Southern Smoke's Five-Year Fete

Screen Shot 2019-08-06 at 2.33.07 PM
Screen Shot 2019-08-06 at 2.33.07 PM

Revving up for its fifth iteration, Chris Shepherd’s Southern Smoke Festival is undoubtedly set to be hotter than ever.


Having raised well over $1 million for the MS Society and for restaurant-industry workers who need emergency financial assistance, the Southern Smoke Foundation this year welcomes a whopping 27 chefs and pitmasters — some from Houston, others from all over the country — to cook for a cause. Tickets for the Oct. 6 barbecue-and-more festival, which will take place at Shepherd’s restaurants along the Westheimer Curve, are on sale now.

And, for the first time, a benefit dinner will precede the main event, giving guests an extra dose of delicious H-Town cooking — and another chance to support the foundation. On Oct. 4, at the Houstonian Hotel, Club & Spa’s Manor House, Shepherd will cook alongside his friends and mentors, including Saigon Pagolac, Al Aseel and Sue Patel, bringing out a multicourse masterpiece that he’s dubbed the Houstonian Hoot’Nanny. With just 100 seats available, at $500 at pop, the dinner is sure to sell out soon.

Dispatches
‘Natural Passion’ Makes Fourth-Gen Houstonian Sarah Callaway Sulma a Realty Star

AS A FOURTH-generation Houstonian, Sarah Callaway Sulma has a unique and invaluable view of the city. Her deep seeded connection to Houston led her down the path to becoming one the city's most well-respected, and renowned real estate agents. Sarah's natural passion for the real estate industry from a young age led her to where she is today. "I know that it sounds cheesy, but it is the truth! I wanted to be in real estate from a young age," Sarah shares. "The late-great restaurateur, Tony Vallone, put me together with real estate legend, Martha Turner, and Martha put me together with Cathy Cagle. The rest is history-13 years of success and counting!" Now with over 13 years in real estate and $55M+ in residential real estate sales, Sarah brings a rare combination of knowledge, skill, and advocacy to each one of her clients.

Keep ReadingShow less

THE MEANING OF “cool” evolves. In the ’50s you might have thought greasers were cool, with their leather jackets à la Danny Zuko. In the ’70s, a long-haired activist or a Studio 54 reveler in Halston. In the ’80s, a Wall Street master of the universe?

Keep ReadingShow less
People + Places

Benny Ballarin, Nicholas Condos, James Whitley, Harrison Condos, Fay Whitley

DESIGN AFICIONADOS GATHERED at the Decorative Center of Houston to welcome its latest tenant, Harbour, an Australian company specializing in modern coastal furniture that will be able to withstand Houston's heat.

Keep ReadingShow less
Parties