HGO Yo-Pros Party With Compass and CityBook at C. Baldwin!

10.30


Downtown’s C. Baldwin hotel is cementing its place as the season’s see-and-be scene. Just a few days after hosting a raucous grand-opening bash — complete with performances by Gloria Gaynor and Houston’s own The Suffers — the party place threw open its doors once more for Houston Grand Opera.

HGO’s young professionals group, Opening Nights, presented by Houston Methodist, toasted the company’s new season at a cocktail soiree sponsored by CityBook with event partner Compass. More than 100 culturally engaged and chatty partygoers, dressed to thrill per the organization’s fashion-forward rep, mingled about the first-floor lobby area, gathering under a showstopping chandelier hanging near the bar to take in the urbane patio views offered by a wall of floor-to-ceiling windows. The baritone voice of opera star and HGO Studio alumnus Federico De Michelis, accompanied by pianist Patrick Harvey, floated through the open room during a moving performance.

Celeb chef Chris Cosentino and company had fun dreaming up a fab menu — including the already-famous wood-fired pizza — and a specialty cocktail called The Magic Flute, inspired by HGO’s Spring 2020 production of the same name. Other highlights included a first glimpse of Cosentino’s brand-new Italian restaurant Rosalie on the C. Baldwin premises, and a sneak peek of the hotel's forthcoming Sloan/Hall boutique.
Dispatches
Leadership in Action: ‘Family, Community and Spiritual Connection’ Drives Success for Henry Richardson

How did you get to where you are today? The present moment is a combined history of my family, my time as an athlete, my passion for learning, and my desire to see the world be better. I grew up as a successful springboard and platform diver, however, an injury caused me to seek alternative treatments to heal my body. In that process, I discovered the power of yoga, exercise, meditation, mindset, and nutrition. This holistic approach eventually led me to open a Pilates and cycling studio called DEFINE body & mind. I opened studios around the nation, and after selling most of my business between 2017-2019, I was ready to explore how I could make an even greater impact on the wellbeing of our community. In 2023, I started actively working on a brand new multi-family/apartment concept called, Define Living. The idea focused on offering health and wellness services within a beautiful apartment setting to increase the wellbeing of our residents. Having a strong sense of community is the number one factor in living a happy life, so why not build a community where daily fitness, cooking classes, and social connection are the norm? We opened Define Living in March of 2024, and we couldn’t be happier with how things are being received. We are already looking at building more concepts like this in the Houston area and beyond.

Keep Reading Show less

Duck N Bao's bento boxes are part of Dine Out Rice Village

HOUSTON'S EVER-GENEROUS restaurant scene is already at it in 2025. Here are three ways foodies can dig in, raise a glass, and support important causes in January.

Keep Reading Show less
Food

CHANGE IS A good thing, and with the start of a new year, I always like to reflect on how far I've come and start fresh by setting self-care goals for the coming months. Personal growth is a passion for me, and also something I enjoy. Guiding a business through growth and change is also one of my passions, so I am very pleased to announce that Escape Spa is going to be expanding in 2025! We’re honored that we’ve built such a loyal following since opening in Cypress in July of 2022, and we’re thrilled to be in a position to grow our wellness and recovery sanctuary just outside of Houston.

Keep Reading Show less