The Woodlands, TX June 2023

LIFE + CULTURE

UNEXPLORED KAMCHATKA FOR THE ADVENTUROUS FISHERMAN

ARTS + CULTURE

AN ARTIST WORKING WITH THE TOUGHEST OF MATERIALS...

FIRE AND SHEER GRIT

Renaissance M en

BUILDING CAREERS FROM A PIPE DREAM

KEEP YOU MOVING

without joint pain

Live life without joint pain.

At Houston Methodist Orthopedics & Sports Medicine, we know that joint pain affects every part of your life. With treatment plans customized for you, our specialists in Montgomery County offer a full range of advanced nonsurgical and surgical techniques. Our expert joint care includes:

• Innovative pain control methods

• Physical therapy to improve mobility and range of motion

• The latest technology, including minimally invasive surgical techniques that help reduce recovery time

50% off Membership Joining Fees

TEACHER APPRECIATION

Make this summer break one to remember with a club membership at Margaritaville. All current active Montgomery County teachers and staff are eligible for 50% off initiation fees for our Fins Up Wellness and Social Passport Clubs, which include access for you and your family to our 5-acre water park and expansive fitness center with daily classes, guest passes, and a 20% discount at all resort amenities and restaurants.

To learn more, contact Lori Granato, Director of Membership, at 936.448.3205 or lori.granato@margaritavilleresortlakeconroe.com

Nashville Nights Concert Series

GRACEE SHRIVER

Sunday, June 4 at 7:00 PM

Hear some of Nashville’s best up and coming stars who are making a splash in the contemporary country music scene during Margaritaville’s summer concert series. Join Gracee Shriver, a top contestant on season 17 of NBC’s hit television show “The Voice,” on Sunday, June 4th at the resort. Spend a pleasant summer evening at an outdoor concert while sipping on a cold cocktail and watching a beautiful sunset over the lake.

To learn more and purchase a ticket, visit MargaritavilleResortLakeConroeTexas.com

Behind Every Great Man...

Happy Father's Day to the amazing men of our wonderful community!

Our gift to you is our June "Gents" issue, in which we uncover the creative side of several talented men that have made a name in the art, design, music and culinary world. What is the old adage? Behind every great man is a great woman trying to get them to discover their inner artist, their true calling, their secret Michelangelo and Bocelli. The Renaissance Man revisited!

I think after "The Time of Corona" more and more of us, men included, turned inward trying to discover a deeper meaning of life and the future. An introspective look at ourselves, our children and our parents shaped a new mantra for some of us encouraging a "seize the day" attitude. Some people have always subscribed to this philosophy but for some, it's a new concept.

In this issue, we delved deep into the cultured world we live in and curated interesting stories of unique men embracing their true passions. Men like Derrick Spain, owner of Reclaimed Leather have blazed a trail in the design industry. Spain has over 25 years of experience in procuring and lightly restoring one-of-a-kind vintage pieces. Faysel Haddad, owner of Island Grill is a fresh food connoisseur sourcing his healthy ingredients from Italy. And artist Joe Haden illustrates how his metal work, sculptures and artistry are his life. Musician, Eric Williams is the founder and owner of Arbor Music, a hidden treasure in Magnolia where a porch sets the stage for "acoustic jam" sessions with music lovers and students.

My own family includes men exhibiting creative expression. My nonwriter husband tapped into his inner Hemingway and wrote a story about his fly fishing travels to the remote rivers of Russia and Chili. My son is about to embark on his new path as an adult in the world of Graduation and University peppered with my never-ending stream of wisdom about "finding your true passion!"

Though this is the Gentlemen's issue, I'd like to toast the women fostering the growth of their sons and husbands and fathers and providing encouragement every step of the way!

Hats off to the Dads!

June 2023

PUBLISHER

Tonya Butler | tonya.butler@citylifestyle.com

MANAGING EDITOR

Jo Hammon | jo.hammon@citylifestyle.com

PUBLISHER ASSISTANT

Kelly Blum | kelly.blum@citylifestyle.com

SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR

Arielle Alston | arielle.alston@citylifestyle.com

ACCOUNT MANAGER

Kelly Blum | kelly.blum@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Annette Palmer, Melanie Saxton, Dave Hammon

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Chris Spicks, Presley Daniel, Dave Hammon, Bex Wood Photography

Corporate Team

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt

CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry

CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore

DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL MEDIA Mindy Hargesheimer

ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor

OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson

WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell

AD DESIGNER Hunter Richie

LAYOUT DESIGNER Kirstan Lanier

Proverbs 3:5-6

city scene

Where neighbors can see and be seen.

