Issue link: http://papercitymagazine.uberflip.com/i/1500318
OBSESSIONS. DECORATION. SALIENT FACTS. THIS JUST IN: BUNKHOUSE HOTELS BRINGS ITS BRAND TO HOUSTON C hanneling Dominique de Menil's early vision for a neighborhood hotel adjacent to The Menil Collection, Austin-based Bunkhouse Hotels has broken will be positioned as a landing pad not only for travelers but also for Houstonians to pop in for a drink at the bar or a bite at the restaurant. Completion is expected in the last quarter of 2024. This is the group's first hotel in Houston, and the eighth in Texas. Bunkhouse's five Austin hotels include Hotel Saint Cecilia, Hotel San José, Hotel Magdalena, Austin Motel, and Carpenter Hotel, as well as Hotel Havana in San Antonio, Shady Villa Hotel in Salado, Hotel San Cristobal Baja, and the newly opened Hotel Genevieve in Louisville, Kentucky. Hotel Saint Augustine, 4110 Loretto Dr., bunkhousehotels.com. Shelby Hodge T he Moke, a small beach c o n v e r t i b l e o r i g i n a l l y designed for the military in 1964, became symbolic of island towns and the French Riviera. It was a favorite of the James Bond series, appearing in four films between 1967 and 1979, and a Moke was famously driven around Saint Tropez by Brigitte Bardot. For Celine's 2023 Spring/Summer Collection, creative director Hedi Slimane rekindled this spirit, customizing the Moke for its campaign. Shot at locations along the French Riviera, the special Moke features the Celine Triomphe signature emblem on its wheel, hood, and dash and is further elevated with tan leather, wicker seats, and spare-wheel cover. The elegant little beach cruiser with a little bit of history and a lot of panache has a place in our collection any day. Steven Hempel CELINE MOKE ground on Hotel Saint Augustine on a tree- shaded lot near the Menil Drawing Institute. Maintaining Bunkhouse's unique approach to its projects, the new property will rise a mere two stories to respect the neighborhood aesthetic and has been designed to become an integral party of the Montrose fabric. Plans reveal that the 71 rooms will spread across the site in five buildings intersected with verdant courtyards and lush landscaping. Bunkhouse tapped Lake|Flato architects for the design and New York-based Post Company to execute the interiors. Austin firm Ten Eyck is responsible for the gardens, winding pathways, and outdoor spaces, which pay homage to the mature trees on the site. Bunkhouse is recognized for its passion for design and the experiential aspects of its hotels. The Saint Augustine H ouston-born chef Ford Fry (La Lucha, Superica in the Heights, and State of Grace in River Oaks) is building his fourth eatery in Houston. To be christened Little Rey, the rustic Northern Mexican concept debuts in early 2024 between Highland Village and River Oaks District at 2345 Mid Lane. The 7,000-square-foot space designed by Michael Hsu Office of Architecture will feature rose, azure, and soft sage hues with accents of reclaimed wood, Old World Mexico-inspired signage, and vintage memorabilia such as Mexican festival masks. The casual spot is a kissing cousin to Fry's other Tex-Mex concept, Superica, offering wood-roasted chicken al carbon, traditional street-style tacos, salads, soft- serve ice cream in flavors such as tres leches and salty cajeta with fried peanuts and house-made aqua frescas, margaritas, and regional craft beers. Brunch brings migas breakfast tacos and IG-worthy fluffy pancakes doused with buttermilk syrup. Patrons can dine in, out, or take their meals to go with Little Rey's walk-up window dubbed Uno Mas. Laurann Claridge LITTLE REY OF SUN SHINE Celine Summer Moke Ford Fry Rendering of Hotel Saint Augustine JOHNNY AUTRY 8