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.
Danny Ray and the Atlantic Street Band performs May 31 (photo from dannyrayatlanticstreetband.com)
CHAPMAN & KIRBY, THE premier event destination in Houston’s East Village, is thrilled to announce the launch of its Spring Music Series, kicking off on Friday, April 12. Chapman & Kirby has become synonymous with top-tier events and unforgettable experiences, many attended by celebrities both local and worldwide. With concert ticket prices soaring to hundreds and even thousands of dollars in the last year, this eight-week music series promises to be a welcomed opportunity to engage with live music for free, showcasing an eclectic lineup of talented acts.
"At Chapman & Kirby, we are dedicated to curating exceptional experiences for our guests beyond great food and drinks. The Spring Music Series is a testament to our commitment to hospitality from every angle, and we’re excited to show off incredible talent" said Mazen Baltagi, co-owner of Chapman & Kirby.
In partnership with Gulf Coast Entertainment, the Spring Music Series lineup will feature a diverse array of musical talents. Each Friday night will offer a unique, interactive experience for guests, via music, food & beverage and local vendor pop-ups. Doors will open at 6pm, with performances starting promptly at 7pm. Purchase tickets here. The schedule includes:
Windsor Fire cocktail at Marigold Club
HOUSTON BARS AND restaurants are making the most of Dry January by revamping their cocktail and mocktail lists. Increasingly, patrons are searching for non- and low-alcoholic options to capitalize on health and wellness benefits — and the city's best mixologists are taking note. Standard offerings like a virgin mule or a fun lemonade remain, but read on for some of the more inventive mocktails you'll find on menus around town!
Bar Bludorn
Bartender Alejandro Medina pours a mean margarita — with or without tequila! But for something more unique, try the virgin Amaretto Sour with pineapple. Plus, at the original Bludorn restaurant in Montrose, a portion of proceeds from all mocktails goes to Ben's Friends, a national nonprofit for hospitality workers struggling with addiction.
Bandista
This month, the speakeasy inside the Four Seasons Hotel Downtown features the zero-proof Crystal Cube Libre in a beautiful glass bottle, and the bartenders can also whip up a bespoke "Dealer's Choice" mocktail upon request.
Duck N Bao
Love at First Sight
The award for variety may go to this Chinese spot with locations in Rice Village, Cypress and Memorial. All 14 specialty cocktails can easily be made NA (and are only $6!). Try the sweet-and-sour-inspired Love at First Sight with pomegranate and lemon.
Little Woodrow's
Who doesn't love options? Little Woodrow's shakes up a yummy Cherried Away — sweet black cherry, vanilla, lime, salt and cola — and a more tropical Faux Loma with grapefruit and a spicy rim. Any of the mocktails here can be transformed into a full-blown cocktail, or even a low-BVA version, upon request. It's up to you!
Hungry's
Hungry's (photo by Jenn Duncan)
A Houston classic for healthful dining, Hungry's — including its massive new outpost on Woodway — has fantastic options for Dry January. The anti-inflammatory Ginger Turmeric Tonic is topped with sparkling water for a vibrant and tummy-pleasing affair!
JUN
For something comforting yet refreshing, opt for the zero-proof Oye Morro: Salvadoran Horchata, coconut milk, lime, pineapple gomme syrup, and piloncillo. When it inevitably warms up, cool down with a Tamarind Arnold Palmer!
Katami
The bar team at Katami has a fantastic NA botanical spirit to mix into some of its standout cocktails, such as the Okinawa Sizzle with passionfruit and lime, or the Shiso Side with yuzu, shiso and hot sesame oil.
Marigold Club
Windsor Fire
Craving a martini? Hit up Marigold Club in Montrose for a spirit-free, olive-forward version called Secret Garden. Alternatively, the Windsor Fire — allspice distillate, grapefruit, lemon — will warm you up from the inside out this month.
Milton's
Caffe Nonoretto
Director of Bars Máté Hartai offers an alcohol-free version of her popular Caffe Noncoretto: pistachio milk, house amaro blend, brown sugar and almond, all steamed and aerated before served hot in a frozen espresso cup, tableside. We'll drink to that!
Phat Eatery
Be whisked away to a tropical paradise at Phat Eatery in Katy and The Woodlands: The Coco Paradise has pineapple, passionfruit and coconut, while the Lychee Sunrise is comprised of fresh lychee, orange juice and pomegranate-reduced-syrup. Say ahhhh!
Verde Garden
Enjoy this cute patio spot with a Como La Flor in hand. The sparkling concoction is made with Lyre's Dry London, orange, lime, grenadine and ginger beer.
John & Amanda Taylor, Stephanie Willis, Jason Weddle
AMONG THE MANY festive fetes held at The Post Oak Hotel over the Christmas season was the 50th annual Spindletop Holiday Ball.
Hosted by Spindletop Community Impact Partners, the energy-industry event supports more than 40 different nonprofits in the area, mostly ones benefiting at-risk children and families. Executives from big-wig oil companies including ConocoPhillips, ExxonMobil, Equinor, Murphy Oil Corporation and many others attended the milestone gala, which honored individuals Dominic Macklon, Terry Bono and Jordan Zaiser for their involvement in the industry and community.
The evening kicked off with the national anthem sung by Etoile Academy Charter Middle School students, and a dance performance courtesy of Ensemble Theatre Young Performers. Throughout the night, artist Fumi McFarland wowed guests with her mesmerizing sand art, and patrons supported a toy drive for Girls Inc. After bidding on silent auction items — deBoulle diamond earrings, Astros and Texans tickets, dinners at Tony's, The Marigold Club and Brasserie 19, and a hunting trip to the Patagonia region — attendees hit the dance floor.
The evening raised a whopping $1 million!
Ann Adamson, Warwick King, Keelan Adamson, Wendy King
Veronica Foley
Billy-Jo Lafortune, Lindsay Weddle, Pragati Mathur
Spindletop Women in STEM BAFTX Scholar Reagan Crow
Constance White Volunteer Service Award Recipient Jordan Zaiser with Lia Vallone, Lindsay Weddle & Bart Cahir
Chad & Cristina Williams
Seliece & Lee Womble
Ensemble Theatre Young Performers
Eric Everett, Richard & Julie Mercer, Kaitlin & Jordan Zaiser
Sara & Ryan Young, Kerry Sedge
Laura Miller, Evan & Stacy Powell
Roger & Jill Jenkins
Liam & Gill Mallon
National Anthem Singers from Etoile Academy Charter School
Luna Rey, Genevieve Carter
Maggie & Greg Sheridan
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