitality will continue to bring its experience to more outposts over the next year, including a second Loro on Kirby, an Uchiko in Plano, and the izakayainspired cocktail bar Uchiba in Austin. Beyond Texas, Hai will be expanding the Uchi brand into West Hollywood — and onto the islands of Turks and Caicos later this year.

“We’ve also announced our opening in Scottsdale and have a few more things in the pipeline,” says Montero. Stay tuned! 

Hai There

Chef-restaurateur Tyson Cole and, below, Uchi’s famous brussels sprouts

IN HOUSTON

TOP OF MIND

Championing mental healthcare for teens, Dr. Oz’s HealthCorps expands in Houston. By Lisa Holthouse

There are more than 15,000 nonprofits in Houston — supporting children or elderly, hungry or homeless, disabled or infirmed, religious or educational. There is, however, one area that seems to have become more urgent in recent years. That is mental health for kids. According to the World Health Organization, depression is one of the leading causes of disability, and suicide is the fourth leading cause of death among 15- to 29-year-olds. There’s a crisis.

Enter my friend Dr. Oz! Mehmet Oz recently came to a gathering at my home to promote a nonprofit that is making a difference.

The renowned heart surgeon — a household name for ages, with his rise to TV fame and a subsequent foray into politics — started HealthCorps in 2003 to address health inequities in at-risk communities by “encouraging [teens] to become change agents within their family, their school and their neighborhood.” They strive to equip teens to become more physically, spiritually and mentally resilient.

They embed a coordinator/mentor with a curriculum into the campuses of middle and high schools — many of them in Houston — offering teens a wellness program. Oz and the HealthCorps team are particularly excited about their newest program model, Teens Make Health Happen. They came to Houston to spread the good word, with hopes of raising awareness and funds to help grow into more schools.

“Our goal is to expand throughout Houston,” says organization exec Amy Braun, noting the nonprofit’s unique college mentorship angle.

During the current academic year, HealthCorps has targeted 6,242 students at seven sites throughout Harris County — Jack Yates High, Worthing High, Wheatley High, Welch Middle, Wisdom High, YES Prep Public Schools’ Eisenhower High and Varnett Northeast. “If we could expand this program to all of our kids,” says a Yates administrator, “we would see a huge shift in our schools’ health patterns.”

The mentors are college students from local universities like UH, Texas Southern and HCC. They identify with the teens in a profound, personal way to “make health happen.” It’s a win for the teens and for the mentors, who receive school credit and the pride of having made a difference in kids’ lives.

Making sure children have the resources to navigate their own wellbeing has never been more important. HealthCorps is proud to play a role in providing kids the tools to take ownership of their health and lead productive lives. 

Dr. Oz at the Holthouse home

ART OF THE MATTER

Spring has sprung, and with the season comes sensational soirees, like the Houston Grand Opera Ball The theme was “A City of Bold Voices,” inspired by the current season’s “Fortune Favors the Bold” motto. The boldness played out all night long, from musical performances to the decadent dinner. Meanwhile, the Alley Theatre had its own glam gala, held at the Post Oak Hotel and adopting a Sherlock Holmes motif. It honored Cynthia Petrello for her years of support. And Hermann Park Conservancy’s annual Evening in the Park took place on an unfortunately stormy night — but still brought in a record-breaking $1 million. 

Matthew Healey and Denise Reyes at ‘HGO’

David Leebron, Ping Sun, and Phoebe and Bobby Tudor at ‘Hermann’

Lynn Wyatt and Richard Flowers at ‘HGO’

Hallie Vanderhider and Bobby Dees at ‘Hermann’

Margaret Alkek Williams and David Wuthrich at ‘Alley’

Allyson Pritchett and Brian Dunham at ‘HGO’

C.C. Ensell at ‘Alley’

Melinda Stubbs, Cynthia Petrello and Celina Hellmund at ‘Alley’

FEEDER Party People OUT LOUD!

The social season flourished with al fresco fetes! Fashionistas hit a Derby Day party benefiting Bo’s Place. The Hats, Hearts & Horseshoes event was held at the Houston Polo Club. A similarly stylish set flocked to Bayou Bend Collection & Gardens for a weekend of festive fun that included a fashion show and luncheon; a family-friendly event complete with pony rides; and a cocktail party in the gardens. Meanwhile, Recipe for Success Foundation hosted its annual Fashion in the Fields brunch at Hope Farms, starring farm-to-table fare and chic outfits from Neiman Marcus. Finally, the sun was shining as more than 300 supporters gathered on the rooftop gardens of POST for a luncheon benefiting Kinder HSPVA. It honored alumna and eight-time Emmy winner Rachelle Mendez — whose Emmy statues were used as centerpieces on the head tables! 

Adair Bruggeman, Ashland Odom, Emma Farahani and Elsebeth Kirby at ‘Bayou Bend’

Stephanie Beveridge and Chris Powers at ‘HSPVA’

Ashly Tamayo at ‘Field’

Matt and Erika Benz at ‘Derby’

Sneha & Nick Merchant at ‘Field’

Bailey DaltonBinion and Nancy Mathe at ‘Bayou Bend’

Charlotte Hedrick and Laura Weaver at ‘Field’

Tucker Irey at ‘HSPVA’

Krissi Reid, Kari Dagley and Laurie Morianat ‘Bayou Bend’

Jayne Johnston and Fady Armanious at ‘Derby’

I am a psychotherapist, sexologist, writer, speaker, founder of the REDHEADREVEAL® podcast, and private practice owner of Pinkerton Psychotherapy. As a change agent, I help people reveal their connectedness within their relationships and sexuality, understanding root causes of beliefs and behaviors that hold them back from success. I assist them in returning to the person they are born to be before they were limited by trauma.

POWER PARTIES

Wine, whiskey and Champagne sorbet took center stage at Jones Hall during the Houston Symphony’s annual wine dinner and auction. In total, the night raised a whopping $1.1 million, which will go toward the Symphony’s Education and Community Engagement efforts.

... At the Raising the Barre soiree, four of the city’s most beloved chefs were paired up with Houston Ballet dancers to create and execute dishes inspired by their backgrounds and stories. ... The city’s newest music venue was the spot for the Victory Rally Ball, raising funds for those battling childhood cancer — and it was the perfect place for party bands Yacht Rock Revue and Disco Expressions to perform. ... The 4th annual Celebrity Chefs Against Cancer event took place at Four Seasons Hotel Houston, where guests circulated around the hotel ballroom tippling and tasting at live-action stations manned by some of the most celebrated cooks in

Roslyn Bazzelle Mitchell, Heidi Smith at ‘Ballet’

Vicki West, Ralph Burch, Bobbie Nau at ‘Symphony’

Marc and Duyen Nguyen at ‘Ballet’

Tom and Martha Paterson at ‘Ballet’

Elia Gabbanelli, Alejandra de la Fuente at ‘Symphony’

Andrea and Robby Gregg at ‘Promise’

Brandon Weinbrenner, Lisa Helper and Patrick Myatt at ‘Heritage’

Riley Canfield, Katie Tiegs, Jessica Morrison at ‘Victory’

FEEDER Party People

Houston. It raised cash to support Camp H-Town. A celestial evening awaited the 700-plus attendees of JDRF’s Promise Ball, which adopted the theme of a Starry Night. Hosted at the Hilton Americas hotel, it brought in a whopping $2.5 million for Type 1 diabetes research and awareness. Last year, the University of St. Thomas hosted its Mardi Gras-themed fundraiser in May after Covid delayed its February gala — and it was so successful, the event chairs thought they’d do it again in 2023! Also held at the Hilton Americas, the evening raised nearly $1.7 mil for student scholarships. ... And one of the spring social season’s most anticipated parties, the Latin Women’s Initiative luncheon was a sold-out affair, with more than 850 guests enjoying the fashion show and popup shops. 

Aaron Bludorn and Beckanne Sisk at ‘Ballet’ Lynn and Jeremy Greene at ‘Heritage’

Steve Blake, Claudia Sierra, Edward Sanchez at ‘Chefs’

Stacy and John Andell at ‘UST’

Silvia Salle, Vasiliqi Turlla, Kara McCullers, Nina Altuve at ‘Latin’

Cinthya Reade, Viri Leva at ‘Latin’ Hunter Segesta, Kristen Torrez, Robin Segesta, Tom Segesta at ‘Chefs’

Lanita Jackson and Evans Charles at ‘Latin’

Jesse and Gloria Bounds at ‘UST’

Jeff and Dee Blevins at ‘Promise’ Heather Almond, Cheryl Byington at ‘Symphony’

LUCINDA LOYA INTERIORS

LUCINDA LOYA INTERIORS IS A FULL-SERVICE INTERIOR DESIGN FIRM FOCUSED ON PROJECTS RANGING FROM RESIDENTIAL TO CREATIVE AND FUNCTIONAL COMMERCIAL SPACES. LUCINDA’S TRADEMARK, ELECTRIC HIGH-END STYLE, IS CRAFTING THE MOST THOUGHTFUL AND VISIONARY INTERIORS. SHE IS KNOWN FOR HER ARTISTIC EDGE; DRAMATIC CONTRADICTIONS OF TEXTURE, PATTERN, AND COLOR. SHE AND HER TALENTED LLI TEAM WILL SUCCESSFULLY INTEGRATE INTO PROJECTS AT ANY STAGE, INCLUDING START-TO-FINISH NEW CONSTRUCTION, HOME REMODELS, OR UNIQUE SPACES. WITH FRIENDLY FACES AND ATTENTION TO DETAIL, LLI DELIVERS A TIMELESS AESTHETIC TAILORED TO EACH INDIVIDUAL’S LIFESTYLE AND STAYS CONNECTED THROUGHOUT THE ENTIRE DESIGN PROCESS. BE THEIR NEXT CLIENT BY CALLING TO INITIATE A WORKING RELATIONSHIP. CHECK THEM OUT!

