Dogstar Afternoon: Keanu Reeves Helps PetSet Clear $1.5 Million

Laura Goodson, Priscilla Bardonaro and Marla Hurley (photo by Priscilla Dickson)

By Jeff Gremillion

Keanu Reeves brought Dogstar to Thompson Houston on Sunday, and PetSet left with more than $1.5 million. 

Le Brunch, the group’s annual fundraiser to end companion animal homelessness, drew celebrities, city leaders and longtime animal advocates under the theme “Farther, Together.” Reeves played with bandmates Bret Domrose and Rob Mailhouse to close the afternoon. Mayor John Whitmire was in the room, along with actors David Chokachi, Amy Bailey, Danielle Vasinova, Isaiah LaBorde and Marie Wetherall.

PetSet honored Cathy Bissell, founder of BISSELL Pet Foundation, for a prevention-first approach to shelter overcrowding. Through Empty the Shelters, the foundation has helped save more than 400,000 animals. Fix the Future has funded more than 500,000 spay and neuter surgeries.

“Cathy has changed countless lives through her commitment to animals, but what we admire just as much is the way she brings people together around solutions,” says Tena Lundquist Faust, co-president of PetSet.

Gabrell and Hopper took the 2026 Community Hero Award, a nod to one person stopping for one dog. Co-president Tama Lundquist called the afternoon bigger than any single guest. “The energy in the room was a beautiful reflection of what can happen when people come together around a cause they believe in,” she says.

Over 20 years, PetSet has funded work at more than 120 animal welfare groups, widened access to spay and neuter care, vaccines and emergency treatment, and moved thousands of animals out of crowded shelters. A silent auction and a live auction, including a VIP Texas gameday, ran before Dogstar took the stage.

Keanu Reeves performs with Dogstar (photo by Priscilla Dickson).

Tena Faust, Mayor John Whitmire and Tama Lundquist (photo by Priscilla Dickson)

Elizabeth Dorey, Brenda Love and Lindsey Love (photo by Priscilla Dickson)

Trent Hrincir and Courtney Hopson (photo by Priscilla Dickson)

Sue Smith and Jennifer Huber (photo by Priscilla Dickson)

Cora Sue Mach and Sidney Faust (photo by Priscilla Dickson)

Gabrell and Tama Lundquist (photo by Priscilla Dickson)

Alison Boulle (photo by Priscilla Dickson)

Frankie and Priscilla Bardonaro (photo by Priscilla Dickson)

Edna Meyer Nelson (photo by Priscilla Dickson)

Big Top, Bigger Check: Mission of Yahweh Gala Raises $800,000

Betty Hrncir, Warner Roberts and Sidney Faust (photo by Daniel Ortiz)

By Jeff Gremillion

The Greatest Mission on Earth came to The Post Oak Hotel with stilts, a snake charmer and a record check.

More than 420 supporters turned out Friday, Sept. 25, for the circus-themed gala benefiting The Mission of Yahweh, raising more than $800,000 for the organization’s work with women and children experiencing homelessness. Gala chairs Robin and Danny Klaes and honorary chairs Leila Perrin, Beth Wolff and Cynthia Wolff closed the night with the strongest result the event has posted.

Presenting sponsors Nichole and Benny Agosto underwrote the evening. Honorees Monica Hartland, Samantha and David Kennedy, and Warner Roberts were introduced with videos from FireFox Video. Roberts, a longtime volunteer, told the room that women and children often arrive with little more than the clothes they are wearing, and that the Mission’s programs are built to give them a path back to independence.

Emcees Frank Billingsley and Ernie Manouse kept the pace moving. Let It Fly turned the ballroom into a big-top setting, with H-E-B florals and sparkling red-and-white drum centerpieces. Stilt walkers, a magician and a snake charmer worked the reception. Mary Gracely opened with the invocation.

Gloria Guinyard, once a resident and now on staff, described arriving at the Mission in crisis and later finding a way to help other women on the same road. Auctioneer Johnny Bravo then took over the live appeal. Paddles went up for a Broadway package, a luxury home in Puerto Vallarta, a one-of-a-kind Houston Rodeo package and a trip on the Houston Texans’ team jet to a game. A raffle added another burst of applause before the night wrapped on what organizers called a high-flying finish.

Seen in the crowd: Alicia Smith, Brigitte Kalai, Gary Petersen, Hannah and Cal McNair, Tripp Carter, Sidney Faust, Cora Sue Mach, Jacquie Baly and James Craig.

