Issuu

Hope on the Horizon HOW OU R COM MU NI T Y GI V E S BACK

N OV E M B E R 2 022

THERE’S A

BETTER APPROACH

TO CANCER CARE in The Woodlands At Houston Methodist Neal Cancer Center, we treat every aspect of your cancer. Leading oncologists work with our specialists across disciplines to minimize cancer’s effects on major organs. One comprehensive team — dedicated to your individual care — uses the latest research, treatments and technology to stop your cancer. From infusion and clinical trials to surgery and reconstruction, our innovative care is available in The Woodlands.

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Offer ends 2/28/23 and not available in all areas. Discount applied by retailer representative at time of contract execution and applies to purchase of 4 or more windows and/or patio doors. Cannot be combined with other offers. Buy one window or patio door, get the second, of equal or lesser value, 40% off. Discount applied to lowest priced window and/or door products in purchase. To qualify for discount offer, initial contact for a free Window and Patio Door Diagnosis must be made and documented on or before 2/28/23, with the appointment then occurring no more than 10 days after the initial contact. No payments and deferred interest for 12 months available to well qualified buyers on approved credit only. Not all customers may qualify. Higher rates apply for customer with lower credit ratings. Financing not valid with other offers or prior purchases. No Finance Charges will be assessed if promo balance is paid in full in 12 months. Renewal by Andersen retailers are independently owned and operated retailers, and are neither brokers nor lenders. Any finance terms advertised are estimates only, and all financing is provided by third-party lenders unaffiliated with Renewal by Andersen retailers, under terms and conditions arranged directly between the customer and such lender, all subject to credit requirements. Renewal by Andersen retailers do not assist with, counsel or negotiate financing, other than providing customers an introduction to lenders interested in financing. This Renewal by Andersen location is independently owned and operated. “Renewal by Andersen” and all other marks where denoted are marks of Andersen Corporation. “Renewal by Andersen” and all other marks where denoted are marks of Andersen Corporation. ©2022 Andersen Corporation. All rights reserved.

MARKET STREET 9595 Six Pines Drive, The Woodlands, TX 77380

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Compass is a licensed real estate broker. All material is intended for informational purposes only and is compiled from sources deemed reliable but is subject to errors, omissions, changes in price, condition, sale, or withdrawal without notice. No statement is made as to the accuracy of any description or measurements (including square footage). This is not intended to solicit property already listed. No ﬁnancial or legal advice provided. Equal Housing Opportunity. Photos may be virtually staged or digitally enhanced and may not reﬂect actual property conditions.

Creekside Park - $699,000 LD

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H A LE Y GA RCIA Ga rc ia Real E state G ro up 2 81 .701 .61 74 hal ey @ hal eyga rc ia .co m w w w. haleyg arc iaro up.co m 14027 Beaverhead Range Ct

Compass is a licensed real estate broker and abides by Equal Housing Opportunity laws. All material presented herein is intended for informational purposes only. Information is compiled from sources deemed reliable but is subject to errors, omissions, changes in price, condition, sale, or withdrawal without notice. Photos may be virtually staged or digitally enhanced and may not reﬂect actual property conditions

Carlton Woods - $1,699,000

November 2022 PUBLISHER

Tonya Butler | tonya.butler@citylifestyle.com PUBLICATION DIR ECTOR

Laura Green | laura.green@citylifestyle.com

LIFESTYLE LETTER

Happily Giving Thanks Happy Giving Thanks Time of Year! It’s November and we are in the twilight of 2022. Looking back over the months we pause to reflect on what we are grateful for. As we look forward to the holidays and into the brand new year, we wonder what is yet to come. In our Thankful issue, we invite you to enjoy this season of hope and the warmth of these stories that illustrate the very best of humanity: the helpers, the givers and the survivors - the light workers. We sought to include those shedding light on the unseen wounds of PTSD, the healing power of food and art and the beauty and celebration of cooking and sharing meals. We recognize the talents of a photographer and a painter and see how culinary creations can be woven into the quilt of our lives and history to honor the memories of those we have loved and lost. And we raise a glass in celebration of our families, our friends, our community and to those whom inspire us. Take the time to look around with gratitude for our lives and send love and prayers to those less fortunate. Happy Thanksgiving to you and all our readers of The Woodlands City Lifestyle. Cheers!

EDITOR IAL COOR DINATOR

Jo Hammon | jo.hammon@citylifestyle.com STAFF WR ITER

Melanie Saxton AD DESIGNER

Hunter Richie LAYOUT DESIGNER

Kirstan Lanier CONTR IBUTING WR ITER S

Radhika Patel, Melanie Saxton, Annette Palmer, Laura Green CONTR IBUTING PHOTOGR APHER S

Chris Spicks, Presley Daniel, Bex Wood

Corporate Team CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Randy Radosevich DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL MEDIA Mindy Hargesheimer

Love and Light,

ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor

J O H A M M O N , E D I TO R I A L C O O R D I N ATO R @THEWOODL ANDSCIT YLIFEST YLE

OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson AD MANAGER Chad Jensen WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell

Learn how to start your own publication at: citylifestyle.com//franchise

Scan QR code to visit our Instagram CIT YLIFEST YLE.COM/ THE WOODL ANDS |

Proverbs 3:5-6 The Woodlands City Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the Woodlands area’s most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle Publications’ opinions. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent. Lifestyle Publications does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. Information in The Woodlands City Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources

L I F E ST Y LE LE T T E R

considered to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

I F YO U A R E READING THIS... S O I S YO U R B E S T C L I E N T.

2 OUT OF 3 of our readers regularly purchase from our ads.

ADVERTISE WITH THE WOODLANDS CITY LIFESTYLE™ LEARN MORE AT CITYLIFESTYLE.COM/THEWOODLANDS

N OV E M B E R 2 0 2 2

inside the issue The Thankful Issue

F E ATU R E D

D E PA RTM E NTS

22 Healing Invisible Wounds

Lifestyle Letter

City Scene

Artist’s Palette

Our Town

Inspired By

Culinary Creations

During this giving season and year round, our community impacts the lives of veterans

44 Raise a Glass to the Holidays With These Great Texas Wine Picks 58 The Art of Restaurant Longevity What Keeps Us Coming Back to the Restaurants We Love?

A RTS + C U LT U R E

LI FE + C U LT U R E A RTS + C U LT U R E

Happy Hour

Must See

Local’s Choice

Events

Realty Report

ENT ERTA I NMEN T

T R AV EL FO O D + B EV E R AG E

R EA L ESTAT E

FO O D + B EV ER AGE

O N T H E C OV E R

Photography: Chris Spicks When Things Seem at Their Darkest, Hope Comes Shining Through. The Woodlands is well-known as a generous community, and in this issue, you’ll discover how everyday people are reaching out, giving their time and resources, and bringing hope to light.

