TRAVEL
TURKS & CAICOS NEWEST LUXURY RESORT, SOUTH BANK
STYLE + BEAUTY PERFECT TRAVEL LOOKS FROM FOREIGN FARE
ARTS + CULTURE
EXPLORE HOUSTON ARCHITECTURE WITH MICHELLE GIUSEPPETTI OLD
JULY 2024
HOUSTON METHODIST LEADING CARE
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LIFESTYLE LETTER
A Lust for Wander
Are you ready to explore with us? It is my great pleasure to present our Annual Explore Issue, brimming with inspiration and discovery. Within these pages, my team has pulled out all the stops - curating countless ideas designed to elevate your experiences in shopping, travel, and interior design.
Travel enthusiasts will be thrilled to learn about the much-anticipated opening of the Turks & Caicos Resort South Bank this fall. This luxurious destination promises to offer an unparalleled experience of tropical beauty and refined relaxation, making it a must-visit on any traveler's list.
If you are like me, I love to travel but I struggle with what to pack! Have we got the perfect solution! We are excited to introduce the newly launched travel clothing line, Foreign Fare, by the founders of Traveler’s Table, Thy and Matt Mitchell. Combining style and functionality, this wardrobe collection is perfect for the sophisticated traveler looking to explore the world without compromising on elegance and comfort.
And just when you think you couldn’t possibly be more inspired to pack your bags, our Travel Gift Guide will have you ready to embark on your next adventure before you finish this issue. Featuring a special selection of travel essentials and indulgent luxuries, our guide ensures you’re equipped for any journey.
“Life is either a daring adventure, or nothing.” I believe Helen Keller had the notion of adventure all figured out, despite her lack of sight. My personal wish for you is that this issue uncovers treasures awaiting you near and far and ignites your sense of adventure and wanderlust.
Life is short. Let’s go!
SUZANNE F. SCHAKETT, PUBLISHER
July 2024
PUBLISHER
Suzanne Schakett | suzanne.schakett@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Gabriela De la Rosa | gabi.delarosa@citylifestyle.com
SALES DIRECTOR
Suzanne Schakett | suzanne.schakett@citylifestyle.com
PUBLICATION DIRECTOR
Kayla Shutts | kayla.shutts@citylifestyle.com
SALES SUPPORT COORDINATOR
Savannah Schakett
INTERN
Viviana De la Rosa
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Diane Cowen, Memorial Lifestyle Staff, River Oaks Lifestyle Staff
Corporate Team
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Josh Govero
LAYOUT DESIGNER Antanette Ray
SAY GOODBY E TO DRY EY E S
WHY CHOOSE US?
city scene
WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN
1: Denzil Hollingsworth with Leaders in Design Honorees Lucinda Loya, Kelly Gale Amen, Courtney Hill, and Diane Cowen. 2: Casey Brand and Oscar Banta-Guevara at the Houston Design Center Leaders in Design event. 3: Jake & Carolyn Sabat at Texas Children’s Hospital’s ‘An Evening with Legends’ 4: Stuart & Limor Smith, David Foster & Katharine McPhee at Texas Children’s Hospital’s ‘An Evening with Legends’ 5: Jason Salas & Lacy Dalcour Salas at the Make-a-Wish gala 6: Edgar & Alejandra Rincon at the Make-a-Wish gala 7: Price DuBose, Kittsie Klaes at the VICTORY Rally Ball.
Want
JENNY ANTHILL
JENNY ANTHILL
DANIEL ORTIZ
JACOB POWER
DANIEL ORTIZ
ANDY PHAN
ANDY PHAN
Sterling, a Houston native, specializes in luxury real estate in The Woodlands, Houston, and Galveston. With experience in real estate and interior design, she uniquely connects people with their dream homes
(832) 416-4073
sterling.brogan@nanproperties.com
Anastasia specializes in Galveston Luxury Real Estate focusing on Resort and Second Home Properties. As a certified condo expert, Anastasia is representing Tiara on the Beach Condos, the first condo development in Galveston in over 15 years
(808) 765-8765
anastasia.gaido@nanproperties.com
business monthly
Sweet Green Announces New Menu Addition, Caramelized Garlic Steak
Sweetgreen is bringing Texas-sized flavor to their menu with the nationwide launch of their latest crave-worthy addition: Caramelized Garlic Steak. Picture this: tender cuts of premium grass-fed, pasture-raised steak, cooked up with all the finesse of a five-star chef. Guests can enjoy savory bites of steak in three new chef-crafted entrées or as an addition to any of Sweetgreen’s signature and custom dishes.