SPRING SOIREES

At the annual Arms Wide luncheon, the spotlight shone brightly on the importance of providing guidance and support to families pursuing foster care and adoption. The event was held at the Briar Club and emceed by Frank Billingsley, who shared his own story of adoption, as did keynote speaker, former Cincinnati Bengals player Gaelin Elmore. Meanwhile, the Women of Wardrobe hosted its annual Spring Fling in support of Dress for Success. Yopros packed the Owl Bar to peruse the raffle offerings and enjoy bites from restaurants like Frank’s Americana and M Express Thai. ... At the Post Oak Hotel, some 550 guests proved that pink is not only

Betty and Jesse Tutor at ‘Distinction’

Jane Wood, Jay Randall Powers and Hannah Swiggard at ‘1661’

Dr. Oz with Martha and Richard Finger at ‘Health’

Allie Veselka and Michelle Holcomb at ‘Arms Wide’

Beth Muecke and Gina Gaston at ‘Pink’

Alyssa Kilpatrick and Allison O’Neill at ‘Arms’

Whitney and Jim Crane at ‘Distinction’

Kendall Miller and Walter Bering at ‘1661’

meet Sarah Callaway Sulma

as a fourth-generation Houstonian, Sarah Callaway Sulma has a unique and invaluable view of the city. Her deep seeded connection to Houston led her down the path to becoming one the city's most well-respected, and renowned real estate agents. Sarah's natural passion for the real estate industry from a young age led her to where she is today. "I know that it sounds cheesy, but it is the truth! I wanted to be in real estate from a young age," Sarah shares. "The late-great restaurateur, Tony Vallone, put me together with real estate legend, Martha Turner, and Martha put me together with Cathy Cagle. The rest is history-13 years of success and counting!" Now with over 13 years in real estate and $55M+ in residential real estate sales, Sarah brings a rare combination of knowledge, skill, and

advocacy to each one of her clients.

But her drive to build and maintain relationships consistently continues to help her advance in her real estate career.

“Clients are the greatest investments. I am invested in helping them sell their home and find their dream home, and continue to invest in the relationship far after the transaction. A majority of my clients have already entrusted me through multiple repeat transactions over my 13+ years of experience thus far. I foster those relationships because I intend for them to last a lifetime.”

713.299.9888

sarah.callaway@greenwoodking.com

@caglecallaway.gk

FEEDER Party People

pretty but also pretty powerful, raising more than $300,000 for the American Cancer Society. The luncheon featured local designer Christy Lynn’s Tickled Pink collection, carried exclusively at Tootsies. ... The who’s-who of Houston’s top realtors and home-design icons turned out to a reception, co-hosted by CityBook, offering a sneak peek at the 1661 Tanglewood high-rise. The new building will stand 34 stories above the posh enclave of Tanglewood and the nearby Uptown District. ... The 16th annual Men of Distinction luncheon, which raises money for pediatric research in the Texas Medical Center, added five more to its roster of philanthropic honorees who make Houston a better place. 

John and Laura Arnold at ‘Distinction’

Kelley Scofield and Sydney Eifler at ‘Arms’

Beth Wolff and Marcella Astralaga at ‘1661’

Charles and Tiffany Masterson at ‘Health’

Joan Schnitzer, Sheridan Williams and Janet Gurwitch at ‘Distinction’

Sippi Khurana and Jenny Todd at ‘Pink’

Steven Biegel and Ashley Patton at ‘1661’

Serena Sneeringer, Sarika Patel and Victoria Villarreal at ‘Spring’

Lauren Gray and William Finnorn at ‘1661’

Rosangela and David Capobianco at ‘Health’

Yvonne Cormier and Anne Neeson at ‘Pink’

The Arbiter of (Law Firm) Cool

Law firms aren’t typically associated with cool, but then again, Michelman & Robinson, LLP is no ordinary law firm. Fact is, M&R is different, special and, yes, cool. Especially the lawyers in its Houston office, which is the hub of the firm’s robust energy practice.

It’s a Gas

Lauren Varnado is M&R’s Houston Office Managing Partner. Having graced the pages of Vanity Fair, Vogue and People, Lauren sets the tone in Houston, not just for the firm’s vibe, but for its efforts in the oil and gas space.

Unlike the work of most other players in the legal marketplace, M&R’s efforts—and that of Lauren and her Houston-based team— are informed by a nuanced understanding of the energy sector. This insight not only allows Lauren and the firm to effectively address clients’ immediate legal concerns, but also enables them to identify broader business issues that can positively impact the bottom lines of the companies they represent.

What’s cool is that they do so as part of a new generation of lawyers—a fearless group that’s disrupting a typically buttonedup, male-dominated profession and turning the practice of law on its head by leaning into relatability, accessibility and, above all else, humanity—this on top of the fact that M&R Houston knows oil and gas better than just about anyone else.

Differentiators

Some of the adjectives that best describe Lauren and her crew in Houston are modern, candid, practical, influential and whip-smart. Together, they deliver premier client service that truly sets them apart. What else distinguishes M&R Houston from other firms (including those similar in size and reach) are the long-standing relationships it has with clients—relationships founded upon absolute trust and an expectation of excellence that informs the way they operate in courtrooms, at closing tables and beyond.

From Soup to Nuts

Energy isn’t the only industry that M&R attorneys are immersed in. They’re sought after by those in the advertising & digital media, banking & financial services, hospitality, insurance, music & entertainment, retail & apparel and technology spaces, too. M&R offers these clients a full suite of services, including top-tier work in commercial, class action, and cross-border litigation, as well as bankruptcy & restructuring, corporate & securities, cybersecurity & privacy, employment, insurance, intellectual property, real estate and regulatory law. Without fail, they do so in a collaborative way, keeping clients involved throughout every case and transaction, which eliminates surprises and ensures that expectations are met, if not exceeded, time and again.

As Cool as Can Be

M&R’s seven offices (Los Angeles, Irvine, San Francisco, Dallas, Chicago, New York and, of course, Houston) have been built upon a foundation of exceptional people—women and men of differing backgrounds, cultures, ethnicities and orientations all working toward a common goal: client success. The firm’s focus on diversity and inclusion (it’s been named a “Top 100 Firms for Minority Attorneys”), along with its industry expertise and culture that emphasizes professional development and fun, make M&R a law firm that's the arbiter of cool.

LaurenVarnadomanagestheHoustonofficeofMichelman& Robinson,LLP.Asought-after,award-winninglitigatorandheadof thefirm’senergypractice,Laurencanbecontactedatlvardado@ mrllp.comor(713)422-2121.

Photo by Laurie Perez Photography

IN HOUSTON

COOL 100

Introducing the T

he meaning of “cool” evolves. In the ’50s you might have thought greasers were cool, with their leather jackets à la Danny Zuko. In the ’70s, a long-haired activist or a Studio 54 reveler in Halston. In the ’80s, a Wall Street master of the universe?

Deciding who and what is cool is not only a moving target but also entirely subjective. And you might say attempting to “rank” the coolest people in Houston is a fool’s errand, one that will leave us immediately open to criticism. “You think she is cooler than him? You included this person?! You left off that one!?”

To that, we say: You’re right, it’s crazy. Also: Lighten up. These aren’t the Nobel Prizes. This is a lark, a fun way to fill some magazine pages. But, then again, it’s not not important. It’s our way of commenting on Houstonians drawing our attention right now.

We’re interested in highbrow, and low. We like fun and sexy, and cerebral and

poised. We like people who have made it to the top, and those striving to get there. We like the rich and famous, and those doing their thing quietly their own way, outside the limelight.

We have a bias, we admit, for young, beautiful and artistic. We’re not necessarily honoring the legends of Houston or the most generous philanthropists, and we’re not ranking the saints. (That’s another list.) However, we are impressed by maturity and accomplishment in all fields. And kindness is always cool. Also, to be on the CityBook list, you must live and work primarily in Houston. Sorry, Beyoncé.

Those named to the inaugural Cool 100 stood apart for their aesthetic and impact, their attitude and intrigue. We love what they’ve been doing lately, and we’re genuinely curious about what they’ll do next.

