River Oaks, TX June 2025

MY SPORTS MEDICINE TEAM COULD BE YOURS

You don’t have to be Yordan Alvarez to get expert orthopedic care. As the official health care provider for the Houston Astros, your Houston Methodist sports medicine team will use the same advanced technology and minimally invasive treatments they use on the pros to keep you at the top of your game.

That’s the difference between practicing medicine and leading it. For you.

A Toast to the Men Who Inspire Us

It’s that time of year when we celebrate the remarkable men in our lives, and I’m lucky enough to kick off the festivities with a photo shoot that holds a special place in my heart. This issue features my collaboration with an iconic Texas brand that’s on every photographer’s dream list—Lucchese. I'm beyond grateful that my images help introduce Houstonians to the exciting new partnership between Lucchese and another standout Texas tal ent, Parker McCollum.

Growing up in a small town, boots were a part of everyday life. Everyone had a pair, including my dad, whose boots told the story of his days running a livestock auction barn. He had work boots, casual boots, and of course, formal boots that were always shined to perfection. As I photographed this collection, I couldn’t help but think of the stories these Lucchese boots will one day hold. Their craftsmanship, timeless style, and durability ensure they’ll carry the legacy of the men who wear them—just like my dad’s did.

In our Houston’s Game Changers feature, we spotlight the men shaping our community in powerful ways—from restaurateurs and artists to entrepreneurs. Each story is a reminder of the many forms leadership and inspiration can take.

Of course, no issue would be complete without something delicious. We’re celebrating 60 years of culinary excellence at Tony’s, where the menu is as iconic as the name. Plus, take a peek at the newly refreshed patio and bar at Brennan’s of Houston—just in time for those perfect summer nights.

As you flip through the pages of this special Father’s Day issue, I hope you feel inspired, maybe a little hungry, and full of gratitude for the men who shape our lives. Whether they’re fathers, mentors, brothers, partners, or friends, they deserve to be honored. So raise a glass, pull on your boots, and let’s toast to the men who make life richer in every way.

Happy Father's Day, Houston!

June 2025

PUBLISHER

Suzanne Schakett | suzanne.schakett@citylifestyle.com

MANAGING EDITOR

Gabi De la Rosa | gabi.delarosa@citylifestyle.com

PUBLICATION DIRECTOR

Kayla Bokemeyer | kayla.bokemeyer@citylifestyle.com

SALES DIRECTOR

Suzanne Schakett | suzanne.schakett@citylifestyle.com

SALES SUPPORT COORDINATOR

Savannah Schakett

SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR

Arielle Alston | arielle.alston@citylifestyle.com

INTERN

Antonio De la Rosa

CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Diane Cowen

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER

Lauren Holub Photography

Corporate Team

CEO Steven Schowengerdt

COO Matthew Perry

CRO Jamie Pentz

VP OF OPERATIONS Janeane Thompson

VP OF SALES Andrew Leaders

AD DESIGNER Matthew Endersbe

LAYOUT DESIGNER Antanette Ray

QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Marina Campbell

Our 17,000-square-foot restaurant and event center offers the ideal setting for both dining and celebrations. Indulge in our mouthwatering lunch menu, crafted with fresh, high-quality ingredients to satisfy every craving. Plus, don't miss our unbeatable weekly happy hour deals—whether you're unwinding with friends or grabbing a quick bite, you’ll find great food and drinks at prices that can’t be beat. With spacious, elegant interiors and exceptional service, we’re the go-to destination for any occasion. Come dine with us and experience the best in both flavor and atmosphere!

inside the issue

In Good Taste

Brennan’s

If You Eat One Thing

Tony’s

The

WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN JUNE

city scene

1: Sarabeth & Pierce Bush at the Celebration of Reading. 2: John & Terri Havens, Maria & Neil Bush at the Barbara Bush Houston Literacy Foundation Authors’ Luncheon. 3: Hector & Alejandra Torres at the Houston Grand Opera ‘Love Is in the Air’ gala. 4: Theodore & Allyson Pritchett at the Houston Grand Opera ‘Love Is in the Air’ gala. 5: Trevence Mitchell, Ruba Ahmad, LaShwandra Proctor, Jennifer Link at the Trees for Houston Root Ball. 6: Melissa Kelly, Emily Gonsoulin, Allison Merrick, Leslie Savoy at the Trees for Houston Root Ball. 7: Myrtle Jones, Charles Walker, Denise Fennell, George C. Lancaster at Stages Theater gala.

