THE EXPLORE ISSUE TRAVEL
MUY 'ONO: JUNGLE & BEACH PROPERTIES IN BELIZE
LIFE + CULTURE CATCHING UP WITH JEREMY PIVEN
The Explore Issue
Our Explore Issue aims to introduce you to a place you’ve never been or spark an interest in going somewhere you’ve maybe never considered wanting to visit. Waterfront staycation in Round Rock? Check out our 24 Hours in Round Rock to see how. Friends in town who want something ‘Texan’? Check out our piece on a road trip that will take you to great barbecue, horseback riding and a night on a ranch. And, have you been to Belize?
When I was in the trenches planning a late May trip to Japan earlier this year I received an email about Muy ‘Ono, a collection of resorts in Belize owned by an Austin-based company. Intrigued, I interviewed co-founder and CEO Cortney Lebens about why a Texas girl chose to have a hospitality company in Belize and what she loves about Belize. Then I went on vacation there instead of Japan to experience it myself.
Muy’Ono resorts makes a donation to a local charity for every room booked and are opted into the Pack for a Purpose program, sharing with guests items needed by local charities. I was fortunate to join Muy ‘Ono staff to deliver items we brought to an underprivileged school. The excursion was a memorable part of the visit…although not the most memorable.
After spending a couple of glorious days in an overwater bungalow at Thatch Caye we stayed three nights in a treehouse in the jungle at Sweet Songs Jungle Lodge, and on a small stretch of beach along the Macal River, I got engaged. So, for me, it will always have an extra special place in my heart. Check out the story inside to see why you may enjoy a visit to one of their ten magical destinations.
Also in the issue we share a chat we had with Austin regular (and perhaps parttime resident) Jeremy Piven, talk to ResiBrands founder Steven Montgomery on his entrepreneurial journey, explore a new wine club venture by a group of luminaries including Chef Thomas Keller and winemaker Rolland Michel that’s the brainchild of Texan Barrett Wissman and more.
Hope you find a wisp of inspiration for an adventure in the following pages… Cheers,
JENNIFER BIRN, EDITOR @AUSTINLIFESTYLEMAGAZINE
July 2024
PUBLISHER
Joe Kerby | joe.kerby@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Jennifer Birn | jennifer.birn@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Stephanie Coultress O'Neill, Dominique Bejarano
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER
Doug Still
Corporate Team
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Mary Albers
LAYOUT DESIGNER Emily Lisenbee Learn
Photo
1: iHeartRadio personality and local Austinite Anne Hudson sparkles on the red carpet at Moody Center 2: Jelly Roll gave a heartfelt speech at the 11th Annual iHeartCountry Festival Presented By Capital One 3: Keith Urban had the crowd at Moody Center on their feet with hits like “Somebody Like You”
SARAH KERVER/GETTY IMAGES FOR IHEARTRADIO
TODD OWYOUNG FOR IHEARTRADIO
TODD OWYOUNG FOR IHEARTRADIO
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Texas Country Roadtrip
24-Hour Adventure: BBQ, Horses, and Texas Country Views
ARTICLE BY DOMINIQUE BEJARANO
Three cities, 24 hours. Start your day with a pilgrimage to the renowned Snow's BBQ in Lexington, TX, just an hour from Austin. Open only on Saturday’s, this spot draws travelers from all over to savor Tootsie's famous brisket that slides right off the bone with bark that tastes like candy. People often wait in line not just for the food, but also to take a photo with the almost 90-year-old Ms. Tootsie! Don’t let the lines deter you—they keep guests happy offering a complimentary beer or Bloody Mary while they wait. Across the lot, a huge antique shop in an old mill offers hidden treasures and a fine selection of cowboy boots, perfect for the next leg of your adventure. snowsbbq.com
Another hour’s drive takes you to Brenham, Texas, where a unique Airbnb experience awaits. Nestled in serene countryside, Darell’s Rockin’ Star Ranch offers the chance to explore nature’s beauty on horseback, with over 100 acres to roam. Under Darell’s expert guidance, you’ll learn to pick your tack, saddle your horse, and receive a short lesson before heading out on a leisurely trail ride. Encounter wildlife such as aoudads, elk and deer and soak in panoramic views of grazing cattle and goats. While in Brenham, check out Brossa’s Cibo e Vino farm-to-table fare and dine alongside local farmers while enjoying fine wine and excellent cuts of meat. rockinstarbrenham.com
