The Library at La Colombe d'Or
Brennan's of Houston
Brennan's
Whether you want an intimate private gathering or are throwing a big bash, Brennan’s has an event venue for you. Of the nine or so choices, the Wine Room, the Little Room, the Courtyard Balcony and the Courtyard are some favorites.
Eunice
Private room at Eunice (photo by Kirsten Gilliam)
At this stylish Upper Kirby Cajun hotspot, the intimate private dining room accommodates up to 24 and showcases specialty wall treatments including lime washing and textured paper in a wildflower pattern.
Katami
Katami (photo by Casey Giltner)
This newcomer from chef Manabu Horiuchi and biz partner Yun Cheng is a sushi-forward restaurant with extensive focus on Wagyu and sake to complement. Like at its sister spot Kata Robata, fish is flown in almost daily from Japan. Enjoy the culinary adventure in its dedicated private dining room or the sunroom, which can be closed off for a larger private space.
La Colombe d'Or
La Colombe d'Or
This exquisite historical mansion gets the prize for unique private event spaces that truly make you feel at home — only better. Eight resplendent areas are on offer ranging from the handsome Library to the light-washed Conservatory, the stunning Music Room, the Sun Room, the main dining room, and more. There are also three outdoor spaces and a bright area filled with art next door in the Tower Gallery. Spaces can be privatized or combined.
La Griglia
La Griglia’s beautiful new casa sports six private spaces, which include the enchanting Tuscan-style courtyard with twinkling lights and its own bar. Most private spaces are upstairs including Cinema with modern crystal chandeliers and a working wine wall, Elegante with double glass doors overlooking the courtyard, and Segreto tucked behind the wine wall. The courtyard is also on offer, which can seat 80 with capacity for 150 standing.
Le Colonial
The exotic Lotus room is an intimate private dining room located at the back of the lounge and visible through wrought-iron French doors. With seating for up to 18 guests, the room pays homage to the official flower of Vietnam and is anchored by a Jonas Wickman mural rendered in gentle tropical tones.
March
March (photo by Julie Soefer)
The gorgeous private room bathed in blush hues with French doors seats 12 guests. Mediterranean-themed tasting menus offer many options as well as drink pairings – the wine list is something to check out. March also accepts restaurant buy-outs for large groups.
Ostia
The Greenhouse at Ostia
Fan-favorite The Greenhouse at chef Travis McShane’s Italian-meets-Cali spot gets lots of buzz for its great natural light and botanical vibes. The casual indoor-outdoor space can seat 40 and overlooks a lively patio. Its semi-private space seats 16. The dining room, the patio, and entire restaurant are also available for private events.
Pappas Bros. Steakhouse
Pappas Bros.
The downtown Pappas Bros. Steakhouse is party room central. Choose from five luxuriously appointed spaces of different sizes including the Train Car, the intimate Sidecar, the coveted Wine Room, the Dining Car, and the Lounge.
Rumi's Kitchen
Rumi's Garden Room
This new Persian palace is not only a chic place for holiday wining and dining, but it also sports an impressive private garden room that will wow your group. Wrapped in glass with high ceilings, it dazzles with enchanting dangling lights and is ideal for a standing party or dining.
State of Grace
State of Grace
Anticipate three choices at this stately yet comfy River Oaks haunt: the intimate velvet curtained dining room off the entrance, The Oyster Room, and the entire restaurant can be reserved. There’s also a conveniently hidden chef’s counter where a seven-course meal with optional wine pairings (a must!) can be enjoyed. State of Grace’s new seasonal menu by chef John Quinn features delectably presented Colorado lamb with figs and bone marrow bordelaise, ash-roasted pears with Rogue blue cheese, and more.
Dulce Far Niente
Feel lucky, because with only 20 seats, dim lighting and zero outdoor views, it could be any time of day and in any city, which makes it truly feel like an escape. Spiffy bartenders are extra attentive to each guest, carefully crafting high-end cocktails that are works of art served in specialty glassware and goblets.
You’ll be greeted with a luxe snack to nosh with one of Bandista’s classics like the beautiful Spirited Courage. This must-try is a take on the French 75 made with house made raspberry puree and meticulously garnished with whole raspberries. You’ll feel more beautiful just holding it.
To make things even jollier, consider the roster of new holiday cocktails — some of which come with little treats — created under the guidance of beverage manager Johnathan Jones. Rich in flavor, the cocktails are prepared with elements of surprise and glamour.
The eight new cocktails are open-your-eyes-inventive yet cozy for winter. The romantic Flame of Love is a modern riff on the original, which was created in 1970 for Dean Martin by Chasen’s bartender Pepe Ruiz. London Fog is a sophisticated woodsy cocktail paying tribute to Mother England showcasing various elements, while the Ritual is a clarified cocktail which takes inspiration from the classic El Diablo cocktail.
And many of us can relate this cocktail: Writer’s Block. This refreshing gin-based cooler designed to get the creative juices flowing and its hand-picked block of ice is quite a piece of work. There’s a tiki drink lover in every group and Call Me Sambaldy is a fun, classic tiki-style drink thrown on its head with a hint of unexpected Asian spice. Dessert lovers should start or end with Dulce Far Niente — a cocktail version of the famed Italian dessert, tiramisu, complete with mascarpone mousse!
London Fog
Jonathan Jones
Back from last year by popular demand are decadent concoctions including Menage a Trois, a trio of sensory experiences surrounding a Brandy Alexander, as well as the Pimm’s Cup. The stunning presentation of a deconstructed Pimm's Cup allows the guest to pour to their desired mix. Ladies love the Sparkling Courage – the pink cocktail is the life of the party, eliciting major French 75 vibes.
Wondering about the name Bandista? Inspired by the tequileros, the Prohibition-era smugglers who illegally transported tequila, Bandista is a cocktail journey and experience open Wednesday through Saturday from 5PM to midnight. Reservations are required, so book that holiday escape pronto.
Elsewhere in the Four Seasons Hotel, there are holiday happenings galore including holiday carollers. Through Dec. 31, enjoy holiday treats at Bayou & Bean where a new seasonal menu takes stage, including festive additions like gingerbread men and peppermint mochas. The Gingerbread Tea with Santa is Dec. 17 and Christmas Day brunch is Dec. 25 at Toro Toro.
Wellness is in order, so put the Peppermint Pampering at The Spa on your radar, which lasts through Jan. 7. This includes a special massage, foot or back scrub, and a treat to take home. Kick off 2024 with Bayou & Bottle’s New Year’s Eve party with live music, or at Bandista for an intimate gathering. Cheers!
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