FOOD + BEVERAGE THE BAYOU CITY’S BEST BAKERIES
STYLE + BEAUTY LOCAL FASHION TO FALL FOR HOUSTON ON THE HALF SHELL

FEBRUARY 2025





FOOD + BEVERAGE THE BAYOU CITY’S BEST BAKERIES
STYLE + BEAUTY LOCAL FASHION TO FALL FOR HOUSTON ON THE HALF SHELL
FEBRUARY 2025
•
LIFESTYLE LETTER
Welcome to the February "Love Local" issue of Memorial Lifestyle . This month, we’re celebrating all the things, people, and experiences that make Houston so special—the ones we can’t help but fall in love with over and over again.
For the foodies among us, we’ve curated an unmissable dining guide to Houston’s best oysters. Whether you’re a fan of raw, grilled, or fried, these local spots serve up fresh, flavorful options you’ll want to savor. And speaking of culinary delights, our If You Eat One Thing feature takes you behind the scenes of the newest Memorial location of Relish, a beloved restaurant that combines comfort and sophistication in every bite.
But we’re not stopping there! In The Sweet Spot, we’re diving into the city’s bakery scene to bring you the ultimate guide to Houston’s best treats. From unique bites to decadent and artful pastries, this is a story you’ll want to sink your teeth into—literally.
This issue also spotlights Houston’s vibrant fashion scene. Don’t miss our article on three Houston-based designers who are redefining local style with creativity and flair. Their inspired and iconic designs prove that Houston is a true fashion capital in the making.
And for those looking to escape for a weekend (weekday trips are allowed too!), we’ve got you covered with 14 Reasons to Fall in Love with Fort Worth . Just a short drive away, this Texas gem offers a fabulous itinerary of art, food, and adventure— perfect for your next getaway.
This is an issue full of love, joy, and inspiration, and I know you’ll adore every page. Thank you for letting us be part of your life—it’s readers like you who make this journey so meaningful.
With love,
SUZANNE SCHAKETT, PUBLISHER
February 2025
PUBLISHER
Suzanne Schakett | suzanne.schakett@citylifestyle.com
MANAGING EDITOR
Gabi De la Rosa | gabi.delarosa@citylifestyle.com
PUBLICATION DIRECTOR
Kayla Bokemeyer | kayla.bokemeyer@citylifestyle.com
SALES DIRECTOR
Suzanne Schakett | suzanne.schakett@citylifestyle.com
SALES SUPPORT COORDINATOR
Savannah Schakett
CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Diane Cowen
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
COO Matthew Perry
CRO Jamie Pentz
CTO Ajay Krishnan
VP OF OPERATIONS Janeane Thompson
VP OF FRANCHISE DEVELOPMENT Erika Smiley
AD DESIGNER Matthew Endersbe
LAYOUT DESIGNER Antanette Ray
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Marina Campbell
1. FULL SCREENING
Arrive for a full day of labs, diagnostics, and medical evaluations.
3. INTERVENTION
Address
2. PLAN REVIEW
Review results and lifestyle plans with physicians, nutritionists, and other specialists.
4. AGGRESSIVE MONITORING
Repeat
Explore Houston’s oyster offerings: bold, briny, and perfectly fresh.
Three Houston-based designers are attracting sophisticated clientele with their carefully crafted and storied designs.
James Beard nominees and Michelin nods: Houston bakeries infuse excellence into every bite.
FEBRUARY 2025
1: Tilman Fertitta, Patrick Fertitta at the Ambassadors for Texas Children’s Hospital holiday party. 2: Dr. Walter & Linda McReynolds, Spencer Tilman at the Salvation Army of Greater Houston 30th annual luncheon 3: Zinat Ahmed with Texas A&M mascot Reveille on the sidelines at the Lone Star Showdown. 4: Seth & Katie Tsuru at the American Cancer Society ‘Shuck Cancer’ fundraiser. 5: Kit Klaes, Davis Hance at Houston Young Professionals for the American Cancer Society ‘Shuck Cancer’ fundraiser. 6: Britney Mahugh, Debra Slaughter at Cotton Holdings’ tailgate party at the Lone Star Showdown. 7: Derek Shore, Brandon Bourque at the Arts of Healing gala.
