by Lance | Jun 5, 2023 | Blog
By Lance Avery Morgan Photography courtesy of Kat + Noelle
Dallas has become even more stylish these days. We love that Park Cities resident Shannon Jud recently opened Kat + Noelle, a family owned and operated boutique located in The Pavilion on Lovers Lane. The venue offers a unique, curated collection of resort-inspired women’s apparel and accessories, fragrances, home décor, and gifts. The boutique, named after Jud’s two daughters, Hannah Katherine and Harper Noelle, who frequent the shop if they aren’t found working there.
In fact, Kat + Noelle has been a lifelong dream for Jud. After leaving corporate America five years ago with little to no retail experience but driven by her love of fashion, shopping, and her own personal, unique style, she started her journey in the retail industry. In 2018, Shannon and her husband, Tom Jud, bought the popular upscale resale shop, Clothes Circuit, located in Preston Center. Together, they updated the more than 35-year-old shop and overhauled the consignment area. This endeavor allowed Shannon to pair her love of fashion and retail with her business acumen from her corporate days. Yearning for her next retail adventure, Shannon Jud took the leap into retail once again with Kat + Noelle, which earlier this year.
It’s a special place. The beautifully appointed boutique offers a thoughtfully curated collection of contemporary ready-to-wear focused on women-owned and sustainably smart brands offering a mix of new, popular, and mostly international designers. A few notable brands found at Kat + Noelle include: Custommade, Bamboliera, Beatrice b, De Loreta, Tallulah & Hope, No Pise La Grama, Gissa Bicalho, Neubyrne, Laura Foote, Nette, Poolside, The Jacksons London, The Wolfgang, VIETRI, and Ortigia Sicilia. For any style, there’s a Kat + Noelle outfit just waiting to be tried on. So, what are you waiting on? For more information, visit KatNoelle.com.
by Lance | May 31, 2023 | Blog
By Lance Avery Morgan Photography courtesy of Hive & Colony
We realize shopping for dear old dad on Father’s Day can be stressful, especially when he might seem to have all he needs. One thing he can always use is something from Hive & Colony, which has set out to make buying one of the hardest gifts of the year more simple and sophisticated than ever before. After all, doesn’t the father (or father figure) in your life deserve something more personal and experiential than the limited selection of suggested gifts that come around every June?
You’re in luck. Hive & Colony has just the solution. The luxe clothier’s fashion-forward range of textiles and materials, customer service-based experience, and expert personal stylists can create a friction-free, custom experience for the man in your life, so he is guaranteed to walk out the door with an authentic and unique look that suits him best. The best part, to take all the gift-giving guesswork out of the equation, is that for a limited time, the bespoke menswear brand is offering an exclusive promotion on gift cards–every dad’s favorite thing…from suiting to a wide range of accessories.
From June 4 through 18, customers will receive an added dollar amount on the purchase of any gift card:
- With the purchase of a $300 gift card, receive an additional $50 with promo code GIFT50.
- With the purchase of a $500 gift card, receive an additional $100 with promo code GIFT100.
- With the purchase of a $1000 gift card, receive an additional $250 with promo code GIFT250.
The promotion will run for the two weeks leading up to dad’s big day, so it’s the ideal timeline for any last-minute gifters struggling to pick out something that will stand out from past years, and will be offered on purchases in-store and online. “The Hive & Colony experience was built with the every day man in mind, making it the perfect Father’s Day present,” said Hive & Colony’s Director of Store Operations Mche Montgomery. “We’ve managed to balance creativity and individuality through our selection of materials and accessories, with the comfortability of connecting with a personal stylist who can provide guidance to keep the plethora of options from becoming overwhelming.”
