A vibrantly colorful painting of Astro superstar Jeremy Peña by popular artist Israel Rodriguez heralds the first “Cool 100” issue of Houston’s premier city and lifestyle magazine. Both Peña and Rodriguez are among the 100.
“I wanted to create this portrait of Jeremy Peña with his signature heart hands,” says Rodriguez, “because I found his relationship with his mother relatable to my mother and her support of my career as an artist.”
The painting, acrylic on canvas, commissioned by CityBook, “turned out amazing,” adds the artist. “I received a lot of great feedback from local Astros fans. It has also opened doors for me to be able to support local youth groups by creating a similar larger scale mural of Peña.”
Rodriguez was pleased he made the Cool 100 list. “It’s an honor to be named one of the 100 coolest people in Houston because it validates my effort in placing a larger focus on expanding awareness of the art community in Houston, which all too often is overlooked.”
The Cool 100 is a new concept for the magazine, in which the coolest people in the city are ranked from one to 100. This list — and who made the No. 1 spot — won’t be revealed until the magazine reaches newsstands later today.
“We’ve been contemplating this for a while,” says CityBook Editor Jeff Gremillion of the list. “It’s a lot of work, and we open ourselves to criticism from folks who might not have made the list this year, or those who question the rankings. Ultimately, we just hope to start a conversation about how cool a city Houston itself is, because of the contributions of so many interesting and engaged people.”
Rosé Soiree
“Wine and food are like art because they express the culture, imagination and passion of the people who create them,” says Wine & Food Week co-founder Constance McDerby. Considered the largest, most comprehensive epicurean and wine adventure from Aspen to New Orleans, Wine & Food Week offers guests a chance to sip, taste and mingle with Houston’s top chefs, sommeliers and culinary pros. Peruse the choices and snag tickets here.
Grand Tasting
Vitacca Ballet will perform at the June 8 event
Come hungry and thirsty for eight different events, presented by H-E-B. June 5 is the Flavors of Australian Wine & Dine Kick-Off Dinner, where The Woodlands Resort will unveil its newly renovated restaurant, Harrison’s. Guests will sip Australian wines and enjoy a seven-course dinner prepared by fine dining restaurants Back Table Kitchen and Bar, Sorriso Italian Kitchen and E’terie.
June 7 is Wine Around the World Wednesday, which will showcase an extraordinary display of diverse wines from six countries across three continents. Travel to each of the rooms to enjoy wines paired with foods and get you in the jetsetting mode.
Rosé Way, A Sweet Soiree on June 8 will be hosted in one of region’s favorite event centers for weddings — so much, it was aired on Oprah’s network show Marry Me Now. Nestled in the old peach orchard south of Sawdust Road is The Peach Orchard venue where pink summer sippers paired with fashion and a presentation by dance company Vitacca Ballet will continue the week’s theme of Wine + Food = Art.
June 9 is the Ladies of the Vine Tasting, Luncheon and Panel Discussion at the Club at Carlton Woods. The elegant event features intimate tasting stations featuring wines produced by women, followed by a plated luncheon, and panel discussion by a group of prominent women in wine. (FYI: Men are allowed!)
Friday of that week brings a more casual event Sips, Suds, and Savor to The Woodlands Waterway Marriott Hotel and Convention Center. Wines, beers, food, and an array of experiential art installations like PaintJam! – an electrifying performance art show in which paintings are spun together in minutes live onstage. Prizes will be awarded for the most creative wearable art – think cork necklaces.
On Saturday evening, June 10, there will be two formal events. The Wine Rendezvous Grand Tasting and Chef Showcase will take place on the entire first floor of The Woodlands Waterway Convention Center. Wine and food pods will pave the floor, with five or six wineries per pod, along with chefs cooking and sharing creations. Dishes will be judged by a group of foodies to crown the best chef at the event with the coveted Chef of Chefs award and a cash prize. Expect to enjoy more than 50 restaurants and at least 500 different wines. Guests can opt for the Bayway Cadillac VIP Luxury Lounge featuring crème de la crème wines and special guests in an intimate area with posh seating.
The week will culminate with La Dolce Vita Sparkling Brunch at Sorriso Italian Kitchen on June 11. The family-style brunch will include Italian wine pairings with each course. This year’s event will honor Patricia Sharpe, longtime journalist and Texas Monthly editor and restaurant critic.
Patricia Sharpe
