Launch Party
‘Houston CityBook’ has officially debuted, with a posh Memorial party and sexy crowd. Here’s a peak inside the event of the season!
Nov. 16, 2016
WITH ITS INAUGURAL set of residents newly moved in, Pelican Builders’ mid-rise condominium Westmore at 2323 W Main Street in Upper Kirby is already seeing the blossoming of a tight-knit community. Designed by Houston-based Mirador Group the Westmore is the first new condominium product to be introduced to the in-demand, inner loop neighborhood in more than three years. And with remaining two-bedroom homes starting at $895,000, it’s a remarkable value for this increasingly pricey area, where condos can easily climb to several million dollars and more.
The Westmore’s intimate, mid-rise scale was intended to complement, rather than overpower, its charming surroundings, which range from renovated bungalows and multiplexes to high-end patio homes and townhomes plus multi-million-dollar single-family residences. And while just seven stories, residents are afforded beautiful treetops and skyline views that belie its modest size.
Perfectly nestled just off bustling Kirby Drive, just outside River Oaks, and moments from West University, the 33-residence property boasts an enviable 92 Walk Score. The proximity to things both useful and enjoyable has been one of its biggest sale drivers given the plethora of things that a pedestrian can so easily access just blocks away, from Whole Foods Market and Levy Park to Pinstripes bowling and bocce and Color Factory, plus a slew of antique and design stores, art galleries, service offerings, and fitness studios. And that doesn’t touch the surface of a literal bounty of restaurants for every taste, ranging from The Original Carrabba’s, Kiran's, and Thai newcomer MaKiin to recently opened bistro PS-21, Armando’s, Local Foods and Relish.
According to Pelican Builders founder Robert Bland, “The appeal for this building spans upwardly mobile young professionals to downsizing couples in their 50s and 60s, and they’re all drawn to a no maintenance lifestyle with the best of the city at their fingertips. At the Westmore, they have all that with the bonus of a 24-hour doorman for security purposes.”
The property is exclusively sold and marketed by Douglas Elliman Development Marketing. Its model residence is open Monday – Tuesday and Thursday – Sunday from 12 pm to 5 pm or by appointment. For more information or to book an appointment to tour, please call or text 713-600-5096 or visit www.westmorehouston.com.
Casey Axelrod, Stacey White, Christy Robinson, Laura Lewis and Mia Oliva
PETE BELL'S COTTON Holdings company, known for never doing anything halfway when it comes to parties, celebrated the return of the of the A&M-UT football game after a 13-year hiatus with the most lavish tailgating more gridiron fans have ever seen.
“Not only was the Cotton Tailgate the largest tailgating space at 3,700 square feet, but it featured eight chandeliers, six large screen TVs, dedicated lounge spaces specially decorated for UT and A&M fans, and a massive charcuterie stadium made out of solid cheese which served as a replica of Kyle Field,” explained a rep for Cotton. “Cotton Culinary Executive Chef Wade Schindler also prepared a game-worthy lineup including dino ribs, Texas caviar, RC Ranch Wagyu hot dogs, steak au poivre potatoes, brisket sliders and much more.”
Bell himself was a genuine celeb at the game. He participated in the coin flip to start the game with Gov. Greg Abbott, and he sponsored the Cotton Holdings Lone Star Showdown trophy — this year taken home by the UT Longhorns.
VIPs in the crowd included famed former A&M coach R.C. Slocum, NFL great Quan Cosby, ESPN host Pat McAfee, Duke Austin, Randy McIlvoy, Whitney and Marc Lawson, Donae Chramosta, Shelley Ludwick, Hunter Bell, Bailey and Hayden Layne and Cotton execs Bryan Michalsky and Zinat Ahmed.
Cotton Holdings. is a leading disaster and infrastructure support services company headquartered in Houston, the company says.
Hayden and Bailey Layne
Stacey and Russell White, Pete Bell and Zinat Ahmed
Pat McAfee
Longhorn fans
Cynthia and Heath Bratton
Bryan Michalsky and Pete Bell
Donae Charmosta and Zinat Ahmed
David Cordua
FOODIES WITH BIG hearts were in heaven at the annual Signature Chefs restaurants expo and fundraising dinner benefitting the March of Dimes. Held at The Revaire and chaired by Kristen J. Cannon and Mignon Gill, the event took in some $425,000 in support of healthier mothers and children.
Participating restaurants and hospitality outfits, working from booths ringing the room and doling out tasty treats to guests, included A Fare Extraordinaire, Clarkwood, Cut Above Spirits, Eunice, Field & Tides, Guard and Grace, Hando, Le Jardinier, Leo’s River Oaks, MaKiin Concepts Hospitality, Marmo, Money Cat, Navy Blue, Queen Bee Distilling and Relish Restaurant & Bar.
Besides great food, there were moving moments. Pete and Vivian Vandenbout, this year’s March of Dines ambassador family, shared a heartfelt story of preterm birth and infant loss.
“Signature Chefs brings together top culinary talent and the community to shine a light on the state of maternal and infant health in Houston and around the US,” said March of Dimes Senior Executive Director Jen Torres. “Locally, we continue to face significant threats to the health of moms and babies, with 1 in 8 babies being born premature and significant disparities among racial and ethnic groups.”
Kristen Cannon and Whitney Lawson
Meg and Garth Roe
Aaron Bludorn
Nicholas VandenBout and auctioneer Randy Davis
Tiffany Halik, Kristina Wilson and Nora Jarrad
Melanie Camp and Jen Torres
Milka Waterland and Elia Gabbanelli
Karen and Seth Lerner