N OV E M B E R 2 0 2 2

city scene

Where neighbors can see and be seen. 1

7 5

1: A therapeutic riding client tells her story at the Inspiration Ranch Denim & Diamonds Gala. 2: Dr. Shilt, Honoree at 14th Annual Denim & Diamonds Gala from Texas Children’s Hospital. 3: Gala attendees raise paddles for the live auction, which raised over $700,000 for Inspiration Ranch. 4: Attendees donate and purchase needed items for the ranch at the Gala’s “General Store.” 5: Honorees Martha and Jim Hunt recognized by President and CEO MG Tindall. 6: MG Tindall, President and CEO of Inspiration Ranch 7: Auction item offering a private dining experience with Chef Arturo Osorio from Amerigo’s. Photography by Gerri Francis

Want to be seen in the magazine? Tag your Instagram photos with @TheWoodlandsCityLifestyle

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Artist Limelight: Chris Spicks NOVEMB ER 2 0 2 2 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/TH E WO O D L A N D S

ARTICLE BY RADHIKA PATEL PHOTOGRAPHY BY CHRIS SPICKS

“You see things differently than I do!” Not only did Chris Spick’s teachers and peers recognize his creative artistic abilities from a young age, it’s also evident when looking at his breadth of work. Yes, with a natural ability his photography speaks volumes, however, it is his creative process and approach that makes his company stand out from the crowd. You won’t be left with standard pictures like everyone else on Instagram, “I don’t do cookie-cutter work. We like to think we bring a lot more creativity and artwork to things than just taking a photo of you standing in a field!” Furthermore, Chris’ creative process truly allows you to connect and combine your personal vision where you will be left with a masterpiece. From an initial consultation, his process is detailed and decisive, “we are very one on one and like to delve into the creative process; what is the purpose of the shoot? Where are your pictures going to be displayed?” He likes to take ideas and, “take it up a notch,” says Red, Chris’ right-hand on set. The team arrives on set ready to go with their model coach helping calm nerves and create a comfortable experience for all. Adjacent to the level of creativity Chris Spicks brings, his versatility takes his company to the next level, “our versatility makes it so that someone can have one photographer who can do all of their pictures. We build relationships with clients and have photographed the families, their kids, school yearbook photos to prominent photoshoots for businesses in the community.” explains Chris. On the other end of the spectrum, Chris and his team have photographed high-end magazine covers, Fortune 500 CEO’s, company photoshoots and other corporate projects. What makes Chris’ work even more unique is his underwater photography, “this looks like something out of a movie!” gasped a client. With no one else doing this in Houston, it’s “a once in a lifetime moment we get to capture and someone gets to hang on their wall,” says Chris. From milestone moments to updating your headshot, his team, with their impeccable skills in many genres of photography will capture your vision and bring it to life. Chris is an invaluable resource and creative visionary - illustrated by his many cover shots for City Lifestyle. In Chris Spicks, you can find a life-long photographer who will capture each precious moment perfectly.

LEFT: Artist Chris Spicks and Model Coach Red create beautiful photos TOP RIGHT: Underwater Photography is Chris’ newest artistic expression MIDDLE RIGHT: Catching the best expressions in the most extraordinary places BOTTOM RIGHT: Pushing the limits with light - Fire Starter

A RT IST ’S PA LE T T E | ARTS + CULTURE

n o t s u o H y M 's t a Th

with Somer Padilla

SPOTLIGHT

EPISODE V: LOCAL ARTIST REDIFINES TOMBALL AND INSPIRES UVALDE

209th Designs sibling-duo creators, Troy and Mandy Garza, have created a new epicenter of thriving artists bringing custom upholstery, hand crafted furniture, unique jewelry, and distinctive décor for a beautifully curated home space to Tomball. Join me on a guided tour of 209th Designs by Troy himself, and a sit down interview with Troy to discover his motivation behind 209th Designs and what inspired him to create the art piece for a family of a Uvalde victim that has captured the heart of the city and Matthew McConaughey.

Watch Full EpisodE

Tag #thatsmyhouston to suggest a story, charity, or your favorite Houston hotspots. www.thatsmyhouston.com

Hosted BY

Somer Padilla Founder of The Somerlyn Group with Compass and Creator of That's My Houston Lifestyle Show

Celebrating our Wonderful Community

281-257-8029 www.TheSomerlynGroup.com

KEEPING THE ROOF OVER YOUR HEAD Jenn and Brian Finley are a veritable power couple. Co-owners of RCC (Roof Concepts and Construction) based out of Conroe, they are on a mission to, literally, put the roof over your head. RCC is a major player in the local commercial and residential construction arena, offering commercial, multi-family and residential construction services, roof replacement/ maintenance, interior and exterior renovations, gutters, and so much more. The couple prides themselves in creating authentic relationships with their customers. “It’s not about the cost of the roof or the build, it’s about the value and durability of the products chosen for each step,” said Brian. The Finley’s passion comes alive when talking about a rubber roofing product that is creating a lot of buzz in Texas. Euroshield® is an innovative technology for a roofing shingle which is made from 95 percent recycled tires and is just about indestructible. Euroshield® diverts more than 3.5 million tires out of landfills every year.

“This is truly a 50-year shingle. It’s a big deal.” deal.

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A LIFETIME INVESTMENT IN QUALITY “Asphalt roof shingles can be destroyed in one hail storm,” says Brian. “This is truly a 50year shingle. It’s a big deal. In the tests it withstood a four-inch, solid, ice ball shot from a cannon at 183 miles per hour with zero damage. It’s a Class 4 so you’ll get a break on your insurance, too.” “With five styles of shingles,” Jenn offers. “You no longer have to give up the luxury aesthetic for durability. This shingle is lighter than slate. We’re beyond excited to be offering this product. We think it’s a perfect fit here in The Woodlands and greater Houston.” Euroshield® products were designed to overcome extreme wind, hail, rain and temperature changes. The product was born and tested in the most rugged of conditions in Alberta, Canada. The interlocking shingle system is also virtually maintenance-free, sound deadening and insulating and adds value to your home. In The Woodlands, many of us live on a golf course. According to Euroshield®, golf balls can travel up to 180 miles per hour making them a Class 4 projectile. The rubber roofing absorbs and disperses the energy making this roof worry free. “With this product we can truly offer a roofing solution that will last,” adds Jenn. “We just want to help people.” “Our goal is not to be the biggest, but the most trusted roofing company,” adds Brian.

“The days of sacrificing beauty and style for durability and toughness are over. Get luxurious natural slate or wood shake roofing style without the challenges, waste, or expense of other premium materials.” materials.

Wood or slate shingles help create curb appeal and give a home an old-world European elegance. But it comes at a considerable cost—and not just the price point. Real slate shingles are susceptible to damage and cracking, while mold growth from rain and other elements compromise wood and asphalt roofing material.

Nothing is as durable or able to withstand extreme weather conditions as tires. Euroshield® researched and invested in the best tire rubber to create our roofing materials. Traditional roofs last 12-15 years. Shake or Slate Euroshield® shingles can last up to 50 years in some of the worst weather events!

HEALING INVISIBLE WOUNDS During this giving season and year round, our community impacts the lives of veterans ARTICLE BY MELANIE SAXTON PHOTOGRAPHY BY CHRIS SPICKS

DURING THIS GIVING SEASON AND YEAR ROUND, OUR COMMUNITY IMPACTS THE LIVES OF VETERANS Every combat veteran has a backstory that most of us cannot imagine. As our troops return home, the recovery process can be complex. For some families, the heartwarming homecomings on social media may be far different from reality. Some wounds are unseen and require high-quality care for those suffering from trauma and post-traumatic stress. Hope and healing are available thanks to the PTSD Foundation of America and its residential center Camp Hope in Houston. The organization is a wonderful example of giving back to those who have given of themselves so selflessly.