Next, head 15 minutes outside Brenham to Burton, TX where a renovated barn atop a hill promises unforgettable sunset views that bleed into black skies perfect for stargazers. This
modern Texan barn, adorned with eclectic cowboy pop art and thoughtful touches sourced from local artists, offers the perfect place to unwind. The owners, Ronda and Bruce Prothro, Austin locals who have been collecting art since 1989, have created a space that exudes comfort and creativity. Cozy up by the fire pit and admire the 10 acre-property – and don’t be surprised if you spot a bobcat or deer grazing close by. This gem of a home, found on Airbnb under BNR Farmstead hosted by HOSTÎE , also offers concierge services like a private chef. hostievacationrentals.com
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Thatch Caye drone view
AN UNBELIZABLE ADVENTURE
Austin-owned Muy ‘Ono Resorts’ properties in Belize provide beach-to-jungle experiences that give back
Ten years ago Muy ‘Ono acquired its first property in Belize. Today the company, owned by Austin’s Cortney Lebens and Bill Poston, have 10 properties across the country, from private islands and jungle lodges to beach resorts as well as a robust social impact program.
The ultimate Belize vacation is spending time in the jungle and at the beach and Muy ‘Ono makes it easy with their own transportation service. A car between the two takes about two hours during which you can take in the view of the Central America country.
All of the properties, where Wi-Fi and cell service are spotty and a digital detox is encouraged, allow guests to stay active
with diving, snorkeling, kayaking, island hopping and chocolate-making adventures at the beach and hiking, bird watching, horseback riding, visits to Mayan ruins, cave tubing and more in the jungle. The food at the properties comes largely from Muy’Ono Farms which supplies the resorts with organic, farm-to-table dining. At Thatch Caye, meals are community-style with all guests dining together - a great way to make new friends. If looking for something more romantic, they’ll set up private tables for two.
Beyond what you see is the positive impact Muy ‘Ono has on the people of Belize and the part they play in keeping the
CONTINUED >
ARTICLE BY JENNIFER BIRN
country operating sustainably. Cortney spearheaded Muy’Ono’s Travel Better Promise which focuses on philanthropy, sustainability, celebrating culture and innovation. They donate a portion of every reservation to a local community program, school, or non-profit organization in need of financial assistance and each property selects a different charity each month to be the recipient. Muy ‘Ono properties use solar power, wind power and LED lighting wherever possible, have a rainwater catchment system for water source and use reclaimed materials for renovations.
“When we started the company we sat down and asked ourselves, ‘What are the things that we want to be known for? What are the things that we stand for as an organization? That’s when we created the six pillars,” shared Cortney, explaining, “They really became the foundation for what we stand for, how we operate day-to-day. Everything that we do revolves around these pillars: philanthropy, sustainability, creating wow, celebrating culture, being the employer of choice and innovation. Philanthropy is the forefront and the core of our identity. We knew that by enriching ourselves in the community we could really elevate our organization’s impact for the greater good and Belize has so much opportunity when it comes to that.”
She continues, “We started a nightly donation program and love this program because it really aims to spread the love. We’re not just donating one lump sum to one or two organizations, we have a program that is specific to each resort in each property, so each property donates a specific dollar amount for every guest stay to a different charity every single month. Each property chooses with their employees organizations that are based around health and education. By the end of the year, we’re donating to over a hundred charities throughout the year.”
Muy ‘Ono are also members of Pack for a Purpose, an initiative that allows travelers to bring items needed by a local school or charity. Each resort supports a project that needs specific items, which can be found on their website. The items can be left at the property or sometimes, if asked, staff will take guests to drop off the gifts in-person, which is a truly heart-warming experience.
