2019 November December Archives - Page 2 of 5

LOOK, LISTEN & LEARN

by kat | Oct 31, 2019 | 2019 November December, Parties, Houston

Holocaust Museum Of Houston Celebrates Expansion

By Jake Gaines – Photography by Dave Rossman

THE SETTING: Recently, the Holocaust Museum of Houston hosted an elaborate gala for 800 attendees to celebrate its $34 million expansion by hosting a First Look celebration for major donors, Holocaust survivors, dignitaries and special guests. Patrons enjoyed cuisine from around the world and music on each floor as they toured the new 57,000-square-foot, fully bilingual facility at the champagne-filled gathering.

THE STYLE: The event’s décor was provided by Dede Loughran of Acme Rental who expertly placed some of HMH’s collection of handmade butterflies throughout the silver-lined tables to give a personal touch to the overall look. The floral décor was created by The River Oaks Plant House. Chef Smirnov Catering provided the Kosher culinary array representing old world Asian, Japanese, Israeli, Russian and Italian delicacies. Music was staged on each floor with Moodafaruka playing in the first floor’s Garden of Hope, Divisi Strings on the second floor, next to the three-story high Butterfly Loft, and John Acevedo playing Flamenco jazz guitar on the third floor near the board room with its assorted desserts.

THE PURPOSE: Tali Blumrosen, former museum chair and current board member, coordinated the evening’s event in conjunction with the Holocaust Museum Houston’s Managing Director Tamara Savage. More than doubling in size, the new facility will rank as the nation’s fourth largest Holocaust museum. The new three-story structure will house a welcome center, four permanent galleries and two changing exhibition galleries, classrooms, research library, café, 200-seat indoor theater and a 175-seat outdoor amphitheater.

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CULTURAL ADVANTAGE

by kat | Oct 31, 2019 | 2019 November December, Exhibit, Culture

The best plays, musical performances and exhibits in Texas are enjoyed by record number crowds, according to our cultural adventurer Claire-Lise Greve who shares our favorite recommendations from across the state.

AUSTIN

STOP! IN THE NAME OF COOL

Motown: Sound of Young America is the exhibit that recalls the 1960s when the music label and its talents burst onto the music scene…and the world has continued to love it since. Take a trip into yesteryear with this fabulous look at sights, sounds and the costumes that changed pop culture. Through January 26, 2020. At LBJLibrary.org

The Supremes costumes, the 1960s. Photo courtesy of LBJ Presidential Library

WOMAN POWER

Sister Suffragists is a centennial celebration exhibit of the movement that brought suffrage to the women of Texas and the nation. On June 28, 1919, Texas became the ninth state to ratify that amendment, which would later become the Nineteenth Amendment when women nationwide won the right to vote. See the era unfold in this can’t-miss look into our past at the Bullock State History Museum. Through August 31, 2020. At TheStoryOfTexas

Photo courtesy of Bullock State History Museum

A CONTEMPORARY CLASSIC

With a story about life and how we choose to live it, Dear Evan Hansen portrays the tough social issues that many young Americans face today in a deeply moving and groundbreaking way. Coming this December to Austin’s Bass Hall, this six-time Tony Award®-winning musical is one not to miss. December 10–15. At TexasPerformingArts.org

Photo courtesy of Matthew Murphy, Dear Evan Hansen U.S. Tour

DALLAS / FORT WORTH

A SLEEPING BEAUTY

In a new exhibit at the Dallas Contemporary Museum, artist John Currin focuses on depictions of gender, the masculine identity, and the male gaze, as well as an analysis of his own masculinity as it is tracked through his art in My Life As A Man. Through December 22. At DallasContemporary.org.

John Currin. Detail of Fishermen, 2002. © John Currin. Photo by Rob McKeever. Courtesy of Gagosian and Dallas Contemporary

THE NEW TIDE

After a year-long renovation project, the Amon Carter Museum in Fort Worth reopens to the public with the first exhibit to feature the formative years of photographer Gordon Parks’ career, a favorite of Vogue. In Gordon Parks: The New Tide, The Gordon Parks Foundation collaborated with the National Gallery of Art to conceive this inspiring collection displaying his photos of African American life in the middle of the 20th century. Through December 29. At CarterMuseum.org.

Photo courtesy of The Gordan Parks Foundation

A TASTE OF SPAIN

Spain’s most celebrated artists are presented like never before at the Meadows Museum in the exhibit El Greco, Goya, and a Taste for Spain. On loan from the Bowes Museum in the United Kingdom, these paintings represent a vast scope of history ranging from the 15th to 19th centuries as well as Josephine Bowes’ role in collecting these works of art. Through January 2020. At the MeadowsMuseumDallas.org.