OPEN ARMS, OPEN HEARTS David Maulsby, an ordained minister and executive director of the PTSD Foundation, began reaching out to homeless veterans on the streets of Houston in 2009. This evolved into the PTSD Foundation, which offers no-cost counseling and a whole-person faith-based approach for those seeking help. Job placement, coordination with the Department of Veteran’s Affairs, transportation to and from appointments, and peer support are offered.

LEFT: The Camp Hope Shield logo representing each branch of the military and a cross denoting faith-based service.

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Camp Hope opened in 2012 for veterans with PTSD and their families. The campus serves the most vulnerable and is the last resort for those who have lost family, jobs, and everything. Veterans live six months to a year in 94 residences, with 61% identifying as homeless and 86% admitting to drug addiction. The program encompasses four intensive phases in a peer-to-peer format with certified combat trauma mentors and civilian pastoral staff. The mentors have faced similar experiences and trauma and understand the difficulties of transitioning back to civilian life. The curriculum includes behavior modification, parenting, relationships, and family reintegration classes. There is no other location like it in the United States, and to date, more than 1,348 veterans have graduated. Many times, homelessness is a result of PTSD, although Camp Hope is not a homeless shelter. It’s a safe space in which to experience healing when other programs are not enough. The criteria for applicants are having served in a combat theater and wanting to change for the better.

ON BOARD WITH THE MISSION Many are stepping up to help. Michael Berry, the “Czar of Talk Radio,” has served as spokesman since 2014. He credits the generous support of individual donors, volunteers, organizations, and local businesses for making this lifesaving work possible.

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CONTINUED >

TOP: David Maulsby and Dave Gomez shake hands at Federal American Grill. BOTTOM LEFT: David Maulsby and Dave Gomez discuss the tremendous impact of businesses supporting the PTSD Foundation. BOTTOM RIGHT: Barrel lids adorn the wall of the Federal American Grill, each brand served at the bar. NOVEMB ER 2 0 2 2 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/TH E WO O D L A N D S

TOP LEFT: Flags wave patriotically in front of the Federal American Grill. TOP RIGHT: The entrance to Camp Hope, where healing begins. BOTTOM LEFT: Awareness on wheels: a Camp Hope Van, eye-catchingly wrapped with contact information. BOTTOM RIGHT: A soaring eagle sculpture, donated by a board member, is emblematic of patriotism and service.

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“I’m constantly amazed by how many business owners and individuals pitch in to help Camp Hope save lives every single day.” — Michael Berry “We’ve sent our best and brightest to war for the past twenty years,” says Berry. “Many didn’t make it home alive. Many more made it home with physical wounds, and far more than that came home with emotional wounds. We owe it to these brave warriors to provide them a place and people to help them cope and survive. I’m constantly amazed by how many business owners and individuals pitch in to help Camp Hope save lives every single day. Places like The Woodlands have a higher density of people who care. They show it with donations of their time and treasure. It inspires me, but more importantly, it sustains these courageous veterans. As Winston Churchill famously said during the dark days of WWII, ‘So much have we done, so much have we left to do.’”

THE FEDERAL AMERICAN GRILL Also known as the Federal Grill, this amazing restaurant is enthusiastically leading the way as a Camp Hope supporter. Dave Gomez, managing partner in The Woodlands, says, “It’s an honor to help take care of our veterans. Instead of participating in Restaurant Weeks this summer, we donated $5 for every two and threecourse meal from our Camp Hope menu across four locations—Hedwig Village, Shepherd, Katy, and The Woodlands—and raised $40,000 in two months. People sat down and celebrated the opportunity. Some veterans arrived and thanked us profusely.” The Federal Grill gives a 15% discount on menu items to veterans and first responders or 50% if they are in uniform, which is meaningful to Gomez because his father served as a

firefighter for 37 years. The restaurant also donates $1 to Camp Hope for every drink purchased from their exclusive handpicked barrel of Old Forester Bourbon whisky, dubbed “The Relief Package,” and continues to grow due to customer loyalty. Event rooms are booking up for the holidays, and a Scottsdale location will be opening this month.

CARING ENTERPRISES Some contributions come in surprising ways. In 2019, Scott Leeds of The Woodlands donated partial winnings when his horse, Fighting Seabee, won at Saratoga. Later, he bought another horse and named it Camp Hope! Gringo’s Tex Mex throughout Houston and in The Woodlands raised easily over $2 million for Camp Hope, a spectacular and much-appreciated success. Texas Grand Ranch, an acreage community in New Waverly, has cheered on Camp Hope since 2015, when they hosted their Homesites Helping Heroes event. The United Methodist Church hosts the PTSD Foundation’s Warrior Group and Family Group meetings in The Woodlands. The Rotary Club of The Woodlands, and several others, have welcomed Maulsby as a guest speaker. Right Next Door Designs is a supporter, and Gallery Furniture has given shoutouts, as has Senator Ted Cruz. Local media, including Deborah Duncan and Grace White of KHOU 11 and Isiah Carey of Fox 26, have covered Camp Hope and the PTSD Foundation extensively. Brittany Jeffers of Click2Houston interviewed Maulsby in June during PTSD Awareness month, among many other outlets.

WAYS TO GET INVOLVED Volunteer opportunities abound, including refreshing Camp Hope’s flower beds, cleaning kitchens, working in storage units, and dropping off groceries. You can also become a breakfast, lunch, or dinner sponsor. If you can’t help physically, smile. amazon.com donates 0.5% of your eligible purchases when you select the PTSD Foundation of America as your charity of choice. Following and sharing on social media is also very helpful—ptsdusa on YouTube and Twitter, PTSD Foundation of America on Facebook and Instagram, and Road to Hope Radio at iheart.com and podcasts.apple.com. You can also enter or sponsor a competition team at Camp Hope’s Annual BBQ Cook-Off on November 11–12, at the Waller County Fairgrounds. This includes private a concert with Mark Chesnutt, and his son Casey Chesnutt (who served five years in the Marines) will also be performing. Registration ends November 7.

ONWARD TO THE FUTURE Older veterans also benefit at Camp Hope. “A Vietnam vet came in May 2020 from Atlanta. It took him a year to go through the program after five decades of addiction and destroying relationships,” says Maulsby. “The point is, we left Afghanistan last year, and some of our Afghanistan veterans won’t get help for five decades. So our foundation must remain strong to assist all veterans well into the future.” Together, we can help Camp Hope achieve future plans of growing to a 120-bed capacity and opening a second campus. Learn more at ptsdusa.org. CONTINUED >

NOVEMB ER 2 0 2 2 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/TH E WO O D L A N D S

ADDITIONAL PTSD RESOURCES Operation Red Wings

Nux4Life Foundation

Battle2BE

(formerly the Lone Survivor Foundation)

nux4life.org — Provides outdoor activities and Gold Star Fathers

battle2be.org — A trauma transformation

orwfoundation.org — Provides veterans

outings, and hosts golf tournaments in honor of Corporal Claudio

resource serving those who served coun-

and their families with a path to healing

Patino to benefit organizations such as the American Gold Star

try and community (and fundraises for

from their invisible wounds.

Mothers, USMC Scout Sniper Association, and Honoring Our Fallen

Camp Hope).

TOP LEFT: The Weatherford House has a playground, designed for future families (when Camp Hope offers that amenity). TOP RIGHT: A multi-purpose garden built by donors doubles as a mindfulness activity and provides residents with produce for their own use. BOTTOM LEFT: Corporal Claudio Patiño IV’s car at the Nux4Life Golf Tournament. BOTTOM RIGHT: Many relationships have been saved through introspection and faith at the Prayer Sanctuary.