Facts & Stats
• Monetary Donation: Over $900,000 BZD since 2018 and on track to surpass $1 million before the end of the year
• Plastic Bottles Saved: 1,428,852 at press time. With refillable jugs of filtered water in the rooms, they’ve eliminated single-use plastics.
• Jobs Created in Belize: 300 All of the on-the-ground staff are from Belize. Muy ‘Ono provides education and training for people to grow within the organization, with everyone from line cooks and housekeeping staff given the opportunity to move up to manager.
• Pack For A Purpose: Find needs for the philanthropy or school aligned with the property where you’re staying here: https://www.packforapurpose.org/
Sweet Songs Jungle Lodge
The beach at Sweet Songs Jungle Lodge
Thatch Caye
The beach at Thatch Caye
FREDERICKSBURGBORN CORTNEY LEBENS: TRANSFORMING BELIZE
As Muy ‘Ono CEO, the Austin-area native is making Belize better with Travel with a Purpose programs, philanthropic initiatives, sustainability efforts and more
ARTICLE BY JENNIFER BIRN
If you’ve been to Belize you’ve probably been to a property covered in Cortney’s fingerprints. As CEO of Muy ‘Ono, she is responsible for much of what guests experience and the programs to make the properties and Belize better behind-thescenes. She’s also the founder and CEO of Delicious Digital, a female-led marketing agency specializing in hospitality and lifestyle brands and of Blurred-Vines. She became CEO of the three companies before turning 30-years-old, and didn’t even set out to be an entrepreneur.
WHAT MADE YOU OPEN A RESORT IN BELIZE?
I ended up in hospitality and Belize because while I was working with my business partner at his consulting firm as his Chief-of-Staff I created a lot of capacity for him to tap into his entrepreneurial visions. He was heavily involved in real estate, he really loved Belize, he loved traveling to Belize and was presented with an opportunity to purchase an island in Belize. Our business started with the purchase of one property as an investment property.
Shortly after we were presented with another opportunity to buy an island that was nearby that had 15 bungalows. It went under because the owners didn’t realize how hard and costly it is to manage an island. That’s Thatch Caye now. It ended up being a really awesome opportunity because with it we started realizing we could do this for owners. People purchase islands in Belize because land is cheap and realize they don’t know how to manage costs, they don’t know how to manage the local culture or local workforce and they don’t know how to market or drive demand. We were learning how to do all of that internally for our own properties, and that’s how Muy ‘Ono was born. We started marketing ourselves to other hotel owners as a professional management and marketing company, because nothing like that existed in Belize. Now we’re the largest
and only real professional management company in the country.
HAVE YOU ALWAYS WANTED TO BE AN ENTREPRENEUR?
I have not. I majored in Fashion Merchandising, but was lucky to have met some very successful people during my education at Texas State. During my early career they became mentors to me, and all of them are very entrepreneurial. They continued to push me to do bigger and better things, putting me in roles before I was ready and letting me fail or succeed.
WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT BELIZE?
Belize is still a very untapped and untouched destination. You get to experience overwater bungalows without having to fly 17 hours, it’s an easy trip from Austin and you really get to experience the culture and what makes the country so unique. Belize is doing a really good job of promoting sustainable tourism to preserve the natural beauty of Belize, which is what we try to do too.
DO YOU PLAN ON EXPANDING TO OTHER COUNTRIES?
No. It’s hard to learn the government politics and economic intricacies of international countries. We’ve got all the bruises that we possibly can in Belize and I look forward to continuing to expand there.
“PHILANTHROPY IS THE CORE OF OUR IDENTITY. WE KNEW THAT BY ENRICHING OURSELVES IN THE
Jeremy Piven Taps Into “The Performance”
Jeremy Piven may or may not have a home in Austin. When Austin Lifestyle caught up with him prior to a preview sizzle of his latest film “The Performance’ being screened at Soho House, he evaded the question, saying, “I didn’t officially move here. I live in LA because my mom is there and she’s very close to me, but I love it here. It’s an amazing place.” Later, after taking a seat behind the drums to perform a few covers, the party moved to Alice + Olivia where he was joined by Jenny Shakeman, who produced “The Performance” along with Jeremy, Daniel Finkelman and Chaya Amor. During the celebration, which doubled as a sip + shop fundraiser for Enlight Unite Foundation, he clearly stated he does live (at least part-time) in Austin while doing standup at the store, to the amusement of passerby. Here’s more on his thoughts on Austin, the film’s importance and more.
