OFF THE WALL GALLERY PRESENTS
The Urban Art Experience of 2023
March 24 - April 15
Police Kids , 2005 / Original signed silkscreen, 20 x 28 inches / Comes with Pest Control Certificate
burner /’b rn r/ noun A burner piece is a complicated, often legal street artwork that takes a lot of time and effort and makes a style statement. It’s so good that it
“burns off the wall.”
Special appearance by Berlin-based graffiti artist
OPENING RECEPTIONS:
Saturday, March 25 / 5 - 8 pm. Sunday, March 26 / 2 - 5 pm. CLOSING RECEPTION:
Saturday, April 15 / 2 - 5 pm. RSVP requested. For more information and to RSVP, contact rsvp@offthewallgallery.com or 713.871.0940.
KEF! Original works on canvas and limited editions on paper.
MAIN GALLERY
5015 Westheimer, Suite 2208 Houston TX 77056
AT E L I E R O F F T H E WA L L
The Galleria, Level One / Suite K102B
713.871.0940 8 3 2 .8 0 4 .6923
offthewallgallery.com
STUNNING WEST UNIVERSITY 5 BR | 6.5 BA | $3.8+M Situated on a prime +\-10,000 SF corner lot in West University, this English Manor style home is a masterpiece from Scott Frasier Homes. Shows beautifully!
Nothing Compares.
Contact me today for more information.
WALTER BERING #1 TOP PRODUCER 713.851.9753 | walter.bering@sir.com WALTERBERING.COM
@WALTERBERINGSOTHEBYS
Dr. Christopher Patronella Plastic Surgeon
“My True Form technique was born from my intense drive to produce results that appear authentic, seamless, and elegant.” Dr. Patronella
22 6 GREETINGS 10 FEEDER / NEWS Get ready to Rodeo, meet our sexy coverguy, and more! 20 FEEDER / ART A Heights gallery exhibits a self-taught photographer with Beyonce on the brain. 22 FEEDER / STYLE Find out what to wear, where! 32 FEEDER / HOME The Rice area home of architect Erick Ragni, whose dad was a Broadway legend of Hair fame, is an ode to sunny minimalism. 38 FEEDER / Q&A Celeb chef Chris Shepherd opens up about life after Underbelly, and what comes next. 40 FEATURE / DEVOURING HOUSTON H-Town’s dining scene has never been bigger or better. Here are the tastiest and trendiest restaurants now! 52 BOOK REPORTS / PARTY PEOPLE 58 BOOK REPORTS / DINING ‘New Japanese’ restaurant Money Cat really is the cat’s meow. 65 GUIDEBOOK
On the Cover Fabrizio Baranzano of Ciel, photographed by Jhane Hoang
www.MyBeautifulBody.com 713.799.9999
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
Dr. Abigail Rodriguez
Dr. Henry Mentz
Dr. Rolando Morales
Dr. Paul Fortes
Dr. Chris Patronella Dr. Germán Newall Dr. Kris� Hustak
HOUSTON’s Choice in Plastic Surgery At ACPS we pride ourselves on providing award winning results & service. Our 7 surgeons are some of the most awarded aesthe�c surgeons in the na�on with over 500 awards, publica�ons & presenta�ons in over 30 countries.
www.mybeau�fulbody.com | 713-352-3869
Greetings
LISA HOLTHOUSE Executive Publisher
IT’S REMARKABLE HOW fast the blur of the holiday season and the optimism of those first few weeks of the new year — when we find ourselves saying “Happy New Year” several times a day — evaporate and you wake up and realize, holy cow, it’s already February 2023! I admit I’ve been slow to let 2022 go. It was such a great year for our little homegrown media company — one of our best in terms of both editorial achievement and advertising sales — and for the city of Houston. Everyone was so ready to turn the page on Covid and get back to being what I’ve always called the most fascinating city in America. The city’s arts and culinary scenes were on fire. Numerous nonprofits reported recordbreaking fundraising. The Astros were even kind enough to win the World Series! It felt like a year of triumph.
HERE WE ARE, embarking on another trip around the sun. Happy New Year, everyone. And although this is our first print of 2023, we are a month into the trip already. My how time flies — far too fast for my taste. It sure appears Houston is off to a great start. One might surmise that the world is falling apart by the constant news of poor economic growth and pessimism toward global recession possibilities. But I beg to differ in this hometown of mine. I see new and exciting restaurants and businesses opening left and right. And with this issue highlighting the city’s food scene, I think you might agree that Houston is doing just fine — a great reminder to have a balanced news diet. Every new year, my husband and I vow to get out more often and try the new and amazing hot spots around town that are serving up creative cuisine. This
What will 2023 hold? Well, as we’re already well more than a month in, the gestalt of the new year is starting to reveal itself. And I like it! For starters, the Symphony and the Ballet have already had their galas, and they were fabulous. Houston Grand Opera’s gala is coming up, too, on the heels of a huge announcement at its annual Concert of Arias, just days ago at this writing: Philanthropists Sarah and Ernest Butler have made the largest ever gift to the company, a game-changing $22 million. And, of course, in this issue we report extensively on what’s new and fabulous in Houston dining, starting with the dancing girls and hunky new faces at Ciel, which we feature on the cover. It feels like a new kind of flash and dazzle has arrived in Houston. May the celebratory vibe continue all year, and we look back on ’23 as the best year ever.
year is no different, although we will never leave our go-to faves behind. Each season when the food issue comes out, I am reminded of an 18th century French quote that I absolutely believe and live by: “Show me another pleasure like dinner that comes every day and lasts an hour.” I can go all day without a morsel of food (save my double shots of espresso first thing in the morning). But there is nothing that will stop me from sitting at a dinner table with family or friends, every single night, and having a wonderful meal. And although many of those meals are at our own dinner table, there are plenty spent in the exquisite, savory restaurants in our fabulous city. Please join me in frequenting the enticing dining spots around town this year. Let’s keep our city growing and thriving. With gratitude…
JEFF GREMILLION Editor-in-Chief
2150 Westheimer Rd. | Valobrajewelry.com
Discover The Reimagined La Colombe d’Or
AN ARTFUL ESCAPE Retreat from the energy of the city to our 32-room luxury hotel with over 400 pieces of original art. All at the doorsteps of Houston’s cultural landmarks.
lacolombedor.com | Montrose, TX
Winter 2023 STYLE, CULTURE, BUSINESS & MORE
Burn, Baby, Burn STREET ART MEETS high street at Off the Wall with Burner, running March 24-April 15. The traveling show — displaying dozens of bold works by international street and graffiti artists, including Pure Evil, whose work is pictured here — is named for the term that refers to a needle-moving public art piece that is so good that it “burns off the wall.” Catch Berlin-based graffiti master KEF! in person on March 25-26 — and perhaps score a signed serigraph by Banksy himself. –evan w. black
FEEDER News
THE DISPATCH
STYLE
A brand-new Gucci boutique is now open in The Woodlands Mall. The 6,500-square-foot shop, showcasing a pretty expansive range of ready-towear and leather goods, is Gucci’s ninth storefront in Texas.
THEATER
Stages Repertory Theatre’s production Roe, which runs through March 5, is garnering plenty of buzz and very high praise. The show, by playwright Lisa Loomer, depicts stories of those impacted by Roe v. Wade, the landmark 1973 case that legalized abortion.
BEAUTY
Offering unique skincare “microtreatments” and customized cosmetic injectables, Alchemy43 is now open on Westheimer at Uptown Plaza. The brand brings a nuanced perspective to the everyday beauty ritual, from a tedious medical procedure to a luxurious selfcare regimen.
10 | houstoncitybook.com
Newstonian
INTERNATIONAL MALE
O
riginally from Punta del Este, Uruguay, Fabrizio Baranzano Pessano was spending time in Saint Tropez when he met a friend from Houston. He moved here a short time later, after falling in love “with this unique city and its potential.” This continent-spanning story is fitting for Pessano, who speaks four languages and has his pilot’s license. A GM and partner at new Ciel on San Felipe, he’s excited to bring a bit of that international flavor to H-Town.
“Ciel is the very first ‘festive restaurant’ in Houston, a concept more commonly seen in Europe,” explains Pessano, 30, who’s on the cover of this issue. The full experience at Ciel not only includes dinner — a delightful fusion of Japanese and French cuisine — but also a party. Expect literal parades of Champagne, sparklers and beautiful dancers, plus a live DJ nightly. Pessano’s dinner mustdo? “I wouldn’t leave Ciel without dancing on top of the center tables around the Zeus sculpture!” –ewb, photo by jhane hoang
FEEDER News
THE DISPATCH
TRAVEL
Now open in Southwest Houston off Almeda Road is Jetstream RV Resort, a 165-space Class A recreational vehicle community with amenities like a heated swimming pool, expansive clubhouse and lounge, outdoor kitchen and beer garden. For families, there’s an arcade room, playground, dog wash and shuffleboard courts, plus on-site laundry.
1
Style
2
long live magenta
THE PANTONE-APPROVED color of spring is the ever-lively shade Viva Magenta. From eye-catching art and statement-making seating to dainty accessories, the vigorous, deep red is more versatile than you think. –ewb
3
6
4 4
THEATER
Playing March 3-26 at the Alley Theatre: Cowboy Bob, written by Galveston resident Molly Beach Murphy. Inspired by true events, it tells the story of Peggy Jo, a.k.a. Cowboy Bob, the slickest bank robber Texas has ever known.
SHOPPING
Beloved designer Chloe Dao, who won Project Runway in 2006 and chose to keep her talent in H-Town, has closed her Rice Village boutique after 23 years. Her shop in M-K-T Heights remains open.
FAMILY FUN
Get on a roll at Discovery Green! The Rink is back, offering families a chance to roller skate at Houston’s only outdoor venue. It’s open Feb. 10-March 17.
5
1) ‘Magenta Skies’ art by Helen Robinson, at 1stDibs. 2) Chinese Bouquet raspberry tea saucer, $55, by Herand at Léránt. 3) Mini dress, $465, by Jamila at Hemline. 4) ‘Guzzolene’ art by Tim Nikiforuk, at artsy.net. 5) Semo arm chair, $5,500, at 1stDibs. 6) Dark pink tourmaline ring, $1,775, at Shaftel Diamonds.
Art
Zen Out AMONG THE SEVERAL shows going up at MFAH this spring is None Whatsoever, a display of 100 paintings influenced by Zen Buddhism, all from the personal archives of New Orleans-based collectors Kurt Gitter and Alice Yelen. Pieces by painter-monks appear alongside more contemporary ones by masters such as Robert Motherwell and Mark Tobey (“Among the Trees,” pictured) –ewb
shop at
713.871.1074 | 4721 WESTHEIMER ROAD, HOUSTON, TEXAS 77027 | @lesleyannjewels
FEEDER News
THE DISPATCH
ART
Houston artist Tracey Meyer displays her latest work through March 2 at Archway Gallery on Dunlavy. Her geometric abstracts are created to remind viewers to take a closer look, and reassess their initial perceptions and reactions to her work. Enjoy coffee and conversation with Meyer at a reception Feb. 26, 3-5pm.
REAL ESTATE
Hot mixed-use development Montrose Collective will soon be home to more tenants. Ireland-based med spa Sisu — with Botox, fillers and fat-reduction treatments — opens in February, while later in the year, Montrose Collective will add New York’s popular Glosslab nail salon as well as Skin Laundry, a laser-facials spa. And Studio BE, a yoga and pilates studio now open in the Heights, has announced its second studio will open at the development in 2023.
BALLET
Stanton Welch’s stunning retelling of Romeo & Juliet, which first debuted in 2015, takes the Wortham stage Feb. 23-March 5. It’s worth a watch for the lavish costumes and sets alone!
