River Oaks, TX February 2023

R E A L E S TAT E

The Local Love Issue

LOVE AN D FAM I LY WITH N AN CY ALM O D OVAR F O O D + B E V E R AG E

H OUSTO N' S HOT TEST N EW RESTAU RANTS WIN E AN D CHO CO L ATE: TH E PERFECT PAI R

F E B R UA RY 2 02 3

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As part of our complementary wellness package, we can provide your carotenoid score during each visit so you can determine if you’re making the right changes to improve your health in preventing heart diseases.

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February 2023 PUBLISHER

Alan Eixman | Alan.Eixman@citylifestyle.com EDITOR

Christa Eixman | Christa.Eixman@citylifestyle.com

LIFESTYLE LETTER

All You Need Is Love While we teeter between the chill of January and the excitement of Spring, our "Local Love" issue is to inspire you to take a moment to come together with the people in your life. Not only the ones in your home but in your community as well.

Of course, this month, we celebrate Valentine's Day. I know not everyone agrees with me, but to me, Valentine's Day is a beacon of light in what feels like an eternal winter (I hate the cold!) What we hold in common though, is an opportunity to make sure those around us know we love them.

My favorite way to celebrate is to indulge in more chocolate than I should, snuggle up with my husband and daughter, and enjoy quality family time while enjoying a beautiful bouquet of flowers on the table. I know many others prefer celebrating a romantic night out or a fun "Galentine's Day" with their girlfriends.

Regardless of how you choose to celebrate, we hope the pages of this month's magazine will help you do just that as we celebrate and highlight what's to love in your local community.

This month, our "Local Love" feature focuses on Houston real estate icon Nancy Almodovar. Nancy and her husband, Jose, have been married for 17 years and have built an empire and a family together. We are honored to feature them on our cover.

Do you love wine and chocolate? I know I do! We show you how to make the perfect pairing and where to enjoy some wine and chocolate in the Bayou City. In addition, Houston is known for its restaurant scene, so we listed eight new places you must try!

Thanks for letting us be a part of the life you're building, whatever that may look like. We hope that we inspire you to love it just a bit more than you did before.

Happy February!

SOCIAL MEDIA COOR DINATOR

Olivia Eixman CONTR IBUTING WR ITER S

Amanda Thomas, Morgan Norwood, Christa Eixman

Corporate Team CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL MEDIA Mindy Hargesheimer ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell AD DESIGNER Whitney Lockhart LAYOUT DESIGNER Kelsey Ragain

C H R I S TA E I X M A N , E D I TO R @RIVEROAKSLIFESTYLE

Learn how to start your own publication at: citylifestyle.com//franchise

Scan QR code to visit our Instagram CIT YLIFEST YLE.COM/RIVEROAKS |

Proverbs 3:5-6 River Oaks Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the River Oaks 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 River Oaks Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the

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L I F E ST Y LE LE T T E R

accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

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inside the issue The Local Love Issue

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30

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F E ATU R E D

D E PA RTM E NTS

16 Local Love

6

Lifestyle Letter

12

City Scene

16

Must See

24

Gift Guide

30

Open House

34

Chef ’s Selection

How a Houston couple built a real estate empire

24 Houston’s Top New Restaurants

Counting down some of Houston’s hottest new and upcoming restaurants for 2023

30 Dream Big

Kendra Scott partners with Barbie to help girls worldwide believe they can be anything!

34 Chocolate and Wine Tips for making the perfect pairing

O N T H E C OV E R

Photography: Jared Hernandez The Almovadors, Manny (left), Nan, Kamila, and Jose (back)

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R EA L ESTAT E FO O D + B EV ER AGE S HO PPI NG FO O D + B EV E R AG E

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city scene

Where neighbors can see and be seen.

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KILLY PHOTOGRAPHY

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KILLY PHOTOGRAPHY

2 JARED HERNANDEZ

7 MICHELLE WATSON JARED HERNANDEZ

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KILLY PHOTOGRAPHY

MICHELLE WATSON

1: Dr. Robert Hilliard, Jr., Chree Boydstun, with “Holiday Smooze” Co-Chairs, Mary Patton and Milton Townsend 2: George Lancaster and Phoebe Tudor enjoying the beautiful decor at “Holdiay Smooze”. 3: David LaDuke, Bonnie and Rob Lloyd, Allison Thigpen, Chree Boydstun, and Gary Hammett 4: Lane Craft with his wife, KHOU Meteorogoligst Chita Craft, and Country music singer, Clay Walker 5: Danny Shaftel, Iris Shaftel, Wayo de Lachica, and Bianca de Lachica 6: Milka Waterland, Rania Edlebi, and Silvia Salle celebrating at the Annual Nan & Co. Holiday Party 7: Bianca Bucaram and Demola the Violinist at the IW Marks Grand Re-opening party.

