Thy and Matt Mitchell (photo by Jhane Hoang)
Born in D.C., Mitchell moved to Houston as a kid, when his dad got a job with Baylor College of Medicine. Later, he helped his father start a medical-research company, but the food world lured him: He enrolled in culinary school, and was a CEO by day and a student by night. Just a couple years later, he opened his first restaurant with his wife, Thy, who focuses on the marketing, social media and administrative operations. “We stay in our lanes, and know each other’s strengths,” she says.
Another of Thy’s strengths is style. Much like their globally inspired restaurant, Thy’s new online boutique Foreign Fare strives to nourish appetites for discovery with clothes that are comfortable and adaptable. Foreign Fare was the natural next step for Thy after working in retail and hospitality, her journey through motherhood, as well as her passion for seeing the world. “Over the last decade, we’ve been traveling all over the world researching food in different regions for our restaurants,” she explains. “In doing so, I realized there was no brand specifically designed to provide stylish yet functional clothing tailored for travelers.”
Foreign Fare’s first collection, which draws from cultures in Morocco and Japan, is comprised of six hero silhouettes. A few staples to consider include the Jetsetter Jacket, a modernized blazer with a twist — lightweight, water-repellent, and equipped with a zip-off hood, front pocket, interior hidden pockets, and even a top pocket for your AirPods. There’s also a wrinkle-resistant jumpsuit and wrap dress. The entire collection is on display at a pop-up boutique in Montrose Collective through mid-January.
Nearby, the couple is readying their second restaurant — global-street-food-inspired Traveler’s Cart, a casual café with delicacies eaten by hand or with chopsticks. It’ll be open late, with a great cocktail menu.
“The counter-serve side of the restaurant industry is expanding, and we plan to open 4-5 locations around town,” says Matt. “Everything about our brand was born from a love of exploring exotic cultures and global flavors, and we want to share that.”
Foreign Fare’s wrinkle-resistant wrap dress
Steamed bao buns at Traveler’s Table
Winter Solstice Wassail cocktail is served in adorable Gingerbread mugs at the YULE pop-up
Inside Swallow’s Nest, guests will enjoy a variety of specially brewed, creatively named holiday cocktails (We’ll get to those in a second!) while immersed in a veritable winter wonderland of elves, fairies, and other magical creatures, and otherworldly holiday decor. (Think holly, candles, and pentagrams made of tree branches.)
YULE’s menu of bewitching beverages features Nutcracker Nog, made with Cognac, rum, Madeira, butter pecan, Almond milk, cream, vanilla, egg, nutmeg, and allspice; Snow Queen Spritz, an alchemic blend of vodka, elderflower (Naturally!), white grapefruit, sparkling wine, and Topo Chic and served in a light-up glass; and Winter Solstice Wassail, a contemporary spin on the traditional Yuletide beverage, combining dark rum, apple brandy, cranberry, orange, apple, cinnamon, and honey, served hot. Yummy non-alcoholic options include Cauldron Cocoa.
The December run of YULE includes a calendar of captivating activations, including burlesque performances, carolers, and elves workshops where in between cocktails you can try your hand at Yule log, wreath, and/or ornament-making. Other cool events on tap include cookie decorating and vision board making for those who wish to manifest their hopes and dreams for 2024 and beyond.
“I truly love to see fellow women-owned businesses doing big things, and it’s even more impactful when we come together,” said Terra Velasquez, owner of Swallow’s Nest and Southern Coast Hospitality in a press statement. “I love the way this pop-up concept has aligned with what we do and created a spark of magic between us.”
YULE will be closed on Christmas Day. (Sorry, Santa!) For deets and updates, follow @cursedcauldronhtx on Instagram.
Nutcracker Nog
Yule Mule is served in a Nordic tea cup
White Witch cocktail