14 | houstoncitybook.com
Art
ties that bond
FOR NATIVE HOUSTONIAN and art advisor Janice Bond, who opened Art Is Bond at 4411 Montrose in September, a gallery has the potential to be so much “more than just the purchasing and selling of art.” Her vibe is more non-profit than white-cube; 2,000-plus books and catalogs from Bond’s personal archive are available as part of a public reading room, where people can learn more about art history and collecting. Based part-time in Portugal, where her
husband and their four children live in a village with a long history as an artisan community, Bond excitedly exhibits Houston and global artists of the African diaspora. Currently on view: an exhibit of images taken in the Third Ward by analog photographer Colby Deal. Up next, a show by Houston-born multidisciplinary artist Lovie Olivia. “We’re not a final concept yet,” says Bond. “We’ll evolve as the community and the world shapes us.” –cb, photo by fred agho
THERE’S A
BETTER APPROACH TO CANCER CARE
At Houston Methodist Neal Cancer Center, we treat every aspect of your cancer. Leading oncologists work with our specialists across disciplines to minimize cancer’s effects on major organs. One comprehensive team — dedicated to your individual care — uses the latest research, treatments and technology to stop your cancer. From infusion and clinical trials to surgery and reconstruction, our innovative care is available at locations across Greater Houston. That’s the difference between practicing medicine and leading it.
713.790.2700 houstonmethodist.org/cancer
The Woodlands
Willowbrook
Katy-West Houston Baytown Texas Medical Center
Sugar Land
Clear Lake
FEEDER News
THE DISPATCH
RODEO
For the first time, the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo hosts Community Day on Wednesday, March 8. All guests who arrive before noon receive free admission, plus BOGO games and rides, discounted food, and more.
ART
The ReelAbilities Houston Film & Arts Festival celebrates its 10th anniversary Feb. 5-23, with film screenings, music performances and art exhibits, including one by blind artist John Bramblitt, on view at Sabine Street Studios.
Bramblitt’s ‘Rockin’ OS’
DESIGN
Last year, designer go-to Found for the Home quietly celebrated its 15th anniversary. Now, owner Ruth Davis is rolling out the Found Collection, a line of madeto-order pieces inspired by vintage silhouettes — like a mushroom-shaped upholstered stool, or a mid-century-mod console table with delightfully wonky legs. To see more, visit foundforthe home.com.
16 | houstoncitybook.com
Design
Right angles
HOUSTON-REARED DESIGN darling Lauren Rottet, the interior architect responsible for the stunning overhaul of Montrose’s La Colombe d’Or hotel and residences, has yet another accolade to add to her resume. The sculptural Walking Bench, at top, initially designed for the Kips Bay Show House in Dallas, garnered a prestigious Good Design Award from The Chicago Athenaeum. The piece, along with the rest of the Rottet Collection, is available to view by appointment at the designer’s showroom in New York. –ewb
Style
Rodeo Ready THE NEW YELLOW Rose line by Kendra Scott, with tons of turquoise and Southwestern flair, is available exclusively at the Houston Rodeo. The brand is also popping up a play on its iconic Color Bar: hat customization! Rodeo attendees can browse a broad offering of hat bands, pins, feathers and one-of-a-kind adornments. –julia davila
BIG BANG ONE CLICK
HUBLOT HOUSTON BOUTIQUE Houston Galleria • 5085 Westheimer Road Tel. 281 768 3950
Stainless steel case set with diamonds. Self-winding movement. Interchangeable strap using patented One-Click system.
FEEDER News
THE DISPATCH
RODEO
This year’s concert lineup at the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo includes big-name stars like Brooks & Dunn (March 1), Jason Aldean (March 6), The Chainsmokers (March 10), Chris Stapleton (March 16), Brad Paisley (March 18) and Luke Bryan (March 19).
STYLE
The adorable Ann + Reeves Kids launched its spring collection with four different lines: Valentine’s Day, Flowers, Boots and Easter. The adorable pieces in custom made fabrics are perfect for the warm and sunny spring days to come.
Style
PREMIUM blend
RICE VILLAGE SNEAKER boutiqe Premium Goods teamed up with Nike to launch a pair of exclusive Air Force 1 styles — the Sophia and the Bella. Nike tapped Premium Goods’ Jennifer Ford, the only Black female founder of a sneaker retailer in a historically male-dominated industry, to create the two new designs commemorating the 40th anniversary of the AF1 silhouette The Sophia (pictured), named for and inspired by Ford’s daughter, who is Afro-Latina, is black and tan. And the Bella, a tribute to Ford’s niece, is tan with a vibrant beaded swoosh. –ewb, photo by j. vince photography
Green Space
Stepping Up Per a story CityBook
FITNESS
Eight years after its debut on West Gray, locally grown cycling studio RYDE will open its new Heights outpost in April. The flagship studio occupies an elevated, freestanding building on West 11th; locker rooms boast amenities like Aesop toiletries and a Dyson blowdry bar.
broke online, the Emily Clay Family Scramble is a stair-step feature that goes up one of Memorial Park’s new land bridges, through which a rebuilt Memorial Drive now tunnels. Made of cement blocks from the old roadway, the scramble will delight kids, challenge athletic hikers, and, from the top, offer a unique city view. –jeff gremillion A $3.5 million gift from Emily Clay and her kids Catherine and Will made the new ’scramble’ possible.
18 | houstoncitybook.com
Does
N O T S U O H OWNEDu?
o Y o t r e t t a M Does to Our Realtors
®
It
We Are
Boulevard Realty
®
We are proud to be Houston owned and Houston focused. We have been since the start. We hope to share other businesses that do Houston proud so that you can truly experience what it means to support local. Where you spend your money matters and we take that seriously. We want to be your next Realtor®.
Broker/Owner
If your property is listed with a real estate broker, please disregard. It is not our intention to solicit the offerings of other real estate brokers. We are happy to work with them and cooperate fully.
Discover more Houston owned businesses. Visit
ChooseHOU.com
C o m e S e e U s At 927 Studewood St • 200 Houston, TX 77008
713.862.1600 • yourblvd.com
FEEDER Art
All in the Jeans Photographer Markus Klinko with his pieces ’David Bowie, The Protector’ and ‘David Bowie, Natural Villians’
Art and Commerce
A self-taught photographer who captured an iconic Beyoncé image doesn’t care if you think his work is too commercial. By Chris Becker
M
arkus Klinko once described himself as “the James Bond of fashion photography,” and there’s a bit of truth in that quote. Born in Switzerland of French, Italian, Jewish and Hungarian ancestry, and blessed with a sinewy physique and charming demeanor, this international man behind the lens has landed in Houston for ICONS KLINKO, an eye-popping exhibit of phantasmagoric photos of such superstars as David Bowie, Britney Spears and Mariah Carey, on view through March 25 at Nicole Longnecker Gallery. “Klinko’s photographs have a wonderful iridescent quality that is both painterly and narrative,” says Longnecker. “His images capture not only the form of the subject, but their own creative essence.” In his earlier years, Klinko was a concert classical harpist, practicing 10 hours daily to keep up his technique. “I reached my dream,” says Klinko, “but I was also mentally very tired.” In 1994, at age 33, a thumb injury compelled him to retire from music and pursue a new chapter in life as a self-taught photographer. 20 | houstoncitybook.com
Before then, Klinko had never picked up a camera, and yet soon found himself shooting some of the most beautiful people on the planet, including a then-21year-old singer named Beyoncé, who needed a cover shot for her debut album, Dangerously In Love. During that shoot, legend has it Klinko suggested Beyoncé wear some denim to contrast the glimmering, spiderweblike crystal top she had draped over her. He loaned Queen Bey his jeans, and gamely finished the shoot in his skivvies. “It’s a totally true story,” says Klinko, who stands 6-foot-4, “and proof that I have Beyoncé’s butt!” Klinko has since exhibited in dozens of galleries worldwide and is delighted to have representation in Houston. He says visitors can expect some surprises in ICONS KLINKO, including images from a new series called The Angel Factory that pairs breathtaking models with high-tech lasers and syringes used in plastic surgery. Meanwhile, Klinko takes great satisfaction in seeing his images for brand campaigns appear both in the pages of glossy magazines and on the walls of galleries. “The question ‘Is it art or is it commerce?’ becomes irrelevant at that point,” says Klinko. “It’s just everywhere, and that’s what it is.”
1 8 0 0 P O S T O A K B LV D
theanniehouston.com | @theanniehouston
emiliashavana.com | @emiliashavana
©
turnershouston.com | @turnershouston
Berg Hospitality Group Concepts Berg Hospitality Group Concepts | Proud Sponsors of the U.S. Men's Clay Court Championship Berghospitality.com I S tay C o nnec ted: @B erghospi tal i t y
FEEDER Style
Sense of Place
From Mediterranean-chic dining destinations to afterhours discos, Houston’s scene has it all. Here’s what to wear, where! By Patrick Magee
1
EMILIA’S HAVANA
2
6
3
In a former storage closet next to The Annie Café & Bar is Emilia’s Havana, a 50-seat lounge reminiscent of a 1950s Cuban club with a luxe Latin vibe. Dress in vibrant colors and sexy silhouettes for tropical cocktails courtesy of Alba Juerta and live bossanova-style music nightly. 1. Emerald halo charm bracelet, $1,580, by Meira T at Deutsch Fine Jewelery. 2. Dress, $2,400, by Stella McCartney. 3. Suit jacket, $1,595, and pants, $645, by Moschino. 4. Bag, $2,175, by Versace. 5. Stretch strap sandal, $1,650, by Bottega Veneta. 6. Dress, $625, by Versace.
4
5
THE GLOBAL LUXURY DIFFERENCE. Luxury is uncompromising quality in the home you deserve and the real estate professional who helps you get there.
PRESTIGE. Deanna Clark 713.304.0427 Jennifer Porchey 281.785.1078 Oksana Bogott 832.557.7824
PEDIGREE. Jenny Hill 713.805.0947 Ghislaine Thomsen 713.557.6637 Carol Wolfe 512.731.3367
POWER. Jane Caldwell 713.408.2593 Sandiya Venturato 713.254.3737 Joy Badger 713.854.9135
Serving the Greater Houston area ©2022 Coldwell Banker. All Rights Reserved. Coldwell Banker and the Coldwell Banker logos are trademarks of Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. The Coldwell Banker® System is comprised of company owned offices which are owned by a subsidiary of Anywhere Advisors LLC and franchised offices which are independently owned and operated. The Coldwell Banker System fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act.
FEEDER Style 2
MARCH
After landing the cover of Food & Wine magazine in September, Goodnight Hospitality’s pricey but fabulous tasting-menu restaurant has launched a new menu inspired by Greece. Don attire unfussy yet interesting — and a little Mediterranean-chic — to explore chef Felipe Riccio’s latest.
1
1. Dress, $895, by Jonathan Simkhai. 2. White enamel bracelet, $295, by J Landa Jewelry. 3. Suit, $5,195, by Brunello Cucinelli. 4. Sandals, $310, by Ofis. 5. Bag, $2,190, by Christian Louboutin. 6. Jumpsuit, $415, by Black Halo. 7. Necklace, $180, by Oradina.
7
3 6
5
4
24 | houstoncitybook.com
Be a healthier you with our weight loss programs. Memorial Hermann’s NewStart™ Surgical and Medical Weight Management Programs are designed around your specific needs. Patients with type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure and infertility have seen successful results from our programs. We will provide a free, no-obligation verification of insurance benefits for surgical patients. memorialhermann.org/newstart
Advancing health. Personalizing care.
FEEDER Style
3
1
SOUTH BEACH
2
An institution in Houston nightlife for two decades, South Beach reopened in Montrose last summer after a Covid-induced closure and lengthy renovation. Sharpen your edge and throw on one of spring’s most club-ready trends: luxe leather in unexpected cuts — and a nod to the ’80s.
4
1. Leather top, $4,600, and shorts, $3,900, by Prada. 2. Leather slip lace dress, $4,800, by Gucci. 3. Button-down, $1,495, by Tom Ford. 4. Boots, $2,900, by Bottega Veneta. 5. Diamond and sapphire drop earrings, price upon request, at Valobra Master Jewelers. 6. Handbag, $1,925, by Versace. 7. Shoes, $2,375, by Versace. 8. Bracelet, $420, by Alexander McQueen.
