17 minute read
SUMMER AGENDA
from Summer 2021
Neighborhood Nosh
A prolific restaurateur brings comfortfood cool to an emerging ’hood.
By Patrick Magee, Photo by Kirsten Gilliam
BBen Berg may have a knack for spotting the city’s next hot neighborhood. He brought new energy to Washington Avenue in 2015 when he opened B&B Butchers, now a top Houston steakhouse surrounded by notable restaurants and bars. Now he’s set his sights on North Post Oak Boulevard with his newest venture, NoPo Café, Market & Bar. NoPo is an acronym coined by Berg for North Post Oak, the emerging district that sits east of Spring Branch, north of the Galleria and west of Timbergrove.
The come-as-you-are space, quickly becoming popular for casual business lunches, is uniquely French-countryside-meetsthe-American-West with an intimate dining room seating just 35, adorned with chandeliers and vintage wallpaper with horses and cowboys. Open all day, the menus feature classic comfort food, available for counter- or table service from 7am-9pm on weekdays, and 3-9pm on Saturdays. A grab-and-go market is stocked with fun provisions such as locally made pickles and Bloody Mary mix. The morning menu stars housemade crispy croissants and sweet pastries, as pizzas, pastas and sandwiches arrive later in the day.
Everything is rich and decadent and fun to share. The spinach and cheese dip is served in a bread bowl with more bread on the side for dipping. The lump crab pizza — baked in a custom pizza oven — is topped with a generous pile of seafood and jalapenos.
And what says classic comfort more than cookies and milk? The cookies are joyfully jumbo with large chunks of gooey chocolate, and the milk is ice cold!
LATEST DISH!
HOUSTON’S BEST FOOD NEWS, IN SMALL BITES ...
Il Bracco arrives this fall in the building formerly home to California Pizza Kitchen on the corner of Post Oak and San Felipe; architectdesigner Michael Hsu will revamp the interiors. The Dallas location has earned rave reviews for its Spicy Gemelli pasta with vodka sauce and standout customer service.
The owners of Israeli steakhouse Doris Metropolitan, who recently formed a restaurant group called Sof Hospitality, are making the most of their resto’s carb-savvy rep (the bread basket is truly to-die-for). Sof’s Badolina Bakery & Café in Rice Village just opened, with tons of fresh baked breads, pastries, custom cakes and more. (Get there early; the popular items sell out before lunch!) The group’s next-door Hamsa restaurant opens soon.
Chris Shepherd’s Underbelly Hospitality will open Underbelly Burger later this summer in the Houston Farmers Market, right next door to Wild Oats, which is also among his company’s concepts. Its flagship sandwich will be something similar to Hay Merchant’s juicy Cease and Desist burger.
On the move: Tilman Fertitta’s Mastro’s heads north! A version of the sultry Galleria steakhouse opens in The Woodlands’ former Grotto space, branded as Mastro’s Ocean Club and boasting a raw-bar menu in addition to Prime steaks. Meanwhile, Wash Ave’s hip FM Kitchen + Bar has opened its long-awaited outpost in Montrose. Find a familiar indoor-outdoor vibe, plus a 26-tap beer wall and a menu of Montrose specials courtesy of new chef de cuisine Valentin Garcia, previously with Tiny Boxwood’s. And popular patio-winebar Postino has officially confirmed it will open a 4,500-square-foot location in Town & Country Village later this summer. Cheers!
Now open in the Heights: Salad-savvy Sweetgreen and all-day-breakfast-joint Homestead both bowed in the new M-K-T development. And in the former BCK spot on Studewood, soon find exceptional noodles from Las Vegas-based Shokku Ramen. Down the block, previously dinner-only Fegen’s has rolled out its brunch, lunch and happy-hour menus.
Beloved Northside bar Monkey’s Tail has a new cocktail menu for the first time since opening in 2019. Concoctions by Lainey Collum — beverage director of the newly formed Barrel of Monkeys hospitality group, which has ambitious expansion plans through 2022 — include several “highly Instagramable frozens.”
The new Cantacuya cocktail at Monkey’s Tail and, above, Badolina’s chocolate-chip cookies
SPOTLIGHT ON INNOVATORS
2021
BAYOU CITY DERMATOLOGY
ermatology is about more than perfect skin. Known for providing exceptional, efficient, and leading-edge medical care for your skin, Board-Certified Dermatologists Dr. Karan Sra, Dr. Audra Clos and Physician Assistant Megan Underwood's goals are to help patients protect and feel comfortable in
their own skin.
