THEY SAY WHERE there's smoke, there’s fire. Such is the case with the Southern Smoke dinner, during which five of Houston’s hottest chefs serve smoked meats. On Nov. 6, the HOUBBQ Collective — Underbelly’s Chris Shepherd, Oxheart’s Justin Yu, Coltivare’s Ryan Pera, and Seth Siegel-Gardner and Terrence Gallivan of The Pass and Provisions — join many other highly sought-after chefs at the second-annual fundraiser, in hopes of topping last year’s $184,000 till for the MS Society. The donation will be made in honor of Shepherd’s friend and former sommelier, Antonio Gianola, who was diagnosed with MS in 2014.
As Escape Spa Expands in 2025, Owner Has Advice on Personal Growth: ‘Focus on Intention Setting’
Jan. 16, 2025
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.
Spring 2025 marks an exciting new chapter for Escape Spa! We'll be opening the doors to a significantly expanded space, designed to elevate your wellness journey. With an additional 1,200 square feet, the spa will feature a dedicated yoga and meditation room, providing a tranquil haven for mindful and therapeutic practices. Our guests can also look forward to an array of recovery options, including innovative therapies and treatments to rejuvenate your mind, body and well-being including Yoga + Mediation, Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy and a Cryotherapy Sauna. The expansion also includes more treatment rooms, ensuring a personalized experience for every guest. This larger, more versatile space allows us to enhance our services and create an even more immersive and transformative “Escape” for you.
My vision has always been to create a sanctuary where you can disconnect from the stresses of daily life and reconnect with your inner self. This expansion brings that vision to life in a whole new way, providing a haven of reset, and restoration with a wider array of therapies for body and mind. We're committed to providing a space where you can prioritize your wellbeing and embark on a journey of self-discovery.
And speaking of journeys, I'm embracing my own path of seeking a deeper connection with oneness and truly focus on intention setting. Every morning, I take a few moments to pray and set clear intentions for the day ahead. It's a powerful practice that helps me stay focused, grounded and aligned with my goals. Intention setting is more than just wishful thinking; it's about consciously directing your energy and attention towards what truly matters. By setting clear intentions, you create a roadmap for your day, your week, or even your year. It's a way to invite positive change and attract all that you desire. Give it a try — start by setting small, achievable intentions and observe the positive impact it has on your life. Remember, your journey is unique and personal. Embrace it, nurture it, and allow Escape Spa to support you along the way.
Vichy shower at Escape Spa
Couples treatment room at Escape Spa
Relaxation lounge at Escape Spa
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THE CHILLY WINTER months aren’t slowing Houston chefs down from hosting hot events. Grab some friends, your appetite and a calendar and plan on attending one of these fetes for foodies.
January 23: Mutiny Wine Room’s Fifth Anniversary
Mutiny Wine Room in the Heights is celebrating five years with a bash. Enjoy the exclusive release of Kagan Cellars' 2019 Vintages and a grazing table from chef Eduardo, plus discounts on wine club memberships.
January 27: Kata Robata’s Southern Smoke Dinner
Chef Chris Shepherd and Chef Manabu Hori
Chris Shepherd and Chef Manabu Hori of Kata Robata are joining forces for a multi-course dinner to celebrate Houston’s vibrant culinary community. The evening is raising funds for Southern Smoke Foundation, Shepherds’ Houston-based nonprofit that helps hospitality workers in need — including those affected by the L.A. fires.
January 29: Lunar New Year Fundraiser at JUN
JUN is celebrating the Lunar New Year with Wine & Dine XV. This fundraiser for World Central Kitchen features a four-course dinner prepared by Chef Suu Khin and Chef Henry Lu with an option wine pairing. World Central Kitchen is also on the ground in L.A. helping those affected by the fires.
January 30: Plume Cocktail Bar X Feges BBQ Dinner
Super-chic Plume is taking steak nights to a whole new level. The pitmasters of Feges BBQ are firing up a premium six-ounce porcini-rubbed grilled hanger steak, with rich, flavorful romesco sauce and roasted cauliflower for $30. Don’t miss Mostly Chocolate's chocolate truffles and cookies, as well as Cosmic Ice Cream’s classic vanilla treat for dessert!
February 6: Littorai Wine Dinner at MARCH
MARCH (photo by Julie Soefer)
Recent Michelin star recipient MARCH is hosting a five-course tasting menu with pairings from Littorai Wines, one of California's most iconic wineries. The evening toasts Littorai’s 30th anniversary and includes rare vintages from the 1990s through present-day.
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Memorial Bookstore Reboots, Hosts Houston Author for Ribbon-Cutting and Meet-and-Greet
Jan. 22, 2025
THE BARNES & NOBLE in Town & Country Village has been closed since February 2024, but on Wednesday, Jan. 29, it reopens with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and book-signing.
During the renovation, the building was taken down to the studs, and it now showcases a sleek design that emphasizes books and the joys and comforts of reading; it will still also sell toys, games and gifts, and tout a remodeled B&N Café. The layout is similar to that of other recent Barnes & Noble openings, and the bookseller's new look has been well received across the country since 2022.
"We are thrilled to welcome our customers back into this beautifully redesigned Town & Country Barnes & Noble,” said CEO James Daunt in a statement. “We thank our loyal customers for their patience during the rebuilding and also thank our bookselling team for the momentous work they have undertaken. There is a particular pleasure to bring such an ambitious new bookstore back to a community in which Barnes & Noble has for so long been embedded.”
The grand opening (Jan. 29 at 10am) is hosted by bestselling Houston-based fantasy author Katherine Quinn, who will sign copies of her books, including the newly released To Shatter the Night, book two of The Mistlands Duology.
“I am so excited, humbled and honored to be bringing our new format Barnes & Noble store back into the Memorial community,” said Store Manager René DeLaPortilla. “We are so happy to be a part of the fabric of this area again.”
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