A Legendary Toast

Online Now

Houston CityBook and presenting sponsor BBVA Compass hosted an intimate cocktail party to honor the inaugural class of Leaders & Legends, as seen in a dynamic portrait portfolio, shot by Steve Visneau, in the April issue. More than 100 of the city’s movers and shakers packed the poolside, atrium-like “salon” of the Hotel Granduca — in the very space where the 14 Leaders & Legends were photographed. In the middle of the room, a gourmet spread greeted guests — the caviar was to-die-for — who mixed and mingled over cocktails and heavy pours of vino and sparkling rosé. Nearby, teen prodigies of the Virtousi of Houston chamber orchestra performed.


After grabbing some passed bites like the sweet miniature waffle cones filled with savory ahi tuna, guests took their posts at cocktail tables and CityBook’s Executive Publisher Lisa Holthouse took to the mic. She praised each honoree for his or her contributions to their respective disciplines, and presented them with a special gift, courtesy of Events. Leaders & Legends in attendance included iconic prima ballerina Lauren Anderson; Houston Ballet principal Conor Walsh; commercial developer Jonathan Brinsden of Midway Companies; businesswomen and wellness execs Janet Gurwitch and Tiffany Masterson; developer and visionary Gerald Hines; UH Hines College of Architecture dean Patricia Oliver; restaurateurs Ben Berg and Tony Vallone; philanthropist Phoebe Tudor; and the ever-iconic Lynn Wyatt, Houston CityBook’s April covergirl.

CultureMap and Lamborghini Houston were also among the hosts and sponsors of the photographic portfolio and party.

Party People
Wellness Pro LeBrina Jackson on Gratitude at the Holidays: It’s a ‘Reset Button for my Mind’

LeBrina Jackson

AS WE GET into the holiday season, we’re reminded of what we have, what we want and what might be lacking. As Sheryl Crow says in her song, Soak up the Sun, “It’s not having what you want, it’s wanting what you've got.” We caught up with LeBrina Jackson, owner of Escape Spa in Cypress, Texas, and learned how she tackles the holiday season with hope, love and most importantly, gratitude.

Keep Reading Show less

Chairs Elia and Michael Gabbanelli

ANOTHER YEAR, ANOTHER sold-out Wine Dinner and Collector's Auction for the Houston Symphony. This year's event was chaired by Elia and Michael Gabbanelli, and raised more than $900,000 for the Symphony's education and community programs.

Keep Reading Show less
Art + Entertainment

Chef-owner Austin Waiter of The Marigold Club, now serving fried chicken and Champagne on Sunday nights.


IF YOUR SUNDAY nights could use a little sparkle—and a lot of fried chicken—The Marigold Club has just the thing. Starting May 25 at 5pm, the Montrose hotspot known for its playful mix of Southern charm and London polish is rolling out a new weekly tradition: Fried Chicken & Champagne Sundays.

This isn’t your average comfort food situation. We're talking a shareable fried chicken dinner for two, made with farm-raised birds from Deeply Rooted Ranch, and served alongside buttery whipped potatoes, minted peas, aged cheddar scones, and some over-the-top sauces — including a foie gras sauce supreme that’s as extra as it sounds.

Keep Reading Show less
Food