Bludorn and Truth BBQ Chefs Cook Up World Central Kitchen Fundraiser

Bludorn and Truth BBQ Chefs Cook Up World Central Kitchen Fundraiser

Leonardo Botello and Aaron Bludorn (photo by Alex Montoya)

TALK ABOUT TASTE buds! Pals and chefs-of-the-moment Aaron Bludorn and Leonard Botello served a most delicious four-course fundraiser for World Central Kitchen. The international nonprofit is currently providing meals for refugees in Eastern Europe.


Bludorn hosted the dinner at his eponymous Montrose hot-spot, where a sold-out crowd sipped on craft cocktails like the mezcal-based Verdad Swizzle with smoked pineapple juice and observed pitmaster Botello, who owns Truth BBQ, doing what he does best: smoking meats outside. Once settled in the dining room, guests enjoyed plates like pit-roasted prime rib and duck-and-crawfish-filled puff pastry — all showcasing a mouthwatering melding of Botello's Central Texas-style barbecue and Bludorn's French-flecked Gulf cuisine.

Dessert was a berry-topped Basque cheesecake with smoked-vanilla ice cream. But the sweetest part of the evening? Raising more than $22,000 for World Central Kitchen's relief efforts in Ukraine.

Duck and crawfish puff pastry (photo by Ben Sassani)

Aaron Bludorn (photo by Alex Montoya)

Leonard Botello (photo by Ben Sassani)

Beef tartare with crispy tendon and polish baerii caviar (photo by Alex Montoya)


Food
Spa-tacular Getaway Opportunity: Retreat to Mexico this Fall with a Houston Wellness Expert

Palmaïa The House of AïA

THIS SUMMER, LEBRINA Jackson, owner of Escape Spa in Cypress, is taking her wisdom and joie de wellness to the jungle. Far beyond the walls of her beautiful spa, she’s aiming to create a quiet space for people to work on their personal growth in a community-centric atmosphere. She shares what participants will get out of the trip and why it’s important to take time for self-care in 2025.

Why is it important for people to “retreat”? Life can feel like a non-stop marathon, and sometimes we forget to just... breathe. Retreating offers a chance to step off the treadmill for a bit and hit the reset button. It's about giving your body and mind some much-needed TLC, allowing for genuine relaxation and rejuvenation. Beyond the personal perks, retreats often create a cool sense of community, connecting you with others on a similar path. By carving out space for self-reflection, you can recharge and return to your daily life with a clearer head and a bit more pep in your step.

Keep Reading Show less
Wellness+Giving Back

Dean Todd, Stacey Todd, Cinde Matocha, Gary Matocha

HUNDREDS OF GUESTS packed River Oaks Country Club for The Furniture Bank's annual fundraising event. They hit the ballroom floor to ensure no kid sleeps on the floor!

Keep Reading Show less
Parties

FOR THE SIXTH time, the ballroom of Four Seasons Hotel Houston became an expo for sampling dishes by the city’s hottest chefs — and raising funds for a great cause!

Keep Reading Show less