Want to be seen in the magazine?
Radom Capital and generational real estate investment, development, and management firm MetroNational proudly announce plans for Greenside, an adaptive reuse project just north of I-10 at 1085 Gessner Road. Greenside is being designed by acclaimed architectural firm Michael Hsu Office of Architecture to reimagine and revitalize 35,000 square feet of non-descript warehouse space into a vibrant, family-friendly community hub. The project will blend first-tomarket retail, restaurant, and service users, including signature wellness and beauty-focused tenants.
Messina Hof’s Harvest Green Winery & Kitchen located in Richmond has introduced various new items to its lunch and dinner menus. Each dish represents the Vineyard Cuisine™ concept at Messina Hof, incorporating one of the brand’s exquisite wines into each recipe for an elevated food and wine adventure.
Photography by Messina Hof Winery
Children’s Museum Houston Awarded $2.5 Million Lilly Endowment Inc. Grant
Children’s Museum Houston (CMH) is thrilled to announce it has been awarded a $2.5 million grant by Lilly Endowment Inc. to implement new programming that helps families explore character development. This initiative, set to launch in 2025 and continue through 2029, supports the desires of Houston parents and caregivers to foster the traits of integrity, collaboration, kindness, critical thinking, autonomy, and respect in their children.
Energy Realty is Houston’s trusted leader in relocation, offering tailored services to families, professionals, and corporations. With multilingual experts guiding every step, we ensure that your transition is smooth, stress-free, and truly exceptional. From finding the perfect home to integrating into a new community, we bring the energy you need to start your next chapter.
Relocate with confidence. Scan the QR code to discover how we can help.
The 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV RS AWD stands out because of its advanced features and road trip-ready design. One of the main highlights is the large heads-up display, typically found in luxury vehicles, which provides essential information like speed and navigation directly on the windshield. Adding to the high tech feel of the car, the interior design is inspired by jet fighter aesthetics, with jet engine-styled air vents that can be easily adjusted by holding the center section to direct airflow.
The Blazer EV’s range is another strong selling point, offering up to 324 miles on a full charge according to EPA estimates, with some drivers exceeding this in real-world conditions. It’s
ARTICLE BY MEMORIAL LIFESTYLE STAFF | PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF CHEVEROLET
well-suited for long road trips, with comfortable and ventilated front and rear seats, smooth ride quality and a responsive climate control system ensuring a pleasant driving experience no matter the conditions.
With spacious seating in both rows, the Blazer EV is ideal for multiple passengers, offering ample legroom, wide door openings, and easy access. More premium touches include heated and ventilated seats, a heated steering wheel, and a hands-free power liftgate, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a roomy, electric SUV for road trips.
ARTICLE BY GABI DE LA ROSA
Location matters, and it so happens that Houston has a prime location on the Gulf Coast and is also a hub for travel. Why does this make a difference as diners tuck in at their favorite restaurants? Oysters.
Whether the bivalves are big, creamy, and harvested from the natural and artificial reefs that line the Gulf Coast or small, crisp, and salty from the northeast, the oysters served in Houston’s restaurants are fresh and diverse. With so many varieties to choose from, there is often confusion about the best time to eat
oysters from the raw bar. Winter is the best time to slurp oysters in their natural state, especially if they come from the Gulf Coast. As the water cools down, oysters’ metabolism slows, making them a well-balanced treat that perfectly combines taste and tang. During the summer, many restaurants fly in their oysters from more northern locations to ensure freshness and quality.
No matter the time of year or whether they are dressed, baked, grilled, or fresh from the Gulf, it is prime time to enjoy Houston on the half shell.
Chef Jason Ryczek pays homage to the ingredients in his kitchen by letting their natural flavors shine. His chef-driven menu features a great raw bar with a rotating selection of oysters, Texas wild Gulf shrimp, Maine lobster, and jumbo blue crab.
Little's Oyster Bar, Fresh oysters with hibiscus ponzu seafoam bubbles and caviar. Photo courtesy of Little's Oyster Bar
LITTLESOYSTERBAR.COM
Known for their fresh coastal ingredients and inviting atmosphere, both Liberty Kitchen & Oysterette locations are neighborhood favorites. Guests can choose from a robust wine list, and several ways to enjoy oysters, including the Char-Grilled Gulf Oyster Selects served with parmesan-herb butter or bacon jam & butter.