Want to be seen in the magazine?

Tag your Instagram photos with @TheWoodlandsCityLifestyle

MOCO Community Leaders to Chair Go Red for Women® Luncheon

The American Heart Association proudly announced that Lonny Soza, President at Post Oak Motor Cars, and Elvira Graham were appointed co-chairs of the 20222023 Montgomery County Go Red for Women Luncheon. Go Red for Women is a global initiative designed to raise awareness of women’s heart health and drive change to improve the lives of women. The 2022-2023 Montgomery County Go Red for Women Luncheon, was sponsored by CVS Health and the Post Oak Collection.

Photography: Rob Greer

Sam Houston Corvette Club donates $7,000 to Children’s Safe Harbor

The Sam Houston Corvette Club, founded 24 years ago, recently donated $7,000 to Children’s Safe Harbor. Raising funds for charities through its car shows and activities, the Club routinely gives back to local non-profit organizations in the local community. The mission of Children’s Safe Harbor is to achieve justice and healing for every abused child and engage the community in that mission.

John Cooper Raises Thousands with 17th Annual Empty Bowls Event

Student artists raised thousands for hungry families in need. On Saturday, April 22 members of The Woodlands, Montgomery County, and Greater Houston Area joined together to raise money for underprivileged families. Artwork and clay pottery lined the walls, while delicious soup was served. The soup is symbolic to represent how some families in our community struggle with food insecurity. Proceeds from the event go to Interfaith Food Pantry to help feed the hungry.

MASTERS OF THEIR CRAFT

Building a career from our pipe dreams can seem like castles in the sky, however, I was excited to chat with 3 inspirational men who have succeeded in doing just that, exceptionally well!

Derrick Spain’s electric blue Harley sits in the courtyard of his “Reclaimed Leather”, store in Old Town Spring, accessed through a heavy fortress door we step back in time to the aroma of real wood and leather, it’s like entering a hidden speakeasy. With a penchant for British antiques, and a particular love of the Chesterfield sofa, Derrick has created an intriguing business with an old-school twist. Having a naturally strong design aesthetic, his vignettes presented around the store, are comparable to a luxury interior atelier. A Le Corbusier cow hide chair sits quietly, while a rare, refurbished green leather porter’s chair guards the entrance. Each piece has its own story and Derrick knows every one of them.

Derrick was fascinated by antiques from an early age and became a dumpster diver from the grand age of 10, filling the home garage with “junk” which he resold for a profit. It was the beginning of something wonderful!

When a Chesterfield arrives, the restoration begins. After reworking the padding and legs, Derrick refinishes the original leather with his magic touch! Nicknamed “The Leather King” by his UK supplier, he has honed his craft to an exemplary level. After experimenting with hand dying, he eventually trained overseas in leather refinishing. Achieving the intensity of color on a piece is an acquired skill. These button-backed sofas have an aged depth of color around the button indentations, which is difficult to execute. Popular colors move with the trends, but traditional emeralds, reds, blues and browns remain in constant favor. Using the original leather keeps a soft smooth feel, but with a strong resilient finish.

Matthew McConaughey was recently interviewed in a Reclaimed Leather chair, and some were also featured in the TV drama, “The Blacklist”. Jesse James from “West Coast Choppers” is a regular client.

As well as the Old Town Spring location at 209 Midway, Reclaimed Leather also has an online store at reclaimedleather.com .

Eric Williams is a musician, a teacher and previously, a music therapist. Along with his wife, Robin, also a musician, Eric is the founder and owner of Arbor Music in Magnolia, a quaint country ranch with a front porch where music is key. Every second Saturday, Arbor Music students and music lovers alike gather to partake in an “Acoustic Jam” session, where they can appreciate each other’s skills and jam together. With lessons available in piano, guitar, ukulele, violin, viola, cello, banjo, voice, drums and bass, this is quite the event!

So how did it all begin?

When Eric William’s mother drew a keyboard inside a drawer as a child it was an indication of her passion and future, for herself and for future generations!  She was lucky enough to attend music lessons from an early age, and then went on to earn her music degree and teach. Eric’s father shared her passion and enjoyed singing and playing guitar and he taught Eric his first chords. Growing up in a home surrounded by music, from opera and classical to bluegrass and folk, Eric naturally continued this passion. The Williams adult children are, of course, musicians too, their daughter is an opera singer and teaches at Arbor Music and their singer, songwriter son has 3 digital albums under his belt.

