Holiday 2016: On Location
Welcome back for round two! Here's your intimate behind-the-scenes look at the sophomore issue of the most exciting new magazine in Houston.
Nov. 21, 2016
How did you get to where you are today? Passion, persistence, and faith, and a little bit of luck. I graduated from Vanderbilt University with a degree in Political Science and Spanish, on the track to be pre-med. Little did I know that a journey to help my younger sister would set my course to sail in PR. I had no background in communication, except my raw talent, and was fortunate enough to have a family member who needed her story to be told! I was helping tell my younger sister (one of the most recognized influencers in the online vegan community) @fullyrawkristina’s story, and it all blossomed from there.
Whom do you credit? Firstly, God, but also the amazing individuals who came into my life to help show me the way: Jessica Castellano - who took a chance on me and started Zapatero + Bucaram PR with me, her 26 year old business partner — and my sister, FullyRaw Kristina, for allowing us to tell her story! Along the way, every client I have ever had or colleague I have worked with has left me with indelible memories and lessons, and helped me gain a deeper understanding of our ever changing industry!
What lessons have you learned that might enlighten and inspire others? I show up with kindness for all I meet and give more than I expect to receive. I work with passion and persistence, and always try to connect the dots for individuals who need it. I feel strongly that women should support each other, and don’t be afraid to fail. It’s part of the fiber of learning.
What’s new in your life or work that you’re excited about? Recently, I have been working with many nonprofit organizations who have given so much to our society. I work with the Global Empowerment Mission who helped bring over $800,000 to Texas during the winter storms, and now has raised over $20M in aid for the Ukrainian Crisis -- acquiring national media such as the Today show, CBS Nightly News, NBC Nightly News, FOX, CNN, and also specials on Anderson Cooper. I am honored to work with celebrity musicians and their non-profit organizations, such as Marc Anthony’s nonprofit, Maestro Cares, to bring opportunities for children to live, play, and learn — across Latin and Central America, and I am also very blessed to have influencers such as: FullyRaw Kristina, Internationally Renowned Multi-Genere viral Violinist, “DEMOLA the Violinist,” Nationally acclaimed beauty Influencer Marlena Stell, disease reversal specialist and MD - Dr. Brooke Goldner, and many more! Excited to expand my international and national portfolio and continue working with celebrity contacts as well as musicians!
LET THE GAMES begin! Houston restaurants are celebrating the Olympics, White Linen Night, back-to-school season and more. What summer slowdown?!
Beef Sukiyaki Kazzan-style ramen (photo by Traci Ling)
Originating in Osaka, Japan, this fun concept-dining hot-spot is now open in the Heights, marking only its second location in America. Its signature dish is known as "volcano ramen," as it's served in a 350-degrees-hot stone bowl; the broth is poured tableside into the bowl from a cylindrical top, causing the steam to rise in a dramatic fashion. Guests can choose their ramen flavor and toppings, and also select other traditional Japanese dishes like gyoza, Kushikatsu skewers and more. Don't forget Kakigōri — Japanese snow cones — for dessert!
White Linen Night returns on Friday, Aug. 3, and EZ's Liquor Lounge is ready! There will be live music courtesy of Western Jelly from 7-10pm, and a menu of items from The Original Ninfa's to supplement EZ's delicious hot dogs and chili pies.
(photo by Dominique Hill)
The collabs keep comin': The latest to hop on the Trill Burgers bandwagon is Levi's, the iconic apparel brand with a storefront in the Galleria. The two businesses will cross-promote each other this week, as Levi's pops up inside the burger joint's brick-and-mortar on Shepherd with special black-and-yellow merch, and also offers restaurant gift cards to customers who spend $100 at its Galleria store. Meanwhile, Trill Burgers is serving a limited-edition Western-style OG Trill Burger topped with homemade chili; make it a combo and get a Levi's-Trill-Burgers t-shirt. Snag a 30 percent discount card for Levi's!
Through Aug. 11, toast the Olympics in true Parisian style! Each day at 5pm, the restaurant will pop a bottle of Champagne Nicolas Feuillatte for each U.S. medalist who wins. Keep the celebrations going with a delicious oyster deal: six fresh oysters paired with a glass of Nicolas Feuillatte Brut for $20.
Hungry's kids menu (photo by Jenn Duncan)
Make back-to-school easier on everyone: Kids eat free every Monday at this family-fave establishment with locations in Rice Village and Memorial — not to mention a much-anticipated new one opening on Woodway soon!
Mark your calendars for Aug. 10, National S'mores Day, and hit Heights & Co. for the ultimate s'mores board. Toppings include rice krisipies, cornflake candy, frozen fruit and chocolate ganache, and each order comes with a tableside fire pit (so you don't get too toasty yourself!). Wash it all down with an espresso martini for just $5.
BEGINNING AUG. 1 THROUGH Aug. 10, the Houston Shakespeare Festival, the professional arm of the University of Houston’s School of Theater and Dance, takes the stage at Miller Outdoor Theatre for its 50th iteration. The milestone event includes productions of Romeo & Juliet and A Midsummer Night's Dream, plus "Bard talks," all at no cost to viewers.
"The excitement for our 50th anniversary season pulses through our shops and rehearsal studios where nationally-acclaimed artists, including some UH alumni, and current students create imaginative and passionate productions of two of the world’s most beloved plays,” said Jack Young, HSF artistic director and acting professor at UH’s School of Theater & Dance, in a statement.
The classic lineup is the perfect way to celebrate 50 years of the Houston Shakespeare Festival, which has entertained more than 1 million Houstonians since Sidney Berger launched it in 1975. While the longtime director of the UH School of Theater and Dance passed away in 2013, his legacy lives on each summer. The festival is a professional equity company that incorporates a select group of UH students to bring its productions to completion.
The show schedule alternates A Midsummer Night's Dream (Aug. 1, 3, 5, 7, 9) and Romeo & Juliet (Aug. 2, 6, 8, 10), with a pre-performance Bard Talk at 7:45pm and a curtain time of 8:15pm. All shows are free to attend, but a complimentary ticket is required to enjoy the covered seating. Ticket information is found here.
Romeo & Juliet
Titiana in 'A Midsummer Night's Dream'
Costume sketches for 'A Midsummer Night's Dream'