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Vicki Rizzo, Sandra Porter and Chris Kase (photo by Daniel Ortiz)

Mark Haas and Monica Hartland (photo by Daniel Ortiz)

Keith Guillory, Leisa Fruge, Valnetina Kelly and Earl Kelly (photo by Daniel Ortiz)

Jill Hartland and Julie Pitts (photo by Jacob Power)

Amber and Cole Zeagler (photo by Daniel Ortiz)

Gary Petersen (photo by Daniel Ortiz)

Frank Billingsley and Ernie Manouse (photo by Daniel Ortiz)

Davis Hance and Kittsie Klaes (photo by Jacob Power)

Cal and Hannah McNair, and Joanna Hartland and Frank Edgerly (photo by Daniel Ortiz)

Brigitte Kalai and Farida Abjani (photo by Daniel Ortiz)

Bill Baldwin and Fady Armanious (photo by Daniel Ortiz)

Jay and Lara Bany (photo by Jacob Power)

Anna Reger and Maria Moncada Alaoui (photo by Daniel Ortiz)

Audrey and Carl Sanders (photo by Daniel Ortiz)

Deborah Laws and Cheryl Byington (photo by Jacob Power)

Robin Klaes with snake charmer (photo by Jacob Power)

Liniah Slater, Helen A Gay andDeionna Gipson (photo by Daniel Ortiz)

Jerre Williams and Beth Wolff (photo by Daniel Ortiz)

Henri and Susan Soussann (photo by Daniel Ortiz)

Warner Roberts, David and Samantha Kennedy, and Monica Hartland (photo by Jacob Power)

Danny and Robin Klaes (photo by Jacob Power)

Star-Spangled Smash: Music, McConaughey and Apple Pie at Record-Breaking Symphony Opening Night

Ann Ayre, Elia Gabbanelli and Alice Mao Brams in red, white and blue (photo by Jacob Power)

By Jeff Gremillion

Houston’s social and civic set marked America’s 250th the way this city likes to do it: with a marching band, a red carpet and a sold-out night at Jones Hall.

More than 450 guests turned out for the Houston Symphony’s Opening Night Concert and Gala, the black-tie kickoff to the 2026-27 season. Chaired by Joella and Steven P. Mach, the evening doubled as a patriotic pageant and a record fundraiser, bringing in more than $850,000 for the orchestra’s education, community engagement and artistic programs. ConocoPhillips underwrote the concert and served as lead corporate gala underwriter for the 40th consecutive year.

The night started at Lynn Wyatt Square, where champagne and Pantalones Organic Tequila — the label from Matthew and Camila McConaughey — met a Texas-sized entrance. The University of Houston Spirit of Houston Cougar Marching Band worked the pavilion, then led a processional across Louisiana Street and into Jones Hall.

Inside, Principal POPS Conductor Steven Reineke built a program around the American story. Grammy Award-winning mezzo-soprano Isabel Leonard shared the stage, and McConaughey, the Academy Award-winning Texas native, narrated Aaron Copland’s “Lincoln Portrait,” speaking Lincoln’s own words from letters and speeches. The rest of the bill stretched from George Gershwin to six living American composers, with composer Karen LeFrak in the house.

Swift dressed the rooms in understated reds meant to recall the poppy, the old emblem of remembrance. Preisler Productions handled the staging.

After the concert, the party moved to Corinthian Houston, where members of the Alexander Hodge Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution greeted guests on the grand staircase and Rice University’s Fiammetta Quartet played. City Kitchen sent out Helen Corbitt’s chilled pea soup with jumbo lump crab, crème fraîche and mint, then a dual entrée of prime aged beef tenderloin medallions in red wine demi-glace with creamed spinach-stuffed tomatoes and pan-seared semi-boneless quail in country captain sauce, plus warm red bliss potato salad with smoked bacon and scallions. Lindy and John Rydman and Lisa Rydman Lindsey of Spec’s Wines, Spirits & Finer Foods poured the wine. Dessert was apple pie with vanilla ice cream and caramel.

The last word belonged to the Moores School Concert Chorale, which surprised the room with “Shenandoah” and “America the Beautiful,” led by Houston Symphony Chorus Director Anthony J. Maglione, and brought the crowd to its feet.

VIP guests included Khoa and Quynh Dao, Barbara and Pat McCelvey, Margaret Alkek Williams, John and Lindy Rydman, Sippi and Ajay Khurana, Betty and Jesse Tutor, Elia and Michael Gabbanelli, Ann and Jonathan Ayre, Beth Madison, Katie and Bob Orr, Tracy and Valerie Dieterich, Brigitte Kalai, Hallie Vanderhider and Bobby Dees, Cheryl Byington, Jacquie Baly and James Craig, Rini and Edward Ziegler, Yoonshin Song and Alex Sakerello, and Chris and Kristy Bradshaw.

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Matthew McConaughey and Steven Reineke on stage at Jones Hall (photo by Melissaa Taylor).