The Repentant St. Peter by El Greco. Photo courtesy of The Meadows Museum.

HOUSTON

SPANISH FLAIR

The Houston Grand Opera presents the world premiere of El Milagro del Recuerdo/The Miracle of Remembering, the prequel to Cruzar la Cara de la Luna. Perfect for all ages, this opera explores family dynamics while dealing with life-altering changes. Dec. 5–22. At HoustonGrandOpera.org

Photo courtesy of Houston Grand Opera

PIVOTAL ARTISTS

Monet to Picasso: A Very Private Collection showcases paintings from some of the world’s most renowned artists including Pissaro, Renoir, Picasso and many more at pivotal moments in their careers. This never before seen collection is at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston. September 10–Jan. 12, 2020. At MFAH.org

Woman Seated in an Armchair (Femme assise dans un fauteuil), 1941, oil on canvas, private collection. © Estate of Pablo Picasso/Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York. Courtesy of MFAH.

HOLIDAY’S TRADITION

The Houston Ballet presents Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker, the holiday story about a young girl and her Nutcracker as they venture to the land of Sweets where they encounter the mystical Sugar Plum Fairy. Featuring stunning choreography and an iconic score this is a must-see for the whole family this holiday season. November 29–December 29. At HoustonBallet.org

Photo courtesy of the Houston Ballet

SAN ANTONIO

BEYOND THE CATHEDRAL

Paris: Notre Dame and Beyond, a new exhibit by the McNay Museum, sparked by the recent fire at the Notre-Dame Cathedral this year, features several lithographs depicting some of the most architecturally stunning aspects about Paris’ famed Cathedral. December 5–February 23. At McNayArt.org

Henri Rivière, Du Haut des Tours Notre-Dame from Les Paysages Parisiens, 1900.

Lithograph from the collection of the McNay Museum.

CITY CELEBRATION

With a tripartite presentation entitled Waking Dream, Isaac Julien: Playtime and Jewels in the Concrete, the inaugural opening of the new Ruby City will feature seminal works by contemporary artists including Do Ho Suh, Teresita Fernández, Ana Fernandez and Chuck Ramirez. At RubyCity.org

Photo of Teresita Fernández Silver Screen (30 Dissolves), 2011, courtesy of Ruby City

VICTORIAN RADICALS

British art had a dynamic period of growth in the late 19^th century and was revolutionized by new avant-garde techniques of the Victorian era. The San Antonio Museum of Art’s upcoming exhibit Victorian Radicals: From the Pre-Raphaelites to the Arts and Crafts Movement highlights this time period with various paintings, sculptures, and jewelry. Through January 5. At SAMuseum.org

Photo courtesy of The American Federation of Arts and SAMA

CRAZY SEXY COOL

by societytexas | Oct 31, 2019 | 2019 November December, Style, Feature One

Whether near or far, the holidays are meant to be enjoyed to the maximum. As Auld Lang Syne plays in the background, you can make beautiful music with someone fascinating while wearing some of the most gorgeous fashion of the season. So what are you waiting for? Pack your best dress, tuxedo…and bring the passport.

Photography by Mark Oberlin Styling by Dion “Bleu” Drake

Hair by Alex Henrichs, using Oribe, Bumble and Bumble

Makeup by Julia Taylor, using Dior and IsaDora Cosmetics

Models: Masha Bebris, Meraki Model Management & Mario Blanco, LA Model Management

Sittings Producer: Lance Avery Morgan

FAN FAVORITE

by kat | Oct 31, 2019 | 2019 November December, Savor, Culture

How to cool things down this winter? Our editors Lesa Rossick in Austin, Cynthia Smoot in Dallas, Jennifer Roosth in Houston, and Eleanora Morrison in San Antonio share their favorite statewide recommendations that are must-dines as the season becomes merrier.

AUSTIN

ROSEDALE RENDEZVOUS

Two words. Simply Genius. Executive Chef Janelle Reynolds takes fresh ingredients and makes elevated healthy forward dishes. Combined with some of the best service in the city, this brainchild of owner Stuart Thomajan will quickly become an Austin institution.

At RosedaleKB.com

Photo courtesy of Rosedale Kitchen

LOVE ON THE HILL

Chef Page Pressley takes the helm at Swedish Hill, the newly renovated restaurant that offers everything from fresh pastries and customized cakes to Rotisserie Chicken. It’s a pure delight to experience this Austin tradition that’s been so reinvigorated.

