Culture & Style
Meet The Members: December edition
For this month's installment of our Instagram series highlighting members around the North American Houses, we meet creatives from around the country who dance, make music, and own restaurants.
For this month's installment of our Instagram series highlighting members around the North American Houses, we meet creatives from around the country who dance, make music, and own restaurants.
CHICAGO: Saam Hagshenas
Saam Hagshenas is director of Chicago-based DJ agency Q MUSIC, and a member of the band, Hey Champ.
Go-to cocktail or favorite beverage to drink at the House?
Well - I used to drink Jack Daniels exclusively as it was on our hospitality rider for years. The first day Soho opened, I ordered one at the bar. Drew the bartender told me Soho doesn't carry Jack, and poured me rye whiskey instead. From that day forward I have only drunk rye whiskey. I suppose I'm a man of habit. Or just really impressionable.
Go-to cocktail or favorite beverage to drink at the House?
Well - I used to drink Jack Daniels exclusively as it was on our hospitality rider for years. The first day Soho opened, I ordered one at the bar. Drew the bartender told me Soho doesn't carry Jack, and poured me rye whiskey instead. From that day forward I have only drunk rye whiskey. I suppose I'm a man of habit. Or just really impressionable.
What do you love about Chicago?
Like many, I have had a tumultuous relationship with Chicago. It can be inspiring and pretty frustrating at the same time, especially as a musician. I went to live in Paris to be inspired musically, yet everyone there was talking about House Music from Chicago. The art scene here can feel disjointed at times, but I'm consistently impressed by the level of talent our city produces.
Like many, I have had a tumultuous relationship with Chicago. It can be inspiring and pretty frustrating at the same time, especially as a musician. I went to live in Paris to be inspired musically, yet everyone there was talking about House Music from Chicago. The art scene here can feel disjointed at times, but I'm consistently impressed by the level of talent our city produces.
Which neighborhood do you live in, and what do you love about it?
I live right near the house in Fulton River District. It's pretty incredible what's happened to the area in the last six years. Despite all the development and commercialization, there are still efforts to promote the arts, such as the B-Line, curated by fellow Soho member Levar Hoard. For what I do, it's a convenient place to work and a great central location for exploring other neighborhoods.
How do you celebrate the holiday season?
This year, I'll be spending Christmas avoiding frostbite in my new second home: Minneapolis. As far as giving, I like to support Chicago House, a really incredible organization with which I had the pleasure of volunteering for several years. They support individuals and families affected by poverty, HIV and LGBTQ issues. www.chicagohouse.org
This year, I'll be spending Christmas avoiding frostbite in my new second home: Minneapolis. As far as giving, I like to support Chicago House, a really incredible organization with which I had the pleasure of volunteering for several years. They support individuals and families affected by poverty, HIV and LGBTQ issues. www.chicagohouse.org
You do the music programming for a lot of popular Chicago nightlife establishments, including SHC. If you could program the music for the party of your dreams, what would the lineup be?
Oh wow, this is a question... If we're talking a dream live lineup, it would be A Tribe Called Quest (with Phife), Fleetwood Mac (with Lindsey Buckingham), Serge Gainsbourg (performing Melody Nelson in its entirety), Fela Kuti, and finally, because I'm from Rockford, Cheap Trick. I'd let their agents argue over who headlines.
LOS ANGELES: Genevieve Gergis
Genevieve Gergis is the chef, along with her husband Ori Menashe, behind Italian restaurant Bestia.
What’s your favorite spot in your local House and why?
What’s your favorite spot in your local House and why?
The quiet back room next to the fireplace on the 6th floor. It's like having a meeting in your living room, only if your living room was extraordinarily well-appointed and perfectly maintained at all times.
Has there been a specific event at the House that you’ve loved?
The trick-or-treating tiny house event with my daughter. I love how the Soho house takes the time to make sure that not only they have things appropriate for children, but the things they offer are done so well.
What do you love about this city?
Everything but Beverly Hills—what is with the honking and the plastic surgery? The people there honk at you to get out of the way even when you have a green light to cross the street. They have more respect for pedestrians in New York City, and that's saying a lot.
