Two restaurant newbies celebrated summer openings, beginning with Bosscat Kitchen & Libation’s bars inside The James and The Ivy apartment buildings in River Oaks. Residents and guests can enjoy signature cocktails from Bosscat’s bar director Matt Sharp, plus an exclusive menu of light bites. More foodie fun awaited at Poitín, Sawyer Yards’ newest arrival. The restaurant’s grand-opening bash benefited the Orange Show Center for Visionary Art, and was full of funky touches like undercover comedians from The Secret Group and a drag show by Blackberri and friends. There was no shortage of beverages or bites — the pork belly apps were nicely washed down with colorful cocktails and beer from neighboring Holler Brewery and Green Flash Brewing Co.
CHAPMAN & KIRBY, THE premier event destination in Houston’s East Village, is thrilled to announce the launch of its Spring Music Series, kicking off on Friday, April 12. Chapman & Kirby has become synonymous with top-tier events and unforgettable experiences, many attended by celebrities both local and worldwide. With concert ticket prices soaring to hundreds and even thousands of dollars in the last year, this eight-week music series promises to be a welcomed opportunity to engage with live music for free, showcasing an eclectic lineup of talented acts.
"At Chapman & Kirby, we are dedicated to curating exceptional experiences for our guests beyond great food and drinks. The Spring Music Series is a testament to our commitment to hospitality from every angle, and we’re excited to show off incredible talent" said Mazen Baltagi, co-owner of Chapman & Kirby.
In partnership with Gulf Coast Entertainment, the Spring Music Series lineup will feature a diverse array of musical talents. Each Friday night will offer a unique, interactive experience for guests, via music, food & beverage and local vendor pop-ups. Doors will open at 6pm, with performances starting promptly at 7pm. Purchase tickets here. The schedule includes:
April 26: Manhattan Band by Jordan Kahn Music Company
Photo @jordankahnorchestra on Instagram
May 3: Grupo Kache followed by a DJ until 2am
Photo from kacheontheweb.com
May 10: Junior Gordon (Country Night)
Photo from juniorgordonband.com
May 17: David Delagarza (R&B Night)
Photo from Facebook
May 24: Hybrid 7
Photo from @hybrid7music on Instagram
May 31: Danny Ray and the Atlantic Street Band
Photo from dannyrayatlanticstreetband.com
Beyond a 'Shadow of a Doubt', Hitchcock-Themed Alley Ball Is Spellbinding Soiree
AN APPROPRIATELY DRAMATIC event, this year’s Alley Ball transformed the Post Oak Hotel into an old-Hollywood-themed tribute to Alfred Hitchcock. Bold red curtains framed large screens playing black and white clips of classic Hitchcock films, and the centerpieces made of dark red roses had crows hidden in them! This was the backdrop for a spellbinding night that raised $1.22 mil for the theater.
During cocktail hour, a large bar designed to look like a ‘50s-era movie-theater concessions stand occupied the main reception area. On the bar were curious boxes emanating smoke; guests who dared open them were surprised with a martini!
Before dinner was served, guests heard from the man himself, Alfred Hitchcock. Well, Alley actor Chris Salazar dressed as Hitchcock welcomed guests alongside fellow company members portraying some of the filmmaker’s most beloved characters from The Birds, Psycho,and Rear Window.
The live auction was a theater-lover’s dream,boasting a walk-on roll in the Alley’s beloved Christmas Carol and a luxury trip to enjoy The Devil Wears Pradaon London’s West End up for grabs! The party progressed onto the hypnotic black-and-white dancefloor — a nod to the movie Vertigo — where revelers danced until after midnight to The Big Beyond.
Alley Theatre stages Hitchcock’s Dial M for Murder this summer as part of its Summer Chills programming.
Dean Gladden, Roger & Connie Plank, Angela & Craig Jarchow, Rob Melrose
Scarlett Hankey & Ryan Arnoult
Kelly Noel, Valerie Jalufka, Gayle Delahunt
Tony & Cynthia Petrello
Vertigo on the dancefloor!