At SwedishHillAustin.com

Photo courtesy of Swedish Hill

HERE COMES THE BRIDE

Portuguese-infused creativity combined with a Texas flare is a match made in heaven at Vixens Wedding. From the creators of Lenoir, this new spot in the ARRIVE East Austin Hotel serves delicious small plates and shareable dishes along with creative cocktails in a charming, bright spot in the city.

At VixensWeddingATX.com

Photo courtesy of Vixen Wedding

DALLAS / FORT WORTH

LOCAL LOVE

Deep Ellum hotspot, LOCAL, was conceptualized in 1998 by owner Chef Tracy Miller in the historic century-old Boyd Hotel. In fact, this popular eatery is the closest thing to a NYC bistro this side of the Mason-Dixon line. It continues to be a favorite amongst Dallas foodies by serving a modern American menu with the vision to create beautiful, delicious dishes while using the simplest, most honest ingredients.

At LocalDallas.com

Photo courtesy of Local

YO QUIERO TE DESEO

Te Deseo features Latin American-inspired (Argentina, Brazil, Mexico, and Peru) cuisine and cocktails in a stunning environment of multiple social and dining spaces, each with differing personalities and design. With a series of unique dining rooms, tiled courtyard, and four bars, it also provides a stunning rooftop view overlooking the city. The new venue also offers over 100 specialty tequilas and mezcals along with inspired cocktails that highlight Latin American spirits.

At TeDeseoDallas.com

Photo by Rob Underwood

BEYOND CORNY

Brothers Neil and Carl Fletcher started this country’s obsession with fried foods when they invented the corny dog in Dallas in 1938. It was introduced at the State Fair of Texas in 1942 and has become an iconic part of the State Fair-attending experience. The secret to the famous Fletcher’s Corny Dog crunch is not only the trademarked batter, but also the water temperature and how the batter is mixed. The Fletcher family recently purchased a food trailer to allow them to cater off-site events throughout Texas.

At FletchersCornyDogs.com

Photo courtesy of Fletchers

HOUSTON

HOTEL REDUX

Baldwin, the latest and coolest addition to Houston’s downtown hotel scene, has opened its doors wide open to both locals and the city’s visitors. Named for Charlotte Baldwin Allen, who in 1836, helped fund the Allen Brothers real estate opportunities that affect the city to this day. Rosalie is just one of the many restaurants, salon, and retail offerings in this sleek hotel.

At CBaldwinHotel.com

Photo courtesy of C. Baldwin Hotel

G-FORCE

New to the Allen Center development, Guard and Grace is a modern American steakhouse that features everything from prime, certified Angus and local grass-fed cuts of beef to fresh seafood, charcuterie, artisanal cheeses and vegetarian selections in a bright, airy atmosphere. It even boasts a temperature-controlled wine cellar complete with wine lockers where guests can store some of their own “reserve” bottles.

At GuardAndGrace.com

Photo courtesy of Guard And Grace

POSITIVELY ITALIAN

Located in the heart of Montrose, Postino Wine Café offers an all-day wine program best described as sophisticated-meets-approachable. Coupled with its crave-able bruschetta offerings, shareable charcuterie and cheese boards, hand-pressed paninis, mix-and-match sandwiches, salads, and scratch soup combinations, it’s becoming a new favorite.

At PostinoWineCafe.com

Photo courtesy of Postino

SAN ANTONIO

BAKERY’S BEST

Founded in Brooklyn by Lauren O’Connor, Cake Thieves is a vegan pop-up bakery and caterer that has been serving up sweets to San Antonio dessert lovers since 2009. Amassing a devoted social media following on Instagram that scrolls for their fans’ sweet tooth, Cake Thieves’ imaginative flavors change seasonally and are available for custom orders if you can’t catch one of their popular pop-up appearances around town.

At CakeTheives.com

Photo courtesy of Cake Theives

SOUTHERN FLAIR

For foodies who have flocked to favorite eatery Southerleigh inside of Hotel Emma at Pearl, devotees are abuzz about the restaurant group’s newest concept, Bird & Biscuit, opening at the RIM in early 2020. A fine casual restaurant concept that will provide brunch, lunch, dinner, take-out and delivery, Bird & Biscuit will feature a menu based on southern style food including fried chicken, biscuits, and an oyster bar, paired with local Southerleigh micro-brew beers. Plus, the restaurant will also feature a full bar.

