Photos by Samantha Beatty
Models Alissa Sugawara and Kevin Mize for Neal Hamil Agency
Styling by Elizabeth Farrell
Hair by Zackery Chapa for Hue Salon
Makeup by Yeraldi Contreras for Arched Beauty
Photography Assistance by John Lewis
Styling Assistance by Greta Connolly and Natalie Abbott
Outside The Kennedy (photo by Tarick Foteh)
The Kennedy, a live-music-savvy new eatery and lounge, has taken up residence in the former Emmaline space on West Dallas near the intersection of Waugh Drive. Partnering with Prime Meat Markets, the kitchen serves up premium cuts as part of its menu of shareable plates. Expect also “a range of hand-crafted cocktails, an impressive international wine and Champagne list, creative mocktails, and more,” adds the rep.
“The Kennedy merges the sophistication and elegance of River Oaks with the energy and artistry of Montrose and delivers a one-of-a-kind experience,” says Ninety3 Hospitality Group owner and native Houstonian Andres Castro, who conceptualized The Kennedy. “We are excited to highlight elevated, classic cuisine with an inventive menu of signature spirited and non-spirited cocktails, martinis, wine, entertainment, and more in our beautiful and artistic restaurant and piano bar.”
The name purposely invokes JFK, to call to mind a crisp, classic American energy — hip Americana in the form of meaty snacks and posh environs. Chef Adriana Maldonado’s offerings include a ribeye tartar, a mozzarella stick topped with caviar, truffled deviled eggs, and lobster bisque. “Entrees include a wagyu smash burger, gremolata lamb chops, a wagyu ribeye, lobster spaghetti, and more,” notes the Kennedy rep. “A mix of signature cocktails and martinis complement the mix of plates on the menu.”
In term of ambiance, the 7,000-square-foot space boasts a baby grand piano as its focal point. Other unique flourishes include and a dual-sided fireplace that transforms into a DJ boot. Cozy seating areas abound, with some 40 works of regionally sourced art on the walls. The outdoor space — it’s two stories and expansive, with its own bar — is sure to be a draw.
“Bringing The Kennedy to life has been a labor of love over the last year,” Castro adds, “and I’m excited to share our warm and cozy restaurant and piano bar with our guests. We’ve gathered an incredible team of industry veterans that have made The Kennedy a world-class, day-to-late night destination that feels like an energetic extension of your home.”
Cucumber Hibiscus Smash (photo by Rebecca Wright)
Wagyu smash burger (photo by Rebecca Wright)
Cozy banquettes for dining at the bar (photo by Tarick Foteh).
Mango Ember cocktail (photo by Rebecca Wright)
Mozzarella Stick with caviar (photo by Rebecca Wright)
The fireplace is also a hidden DJ booth (photo by Tarick Foteh).
Lynn Wyatt and Steve Wyatt
“Entering the cocktail space, guests were welcomed by décor inspired by the Roaring Twenties,” noted an MFA rep. “A black and gold custom bar, with large-scale white feather centerpieces, added to the supper club feel. Guests sipped Old Fashioneds and Manhattans as specialty cocktails, as they enjoyed the David Caceres jazz trio.”
At dinner in Cullinan Hall, the 40-foot walls were draped from floor to ceiling in lush hunter green velvet with glinting gold details. “Framed LED screens adorned the walls, showcasing important figures and friends from the MFAH’s long history,” added rep, who went on to note the white and green florals, crystal centerpieces, and mirrored tabletops. Some of the dramatic chandeliers twinkling overhead 15 feet tall. Guests seated in the balcony for the more-than-sold-out event had a birds-eye view of the Art Deco-inspired scene.
Dinner began with chilled poached lobster salad before moving on to beef tenderloin and finally crème brulee with fresh berries. “MFAH trustees Michelle and Frank Hevrdejs, and Sara and Bill Morgan, generously donated wine from Aperture, their award-winning winery in Sonoma County,” explained the rep. During dinner, MFAH gala fae Brandon Wattz of L.A. crooned for guests, who also enjoyed a thematic dance performance by Astarte Creative. The beautiful and glam DJ Kiss spun dance tunes for after-dinner revelers.
As part of the record $5.5 million till, Jan and J. Venn Leeds made a $2 million gift to establish and endowment to provide funding for the Grand Gala each year in perpetuity.
During its 100 years, MFAH has grown from its original space in a small house to having a 14-acre main campus, plus two house museums and gardens. Its collection has grown from a modest 60 works of art to about 80,000 pieces today.
VIPs spotted in the crowd include museum honcho Gary Tinterow, Margaret Alkek Williams, Anne S. Duncan and Moti Ferder of principal underwriter Lugano. Grand Gala Ball. Other notables included Lynn Wyatt, Jim and Whitney Crane, Denise Wynne, Cherie and Jim Flores, Franci Neely, Janet Gurwitch and Ron Franklin, Tina and Joe Pyne, Pershant and Nidhika Mehta, Phoebe and Bobby Tudor, Hallie Vanderhider, Bobby Dees, Jay Jones, Terry Wayne Jones; Aliyya Stude, and Cynthia and Tony Petrello.
Scott and Judy Nyquist
Renu and Suresh Khator
Phoebe Tudor
A toast to 100 years
Brandon Wattz performs.
Margaret Alkek Williams
Keefer Lehner, Daniel Zilkha and Rohan Shetty
John Eddie Williams, DJ Kiss and Sheridan Williams
Cynthia and Tony Petrello
Janet Gurwitch and Ron Franklin
Hushang and Shahla Ansary
Lisa Dodd, Logan Dresser and Maria Stavinoha
Hallie Vanderhider and Bobby Dees
Josh Gaynor, Stuart Winston and Idit Ferder
Guest gifts
Feather dancers perform.
Durga and Sushila Agrawal
David and Heidi Gerger and Chinhui and Eddie Allen
Dancie Ware
Claire and Eric Anyah
Brad and Leslie Bucher
Bill and Andrea White
Barron and Lisa Wallace
Alicia Lohman and Felix Pacheco