Barry Young, Managing Director, Wealth Management, UBS

Barry has spent more than 30 years with UBS, providing comprehensive guidance to exceptional multigenerational families and business owners. His clients rely on his expertise to help preserve and grow their wealth through integrated investment strategies. In addition to his professional accomplishments, Barry brings his deep appreciation for art and culture to his community involvement. He has served on the modern and contemporary selections committee at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, and is a trustee of The Menil Collection.

Untitled Art: Describe Houston in 5 words.

Barry Young: Beloved underdog, cultural, global, diverse.

Untitled Art: What is your favorite place to eat?

Barry Young: If you ask that question of most Houstonians, I’d say 9 times out of 10 they are going to give you their favorite haunt for Mexican food. I’m no exception. That said, we are not a provincial city. There is something always intriguing on the culinary scene. It is its own unique thing that thematically revolves around our global footprint and especially Asian influences. That said, whenever I have a colleague or friend from out of town I take them to Hugo’s, the love child of friends Hugo Ortega and Tracy Vaught. It's not Tex-Mex (although we have the best in Texas, by far), Hugo’s cuisine is inspired from Chef’s upbringing in Mexico City and time in Oaxaca and is a James Beard lauded restaurant with a “first try” margarita and authentic mole.It is located in an old Martinizing plant dead center in the middle of the Montrose which remains our most eclectic, diverse and arty part of town that I view as the heart of Houston. Sitting by the floor to ceiling windows in front of a margarita and guacamole watching the vibrant street life pass along the sidewalk makes one quintessentially Houstonian.

Untitled Art: Where do you like to go see art?

Barry Young: Houston is an art town. In particular we laud contemporary artists. There is a long history of contemporary art patronage here. The CAMH, or the programming at the MFAH’s Kinder building could easily support a community of this size, but we also have the Menil Collection…for me it all goes back to the de Menil family, their vision and subsequent manifestation. There are so many aspects to their story, but their legacy and its continual implementation defines our identity as a cultural center. The Menil Collection is woven into the fabric of my everyday life. You can park on the street, there’s no ticketing. You just walk on to the sublime campus into one of several buildings with immediate access to a globally recognized collection. It’s special. And the people who have been its stewards are special.

Untitled Art: Where and how does Houston fit into your own bio?

Barry Young: I’m a third-generation Houstonian but I spent time away in Athens, Georgia and New York City, both seminal influences on my viewpoint. Being in those environments in the late 80's, especially those music scenes, really gave me a lot of exposure and context that I never had growing up, especially towards visual art. When I moved back home to start my career, it just sort of dawned on me what a bounty we had sitting in our backyard. Since then I have supported many Houston arts organizations but really I owe them and the Houston art community a great debt of gratitude for their continual inspiration.

Untitled Art: Who is someone you particularly admire in Houston? Why?

Barry Young: Louisa Stude Sarofim has inspired me since I first met her over 40 years ago. She embodies stewardship, kindness, leadership and tenacity. All shared traits of this beloved underdog of a city.

Adrian Dueñas is the founder and CEO of the award-winning home décor concept BeDESIGN, a nationally-recognized luxury furniture showroom in Houston’s chic Montrose neighborhood. Born in Ecuador, Adrian brings a blend of international sensibility and a passion for European design to the city. Since relocating to Houston, he has become deeply connected to its diverse culture and vibrant arts scene. Outside of his professional life, Adrian treasures Houston's green spaces and is an active advocate for the city’s culinary and cultural landscape. His appreciation for tradition, creativity, and hospitality shapes both his personal and professional pursuits, making him a dynamic force in Houston’s evolving identity.


Untitled Art: What is your favorite place to eat? Does this cuisine or culture tie into your life more broadly?
Adrian Dueñas: One of my favorite places to eat in Houston is BCN. The food, the atmosphere, and the attention to detail always feel special. I had the honor of being the MC for their 10-year anniversary—the same day they were awarded their Michelin star. It was a proud moment not just for them, but for Houston’s culinary scene.