At Southerleigh.com

Photo courtesy of Southerleigh

BURGER HEAVEN

A favorite burger spot for San Antonio locals since 1977, Chris Madrids has now reopened after nearly two years of renovations due to a fire that damaged the historic building. The iconic restaurant, nestled in the Alta Vista neighborhood, is just north of downtown. It has welcomed generations of San Antonians to gather, feast, play, and make cherished family memories. Now with a new party room and patio, the hotspot hopes to host greater gatherings than ever before.

At ChrisMadrids.com

Photo courtesy of Chris Madrids

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

by kat | Oct 31, 2019 | 2019 November December, Parties, Dallas

The North Texas Food Bank Hosts 6th Annual Harvest

By Cynthia Smoot – Photography by Sterling Steves

THE SETTING: A Tasteful Place at the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden was the magical setting for the 6^th annual HARVEST that was hosted by the North Texas Food Bank. Surrounded by the venue’s fall flowers accented with pumpkins, gourds and squash, DJ Lucy Wrubel provided a cool vibe as partygoers arrived. Guests sipped their cocktails and enjoyed the sweet and savory food offerings located at stations throughout the captivating gardens and indoor pavilion.

THE STYLE: NTFB president and CEO Trisha Cunningham gathered the crowd to recognize the organization’s recent inaugural Partners 4 Hope law firm challenge. With the help of Partners 4 Hope chair, Chris Bankler of Jackson Walker, local North Texas law firms collectively raised over $75,000, which will provide access to 226,626 nutritious meals. As the evening progressed, partygoers could be seen striking a pose at the 4Change Energy photo booth, playing cornhole for a cause to help close the hunger gap, or nibbling on desserts in the Suite Spot, featuring French macarons by Chef/owner Tida Pichakron of Haute Sweets Patisserie and John Doumas of Pop Star’s all natural popsicles.

THE PURPOSE: Co-chairs Lisa and Marvin Singleton welcomed more than 400 attendees to the annual fundraiser benefiting the North Texas Food Bank. Each day, NTFB provides access to more than 200,000 meals for hungry children, seniors, and families through a network of more than 1,000 Feeding sites and more than 200 Partner Agencies. In fiscal year 2019, NTFB provided access to almost 77 million nutritious meals.

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SOOTHE YOUR SOUL

by kat | Oct 31, 2019 | List, 2019 November December, Style

With winter here, we’re ready for the slopes and après ski, aren’t you? Our luxe style arbiter Rank & Style CEO Jamie Chandlee has a few recommendations that make the Top 10 list of your must-have trends to try right now.

#1

WARMTH ALL OVER

Plush and chic, this faux fur coat is perfect with jeans or a gown. In taupe. $385. At ShopBop.com

#2

GOING IN CIRCLES

This crescent-shaped Moon Bag, by Staud in natural snake, is sure to be the hit in any crowd. $325. At ShopBop.com

#3

HELLO, NATURE

Perfect for chilly, romantic nights, bring nature indoors with this Birchwood Pine luxury candle by Nest Fragrances. $140. At Nordstrom.

#4

TO TOP IT OFF

To keep you warm, and perhaps for less-than-stellar days this winter, we love this deep beanie hat by Mischa Lampert. $270. At Shopbop.com

#5

HEY, IT’S PUFF ALL OVER

You won’t get lost in a crowd with this rainbow-hued reversible Borogodo puffer that’s perfect for skiing and city chic, too. Double the coat, double the fun. $300. At FarmRio.com

#6

LEGS UP TO HERE

High as the sky is the rule for leggings and trousers this fall. We love these live-in leggings in a high waist that are built from moisture-wicking fabric and fitted with a no-slip waistband. These Zella stretchy, figure-sculpting leggings keep you cool as your workout warms up. $59. At Nordstrom

#7

GOING PLACES

This Proenza Schoeler Suede Chelsea Boots in neutral will have you going places, in all terrains. $795 At ModaOperandi.com

#8

MORE THAN SKIP DEEP

MK Skin by Maryam Zamani Hydrate & Nourish Age Defence Retinol Day Moisturizer with SPF 30 will help you save face like never before. $149.00 At Net-A-Porter.com

#9

CASHMERE COOL

This sweater, hand-embroidered with the career-minded Everyday I’m Hustlin’ message is 100% cashmere and comes in dark cobalt with peach embroidery, smoke with electric blue embroidery, or black with red embroidery. $385. At LinguaFrancaNYC.com

#10

NECK AND NECK

For street style, this Jaden ribbed fringe blanket scarf does the trick from dawn to dusk. $48.00. At FreePeople.com.