Gucci Launches The Art of Silk Campaign

Gucci is proud to unveil: The Art of Silk, a multi-faceted project celebrating its storied legacy in silk craftsmanship while forging new paths in artistic innovation. Marrying decades of history with contemporary creative expression, this initiative encompasses the evolution of Gucci’s silk scarves—from their inception in the 1950s to their reinterpretation in today’s fashion and art worlds.

Little Rey x Blood Bros. BBQ Taco Collab

Little Rey's taco collaboration series continues this month with a partnership between Pitmaster Quy Hoang of Blood Bros. BBQ. The feature for June is a Pulled Pork Jerk Taco with Mango Slaw. It will be available all month long at Houston's Little Rey location.

New Curated Children's Retreat and Full-Service Restaurant Coming to River Oaks

Recess, a first-of-its-kind children’s retreat paired with a full-service family restaurant, is set to bring an exciting new concept to Houston’s River Oaks area. Designed to entertain and engage young minds while offering a refined dining experience for all ages, Recess is scheduled to open at 1500 Waugh at W. Gray, just east of the River Oaks Shopping Center, in late 2025 or early 2026.

Houston Ballet Presents: The World Premier of Raymonda through June 8

Houston Ballet is proud to announce the world premiere of Artistic Director Stanton Welch AM’s  Raymonda, running through June 8. Inspired by other variations, including Marius Petipa's classic, Welch’s opulent adaptation reinvigorates the timeless ballet with a focus on modern themes, dynamic storytelling, and a rich sense of humanity. Welch’s  Raymonda  will debut at the Wortham Theater Center, accompanied by Alexander Glazunov’s masterful score and stunning designs by acclaimed Italian designer Roberta Guidi di Bagno.

For local business owners, we offer two publications to showcase your brand with the most affluent homeowners in these specific communities:

BRENNAN’S OF HOUSTON UNVEILS A STYLISH REIMAGINING OF ITS HISTORIC BAR.

The Design Details

After years of planning and a quiet 12 month renovation, Brennan’s of Houston has debuted its reimagined Courtyard Bar, a space where timeless Southern charm meets modern design. The redesign was led by Studio Red, the same team behind the restaurant’s post-Hurricane Ike rebuild. Inspired by Parisian bistros, New Orleans cocktail lounges, and the homes of co-proprietor Alex Brennan Martin’s youth, the new bar features dusky blue walls, toile wallpaper, zinc bar tops, and dazzling chandeliers.

The horseshoe-shaped bar invites guests to sit in the middle of the action while whimsical mermaid light fixtures and black-and-white family photographs pay homage to the restaurant’s rich heritage. “The Courtyard Bar is an extension of our hospitality—fine dining, fine casual if you will,” says Brennan Martin. “Now we have an inviting haven to unwind, celebrate, and indulge, whether on date night or coming straight from the golf course.”

In Good Taste BRENNAN’S

ARTICLE BY GABI DE LA ROSA

The Menu

Alongside the renovation comes a fresh bar menu with bold takes on New Orleans classics. The offerings are playful yet rooted in tradition, from red bean hummus and savory beignets to seafood nachos and a luxe take on barbecue shrimp. Behind the bar, a new frozen Brandy Milk Punch and inventive cocktails keep things festive.

“The shrimp comes out swimming in sauce,” says Brennan Martin. “We’ve got the bibs. We’ve got the French bread. We’ll offer them peeled and unpeeled, but half the joy is diving in, getting wristdeep in it.” brennanshouston.com

OF HOUSTON

ARTICLE

BY DIANE COWEN | PHOTOGRAPHY BY ROBERT SANDERS CONSTRUCTION HEIDI AND KEVIN WALTON BALANCE STYLE, ARCHITECTURE AND LIFE TOGETHER.