Andrew and Rebecca Gould

Joella Mach, Cougar mascot Shasta and Steven P. Mach

Margaret Alkek Williams (photo by Jacob Power)

Devinder and Gina Bhatia (photo by Marco Wang)

Anna Dean, Robert Sakowitz and Cheryl Byington (photo by Marco Wang)

Sippi and Ajay Khurana (photo by Jacob Power)

Kusum and C. Kody Patel (photo by Jacob Power)

David and Devorah Krieger (photo by Jacob Power)

Ashley and Andrew Kang (photo by Marco Wang)

Daniel Irion and Kirk Kveton (photo by Jacob Power)

Hallie Vanderhider and Bobby Dees (phot by Jacob Power)

Jacquie Baly and James Craig (photo by Marco Wang)

Jesse and Betty Tutor (photo by Jacob Power)

Patriotic decor and high style at the Corinthian (photo by Marco Wang)

Chris and Kristy Bradshaw (photo by Marco Wang)

Edward and Rini Ziegler (photo by Marco Wang)

Matt Brams and Dr. Alice Mao Brams (by Jacob Power)

Brigitte Kalai, Farida Abjani and Alicia Smith (photo by Jacob Power)

Heidi Rockecharlie and Cheryl Byington (by Jacob Power)

Pat and Barbara McCelvey (photo by Jacob Power)

Brittany and Adam Clark (photo by Jacob Power)

Leslie Siller and Jerre Williams (photo by Jacob Power)

With Sunny Style, Supporters Celebrate ‘VIP Houston’ Launch at Granduca

Jeff Gremillion and Alicia Smith (photo by Daniel Ortiz)

Staff Report

A lively crowd of friends, colleagues and local tastemakers gathered to celebrate the official launch of Jeff Gremillion’s VIP Houston at JeffGremillion.com, a new digital platform dedicated to Houston culture and society.

The festive affair took place in Alba, the sun-filled restaurant space at the Hotel Granduca — typically the setting for high tea — providing an elegant backdrop for the early evening gathering. Guests mingled while enjoying an array of passed hors d’oeuvres, including delicate miniature quiches, and sipping classic margaritas crafted with Original Grit tequila, a sponsor for the event.

Offering welcome remarks, Gremillion shared his vision for the new site and reflected on more than three decades in publishing, including his time founding and leading titles like Houston magazine and Houston CityBook.

“Standing in a room full of people who have supported my work for so long is the best reminder of why I love telling Houston's stories,” Gremillion said. “This new platform is all about celebrating the energy, the style and the incredible personalities that make this city so special. And doing it with a direct, personal touch.”

With the launch party marking the site’s official debut, readers can explore Jeff Gremillion’s VIP Houston. A regular email newsletter debuted this week, as well.

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Patrick Curphey, Van Morris, Peter Bustamante and Matthew Drews (photo by Daniel Ortiz)

Mary Ann Mason and Beth Muecke (photo by Daniel Ortiz)

Tammy Dowe, Kelley Devine and Carrie Brandsberg-Dao (photo by Daniel Ortiz)

Chase Smith, Patrick Magee and A.J. Mistretta (photo by Daniel Ortiz)

Alan and Elizabeth Stein (photo by Daniel Ortiz)

Derrick Huang and Jeff Gremillion (photo by Daniel Ortiz)

Chris Nodd and Nicholas Glenn (photo by Daniel Ortiz)

Tarek El-Bjeirmi and Karen Payne (photo by Daniel Ortiz)

Bartender Chuck mixes up classic margaritas with Original Grit tequila.

Daniel Irion, Elizabeth Stein and Kirk Kveton (photo by Daniel Ortiz)

Escarle Silva and Randy Mitchmore (photo by Daniel Ortiz)

Beth Wolff, Jeff Gremillion and Cheryl Byington (photo by Daniel Ortiz)

Simple, elegant floral set helped set the party’s sunny, stylish tone (photo by Daniel Ortiz)

Jeff Gremillion and Leisa Holland-Nelson Bowman (photo by Daniel Ortiz)

Parissa Mohajer and Mahzad Mohajer (photo by Daniel Ortiz)

Jeff Gremillion and Edward Sanchez (photo by Daniel Ortiz)

Veteran Editor Jeff Gremillion Launches New Digital Platform for Houston Storytelling

Jeff Gremillion has returned to society and cultural journalism. (Gremillion portrait by Al Torres)

After more than 30 years as a prominent voice in journalism and media leadership, veteran editor and publisher Jeff Gremillion is embarking on his next venture: JeffGremillion.com, a digital destination focused on Houston society, local culture and compelling personal profiles.

The platform debut marks a unique next chapter of Gremillion’s career. Over three decades, he led major regional publications — founding and editing both Houston magazine (Modern Luxury) and, most recently, Houston CityBook — in addition to having previously held editorial positions at major titles like Time Out New York, Entertainment Weekly and Columbia Journalism Review.

