For the first time, the cancer-fighting Alcides E. Rosaura Diniz Foundation hosted a gala at the Astorian. Ana Paola Diniz, who lost her father Alcides to Hodgkin’s lymphoma in 2006, praised MD Anderson, the night’s beneficiary, for its dedication. … Meanwhile, Catholic Charities’ “happy”-themed 75th annual Spirit of Charity event did indeed bring smiles to many faces. The evening, held at the Marriott Marquis, raised $1 million. … This year’s Lyndon Baines Johnson Moral Courage Award dinner honored President George W. Bush for his lifelong commitment to service and country. The total till doubled the previous record, coming in at $4.2 million. … In addition to celebrating the induction of five new members of the Texas Aviation Hall of Fame, the Lone Star Flight Museum’s Flights of Fancy event garnered $700K for the museum. … And the 30th annual Goodwill Gala was the organization’s most successful ever, with more than 400 black-tie-clad guests — including Simone Biles and her family, guests of board member Leisa Holland Nelson — partying for a cause at the River Oaks Country Club.
Spring Branch Sweets Shop Is Actually Swanky Speakeasy-Style Bar and Lounge
OVER THE PAST five years or so, Spring Branch, which was founded in the late 1800s, has established itself as one of Houston’s most diverse and foodie-friendly neighborhoods. Newcomers like Blind Goat, Wild Oats and La Cruderia have denizens heading out to dinner more often.
New bars have joined the ’hood, too. The Decoy lures sports enthusiasts, Loose Cannon offers cocktails in a nautical setting, and The Library draws wine imbibers with its fairly priced menu. And as of this week, Aye Candy is the new kid on the block, located at 1849 Bingle Rd.
Taking inspiration from speakeasies in Mexico City, guests enter the bar through a small candy storefront glittering with sugary delights. Aye, meaning “wow” in Spanish, is the first word that comes to mind when stepping through. The new concept aims to provide the rapidly growing area with a sophisticated cocktail lounge featuring craft libations. “We wanted to bring an adult escape to the neighborhood,” owner Cristy Velasco said in a statement.
A moody interior awaits with dark lighting, velvet seating, upscale finishes and upbeat music. Find banquette seating across the back wall with various tables for two, while couches and lounge seating is offered for larger groups. Velasco conceptualized the program with motivation from her husband, who has food and beverage establishments in Monterrey, Mexico. She wanted to create a space that their friends and family could enjoy where they can dress up and unwind without venturing far from home.
Getting thirsty? Expect various signature drinks adorned with candy, naturally, plus classic cocktails with a twist like an Espresso Flor Martini and Vanilla Old Fashioned. Perfect for summer, the Watermelon High is made with Aguasol Tequila reposado, fresh watermelon and lime juice with a dash of fire bitters. Its Royale flaunts Haku vodka, strawberry, and is topped with Champagne. Wines by the glass and bottle and charcuterie boards are on offer as well. For those with a sweet tooth, candy can be purchased from the hosts!
- Devouring Houston 2024: Inside the Best Neighborhoods for Foodies ›
- The Blind Goat Opens, Eight Row Spawns a Second, and Other Juicy Food News ›
- Celebrated Restaurateur Thinks Outside the Loop, Opens New Hot Spot in Spring Branch ›
- Spring Branch Restaurant Boom, 30-Minute Omakase, and More of the Week’s Turkey-Free Food News! ›
Alira Med Spa's Escarle Silva Travels World ‘Searching for the Best Tricks to Help Others’
Med Spa Owner
As a small business owner, I get to wear many hats. I became an Aesthetician to gain more knowledge about the services my business was going to provide, thinking that I will only focus on the administrative side of the business. Soon I became the business administrator and the lead Aesthetician. Currently, I am hands-on with our social media and marketing promotions, in addition to my regular facial clients. As time has passed, I realized I needed it to ramp up my services and technology to keep up with our competitors and now we offer a wide variety of Medical Spa services such as injectables and laser treatments. Visit aliramedspa.com to book an appointment today!
Travel Blogger & Influencer
I love traveling and learning from different cultures and people around the world. Through travel, I find myself constantly searching for my purpose. Experiencing spas around the world is very important to learn from others and be informed of the latest trends in the beauty industry. As a medical aesthetician, I care for people and I want to keep searching for the best tricks to help others. Follow me on my adventures at livespalife.com and on instagram @livespalife.
Philanthropist
In 2012, I founded the Alira Foundation and our Make-over Day Event. Alira Foundation provides a complimentary make-over day for those who have been touched by cancer. I felt the need to provide support to those people who are suffering from this disease. There are so many people who don’t get beat by cancer and teach us every day how to fight one smile at a time. For that reason at Alira Foundation, we want to share that smile with the world and help these warriors against cancer.