Memorial, TX April 2022

A R T S + C U LT U R E

TH E PH OTO GRAPH I C M AGI C O F A SH K AN ROAYAEE LI F E + C U LTU R E

E XPLO RE H OUSTO N TH IS SPRI NG TR AV E L

SAIL AWAY O N A BESPO KE YACHT VACATIO N F O O D + B E V E R AG E

INSIDE VAN LEEUWEN I CE CRE AM’ S PERFECT SCO O P

A P R I L 2 022

LIFESTYLE LETTER

With Fresh Eyes

April 2022 PUBLISHER

Suzanne Schakett suzanne.schakett@citylifestyle.com EDITOR

Welcome Spring! It is a season of exciting new beginnings. Nature reveals its beauty through budding trees and flowers, and the fresh temperate air invites us to spend more time outdoors. With our annual Explore Issue, you hold in your hands an invitation to look with fresh eyes for ways to welcome the beauty and possibilities all around us.

Inside we share how some of our neighbors are getting out to explore both locally and globally. If you are ready for a vacation of a lifetime, dive into Sail Away to learn how to charter a yacht or catamaran for a unique and relaxing twist on the all-inclusive experience. You will be surprised that such a luxurious trip is more within reach than you may have realized. If you are staying closer to home, you will find a handy guide to fun things to do in Houston this season in Front and Center. And then there’s ice cream! Who doesn’t love the cold yummy goodness on a sunny day? If you haven’t made your first trip to Van Leeuwen, you must go – NOW. And it won't be your last!

In The Myth and The Magic, we slip into the world of Ashkan Roayaee, a gifted local photographer who captures a flow and movement in his images unlike anything we have seen before. There is so much to discover inside these pages, from treasure hunting to date night hot spots, and more!

We would love to hear from you about your favorite hidden gems in town and your go-to travel destinations, so drop us a line or share it with us on Facebook or Instagram. We hope that the ideas, images, and inspiration featured this month give you something to be excited about. Here is to a happy spring full of adventure and peace and sunshine.

Gabi De la Rosa | gabi.delarosa@citylifestyle.com ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE

Lindy Tennet | lindy.tennet@citylifestyle.com SALES SUPPORT COOR DINATOR

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Proverbs 3:5-6 Memorial Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the Memorial area’s most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle Publications’ opinions. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent. Lifestyle Publications does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors.

Information in Memorial Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the

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APRIL 2022

inside the issue The Explore Issue

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24

36

32

F E ATU R E D

D E PA RTM E NTS

18 Sail Away

4

Lifestyle Letter

8

City Scene

10

Business Monthly

14

Happy Hour

18

Local Limelight

24

Must See

32 The Perfect Scoop

30

Local’s Choice

32

Hot Spot

Ice Cream is exactly what you need.

36

Artist’s Palette

40

Road Trip

A private yacht vacation may be within your reach.

24 Front & Center

From immersive experiences to award-winning stage productions, there is something for everyone in Houston this spring.

Artisanally made, with premium ingredients and innovative flavors, Van Leeuwen

36 The Myth and the Magic

Learn more about Ashkan Roayaee, a Houston photographer known for his dramatic and mesmerizing dance images.

O N T H E C OV E R

Photography: Ashkan Roayaee Addison Bradley

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ENT ERTA I NMENT T R AV EL

LI FE + C U LT U R E S HO PPI NG

FO O D + B EV ER AGE A RTS + C U LT U R E

T R AV EL

LIBR A

UNIVERSA L BA L A NCE

Bathing In Luxury & Wellness

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7 13.465.4800 |

AC E R O B E L L A

| AC E R O B E L L A .CO M

- BY APPOINTMENT -

APRIL 2022

city scene

Where neighbors can see and be seen.

