Symphony's Sold-Out Wine Dinner Serves Up a Foodie Feast, Draws Nearly $1M for Community Programs

Priscilla Dickson
Symphony's Sold-Out Wine Dinner Serves Up a Foodie Feast, Draws Nearly $1M for Community Programs

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.


An impressive 365 guests, Champagne in hand, perused the silent auction during the cocktail hour. Buzzed-about packages included a seven-night Tuscan adventure, six bottles of vintage Red Bourdeaux, and more. Once the dinner chimes rang, everyone made their way to the Jones Hall stage, which was outfitted with intricate candelabras and richly colorful blooms courtesy of The Events Company, a nod to the evening's tehem, A Bacchanal Feast.

This year's "feast" was prepared by beloved chef Danny Trace of Potente and featured wine pairings expertly chosen by John and Lindy Rydman and Lisa Rydman Lindsey of Spec's. The five-course menu was a special treat for attendees. Trace's entree, a perigeux veal with goat-cheese polenta, was truly mouthwatering. And his dessert — a decadent double chocolate cake topped with caramel crunch pearls and Chambord — ensured the evening ended on a high note!

Carey Kirkpatrick, Ken and Mady Kades

Aerin and Quentin Smith

Ann and Jonathan Ayre

Sippi and Ajay Khurana

Betty and Jesse Tutor

Robert and Joan Duff

Bob Weiner and Collector's Auction Chair Jack Matzer

Ralph Burch, Vicki West and Robert Sakowitz

Margaret Alkek Williams, Gary Ginstling

Hallie Vanderhider and Bobby Dees

Lindy and John Rydman

Art + Entertainment
Spa-tacular Getaway Opportunity: Retreat to Mexico this Summer with a Houston Wellness Expert

Palmaïa The House of AïA

THIS SUMMER, LEBRINA Jackson, owner of Escape Spa in Cypress, is taking her wisdom and joie de wellness to the jungle. Far beyond the walls of her beautiful spa, she’s aiming to create a quiet space for people to work on their personal growth in a community-centric atmosphere. She shares what participants will get out of the trip and why it’s important to take time for self-care in 2025.

Why is it important for people to “retreat”? Life can feel like a non-stop marathon, and sometimes we forget to just... breathe. Retreating offers a chance to step off the treadmill for a bit and hit the reset button. It's about giving your body and mind some much-needed TLC, allowing for genuine relaxation and rejuvenation. Beyond the personal perks, retreats often create a cool sense of community, connecting you with others on a similar path. By carving out space for self-reflection, you can recharge and return to your daily life with a clearer head and a bit more pep in your step.

Keep Reading Show less
Wellness+Giving Back

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

Brian Crawmer, Sarah Crawmer, Marilyn, and David Guion

VITA LIVING WELCOMED over 300 guests to its annual Pearls of Wisdom Fiesta at the River Oaks Country Club. This year’s dinner — themed Una Notte Italianaraised more than $207,000 in support of lifelong care for children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Keep Reading Show less
Parties