ARTICLE BY JENNIFER BIRN | PHOTOGRAPHY BY RICK KERN/GETTY IMAGES FOR ALICE + OLIVIA
WHAT
DO YOU LOVE ABOUT AUSTIN?
The music scene is incredible here. The restaurants. It’s a thriving spot for stand-up comedy. The people are just decent, amazing people. You can train here, be outside and jump on a stand-up paddle board, and it’s just got a very authentic vibe.
HAVE YOU BEEN TO COMEDY MOTHERSHIP YET?
I have not, but Joe is incredible. I can’t wait to play there and see it because anytime a stand-up comedy spot is built by a comic, it’s done in a way that is the best possible venue to perform and to receive comedy.
YOU’VE BEEN DOING A LOT OF STAND-UP THE LAST FEW YEARS, BUT NOW HAVE SEVERAL FILMS IN THE PIPELINE.
A comic said to me, ‘Your stand-up will make you a better actor,’ and I thought that didn’t make sense. But, he was right. Performing every night, you’re up there with your own material and you’re connecting with the audience and you’re not getting rust on you as a performer. Acting is a momentum sport, so I feel like I didn’t lose any momentum. It’s been incredible and I’m doing the best work of my life right now. That’s what’s so great about being an artist. Athletes have to retire at a very young age, but as an artist, you just try to get better.
JULY IT WILL BE 20 YEARS SINCE THE PREMIERE OF “ENTOURAGE”
You and the world is obsessed with numbers. This is not a judgment, it’s just not the way I live my life. “Entourage” feels like it was yesterday. Every time I step on a stage, they’re screaming out, ‘Let’s hug it out.’ People connected with that show, they still connect with it. During the pandemic kids in their early twenties were binging it. We’re living in a time where I hope the fear subsides on every level. I make a lot of jokes on why “Entourage” couldn’t exist in today’s climate and that’s unfortunate, because the reality is, people just want to laugh, they want to laugh so badly.
WHO DO YOU THINK ARI GOLD WOULD BE TODAY?
I think there’s parts of Elon Musk that are Ari Gold. I think he’s someone who doesn’t come from a place of fear. Ari’s a motivator and an equal opportunity offender and he would be misunderstood today, but wouldn’t that be fun? Lloyd could be his politically correct consultant. The jokes could just write themselves. I think to take those characters and place them in the culture right now would be really funny and people would love it.
JEREMY PIVEN
WHEN YOU FILMED “THE PERFORMANCE” THE CLIMATE WAS DIFFERENT. WHAT’S IT BEEN LIKE NOW OUT PROMOTING IT?
It’s a film Arthur Miller wrote as a response to 9/11, and the backdrop is pre-Holocaust, but it’s a story that is layered and at its core about how far will one go to compromise themselves to be successful. I think that’s a very universal theme, It’s also a love story. I related to my character so much. My mother gave me the story years ago and I’ve been after this film for 14 years.
AND YOUR SISTER DIRECTED IT, SO IT’S REALLY A FAMILY AFFAIR.
Completely. I read the story and I just thought it’s incredible and has to be seen. I didn’t even think, ‘Oh, I’m going to play a tap dancer. I don’t know how to tap,’ I just thought, ‘I need to do whatever it takes to get good enough.’ Every year they just kept saying no, so I got better and better at tap. It’s a great lesson that I want to tell everyone, which is all those doors will close for you, but just stay after it and the right time will emerge. Here we are, 14 years later, and I just got good enough to be able to pull this role off.
Jeremy perfoming stand-up at Alice + Olivia
“THE PERFORMANCE” IS STILL WORKING ON THEATRICAL DISTRIBUTION.
