Rob GIardinelli Archives - Page 4 of 27

APPETIZINGLY ALLURING

by societytexas | Dec 28, 2022 | 2023 January February, Savor

We’re all frequenting restaurants again with great fervor, and there are plenty of new, beautiful spaces to try, according to our savvy eatery devotees, Rob Giardinelli (Austin, Houston and San Antonio and Houston) and Cynthia Smoot (Dallas).

AUSTIN

Located inside the Origin Hotel Austin in Mueller, Blue Lacy is an all-day eatery that offers a new take on American classics. Top items on the menu include Chicken N’ Waffle Kabobs, avocado toast bruschetta, and pecan pie. The pet-friendly space even has menu offerings served in dog bowls for your favorite four-legged friends so they can enjoy them too. At BlueLacyAustin.com.

ALWAYS ROOM FOR CHAMPAGNE

The new 7th Floor of the Fairmont Hotel, Room 725, Champagne & Caviar, is the perfect place for a first date or popping the question. The menu features a wide selection of caviar, including a vegan option, and other light bitessuch as Foie Gras, Lobster Claws, and Jamin Iberico. Order champagne by the bottle, by the glass, or as a flight to find your perfect pairing. At Fairmont-Austin.com/Room725.

REST ON YOUR LAUREL

Laurel, located in the new Hotel Viata in Westlake, is Italian with a Texas twist by utilizing ingredients from the Texas Hill Country. The curated menu features something for everyone, with the Impossible Meatballs, gnocchi, Chicken Osso Bucco, and Mediterranean Risotto being must-trys. Cap off the dinner by cozying up to the bar for a nightcap or a glass of wine al fresco on the terrace. At ViataAustin.com.

DALLAS/FORT WORTH

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FOR STEAK’S SAKE

STK Steakhouse recently opened on McKinney Avenue in Uptown, in the former Perry’s Steakhouse location. They promise vibe dining at its finest, with premium dry-aged steak, world-famous cocktails, and music from renowned DJs. For high-end steak aficionados, STK has three Japanese Wagyu options, a variety of oysters, pastas, and various sides. At STKSteakhouse.com.

ALLURING AL FRESCO

Escondido boasts the largest patio in Preston Hollow and a menu that features family-friendly Tex-Mex classic favorites such as nachos, tacos, enchiladas, and fajitas. Enjoy 12 varieties of margaritas, Mexican-inspired cocktails, select Mexican beers, and a small yet curated wine menu. At EscondidoDallas.com.

HANDCRAFTED & MIGHTY

The keyword at OAK’D BBQ is elevated. The Wagyu and prime beef are the standards, alongside ribs, brisket, smoked turkey and chicken, and a wide variety of side dishes. An in-house pastry chef creates homemade desserts, ice cream, and biscuits. Look for the second OAK’D location in the old Chamberlain’s Seafood space on Beltline Rd. in Addison this February. At OakdBBQ.com.

HOUSTON

IN THE NAVY

Newly opened in Rice Village, Navy Blue offers modern American seafood featuring such culinary delights as Blackened Red Snapper with Ahi Amarillo, Linguini Vongole, and Swordfish Au Poivre with Green Peppercorn sauce. The 110-seat dining room includes organic elements, such as a series of long tables separated by white oak partition spines, creating an elegant yet warm dining experience. At NavyBlueRestaurant.com.

Chocolate Crepe Sweet Paris Crêperie & Café

READY FOR PRIMETIME

Gatsby’s Prime Seafood is the latest restaurant by the team behind Gatsby’s Prime Steakhouse. The menu features ocean-based dishes that are brought in fresh daily with the New Bedford Scallops, Sea Bass, and an awe-inspiring Seafood Tower among the most popular. Pair any of these with wine from the global yet curated wine list or enjoy a pre-Prohibition style cocktail. At GatsbySeafood.com.