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A Brush With Renewal

Painting focuses the mind and calms the soul

CAN THE PRACTICE OF ART HELP US HEAL?

I NSP IR E D BY | A RTS + CULTURE

A new floral series of paintings

ARTICLE BY ANNETTE PALMER PHOTOGRAPHY BY PRESLEY DANIEL

The 3D qualities of Melissa’s floral works

We all know that art makes us feel good and is essential as a source of well-being, but have you ever wondered if there may be any healing properties to the practice of art, to create and make, can it alleviate the symptoms of our ailments, perhaps focusing our minds away from our problems, losing ourselves for a while? For Melissa Osburg life was good until an unannounced anxiety attack changed everything. The fear of having another attack grew to such an extent that she became agoraphobic, too anxious to leave the house. Stumbling upon an online course in neurographic art, a practice in which art is used as a tool to find peace and create calmness from chaos, helped Melissa greatly, providing an escape and

an opportunity to lose herself in something other than the stress of living with anxiety. Growing more confident Melissa created a work on canvas for her home, however when someone asked to buy it after seeing a social media post, she was elated and went on to paint more! Melissa is currently working on a floral series, inspired by the joy we feel from nature and flowers, “I found my passion, flowers bring so much joy” she states. Forming blooms and petals from clay as a 3D element in her paintings, flecks of gold and iridescent finishes, create a result reminiscent of vintage fabrics and ornamentation. Melissa currently lives in Spring and sells her work online, mosburgart.com, as well as being represented locally by Ardest Gallery, and On A Whim. CONTINUED > NOVEMB ER 2 0 2 2 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/TH E WO O D L A N D S

"Jollification", by Metin Bereketli

Healing through art is a big deal for Hollywood artist Metin Bereketli. He has exhibited his exuberant works internationally, as well as on stage sets for movies and tv shows, including “Diversity 5” which hung on the wall of the Friends café, “Central Perk”. However, a news report of a child suffering from leukemia touched his heart and although he knew he could not heal this child, he wanted to do something. The first “Healing art” workshop, involved Metin and 25 kids, all dressed in white and working together on paintings, then eventually physically painting each other! A wonderful accomplishment raising spirits and allowing the kids to be kids again, a blessing for the families involved. The paintings were auctioned with all funds going to the charity concerned.

I NSP IR E D BY | A RTS + CULTURE

"Diversity 5" by Metin Bereketli, from the “Friends” Central Perk cafe!

One healing workshop led to more and Metin has become involved with an endless list of charities dedicated to helping others. Working with The Autism Society of America he painted “God Bless America”, a red, white and blue painting, representing freedom, depicting doves in flight and inspired by our star-spangled banner. This painting is one of a collection, used for postage stamps to bring awareness to the ASA. Signed prints and other collectables of “God Bless America” are still being sold to raise funds for the charity today. You can read more about Metins’ amazing charity work and art at metinbereketli.com. Indeterminately, art may not be a stand-alone cure, but as a component in the healing process it appears to be a credible ingredient in the recipe for recovery.

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FROM FLORIDA, WITH LOVE HERE’S TO A WHITE SAND CHRISTMAS ON THE EMERALD COAST GET TO KNOW THE EMERALD COAST: Who better to navigate Florida’s picturesque panhandle than Brenda Quiroga, a Luxury Property Specialist who fell in love with this beautiful area years ago while on vacation. She’s a dually affiliated agent licensed in Texas and Florida, with Corcoran Ferester Realty here in The Woodlands and Corcoran Reverie’s Seagrove Beach office on Highway 30A.

Imagine a trip to the Florida Emerald Coastline this season, famous for its sugarwhite sand and turquoise waters. Northwest Florida is a great contender for a holiday getaway. This 24-mile stretch of Highway 30A offers vacation rentals and vacation homes for sale in more than a dozen idyllic beach towns, each with its own vibe, traditions, and celebrations.

THE HOLIDAYS ON HIGHWAY 30-A There’s so much to do! Enjoy The Nutcracker at Seaside Amphitheater on November 23 and a Thanksgiving Day Buffet Cruise aboard the 125 ft Solaris along the Choctawhatchee Bay. Don’t miss the Tree Lighting Ceremony and Christmas Concert at the Alys Beach Amphitheatre on November 29 and a lighted boat parade in Destin Harbor on December 11. The Holiday Tour of Homes on December 14 and horse-drawn carriage rides at Sandestin’s Grand Boulevard on December 6-28 are so much fun!

“BOOK A NON-STOP FLIGHT FROM HOUSTON TO EITHER DESTIN OR PANAMA CITY BEACH. OR, PACK THE KIDS AND THE DOG AND MAKE IT A FAMILY ROAD TRIP,” SAYS BRENDA.

A P I E C E O F PA R A D I S E Be more than a tourist! The charming corridor between Destin and Panama City Beach can become your home away from home. “I love helping Texans find their own special 30A property,” says Brenda. “Kick off your boots and enjoy some sand between your toes!”

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ARTICLE BY MELANIE SAXTON | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BEX WOOD

Dark chocolate espresso brownies with a s’mores topping amid a beautiful fall charcuterie board — perfect with Tiffany’s Joyful Christmas Creamer (see recipe).

BAKED WITH LOVE TWO LOCAL FOOD ARTISTS CREATE, INSPIRE, AND BRING JOY TO OTHERS

C ULIN A RY C R E AT ION S | F OOD + BE VE RAGE

Every once in a while, a hobby blossoms into an opportunity to give back. In the case of two local foodies, the skills they developed in childhood bring joy to family, friends, and customers in delectable ways. Rita Marra and Tiffany MacPherson work full-time in careers that have nothing to do with baking or cooking. Yet, they’ve carved out sideline endeavors to bring scrumptious treats to the community. Each shares a heartfelt backstory, proving that love is the greatest ingredient in any dish.

Rita preparing her delicous pumpkin spice cake with cinnamon buttercream and a salted caramel drizzle.

RITA MARRA OF RITA’S CREATIVE CAKES

RITA MARR A & TIFFANY MACPHERSON

Rita Marra has always loved to bake. As a little girl, her mother left the holiday baking to her, and it grew into a lifelong passion. She developed and mastered her techniques to the point of artistry. Her late husband Matt and her three sons were initially the lucky recipients of her delicious fare, which she baked for sheer pleasure. But soon friends, extended family, and eventually the community were placing orders for birthdays, anniversaries, baby showers, graduations, Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas! “Moms attended my sons’ birthday parties and asked, ‘Where did you get that cake?’ I told them I designed it, and from there, the orders poured in,” says Rita. Baking is an uplifting profession — a stress reliever, a creative outlet, and a way to honor her husband, who passed away unexpectedly in January of 2021. “Matt was my biggest cheerleader and supporter,” says Rita. “He absolutely loved my cakes and cookies and the happiness it brings to others. I made a promise to myself and to him that I will continue baking as a form of therapy for my severely broken heart and as a way to honor my sweetheart forever.” Today, Rita balances a full-time career with the comfort and joy of baking made-to-order confections. Every order is sprinkled with love. See her deliciously jaw-dropping creations on Facebook at Rita’s Creative Cakes — including a sculpted cake that looks precisely like a bowl of spaghetti, a Texas A & M collie, action figures, and year-round holiday and celebration cakes. It’s never too early to place a holiday order!

