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where signature caricature murals adorn the walls (care of artist Edward Sorel). Drake's has replicated the caricature theme in size and scale at its three locales — albeit not by Sorel. In terms of the fare, "I wanted more of an L.A. party vibe in the environment of a timeless New York scene," says Pond. "The combination of the two inspired our concept." Drake's Hollywood is open for dinner only. The fare leans heavily on approachable Italian American dishes such as pasta, white fish piccata, veal meatballs, snow-crab scampi, and four varieties of pizza. There are a few chilled noshes, too, such as hamachi crudo and pressed toro roll, as well as a nod to Asian- inspired king crab Rangoon and truffle- scented fried rice. Vandelay Hospitality concepts are not chef-driven restaurants (James Douglas is the firm's culinary officer). "We will never try to be something we are not," says Pond. "Even though the moniker of 'chain' might be negative in nature, I take pride in the fact that we've built something that is cool and calculable." What sets their concepts apart, in Pond's estimation, is service. "In the Dallas market, we're pretty well known for our service," he says. "It's a very custom situation." Drake's Hollywood, opening late 2024, 1100 Westheimer Road, drakeshollywood. com. Hudson House, River Oaks Shopping Center, 1964 W. Gray St., hudsonhousehp.com. Hunter Pond 2/3 Page 5.583" x 10.8125" Two New Dallas Restaurants Make Inroads in Houston (Continued from page 36) TEXAS FAMILY-OWNED AND MANAGED • INDEPENDENT LIVING • ASSISTED LIVING • MEMORY CARE www.THETRADITION.COM THE TRADITION–WOODWAY 6336 Woodway Drive, Houston, TX 77057 Independent Living (713) 423-6066 Assisted Living & Memory Care (713) 874-9096 THE TRADITION–BUFFALO SPEEDWAY 9339 Buffalo Speedway, Houston, TX 77025 Independent Living (713) 715-1905 Assisted Living & Memory Care (713) 715-1902 Our residents are one of the best reasons to join us at The Tradition. Here is what one of our residents has to say about what contributes to her enjoyment: "I love so many things at The Tradition that I am not sure if I could just pick one. There's companionship if you want it; there's a book club if you want it; there's art if you want it; there's always food if you want it; and there's always a cocktail if you want it. It's like living in a hotel, so it's kind of a vacation just to live here. Why wouldn't I tell someone? I am thrilled to be here. And I would tell them to please come; it's just a fabulous place, and you'll meet wonderful people." I hope that you consider a new way of living and join us at The Tradition. Please make an appointment to tour our beautiful Community, meet residents firsthand and learn more. I look forward to welcoming you home! Founder & CEO The Tradition INSPIRED VOICES FEATURING NATURAL GAS GENERATORS ENSURING ELECTRICAL RELIABILITY