To borrow from The New York Times, which presented a similar list recently: We welcome dissent. But we are, without a doubt, correct.

SPONSORED BY FOUR SEASONS HOTEL HOUSTON, THE POST OAK COLLECTION and insólito tequila

jordan santana Skateboarding sensation

Santana was the talk of the whole country when the sport was set to make its Olympic debut. While she narrowly missed a spot on the Tokyo team, the 20-yearold, who trains at North Houston Skate Park, has her sights set on Paris 2024: At press time, she’s in Argentina for the Olympic qualifiers.

jeremy peña At 25, the Dominican-American was the youngest position player to ever be named World Series MVP in ’22. But the main reason the cute shortstop, who has six homers this season at press time, is so cool? Heart hands for Mom!

3 DON TOLIVER Née Caleb Zackery Toliver, he’s the next international face of Houston-born hip-hop. The 28-year-old rapper blends sounds of R&B, trap and classical music, and has churned out four studio albums in five years, including 2023’s Love Sick, which he’s touring this summer.

4 SIMONE BILES The most decorated American gymnast in history, Biles celebrated a different milestone just weeks ago, marrying former Texans player Jonathan Owens in Cabo in May. They’re building a home not far from their current one near Spring — but a move to Green Bay might be in order, per Owens’ recent trade.

5 MEGAN THEE STALLION Threetime Grammy winner Megan Pete, a.k.a. Megan Thee Stallion, may split time between L.A. and her native H-Town these days, but but with enthusiastic appearances like ’Stros games and March Madness, there’s no mistaking where she calls home.

THECOOL 100

9 & 10 JOOYOUNG CHOI AND TRENTON DOYLE HANCOCK

Artists delight in bringing viewers into their world — and the one created by Choi, newly repped by Inman Gallery, is especially colorful, with video, sculpture and puppets. Her latest, Love and Wondervision, is on view at the Moody Center through August. Meanwhile, hubby Hancock’s equally bright and character-filled work covers surfaces all over Houston, most recently in a basketball court at the CAMH.

bryan washington

6 LYNN WYATT Think people can’t be described as “cool” past a certain age? Well Wyatt, at 87, embodies the word. Once a Warhol muse, she is the mother of all fashionistas and undisputed queen of Houston society. Wonder if BFF Elton John will turn up at the upcoming grand opening of the Downtown park named for her.

7 LISA FALKENBERG The first in her family to attend college, Falkenberg graduated UT with a journalism degree in 2000. In May, the mom of three and Houston Chronicle VP/editor of opinion claimed her third Pulitzer Prize.

8 MOHAMMED AMER An observational comedian known around town — and now to Netflix fans everywhere — as Mo, Palestinian-American Amer has been name-checked in countdowns by Rolling Stone and Vanity Fair. His series Mo was picked up for a second and final season.

A bestselling, awardwinning author (Lot, Memorial) whose muse is the city of Houston, Washington drops his second novel, Family Meal, in October. He wrote and edited it over the course of nearly three years, during travels to places like Tokyo. He turns 30 this year.

tobe nwigwe Since gracing the cover of CityBook’s Music Issue in 2018, first-gen Nigerian-American rapper Nwigwe has released five studio albums, become a dad (times four!), received a 2023 Grammy nom for Best New Artist — and performed at Coachella in a viral Moncler ’fit.

13 CHRISTY LYNN LEE In her growing collection of womenswear created in a Montrose atelier, RISD grad Lee weaves together her Korean-American heritage, East Coast flair and Texas roots.

14 LAUREN ROTTET In the coming months, architect-designer Rottet will reveal her facelifts of glam hotels far and wide — the St. Regis and Little Nell in Aspen and the Ritz-Carlton Dallas, to name a few. But her hometown refresh of La Colombe d’Or takes the cake.

15 BUN B Decades after Bun B, née Bernard James Freeman, first rapped with UGK, the artist-entrepreneur is still enjoying a smoking-hot career: This year he played a sold-out show at the Rodeo, and will soon open a permanent location of his cultfollowed pop-up Trill Burgers.

16 JULIANA GARAIZAR Garaizar runs Greentown Labs, a nonprofit incubator that fosters green-energy companies looking to usher in a low-carbon future. Bonus points: She uses her post as chief development officer to amplify voices of female and minority investors.

17 BENCHAWAN JABTHONG

PAINTER After it was announced that Street to Kitchen chef-owner Painter was up for a 2023 James Beard, her inconspicuous, year-old Thai resto in the East End suddenly had lines out the door.

18 JOHN BERGER The handsome young founder of residential solar company Sunnova, Berger has high hopes for the city’s transition away from fossil fuels.

18 JUSTIN YU Since opening the then-groundbreaking Oxheart to widespread acclaim (and a “Best Chef” James Beard Award) it seems everything Yu touches turns to gold: Better Luck Tomorrow, Squable and Theodore Rex remain at the top of foodies’ lists, and the latter got a 2023 James Beard nod.

20 TINA CASCONE It’s cool enough that she’s a beautiful, always stylishly put-together Italian doctor. Even cooler? Cascone is leading nationwide immunotherapy trials showing startlingly good results for lung cancer patients. “Transformative,” says an MD Anderson colleague.

gin braverman Does every restaurant that Braverman decorates become cool, or do all cool restaurants just know to hire Braverman? The answer is yes. The interior designer’s magic touch can be seen at Jun, The Lymbar, Mala Sichuan at M-K-T — and even new concept suites at the Toyota Center.

nwigwe and bregman photo by steve visneau ; braverman by andrea mendoza

THECOOL 100

reagan bregman & alex bregman A new baby, a World Series victory, a red-hot side biz … Last year was winning, but what more could be on deck for the Bregmans in 2023? Digital content-creator Reagan is pursuing a more traditional medium — television — while Alex bolsters his rep as one of baseball’s best clutch hitters.

24 PETE BELL His day job is running a global conglomerate with subsidiaries in construction, staffing, housing and more. But Cotton Holdings honcho Bell has earned a rep for throwing killer parties. An invite to Cotton’s Rodeo Cookoff tent is a hot ticket; an invite to the VIP tent-within-a-tent is pure gold.

25 SHAWANNA RENEE RIVON

The actor and playwright who’s developed works for the Alley, Stages and Rec Room is working on completing her series of plays that tell the stories of Black women throughout seven decades.

26 PATRICK FERTITTA The heir apparent to dad Tilman’s entertainment empire, Patrick, 28, is a “fixture in decision-making” when it comes to the Rockets, per the Chronicle, liaising between his dad and the team.

27 HENRY LU It’s 2020. The restaurant world is in economic upheaval. The son of Chineseimmigrant restaurant owners, Lu moves from Brooklyn to Houston to partner with his longtime chef pal Evelyn Garcia. Their pop-up

and catering outfit eventually gives way to Jun, the hottest rez in the Heights.

28 LAUREN ANDERSON The life of the beautiful, age-defying ballerina Anderson — who works closely with the Houston Ballet’s education program — was the subject of a talked-about worldpremiere play at Stages last year.

29 HUNTER BELL When Bell moved here from New York a few years ago, she figured her eponymous fashion line would be no longer. But her feminine brand — find it at Hemline, Frock Shop — was a perfect fit for Houstonians. She’s projected to hit $12M in sales this year.

30 BERKLEY LUCK Any new mom will agree molecular biologist Luck’s pursuit is the coolest: Her company Milkify, which made its Shark Tank debut in April, is the first in the U.S. to freeze-dry breast milk for consumers.

31 DAN ZIMMERMAN This nextgen developer is doing dad Steve proud. Dan was a driving force in the recent redo of storied La

Colombe d’Or hotel, which The New York Times just praised as “glamorously moody.” Now he’s sustainably renovating his fourth historic building Downtown.

32 CHRIS WILLIAMS Ten years after opening his first restaurant, Lucille’s in the Museum District, James Beard-nominated chefactivist Williams has much more on his plate: He just opened a three-in-one concept in the renovated Eldorado Ballroom and inked his first cookbook deal.

33 FADY ARMANIOUS The Egypt-born creative director of Tootsies dresses many of Houston’s trendsetting socialites. But none turn more heads than bold sartorial superstar Armanious himself. He and his real-estate-titan partner Bill Baldwin just chaired the Holocaust Museum gala.

34 DEMECO RYANS Is this the year that the Texans will be cool? If the new head coach, the amiable 38-year-old Ryans, has anything to do with it, the answer is absolutely. All of H-Town is awaiting what the ’Bama alum and former Texans linebacker will make of the team.

bell

photo courtesy of cotton holdings ; anderson by steve visneau ; zimmerman by phoebe rourke ; ching by daniel ortiz

35 CASEY BARBLES The Houston native is the pretty face behind the city’s best farmers markets, including two new ones Downtown. This summer, her Feel Good Group brings more art, live music and food to White Linen Night in the Heights.

36 BEN BERG If opening hot restaurants was a sport, Berg would be an Olympic champ. On the menu for 2023: Buttermilk Baby diner, Dune Road seafood, Annabelle Brasserie, Turner’s Cut steakhouse and, opening soon, Benny Chows and Canopy Social on Wash Ave.