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3

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DAVE ROSSMAN

4

WILSON PARISH

2 DANIEL ORTIZ

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PRISCILLA DICKSON

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WILSON PARISH

PRISCILLA DICKSON

JENNY ANTHILL

1: American Heart Association 2022 Houston Heart Ball Chairs, Joanne Houck & Tim Singletary helped raise $2.3M. 2: AHA Heart Ball Community Honorees Lacey & Matt Goossen and Ann & Peter Fluor. 3: Nick & Beth Zdeblick enjoy the Houston Ballet’s jewel themed ball which raised $1.4 million. 4: The Junior League of Houston hosted its 74th Annual Charity Ball and raised over $900K. 5: Adam & Stephanie Massey, Brett & Kristen McDonald at The Junior League of Houston Charity Ball. 6: Maggie Lummis, Carma Abboushi at Contemporary Arts Museum Houston “Another Great Night” fundraiser. 7: Roslyn Bazzelle Mitchell & Derrick Mitchell at the HMNS gala.

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APRIL 2022

business monthly A round-up of exciting news from local businesses.

THE ART OF PANTRY COOKING: MEALS FOR FAMILY AND FRIENDS Join author Ronda Carman as she cooks from her pantry and readily available items in the refrigerator. Organized alphabetically, these ingredients are the foundation for creating meals that reflect today’s palette. Each section covers a single staple that can be used for numerous recipes. With over 100 easy-to-follow recipes and stunning photography by Matthew Mead, this practical cookbook features original takes on Caramelized Onion Anchovy Butter, Lemon Orzo with Tuna and Artichoke Hearts, and Pasta with Sardines, Breadcrumbs, and Capers. rondacarman.com Photography Matthew Mead

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H AP PY H OU R | EN TERTA I NME NT

Coming up with creative date night ideas can sometimes be a challenge. Still, for Houston couple, Le Nguyen, a realtor with Century 21 Top Realty, and Amanda Sek variety keeps their five-year relationship fresh and exciting.

The busy couple swears by a shared calendar to keep their schedules straight. If they, by chance, have some time to fill, they plan a date night. Although they like to stay busy, they leave time for relaxing at home. Farmers markets, festivals, and walks around Memorial Park with their pitbull rescue Maggie are always at the top of their list. Shopping for and cooking a delicious meal at home is also a favorite activity for Le and Amanda. Binging on TV series’ or caring for their parrot, sea life (the couple owns a 150-gallon saltwater fish tank), and Maggie also fill their evenings at home.

Although working and living together also poses its own challenges, Le and Amanda love the social scene as much as they love romantic date nights.

They incorporate friends and family into their nights out to help them stay connected. “We are both very outgoing, and it helps when your partner can easily blend into any social environment.

We like to host events for our friends, family, and clients,” says Nguyen. “Sometimes we host extravagant open houses at our high-end listings, where we invite other brokers and colleagues. We thoroughly enjoy hosting with live music and bartenders to widen our network.”

DATE NIGHT FAVORITES We enjoy watching performances at the Hobby Center. Afterward, we like to walk to a sushi restaurant and explore a few downtown bars.

Cyclone Anaya is a favorite for the ceviche and spicy margaritas while people-watching at City Centre.

We love to walk around Memorial Park; sometimes, we’ll take a picnic basket with some wine and snacks and play chess or people-watch.

You can also find us at the bar at Federal American Grill for their well-crafted Old Fashioneds and truffle carpaccio.

We’ve been to several comedy shows at the Improv, and we always have a great time enjoying the performers.

We love Masraff’s. The crab cakes are a must (not bready, more crabby) and their Sea Bass or rack of lamb are delicious. It’s a treat when Mr. Masraff himself comes and checks on you.

Another Memorial favorite is Rouxpour in Memorial City Mall. The gumbo, oysters, and Old Fashioneds are a must.

Outside Memorial, Nobie’s is a very romantic date night place. The restaurant reminds us of a hobbit house turned restaurant, and everything there is delicious.

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Sail Away A PRI VATE YACHT VACATION MAY BE WITHIN YOUR REACH

ARTICLE BY REBECCA DEURLEIN

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LOCA L LIM E LIGH T | TR AVE L

The word “yacht” evokes feelings of not just wealth, but extreme wealth. Caviar, diamonds, and sailing on a private yacht all belong to the very rich, right?

Not at all, says Ashton Robinson, a Yacht Charter Consultant with Sophia Tutino Yachting. As someone who works one-on-one with clients to create their dream yachting vacation, she says it’s not exclusive to the ultrawealthy. In fact, vacationers might be surprised to discover access to an elegant yacht experience, all handled through a privately owned boutique company.