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Tag your Instagram photos with @riveroakslifestyle

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C I T Y SC E N E

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The Almodovars

Love and Family Nancy Almodovar

ARTICLE BY AMANDA THOMAS PHOTOGRAPHY BY JARED HERNANDEZ

How a Houston Couple Built a Real Estate Empire

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M UST SE E | R EA L ESTATE

When Nancy Almodovar started her real estate company, only two people told her she could do it — her mother and husband, Jose.

Everyone else told Nancy she shouldn’t start a real estate company, questioned how she would make it happen, or told her not to.

But Nancy and Jose had something no one else did — a shared vision.

Fast-forward eight years later, and Nancy’s luxury real estate company is one of the largest in Houston, with Nancy as CEO and Jose as chief operation officer (COO). They’re a testament to the power of local love, and here is their story.

CONTINUED >

THE EARLY YEARS Born in Chicago, Nancy moved to Houston early in life with her parents and two younger sisters.

Her journey to becoming a successful real estate mogul began while growing up in Houston. She was 18 years old, and her dad worked in construction.

“That sparked my interest in real estate, which then directed me to help flip homes,” she recalls. “Being raised by entrepreneurs and helping in the family business at an early age helped me become the person I am today.”

Nancy met Jose while they attended the University of Houston.

“We met through mutual friends, and it was love at first sight,” she says.

They later married at the Annunciation Church in downtown Houston, financing their wedding with money earned while house flipping.

BUILDING A LIFE TOGETHER The couple continued to build a life together, welcoming two children — Manny and Kamila, now 11 and 12.

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Even with the added responsibility of raising a family, their experience flipping houses pushed Nancy to pursue a real estate career.

“I started working for an icon of Houston real estate,” she recalls. “She was tough, and I learned a lot from her. I reached a point in my career where I wanted more, and I wanted to do it my way. Since I couldn’t find a brokerage that supported my idea, I decided to open my own.”

She proposed launching a firm to Jose, who was supportive, helping analyze her business plan and ideas for growing the company. She set up an office in the kitchen — with her kids running around her — and decided to name the company after what her grandmother called her: “Nan.” In 2014, she officially launched Nan and Company Properties. She had one other realtor and a vision to fill a gap in the marketplace for luxury real estate.

She also wanted to be a one-stop shop for foreign nationals. In just a year, her sales surged to $4 million.

By year seven, that number skyrocketed to a staggering half billion. Nancy reflects on her journey.

“The day I started Nan from my kitchen table was July 14, 2014,” she recalls. “In 2016, the city of Houston recognized this day with a proclamation by the mayor, declaring it ‘Nan Day.’” Through it all, Nancy and Jose work hard to maintain a work-life balance.

“Family life is all about balance,” she says. “God, family and real estate are what I stand for, and there is nothing more valuable than familial bonds.”

Nancy strives to create an office environment conducive to success while ensuring her family spends quality time together.

“We love to bike around Allen Parkway, and Vinoteca Poscol is our favorite family restaurant,” she says. “I feel blessed, and thank God every day for my life.”

A GROWING EMPIRE Nancy and Jose’s business savvy and chemistry helped grow their technology-based real estate firm, which now employs over 100 agents.

Nancy values her team and sees them as family. That’s why they’re called the “Nan Fam.” “The relationships I have forged mean everything to me,” she says. “Real estate is an industry that does not recognize any glass ceilings, and for those who work hard, anything can be achieved.”

But it’s not just about real estate. The couple is active in various charities, including the Houston Children Give Back, Learn Grow Lead and the St. Anne Foundation.

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M UST SE E | R EA L ESTATE

Nancy Almodovar

Nancy Almodovar

“Family life is all about balance. God, family and real estate are what I stand for, and there is nothing more valuable than familial bonds.”

CONTINUED >

FEBR UARY 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM / R I V E R OA KS

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Kamila and Manny Almodovar

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M UST SE E | R EA L ESTATE

THE FUTURE Nancy and Jose are constantly looking for ways to expand the business.

They have a long-term plan for growth that includes Nan achieving $1 billion in volume production. This husband-and-wife team is a model of what it means to be a “power couple” and an inspiration for couples wanting to make it big in business without sacrificing family life or their values.

Nancy has this advice for couples who live and work together.