“After decades of managing full production schedules and print runs, I realized what I missed most was the pure joy of writing a great piece,” says Gremillion. “This site gives me an open, direct venue to highlight the remarkable personalities and social scene that make Houston so dynamic.”

Designed as an agile space for high-impact feature writing and event reporting, JeffGremillion.com will also be supported by a robust presence across social media channels. Additionally, readers can expect regular email newsletters packed with fresh updates and insights, rolling out soon.

“Houston has always been a city driven by big ideas, bigger personalities and relentless energy,” Gremillion adds. “I wanted to create a space where readers can get engaging, thoughtful pieces about what’s happening right now, written with a familiar voice.”

The new platform is live now.

Gremillion says he created Jeff Gremillion’s VIP Houston as “a space where readers can get engaging, thoughtful pieces about what’s happening right now, written with a familiar voice.” (Photo by Al Torres)

From Uptown Fine Dining to an Omakase Return, Houston’s Next Wave Takes Shape

Nigiri at Neo

By Jeff Gremillion

Houston’s fall dining calendar is filling up fast, with a splashy Uptown newcomer, a Michelin-recognized omakase comeback and a Downtown rooftop all in the mix — plus two suburban arrivals close behind.

Mack Allen’s, one of the year’s more anticipated openings, is due this month at 5POP, the 28-story office tower at 4400 Post Oak Parkway. The 16,000-square-foot restaurant takes over the entire first floor with New American cooking: prime beef, American wagyu, seafood, sushi and caviar, plus a wine cellar of about 1,000 bottles and a serious spirits program. The layout splits the difference between scale and intimacy, with three private dining rooms, a statement bar and a botanical garden-inspired patio. Founder Mack McDonald is positioning it as a destination for business dinners, celebrations and dressed-up nights out.

Neo, the Michelin-recognized omakase from Comma Hospitality, is slated to reopen in late fall at 1711 Indiana St. The restaurant began as a 2020 pop-up above the clothing store Glass Cypress and closed in late 2025 for renovations. When it returns, it will come back with a refreshed room and an evolved version of its intimate omakase format.

The Perch is also aimed at late fall, landing as the rooftop restaurant and bar at JW Marriott Houston Downtown, 812 Main St. Executive Chef Rafael Gonzalez will lead a seasonal menu inspired by local flavors and Houston’s mix of culinary influences, with a beverage program of globally inspired wines, local craft beers, cocktails and nonalcoholic options. Guests can take in the skyline from the dining room, the bar or the rooftop pool. The restaurant is part of the hotel’s larger expansion, including the transformation of the historic Battelstein’s Building plus new guest rooms, meeting space and amenities.

Kirby Ice House is preparing to open its new Clear Lake location this month at 530 Bay Area Blvd., near Johnson Space Center and Space Center Houston. The 21-and-up indoor-outdoor neighborhood bar is bringing the usual Kirby formula — roomy seating, sports on the screens, rotating beers, craft cocktails, games, dog-friendly patios, food trucks, complimentary group reservations and plenty of parking — to the Bay Area. Local NASA-inspired details include a custom neon of the brand’s cowgirl mascot riding a rocket. The idea is an easy hang for happy hour, game day and neighborhood celebrations.

Meanwhile, nationally known Tony’s Italian Delicatessen — the spot that hit No. 1 on Yelp’s Top 100 Places to Eat in the U.S. — is bringing its stuffed “Carnegie” subs to City Place in Spring, at 1700 City Place Drive, in early fall. After busy Montgomery and Tomball locations, Tony’s is serving the same end-to-end sandwiches on crusty Italian rolls, finished with its signature sub oil and named for Italian American icons. Expect the Stallone, Sophia and Pacino, plus soups, salads, gluten-free options and a dessert lineup of tiramisu, limoncello cake, cannoli and homemade snickerdoodles.

A rendering of the Champagne Room at Mack Allen’s

Kirby Ice House (photo by Alex Montoya)

Bespoke Boots, Custom Hats and Original Grit Tequila Arrive at Hotel Granduca

Kemo Sabe hats are coming to Hotel Granduca.

By Jeff Gremillion

Hotel Granduca is bringing a little Aspen swagger — and some fabulous top-shelf tequila — to Houston.

The Uptown luxury hotel has expanded its relationship with Kemo Sabe, the iconic Western atelier, into a lineup of exclusive experiences built around custom hats and boots, private celebrations, corporate gatherings and a new cocktail program that puts trendy and tasty Original Grit Tequila behind the bar at Remi and Bar Remi. The collaboration gives Houston guests something they could previously only find in places like Aspen, Vail and Jackson Hole: trunk shows, custom boot bars and other immersive Kemo Sabe activations, all staged through the hotel.