PARTNERS IN DESIGN

Heidi Walton’s life has been a full immersion in craftsmanship and architecture, first growing up in an 1800s restored farmhouse, then studying environmental design and architecture at Texas A&M and then the University of Houston. It was at A&M that she met Kevin Walton, who then was simply a friend but now is her husband of 13 years. After a short stint in Boston, Kevin returned to Houston to work for Glassman Shumate Maldonado Architects. Now they both work at Robert Sanders Homes, a design-build firm founded by Heidi’s brother.

Both Heidi and Kevin will be honored in June as Leaders In Design by the Houston Design District.

Every day is different, but they’re filled with the task of working with clients to design the exteriors and interiors of their homes while managing the firm’s construction projects.

“Sometimes in our roles as architects, we are designing homes. Sometimes it’s interior design and helping with interior solutions, and sometimes it’s project management,” said Heidi, 41 and a native of Spring. “There can be so much separation between architecture and construction, but we think getting to the end result is more efficient this way.”

They also work with other architects whose projects are being built by Robert Sanders Homes, including Dillon Kyle Architects, Nadia Palacios Residential Design and McIntyre + Robinowitz Architects.

Heidi and Kevin, also 41 and a native of Waller, have taken their two sons – 11 and 7 years old – to Disney World just once. Instead, vacations take them to places where they can admire historical homes and structures, stopping to take pictures of craftsmanship or details they admire.

During the pandemic they often took their sons to construction sites and their oldest would collect construction remnants and then built a fort out of it. A year later, he deconstructed it and built a new one that was even better.

While the couple often works on six-figure projects and homes as large as 6,000 to 7,000 square feet, they think about their work as something that should be accessible to everyone.

“We try to be really inclusive because, at the end of the day, we are doing this because we want to help people. We want to look back in 50 years and say ‘we built this house and think of all of the memories that people made there’,” Heidi said.

“We try to be really inclusive because, at the end of the day, we are doing this because we want to help people. We want to look back in 50 years and say ‘we built this house and think of all of the memories that people made there’.”

– HEIDI WALTON

ARTICLE BY GABI DE LA ROSA | PHOTOGRAPHY BY CAROLINE LEGATES

IF YOU EAT ONE THING

TONY’S CELEBRATES 60 YEARS WITH CHEF KATE MCLEAN’S MODERN MENU AND SIGNATURE CAVIAR POTATO DISH.

Iconic Houston restaurant Tony’s celebrates its 60th anniversary this year. To mark the occasion, Chef Kate McLean has rebuilt the pasta, caviar, tasting, and cocktail programs to add modern appeal. One of the dishes she introduced a year ago, the Caviar Potato, has become a permanent item on the menu. The dish was inspired by a preparation Tony Vallone would make for his wife, combining a baked potato with butter and a dollop of caviar to celebrate birthdays, anniversaries, and other milestones.

“Caviar Kaspia in Paris became famous for serving caviar on a baked potato mixed with butter,” said McLean. “While I haven’t had the chance to enjoy this dish from Kaspia, I decided to take this classic combination and focus on how to make it the absolute best.” tonyshouston.com

THE POTATO

Chef McLean and her team choose the smallest Idaho potatoes available because they bake best.

They roast the potatoes at 400 degrees until fully cooked, cut a small hole into the top, and scoop out the insides. To crisp the skin, they fry the potatoes and add sea salt. They then partially stuff each one with Tony’s Yukon Gold Butter Whipped Potatoes and Silken Potato, a Yukon Gold Robuchon-style purée aerated through an ISI canister. Lastly, the dish is garnished with chives.

THE CAVIAR

“On top, we garnish it with one ounce of Kaviari caviar. We currently offer four types of Kaviari, and any of them can be served on top,” says McLean. “This caviar is aged 2.5 months and harvested from an 11-year-old sturgeon, which is three years longer than typical. The flavor is briny with woody notes and pairs really well with dairy. It is produced in Paris and harvested in North East Poland.”

Houston’s Game Changers

GET TO KNOW THE MEN SHAPING HOUSTON RIGHT NOW.

ARTICLE BY RIVER OAKS LIFESTYLE STAFF

Levi Goode

Chef and President, Goode Company  levigoode.com

TELL ME ABOUT THE FIRST DOLLAR YOU EVER EARNED.

