Months after Benjamin Brollier proposed to Courtney Corinne Wood in the garden of her family’s home, with a cushion-cut diamond ring his mother Louise helped select, his mom passed away. In planning their lavish New Year’s Eve wedding at River Oaks Country Club, C.C. and Benjy kept Louise top of mind and in their hearts, curating thoughtful details like heirloom jewelry and special wedding programs. But the high school sweethearts also wanted to celebrate life and love, and ring in a fresh New Year with 500 loved ones — a vision expertly executed by Keely Thorne planner Jennifer Kaldis, and the floral and decor team at Todd Events. C.C. and Benjy each had 18 attendants standing by their side at the altar, and out on the dance floor, which remained packed even after the stroke of midnight! After fueling up on late-night breakfast tacos, the newlyweds escaped in a convertible Rolls-Royce — with a backdrop of fireworks, of course.
Cool for ‘Schools’! CIS Wants to Transport You to a Whimsical ‘Wonderland’ at Milestone Gala
WHETHER YOU PREFER Alice, the Mad Hatter or the Queen of Hearts, Communities In Schools of Houston’s A Night in Wonderland 45th Anniversary GalaA Night in Wonderland 45th Anniversary Galais not to be missed! Join in the celebration for a whimsical good time on Thursday, April 4th, at the luxurious Post Oak Hotel.
Chaired by philanthropists Lauren and John Brollier and Cassie and John Milam, with honorary chairs Kirby and Scott McCool and Judy and Charles Tate, the magical evening supporting the valuable and impactful work of CIS of Houston begins at 6:30pm with a cocktail hour, then dinner and the program. Rounding out the event is live entertainment by the popular Houston-based band Klockwork. Guests can dance the night away, starting at 9pm.
The always diverse crowd makes for a dynamic event. Party-goers are encouraged to dress in “Wonderland Whimsy Cocktail” attire, with the goal of fun and festive. Cocktail attire is also a great option.
Don Friedell and emcee Lisa Malosky at a previous CIS Gala
Attendees at a previous CIS Gala
A full ballroom at a prior CIS Gala
CIS of Houston's Martha Montoya Sanchez with Northbrook High School seniors
CIS of Houston CEO Lisa Descant and CIS of Houston Dir. of Development Donna Watkins with CareSource Foundation
Special guest at the 45th Anniversary Gala is Rey Saldaña, President & CEO of Communities In Schools National in Arlington, VA. During the program, guests will view a powerful video about the life-changing work of CIS Houston, in addition to hearing heartwarming testimonials, bringing a personal touch to the evening.
Funds raised from A Night in Wonderland will support the CIS mission to surround students with a community of support, empowering them to stay in school and achieve in life. Currently serving 163 campuses across Greater Houston, CIS places at least one full-time CIS Student Support Manager on each partner campus to deliver comprehensive direct services including counseling, academic support and health and human services.
The chairs want to thank the event’s top-tier donors to date: Judy and Charles Tate; CenterPoint Energy; Sharon G. Dies; The Marie and James H. Galloway Foundation; Beth and Bob Gower; and Marathon Oil.
Tickets are going fast! They start at $500, and tables for 10 range from $5,000 through $50,000. Underwriting opportunities are still available.
Judy Tate (photo by Emily Jaschke)
Scott and Kirby McCool
Kit Detering, Cassie Milam, Carl Detering (photo by Jenny Antill)
Sharon G. Dies and Lauren Brollier
THERE’S STILL TIME to reserve for Sunday, March 31. Whether brunching with kids in tow or you’re in it for the mimosas — or craving prime rib, smoked salmon and seasonal strawberry desserts served on a silver platter — H-Town has the Easter treat for every bunny.
The Annie Café & Bar
Brunch at The Annie (photo by Kirsten Gilliam)
Hop into the holiday with Easter brunch from 11am-3pm and savor a fresh take on Texas-influenced cuisine with seasonal specials. Be sure to snap a photo with the Easter Bunny!
Bloom & Bee
Bloom & Bee brunch spread
Easter Brunch at this flower-flocked Post Oak Hotel stunner starts with a luxurious choice of fancy deviled eggs, white asparagus soup, or burrata and stone fruit salad. Mains range from smoked salmon Benedict croissant to herb braised lamb shoulder, plus a dessert buffet of French pastries and cakes. Brunch runs 11am-4pm, and afterwards, families can participate in an Easter egg hunt led by a floppy-eared guest.
Brennan's of Houston
Brunch at Brennan's
The iconic Creole house has three dates for Easter dining this year, starting March 29 with Brunch with the Bunny featuring photos with the Easter Bunny. March 30 is the Very Hoppy Brunch, also family-friendly with live bunnies on the terrace from nearby Boling Bunny Farms! Sunday brunch March 31 is the most leisurely with seatings throughout the day. Reservations are required for all events.