HAVANA’S NIGHTS

The hottest new night space in Texas is Benjamin Berg’s latest concept, Emilia’s Havana. Inspired by the 1950’s Havana club scene, this reservation-only, 50-seat lounge offers two 2-hour seatings (8:00 PM and 10:30 PM) on Wednesday through Saturday nights. Each seating features bottle service, an elevated wine list, and yummy post-dinner bites with elegant bossa nova music playing in the background. The house DJ spins on Friday and Saturday nights from 12:30 AM-2:00 AM, so you can dance the night away in style. Reservations available at EmiliasHavana.com.

SAN ANTONIO

MODERN SOUTHERN

Restaurant Claudine’s recently opened in an incredibly chic, fully renovated classic bungalow in Government Hill, serving delectable Modern Southern cuisine, making it the ideal space for a romantic dinner. Must-try items include Corn Bread with Smoked Wallflower Butter, Heirloom Salad with Seed and Pistachio Crumble, Shrimp Gumbo, and Short Ribs. At RestaurantClaudine.com

TEQUILA LOUNGE

Located inside the Hotel Valencia, Naranja Tequila and Mezcal Bar features the only tequila bar on San Antonio’s Riverwalk. Naranja also features a small plates menu, including Mexican Shrimp Ceviche Tostadas and Queso Fundido that perfectly complement their robust tequila offerings. The bar and lounge also feature live music from the Naranja Latin Jazz band for additional ambiance. At HotelValencia-Riverwalk.com.

Sandwich Best Quality Daughter San Antonio

SHOP ’TIL YOU EAT

Mariposa, located inside the Neiman Marcus store at La Cantera, is the perfect place to have an elegant post-shopping meal. The menu offers a great mix of salads, sandwiches, and classic fare, all of which pair well with a curated wine list. Make sure to start any meal with one of their delicious popovers, which you can also have delivered to your home if you crave one. At NeimanMarcus.com.

ADVENTURE OF LOVE

by societytexas | Dec 28, 2022 | 2023 January February, Weddings 2023

Ciara Nicole Cooley And Huntington Edward Barton Biggers Wed

By Rob Giardinelli Photography by Sarah Kate Photography

It was teatime at the Ritz Carlton in Dallas. Ciara Cooley had arranged a reservation for a date with Hunt Biggers. Little did Ciara know that Hunt was one step ahead of her. He had already made a reservation and planned to pop the question during this special date with a surprise celebration afterward. The proposal was the perfect anecdote to the couple’s adventurousness. “What I first noticed about Hunt was how he relaxed he was and how much he enjoyed life,” enthused Ciara Biggers. Hunt Biggers remembers “How easygoing, and adventurous Ciara was.” The couple was initially drawn together as both love to travel and explore new places.

Thus began the 14-month engagement of Ciara Nicole Cooley, the daughter of Lisa and Clay Cooley of Dallas, and Huntington “Hunt” Edward Barton Biggers, the son of Kathryn and Ted Biggers of Dallas, who had been dating for just under two years when the couple became official. The engagement culminated in a lovely wedding and reception at Arlington Hall at Turtle Creek. The wedding included just over 200 family members and close friends, including a wedding party of six bridesmaids and six groomsmen.

The wedding day itself featured three different vignettes that reflected the sense of adventure and interests of the couple as the night progressed. The bride looked stunning in a dress designed by Monique Lhuillier. For the ceremony, Molly Rasmussen of Pop Parties collaborated with Garden Gate Floral Design to create a beautifully serene color palette of soft pinks, whites, and golds with a dash of lavender. Guests were greeted with light bites and champagne as they walked down an aisle of floral archways where violinists lined the path to the ceremony. Once the bride and groom were pronounced husband and wife, a 10-piece gospel choir surprised guests with recessional music that led to the cocktail space for the start of the reception.