37 JORDON FITE This year, the Power Rangers franchise turns 30, and the Netflix reboot is reaching a new generation of fans — many of whom are keen to know Fite, the Neal Hamil-repped actor-model who plays the gold ranger, Aiyon.

38 KHORI DASTOOR The first woman and person of color to lead HGO, she in two years at the helm has innovated in digital outreach, and commissioning new works — and presided over the receipt of the company’s largest-ever donation of $22 mil.

39 CHRISTOPHER PAUL A sculptor of wearable art, Paul, 27, uses his work to encourage viewers to “untether” from racism. The Art Is Bond gallery assistant will graduate UH in 2024, and plans to eventually launch an art residency program for Black youth.

40 STANTON WELCH Beloved

artistic director Welch this year celebrates his 20th season with the Houston Ballet — and he’s just as ambitious as he was in 2003, slating six world premieres and the revival of his fiery Cinderella

41 ISRAEL RODRIGUEZ He’s been known to be controversial. Ask artist Rodriguez sometime about his murals remarking on Ted Cruz’s Cancun trip, or the killing of Breonna Taylor. But it’s his bright, abstracted, close-up portraits — that’s his Jeremy Peña on the cover — that have hip arty types abuzz.

42 BRIAN CHING The Dynamo’s all-time leading goalscorer, Ching pivoted to become the Houston Dash managing director, then a nightlife impresario (Pitch 25, East

End Backyard). Look for Ching to enter the medical-marijuana arena later this year.

43 TRAVIS SHIRLEY Last fall he oversaw production and show design for Bad Bunny’s “World’s Hottest Tour,” the highest-grossing tour by a Latin American artist ever. Among other huge acts, he’s currently working on UniverSOUL Circus, which Newsweek calls “the coolest show one Earth.”

44 JUDY NYQUIST Petite and posh Nyquist, a former curator who holds a MA in art history, has quietly but tirelessly supported local artists for many decades — and is rumored to have never dyed her hair, and doesn’t own a single ballgown. HCCC honored her a few weeks ago.

45 CHRIS SHEPHERD He spent years helping carve out the city’s now-famous foodie reputation, but last year left his restaurant empire to focus on his Southern Smoke nonprofit, whose reach and influence has exploded. It provides no-cost mental health services and crisis funds to industry workers and their families.

daniel garcia

Garcia first opened the Mend Center in 2016, and recently moved it into a beautifully decorated Heights bungalow, where he compassionately treats adult patients with chronic and severe mental illness.

47 LYNDSEY ZORICH The longtime blogger’s Westheimer boutique, The Avenue, touts curated home goods and chic, feminine designer looks — including ones from her own line, Mason’s Daughter. The just-dropped collection has soft floral sundresses, shorts and more.

48 KATIE MALTAIS The managing director at Stages, Maltais introduced pay transparency, and an initiative to keep young Houston talent in Houston. She’s also the one to thank for Stages’ rave-worthy 2022-2023 season that included auspiciously timed shows like Roe

49 NIKI LASSITER After being diagnosed with a troubling mix of debilitating auto-immune disorders a few years ago, Lassiter, an exMiss Texas USA, found purpose in her new, less physically active lifestyle. She’s become a celebrated handbag maker, sharing proceeds with charities.

50 ADAM ROSS Ross, the Suit Boss, has built a booming bespoke menswear biz by combining refined style and craftmanship with brosavvy service. He’s got a whiskey bar! Celebs and pro jocks are fans. He just made Mr. Simone Biles’ Cabo-cool wedding suit, which you might’ve seen in People mag.

51 DAVID GUERRERO It takes a certain resiliency to be a restaurateur. But resilient is Guerrero’s middle name. The multiple-brain-cancersurviving chef operates the superb Andes Café in Downtown’s Post

food hall, along with the hip Latin-Asian fusion spot Mykuna at Railway Heights.

52 JAY FIELDS Besides evolving his family biz from a steel distribution company to a global manufacturing powerhouse, music aficionado Fields, 46, this year hosted a star-studded benefit concert at White Oak Music Hall and launched the burgeoning label Foxgate Records.

53 CHERIF MBODJI Senegal-raised Mbodji moved here to help Aaron Bludorn open his first Houston restaurant, and just two years later, he’s a partner at Bludorn, Navy Blue and a new project in Memorial.

54 WASHINGTON HO HBO Max’s House of Ho follows the Crazy Rich Asians-esque lifestyle of first-gen Vietnamese-American Ho and his fam. The businessman just launched a THC-infused seltzer called HoBuzz.

william farley A trip to South America with his father inspired Farley to swap his energy career for wine. And now the outdoorsman and entrepreneur has opened Padre’s wine shop and bar in the Heights, in his dad’s honor.

garcia

photo by kelly durham ; walker and sitter by jhane hoang at select studios

56 &57

THECOOL 100

rama walker and philipp sitter Seeking to solve the staffing problems in the healthcare field, Nurseify run by Walker, a nurse and motivational speaker — is a new app connecting facilities in need with per-diem nurses. For his part, Sitter launched the smartphone platform RepeatMD to help clinics and doctor’s offices incentivize client loyalty and referrals.

58 DONKEEBOY He’s splashed his murals on walls and sidewalks all over town, and now Alex Roman, Jr., a.k.a. Donkeeboy, has released a beer with 8th Wonder — The Ocho, a Mexican-style lager.

59 ITAI BEN ELI The man behind Sof Hospitality (Hamsa, Doris Metropolitan, Badolina) knows beef. He pioneered the dry-aging process and operated a butcher shop in Israel before opening a restaurant in Costa Rica and moving to Houston. Meaty tidbit: He’s eyeing Austin next.

60 JENNIFER PINKERTON

She’s a gorgeous redheaded sexologist. Sounds like a movie, but Pinkerton, also an author and podcaster, is an actual, cutting-edge psychotherapist. She specializes in LGBTQ and couples issues — and does compassionate work on nonsexual matters with families and kids.

61 MIMI SWARTZ The executive editor of Texas Monthly, New York Times contributor and author is a longtime Heights resident. One of her most recent pieces was TM’s March cover story about the government’s push to privatize Texas’ public schools.

62 JOSH PAZDA A newly named (literally) partner in the top-tier Rice Military art gallery Josh Pazda Hiram Butler, the artistmusician also recently released a book looking back over artist Tony Feher’s decades-long career. Pazda’s influence in the culture-vulture set is on the rise.

63 EMILY ALVARADO The Houston Dash made several exciting acquisitions during the off-season, but goalkeeper Alvarado might top the list: The Dash Youth alum, former Horned Frog, and Mexican Women’s National team member brings “competition and depth” to the team, per GM Alex Singer.

64 JUSTIN VANN The wine guy at one of Houston’s worst-kept secrets, Nancy’s Hustle, Vann has quietly been building his reputation among Houston wine snobs for years. His motto — “curious, not judgmental” earned Nancy’s a James Beard nod in the Outstanding Wine Program category.

65 MATTHEW MASSEY He fell in love with Champagne while frequenting France for oil and gas biz roles. Today, his Madame Zéro Champagne produced in France is

the first touted for low sugar and transparent nutritional labeling. Massey will uncork a subscription service as well as his first grand vintage Champagne this fall.

66 KELLIE ALCORN-KARAVIAS

Culinary educator Alcorn-Karavias combats poor nutrition among foodinsecure HISD students by teaching them fundamentals like growing and cooking their own grub — and even how to raise chickens!

67 CHRISTINE HA The first blind contestant on MasterChef, Vietnamese-American Ha lost her mom at age 14 and her sight at age 24. But the cookbook author and entrepreneur never lost her vision for recreating her mother’s Vietnamese cooking for Houston diners. Wash Ave-area Xin Chao and Blind Goat, now open in Spring Branch, have earned her back-to-back James Beard nods.

68 LUCINDA LOYA Her pied-a-terre in Manhattan used to be a church, and her funky home here boasts The Houstonian in its backyard. All to say, interior designer and gal-about-town Loya — whose bedroom in the 2022 Kips Bay showhouse generated serious buzz has great taste.

69 AJ MCQUEEN Combining live music, meditation and a Q&A sesh in catchy events called things like Healing Is Gangster, rapper McQueen — who was shot at age 14, and moved from St. Louis to Houston to escape gang violence — is remixing what Houston hip-hop is all about.

70 BIANCA BUCARAM She’s a globally engaged fundraiser for charitable causes and a brand manager who’s helped raised the profile of clients from a dizzying range of fields, from physicians and thinkers to artists and Olympians. No wonder she’s been lauded by PR News and HBJ

71 ANDREW PAPPAS A jet-setting, sportscar-driving 30-something isn’t a unique sight in Houston — but Pappas might surprise you with his range. The president of Partners Capital and cofounder of RYDE, which opens its fancy Heights spin studio early this summer, Pappas can talk opera, architecture and technology alike.