Yes. It’s doing great at film festivals, getting standing ovations and everyone who sees it loves it. I love it. I’ve done over 80 films and it’s the best film I’ve done in my life, it’s the best work of my life.
If someone views the backdrop being pre-Holocaust as an obstacle because of what’s going on right now, I see that as an asset because this is not a film that is a modern-day film or a take on what’s going on now. The backdrop is history, and you can’t dispute history. This isn’t forcing anyone to believe any one way, it’s not didactic in its message. It shows a time when my character doesn’t look Jewish, and he hides the fact that he’s Jewish to become successful. He thinks that art will override hate and he dances for Hitler. It’s a heavy story. The reason I’m an actor and a storyteller is because that’s how I contribute to the conversation. When you see the film, my job is have you get lost in the story and that’s what I’m seeing. You’re rooting for these characters, and then you see their behavior and you can make your own decision as to what would you do and how you feel about it.
I grew up in the theater. My father used to pick up the phone and literally go through the phone book and call people with a rotary phone and get them to come to the theater. That’s what I’m doing right now. An apple doesn’t fall far from the tree and we’ll do whatever it takes to get an audience, because I know this is an important film right now.
The founder/CEO shares his journey from painter to buildng a franchise empire rooted in Austin
ARTICLE BY JENNIFER BIRN
Photo by: Cody Maher
ResiBrands is on a mission to lead what founder Steven Montgomery calls a “home-service revolution,” doing work so well they lift the entire trade. ResiBrands, started in 2011 with That 1 Painter, an interior and exterior painting company (and more!). But, Steven’s entrepreneurial ambition was evident long before that. Steven, who moved to Austin in 2009, grew up helping his father, a professional painter, with painting projects after school. During Steven’s short-lived run at college, he would borrow his father’s painting equipment and do his own jobs, until he decided to drop out of college to start his own painting company full-time. We spoke to Steven to learn more about his journey and ResiBrands, which he co-founded in 2022 with friend Allan Alarcon, and now also includes Garage Up, a full-service garage door and garage door repair company, and Pink’s Window Service, all of which they franchise.
IT SOUNDS LIKE YOU WERE BORN AN ENTREPRENEUR.
I grew up around the world as a child of missionaries and my first entrepreneurial venture was running a paper route when I was a kid living in Australia.
WHAT WAS THE AHA MOMENT THAT LED YOU TO DROP OUT OF COLLEGE?
Originally, I convinced myself that I would finish college online while simultaneously building my company. That didn’t end up happening until many, many years later, but it was what originally gave me the confidence to take the leap.
YOU STARTED FRANCHISING IN 2021, HOW MANY FRANCHISES DO YOU HAVE IN THE AUSTIN AREA?
For all of our brands combined, we have 9 franchises in the greater Austin area.
WHAT’S THE START-UP COST TO START A THAT 1 PAINTER, PINKS, OR GARAGE UP FRANCHISE?
Your all-in investment starts at $113,000
WHAT KIND OF SUPPORT DO YOU OFFER FRANCHISEES?
Our main goal is just more. We offer more than anyone else in home-service franchising. This
includes our in-house marketing agency, appointment center, online training, subcontractor training, employee training, sales training, national account vendor relations, and sales events.
WHAT’S YOUR DAY-TO-DAY ROLE NOW?
Ensuring that all of my team has all that they need to do their jobs well.
ARE THERE OTHER SERVICES YOU’D LIKE TO ADD TO RESIBRANDS?
Yes. Eventually, we’d like to be able to service the entire home.
WHAT SETS THAT 1 PAINTER APART FROM OTHER PAINTING COMPANIES?
We truly want to be the best house guests ever. We focus on the customer experience first and foremost. We believe that customers should assume that professionalism and good work are the bare minimum. We want to go above and beyond to offer world-class service to our customers.
WHAT DO YOU ENJOY DOING IN AUSTIN WHEN YOU’RE NOT WORKING?
I coach my 8-year-old son’s soccer team here in Austin (Go Eagles) and I hang out with my kids. That’s pretty much my entire life- work and spending time with my family.
WHAT’S THE BEST ADVICE YOU’VE RECEIVED?