Hotel Granduca says the programming will be available exclusively there. “Hotel Granduca and Kemo Sabe share a belief that the most memorable luxury experiences are rooted in exceptional hospitality, authentic craftsmanship and meaningful personal connections,” said Thomas Duncan, managing director of Transwestern Hospitality Group. “That common philosophy makes this a natural alignment and allows us to offer our guests an entirely new collection of bespoke experiences unlike anything else available in Houston.”

Wendy Kunkle, president and owner of Kemo Sabe, called the pairing an obvious one. “There has always been such a natural connection between Aspen and Houston, and we love the opportunity to bring more of the Kemo Sabe experience to a community that already knows and loves the brand,” she said. “Hotel Granduca gives us an incredible home for those experiences in Houston.”

Original Grit, the Western-inspired tequila tied to the brand, is now available exclusively at the hotel. Crafted in El Arenal, Jalisco, by the fifth-generation Partida family from 100 percent Blue Weber agave with no additives, it is poured in Blanco, Reposado and Añejo expressions. Guests can already find it in three house cocktails: the Kemo Sabe Margarita, with Original Grit Blanco, fresh lime, agave and cucumber bergamot foam; Crystal Frontier, a clarified mix of Reposado, apricot liqueur, pineapple and lime finished with brûléed orange; and Wrangler’s Reserve, a richer pour with Amaro Montenegro, turbinado, chocolate and walnut bitters and a smoked aromatic finish.

The partnership’s next moment is the Original Grit Tequila Experience on Thursday, Sept. 10, an intimate multi-course dinner by Executive Chef Maurizio Ferrarese with pairings for each expression. Tickets are $195 and on sale now. Hotel Granduca is at 1080 Uptown Park Blvd. Details and reservations are at granducahouston.com.

Original Grit tequila

Bar Remi at Hotel Granduca

Renée Fleming’s Spellbinding Performance Crowns Special Opera Ball Honoring Patrick Summers

Tania Kanga, Nancy Gonzalez, Denise Reyes, Ona Alicia Okeke and Destiny Fernandisse (photo by Dave Rossman)

By Jeff Gremillion

The Houston Grand Opera Brilliance Ball glowed with special significance this year, becoming not just a luminous white-tie celebration of light and legacy — but also a heartfelt sendoff to beloved Artistic and Music Director Maestro Patrick Summers. It raised over $1.8 million to boot.

On April 11 at the Wortham Theater Center, nearly 400 distinguished guests gathered for an evening of elegance and inspiration that perfectly captured HGO’s 2025-26 season theme, The Light We Hold. Chaired by devoted philanthropists John G. Turner and Jerry G. Fischer, the 2026 Opera Ball honored Summers’ more than 25 years of visionary leadership with the company’s Silver Rose award and culminated in a once-in-a-lifetime performance by internationally acclaimed soprano Renée Fleming.

In her remarks, HGO General Director and CEO Khori Dastoor thanked the evening’s chairs and generous donors, then paid tribute to Summers. His “unshakable vision,” she said, “has transformed our company and enriched our city.” Summers, visibly moved, told the crowd, “I thank you all for this long privilege of your support, friendship, and for our shared love of this company. I ask that you please continue to ensure that this company is a beacon in the arts world.”

Fleming, accompanied by HGO Chief Artistic Officer and Chorus Director Richard Bado on piano, held guests spellbound with an intimate program that included “I can smell the sea air” from André Previn’s A Streetcar Named Desire, “O mio babbino caro” from Puccini’s Gianni Schicchi, Andrew Lippa’s “The Diva,” and a stirring “You’ll Never Walk Alone” from Rodgers and Hammerstein II’s Carousel.

The evening began with an elegant cocktail hour featuring caviar on freshly prepared blinis and a martini bar, while fashion sketch artists captured guests in their evening attire as personalized keepsakes. The live auction offered a show-stopping item: a Steinway Model M Spirio piano pre-loaded with recordings by Patrick Summers himself.

City Kitchen Catering served a refined dinner of seasonal asparagus salad, duck à l’orange with duchess potatoes, and a classic finish of Black Forest cake and floating islands. The Events Company transformed the space into a luminous wonderland of soft lighting, candlelight, gold accents, and elegant white floral arrangements — the perfect backdrop for dinner and dancing that lasted into the early morning hours with The Big Beyond.

Guests included James Gaffigan and Marta Wasilewicz-Gaffigan, Margaret Alkek Williams, Kristy and Chris Bradshaw, Zane and Brady Carruth, Theresa Chang, Anne and Albert Chao, Isabel and Danny David, Anna Dean, Hallie Vanderhider and Bobby Dees, Elaine Finger, Brigitte Kalai, Beth Madison, Denise Monteleone, Beth Muecke, David Peck and Michelle Phillips, Cynthia and Tony Petrello, Louisa Sarofim, Phoebe and Bobby Tudor and Jesse Tutor.