When my family was just getting started with our original BBQ joint on Kirby Drive, I earned my first dollar out on the patio. I’d carry around a five-gallon bucket, iced down with longnecks, and sell beers to customers enjoying the music. We had Pappy Selph, one of Texas’ all-time great fiddle players, playing with his Texas swing band, and the place would come alive. To add to the experience, I’d even tell jokes for a quarter each. That mix of hustle, hospitality, and good times was my first taste of what it means to create something people enjoy, and it’s stuck with me ever since.

HOW DO YOU SET GOODE COMPANY APART FROM OTHERS IN YOUR INDUSTRY?

We cook the food of our region with honesty, heart, and deep attention to detail. Nothing is contrived. Our menus reflect the food we grew up with and the heritage of five generations in Texas.  Live-fire cooking, especially over native mesquite, is central to our identity. But our greatest differentiator is our people. We have a passionate, positive team that takes pride in their work and brings strong attention to detail to everything they do. That level of care makes the food taste better, the margaritas drink a little easier, and the hospitality feels more genuine.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PART OF BEING AN ENTREPRENEUR?

I compare being an entrepreneur to being a bull rider on the back of a 2,000pound bull — trying not to get bucked off.

It’s thrilling, unpredictable, and full of challenges, but it can be gratifying when you hang on. Taking an idea, putting yourself out there, and opening it up to public feedback takes real courage and a fair amount of cojones. It can be unnerving, but I always come back to, “ What the hell, you only live once, so let’s go.”

COWBOY BOOTS OR COWBOY HAT?

Both.

WHO WOULD YOU WANT TO PLAY YOU IN A MOVIE?

Matthew McConaughey or Clint Eastwood 80s-era.

LAST TIME YOU CURSED? Today.

Christopher Lee Fahey

Military and Veteran Outreach Coordinator, Stone River Recovery Center Board Member, VEL Institute;  Social Media Director, Houston Regional Veterans Chamber of Commerce velinstitute.org; stoneriverrecoverycenter.com

WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO BECOME A MENTAL HEALTH ADVOCATE, PARTICULARLY FOR PTSD AWARENESS?

When I was three, my father, a Marine with unaddressed mental health issues, died by suicide. It stayed with me. After serving in Afghanistan, I faced my own mental health challenges, including service-connected PTSD. I didn’t understand what was happening. I felt disconnected from life—no love, only fear, shame, guilt, and hopelessness. I wanted to die. Camp Hope helped me recover. My self-worth grew, and I could see how others experience that same pain. Veterans are incredibly capable, and when they heal, they can give so much back. Helping people love themselves and God again is how I try to create positive change. Veterans need to know they are loved.

WHAT ARE SOME OF THE BIGGEST CHALLENGES PEOPLE WITH PTSD FACE, AND HOW CAN COMMUNITIES BETTER SUPPORT THEM?

The biggest challenge is understanding what PTSD is—and what it isn’t. As Bessel van der Kolk explains in The Body Keeps the Score, trauma is a visceral experience that overwhelms and destroys a person’s relationships: with self, others, the world, their body, and love. You can’t medicate that. You have to restore connection to love and rebuild trust. If you want to help someone with PTSD, love them or model what love looks like.

HOW DO THE VEL INSTITUTE AND PTSD FOUNDATION OF AMERICA SUPPORT INDIVIDUALS STRUGGLING WITH PTSD?

They work at different stages. PTSD Foundation, through Camp Hope, finds veterans in crisis. Other veterans walk them through recovery and basic emotional skills. VEL Institute works with veterans and leaders ready to grow. A 7-week course helps them clarify their purpose. Both programs are free and fully mission-driven.

LAST TIME YOU CURSED?  Every day. I try to make it charming though.

LAST TIME YOU CRIED? Two days ago. Therapy.

FAVORITE HOUSTON RESTAURANT?  Federal American Grill

WHEN DID YOU REALIZE THAT MUSIC WAS GOING TO BE YOUR CAREER?

I’ve played piano all my life, but I realized it was my purpose when I saw how my music moved others. When strangers feel deep emotions and are brought to tears through your playing, that’s the highest level of musicianship, and I knew then it wasn’t just a gift for me but one I was meant to share.

HOW DO YOU STAY INSPIRED?

