Fantastic weather. Chic shopping. Prime pampering. Tasty food and drinks. And lots and lots of fun. That’s one successful recipe for a summer social — and it’s exactly what was on hand on May 24 at CultureMap’s Hello Summer Social at Uptown’s West Village.
As guests — including Tess DeStefano, Katelyn Smith, Emily Bastaroli, Matt Alexander, Peyton Fedorka, Dylan Shuff, Carlea Sandberg, Omar Aridi, Stephani Nunez, Ethan Skinner, Dea Pennington, and Dustin Barksdale — streamed into the event, hosted by West Village and Jack Daniel’s Gentleman Jack, they made their way to one of several bars, where Gentleman Jack cocktails, Loca Linda wine, and Deep Ellum Brewing Company beer were all on offer. At the bartender showcase, two CultureMap Tastemaker bartenders — Jenny Park (Bartender of the Year nominee) of Niwa Japanese BBQ and Rosey Sullivan of Armoury D.E. (Bar of the Year winner) — whipped up signature cocktails created exclusively for the Hello Summer Social.
On the food front, bites from Baboush, Eureka!, Grimaldi's Pizza, Mi Cocina, Pok the Raw Bar, Public School 214, Sushi Zushi, and Taco Diner satiated attendees' appetites while they browsed new summer looks from local retailers such as Flirt Boutique, Kendra Scott, ShopSeptember, Y&I Clothing Boutique, Rye 51, Q Clothier, and more.
Once their shopping needs were fulfilled (or perhaps while taking a break before going back for more), guests mixed, mingled, and played lawn games like Jenga and corn hole — luckily, the Topo Chico Hydration station was conveniently located nearby for anyone who worked up a sweat tossing bean bags. Those feeling a little less athletic headed over to the Get Your Glow On station for a little prime pampering courtesy of Avalon Salon and Spa's braid bar, manicures via MiniLuxe, and neck and back massages courtesy of 18|8 Fine Men’s Salons. And the crowd gathered at the Sanober’s Henna table was hard to miss, as guests lined up to get intricate henna hand tattoos. Right next door, the Hotpoppin Gourmet Popcorn Bar filled any sweet tooth cravings.
DJ Christy Ray kept the tunes going well into the evening, while Photo Bus DFW was onsite to commemorate what was undoubtedly one of the best summer kick-offs yet.
Proceeds from the event benefit Kidd’s Kids, a foundation started by Kidd Kraddick in 1991 to assist the lives of children and their families who are dealing with life-altering conditions.
Julie Griffin, Michelle Madsen