Robinson has local Houston knowledge and global connections, and she puts them both to work for her clients. Whether in the British Virgin Islands or on the Mediterranean, Robinson says you can go in style without going broke.

“The benefit of a yacht vacation is that this holiday is 100% about you and your needs,” said Robinson. “There is no one else in your accommodations, and there is no one else taking attention away from your needs. This is about you, your family and friends, from the food to the itinerary, to what type of tea or coffee you want in the morning.”

What makes yachts even more special is that they can maneuver into channels and canals unreachable by cruise ships. Robinson explained, “There are so many places

around the world that can only be reached by boat, and no one will ever see those coves and that special spot any other way. To see something so few will ever see in their lifetime is incredibly special.”

So what can you expect to pay for this level of luxury? A range of vessels is available, and that comes with a range of prices that while still exclusive, are still in reach for some.

In real numbers: an 83 ft yacht accommodating 8 guests in 4 cabins may cost $53,000 per week plus expenses, averaging about $950 per day per person. All charter yachts are crewed, so your yacht is ready to sail from the moment you step onboard.

If this all sounds like the vacation of your dreams, now is the time to book for the Mediterranean Sea, sailing around New England, or exploring the waters of Northern Europe. All three are popular summer destinations and book up fast.

And it’s not too early to think about holiday and winter destinations such as the Bahamas, Caribbean, Maldives, Central America, French Polynesia and Southeast Asia. The industry is projecting a record number of travelers since COVID, so book now before your dreams sail away! ashton@sophiaty.com +1 346 221 8850

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“The benefit of a yacht vacation is that this holiday is 100% about you and your needs.

There is no one else in your accommodations, and there is no one else taking attention away from your needs. This is about you, your family and friends, from the food, to the itinerary, to what type of tea or coffee you want in the morning.”

- Ashton Robinson

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Front & Center FROM IMMERSIVE EXPERIENCES TO AWARD-WINNING STAGE PRODUCTIONS, THERE IS SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE IN HOUSTON THIS SPRING.

ARTICLE BY MEMORIAL LIFESTYLE STAFF

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M UST SE E | L IFE + CU LTURE

01 // DISNEY’S FROZEN

02 // FIDDLER ON THE ROOF

Photo credit Joan Marcus

03 // STRANGE BIRD IMMERSIVE EXPERIENCE

Photo courtesy of Strange Bird

Photo credit Deen Van Meer

04 // JERSEY BOYS

01 // FROZEN, the Tony-nominated Best Musical, is melting hearts on Broadway and across the country in an all-new production created for the stage by an award-winning team. The unforgettable theatrical experience is filled with exciting special effects, stunning sets and costumes, and powerhouse performances. June 30 - July 17.

02 // Tony Award®-winning director Bartlett Sher brings his fresh take on a beloved masterpiece to life. Rich with musical hits you know and love, including “Tradition,” “Sunrise, Sunset,” “If I Were A Rich Man,” “Matchmaker, Matchmaker,” and “To Life (L’Chaim!).” April 26 - May 1.

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04 // Go behind the music and inside the story of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons in the Tony and Grammy Award®-winning true-life musical phenomenon, Jersey Boys.

From the streets of New Jersey to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, this is a musical that’s just too good to be true. May 10 - 22.

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05 // ART CAR MUSEUM

06 // ROMEO AND JULIET

07 // PRETTY THINGS

Photo credit MorrisMalakoff

08 // VIRTUAL REALITIES: THE ART OF M.C. ESCHER FROM THE MICHAEL S. SACHS COLLECTION

05 // If you didn’t catch the famous Art Car Parade, back after a two year hiatus due to COVID-19, visit the spring exhibition at the Art Car Museum. The exhibition will feature the art of Harold Bourdier, art cars, and other contemporary fine art. By appointment only: 713.861.5526 06 // Houston Grand Opera presents a new production of Gounod’s sweeping adaptation of Shakespeare’s timeless tragedy, Romeo and Juliet. With a large chorus, rich harmonies, sumptuous costumes, and intricate dance numbers this is French grand opera at its finest. Currently playing through May 11.