“Communication is key, and making sure your goals align,” she says. “Also, make sure you understand each other’s roles. We always leave work at work.”

Even after being together for about 20 years and married for 17, she still gets butterflies when she sees Jose.

“It’s important to never stop dating,” she says. “We have date nights once a week, and he brings me coffee every morning. I always make sure he eats lunch because we get so busy, and he forgets. We always think of one another at work and at home.”

The dynamic power couple proves that dreaming big, working hard and believing in yourself can make even the loftiest goals a reality, especially when you have the support of a loving partner.

“Jose is the fiercest champion I have on my side,” she says. “I could not ask for a better human to accompany me on this journey called life.”

Their story is one of love, family and success — and it all started here in Houston.

The Family Dogs: Chiquis and Ella

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Houston’s Top New Restaurants

ARTICLE BY MORGAN NORWOOD

Counting down some of Houston’s hottest new and upcoming restaurants for 2023

MAKIIN

MaKiin (pronounced Ma-kin) will be coming to the luxury high-rise Hanover River Oaks in the Spring of 2023. Co-owner of Kin Dee, Lukkaew Srasrisuwan, plans for MaKiin to deliver an upscale Thai concept and memorable experience.

Photo courtesy of Public Content

UNDERBELLY BURGER

Underbelly Hospitality is bringing the beloved Underbelly Burger to Spring Branch. This new location will feature all the beloved items that guests favored from the first location in the Houston Farmers Market. This includes 44 Farms angus burger, R-C Ranch wagyu burger, fries, and milkshakes. What makes Underbelly so special is its high-quality, old-school burger concept. These mouth-watering burgers are slated to come to Spring Branch in mid-2023.

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G IF T GU ID E | FOOD + BEVE RAGE

Co-owner of Kin Dee Lukkaew Srasrisuwan, courtesy of Makiin

MANDITO’S

Husband and wife, Cinda and Armando Palacios are excited to welcome TexMex inspired “Mandito’s” to Bellaire in Spring 2023. If you are a fan of the Mandito’s in Roundtop, you will be happy to know the “World Famous” burrito bowl will be on the menu.

Photography courtesy of Kristen Gilliam

PASTORE

Slated to open in late spring of 2023, Pastore will feature a dreamy and upscale Italian-rooted experience perfect for date night or the whole family. Chef Chris Davies, the current executive chef at Wild Oats, is working on creating a high-end menu that will feature a long list of delicious handmade pasta.

Chef Chris Davies, photo courtesy of Public Content

Photo courtesy of The PR Boutique

SE7EN

“Se7en” will be a fresh and unique concept in Upper Kirby. Guests can expect a luxurious space, entertainment, and a menu featuring items themed as the 7 wonders of the world and a dessert and cocktail menus themed as the 7 deadly sins. With its hip style and a mouth-watering menu, Se7en will be the perfect new addition to the Upper Kirby Neighborhood.

CONTINUED >

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Photo courtesy of The PR Boutique

ZANTI CUCINA ITALIANA

CEO and Founder Santiago Peláez, brought the beloved Italian eatery “Zanti Cucina Italiana” to the River Oaks Shopping Center. Opened in November of 2022, this Italian experience presents an authentic menu curated by Executive Chef Hilario Zamora that highlights the essence of Italian culture.

Photo courtsey of Public Content

NAVY BLUE In November of 2022, chef/owner Aaron Bludorn, the chef/owner of the restaurant “Bluedorn” brought an elevated upscale seafood concept to Rice Village, “Navy Blue.” This menu features a handful of oceanic delicacies, high-end beverages, and mouth-watering desserts.

Photo courtesy of Mandy Tran

DINETTE

Opened in late summer of 2022, “Dinette” has been hugely successful in The Houston Heights. It delivers a genuine nostalgia for Vietnamese flavors with a menu filled with traditional recipes prepared in unique and creative ways. “Thit Kho and Sticky Rice” and “Banh Xeo Taco” are two popular dishes guests have been raving about. The name “Dinette” is of French origin and means a cozy place to enjoy a meal.

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G IF T GU ID E | FOOD + BEVE RAGE

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Dream Big KENDRA SCOTT PARTNERS WITH BARBIE TO HELP GIRLS WORLDWIDE BELIEVE THEY CAN BE ANYTHING!

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O PE N H OU SE | SHOPPIN G

ARTICLE BY CHRISTA EIXMAN PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED BY KENDRA SCOTT

When you were little, what did you want to be when you grew up? A doctor? A scientist? Maybe even an astronaut? For many of us, those dreams were always a possibility. My mom even told me I could be the President, and I never doubted it!