I stay inspired by listening to music daily — both what I love and new sounds that connect with me. I also draw inspiration from life experiences, especially challenges, which fuel my connection to music. Playing the piano helps me express emotions I

Harry Massoud

Piano Composer & Arranger @hmassoudmusic

can’t put into words. Inspiration is a journey that cannot be forced; it has to come naturally as you progress and grow.

WHO IS YOUR IDEAL MUSICIAN TO COLLABORATE WITH, AND WHY?

I don’t have one specific artist in mind, but I’d love to collaborate with musicians who use or could use piano in their work. Piano fits many genres, and I especially love its role in film music. A dream of mine is to work with a film composer and add my piano to a movie score.

LAST TIME YOU CRIED?

I sometimes cry while playing piano, especially when a song stirs deep memories — it’s a beautiful, honest reaction that reminds me I’m doing my job as a musician. I’ve even had people thank me for helping them release emotions they’d been holding in, which is exactly why I love the power of music.

IF YOU COULD HAVE ONE SUPERPOWER, WHAT WOULD IT BE?

The power to hold my breath underwater indefinitely or have some gill mechanism that would allow me to stay underwater as long as I want.

FAVORITE HOUSTON RESTAURANT Ostia

Santiago Peláez

Founder and CEO of Zanti Cucina Italiana  zanticucina.com/river-oaks/home

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE SOMEONE STARTING IN THE RESTAURANT BUSINESS?

Don’t do it. We don’t need more competition! (Just kidding… kind of.) Jokes aside, think it through carefully. The business is dynamic and full of passion, but passion alone won’t keep your doors open. Margins are tighter than ever. Costs are up across the board, yet guest expectations keep rising. You’re not just serving food; you’re creating an experience that takes constant investment. Even if your restaurant looks busy, it doesn’t mean it’s financially successful. Many close within the first year. So write a detailed business plan, know your numbers, build your team wisely, and make sure your love for the work can carry you through the hard days.

HOW HAS THE HOSPITALITY INDUSTRY CHANGED FROM WHEN YOU FIRST STARTED?

It used to be about tradition and consistency: the same menu, staff, and families returning for decades. Now, success demands constant evolution. Menus must change, experiences must feel both new and reliable, and competition includes food trucks, apps, ghost kitchens, and more. Social media amplifies everything, and staffing is more complex than ever; people want more than a paycheck. They want purpose. Despite the challenges, these changes push us to grow, be more creative, and stay human.

HOW DO YOU SET ZANTI APART FROM OTHERS IN YOUR INDUSTRY?

By staying true to our original dream — to make people happy. While others may

match us in food or ambiance, our heart is in the guest experience. Every decision we make centers on how it will make people feel.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PART OF BEING AN ENTREPRENEUR?

Bringing a dream to life and building a space that brings people together. It’s about more than service — it’s about community, connection, and giving back.

LAST TIME YOU CRIED?

Every day, and I say that without shame. I don’t cry because I’m weak. I cry because I give this work and this life everything I have.

IF YOU COULD HAVE ONE SUPERPOWER, WHAT WOULD IT BE?

Infinite patience.

FAVORITE HOUSTON RESTAURANT?

Kata Robata, BCN, Doris Metropolitan, and Pappas Steakhouse.

TELL ME ABOUT YOUR FAVORITE PERFORMANCE EVER IN YOUR CAREER .

I am in the very beginning of my career so am hopeful I will have many more favorites to come, but my favorite performance experience so far has been singing on the Metropolitan Opera Stage with the Metropolitan Orchestra for the Laffont Competition Grand Finals. I felt like I had been preparing for that moment for the longest time, so when it happened, I felt like I was flying.

TELL ME ABOUT THE FIRST DOLLAR YOU EVER EARNED IN YOUR MUSICAL CAREER.

During my first contract with the Atlanta Opera, I sang Crabman and was in the chorus of Porgy and Bess, a show I am

Demetrious Sampson Jr.

Houston Grand Opera, Tenor  houstongrandopera.org

happy to revisit this coming season at the Houston Grand Opera.

With that first check, I took my family to the movies and out to eat. We lived in a one-room hotel, so it was a blessing to provide my mother and sister with a sense of relief from the struggle.