Music is a skill we can learn and love, it’s relaxing and social, and it’s a means of expressing ourselves. Eric’s previous music therapy sessions would help clients with anxiety and other mental health issues. Music can be life-changing, and many adults attend lessons at the facility, you’re never too old!  An elderly gentleman student of Erics didn’t play a note until retirement. Now 80 years old he travels the country attending bluegrass festivals and jam sessions. It has given him, and his wife, also a music student, a new lease of life.  It’s never too late to discover your inner Renaissance man (or woman)!

Find out more at arbormusic.com

Having a naturally caring and warmhearted nature has resulted in Chef Faysel Haddad owning 6 successful Island Grill restaurants in the Houston area. These wonderful eateries offer breakfast, lunch and dinner and are open from 7am until 9pm daily.

Originally from Damascus, Syria, Faysel has lived in Houston since 1981. The food he serves is partially inspired by Mediterranean cuisine, with a pinch of American fusion. The ethos of using superior ingredients has been of utmost importance since day 1 of Island Grill. Flour containing less gluten is sourced from Italy, as well as first press EVOO. Chef Faysel uses the freshest seafood, wild cod fish and gulf shrimp, never farmed, and the hummus is made completely from scratch! These great ingredients mean that the menu is healthy across the board, there’s a superb selection for kids as well as those with specific dietary requirements, meaning that every member of the family can eat here and eat well. Did you know that when you order from the “fresh squeezed and pressed juice” menu, your juice is prepared right in front of you?

Family is important to Island Grill, Faysel and his wife Maria, are both at the helm and their children are now part of the day to day running of events. Loyal clients who have supported the restaurants over the years have become extended family and clients who previously dined there as children, return to dine with their own children — it’s an experience for all generations. Famous Houston customers have included President George Bush and First Lady Barbara, as well as countless political and sports personalities; J.J. Watt ate here every day for a while! Island Grill also operates an extensive catering service, providing food for private events in the medical, oil and gas, and legal fields, for university sports teams and countless other special occasions.

When asked about the secret to his success Chef Faysel simply said “To treat people as you want to be treated”, I can’t agree more. Check out  islandgrill.com for its extensive menu and story!

We celebrate the persistence and determination of these hard-working men, their wellearned success, and the richness they bring to our community!

The Newest in Men’s Custom Clothing and Closets

INVEST IN LOOKING YOUR BEST AND ORGANIZING YOUR ALL-OCCASION WARDROBE WITH STYLE!

Whether you’re a businessman, pro athlete, retiree, golfer, or active on the social scene, the best option for looking your best may not come from off the rack. For clothing that precisely fits a man’s body—and lifestyle—consider a custom clothier. Then organize your wardrobe in a personalized closet that maximizes square footage and storage solutions from floor to ceiling.

J. HILBURN CUSTOM CLOTHIERS

Margot Sayre and Joyce Wells are personal stylists for men, specializing in custom clothing for casual, business, travel, and formal events. As founding partners of J. Hilburn Houston Stylist Studio, their goal is to make the experience of building a custom wardrobe as effortless as possible. Joyce and Margot’s unique business model is to meet at clients’ homes or offices and assist in determining what looks best, fits best, and works best for men in all stages of life. Evening appointments and some weekends are available.

“We personally measure for precision styling, or, if more convenient, we offer a downloadable measurement app for busy clients who live at the other end of town or in other states,” says Margot, who has been with J. Hilburn since 2007. “Some hard-to-fit men are long or short-waisted. Some have longer or shorter arms. Leave it to us to achieve an expert fit no matter the body type.”

They also offer Zoom meetings and consultations from their studio on Memorial Drive, offering 14 different custom clothing categories. From suits to sportcoats, tuxedos, custom knits, athleisure wear for golf and swimming,

and more, the point is to develop an individual style that is striking yet comfortable and perfectly tailored.

“Men are very visual,” says Joyce, who has been with J. Hilburn since 2009. “We show our clients how to maximize suits and sportscoats, utilizing pieces in various ways, for instance, paired with trousers, shirts, and even custom jeans and rodeo shirts with pearl snap buttons.”

Clients also enjoy checking out the studio’s shirt bar, although the location is not a storefront or traditional retail venue. The sales are direct, meaning the cost of overhead isn’t passed to clients. This allows for competitive pricing and peace of mind, knowing that J. Hilburn clothing has a low carbon footprint. Most fabrics are Italian and sourced from mills that have been around since the 1500s. The company has won awards for its best practices and manufacturing facilities.

THE BEST POSSIBLE CLOSET SPACE

Why should a man have his closet professionally organized? According to Steve Reed of Classy Closets in the Woodlands, most have a desire for purpose and seek order in their lives. Clutter can cause chaos and stress, while a well-organized space clears the mind, improves time management, and allows greater focus on the truly important things.

