Photos by Samantha Jane Beatty
Styling by Kate Stukenberg
Grooming by Tonya Riner for Page Parkes Agency
Models Madison Johnston for Wallflower Management and Jake Atterberry for Page Parkes Agency
Photo assistance by John Lewis
Styling assistance by Molly Jodeit
Men’s styling consulting by Cody Sever
and Whitney Wiggins for M Penner
Shot on location at Hotel Alessandra in Downtown
An accompaniment to Tavola’s ossobuco risotto (photo by Brian Kennedy)
Think bone marrow is bougie?! Not anymore. From accompanying comfort food like risotto at Tavola to a bone-marrow booze luge at Whiskey Cake, the ingredient and presentation have taken a fun turn, appearing on menus all over town. Levi Goode’s forthcoming Memorial City restaurant Credence will roast it on the hearth, while State of Grace stirs some in to its Spanish-octopus pasta.
Benjy Levit (photo by Gittings Photography)
Several beloved chefs known for higher-end cuisines are making moves to open casual-cool Tex-Mex joints, as in Ford Fry’s Little Rey, opening soon in Mid Lane, and Maximo Canteen, a project from Benjy Levit and Seth Siegel-Gardner which bows any day in the former El Topo spot. These follow Armando Palacios’ 2023 hit Mandito’s, a spinoff of his popular Round Top resto.
Drake’s Hollywood
Some of the hippest concepts across Texas are making their way to the H. Culinary aphrodisiacs like fresh oysters, lobster, sushi, and frosty cocktails draw crowds at imports like Clark’s Oyster Bar from Austin and Hudson House via Dallas. The latter’s owner is also soon delivering Drake’s Hollywood, which promises to woo with deep red leather booths, soft lighting, and heart-throbbing American fare. Nearby in Upper Kirby, PostScript HTX, also from a Dallas group, flaunts Instagram-worthy pink and florals — you can’t miss the bright pink exterior at Kirby and Westheimer! Plus: Ring a doorbell at one of the plush booths to order Champagne.
Nigiri at Oheya
Omakase isn’t new — but Houston chefs are putting fun and different spins on the Japanese culinary tradition. At Sushi by Hidden in Rice Village, savor 12 courses in just 30 minutes at lunch (45 minutes at dinner). The similarly discrete omakase-only Oheya next to Uchi has dishes prepared by a rotating roster of guest chefs, while sister resto Uchiko offers five- and 10-course options.
Nonno’s in Montrose (photo by Jenn Duncan)
Always enticing, pizza has never been so hip in H-Town! Anthony Calleo is dishing his Gold Tooth Tony’s Detroit Pizza in the Heights, while Terrence Gallivan’s Elro Pizza and Crudo packs in the Midtown crowds. And Esquire magazine named Nonno’s in Montrose, committedly decked out in a retro-chic-Pizza-Hut theme by Gin Braverman, 2023’s best pizza joint in the States.
Caviar at March
Caviar service reigns supreme, but there’s more than one king in H-Town. At March, inventive caviar accoutrements include persimmon and Mallorcan melon tea. Nearby, Goodnight Hospitality’s forthcoming Marigold Club features a Mayfair-inspired menu with golden Kaluga and platinum Osetra caviar with chive creme fraiche, hard-boiled egg, and pickled pearl onions. Bite-sized caviar sandwiches with afternoon tea! Caviar service is classic French bistro style at La Colombe d’Or’s Tonight & Tomorrow. Choose Osetra or Huso Hybrid with chopped egg, chives, crème fraiche and blinis.
CIS 2024 Gala Honorary Co-Chair Judy Tate, Co-Chair Lauren Brollier, Co-Chair Cassie Milam, Honorary Co-Chair Kirby McCool
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