Advice from my mentor, John Maxwell, “Your success will never surpass your ability to lead people.”
WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE QUOTE?
Another from my mentor, “If you stop loving people, you should stop leading people.” - John Maxwell
Check out https://resibrands.com for more on ResiBrands services and if you’re interested in franchise opportunities – which they call ‘joining the shiver,’ explaining that a shiver is “a clever collective noun for a group of sharks. As a shiver, we’re all about getting after it and pursuing success with a fierce determination, while having a bit of fun along the way.”
Staycation in Round Rock
Sometimes it’s nice to get away for a day - to clear your head and refresh with a change of scenery or to spark a little bit of romance apart from the responsibilities of every day. While Round Rock, a suburb 20 miles and about 30 minutes from downtown Austin, may not be top of mind for such an adventure, here’s a way to spend 24 hours in Round Rock to show you maybe it should be.
24 hours of fun & relaxation in the Austin suburb
ARTICLE BY JENNIFER BIRN
Top Right: Ruby Hotel
Start by checking into the Ruby Hotel & Bar, a 39-room boutique hotel in the heart of downtown Round Rock that’s situated alongside Brushy Creek and offers waterfront views from the bar and many of the rooms. The retro feel is more than just a theme – the property was originally a residential home built in 1961 that has since been converted into the modern, creek-side hotel. Freshen up in your room, where you can pre-order add-ons like a bottle of wine and charcuterie board for $45 or the Ruby-Romance Package with rose petals, chocolate and champagne for $75. Then enjoy a happy hour cocktail on the deck of the Ruby Bar. If you’re feeling adventurous, try The Burning Love, made with house-infused chili tequila!
Next, head just down the road to Gino’s Italian Restaurant, a family-owned business that’s served as a Round Rock staple for more than 30 years. Indulge in hefty portions of pasta or opt for a pizza and generous Italian Salad for the table. Before heading back for the night, check out Redd’s Piano Bar, located behind a bookshelf in the Kalahari Resort. Saddle up to a stool around the piano and sing your heart out to favorites, most of which you’ll know all the words. Don’t skip their cocktail menu with fun options like a Cotton Candy Martini and Marshmallow Martini (pictured!)
In the morning, take one of the many easy hikes in the area, like one where you can see the namesake Round Rock, before the weather turns too hot. Then, really delve into vacation vibes before heading back home by returning to Kalahari Resort where they have a full slate of spa services, or just grab a day pass to the spa which grants access to use the steam room, dry sauna, relaxation room and heated pool. Don’t get overwhelmed by the resort’s surprising 1.5 million square feet of space. There are several entrances and you can get one near the spa elevator -featuring the spa’s fragrances and menu. Viva Day Spa also has a location in Round Rock that provides a tranquil escape to close out a getaway.
Top: Gino’s Italian
Mid: Redd’s Piano Bar
Bottom: Kalahara Spa
Gino's Italian Restaurant
DOMUS ARTIUM RESERVE’S PAIRING OF WINE & CULINARY MASTERMINDS IS UNMATCHED
Texan Barrett Wissman’s Club for Oenophiles
ARTICLE BY JENNIFER BIRN
Palazzo Ruspoli
Barrett Wissman and Chef Carlo Cracco
The connection between wine and cuisine is of course inseparable. To be able to work with Thomas and Riccardo to create these unique wines is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
Award-winning chefs Thomas Keller, Yannick Alléno, Carlo Cracco and master winemakers Michel Rolland and Riccardo Cotarella, together with wine critic Antonio Galloni recently unveiled Domus Artium Reserve, a groundbreaking collaborative venture of the culinary and wine worlds. At the launch celebration, held at the legendary Ristorante Cracco in Milan, it was revealed that Chef Keller and Rolland are collaborating on a French Bordeaux blend, which will be made available later this year in a limited firstrun to be sold in Keller’s world-famous restaurants including Per Se and The French Laundry, as well as to members via an exclusive waitlist. Rolland and Cotarella also announced that they have partnered to create the world’s first 50/50 French-Italian wine, Four Hands, and on August 4, they’ll launch a collaboration between Michel Rolland, Robert Redford and his wife Sibylle Szaggars Redford, the profits from which will go to the Redfords’ foundation The Way of the Rain. The waitlist for each of them can be accessed via the Domus Artium Reserve website, www.domusartiumreserve.com, where interested potential members can submit applications.
