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
Alto started driving in Houston in late 2020, and it has quickly become a favorite way to get around. The experience is unparalleled. Think luxury SUVs with leather captain chairs, thoughtful amenities like complimentary water and umbrellas, and even curated playlists to choose from in the Alto app. Those who have ridden know that Alto is more than a ride from point A to B, but a journey to be enjoyed — because the recap of every dish on the ride home should be just as good as the dinner.
Community is at the heart of Alto. Rather than hiring independent contractors, Alto has hired W-2 employee drivers who are trained and supported by a local Houston team. The service also offers a Membership that unlocks Alto benefits as well as unique offers from Houston partners. Those who join Alto’s exclusive Membership gain full access to the Alto fleet during the busiest "Members Only" hours, savings on every ride, and Alto’s prescheduling feature for booking rides in advance (Pro tip: Lock in your ride when you lock in your dinner reservation!). Join a community of adventurous, in-the-know Houstonians, at only $12.95 a month.
Alto shared the top pick-up and drop-offs that make up their Members most recommended spots — and also happen to be celebrating Houston Restaurant Week! — so you can plan the perfect night out.
Trattoria Sofia A top drop-off among Alto Members, we recommend Trattoria Sofia for authentic Italian with the perfect atmosphere.
The Annie Cafe Another frequent destination, The Annie Cafe and Bar serves classics, totally reimagined.
MAD Houston A spot as innovative as your Alto. Book a ride to MAD for a night of tapas with a twist that are sure to be a new adventure.
Ouzo Bay The Alto team’s go-to modern Mediterranean spot for a perfect night out.
B&B Butchers and Restaurant This upscale steakhouse and traditional butcher shop is a classic Alto favorite.
FLORA A must try this month — FLORA is a culinary journey through the small towns of Mexico with a Texas touch.
Melissa Dobrowski and Shannon Hall
The kickoff party took place at the C. Baldwin hotel's new event space, Parlour Hideaway, the centerpiece of which is an eight-foot crystal chandelier hanging over a pink bar. The night was filled with vibrant, vintage frocks and Champagne toasts ahead of the main party on Nov. 5. Celeb chef Chris Cosentino prepared the menu of mouthwatering hors d'oeuvres, which touted caviar "cannoncini" and truffle-taleggio crescentine. Yum!
Caroline Fant shopping The Fashion Time Machine
Sherry Weiner and Tiffany Montgomery
Christie Sullivan, Mark Sullivan, Mark Sullivan, Ursaline Hamilton
Ross and Crystal Robin
Julia and Will Robinson
Claudia Solis and Jonathan Beitler
Melissa Dobrowski and Kim Herzog Bonner
Melissa Mithoff, Ursaline Hamilton, Christie Sullivan
Marcelo Saenz, Silvia Salle and Adrian Duenas
Chaired by Marcelo Saenz, Adrian Duenas and Silvia Salle, the evening raised $300,000 for the nonprofit's mission of promoting inclusive and diverse programming and providing scholarships to exemplary students of Hispanic descent. Some students were presented with their merit-based scholarships at the gala.
The "Viva" event also honored heroes among the Hispanic community: German and Micheline Newall, Ricky Flores and Monica Medina, Jose and Giannina Altuve, Isabel and Ignacio Torras, Mari Carmen Ramirez, Rosalinda Martinez, Silvia Graves, Laura and Rick Jaramillo, and Tony Bonilla Sr.
Emcees Deborah Duncan and Ron Trevino, with the help of energetic ballroom-dance performances, kept the crowd lively — and at the end of the night, the Calle Swing band had everyone on their feet. What a fiesta!
Yordan and Monica Alvarez
Micheline and German Newall
China Contreras, Adrian Duenas, Amanda Edwards, Roberto Contreras IV and Marcelo Saenz
Nina Altuve
Milka Waterland, Rania Edlebi and Elia Gabbanneli
Yordan Alvarez and Mayte Weitzman
Carmen Herrada
