Steak 48 Is Now Open!

Dining, ,

steak 48 heart2-4-6 -8  Who do we appreciate?  Steak 48! Steak 48!

Consider me a cheerleader when it comes to The River Oaks District here in Houston.  From shopping, to dining, and entertainment, they house all things luxury.  Today, June 14th welcomes the newest restaurant addition to their pallet called Steak 48.  It is officially now open to the public!

I had the privilege to dine there last night  for a “soft opening”.  The venue is so chic offering a warm yet modern feel.  This 13,700 square foot venue offers unique dining room vignettes, a massive bar area including TV’s for those sports fans, a raw seafood bar, and upstairs private rooms for your intimate parties and corporate events.   We sat in a booth above the bar area and it was the perfect mixture of bar atmosphere fun with the enjoyment of having a full view of the restaurant.  I admit, we had fun people watching!

Raw Seafood Bar
Raw Seafood Bar

Since the purpose of being there last night was “to taste”, we certainly gave it our best shot.  The cocktail menu is complete with unique compositions.  A mixologist put a lot of creativity into this.  The wine list does not disappoint either.  We started things off with a seafood tower including king crab, lobster, crab claws, oysters, and shrimp.  From there I ordered the filet and my friend ordered the salmon.  Other menu items: superfood salad, chilean sea bass, scallops, meatloaf, chicken, short rib, pork chop, lamb, and every type of cut a steak has to offer!

The ultimate warm vanilla caramel cake!
The ultimate warm vanilla caramel cake!

Definitely save room for dessert.  We tried the vanilla caramel cake and the brioche chocolate chip bread pudding.  Heaven in each bite my friends! The popcorn sundae and the red velvet pudding must have been the crowd favorites that evening because those desserts were sold out!!! Guess we need to come back!

Anna Kaplan, Nicole Brende, Lori Geshay....my girls!
Anna Kaplan, Nicole Brende, Lori Geshay….my girls!

A little history on this restaurant brand, they are the creators of Maestros.   You know, the swanky steakhouse in Beverly Hills and in Scottsdale?  Well, they sold it to Landry’s corp then started fresh with this new Steak 48 concept (non Landry’s).  If you happen to roll through Phoenix, AZ then you may know of their sister restaurant called Steak 44.

For more information on this hot new place to wine and dine friends, family, and your special clients please visit their website at www.Steak48.com .   Make your reservations now and let me know what you think!  We had the best time and can’t wait to return.

Fashionistas Flock to Saks!

Fashion, , , , , , , , , , ,

saks opening april 2016Much anticipation for Saks Fifth Avenue in the Houston Galleria for the launch of their new mega store.  Many private events led up to the big day but Thursday, April 28th the doors officially opened with the ribbon cutting.  There to cut the ribbon on the new department store were Saks president Marc Metrick, chief merchant Tracy Margolies, EVP of stores Larry Bruce and Houston VP and GM Bobby Dees.

I have always been a Saks girl at heart so you can definitely know it was a very important day for me.  What fun as hundreds of fashionistas lined up to be one of the first to explore the new piece of what we call “Heaven on Earth”.  Saks’ 200,000-sq.-ft. location in The Galleria was designed by CBX Agency in New York and represents a significant expansion from its previous Houston store, which closed earlier this month.  The new additions to the brand roster include Proenza Schouler and Dries van Noten. The new store also features a Christian Louboutin boutique and a reimagined 10022-SHOE department.  Oh yeah, I said SHOES!!!

saks opening2I showed up alone but immediately found friends to share the experience.  We shopped, sipped champagne, enjoyed lite bites, and the artistic actors and scenery.  I even made a quick stop to my friends at the Chanel make up counter for a mini makeover.

