Issue link: http://papercitymagazine.uberflip.com/i/1493310
T he Stone Cellar is Round Top's own iconic watering h o l e / h o n k y t o n k / restaurant/historic dance hall/retail rendezvous that continues its transformation while remaining true to its downhome roots. Kudos to new owners Landmark Hospitality Group's Cathy and Steven Frietsch (she, also proprietress of Rockabilly Baroness located in 550 Market). Adding polish, a cocktail program, and an inspired menu by chef Daryl Schultz is the recently unveiled Jon Perez Lounge, named for The Stone Cellar and Round Top Dance Hall's former long-time proprietor. The contemporary design — layout by Issac Preminger Architecture & Design, interiors by Cathy Frietsch and sister-in-law Kathy Frietsch — creates a serene, swank spot tucked into a new wing of The Stone Cellar; sip a Ranch Water at its handsome green-marble and black-tiled bar. Light-filled windows look out upon a grove of trees, which is one of the reasons the Frietsches were taken by the property. On the walls hang Steve Wrubel's classic cowboy photographic images, sourced from Christopher Martin Gallery. As such, the Jon Perez offers a welcome entrée to Round Top showtime dining and cocktail destinations, as well as year-round options. Coming soon is a neighboring speakeasy called The Mark which the Frietsches plan to open this month by the spring show. Preminger designs the layout; Cathy and Steven craft the interiors, with general contractor David Stone (Texas Fine Homes). Stay tuned. 550 N. Washington St. (Texas 237), stonecellarwines.com, @thestonecellar. Catherine D. Anspon Humble Donkey KICKS IT AT HENKEL JORDAN GEIBEL JORDAN GEIBEL E ver since Humble Donkey opened in Henkel Square's historic Palmer Barn in 2017, it's been a required stop during the tri-annual Antiques & Design Show, as well as one of the anchors of Round Top's year-round shopping boom. Officially known as the Humble Donkey Studio and Lower40 Found Objects, the concept, which has expanded over the years, is realized in a handsome 2,500-square-foot space that features, on its upper story, a recently opened children's area charmingly stocked with games, toys, stuffed animals, tees, and even some vintage finds. Owners/founders Laurie and John Lowery — partners in marriage and business — both grew up in Clear Lake near Houston, met in high school, and reunited after Laurie moved back from Chicago, where she was a retail exec at Marshall Field's. John honed his art abilities as an illustrator for a NASA contractor, depicting future space missions. Humble Donkey and the Lower40 are poised for another giant leap: John's art has recently been acquired by Aspen purveyor of luxury westernwear, Kemo Sabe (which also has locations in Vail, Vegas, Jackson, and Park City). His subjects for Kemo Sabe's clientele, showcased in two recent exhibi- tions, have expanded from donkeys and longhorns to buffalo, bear, and elk. And, while Henkel Square will always be Humble Donkey and the Lower40's home base, the Lowerys may soon, rumor has it, be adding another Round Top retail imprint. Stay tuned. Henkel Square, humbledonkeystudio.com, @ humbledonkeystudio. Catherine D. Anspon Humble Donkey's Laurie & John Lowery STONE CELLAR SHAKES UP THE VIBE Jon Perez Lounge at the Stone Cellar A work by Steve Wrubel in the new lounge 111