Silver Eagle Houston Teams up with the Sugar Land Space Cowboys
Silver Eagle Distributors Houston, LLC is teaming up with Budweiser, Bud Light and the Sugar Land Space Cowboys to support the Folds of Honor Foundation, a non-profit organization that provides post-secondary educational scholarships for families of U.S. military personnel and first responders killed or disabled while serving their country. Through this partnership, Budweiser, Bud Light and Silver Eagle Houston reaffirm their dedication to making a meaningful difference in the lives of military and first responder families.
Tacodeli opens second Houston location
Texas-based, award-winning taqueria created by chef/founder Roberto Espinosa and co-owner Eric Wilkerson opened its second Houston location and 13th overall in its restaurant portfolio (Austin, Dallas, Plano, Houston) recently within the evolving Post Oak Plaza retail center. Tacodeli’s 2,757-square-foot Post Oak location includes indoor seating for 52 and patio seating for 20 and has been meticulously designed to combine its Mexico City heritage with its Texas roots.
Photography courtesy of Sweet Green
Photography courtesy of Silver Eagle Houston
Photography by Mackenzie Smith Kelley
OU R P I CKS
CITY LIST
We have such amazing, innovative business leaders in our community who are proud to serve you, our residents, with class and quality. We’ve compiled some of our top company picks for the services that might be on your mind this month in an effort to make your lives a little easier.
Weekend Getaway Hotels
Tres Lunas Resort treslunasresort.com | 512.557.4853
The Frenchie Boutique Hotel roundtoptxhotels.com | 979.208.9851
Wimberley Inn wimberleyinn.com | 512.847.3750
The Loren at Lady Bird Lake thelorenhotels.com | 512.580.1182
Onera stayonera.com | 512.777.1455
Staycation Hotels
Magnolia Hotel marriott.com | 713.221.0011
Thompson Houston hyatt.com | 832.701.1234
The Houstonian houstonian.com | 713.680.2626
Want to suggest a monthly pick?
The Moran City Centre themoranhotel.com | 888.248.1256
The Whitehall Houston thewhitehallhouston.com | 888.974.7641
ARTICLE BY DIANE COWEN
“If I was to be known for anything, it would be that I am an encourager. Helping someone reaching life goals or next steps. That’s what I would like to do.”
- Michelle Giuseppetti Old
Telling stories through her architecture
Michelle Old nurtures art and architecture while elevating design and mentoring younger peers
When Michelle Giuseppetti Old was younger, art was her passion. When a high school art history teacher posed the idea that great architecture was an expressive public art form, Old could see her future occupation in a whole new light.
In addition to its inherent beauty, great architecture offers functionality and performance to its users and focuses on the immediate environment and its resources. That means using more limestone in Texas and mass timber in public college jobs or being more subtle and letting a design aesthetic make a statement about what happens under a roof.
A Houston native and 2009 University of Houston graduate, Michelle began her career as an intern at Kirksey Architecture and is now its design studio director and associate vice president. A younger sister and younger brother both are architects at Kirksey and her husband, Jonathan Old, is an architect at Mark W. Todd Architects in The Woodlands. (Another sibling has a job in a science field.)
“We learn about the client, their mission and … what’s of interest to them. Pulling that story out of the client is important,” Michelle said of design inspiration. “I could design something arbitrary and cool, but it would have no soul. When you … can pull ideas from the client, that’s where the success is.”
While Kirksey handles myriad types of projects, Michelle has settled into educational and collegiate work as her specialty, but has also designed office buildings and science-tech labs. She and her team have completed The Branch School at Hightower Middle School in the Memorial area and an expansion at Yellowstone Academy in Third Ward.
Her work can be found at San Jacinto Community College (a mass timber classroom building and the engineering and technology building), Stephen F. Austin University (East Dining Hall, still under construction), Prairie View A&M University (architecture fabrication center) and Texas A&M University (Mays Business Education Complex; still under construction.)
The Branch School at Hightower Middle School.
Photo by Joe Aker
Michelle Old and her team at Kirksey Architecture designed the Engineering and Technology building at San Jacinto College.
Photo by Joe Aker
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ARTICLE BY MEMORIAL LIFESTYLE STAFF
IN THE ZONE
The Shop Club and Derby Restaurant are now open in Houston.