“Very few people know where to start. An outside professional can see the forest among the trees, bringing fresh insight on ways to use space in an efficient manner,” says Steve. “At Classy Closets, we build floor-to-ceiling cabinets, drawers, shelves, and hanging systems that are custom designed for shoes, clothing, and accessories.”

He explains that when most young men first start out on their own, they are happy with enough space to hang their clothes with little thought to closet organization. Even later, some care more about their garage or media room. But as they mature and invest in a wardrobe, the space becomes more important, and a closet overhaul can be life-changing.

“We have built locking cabinets, hidden areas for small safes, and enclosed glass cabinetry to show off treasured clothing and accessories. But one design that I am particularly happy with was a framed mirror that was actually a hidden door leading to a panic room,” says Steve. “If you can dream it, we can probably do it.”

“Very few people know where to start. An outside professional can see the forest among the trees.” – Steve Reed

Margot

Discover

Just recently, Classy Closets turned a bedroom sitting area into a large open closet. It was an unconventional approach but turned out beautifully. “Try to imagine a very high-end clothing boutique with added shoe shelves to the ceiling. It was an amazing project,” says Steve. When asked if closet spaces can incorporate elements of a man cave, he answered, “We haven’t yet used a favorite college theme or installed a deer head, but we encourage our future customers to challenge us.”

With 52 different colors of laminate 3/4 inch thick melamine material and well over 30 wood, paint, and stain options, there are nearly unlimited ways to apply skill and artistry to each design. Classy Closets is unique to the industry with these expansive selections.

Remodeling is never fun, but we strive to make it as stress-free as humanly possible,” Steve assures. A typical large walk-in closet takes two to three days to transform, and the team cleans as they go.”

colors and styles that accentuate your body type and minimize flaws while learning more about confidential fittings and custom clothing options that are right for you and your lifestyle.

Closets are a home within a home for your wardrobe, accessories, and valuables.

sea change at fish camp

SAVOR OUR NEW SEASONALLY-INSPIRED LUNCH AND DINNER MENUS.

Fish Camp celebrates the Gulf Coast and all it inspires: the joy of a fresh catch, hard-earned food cooked right, and spirited gatherings around a shared table.

Daily Gulf Oysters · Deviled Gulf Crab · Campechana de Mariscos · Summer Corn Salad

Hearth-Roasted Yellowfin Tuna · Crispy Crab Boil Potatoes

Makin’ Pretty While Gettin’ Dirty

When you meet Joe Haden, you meet a man whose work and artistry are his life, working with the toughest of materials and dangerous tools, fire, metal and sheer grit. He is a tall gent with a beard, clad in his signature uniform of denim overalls and accompanied by his constant companion, Mrs. Jones.

If you have ever visited The Houston Art Car Museum or enjoyed The Orange Show annual Art Car Parade, then you will undoubtedly have viewed some of Haden’s fantastical creations.  A pioneer of The Art Car Parade, now in its 36th year, he continues to invent creative, humorous designs with incredible artistry. He’s won “Best in Show” 5 times!

This is quite a departure from Haden’s initial engineering career; originally employed in the aerospace industry, he designed components for the stealth bomber and then later worked for Bell Helicopter. Embracing his love of design, he began constructing homes. “I saw the homes as individual sculptures” he states,

“it awoke my design aesthetic, I would personally design and build the homes”.  He would add character by introducing a subtle artistic detail to every project.

The struggle between engineering and art is somewhat contradictory, the rigid rules and precision of engineering versus the playfulness, creativity and experimentation of the artistic journey. Eventually focusing full time on his art practice, Haden expresses “It’s always play, if it’s not play, it’s work.”

Tools of choice include a plasma cutter, oxygen acetylene torch, and blacksmithing equipment including an anvil, propane, and coal forge. With these heavyduty means, he can create filigree designs on the most unforgiving, hard materials. Pretty florals and fragile feathers emerge, as intricate shapes are cut and formed from discarded farm equipment, oil cans, shovels, rakes and other metal utilitarian basics. Once again, we see a contradiction in his work, the softness and femininity

of the patterns and designs of the lightweight subjects, borne from the hardest, heaviest and strongest elements,

The “Paradox of Containment” vessels, include obsolete milk churns and oil cans, with lace like patterns cut into the body of the containers, creating holes in something designed to hold and preserve liquids, transforming these abandoned functional items into fine art pieces with a narrative. The shadows created when light shines through the multiple elegant cutouts are as beautiful as the physical item, with a play on shadows cast, and positive and negative spaces — another paradox.