Our great state of Texas is known for its scorching temperatures and capricious weather. It is also very well known for its innovative health care industry, making it the perfect location for one of Houston’s leading Dermatology practices, Bayou City Dermatology. With multiple locations throughout the Houston area, five physicians, three physician assistants and a dedicated team to provide you the support you need from your dermatologist, our patients can attest to top-notch care.
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The Open City
Summer in Houston is usually slow, but this year, post-pandemic, it’s brimming with amazing new options for wining, dining, shopping, staycationing and more.
By Evan W. Black and Jeff Gremillion
ITINERARY 1:
MONTROSE/MUSEUM DISTRICT MAGIC
There’s a section of Montrose that brushes up against the Museum District, where historically funky meets artistically austere. It’s here that some of summer’s most exciting possibilities lie.
In fact, MFAH is ground zero for what’s new and spectacular. The museum will offer the Impressionism to Modernism exhibit, a vast collection of French masters such as Monet, Matisse, Cézanne, Degas and Renoir. The most anticipated show, however, is homegrown: Three Centuries of American Art. In the latter, Houston philanthropist Fayez S. Sarofim’s personal pieces will be presented for the first time; the long list of mostly U.S. featured artists includes Edward Hopper, John Singer Sargent, Georgia O’Keeffe, Willem de Kooning and Robert Motherwell.
Elsewhere on the MFA campus — which is named for Sarofim, a major donor to the museum — the art is edible. Le Jardinier, French for “the gardener,” is a masterpiece of crisp architecture, with floor-toceiling windows peering out into the Isamu Noguchi-designed Cullen Sculpture Garden and the verdant museum grounds.
The concept here, in this new gem in the Nancy and Rich Kinder Building, is to provide a highly, ahem, curated experience for guests.
Edible Art Cured snapper with buttermilk and cucumber curls at Le Jardinier and, above, the new restaurant at MFAH aglow at dusk
Grand Hotel
The renovated La Colombe d’Or, flanked by new skyscrapers, and, above Tonight & Tomorrow’s brunchtime ‘croque madame’
ITINERARY 1: MONTROSE/MUSEUM DISTRICT MAGIC
From the large forest-scene tapestry by Houston favorite Trenton Doyle Hancock, to the ceiling’s mod lanterns, also by Noguchi — and even to the unique crystalline lamps on the tables, and the dainty little drinking glasses — no detail in this space, wrapped in tones of natural wood and sage green and backed by a mirrored bar space, has been overlooked.
The theme of refinement, and reverence for the garden, spills over to Michelin Star chef Alain Verzeroli’s studied French menu. Note the first course on the current optional tasting menu: a kind of ceviche of red snapper in buttermilk, with meticulous little curls of Persian cucumber, mango cubes, flower petals and, on the side, a quenelle of caviar. There’s an entrée of seared scallops with an artful, vividly orange splatter of carrot emulsion Jasper Johns could appreciate, and a dessert of green yuzu mousse served upon a ring of shortbread the French call sablé.
A few blocks north, on Montrose Boulevard, new 1920s-inspired sister concepts have gone in. Gatsby’s is a steakhouse that leans into its old-school sexy, with Dean Martin on the stereo, black lacquered walls, cherry-red ceilings and a few unique, rich menu items that are as much statement pieces as dishes. Deviled eggs dolloped with bacon jam and garnished with fried shrimp, anyone? Next door, Daisy Buchanan has a late-night
Summer Art Spectacular
Things usually cool down in the art world this season — but not this year.
THE MENIL COLLECTION
It closed for six months at the start of the pandemic, but upon reopening in the fall, the Menil has unveiled a series of captivating exhibits, including several that continue through the summer. Enchanted: Visual Histories of the Central Andes debuts on July 30 as the museum’s first exhibit exploring the visual culture of the Peruvian Andes. In addition to examples of festive dress and archaeological materials, the show will highlight photos by Pierre Verger, who gifted the de Menils, the museum’s founders, a large collection of his original gelatin silver prints from his trips through the Central Andes.
CONTEMPORARY ARTS MUSEUM, HOUSTON
A multimedia exhibition by Los Angeles-based artist Cauleen Smith focuses on how acts of kindness and the power of revolutionary thinking, in response to the injustices and inequities our society continues to face, can create a better world. We Already Have What We Need — featuring a moving video installation by the same title — debuts July 15 and runs through Oct. 3.
MILLER OUTDOOR THEATER
A summer tradition, programming at Miller Outdoor Theater has made a comeback for 2021. In August, the 47th annual Houston Shakespeare Festival highlights a series of classic Shakespeare films — Henry V, A Midsummer Night’s Dream — each one preceded by a live lecture from theatre historian and HSF executive director Rob Shimko.