07 // This program showcases Houston Ballet’s continued tradition of supporting the world’s most respected choreographers, featuring works by Jorma Elo, Christopher Bruce, and Trey McIntyre.

Elo’s ONE|end|ONE reflects the dance maker’s quirky and unexpected movements creating an atmosphere of playfulness. May 20-29

M.C. Escher, Bond of Union, Photo courtesy of Museum of Fine Arts, Houston.

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M UST SE E | L IFE + CU LTURE

08 // Drawn from an exceptional private collection of the work and studio tools of M.C Escher, this exhibition explores the optical and conceptual innovations of the 20th-century Dutch printmaker and draftsman whose widely popularized images challenge the boundaries between reality and illusion. Museum of Fine Arts, Houston through September.

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Tina Murphy, owner of Magnolia Gardens Auction House.

Photo Credit Max Parisi

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LOCA L’S CH OICE | SHOPPI NG

ARTICLE BY MEMORIAL LIFESTYLE STAFF

G oing , G oi ng , G one!

Magnolia Gardens Auction House serves up antiques, high-end décor, and rare finds virtually and through in-person auctions.

Auction houses are seeing a surge in buying from a younger generation of first-time collectors who are scooping up everything from art and jewelry to home goods and furniture. The pandemic ushered in a new way to conduct auctions because of in-person gathering restrictions, and being virtual has gone viral. Like others around the country, Magnolia Gardens Auction House took to social media for their weekly auctions and tapped into a whole new audience.

“We had to change it up because of the pandemic, and that is why we started having Facebook Live sales,” says owner Tina Murphy. “We still have an in-person auction once per month, but now Magnolia Gardens is well known on social media.”

Murphy opened Magnolia Gardens Auction House in 2011 and is known for antiques and higher-end pieces. Customers can come in and browse to get a preview of the items on sale at any time, but purchases must wait until a virtual or in-person auction.

Murphy also gives previews before her Facebook Live sales twice per week. Although antiques and decorative items are still the mainstays of her business, COVID changed many of the things Magnolia Gardens sells. Murphy explains that now, more than ever before, she helps companies liquidate their inventories so that she may be selling the contents of a drug store one week and an antique shop the following.

“The variety is amazing with collections from around the world - there is just a vast difference between an auction and a typical store. And generally, auctions are a great bargain. The prices are about one-third less than what you would normally find in a boutique,” says Murphy. “We don’t have to worry about overhead, shipping, or freight charges which means the savings are passed on to my customers.”

Murphy has seen everything come through her auction house doors, from fossilized coprolite to Old Masters paintings that go for upwards of $20,000. Bidding wars are common and encouraged. “I treat my auction house as a big party. Everyone is welcome here, and I take care of people’s possessions as if they were my own.” magnoliagardensauctionhouse.com

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Co-Owner and founder Ben Van Leeuwen

The Perfect Scoop ARTICLE BY GABI DE LA ROSA | PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF VAN LEEUWEN

Artisanally made, with premium ingredients, and innovative flavors, Van Leeuwen Ice Cream is exactly what Houston’s sweet scene needs.

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H OT SP OT | FOOD + BEV E RAGE

Kraft Macaroni and Cheese, Blood Orange Cream, and Vegan Yuzu & Sake might not be obvious choices for ice cream flavors, but they are what has propelled Van Leeuwen Ice Cream to be New York City’s favored creamy scoop. What started as a Brooklyn-based ice cream truck has become an empire. Van Leeuwen ice cream is now available in grocery stores, online, and in their brightly colored ice cream shops in New York and Los Angeles. In 2021, the cult favorite landed in Houston with outposts in Rice Village, Uptown Park, and a third location slated to open in The Montrose Collective this spring.

Co-founder Ben Van Leeuwen explains why he cares more about butterfat and egg yolks than just about anyone else and why Houston was an obvious choice for the bi-coastal company.

WHY DID YOU CHOOSE HOUSTON AS YOUR FIRST TEXAS LOCATION? We always had Houston in mind, because it is a large city with a great food scene and diversity. We looked at income and education levels data, and Houston ranked high. Houston doesn’t get the same PR as other places like Austin, but it is an excellent city.

