An international beach vacation may not be in the cards this summer, but the new Passifolia tableware collection by Hermès brings a touch of the tropics into your home.
Perfect for an inspired dinner party or an al fresco adventure in the backyard, the line of 30 pieces — from coffee cups to pretty platters — showcases a rich use of color and craftsmanship. Each item displays a different, hyperrealistic flora or fauna, like orchids, ferns and hibiscus.
At Hermès, in River Oaks District
Sub-Zero, Wolf, and Cove Showroom Chef Michelle Meshberger recognized this food trend’s growing popularity, saying, "Once people experience steam cooking, it’s a game changer. There are home cooks of every ability who never considered cooking this way. Now, they can’t imagine their life without it.”
Cooking with steam does require specialized equipment. While countertop steamers have offered passable performance in the past, today’s discerning home cooks have found the level of precision and versatility they need in full-size appliances like the Wolf Convection Steam Oven.
“With the combination of steam and convection in one full-size oven, the possibilities are endless,” says Chef Michelle. “From everyday tasks of reheating leftovers to preparing special-occasion steaks sous vide, we’ve heard time and time again that the Wolf Convection Steam Oven often becomes the most used appliance in owners’ kitchens."
Here are just a few ways this multi-function appliance can elevate al fresco dinner parties, casual picnics with friends and family, and lazy lunches this summer.
Often playing second fiddle to a mountain of grilled meat, it’s no wonder snoozy vegetable platters are often overlooked. It’s time summer’s fresh abundance receives the attention and glow up we all deserve. Satisfying crisp, fresh finds from the local farmers’ market can make up the majority of the spread, and consider adding steamed veggies to your crudité platter for a little je ne sais quoi. Arrange snappy peas and vine-ripe tomatoes with sugar-sweet steamed carrots or creamy red potatoes to delight your guests with a mouthwatering mix of textures and flavors. Requiring little to no fat to prepare, produce that is steam cooked in the Wolf Convection Steam Oven keeps its texture and flavor. It’s a delicious yet low-fat way to enjoy summer’s bounty. For a finishing touch, add a dollop of garlicky aioli and let the dipping and snacking commence.
Often, the only difference between a drab loaf and a glossy, golden one is the way it is baked. Steam is key in crafting a loaf with that desirable chewy crust and tender crumb. Emulating steam ovens used by professional bakers, the Wolf Convection Steam Oven excels at creating this ideal environment for baguettes, croissants, and other baked delights. Use steam to make a simple yet delicious steam-baked loaf the star of any picnic. Then douse it with olive oil. Smear it with jam. Top it with cured meats and artisanal cheese. Or keep it simple; a pat of butter and sprinkle of sea salt is all this perfectly baked loaf needs.
At the end of one of those unforgettable meals out, do you ever tote a bag of just-too-good-to-leave-behind leftovers home with you? Next time that happens, and you look to reheat your meal, ditch the microwave. Unlike zaps from a microwave, which can dry out food, the Wolf Convection Steam Oven gently rehydrates food with the help of steam. Then, convection heat transforms the soggy memory into a crisp delight. It ensures your leftovers are as flavorful, moist, and fresh as the night before.
If you’re in market for new appliances and your mouth is watering at all the delicious ways to incorporate steam cooking and the Wolf Convection Steam Oven into your repertoire, we invite you to attend a demonstration at the Sub-Zero, Wolf, and Cove Showroom Houston. There, you can see—and taste—the Wolf Convection Steam Oven in action.
Schedule a private consultation appointment at (713) 599-0053 and begin your appliance journey today.
Contact Us:
Sub-Zero, Wolf, and Cove Showroom Houston
2800 Sage Rd Suite B
Houston, TX 77056
(713) 599-0053
Photographer Jhane Hoang with two covers she photographed
Hoang’s first shoot for CityBook was in August 2017 — another overnight session, this one in a Downtown office building. The shoot was titled “The All-Nighters,” and featured a tryst between a male and female model “working late” at the office. She’s since been an integral part of, and an enthusiastic player in, CityBook’s most important annual issues: Leaders & Legends, Cool 100 and the Sexy Issue.