Plugged In ‘Light Up Your Life (For Sandra Bland)’ by Cauleen Smith, on view at the CAMH this summer
SPOTLIGHT ON INNOVATORS
2021
DR. CATHERINE PAPASAKELARIOU
Houston Premier Dermatology
r. Catherine Papasakelariou opened Houston Premier Dermatology in 2020 with a passion for learning about the most current innovations in skin care. Her philosophy is to apply that same passion to patient education. Dr. Papasakelariou is fluent in Greek and Spanish, and she’s learned that communication is the key to effective medical care and building patient relationships. Specializing in both medical and cosmetic procedures, she is known for her refined treatment style. Nothing makes her happier than seeing her patients skin concerns being resolved. By creating personalized plans for each patient that addresses present and future concerns, she is able to help her patients emphasize their natural beauty. Dr. Papasakelariou is known for her conservative approach while using neuromodulators such as Botox and Dysport, as well as injectables including Juvederm, Voluma, Vollure, and Sculptra.
She received her Master’s degree in virology and gene therapy from the prestigious University of Texas Houston MD Anderson Cancer Center. In addition, she has authored multiple papers and received several notable awards including Texas Super Doctor Rising Star for the past three years in a row. On the weekends, she enjoys biking with her husband and three children, as well as watching Formula 1 racing. Houston Premier Dermatology will be expanding its office and services soon, so stay tuned!
ITINERARY 1: MONTROSE/MUSEUM DISTRICT MAGIC
bar menu, tinkling live piano, and updated Jazz Age-inspired cocktails, like the Bull in a China Shop, with whiskey, peach brandy and Earl Grey, served in an antique tea cup.
And the neighborhood is still buzzing about the renovation and expansion of La Colombe d’Or. Besides the polished redo of the old boutique hotel, and the erecting, in partnership with Hines, of a slick highrise in the back yard, encompassing both residences and urbane new hotel suites ideal for a sophisticated staycation, a fabulous new restaurant and bar has opened here.
At Tonight & Tomorrow, your dinner of steak frites with bordelaise might be served in the lovely, nearly century-old dining room filled with grand art, or in the more private sunroom, or out in the sculpture garden. Brunch is fast becoming a tradition, thanks to the bright, friendly vibe — and a menu of can’t-lose options like a classic croque madame breakfast sandwich, exceptional chilaquiles, and a burger with caramelized onions. Cocktailing at the hotel’s clubby Bar No. 3 — or on the hotel’s gracious Southernstyle front porch — is just cool.
Museum Quality Degas’ ‘Harlequin’ on display at MFAH and, above, the Bull in a China Shop cocktail at Daisy Buchanan Summer Chic Baked Alaska at the Post Oak’s Bloom & Bee and, above, the soaking pools and garden at the Trellis Spa
Stay & Play
Whether planning a spa day, staycation or celebratory night out, there are plenty of ways to spend summer close to home.
FOR A SPA WEEKEND
The largest spa in the state of Texas has opened on The Houstonian’s verdant campus, a 26,000-squarefoot retreat with a 6,500-square-foot bathing area dubbed the Soaking Pools and Garden. Trellis Spa at the Houstonian also now has its own restaurant that overlooks stately oaks, giving visitors little reason to leave once the pampering begins. The Houstonian Hotel also recently revamped its guest rooms, and its onsite Club is currently undergoing a nearly $24 mil reno. houstonian.com
FOR A BEACHIN’ TIME WITH THE FAM
Previously La Torretta, a resort on Lake Conroe has been rebranded as the Jimmy Buffet-themed Margaritaville. It opened last summer, but Houstonians are just catching on to the resort, located one hour north on I-45, as a great familyfriendly getaway. Post up in a private waterfront cottage or a hotel suite with a view of the pools and waterpark. Amenities like five different restaurants, an 18-hole golf course and a great spa ensure a nice time is had by all. margaritavilleresorts.com
FOR A STYLISH GETAWAY
Listed among 2021’s best hotels in the country — and No. 1 in Texas — per U.S. News & World Report, The Post Oak Hotel is the place to see and be seen this summer. Between private poolside cabanas, the world-class, 20,000-square-foot spa, onsite Bloom & Bee restaurant — perfect for ladies who lunch!— and adjacent Mastro’s steakhouse, the opportunities to experience a celeb-worthy weekend abound. Pop next-door to the Galleria or across 610 to River Oaks District for spring shopping! thepostoakhotel.com
ITINERARY 2:
Cherry on Top Clockwise from top: Retro and wild Cherry bar, 7 Vegetable Salad at Georgia James Tavern and a home game at Minute Maid.
UP FOR DOWNTOWN
There’s no place in town where the return to pre-Covid norms will be more notable than Downtown, where Theater District presentations soon won’t be limited to Zoom — and the crack of the bat no longer echoes through an empty Minute Maid Park. And that’s not all that’s changing.
