C Baldwin Hotel (photo by Duc Hoang)

OCTOBER IS BREAST Cancer Awareness Month, and conscientious H-Town area businesses are raising awareness for the cause in many ways including cocktail and wine specials, dining contributions, light displays and events. Think pink!

GJ Tavern GJ Tavern's 'Fight Like a Girl' (photo by Michael Anthony) Here’s the perfect cocktail for Breast Cancer Awareness Month: Fight Like a Girl is made with gin, lemon juice, liquid alchemy strawberry, grenadine and egg white. Underbelly Hospitality’s downtown bar and restaurant will donate $2 from the sale of each specialty cocktail to The Rose, the Houston-based nonprofit organization committed to saving lives through quality breast health services, advocacy and access to care for all. Ten Sushi + Cocktail Bar From the team behind Bosscat Kitchen & Libations, Ten Sushi is throwing a three-day pop-up Oct. 12-14 to tease guests before its forthcoming opening this month in the 200 Park Place highrise. The sneak preview will raise money for breast cancer research by offering $1 of each item sold to the Holly Rose Ribbon Foundation. Specials on offer include the Lychee Rose cocktail; VC Rock shrimp tempura with spicy garlic aioli; chicken gyoza with spicy soy dipping sauce; yuzu salmon and avocado, and the seafood laden Forbidden Roll.Towne Lake Shopping Center This northwest Houston shopping, dining and entertainment spot will be bathed in brilliant pink lights throughout October in recognitions of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Sponsored by Houston Methodist, The Boardwalk at Towne Lake will be open nightly, and guests are encouraged to use hashtag #BoardwalkTLGoesPink when posting on social media.Brenner's on the Bayou There’s still time to snag your tickets to Drink for Pink Oct. 15 on the serene grounds of Brenner’s on the Bayou to raise funds for Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Bring your love of wine and best pink attire for chef-crafted bites from upscale from upscale restaurants, live music and lots of wine sampling! Lulu's From bright pink to rosé drink, Lulu’s River Oaks is pouring on the pink to help raise money during Breast Cancer Awareness month. Lulu’s has partnered with The Rose to donate $1 from each drink sold from its curated Pink Drink menu. Anticipate a classic cosmopolitan, The Pale Rose by Sacha Lichine 2020, and a sweet Sgroppino — luscious raspberry sorbet topped with prosecco.Kin Dee Kin Dee's Thailand Sunrise cocktail (photo by Alex Montoya) Kin Dee has launched a generous way to raise a glass (or two) for Breast Cancer Awareness Month. For the entire month of October, the restaurant will be serving the Thailand Sunrise — an exotic pink cocktail featuring vodka, muddled pineapple, pineapple juice, lime juice, and grenadine, garnished with lemon skin, Thai basil, and a fresh strawberry. Two dollars from each cocktail sold will benefit The Rose.Roots During the month of October, Roots, the self-serve wine bar and restaurant in the heart of EaDo, will host Bubbles and Boobies, during which ten percent of proceeds from the sale of sparkling wine bottles will benefit The Rose, the Houston-based nonprofit organization.City Place City Place ushers in a special edition of Friday Night Live! Oct. 14 featuring dueling pianos by Thomas Cokinos. Guests are encouraged to wear all-things-pink and indulge in the cotton candy station, candy cart, and a cash bar spotlighting — you guessed it — pink specialty cocktails. On Oct. 15, a Pink Out Camp Gladiator strength and cardio session will start at 8:30 am followed by a Pink Out Yoga on the Plaza at 10am — both free to attend for those rocking pink attire. City Place guests can make a night of it at the Houston City Place Marriot with the October IGO Pink Package benefiting cancer non-profit Susan G. Komen, by booking a stay using promo code YX1.C. Baldwin Hotel Raise a glass for Breast Cancer Awareness Month at the C. Baldwin’s luxurious lobby bar. For the entire month of October, C. Baldwin will be serving two pink cocktails with a portion of sales being donated to the Susan G. Komen Foundation. The pink cocktails include the Pink Panther, made with vanilla infused vodka, ginger ale and a splash of cranberry and the Pretty in Pink with St. Germain, hibiscus and lemon juice topped with sparkling rosé.The Woodlands Collection The Pink Lady cocktail (photo by Raquel Fatiuk) During October, proceeds from each cocktail sold at The Woodlands Collection will benefit the National Breast Cancer Foundation. Raise a glass at Back Table Kitchen & Bar, located at The Woodlands Resort with The Pink Lady made with Calamity Texas Gin, cranberry juice, fresh lemon juice and blood orange liqueur. E’terie Bar & Grille, located within the atrium of the Embassy Suites, will be serving up the Dragon Fruit Mojito, a rum infused libation featuring diced dragon fruit, lime, mint and topped with soda and fresh blackberries. At Como Social Club, the chic lounge located inside of The Westin at The Woodlands, choose the Como Crush made with vodka, strawberry liqueur, simple syrup, and lemon juice. Additionally, E’terie, Como and Sorriso will donate a portion of the proceeds for every glass of rosé sold during October.Zadok Jewelers During the annual Holiday Shopping Card event benefiting The American Cancer Society, Oct. 20-30, Zadok Jewelers will be one of the many local retailers participating. Here’s your chance to score a 20 percent discount on select watch and fine jewelry brands storewide that are rarely discounted.