James Gaffigan, Khori Dastoor and Patrick Summers (photo by Michelle Watson)

Matt Healey and Denise Reyes take to the dance floor (photo by Dave Rossman)

Scott Wise, Huda and William Zoghbi and Khori Dastoor (photo by Michelle Watson)

Beth Muecke (photo by Michelle Watson)

Marilyn Ingham, Sid Moorhead and Lauren Hall (photo by Michelle Watson)

Neil Hershey and Carey Kirkpatrick (photo by Dave Rossman)

James and Marta Wasilewicz-Gaffigan (photo by Dave Rossman)

Valerie and Stephen Toups (photo by Dave Rossman)

Annie Labatt and Blair and Barbara Labatt (photo by Dave Rossman)

Terrylin Neale and Jane Cizik (photo by Dave Rossman)

BenJoaquín Gouverneur and Khori Dastoor (photo by Michelle Watson)

With Year of the Horse Theme and Star-Studded Lineup, Cotton Q Club Rides Back in Style

Zinat Ahmed at The Gold Pony Club (photo courtesy Cotton Holdings)

By Jeff Gremillion

The always memorable Cotton Q Club returned in grand fashion this year, transforming into the hottest tent at the World’s Championship Bar-B-Que Contest and kicking off the 2026 Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo in true Texas style.

Presented by Cotton Holdings as title sponsor, the invite-only event once again delivered championship barbecue, elevated hospitality, and unforgettable entertainment for Houston’s best. From February 26–28 at NRG Park, the Cotton Q Club lived up to its legendary reputation with a high-energy weekend that perfectly blended culinary excellence, standout musical performances, and distinctive design touches. The powerhouse stage lineup featured Gabby Barrett headlining Thursday night, Sammy Kershaw opening Friday, followed by a show-stopping set from Josh Turner, and Braxton Keith closing out the weekend on Saturday with pure country flair.

Cotton Culinary kept the flavors flowing with a dynamic, themed menu: Thursday’s steak night, Friday’s fajitas, and Saturday’s full barbecue spread, each evening capped with desserts designed to match the theme. Guests raised their glasses with premium beverages and spirits from Constellation Brands, Whistle Pig, Dripping Springs Distillery, and Republic National Distributing Company.

In honor of the Year of the Horse, the main tent dazzled with striking red rose horses suspended across the ceiling — a bold, artful contrast to the classic green décor that symbolized agility, strength, and the spirited values at the heart of Cotton Holdings. Tucked inside the tent, the coveted speakeasy known as The Gold Pony Club made its triumphant return as a hidden, high-style escape.

Guests were greeted by The Stirrup martini bar, presented by Sophie, serving three signature martinis and caviar-stuffed olives in a refined ranch setting. Kinetic art pieces by artist Sneha Merchant adorned the emerald-green walls, while specialty cocktails like the Cotton Signature Sour and Spicy Gold Pony flowed alongside offerings from Casa Dragones, Simple Spirits, Ace of Spades, and DR Delicacy caviar. 1932 Cattleman’s Club provided exclusive bites and desserts, and on Friday night, Bun B surprised the crowd with his famous Trill Burgers.

Leading the weekend were Cotton Holdings executives including Founder and Chairman Pete Bell, Chief Marketing Officer Zinat Ahmed, President and Co-CEO Johnny Slaughter and his wife Debra, and Co-CEO Chris Sneck and his wife Margaret. Notable attendees included Mayor John Whitmire, Dr. Chris Boleman, Pat Mann Phillips, Jeff Hildebrand, Bun B, Andre Johnson, Blake Feritta, Tony Bradfield, James Scaife, Kevin Freeman, Russell and Stacey White, Jeff and Kristen Erler, Dawn and Ed Buckingham, Elizabeth Kurpis, Tara Martin, Heather Almond, Morgan Hale, Teressa Foglia, Ty Hays, Lyndsey Zorich, Ceron, Kaleta Blaffer Johnson, Hailey and Jacob Daniels, Kailey and Paul Fletcher, Suzanne Droese, and Marc and Whitney Lawson.

Josh Turner (photo courtesy Cotton Holdings)

Andre Johnson (photo by Kaitlin Saragusa)

Tony Bradfield and Zinat Ahmed (photo by Kaitlin Saragusa)

Gabby Barrett (photo by Kaitlin Saragusa)

Teressa Foglia and Ty Hays (photo by Kaitlin Saragusa)

Mayor John Whitmire (photo by Kaitlin Saragusa)

Johnny Slaughter, Chris Sneck, Coast Guard Petty Officer Scott Ruskan, Pete Bell and Zinat Ahmed (photo courtesy Cotton Holdings)

Ashley Muncie (photo coutesy Cotton Holdings)

Pete Bell and Zinat Ahmed (photo courtesy Cotton Holdings)

Sammy Kershaw (photo courtesy Cotton Holdings)

Tara Martin and Elizabeth Kurpis (photo by Kaitlin Saragusa)

Bun B and his Trill Burgers (photo courtesy Cotton Holdings)

Chandeliers and horses fashioned of roses ad Cotton Q Club (photo byKaitlin Saragusa)

With Billowing Blooms and Evocative ‘Clowns,’ Williams’ Opera Ball Celebrates $2 Million Take

Patrick Summers, Margaret Alkek Williams and Khori Dastoor (photo by Michelle Watson)

By Jeff Gremillion

Originally published April 2025

When the grande dame of Houston philanthropy steps up to chair the annual gala for one of Houston’s most elite cultural institutions, expect high elegance to abound and big bucks to roll in.

