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 now at JeffGremillion.com. A regular email newsletter debuted this week, as well.
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)