Unfortunately, many girls were not raised like a lot of us. Because of their environment, they have developed the self-limiting belief that they automatically have to accept less because they are female. Research has shown that these doubts can begin in girls as young as five years old.

In response to this, Barbie began a campaign called "The Dream Gap Project." This project utilizes the popularity of Barbie's brand to raise money for resources that young girls need to start believing they can achieve anything. They aim to challenge traditional gender stereotypes and introduce girls to positive role models.

Jewelry designer Kendra Scott joined this initiative, partnering with Barbie to create the Barbie™ x Kendra Scott collection. The collection is designed with the same elegance and quality Kendra Scott is known for.

Each piece features Barbie's famous pink hue.

"Barbie™ x Kendra Scott draws from a desire to help women feel confident, powerful, and capable of anything we set our minds to."

- Kendra Scott

"I'm so proud to partner together on a collection that celebrates both fashion and philanthropy so we can continue to inspire the next generation of girls to dream even bigger," says Founder and Executive Chairwoman Kendra Scott.

Along with creating the collection to raise awareness, Kendra Scott is also donating 20% of the Everlyne Friendship Bracelet proceeds to Girls Inc. through the Barbie Dream Gap Project. Girls Inc. is one of the many organizations that provide programs to empower girls to grow up strong, innovative, and bold.

To view the entire collection, visit kendrascott.com/ barbie-x-kendra-scott

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FEBR UARY 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM / R I V E R OA KS

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FEBR UARY 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM / R I V E R OA KS

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CHOCOLATE and WINE February brings celebrations of love which frequently include the timeless treasure of wine and chocolate.

Whether it’s over romantic dinners for two or between female friends at “Galentine’s” parties, wine and chocolate will be making lots of appearances this month. Use this as your guide to creating an exquisite experience for your loved ones this month.

These aphrodisiacs have a lot of similarities to each other. For one, they both contain flavanols (antioxidants) and polyphenols (compounds found in plant-based food) that are good for you and have anti-inflammatory properties. But because these characteristics affect flavor, it’s somewhat challenging to pair wine and chocolate together. The more polyphenols, the more pronounced the bitter taste.

For example, if you sip a delicious dry red wine alongside a hunk of dark chocolate, the wine will start to taste bitter and sour. The taste imbalance is coming from the heightened levels of flavanols (different types of tannin) found in both chocolate and wine that end up clashing against each other on your tongue.

While it might sound counterintuitive, a good rule of thumb is to pair a wine that is “sweeter” than the chocolate itself. “Sweet” doesn’t refer to dessert wines alone. In the wine world, the term “sweet” is often used to denote ripe, fruit-forward flavors in a wine. These characteristics provide a nice balance to the bitter flavors of cocoa.

Both wine and chocolate can have intense, dry flavors. In order to find the right balance, it’s best to choose wines that are a little bit softer and juicier than the chocolate you’re pairing it with. Fortunately, we’ve done the footwork to find several wines that partner well with chocolate. Here are our guidelines for matching chocolate with wine and a few of our favorite wine and chocolate pairings. We hope you’ll try them and then get inspired to experiment and create your own.

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C HE F ’S SE LE CT ION | FOOD + BE VE RAGE

TI P S F O R M A K I N G TH E PE R F E C T PA I R I N G

ARTICLE BY HALEY WILLIAMS & CHRISTA EIXMAN PHOTOGRAPHY BY CASSANDRA CASTANEDA CONTINUED > FEBR UARY 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM / R I V E R OA KS

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T I P 1 : M AT C H S U G A R WITH SUGAR What’s true of relationships is not true of wine and chocolate: opposites do not attract. When it comes to pairing chocolate and wine, you don’t want to strike a balance, you want to match sugar to sugar.

Sweeter chocolate like white chocolate does better when consumed with sweeter wines and bitter chocolate like dark chocolate enjoys being paired with dryer wines.

Think of it as matching sugar with sugar.

Sweet white chocolate pairs well with sweet wines high in residual sugars and bitter darks with dry wines with just a hint of residual sugar. A good rule of thumb is to always pair wines that are equally or slightly more sweet than the chocolate being eaten with it.

T I P 2 : M AT C H I N T E N S I T Y WITH INTENSITY If you pair an incredibly delicately flavored dark chocolate with a full-bodied, heavy red, the intensity of the wine will destroy any of the subtlety that might have been present in the chocolate. The opposite is also true: strong-tasting chocolate will blow a delicate wine out of the water.

Keep this rule of thumb in mind: light-flavored chocolates enjoy being paired with light-bodied wines and intensely flavored chocolates prefer being paired with full-bodied wines.