The reception, held in a tented space on the Arlington Hall grounds, was where David Kimmel Design transformed the space with a vibrant color pallet of pinks, purples, greens, and whites. It also served as a beautiful backdrop as the couple danced their first song to Clint Black’s When I Said I Do. The seated dinner featured personal seafood towers served in individual ice sculptures, a duet entrée dinner, and individual mini cakes for dessert. The main wedding cake was placed in a breathtaking vignette of floor-to-ceiling flowers, complete with flower chandeliers draped from the ceiling, while the groom’s cake was of the couple’s beloved dog, Remi. Just before the transition to the after party, the bride’s mother, Lisa Cooley, surprised the newlyweds with late-night fireworks, a Pitbull impersonator, and fireball shots to the song, Fireball. This served as a perfect transition to the after party, which was transformed from the earlier cocktail party space into a gorgeous red, hot pink, and black environment where the crowd danced the night away to the tunes of LeForce Entertainment.

The bride received her bachelor’s and MBA from Southern Methodist University and works with her family business, Clay Cooley Auto Group. The groom graduated from Texas A&M, received his law degree from Southern Methodist University, and works with his family’s business at The Biggers Law Firm. The couple honeymooned in Costa Rica and reside in Dallas.

IF YOU CAN BELIEVE IT

by societytexas | Dec 28, 2022 | 2023 January February, R.S.V.P. AUSTIN, Parties

A Good Night For Goodwill Hosts Annual Event At Q2 Stadium

By Rob Giardinelli Photography by Ben Porter and Richard Rincon

THE SETTING: Austin’s Q2 stadium was the recent setting for an evening of fun in a fabulous space. Over 350 sociables, philanthropists, and sports lovers turned out on this picture-perfect night for A Good Night for Goodwill with its Believe theme. Throughout the event, guests were treated to touching tributes and one-of-a-kind experiences those fortunate enough to be a part of will not soon forget.

THE STYLE: The Austin-chic crowd enjoyed cocktails overlooking the dazzling Q2 field. Guests mingled and sipped on libations while having the chance to take part in several experiential opportunities on hand for patrons. Revelers were able to be photographed in a 360-degree video courtesy of Yuri360 to take as a keepsake, while others opted to take a behind-the-scenes VIP tour of the Q2 Stadium and its VIP levels…including a visit to the Austin FC locker room in a nod to the evening’s theme, Believe.

Partygoers then took their stadium seats for the evening’s main program. The festivities included words from the organization’s leaders, a paddles up, auction, and the presentation of the inaugural Henna Award for Philanthropy to Chris Hymans and Lize Burr. Capping off the night was a surprise video from Ted Lasso actor Cristo Fernández, which dazzled the audience and ended the gala’s evening on a winning note.

THE PURPOSE: The event raised over $315,000 for Goodwill of Central Texas. Funds raised from the event will help fund organizational services and free programs in Central Texas.

BRING ON THE FUNK

by societytexas | Dec 28, 2022 | R.S.V.P. DALLAS, 2023 January February, Parties

amfAR’s Two X Two For AIDS And Arts Featuring Special Musical Guest Nile Rodgers

By Rob Giardinelli Photography by Bruno and Kevin Tachman

THE SETTING: The Dallas home of Howard and Cindy Rachofsky was the recent setting for the 23rd annual Two X Two for AIDS and Art. Guests included over 500 of the world’s major art patrons and philanthropists. The evening featured beautiful art, showstopping musical performances, and fundraising that those fortunate enough to be a part of will not soon forget.

THE STYLE: The high black tie crowd featured a dazzling array of custom gowns and tuxedos, which, when added to the art and music on display for the evening, gave partygoers a dazzling artistic trifecta of beauty. The evening began with cocktails courtesy of Tequila Casa Dragones and Belvedere Vodka. While guests sipped on their favorite spirit of choice, they mingled with other partygoers brimming with anticipation at the excitement of the fun evening ahead.

The action then moved to the 7,000-square-foot geodesic dome designed by event producer Todd Fiscus for the main program. As revelers walked into the space, they were entranced by an area, which had been transformed into a 21^st-century discothèque…complete with mirrored metals, white bleached wood and brushed brass in shades of chartreuse and burgundy.