Hector and Victoria Longoria, Carly Standley, Arturo Chavez
Health LaPray & Travis Torrence
Ford Hubbard & Renee Lewis
Derrick Shope & Brandon Bourque
Sofia & Nadeem Sheikh
Oscar Brown & Sarah Morgan
Betty Hrncir, Sidney Faust, John Hrncir
Kelly Somoza, Brandon Weinbrenner & Beth Madison
Alex and Victoria Lazar
Roger and Connie Plank
ON MAY 4 IN Kentucky, thousands of race fans will don their springtime finest and excessive headwear to watch horses run around the track for exactly one and a quarter mile. Join the mint-julep fun at Houston’s three top spots to witness “the fastest two minutes in sports” — and just maybe win a costume contest.
Arnaldo Richards' Picos
While their main event will be Cinco de Mayo the next day (their 40th!) Picos will have derby-inspired drinks with happy hour from 11-5pm. Don’t miss the best-dressed contest — the winner gets a brunch for four!
Backstreet Cafe
Maker's Mark and patio-fave Backstreet Cafe are teaming up for an all-day party May 4, featuring three iterations of a Maker's Mark mint julep and a special dish: Backstreet's Kentucky Derby Board ($32) has deviled eggs, pimento cheese, cucumber sandwiches, hot-chicken biscuits, and fried green tomatoes with crab remoulade. And don't forget the hats! There will be a prize for the best one.
Brasserie 19
B19's Derby Day bash (photo by Andy Hemingway)
Mark your calendars: the 150th Kentucky Derby is right around the corner. Wear your finest hats and raise your mint juleps as Brasserie 19 hosts its annual Kentucky Derby Hat Party on May 4 from 1pm-7pm. Round up your crew and join the River Oaks crowd for an afternoon of horse racing and high style. Put your Derby hat game to the test for a chance to win a Champagne brunch for six! To secure your reservation for the party, contact the restaurant directly at 713.524.1919.
Brenner's on the Bayou
Brenner's on the Bayou
Wine Fest Derby Style is back at Brenner’s on the Bayou. Guests are invited on Saturday, May 4, to sample an exclusive wine collection while listening to live music and strolling around the scenic property. In addition, chef-crafted bites will be served from eight of Houston’s top restaurants. This year, the outdoor festival will feature 18 wineries and sampling of more than 40 wines, including Napa Valley-based Revana Family Vineyards owned by Houston physician Madaiah Revana. Guests are invited to break out their spring pastels, hats and fascinators and enter the Derby Big Hat Contest. Grand, second and third prizes will be awarded. After the event, stay and watch the race at one of Houston’s best patio bars, Blue Bar. Wine Fest Experience Tickets, available here, are $150, or $250 for the VIP Exclusive Experience.
Hamsa
Even Hamsa, Rice Village’s Israeli resto, is getting in on the fun! Enjoy a Woodford-sponsored Derby brunch and drink menu from 11:30am-2:30pm on its verdant patio. Guests are encouraged to dress the part, so break out the bowties and fancy hats!
Heights Bier Garten
Heights Bier Garten
For a more casual affair, check out Heights Bier Garten's eighth annual Race for the Roses party. Doors open at 11am, but Derby festivities won't begin until 3pm, when Davi Jay & The Bourbon Street Experience take the stage. Plenty of games, photo booths, and mint juleps here! Best Dressed Contest takes place at 6:30pm.
Julep
James Beard Award-winning bar owner Alba Huerta and Top Chef pitmaster contender Michelle Wallace will team up at Julep’s annual Derby bash May 4, from 1-4pm. Expect mint julep-friendly bites throughout the afternoon and DJ G-Funk and DJ Goodfat live entertainment. The Wash Ave hot spot encourages guests to show off their Southern flair and break out their best Derby hats and bowties for the backyard tented event, which features several bars. Tickets available online.
Pier 6
Take a mini road trip and enjoy Derby Day bayside! Pier 6 throws a spirited soiree on its patio, 4-7pm, complete with a rose-covered wall for pics, wine-basket prize for the best dressed, and Woodford mint juleps for just $8 (the best price we've seen!). Plus: Guests who pick the winning horse will be entered into a raffle for a Pier 6 gift card.