Which neighborhoods do you live in? How do you get to Soho House from there?
Silver Lake. I drive to my restaurant, Bestia, park there and walk down the alley to the Soho entrance.
How do you celebrate the holiday season?
Like a true atheist. It's all about alcohol, homemade cheese balls, and making gingerbread houses.
MIAMI: Anastasia Koutsioukis
Anastasia Koutsioukis is co-owner, with her husband Ahmet Erkaya, of hospitality brand, cafe and shop Mandolin.
What’s your favorite spot in your House and why?
Has there been a specific event at the House that you’ve loved?
What’s your favorite spot in your House and why?
I love the Beach Bar space. It transports you and its the perfect hideaway. I also love the Library. It's a great space for intimate events and has the best unobstructed views of the beach from the balcony.
Has there been a specific event at the House that you’ve loved?
There are too many good ones to recount, but the tent during Basel is always amazing and some of my most memorable times have been random nights at the club floor dancing into the night to a good DJ set. But lately I’m a bit partial to “Business for Breakfast”: a series I created in collaboration with Cecconis + SBH where I talk candidly with entrepreneurs from different creative fields.
What does ‘indulgence’ mean to you?
The things that bring me pleasure. Today that means the simple things - time off, hanging out at home, cooking, reading a book, deep conversation, traveling. Travel is definitely when I indulge my senses.
How do you celebrate the holiday season?
We spend the holidays here in Miami. It's our busy season so we work, but I always make time to catch up with out of town guests and friends. We also throw an epic holiday party every year to celebrate with our Mandolin team. We shut down the restaurant early - it's crazy fun, and this year we have a lot to celebrate as its Mandolin’s 10 year anniversary. Then Christmas Day we’re off, we spend the whole day in PJ’s with my son opening presents, chilling, eating. This year we’ll be ringing in the New Year at Gregory’s with friends, which we’re looking forward to.
What does your ultimate form of “me time” consist of?
A quiet day off, disconnected at home or at the beach. A massage. Mani/pedi. Simple stuff.
NEW YORK: Austin Goodwin
Austin Goodwin is a professional dancer, with credits including Fiddler on the Roof on Broadway and Sleep No More.
Has there been a specific event at the House that you’ve loved?
Seeing Orville Peck at Dumbo House was definitely a highlight from this past year for me. I hadn't even seen the event posting until the day before so it felt like a little surprise and I couldn't get tickets to his show that week.
Has there been a specific event at the House that you’ve loved?
Seeing Orville Peck at Dumbo House was definitely a highlight from this past year for me. I hadn't even seen the event posting until the day before so it felt like a little surprise and I couldn't get tickets to his show that week.
Go-to cocktail or favorite beverage to drink there?
I go between a mezcal old fashioned and a dirty gin martini.
What does ‘indulgence’ mean to you?
Indulgence for me is free time - or any break I get in my schedule to let myself enjoy the present moment.
How do you celebrate the holiday season?
I actually love the cold weather here in New York in the winter. I grew up in Texas so I make the most of being outside. Otherwise I'm making food, spending time with friends, watching movies, and getting ready for any big holiday events I'm working on.
What does your ultimate form of “me time” consist of?
Me time for me is hanging around at home with my dog and hitting all my favorite spots in my neighborhood.
TORONTO: Maryam Keyhani
Maryam Keyhani is an artist and hat designer.
What’s your favorite spot in your local House and why?
How do you celebrate the holiday season?
Sleep, cook and hangout with the kids.
What does your ultimate form of “me time” consist of?
How long have you been a member?
Since the Toronto house opened.
Since the Toronto house opened.
What’s your favorite spot in your local House and why?
Couches, because I’m tired all the time.
What does ‘indulgence’ mean to you?
To get yourself what you need.
What does ‘indulgence’ mean to you?
To get yourself what you need.
How do you celebrate the holiday season?
Sleep, cook and hangout with the kids.
What does your ultimate form of “me time” consist of?
Being at my studio uninterrupted.