Haden is inspired by the avant-garde dada art movement of the 1920’s, which explored absurdity and artistic freedom as a reaction to a global situation. As well as an acknowledgment of the upcycling movement and the fulfillment of creating something new from something old, Haden elaborates “The practice of using found objects poses its own set of problems,

Shadows cast from intricate cut outs

Lightweight feathers from heavyweight metals

“THE SHADOWS CREATED WHEN LIGHT SHINES THROUGH THE MULTIPLE ELEGANT CUT OUTS ARE AS BEAUTIFUL AS THE PHYSICAL ITEM.”

working around existing design features adds a whole new challenge, and it’s important to work the problem into the beauty of the piece, which ultimately adds to the end result.”

Recently becoming involved in the Houston Bonsai Society has had an influence on his blacksmithing work. Applying the principles of bonsai to his sculptures has resulted in mixing organic and manmade shapes and forms to create something new. The blacksmithing sculptures he creates are not typical of regular blacksmiths, approaching the craft as an artist the results are fascinating. The joy of heating, bending, twisting and working with the metal with a thought process related to bonsai, and horticultural exploration gives us a fresh outlook on an ancient process.  The tendrils and intertwining metal pieces give Haden’s work a connection with nature, he experiences new growth as a person with every piece he makes, his most recent sculpture always being his favorite.

This heavy machinery and force with an almost industrial feel may lead us to think that Haden is a man as tough as steel, but we would be mistaken.  Constant companion, Mrs. Jones, his 9lb rescued chihuahua rarely leaves his side and Haden tends to her every need with love and tenderness. He is a master of the Japanese art of reiki, a positive technique that focuses on energy vibrations. His mother, who was an expert in the reiki field, taught him this meditative process that rests the brain and calms our thoughts. He enjoys meditation and other aspects of self-care, believing that ultimately, respect for yourself and others is what makes

the world go round. “It’s all about the balance of life, like the balance between engineering and art”, he says.  Those that enjoy astrology would also find it interesting to find that Haden is a Libra, the horoscope sign represented by the scales, it’s about finding the equilibrium and seeing the lighter side of the heavier things, just like his art.

Haden works from his family ranch in Crockett, Texas. The same ranch that has been in his family since the early 1800’s is a place of peace and inspiration, a tranquil sanctuary. His mother was born here and when she became unwell 15 years ago, Haden went home.

The ranch years were a time of immersion, isolation and routine, when he cared for his mother, worked on the ranch, and made art. Literally returning to his roots, he could sense the earth beneath him and experience a connection to the spiritual energy of his ancestors and history, the connection with nature, the constellations, and the universe.

Joe Haden’s work can be found at Archway Gallery in Houston, where he is a member artist.  archwaygallery.com

The Houston Art Car Museum, 140 Heights Blvd, Houston, will present “Joe Haden”, a solo exhibition, new sculptures will showcase alongside his inaugural photography collection. The opening reception for this event is between 6 –9pm, on Saturday, June 17th, the show runs until the end of September.

artcarmuseum.com

instagram.com/hadenstudios

Beautiful Extensions of Our Homes

Be inspired by luxury garage and deck designs that make the most of underutilized space

Some homeowners, especially with busy families and multiple hobbies, achieve form, function, and aesthetics by using neglected spaces to their full potential. Investing in garage makeovers and deck buildouts (especially at weekend and lake homes) can yield long-term benefits—and a clutter-free lifestyle.

Grand Garages

Homeowners invest in landscaping, curb appeal, kitchens, and baths…but not necessarily their garages. Steven Hempel of Garage Living of Houston aims to change that mindset. “The garage, one of the most entered rooms of the house, should not be the blemish,” he says. “We provide custom solutions that create an extension of where you live and how you live.”

Some clients start with garage floor coatings or interlocking tiles that transform dusty, unsightly, and unfinished surfaces into clean spaces that are waterproof and durable. The abrasion and impact resistance can’t be beat.

Garage cabinets in modular systems and custom options can truly be life-changing. Say goodbye to clutter and chaos and hello to high-quality upgrades and multi-purpose storage solutions, including pull-out shelving, trash bin concealment, coat closets, and substitute mudrooms. Easy-to-clean custom slat panel walls can also be installed to hang tools, camping equipment, and sports and leisure gear.

Heavy-duty specialty overhead storage is ideal for bike racks, golf bags, fold-away workbenches, bulky seasonal items such as holiday décor and patio furniture, and more. Suddenly, your garage is both stunning and organized for you and your family.