One of Memorial’s newest restaurants has already made a name for itself as a go-to spot for Texas-inspired culinary traditions. With a cocktail and wine menu that pairs perfectly with dishes including oysters on the half shell, Fire Roasted Seafood Tower, Sweetwater Whole Duck, and wild Gulf snapper, the possibilities are endless.
Eclectic Indian restaurant in the Woodlands, Amrina, boasts a variety of oyster options for any dining experience. Choose from Oysters on the Half Shell with lemon, Kashmiri chili mignonette, the Red Vein Sorrel & Champagne Granita featuring pickled granny smith apple and cucumber, or the Roasted Oysters with masala panko and dill butter.
Josephine’s takes pride in its Gulf Coastcentric approach, carefully sourcing seafood exclusively from the region. Their oysters are harvested solely from Gulf Coast waters, stretching from Matagorda Bay, Texas, to Mississippi. During happy hour, available Monday through Friday from 5 to 6:30 p.m., guests can enjoy Gulf Coast oysters for just $1.50 each.
River Oaks hotspot, State of Grace features an impressive selection of ice-cold raw oysters, plateaus, and specialties like Oysters Bienville topped with bacon, mushrooms, and garlicky crumb. With fresh offerings changing daily, State of Grace’s knowledgeable servers guide guests to their perfect selection, with oysters covering all preferences from briny to sweet to earthy and everything in between.
State of Grace, Grand Plateau. Photo by Andrew Thomas Lee.
STATEOFGRACETX.COM
The oysters for their Fried Oyster appetizer come from Barataria Bay near New Orleans, Louisiana. The oysters come from a small Smith Point facility, which exclusively shucks oysters for Pappas Restaurants. Their seasoned flour blend is carefully crafted for the batter to enhance color and flavor.
Pappas Bros Steakhouse, Fried Oyster appetizer.
courtesy of PBSH
PAPPASBROS.COM
Start 2025 with personalized care that fits your life. Amanecia Health is a physician-led concierge medicine practice, offering expert support for weight loss and urgent care needs—all with a white-glove touch. Our patients achieved amazing results in 2024, and we’re here to make 2025 even better for you!
Skip the waiting room — Your doctor is ready when you are. We make house calls!
Call (713) 364-5590 or visit www.amaneciahealth.com to schedule your complimentary weight loss consultation today!
V Amanecia_Health B Amanecia_Health
Heart of Hearts
“Art
- Marthann Masterson
ARTICLE BY GABI DE LA ROSA | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JULIE SOEFER
SAVOR MEDITERRANEAN-INSPIRED FLAVORS AT RELISH’S NEW MEMORIAL LOCATION.
Already a neighborhood favorite in River Oaks, a second location of Relish recently opened in Memorial's Town & Country Village. The restaurant, founded by husband and wife team Dustin and Addie Teague in 2016, has grown into an approachable but elevated go-to for American food with a Mediterranean influence. Diners can expect a menu with offerings similar to its River Oaks counterpart, including a robust wine list, hand-crafted cocktails, and rotating specials.
One of the menu standouts at the new location is the Butternut Squash Cavatelli, which is perfect for a cold February evening and paired with a glass of wine. relishhouston.com
According to executive chef Dustin Teague, Relish uses dried cavatelli made from durum wheat semolina imported from Italy. "It has a great texture similar to a gnocchi. The pasta's ridges allow it to soak up all the delicious sauce."
To achieve the perfect flavor profile, the sauce is made a la minute (made to order). Teague and his team brown shallots, onion, garlic, and sage, and then add Relish's homemade pomodoro sauce and a drop of cream and butter.
Striving for a delicious umami bite, Teague elevates the pasta by adding toasted and salted pumpkin seeds for nuttiness and crunch, along with aged parmesan.
THE MIX-INS
The pasta dish contains delicious Italian pork sausage, roasted butternut squash, and sage, making a perfect fall and winter flavor combination. "These mix-ins make the dish a little sweet, salty, herby, and very comforting," said Teague.
For local business owners, we o er two publications to showcase your brand with the most a uent homeowners in these specific co mmunities:
With almost 200,000 readers each month, we are masters at directly connecting your business with the community and telling your story.
