David Lewis and Ernest Maese

This weekend, venerable antique and auction house Lewis & Maese opens the doors of its longtime home to the public for a massive liquidation sale. Co-owner David Lewis decided that the inventory — accumulated from estate sales and the like over the past 25 years — would not be moved to Lewis & Maese's new Spring Branch location, which hosts its first auction this Sunday. "It just made sense to clean out our own house and start afresh without moving,” he says. Instead, fabulous finds, ranging from iron chandeliers and dining-room sets to stacks of coffee-table books and quirky conversation pieces like a seven-foot statue of Darth Vader, are on sale for 30 to 70 percent off.

A grand opening event takes place on Saturday from 11am until 8pm. Guests can expect live music and complimentary drinks — which will be nice to sip as they wind their way through the warehouse, but may be best enjoyed in the speakeasy-style lounge in the back. There's a whole room dedicated to rugs, and another to fine art created by living artists. Meanwhile, vignettes with cushy club chairs and funky accent pieces are set up throughout the 26,000-square-foot space, and cases at the front tout certified designer bags and jewelry.

Lewis points out that there may be some priceless finds waiting to be discovered — or, perhaps, some pricey ones to be purchased for a steal. For example, a giant painting in the style of Botero hangs at the entrance, and while all signs point to it being the real deal by the Colombian master artist, it has not been through an authentication process, and the price tag remains low. In the past, Lewis & Maese has offered items such as a Harry Bertoia bronze that was later resold at 10 times the price, an an antique Chinese scroll that was eventually valued at more than $1 million.

The sale, dubbed The Sale at Sawyer, will be open daily — except for Wednesdays, when the team will restock and reorganize the showroom — through January.

HOUSTON FOODIES ARE out this month, and those in the know are getting from restaurant to restaurant in the rideshare service that has taken the industry by a storm.

Alto started driving in Houston in late 2020, and it has quickly become a favorite way to get around. The experience is unparalleled. Think luxury SUVs with leather captain chairs, thoughtful amenities like complimentary water and umbrellas, and even curated playlists to choose from in the Alto app. Those who have ridden know that Alto is more than a ride from point A to B, but a journey to be enjoyed — because the recap of every dish on the ride home should be just as good as the dinner.

Community is at the heart of Alto. Rather than hiring independent contractors, Alto has hired W-2 employee drivers who are trained and supported by a local Houston team. The service also offers a Membership that unlocks Alto benefits as well as unique offers from Houston partners. Those who join Alto’s exclusive Membership gain full access to the Alto fleet during the busiest "Members Only" hours, savings on every ride, and Alto’s prescheduling feature for booking rides in advance (Pro tip: Lock in your ride when you lock in your dinner reservation!). Join a community of adventurous, in-the-know Houstonians, at only $12.95 a month.

Alto shared the top pick-up and drop-offs that make up their Members most recommended spots — and also happen to be celebrating Houston Restaurant Week! — so you can plan the perfect night out.

Trattoria Sofia A top drop-off among Alto Members, we recommend Trattoria Sofia for authentic Italian with the perfect atmosphere.

The Annie Cafe Another frequent destination, The Annie Cafe and Bar serves classics, totally reimagined.

MAD Houston A spot as innovative as your Alto. Book a ride to MAD for a night of tapas with a twist that are sure to be a new adventure.

Ouzo Bay The Alto team’s go-to modern Mediterranean spot for a perfect night out.

B&B Butchers and Restaurant This upscale steakhouse and traditional butcher shop is a classic Alto favorite.

FLORA A must try this month — FLORA is a culinary journey through the small towns of Mexico with a Texas touch.

C Baldwin Hotel (photo by Duc Hoang)

OCTOBER IS BREAST Cancer Awareness Month, and conscientious H-Town area businesses are raising awareness for the cause in many ways including cocktail and wine specials, dining contributions, light displays and events. Think pink!

GJ Tavern's 'Fight Like a Girl' (photo by Michael Anthony)

Here’s the perfect cocktail for Breast Cancer Awareness Month: Fight Like a Girl is made with gin, lemon juice, liquid alchemy strawberry, grenadine and egg white. Underbelly Hospitality’s downtown bar and restaurant will donate $2 from the sale of each specialty cocktail to The Rose, the Houston-based nonprofit organization committed to saving lives through quality breast health services, advocacy and access to care for all.

From the team behind Bosscat Kitchen & Libations, Ten Sushi is throwing a three-day pop-up Oct. 12-14 to tease guests before its forthcoming opening this month in the 200 Park Place highrise. The sneak preview will raise money for breast cancer research by offering $1 of each item sold to the Holly Rose Ribbon Foundation. Specials on offer include the Lychee Rose cocktail; VC Rock shrimp tempura with spicy garlic aioli; chicken gyoza with spicy soy dipping sauce; yuzu salmon and avocado, and the seafood laden Forbidden Roll.

