Issue link: http://papercitymagazine.uberflip.com/i/1500319
B reak out your fancy duds. The Mark, the swank new speakeasy at The 550 Market, is open Friday and Saturday for cocktails and is ready to be rented for posh parties and private dinners year-round. A sneak peek behind the secret entry door reveals a moody blue interior designed by Cathy Frietsch, who co-owns the space with her husband, Steven Frietsch. Luxe finishes and rare finds, most locally sourced, include a pair of F itness enthusiasts, rejoice: Round Top's first full-service gym is now open. Welcome to The Halles Gym, 1,800-square -feet of workout space equally divided into two sections. The first is dedicated to strength training and conditioning, with free weights and commercial equipment: leg press; leg extension/leg curl; Smith Machine; free-motion cable machine; chest press, incline press, and shoulder press machine; and a lateral pull-down, seated row machine, and a Peloton bike. The remainder of the facility — with soothing lighting — focuses on yoga classes (during the antiques and design show); balance training; and stability, mobility, stretching, and recovery with medicine balls, yoga balls, resistance bands, balance pods, foam rollers, and a Pilates reformer. You can also book personal and small group training with gym owner Zuzana Kastleman, a certified personal trainer with a dedicated following. Zuzana has spent the past 11 years in gyms and private homes of well-heeled Houstonians. She excels at motivational workouts and focuses on proper technique and form, which has made her a favorite of those with a few years under their belt and those ROUND THE MARK IS SET TO GO ROUND ABOUT stunning antique chandeliers from Festival Hill's Great Shed Sale and a monumental 17th-century architectural fragment from 550 Market dealer Moxie. "There's no place in Round Top that looks like this," Steven says. The Mark joins 550 Market's other entertainment venues — the countrified Stone Cellar, historical Round Top Dance Hall, and the smart Jon Perez Lounge. The Mark is open Friday and Saturday, 8 pm to midnight, for cocktails and light bar bites. A catering kitchen is available on-site for large parties and special events. Slip behind the secret door and see what it's all about. The Mark, The 550 Market, 550 N. Washington, Round Top. Candice Cowin TOP GET FIT IN ROUND TOP Zuzana Kastleman CHRIS PIERRE BACHMAN JORDAN GEIBEL