by Lance | Dec 18, 2022 | Blog
Dr. Robert Hilliard, Jr., Chree Boydstun, Mary Patton and Milton Townsend
Legacy Community Health Annual “Holiday Schmooze”
By Jennifer Roosth Photography by Killy Chavez
David LaDuke, Bonnie and Rob Lloyd, Allison Thigpen, Chree Boydstun and Gary Hammett
Houston’s unpredictable weather didn’t dampen the holiday spirit of the 150 revelers who came out to mix and mingle at Holiday SCHMOOZE. Leading the helm of this soiree were co-chairs Mary Patton and Milton Townsend, with Townsend graciously opened his beautifully decorated home for this magical event benefiting The Jackson Hicks Endowed Fund for the Awareness, Prevention, and Treatment of HIV/AIDS at Legacy Community Health.
Eric Van Haselen, Steve Pate, Tylor Hearn and Gerry Heard
George Lancaster and Phoebe Tudor
The glam squad crowd was treated to a winter wonderland with holiday trees decorated by the co-chair duo, and spectacular floral arrangements that were created by Rebekah Johnson of Bergner & Johnson Design. The festive crowd were greeted to flavorful cocktails upon arrival and enjoyed light bites created by Jackson and Company. Bonnie and Rob Lloyd of Lloyd Wines graciously provided flavorful selections from their winery.
Tarek El-Bjeirmi, Ceron and Shannon Hall
SCHMOOZIN’ and celebrating the season were Legacy Community Health Chief Development Officer Chree Boydstun, Legacy Chief Executive Officer Dr. Robert Hilliard and Greg Fown, Legacy Chief of Staff Benjamin Stewart, Legacy Chief of Population Health Dr. Vernicka Sales, Legacy Chief of Clinical Services Dr. Vian Nguyen, Chief Information Officer David Chou, Ben Patton, Gary Hammett and David LaDuke, Mike Holloman and Juan Querol, Bryan Hlavinka, Naveen Pinglay and Lynn Nazareth, George Hawkins, Phoebe Tudor, Courtney Hopson, Kari Findley, Mary Ann and David McKeithan, Kashay and Steve Crawford, Shannon Hall, Tripp Carter, Nancy Allen, Gerry Heard and Tylor Hearn, Shannon Hall, Sharon Land, Linda Cantu, Hani Barazi and Serene Wafai, Cathy Easter, Melissa and Michael Mithoff, Steve Pate and Eric Van Haselen among many others.
Trent Hrncir and Courtney Hopson
MIchael and Melissa Mithoff
by societytexas | Oct 30, 2022 | 2022 November December, R.S.V.P. HOUSTON, Parties
Houston Symphony Opening Night Concert And Gala’s Grand Style
By Jennifer Roosth Photography by Priscilla Dickson and Daniel Ortiz
THE SETTING: Recently, over 300 guests, donning their finest black tie attire, attended the Houston Symphony’s Opening Night concert and gala. Upon arrival at Jones Hall, partygoers enjoyed champagne and hors d’oeuvres on the Mezzanine level before making their way into see concert. The evening featured Juraj Valčuha leading the orchestra and Houston Symphony Chorus, alongside soprano Ana María Martínez, mezzo-soprano Marina Prudenskaya, tenor Jonathan Tetelman, and bass Dmitry Belosselskiy. Following the performance, guests were transported to the Corinthian Houston for a spectacular seated dinner catered by Jackson and Company. Following dinner, guests enjoyed musical entertainment by the David Caceres Band.
THE STYLE: The Corinthian ballroom was donned with crystal chandeliers and greenery cascading across the balcony, all designed by The Events Company. The elegant tables that filled the room, covered in green linens, were topped with varying high and low-profile floral arrangements in shades of white and green.
Dinner began with an Italian butter lettuce salad with fresh herbs, gulf shrimp terrine, chives, and pickled mustard seed vinaigrette topped with a toasted chickpea crouton and three radish slaw. The main course included a gremolata and breadcrumb crusted black cod, with charred leek and artichoke white wine emulsion, alongside summer squash and white corn rösti, and Romano beans and button chanterelle sauté. Accompanying the meal were wine pairings provided by Spec’s Wine, Spirits, & Finer Foods. After dinner, the dessert was a trio that included coconut sorbet verrine, tiramisu profiteroles, and hazelnut macaroons.
