Premier Issue: On Location
Go behind the scenes with ‘Houston CityBook,’ the hot new magazine for the most fascinating town in America!
Aug. 16, 2016
CHAPMAN & KIRBY, THE premier event destination in Houston’s East Village, is thrilled to announce the launch of its Spring Music Series, kicking off on Friday, April 12. Chapman & Kirby has become synonymous with top-tier events and unforgettable experiences, many attended by celebrities both local and worldwide. With concert ticket prices soaring to hundreds and even thousands of dollars in the last year, this eight-week music series promises to be a welcomed opportunity to engage with live music for free, showcasing an eclectic lineup of talented acts.
"At Chapman & Kirby, we are dedicated to curating exceptional experiences for our guests beyond great food and drinks. The Spring Music Series is a testament to our commitment to hospitality from every angle, and we’re excited to show off incredible talent" said Mazen Baltagi, co-owner of Chapman & Kirby.
In partnership with Gulf Coast Entertainment, the Spring Music Series lineup will feature a diverse array of musical talents. Each Friday night will offer a unique, interactive experience for guests, via music, food & beverage and local vendor pop-ups. Doors will open at 6pm, with performances starting promptly at 7pm. Purchase tickets here. The schedule includes:
Photo from @hybrid7music on Instagram
Photo from dannyrayatlanticstreetband.com
THERE'S A REASON that many Houstonians glorify a quaintly picturesque life on Nantucket. Actually, there are several: a storied history, charming shops, cobblestone streets, impossibly fresh oysters (and need we even mention the weather?).
For those wanting to be close to all the action, the harbor is where to stay. The Cottages at the Boat Basin are a row of Quaker-style houses on the slip that juts into the harbor — the closest thing to staying on the water without being on a boat. Renovated this year by Nantucket-based designer Audrey Sterk, each little house is inspired by a whaling ship from a time, 300 years ago, when the island was the busiest whaling port in the world. With a color palette of — what else — deep ocean blue and misty gray, the historic accommodations have been revamped without altering the architecture. Original details, including the vaulted ceiling beams, remain.
Surrounding the Cottages are art galleries and eateries; the adjacent Cru oyster bar has day parties with East Coast prepsters galore.
From here, it’s a picturesque walk along cobblestone streets to Nantucket’s small downtown. Nestled in the maze of shingle-style architecture and Greek revival buildings — take the walking tour from the Whaling Museum for the full story on the marriage of these two styles — are charming shops and ultra-hip restaurants. Located in a former sea captain’s house, stylish Via Mare offers mostly small plates and cool cocktails in environs akin to Houston’s La Colombe d’Or.
Meanwhile, on the northeast end of Nantucket, find The Cottages’ sister property, The Wauwinet. It’s a quieter, but equally scenic, hotel overrun with lush hydrangeas bathed in fresh sea air. The hotel’s restaurant, Topper’s, is overseen by its namesake — an Airedale Terrier — in the form of a large oil painting hung prominently in the dining room. The oysters here are harvested a literal stone’s throw from the restaurant, and the wine program has been annually awarded the Wine Spectator Grand since 1996. It’s the perfect place to enjoy a nice pour overlooking the water, while daydreaming about staying on island forever.
Oysters at Cru
Sankaty Head Lighthouse
How did you get to where you are today? My journey began with a need to be financially independent and an even a deeper drive to create a lasting legacy. The centuries-old Hammam tradition has always fascinated me—not just for its relaxation benefits, but for its holistic approach to cleansing the body, mind, and soul. So, combining my passion with a vision to bring an authentic yet luxurious Hammam spa experience to Houston, I took the leap less than two years ago to open my own spa.
The road has been challenging but incredibly rewarding. I’ve always believed that success comes from dedication and staying true to your values, and that has been my guiding principle. I focused on creating a serene, authentic atmosphere where every guest feels truly cared for. From hand-picking the best products to carefully curating our services, I wanted every detail to reflect the quality and soul of the OMB Hammam rituals.
I also knew that building relationships would be key. Word-of-mouth, strong community connections, and media support have been instrumental in my growth. I was fortunate to be featured on TV and in several magazines, which brought more visibility to the spa. But at the heart of it, the success comes firstly from God, and then from the positive feedback and loyalty of our clients, who have embraced this experience and helped spread the word.
Today, I’m proud to see how far we’ve come, but I know this is just the beginning.
Who do you credit? First and foremost, I credit God for my success and for giving me the strength and ability to start this business. Without His constant help and mercy, none of this would have been possible.
Next, I credit myself for the determination and perseverance it took to bring this vision to life. I’ve always been someone who, once committed to a goal, pursues every possible avenue to achieve it. Building this business required dedication, resilience, and an unwavering belief in myself.
What lessons have you learned that might enlighten and inspire others? Trust your instincts, stay focused, and remain positive. Positive energy is magnetic—you’ll attract people with the same outlook. Don’t let difficulties or obstacles slow you down; they are a part of the journey. And no matter how busy or demanding life gets, always make time for yourself and your family. Balance is essential for both personal well-being and long-term success.
What’s new in your life or work that you’re excited about? I had initially planned for this to be a surprise, but I think now is the perfect time to share some exciting news: God-willing, we’re expanding! It’s something I had envisioned, but I honestly didn’t expect it to happen so soon. Thank God, we’ve had investors reaching out from many different areas, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to grow the business and bring the Hammam experience to more people. This new venture is a thrilling next step, and I’m eager to see where it takes us.