With the choice of a physical gift card in sleek, signature packaging or an easily accessible e-gift card, creating a custom Hive & Colony look becomes even more seamless for the father figure who appreciates a no-fuss shopping experience. Remember, from June 4 through 18, take advantage of this exclusive gift card promotion and visit hiveandcolony.com/gift-cards to purchase what will be his favorite gift this Father’s Day. Take it one step further and visit https://www.hiveandcolony.com/locations to book him a time to visit one of Hive & Colony’s 10 showrooms across the country, and gift dad the ultimate custom experience with a look to impress, for the man who has given you his very best.
by Lance | May 22, 2023 | Blog
By Lance Avery Morgan
We love that this week the Andy Roddick Foundation, the leading Central Texas organization enriching the lives of children through high quality after school and summer learning programs, investments in community innovators and awareness-building activities, announced comedian Bobby Bones will host and multi-platinum award-winning country music artist Jordan Davis will perform at their annual Andy Roddick Foundation Gala on Wednesday, November 15, 2023, at ACL Live.
Radio and TV personality Bobby Bones will serve as host and his comedy duo, The Raging Idiots (alongside Eddie Garcia), will perform at the 2023 Andy Roddick Foundation Gala with Jordan Davis, who released his second full-length album, Bluebird Days, in February.
“We are excited to be back at The Moody Theater with Austin’s own Bobby Bones hosting a hilarious night to raise funds for this critical organization,” says Andy Roddick, founder and chairman of the Andy Roddick Foundation. “We are honored to be able to also share the music of Jordan Davis with our supporters and look forward to seeing you on November 15.”
The gala brings together approximately 2,000 supporters, friends, partners and concert-goers for an evening of celebration and music. The evening features a cocktail reception, program, an extensive live auction, an elegant dinner, and live concert at ACL Live, home of the famous Austin City Limits TV series. The annual event attracts the biggest names in music and entertainment and has raised over $11 million since 2012 to support the Foundation’s after school and summer learning and enrichment programs. Proceeds of the evening’s events will benefit the Foundation’s after school and summer camps.
Tickets will be available beginning Thursday, May 25, 2023 at 10am Central Time from ACLLive.com starting at $50 for balcony and $65 for mezzanine. Contact Natasha Willet at events@arfoundation.org regarding gala tables, individual gala dinner tickets and sponsorship or for more information.
by Lance | Apr 5, 2023 | Blog
Here’s Why The Andaz Mayakoba Resort Should Be Your Next Journey
By Lance Avery Morgan Photography courtesy of Andaz Mayakoba
CONTEMPORARY COOL
Mexico is steeped in tradition and there is so much to love about it. From the country’s sunny disposition to its serene vibe, there are few places like it on earth. Most of us have already been there many times…we’ve done the spring breaks, the family getaways, and perhaps, the bachelor/bachelorette event destinations. Now, for something newer and different, we recommend the Andaz Mayakoba in the Riviera Maya, a Hyatt concept, as your very next retreat to get away from it all. Once you’re on the ocean with the breeze blowing through your hair you’ll know what true relaxation really is.
Once you hop on a quick flight, from two to three hours from most Texas cities, into Cancun, you’ll soon be on your way an hour’s drive to the serene Andaz, whisked away by a private shuttle arranged by the property. The natural beauty that surrounds the region is also home to an idyllic range of flora and fauna that set the tone for a relaxing adventure. Upon arriving at the grand entrance, the friendly team is there to greet you in front of the large, cenote-inspired water feature. Once given a stone to toss into the aqua element, you’re encouraged to make a wish, or intention, for the stay. I wished for serenity for the next few days, and it came true.
In most of Mexico’s resorts today, a modern sense of design and architecture help you feel like you are somewhere special. At the Andaz, the mostly white and gray color theme of the rooms and suites blend seamlessly into the verdant growth that envelops the resort. Waking up to the exotic birds singing amongong the lagoon’s many haciendas is a treat. After all, Mayakoba is a 620 acre vista filled with lagoons, jungles, and beaches. Think of it as a secure gated community consisting of luxury private residences, as well as three hotels along with the Andaz: Rosewood, Banyan Tree, and Fairmount. The best part of this collaborative is that you can visit these other nearby resorts, enjoy their amenities, and sign it to your room at the Andaz.
