Welcome to The Suite Life at Hotel Libby
Here’s a link to our pre-opening note, just in case you missed it!
Now, let’s check-in!
The Lobby Lounge
Our Lobby Lounge guest today is a VIP whom I'm delighted to introduce. My spouse of 10 years, friend of 20, favorite human and LOML—Lauren Taft, affectionately known as Lolo.
Hi Lolo! Thank you for being my inaugural guest in the Lobby Lounge, where we'll share meaningful conversations over our favorite cocktails. Speaking of which—what are you drinking today?
I had a roadie beer on my way and now I'll do a Tanqueray Negroni!
Now that our drinks are here, let's dive in! I realize I may be biased, but you're one of the most interesting, talented, and brilliant people I've ever met. You've lived such a rich, adventurous life—from flying planes and playing polo in college to sailing as a child, hunting, and of course, all our travels together. Can you share with our guests some of these experiences and how your sense of adventure continues to shape your life today?
Well that means a lot! I owe it to the level of freedom my parents gave my older brother and me as kids. They had great belief in our abilities, which, in turn, gave us a level of confidence that we have taken out into the world, day after day, year after year. Whether they had me sailing a Sunfish out on Galveston Bay solo at 9, or sitting by myself under a Mesquite Tree in South Texas with a .410 in hand on a dove hunt at 10, they had the ultimate faith and trust in me to handle those type scenarios on my own from a young age. I have tapped into that in life ever since, whether it's trying a new outdoor adventure or working through a challenging work scenario.
You were recently promoted to President at Taft Broadcasting Company—the company your grandfather started in 1952, and where you've dedicated 23 years of your career. That's such an incredible legacy to be part of. Could you share a bit about the company's mission and what your day-to-day responsibilities look like?
It has been a true honor to follow in the footsteps of both my grandfather and father as President of this 73-year-old small family business. We have a rich history in Houston dating back my grandfather bringing the CBS affiliate, KHOU, here 70+ years ago, to designing and maintaining small- and large-scale audio-visual systems such as the Astrodome, the New Orleans Superdome and the George R. Brown Convention Center, to being contractors at NASA dating back to the lunar mission in the 1960s all the way through the shuttle missions of the 1980s & 1990s. The business has had a presence in Houston for decades.
Currently, as full-time DoD contractors with over 120 employees on both coasts, and just the five of us running the day-to-day from our HQ office in the Heights, it certainly comes with its challenges. But overall we are deeply proud of the missions we support and our ability to provide services to active military members and their families abroad. I love all things military, so the 10,000 foot view of what we at Taft are a small part of brings us all great joy. Also, I love the people with whom I work. My long-time colleagues I hold near and dear.
It's been such a joy watching you work with such integrity and pride.
Now let's talk travel! You refer to yourself as "A HOTEL'S DREAM," which I've witnessed firsthand. No mini-bar is safe when you're around! Can you share your favorite destination, your favorite hotel, and your most treasured travel memory to date?
This is a fun one! Yes, my first move in a new hotel is full inventory and inspection of the minibar before I crack it open! It there's not one, that's a whole different story.... A few of my favorite hotels to date are Four Seasons Astir Palace in Athens, Palm Heights Grand Cayman, The Stafford in London, and Hotel Lucine in Galveston.
But my favorite hotel and experience to date would be with YOU at Gleneagles in Scotland. The history and majesty of the hotel and grounds are remarkable. Their phrase, "The Glorious Playground" is supremely fitting. From driving Land Rovers, to shooting, to the pheasant and duck hunt, to the restaurants and the extremely kind and welcoming staff, I would say sharing that with you is my most treasured travel memory to date, and we barely even tapped all the activities they offer.
I would add, though, that arriving to Venice with you and getting into a mahogany Riva water taxi for the first time was a real core memory for me as well!
{Writer’s Note: I had lofty intentions of sending our first newsletter out well in advance of Father’s Day so you could relish in Lolo’s genius gift ideas -I hope you will bookmark and save for the next celebration for the man in your life}
We collectively celebrate all the dads this month, and honestly, no one has better taste in men's gear than you do. What are some of your top gift recommendations for the men in your life?