I highly recommend you pick a day that can allow for the ultimate field trip.  This is not the place to go to when you are in a hurry.  You need to indulge, explore, and absorb all of its facets.  Houston is getting quite chic these days.  Note, the Saks doors do not connect to the mall at the moment.  The entrance is not complete yet.  It is best to valet for convenience.  While you are there, grab a cocktail and a bite at the redesigned 51Fifteen restaurant.  It is oh-so-fabulous!

Sunnies + Stilettos @ Jimmy Choo

Charity Event, Fashion, , , , , , , , , ,

jimmy choo event 4.12.16The 2016 Heroes And Handbags event is just around the corner. Last year I served as the Handbag Co-Chair with my dear friend Anna Kaplan.  In order to help raise additional funds for the Heroes For Children organization this year my bestie and 2015 Event Chair Lori Lemon-Geshay hosted a private shopping event at the Jimmy Choo boutique in the Houston Galleria on April 12th.

Well, don’t ask us twice.  Did you say shoes, shades, and champagne all in the same sentence???  I do not think I shop that often and I am pretty selective.  However, if it benefits a charity I care about I will support the cause.  In between my meetings what a nice break to mix, mingle, and play dress up with friends and supporters.

jimmy choo sunglassesFrom the moment I walked in the store I was immediately drawn to these ‘Nita’s 53 mm sunnies. These logo-etched temples enhance the Italian-made sunglasses.  And, look at the genuine-snakeskin-covered frames with metal in an oh-so-modern cat-eye-inspired silhouette!  I am in love and they will be perfect for my trip to Mexico!

A little shout out to all who attended.  In just 2-hours we managed to create over $12,000 in sales which proceeds will directly benefit Heroes For Children.  Great job shoppers! Thanks for putting your best and I must say “fabulous” foot forward!  For more info on the organization visit www.heroesforchildren.org .

 

Let’s RIDE!

Health & Fitness, Living, Recreation, , ,

ride cyclingThis year is well under way, and don’t let these oil prices put you in a slump!  How many of you have a resolution to get back in shape?  I think this is my recurring wish.  Anyway, always accepting to new ideas a friend of mine challenged me to join her for a spin class about a month ago. I loved it so much and now I am addicted (at least on Mondays).

Hillary, Kathryn, Will, Me, and Anna. What a crew!
Hillary, Kathryn, Will, Me, and Anna. What a crew!

There are spin studios all around Houston but the one I am enjoying is called RIDE off of 19th street in The Heights.  The instructor has an awesome playlist and I find myself dancing in my seat for the full 45 minutes!  Not to mention, the lighting changes as if I am at a night club….ok, I sometimes miss those days but sweating it off in a spin class is a much healthier option!  If you’ve been thinking about trying something new, I wanted to share with you my success.  I have since recruited 4 additional friends.  Perhaps I can fill up a class one day with all of my peeps?  What a ride that would be!  Admittedly, after class we go eat lunch, but it’s at Zoe’s Kitchen which offers calorie friendly options.

ride studio mapBack to RIDE.  Your first class is FREE including shoe rental.  Signing up is so easy, just do so on their website.  You also get to select your bike so you are guaranteed a spot. When you do try it out, bring a bottle of water or you can purchase one there. They also provide a locker for your belongings and a clean towel because you WILL SWEAT your tail off!

For more information on the studio and class schedule please go to www.ride-indoorcycling.com or call 281-888-9772.  FYI, my Monday fix is at Noon with Will as the instructor.  He mixes things up so it is never a dull moment!  Remember, first class is FREE! No excuses now.  Feel free to let them know your friend Trende Brende sent you. As they say, RIDE ROCK REPEAT!

It’s Tea Time Ms. Trende

Dining, Hotel, , , , , , , , ,

bridal tea whole groupI truly have the best group of friends. After my engagement announcement in January, the year of 2015 was ALL ABOUT THE PARTIES! One of them included a high tea at The St. Regis Hotel in Houston. I even had some friends fly in from Chicago and North Carolina! Thank you for making me feel so special my loves!

bridal tea bride to beI have written about tea time here before and I cannot express how special it is. From the service, to the harpist, to the amazing assortment of teas, finger sandwiches, and the scones, it is a true treat.