GJ Tavern's 'Fight Like a Girl' (photo by Michael Anthony)

Here’s the perfect cocktail for Breast Cancer Awareness Month: Fight Like a Girl is made with gin, lemon juice, liquid alchemy strawberry, grenadine and egg white. Underbelly Hospitality’s downtown bar and restaurant will donate $2 from the sale of each specialty cocktail to The Rose, the Houston-based nonprofit organization committed to saving lives through quality breast health services, advocacy and access to care for all.

From the team behind Bosscat Kitchen & Libations, Ten Sushi is throwing a three-day pop-up Oct. 12-14 to tease guests before its forthcoming opening this month in the 200 Park Place highrise. The sneak preview will raise money for breast cancer research by offering $1 of each item sold to the Holly Rose Ribbon Foundation. Specials on offer include the Lychee Rose cocktail; VC Rock shrimp tempura with spicy garlic aioli; chicken gyoza with spicy soy dipping sauce; yuzu salmon and avocado, and the seafood laden Forbidden Roll.

This northwest Houston shopping, dining and entertainment spot will be bathed in brilliant pink lights throughout October in recognitions of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Sponsored by Houston Methodist, The Boardwalk at Towne Lake will be open nightly, and guests are encouraged to use hashtag #BoardwalkTLGoesPink when posting on social media.

There’s still time to snag your tickets to Drink for Pink Oct. 15 on the serene grounds of Brenner’s on the Bayou to raise funds for Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Bring your love of wine and best pink attire for chef-crafted bites from upscale from upscale restaurants, live music and lots of wine sampling!

From bright pink to rosé drink, Lulu’s River Oaks is pouring on the pink to help raise money during Breast Cancer Awareness month. Lulu’s has partnered with The Rose to donate $1 from each drink sold from its curated Pink Drink menu. Anticipate a classic cosmopolitan, The Pale Rose by Sacha Lichine 2020, and a sweet Sgroppino — luscious raspberry sorbet topped with prosecco.

Kin Dee's Thailand Sunrise cocktail (photo by Alex Montoya)

Kin Dee has launched a generous way to raise a glass (or two) for Breast Cancer Awareness Month. For the entire month of October, the restaurant will be serving the Thailand Sunrise — an exotic pink cocktail featuring vodka, muddled pineapple, pineapple juice, lime juice, and grenadine, garnished with lemon skin, Thai basil, and a fresh strawberry. Two dollars from each cocktail sold will benefit The Rose.

During the month of October, Roots, the self-serve wine bar and restaurant in the heart of EaDo, will host Bubbles and Boobies, during which ten percent of proceeds from the sale of sparkling wine bottles will benefit The Rose, the Houston-based nonprofit organization.

City Place ushers in a special edition of Friday Night Live! Oct. 14 featuring dueling pianos by Thomas Cokinos. Guests are encouraged to wear all-things-pink and indulge in the cotton candy station, candy cart, and a cash bar spotlighting — you guessed it — pink specialty cocktails. On Oct. 15, a Pink Out Camp Gladiator strength and cardio session will start at 8:30 am followed by a Pink Out Yoga on the Plaza at 10am — both free to attend for those rocking pink attire. City Place guests can make a night of it at the Houston City Place Marriot with the October IGO Pink Package benefiting cancer non-profit Susan G. Komen, by booking a stay using promo code YX1.

