I absolutely adore sales especially Black Friday sales because us ladies know this is when we can pick up so many great buys that we’ve had our eyes on all year but we were unwilling to pay the steep prices!
After what feels like one of the busiest years to date it was so lovely having a couple of extra days off during Thanksgiving . My husband and I took advantage of the down time by releasing all our responsibilities for the weekend! Our phones were switched off to allow no distraction from the many work e-mails filtering through. We were at peace, ready for our CityCentre Staycation.
Usually we have something booked to get out the city but this holiday we decided to enjoy a Houston ‘staycation.’ Who’d have thought our holiday would be right on our door steps at CityCentre. This was actually the first place we ventured out to when we moved to the states over 16 months ago. Sitting outside in Straits Bar with a raspberry ginger cocktail, music playing, couples dancing under the stars, beautiful fairy lights all over the surrounding trees; it felt like paradise. Warm breeze, just cool enough for a cute light cardigan over my shoulders, it was like being on holiday. Since that night, CityCentre always gives me that special feeling.
The gorgeous Hotel Sorella hosted us, and it was incredible. When we arrived we were upgraded to the penthouse suite, which was such a nice surprise. It was first class service from the moment we walked in until the moment we left. The staff were all so friendly and accommodating. The view certainly didn’t disappoint us. It was so needed; taking time to just relax and read my monthly fashion bibles on the most comfortable sofa which I just sank into, it was divine and I certainly made myself at home.
We were invited for drinks at the exclusive Marque members club. Very modern and flamboyantly decorated, we were treated to a tour round the gorgeous space. They have been open for two and a half years but just opened a new public room for dinner and drinks in October. My husband enjoyed his favorite drink, an Old Fashioned ( yes sometimes he likes to pretend he’s in MadMen!) I was happy with my rum, ginger beer & lime! I would highly suggest checking out Marque and if you are looking for a venue for a special occasion this place would be ideal.
Joined onto the Marque is Houston Motor Club, which is an exclusive members-only club, devoted to the thrill and pleasure of piloting the world’s finest automobiles. My husband was taken round the showroom of glamorous cars – I’m surprised he didn’t instantly sign up!
Delicious Grub Options
We slipped into our evening attire (my new favorite multiway red dress by Norma Kamali) and strolled over to our first stop of the evening! How convenient just being able to walk to our first port of call in Houston?! Did a quick drop in to the wonderful and highly acclaimed Radio Milano as part of our Sorella stay! Must go back for a full meal there!
We then headed over to the Seasons 52 for dinner, which consisted of gorgeous nibbles which the waiter recommended. We continued with our cocktail tasting! The waiters were so helpful, as always, it’s very reasonably priced, and I always feel the atmosphere is really nice. They even put the Rockets game on in the background – they won so our evening wasn’t ruined!
For dessert we had to pop in to the newly opened Fellini Gelato & Caffe. The concept pairs Salvatore Albelice and Monica Gonzales, the founders of the Rice Village’s acclaimed Fellini Cafe, with the father and daughter due of Nash and Brina D’Amico, one of the first families of Italian dining in Houston. It’s modern yet authentically Italian decore, reminding me of Europe. We sat outside and shared one of their beautiful cakes, but their Italian fare includes gelato (new), panini, stuffed croissants and Sicilian-inspired pastries and rosticceria. “Our intent, says Danield Albelice, is to brig the culture of Italy her for everyone to experience.”
After dinner we headed over to the wine bar connected to the Sorella hotel called the MonnaLisa. Dim romantic lighting, it was the perfect place to end our evening.
This is not all City Centre has to offer. We ensured we made a relaxing weekend of it, not only relaxing in the gorgeous penthouse suite (I love using this phrase!) but by enjoying the Thanksgiving sales in the local retail stores. I want to take you on a little tour of the happenings in City Centre, what’s new, where is my favorite places and what to expect! You’ll be surprised how much has changed…
Restaurants to meet every taste buds whether it’s breakfast, brunch, dinner or cocktails. If you are looking for a family evening with entertainment this is provided, or you want a catch up with your girlfriends or romantic date this place delivers.
The restaurants were celebrating the thanksgiving weekend by holding all day happy hours and deals on their menu’s. Check this out next holiday.
Many evenings I have met my friends after the gym, nipped into H&M or J.Crew for a cheeky purchase, met with sushi at RA or some Mexican Cyclone Anaya‘s (too much choice plus Cyclone have the best margaritas in town!) and then we take a stroll over for some frozen yogurt or delicious cake at Fellini cafe.
Retail Hot Picks
Not only do they have a studio grill to enjoy a new movie release loving a fabulous menu but coming soon to the area is Bowl & Barrel. This is a modern bowling alley with a top class restaurant and bar, The General Public. I’m very much looking forward to this opening in 2016. It’s been very popular in Dallas.
Not only are we awaiting the arrival of the upscale bowling venue Bowl & Barrel, but Grimaldi’s Pizzeria will also be moving it’s award winning, coal-fired brick oven pizza’s to CityCentre in Spring next year.
City Centre is a hop skip and a jump from my apartment and work. If I’m ever looking for that last minute outfit i have my fail safe shops like the newly opened H&M it’s saved me on more than one occasion and is always so reasonably priced.
I’ve spoken about this shop previously when I ventured down to Madewell’s new store over in River Oaks, but now I have one close to me after Madewell recently came to town! Definitely a shop for the denim lovers and if you are looking for a quirky modern present.
J Crew is chic, sophisticated and my go to for their wedges, pants and cute tops. During sale season you can always find a great deal here!
Bevello has a great choice of causal, smart and going out wear also with a neat selection of designers such as French Connection and Sam Edelman. While my husband was enjoying a couple of tipples over at Yard House the senior shop assistant picked out a number of outfits for me to try on – she picked a little too perfectly for me!
For my birthday my friend introduced me to Kendra Scott by spoiling me with a pair of very me studded earrings and yes you have guessed it CityCentre has a store for you to gaze at all day.
Zara has just opened up a brand new location in memorial city mall which I have to comment on especially when it was 30% off everything all day!
Lifestyle Choices
Another new store which has just opened in CC for us to enjoy is Brooklyn-based home furnishings retailer West Elm. I purchased some great home pieces. They have shared a number of great sales over the past couple of weeks not to miss out on.
Z Gallerie is another store I always pop into when I’m in the area. They have incredible one off art pieces and also always have a good sale section. I recently picked up a leather chair for our spare room in this section.
Olive & Vine also just recently opened its doors. They have over 35 different olive oils, balsamic vinegars, and specialty oils from around the world. When I popped in the women was so helpful and knowledgeable.
Once I had pushed my husband to the brink of nearly hating me because he was done with shopping, we got into gym mode for Lifetime gym. Had I wanted to continue my pampering staycation I could have booked some treatments at the lifetime spa! Note to self: next time!
This is just a very quick snapshot of how somewhere just on your doorstep can provide everything you need for a weekend of love, great food and things to do! Venturing a little bit outside the loop can be daunting, but Houston has so many different areas to provide us with entertainment.
Not only was it a relaxing break to switch off, enjoy my husbands company, enjoy a couple of boozy drinks, but what was so amazing was the fact that CityCentre is a five minute drive from home. Thank you to Hotel Sorella for hosting us and for the incredible five star treatment. We will definitely be back