photos by JULIE SOEFER
styling by KATE STUKENBERG
model MICHAELA McCLURE FOR WALLFLOWER MANAGEMENT
hair and makeup by TONYA RINER
styling assistance by GRETA CONNOLLY
Shot on location in Montrose
Danny Ray and the Atlantic Street Band performs May 31 (photo from dannyrayatlanticstreetband.com)
"At Chapman & Kirby, we are dedicated to curating exceptional experiences for our guests beyond great food and drinks. The Spring Music Series is a testament to our commitment to hospitality from every angle, and we’re excited to show off incredible talent" said Mazen Baltagi, co-owner of Chapman & Kirby.
In partnership with Gulf Coast Entertainment, the Spring Music Series lineup will feature a diverse array of musical talents. Each Friday night will offer a unique, interactive experience for guests, via music, food & beverage and local vendor pop-ups. Doors will open at 6pm, with performances starting promptly at 7pm. Purchase tickets here. The schedule includes:
Sol 7 at Thompson Houston Hotel
Molihua
Houston’s newest culinary destination in the Blossom Hotel debuts tomorrow, April 23, but you can snag ressies now. Michelin-starred chef Hideki Hiwatashi and Ho Chee Boon and will offer traditional Japanese cuisine, elaborate dim sum, and artful desserts with a modern twist in the stunning second floor space. “Inspired by the beauty of the Jasmine flower and its delicate fragrance and beauty, Molihua encapsulates the essence of elegance and sophistication,” says chef Ho, who you may recall was with Houston’s Yauatchua in the Galleria. Japanese mains, raw fish tartares and crudos, and sharable plates like crispy truffle puffs — along with and sashimi, maki and nigiri, of course — headline the menu. Molihua is the third restaurant set to open under the Boon Group, following successful ventures in San Francisco, namely Empress by Boon and Blue Whale Restaurant & Lounge.
Vibrant Cafe at Memorial Park (photo courtesy of Leonid Furmansky)
Vibrant’s original location in Montrose was a little quiet during peak-pandemic, but it’s back in action, along with a new sister spot in Memorial Park. The Houston-based café known for its commitment to health and sustainability will provide all-day dining within the new Running Complex. Although the menu will evolve over time to fit the flow and vibe of the park, expect a similar menu as the original, along with an organic coffee program and natural wines. All dishes are free from gluten, dairy, refined sugars, peanuts, GMOs and gums. There’s a chocolate-chia-banana bowl, for example, and a watercress salad with shredded chicken and pickled apples. Also find a hearty sweet-potato-noodle stir fry, tacos, and sandwiches.
Designed by local Schaum Architects with a patio and interior elements curated by Vibrant’s founder, the café’s light-filled space reflects the natural aesthetic of its surroundings. “The café's opening and the broader expansion of dining and recreational options in the Park, reflect our ongoing commitment to meet the diverse needs of all Houstonians,” says Shellye Arnold, president and CEO of Memorial Park Conservancy.
Vibrant's Rainbow Salad (photo by Kirsten Gilliam)
This lively restaurant-bar on the seventh floor of the hotel overlooks a garden surrounded by the infinity pool. It embraces the outdoors with floor-to-ceiling windows, which are open during mild days. Irresistible breakfast, lunch, dinner and bar menus have something for everyone with lots of surprises. Its raw bar sports half-shell oysters, smoked salmon with crispy potato and horseradish crème fraiche, and ahi tuna tartare with macadamia nuts. Main plates include linguine with zucchini, burrata and walnut-basil pesto, grilled Ora king salmon and steaks, as well as burgers, salads and fun small plates. Located on prime real estate overlooking Buffalo Bayou Park and the Downtown skyline, the hotel also recently welcomed Maven Coffee Company, and will debut Chardon and Buck 40 restaurants soon. National concepts Toca Madera and Meduza Mediterrania are also in the works.
Holey Moley
Just in time for great spring weather, this new mini-golf club-bar-eatery from Australia-based company Funlab has bowed near Greenway Plaza. Pick up a club and take a swing at one of three nine-hole golf courses, which all have punny names and whimsical designs like the “Parber Shop.” Take a break at the 100-seat bar and restaurant named The Caddy Shack. Its menu offers a Texas spin on American comfort food such as nachos, sandwiches wings, pizzas and salads. Highlights include a chopped brisket sandwich, taco salad, and grilled elote corn ribs with cotija cheese, garlic aioli, Tajin and lime.
Kara McCullers, Samatha Tucker, Pam Espada, Lindsey Kessinger, Kat Pressly, Reagan Bregman, Alexandra Rich
Rogers has been involved with Girls Inc for many years, championing the organization's mission to provide young women all over the city with access to mentors. Girls Inc CEO Treopia Cannon welcomed the 350-plus guests, many of whom were outfitted in pink in honor of the event's theme, "A League of Their Own." Other speakers included honoree Melissa Cook, a counselor who spoke about the need for mental-health support and social-media boundaries for teens, and Zori Ozor, a high school junior who offered her testimony as to how beneficial Girls Inc has been in her life.
The afternoon included a raffle of a Shaftel Diamonds ring, as well as a buzzy silent auction, both of which contributed to the record-setting till of more than $400,000. Talk about a home run!
Taylor Kessler and Courtney Powell
Claire Day, Brittany McDowell and Tami Wall
Julia Morales, Twila Carter and Treopia Cannon
Ryan and Kat Pressly
Kara and Lance McCullers
Reagan Bregman and Anita Sehgal
Melanie Gray and Mark Wawro
Karina Moreno, Lisa Helfman, Suzanne Ross, Hannah Brook
Kristen Harper, Jessica Mikell and Natalie Alvarado
Kat Pressly and Sue Rogers
Kristen Collins and Dana Barton
Kelsey and Stuart Cook