VAN LEEUWEN IS A RELATIVELY YOUNG COMPANY IT IS SURPRISING HOW FAST YOU HAVE GROWN. I started it in 2008 with my brother and our business partner Laura. We raised $50K from friends and family. We bought a used post office truck off eBay and outsourced all ice cream production for the first year. We have been in business for almost 15 years, and we bootstrapped it for the first 11 years. Since then, we have raised money twice

to increase production and open more stores. We have expanded a lot in the last two years.

When everything was getting terrible in New York during COVID, we almost closed all our New York City locations.

I am so glad that we didn’t because we have almost made it back to pre-pandemic levels. During COVID, when sales were much slower, we got to work on our day-to-day operations and streamlined the behind-the-scenes stuff like supply chain operations.

WHY DO YOU THINK PEOPLE LOVE VAN LEEUWEN ICE CREAM EVEN AT A PREMIUM PRICE POINT? I believe we create luxurious and deeply satisfying ice cream. We use an 18% butterfat and 8% egg yolk base. What does that mean to the customer? It means we are using a lot more fat and a ton of egg yolks, which makes a creamy custard our customers enjoy.

We also focus on the highest quality ingredients. For example, the chocolate we use is top quality from Ecuador, where we are also invested in helping the community. The strawberries in our ice cream are picked right off the vine when they are at their ripest; we get our pistachios from Italy and our tea from a supplier in New York. All in all, I think it is a combination of excellent customer service and delicious ice cream.

WHAT CAN VAN LEEUWEN ENTHUSIASTS LOOK FORWARD TO THIS YEAR? This is the first year we are implementing quarterly specials, and I am excited about it. There will be 12 quarterly specials per year and another 10-20 limited-time offer specials.

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A Bit of Old & New – all under one roof.

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Join the Movement to ‘Be Dance Smart’!

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Laura Henning

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THE MYTH AND THE MAGIC LEARN MORE ABOUT ASHKAN ROAYAEE, A HOUSTON PHOTOGRAPHER KNOWN FOR HIS DRAMATIC AND MESMERIZING DANCE IMAGES. Photographers are our eyes into a world we cannot experience for ourselves. Their work inspires us, informs us, and puts our world into a broader context. Photos, especially in the digital age, are our universal language.

Although we all have hundreds of images at our fingertips and the ability to snap a picture constantly, a good photographer captures the moments we miss in our everyday lives.

Through his lens, Ashkan Roayaee takes us into the world of dance, movement, strength, and artistry. Self-taught, he began taking photos in 2008 and is one of Houston's most celebrated and sought-after photographers.

I asked Roayaee how he became a photographer, why he is drawn to dance images, and what is next.

Where are you from, and how did you end up in Houston?

I was born in Tehran, Iran, and lived there on and off until I was 16 years old when I moved to Turkey to attend University. My parents and brother moved to Houston in the early 2000s, and I moved to be with them 12 years later.

When did you become interested in photography?

In my junior year in college, I was bored with pre-med classes and would find photography

books in the library to give myself a break from studying. I also played volleyball in college, but got injured. This allowed me extra time to start photographing with my first film camera and learn more about photography.

Why did you decide to specialize in dance photography?

The composition of a dancer is exceptional and very appealing to the eye. We can enjoy dance on stage, but breaking it down to a single moment in a position or pose is striking in itself, and I felt that it was lacking as art in Houston.

Do you see yourself photographing different subject matter in the future?

Fashion is something that I am definitely interested in and that we are starting to get more requests for. Fashion is so many things, and it is all about perspective. Also, during a fashion shoot, I get to collaborate with so many other creative people before and during a shoot, making it inspiring.

What is one thing most people don't know about the photography process?

Photography is not easy, and there is more to it than just point and shoot. It involves a lot of knowledge, investment, dedication, and consistency.

ARTICLE BY GABI DE LA ROSA PHOTOGRAPHY BY ASHKAN ROAYAEE

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Alyssa Springer, Soloist with the Houston Ballet.