Raise a glass for Breast Cancer Awareness Month at the C. Baldwin’s luxurious lobby bar. For the entire month of October, C. Baldwin will be serving two pink cocktails with a portion of sales being donated to the Susan G. Komen Foundation. The pink cocktails include the Pink Panther, made with vanilla infused vodka, ginger ale and a splash of cranberry and the Pretty in Pink with St. Germain, hibiscus and lemon juice topped with sparkling rosé.

The Pink Lady cocktail (photo by Raquel Fatiuk)

During October, proceeds from each cocktail sold at The Woodlands Collection will benefit the National Breast Cancer Foundation. Raise a glass at Back Table Kitchen & Bar, located at The Woodlands Resort with The Pink Lady made with Calamity Texas Gin, cranberry juice, fresh lemon juice and blood orange liqueur.

E’terie Bar & Grille, located within the atrium of the Embassy Suites, will be serving up the Dragon Fruit Mojito, a rum infused libation featuring diced dragon fruit, lime, mint and topped with soda and fresh blackberries.

At Como Social Club, the chic lounge located inside of The Westin at The Woodlands, choose the Como Crush made with vodka, strawberry liqueur, simple syrup, and lemon juice. Additionally, E’terie, Como and Sorriso will donate a portion of the proceeds for every glass of rosé sold during October.

During the annual Holiday Shopping Card event benefiting The American Cancer Society, Oct. 20-30, Zadok Jewelers will be one of the many local retailers participating. Here’s your chance to score a 20 percent discount on select watch and fine jewelry brands storewide that are rarely discounted.

HOUSTON FOODIES ARE out this month, and those in the know are getting from restaurant to restaurant in the rideshare service that has taken the industry by a storm.

Alto started driving in Houston in late 2020, and it has quickly become a favorite way to get around. The experience is unparalleled. Think luxury SUVs with leather captain chairs, thoughtful amenities like complimentary water and umbrellas, and even curated playlists to choose from in the Alto app. Those who have ridden know that Alto is more than a ride from point A to B, but a journey to be enjoyed — because the recap of every dish on the ride home should be just as good as the dinner.

Community is at the heart of Alto. Rather than hiring independent contractors, Alto has hired W-2 employee drivers who are trained and supported by a local Houston team. The service also offers a Membership that unlocks Alto benefits as well as unique offers from Houston partners. Those who join Alto’s exclusive Membership gain full access to the Alto fleet during the busiest "Members Only" hours, savings on every ride, and Alto’s prescheduling feature for booking rides in advance (Pro tip: Lock in your ride when you lock in your dinner reservation!). Join a community of adventurous, in-the-know Houstonians, at only $12.95 a month.

Alto shared the top pick-up and drop-offs that make up their Members most recommended spots — and also happen to be celebrating Houston Restaurant Week! — so you can plan the perfect night out.

Trattoria Sofia A top drop-off among Alto Members, we recommend Trattoria Sofia for authentic Italian with the perfect atmosphere.

The Annie Cafe Another frequent destination, The Annie Cafe and Bar serves classics, totally reimagined.

MAD Houston A spot as innovative as your Alto. Book a ride to MAD for a night of tapas with a twist that are sure to be a new adventure.

Ouzo Bay The Alto team’s go-to modern Mediterranean spot for a perfect night out.

B&B Butchers and Restaurant This upscale steakhouse and traditional butcher shop is a classic Alto favorite.

FLORA A must try this month — FLORA is a culinary journey through the small towns of Mexico with a Texas touch.

Beckanne Sisk, originally from Longview, and her handsome fiancé, native Virginian Chase O’Connell, have just debuted as principal dancers at Houston Ballet. The city’s newest stars shine bright in fall’s hottest fashion trends. Styling by Todd Ramos; Hair and makeup by Darcie Teasley

On her: Top, vest, trousers and shoes, all by Michael Kors. On him: Jacket, $548, by Frame, and pants, $190, by G-Star at Saks Fifth Avenue.

On him: Sweater set, pants and belt, all by Versace; shoes, $1,090, by Balenciaga at Neiman Marcus. On her: Dress, $2,195, by Balmain, and shoes, $1,795, by YSL, both at Saks Fifth Avenue.