The In Crowd fave C. Baldwin hotel has reopened for your staycation pleasure, and another of Downtown’s most luxurious lodging options — the Four Seasons — has completed a chic renovation. At the latter, the reno culminates a years-long upgrade that has included the lobby, the spa and more. Houston designer Lauren Rottet handled the guestroom makeovers, whose blue palate and crisply mod style is said to have been inspired by the big Texas sky.
Foodies in search of something new to try will seek out Chris Shepherd’s Georgia James Tavern, a laidback spinoff of his lauded Georgia James steakhouse, at Market Square Tower. Or The Nash, a modern grill in the Star building on Rusk, where chef Omar Pereney’s steaks, chops and tater tots loaded with roasted corn, crema fresca, cheese and chives are said to be “love letter” to American food; the dessert pizza option has apples, bourbon-infused caramel and goat cheese.
The real action Downtown, though, might be after hours, at a slew of new bars and pubs. Main Street’s High and Dry Rum Bar touts more than 200 varieties of the cane-do booze, while Angel Share HTX pub picks up where the space’s former occupant, OKRA, left off, donating a portion of its proceeds to local charities. And then there’s Cherry, the compact little ’80s and ’90s bar with big personality; think red walls, zebra floors, a disco unicorn overhead, and, in the men’s room, campy and crazy urinals you must pee … um, or rather see to believe.
ITINERARY 3:
THE HEIGHTS’ REPURPOSED-DRIVEN LIFE
If you haven’t explored the Heights lately, you haven’t explored the Heights, where tons of creative redevelopments — existing structures that have been thoughtfully repurposed in splendid ways — have arrived.
The most colorful of them might be the funky Heights House hotel on the eastern edge of the neighborhood. With vibrant hues, a pool lined with rentable cabanas and an unabashedly cheeky vibe — the neon-type sign outside the loo of its Space Cowboy bar reads “please don’t do coke in the bathroom” — the completely original retro redo of an old freeway motel is sure to be a big draw. Staycation seekers will note that overnights here are a bargain.
Of the same trend, the M-K-T mixed used development on North Shepherd, positioned along the Heights Hike and Bike Trail and boasting four acres of green space, makes use of five buildings creatively adapted by starchitect Michael Hsu. M-K-T has several interesting dining options, like Homestead — where the crab cake Benedict, chocolate pancakes topped with queso fresco whipped cream, and a bonanza of other Southern-savvy and Tex-Mexminded brunch hits are served up on the daily. (You may feel you need to hit one of the multiple forthcoming trendy fitness facilities after you eat.) Shopping here is killer, with a Chloe Dao outpost among a plethora of bright boutiques.
The 80-year-old Houston Farmers Market also touts a much ballyhooed refresh, with the addition of new restaurants set for fall, including Chris Shepherd’s anticipated stab at a burger joint — Underbelly Burger. And Garden Oaks’ celebrated Stomping Grounds development, with cute concepts like Becca Cakes and Fat Cat Creamery, is now open and worth a sneak peak, too, as it continues to emerge, with much more to come in the autumn; yoga on the large green space is free every Tuesday evening this summer, with kiddos welcome to join.
Bombshell News! A colorful mural at Heights House and, inset, starry baubles at Chloe Dao at M-K-T The Venus cocktail at Midtown’s new Starck Room
Night Right!
From Midtown to Wash Ave and beyond, fashionable hot spots alight, ushering in a new roaring ’20s.
STARCK ROOM
Midtown’s latest is the Starck Room, an upscale lounge inspired by the work of French designer Philippe Starck; a palette of black, gold and white gives a vibe of sophistication, and whimsical accents like a graffiti mural add dimension. Expect unique spins on classic cocktails, plus plenty of high-end champagnes and wines.
WONDER BAR
Wonder Bar 2.0 — a colorful new iteration of a former Midtown staple, this time with an Instasavvy spin — opened earlier this year on the ground floor of sister property 77 Degrees. Snap endless pics against far-out backdrops and sneak a peek behind the Secret Room Door — all with a delightfully strong summery cocktail in hand.
RHYTHM ROOM
Scott Gertner’s Rhythm Room opened near Memorial Park just a few weeks before the whole city shut down in 2020, fighting hard to stay in biz. The self-branded “southern hip Creole restaurant” with nightly live music is going strong.
FAT BOOTS
Cocktail cool meets ... trailer-park chic? That’s the vibe that just-opened Fat Boots hopes to bring to the Washington Corridor, encouraging patrons to dance on tabletops and wash down Jell-O shots with literal Cheez Whiz.