72 SEVY MARIE EICHER To be an internationally collected artist as a teenager is certainly cool. But what’s more, Eicher, who was born in

Bulgaria and adopted by her Houston parents, has Down syndrome. She inspired her family to start Sandal Gap Studio, an inclusive arts space where the differently abled can express themselves.

73 MARZI PETRIS A longtime stylist to and personal shopper for chic Houstonians who like to push the envelope, Petris has gone a little more mainstream lately, coordinating runway shows for events like Bayou Bend’s Garden Party. Pro tip: She can track down any designer item you want. We mean anything.

74 DAVID CORDUA He’s been a hot chef almost since childhood, working with his chef dad at the fam’s restos. Now his own Lymbar is an anchor at the Ion biz and tech innovation center. Texas Monthly just called his fried potato “rose” starter with garlic aioli a “tour de force.”

75 R’BONNEY GABRIEL Prior to winning Miss Universe in January, Gabriel, the first Filipina-American to wear the Miss USA crown, had only been competing in pageants for two years — and was about to age out. Luckily, she just scraped by, allowing the spotlight to shine

on her sustainablefashion efforts with Houston’s nonprofit studio Magpies and Peacocks.

THECOOL 100

76 JOHN MICHAEL RACE A founding senior instructor at Barry’s fitness studio, Race, who has a nursing degree, packs the Red Room with his fire playlists. TikTokkers — and Ellen fans — may also know him from his viral video of his first time drinking boba tea.

77 CHARLENE FLASH She became executive director of sprawling, multi-clinic health center Avenue 360, which offers care for all income levels, days before the Covid pandemic hit. Having navigated that storm, with pioneering efforts in telemedicine and drive-through testing, physician Flash continues to steer the burgeoning, innovative nonprofit to new heights.

78 DEMOLA Viral TikTokker

Ademola Daniel Babafemi, a.k.a. Demola, has earned raves as much for his hip-hop violin tunes as for his vibrant streetwear and custom suits (with or without a shirt). His summer tour includes a hometown show Aug. 19.

jastin martin A self-taught musician who’s been writing songs since age 9, Martin was just signed to Def Jam Records, and is gearing up for a summer album release. But she’s already won over fans with her minimalist, vibey, trap-soul songs like “Right My Wrongs.”

colby smith Smith is VP of operations and the boots-on-the-ground at Katy’s new Home Run Dugout venue (think Topgolf, but baseball). It’s fitting, since Smith was the baseball team captain at West Point. He earned a Bronze Star and Purple Heart during deployments to Afghanistan before getting his MBA at MIT.

81 RICARDO NUILA Ben Taub physician Nuila, 44, sheds light on all the things that the public hospital system is doing right in his new book, The People’s Hospital

The dad of two thought he’d have to choose between a career as a doctor or one as a writer — but knew that he’d find the best stories in medicine.

82 MICAH EDWARDS With a smooth, retro sound he calls “Texas soul,” Micah Edwards is a hard-working singer on the rise. He recently opened for his sister, country star Madeline Edwards, and his own debut album, Jean Leon, drew more than a million followers on Spotify.

83 NICKY SOHN Korean-American

Sohn is the composer-in-residence of Houston’s 16-member, conductor-less Kinetic Ensemble string orchestra. Earlier this year, she premiered her violin concerto “Home,” inspired by the stories of previously unhoused graduates of The Women’s Home.

THECOOL 100

87 GRACE GIBSON Concert

promoter booking badass female artists by day, drag king by night? That’s Gibson. She makes all her own costumes and accessories, from hand-stitched upcycled suits to a homemade drum kit.

88 NATALIE STEEN Attorney-momcontent-creator Steen — she sends out a weekly shoppable newsletter called The Nat Note — can add designer to her multihyphenate title, having recently released a colorful resort-ready dress in collaboration with Antonio Melani.

julie friedman

84 TOM CUNANAN He picked up and moved from D.C. to Houston mid-pandemic, somewhat on a whim, after fellow Filipino chef Paul Qui announced the Post dining hall. Since opening Soy Pinoy there, Cunanan landed the cover of Food & Wine’s 2022 Innovators Issue. A fine-dining Filipino restaurant named after his mom is in the works.

85 PRINCE VARUGHESE THOMAS

Indian-American artist and professor Thomas showcases the work of others in his own backyard. Literally. He and his life and art partner Britt Thomas erect a movie screen in their yard and invite viewers to park at T.C Jester Park and tune in via radio for short films by local artists.

86 MATTHEW HEALEY With

his El Segundo Swim Club in the East End, Healey reinvented the meaning of the phrase “pool bar.” It just reopened for the season, and this year boasts DJ sets by the likes of Fat Tony during its Sunday Soundwaves series.

Three times in as many years, Friedman’s business Young, Wild & Friedman — which sells nontoxic playdough and themed accessories in prettily packaged kits — has had to break a lease in order to move into a bigger warehouse.

harper watters

With his own YouTube channel and more than half a mil TikTok followers, Houston Ballet first soloist Watters, 31, is almost single-handedly redefining the classical art form. All while wearing sky-high heels.

91 ADAM KRUEGER Not everyone tunes in to CW39 for their weather report. But they should. Chief meteorologist Krueger, who’s gone viral on TikTok a few times, incorporates into his live reporting suggestions from viewers — from Seinfeld quotes to Lizzo lyrics.

92 MARYAM NADERI Pioneering the clean-beauty trend in H-Town, beautiful Naderi — a full-time consultant for Alvarez & Marsal — has just opened an outpost of her Paloma nontoxic nail salon in Dallas.

93 MARLANA DOYLE Former

Met Dance exec Doyle launched Houston Contemporary Dance Company just before the pandemic, and besides commissioning dances from choreographers locally and worldwide, she recently rolled out a student company.

94 & 95 KATIE MCCLURE AND ERIN BREEN Mirth Caftans long ago outgrew its name. The sisters’ line of comfy-cool caftans became one of comfy-cool dresses, blouses and more — but they’re all still made from ethically sourced artisan textiles that McClure and Breen travel to select themselves.

96 ANDREW SOLIS Artistentrepreneur Solis enjoys everything about drinking … except, sometimes, the alcohol. Last year, he created zero-proof whiskey,

tequila, gin and mezcal under the brand name Cut Above Spirits — all with less than one gram of sugar, and with no preservatives.

97 CARRIE BRANDSBERG-DAHL

Call her the Woman in Black. The fashionista is part-German, partJapanese and all avant-garde, a softer-edged Tilda Swinton with no use for pastels. Having just co-chaired a fundraiser for HCCC, she, along with hubby Sverre, are rising-star arts patrons, and always a dashing pair.

98 WHITNEY BRANTLY Known

online as The Dopest Historian, the 2023 Prairie View grad has always been passionate about history — and, since 2020, about enlightening others, especially young Black people, about how awe-inspiring Black history really is, through YouTube videos and city tours.

mistress isabelle brooks Fan favorite Brooks was the first contestant from Houston to compete on RuPaul’s Drag Race, where she served looks and attitude. She regularly performs at JR’s and South Beach and this summer is on a North American tour.

watters photo by harper watters ; gioldasis by jhane hoang at park htx

100 &101

angelique gioldasis Former professional model Gioldasis, who’s been photographed by the likes of Bruce Weber and Juergen Teller, has dabbled in catering, wardrobe styling and event planning. She opened The Park HTX, a Downtown photo studio, in January — the same month she gave birth to her daughter, Gisele Elizabeth.

THECOOL 100

HOT IN HOUSTON NOW!

HOT CAR SALES PRO With his personal touch and attention to detail, Tony McClelland of Central Houston Cadillac has been named “Best Domestic Car Sales Professional in Houston” by Outsmart and has many faithful customers. The dealership, currently located in Midtown, is in the process of building a new landmark facility near NRG Stadium that’s set to open in August. The new location boasts the latest technological advancements and will be one of the largest Cadillac facilities in the country!

HOT FINE ART GALLERY With two Galleria locations, Off The Wall Gallery boasts a world-class art collection, a passionate and knowledgeable staff, a comfortable and welcoming atmosphere, various events and programs, and a strong commitment to quality art and education. The Gallery, run by Mimi Sperber-Wasserberg, showcases original paintings, sculptures and fine prints from global artists. It offers visitors a unique art experience, including exhibitions, art-filled cultural travel, art brokerage, shipping, installation and bespoke framing.

HOT LAWYER

Lauren Varnado, managing partner of Michelman & Robinson’s Houston office, is an experienced trial lawyer, representing oil, gas and petrochemical clients in high-stakes, “bet the company” lawsuits. Beyond the courtroom, Lauren advises private and public companies about climate change litigation, investments and contractual rights and obligations in renewable energy, and much more. M&R prides itself on the collaborative and long-standing relationships it has with clients.

HOT REALTOR Previously an assistant for top producer Cathy Cagle, fourth generation Houstonian Sarah Callaway Sulma of Greenwood King Properties honed her skills and became experienced in all aspects of real estate, from relocation to assisting buyers and sellers in all areas of Houston and at all price points. Sulma and Cagle are now partners, Sulma has become a top producer in her own right — with an impressive base of both buyers and sellers in the Houston community.

