Arts + Culture

Roots of Goodness

We are shining a spotlight on people making a difference in our community. Article by River Oaks Lifestyle Staff Marthann Masterson, Contemporary Artist Marthann Masterson is a native Houstonian now in her third career as an artist. She still speaks fondly of her first two professions as a chef and television personality, but it is her richly layered drip paintings, which are regularly commissioned by private patrons and local venues, that fuel her passion these days.   Marthann...

Home + Design

Sensory Experiences

Designer Gail McCleese makes her mark on the hospitality industry in Houston. Article by Diane Cowen Gail McCleese sits in a curvy booth at Annabelle Brasserie, watching other diners experience the setting she helped create: a ceiling dripping with colorful faux florals and French country style using materials so plush you want to reach out and stroke them. “Biophilia is important to me. I like to bring in nature or the sense of a garden since we’re stuck inside so much,” she said. “I’m...

Food + Beverage

If you Drink One Thing

Warm up with a delicious handcrafted hot toddy at Coltivare in the Heights. Article by Gabi De la Rosa Crafted by Beverage Director Morgan Weber, the Cherry Bounce Hot Toddy, available on Coltivare’s winter menu, is a sweet and spicy warm beverage inspired by combining a traditional hot toddy with cherry bounce. Cherry bounce is a cherry-infused bourbon liqueur popular in North Carolina, where Executive Chef and Co-Owner Ryan Pera grew up.   The Liqueur  The foundation of this winery...

Life + Culture

From Vision to View

Prenuvo recently opened in Houston and provides potentially life-saving early detection of over 500 conditions. Article by River Oaks Lifestyle Staff Prenuvo, a pioneer in whole-body imaging, recently opened its first location in River Oaks. The new clinic provides Houstonians easy access to scans that detect over 500 conditions, including most solid tumors, which can be detected as early as stage 1, aneurysms, cysts, and more.   We sat down with Dr. Daniel J. Durand, Prenuvo's Chief...

Finance + Legal Services

The ABCs of Financial Planning

Christyna S. Lewis offers advice to achieve a high quality of life after retirement while meeting today's financial needs. Article by Allyson (Ally) Straczek Why do you recommend a financial plan? People need money for basic needs. As a society, we live longer, making it essential to have a plan to ensure that we have a high quality of life beyond our working age. What was your journey to becoming a financial advisor? Looking back on my career, I realize that everything has led me to...

Life + Culture

Strengthening Texas Ties with new Bourbon Line

Cole Hauser's Montana-based Lazy K Bar Whiskey is now available in the Lone Star State. Article by Erica Hernandez | Photography by Audrey Hall On the big screen, Cole Hauser is best known for his role as bad boy cowboy Rip Wheeler on the hit Western drama, Yellowstone . The show follows the turbulent saga of the Dutton family ranching empire as they defend their way of life at all costs, with Cole’s character often leading the charge. But off screen, Cole is more than an actor. He’s a coffee...

Food + Beverage

Cool in the Kitchen

From knives to lunch totes, these are the kitchen tools and accessories we can't get enough of. Article by River Oaks Lifestyle Staff Cooking becomes even more enjoyable with the right gourmet gadgets. Whether you're upgrading your own kitchen or searching for the ideal gift for a culinary enthusiast, the options are endless—from handy tools to kitchen accessories and to-go containers. These gadgets aren't just fun; they can make your cooking experiences smarter and faster. To help you...

Education

Beauty Enlightened

Le Blanc General Dentistry & Aesthetics offers a personalized approach to general and cosmetic dentistry and aesthetics Article by Laura SanchezQuan Katya Kulic’s vision for her dental practice has always been to create an inviting atmosphere, eliminating any fear or discomfort around visiting the dentist. Her vision became a reality with Le Blanc General Dentistry & Aesthetics. Dr. Katya Kulic and her team specialize in general and cosmetic dentistry as well as facial aesthetics. Their...

Food + Beverage

'Wich Hunt

Dive into five of the tastiest sandwich options in Houston. Article by Gabi De la Rosa Money Cat, Katsu Sando  Upper Kirby's Japanese restaurant darling, Money Cat, has been known for its thoughtful and whimsical approach to Japanese dining since it opened its doors last year.  Chef and owner, Sherman Yeung has a pedigree of heavy hitters, including Tobiuo Sushi & Bar, Uchi, Yuatcha, and Izakaya Wa. At Money Cat, customers can enjoy hot and cold options, including tempura, milk buns...

Food + Beverage

New & Notable

Houston's newest restaurants range from fast-casual concepts with a family-friendly ambiance to high-end dining with well-curated wine and cocktail menus. Article by Gabi De la Rosa Traveler's Cart The duo behind popular restaurant Traveler's Table set their sights on a new sister concept, Traveler's Cart which will open just a few minutes down the road from their original restaurant later this month. The new counter-service concept offers street food-influenced flavors from Thy and...