For the outdoorsman: you know how I'm going to answer part of this - if they don't already have one, A Barbour waxed jacket or Le Chameau wellies. Bury me in that exact kit. Consider a pocket knife from Benchmade or Ontario Knife Company; a set of work gloves from Brisket Supply; pretty much anything from Kevin's Catalogue. For the bartender: bar treasures from J. Earl & Sons. And back to the knife topic above, it's always fun to have an interesting fixed-blade knife for your bar, possibly stag with a Damascus blade. For the reader: Into Africa, by Martin Dugard; West with the Night, by Beryl Markham; A Man and His Watch, by Matt Hranek ; for fiction, all things Cormack McCarthy or Pat Conroy. A few other fun options: a weekender from Tom Beckbe; a belt from Quaker Marine.
What's a routine you have—whether it's morning rituals, devotional time, workouts, or something else entirely—that keeps you grounded and going?
Being in the outdoors and in nature in any capacity is really what not only keeps be going but also brings me the most joy. A routine trail walk with the dogs or watching a sunset while drifting on the boat; an afternoon turning to evening at the end of a dove hunt...those are the moments for me. All with you, of course. In terms of daily rituals, a butt-kicking indoor cycle class is my favorite. It's the perfect combo of your blood pumping, plenty of hype and killer music...can't beat it. In terms of a devotional, I'm a big fan of the Stoics, so I turn to The Daily Stoic or Meditations by Marcus Aurelius. Both excellent reads to keep close by for daily consideration and inspiration.
Lastly, tell us about your perfect day - it can be anywhere with anyone.
Back to a common theme of mine: my perfect day would be out on our boat on Galveston Bay with the pups, a killer playlist setting the mood, and a perfectly packed cooler. Then home for dinner prepared by my favorite chef there is, you. I think it's saying something when your absolute perfect day involves being at home with the ones you love.
I couldn’t agree more, my LoloLove! Thank you for sharing. Now, let’s order another round! 💛🩷🩵🤍🧡
The Kitchen
Speaking of chefs, this month’s recipe is inspired by one of our favorite spots in the Heights, Coltivare. Perfectly crafted cocktails, a divine wine list, and one of the best dressed green garden salads you’ll ever have.
This one particular day, our server told us about a salad special—zucchini carpaccio with squash blossoms. It was a nervous departure from their garden greens (which are so perfect they're almost painful to pass up), but we took the leap and ordered the special. WOWzers—what a dish!
Earlier this month, while in Costa Rica, we dined at Pesce at the Four Seasons, where they offered another version of the delish dish covered with grated Parmigiano Reggiano, herbs, grapefruit segments and seeds - under all that goodness were tender slices of barely cooked zucchini.
As usual, I tried to recreate this stunner of a summer salad home and we loved the way it turned out. It’s the perfect starter plated for one, or as a side plated on a platter. The combo of the crispy zucchini, salty cheese and lemony / herby notes sing when served with grilled meat or fish:
Zucchini Summer Salad
(2) large zucchini, sliced on a mandolin - this is my favorite
⅛ red onion, thinly sliced on a mandolin
hard Italian cheese like Parmiganio or Pecorino, cut into small cubes
1/2 cup of dill / mint / your favorite herbs
micro greens
2 tbsp of the vinaigrette- this is a staple in our house: equal parts lemon juice and olive oil - mix with a tsp Dijon mustard - salt and pepper to taste
Place sliced zucchini on paper towels in a single layer and sprinkle a layer of salt. Let it sit for 30 minutes to release excess moisture, then pat dry. Toss zucchini in vinaigrette and air fry or bake zucchini in one layer for 20 minutes until just browned. Add onion to the remaining vinaigrette. Layer zucchini on a plate in a circular pattern and drizzle with onion, tiny blocks of cheese, greens, and herbs. Add finishing salt and LOTS of freshly ground pepper.
The Bar
Palmilla Margarita
We learn a lot on FAM trips - about the property, the local food and culture - but the most useful tidbit I ever did learn was how to make the famed pink O&O Palmilla margarita by the curator himself. Life-changing details below:
Palmilla Margarita
1 ½ oz blanco tequila
1 oz orange liquor
1 oz lemon juice
¾ oz grapefruit shrub - OR - Fever Tree Grapefruit soda
*if using grapefruit soda add in as a topper - do not add to the shaker*
Mix all ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake, shake, shake, strain and serve over ice.
Grapefruit shrub
1 cup grapefruit
1 cup Demerara sugar
Combine in Ziplock for 8 to 12 hours, strain
Add ¼ cup red wine vinegar
Keeps for months at room temp or fridge
and for the perfect playlist to accompany your summer sips
So fun!! I loved this post.
Well this was fun!! Looking forward to keeping up with Hotel Libby!!