5 8 6
7
Jewelry that tells your story
WWW.JLANDAJEWELRY.COM @JLANDAJEWELRY | 713-807-1644 3264 WESTHEIMER RD., HOUSTON, TX 77098
FEEDER Style
2
LITTLE HEN
3
1
4
English-tea-inspired brunch boutique Little Hen is in full bloom in River Oaks District. Elegant yet playful garden-glam attire suits this spot, known for its rose-petal pancakes with rose-water-infused maple syrup — and afternoon tea, of course. 1. Blossoms loafers, $650, by Stubbs and Wootton. 2. Shirt, $445, by Orlebar Brown. 3. Polo, $645, by Casablanca. 4. Victorian flower brooch, $17,825, at Lesley Ann Jewels. 5. Mini Nala Fan bag, $428, by Cult Gaia. 6. Jacket, $8,990, by Oscar de la Renta. 7. Blouse, $3,980, by Gucci.
7 6
5
Need a lawyer Want results
50 YEARS OF COMBINED EXPERIENCE
JAMES WALKER
ERIC KIRKPATRICK
PERSONAL INJURY, MOTOR VEHICLE ACCIDENTS, TRUCKING ACCIDENTS, WRONGFUL DEATH, AND CONSTRUCTION LITIGATION
WALKER KIRKPATRICK 713.552.1117 WALKERTEXASLAWYER.COM AND KIRKPATRICKLAW.COM
FEEDER Style
1
2
3 9 8
6
5
7
THE RANCH SALOON + STEAKHOUSE
The first-ever sit-down restaurant returns to the Rodeo for its second season. Ben Berg’s Ranch Saloon + Steakhouse debuted last year, drawing crowds of deluxe-denim-clad rodeogoers for ribeyes, caviar and more. Dust off those boots, polish those diamonds — and save room for apple rum cake.
1. Belt, $845, by Dolce & Gabbana. 2. Jeans, $4,250, by Givenchy. 3. Necklace, $1,120, at Deutsch Fine Jewelry. 4. Boots, $1,595, by Dolce & Gabbana. 5. Sweetheart top, $1,095, and pants, $1,195, by Stella McCartney. 6. Jacket, $1,498, by John Varvatos. 7. Watch, $39,900, by Hublot. 8. Dress, $698, by Veronica Beard. 9. Bracelet, $2,890, at Tenenbaum Jewelers. 30 | houstoncitybook.com
4
HONORING
Cynthia A. Petrello
with
The Post Oak Hotel at Uptown Houston Reserve Your Ball Table or Tickets at alleytheatre.org/Ball2023 For table and ticket information, please contact Carolina Eberhart at 713.315.3379 or CarolinaE@alleytheatre.org
ALLEYTHEATRE.ORG
Season Sponsors
EVENT CHAIRS Jill and Allyn Risley
FEEDER Design
The Architect at Home Home designer Erick Ragni’s Rice area home boasts a multi-piece, site-specific wall installation by Paul Fleming in the downstairs hallway. At right, the oak-flanked front facade.
LET THE SUNSHINE IN The Rice area home of top architect Erick Ragni, whose dad was a Broadway legend of Hair fame, is an ode to sunny minimalism with arty, heartfelt flair. By Sam Byrd, Photos by Jhane Hoang and Eric Laignell
32 | houstoncitybook.com
never had a bigger champion than Ragni. With such proximity to a bustling campus and shopping center Rice Village, concerns of privacy from passersby became immediately important for the Ragni household. The answer came in the form of a privacy garden wall, situated directly in front of the house, which provides access to the outside and still shields the homeowners from any onlookers from the regular foot and car traffic. The garden wall, though, still lets one thing in without question — tons of natural lighting. The building’s floorto-ceiling windows provide ample illumination inside the house. The sunlight glows against teak cabinets flanking the open-floor-plan main living space, pulling together the lawn, living room, kitchen and dining space. “We wanted to capture what amounted to a courtyard to make it feel like a connected inside-outside space,” Ragni says. Shelves filled with literature and coffee-table photography collections dot the area, and eagle-eyed Broadway fans will be quick to notice the Tony
portrait by jhane hoang; exterior by eric laignell
E
rick Ragni and his wife Emily’s connection to the Southgate neighborhood has long been a strong one. He was a Wortham fellow at nearby Rice University’s School of Architecture, and Emily, a former home designer herself, grew up in the Houston area. It made sense to establish roots in the district, where they also raised two children and a menagerie of pets. The couple snagged one of the city’s foremost architects, Ragni himself, for their complete-rebuild project in 2008 in the leafy enclave. Ragni is now a principal, along with Kelie Mayfield, of the MaRS building design firm celebrating its tenth anniversary this year. The home he created for his family boasts thoughtful simplicity with crisp, clean lines — an appropriately modern space with upscale style. One would be hard-pressed to find curves in the home. Ninety-degree angles and flat surfaces canvass the area, including the sofa, the kitchen table, and the statuary white-marble-slab accents. The Pythagorean theorem has
DEDICATED TO DELICIOUS.
What makes Eugene’s Gulf Coast Cuisine so special? Our uncompromising dedication to an authentic Gulf Coast fine dining experience. For over four generations, the Teas family has fostered a tradition of bringing great food and great friends together to share an unforgettable meal. Enjoy our deliciously prepared selection of fresh Gulf Coast Seafood specials, select Angus Steak, and our impressive selection of expertly curated wines.
Open Monday thru Saturday : Lunch 11:00 to 2:30pm / Happy Hour 4:00 to 7:00pm Dinner 5:00 to 10:00pm Saturday : 11:00 to 10:00pm Sat Brunch 11:00 to 3:00pm / Sat Happy Hour 2:00 to 5:00pm / Closed Sunday For Reservations go to: EugenesHouston.com/reservations or call 713.807.8883
1985 Welch Street Houston,Texas 77019
FEEDER Design
Award in the mix of hardcovers. Ragni’s dad was Gerome Ragni, one of the creators and original cast members of Hair. The daring show, of course, was a countercultural phenomenon when it first hit in 1967 and earned the Tony Award for Best Revival of a Musical in 2009, the same year Gerome was inducted posthumously into the Songwriters Hall of Fame. The younger Ragni keeps a collection of posters in one section of his home in homage to his late father. “Hair has been something incredibly amazing and important, because the show has had an incredible
international presence,” Erick says. “It continues to be something people are interested in and want to experience. We’re really fortunate for that, and Hair is something that is baked into our family history.” Art also takes a prominent place in the home, each piece carefully selected. A W. B. Wills 12-piece modern collection utilizing multicolored paint, resin and brightly colored threads on palm-sized squares arranged in a rectangular matrix adorns the second-floor hallway. In the living room, a large-scale painting by Copenhagenbased Mie Olise Kjaegaard depicting a Ferris wheel
Frankly, Scarlet Clockwise from top left: A ripe, red vignette in the first floor’s multipurpose space features mid-century accents and an abstract painting the lady of the house picked up at a student art show. The dining space, with more of artist Fleming’s multi-colored morsels lining the wall, is spare. A concrete floor and a wall of teak cabinetry elongate the open floor plan.
photos by eric laignell
A Trusted Name Backed By Unrivaled Experience
Richard Ray, MCNE Top Producer
M 713.416.3931 O 281.652.5588 richard.ray@elliman.com
elliman.com 2800 KIRBY DRIVE, SUITE A-206, HOUSTON, TEXAS 77098. 281.652.5588. ©2023 DOUGLAS ELLIMAN REAL ESTATE. EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY.
FEEDER Design
36 | houstoncitybook.com
kitchen photo by eric laignell; hall and bedroom photo by jhane hoang
hangs just beyond the entryway. Wrapping around two walls in the living room and leading down the hallway is an installation by Houston’s Paul Fleming that resembles blue-green Lego blocks; it forms a wide horizontal stripe across the space and comprises hundreds of individual pieces. “What’s great about this work is he used molds for chocolate to create the bricks. He’s an interesting, hands-on kind of artist, and this is a site-specific commission meant for this house,” Erick says of Fleming. Erick has spent his entire career working in home décor and architecture. Erick and partner Mayfield have more than 60 years of experience in design between them, and their major clients include nationwide names like Hines, Midway, Transwestern, McNair Interests and Patrinely Group. One of MaRS’ signature projects is situated in the heart of Downtown. Brava, located at the Houston Chronicle’s former site, merges dramatic lighting evocative of theater stages — interesting, given Erick’s theater heritage — along with sweeping skyscraper views and modern finishes. MaRS also has contracts in Denver, Nashville, San Antonio, Phoenix and Atlanta. With a long list of impressive clients to keep him busy, Erick enjoys taking a few moments to himself. The bench made from repurposed teak that sits on a second-floor balcony just outside his bedroom seems like the perfect place to take a break and get some fresh air.
‘Hair’ Today Clockwise from top left: The kitchen, boldly minimal, anchors the open floor plan, which features custom teak cabinetry by local master craftsperson Alex Cubelli. A promotional poster from the original Japanese production of controversial counterculture musical ‘Hair,’ co-written by and starring Ragni’s late dad, hangs in a prominent place. A loose arrangement of black and white family photos in the primary bedroom is an exception to the home’s rule of straight lines and crisp angles.
Brasserie 19, where the champagne is chilled and the kisses are French. 1962 West Gray Houston, TX 77019 713 524.1919
FEEDER Q&A
‘I Want to Figure Out My Life Now’ Foodies were stunned when Chris Shepherd abruptly left his signature restaurants last summer. Now he’s speaking out about splitting with his partners, and what’s next. (Hint: It won’t be another restaurant empire.) By Jeff Gremillion, Photo by Daniel Ortiz FOR A DECADE, Chris Shepherd, now 50, has been the most celebrated star of Houston’s famously emergent culinary scene. His mission to “tell stories through my food, stories that represent and reflect where we live,” as he wrote in his 2019 cookbook, was inspiring and timely. It helped set the stage for a city long thought of unfairly as a backwater, where you could get good fajitas and a steak but not much in the way of sophisticated dining, to claw its way to prominence. And it helped Shepherd, Houston’s second-ever James Beard Award winner, to grow his own empire. His Underbelly, which moved and evolved into UB Preserve, earned national praise as it highlighted flavors and techniques reflecting H-Town’s multiculturalism. As his prestige grew — he made his spicy Korean Braised Goat Dumplings on Jimmy Kimmel Live! — his Underbelly Hospitality, a partnership with MLB Capital Partners, boomed. His shifting-concept One Fifth carved from an old Montrose church, and Georgia James, a steakhouse named after his parents, were just a couple of the concepts that captured the city’s fascination. 38 | houstoncitybook.com
Then, last summer, a shocker. “Chris Shepherd is departing Underbelly Hospitality,” read the press release, disseminated by his wife, hard-working power publicist Lindsey Brown. The master chef would no longer be associated with his popular eateries. Why? Officially, Shepherd was ready to downsize, to focus on “smaller projects” and his Southern Smoke nonprofit. The latter has certainly borne out. After a two-year Covid hiatus, the foundation, founded to support hospitality industry workers in times of crisis and those with mentalhealth needs, produced its biggest extravaganza yet in the fall. With dozens of chefs, and thousands of attendees experiencing days of foodfest fun, Southern Smoke, which has recently grown to 13 full-time employees hoping to eventually expand the effort to all 50 states, raised $1.62 million. CityBook visited with Shepherd at his newly renovated Montrose spread, near an eat-around kitchen island larger than some swimming pools. He’s been keeping busy by, among other things, picking peppers from a nearby community garden and making preserves — and making plans for what’s next. One of the first folks you ever helped through Southern Smoke, a young man named Danny, the owner of a pizza joint in the Houston suburbs who’d been in a devastating motorcycle accident, turned up at the event this year. He stood up from his wheelchair and made a pizza. Special moment?