HOT MOTHER-DAUGHTER DUO

Compass realtor Clare Leppert, who formerly partnered with her

mom, says her experience in the luxury market for the last 20+ years is enhanced by her daughter Leigh Leppert’s fresh take on marketing and insight on the everevolving Houston neighborhoods. Working together, they recognize that real estate is much more than “the house.” Exceeding client expectations, marketing, negotiating, hand-holding and successfully maneuvering in changing markets is what they do best. A combination of grit and grace.

HOT CATERER If you know, you know. CULINAIRE, founded by classically trained chef Barbara McKnight, has been an insider go-to for 20 years. This Houston institution has been upping the luxury catering game with its considered custom menus paired with flawless service and event execution. Team CULINAIRE touts a staff of courteous and seasoned professionals. Sample poolside menu: smoked chicken tostadas, Greek-salad-style shrimp cocktail, a sushi station and coconutpassionfruit panna cottas for dessert. Yes, please.

HOT RESTAURANT Jonathan’s the Rub has two locations in the Memorial area and is open

Off the Wall

Lauren Varnado Frock Shop

for brunch, lunch, dinner and special occasions, touting steaks, meatballs, gumbo and hearty American cuisine. Jonathan’s is also known for its catering services, private events and putting on amazing wine dinners at the Memorial Green location. “The restaurants are the heart and soul of our family,” says chef-owner Jonathan Levine. “Everything we have goes into making sure that our food and service represent our family values and hospitality.”

include colorful coverups, funprint mini-dresses and cute tops by Houston-based Hunter Bell.

HOT MEN’S

Clark, who grew to acclaim over years at late, great Ibiza? Well, as one might say when asked to choose between caviar served with onion dip and potato chips and mussels steamed with white wine and fennel? Why not both?

HOT

REALTOR Mike Mahlstedt of Compass consistently ranks as one of the Top 3 real estate agents in Houston with over $950,000,000 in career sales. Mahlstedt focuses on traditional inner-Loop and close-in neighborhoods. His success continues to grow thanks to hard work, attention to detail and repeat referral business. “I am a good businessman and confident negotiator,” he says. “My job is to ensure that my clients have the latest knowledge and understand the entire transaction process.”

HOT WOMEN’S BOUTIQUE When

owner Selina Stanford opened Frock Shop her goal was to create a space where women feel seen and loved. “We do this by meeting our customers exactly where they are in life and being in gratitude that we get to style them for all of life’s moments,” she says. Frock Shop is filled with sought-after brands like LoveShackFancy. Summery looks

CLOTHIER He’s the Suit Boss, and his Adam Ross Bespoke & Custom Clothiers has a rep for making meticulously well-fitted suits — he takes 40+ measurements and sources high-quality Italian and English fabrics — and for being a cool dude with a boy’s-clubby setup. Clients include rapper Paul Wall, actor Michael Rappaport and tons of sports pros. See that ivory suit with the subtle paisley pattern Jonanthan Owens wore when he married Simone? That was Ross.

HOT MED SPA New Montrose Med Spa offers body sculpting and skin treatments that invigorate and energize and are specifically designed to restore balance and strength and renew youth. The Spa provides a complete medical gym experience — from the varied treatments with Emsculpt Neo to a personalized health and wellness and skin evaluation for each individual. It also provides a noninvasive, painfree and needle-free facelift through EMFace, in addition to offering monthly beauty memberships.

HOT RESTAURANT Does one go to Brasserie 19 to be seen among the swells who crowd in routinely — inside the urbane, light-washed dining room and the front patio or for the excellent French food purveyed by B19 chef-owner Charles

HOT OUTDOOR

FURNISHINGS

For 44 years, Patio 1 Houston has helped Houstonians create their dream backyards. In a world of parity, they deliver clients’ choices from 150 fabric colors — in an unprecedented five days. Being entrusted by top world brands, they commit to fulfilling excellence that gives absolute value to their customers. Patio 1, which offers high fashion and high-quality brands that bring the newest trends into the outdoor furniture market, has always emphasized superior details, materials, workmanship, durability, comfort and styling.

HOT RESTAURANT From the days of his eponymous Rice Village spot to today’s Local Foods concept, Benjy Levit has been a staple of Houston’s restaurant scene. As buzz surrounds his newer speakeasy-style wine bar Lees Den and the unfussy French spot Eau Tour (see review in this issue), Local Foods remains a five-location powerhouse. Breezy, counter-service-style Local Foods is passionate about creating fresh, hyper-seasonal dishes, made from scratch daily, with the best local ingredients Texas has to offer.

Mike Mahlstedt Brasserie 19 Patio 1

Adam Ross, the Suit Boss

Seventh Heaven

Asian-Mediterranean fusion — including unique handrolls, like the one pictured — is the focus of Upper Kirby’s new Se7en restaurant, a supper-clubstyle spot with nightly DJs and entertainment. For more on this and other dining news, see page 72.

French Twist

Lighten up! Two new restaurants promise not to take French food so seriously. By Evan W. Black and Patrick Magee, Photos by Jenn Duncan

HHouston’s relationship with French food needs an overhaul. At least that’s the thought behind two of this year’s most anticipated restaurants — Benjy Levit’s Eau Tour in Rice Village, and Philippe Schmit’s new Upper Kirby spot PS21.

Both dubbed some version of “approachable French,” the hot spots purport to not take themselves too seriously. Case in point, Eau Tour serves cocktails in large, fish-shaped glasses, and a typically pricey section of the menu is labeled “caviar & roe for the people,” with prices starting at just $20.

Earlier this year, Levit took over the Thai Spice space that hovered above his original Local Foods restaurant; with Lees Den and an expanded Local Foods Market,

he now occupies the entire building where he got his start years ago.

Like the menu itself, the art-deco-style environs are cozy and playful. Outfitted by Garnish Designs, the main dining room has original 1960 flooring and exposed brick with new custom stained-glass windows. The combination gives the space a warm and flirty energy. “Our goal is to open an intimate space with a refined but not too serious dinner-party atmosphere,” says Levit, “with food meant to be passed around accompanied with fun tunes.”

The menu was created by longtime Benjy collaborator Kent Domas. It’s fresh and light and centers around a wood-burning oven that is

Green Energy

Clockwise from top left: Eau Tour’s double cheeseburger, the Saigon matcha cocktail at PS21 and oysters at Eau Tour.

Dining

employed in unexpected ways: The mushroom-and -raclette dumplings come with perfectly oven-charred and slightly salty cabbage, for example. And the seared sea trout is served with grilled frisee. The wine program is headed by Ryan Cooper — formerly a sommelier at Goodnight Hospitality and Uchi — and is priced below industry standards in order to capture the value often found in Parisian neighborhood bistros. The cocktail menu offers fun twists on the classics: The Old Fashioned uses barrel-aged gin, and the espresso martini has mezcal in it!

Meanwhile, just on the other side of 59, the French cowboy

has

saddled up to ride again. That is to say celebrated chef Philippe Schmit has returned to the Houston restaurant scene with PS21, open in the Richmond Avenue space previously home to Queen Vic and Olive & Twist.

Years ago, he was a household name among Houston foodies, thanks to his stints at Bistro Moderne and his eponymous Philippe Restaurant + Lounge in Uptown. As for his new spot? The “P” is for Philippe, naturally, and the “S” is for his business partner, Sebastien Laval, who is a force behind some of the city’s most popular restaurants, including MAD, Musaafer, Le Colonial and Ciel.

LATEST DISH!

HOUSTON’S BEST FOOD NEWS, IN SMALL BITES ...

Dubbed

“Houston’s first true service-oriented entertainment restaurant,” splashy Se7en has swung open its doors in Upper Kirby. Chef Erhan Özkaya’s Asian-Mediterranean cuisine emphasizes quality ingredients from the Mediterranean basin. Expect dinner Tuesday through Saturday, with a late-night weekend menu, bottle service and nightly DJs.

Andiron is now open. The elegant and spacious steakhouse is the latest concept from Michael Sambrooks, owner of The Pit Room, The Patio at The Pit Room, and Candente. Meats, seafood and vegetables are cooked over the 22-foot live-fire grill suite, sourced

from Spain and visible from the dining room.

Berg Hospitality’s intimate dining and social club with old world charm and service, Turner’s has launched its Big Easy Jazz Lunch offered every Thursday and Friday from 11am-3pm. Mouthwatering dishes include seafood gumbo, boudin balls, duck confit, whole branzino and more.

Mandito’s from Palacios Murphy Hospitality has bowed in Bellaire, with an all-day Tex-Mex menu of classics. With the original in Round Top, the restaurant name is a reference to the childhood name given to co-owner Armando Palacios.

