NESTLED IN THE heart of France, the town of Vichy holds a rich history in the world of wellness and hydrotherapy. Acquiring fame for their alkaline springs in the 17th century, the Romans were among the first to recognize the therapeutic benefits of the springs. They established a French spa known as “Vichy,” which still exists today and continues to attract spa-goers from around the world to experience the transformative effects of hydrotherapy.
Intrigued by the legacy of Vichy's wellness traditions, serial entrepreneur and spa visionary LeBrina Jackson founded and aptly named her very first spa Pure Vichy, knowing she wanted to incorporate the healing powers of water into her offerings. Drawing inspiration from a visit to France and her passion for water-based wellness, LeBrina aimed to bring the essence of Vichy's healing waters to Texas, creating a sanctuary where clients could experience the revitalizing benefits of hydrotherapy that she had fallen in love with.
Today, LeBrina's dedication to Vichy's legacy lives on at her Escape Spa in Cypress, just outside of Houston. Offering a range of Hydrotherapy services, LeBrina’s treatments seamlessly integrate Vichy practices with contemporary spa techniques to stimulate circulation, aid in relaxation, and promote healing and wellness. Water therapy has proven beneficial for a variety of health conditions including arthritis, fibromyalgia, back pain, cardiovascular diseases, and sports injuries, making the spa’s treatments perfect for anyone seeking an overall boost in their health and wellbeing.
“I read years ago that in Latin SPA stands for ‘solus per aqua’ or ‘health by water.’ Water has always held almost sacred space when it comes to healing,” explains LeBrina. “Then after experiencing the healing power of natural geothermal hot springs around the world as well as visiting Vichy, France, I realized I always felt like I pushed a hard reset button on my personal renewal. It became clear that if I wanted to offer authentic wellness therapies in any spa I would create, it was essential to incorporate water-based treatments into the service menu."
Among the spa’s signature treatments is the Nourishing Glow Wrap, a standout service that combines exfoliation with a luxurious volcanic clay mask. As warm water cascades over the body, detoxification and relaxation intertwine, leaving your skin feeling soft, hydrated, and radiant. Similarly, the Vichy Recovery Massage melts away stress under eight shower heads, followed by a full body massage and a body scrub — a synergistic blend that relieves tension. Additional signature treatments include the Sleek and Slim and Illuminating Vichy Body Peel, also designed to harness the power of water to boost relaxation and rehabilitation.
These offerings not only pay homage to the rich heritage of Vichy's spa culture, but also reflect Escape Spa's commitment to modernizing traditional wellness rituals.
Book a service at Escape Spa to experience the magic of Vichy hydrotherapy and expand your self-care regime.
LeBrina Jackson
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CELEBRATED CHEF Aaron Bludorn is on a roll. After successfully opening three Houston restaurants including the recent Bar Bludorn, he has set his sights on the boutique Hotel Saint Augustine to open this fall.
From the acclaimed Bunkhouse group, Montrose’s elegant Hotel Saint Augustine will feature all-day restaurant Perseid alongside an intimate lobby bar plus event spaces also helmed by chef-restaurateur Bludorn. The menu will pay homage to the global influences defining Houston’s food through dishes that sit at the intersection of refined comfort and classic technique.
"Perseid is a bistro through the eyes of Houston," Bludorn said in a statement. "Meaning, we are using the ingredients and inspiration from Houston’s diverse population to create a bistro menu that is accessible and exciting. My inspiration is drawn from bistros in Paris and Lyon and their ability to be consistent and timeless. I have always thought, ‘What if we had that, but with Houston as a backdrop?’ and now we will with Perseid."
Meanwhile, at still new but profoundly popular Bar Bludorn in Hedwig Village, things are really heating up. For more on our first visit, see here.
A rendering of Perseid (courtesy of Post Company)
Partners in Bludorn, Cherif Mbodji and Aaron Bludorn (photo by Julie Soefer)
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Common Bond Chef Cooks Up Comfort Food at New Restaurant in the Heights
Andrew Hemingway
May. 13, 2024
JASON GOULD IS best known as the chef behind Common Bond, one of Houston’s go-to spots for easy French-inspired bites and pastries. But now, Gould has created a comfort-food menu for another locally-owned resto — 1891 American Eatery & Bar in the Heights. It’s part of a partnership with Garza Management Group that has recently taken over Common Bond. Boasting an expansive patio, the new resto describes itself as having a “family-friendly pub atmosphere."
The decadent flavors of Common Bond carry over nicely to 1891, with dishes like the sweet-corn-and-bacon pizza (the dough is made in-house, naturally). There’s also the savory curried mussels and salmon tartare to start. But don’t skip the bacon-wrapped hot dog; ask for extra napkins for this the juicy handheld delight. The wide variety of entrees include fun French-meets-Texas options like the truffled brisket and steak frites.
While a cold beer always hits the spot on the patio, 1891 offers an impressive cocktail menu. The Dirty Chai Tini is an espresso martini meets chai latte libation. For the bourbon drinkers, pick between the Texas Bourbon Flight or the Fancy Bourbon Flight.
And starting today, 1891 is offering daily meal specials like Taco Tuesday with a margarita and three tacos, or a burger and a beer on Thursdays for $20.
Bacon Wrapped Hot Dog
Chocolate Chip Ice Cream Sandwich
Grilled Elote
Adobo Beef Brisket Tacos
Apple Bourbon Bread Pudding
Lemon Pepper Salmon
Spiced Carrot Soup
Summer Spaghetti
Sweet Corn & Bacon Pizzetta
Steak Sandwich
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