When we walked in the hospital in 2018 and saw him and met his mom and family for the first time, and understood that insurance has said they were done and that this kid had a day or two to figure out what’s going to happen … There wasn’t really an option. It was, put him in a hospice and watch him die. To tell a parent that, I just couldn’t imagine. When we were able to fund the $100,000 for Danny to get into [Memorial Hermann’s renowned TIRR rehabilitation center], we sent an email to all the chefs continued on page 70
PENDING
6002 Deerwood
$2,750,000
FOR SALE
5514 Russett
$4,500,000
713.542.5374 brian.spack@sir.com bsspack
© 2023 Sotheby?s Internat ional Realty. All Rights Reserved. Sotheby’s Internat ional Realty®is a registered t rademark and used with permission. Each Sotheby’s International Realty office is independent ly owned and operated,except those operated by Sotheby?s Internat ional Realty, Inc. All offerings are subject to errors, omissions, changes including price or withdrawal without not ice. Equal Housing Opportunity.
The city’s dining scene has never been bigger or better. Step inside the trendiest and tastiest H-Town restaurants now!
DEVOURING HOUSTON By Evan W. Black, with Robin Barr Sussman
ck Hot ro eef b wagyu iko at Uch
uchiko by travis hallmark; milk mustache by michael anthony; dawn burrell by jenn duncan
THE BIG ROLLOUT Houston is on a roll with sushi spots vying for most inventive. Uchiko, a sleek showcase for Tyson Cole’s renowned modern Japanese cuisine, opened in Uptown. Intimate hideaway Sushi by Hidden in Rice Village specializes in 12 exquisite bites in 30 minutes. Meanwhile, Ten Sushi + Cocktail Bar is making waves in a sexy space in Midtown, while the Kata Robata team brings Katami to Montrose later this spring. And at Money Cat in Kirby Grove, find “New Japanese” cuisine. (see “Cat Got Your Tongue?” on page 58 for more).
Milk he Mustac s cookie
SWEET ESCAPES Bold bakeries and sweet shops galore just keep on coming. With Milk Mustache, Tracy Jones turned a pandemic hobby into a Tanglewood storefront. Her indulgent gooey-centered cookies include Campfire Bliss (read: s’mores) and weekly specials. Molly
Dawn Burrell of Late August
Wild Oats’ Nick Fine
Voorhes, owner of The Chocolate Bar and Beck’s Prime, has debuted vintage-inspired Winfield’s Chocolate Bar at The Centre at River Oaks; another location opens near the Galleria this summer. Paris Baguette, a new bakery-cafe in Katy Asiatown, will expand generously all over Houston this year. Carbs be damned!
Ionic Bonds
After a mouthwatering wait, high-profile restaurants are opening at Midtown’s transformative Ion complex. David and Michael Cordúa’s Lymbar eatery features flavors of Latin American, Lebanese and Mediterranean cuisine. Up next? Late August from Chris Williams and chef Dawn Burrell. Garden Oaks Italianesque go-to D’Alba just opened an outpost nearby on Milam, and Gypsy Poet pizzeria remains hot.
ON THE MENU
Oats Wild partner f che k Fine Nic
Shrimp cocktail at Brasserie 19
BIRD IS THE WORD Iconic Frenchy’s Fried Chicken, which first opened in 1969, recently unveiled a new flagship drive-through locale in Third Ward. Colorful
Daddy’s Chicken Shack — with breakfast sandwiches, vegan options, waffles and bowls — is open in the Heights, while a couple miles north, Gatlin’s Fins and Feathers from James Beard-nominated pitmaster Greg Gatlin might be
serving the juiciest fried bird in town. But some say Stuff’d Wings, which now has a brick-andmortar locale at the Ion in Midtown, has the most creative ones. Here, wings are, yes, stuffed, with everything from boudin to mac and cheese. Ga Fin tlin’s Fea s and the rs
nick fine by claudia casbarian; b19 by jenn duncan; gatlin’s by becca wright
Wonderful culinary diversity is dotting the Spring Branch landscape: Low Tide came to shore in 2022 with casual seafood and chic tableware, while Hando sushi and Scoop ice cream will join Long Point tenants Feges BBQ, Slowpokes and Tacos del Julio. Wild Oats, a familyfriendly Texas eatery at the Houston Farmers Market, will duplicate nearby, as will Ragin’ Cajun, which is slated to open in May. Fans of chef Christine Ha’s The Blind Goat are eagerly awaiting the expansion of her Vietnamese gastropub into the ’hood this year.
• Brasserie 19 chef Michael Hoffman and Charles Clark traveled to Paris over the holidays, and came back inspired: The new menu touts Frenchkissed faves like confit rabbit and a juicy lamb shank.
• Mexico-based fast-casual restaurant-slashartisan-market Ojo de Agua opens soon in River Oaks District. Expect fresh juices, acai bowls, salads, burgers and other all-day fare; the retail portion touts fresh produce, salsas and other “essentials” inspired by the restaurant’s menu.
Spring Forward
rime The C ssion of Pa ink at r tiki d dista Ban
EASY DOES IT With newbies like the Four Seasons’ sexy Bandista accessed via a bookshelf-door, and Ben Berg’s Latin-luxe Emilia’s Havana located in a former storage closet, it would be understandable to dub 2022 as the Year of the Speakeasy. As for 2023, The Marigold Club, operated by Goodnight Hospitality and helmed by Tony’s alum Austin Waiter, will soon open in the former Goodnight Charlie’s space. It’ll have Art Deco vibes and a hidden private dining room.
e’s Littl r Bar te son s y O f Ja che yczek R
pappas oyster by arturo olmos; tony’s by jenn duncan
CATCH OF THE DAY There’s never been a better time in H-Town for fine seafood. Rice Village caught a winner with Aaron Bludorn’s Navy Blue, serving high-brow fare with fresh Gulf Coast seafood. (Tip: dessert is a must.) One of 2022’s biggest surprises, Allison Cook-beloved Golfstrommen in POST Houston, reels in guests with a casual setting and high-brow Norwegian fare. Over in Montrose, Gatsby’s Prime Seafood is putting on a spread of classic yet showy specialties, while the shuttered Little Pappa’s Seafood will be rechristened Little’s Oyster Bar this spring.
-T’s M-K ala M an u Sich
WHERE ARE THEY NOW? The more things change, the more they stay the same. And by same, we mean delicious. Stalwarts continue to raise the bar with unexpected spins on fine dining. At Tony’s, for example, the most sumptuous burger awaits, and guests can finish off a meal with desserts that include cotton candy and cake pops. Brennan’s of Houston now offers a $45 chef’s lunch, and has live jazz for Fat Tuesday. Taste of Texas just celebrated the big 4-5, and Ouisie’s Table toasts its 50th anniversary year with a weeklong party, May 8-12. Expect pre-fixe lunch and dinner at a steal!
Scaling New Heights
Restaurants are popping up in the Heights like wild mushrooms after a wet February. With restaurants like Mala Sichuan and La La Kind Café, M-K-T is becoming a neighborhood staple. Bowing any day is 2022 Top Chef finalist Evelyn Garcia’s Jun; expect “new Asian American” food — with lots of spice! Speaking of heat, groups are gathering around the tabletop grills for charcoal-kissed steak served with banchan at Karne Korean Steakhouse. Rather have Tex-Mex? Goode Co. Kitchen & Cantina is slinging fajitas and ’ritas at its handsome new Heights outpost.
Swee gelat t tart o Tony’s at
Mouth by Southwest
ON THE MENU • Montrose neighborhood go-to Eugene’s Gulf Coast Cuisine has big plans for 2023, including several pre-fixe dinners with wine and whiskey pairings. Pro tip: Don’t miss out on the Fish Fridays special during Lent!
Kyle’s Crab Salad at Eugene’s
Mandito’s Armando Palacios
SHAKEN AND STIRRED
La Colombe d’Or’s Tonight & Tomorrow restaurant and adjacent Bar No. 3 consistently offer a thoughtful list of interesting and seasonal — and beautiful — drinks. Coffeeshop-slash-dispensary Wild, now open on Westheimer, serves CBDinfused craft cocktails,
and nearby, Betelgeuse Betelgeuse from Chris Cusack will soon be serving its pizza alongside creative bevs. Meanwhile, upstairs from Anvil, in the space formerly home to Penny Quarter, Bobby Heugel has shaken things up with Refuge, a dark and intimately moody bar.
Tonight & Tomorro w’s Lil Prince cocktail
palacios photo by joseph west; bb italia by kirsten gilliam
• For the first time in 40 years, Hungry’s will open a new location, this time in Tanglewood. Hungry’s Woodway will, of course, tout the familyowned restaurant’s “greatest hits,” but it will also explore new territory first broached by its sister concept, Heartbeet, which serves nourishing and tasty plantbased food.
Houston’s original craftcocktail destination Anvil was a pioneering force that steered Montrose to national acclaim and paved the way for other mixology-forward concepts.
Bellaire is finally getting its fair share of fab restaurants: New Aya, from the owners of Kau Ba and sushi chef Yoshi Katsuyama, boasts Japanesesourced fish and a stellar omakase menu. Longtime fave Lankford’s Market soon opens a spinoff on Bissonnet in Bellaire, and nearby, the Palacios Murphy hospitality group — Armandos, Lulu’s — is readying its Houston location of Mandito’s TexMex. The original, in Round Top, remains popular.
y Sunda at Ragu lia a It B.B.
MAMMA MIA! The Italian restos keep coming. In Highland Village, Numero28 dials up fun with whimsical cocktails and tableside dishes, while nearby on Post Oak, stylish Dallas import Il Bracco wows with mountainous salads, creative desserts, and the fried artichoke of your dreams. In River Oaks, Lulu’s from the Armandos team packs in the regulars, and glitzy new Zanti Cucina Italiana beckons with a prime patio and luxurious bar. Down in Sugar Land, B.B. Italia reopens its doors, while in EaDo, Louie’s Café rebrands to Louie’s Italian American.
BUFFALOED! There’s a new Restaurant Row in town: From Bludorn and the new location of Georgia James steakhouse to Clarkwood, a bar inside the old Stages theater, there’s no shortage of hot spots off Allen Parkway along Buffalo Bayou. And there are more on the way! Next-door to Clarkwood, soon find Andiron, another steakhouse from the owners of Pit Room. Ben Berg has plans to open two restaurants at the mixed-use complex Autry Park, where vegetable-forward Auden will also bow.
phat by chuck cook; warwick by raydon creative
cal Mez a t Rita ood w Clark
ON THE GROW For the last several years, The Woodlands has been growing its foodie-friendly rep — and it might culminate with the 2023 arrival of Phat Eatery. The wildly popular Malaysian restaurant in Katy, from James Beard-nominated chef Alex Au-Yeung, is opening an outpost at The Woodlands’ Grogans Mill Village. It’ll pack in twice as many guests, who will undoubtedly travel the I-45 corridor to taste bites like the flaky roti flatbread with creamy chicken-curry dip, or the coconutty beef rendang. Other inner-Loop haunts that have expanded to The Woodlands include North Italia and Kirby Ice House; Postino and Bosscat head north later this year.
The Warwick
Spinning Out!
It used to be that Armando’s was the only late-night game in town — and while the Upper Kirby hot spot remains sizzling, others have entered the picture. Rice Village’s Hamsa hosts Tel Aviv night on Thursdays, with a live DJ and belly dancers, while The Warwick on Westheimer keeps the party going until midnight on Fridays and Saturdays.
Hokkien Mee at Phat
ON THE MENU
Bun B of Trill Burgers
Two Houston smash-burger pop-ups with cult followings are going brick-and-mortar this year: Abbas Dhanani recently opened a permanent Burger Bodega on Washington, with double-double cheeseburgers and milkshakes made with Craft Creamery scoops. Bun B’s Trill Burgers will also open its first brick-and-mortar in the shuttered JCI in Montrose. Houston Farmers Market staple Underbelly Burger has plans to open a second classic burger joint this year in Spring Branch, while Upper Kirby’s Beck’s Prime just completed a polished makeover with a new patio.