Our partnership packages include print, digital, social media, editorial features, and networking events – all for one monthly rate
For this foyer, Houston interior designer
created a cozy nook with an upholstered wall under the stairs.
Designer Shundra Harris adds function to homes and offices.
ARTICLE BY DIANE COWEN PHOTOGRAPHY BY GRACIE HENLEY
Shundra Harris was working as an aerospace engineer when she remodeled her own home. When friends saw how gorgeous it turned out, they asked for her help and her second career was born.
“Residential projects are more personal, but there are more home offices for people working from home. A husband and wife might have their own offices and then come together in public or family areas.”
– Shundra Harris
She’s now the principal at Shundra Harris Interiors, handling a mix of commercial and residential projects. In February, Shundra will be inducted into the Houston Design District’s Leaders In Design program.
“Since COVID, there’s been a focus on work-life balance. In commercial projects, we’re using more of a residential approach,” Shundra said. “Residential projects are more personal, but there are more home offices for people working from home. A husband and wife might have their own offices or areas to be on their own and then come together in public or family areas.”
She recently completed working on a new home for Houston Texans coach Demeco Ryan and
his family. “We’re putting furniture in now. It’s been an amazing experience. My charge was ‘no white cabinets,’ so we’ve got some navy in the kitchen and red in the game room. We got to really be creative in this home.”
Shundra contributes to the interior design profession through the American Society of Interior Designers. She’s a past president of the local Gulf Coast Chapter and now serves on ASID’s national board. She also does volunteer work writing for licensing exams, doing site visits for universities seeking program accreditation and reviewing college curriculum.
Three Houston-based designers are attracting sophisticated clientele with their carefully crafted and storied designs.
Maitetxu emphasizes sustainability, using high-quality fabrics and repurposing materials.
ARTICLE BY MEMORIAL
Known for its flattering separates and distinctive jackets, Maitetxu was founded by Maite Bradford.
Maitetxu is a Houston-based brand specializing in handmade women’s clothing and accessories. Known for its flattering separates and distinctive jackets, Maitetxu was founded by Maite Bradford, who transitioned from a 20-year career in the oil and gas industry to pursue her passion for fashion design. After studying at Houston Community College, Bradford launched Maitetxu, focusing initially on custom designs before expanding to ready-to-wear collections in 2021. Each piece is thoughtfully crafted, featuring an inspirational tag that shares the story behind its creation.
The brand emphasizes sustainability, using high-quality fabrics and repurposing materials like Army surplus and vintage Levi’s jackets to create oneof-a-kind items. With limited inventory and custom orders, Maitetxu offers unique and timeless pieces tailored to individual clients. Maitetxu is available for purchase online. maitetxushop.com
Peruvian-American design house Enogomichu, founded by Luis Estrengo, draws continuous inspiration from the cultural vibrancy of Peru.
Peruvian-American design house Engomichu, founded by Luis Estrengo, draws continuous inspiration from the cultural vibrancy of Peru, particularly his childhood in Lima. The upcoming Collection Alumbro, debuting in early spring 2025, explores fragility through immersive design and a bohemian spirit. Known for its neutral, wearable pieces, Engomichu creates ready-towear collections that celebrate Peru’s heritage and cultural richness. Estrengo’s work bridges tradition and modernity, crafting fashion for those with wanderlust looking for a style rooted in storytelling and cultural identity. With each collection, Engomichu establishes itself as more than a brand—it is an artistic movement, offering designs that honor heritage while navigating contemporary trends. engomichu.com
The upcoming Collection
Approximately 80% of Mirth’s fabrics are crafted by artisans.
Mirth, a Houston-based womenswear brand founded in 2016 by sisters Katie McClure and Erin Breen, celebrates heritage textiles and ethical craftsmanship. Specializing in versatile caftans and resort wear, Mirth draws inspiration from traditional techniques like handloom weaving, jamdani, khadi, and block printing. Collaborating with artisans in India and Peru, the brand creates unique, handmade fabrics designed to honor cultural traditions while offering effortless, timeless style.
