Months after Benjamin Brollier proposed to Courtney Corinne Wood in the garden of her family’s home, with a cushion-cut diamond ring his mother Louise helped select, his mom passed away. In planning their lavish New Year’s Eve wedding at River Oaks Country Club, C.C. and Benjy kept Louise top of mind and in their hearts, curating thoughtful details like heirloom jewelry and special wedding programs. But the high school sweethearts also wanted to celebrate life and love, and ring in a fresh New Year with 500 loved ones — a vision expertly executed by Keely Thorne planner Jennifer Kaldis, and the floral and decor team at Todd Events. C.C. and Benjy each had 18 attendants standing by their side at the altar, and out on the dance floor, which remained packed even after the stroke of midnight! After fueling up on late-night breakfast tacos, the newlyweds escaped in a convertible Rolls-Royce — with a backdrop of fireworks, of course.
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.
JUST IN TIME for the Lunar New Year on Wednesday, Jinya Ramen is opening its 70th (!) location in Pearland. Known for its thick, rich broth and flavorful noodles — thanks to the specialized water used to prepare its broth and the aging process its noodles undergo — Jinya also touts a wide array of authentic toppings, from tender pork chashu to shrimp wonton.
“Pearland is a city that truly appreciates bold flavors, and we’re thrilled to bring our dishes here,” said founder and CEO Tomo Takahashi, who opened the first Jinya Ramen in Tokyo in 2000. “Pearland is the perfect place to share our authentic ramen and connect with a community that values great food.”
In addition to ramen, Jinya is serving up other Asian-inspired dishes — think salmon jalapeno sashimi and Hokkaido scallops. And find local craft brews on tap, too.
The Pearland location opens at 11am on Wednesday, Jan. 29, at 9240 Broadway St. Ste. 140 — and the first 100 guests in line will receive a free bowl of ramen!
Duck N Bao's bento boxes are part of Dine Out Rice Village
HOUSTON'S EVER-GENEROUS restaurant scene is already at it in 2025. Here are three ways foodies can dig in, raise a glass, and support important causes in January.
Galveston Restaurant Weeks
Fish Company Taco (photo by Becca Wright)
Now through Feb. 2, restaurants in Galveston offer pre-fixe menus a la HRW; two- or three-course dinners are priced $20-$60 and between $1 and $5 will be donated per guest to the Galveston County Food Bank and St. Vincent's House. Faves on The Strand participating in the effort include Italian standout Riondo's and longtime island go-to Yaga's, and the quaint Post Office Street eateries are in on it, too. Head to the Seawall and enjoy Gaido's, or to East Beach and hit up Porch Cafe.
And here's a fun deal! Fish Company Taco has an incredible combo: For $9.99, guests can pair any taco with fresh snapper crudo, and the restaurant will donate $2 to the causes.
Dine Out Rice Village
Duck N Bao's crispy spicy chicken (photo by Jenn Duncan)
Meanwhile, a little closer to home for most of us, Dine Out Rice Village is taking place through the end of January. Similarly, unique pre-fixe menus and specialty items will benefit a charitable cause — the homegrown and beloved Southern Smoke Foundation, which supports food and beverage workers through hard times with monetary grants and mental-health resources. Acclaimed Hamsa and Navy Blue are among the participating spots, plus newcomer Milton's and longstanding favorites like D'Amico's and Coppa Osteria. Duck N Bao's bento boxes ($15 including a $2 donation; available at lunch) benefit Southern Smoke Foundation, and a three-course dinner of pan-fried dumplings, soup and choice of entree is just $35, with a $7 donation.
Brennan's of Houston Supports NOLA Tragedy Fund
NOLA-style BBQ shrimp at Brennan's (photo by Kimberly Park)
Following the horrific New Year's Day tragedy in New Orleans, Brennan's of Houston is finding a way to give back. Through Jan. 19, the restaurant is donating 100 percent of proceeds from a special three-course meal to support the victims in recovery. Savor signature NOLA fare like turtle soup and creole bread pudding — all while giving back!
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