Wall-mounted tire racks are an option for car enthusiasts, as well as 4-post car lifts that double the parking capacity at your residence. “We worked with a client who was renovating his entire home and wanted a garage that would accommodate his growing collection of cars,” says Steven. “The home was previously owned by a former astronaut, who was the last man to walk on the moon, so the owner wanted to pay homage to that bit of history. To do so, we built out a truly spectacular 1600 square foot space in colors similar to those of the NASA logo and, once finished, commissioned a local artist to create a small mural above the cabinet system of the Earth and Moon.”

A complimentary design consultation will determine floor space, ceiling height, and garage door placement requirements. Last but not least, climate-controlled garages can be configured for work-from-home offices and gyms, and designed for hobbyists as well. Visit garageliving.com/f/houston to learn more about the possibilities.

Extraordinary Decks

Decks built around homes, especially at lake houses and vacation properties, bring the indoors outside and can provide practical storage ideas that make kayaks, paddle boards, oars, and other equipment a part of the décor. It’s a form of efficient hardscaping that goes handin-hand with landscaping and turns a house into a showpiece.

Jerrica George, a superhost, owns the “House of Views” at 207 Capetown in April Sound, an iconic neighborhood in Montgomery. The home is a fun and “decked out” Airbnb that makes the most of the lake-facing backyard and open water.

“The two-story deck is definitely a draw,” says Jerrica. “It provides both privacy and scenery on Lake Conroe.” Extending from the upstairs, over the patio, across the bulkhead and boat dock, and into the lake, it boasts a million-dollar view as well as ample outdoor living space. Couples and families gather, barbecue, dine, sunbathe, swim, fish, kayak, and paddle board in a layout that’s highly functional. Equipment is stowed as a type of usable backyard art, with relaxing sunsets and a hot tub. Everything else evokes a sense of lake living and adventure.

“The key is to maximize the space so that it appears sprawling yet remains organized, free of clutter, and easy to navigate,” says Jerrica. The top and bottom decks do just that, accommodating guests and bringing enjoyment to vacationers. Learn more about the House of Views at airbnb.com

MEMOIRS OF A FISHERMAN

The Never Fished Rivers of the Kamchatka Peninsula

The mouse pattern dry fly lands perfectly near the bank on the opposite side of the river I am wading in; I begin to strip the line towards me quickly and the mouse skitters across the surface of the water.  About halfway across the narrow river, the massive rainbow trout attacks it with voracity and precision… I set the hook and the battle ensues!  This 20” rainbow trout, like most in the Sedanka River, has probably never seen a fly before, let alone

felt a hook in its lip; as a result, the fish are hyper-aggressive towards flies and fight much harder than fish that’ve been handled and released dozens of times before.  As I release the trout (catch and release is standard practice here) and watch him swim back into the river, I stop and take in the moment.  I look around me, not a single other fisherman, no boats, no planes flying above, no jet streams:  only pristine wild untouched wilderness.  This is the Kamchatka Peninsula, Russia.    Kamchatka is the mother of all

wilderness fly fishing regions, wildly attractive to those anglers with the desire for extra adventure in their souls. It is not the most “polished” of locales, nor is it the easiest to get to, but there is no place left in the world that is as pure, as in-tact, or as unexplored. Period. There are rivers on this peninsula that have never been fished by man, which makes this trip all the more an adventure! It is hard to exaggerate the fishing, which is every bit as memorable as the rivers these Russian rainbows call home.

I am fishing with my Uncle Gary, who is traveling to the Kamchatka Peninsula for his 3rd time, and we are float fishing the Sedanka River.  My uncle always said that trout fishing in Kamchatka was like “fishing in Alaska 40 years ago”, an indication of how the fishing was in Alaska before it was discovered. The Sedanka is a pure spring creek, with sections likened to what the Henry’s Fork (a tributary river in Idaho) must have been like two hundred years ago.

To get to the fishing rivers, I traveled from Houston to Anchorage, AK, and then connected on to Petropavlovsk, the capital of Kamchatka, where upon arrival we were transferred to the heliport, about 15-20 minutes away from the airport to board the Mi8 helicopter.  The journey on the Mi8, among the safest flying machines in the sky, allows anglers to reach places with no public access.  The flight, which lasted about 45-60 minutes, took us upstream where we quickly unloaded, unpacked, geared up, and immediately started fishing!