PHOTOGRAPHY BY NINA DIAZ
Motor enthusiast and serial entrepreneur Matt Bell has turned a lifelong passion into a reality with the grand opening of The Shop Club and Derby Restaurant in Houston's Northwest/Champions neighborhood. The 70,000-square-foot space promises a haven for car and motorcycle collectors, offering a unique blend of automotive enthusiasm, community, and elevated dining experiences.
Bell, a former college football player turned entrepreneur, recalls his competitive spirit driving his desire to create the ultimate gathering place for automotive devotees. “I wanted to change the model and have a place with delicious food and drinks without food and beverage minimums.” Bell shared.
The Shop Club Houston boasts an array of amenities, from storage and service for automobiles and motorcycles to coworking spaces, a speakeasy, and gaming areas. Bell's attention to detail extends to the venue's design, with elements like motorcycle chain chandeliers and reclaimed wood accents adding a unique touch.
Derby Restaurant, led by Executive Chef Rick Adams, offers scratch-made comfort food favorites to members and non-members, alongside handcrafted motor-themed cocktails. theshopclubs.com
Island Odyssey
Get an exclusive first look at the Caribbean’s most anticipated luxury resort, South Bank.
ARTICLE BY GABI DE LA ROSA PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF SOUTH BANK
Families looking to get a head start on planning a holiday or 2025 vacations will be thrilled that one of the most highly anticipated resorts in the Caribbean has announced a fall opening date. Gorgeous turquoise waters, temperate winters, and abundant waterfront fun are a few reasons to visit the Turks and Caicos islands, but for those on the fence about when to book a trip, the November 1 opening of South Bank might be the deal maker. CONTINUED >
This extraordinary oceanfront resort and marina encompasses 31 acres with 2,200 feet of ocean frontage on the stunning waters of Caicos Bank. Boasting 92 Resort Villas, Sky Villas, and Boathouse Residences, ranging from one to six bedrooms – South Bank makes it easy to find accommodations for groups of any size.
UNVEILING THE OCEAN SWIMMING LAGOON
A standout feature of South Bank is Turks & Caicos' first ocean swimming lagoon. This 5-acre, 4.5-feet-deep lagoon offers a protected area for swimming and playing, surrounded by a whitesand beach and two tropical islands.
VISION AND DESIGN
"South Bank represents our vision for a new kind of oceanside living," said Ingo Reckhorn, co-founder of Windward. "We aimed to blend contemporary architecture with the natural beauty and tranquility of the ocean."
Ivor Stanbrook, co-founder of Windward, emphasizes the project's commitment to environmental stewardship, highlighting sustainable building practices and reef-restoration projects. "Our goal has been to enhance the natural beauty of South Bank and live up to the Turks and Caicos motto 'Beautiful by nature,'" he said.
NEIGHBORHOODS AND RESIDENCES
South Bank's masterplan, designed by London and Turks and Caicos-based Blee Halligan Architects, comprises four distinct neighborhoods: Ocean Estate Villas, Lagoon Villas, The Boathouses, and Arc. Each neighborhood offers different amenities ranging from bespoke culinary and wellness services to secluded gardens and rooftop terraces. The Ocean Estate Villas, slated to open in 2026, is the resort's crown jewel, offering visitors options ranging from 3,000 to 8,000 square feet.
WORLD-CLASS AMENITIES
Families, couples, and solo travelers will enjoy South Bank's array of amenities. Those who always wanted to relax in a beach fire pit lounge are in luck, because it is just one of the top-notch comforts. Others include two neighborhood swimming pools, bicycles, a fitness center, tennis and pickleball courts, and a spa with waterfront treatment rooms. The resort also provides elite personal concierges and trained butlers to assist guests with private boat charters, eco-tours, diving excursions, and more.
CULINARY EXPERIENCES
In addition to personal chefs who curate in-villa dining experiences, the resort has a fine-dining restaurant. Lua at South Bank offers exceptional Mediterranean-inspired cuisine in a beachfront setting, while the 'Nuttin Bar' provides bespoke cocktails on the lagoon islands. livesouthbank.com
“South Bank represents our vision for a new kind of oceanside living, where the connection to the water is more than just a view—it’s a way of life.”