Although I adore my teas, champagne and mimosas are a definite festive must! My hostesses were so creative with the table arrangements too. All had to find their seat by viewing their childhood photo in a frame. It made for a wonderful conversational piece as well as a thoughtful take home memento.

bridal tea jan oliverI just have to reflect on one thing too. How cute is my hubby for showing up at the end of the event to not only greet my lovely friends , look very dapper in the process in his suit, but to be the only man in the room and help us ladies pack up the party?!?! My Jan-Oliver Schmidt is the ultimate gentleman.

So, the next time you want to do a lady-like party definitely keep the tearoom in mind. What Texas gal does not enjoy dressing up? The room is very intimate as in “small” so book your reservation weeks or even months in advance.  If you have a food allergy let the kitchen know too.  They were able to accommodate both of my bridal tea pinkies upgluten-free and vegan friends.

And yes, pinkies up too dahhlings and enjoy!

#Best Bridal Bruncheon Ever!

Dining, Hotel, , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

bridal brunch granducaOkay, sol I am taking you back to August of this year.  Sometimes I get a bit behind.  My friend Lori put together the most amazing bridal shower and I love her so much for it and that day in time deserves some Trende Brende attention!  If you have ever stepped foot into the Hotel Granduca in Houston then you will see why this place is worth raving about.  Naturally, it set the scene for the most perfect shower ever.  This Italian boutique hotel in Uptown offers an elegant experience like none other. Lori and I occasionally come here for our “girl time” for high tea during the week and happy hour on Thursdays.   We’ve even seen and met celebs here such as singer Steven Tyler and reality TV star Rob Kardashian for example.

bridal brunch the girlsBack to my party.  From the formal invitation, to the personalized gift bags including monogrammed candles, to the venue, to the food and flowing champagne; my friend really knows my style!  By the way, Hotel Granduca has the most savory Sunday brunch! Who knew?  Stations included the meats, the cheeses, omelets, and desserts.  What got us most excited was the fried chicken and waffles, the grilled cheese with bacon, peanut butter and jelly, and the sushi and oyster bar!! WOW! I should just go ahead and book my standing reservation for every Sunday I am in town for the rest of my life! For more information on their brunch, the hotel, and events check out their website www.granducahouston.com.

Us & Them.. who is cuter? LOL!
Us & Them.. who is cuter? LOL!

I just have to say, the party was so sweet including my wonderful parents, my sister, and a selection of dear friends. We laughed, nibbled, sipped, shared stories, and opened gifts.  What an intimate day that I did not want to end.

Our boys met for the first time too.  Looks like they will get along just fine. LOL! Hey, it’s important.  Thank you again to Lori for hosting such a flawless and meaningful shower. Jan and I are truly humbled by your generosity and love.

"The JaNic"
“The JaNic”

Before I go, have I mentioned that I have definitely found my prince and knight in shining armor??!! 🙂  I am the happiest girl ever!  It is the best feeling to love and to be loved.  I am marrying the smartest, kindest, honest, caring, and most handsome man in my entire life.  God Bless #TheJanic and our amazing future ahead!  For our love story we’ve put together a short video https://youtu.be/TL0se2PqxzM.  Yes we are goofballs!

Photo Credit: Angelique Cook Photography

Bienvenue Hermes!

Charity Event, Fashion, , , , , , ,
Selfies, shopping, and balancing acts with my girls Lori Geshay and Jennifer Roosth!
Selfies, shopping, and balancing acts with my girls Lori Geshay and Jennifer Roosth!

If you want to see grown women act like giggling girls then you would have had a good laugh last night.  My bestie Lori Lemon-Geshay invited me to the exclusive “Le Petite Marche” grand soiree hosted by Hermes in the new River Oaks District.

