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

Alira Med Spa's Escarle Silva Travels World ‘Searching for the Best Tricks to Help Others’

Alira Med Spa's Escarle Silva Travels World ‘Searching for the Best Tricks to Help Others’

Alira Med Spa Owner, World Travel Blogger, Influencer, Philanthropist

Med Spa Owner

As a small business owner, I get to wear many hats. I became an Aesthetician to gain more knowledge about the services my business was going to provide, thinking that I will only focus on the administrative side of the business. Soon I became the business administrator and the lead Aesthetician. Currently, I am hands-on with our social media and marketing promotions, in addition to my regular facial clients. As time has passed, I realized I needed it to ramp up my services and technology to keep up with our competitors and now we offer a wide variety of Medical Spa services such as injectables and laser treatments. Visit aliramedspa.com to book an appointment today!

Keep Reading Show less
parties

How ‘Sweet’ It Is: Women Honored at Saks’ Valentine’s Tea

Christine Johnson and Jody Merritt

A LOVELY AND truly heart-felt tradition continued, when Saks Fifth Avenue and its 5115 restaurant hosted the 14th annual Houston Sweethearts tea.

Keep Reading Show less
Party People
the magazine

A Personal Note from Jeff Gremillion: Changes at ‘Houston CityBook’

ON JAN. 3, 2025, I observed a big personal anniversary. As of that day, it’d been 20 years since I first moved to Houston — from the Big Apple media circus, by way of my home state of Louisiana — and began working as an editor in the lifestyle-magazine biz here. It’s been two full decades, which is hard to believe! I like to joke that I’m far too young and good-looking to have done anything for two decades. But here we are.

Keep Reading Show less