“Here, it’s an amazing concept to have the four resorts, sharing the same world. We share some activities like the diving center and the lagoon,” stated Andaz General Manager Pascal Dupuis when we had breakfast. “This is all about embracing the culture while you are here. Everything we do, everything we think of…from the activities to the culinary experiences, there has to be the connection. You come as a tourist, you live as a local.” Dupuis goes on to say, “Living as locals, you learn about the Mayan culture. We are so lucky here because Mexico obviously has an amazing diversity of culture, colors, and tastes. Plus, the Yucatán, where we are, has an amazing Mayan cultural connection, with its natural beauty as well.”
CULTURAL EMBRACE
At the Andaz in the Riviera Maya, guests are invited to enjoy what might be considered a hidden paradise. It truly is like no other. In the jungle, yet near the ocean, it’s a place where style meets nature at an elevated level. The Andaz’s chic design reflects not only the native Mayan culture, but embraces contemporary design, too. When you arrive, you’ll find 214 guestrooms, including 41 luxury suites…so there’s an option for every visitor. In this lushly preserved mangrove environment, there’s also space for meetings and corporate events since the property offers 14,000 square feet of versatile indoor and outdoor meeting space. Want to host a special corporate retreat here? You might get Boss of the Year if you do.
Being on the ocean, the water is an important part of the resort’s attraction. Sunning on the pristine white sand of the Caribbean beach, or at one of two spacious outdoor pools, the tropical vibe is ever-present. The palm trees that sway above lend itself to the tropical paradise feel. For adult alone time in the water, or in one of the many cabanas with beverage and food service available, you can rest assured that the children are also having fun nearby while experiencing the state-of-the-art Kimbo Kid’s Club.
For the ultimate relaxation, the 10,000-square-foot luxe Naum Wellness and Spa, with six treatment areas, can be part of your visit. I had a cacao-based facial, after having crafted my own facial ingredients, thanks to the stellar spa team. While learning about the Mayan culture that originally cultivated the powerful, healing bean from the array of cacao trees nearby, I also felt its complexion-enhancing power. Healing and soothing, the hydrotherapy treatments are also some of the many options, along with various massages that are offered. The spa even provided me with an extra clay tablet mold to use at home. All you have to do is mix it with milk or water.
ONE-OF-A-KIND OPPORTUNITIES
Want to have one-of-a-kind experiences? This is the place to find them. You can start the day with a two hour private boat tour that weaves through the lagoons and mangroves to truly experience the majestic beauty of the resort. The sights and sounds of Mexico’s nature, including plenty of colorful birds, is the perfect floating view while enjoying a five star breakfast that is served fresh and healthy. Want to keep things moving? Hop on a bicycle for a biologist-led tour of the resorts’ coral reef program to see how the resort is helping to create more sustainable coral nearby that also supports the ecosystem. Back on land, the El Camaleón Golf Club is an18-hole LIV championship golf course designed by legend Greg Norman with a par 72 that winds through the mangroves and sand dunes. The challengingly adventurous course offers customized lessons, while the golf club also features a driving range and a short-game practice facility.
The five uniquely created restaurants and bars at the resort offer culinary experiences to satisfy any taste. Recently, two of its five restaurants were included in the coveted Guia Gastronomica list which highlights the 250 best restaurants in Mexico. First, enjoy an authentic culinary journey through Latin America that can be experienced at Casa Amate, rated as one of the Top 250 Restaurants in Mexico. Dining al fresco, which I recommend at every meal at the resort, I was captivated by the substantial architectural point of view of the venue, as well as the ingenious mix of seasonings and spices that were a part of every dish. Cap off your meal with one of the best desserts I have ever had anywhere in the world – the Fruit Ceviche. From the fresh produce to the freshly caught fish, as well as plenty of vegan options, the sky is the limit for delicious cuisine at the eateries.