Although the boutique does not officially open until October 30th, WOW do they know how to throw a party! Just like Paris the lit courtyard was lined with market-style  vendors such as fine meats, breads, fresh produce, chocolates, wine, and flowers.  The champagne was flowing and we were loving it!  All of us guests were given Hermes tote bags and were encouraged to indulge, sip, and savor.  Ohh la la! The stylish guests were also entertained with hermes3live music, acrobats, and artists.  For a minute I really had to stop and think where I was because Houston has never felt so good!  The weather is also amazing this time of year too I must add.  We walked away feeling very fulfilled, inspired, and with a trip to France on our minds!

For the ultimate luxurious outdoor experience that Houston has to offer The River Oaks District is THE PLACE to be! Alongside Hermes brings Cartier, Dior, Tom Ford, Harry Winston…just to name a few.  A movie theater, restaurants, and the trendy Equinox gym will also call this place home.  Step aside Beverly Hills and New York, Houston is a mega market and our international flavor is H-O-T!!!

hermes2Lori, thank you for being such a good client at Hermes.  All of the bracelets, scarves, and pocket squares I bought in the last year did not add up to getting on the invite list!  Please keep the party invitations coming my good shopping friend with amazing taste.  I am saying YES now to the next event 🙂  Wink Wink.

Safari Time Texas Style!

Recreation, Travel & Leisure, , , ,

 

"The JaNic" and their furry friends!
“The JaNic” and their furry friends!

It is a dream of mine to travel to Africa and to go on an exotic safari adventure.  Until then, I love to explore Texas because it is convenient!  Recently my fiancé and I went to San Antonio to meet our wedding officiant.  All is good in that department! With our extra time in the day we thought why not check out the Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch located between San Antonio and New Braunfels! Okay, the both of us love animals and I personally love zebras (and penguins for that matter).  Well, this place allows us to drive though a natural park and feed wild animals and from our vehicle and in their natural setting nonetheless!  How cool!! Just roll down the window and go!

Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch has taken to heart the care of animals from all over the world for over 30 years. With over 400-acres of pristine, natural, protected, environment, animal populations continue to thrive. Get your explorer hat on because you will find giraffe, zebra, rhino, camel, ostrich, elk, and numerous more exotics!  One part education, one part preservation; this is the place to mix it up for a day full of fun and adventure.  It’s very family friendly too! I can’t wait to take my nephew and niece!

wildlife3Come hungry too because on the premises is the Safari Camp Grill.  Dive into juicy burgers with peppered fries, cheese nachos, chicken salad sandwiches, and finish off with some ice cream or Zebra a la mode!

Let the shopper in you get the goods and gifts at the Safari Trading Post.

For some up close laughs enjoy the Petting Barnyard with the African Pygmy Goats. Or make your way over to Lemur Island, the habitat of the Ring-tailed Lemur’s native home of Madagascar. Peacocks, Peahens and their offspring roam freely.  They know their beauty, and will pose for photos.

wildlife2We had such a wonderful adventure petting zebra and deer. Their whiskers were soft, the animals were so approachable, and it’s an activity that puts a smile on anyone’s face. Okay seriously, now that I’ve pet a zebra I have major bragging rights!

For more information on The Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch check them out at www.wildliferanchtexas.com or call 830-438-7400. Annual passes are available or general tickets range from $10-19.  It’s a WILD experience you WON’T want to miss!

The Doors Of Spain

Travel & Leisure, , , , ,

spain doors2I recently traveled to Spain for a friend’s wedding. A trip of a lifetime and a fairytale place to say “I Do”. During my stay I explored the historic cities of Granada, Ronda, and Malaga. Besides the romanticism this wonderful part of the Mediterranean offered, naturally I was drawn to the beauty of the historic buildings, the architecture, cathedrals, the narrow streets, art, food and the culture. Easily distracted with tapas and sangria, nothing could take away the ancient yet modern environment as I was taking it all in.

spain doorsAs silly as it may sound, I could not help myself stop taking endless photos of doors!  Yes, in this populated yet compact environment I was immediately attached to the authentic, large, powerful, unique and individual statement doors each home and business distinctively offered.  As I am no expert, I would love to know the story and the history behind each one.  From the knockers to the knobs, to the bolts, color, wood type, curves, size, etc…. ALL have something to teach and a craftsman to compliment.  From 17th century to today they are a work of art in my eyes.  Doors here do not symbolize closure or a message to “keep out”.  To me they are an invitation to something wonderful inside and it stimulates my imagination.

