Justin Yu, Chris Shepherd, Robert Del Grande and Hugo Ortega
Carrie Wirsing and Jeanette Jenkins
Derrick Shore, Tom Mays and Owen Conflenti (photo by Daniel Ortiz)
“Guests walked into the Grand Ballroom transformed into the colorful streets of Buenos Aires,” noted a rep for the Alley. “The Events Company pulled out all the stops and had guests gasping at Argentine-inspired centerpieces in differing shapes and sizes on banquet-laden tables. The gorgeous florals were designed by Walker Chancey, along with iconic Argentine landmarks and even tango dancers from Marcone Dance Studio.”
Guests loved a video highlighting Gladden’s contributions, and Gladden’s heartfelt remarks, with wife Jane at his side. Dean is the longest-serving director in the Alley’s storied history. Others who took to the podium included chairs Michele and Dheeraj Verma and Artistic Director Rob Melrose.
The live auction was stirring, including items such as a walk-on role in a performance of the Alley’s annual production of A Christmas Carol and one in the upcoming season’s production of Agatha Christie’s The Mirror Crack’d.
“Other live auctions included a trip to see The Queen of Versailles in New York, a week-long trip to Buenos Aires, and a 4th of July long weekend at the Ritz Carlon, Grand Cayman,” explained the Alley rep. “The big auction winner of the evening was titled “Seared at Home with Justin Yu”, where the winner’s kitchen will be taken over by James Beard Award-winning Chef Justin Yu alongside Resident Acting Company Member Christopher Salazar and Seared Director and Alley Associate Brandon Weinbrenner.”
Guests included Sen. Ted Cruz and Heidi Cruz, Grant and Angie Dorfman, Beth Madison, Derrick Shore, Cynthina and Anthony Petrello, Connie and Roger Plank, Susana Brener de Stern, Juan R. Stern, Ford Hubbard III, Michelle Elaine, Chris Hutchison, Melissa Molano and David Rainey.
Michele and Dheeraj Verma and Ted and Heidi Cruz (phot by Daniel Ortiz)
Kristen Cannon and Edward Sanchez (photo by Daniel Ortiz)
(Beth Madison, Steve Hamilton and Denise Monteleone (photo by Daniel Ortiz)
Tina Raham Stewart and Bob Nowa (photo by Alida Bonifaz)
Michele Verma and Amanda Austin (photo by Alida Bonifaz)
Julie Goytia, Mignon Gill and Kathy Mann (photo by Daniel Ortiz)
George Stark, Kathryn Ketelsen and Lois Stark (photo by Daniel Ortiz)
Kelly Provenzano and Cynthia Petrello (phot by Daniel Ortiz)
Dean and Jane Gladden (photo by Daniel Ortiz)
On Wednesday, May 21st, Hudson House — the latest outpost from Vandelay Hospitality Group and its visionary Founder & CEO, Hunter Pond — opens between CB2 and Banana Republic. This marks the second Houston location for the upscale American eatery, following the success of its River Oaks sibling.
The 6,077-square-foot restaurant brings an East Coast sensibility with a distinctly Texan soul to one of the city’s most iconic neighborhoods. Think: oysters flown in daily, buttery lobster rolls, cheeseburgers with a cult following, and a surprising sushi menu.
Shaken or stirred, Hudson House’s bar delivers with its famous “World’s Coldest Martinis,” Frozen Bellinis, Spicy Mexican Margaritas, and a curated wine list. Don’t sleep on dessert—the key lime pie and chocolate silk pie are worth the trip alone.
“We’re looking forward to bringing a second Hudson House to Houston,” says Pond, the Dallas-based restaurateur whose bold, style-forward concepts have made Vandelay Hospitality Group a force in the Texas dining scene. “Rice Village offers an ideal background for our beloved coastal-inspired American cuisine.”
Open daily for lunch and dinner, Hudson House also offers a can’t-miss happy hour from 3–6 p.m. on weekdays, ideal for post-shopping cocktails.