- Ingo Reckhorn, co-founder of Windward, the developer of South Bank
CONGRATULATIONS to Houston’s latest
SPRING 2024
Very Special Thank You to the Presenting Galleries
OFFICIAL PRINT MEDIA PARTNERS
INDUSTRY PARTNER
PRESENTING PARTNER
SPONSOR
WINE SPONSORS
LUCINDA LOYA
COURTNEY HILL
KELLY GALE AMEN
ARTICLE BY RIVER OAKS
LIFESTYLE STAFF
PHOTOGRAPHY BY LAUREN HOLUB PHOTOGRAPHY
Bobby Fierro, owner of Uptown Appliance Repair, shares his journey as an entrepreneur.
IN DEMAND
Bobby Fierro's venture into the appliance repair business wasn't just a career choice; it was a response to adversity and an observation of market demand. We sat down with Bobby as he shared the journey of Uptown Appliance Repair and its goal to become a household name in Texas.
Uptown Appliance Repair traces its roots back to the aftermath of the 2009 housing crisis, which severely impacted Bobby's parents' real estate business. To make ends meet, the family turned to reselling unwanted goods and discovered a niche in appliance sales
Bobby Fierro, owner of Uptown Appliance Repair
during garage sales. Bobby, sensing an opportunity, delved into appliance repair, initially offering his services anonymously on Craigslist.
The moment that changed everything came during an early service call, where Bobby's lack of official branding led to a client's dismissal. Determined never to repeat that experience, Bobby founded Uptown Appliance Repair in 2012. Today, the company has two locations in Houston and Dallas, with plans for a third in Austin.
According to Bobby, operating as a family business has its unique dynamics. While it provides personalized attention for each client, challenges sometimes arise from workload limitations. Nevertheless, the commitment to exceptional service and customer satisfaction has been the cornerstone of their longevity.
"We believe in setting our own standard for service," Bobby explained, highlighting their exclusive 2-year warranty and investment in factory-trained technicians as what sets them
apart from other businesses in the same industry. Notably, Uptown Appliance Repair specializes in high-end brands including Subzero, Lacanche, and Viking.
Beyond business success, Uptown Appliance Repair prioritizes community engagement. They actively participate in charitable initiatives like the DePelchin Holiday Project and sponsor local school programs, embodying a commitment to giving back.
Despite their growth, the company remains true to its roots as a family-owned business. Bobby and his brother Joe, both accomplished in their own right, oversee the company's operations. Their vision extends beyond Texas, with plans to expand nationally and venture into home warranty services.
"We want to elevate the experience for consumers," Bobby emphasized, hinting at Uptown Appliance Repair’s future as a comprehensive home solutions provider. As they continue to evolve, Bobby and his team remain committed to redefining excellence in appliance repair and customer care. uptownappliancerepair.com
Ian Vecino, Nicole Sells, Joe Fierro, Robert Fierro, Roberto Govea, Leah Sullivan
Se7en invites you to experience our new menu and wine garden selections. Discover a world where every bite is an adventure and every sip is a celebration. Whether you are joining us for curated wine selections, our infamous Social Hour, or our festive Sunday, every day is special at Se7en.
WINE GARDEN SPECIAL: CHOOSE A SELECTED BOTTLE OF WINE OR CHAMPAGNE AND GET THE SAME SECOND BOTTLE FOR 50% OFF
EARLY BIRD SPECIAL: MON - THURS | 4PM - 7PM SPECIAL CHEF-CURATED 3-COURSE MENU
SOCIAL HOUR: MON - FRI | 4PM - 7PM HALF OFF COCKTAILS AND APPETIZERS Wine Down With US
WE ARE OPEN EVERY
SUNDAY: 11AM - 10PM MONDAY - SATURDAY: 4PM - 11PM
READY, SET, TRAVEL
ARTICLE BY GABI DE LA ROSA PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF FOREIGN FARE
Thy and Matt Mitchell, Traveler’s Table owners and globetrotting experts, expand their travel clothing collection.
Creating an ideal travel wardrobe can be challenging. Functional and versatile pieces, especially stain and wrinkle-resistant ones are a priority, as is maintaining a sense of style.
Recognizing the importance of an excellent travel wardrobe, Houstonian Thy Mitchell launched a clothing line perfect for travel. Along with her husband Matt, she introduced Foreign Fare earlier this year.
The couple is known for their global cuisine restaurant, Traveler's Table, which opened in 2019. The restaurant offers curated global dishes like Soft Shell Crab Pad Thai, Hill Country Venison Tartare, and Basque Cheesecake. The pair received national recognition when their chef beat Bobby Flay on his Food Network show and was featured on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives. Their future plans include expanding
Foreign Fare owner Thy Mitchell says the latest prints were inspired from her recent trip and Vietnamese background.