The resort’s latest concept, VB (which stands for Vegan Bar), offers a selection of fresh and seasonal vegan dishes or order a delectable smoothie to take on the go to satiate your appetite between meals. Tinta del Pulpo has a wide array of culinary delights inspired by the street food of Central Mexico. It’s fresh, healthy, and over looks one of the Andaz pools. Want to take off your flip flops for dinner? Who doesn’t? For that there’s the restaurant Sotavento, where guests can enjoy a feet-in-the-sand evening with a meal against the backdrop of a stunning Mayan sunset and discover Mediterranean flavors in the venue that is also one of the Top 250 Restaurants in Mexico. Surrounded by tiki torches and with a view into the tide rolling in, it’s a truly romantic meal.
As General Manager Pascal Dupuis muses about the entire resort, “If you are in love with sustainability, nature, experiences, and the perfect location, then Andaz Mayakoba is the place for you.” With so much to offer, what are you waiting for? Visit Hyatt.com/andaz.
by Lance | Jan 24, 2023 | Blog
The ocean view from Hôtel Barrière Le Carl Gustaf
Let’s face it: St. Barts is an insider’s destination. These days, the celeb hideaway is more popular than ever, according to our intrepid global reporter, Kristen O’Brien, who recently dropped into Le Carl Gustaf, part of the Hotel Barrière Group, to experience the best that luxe beach life has to offer.
Photography courtesy of Le Carl Gustaf, part of the Hotel Barriere Group
The beach at Hôtel Barrière Le Carl Gustaf
BEACH PARADISE
The prop plane pitched to the right, then to the left, bucking and rolling over the wind currents as we made our descent, but first we had to clear a mountain range, followed by a sudden drop in altitude, before the plane could hit the runway at a great speed and pull to a stop before ending up in the azure-colored bay at the end of the 2,100-foot runway. Most runways are between 8,000 and 13,000 feet long for comparison, so landing safely was a welcome end to the beginning of my adventure. Welcome to Saint Barthélemy, aka St. Barts or, à la française, St. Barth. Personally, I thought the landing at Gustaf III Airport was exhilarating, but then again, I’ve always loved roller coasters. For a less dramatic arrival one can take the ferry from St. Maarten, usually a 45-minute ride, give or take some choppy waters. St. Barts is not easy to get to, yet certainly that is part of its allure and mystique.
Seeking some R&R, with ample beach time and sun, and a dash of glitz and glamour, I set my sights on St. Barts recently for four nights and it did not disappoint. The “season” on the island is a long one, from early November until the end of August, when most hotels shutter for the hurricane season. By the time I arrived, the eight-mile island was starting to pick up steam, but the height of the season is between Thanksgiving and the New Year when the population of almost 10,000 grows to include a who’s who of monied and well-heeled globe trotters and their yachts on display in Gustavia’s harbor.
The view from Hôtel Barrière Le Carl Gustaf
The island’s capital is named for King Gustav III of Sweden as the island belonged to Sweden from 1784 until 1878 when it was sold to France. Historically, the first jet setters arrived in the late 1960s when the Rockefellers and Rothschilds started to frequent the island and build homes. Those in the arts soon followed, with Mikhail Baryshnikov and Rudolf Nureyev as early devotees, and Hollywood celebrities like Steve Martin and Chevy Chase, and musicians like Jimmy Buffett discovered the allure of paradise. Today there are too many A-listers who frequent the island to mention.
As a guest of the five-étoiles, Le Carl Gustaf, part of the Hotel Barrière Group, I was warmly welcomed to the property nestled in the foothills overlooking Gustavia with a glass of champagne and a Carl Gustaf fan. The panoramic view immediately took my breath away as the sun set over a series of mountains rising out of the Caribbean Ocean, the red tiled roofs and colonial buildings of Gustavia, the marina with super yachts, lush palm trees and frangipanis. After a ridiculously early start and an almost twelve-hour journey from Texas, I felt like I had arrived in heaven.