Jumbo Crab Cake at Federal Grill
HALLS OF FAME
• Opening in March in the former Yia Yia Mary’s space on San Felipe is Post Oak Lodge, from the Clé Group. It will be decidedly more sportsbar than nightclub — it hopes to open in time for March Madness — and will offer a full menu for both lunch and dinner.
For a while there, it seemed like food halls would be a passing fad. Enter POST Houston, the next-gen mixed-use development with a chef-driven dining hall
curated by Paul Qui. A little over a year in, POST has dedicated followers of stalls like Soy Pinoy — Filipino deliciousness — and Lucy Pearl’s bakery. The complex has generated renewed enthusiasm for other food halls, like the
new Lyric Market near the Theater District, and nearby Finn Hall, which recently welcomed a trio of new tenants, including buzzworthy Carol Kay’s with Caribbean eats from Craft Burger chef Shannen Tune. POST Houston food hall
bun b by marco torres; post by kat ambrose
• Celebrating its 10th year in biz in 2023, Federal Grill debuts its fifth area outpost this spring. Located on the ground floor of the LyondellBasel Tower on McKinney, the restaurant will boast comfortfood-savvy steakhouse classics — and plenty of whiskey. Owner Matt Brice also plans to open a Federal Grill in Scottsdale later this year.
Still Sizzling
Pacha Nikkei’s ke cheeseca
MIXING AND MAXING Fascinating fusion cuisine is all the rage! Splashy new Ciel is turning heads with its St. Tropez nightlife vibe and Frenchmeets-modern-Japanese cuisine. Masaru Fukuda is the mastermind behind Japanese-Peruvian fusion Pacha Nikkei. Sound far-fetched? Don’t overthink it; instead, start with umami-rich ceviche chalaco and end with cheesecake made with lucuma, a South American fruit. Expect the unexpected when MaKiin opens this spring in River Oaks. Lukkaew Srasrisuwan of casual Kin Dee Thai is bringing the artistry of Thailand to this elevated tasting experience where Texas ingredients become art.
Party People
HAVING A BALL This year’s Symphony Ball was a Champagne-fueled bash channeling the glamour of Old Hollywood. Hundreds of black-tie-clad guests strutted their stuff down a red carpet and into the ballroom of the Post Oak Hotel; more than $1.1 mil was raised. At its Art of the Islamic Worlds event, the MFAH offered galagoers a preview of the new Hossein Afshar Galleries, exhibiting works from Morocco, Spain, Tunisia, Egypt, Pakistan, India and more. Supporters of the Houston-based organization CanCare gathered at fine-dining stalwart Tony’s to toast the nonprofit — literally — during a sold-out wine dinner. A three-course meal, beautifully prepared by Exec Chef Kate McLean, was served alongside wine pairings selected by sommelier Scott Banks. Wine was also flowing at Valobra Master Jewelers, where top chefs and VIPs gathered for a new year’s reception. Meanwhile, Crime Stoppers of Houston’s annual gala was held on the field at
Sophie Elhage, Lynn Tohme and Maya Fleyhan at ‘MFAH’
Beth Wolff and Cheryl Byington at ‘Shriners’
Chita and Lane Craft at ‘Shriners’
Chris and Katherine Gillman at ‘Valobra’
Bobby and Phoebe Tudor at ‘MFAH’
Chad and Lynsey Hedrick at ‘Woodlands’ Margaret Alkek Williams and Hallie Vanderhider at ‘Symphony’
Party People
Lezlie and Mason Maltz at ‘MFAH’
Ashley and Adrian Peterson at ‘Woodlands’ Sima Ladjevardian and Sabiha Rehmatulla at ‘MFAH’
Max and Brittney Flinn at ‘Off the Wall’
Anne and Albert Chao at ‘Symphony’
Paulina Padilla and Courtney Zavala at ‘Brookwood’
Martie and Mark Alsop at ‘CanCare’
Laura Ward, Sheila Jackson Lee, Rachel Bagwell and Whitney Crane at ‘Crime Stoppers’
Elizabeth and Alan Stein at ‘Valobra’
Party People Minute Maid Park, attended by more than 500 guests who together raised a recordsetting $1.4 million. The Celebration of the Century benefiting Shriners Hospital also took place on the ball field, featuring an intimate but showstopping performance by country star Dierks Bentley. An event toasting the Brookwood Community’s 40th anniversary included another great concert, this one by Grammy-winning singer-songwriter Ryan Bingham. More than 1,700 guests attended the event, held at the Hobby Center, where a documentary film about the nonprofit residential community for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities premiered. The night garnered more than $1 mil. Galleria art gallery Off the Wall hosted painter and longtime Elton John collaborator Bernie Taupin at a VIP reception celebrating Taupin’s show Reflections. And fashionista Theresa Roemer and her husband Lamar hosted the fabulous Fashion Woodlands bash and Make-A-Wish Foundation fundraiser at their home, complete with a runway installed over the pool in the tented backyard.
Nancy and Rich Kinder at ‘MFAH’
Jeff and Barbara Steen at ‘CanCare’
Rosanna and Myron Blalock at ‘Brookwood’
Saunina Rowan and Danielle Rowan at ‘Off the Wall’
Dierks Bentley at ‘Shriners’
Vivian Wise and Thor Foster at ‘Woodlands’
Torill and Chef Charles Carroll at ‘Valobra’
54 | houstoncitybook.com
Leslie Siller and Cynthia Wolff at ‘Symphony’
Party People
Jacob and Erica Robinson at ‘Brookwood’
Miya Shay and Roslyn Bazelle at ‘Symphony’
Gregg and Carolyn Dasher at ‘Off the Wall’
Theresa Roemer and Cesar Galindo with a model at ‘Woodlands’
Neda Kashani and Nader Daylami at ‘MFAH’
Dror Zadok, John Whitmire, and Jonathan Zadok at ‘Crime Stoppers’
Allan and Sydney Ying at ‘Shriners’
Giancarlo and Lisa Ferrara at ‘Valobra’
Bill Stubbs, Betty Tutor and Kurt Grether at ‘MFAH’
The Preferred Choice!
Houston’s Premier Wedding and Corporate Event Center
713.774.8080 LEXISFLORIST.COM
Eat. Drink. Travel. Live.
photo by julie soefer
Riddle Me This At Aaron Bludorn’s new Navy Blue in Rice Village, pastry chef Marie Riddle is keeping guests on their toes with clever desserts like Apples & Eggs, with greenapple sorbet, crème fraîche gelato — and Siberian Caviar. For more on this and other food news, see page 60.
Dining
Hello, Kitties! Clockwise from right: Waving money cats greet diners; sake char with beetcured salmon and blood orange; and the ‘nashi kakigori’ shaved-ice dessert.
Cat Got Your Tongue?
C
At Money Cat, sushi chef Sherman Yeung touts ‘new age’ Japanese cuisine. By Robin Barr Sussman, Photos by Kimberly Park
Chef-restaurateur Sherman Yeung, of sushi star Tobiuo in Katy, and his protégés are pushing the envelope at Money Cat. And as exciting spins on sushi take center stage in 2023 — see: Uchiko, Katami and others in the Devouring Houston feature in this issue — this one is certain to be a standout. The 4,200-square-foot restaurant occupies an understated storefront in Kirby Grove, next to Kiran’s. The space pays homage to the restaurant’s Japanese foundation through minimalist design: crisp lines, rich wood and neutral tones, black marble, and emeraldgreen tilework. Soft lighting with intimate seating and cushy booth options are just right for date night. In the back, an open kitchen looks like one that might be in someone’s home, with floating shelves and lots of busy, happy people at work. The most striking detail, however, greets guests from 58 | houstoncitybook.com
the entryway wall, where a cheeky army of golden money cats wave in unison. “I’ve always been fond of them,” says Yeung, referring to the waving feline figurines (maneki-neko, or beckoning cat, in Japanese) frequently seen at Japanese businesses. “They’re super cute, plus there’s history behind them, and they’ll provide good fortune to the restaurant.” He is joined by Tobiuo alums: Chef de Cuisine Jiolo “Jio” Dingayan, head sushi chef Steve Nguyen, GM Le Chau and assistant GM Ashley Castro. In preparation for the opening, Yeung and Dingayan, both serious students of their craft, completed stages at Michelin-starred restaurants and conducted extensive research to experiment with new techniques and ingredients, including exploring applications for koji fermentation and developing a compelling bread program. Money Cat’s unique menu
Dining
influenced by the regional American foods experienced by first- and second-generation Asian Americans like themselves. “We didn’t want to offer straight, traditional Japanese food,” says Yeung. “That’s not who we are. We’re part of a new age of restaurants. We’re young and want to do something new that pays tribute to and builds upon tradition.” Translation? Rare dishes like Tomato Garden (a bed of smoked gouda with black garlic, cherry tomato, black squid “soil”); Katsu Sando (twice-fried chicken sandwich with Japanese tartar sauce); and cured chutoro toast (squid ink milk bread, burnt honey cream cheese, tuna). For
something more classic, order spanking-fresh sashimi served over ice or makimono rolls. There’s also a robata section that strikes a chord with grill-loving Houstonians; the 72-hour sous vide beef short rib with pickle salad looks and smells delish. And for the finale? A variation of Dingayan’s awardwinning Chocolate Bonsai also has found a home at Money Cat. Every part of the dessert, from the delicate, sculptural chocolate tree limbs to the grilled-pineapple mousse and tiny round cheesecake, is edible. Mixing and matching the bites yields an explosion of seasonal flavors — stay tuned for what Chef Dingayan cooks up for spring.
On the Grow Clockwise from top: The tomato garden dish with squid-ink ‘soil’; a retro tape deck as functional decor; the Japanese Old Fashioned cocktail.
LATEST DISH! HOUSTON’S BEST FOOD NEWS, IN SMALL BITES ...
Bitty and Beau’s Coffee
Offering counterservice breakfast, lunch and dinner, along with graband-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. The Kirby Group, which is behind Wooster’s, Holman Draft House and Heights Bier Garten, has opened Bayou Heights Bier Garten on Washington near Heights Boulevard. Four separate buildings are situated around a central courtyard. Red-hot Navy Blue has just launched lunch service. Expect faves from the dinner menu
60 | houstoncitybook.com
alongside new items like an omelette with epoisses, frisee and black truffles. Lunch is served from 11:30am-2pm; the bar will remain open until dinner service begins at 5pm. North Carolinabased Bitty & Beau’s Coffee is now open at 2367 Rice Boulevard. Bitty & Beau’s currently employs more than 400 individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in 24 stores across the country. Houston is home to 10 restaurants and chefs who have been selected as 2023 James Beard Award semifinalists, including Chris Williams, Christine Ha, Greg Gatlin and Kiran Verma. Finalists will be announced March 29.
VOTED BEST OF THE BEST STEAKHOUSE 3 YEARS IN A ROW!
Family owned and operated since 1977, the Taste of Texas sets the standard in steakhouse excellence, serving perfectly aged steaks and award winning wines. tasteoftexas.com | 10505 katy fwy, houston, tx 77024
Dining
LATEST DISH! The Gatsby Hospitality Group, which made waves last year with Gatsby’s Prime Seafood and, before that, Gatsby’s Prime Steakhouse in Montrose, is growing: Gatsby’s Grill on Navigation is now open, offering the East End an “upscale spin” on a traditional neighborhood bar and grill.
Italian Stallion Dishes at swanky Italian chophouse Marmo include the crescent duck.