In total, Gary and I spent 2 weeks fishing Kamchatka, with half of that time fishing on the Sedanka.  The other week was an unbelievable wilderness float trip on the Turusheva, a tributary of the Sedanka.  The wilderness trip was always a favorite of my uncle’s and was the most intimate way to encounter the last true wooded wilderness on earth.  These expeditions are based around a schedule of floating and fishing each day, typically covering 25-30 river miles during the course of a 5-day adventure. The boats were used purely for transportation, with all of the fishing done on foot.  At the end of the day, the guides would pick a spot along the river to set up camp for the evening.  Oh, and if anyone wanted to take a bath, the cold mountain river was all yours!

All in all, our fishing adventure to Kamchatka was nothing short of amazing!  On an average day, we would catch 20 plus 20” Rainbows and many in the 18-20” range:  most certainly the quantity and quality of rainbows was second to none!

CHILE, PATAGONIA

The sun was setting over the snowcapped mountains as our plane touched down in Balmeceda, Coyhaique, in Southern Chile.  The plane braked quickly on the short single runway and then came to an abrupt stop.  Another great fishing adventure was about to begin - this time on the Rio Picacho, nestled in the Andes Mountains of Patagonia Chile.  We would be fly fishing from a boat, as opposed to wade fishing, on this larger, fast-moving river, searching for the indigenous resident Brown and Rainbow Trout.  The trout were eager to investigate any fly similar to large terrestrials, including beetles, spiders, mice, and anything else that would have been potentially falling off of a cliff! Our fishing, for the most part, was not spectacular; however, the fish we did catch were feisty and hard fighters!

The Dragonfly Lodge, our rustic accommodations, was located on the river and was absolutely stunning! Nestled in the Andes Mountains, the lodge was an architectural masterpiece forged of stone, steel, glass and local timber. To get there, we traveled from Houston to Santiago, Chile, and then on to Balmeceda, Coyhaique.  We were greeted by our lodge host, who picked us up directly at the airport and traveled to the launch site on the river.  From there it was about an hour or so upriver to the lodge!

Fly fishing on the Rio Picacho, nestled in the Andes Mountains of Patagonia, Chile

“MY UNCLE ALWAYS SAID THAT TROUT FISHING IN KAMCHATKA WAS LIKE ‘FISHING IN ALASKA 40 YEARS AGO.’”

LANGARA ISLAND, BRITISH COLUMBIA

A third fishing adventure would take Gary and I to Langara Island, a tiny Island that is the farthest north island of the Haida Gwaii Archipelago on the north coast of British Columbia, Canada.  On the fishing docket:  King Salmon (called Spring Salmon or Chinooks here in BC), Coho Salmon (also called Silver Salmon) and Halibut.  The salmon, which were migrating to rivers all along the west coast from Southeast Alaska to northern California, surrounded the island looking for bait fish; conversely, the halibut were farther out in the deeper waters, some 150’ deep.  Along with the amazing troll fishing each day, we were extremely fortunate to see Humpback whales occasionally rising to the surface!

Sea Lions were also ubiquitous on the Island rocks and the shallower waters, and in fact, I gained a massive amount of respect for these animals.  These sneaky sea lions can swim upwards to 30 MPH, and they have learned that a hooked fish is an easy meal!  On one occasion, my uncle was reeling in a massive Spring salmon. I spotted a

sea lion in the waters about 75 yards away looking at us, he then popped his head under the water and in no time, he was swimming under our boat going directly towards Gary’s  hooked Salmon!  Suddenly, BAM the force of the sea lion grabbing the fish broke my uncle’s fishing lion instantly, which sent him into a tirade of expletives!

Our accommodations, at the Langara Island Lodge, were nothing short of magnificent!  The lodge was situated high on a scenic bluff atop the island, surrounded by Haida Gwaii’s ancient rainforest and abundant waters.  From the docks below, we rode through the forest in a unique tram that took us straight to the lodge.  At times, we could see a Bald Eagle or Raven sitting in a nearby tree keeping a close eye on our journey up the mountain to the lodge.

Our travels took us from Houston to Seattle, where we drove to Vancouver.  From here, the lodge transported us to Haida Gwaii where we transferred by helicopter over to the lodge dock.

Thanks to Justin at The Fly Shop for helping create these memories.  In Memory of GMH

“Could not be happier my daughter chose this school for a career in esthetics.”

- Jonnie Torres

“Choosing The Facial Room Society to expand my career was the best choice I ever made.”

- Janice Gaona

“I couldn’t be more satisfied with the education I received.”

-

The Perfect Steak

Nothing describes summer better than a good cookout! And what is a cookout without a good, quality steak and the perfect grilling recipe?

1. Thaw and acclimate the steak. For searing to occur, the proteins in steak need to be heated to at least 310°F. Tossing cold meat onto a hot grill lowers the temperature and can prevent a crust from forming, so it’s important that any frozen steaks are thawed completely before cooking.