TIFFANY MACPHERSON OF COTTAGE ON COLLEGE STREET Tiffany and her dog Sophie await the arrival of friends to enjoy dining alfresco at Cottage on College Street.

Tiffany MacPherson cooks for the joy it brings others. Entertaining was something she learned from her late father, who was larger than life and shared food as a way to connect with friends, family, and total strangers. “I became a foodie because of my dad,” she explains. “We lost him in January, and he taught me that giving food is the greatest gift.” A native Houstonian, she moved to The Woodlands and got to know her neighbors by inviting them over for meals. Tiffany supports charities by creating treats and charcuterie boards, and she once fulfilled a last-minute request by donating an incredible spread on a 20-foot-long table! As a Realtor (Properties by Tiffany), her work affords her the ability to gift food to people — not an inexpensive hobby, but well worth it. “The love of cooking is a blessing, just as giving love through food is a blessing,” she says. Sharing images and recipes of her creations is another hobby, especially on Instagram (celebratewithtiffany). She also showcases her newest venture — a charming cottage in Montgomery that she’s developing into an Airbnb (Cottage on College Street). She’ll post on social CONTINUED >

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“The love of cooking is a blessing, just as giving love through food is a blessing.” — Tiffany MacPherson

media when it’s ready to open for the holidays and is envisioning the charcuterie boards, handmade cheeses, coffee cakes and signature drinks she’ll make for guests. Below is one of her favorite holiday beverages.

TIFFANY’S JOYFUL CHRISTMAS CREAMER • • • • • • • •

1 cup Irish Whiskey 1/2 cup Kailua (rum blend version, if possible) 1 cup Half and Half 1 can sweetened condensed milk (14 oz) 1 tbsp instant espresso powder 1 tbsp vanilla 1 tsp ground nutmeg 1/2 tsp cinnamon

Serve over ice or in coffee! Happy holidays!

C ULIN A RY C R E AT ION S | F OOD + BE VE RAGE

Rita enjoys the fall holiday season and relaxes with her two top fans.

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Walk into a Warm Hug Six years in, Canopy Cancer Survivorship Center is going strong and offering free resources, classes, support, education, and more. “We are located within Memorial Hermann The Woodlands Medical Center although are open to all visitors in the community affected by cancer no matter where treatment is received. Cancer doesn’t discriminate, and we welcome men, women, and all cancer types. Survivorship begins day one of diagnosis, and we are available to survivors post-treatment and also to their caregivers, spouses and support network. With the incredible philanthropic support, our services are available to our guests at no cost ” explains Marcella Herrera the new Canopy Program Manager. After spending twelve years as a leader in child welfare at the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services, Marcella was ready to place her commitment onto another worthy community cause. “I am passionate about sharing Canopy with the community to ensure it reaches those who will benefit from our high quality programs. In addition to outreach, daily operations and program development, I ensure our volunteers are valued and supported to allow them to focus on providing our visitors with a personalized experience. We are volunteer driven, and incredibly thankful for the life experiences, compassion, and knowledge base of our volunteers as many of them are also cancer survivors or have been impacted by cancer in some way”. Canopy’s available resources include counseling with a Licensed Oncology Social Worker, on-site Oncology Nurse Navigator, wig and protheses fittings, creative therapies, nutrition, gentle exercise, education, support groups and social support. At Canopy, we are dedicated to supporting our survivors and their network through our programs and activities which focus on every aspect of survivorship— physical, mental, emotional, social and financial. We say when you walk into Canopy it’s like walking into a warm hug. When you walk in here, you’re family,” says Marcella. Join Canopy every Friday at 10 AM for Coffee and Support. Sign up for our weekly newsletter, and like our facebook page for our calendar of events.

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raise a glass to the holidays with these great texas wine picks ARTICLE BY RUSSELL KANE | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

H AP PY H OU R | EN TERTA I NME NT

Texas wines for the upcoming holiday season come with good news. It’s been a wild ride with the crazy weather in Texas vineyards during the past few years, but there are some excellent Texas wines to be had. Dr. Bob Young, owner of Bending Branch Winery in Comfort Texas says, “The extremes in Texas weather have tested the grit of Texas winegrowers, but they continue to produce good fruit when it seems impossible. The 2019 early Winter freeze and the deep freeze in February 2021 resulted in some winter damage. When you add this year’s extremely hot weather, drought and high winds, yields were reduced in some varieties, Luckily, Tannat, one of our favorite varieties at Bending Branch, held up well. The drought resulted in small berries that yielded deep concentration in color and flavor in this year’s wines.” Fritz Westover, a vineyard consultant at Virtual Viticulture Academy located in Houston, says, “Despite all the recent issues in vineyards across the state, there is a silver lining. It’s the generally good experience with a few established grape varieties and some new to Texas. Examples are white varieties like Picpoul Blanc and Roussanne, and reds like Petit Verdot, Dolcetto, and a new one, Teroldego.” Be looking for these varieties in Texas wines and blends in upcoming releases. While many wine drinkers in Texas don’t give Texas wines the praise they deserve, the actual situation is that Texas wines are the “Real Deal.” They continue to compete well on the international stage. The results from this year’s San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition, one of the largest and most prestigious competitions, showed that Texas wines garnered 12 best of class awards, four double gold medals and 58 (Yes, 58!) gold medals versus literally thousands of wines from noted wine regions around the world.

Consumers just need to keep in mind that many Texas award winners are not necessarily from grapes with familiar names like Cabernet, Merlot, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. The awards show that Texas is making its reputation with grapes that derive from the southern climes of Europe. These grapes include a host of reds like Tempranillo, Tannat, Syrah, Mourvèdre, and Aglianico, with the whites being Viognier, Roussanne, Albariño, Vermentino, and Muscat. Texas is also proving to be “Dry Rosé Country” much like Provence in southern France. If you think that fine wine experiences need to come from faraway places, my advice is to think again. You might not realize what is available literally just down the road. Within about an hour drive west of Houston is a historic wine region. In the mid-to-late-1800s winemaking Germans, Czechs and French settled there. In modern times, this area has seen a resurgence in vineyard plantings and now hosts over 15 wineries. In the 1980s The Bonarrigo family established Messina Hof Winery in Bryan. More recently, Kurt and Michelle Lyn, a Houston attorney and his wife, established an A-list venue at their new Chapelton Vineyards. At Chapelton Vineyards, the Lyns offer an artisanal winery, modern tasting room and 14-acre vineyard on their Washington County ranch. They just had their inaugural harvest of estategrown Blanc Du Bois grapes and are also featuring wines from other wine regions including the Texas High Plains. Chapelton Vineyards in Washington and Messina Hof in Bryan and Fulshear are perfect nearby wineries for day trips where you can relax, enjoy light bites, and toast the holidays with family, friends, and holiday visitors. There are Texas wines readily available to take their place in your holiday receptions and dinner festivities. They will CONTINUED >

OPPOSITE, TOP: Dr. Bob Young, owner of Bending Branch Winery, in the vineyard harvesting his Tannat grapes. (Photo Credit: Bending Branch Winery) OPPOSITE, BOTTOM: The Chapelton Vineyards second-floor tasting room overlooks its 14-acre estate vineyard. (Photo Credit: Chapelton Vineyards) ABOVE: Harvested Tempranillo grapes are sorted as they are fed into the crusher at Pedernales Cellars near Fredericksburg. (Photo Credit: Pedernales Cellars) NOVEMB ER 2 0 2 2 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/TH E WO O D L A N D S