Collective Energy A still-new development in Montrose infuses one of Houston’s most foodierevered blocks with new flavors. By Evan W. Black, Photos by Kirsten Gilliam
I
Inside the Montrose Collective, situated on the Westheimer Curve, is Marmo, which is nearing its oneyear anniversary. The stylish restaurant-slash-lounge is branded as an Italian steakhouse, and not only executes both cuisines well, but also boasts nightly live music and a vibrant happy hour that spills out onto its large, shaded patio. It’s a recipe for a neighborhood go-to. Elsewhere in the development, another patio beckons — that of Graffiti Raw, from restaurateur Grant Cooper, the former Clark Cooper Concepts honcho who struck out on his own with The Big Vibe Group last year. Inside, find a breezy Cali-chic aesthetic, curated Round Top finds, and some of the best bites from Big Vibe’s other restaurants (Flora, Coppa, Gratify). And later this spring, the Austin-based “better-foryou” cafe, Picnik, is expected to open, offering keto, paleo, vegetarian and gluten-free options — all on, you guessed it, an expansive patio.
62 | houstoncitybook.com
wall-hangings, Italianupholstered furniture and, of course, its menu of comforting soups and pastas, healthful salads, and perfectly grilled entrees. Café Express plans to open a whopping 30 new outposts over the next seven years.
The Heights space previously home to Obsidian Theatre is now a boutique wine shop and tasting room, from wine distributor William Farley. Padre’s Wine is a tribute to his late father, Mike Farley, with whom he enjoyed sipping vino. Expect hard-to-find Latin American wines, and light bites — paninis, cheese boards — to accompany.
In April, Berg Hospitality Group will open a pair of brandnew concepts nextdoor to its original B&B Butchers & Restaurant on Washington. At Benny Chows, Ben Berg will, for the first time, explore Chinese cuisine, including dim-sum bites and classics like Peking duck. Known as Canopy Social, the third-floor bar and lounge will have a sweeping, retractable roof.
A few months after debuting its fresh new look on West Gray, Café Express has opened a new location on College Park in The Woodlands. Channeling an artsy European café, the space boasts eclectic
Meanwhile, Berg’s Galleria hot spot Turner’s has unveiled, for the first time, outdoor dining. Each of the two “bungalows” comes with a fan, heater and a Bluetooth speaker so guests can fully control their environs.
An outdoor dining bungalow at Turner’s
BELLAMADREJEWELRY.COM @ BELLAMADREJEWELRY
Stuffed Crab Avocado at Graffiti Raw
GuideBook Here’s where to dine, what to order, and who to know now in the most deliciously diverse city in America.
45
10
610
1
10
610 59 45
from the substantial wine list that includes more than 250 Champagnes or sparklings. Excellent takeout and delivery specials! 2300 Westheimer Rd. UPDATE! ADAIR KITCHEN american
photo by kirsten gilliam
DINING DISTRICT 1 MEMORIAL, GALLERIA AREA, RIVER OAKS, UPPER KIRBY, MONTROSE
51FIFTEEN american Located inside Saks Fifth Avenue in the Galleria, this two-story restaurant’s lunch and dinner plates are as pretty as the designer wares. 5175 Westheimer Rd., 713.623.6100 A’BOUZY american This sceney restaurant and patio combines a menu of shareable plates with prime meats and a raw bar. Pick
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 Charming Amalfi touts coastal Italian dishes like homemade fettuccine in creamy black-truffle sauce by Salerno native chef Giancarlo Ferrara. 6100 Westheimer Rd., 713.532.2201
BACKSTREET CAFÉ american
Housed in a two-story 1930s home, Hugo Ortega’s Backstreet Café became a River Oaks staple 30 years ago. Expect an imaginative take on seasonal fare along with hefty vegetarian selections. 1103 S. Shepherd Dr., 713.521.2239 BCN spanish Named after Barcelona’s airport code, BCN offers authentic Spanish cuisine in a white-tablecloth setting. The specialty gin and tonics are a must-have, as is the Spanish Iberico ham. 4210 Roseland St., 832.834.3411 BLUDORN american Aaron Bludorn and his wife Victoria Bludorn (née Pappas, of that Pappas family) deliver a Gulftinged New American menu and low-key fine-dining to Montrose. 807 Taft St., 713.999.0146
BRASSERIE 19 french 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 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
65 | houstoncitybook.com
GuideBook
CITYBOOK DINING DISTRICTS
10
610
2
1
1 Memorial, Galleria Area, River Oaks, Upper Kirby and Montrose
45
2 Garden Oaks, the Heights, Washington Corridor
10
3
59
4
45
CityBook Partner
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 gold-gilding-happy space itself call to mind the
66 | houstoncitybook.com
610
3 Midtown, Downtown, EaDo, Third Ward, Fifth Ward 4 Bellaire, West University, Museum District, Med Center
best old family-run haunts of New Orleans. Expect really great combos of butter, garlic, acid and fresh Gulf goodness. 1985 Welch St., 713.807.8883 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 GRAFFITI RAW american Montrose Collective is home to restaurateur Grant Cooper’s latest, the beachychic Graffiti Raw. 1001 California St., 713.750.9590 KATA ROBATA japanese Discreetly situated in a retail center, this top-notch sushi bar serves up fresh, innovative Japanese dishes daily under the direction of executive chef Manabu Horiuchi. 3600 Kirby Dr., 713.526.8858 KILLEN’S southern Expect mouthwatering comfort-food fare like fried chicken and fried green
tomatoes with buttermilk sauce, and an evercomforting chicken-anddumplings dish. 101 Heights Blvd., 713.637.4664
courses of highly refined, Mediterranean-inspired dishes by chef-owner Felipe Riccio. 1624 Westheimer Rd., marchrestaurant.com
LE COLONIAL french/
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
vietnamese
French-Vietnamese cuisine is presented in a posh space in River Oaks District. Dishes like the crispy whole duck — which serves up to four people and must be ordered in advance — are authentic and full-flavored. 4444 Westheimer Rd., 713.629.4444 LIBERTY KITCHEN american A fab brunch destination with locations in River Oaks and Memorial City, Liberty Kitchen touts over-the-top, seafood-savvy comfort food. 4224 San Felipe St., libertykitchen oysterette.com multiple locations visit restaurant website for details MAD spanish Everything at this BCN sister concept — from the mirrorlined 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
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 NOBU sushi At socialite-savvy Nobu, hyperinformed waiters float around, delivering bite-sized delicacies on geometric white plates to tables. Unique takes on sushi include ones with pickled cucumbers, Shiso leaf and Japanese mackerel. In the Galleria, 832.987.2599 OSTIA mediterranean Ostia is an indoor-outdoor oasis for farm-to-table Italian and Mediterranean eats. The terracotta-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. With a beautiful patio and private rooms, it’s a popular locale for showers, receptions and more. 3939 San Felipe St., 713.528.2264
Turning 65? Medicare coverage is often better than employee coverage! Contact me for your free customized solution!
Karen deGeurin
R EMINGTON
• Medicare allows you to choose the coverage that is important to you • If you have Medicare questions I have the answers.
President
MEDICARE, HEALTH AND LIFE INSURANCE BROKERS
• You’re not required to take Social Security to get Medicare
Cell 713-899-8383 | Main 713-903-1876 RemingtonBrokers.com Karen@RemingtonBrokers.com
20 years of Life and Health Benefits experience
You're Invited
Join us as we welcome bestselling authors and other special guests for a fabulous evening benefiting
Thursday, April 20 Hobby Center for the Performing Arts Featuring Bestselling Authors
For tickets and sponsorships, please visit: www.BushHoustonLiteracy.org/Celebration Title Sponsor
GuideBook
PAPPAS BROS. STEAKHOUSE steakhouse Given its expansive wine list and in-house dry-aging process, diners can expect nothing short of perfection when dining at family-owned Pappas Bros. Steakhouse. 5839 Westheimer Rd., 713.780.7352 RAGIN’ CAJUN cajun Crawfish season is here! There’s no better spot to get the fixins for a backyard boil than the original Ragin’ Cajun on Richmond. 4302 Richmond Ave., 713.623.6321 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 TASTE OF TEXAS steakhouse
This famous classic steakhouse — thick bacon wraps around your filet — touts cozy, rustic environs that live up to the name. There’s actually a Texas history museum inside! 10505 Katy Fwy., 713.932.6901
68 | houstoncitybook.com
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. Book the private wine room for a special occasion and pick your own playlist! 111 N. Post Oak Ln., 713.680.2626 UCHI japanese It’s hard to beat Uchi for fresh, interesting sushi and sashimi — and the Brussels sprouts are can’tmiss. 904 Westheimer Rd., 713.522.4808
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 of Austin-based Tyson Cole (of Uchi fame) and pitmaster Aaron Franklin. Expect an elevated-country-dancehall vibe courtesy of architectdesigner Michael Hsu. 1001 W. 11th St., loroeats.com 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
45
10
RAINBOW LODGE
10
steakhouse
610 610 59 45
DINING DISTRICT 2 GARDEN OAKS, THE HEIGHTS, WASHINGTON CORRIDOR
B&B BUTCHERS steakhouse Venture in for the deep-fried A5 Wagyu katsu sando, or similarly
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 ItalianAmerican 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
45
10
10
610 610 59 45
DINING DISTRICT 3 MIDTOWN, DOWNTOWN, EADO, THIRD WARD, FIFTH WARD
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 LUCY PEARL’S bakery Decadent cakes, picture-perfect cake pops and down-home pies await at this craft bakery
ART CONSULTING ARTWORK PROCUREMENT IN-HOUSE FRAMING ARTWORK COMMISSIONING CUSTOM GRAPHICS ART PRESERVATION CUSTOM PRINTING INSTALLATION SERVICES
GuideBook
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 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-daybakery for a macaron or cupcake, or post up for a while at a community table and enjoy bites like avocado toast and freshsqueezed juice. There are also CBD-infused pastries, chocolates and more! 2001 Commerce St., 713.227.8688
45
10
10
610 610 59 45
DINING DISTRICT 4 BELLAIRE, WEST UNIVERSITY, MUSEUM DISTRICT, MED CENTER
Our 500-square-foot showroom provides a unique boutique space to view artwork samples for our clients. We specialize in representing Houston based artists, allowing client and artist collaborations for a one of a kind experience.
UPDATE! BADOLINA bakery
From the owners of Doris Metropolitan, this unique bakery offers the classics and standbys, plus unique and artful desserts. Tip: Get there early, as items often sell-out before noon! Next door, the sit-down Hamsa just opened. 5555 Morningside Dr., badolina bakery.com CARRABBA’S italian One of two locations which are still 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 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
Equipment repair & installation Advanced diagnostics Weekly maintenance Renovations & Pool School Fully licensed & insured
Owner Nicholas Bagwell and family
FREE
poolside co ns & filter cleaultation n— regularly $8 new custom 0 — for er s when this ad is m entioned
Nicholas Bagwell, owner 832.992.3631 radiantpoolstx.com
continued from page 38
to let them know, “This is why you were here. This is why you did what you did.” To watch him stand up … full-on tears. It was so hard to watch; it was such an emotional moment. You’re filling a gap people may not know much about. Folks in your industry often don’t have adequate insurance, right? Or none. Just think about a restaurant
you go to all the time. Your favorite neighborhood joint, and the same person that takes care of you every time you’re in; you’re on a first-name basis with them, but you don’t really know their life. Then all of a sudden, they’re not there for a few weeks. Well, they were out at the park with their family, and he or she stepped in a hole, broke their leg, or twisted their ankle. They can’t work, and so now they can’t pay bills because it’s a very day-to-day operation in this industry. Then you can’t put food on the table for your kids. You can’t pay your cellphone bill to call someone. It goes down the list, the rabbit hole opens up. I knew it as a young cook working that day-to-day. Man, I’ll never forget borrowing five bucks to put gas in my tank so I could make it back to work the next day. What would happen to me if something bad happened? I’d be screwed. I had great parents. They’d be like, “All right, here, let’s help you out. Let’s get you at least going in the right direction.” Not everybody has that. You know how much better our industry is without having the cloudiness of fear? The dark nights of mental stress. We want to make sure … there’s always somebody there to be like, “Man, I got you. I don’t want anything from you. I just want you to be better, and I got you.” What we learned through the pandemic is our industry is an eggshell that can be smashed at any time, and somebody needs to be there to glue the pieces together. I look forward to the day when Southern Smoke is not needed, but I only see it getting bigger. It will always have to be there. Because I don’t think there’s going to be a system where the eggshell doesn’t get a little cracked. Let’s talk about the big news from a few months ago, that you left your restaurants. Why? Was there a conflict with your partners? No, it was just time. The group wanted
to grow, and we set it up for that. But that just wasn’t for me. I always said, if I couldn’t go to all the restaurants in a single day, it would be really hard for me. If you’re going to expand, you gotta go all in. I can only be at so many places at a time, and there were times when I couldn’t go to all the restaurants. On Friday or Saturday nights, I would tell Lindsey, “Alright, so I’m going to go by this restaurant, and then I’m going to go here, and then I’m going to go here, and then I’m going to go here.” But if you’re only spending an hour at every restaurant, does it really count? Does that make sense? So you don’t want to build an empire? Lindsey would say,
“When’s enough, enough?” You’re right. It’s not what I got into this for. I really got into this to put food on a plate and
70 | houstoncitybook.com
give it to somebody and see what the reaction was, not to be at a restaurant for dinner service for an hour. I love being a leader and teaching and mentoring and being that to people. At Underbelly, I knew every single person … everybody’s name, everybody’s story, everybody’s family. Then as you grow, you just start to not do that. You can’t. You can’t keep up with people. Running restaurants is fun. It’s amazing. But it is a life. I always said to our team, “This is what you do for a living. It’s not your life.” We get to the point where it’s like, I want to do something else. I want to focus on Southern Smoke and figure out my life now. Not like, okay, I’ll see you at midnight every day. That’s not sustainable for anybody. But I think of Georgia James. I mean, it’s named after your parents. Isn’t that hard to let go of? You know what?