2. Salt your steak 30-45 minutes before grilling. This causes the salt to draw moisture from within the steak up to the surface, where it dissolves the salt and creates a brine that gets reabsorbed into the steak where it breaks down tough connective tissues.

3. Oil the grate on the grill, not the steak. Use tongs and a paper towel dipped in vegetable oil to lube your grates.

4. Manage your heat well. Remember that your grill needs to be hot for your steak to get a good sear. But if it’s hot enough to cause your oil to smoke, it’s too hot.

5. Use the 60/40 rule. The best-tasting steaks are seared on both sides and cooked evenly in the middle. The simplest way to do that is to only flip your steak once. The 60/40 rule suggests that 60% of your cook time should be spent on one side, and 40% on the other.

6. Keep the lid closed. It may be tempting to peek, but trust the experts and keep it shut! Opening the lid makes your grill lose heat, which makes steaks cook unevenly.

7. Check for doneness. A meat thermometer will give you the most accurate temperature reading:

• Rare: 120°F

• Medium Rare: 130°F

• Medium: 140°F

• Medium Well: 150°F

• Well: 160°F

8. Let your steak rest. Pull your steaks from the grill once they’re cooked to 5-10 degrees below your target temperature and rest for 10-15 minutes.

COCKTAIL CLUB

Enjoy

HAKU LYCHEE MARTINI

ingredients:

• 2 oz. HAKU® Japanese Craft Vodka

• 1 oz. house made lychee simple syrup

directions:

1. Combine ingredients

2. Shake vigorously over ice

3. Strain and serve up in a chilled martini glass

4. Garnish with a lychee

events

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

JUNE 3RD - JULY 5TH

North Sea Gulf Coast

ARCHWAY GALLERY

2305 DUNLAVY ST, HOUSTON, TX 77006

Archway Gallery presents North Sea Gulf Coast, featuring new paintings by Annette Palmer, on view June 3 –July 5, 2023. The artist will be present to visit with guests during the exhibition opening reception on Saturday, June 3, from 5 – 8 p.m. at the gallery, and will talk about her work at 6:30 p.m.

JUNE 3RD

Summer Family Day

PEARL FINCHER MUSEUM OF FINE ARTS 6815 CYPRESSWOOD DR, SPRING, TX 77379 | 11:00 AM Summer exhibitions open on Saturday, June 3 with a Family Day event full of opening day festivities. The celebration will include several Art Cars on display, art activities, entertainment, a food truck and loads of art exhibitions. Admission is free.

JUNE 5TH - 11TH

Wine and Food Week

Wine and Food lovers unite! This week-long Wine & Food Week is June 5-11 in celebration of the creativity and passion of the wine and food industry. Hundreds of wines and culinary expertise will be featured and rounding out the week is The Wine Rendezvous Grand Tasting & Chef Showcase at the Woodlands Waterway Marriott. wineandfoodweek.com

EVENTS

CONTINUED

JUNE 9TH

Ladies of the Vine Tasting, Panel & Luncheon

THE CLUB AT CARLTON WOODS MAIN CLUB HOUSE.

1 CARLTON WOODS DR., THE WOODLANDS | 11:30 AM

Incredible wines, incredible women! Join the women of the wine world, sharing their complex talents and panel discussion with an intimate glimpse of their personal journey with wine. The reception starts at 11:30 am and doors to the main dining room open at 1pm. Tickets at wineandfoodweek.com

JUNE 10TH

Grand Re-Opening of Ardest Gallery

25200 GROGAN'S PARK DRIVE, THE WOODLANDS, TX 77380

4:00 PM

Join Ardest Gallery for their Grand Re-Opening in The Woodlands, Texas. Ardest Gallery is a fine art gallery representing top Texas 2D and 3D new and upcoming artists!

JUNE 24TH

Already GoneEagles Tribute Band

DOSEY DOE - THE BIG BARN

8:30 PM

Already Gone is a rock band from Houston, TX, known for being the premier Eagles tribute band in the South will be performing live at Dosey Doe - The Big Barn on Saturday, June 24, 2023 starting at 8:30 PM Doors Open At 6:00 PM Dinner

6:00 PM to 8:00 PM.

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Women’s care for every stage of you.

Your health should always be a priority. That’s why we make it easy to get the women’s care you need for every stage of life. From adolescent gynecology to obstetrics and maternity. From breast services to pelvic floor health. It’s advanced, specialized care for every woman and every challenge. And with locations throughout Greater Houston, it’s care that’s close to you.

memorialhermann.org/womenshealth Advancing health. Personalizing care.