Harvesting Black Spanish grapes at Messing Hof Winery's estate vineyard in Bryan. (Photo Credit: Messina Hof Winery)

“While many wine drinkers in Texas don’t give Texas wines the praise they deserve, the actual situation is that Texas wines are the ‘Real Deal.’ They continue to compete well on the international stage.” pair well with holiday fare like turkey, seafood, ham, beef or lamb. Three of my favorites available in your local markets are: Pedernales Cellars Viognier, an aromatic dry white wine, Bending Branch Tannat, a full-bodied red, and Messina Hof Winery, Father Son Heritage Riesling, a delicious, slightly-sweet white wine. Did you know that you can order your holiday wines online and take shipment directly from Texas wineries? A couple of my favorites are Lewis Wines Mourvèdre Grenache, an easy-drinking, medium-bodied red (lewis wines.com), and William Chris Vineyards Dry Rosé, La Pradera Vineyard, a refreshingly dry and crisp pink wine (williamchriswines.com.)

H AP PY H OU R | EN TERTA I NME NT

Also, if you are still having trouble deciding on holiday wines, check out a special Texas wine bundle from Texas Fine Wine (texasfinewine.com). It’s a four-bottle set that ships to you, including Pedernales Cellars, Duchman Winery, Spicewood Vineyards, and Bending Branch Winery, that comes with a live Zoom “Talk and Taste” session with winery principals on December 8th. Dr. Russell D. Kane is the award-winning author of “The Wineslinger Chronicles: Texas on the Vine,” and “Texas Hill Country Wineries.” He writes regularly on his Vintage Texas blog and offers his Specialist of Texas Wine certification course through Houston’s Texas Wine School.

NOVEMB ER 2 0 2 2 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/TH E WO O D L A N D S

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Schedule a tour of the residential resort with Bluejack National Realty today www.bluejacknational.com | (281) 475-2166 | life@bluejacknational.com 4430 south fm 1486 | montgomery, texas 77316 Pricing, plans and speciﬁcations subject to change without notice. See sales consultant for details. © Copyright 2021 Bluejack National. All Rights Reserved.

The Grand Galvez is Grander

Than Ever Explore the historic past in a hotel like no other 50

M UST SE E | TR AVEL

Imagine traveling back in time to a classic coastline hotel known as “Her Majesty” and “The Queen of the Gulf,” frequented by presidents, international dignitaries, and glamorous Hollywood stars. That’s the experience offered today at the Grand Galvez Hotel (formerly Hotel Galvez and Spa), a landmark property recently renovated to its past glory and themed to the Roaring Twenties. Dallas native D. Mark Wyant, a third-generation hotelier and owner of Seawall Hospitality LLC, develops legacy-steeped hotels in Texas, Florida, Louisiana, and South Carolina. The Grand Galvez is a breathtaking example of a multi-million dollar renovation achieved with the help of his wife, Lorenda, a talented interior designer. Built in 1911, Grand Galvez is the only historic beachfront hotel in the state of Texas and was purchased by Wyant from the heirs of George P. Mitchell. It was previously owned by well-known Texans such as William Lewis Moody Jr. and Denton Cooley and was added to the list of Historic Hotels of America in 1994. Magnificently updated, the hotel draws travelers, tourists, vacationers, staycationers, wedding goers, special occasion guests, diners, and holiday revelers year-round.

GATSBY-ESQUE IN GALVESTON The décor is fabulous. Every detail points to the hotel’s famously lavish bygone roots, evoking the Jazz Age and the Prohibition era along Galveston’s seawall. “We have great respect for the iconic architecture of this property,” Wyant states. “The vision for the ‘new’ Grand Galvez honors the historic design while at the same time introducing a refreshed elegance.” Lush greenery and palm trees are juxtaposed against an expansive exterior, repainted in its original 1911 pink hue and dramatically lit in the evening. Courteous valets and front desk

CONTINUED >

ARTICLE BY MELANIE SAXTON PHOTOGRAPHY BY SOUTHERN HOSPITALITY GROUP, LLC AND INTO THE WOODS MEDIA

LEFT: Guests feel like royalty in the magnificent East End Lobby.

NOVEMB ER 2 0 2 2 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/TH E WO O D L A N D S

“We have great respect for the iconic architecture of this property.”

A regal and breathtaking view of the East End Lobby.

Bright and comfortable rooms with a view of the ocean.

“The Monarch” Restaurant

staff welcome guests, and once inside, Peacock Alley beckons. This grand walkway was named in honor of the ladies and gentlemen of yesteryear who wore their finest apparel and strolled from the lobby to the ballroom. From the restoration of original ceiling moldings to the black-and-white harlequin patterned marble flooring, stunning crystal chandeliers, royal burgundy carpets, and luxurious velvet accent draperies, the hotel is a showstopper.

piece of Murano glass tile artwork designed by the Wyants and produced by Dallas-based mosaicist Julie Richey. It was assembled in Pordenone, Italy, by a Venetian artisan family and features a pink and red Texas oleander garland, native shell accents, and a gold banner. Another interesting artifact is the 1915 Ford Model T Roadster restored by Wyant. This particular type of model was featured in the hotel’s first ad, and its presence brings a hint of nostalgia. Wyant personally drove it from Dallas to display it at the Grand Galvez.

architecture. Sixth-floor Spa-Inspired Rooms offer a rain shower, and Grand Suites include the seventh-floor Presidential, Hollywood, and Oleander Suites; eighthfloor Balinese, Howard Hughes Suites; and the two-room Roosevelt Suite. Wake up to morning fitness classes, lounge at the seasonal Swim-Up Bar, enjoy the beautiful pool, or indulge in relaxing massages, facials, and body treatments at the on-site spa. Then stop by the Lolo Luxury Resort Boutique for some highend shopping and head to the Monarch Restaurant for freshly caught Gulf Coast seafood. The soaring ceilings and oversized windows usher in the natural ambiance. Enjoy the Founder’s Bar as well, and a brunch buffet on Sundays.

EVERYTHING OLD IS NEW AGAIN Tour the 111-year-old hotel and enjoy the unique flourishes throughout. The revamped hotel entry features the “Queen of the Gulf” mosaic, a 44-foot-by-17-foot

AMENITIES ABOUND Gulf View Rooms overlook the Gulf of Mexico, and City View Rooms preview the island’s Victorian and historic

CONTINUED >

RIGHT: Peacock Alley reinvisioned today's guests.

M UST SE E | TR AVEL

NOVEMB ER 2 0 2 2 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/TH E WO O D L A N D S

“The vision for the ‘new’ Grand Galvez honors the historic design while at the same time introducing a refreshed elegance.”

The Wyants' Model T, decked with Roaring Twenties mannequins in an original Ford T-Bird.

A vintage peek at Peacock Alley in 1911.

The glorious Grand Galvez stuns with majestic outdoor lighting.