Approximately 80% of Mirth’s fabrics are crafted by artisans, with each piece reflecting the imperfect beauty of handmade textiles. Beyond design, Mirth is committed to supporting artisan communities, providing ethical employment, and preserving heritage crafts. A portion of sales supports organizations like Sneh Girls Shikshan Sansthan in Jaipur, providing education, meals, and clothing to impoverished children. mirthcaftans.com
Mirth draws inspiration from traditional techniques like handloom weaving, jamdani, khadi, and block printing.
ARTICLE BY GABI DE LA ROSA
James Beard nominees and Michelin nods: Houston bakeries infuse excellence into every bite.
‘Tis the season for a warm cup of coffee and a delicious pastry. Houston’s bakery scene brings together the best ingredients and flavorful influences from every corner of the globe. Whether it is a nod to eating at grandma’s breakfast table in Cambodia, Israel, or Mexico combined with traditional baking techniques, the long lines and critical acclaim at each of these bakeries are a testament to their innovation in the kitchen.
The days of easy-to-define baked goods are long gone as bakers are infusing their work with their personalities and lived experiences. Geometric cakes filled with chocolate, jalapeño, and cheese, heirloom corn scones, and kolaches stuffed with beef brisket pho are just a few of the delicacies worth the wait.
Bādolina Bakery & Cafe, brought to life by the James Beard-nominated restaurant group behind Doris Metropolitan, Hamsa, and Októ, has become a favorite for its made-to-order baked goods. The bakery, an expansion of Doris Metropolitan’s popular bread program, offers a mix of global flavors with a modern Middle Eastern and Israeli twist. There’s always something new to try, from sourdoughs and croissants to babkas and pastries. Their signature coffee, made from custom-roasted beans, pairs perfectly with any pastry.
Bādolina’s famous custom cakes require 24 hours’ notice, though a few premade options are available daily—if you’re lucky enough to grab one before they’re gone. Those looking to indulge on Valentine’s Day will have the option of mini heart cakes available for takeout, no pre-order needed. badolinabakery.com
Ema, a Heights cafe recognized as a Bib Gourmand restaurant by the Michelin Guide, opened its first brick-and-mortar location last year. Known for its brunch dishes like chilaquiles and mole, it has also gained acclaim for its pastry program, which was nominated for a James Beard Award in 2024. Highlights include innovative kolaches, conchas, and horchata berlinesas.
The Heights bakery-cafe rotates its pastry offerings, featuring items like matcha tres leches cake and heirloom corn creations. Customers flock for Mexican pastries, salsas, and espresso drinks, with lines forming early for its soft brioche conchas and nostalgic yet inspired flavors. emahtx.com
Vanarin Kuch, Houston-born and a first-generation Cambodian chef, has gained recognition for his inventive creations at Koffeteria, his East Downtown bakery and coffee shop. A Top Chef: Just Desserts and Chopped competitor, Kuch has developed a cult following with dishes including nacho cheese-stuffed Hot Cheetos croissant and the pho kolache, inspired by Vietnamese noodle soup.
Following his James Beard Award semifinalist nod, Kuch continues to innovate, incorporating Houston’s diverse culinary heritage into his menu. Seasonal highlights include creations that are as beautiful as they are tasty, including Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls and Guava Rose & Cheese Danish. koffeteria.com
ARTICLE BY GABI DE LA ROSA
Four hours from Houston, in Fort Worth, is family friendly fun, history, and delicious food.
Once a dusty cow town just 30 miles from Dallas, Fort Worth has traded tumbleweeds for top-notch cuisine and culture, earning its rank as a Texas hotspot. Just four hours from Houston, this city deserves its own road trip adventure.
We’ve curated more than 14 reasons you’ll fall in love with the Lone Star State’s fifth-largest city. And no matter when you saddle up and roll into town, don’t forget your boots and cowboy hat because Fort Worth knows how to show you a good time, Texas style!
Eating in Fort Worth is easy, with many delicious restaurants, including Goldee’s Barbecue and Joe T. Garcia’s. However, for an authentic Fort Worth dining experience, try any of chef Tim Love’s concepts. Known for over two decades as the unofficial ambassador for this Texas city and as a restauranteur and entrepreneur, Love has a coterie of must-visit culinary concepts.