Hoang moved from New York City to Houston in 2017 to be closer to her parents; she helps father manage his dialysis and medical needs. She has become a treasured friend to many, and is an esteemed member of Houston’s arts community. As a freelance photographer, Hoang can no longer work, and though she receives some state medical assistance, it only covers a portion of her expenses. Please see a retrospective of her work below, and if you’d like to donate, the link to her Gofundme is here.
Jhane photographed model Krystie Wilson at an overnight shoot at HMNS’ then new Weiss Energy Hall
Musician Madeline Edwards by Jhane for Houston CityBook
Model Joao Diniz by Jhane for Houston CityBook
Model Isabel Li by Jhane for Houston CityBook
Musician Youth Soul Love by Jhane for Houston CityBook
Artist Tony Paraná by Jhane for Houston CityBook
Models Marion Sealy and Luke Keogh by Jhane for Houston CityBook
Author Mimi Swartz by Jhane for Houston CityBook
Author Bryan Washington by Jhane for Houston CityBook
Chef Alexandra Peña by Jhane for Houston CityBook
Skateboarding sensation Jordan Santana by Jhane for Houston CityBook
Home Run Dugout's Colby Smith by Jhane for Houston CityBook
Betty Hrncir, Sidney Faust, Julie Baker Finck
With a theme of "Up, Up, and Away," the gala was an uplifting display of hope and determination, and featured a vibrant palette of blues, coral, and gold brought to life by Blooming Gallery. Upon arrival, guests passed through a "hallway of honor," a display of photos of previous honorees and the event over the past four decades.
Mistress of Ceremonies Leisa Holland-Nelson Bowman conducted a charming program, and galagoers enjoyed a polished runway show coordinated by Todd Ramos. The honorees included Bincy Abraham, Alice Mao Brams, Sharon Albert Brier, Julie Baker Finck, Stephanie von Stein Schusterman, Jacquie Baly, plus Honored Hero Bayle Goldman and Healthcare Partner Honoree Keith Fiman.
Chairs Elizabeth DeLuca and Lauren Gow were thrilled with the turnout of 270 and the evening's total till, which topped $575K. Funds will fuel research, education, and patient support programs, propelling the Foundation’s mission forward.
2025 Women of Distinction
Stephanie von Stein Schusterman and Dr. Mark Schusterman
Anthony DeLuca, Katherine and Jeff Smith
Nora Jarrard, Maria Bassa, Whitney Kuhn Lawson, Beth Muecke
Beth Wolff, Jane Page-Crump, Cheryl Byington
Mitch Feinberg, Brian Atlas, Mike Brier, Scott Frisbie, Scott Drysdale
Chairs Elizabeth DeLuca and Lauren Gow
Daniel Irion, Jerre Williams, Kirk Kveton
Michele Hosko, Scott Drysdale
Sippi Khurana, Jacquie Baly, Terri Wang
Leila Perrin, Leisa Holland-Nelson Bowman, Zane Carruth
2025 Women of Distinction
Stephanie von Stein Schusterman and Dr. Mark Schusterman
Anthony DeLuca, Katherine and Jeff Smith
Nora Jarrard, Maria Bassa, Whitney Kuhn Lawson, Beth Muecke
Beth Wolff, Jane Page-Crump, Cheryl Byington
Mitch Feinberg, Brian Atlas, Mike Brier, Scott Frisbie, Scott Drysdale
Chairs Elizabeth DeLuca and Lauren Gow
Daniel Irion, Jerre Williams, Kirk Kveton
Michele Hosko, Scott Drysdale
Sippi Khurana, Jacquie Baly, Terri Wang
Leila Perrin, Leisa Holland-Nelson Bowman, Zane Carruth