parties

‘Iron Sommelier’ Fundraiser Among Flurry of In-Person Charity Parties This Week

Eric Forsythe
‘Iron Sommelier’ Fundraiser Among Flurry of In-Person Charity Parties This Week

On the leading edge of what seems to be a cautious return to live events — with actual people there, in person — the Periwinkle Foundation on Thursday night crowned Evan Turner of Krasi Meze & Wine the 2020 Iron Sommelier at its annual wine-tasting fundraiser, where extraordinary measures were taken to minimize any risk of Covid spread. Theodore Rex's Justin Vann was runner-up.

At least one other in-person benefit soiree is taking place in Houston Friday night. The Faberge jewelry store is hosting a VIP dinner party at the Memorial area home of MAD and BCN restaurateur Ignacio Torras to benefit Astro star Carlos Correa's Correa Family Foundation, which supports children battling cancer and their families. And on Saturday night Elizabeth and Alan Stein will host their annual Red Hot Gala in support of the Houston Professional Firefighters Association Charitable Foundation at the Royal Sonesta Houston hotel; "red hot cocktail" is the suggested attire. Both events have been carefully planned with distancing and masking in mind.

Portions of the event for Periwinkle, which provides programs for Texas Children Hospital patients with life-threatening illnesses, took place at Backstreet Café and at Hugo's to allow tables to be spaced out safely. The competing somms, each having selected two wines to present and an discuss, were shuttled to each restaurant to give presentations at both locations. They were judged by experts on their wine choice, presentation, creativity general knowledge of their bottles.

Sommeliers also presented their wines in a virtual zoom for supporters who preferred to enjoy the event from home. Guests had been provided with a to-go wine-tasting kit to enjoy while following along with the virtual presentation.

Amy and Matt Airhart

Andres Blanco

Betty Hemmus, Adam Murray

Brittany and Justin Loomis

Wine being poured

Ben Hildreth, Mary Nell Suell

Darren Davis, Shankar Nadarajah

Competing Sommelier

David and Gloria Sanders

Hugo's

Eva Sagisaka, Morgan Holleman

Gary Lenz, Suzanne Kirkpatrick

From Your Site Articles
Parties
promoted

As Escape Spa Expands in 2025, Owner Has Advice on Personal Growth: ‘Focus on Intention Setting’

As Escape Spa Expands in 2025, Owner Has Advice on Personal Growth: ‘Focus on Intention Setting’

CHANGE IS A good thing, and with the start of a new year, I always like to reflect on how far I've come and start fresh by setting self-care goals for the coming months. Personal growth is a passion for me, and also something I enjoy. Guiding a business through growth and change is also one of my passions, so I am very pleased to announce that Escape Spa is going to be expanding in 2025! We’re honored that we’ve built such a loyal following since opening in Cypress in July of 2022, and we’re thrilled to be in a position to grow our wellness and recovery sanctuary just outside of Houston.

Keep Reading Show less
the magazine

‘CityBook’ Remembers Photographer Jhane Hoang and Her Polished Portraits and Rich Fashion Spreads

Late photographer Jhane Hoang (center) and some of her subjects, including fashion models and musicians

WHEN JHANE HOANG died late last month after a quiet, private battle with cancer, Houston lost one of its most talented and exacting photographers — and my colleagues at CityBook and I lost a beloved contributor and friend.

Keep Reading Show less
Art + Entertainment
parties

Billy Bob Thornton Helps Raise $1.3mil for Bryan Museum

Dave Rossman

John Bryan, Mary Jon Bryan, Billy Bob Thornton, J.P. Bryan

MORE THAN 500 guests gathered in Galveston for the Bryan Museum Gala, an evening that celebrated both the 10th anniversary of the museum and some of the most influential names in Texas oil and gas. Titled the Wildcatters Gala, the event honored Ernie H. Cockrell, Mary Ralph Lowe, Trevor Rees-Jones and the families of Eddy C. Scurlock and R.E. “Bob” Smith — all recognized for their legacy of leadership and philanthropy in the industry.

Keep Reading Show less
Parties