Love’s iconic Lonesome Dove restaurant will celebrate its 25-year anniversary this year, and the chef will put his showmanship to work with a jaw-dropping 25-course meal. Those lucky enough to get a reservation to the limited-time event will be treated
to some of Love’s most celebrated urban-meetsWestern flavored bites. Visitors to Fort Worth should also check out Gemelle, Caterina’s, Paloma Suerte, and Atico for an unforgettable meal infused with Love’s signature flair.
Located in Fort Worth’s River District, Hotel Otto features eight micro-bungalows repurposed from 20-foot shipping containers. The hotel is adjacent to Gemelle, a casual restaurant and bar. Hotel Otto is a unique experience and is steps away from 45 miles of Trinity Trails.
Le Méridien Fort Worth Downtown, a partnership between Blueprint Hospitality and Remington Hospitality, is the first Le Méridien property in Fort Worth. Located in the former Hotel Texas Annex building, this 14-story boutique hotel features 188 guest rooms and suites with mid-century modern design, floor-toceiling windows, and views of downtown .
The hotel on Camp Bowie Boulevard blends Western influences with an urban feel, offering three bars and restaurants, a day spa, and a rooftop pool. Bowie House provides a variety of accommodations, including 88 guestrooms, 12 lofts, and six suites. Many feature outdoor balconies, along with hat racks and boot benches for an authentic Western touch.
This historic neighborhood is known for its legendary twice-daily cattle drive reenactment and unique way of capturing Western history through a modern lens. Visitors can experience the city’s iconic cowboy culture, browse for a pair of cowboy boots, and shop for Westerninfluenced and on-trend finds.
This must-visit area is home to five renowned museums. Visitors can immerse themselves in the distinct art collections at The Kimbell, The Amon Carter Museum of American Art, and The Modern, and even explore the legendary women in Western culture at the National Cowgirl Museum & Hall of Fame, from Annie Oakley to Miranda Lambert. These museums even offer discounted tickets or free tickets for kids under certain ages, gallery exploration programs, in-studio art projects, and more.
FEBRUARY 1ST
Sarofim Hall - Hobby Center | 7:00 PM
Tina Fey's Drama Desk award-winning Broadway musical, based on the 2004 Lindsay Lohan film, Mean Girls is out on tour! With a book by Fey, direction by Book of Mormon's Casey Nicholaw, music and lyrics by Jeff Richmond, and Legally Blonde's Nell Benjamin, it's no surprise that the musical is a Broadway smash hit, earning 12 Tony nominations along the way.
FEBRUARY 1ST
Brown Theater | 7:00 PM
More than fifty years ago, a show about New York City changed musical theatre forever. Now, it's coming home to make history once again. From the first notes to the final breath, West Side Story is one of the most memorable musicals and greatest love stories of all time. Arthur Laurents' book remains as powerful, poignant and timely as ever.
FEBRUARY 8TH
Jones Hall | 7:00 PM
Seen by millions of dance fans worldwide, Ballet Folklorico de Mexico has traveled to more than 60 countries and regularly garners rave reviews with every new show they produce. The oldest celebrated dance company in Mexico, Ballet Folklorico was founded in 1952 by Amalia Hernandez, as her own personal ambition to rescue the 60+ dancing traditions of Mexico.
FEBRUARY 14TH
Jim Henson's Fraggle Rock Live | 7:00 PM
For the first time ever, the Fraggles are going on tour across the United States on a hunt for the Great Song Stone. Join Gobo Fraggle as he takes his friends on an ambitious musical journey for the legendary long-lost treasure. See the Fraggles, as they walk around the stage and are joined by giant Gorgs and mechanized Doozers.
FEBRUARY 21ST
Houston Symphony presents: Star Wars, the Empire Strikes Back in Concert
Jones Hall | 7:00 PM
Join the Houston Symphony as they present a screening of George Lucas and Lawrence Kasdan's 1980 sci-fi masterpiece, with John Williams' unforgettable score played live in accompaniment.
FEBRUARY 28TH
Houston Symphony presents: 007 James Bond Forever
Jones Hall | 7:00 PM
Nobody does it better than the Houston Symphony. Joined by Broadway's Lena Hall the orchestra will be taking you on a journey through some of the best Bond themes ever. So grab those martinis and settle in for an unforgettable night of music, including selections from Diamonds Are Forever, Skyfall, and of course, our favorite, Live and Let Die.