This northwest Houston shopping, dining and entertainment spot will be bathed in brilliant pink lights throughout October in recognitions of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Sponsored by Houston Methodist, The Boardwalk at Towne Lake will be open nightly, and guests are encouraged to use hashtag #BoardwalkTLGoesPink when posting on social media.

There’s still time to snag your tickets to Drink for Pink Oct. 15 on the serene grounds of Brenner’s on the Bayou to raise funds for Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Bring your love of wine and best pink attire for chef-crafted bites from upscale from upscale restaurants, live music and lots of wine sampling!

From bright pink to rosé drink, Lulu’s River Oaks is pouring on the pink to help raise money during Breast Cancer Awareness month. Lulu’s has partnered with The Rose to donate $1 from each drink sold from its curated Pink Drink menu. Anticipate a classic cosmopolitan, The Pale Rose by Sacha Lichine 2020, and a sweet Sgroppino — luscious raspberry sorbet topped with prosecco.

Kin Dee's Thailand Sunrise cocktail (photo by Alex Montoya)

Kin Dee has launched a generous way to raise a glass (or two) for Breast Cancer Awareness Month. For the entire month of October, the restaurant will be serving the Thailand Sunrise — an exotic pink cocktail featuring vodka, muddled pineapple, pineapple juice, lime juice, and grenadine, garnished with lemon skin, Thai basil, and a fresh strawberry. Two dollars from each cocktail sold will benefit The Rose.

During the month of October, Roots, the self-serve wine bar and restaurant in the heart of EaDo, will host Bubbles and Boobies, during which ten percent of proceeds from the sale of sparkling wine bottles will benefit The Rose, the Houston-based nonprofit organization.

City Place ushers in a special edition of Friday Night Live! Oct. 14 featuring dueling pianos by Thomas Cokinos. Guests are encouraged to wear all-things-pink and indulge in the cotton candy station, candy cart, and a cash bar spotlighting — you guessed it — pink specialty cocktails. On Oct. 15, a Pink Out Camp Gladiator strength and cardio session will start at 8:30 am followed by a Pink Out Yoga on the Plaza at 10am — both free to attend for those rocking pink attire. City Place guests can make a night of it at the Houston City Place Marriot with the October IGO Pink Package benefiting cancer non-profit Susan G. Komen, by booking a stay using promo code YX1.

Raise a glass for Breast Cancer Awareness Month at the C. Baldwin’s luxurious lobby bar. For the entire month of October, C. Baldwin will be serving two pink cocktails with a portion of sales being donated to the Susan G. Komen Foundation. The pink cocktails include the Pink Panther, made with vanilla infused vodka, ginger ale and a splash of cranberry and the Pretty in Pink with St. Germain, hibiscus and lemon juice topped with sparkling rosé.

The Pink Lady cocktail (photo by Raquel Fatiuk)

During October, proceeds from each cocktail sold at The Woodlands Collection will benefit the National Breast Cancer Foundation. Raise a glass at Back Table Kitchen & Bar, located at The Woodlands Resort with The Pink Lady made with Calamity Texas Gin, cranberry juice, fresh lemon juice and blood orange liqueur.

E’terie Bar & Grille, located within the atrium of the Embassy Suites, will be serving up the Dragon Fruit Mojito, a rum infused libation featuring diced dragon fruit, lime, mint and topped with soda and fresh blackberries.

At Como Social Club, the chic lounge located inside of The Westin at The Woodlands, choose the Como Crush made with vodka, strawberry liqueur, simple syrup, and lemon juice. Additionally, E’terie, Como and Sorriso will donate a portion of the proceeds for every glass of rosé sold during October.

During the annual Holiday Shopping Card event benefiting The American Cancer Society, Oct. 20-30, Zadok Jewelers will be one of the many local retailers participating. Here’s your chance to score a 20 percent discount on select watch and fine jewelry brands storewide that are rarely discounted.

LESS THAN A year after it last sold, listed at the time for $3.1 million, West U's iconic "Darth Vader House" is on the market again.

The 7,000-square-foot mansion at 3201 University Blvd., designed by architect Lynn Swisher Spears, has been resisted by Nicole Handy with Braden Real Estate Group for $3.7 mil. Familiar not only to Houstonians, but to Star Wars fans around the globe, the home is nicknamed such for its resemblance to the villain's helmet. It hit the market in May 2021 for $4.3 million, causing quite a stir on the interwebs, seeing as the previous owner famously turned down interviews and photo ops.

The photos accompanying the 2022 listing, which went live today, appear unchanged. Real estate aficionados and movie buffs alike will enjoy flipping through the image gallery, which reveals a counterintuitively light, open interior. A sunken portion of the living room makes a unique seating area, surrounded by curiously patterned concrete and stone flooring; other oddly shaped areas are found throughout the home, which has a distinctly '80s, yet surprisingly fresh, vibe.

"This house is an oasis," said Handy in a release. "I think it's garnered so much attention for a reason — it's standalone, and is unlike anything else in our city."