On him: Suit and tee, both by Gucci; shoes, $790, by Alexander McQueen at Saks Fifth Avenue. On her: Coat, tights and shoes, all by Gucci; earrings, $17,450, necklace, $700,000, diamond-wrap band, $69,500, and cocktail ring, $21,250, all at Valobra Master Jewelers.

On her: Tee, jacket, mini skirt, belt and jewelry, all by Versace. On him: Shirt, $898, by Frame at Saks Fifth Avenue.

On her: Suit, tights, shoes and jewelry, all by Chanel. On him: Sweatshirt, $340, by MCQ, jacket, $2,595, by Dolce & Gabbana, jeans, $298, by John Elliott, and shoes, $690, by Alexander McQueen, all at Saks Fifth Avenue.

On him: Shirt, $825, by Versace, shoes, by Prada, and pants, by YSL, all at Saks Fifth Avenue. On her: Dress, tights, coat, bag and shoes, all by Michael Kors, with mosaic diamond earrings, $15,250, vintage chevron-link necklace, $15,200, by Tiffany & Co., spiral ring, $13,750, and oval ring, $13,500, all at Lesley Ann Jewels.

Barbles has become an expert on fun, nutritious food — and founding farmers markets

GUESS YOU COULD say timing is everything. After conducting one of her first cooking classes showcasing farmers market ingredients at Lemon Laine, native Houstonian and nutritionist Casey Barbles was approached by Radom Capital to develop a brand-new farmers market. Being in the midst of the initial pandemic, the need for outdoor markets quickly escalated, which eventually led to her new venture, The Feel Good Group, an event-planning company specializing in fun living markets.

“I really did not see it coming, but when Radom asked me to create Heights Mercantile Farmers Market, it felt like the perfect piece to add to my blooming career in nutrition,” says Barbles. At the time, she was immersed in her blog The Informal Grub, which covers nutrition, cooking, pop-up events, and nutrition consultation. Based on her studies at the University of Bridgeport with a master’s degree in human nutrition, her blog-website, which is now a business, was inspired by multiple rare and challenging syndromes she was diagnosed with in her 20s.

During her quest to find wellness, Barbles sought out countless medical specialists as well as a local Chinese medicine expert, who taught her about meditation, balance and rest. “After being introduced to farmers markets, I began to heal and saw the impact nutrition had on the body,” says Barbles, who had an early career in pharmaceutical sales. “I’ve always loved science. My mom was a biology teacher.”

Developers noticed that vendor markets were bringing foot traffic to their businesses during the shut-down and suddenly everyone wanted an outdoor farmers market. “When I began to receive multiple requests to start markets for other developers, The Feel Good Group was formed with co-founder Travis Denson, a high school friend and fitness buff,” says Barbles. Her first Heights Mercantile market went from 14 vendors to 40, and the masses showed up to roam and buy.

Instead of the standard produce-filled farmers market, Barbles created a party. She brought in chefs, a stilt walker, a dunking tank, beverages, and sometimes live music. “Houstonians were thanking me,” says Barbles. “They hadn’t been out of their house for months due to Covid-19, and what they found at our markets was a safe place to buy groceries and have a good time with the whole family.” Hence the name, Feel Good Group.

Today, her schedule is so full with markets and participating in wellness events and workshops around Houston, that she has a full staff. Current The Informal Grub Markets include the Heights Mercantile FM and Rice Village Farmers Market. Feel Good Markets are on tap at M-K-T Sunset Market, Feel Good Market at the Ion, Memorial City Markets, and the Spring Branch Village Fall Fest in October (these are now quarterly).

“Our newest partnership with Brookfield Downtown is a weekly farmers market at Allen Center and Houston Center with a kickoff market in October and November to boost excitement for the debut in Spring 2023.” And The Feel Good Group living market will be in Round Top at Bader Ranch for the fall show with a permanent residence this season.

Barbles says that she loves working with the local community and farms that contributed to her continued healing. “Professionally, I love being my own boss — and that there are no rules when it comes to creating a business from scratch, which allows me to be authentic, create new concepts, and be a total dreamer. I lead from the heart.”

Barble thinks farmers markets are berry good things!

Barbles with friends at a foodie event in Round Top event

One of Barble's secrets to creating successful farmers markets: Make them fun!

Barble with chef friends at a foodie event

Barbles at a farmers market