Music Hall, a flexible event space that seats up to 500 guests, is bright and open and features high windows, elegant décor, and patio access overlooking the Gulf — ideal for corporate functions, ceremonies, vow renewals, and receptions. In fact, the Grand Galvez is a favorite go-to wedding venue and has been featured in Southern Bride magazine, with numerous options for tying the knot. The Terrace Ballroom and adjacent Veranda boast floor-to-ceiling windows for maximum natural light and stunning views of the Gulf. The Parlor offers a versatile area with natural light, the Oleander Garden has a trickling water wall, Centennial Green has a charming pergola, and the

East and West Parlors are perfect for bridal luncheons and intimate receptions. Center Lawn seats up to 300 guests for outdoor ceremonies.

Galvez, and Dickens on the Strand slated for December. Other local attractions, some seasonal, include the Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier amusement park, Schlitterbahn Waterpark, Grand 1894 Opera House, 1880 Garten Verein, Moody Gardens, Moody Mansion, Bishop’s Palace, Galveston Historic Seaport – Home of the 1877 Tall Ship ELISSA, Galveston’s 61st Street Fishing Pier, The Bryan Museum, Texas Seaport Museum, Ocean Star Offshore Drilling Rig & Museum, Galveston Railroad Museum, and the Port of Galveston. Visit grandgalvez.com to learn more about this intriguing, historic, and beloved destination.

M UST SE E | TR AVEL

COMING ATTRACTIONS The Grand Galvez is now taking reservations for a Thanksgiving Holiday Brunch on Thursday, November 24, and booking rooms for a busy travel season as families plan fall and winter adventures. Events such as the Lone Star Rally are right around the corner (November 4), with the Downtown Lantern & Lights, Moody Garden Festival of Lights, Holiday Lighting Celebration at Grand Galvez, Sunday Brunch with Santa at Grand

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THE ART OF R E S TAU R A N T LO N G E V I T Y WHAT KEEPS US COMING BACK TO THE RESTAURANTS WE LOVE? ARTICLE BY LAURA L. GREEN | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

Classic restaurants that have stood the test of time are a rare bird in The Woodlands, because in historical terms, the community is still so young. Longtime standbys, those that receive accolades upon opening, gather a following, and subsequently continue to accrue and maintain a solid base of loyal patrons over the course of many decades—those places are still mostly in their formative stages across the restaurant scene here. At almost thirty years old, and still going strong, Amerigo’s Grille can easily be considered the first classic upscale restaurant The Woodlands has produced. One of the most wonderful times to be at Amerigo’s is at lunch. Follow your hostess through the lovely Terrazzo Room filled with original oil paintings, and take a seat in the Atrium. The room’s abundant natural light bounces off the crisp, white tablecloths, creating a mesmerizing effect. Sit with a friend in that soft, heavenly glow, and enjoy an impeccably prepared meal with the kind of informed, understated service that’s hard to come by. A glass of Pinot Grigio. An offering from the well-conceived, modern Italian menu. Some quiet conversation. You feel like the place was created just for you. Connecting with guests, making them feel special, is foundational, says Tina Kosh Goodson, managing partner at Amerigo’s and daughter of owners Casey and Nancy Kosh.

LOCA L’S CH OICE | FOOD + BE VE RAGE

Chef Arturo Osorio is the driving creative force behind the Amerigo's menu and has been with the restaurant since it opened in 1994.

Tina grew up at the restaurant. “My parents first opened on Louetta [in Spring] in 1989, and then moved Amerigo’s in 1994 to The Woodlands, one of the first fine dining restaurants here,” says Tina. Tina became a hostess at 16, eventually bartended, and then worked in several “front of house” positions until she went off to the University of Houston to study at the Conrad N. Hilton School of Restaurant Management. When she returned it was back to business, handling vendors, payroll, private dining and events, and the restaurant’s marketing. “My dad handles the back of house,” she says, along with longtime esteemed Executive Chef Arturo Osorio. Tina says the team is committed to strengthening the fabric of the communities of The Woodlands area, at their restaurants, and across the area, through support of many local non-profits. Amerigo’s is the site of the annual Inspiration Ranch “Denim and Diamonds Gala” VIP reception, an event they host as part of the runup to the charity’s big gala evening at The Woodlands Waterway Marriott, which is underwritten in part by Amerigo’s. Inspiration Ranch provides equine activities and therapy to children and adults with special challenges, helping them to achieve emotional and physical milestones that might otherwise be unattainable. For 15 years, the Koshes have lent their time and support, says Tina. “This year’s gala was so much fun, lots of familiar faces!” The restaurant is a longtime participant in “Houston Restaurant Weeks,” benefitting the Houston Food Bank and its distribution partner, Montgomery County Food Bank. And a fine arts scholarship is awarded each year in the name of Nancy and Casey Kosh by Pavilion Partners, the volunteer organization of the Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion. That’s just to name a few of the local organizations that receive their support. But never were the family’s love of community and their restaurant skills needed in such a direct combination as when a devastating 2015 fire destroyed Wunsche Bros. Café, a local landmark whose closing left a gaping hole for longtime area residents.

CONTINUED > NOVEMB ER 2 0 2 2 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/TH E WO O D L A N D S

TOP LEFT: Wunsche Bros. Cafe is a local institution located in Old Town Spring. TOP RIGHT: The Terrazzo Room walls at Amerigo’s are lined with original oil paintings. BOTTOM: Casey Kosh and daughter Tina Kosh Goodson pose in front of the circa 1920 mirrored bar at Wunsche Bros. Cafe.

LOCA L’S CH OICE | FOOD + BE VE RAGE

The café and saloon had been open in one form or another since 1902, and generations of locals had grown up enjoying the restaurant’s welcoming, rustic feel. A live music stage showcased the likes of an early Lyle Lovett and Clint Black, and the local heritage menu was known for its chicken fried steak, sausage sauerkraut balls, homemade beer bread, and whiskey cake. In 2018, the Koshes purchased the restaurant, still in its ruinous condition, and began the painstaking process of saving what they could, then restoring and renovating. It was an opportunity to help heal the hearts of people who felt that without Wunsche Bros., something was missing. “People wanted it to come back,” says Tina. “It took three years after we purchased it to get it back to normal. The Texas Historical Commission has guidelines for restoration. We were honored and humbled to bring back something that ties us all together. People were so excited!” Reopened in 2020, Tina says the familiar Wunsche Bros. look and menu are back, along with a few updates. “We were able to create the kitchen in a way that works for us, a woodburning oven, a smoker that handles 500 pounds of meat at a time. We’ve added a few new items but stayed true to the menu,” she says. A new rooftop bar is open Thursday through Sunday with live entertainment and, as at Amerigo’s, the restaurant’s second floor is devoted to private event space. With the height of COVID behind them, people were ready to welcome the “new” old-time favorite, and the restaurant has been bustling ever since, says Tina. The growth in The Woodlands and Spring has been remarkable over the last couple of years. Fresh new faces are coming into both restaurants, says Tina. They’re looking for, and receiving, that personal connection, the kind that binds a community together, and makes a restaurant into a classic.

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NOVEMB ER 2 0 2 2 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/TH E WO O D L A N D S

Ken Faulkenberry chose The Village to offer his beloved mother the best Memory Care available. He moved in to be closer to her during the difficult journey of Alzheimer’s. Ken earned his MBA at USC with an emphasis on investments. Aside from his passion of helping people manage their own portfolios, Ken enjoys the excellent location, the nutritious meals he doesn’t have to cook and meeting with faith-based residents each week. At 62, Ken is the youngest resident and hopes to stay at The Village. “I have a great view of the center and everything is only three minutes away!”