I hate to say it like this: There’s also a porn star named Georgia James. Do not put Georgia James in your search terms or Google. The name still means something because that’s my mom and my dad, right? No matter what happens with it, if it becomes 27,000 restaurants or two or one, it’s fine. It’s still my mom and my dad, but it doesn’t hold so much of a personal connection. Georgia and James are just words. They can be a porn star. It can be somebody else’s restaurant. Whatever. I had to explain it to my parents that way, too. My mom’s like, “Well, it’s my name.” I’m like, yes, but not really anymore. There are a lot of people named Georgia, and there are a lot of people named James. So what’s next? You’re doing some wine writing for Culturemap, and I’ve gathered you have an interest in kitchen design, or maybe making bottled sauces for the grocery store. But mainly I want to know, will there be a new restaurant? Should we do this again? Should we get
back in the restaurant game? I’m sure as hell I would, but it’d be on my terms. Ten, twelve seats, a small wood-burning thing, a small oven and a couple of burners. That’s what I would want. It’d probably be only three days a week, and it’d be like Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday. It’d probably close at like 8pm. It’s like, “I want to go home. Bye, guys.” I don’t know if I’m ready to get back in it yet or not. We’ll see. Then again, I say that today and then tomorrow I’ll be like, “You want to go look at a spot? I hear it has good lease terms.” It was funny because with Southern Smoke just having happened, and having all these chefs in town, and we’re sitting around talking, everybody’s having a cocktail, they’re shooting the shit, and they’re like, “Man, labor sucks. Cost of goods suck. Rent sucks. This sucks, that sucks. When do you open a restaurant?” “What? You just told me all the reasons not to.” But you’re definitely not retiring? No, man, come on. I
can’t retire. At some point, I’m going to have to figure this out and really find something that drives me. I’m good at cooking. I feel that I’m good at cooking, at least. I love cooking for people, and there’s nothing better.
PROMOTED
THRIVE & INSPIRE ’23
MICHELLE REYNA WYMES
Co-Owner, The Reyna Group What’s the secret to running a successful business? It is so important to stay present every day. With the fastpaced patterns of today’s society and ever-evolving technologies, I stress to our agents how important it is to continue to learn. If one reaches a point at which the ego takes over or burnout sets in and progress takes a back seat, things will get stuck. Regardless of what field you are in, I believe in starting with the basics to set and strengthen your foundation. I treat everyone we work with from our contractors, clients, to our inspectors with respect, patience and care. What’s special about your team? Our group is made up of like-minded individuals that come together just like a family would. The Reyna Group is a family-owned company, and it means everything to us to be able to say that we all wholeheartedly have each other’s back. We as a group are constantly brainstorming and bouncing new ideas around with each other. I have many friends in this business, and I know the synergy we have at The Reyna Group is something very special. What inspires you as you seek to reach greater heights of success? Whether we are helping a long time investment client or a family buying their first home, it is truly rewarding to play such an integral part in these decisions. It is an honor to have the trust of our clients, new and old. The trust our clients instill in us is, first and foremost, what inspires every agent in our office to continue to strive to improve the hustle.
“If one reaches a point at which the ego takes over or burnout sets in and progress takes a back seat, things will get stuck.”
PROMOTED PROMOTED
THRIVE & INSPIRE ’23
WILVIN J. CARTER The Law Offices of Wilvin J. Carter P.C.
What’s the secret to running a successful business? I have found that there is no real secret to running a business. I abide by a set of principles that have allowed my business to grow and flourish for the past 15 years. First, I make sure that our team is competent on the laws and the facts surrounding all my clients’ individual cases. Secondly, I am always staying abreast of the public’s temperature as it relates to hot button topics that may affect prospective jurors who will be determining the outcome of my clients’ cases. More importantly, my clients’ feelings and needs are always at the forefront of our legal representation of them. Our clients’ happiness is the most important aspect of my business. My law firm obtains excellent results for our clients and in return, they refer their friends and family to us for legal representation. Client satisfaction is not a secret. What’s unique about your approach or your mission? My approach to accomplishing my goal is unique because I do not operate my law firm like a traditional law office. I treat my law firm as if it was a business operating in Silicon Valley, Austin, and Seattle. Meaning, my practice functions like a tech company. I believe in having employees that are happy and work in an atmosphere without unnecessary and traditional office stress. We do not wear suits every day. We do not punch a time clock. Our offices are purposely uniquely decorated. Our office and work environment are
designed to mimic the atmosphere that you would find in a five-star hotel or nice day spa. By way of example, on Thursdays we have a yoga instructor to come in and guide us through stretching and meditation to relieve stress. My philosophy is simple, we cannot positively represent our clients if our minds and bodies are focused on needless stress and not our clients’ legal needs. What’s special about your team/colleagues? My entire team truly love their jobs and work lives. They take fighting and winning our clients’ cases very seriously and personally. What’s apparent in the representation of our clients is that we see ourselves, our family members, and our friends in all of our clients’ circumstances and legal matters. Who or what inspires you as you seek to reach greater heights of success? The life and courtroom triumphs of the late great Johnnie Cochran. What have you learned about your business and your community that might inspire others? That’s simple. My business has survived and has been successful because of the genuine connection that we have with the community and the issues that plague the community. We treat all our clients like family and that is what matters most. In return, they treat us like family and that makes our representation of them even more meaningful.
“My philosophy is simple: We can’t positively represent our clients if our minds and bodies are focused on stress and not our clients’ legal needs.”
PROMOTED
THRIVE & INSPIRE ’23
Kathy Anderson, Eklektik Interiors Owner and Principal Designer, & the Eklektik team What was the highlight of 2022 at your business? Winning Best of Show at the 2022 ASID Ruby Awards was very exciting. It was an honor to be recognized and supported by amazing industry partners and friends. Successful people usually have many choices in what to do professionally. Why did you choose this? I discovered interior design purely by accident. Growing up on a farm in East Texas, I didn’t even know this was a profession. I took a beginning interior design class with a friend in college, and I fell in love with it. I believe I’ve been successful because I work hard, and I truly love what I do.
that simple. I believe having a win-win strategy is being aware of the impact that you have and owning it. Every day that I get to get up and do what I love to do is a win. Figuring out different solutions, thinking outside the box, and finding inspiration in the process, is how I continue to find ways to make myself and others happier. What’s special about your team? My team is eager to learn and tackle challenges. They love it just like I do! We all work together and individually to reflect Eklektik and our philosophy. We believe that the project isn’t about us; it is about our client and what they have asked us to do. I trust the fact that my employees know how to do just that. I love to see each designer flourish on their own and work together as a team for Eklektik’s success.
“I believe I’ve been successful because I work hard, and I truly love what I do.”
Covey also spoke of having a “win-win strategy,” in which both the business owner and the customer win in the transaction. Can you describe your win-win strategy? When my clients are happy, I’m happy. It’s just
What’s new for 2023 that you’re excited about? We are very excited to announce our new location at 9434 Katy Freeway, Suite 200! Our studio in now dedicated 100 percent to interior design. We know that everyone is worried about inflation and being careful with their money. We are committed to working smarter as we give our clients the most bang for their buck. I’m excited to slow down and simplify my business and life and give my staff an opportunity to grow.
We’re fans of late educator Stephen Covey, who used to say that successful people “begin with the end in the mind.” At your business, what are you striving to accomplish? At this point in my career, I am working more as a mentor to my team. I want to leave my team and clients better off because they worked with me. Even though I’ll probably never 100 percent retire, I am slowing down and thinking more about what I want to leave behind. I feel so blessed with the success that I’ve experienced creating and building Eklektik Interiors, and I want to focus more on giving back to my industry and community.
PROMOTED
THRIVE & INSPIRE ’23
“We have the best team in the city — and it is a privilege to work with such a talented and hardworking group of people.”
RYDE
Ashley Gooch and Andrew Pappas, Co-Founders What inspires you as you grow RYDE? The RYDE community and our team inspire us every day. The goal from the start was to create something that is bigger than ourselves — our community is just that. We want to push the limits of what a fitness experience can be. Our new Heights studio is a testament to that commitment, offering a high-energy indoor cycling experience in a stunning space. RYDE Heights opens in April, exactly eight years after our first location opened on West Gray in River Oaks.
grow. First is quality and consistency: Our team strives to earn and retain our clients’ trust and loyalty every day. Second, we put people first: We invest in our team through comprehensive training programs and dedicated management support to ensure that our most valuable assets are always put first. Third, we embrace uniqueness: We invest in our product and talent to ensure it is the best in the industry, while constantly innovating. Our athletic edge appeals to men and women equally, and we’ve paid close attention to this balance from the start.
And the final core principle is giving back: The RYDE team and community are deeply committed to making a difference, and are proud to have donated over $160,000 for local and national philanthropic causes.
RYDE has taught more than 20,000 spin classes since opening in 2015. To what do you attribute the success of your brand? Every aspect of RYDE is crafted with purpose, and our core principles remain steadfast as we
Fourth, we cherish the details: Every physical and digital detail has been carefully considered and refined by our team, and is an integral part of the RYDE identity.
What’s special about your team? The RYDE team is the core spirit of who we are and what we do. Our instructors, studio team and management are constantly raising the bar, and are passionate about building authentic relationships with clients inside and outside the studio. We have the best team in the city — and it is a privilege to work with such a talented and hardworking group of people.
PROMOTED
THRIVE & INSPIRE ’23
JUSTIN WHITE Founder, Senior Health Services What is the secret to running a successful business? First, you have to have a mission that you care about. I absolutely love helping people understand Medicare! Secondly, I have always succeeded because the agents I work with know that I care for them and truly want them to succeed. I love developing leaders and watching them soar! If I help them get where they want to be, I will never need to worry about me! We all rise together. What’s unique about your approach or your mission? We are the luckiest people in the world. We get to work every day with America’s best: seniors. They need help navigating Medicare, and we are proud to help them! I am not sure this is unique, but I am a bit of an idealist. I believe if something is good enough to go after, it is good enough to obsess about and go aggressively. I believe very strongly in what we do, and I am not afraid to let people know! What’s special about your team? I am very honest with all who choose to work with me. This builds a level of trust. We are very much of like mind, and all our goals are aligned. We work side by side with each other, we have meals together, we know each other’s families, and get to go on trips together. Strong bonds are formed! Who or what inspires you as you seek to reach greater heights of success? Our clients inspire me. Their experiences and life stories and challenges are incredible! When I enjoy something, I like striving to be the best. When you love what you do and who you do it for, ascending to greater heights tends to happen more naturally; it is almost a byproduct of that love.