Being from Latin America and deeply connected to European design and culture, the elegance and heritage of Spanish cuisine at BCN resonate with me both personally and professionally. It represents the kind of experience that blends tradition, creativity, and hospitality—values I admire in any great city.

Untitled Art: Are there any public spaces in Houston (institutions, public art, parks, etc.) that are important to your life in Houston or community?
Adrian Dueñas: Since moving to The Allen, Buffalo Bayou Park has become my sanctuary—a place to recharge, reflect, and find inspiration. It’s a long, skinny, and surprisingly peaceful green space in the middle of the city. I’m especially drawn to the art scattered throughout the park, like the works of Jaume Plensa, one of my favorite artists. I also enjoy discovering the subtle word installations hidden along the trails—one says “listen,” another says “peace.” They make you pause, connect with your surroundings, and feel a sense of quiet gratitude. Just crossing Allen Parkway brings me back home, grounded and thankful.

Untitled Art: What does your perfect day in Houston look like?
Adrian Dueñas: Houston is such a large and diverse city that every day offers a new way to experience it—and it all depends on your mood. For me, a perfect day starts with a walk through Buffalo Bayou Park, discovering the art installations tucked into nature and letting the city slowly wake up around me.

Afterward, I’d enjoy breakfast at Tiny Boxwoods or one of the many amazing brunch spots around the city. Then I’d head to the Japanese Garden in Hermann Park—always serene and grounding—before visiting either the Museum of Fine Arts Houston (MFAH) or the Menil Collection.

If I choose the MFAH, I’ll have lunch at Le Jardinier, a Michelin-starred gem inside the museum that offers a beautiful lunch from Wednesday to Sunday—or I might save it for a refined dinner. If the day leads me to the Menil, then lunch at Hugo’s is a must. It’s an elevated take on Mexican cuisine by the beloved chef Hugo Ortega, and the surrounding Montrose neighborhood is full of charm. After lunch, I enjoy browsing antique shops and unique boutiques, followed by a coffee at Agora or Common Bond.

At that point, a little rest or pampering is well-deserved—The Thompson Hotel Spa is one of the best in the city and always a rejuvenating stop.

For dinner, it’s hard to choose—there are simply too many exceptional options. Favorites include Chardon, BCN, MAD, and Bari—the last three located along Houston’s “Golden Mile”, surrounded by high-end shops and luxury jewelry stores. Bludorn is always a standout, and if you want to go all in, March offers a Michelin-starred experience with twelve exquisite courses.

Trust me—you need more than one perfect day in Houston.

Untitled Art: Are there parts of Houston you feel are misunderstood or underappreciated, but that you love?
Adrian Dueñas: As someone who truly fell in love with Houston, I have to admit—it’s a city that’s often misunderstood, underestimated, and underappreciated. I’ve lived in places like Ecuador, New York, and Spain, and I’ve traveled more than I ever imagined I would. Whenever I mention Houston, people tend to make a face. It’s as if they don’t quite know what to make of it. They assume it’s all oil, gas, and cowboys.

And honestly—yes, there is oil and gas money… and some very sexy people. But beyond that, Houston offers so much more.

We have an outstanding museum district, including the Menil Collection, a free museum designed by Renzo Piano—a true architectural and cultural treasure. The city’s gastronomy rivals that of major global cities, but without the ego. There’s also the largest medical center in the world, miles of lush greenery, breathtaking parks, a stunning skyline, and world-class performing arts—from a remarkable symphony to an opera company that surprises many.

And let’s not forget what makes Houston truly special: the people. There’s a warmth here—the famous Southern hospitality—that’s not just polite, it’s genuine. My husband and I started noticing it more and more, especially when comparing to other cities. People in Houston seem happy, and we believe that’s the most important ingredient for a good life.

