Justin Yu, Chris Shepherd, Robert Del Grande and Hugo Ortega
Lainie Gordon and David Mincberg
The new starters are inspired by destinations close to home: The Hillcountry Venison Tartare has mesquite-smoked venison with fried capers and hatch-chile vinaigrette, served with potato chips. Also southern-inspired is the Louisiana BBQ shrimp, dished out with potato grits and good ol’ country bread. Both pair well with the Southern Gentleman old fashioned with charred mesquite-pecan syrup. Yeehaw!
If your palate is calling for something more European, the new Lobster Risotto should satisfy. It’s topped with a dramatic green parmesan foam and lobster oil. The savory dish pairs nicely with the fruity, springtime cocktail Wine Merchant of Venice which is Traveler’s Table’s take on an aeprol spritz. Finish it off with the perfectly fluffy Burnt Basque Cheesecake.
Or divert over to Asia and try the Korean Japchae. It’s sweet-potato glass noodles and tempeh, a meat substitute made from fermented soybeans. It might be hard to pick, but the experts, Traveler’s Table owners Matthew and Thy Mitchell, have their favorites. “If we had to make our personal picks, we'd order the Louisiana BBQ shrimp, Hill Country Venison Tartare, Roasted Artichoke Salad and Lobster Risotto.”
Lobster Risotto
Korean Japchae
Louisiana Fried Chicken
A model wearing Savannah Friedkin's Broken Collection (photo by Jeremy Choh)
Friedkin’s goal is to bring transparency and traceability to the fine-jewelry industry. “I created this brand to create a conversation not only about the way we consider and consume fine jewelry, but to also honor women’s uniqueness — the cracks and characteristics that make us uniquely whole,” says Friedkin, who graduated from The Kinkaid School. “I’ve always loved the creativity and innovation behind fashion and fine jewelry. It is a topic I’m personally passionate about.”
Savannah Friedkin (photo by Steve Lawton)
The Broken Collection (photo by Jeremy Choh)
Friedkin, who studied art history at Vanderbilt University, got the idea of starting the jewelry brand while working on her MBA at London Business School. “I started putting together an amazing team to launch the brand in April 2023.”
Besides being sold online, the brand is hosting traveling pop-ups at select boutiques and Auberge resorts nationwide this year. “I want to bring our pieces to the customer, get to know them and build a relationship with them,” she says. Friedkin’s father, Houston mogul Dan Friedkin, owns luxury hospitality management firm Auberge Resorts Collection, as well as Gulf States Toyota, one of the world's largest independent distributors of Toyota vehicles and parts.
“Our jewelry is made in environmentally and socially responsible facilities across the globe,” she explains, noting the brand has a 100-Percent Promise, which states that their factories are subject to on-site audits regularly from independent third parties such as the Responsible Jewelry Council and SCS Global Services. “The entire SF team has visited each facility to see first-hand that our high standards of capability, ethicality and sustainability are being met.”
Friedkin is touting two different collections for the launch; prices range from $150 to $7,000. The Broken Collection showcases 19 styles — earrings, bracelets, necklaces and rings, all “inspired by the resilience inherent in humans, and how the broken within all of us can be beautiful and should be celebrated.” The designs feature various cracks and breakage that catch the eye.
The Emergence Collection encourages people to find strength in adversity and beauty through balance. Here, the broken motif takes a new form, one of powerful growth and resilience. Friedkin says each piece is a celebration of challenges faced, embraced and overcome. Emergence features five pieces, including a cigar band ring, pendants, and hoop earrings.
Regarding hobbies and leisure time, the 29-year-old artist is currently exploring clay as a medium. “I have been devoting a large portion of my free time to building that skillset both on the potter’s wheel and in sculpting. Additionally, I love being in nature and enjoying the outdoors, and sharing time with close friends and family.”
Friedkin also revealed to CityBook exciting news that she is engaged. “I look forward to that chapter of my life.”
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