CHIC DESIGN
Fouquets at Hôtel Barrière Le Carl Gustaf
Designed by renowned French firm Gilles & Boissier, Le Carl Gustaf exudes luxury, elegance, and French-style charm throughout its 21 rooms, suites, and bungalows that all face the ocean. The bungalows come with plunge pools, and the 5-bedrrom Villa Diane comes with a private chef and butler. The colonial style Carl Gustaf was built in the 1970s and purchased by the Barrière Group in 2016. With a roster of luxury properties all over France, including Cannes and Courchevel as well as Marrakech, and the recently opened Hotel Fouquet’s in New York, this was their first venture into the Caribbean. Renovations had to be halted in 2017 due to Hurricane Irma and therefore it wasn’t until late 2020 that they finally reopened. The hotel has a chic, French ambiance, yet also fits in with the laid-back atmosphere of the island while still offering all the necessities and luxury one could desire. Pricing for the villa starts at just under $19,000 per night and for the other accommodations, there are some rooms available during the low season for $781 a night.
After settling into the beautifully appointed bungalow and catching the final rays of sunlight dipping behind the islands in the distance, I made my way up the steps to Fouquet’s to discover the cuisine created by three-star Michelin Chef Pierre Gagnaire, a mélange of traditional French cuisine with Caribbean accents. The restaurant is mostly open air with wooden floors and wicker furniture, a Caribbean house with Riviera accents, so one is always enjoying the view of twinkling lights below in Gustavia, and the warm tropical breeze tousling my hair. I was keen to try Fouquet’s signature cocktails by Emanuele Balestra created with specialty edible scents from his “Bar A Parfums.” I ordered the “Daiqui Jasmin” with Havana rum, fresh squeezed lime juice, and jasmine scent which was lightly sprayed on my wrists and then in my glass to ensure a complete olfactory experience.
Fouquet’s at Hôtel Barrière Le Carl Gustaf
The consumable scents such as “Mandarine & Lavande,” or “Pamplemousse Jaune & Mimosa & Pelarconium Rosat” are elegantly displayed in a box on the bar. Balestra is the “King of the Aromatic Cocktail” and holds court at the Bar Galerie Le Fouquet’s at Le Majestic in Cannes. Balestra creates his palette of flavors in the form of extracts and changes them up depending on the season. For dinner I ordered a Périgord black truffle rigatoni with parmesan while my guest ordered the local catch which was prepared and deboned in the usual French Guéridon service style. The sommelier took great care of us, recommending wines to accompany each dish. I did forgo the trolley of mature French cheeses opting instead for the Crêpes Suzette, also prepared like the fish, “à table” with great panache and showmanship. The dining experience encapsulated all the elegance of a top French brasserie with the welcoming casual simplicity of the Caribbean.
Breakfast at Fouquet’s
ON THE GO
What’s wonderful at the Carl Gustaf is that you really don’t need a car and can walk to most of the places you’d want to go…a fabulous beach restaurant and club at Shell Beach, the cute boutiques and haute couture shops of Gustavia, the trendy bars and other incredible restaurants like Bonito, Bagatelle, and Orega, are all walkable, if you don’t mind climbing down a steep hill…and up again. The hotel does provide electric bicycles for their guests, as well as offering car service to the ferry or airport, and the stellar concierge team can organize taxis to other destinations on the island. On the first day I had a reservation at Shellona, the private beach club and Greek restaurant on Shell Beach, a quick five-minute walk from the hotel and where guests can easily get a day bed and soak up the sun, enjoy an Aperol, mix with interesting people from around the globe, and watch one of the best sunsets on the island. Like most of the beach restaurants on St. Barts, and there are 22 beaches on the island, there is usually a DJ on site creating a carefree party vibe similar to Ibiza or Mykonos.