Such was exactly the case when Margaret Alkek Williams chaired the 2025 Opera Ball at the Wortham Center, raising a record of more than $2 million for Houston Grand Opera — with a romantic, old-school, spring-savvy “Love Is in the Air” theme, brought to life with thousands of fragrant pastel-colored florals at every turn, and a sea of ballgowns in shades of seasonal pink and green. This was the second $2 million+ ball Williams has chaired for HGO, with this year’s haul beating her own personal best from back in 2014.

A surprise highlight of the evening was a stirring performance honoring the gala’s honorees, Dian and Harlan Stai, who have supported the opera company for decades. HGO General Director and CEO Khori Dastoor “welcomed legendary mezzo-soprano Frederica von Stade to the stage, where she performed accompanied [on piano] by HGO Artistic and Music Director Patrick Summers,” noted a rep for the company. “Her moving interpretation of Stephen Sondheim’s seminal classic, ‘Send in the Clowns,’ left the audience spellbound.”

Dinner was decadent, with a chilled Romanesco soup, a pairing of prime beef and pan-seared seabass, and a chocolate explosion of a dessert, with bits of fudge cake and chocolate ice cream and mousse, all bursting from a tempered sphere — again, lavishly old school. After dinner, dancing broke out on the gleaming dance floor.

In room full of VIPs, some of the top-tier swells included Anna Dean, Anne and Albert Chao, Betty and Jesse Tutor, Brigitte Kalai, Alicia Smith, Charles and Lily Foster, Cynthia and Tony Petrello, Fady Armanious, Bill Baldwin, Franklin and Cindi Rose, Hallie Vanderhider, Jim and Dancie Ware, Jim and Molly Crownover and Leisa Holland-Nelson Bowman.

Nancy Gonzalez, Denise Reyes, Christina Jack, Destiny Fernandisse (photo by Emily Jaschke)

Brigitte Kalai, Betty Tutor and Ann Ayre (photo by Michelle Watson)

Ilyas and Elizabeth Abraham (photo by Emily Jaschke)

Frederica von Stade (photo by Michelle Watson)

Jim and Dancie Ware (photo by Michelle Watson)

Jonathan and Ann Ayre and Rachel and Warren Ellsworth (photo by Michelle Watson)

Michael Broderick and Cindy and Franklin Rose (photo by Emily Jaschke)

Staycation Idea: Newly Renovated Moran a Chic Homebase for CityCentre Adventure

The Moran in CityCentre

By Jeff Gremillion

THINKING OF INTERESTING ideas for a staycation this spring? Consider the newly renovated Moran boutique hotel in CityCentre.

If you haven’t spent much time in CityCentre lately, it’s definitely worth an immersive experience. And The Moran CityCentre, recently named a top-three Houston hotel by Travel + Leisure, is a bright, lovely homebase. Thanks to the Midway company’s multi-million-dollar reno, the property now touts a new front desk, lobby bar and terrace space, a prominent new ground level entrance, along with recently completed refreshed rooms and expanded meeting spaces.

The lobby bar is terrific. It’s called The Allegory Bar, and it overlooks CityCentre’s central plaza — a green space surrounded by killer shopping, cute patio restaurants, and an ice cream shop that stays busy. From Allegory, which mixes a sleek, marble bar with a cozier dining space that resembles a chic, urbane library, you can see all the action. And on breezy summer nights, there’s always a lot of action. (A stroll through the CityCentre plaza on a bustling evening should be on anyone’s up-to-date Houston bucket list, to be honest.) 

At Allegory, beautiful Texas-y cocktails like the smoked Lonesome Dove (small-batch bourbon, pecan syrup and bitters) wash down apps like brisket-stuffed jalapenos and entrees such as redfish with wild rice and lemon cream. There’s also a smart new breakfast spot, Café Moran, just off the sexy pool deck, awash in natural light and billowing treetop views. Very pleasant.

The hip bar and accomplished new restaurant is only part of the redo. “All 244 guestrooms have been refreshed with stylish new furnishings, premium bedding, modern lighting, and technology upgrades,” notes a Midway rep. “Thoughtfully curated amenities, including chic bar carts stocked with Texas-based liquors, a selection of snacks and Illy coffee service, custom bath products, plush robes, and handheld steamers, further enhance the guest experience, reflecting the property’s dedication to comfort and luxury.”