HOW DO YOU STAY INSPIRED?

I love discovering new operas or ones I haven’t heard before. Lately, I’ve been obsessed with Verdi and the Golden Age Italian singers who performed his roles. Watching my peers sing in competitions and recitals also inspires me. My family deeply inspires me, but my chosen family artistically feeds me. As a queer Black man, that connection is vital. Amaan, Arya, and Collin have been my home for nearly a decade. We’re all artists, and watching them thrive fuels my creativity.

WHAT KIND OF MUSIC DO YOU LISTEN TO ON A REGULAR BASIS?

Right now, my favorite artists are Aurora, Yebba, and Maranda Curtis.

FAVORITE HOUSTON RESTAURANT

Mo’ Better Brews.

IF YOU COULD HAVE ONE SUPERPOWER, WHAT WOULD IT BE?  Telekinesis.

Wayne L. Franks

Owner & Founder, Professional Drone Services of Texas  droneservicestx.com

TELL ME ABOUT THE FIRST DOLLAR YOU EVER EARNED.

At 12 years old, I started my entrepreneurial journey as a golf caddy at a country club. My mother would pre-arrange for me to carry two bags. This experience instilled in me the value of diligence and efficiency and underscored the importance of delivering exceptional service.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PART OF BEING AN ENTREPRENEUR?

I am driven by the prospect of converting every opportunity into a game-changing new client and collaborating with my team to drive growth and innovation. It’s the fact that every phone call may be that home run type of sale, so I always have to be ready with positive thoughts and a smile on my face.

HOW DO YOU SET YOUR BUSINESS APART FROM OTHERS IN THE INDUSTRY?

I can differentiate my business and deliver exceptional value by remaining informed about market trends and client needs. I study the market and talk to my existing and prospective clients to understand my marketplace. This can be quite the balancing act to work with my team members to efficiently pivot when we see a market trend and offer unique services.

WHAT WILL YOU NEVER COMPROMISE WITH YOUR BUSINESS?

Two non-negotiables at the core of my business are my team and the services

we deliver. I am committed to empowering my team members to grow and thrive while consistently exceeding client expectations.

IF YOU COULD HAVE ONE SUPERPOWER, WHAT WOULD IT BE?

I want the ability to help others overcome mental barriers to unlock their full potential.

WHO WOULD YOU WANT TO PLAY YOU IN A MOVIE?

John Wayne or James Bond.

Parker McCollum and Lucchese return with Western-inspired style.

COOL COLLABORATION

The collection includes the Evening Patriot, Hollywood Gold in two new colors, and the debut of The Limestone Kid — each handcrafted in Texas.

Parker McCollum lit up the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo this year with the second-highest concert turnout of the season, but it wasn’t just the music that got the crowd excited. Mid-show, fans heard it straight from the source: McCollum is teaming up once again with legendary Texas bootmaker Lucchese for a new lineup of boots and Western-style apparel.

"I couldn't think of a better way to announce this collection in my hometown – while doing what I love and performing in front of thousands of fans," said McCollum. "The Houston Rodeo has a special place in my heart."

Launching June 13, the collection Lucchese x Parker McCollum: The Encore is an expansion of the first collaboration between the

two beloved brands. The newest lineup features four men's boots handcrafted in Texas in the signature horseman style Lucchese is known for. The Encore collection showcases Parker's commitment to authenticity and artistry and pushes the boundaries of Western fashion with new designs.

Evening Patriot, McCollum's signature boot, is the highlight of the newest collection and is a tribute to the military and veterans who served this country. The boot has inlaid red roses and is crafted in gorgeous red, white, and blue colors to represent American beauty. Hollywood Gold reappears in two new colors (tobacco and purple, and platinum and merlot) and features full quill ostrich vamps and goat quarters with roses stitched

into the leather. The last boot in the collection celebrates the tenth anniversary of McCollum's 2015 debut album, The Limestone Kid , which pays homage to Limestone County, Texas and McCollum's fascination with outlaw Billy the Kid.

"The best way I can describe my partnership with Lucchese over the past few years is that it has truly felt like home, and home is everything," says McCollum. "It means the world to me and plays a huge part not only in my music but also in who I am as a whole. Home is a place where you feel seen and understood, and it's something Lucchese and I have really connected on."

