Fashion Takes the Stage
The best trends in women’s accessories seem inspired by Houston’s epic performing-arts calendar. Bravo!
Julie Soefer
Oct. 16, 2017
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WHETHER YOU PREFER Alice, the Mad Hatter or the Queen of Hearts, Communities In Schools of Houston’s A Night in Wonderland 45th Anniversary GalaA Night in Wonderland 45th Anniversary Galais not to be missed! Join in the celebration for a whimsical good time on Thursday, April 4th, at the luxurious Post Oak Hotel.
Chaired by philanthropists Lauren and John Brollier and Cassie and John Milam, with honorary chairs Kirby and Scott McCool and Judy and Charles Tate, the magical evening supporting the valuable and impactful work of CIS of Houston begins at 6:30pm with a cocktail hour, then dinner and the program. Rounding out the event is live entertainment by the popular Houston-based band Klockwork. Guests can dance the night away, starting at 9pm.
The always diverse crowd makes for a dynamic event. Party-goers are encouraged to dress in “Wonderland Whimsy Cocktail” attire, with the goal of fun and festive. Cocktail attire is also a great option.
Don Friedell and emcee Lisa Malosky at a previous CIS Gala
Attendees at a previous CIS Gala
A full ballroom at a prior CIS Gala
CIS of Houston's Martha Montoya Sanchez with Northbrook High School seniors
CIS of Houston CEO Lisa Descant and CIS of Houston Dir. of Development Donna Watkins with CareSource Foundation
Special guest at the 45th Anniversary Gala is Rey Saldaña, President & CEO of Communities In Schools National in Arlington, VA. During the program, guests will view a powerful video about the life-changing work of CIS Houston, in addition to hearing heartwarming testimonials, bringing a personal touch to the evening.
Funds raised from A Night in Wonderland will support the CIS mission to surround students with a community of support, empowering them to stay in school and achieve in life. Currently serving 163 campuses across Greater Houston, CIS places at least one full-time CIS Student Support Manager on each partner campus to deliver comprehensive direct services including counseling, academic support and health and human services.
The chairs want to thank the event’s top-tier donors to date: Judy and Charles Tate; CenterPoint Energy; Sharon G. Dies; The Marie and James H. Galloway Foundation; Beth and Bob Gower; and Marathon Oil.
Tickets are going fast! They start at $500, and tables for 10 range from $5,000 through $50,000. Underwriting opportunities are still available.
Judy Tate (photo by Emily Jaschke)
Scott and Kirby McCool
Kit Detering, Cassie Milam, Carl Detering (photo by Jenny Antill)
Sharon G. Dies and Lauren Brollier
THE LATEST IN a series of hot spots from serial restaurateur Ben Berg, Prime 131 may just be his hottest one yet.
We mean that literally: The live-fire steakhouse and sushi restaurant just bowed in a revamped industrial space called The Docks at Timbergrove. Designed to recall New York’s Meatpacking District in the ’90s, the restaurant occupies what was once a factory; an old crane was painted red and hangs from the ceiling, above original polished-concrete floors.
There are four central wood-fire grills, and two Josper charcoal ovens, plus a sushi bar and four Korean-barbecue-style tables.
Stadium-style seating in the main dining room ensures that all patrons are treated to a great view of the grills, chefs, and fellow guests. According to Berg, his OG steakhouse B&B Butchers & Restaurant has an oft-requested table in its main dining room — Table 131.
“This restaurant has been marinating in my mind for a long �me and I’m excited to finally bring it to life,” he said in a statement. “Our first steak-centric concept since the success of B&B Butchers 9 years ago, Prime 131 is a testament to our commitment to providing unforgettable moments and exceptional food for Houstonians.”
It’s the first restaurant opening since Berg onboarded Regional Culinary Director Alisher Yallaev and Executive Pastry Chef Ruchit Harneja. Yallaev says that Prime 131’s menu differs from a traditional steakhouse in the sense that a standard appetizer-entrée-side-dessert order need not apply. “We designed a menu that the entire table can share as it comes off the grill,” he says.
Unique plates include chicken-fried lobster and salt-grilled branzino, plus a mouthwatering selection of USDA Prime cuts, along with American, Australian and Japanese Wagyu “ranging from A5 and Snow Beef to Kobe.” Harneja’s desserts include Skillet Fudge: República del Cacao Mexican chocolate, brown butter ice cream and frosted pecans. Alternatively, roast your own s’mores at your table.
To drink, expect cocktails that also may bring to mind Manhattan in the ’90s: Appletini or Miami Vice, anyone? Plus, the wine list tops 150 labels.
Korean BBQ
Korean BBQ
Inside Prime 131
Retro Cocktails
S'mores
Prime 131
On March 25, JŪN welcomes Top Chef alum Jo Chan of Austin’s new Bureau De Poste for a six-course collaboration with cocktails at 5:30pm and dinner at 6:30pm. To celebrate Women’s History Month, each course will be paired with wines from women winemakers. A few wines to anticipate: Moretta, Day WinesOregon, and Stella Crinita Argentina.
Smith-Devereux Wines at Mutiny Wine Room (photo by Becca Wright)
Grab a flight of wines and chat up the very charismatic Ian Devereaux, co-founder and vintner of Smith Devereaux based in Napa, on March 26. Four boutique wines will be accompanied by a grazing table of snacks. The following day, March 27, come hungry for a four-course dinner curated by Mutiny’s chef Eduardo paired with four Smith Devereux wines. Its EBEX Merlot, which was awarded 92 points by Wine Enthusiast, will be poured at the dinner.
Chic Heights area Mutiny Wine Room is owned by Emily Trout and Mark Ellenberger, who have their own Napa wine brand, Kagan Cellars. Kagan was recently recognized with severalnational and local awards at the 2024 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition and the 2024 Houston Rodeo Wine Competition. To celebrate the rodeo accolades, the wine bar will be offering featured winning wine flights through March.
DO Rias Baixas
On March 27, DO Rias Baixas, home to the “original” Spanish Albarino, will be the wine of the evening at the Culturemap Tastemaker Awards Houston. Rías Baixas has been proud to be at the forefront of women’s equality for decades, and of note, half ofwinemakers in the region are women. The exclusive wine sponsor of the event will pour eight world-class Albarino wines and present the award for Wine Program of the Year, along with impressive nominees such as March and Nobie’s. For more information and tickets, visit this link.
Molly Austed (photo by Julie Soefer)
Mondays are all about wine at Navy Blue! On April 8, sommelier Molly Austad welcomes former restaurateur Chris Shepherd to co-host the monthly wine club dinner. Relish a special four-course meal with wine pairings in an intimate and interactive setting while gleaning wine tips from the pros. If you can’t make it April 8, the next dinner will be May 13. Wine club dinners take place in Navy Blue’s private room; for tickets, visit Resy.
Farmhouse Vineyards, a participating winery on April 18
Next month, on April 18, Texas Hill Country Wineries are bringing 20 wineries and more than 60 wines to Houston for a tasting experience. Come meet winery personalities including owners, winemakers, vineyard managers, and more at The Peach Orchard in The Woodlands with doors opening for consumers at 5:30pm. Tickets, $75 per person, include wine tastings, charcuterie, light appetizers and an event wine glass to take home.