Alto started driving in Houston in late 2020, and it has quickly become a favorite way to get around. The experience is unparalleled. Think luxury SUVs with leather captain chairs, thoughtful amenities like complimentary water and umbrellas, and even curated playlists to choose from in the Alto app. Those who have ridden know that Alto is more than a ride from point A to B, but a journey to be enjoyed — because the recap of every dish on the ride home should be just as good as the dinner.
Community is at the heart of Alto. Rather than hiring independent contractors, Alto has hired W-2 employee drivers who are trained and supported by a local Houston team. The service also offers a Membership that unlocks Alto benefits as well as unique offers from Houston partners. Those who join Alto’s exclusive Membership gain full access to the Alto fleet during the busiest "Members Only" hours, savings on every ride, and Alto’s prescheduling feature for booking rides in advance (Pro tip: Lock in your ride when you lock in your dinner reservation!). Join a community of adventurous, in-the-know Houstonians, at only $12.95 a month.
Alto shared the top pick-up and drop-offs that make up their Members most recommended spots — and also happen to be celebrating Houston Restaurant Week! — so you can plan the perfect night out.
Trattoria Sofia A top drop-off among Alto Members, we recommend Trattoria Sofia for authentic Italian with the perfect atmosphere.
The Annie Cafe Another frequent destination, The Annie Cafe and Bar serves classics, totally reimagined.
MAD Houston A spot as innovative as your Alto. Book a ride to MAD for a night of tapas with a twist that are sure to be a new adventure.
Ouzo Bay The Alto team’s go-to modern Mediterranean spot for a perfect night out.
B&B Butchers and Restaurant This upscale steakhouse and traditional butcher shop is a classic Alto favorite.
FLORA A must try this month — FLORA is a culinary journey through the small towns of Mexico with a Texas touch.
Editor Jeff Gremillion describes the Duos concept: “This is our version of the ‘Power Couples’ stories that were so common in city magazines in the ’80s and ’90s,” he says. “I always loved the idea, but, for CityBook, we wanted to make it a bit more inclusive and contemporary. So our Duos includes couples, yes, and also siblings and business partners and parent-child combos. This year we have two sets of identical twins!”
The Caltons, repped in Houston by Neal Hamil Agency, were photographed by Jhane Hoang, who also shot several other “power pairs” for the issue. Her subjects include Armando Palacios and Cinda Murphy of Armando’s restaurant fame, who are expanding their empire in Houston and the Hill Country — and beloved twin-sister philanthropists Tama Lundquist and Tena Lundquist Faust, founders of Houston PetSet.
TV co-hosts Courtney Zavala and Derrick Shore make an appearance, along with the mother-son artists known as Donkeeboy; sibling lifestyle-brand purveyors Mario Tort and Vanessa Tort Pagel; and the beautiful betrothed couple of Olympic medalist Nichelle Prince and rising-star band front man Adrian Michael.
“It’s a great group,” adds Gremillion, “of folks who know well the power of two.”
Joy McCormack, Rita Joubran and Katie Brass
Four-hundred-plus guests attended the MS Society's Together for a Cure luncheon, chaired by Franelle Rogers and emceed by ABC13's Chauncy Glover. Fellow KTRK reporter Melanie Lawson — whose father Rev. William A. Lawson, a noted civil-rights advocate and sometimes referred to as "Houston's pastor," was also in attendance — spoke to her colleague Art Rascon onstage about her experience living with MS. Rogers presented her with an award title Media Champion, and the crowd gave her a huge round of applause.
The afternoon also honored Karen Tellepsen, Denise Jones, Kara Olfield and the McCormack family — Joy and Don and their children, Hanna, Ian and Evelyn.
Sarah Back, Jennifer Tellepsen
Art Rascon, Franelle Rogers and Melanie Lawson
William Lawson, Mary Williams, Vandetta Levingston, Thomas Carter
Bob and Denise Jones, Mark and Karla Olfield
Nancy Strohmer and Beth Wolff
Cardon Gerner and Nancy Gerner
Mary Chandler and Jeannie Chandler
Luba Bigman, Cheryl Faillace
Carleta Sandeen, Jolene Cook, Linda Ittner
Kelli Cohen Fein and Rosemary Schatzman
Cheryl Byington, Heidi Rockecharlie
Kat LaPoint, Nikki Beisty
Don and Joy McCormack
Cathy Brock and Alison Tennant
Karen Tellepsen