CRU Food & Wine Bar
This smart, cozy spot features a three-course wine country-style brunch ($45 per person), along with brunch cocktails and specials on mimosas, bellinis, Domaine Chandon rosé and Veuve Cliquot by the glass. Highlights include crab cake Benedict, smoked salmon deviled egg toast, New Zealand lamb chops and desserts.
Four Seasons Houston
Texas cheese station
The Four Seasons Houston’s annual extravagant Easter Brunch in Toro Toro will feature classics with a Latin twist from 11am-4pm ($165 per adult; $65 per child, 12 and under). Come hungry for the sushi station with seafood on ice; the carving station with cedar-plank salmon, prime rib and more; a breakfast station, and grand desserts. Reservations are required and can be made on the website.
The Lancaster
Tea at The Lancaster
This year, the Lancaster Hotel Downtown will offer Easter brunch and afternoon tea. Conveniently, Easter brunch runs from 11am-4pm. Seatings for Easter Afternoon Tea service are noon or 2:30pm. Classics like fresh-baked scones with Devonshire cream, jam and lemon curd; various tea sandwiches; and a patisserie presentation with festive Easter touches will be paired with fine teas.
Le Jardinier
Seasonal fare at Le Jardinier
Who wouldn’t want to be in “the garden” (Le Jardinière in English) on Easter Sunday? Take your time — but do reserve — because this MFAH gem serves its three-course menu from noon to 7pm. Anticipate lovely choices including Murray’s burrata with strawberry rhubarb; spiced roasted lamb, and Ora king salmon. Save room for the award-winning desserts!
Local Table
Chicken and waffles at Local Table (photo by Jenn Duncan)
It’s easy to find a Local Table, as they are all over the Houston area with a casual family-friendly menu of egg dishes, chicken and waffles, and savory sidekicks. We hear the Easter Bunny will be hopping around from table to table this year.
Navy Blue
Celebrate Easter Sunday in the heart of Rice Village at Aaron Bludorn’s modern American seafood concept. An a la carte brunch with Easter specials — including plenty of delectable seafood — will be served from 11:30am-2pm.
NoPo Café
Cookies at NoPo (photo by Kirsten Gilliam)
Hunting for Easter treats? Perfect for filling Easter baskets or beautifying tablescapes, pre-order festive Easter cooking March 25-30. Set of 3 Easter cookies, $4; 1 dozen cookies, $13. Closed March 31.
Ostia
Surrounded by bougainvillea and greenery, this restaurant with a Greenhouse room is a picturesque (yet laidback) spot for brunch. Chef Travis McShane’s focaccia French toast with blueberries and mascarpone; ricotta pancakes with maple syrup; and pizza-dough doughnuts will appease carb lovers. Savory dishes include the signature chicken salsa verde, pizzas, gnocchi and a frittata. Brunch runs 10am-3:00pm.
Postino
Brunch at Postino (photo by Becca Wright)
This come-as-you-are casual spot boasts an eye-opening brunch menu, perfect for dining al fresco on the restaurant’s large, shaded patio. Served on weekends, the menu offers myriad shareable dishes. Think Umbria egg toast, cast-iron sticky bread, and seeded avocado toast. Sip mimosas, bellinis and a huge selection of wine and bubbles!
PostScript
For PostScript’s first Easter brunch, chef Caswell will whip up a menu of savory delights including Lobster Bene with chili hollandaise, and Frenched Texas Toast soaked in rum custard. Classic brunch libations will be flowing, including espresso martinis, Bloody Marys and mimosas.
State of Grace
Cinnamon rolls at State of Grace
This River Oaks mainstay showcases Gulf Coast cooking with Latin, Asian and even German touches. For this year’s holiday brunch from 10am-3pm, which includes a visit from the Easter Bunny, expect comfort food like chicken-fried chicken, cinnamon rolls with cream cheese frosting and crawfish Benedict.
Xochi
Chef Hugo Ortega and his team will serve a spectacular Sunday brunch buffet from 10am-3pm this Easter. Expect the usual coastal Mexican favorites as well as a carving station, new seasonal items, and Easter desserts. $55 per adult; $15 per child.
This year's Houston event kicks off March 31 and runs through April 14, focused on reenergizing Black-owned restaurants, catering companies and food trucks; other cities such as Dallas, Austin, Denver and more will have their own dedicated weeks in 2024 as well.
A 2023 report from the James Beard Foundation reveals that 53 percent of culinary business owners experienced lower profits thanks to rising food and labor costs; additionally, those that are Black-owned experience systemic barriers like disproportionate access to business loans. With a mission to "feed and fuel the cultural famine," Black Restaurant Weeks is a marketing campaign that draws attention to opportunities to support the Black restaurant industry.
Black Restaurant Weeks will host a series of events at participating restaurants, and has a year-round directory for selecting and patronizing Black-owned businesses.
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