“Our clients inspire me. Their experiences and life stories and challenges are incredible!”
What have you learned about your business and your community that might inspire others? Nobody can do anything alone. It is humbling to realize how much I depend on others. This business and life is not all about me. We’ve got to take care of each other.
photo by laurie perez photography
PROMOTED
THRIVE & INSPIRE ’23
LAUREN VARNADO
Houston Office Managing Partner at Michelman & Robinson, LLP and sought-after oil and gas lawyer What was the highlight of 2022 at your business? That’s easy, launching Michelman & Robinson in Houston was, for me, the absolute high point of 2022 — and that’s in a year that included so many highlights. Without question, being named the firm’s Houston Office Managing Partner is and was a professional milestone that I’m so very proud of. That I’ve already been able to expand the office to 10 of us (and growing) and significantly move the needle in terms of the firm’s reach within the energy space is icing on the cake. What makes all this even better are the positive results my team and I were able to obtain on behalf of our clients in 2022. This includes a very favorable settlement we negotiated on behalf of EQT Corporation, the nation’s largest natural gas producer, in what turned out to be a very controversial trial in West Virginia in which EQT faced hundreds of millions of dollars in exposure. That case involved a judge who pulled out a handgun from beneath his robe and pointed it at me in his courtroom — an episode covered by People, Vanity Fair, The Daily Beast and CBS and NBC News and which led to his resignation from the bench. Like I said, It was a year full of highlights. Successful people usually have many choices in what to do professionally? Why did you choose this? I’m a Houstonian through and through, so it’s no surprise that I’ve always been drawn to the oil and gas industry, which in many ways defines our great city. The people and issues that I have the privilege of working with — and on — in the energy space keep me on my toes, always engaged, and excited about each and every day. We’re fans of the late educator Stephen Covey, who used to say that successful people “begin with the end in the mind.” At your business, what’s the end? What are you striving to accomplish? I want to be known as a preeminent first-chair trial attorney — a go-to lawyer handling the most consequential cases impacting the oil and gas business in Texas and beyond. Truth be told, not many women fit this bill. I’m proud to say that I do, and I’m so grateful to the clients that entrust me with their most important pieces of litigation. What’s new for 2023 that you’re excited about? New colleagues as my office grows, new cases that I’m handling for amazing clients, and new challenges as I continue to spread my wings here in Houston — it’s all so exciting!
“I want to be known as a preeminent first-chair trial attorney — a go-to lawyer handling the most consequential cases impacting the oil and gas business.”
PROMOTED
THRIVE & INSPIRE ’23
photo by emile browne photography
ARQUELLA HARGROVE
Chief Culture Officer and Owner of the Alchemy Consulting Group What is the secret to running a successful business? The secret to a successful business is a rockstar team. With a rockstar team, clients experience the transformation within their culture. This also is connected to other success factors — a commitment to relentless change, communicating courageously, and collaborating to win. The ultimate goal is to be the change for our clients and to create a culture where team members thrive and grow exponentially. What’s unique about your approach or your mission? We call ourselves a “partner” for our clients. We work to transform one culture — one organization at a time. In doing this, we meet clients in their culturalshift journey, however long it may take to accomplish the end goal or implementation. We use a team of collaborative partners to dive deep into the company’s culture and provide expertise in each area we serve — from diversity, equity, inclusion, belonging, learning and development, strategic HR development,
executive leadership coaching and more. Bottom line: Our client’s success is our success. What’s special about your team/colleagues? They are magic, amazing, creative problem solvers, and I thoroughly enjoy the work they do, creating lasting impact for our clients for an organizational culture change. Each has different skill sets strategically placed with clients to provide risk assessment, strategic business development, and change solutions leaning into their curiosity, best practices, empathy, respect and authenticity. Who or what inspires you as you seek to reach greater heights of success? I am constantly inspired by people making an impact in the world, and I love being an agent of change with, behind and beside them. Our mission is to build up corporations and individuals so that they can perform at peak levels and enjoy their work life and culture.
“I am constantly inspired by people making an impact in the world, and I love being an agent of change with, behind and beside them.”
photo by al torres photography
THRIVE & INSPIRE ’23
GERARD O’BRIEN President/CEO & Founder, ORION EMS
SUMI PATEL Vice President, ORION EMS
Describe your highlight of 2022. A continuation of our values, our leadership within the industry and the commitment to quality that our customers have come to expect. We remain on a growth trajectory within Houston and are happy to continue to expand our customer base by providing quality care. How did you lead through Covid and adapt for success? As an EMS company, any public health emergency places us squarely in the spotlight. While this may seem daunting, being ready and able to handle any medical needs for our community is a pillar of ORION. Our friends and neighbors were hurting, and we made a commitment to be there for them, just as we have for the last 15 years. During these last two years, ORION’s leadership team ensured that our medical personnel were fully trained on the latest guidelines in patient care, and we frequently consulted with the leading medical and government authorities. The core mission of ORION did not change: to provide professional, compassionate medical care to every patient. How did your career journey lead you to EMS? Throughout my life, I have challenged the status quo of various industries. To me, the most insidious thought for any organization is, “That’s the way we’ve always done it.” In my career, I’ve consistently rejected the concept that an organization has reached its ceiling of potential impact. Having owned several businesses, my primary strategy has been to identify new efficient and customer-friendly ways to function. My decision to enter EMS was no different; I saw an industry that was too crowded (from a competition standpoint) and barely acknowledging the needs of the people it was supposed to be serving. I founded ORION to be the premier EMS company in Houston by returning the focus of our work to where it should always be — the families that we transport every day.
What’s “the end game” for ORION? The “end” is also our “beginning”: our staff and our patients. Every decision I make with our leadership team is focused on providing the best medical care possible in every transport. We are providing the Houston region with safe, reliable care for their loved ones while showing the public, and the EMS industry, what an ambulance service should be. Describe ORION’s “win-win strategy” in the community. Our strategy centers on people — our staff, our hospital clients, and our patients. The EMS industry is so unique because, by definition, people come to us at difficult moments. ORION has a reputation for not only the quality of care we provide, but in the kindness and empathy shown by each employee. We would not have existed in this industry for as long as we have without being a bright light for the people of Houston when they need us. What are your favorite aspects of your team? Without question, my favorite aspect is that ORION’s leadership team is entirely “homegrown.” Beginning with Vice President Sumi Patel, every senior leader started their career with ORION at a different level and has earned promotion to their current role. Those shared experiences create exceptionally strong bonds between us, and it ensures that we come to work focused on the same goals each day. Sumi has been standing with me since the beginning of ORION 15 years ago, and her commitment to excellence is, truly, unparalleled. What makes you excited for 2023? The year 2023 is shaping up to have the same dynamic aspects that impact all EMS companies across the industry. We are excited that our stability in the marketplace, the leadership that guides our company and our continued quality of service will carry us through any challenges that may arise.
PROMOTED
“We would not have existed in this industry for as long as we have without being a bright light for the people of Houston when they need us.”
PROMOTED
Q A
You’ve said before that “job satisfaction is more tied to the people you work with than the work that you do.” Tell us about your people. We have a great team! Many of them have a long history together. We’ve worked hard to build trust and relationships. In the mornings, you can find our whole staff in the stock room, catching up about their recent hunting trip or their daughter’s volleyball tournament. We usually crack up — and beg everyone to let us have a TV show! It would be a hit!
Q A
Late educator Stephen Covey said that successful people “begin with the end in the mind.” At your business, what’s the end?
Technology in the home should be easy to use, beautifully designed and unbelievably reliable. That’s the end goal. Easy, so I’m not fumbling through several remotes to turn on the TV. I can walk in the door and press “Home” for lights, shades and thermostats to all move to the perfect setting. Beautiful is about the treatments. How are we framing this TV? Where are we hiding the receiver? We work with designers, builders,and architects to weave technology into the design of the space.
Q A
Covey also spoke of having a “win-win strategy,” in which both the business owner and the customer win in the transaction. Can you describe your win-win strategy?
I once had a homeowner come to our showroom in a sports car in the quarter-million-dollar price range. When I said, “The speakers in this room are about $750 a pair,” he was shocked. Speakers can range from $200 to $200,000 a pair. Just because someone can afford something, doesn’t mean they value it. We never try to talk someone into something they’re not interested in. We want to educate and help you decide what you deem important for your own home. To us, win-win means we get you exactly what you need at a price that you’re comfortable with.
Q A
What was the highlight of 2022 at your business?
We hired a master electrician. The AV and electrical industries have been converging for many years as new lighting technology for the home is developed. We are seeing major development in “human-centric lighting.” This is akin to the concept of circadian rhythm that wellness experts want you to incorporate into your life. In the morning the outdoor light comes up in a dim amber. By mid-day, lighting is bright and very white. Then by evening it’s back to the warm dim tones. We can turnkey lighting installations including full-spectrum color fixtures as well as tunable white. Light effects wellness, and we’re more equipped than ever to master this in new construction and retrofit installations.
Q A
What’s new for 2023 that you’re excited about? Tunable lighting, blazing fast WiFi6, and TEN GIG NETWORKS! We’re also offering Cinematech Theater Design/Build program, Josh.ai Voice controls, Leon-Speakers bespoke designs, and of course Italian made speakers from Sonus Faber. On the personal side, we have been offering training for parents on internet safety and parental controls. We’ve spoken to a handful of churches and private schools. It’s a passion of ours to be able to help others and shed some light on something that can be so overwhelming!
MEDIASYSTEMS.COM | 713-426-0900 | INFO@MEDIASYSTEMS.COM
PROMOTED
Q A
You thrived through Covid. Times remain uncertain for many. How do you navigate the ups and downs? We serve. We believe that serving well keeps families connected to our team. Then their parents, kids and neighbors also invite us into their homes. Our forward-thinking approach to the supply chain crisis allowed us to have parts when many others were waiting weeks and months. In 2020, we began purchasing 6-12 months ahead without knowing when we’d need the parts. It was a leap of faith and has been the solution to keep projects moving forward.
Q A
Successful people usually have many choices in what to do professionally. Why did you choose this?
Donnie’s uncle started the company in 1980, and it’s evolved from HiFi and home theaters to lighting control, music, WiFi networks, thermostats and motorized shades and drapes. Our company is always evolving. Donnie and I have both worked in a lot of creative careers, which all just gave us more experience to do what we do now. We love getting to work together, but also, creating something special for each homeowner.
Q&A with
JACLYN & DONNIE BOUTWELL OF MEDIA SYSTEMS Media Systems delivers the best user experience by far. They support a full spectrum of home automation products and solutions to ensure unparalleled performance and reliability for you and your family. All of the technology they recommend for your home is built to work together. They provide a completely custom and personalized worry-free system that is easy to use.
Q A
At Media Systems, you pride yourselves on providing the best service in the industry.
We have a service hotline that homeowners can call or text to get a fast response. But more than that, it’s the follow-up. We say among our team, “The job isn’t done until the homeowner agrees that it’s done.” We’re a small business (typically 10-15 employees), but we’re big enough to have a service manager and dedicated service technicians. Following up and finishing the job is what makes the difference.
PROMOTED
THRIVE & INSPIRE ’23
JACLYN & DONNIE BOUTWELL OF MEDIA SYSTEMS
The Restaurant Issue Devouring Houston 2023
30+ PAGES OF DELICIOUS DISH!
Ciel GM Fabrizio Baranzano and Ciel’s Stars
the SUSHI TSUNAMI, STYLISH SPEAKEASIES, CIEL’S SEXY SHOW and CHRIS SHEPHERD’S NEXT COURSE
Winter 2023
houston citybook 945 mckinney st., suite 119 houston, tx 77002
prsrt STD us postage paid houston citybook
DEVOURING HOUSTON
WINTER 2023