Archbishop J. Michael Miller, CSB, Annie Graham, Rev. Dempsey Rosales-Acosta, Bob Graham
In attendance were a number of current and former UST students, who took time to share their experience at the university and how much scholarships have meant to them. It was revealed that proceeds from the live auction as well as the paddles-up segment would be put towards establishing an annual scholarship in the name of Cardinal DiNardo.
The celebratory affair took on an Italian theme, from the delicious dinner to the evening's entertainment, Matteo Bocelli, who wandered throughout the ballroom dancing with lucky partygoers. Live-auction packages tipped their hat to the theme, too, as in a private dinner with His Eminence Daniel Cardinal DiNardo and Dr. Richard and Melynda Ludwick in the private Positano Room at Amalfi restaurant.
The festive fete concluded with a dessert parade, which featured a sparkler-topped cake for the birthday boy and mini cakes for all the guests.
Cynthia and Tony Petrello
Denise Castillo-Rhodes, Robert Sergesketter, Paula Hanson
Dr. Richard Ludwick, Melynda Ludwick
UST student Christel Vallagomesa
Honorary Chairs Bishop Italo Dell'Oro, CRS and Raye G. White, Honoree His Eminence Daniel Cardinal DiNardo, Event Chairs Ginger and John Niemann
Isabel and Ignacio "Nacho" Torras
Matteo Bocelli
Megan Jarchow, Craig Jarchow, Angela Jarchow
Lois Davis, Father Charles Hough
Lois and Richard Folger
- Ahead of La Colombe d’Or’s Reopening, the Zimmermans Examine Montrose’s Past — and Bright Future ›
- Mardi Gras in May?! Why Not — University Gala Goes All Out, Raises $1.65 Mil ›
- Sláinte! University Goes Green, Celebrates Program's Emerald Anny with Irish-Themed Gala ›
Mostly Chocolate
Four Seasons Hotel Houston
The Spa and Nail Bar is ready to pamper Mom with a relaxing Precious Petals body scrub and massage, manicure or pedicure with healing sunflower and grape seed oils. Afterwards, perhaps she would like to pick out a new fragrance or candle at the onsite Krigler perfume boutique.
The Lancaster Hotel
Slow down and take the time with Mom over tea at this boutique downtown hotel. May 11 and 12, Mother’s Day Afternoon Tea is on offer with seatings at noon and 2:30pm. Celebrate with various tea sandwiches, fresh baked scones with Devonshire cream, homemade jam and lemon curd and ends with a presentation of patisserie with some special festive Mother’s Day touches paired with one of their fine teas. Adults are $89 per person and children are $59.
Luliet Bakery
Luliet’s Parisian Picnic Celebration is much simpler than hopping a plane. TheParisian Picnic package includes a Berry Basket cake, creme brulee, pot de creme, six assorted Mother's Day flavored macarons, and Meringue Rosettes. Besides the picnic, delightful French Mother’s Day Macarons are available in half a dozen and dozen in flavors like honey lavender, chocolate truffle, vanilla rose, and more. Sweets for the sweet!
Mostly Chocolate
If you live on the West side of Houston, this family-owned and operated shop will become your go-to for decadent chocolates, other sweets and catering. Its luxurious Mother’s Day box complete with four brand-new bonbon flavors: Maple Pecan, Almond Pistachio, Brown Butter Caramel and Cherry Vanilla. Mostly Chocolate’s artisanal bonbons are handcrafted by award-winning head chocolatier Dany Kamkhagi. Gift boxes of bonbons are available in 12, 16, 25 or 36 pieces ranging from $21-$105. Heart-shaped Cookies & Cream Clusters also available for Mother’s Day.
The Organic Skin Co.
Looking for a Mother's Day gift that's more "wow!" than flowers or crowds? Say "I love you" with the gift of self-care from The Organic Skin Co.’s natural and organic skincare products to leave Mom feeling radiant and recharged. Meet the basics Vitamin Sea, The Dream Cream and The Good Oil. The quality products are affordable and can be purchased at Amazon, Sprouts — and even Costco!
Stomping Grounds
Looking for a pampering experience for Mom all in one place this Mother's Day? Three of Stomping Grounds' tenants, Tulum Wellness Spa, Paint Nail Bar and Sonoma Wine & Cheese, have teamed up to create a Serenity & Sips package of beauty, wellness and wine. Start with the Classic Pedicure including a complimentary enhancement from Paint Nail Bar, with a 60-minute custom massage or facial with a complimentary enhancement from Tulum Wellness Spa. Then indulge in a Women Winemaker Flight featuring Sonoma's sparkling rosé, sauvignon blanc, and red blend wines, along with a cheese tasting. The package is $225 per person, with a bonus $100 complimentary value, for a total value of $325.
Zadok Jewelers
It’s easy to pick a beautiful piece of jewelry Mom will always cherish at this stunning Post Oak store. Zadok Collection gold pendants enchant with diamond cluster butterflies, rainbow sapphire hearts, triple stars and more. Hoop huggie earrings, studs and delicate bracelets will become everyday favorites, but anticipate thousands of other choices here. Peruse the Mother’s Day trunk show May 10 and 11 for the perfect gift.
Tony's brunch (photo by Becca Wright)
The Annie Café & Bar
The Annie (photo by Kirsten Gilliam)
Sunday from 10am-3pm, bring the whole family for the ultimate brunch including a balloon artist for the kids and complimentary mimosas for moms! Buttermilk pancakes, huevos rancheros and crab Benedict headline the varied menu.
Benny Chow's
Crystal shrimp dumplings
Berg Hospitality’s upbeat Cantonese newcomer on Wash Ave. is serving brunch May 12 from 11am-3pm. Features include fun photo opportunities, and each mom will receive a complimentary mimosa or bellini. Top bites on the vast menu include crystal shrimp dumplings served with chili sauce; tender baby bok choy with king oyster and shitake mushrooms; Peking duck noodles; and walnut prawns.
