Net Gain

Screen Shot 2017-03-15 at 9.15.28 AM
Screen Shot 2017-03-15 at 9.15.28 AM

After the Super Bowl, some wonder when the next major pro sports event will hit Houston. Behold the Fayez Sarofim & Co. U.S. Men’s Clay Court Championship at the River Oaks Country Club April 8-16. “It is truly an event like no other,” says Tournament Director Bronwyn Greer of the surprisingly under-the-radar, largely volunteer-staffed event that’s taken place, in various guises, for more than 80 years. She touts its intimate nature, as its two courts hold a total of only 4,000 fans. “You’re close enough to hear the players talk to each other on the court, and you can literally see their sweat.”


In the past, the event, now the only Association of Tennis Professionals clay-court tourney in North America, has attracted such icons as John McEnroe. Top U.S. pros Jack Sock, Sam Querrey and Steve Johnson are among those expected to vie for the more than half-million-dollar prize purse this year. Twins Bob and Mike Bryan of California, the winningest duo in tennis, will compete in the doubles category. And the Americans will join other players from around the world. The Swedish Björn Borg and the Swiss Roger Federer have both appeared previously, and, since the tournament joined the ATP World Tour in 2008, pros from 52 countries have participated. It was broadcast to nearly 150 countries last year.

The tournament also has a tradition of hosting rising stars. “It’s always intriguing to see who will be the next Rafael Nadal,” Greer says. This year 19-year-old American pros Taylor Fritz and Frances Tiafoe will compete.

But it’s the established pros, such as 2013 champ John Isner, who appreciate the event most. “I personally love this tournament because it has so much history,” Isner says. “It’s run so well, and Houstonians really support it.”

Above: Spaniard Feliciano Lopez, who competed in the Fayez Sarofim & Co. U.S. Men’s Clay Court Championship at River Oaks Country Club in 2016, will return this year. More tourney details can be found at mensclaycourt.com.

Uncategorized
Fried Chicken, Fancy Bubbles, and a Side of Glamour: Sundays at The Marigold Club Just Got Fun

Chef-owner Austin Waiter of The Marigold Club, now serving fried chicken and Champagne on Sunday nights.


IF YOUR SUNDAY nights could use a little sparkle—and a lot of fried chicken—The Marigold Club has just the thing. Starting May 25 at 5pm, the Montrose hotspot known for its playful mix of Southern charm and London polish is rolling out a new weekly tradition: Fried Chicken & Champagne Sundays.

This isn’t your average comfort food situation. We're talking a shareable fried chicken dinner for two, made with farm-raised birds from Deeply Rooted Ranch, and served alongside buttery whipped potatoes, minted peas, aged cheddar scones, and some over-the-top sauces — including a foie gras sauce supreme that’s as extra as it sounds.

Keep ReadingShow less
Food

World-famous Jigger & Pony bar of Singapore will be featured in a pop-up at the Four Seasons’ Bandista speakeasy July 20, along with sister bar Cosmo Pony. Its spicy margarita with an agave lollipop will be on the menu.

ONE OF THE most celebrated bars in the world will be featured in a one-night-only pop-up in Houston next month.

Keep ReadingShow less

A cozy corner of the new Allegory Bar

THINKING OF INTERESTING ideas for a staycation this summer? Consider the newly renovated Moran boutique hotel in CityCentre.

Keep ReadingShow less