From a casual dive bar to a Michelin-starred restaurant, you’re likely to end up in a conversation with a stranger—and more often than not, they’ll find something kind or encouraging to say. What more could you ask for?

Not everyone outside of Texas knows this secret gem. Maybe it’s better that way. Or maybe… it’s time to challenge more people to come discover Houston for themselves.

Jessica Phifer, Director of Business Development and Art Advisory, The Fine Art Group

At The Fine Art Group, Jessica drives art collecting strategies for both new and seasoned clients, expertly guiding key sales and acquisitions. A sought-after speaker, she regularly leads panels and lectures on fine art collecting, market trends, and philanthropic giving. Deeply embedded in Houston’s arts scene, Jessica serves on committees for the Menil Collection and is a Trustee of the Contemporary Arts Museum, Houston, championing the city’s cultural landscape with passion and expertise.

Untitled Art: What is your favorite place to eat? Does this cuisine or culture tie into your life more broadly?

Jessica Phifer: Oof; lunch of just about anything at Hyunh; the lasagna and coziness at Bombetta; the butter beans at Tiny Champion’s; the brisket at Truth BBQ; every single “small and warm” dish at T Rex; the hama chili et al at oldie but goodie Uchi; Tierra Caliente taco truck; and when I’m feeling sentimental Cedars Bakery for manakish. Don’t know if it ties in more broadly per se but the fact that this is a deeply unjust list in its lack of comprehension says a lot about Houston.

Untitled Art: Where do you shop? What are your favorite Houston businesses?

Jessica Phifer: The Menil Bookstore, Basket Books & Art, and Brazos Bookstore are each tremendous and immensely appreciated spaces that are of course more than just purveyors of books, and I hear the same committed following is developing for Kindred Stories; Mr. Larkin for their matching sets and charmingly camp aesthetic; and the prize for the most darling Houston business is a tailor down the street from me on Montrose at Expert One Hour Alteration, Ismail, the dearest man you’ll ever meet, who will insist you leave with a handful of lollipops and has saved many an article of clothing. Just an absolute gem of a man.

One more important list: a city can be measured by any number of worthy metrics, but a mighty good one is its longest standing neighborhood bars. Some civic standouts for my neck of the woods are Poison Girl, Alabama Ice House, Grand Prize, La Carafe, Warren’s, The Flat, Griff’s, Johnny’s Gold Brick, Anderson Fair which isn’t really a bar but an institution, and many many more I’m missing. I can’t patronize like I used to but so help me, should anything ever happen to any of these places…

Untitled Art: Can you share three artists whose work particularly resonated with you lately?

Jessica Phifer: I recently scored a lovely little Doug Welsh from Adam Marnie’s program at F Gallery, where I always leave so grateful for his latest introduction, and am fortunate to live with a beautiful Alexis Pye work from Inman Gallery that I marvel at each and every day. And the shows up currently at the Menil of Francesca Fuchs and Jillian Conrad at the Menil Drawing Institute are pitch perfect reflections of their respective practices of deeply thoughtful and very, very long looking, in their own way (loophole, kind of the same venue so those last two artists count as one…).

Untitled Art: Who is someone you particularly admire in Houston? Why?

Jessica Phifer: Charonda Johnson, the light-filled advocate for and multi-generational resident of Freedmen's Town. I admire her commitment to principle, to her family and neighbors and history, and her warmth. Doing the good work, while also just being someone you absolutely love being around. She’s just beautiful.

Untitled Art: Are there places you return to again and again, even if they’re not traditionally considered “must-sees”?

Jessica Phifer: This isn’t a must-see so much, but I deeply appreciate Houston’s occasional wild nook. For example there’s a wee little niche under one of the bridges along the bayou, at a low slung spot that isn’t trafficked often, and for some reason to me it feels like utter Narnia. I suppose where Houston feels most wild are my favorites. There are neighborhoods in nearly any direction just outside the loop where folks are strolling on horses in the curbless streets.