Members will have access to unparalleled culinary, wine and arts events, be able to enjoy partner clubhouses across Europe and at the highest tier, have the opportunity to make their own French or Italian wine with oenological luminaries Rolland and Cotarella.
Domus Artium Reserve is the brainchild of Texas native Barrett Wissman, a serial arts entrepreneur and Chairman Emeritus of IMG Artists. He says it’s the culmination of a lifelong dream to bring together his passion for wine and food with a social and arts experience. “I came to Thomas, Michel, Carlo, Yannick, Ricardo and Antonio with the idea
for Domus Artium Reserve because it is what I was myself searching for,” says Wissman. “For all the arts, food and wine festivals I have either founded or attended around the world, I always wondered, ‘what would it be like if we can make this a truly innovative and immersive experience with the finest talent in the culinary and oenological arts in the world at the most exclusive locations?’ When Michel and Riccardo said they would be willing to make wines with our members I knew we had something not just unique but also unprecedented.”
Thomas Keller says, “To have the opportunity to develop a unique wine alongside legendary winemaker Michel Rolland is for me a dream come true. Domus Artium Reserve brings together the best of the best and it’s inspiring to be part of this collaborative partnership as a founder. I look forward to being able to lead in curating unique and immersive experiences for our members.”
Michel Rolland added, “The connection between wine and cuisine is of course inseparable. To be able to work with Thomas and Riccardo to create these unique wines is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. I can’t wait for other people to enjoy not only our wine but also experience all that the Domus Artium Reserve membership has to offer.”
Domus Artium Reserve’s first permanent clubhouse is in one of Rome’s most historical and opulent palaces: Palazzo Ruspoli. The Ruspoli family, with whom the Club has partnered, welcome members to stay at Palazzo Ruspoli as well as host events, dinners and tastings on the premises. Domus Artium Reserve says it will continue to add permanent clubhouses for its members to experience and enjoy during the course of 2024 and beyond.
Explore Italian in Austin
The new, returned and coming soon
POETA
This cozy Italian restaurant tucked inside The Frances Modern Inn is helmed by the husband-and-wife team behind Intero, Executive Chef Ian Thurwachter and GM & Pastry Chef Krystal Craig. Serving salads and paninis as well as pastas and heavier entrees, it’s a cute place to pop in for lunch or dinner.
1123 E 11th St, Austin, TX 78702
ARTICLE BY JENNIFER BIRN
CASA BIANCA
American-Italian restaurant and cocktail bar co-founded by Texans, friends and hospitality veterans Joseph Zoccoli, the Executive Chef, and Richard Thomas, the Beverage Director. Equitable attention is given to both the food and the cocktails at this East Austin spot Joseph refers to as “weirdo Italian.”
1510 E. Cesar Chavez St., Austin, TX 78702
Poeta, photo by Chase Daniel, Kim Lewis Designs
Casa Bianca, Photo: Richarad Casteel
RED ASH ITALIA
303 Colorado St #200, Austin, TX 78701
Favorite comeback. A fire temporary shuttered the home of one of the most sought after reservations in town but they’re back and as good as before. More than just pastas (which are plentiful), they have a grill menu featuring several cuts of steaks and other fish options, from halibut on a corn risotto to snapper crudo.
POSTINO
Coming Soon! The chain in five states and several Texas cities is opening an Austin location on South Lamar this summer. A great happy hour destination, it serves up wine along with sharable plates including a variety of charcuterie boards and many different kinds of bruschetta.
BAMBINO
Bambino is the restaurateur and chef duo behind L’Oca d’Oro’s take on
a casual pizza place. They serve classic and seasonal pies and Italianstyle soft-serve gelati!