TI P 3: PAI R FL AVORS WITH FL AVORS Wine and chocolate both carry their own intense flavors. If your chocolate contains other ingredients such as nuts, fruit, or caramel, consider how these flavors will play with the wine. This is especially helpful to remember when enjoying truffles with wine. To avoid creating a palate power play between the two, do your best to match fruity or floral chocolates with fruity wines like Moscato or White Zinfandel. Enjoy chocolate-covered nuts alongside a nutty wine like a Madeira or Marsala. Chocolate studded with dried cranberries might pair well with a fruit-forward red with berry undertones.

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C HE F ’S SE LE CT ION | FOOD + BE VE RAGE

a note

ON SERVING WINE AND C H O C O L AT E F L I G H T S : Just as you would with any other tasting, it’s best to start with light chocolates and wines, increasing the intensity as you go along. Start with white chocolates and light wines and save the richest, dark chocolates and wines for last. By doing this, you will keep your palate from starting out too strong and missing out on the subtle sensations found in more delicate chocolate and wine selections.

SHOP LOCAL

THE BEST LOCAL SOURCES FOR ALL YOUR WINE AND CHOCOLATE NEEDS Wine and chocolate are perfect for any special occasion or romantic date night. Thankfully some great local places are serving the best pairings around. Whether you're looking for a decadent dessert to finish your evening or something sweet to accompany a glass of vino, these six places are sure to satisfy your cravings for wine and chocolate.

C A M E R ATA AT PA U L I E ' S

Located in Montrose, Camerata is a rustic-chic wine bar with an extensive rotating wine list. Their chocolate selection includes flavors like almond toffee crunch, honey lavender, and passionfruit.

1834 Westheimer Road, Houston, Texas / 713-522-VINO cameratahouston.com

W I N F I E L D ’ S C H O C O L AT E B A R

The sister store of the famous Chocolate Bar, Winfield's offers a gamut of choices for chocolate lovers. They also offer wines that pair well with any of their treats including decadent chocolate cakes and hand-crafted truffles.

2411 W Alabama St, Houston, TX 77098 / 832-810-0479 winfieldscb.com

CRÚ FOOD & WINE BAR

Cru offers an upscale, posh atmosphere with an extensive selection of wines by the glass. Order their chocolate fondue for two for the perfect pairing, served with macaroons, marshmallows, and fresh fruit.

2800 Kirby Dr B-130, Houston, TX 77098 / 713-528-9463 cruwinebar.com

C A C A O & C A R D A M O M C H O C O L AT I E R

Cocao and Cardamom's chocolates are visually stunning and offer unique flavors like cardamom rose and garam masala pistachio. Book a private tasting experience or grab a box to pair with your own wine at home.

5000 Westheimer Rd Suite 602, Houston, TX 77056 / 281-501-3567 cacaoandcardamom.com

RED DESSERT DIVE

This Houston gem serves desserts baked fresh daily with the freshest ingredients. Pair a chocolate cupcake or a salted caramel brownie with a nice glass of wine to top off your experience.

1045 Studewood St, Houston, TX 77008 / 832-649-2977 reddessertdive.com

13 CELSIUS

Named after the temperature they chill their wines, 13 Celcius offers a unique, high-quality collection from around the world. Order some Coco Ginger Truffles to complete the pairing experience.

3000 Caroline, Houston, TX 77004 / 713-529-8466 13celsius.com

SONOMA WINE BAR

With an elegant and quaint atmosphere, Sonoma offers wine flights, tapas, and small plates. In addition to their extensive food and wine selections, you can also order dark chocolates to finish the evening.

2720 Richmond Avenue, Houston, Texas 77098 713-526-9463 sonomahouston.com FEBR UARY 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM / R I V E R OA KS

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URBAN OFFICE SMALL PRIVATE OFFICES WITH SHARED AMENITIES

Conference rooms

High-speed internet

Tanglewood

Galleria

For Leasing: (832) 827-3999 |

Coffee, tea, and snacks Spring Branch

Printing Heights

info@urbanofficetx.com | urbanofficetx.com

Walkable

"Roofing Done Right" Residential | Commercial | Repairs | Gutters | Home Improvement

Duque Roofing Veteran's Division At Duque Roofing we have created our Veterans Division which is solely dedicated to supporting our Country’s Military and Veterans. We work with various Military and Veteran groups to offer Training and Employment for our Service Men and Women. If you or anyone else are interested in joining our Team, please inquire on our website for full details.

281-565-ROOF

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