Berry Nice ‘Gateau basque’ and, far below, fun French fare at Eau Tour

The bar at Turner’s

The white-tablecloth restaurant with caramel-colored leather chairs and tons of mirrored accents offers, per Schmit, a more “laid-back,” homey style of cooking than that of his previous spots. The menu boasts dishes with Americanized names — Charcuterie Tray, Childhood Chicken Wings — alongside those more traditionally thought of as “French,” like Foie Gras Terrine.

But regardless of how the menu is labeled, the food is, indeed, approachable: well portioned, nicely plated and, in the case of the dessert menu’s apple tatin flambée, literally glowing.

Back at Eau Tour, Levit serves up something pretty sweet, too. The olive oil cake is topped with a dollop of whipped cream that’s nearly as large as the slice of cake itself, as well as a cherry. Is that how they do it in France? An irrelevant question. 

LATEST DISH!

Line up for Hongdae 33, the Korean barbecue destination from the team behind Chinese Duck N Bao. The spacious restaurant on the upper level of Dun Huang Plaza offers all-you-caneat pricing — $33 per person for 90 minutes — and tabletop grills with meat options like galbi, brisket, bulgogi and octopus. As for drinks, expect creative cocktails made with soju and other specialty spirits, Korean-style bomb shots, and Asian and domestic beers.

Austin-born Picnik, a healthfocused restaurant with menus for guests with dietary requirements — think ingredients sans refined sugar, seed oils, gluten and peanuts — is now open in the pedestrian-friendly Montrose Collective. Menu highlights include the popular bacon-jam burger (grass-fed beef, organic raw cheddar).

Cocktails at Alba Huerta’s Julep are always a hit — but this summer, come hungry for its most ambitious food menu yet. Chef Calvin Miller’s items include warm, puffy biscuits with fig jam and tomato-bacon jam; Cajun queso blanco with lobster; and aguachile shrimp.

The owner of Houston’s popular Kin Dee Thai has launched a ghost kitchen — a.k.a. a

delivery-and-to-go-only concept — in the Galleria area. M Express Thai Kitchen sells unique Thai takes on American fast-food favorites like hot dogs, burgers, wraps and wings.

Intimate and elaborate Albi recently joined restaurants like Brasserie 19 and Zanti on West Gray’s hopping corridor in River Oaks. The upstairs space sports lush interiors in jewel tones, with red-silkshade lamps, velveteen banquettes, chandeliers and ambient lighting. Albi bridges Middle Eastern cultures and cuisines including Lebanese, Turkish and Greek.

Dante’s has bowed in the shuttered Concura space off Mid Lane. Longtime restaurateur Brian Doke has a passion for Italian food and wine and was a regular at Concura. To helm the kitchen, Doke tapped Ilias Gugole, who cooked for top restaurants in Italy. Nearby, Bari just opened in River Oaks District, brimming with Milan and Rome glamour. The menu was designed by chef Renato De Pirro, formerly with Ristorante Cavour, and offers a spread of antipasti ranging from foie gras terrine with strawberry compote to beef carpaccio with lemon truffle dressing, as well as pizzas, salads and raw bar offerings.

Pulled pork sliders at Julep

Steak Acclaim

At PS21, the filet is served with potato au gratin and, below, the bar serves cocktails named in honor of French-speaking regions, like Beirut.

Bon Bini!

The Caribbean’s Bonaire is a hidden gem that’s more Sedona than St. Lucia. Intrigued? You should be.

By Evan W. Black

PPlanning a vacation to the Caribbean usually involves daydreaming about lush, tropical scenes — white-sand beaches, cloud forests, endless relaxation. But on the tucked-away island of Bonaire, a different sort of paradise exists.

The “B” in the Dutch Caribbean’s ABC islands, Bonaire is an amalgamation of ecosystems and cultures (not unlike its native language Papiamentu, which borrows from Portuguese, French, Spanish and Dutch). Amenities here don’t always cater to American visitors — but that’s by design. Bonaire’s economy is built around sustainability efforts; the island is the world’s first certified Blue Destination, meaning habitats are to remain unspoiled and ocean conservation is top priority.

As a result, Bonaire, built entirely atop coral, has gained a reputation as a diver’s paradise, with the “fishiest” reefs in the world. But tourists need not be scuba aficionados to enjoy all the island has to offer — beginning at Flamingo Airport, where direct, four-hour flights from Houston land and depart every Saturday. The café here boasts the best pastechi on the island: Think cheesestuffed empanadas, but doughy rather than flaky. It’s the perfect welcome

Dive In! Climb up through the cacti to jump off of cliffs in Bonaire’s Washington-Slagbaai National Park.

IN HOUSTON

treat — or parting gift.

Places to stay range from boutique (check out Bamboo, with an exclusive chef’s table that must be booked months in advance) to spacious, as in Harbour Village, situated on a 60-slip marina.

But with Dutch-apartment-style accommodations suitable for singles, couples or families — and an expansive, hammock-laden beach overlooking impossibly clear water filled with coral reefs — Delfins Beach Resort is a go-to. In the past, Bonaire has not been considered a foodie destination. But Delfins’ Michelinstarred Brass Boer will exceed any expectations, even those of the most well traveled foodies.

Other standouts include Number 10, a colorful, chefdriven restaurant in the small but funky downtown area. And longtime local hangout Posada Para Mira serves traditional Caribbean fare to a soundtrack of live cuatro music and children delightfully playing on the slides and swings.

Residents and tourists, who are most often blonde and beautiful and Dutch, are likely to enjoy their meals al fresco: A common sight to behold is families pulling foldable chairs and tables — and even a pop-up grill — out of their car, and situating themselves on a beach. It’s hot, yes, but there’s usually a strong wind to keep cool (in fact, world-class windsurfers train at Bonaire’s Jibe City beach). Food trucks tout local delicacies like lionfish, and fresh-squeezed passionfruit juice served in

repurposed beer bottles.

To get around the island, which is a bit smaller than Galveston, renting a car or scooter is recommended. The latter costs around $20 per day, and can be booked through your hotel. But a car is necessary to tour Washington-Slagbaai National Park, where one could easily spend an entire day observing iridescent lizards, hanging with donkeys, and hiking up dusty paths weaving through red rocks to score epic, 360degree views.

After that, the water is calling: Dive sites are marked with yellow stones, and a snorkel mask is all that’s needed. Walk straight off the rocky beach and into the turquoise waters, where parrot fish, barracuda, turtles and more await. Boats of all sorts can be chartered for a couple hours or a whole day, depending on how adventurous the group is.

Another only-in-Bonaire activity is caving, or exploring the naturally formed caverns in the coral. Certified guides like Dirk with Cave Tours Bonaire help patrons lower themselves into a literal hole in the ground, then discover the incredible formations down under. Some are wet caves, in which snorkeling is welcome.

Dirk volunteers his time to bat-conservation efforts, as do a lot of Bonaire residents to various sustainability and stewardship organizations. It’s one of many reasons that this Dutch island is an incomparable haven — for ocean life and humankind alike. 

Sea to Believe Sea to Believe In Bonaire, visitors can dive deep with colorful fish, find flocks of flamingos, and visit the salt pyramids.

GuideBook

wares. 5175 Westheimer Rd., 713.623.6100

ADAIR KITCHEN american

This Tanglewood gem is popular for its cold-pressed juices, big breakfasts and giant salads. Healthful homestyle 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

BACKSTREET CAFÉ american

Housed in a two-story 1930s home, Hugo Ortega’s Backstreet Café became a River Oaks staple 30 years ago. Expect an imaginative take on seasonal fare along with hefty vegetarian selections. 1103 S. Shepherd Dr., 713.521.2239

BCN spanish

Victoria Bludorn (née Pappas, of that Pappas family) deliver a Gulf-tinged New American menu and low-key fine-dining to Montrose. 807 Taft St., 713.999.0146

BRASSERIE 19 french

51FIFTEEN american

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

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

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

Wine with lunch and bubbles with brunch is the norm at this sceney River Oaks spot. Situated in the center of a busy shopping strip, Brasserie 19 is reminiscent of a Parisian sidewalk café. 1962 W. Gray St., 713.524.1919, brasserie19.com

BRENNER’S ON THE BAYOU steakhouse

Enjoy dinner with a view at this steakhouse nestled

DINING DISTRICT 1

MEMORIAL, GALLERIA AREA, RIVER OAKS, UPPER KIRBY, MONTROSE

Whitefish tiradito at Nobu

Here’s where to dine, what to order, and who to know now in the most deliciously diverse city in America.

photo by henry hargreaves

HOUSTON

Brasserie 19, where the champagne is chilled and the kisses are French. 1962 West Gray Houston, TX 77019 713 524.1919

on the lush banks of Buffalo Bayou. Steaks, sides and decadent desserts are all good bets, as are craft cocktails from the restaurant’s hip Blue Bar. One Birdsall St., 713.868.4444

CARACOL mexican/seafood

Hugo Ortega’s seafood-savvy concept boasts Mexican coastal cuisine in a swanky, mod space on Post Oak. 2200 Post Oak Blvd., 713.622.9996

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

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.