In addition to boots, the newest collection features apparel and accessories, including two Pima Cotton tees, available in black and white, and one long-sleeve button-down with vintage-inspired pearl snaps. There are also two hats available, and with every exclusive Lucchese x Parker McCollum hat purchase, a portion of proceeds will benefit McCollum's charity, The Ruger Fund, which supports various charity organizations close to his heart.

"Lucchese could not be more thrilled to partner with Parker McCollum once again to create The Encore collection," says Doug Kindy, President of Lucchese. "Parker is more than just a collaborator – he's part of the Lucchese family. His deep appreciation for Western heritage and unwavering commitment to authenticity align seamlessly with our brand. After the overwhelming success of the first collection, we are honored to continue this journey together creating boots that embody the craftsmanship, storytelling, and tradition that both Parker and Lucchese value." lucchese.com

SUMMER GRILL

RECIPES

ARTICLE BY KATIE BOBROW

THESE DELICIOUS RECIPES ARE LIGHT, BRIGHT AND FEEL LIKE SUMMER

The sun has returned, and grilling season is upon us. With the nice weather comes vegetable gardens and fresh produce, along with the overwhelming desire to be outside as much as possible. We’ve compiled some fresh and light dishes that you can shop for at your local farmers market and whether you’re looking for a quick mid-week meal or something to grill for a crowd on the weekend these dishes won’t disappoint. These pair well together or can stand on their own!

DIRECTIONS:

1. Place skirt steak into gallon freezer bag

2. Combine all other ingredients in bowl and mix. Pour over steak and marinate for 3-4 hours or overnight in the fridge.

3. Bring skirt steak to room temperature by letting it sit out for one hour.

4. Get your grill hot on one side and medium on the other.

5. Once the grill is ready, wipe excess marinade off steak. Starting on the hot side, place skirt steak on grill for 2 minutes per side, attaining a nice sear.

6. Transfer steak to the cooler side of grill and cook until the internal temp is 130°. Let rest for 10 minutes (temp will rise while resting).

7. Carve and serve. This dish pairs well with beans and rice or served as tacos. Following is a chimichurri sauce that compliments it nicely.

*Outside skirt steak is a more tender cut than inside skirt steak, for this recipe outside skirt is recommended. Do not use too much lime as the citrus can cook the meat before putting it on the grill, resulting in a tougher texture.

SIMPLE SKIRT STEAK

INGREDIENTS:

• 2lbs. Outside skirt steak*

• 2 Tablespoons lime*

• 2 Tablespoons finely,

chopped cilantro

• ¼ Cup olive oil or avocado oil

• ¼ White onion, finely chopped

• 1 Tablespoon cumin

• Salt and pepper to taste

CHIMICHURRI

INGREDIENTS:

• ½ Cup parsley, finely chopped

• ½ Cup cilantro, finely chopped

• 2 Tablespoons red wine vinegar

• 3 Cloves garlic, minced

• 1 Red chili (whole or deseeded depending on desired level of heat)

• ½ Teaspoon dried oregano

• 1 Teaspoon salt

• 1 Tablespoon lime juice (optional)

DIRECTIONS:

Combine all ingredients in a bowl. You can make this in the late morning and let it sit for around 4-6 hours, or you can make it the day before and let the flavors meld overnight in the fridge. Just be sure to take it out and get it to room temp before you serve it, as olive oil hardens in the fridge. Serve over skirt steak or tacos.

ROASTED CORN SALSA

INGREDIENTS:

• 2 Ears sweet corn

• 10oz. Cherry tomatoes

• ¼ Cup lime juice

• 1 Finely chopped jalapeno or serrano (whole or deseeded depending on desired level of heat)

• ¼ Cup cilantro, finely chopped

• ½ Cup white onion, chopped

• 2 Cloves garlic, minced

• Salt to taste

DIRECTIONS:

1. Grill corn, you do not need to soak the corn beforehand.

2. Place corn on the grill (inside their husks) over medium heat turning every few minutes.

3. After 10 to 12 minutes shuck the corn and put the cobs back on the grill for 2-4 minutes rotating frequently to achieve that charred look and flavor.