THE PURPOSE: The annual Houston Symphony Opening Night concert and gala, chaired by Drs. Susan and Dennis Carlyle, celebrated the opening of the 2022–2023 season and the tenure of Juraj Valčuha as the Houston Symphony’s 16th music director and holder of the Roy and Lillie Cullen Chair. This year’s event raised more than $540,000 for the orchestra’s industry-leading Education and Community Engagement initiatives. ConocoPhillips served as the Concert Sponsor and Lead Gala Corporate Underwriter for the 36th year.
by societytexas | Oct 30, 2022 | R.S.V.P. HOUSTON, 2022 November December, Parties
Houston PetSet Raises Record $1.1 Million
By Jennifer Roosth Photography by Priscilla Dickson
THE SETTING: More than 700 animal lovers packed the Post Oak Hotel ballroom to see Cole Hauser and Forrie Smith, stars of Showtime T.V. favorite, Yellowstone. However, the animals were the true winners of the 18th annual Fierce and Fabulous Soirée. Houstonians came out in full force for a fierce and fabulous charitable evening of cocktails, dinner, luxury auction items, and a rocking after party. They opened their hearts and wallets to make this year’s event a resounding, fierce and fabulous success.
THE STYLE: Mistress of Ceremonies Deborah Duncan provided the audience with much laughter and banter from the podium. Sidney Faust was applauded for all her hard work and charitable generosity to the community. There were plenty of one-of-a-kind auction experiences. For one example, tennis great John McEnroe hosted guests at his seats at Wimbledon, for the women’s and men’s finals, which included an invitation for an after party at his house. Then there was the Cole Hauser experience for an afternoon horse ride in Montana, DeBoulle generously donated a Rolex timepiece for the raffle, and I-Touch donated a beautiful ruby and diamond ring.
PURPOSE: Leading the helm of this sold-out event were chairpersons Tena Lundquist Faust, Tama Lundquist, and Sue Smith. The event raised an unprecedented amount of $1.1 million for the animals. Houston PetSet is a non-profit organization providing grants to over 70 Houston area charities that benefit animal welfare and are committed to spaying, neutering, rescuing, adopting, and transporting the homeless pet population.
by Lance | Oct 23, 2022 | Blog
Italian Cultural and Community Center’s Annual Fashion Show And Luncheon
By Jennifer Roosth Photography by Michelle Watson
Erika Myers and Owen Conflenti
THE SETTING: A beautiful, sold-out crowd of more than 300 guests recently gathered at the River Oaks Country Club, for the Italian Cultural & Community Center Annual Fashion Show and Luncheon. They were delighted to see a runway packed with chic Italian fashions from Neiman Marcus and a dazzling display of raffle prizes, including glittering baubles from Tenenbaum Jewelers. È stato fantastico!
Rose “Rosie” Carrabba and Johnny Carrabba
THE STYLE: Themed Celebrating the Jewels of Italy, the event offered amusements for guests, including an Italian aria performed by soprano Bailey Bower, a silent auction, Prosecco sipping, and the fashion show, which Jeanne Ruberti produced.
Hannah Swiggard and Chiara Casiraghi
Honoree Rosie Carrabba was introduced by her proud Italian son, restauranteur Johnny Carrabba. He had the audience laughing and crying as he voiced his admiration for all the roles Rosie plays as wife, mother, grandmother, restaurateur, and Houston icon. Rosie thanked the audience and her son, while the crowd roared with laughter at her humor and humility, before a video tribute from her friend Steve Tyrell.
Sandra Porter and Gina Gusemano Leck
THE PURPOSE: Sandra Porter and Gina Gusemano Leck chaired the event. KPRC TV 2’s Owen Conflenti served as master of ceremonies, and the Italian Center Executive Director Erika Myers was already wondering aloud how the organization would top this event next year. All luncheon proceeds benefitted the center’s scholarship programs for college students studying here and abroad in Italy. Bellissimo!
