Issue link: http://papercitymagazine.uberflip.com/i/1462583
T he weather didn't want to cooperate with t h e a l w a y s dashing Brian Bolke's plans for the debut of his The Conservatory on Two in Highland Park Village, nestled between Chanel and members- only club Park House. The retail guru has a cult following — and I mean that in the most endearing (not creepy) way, so even the threat of a snowstorm a few hours following the VIP party didn't stop guests from booking Alto. I was pleased to receive this text from Anne Clayton Vroom (who chaired the 2021 Planned Parenthood fundraiser alongside fellow superstar Katherine Perot Reeves): "I have to support my fashion fairy godmother, Susan Rutledge, and see what she's pulled for me. Want to go to the opening party together?" We walked into the gorgeous new space as Rose Gold wine and Casa Dragones Blanco tequila were being passed. The mistress of the turntables, DJ Lucy Wrubel, was spinning tunes, and I got an air-kiss moment with Bolke's husband, Faisal Halum. And why does LL Cool J's "Around the Way Girl" come to mind when I see the ever-divine Missy Peck? Does she have bamboo earrings (at least two pairs), like the song says? At one point, I cozied up to Kara Goss, who, without skipping a beat, said, "This place could become a dangerous habit." The original plan was to launch Teak Tearoom, the cafe within the temple of luxury goods, two days later, but Dallas' winter-weather mayhem waylaid those plans. A new date was set for almost a fortnight later. It felt like a high school reunion as we all gathered on a sunny Tuesday — just a day before part deux of said snowy weather — for the VIP opening of Dallas' newest ladies-who lunch spot. The gathering, co-hosted by Bolke and PaperCity group editor Holly Moore, fêted Adam Lippes, who came to town for a trunk show of his Spring 2022 collection. Assembled was Bolke's cheerleading squad, eager to see the resurrection of a cherished dining spot where many an afternoon was whiled away at the old T Room at Forty Five Ten on McKinney Avenue. Many reminisced about the numerous glasses of rosé to celebrate securing the perfect dress for TWO x TWO or to commiserate over an impending divorce. The new cafe's menu mixes classics such as the tuna melt and chicken tortilla soup with new favorites like the Brian Bowl chopped salad. Think of it as luxury comfort food. Teak Tearoom serves up cocktails named after Bolke's favorite Dallas women and Elizabeth, the boutique's beloved English Bulldog, who serves as resident fashion critic. WEATHERING THE STORM FOR THE DEBUT OF THE NEW CONSERVATORY ON TWO AND TEAK TEAROOM Bolke's BASHES By Billy Fong. Jonathan Zizzo & Rebecca Patton, Beckley Photography. Tonya McKinney, Jackie Redell Moll Anderson Matthew Gilley Zoe Bonnette Leigh Anne Clark Reed Robertson Nancy Rogers Brian Bolke Faisal Halum 36