Highlights of the program included a delectable multi-course, vegan menu, words from the event’s leaders, and a live auction headlined by Sotheby’s auctioneer Michael Macaulay. Then, the showstopping performances by music legend Nile Rodgers and CHIC, who belted their classic disco tunes, brought the crowd to their feet. The evening was capped off with an after party presented by socialite philanthropist Nancy Rogers, which ensured the fun continued into the wee hours of the morning as revelers danced the night away to the tunes of DJ Lucy Wrubel.

THE PURPOSE: Two X Two, co-hosted by Cindy and Howard Rachofsky and John and Lisa Runyon, raised over $9.4 million for amfAR and the Dallas Museum of Art. Funds raised from the evening went toward essential AIDS research at amfAR and the Contemporary Art Acquisitions Fund at DMA. Over the past 23 years, Two X Two has raised over $113 million for these two organizations.

PERFECT KIND OF LOVE

by societytexas | Dec 28, 2022 | 2023 January February, Weddings 2023

Mary Morgan Baker And Turner Patrick Dowell Wed

By Rob Giardinelli Photography by Kelly Hornberger

Mary Morgan Baker, the daughter of Amy and John Porter, and Penny Baker of Austin, and Turner Patrick Dowell, the son of Shannon and Kelly Dowell of Austin, were recently married. For the couple, the wedding day had a special meaning since it fell on their anniversary. “Prior to getting engaged, we dated for eight years. Our wedding date marked exactly nine years together” recalls Morgan and Patrick Dowell. Morgan is very much a planner, which required Patrick to get creative when deciding how to pop the question in a way that would genuinely surprise her. “I’m in real estate so Patrick coordinated a property showing at a condo downtown,” recalls Morgan. “I thought it was a big, fancy executive coming to look at the penthouse. I walked in, and there he was.”

Their nine years together culminated in a beautiful wedding for 200 guests at Tarrytown United Methodist Church in Austin. The church ceremony featured an elegant, white palette of orchids and roses. The bride had 17 attendants, and the groom had 18. The wedding ensembles for the bride and groom featured touches of family weddings from prior generations. The bride’s mother’s wedding color was turquoise, and she wore a turquoise broach on her own wedding gown, which Morgan pinned to her bouquet as her “something blue,” while the groom wore his great-grandfather’s tuxedo studs set. Barbara Shorts of Verve Events planned the stunning wedding ceremony and reception, while David Kurio created the elaborate floral décor. The goal was to capture the bride’s vision for a traditional and romantic wedding, with a nod to the couple’s love for The University of Texas.

The reception for 600 guests was held at Austin Country Club and featured a blush pink color palette,
with pops of orange. Instead of a traditional seated dinner, the reception flowed throughout the entire club, including a special bride’s room and groom’s room. The bride’s “Mo Bubbles” room, a play on her
nickname, had blush pink velvet furniture and white carpet, where guests were served champagne in
monogrammed glasses. The groom’s room was game day themed to highlight his experience as a
Spur and Bevo handler, and the bride as a Texas cheerleader. The bar served two signature drinks:
Bevo’s Bourbon and DKR. There were also two dance floors, with one designed to be more intimate
for toasts and the couple’s first dance. The wedding cake, designed by The Chocolate Llama,
even put a twist on the traditional red velvet cake by being dyed blush pink.

At 10 pm, a surprise after party kicked off in a separate ballroom, featuring a collection of Chinoiserie vases, gold and orchid walls, a wall to wall custom dance floor, over-sized burnt orange floral arrangements, and a ceiling covered in balloons creating a lounge club vibe…and the fun went well into the night. The end of the evening featured the bride’s favorite moment, a private last dance with her new husband. “We danced to Cowboy Take Me Away by The Chicks. “It was so special to have a private moment together, and I loved getting to soak it all in one last time before we exited,” recalls the bride.

The bride is a graduate of The University of Texas at Austin and works at Gottesman Residential Real Estate.

The groom also graduated from UT Austin and is a Senior Associate at Evergen Equity. The couple honeymooned in the South of France and reside in Austin.