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

EUGENE’S gulf coast

The menu and the goldgilding-happy space itself call to mind the best old familyrun haunts of New Orleans. Expect really great combos of butter, garlic, acid and fresh Gulf goodness. 1985 Welch St., 713.807.8883

NEW! GRAFFITI RAW

american

Montrose Collective is home to restaurateur Grant Cooper’s latest, the beachychic Graffiti Raw, with plenty of raw offerings as well as wood-grilled items. Yum! 1001 California St., 713.750.9590

HS GREEN american

Fast-food meets cleaneats at this order-atthe-counter restaurant near the Galleria. Wash down a customized wrap or salad with a cold-pressed juice. 5092 Richmond Ave., 713.904.3547

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

JONATHAN’S THE RUB

american

A go-to for specialoccasion dinners and date nights, Jonathan’s the Rub boasts two locations near Memorial. Upscale but approachable plates include pork chops with Dr. Pepper barbecue sauce. jonathanstherub.com multiple locations visit restaurant website for details

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

LE COLONIAL french/ vietnamese

French-Vietnamese cuisine is presented in a posh space in River Oaks District.

CITYBOOK DINING DISTRICTS

1 2 3 4

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

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

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

courses of highly refined, Mediterranean-inspired dishes by chef-owner Felipe Riccio. 1624 Westheimer Rd., marchrestaurant.com

MARMO italian

An Italian restaurant meets a classic steakhouse at Marmo, where you’ll also find a bustling bar and nightly live music. Get the squid-ink campanelle! 888 Westheimer Rd., 832.626.3400

MASTRO’S steakhouse

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

NEW! MONEYCAT japanese

This exciting “New Japanese” restaurant from chef Sherman Yeung of sushi star Tobiuo in Katy is in Kirby Grove. Be sure to try the Tomato Garden dish, with “soil” made of squid ink. 2925 Richmond Ave., moneycathtx.com

NOBU sushi

At socialite-savvy Nobu, hyperinformed waiters float around, delivering bite-sized

CityBook Partner

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

CATERING &

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-andstucco patio feels worlds away from Houston, and is a nice place to post up and enjoy a cocktail. 2050 Dunlavy St., ostiahou.com

OUISIE’S TABLE southern

This River Oaks institution serving Southern standards — shrimp and cheese grits, New Orleans red snapper, chicken and waffles at brunch! — is charming. 3939 San Felipe St., 713.528.2264

PAPPAS BROS.

STEAKHOUSE steakhouse

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

UPDATE! RAGIN’ CAJUN

cajun

Crawfish season is here! There’s no better spot to get the fixins for a backyard boil than the original Ragin’ Cajun on Richmond. New location open in Spring Branch! 4302 Richmond Ave., 713.623.6321

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 unique fare that blends the flavors of Texas, Louisiana and Mexico. 111 N. Post Oak Ln., 713.680.2626

UPDATE! UCHI japanese

It’s hard to beat Uchi for fresh, interesting sushi and sashimi — and the Brussels sprouts are can’t-miss.

GET TO KNOW Montrose Med Spa

What makes Montrose Med Spa stand apart from the competition? We set ourselves apart from the competition by being consistently focused on one thing: the patient. With that focus, we will succeed in a successful and healthy experience and loyalty to Monrose Med Spa. Staying true to our message of intentional wellness is a point of difference where I see other spas being unclear and distracted in their direction. By listening to our patients, we ensure we meet and exceed their expectations. We continually stay on top of the market by offering the best innovative body sculpting and skin treatments that invigorate and energize and are specifically designed to restore balance and strength and renew youth to the body. We also utilize a number of marketing programs to stay on the minds of our guests, including radio, TV, direct mail, email blasts, and unique invitations for exclusive treatments. One element that helps to establish the bar and sets us apart from our competition is our emphasis on providing a complete medical gym experience—from the varied treatments with Emsculpt Neo to a personalized health and wellness and skin evaluation for each individual by our certified staff. We also provide a noninvasive, pain-free, and needle-free facelift through EMFace in addition to offering monthly beauty memberships that create a commitment to the overall wellbeing of the patient.

What services do you offer?

EmSculpt Neo Body Sculpting

EmFace Noninvasive face lift face sculpting Injectables Botox, Dysport, fillers & Kybella Hydrafacial (face, back, booty, neck and decollete lymphatic treatments)

Scalp Treatments for hair growth

Skin penTM microneedling as used by the stars

VI Chemical Peels

ZO Skin Care by Zein Obagi

Coming soon medical weight loss and IV services

What is EMFACE? EMFACE is a revolution in facial treatments. It is noninvasive, painfree, and needle-free. By emitting both Synchronized RF and HIFESTM energies, it simultaneously affects the skin and muscles. The end result is less wrinkles and more lift naturally without needles. Best of all, EMFACE treats the entire face in only 20-minutes. Some plastic surgeons are recommending EMFace to patients prior to conducting facelifts! There is nothing like EmFace on the market.

What is EMSculptNeo? EMSculptNeo is the first non-invasive device designed to eliminate fat cells and build muscle non-invasively by a unique combination of radio frequency heating & HIFEMTM in a single 30-minute treatment session. Two treatments in one! EmSculptNeo builds off the legacy of its predecessor, EMSculpt, by simultaneously emitting both radiofrequency and highintensity electromagnetic energies. The result is more fat reduction and muscle growth than any gold-standard product for less time and no downtime compared to plastic surgery. EMSculptNeo has broad appeal as it can treat patients up to BMI 35! EMSculpt Neo is also for athletes looking to enhance their performance by improving their core muscle strength and overall quality of their workouts. A therapeutic treatment that can also help treat muscle imbalance. Truly a game changer.

Do you offer memberships or other perks?

Absolutely. Our beauty and medical gym memberships allow our patients to take advantage of member-only perks and pricing. We also have member-only events and holiday parties. At Montrose Med Spa, we are a community.

Photos by Sofia van der Dys Photography

Check out the new nextdoor omakase concept, Oheya. 904 Westheimer Rd., 713.522.4808

of Austin-based Tyson Cole (of Uchi fame) and pitmaster Aaron Franklin. Expect an elevated-countrydancehall vibe courtesy of architect-designer 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

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.

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

LORO fusion

In a former church, Loro melds the flavors of Southeast Asian and Texasbarbecue cuisines, courtesy

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

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

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

NEW! LUCY PEARL’S bakery

Decadent cakes, pictureperfect cake pops and down-home pies await at this craft bakery inside the POST Houston complex. Go for happy hour Mon.Weds., 4-6pm, for 20 percent off. 401 Franklin St., lucypearls.com

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 BREAKFAST KLUB southern

Enjoy a feast of homestyle classics — wings and waffles, catfish and grits — at this no-frills Midtown diner. The line starts forming bright and early, but being part of the “klub” is worth the wait. 3711 Travis St., 713.528.8561

BRENNAN’S OF HOUSTON southern

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

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. 2001 Commerce St., 713.227.8688

DINING DISTRICT 3 MIDTOWN, DOWNTOWN, EADO, THIRD WARD, FIFTH WARD

DINING DISTRICT 2

GARDEN OAKS, THE HEIGHTS, WASHINGTON CORRIDOR

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! Try the sit-down restaurant Hamsa next door. 5555 Morningside Dr., badolina bakery.com

CARRABBA’S italian

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

NEW! 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., gratifyhouston.com

NEW! KRITI KITCHEN greek

Offering counter-service breakfast, lunch and dinner, along with grab-and-go items and heat-and-eat meals, Greek-inspired Kriti Kitchen is now open in West U. Chef-owner Mary Cuclis is a Pondicheri alum who wants to make deciding what’s for dinner as easy as possible for busy families. 4010 Bissonnet St., kritikitchen.com

LE JARDINIER fine dining

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 for details

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 

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

Owner Nicholas Bagwell and family

premium

District

ook

BDowntown Done Right

5. Massage, $110-$215. Customized to your body concerns and goals, experience the ultimate relaxation and stress relief.

4. Facial, $110-$300. Receive thorough restoration with a facial from our talented estheticians. Glow for your upcoming vacay 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 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 every lifestyle!

3. Debonair Facial, $125-$150. Specifically designed to treat men's common facial concerns.

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.

GLOW THIS SUMMER

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RosewoodMiramarBeach

Bungalows, Rosewood Miramar Beach offers the most luxurious beach experience on the California Coastline.

Suites with oceanfront accommodations that boast 180-degree views of the Pacific Ocean or a lush private retreat in one of the Resort’s Garden

activities that will entice the whole family. This summer, the Resort is excited to introduce a complimentary beachside coordinator who will support families on Miramar Beach with sand and water activities including sandcastle building, surfing, beach volleyball, and much more. Whether you choose to experience the Resort’s Beach House

Miramar Beach, the Resort curated a dynamic list of experiences and

osewood Miramar Beach, known for bringing back the tradition of fashionable beach getaways, invites guests to enjoy sun, sand and suites on the American Riviera. Just steps away from one of California’s most iconic beaches,

RSanta Barbara Beach Escape