Independent Living • Assisted Living •Memory Care

Feature Resident : Ken Faulkenberry

2323 Lake Robbins Drive • The Woodlands, TX 77380 (281) 292-4600 • VillageatTheWoodlandsWaterway.com

Call (281) 292-4600 to visit and see for yourself. -- CALL NOW TO SCHEDULE A LUNCH TOUR.

BRING ABANDONED CHILDREN FROM THE SLUM TO SAFETY AND INTO THE LOVING ARMS OF CARETAKERS THAT WILL EDUCATE, LOVE AND RAISE THEM TO BECOME FUTURE LEADERS IN THEIR GENERATION.

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PRESCHOOL ART • LECTURES • CLASSES

CONCERTS IN THE GALLERY NOV 6: DON IRWIN,

PIANIST

DEC 11: AURORA, STRING TRIO

6815 Cypresswood Drive | Spring, TX 77379 pearlmfa.org | 281.376.6322

plus

The Corduroy Road, 2009, Art Rosenbaum, Oil on canvas, 72×64

FALL EXHIBITION Three Excellences of Culture: Painting, Poetry and Music The Work of Art Rosenbaum & Friends

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WITH ONE-OF-A-KIND GIFTS AT THE MUSEUM STORE MENTION THIS AD FOR 10% OFF YOUR PURCHASE

MUSEUM STORE • CONCERTS • FAMILY DAYS • EXHIBITIONS • CLASSES

MUSEUM STORE • CONCERTS • SCHOOL OF ART

EXHIBITIONS • SCHOOL OF ART • ADULT ART WORKSHOPS • LECTURES

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N OV E M B E R 2 0 2 2

events A curated selection of the most intriguing upcoming events in our area. NOVEMBER 6TH

The Woodlands Cars & Coffee for a Cause

CENTRAL PARK AT MARKET STREET 9595 SIX PINES DRIVE | 7:00 AM Come and enjoy fast cars and morning coffee with The Woodlands Car Club. In addition to providing a great way to check out beautiful automobiles, the event also raises money for local charities as part of Market Street’s Change for Charity program. For more info: northhoustonmoms. com/event/the-woodlands-carscoffee-for-a-cause/2022-11-06 NOVEMBER 11TH

The Woodlands Township Veteran's Day Tribute

TOWN G R E E N PA R K 2099 LAKE ROBBINS DRIVE | 4:30 PM A tribute to our Veterans featuring a presentation of colors, live musical performances and more. A special military Care Package Drop-Off Booth will be set up during the Veterans Day Tribute to accept donations of recommended items to be shipped to the troops. To see the list of recommended items, please visit: thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov NOVEMBER 12TH

The Children's Festival by Texas Children's Hospital The Woodlands

THE CYNTHIA WOODS MITCHELL PAVILION | 10:00 AM This year's festival will take place on Saturday, November 12 from 10 AM - 5 PM and Sunday, November 13 from noon to 5 PM. Come join Captain Barnacles and Kwazi, stars of the television series The Octonauts as they have fun on the Main Stage! Performances, arts and crafts and more. Tickets at Pavilion Box office or Ticketmaster.com. CONTINUED >

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N OVE MBE R 2 0 2 2

realty report A sample of recently sold properties in The Woodlands N E I GH BO RH O O D

LIST PRICE

SO L D P RIC E

%SO L D/ O RIG

DO M

B DRM S

B AT H S

Panther Creek

3,750,000

345,000

92%

4 full 1 half

Indian Springs

2,590,000

100%

7 full 1 half

Carlton Woods

2,750,000

2,500,000

91%

5 full 2 half

Sterling Ridge

2,375,000

2,347,500

99%

5 full 3 half

East Shore

2,195,000

2,300,000

105%

3 full 3 half

Creekside Park

1,895,000

1,825,000

96%

5 full 2 half

Grogans Mill

1,750,000

100%

3 full 2 half

Carlton Woods

1,699,000

1,540,000

91%

6 full 0 half

Carlton Woods

1,675,000

1,515,000

90%

3 full 1 half

Sterling Ridge

1,432,000

1,500,000

105%

4 full 1 half

This data is a sampling of sold properties from a previous month. Source: IRES MLS system.

The Top 10 Highest Dollar Sales in The Woodlands referenced f rom MLS

Working for You

Carol Knott Tefft was phenomenal to work with! My house was only on the market for 6 days. She went out of her way to help me close f rom a distance. I’ve also worked with Carol on a few other sales, and a few rentals. Carol’s honesty has led me to some great real estate decisions. Most Realtors have become complacent and lazy in the internet age, but Carol still provides the great level of hometown service everyone loves. She always answers the phone and greets you with a smile. Keep up the good work Carol!”

– Brandon H

Give me a call today! Carol Knott Tefft (713) 253-7812 TheHometownTeam.com

Off ice (281) 370-5100

carol@thehometownteam.com NOVEMB ER 2 0 2 2 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/TH E WO O D L A N D S

EVENTS CONTINUED

NOVEMBER 17TH

Junior League Holiday Market 2022 The Glade

8 3 2 - 5 57 - 8 7 8 1 | g l a d e a r t s f o u n d a t i o n . o r g contact@gladeartsfoundation.org 2 0 0 0 W o o d l a n d s P a r k w a y T h e W o o d l a n d s , Te x a s 7 7 3 8 0 O p e n Tu e s d a y - S a t u r d a y 1 2 P m t i l l l a t e

THE WOODLANDS WATERWAY MARRIOTT HOTEL & CONVENTION CENTER | 9:00 AM The 2022 Junior League Holiday Market will be held Thursday, November 17 - Sunday, November 20. Don't miss this Holiday shopping extravaganza! Holiday Market Preview Party Thursday, November 17, 7:30 PM - 10:30 PM. Get tickets at jlthewoodlands.org/tickets For more information about this event, please call 1-888-SHOP-4JL (1-888-746-7455) or email office@jltw.org NOVEMBER 19 TH

40th Annual Lighting of the Doves

T he G l ade “An Exquisite Art Lounge and Events Venue in The Woodlands” Immerse yourself in fine wines and entertainment all while being surrounded by curated art exhibits.

The G la d e is a va ilab le fo r all y o u r e v e n t n e e d s. J oi n u s f or c on c er t s, c ultura l expe r ie n ce s , win e d in n e r s , o r b o ok y ou r ow n ev en t .

Updated Evening Entertainment and New Exhibits posted daily Follow us on our social media

TOWN G R E E N PA R K 2099 LAKE ROBBINS DRIVE | 3:00 PM The Lighting of the Doves Festival marks the beginning of the holiday season. Performances and live music on both Celebration & Festival Stages starting at 3 PM with fun activities for the kiddos. We await Santa's arrival by boat on the waterway and the Lighting of the Doves & Fireworks at dark. More info: thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov NOVEMBER 29 TH

Christmas Gift Market - The Woodlands Country Club

THE WOODLANDS COUNTRY CLUB 100 FAIRWAY DRIVE | 10:00 AM Holiday shop 'til you drop at The Woodlands Country Club at this year's Christmas Gift Market with a wide selection of exhibitors of boutique clothing, home decor, gourmet food, decorations, holiday items and more. Free Admission 10 AM - 7 PM. Strollers welcome. For more info: bigtop.show/ thewoodlandscountryclub

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