Brennan's of Houston
Brennan's crab cakes
Jazz, fine Creole fare, and a coveted terrace. What more could Mom want for Sunday brunch? Perhaps a complimentary mimosa! Start with citrus-roasted duck crepe and move on to Gulf flounder Creole. Don’t miss Robin’s lemon meringue pie with limoncello and blueberry coulis for dessert.
Four Seasons Hotel Houston
Toro Toro
Houston’s top hotel is celebrating Mother’s Day the whole month of May! On May 11, brunch at Bayou & Bottle where there will also be a Plants & Petals workshop and Burdlife jewelry pop-up. On May 12, indulge her in Mother's Day brunch at upscale Toro Toro. Pamper Mom at The Spa and Nail Bar with a relaxing Precious Petals body scrub and massage, manicure, or pedicure with healing sunflower and grapeseed oils; or have her choose a new fragrance or candle at the Krigler perfume boutique.
Flora Mexican Kitchen
Chilaquiles (photo by Kirsten Gilliam)
Share the flavors of Mexico with Texas touches in this gorgeous glass “treehouse” overlooking Buffalo Bayou’s Lost Lake. Brunch favorites include huevos rancheros, brunch quinoa bowl, omelets and more. Mother's Day Brunch runs May 11 and 12 at all Big Vibe Group concepts. Treat mom to brunch, lunch or dinner all weekend!
Eunice
Shrimp and grits at Eunice
This airy and chic Greenway Plaza favorite is offering an elevated Cajun-Creole brunch fit for a queen. Come hungry for dishes including shrimp and gritswith green onion-sausage gravy, softshell crab Benedict, Drew's smoked chicken and sausage gumbo, and cinnamon buns. Brunch is served from 11am to 3pm on Sunday.
Le Colonial
Le Colonial
The restaurant’s authentic French-Vietnamese cuisine, charming palm-lined dining rooms, and patio create a stylish setting for celebrations. The full menu of shareables and savory bites includes Goi Ga (Vietnamese chicken and cabbage salad with Texas pink grapefruit and sweet chili garlic vinaigrette); Ca Hoi Nuong (roasted salmon with shiitakes, bok choy, and coconut lobster broth), and Bo Luc Lac (Shaking Beef starring caramelized filet mignon with sweet onions, watercress and lime pepper vinaigrette).
Le Jardinier at MFAH
Atlantic cod at Le Jardinier (photo by Julie Soefer)
Take Mom and the family to this modern, French-inspired restaurant for artful fare with a side of fine art from 11am-2pm. The Bastion Collection will have a special, three-course menu with savory highlights like Poached White Asparagus with passionfruit reduction, Wagyu beef bavette with broccolini, and a gorgeous lemon tart with tarragon ice cream, and more for dessert. Kids menu available.
La Griglia
Ricotta pancakes with blueberry compote
Haven’t checked out the new La Griglia yet? Now’s your time: The highly anticipated brunch menu has arrived, and the pretty patio is calling your name. Lemon ricotta pancakes with blueberry compote; crabmeat and caviar fritatta; and libations including the Espresso Martini and Harry’s Bellini Poggio Costa Prosecco with white peach nectar are waiting. An array of antipasti, insalate, primi and secondi courses are also on the new Sunday brunch menu served from 11am-3pm.
Liberty Kitchen & Oysterette
On Sunday, May 12, both locations are celebrating all moms with a chef-driven brunch starting at 9:30am. The menu includes Lemon Elderflower Waffles featuring lemon curd, Chantilly cream, and maple syrup, and popular mainstays like itsCoastal Benedict with poached Maine lobster or Chesapeake crab, chicken sausage and kale frittata, and more.
Little Hen
Everything’s coming up roses at this floral-flocked breakfast, brunch and afternoon tea destination in the River Oaks District center. Rose petal pancakes, a caviar omelet with smoked salmon, or avocado eggs Benedict will surely melt her heart.
Navy Blue
Navy Blue carrot cake (photo by Caroline Fontenot)
Indulge in brunch at chef Aaron Bludorn’s seafood concept in the Rice Village. Start with tuna crudo. For mains, choose whole branzino with cucumber and skordalia (Greek garlic dip), crab Benedict with tomato jam, or steak and eggs with chimichurri. Cinnamon rolls are great to share with the table and the carrot cake is phenomenal.
NoPo Café, Market & Bar
NoPo avocado toast (photo by Kirsten Gilliam)
All Berg Hospitality concepts including this handy café on Post Oak will offer a complimentary bellini or mimosa to Mom’s on Mother’s Day. Drop in for brunch from 10-4PM and enjoy classics like stacked avocado toast, crème brulee French toast and more. If dining at home, pre-order cookies or pretty “I love Mom” iced cakes.
Postino
Postino brunch
Let mom sleep in on Mother’s Day and take her to one of Postino’s locations for brunch. The menu features oodles of wines by the glass and a special Lavender Spritz. Breakfast bites tempt – think donut bites, a focaccia stack, and the Morning Remix: fancy scrambled eggs with crème fraiche, Parmigiana Reggiano, crispy fingerling potatoes and a side of bacon.
The Post Oak Hotel
This five-star hotel in Uptown will celebrate Mother’s Day with an over-the-top Springtime in Paris brunch. Take a tour through the “butcher shop” for carved lamb and filet mignon or the Poissonerie for fish dishes like roasted salmon. Move on to the Sushi Bar; The Brasserie for caviar and oysters; several other lavish food stations, plus desserts. Beverage options include a Bubble Bar with sparkling libations. May 12 from 10-4PM in the Post Oak Ballroom.