Nicole Brende exploring the streets of Ronda, Spain
Nicole Brende exploring the streets of Ronda, Spain

This is such inspiration to take home and it makes me rethink what door resembles my personality?  Who am I and what door fits me?  When I build my next home “doors” will be very important to me more than ever.    No replica will do now that I’ve seen the real deal.  As I drove the Spanish countryside I was thrilled to see antique shops with doors, windows, etc.  There is much to “re-purpose”.  Oh Spain, mark my word I will be back and I will conquer and claim my dream door.  Thanks Spain, you just increased my budget!  Las puertas authenticas son muy expensivas!!!

“I Like It Like This” Art Exhibit at Sotheby’s Auction House

Art Gallery, Fashion, Travel & Leisure, , , , , , , , , , , , ,

nyc sothebys auction house5A field trip to the Sotheby’s S I 2 Gallery in NYC is a bucket list treat!  Thank you to Martha Turner my idol and Co-President of MTSIR here in Houston for giving us top producers a trip of a lifetime! May 1st they held a private cocktail and viewing party for us while unveiling the exhibition I Like It Like This with musical curation by the Grammy award winning performer Drake.  Although a disappointment that Drake could not be there in person, it was still a treat to mingle with Sotheby’s corporate execs at the official auction house at 1334 York Avenue at 72nd Street in New York’s Upper East Side.

Clifford Siegel, Kathy Korte, Martha Turner, Bradley Nelson
Clifford Siegel, Kathy Korte, Martha Turner, Bradley Nelson

I Like It Like This, presented by S|2 in collaboration with Drake is a celebration of influential Contemporary black American artists. Grammy winning hip hop icon Drake has provided musical curation by selecting songs to accompany highlighted works in the exhibition. Listen to Drake’s song selections at Beats by Dre™ sound stations throughout the gallery and experience the dialogue surrounding the overlap of these identities and the ways in which they bolster, challenge and inspire one another.

Jan-Oliver Schmidt & Nicole Brende
Jan-Oliver Schmidt & Nicole Brende

It is so NYC to be sipping wine and gallery hopping, right?  It feels so civilized.  I chose to wear the Sabrina black tulle and lace dress by designer nha bhanh. It was my Carrie Bradshaw moment!  Didn’t my fiance look pretty dapper too in his suit?  I love dressing him up pocket square and all!

S|2 is Sotheby’s Contemporary art gallery, offering year-round exhibition programming and bespoke private sales.

SOTHEBY's Cocktail ReceptionWith dedicated gallery space in New York, London and Hong Kong, S|2 presents selling exhibitions exploring the work of celebrated artists, such as Jean-Michel Basquiat, Keith Haring, Yayoi Kusama, and Claude and François-Xavier Lalanne, as well as shows curated by influential art world figures like Vito Schnabel.

SOTHEBY's Cocktail ReceptionIn addition to gallery programming, the S|2 team facilitates private acquisitions and sales around the world. Side note, the reason why Sotheby’s started a real estate company is because of their art auction customers.  It only makes sense that their millions of dollars in art must have a home or two too!  I still find it pretty amazing that some art can sell for over $100 million!  Until next time, learn more at WWW.SOTHEBYS.COM/S2

103I just love being a part of the Sotheby’s global network! We are a world-wide company with endless resources.  Plus, they are the leaders in the luxury market.

NYC I had a great time and I will miss you but I know we will be together again soon!