Justin Yu, Chris Shepherd, Robert Del Grande and Hugo Ortega
Lainie Gordon and David Mincberg
Jack Vielhauer, Cher Baker, Lindsay Yates, Sarah Smith, Aaron Matthews, Mario Gudmundsson
The annual party — which celebrates the magazine’s “Cool 100” list, which ranks the Houston’s coolest people of the moment — was held at the grand new Le Tesserae event space in the East River development. The sexy bash doubled as the grand opening for the beautiful venue, a new sister project to the beloved Astorian space off the Washington Corridor.
Along with Le Tesserae, sponsors for the event included top-tier catering outfit Jackson & Company and Bentley Houston, which presented a fabulous luxury model near the party entrance. Exclusive Furniture, which underwrote the content in the magazine, was also a sponsor. Liquor sponsors included Insólito tequila, whose Pink Flamingo signature cocktail garnished with edible sugar versions of the magazine’s Cool 100 cover, were a hit. Fraser & Thompson whiskey, Aspen vodka and Campari were also sponsors, serving up delicious drinks.
Avenue 360 Health & Wellness — which makes a large range of healthcare services available to many thousands of patients throughout the Houston area, regardless of their ability to pay — was the spotlight nonprofit for the evening. Board chair Donny Joseph made remarks.
Highlights of the party included the opportunity for guests to explore the venue, with its soaring ceilings and sparkling chandeliers. Between showers, guests ventured outside to the spacious L-shaped terrace, to take in never-before-seen views of a bending Buffalo Bayou and the Downtown skyline from the east.
There was also a unique interactive dessert station from Jackson & Company dubbed “DessArt.” Per the caterer: “Desserts and interactive artistry collide with this fun take on a classic dessert station. Starting with a fresh canvas, our expert pastry chef creates an abstract spread of bite-size desserts with perfectly paired accompaniments. Guests approach the live action station, make their selection of dessert and then dip or smear into the canvas.” Dramatically presented sweets included tiramisu in little martini glasses, summer panna cotta in cute shooter cups, truffle ganache in tiny ice cream cones and a variety of cookie sandwiches.
Sophisticated savory bites — Jackson & Company knows no other kind — were served “butler-style” by roving servers. The menu included tempura shishito on forks with a dollop of miso basil aioli; lox waffle sticks with smoked salmon and a dap of dilled cream cheese; mini open-faced ground lamb burgers with tzaziki and cucumbers; pork flautas with cilantro lime dipping sauce; and fresh seafood agua chile in teardrop spoons.
Dozens of the “Cool 100” nominees were on hand, including actor Johann Fitch. Fitch, who came in at No. 79 on the list after appearing the Netflix hit Obliterated, made a splash and gamely posed in photos all evening. Other “Cool” guests included gallerist Abigail Haley, top realtor Mike Mahlstedt, beauty biz titan Jentry Kelley, the Lancaster Hotel’s Emre Ozsut, musician Jastin Martin, restaurateur and fashion retailer Thy Mitchell, jewelry designer Christina Greene and interior designer Gin Braverman.
VIP guests included Kristen Cannon, Ahshia Berry and Teri Pugh.
Abigail and Robert Haley
Rubens Franz and Bernie Cantu
Emre Ozsut, Hannah Khalil and Jordan Khalil
DJ Tony Styles
Shawn Lynch, Jentry Kelley, Mike Mahlstedt
Tafara Hardeman, Jastin Martin, Viswant Korrapati
Thy Mitchell
Jesus Morales, Cabe Nowlen
Donny Joseph
Christina Greene McAllen and David McAllen
Patrick Curphey, Sarah Koller, Van Morris
Cecilio Cerda, Andy Sommer
Todd Ramos, Johann Fitch, Travis Shirley, Orlando Antonio
Desserts by Jackson & Company
Shannon Morris and Paulina Romero
Andrew Aguilar, Charlie Rodriguez, René Garza
Valeria Croatto, David Croatto, Gerardo Derksen, Thomas Derksen
Maricela Olivo and Shawn Singh
Omar Lisandro and Ahshia Berry
Bret Whitacre, Gin Braverman
Todd Ramos and Kristen Cannon
Chris Favors, Chris Beverly, Peter Remington
Valeria Croatto and Johann Fitch