Chun Wai Chan, Soloist with New York City Ballet.

Vitacca Ballet

What do you want to say with your photographs, and how do you get your pictures to do that?

I want to share an impactful moment in time. It isn't about what the photograph is saying but more about what it evokes as a feeling. I try to combine a dancer in a complimentary wardrobe that fits their unique style and capture them in flattering lighting in their best technical position.

How do you choose the poses you are going to shoot?

We have ideas put together beforehand and know the dancers' strengths that are coming to be photographed. My team and I also produce a mood board for each dancer to reference during the photoshoot. ashkanimage.com

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Christopher McKenzie AP R I L 2 0 2 2 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM / M E M O R I A L

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Visit Music City

Getaway to Nashville

and ‘Write Your Own Music City Story’

Write your own music story. That’s exactly what the chefs, artists, historians, musicians and impassioned locals of Nashville want visitors to do as they dive into this culturally diverse and oh-so-friendly city.

Our team of local lifestyle fanatics at City Lifestyle are thrilled to collaborate with Visit Music City to present a customized visitor’s guide and exclusive GIVEAWAY* to this city rich in experiences that only Nashville can give. It’s a destination drenched in distinction with elevated tastes, down-home charm and a range of discoveries both well-known and emerging—Nashville is ready to rock your world.

With recent headlines such as “Top destinations for food and city lovers” (Tripadvisor), “Most anticipated hotel openings of 2022” (Forbes), and “Top global venues for live music” (Tennessean), Nashville has so much more than you’ve ever imagined, and we’re here to round up our recommendations for you.

Whether you’re a Nashville enthusiast or a novice soon to cross this off your domestic bucket list, you will love the medley of past meets present and Southern roots paired with modern amenities. As the largest city in Tennessee, Nashville boasts an impressive array of destinations, including luxurious hotels such as the Sheraton Grand in the heart of downtown, Urban Cowboy, Noelle and The Hermitage Hotel, which houses the upscale restaurant Drusie and Darr, led by world-renowned chef Jean-Gorges. Come and enjoy a truly elevated dining experience that reflects the new era of Nashville.

When ready to absorb the historic side of the city, the centuries-old landmark and winery, Belle Meade Historic Site & Winery, offers guests “historic tours, family tours, wine and food pairings, bourbon tastings and chef-inspired food and wine pairings” that are unparalleled in their local experience. Likewise, Nelson’s Green Brier Distillery carries an incredible story of origination and bottles a remarkable 1860 family recipe that made Tennessee Whiskey world famous.

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Let’s talk about one of the most anticipated— the food scene! Three things Nashville is known for are hot chicken, barbecue, and meat & three restaurants. Meat & three is a traditional Southern, cafeteria-style eatery with three meats changing daily, such as roast beef, meatloaf, fried chicken or catfish, plus your choice of three vegetable sides.

Nashville has amassed a lot of attention over the last 10 years for its exquisite food scene, with several James Beard award-winning chefs and an incredible independent restaurant scene.

People know how good the food scene is, but if they really want to find those independent chef-driven restaurants like Rolf and Daughters, FOLK, Bastion, Locust, or Henrietta Red, these are the chefs that garner a lot of attention that you won’t want to miss.

Along with these notable culinary establishments, don’t overlook mainstays such as Arnold’s Country Kitchen, a traditional meat & three that has been in the same family for decades and where chefs love to eat because everything is sourced locally and delicious. Whether it’s traditional Southern food or higher end chef-driven cuisine, the quality is expected and delivered.

You can also find dozens of amazing rooftop bars and cocktail lounges, as well as many hidden bars you can dig around for, such as the one in the Noelle hotel.

For the art lovers at heart, Nashville’s ever-growing arts scene is as diverse and approachable as its music scene. Murals, streets art, public art, art galleries and museums are all a part of experiencing Nashville’s visual art offerings. Music history venues such as the new National Museum of African American Music will complement your old favorite Frist Art Museum, Cheekwood Estate & Gardens, and Grand Ole Opry experiences. According to @visitmusiccity, “Everyone should do the Grand Ole Opry one night; it’s not just about the music, it’s a piece of history and the world’s longest running radio show.”