Foreign Fare's Wrap Me Up Dress is now available in khaki. The dress is stain and wrinkle resistant.
“At Foreign Fare we create stylish travel apparel that combines comfort and versatility with luxury and flair. Modern fabrics, subtle exotic prints, and funtional features, like hidaway hoods and hidden pockets, will have you prepared for any adventure.”
– Thy Mitchell
to a lifestyle brand with their new restaurant, Traveler's Cart, set to open this summer, featuring global street food in a fast-casual setting. After extensive travels for restaurant research, Thy Mitchell noticed a lack of stylish, functional travel clothing. She created Foreign Fare to fill this gap, offering a capsule collection designed for modern adventurers. Recently featured in Travel & Leisure, Foreign Fare is launching two new colorways for summer. The brand’s best-selling Wrap Me Up Dress is now available in khaki and the Jetsetter Jacket, a water resistant, lightweight jacket is now available in blue. foreignfare.com
Foreign Fare's Jetsetter Jacket, a water resistant, lightweight jacket is now available in blue.
ARTICLE BY RIVER OAKS LIFESTYLE STAFF
Away We Go!
WE’VE ROUNDED UP SEVERAL TRAVEL ESSENTIALS THAT WILL MAKE YOUR SUMMER VACATION EASY AND ENJOYABLE.
Packing for any trip, whether a weekend beach escape or a three-week European trek, requires careful consideration. Your travel plans, the trip’s duration, the weather, and luggage size all play crucial roles in deciding what to bring. We’ve compiled a list of summer essentials to simplify the process and ensure you pack efficiently and enjoy your journey. Whether you’re heading to the coast or the mountains, these essentials will help you make the most of your trip.
Little Steps Make Big Strides
events
A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS
JULY 4TH
Freedom Over Texas 2024
500 Allen Pkwy, Houston, TX 77002 | 4:00 PM
This year’s Freedom Over Texas is an event filled with six-hours of festivities, tradition, and live concert stages, along Allen Parkway. Freedom Over Texas will feature local, regional, and national entertainment and will be capped off with a musically choreographed, “Texas-sized” fireworks finale. This event has become Houston’s annual signature July 4th celebration with an average of 50,000 people in attendance.
JULY 4TH
Star Spangled Salute Presented by the Houston Symphony
Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion | 8:30 PM
Celebrate Independence Day with a performance of patriotic favorites followed by a grand finale of fireworks at 10:00 PM. The conductor for this fabulous performance will be Jason Seber. Seber is a strong believer in the eclectic experiences which today’s symphony orchestras offer their communities. He strives to make music accessible, relevant, and meaningful to diverse audiences across the country.
JULY 6TH
Legends of Country Featuring Houston Symphony
Miller Outdoor Theater | 8:30 PM
A foot-stompin’, toe tappin’ tribute to the greatest names in country music, including songs by famed singers and songwriters like Johnny Cash, Hank Williams, Kenny Rogers, Dolly Parton, Carrie Underwood, and Faith Hill. Featuring our own Houston Symphony! With two fabulous singers – Texas native Patrick Thomas (The Voice) and Rachel Potter (The X Factor)- audience are assured of an electric good time.
JULY 7TH
Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo History Exhibit
The Heritage Society
Enjoy the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo by learning about its history at the new exhibit at The Heritage Society, co-hosted with the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo (HLSR). The exhibition will be open until July 31, 2024. The museum's gallery hours are 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. to 4 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday, and tickets are just $5.
JULY 8TH
Houston Public Library's 120th Birthday Party
7405 Stella Link Rd. Houston TX 77025 | 12:00 PM
Join the Houston Public Library as they celebrate 120 years with activities, treats, and a DJ spinning tunes! Get a limited-edition MYLink library card, sign our giant birthday card, and take photos at our 360-photo booth. Limited-edition merchandise and other promo items will be available while supplies last.
JULY 17TH
Houston World Series of Dog Shows
NRG Center | 12:00 PM
Your whole family will enjoy the lively performance events and exhibitions, relay races and conformation judging, plus seminars, displays and shopping. Absolutely everything to do with dogs and the people who love them will be happening at the Houston World Series of Dog Shows. Mark your calendar.