4. Cut the corn from the cob, place in bowl and add all other ingredients. Let the mixture meld for about an hour and serve with tortilla chips or as a taco garnish.

JUNE 1ST

Jazzy Sundays in Buffalo Bayou Park

Buffalo Bayou Park | 5:00 PM

Buffalo Bayou Partnership is teaming up with Discovery Green and Emancipation Park to bring you Jazzy Sundays in the Parks, a series of free, outdoor jazz concerts. The series celebrates jazz's vibrancy and rich tradition and the incredible Houstonians who preserve the art form.

JUNE 1ST

Raymonda by Houston Ballet

Wortham Theater | 2:30 PM

Stanton Welch’s opulent adaptation of Raymonda, inspired by the classic Marius Petipa, finds the lovely young Raymonda and her sisters destined to be betrothed to dukes from various countries, yet her heart already belongs to another.  An evil plot by the queen’s trusted advisor may change the destiny of Raymonda and her one true love.

Premium Wine Lockers for Rent In the Heart of River Oaks/Memorial

Details matter. We offer precision wine refrigeration with full redundancy. Enjoy private, secure lockers and rooms, 24/7/365 self-access and delivery acceptance. Located in the heart of River Oaks/ Memorial, we focus solely on wine storage—no retail, no annual memberships, no distractions.

JUNE 7TH

Happy Hour Fridays at the MFAH

Museum of Fine Arts, Houston | 5:00 PM

Happy Hour happens on Fridays! Meet your friends at the MFAH for the best night of the week. Explore the campus, visit the galleries, and get a drink at the bar (payment by credit card only). Happy Hour takes place in the Arrival Hall on the lower level of the Kinder Building and museum admission is required. The Museum is open until 9 p.m. on Friday.

JUNE 7TH

Texas Monthly Taco Festival

Discovery Green | 5:00 PM

Join us at Discovery Green in Houston, Texas for the first-annual Texas Monthly Taco Fest South! Enjoy an evening of live entertainment and some of the best tacos Texas has to offer. Your ticket gets you access to bites from 15 taco joints featured on Texas Monthly’s most recent list of Top 50 tacos in Texas.

JUNE 12TH

A Conversation with Tan France

Cullen Theater, Wortham Center | 7:30 PM

The star of Netflix's Queer Eye and one of the world's most sought-after personal stylists For Tan France, makeovers are about more than clothes—the experience addresses real issues, change, and acceptance on all sides. Join the fashion designer for a far reaching, fascinating evening of discussion.

JUNE 12TH

Sparrow by Houston Ballet

Wortham Theater | 7:30 PM

Sparrow ignites the stage with three one-act ballets by choreographers spanning from yesterday’s eminence to today’s prominence: George Balanchine, Houston Ballet artistic Director Emeritus Ben Stevenson O.B.E, and Houston Ballet's Stanton Welch AM.

We supply top quality rentals for a myriad of special occasions. We have serviced weddings, conferences, fundraising galas, corporate, and private events by providing rentals such as tents, shades, and dining necessities. We work closely with topnotch caterers, designers, and producers to ensure the best event possible.

For inquiries, call 346.630.2312 or explore our design portfolio at caesareventsusa.com, where each event becomes a masterpiece!

JUNE 14TH

Metallica M72 World Tour

NRG Stadium | 7:00 PM

The band will be making a stop at NRG Stadium on June 14, 2025. They will be joined by Pantera and Suicidal Tendencies. M72 2025 will feature several single shows bringing the tour’s full production, with its massive in-the-round stage, to venues including two college football stadiums.

JUNE 20TH

Morgan Wallen: I'M THE PROBLEM TOUR

NRG Park | 5:30 PM

The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo announces an exciting new partnership with ASM Global to bring Morgan Wallen to NRG Park this summer. This partnership expands beyond our traditional March events to deliver premier country music entertainment year-round in Houston.

JUNE 28TH

Beyoncé: COWBOY CARTER TOUR

NRG Stadium | 7:00 PM

Houston native Beyoncé will have two performances at NRG Stadium in June as part of her 22-city Cowboy Carter tour. Beyoncé will be performing in Houston on June 28 and June 29. Her performances in her hometown will be her only Texas appearances on the international tour.

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