A guest room at Hôtel Barrière Le Carl Gustaf
Another key benefit of staying at the Carl Gustaf? All the pampering and treatments you can dream of on site at the Spa Diane Barrière which offers multi-sensory and bespoke holistic treatments, facials, mani-pedis and tailored massage in three massage rooms as well as a fitness and yoga studio. I signed up for a massage and after an hour of bliss and relaxation. I had to purchase the Biologique Recherche lotion that was used because my skin felt so smooth, and I loved the earthy scent. The Spa also carries the local brand, Ligne St. Barth, as well as selling chic swimwear and beach attire. Other activities that the hotel offers or can coordinate besides the electric bikes and aqua bikes include organizing a Catamaran sailing excursion, water sports, hiking tours, picnics, and fishing.
Shell Beach has the best sunsets on the island. And Aperol Spritz. Photo courtesy of Kristen O’ Brien
When I wasn’t relaxing at Shell Beach, on my own spacious balcony with the plunge pool, or at the spa, I ventured into Gustavia for shopping at Louis Vuitton, Dior, Prada and adorable local boutiques like Poupette, Lolita Jaca and Sea Memory. I had some memorable meals at L’atelier De Joel Robuchon and L’Isoletta…and people watching at Bar L’Oubli. I also planned an excursion with the help of the concierge team to Eden Roc for dinner and to experience more of a party atmosphere. I appreciated that my hotel was more tranquil and not party central.
I do wish I had explored St. Barts more. After all, there are 40 quartiers to discover and so many places to swim, snorkel, hike, eat and dance the night away. But I was so happy with my stunning hotel and all that it offered; it was hard to stray too far. Next time I will plan to stay longer, but for now, I can still feel the warm Caribbean breezes, see the stunning water, islands, and mountains, as well as the colorful Caribbean buildings dotted with Swedish architecture and churches, and hear the bleating of the cabris, the church bells ringing, the mourning doves singing and by nightfall, the katydids. St. Barts is a magical place that enchants the senses, luxurious but understated although there is nothing understated in its stunning beauty and impeccable hospitality.
Nothing beats the view from the private Villa Diane. Photo courtesy of Kristen O’Brien
by Lance | Dec 20, 2022 | Blog
Paige Fertitta, Santa, Patsy Fourticq and Greg Fourticq
Sixteenth Annual Santa’s Elves Event Benefits The University of Texas MD Anderson Children’s Cancer Hospital
By Jennifer Roosth Photography courtesy of The University of Texas MD Anderson Children’s Cancer Hospital
Tilman Fertitta and Blayne Fertitta
A festive group of Houstonian holiday partiers, more than 350 in attendance, got in the holiday spirit for the 16th annual Santa’s Elves party benefiting The University of Texas MD Anderson Children’s Cancer Hospital. In fact, it’s the first in-person Santa’s Elves since 2019.
Nick and Angeliki Vrakas & Michael Fertitta
Of course, Santa Claus himself was in attendance as well as event’s founders, Patsy Fourticq and Gregory Fourticq, Jr., and the entire Tilman Fertitta family. The Fertitta children, Michael, Patrick, Blayne, and Blake, took the stage to welcome MD Anderson Cancer Center and guests as part of the welcome.
Neera Patidar and Amanda Abiassi
Guests grazed on a massive charcuterie board complete with all the accoutrement before moving onto to a buffet of BBQ shrimp, decadent macaroni and cheese, Chicken a la Paige, roasted vegetables, and more. Festive Christmas trees and garland dotted the entry way and carried guests through the living room and kitchen, then out onto the Fertitta’s massive outdoor entertaining space.
Gregg Harrison and Jennifer Roosth
The entertainment? The Houston Children’s Chorus sang Christmas carols on stage while guests mingled and stopped by the Galleria Giving Tree. The evening wasn’t complete without a signature Fertitta Christmas cookie. It was a wonderful evening a great time to reconnect with MD Anderson supporters. The event raised nearly $130,000 for this very worthwhile cause.
Hallie Vanderhider and Santa
