Emmaline Drive

Fresh off his seven-year tenure as operating partner at Fleming’s, Sam Governale has opened Emmaline in Montrose — which, thanks to its French dip sandwich and airy interiors, has quickly become one of 2018’s most buzzed-about restaurants. In addition to running DOCG Interests, a restaurant group he founded in 2016, the 46-year-old enjoys spending time with his wife, Tina, and their two shih tzus, as well as serving on boards for several local charities. Can you spot the fun fib about one of Houston’s hottest restaurateurs?

Julie Soefer
Sam Governale-2
Sam Governale-2

1. After finishing college with a double major in psychology and philosophy, he spent three years at NYU as a neuroscientist studying Alzheimer’s disease. “In college, most of my focus was perception and philosophy of mind.”


2. His recent walk down the runway for Festari’s charity event benefitting the Houston Women’s Center wasn’t his first foray into modeling. In the mid-’90s, he was tapped to hit the catwalk for Gucci for New York Fashion Week. “I wore a peach velvet suit, and loafers with no socks.”

3. While living in New York, he worked as an assistant stylist to rock stars like Cyndi Lauper and Steven Tyler. “We did album covers and magazine covers,” he says. “I would shop all day in New York to dress these stars. Sometimes, I’d even get to keep the clothes.”

Answer: 2

Food+Travel
Leadership in Action: ‘Setting Clear Goals’ Among Secrets of Success for Attorney Jess Bailey

How did you get to where you are today? A few key principles integrated into my life: setting clear goals, maintaining a growth mindset, building strong habits, and surrounding myself with the right people. Goals provided direction, while a growth mindset helped me turn challenges into opportunities for learning. Consistent habits, like disciplined work and effective communication, kept me moving forward. Being surrounded by motivated, supportive individuals has elevated my standards and kept me accountable. They’ve provided advice, encouragement, and sometimes that extra push I needed to stay on track. With these elements, I’ve been able to create a framework that helps me succeed and ensures I continue to grow and evolve.

Keep Reading Show less
People + Places

AS WE MOVE into Movember, men’s mental health is a big topic. In fact, men can get a lot of benefit, both mentally and physically by taking advantage of everything a spa has to offer. LeBrina Jackson, owner of Escape Spa, has the answers

How does Escape Spa cater to men? We designed Escape Spa to ensure both men and women feel comfortable and welcome. From our earth tones to our luxury brown unisex robes, this is not a pampering palace but a rejuvenation destination.

Keep Reading Show less

Jessica and Ryan Getz, Grace Ward

HOUSTON NONPROFIT Dec My Room threw a country-music-filled bash at House of Blues, where supporters two-stepped the night away and raised record-breaking proceeds, which will be used to decorate and customize hospital rooms of pediatric and young-adult patients all over the country. To date, the organization has improved the attitudes and healing process of 18,000 patients in nearly 200 hospitals.

Keep Reading Show less
Parties