979 Springdale Rd., Ste. 153, Austin, TX
Bambino, Photo by Jody Horton
Postino
Red Ash Italia
INSIDE KUYA WELLNESS
Kuya is a unique tranquil space that cultivates community while offering services including an IV lounge (with happy hour pricing), a large dry sauna, cold plunges, sensory deprivation float tanks and red light therapy. It’s intended to augment personal healing journeys, anchored by their ketamine therapy, led by Medical Director Dr. Sheila Grace. “With this psychedelic, we have learned much in the last several
years,” she says, “We have created a potent therapy administered by caring humans that is given in a structured and intentional way in order to improve lives.”
Kuya offers day passes as well as monthly memberships and Ketamine Therapy packages.
Learn more at https://kuyawellness.com/ 4401 Freidrich Lane, Unit 300, Austin, TX 78744
ARTICLE BY STEPHANIE COULTRESS O'NEILL
Summer Staples You Need Now
AS THE TEMPERATURES RISE, ENSURE YOUR WARDROBE HAS THESE SUMMER ESSENTIALS.
Sundress
An easy breezy sundress is perfect for hot summer days. Choose lightweight fabrics like cotton or linen to stay cool and comfortable. This effortless piece can transition from beach outings to casual dinners with ease.
White Shorts
White shorts are a classic summer staple. Their crisp, clean look pairs well with any top, making them incredibly versatile. Dress them up with a blouse and some platform sandals or keep it casual with a tank and flats.
Colorful Midi Skirt
A colorful midi skirt adds a playful touch to your summer wardrobe. Opt for bold patterns or vibrant hues to make a statement. Pair with a basic tee or tank for a look that’s both chic and fun.
Bathing Suit Cover-Up
A versatile bathing suit cover-up is a must-have for beach and pool days. Look for styles that can double as a dress or tunic, offering flexibility and style and ideal for transitioning from water to boardwalk.
Gold Sandals
Speaking of shoes...Gold sandals add a touch of glamor to your summer outfits. A flat sandal can elevate your look while remaining comfortable. They pair beautifully with everything from sundresses to shorts, making them a must-have accessory.
A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS
THROUGH AUGUST 31ST
Paramount Theatre's 50th year of their Summer Classic Film Series
Paramount Theatre: 713 Congress Ave., Austin, TX 78701 | 7:00 PM
For the last 50 years, when the Austin heat becomes unbearable, the century-old Paramount Theatre has provided a cool escape to enjoy some of the greatest films ever made. This year, they're celebrating 50 years with special guests, themed events and more. Find the summer schedule and buy tickets here: https://www.austintheatre.org/events/film/
JULY 4TH
Austin Symphony Orchestra July 4th Concert and Fireworks, presented by H-E-B
Vic Mathias Shores | 4:00 PM
This 47th Annual party is free and open to the public, but those seeking a premium experience can purse VIP packages, including a reserved table on the H-E-B Terrace at the Long Center for Performing Arts, at https://www. starspangledfest.com, where you can also learn about about the pre-party festivities kicking off July 3rd!
FAVORITE THINGS 5
ARTICLE BY JENNIFER BIRN
1. MOSKITO ISLAND: A treasure in BVI populated with luxury estates that each sleep 20-24, come with a private chef and bespoke experiences. Learn more at https://moskito.com
2. WINE & FOOD FOUNDATION: An amazing community that celebrates the art, culture, and enjoyment of wine and food through educational programs and events like their annual Taste of Texas. https://winefoodfoundation.org/
3. SUSHI BAR ATX: A 17-course omakase served in a speakeasy where each bite is a celebration on your palette as the curated combination of flavors dance in your mouth. https://sushibarhospitality.com
4. BLOOM: I get excited for spin class sipping the great-tasting pre-workout from Austin-based founder Mari Llewellyn’s functional supplement company. They also have greens & superfood blends and more. https://bloomnu.com/
5. LOVERS & LIARS: Austin author Amanda Eyre Ward’s latest novel follows three estranged and wildly different sisters who reunite for a destination wedding in an English castle. Shenanigans ensue.
The Oasis on Moskito Island
Sushi chefs Jay & Robert
Taste of Texas