Other perks include discounted day passes to the sprawling, upscale Life Time mega-gym across the way. This alone may be worth making a weekend of it, as Life Time is notoriously hard to access without member credentials. 

And now seems like a great time to pull the trigger on a quick trip. The Stay & Savor package is available through April 4; it’s available Fridays and Saturdays, offering a $199 classic king room with $100 F&B credit.

Houston Ballet Salutes Jim Nelson and Celebrates Margaret Alkek Williams’ 90th Birthday

Angel Rios, Richard Flowers, Duyen and Marc Nguyen

By Patrick Magee

HOUSTON BALLET’S 2025–2026 season opened in high style with a double celebration. After the curtain fell on Onegin — John Cranko’s tale of love and rejection — more than 220 patrons gathered on stage at the Wortham for the annual Opening Night Onstage Dinner, one of the company’s most anticipated traditions.

The evening paid special tribute to Jim Nelson. Nelson, who took the helm as Executive Director in 2012, guided the Ballet through the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey and the challenges of COVID. During dinner, Nelson was honored with a proclamation from the City of Houston. Even Nelson’s mother attended and received a special shout-out during his dinner toast. 

The night’s second milestone belonged to Margaret Alkek Williams, Houston Ballet’s beloved benefactor, who celebrated her 90th birthday on the very day. Guests raised flutes of Madame Zéro champagne and shared slices of her favorite indulgence — chocolate cake — served in her honor.

Designed by Bergner and Johnson, the transformed stage offered an enchanting backdrop of mahogany lattice chairs, gold vases of spring blooms and whimsical details. Dinner from City Kitchen matched the setting’s elegance: heirloom tomato tartare with basil sorbet, followed by pan-seared chicken with Madeira jus.

This year’s Opening raised a record-breaking $500,000. 

Charleston Is Hip, Historic and Holiday-Happy — And Don’t Miss the Pimento Cheese

The Beach Club at Charleston Harbor Resort & Marina, next door to the USS Yorktown

By Jeff Gremillion

THERE'S SOMETHING SPECIAL about an old-school Southern city, with its subtropical landscaping, old bricks, older trees and rib-sticking food everywhere, especially at the holidays. But, then again, a waterfront resort with a huge pool and potent cocktails served under cabanas is hard to beat. Can’t decide? May we suggest The Beach Club at Charleston Harbor Resort & Marina? Located across the harbor from downtown Charleston, it offers both.

It’s serious about its coastal Southerness, from the Colonial-era baby blue paint and chunky millwork that pervades the gracious and sprawling space — the whole thing feels a bit like an excellent country club at which you sip sweet tea with purpose and feel important — to the seersucker robes in the guestrooms. There’s maritime-inspired art by local artists in every vividly colorful room, and balconies overlooking the large pool. And, beyond that, the marina and a network of piers and boardwalks, and grassy, bird-beloved marshland that meets Charleston Harbor like a scene from a nature painting.

The grilled salmon at the hotel’s Fish House comes with ratatouille and watercress puree, and the suggested pairing for the Lowcountry classic Shrimp and Grits, which here adds in andouille and sweet peppers, is an Argentine Malbec. Golden sunlight bounces off the harbor and floods in at the magic hour. Above the restaurant is the open-air Bridge Bar with expansive views.

The hotel also offers sailing lessons, taught by faculty from the champion College of Charleston sailing team. Unique holiday-time happenings include Oysters on the Point, at which buckets of steamed oysters go for $13 on some Saturdays and come with a side of live music. The resort also sets up a large ice-skating rink, open till February.

Of course, there’s tons to do off property in the hip and historic Charleston area, including the USS Yorktown, a huge WWII aircraft carrier docked right next door to the hotel and open for tours — and Fort Sumter, where the Civil War began, on a tiny island you can see from The Beach Club. And then there’s simply tooling around Charleston, which is easy to get to by water taxi. The ride alone is an adventure: You’ve never seen so many dolphins putting on a show.

A stroll through the city is enchanting, with its leafy cobblestone streets lined with palmettos — not palms,thankyouverymuch— and French colonial-era homes with longpiazzaporches on the side. It feels like the best of NOLA’s French Quarter and antebellum Natchez combined, with a fresh coat of paint, lots of shade from Live Oaks and curiously not infrequent sightings of hunky hipsters with tat sleeves and man buns. If you’re hungry after a morning walkabout, Miller’s All Day has biscuit sandwiches with fried chicken, pepper jam and the city’s favorite spread, pimento cheese; at most restaurants, the stuff seems to show up on pretty much everything except the peanut butter pie.

And we’re definitely not complaining.