“Nashville’s ever-growing arts scene is as diverse and approachable as its music scene.

Murals, streets art, public art, art galleries, and museums are all a part of experiencing Nashville’s visual art offerings.”

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As for the lay of the land, Nashville is definitely a city of neighborhoods. Each neighborhood is known for its own distinct feel and personality.

East Nashville is funky, artsy, trendy and quirky.

Germantown is a little more upscale with its chefdriven restaurants and walkable nature, known as Nashville’s first neighborhood founded by German settlers. 12South has eateries, boutique shopping and a lot of local favorites. Wedgewood-Houston is in transition mode right now with great breweries, distilleries, bakeries and art galleries.

In the end, they all have their own scene. Plus, you can shop your heart out at a wealth of boutiques, galleries and local maker shops, as well as Nashville’s upscale The Mall at Green Hills brimming with luxury stores such as Golden Goose and Gucci.

Last but not least is the music scene. Whether you’re into blues, jazz, honky tonk, rock, symphony or quite literally any genre of music imaginable, Nashville has it all.

Spend one night on Broadway hopping bar to bar, sit orchestra-side at the Schermerhorn Symphony Center, tour and take in a show at the 130-year-old Ryman Auditorium, then experience a songwriter’s night at The Bluebird or The Listening Room Cafe.

The music is different every night everywhere, so one is best served by referring to visitmusiccity.com for their Upcoming Concerts Calendar to soak up all the magnificent sounds.

There’s often a general misconception that if you don’t like country music that you won’t enjoy this musically rooted city. This could not be farther from the truth, according to the team of lifestyle experts at Visit Music City.

“There’s a lot more than just country music happening here. Country music laid the foundation that put all of these song writers, studios, musicians and infrastructure into place for all of this music to happen. But whether you like country music or not, what you don’t realize is that there’s a lot of music you might like that you never thought of as country.” This is a revelation that will pleasantly surprise many.

And, what better way to bestow a no-questions-asked travel itinerary than with the locals’ knowledge. “Once people experience the genuine hospitality of Nashville to the level they do, many are surprised by how incredibly friendly people are.” Visit Music City Visit Music City offers a complimentary service called Trip Planner where you can contact their “Nashville Experts” who work on the visitor experience team, and they will help as much or as little as you want, including an entire agenda or a few suggestions (See “Plan a Trip” on the site).

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WIN a 3-night Weekend GETAWAY to Nashville!

City Lifestyle and Visit Music City are giving one lucky winner and a guest the chance to explore Music City with a uniquely curated hospitality itinerary! With three days filled with complimentary hotel, food, entertainment and shopping experiences, the only thing you need to do is arrange transportation to and from Nashville.

This giveaway will close on April 30, 2022. The trip must be taken by the end of 2022.

For a chance to win, follow @citylifestyle and @visitmusiccity on Instagram and tag unlimited friends and family on the April 1st giveaway post for additional entries to win.

$3,200 MUSIC CITY GETAWAY FOR 2 INCLUDES: • • • • • •

3-nights at Sheraton Grand Nashville Downtown Dinner at Drusie & Darr Tour at Belle Meade Historic Site & Winery Tour & Tasting at Green Brier Distillery $500 Gift Card to Nordstrom in The Mall at Green Hills VIP Star Card – an attraction pass good for two people to experience the best attractions in Nashville • Music City Gift Bag *Star Card is not available to the public, this is an exclusive offering in collaboration with Visit Music City.

Scan the code to ENTER to WIN at @citylifestyle on Instagram!

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SOLD

BY

JUSTIN

Justin Dugat | Realtor® Call 949.877.6965 for your Complimentary Home Valuation

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All material presented herein is intended for informational purposes only. Information is compiled from sources deemed reliable but is subject to errors, omissions, changes in price, condition, sale, or withdrawal without notice. All measurements and square footages are approximate. Exact dimensions can be obtained by retaining the services of an architect or engineer. This is not intended to solicit property already listed. Nothing herein shall be construed as legal, accounting or other professional advice outside the realm of real estate brokerage. Compass is a licensed real estate broker. Equal Housing Opportunity.