Chris Hendel and Katherine Warren
by societytexas | Aug 31, 2022 | 2022 September October, Savor
With everyone returning to restaurants like never before, there are a plethora of new, beautiful ones to try, as well as favorites to try again, according to our savvy eatery devotees, Rob Giardinelli (Austin), Cynthia Smoot (Dallas), Rob Giardinelli (Houston) and Alexandra del Lago (San Antonio).
Located in Westlake, Neighborhood Vintner offers over 1,000 wine bottles for retail purchases at varying price points, along with wines available in the store by the glass, all of which pair exquisitely with their charcuterie menu. The locale is perfect for meeting a friend after work, as the first stop on a night out, or to obtain a last-minute host gift en route to a dinner party.
At NeighborhoodVintner.com.
Dean’s Italian Steakhouse is a classic American steakhouse with Italian expression that has recently opened its first Texas location. Located downtown on the ground floor of the JW Marriott Austin, Dean’s offers the best cuts of steak, market fresh seafood, and house-made pasta…and a killer happy hour menu to boot.
At DeansSteakhouseAustin.com.
Brought to Austin by Tex-Mex restaurant company Trudy’s, Trudy’s Del Mar recently opened in the former South Congress Café location. It offers a nod to its iconic predecessor by continuing its beloved brunch menu while serving unique and exciting seafood dishes inspired by traditional recipes from Mexican Coastal living.
At Trudys.com.
Known for its take on Pan-Asian cuisine and craft cocktails, Alice recently launched new menu offerings. The refreshed menu by Ashkan Moeinearaghi, their executive chef, offers memorable dishes centered around sushi, sashimi, and nigiri plates.
At AliceDallas.com.
Located inside the Hilton Anatole, SĒR Steak + Spirits is a contemporary American steakhouse with unparalleled views of the Dallas skyline. They have reopened with a new executive chef, a globally- inspired menu, and a dining experience that ignites the senses.
At SerSteak.com.
Running September 30–October 23, this year’s State Fair of Texas is themed Treats Of Texas and there’s no tastier treat than a Fletcher’s Original Corny Dog slathered in mustard. Get your Fletcher’s fix at one of seven stands scattered throughout the fairgrounds. Can’t make the Fair this year? They ship nationally through Goldbelly.
At FletchersCornyDogs.com.
A hit since it opened for happy hour and dinner service this spring, The Warwick recently added lunch to its stellar dining repertoire. The New American fare, with a Southern Twist lunch menu, features culinary classics such as Shrimp Po’ Boy and Cajun pasta, as well as a delectable Cobb salad.
At WarwickHouston.com.
Recently opened in Rice Village, Hamsa is a Modern Israeli restaurant featuring elevated classics from the Middle East. Shared plates are recommended, and the space also features a six-person chef’s table, called Yalla Yalla, where culinary connoisseurs can sample a curation of the chef’s top selections. At HamsaHTX.com.
Opening its first location in Houston, California-based Daddy’s Chicken Shack offers a wide range of scrumptious chicken offerings that are a fusion of American South and Southeastern Asian flavors. The menu also features breakfast and vegan offerings so the whole family can enjoy.
At DaddysChickenShack.com.
Sugar Factory American Brasserie, the eatery known for its over-the-top dishes and treats, has opened its second Texas location in downtown San Antonio. The world-famous, family-friendly, high-energy celebration destination has been designed to give guests an interactive experience filled with memorable moments.
At SugarFactory.com.
The much-anticipated Carriqui at the Pearl aims to honor its past and usher in the next chapter with the very best offerings that create a space for joyful gathering. Named after the green jay of South Texas, it features fresh seafood from the Gulf, Rio Grande-inspired botana platters, pit-cooked barbacoa and brisket, a masa program, and a robust cocktail and beverage program.
At CarriquiTX.com
Located at the Pearl, Full Goods Diner serves scratch-made, seasonally-driven food for breakfast and lunch. In addition, it serves comforting and familiar everyday food to connect the restaurant to its central and South Texas roots of Mexican and American fare. The design also embodies the warm and welcoming environment with rich wooden accents, plenty of natural light, and a greenhouse-style entry.
At FullGoodsDiner.com.
