Firefighter and "Mr. February" on the runway at Red Hot
Again with event founders Elizabeth and Alan Stein leading the show as chairs, the Red Hot Gala in support of the Houston Professional Fire Fighters Association Charitable Foundation drew more than 500 to a pair of Royal Sonesta ballrooms. One was used for pre- and post-dinner cocktailing and perusing of an extensive silent auction, while the one across the hall was the scene of a lavish dinner and presentations that ranged for heart-tugging to heart-racing.
Indeed, the mournful playing of the bagpipe and a rousing acapella rendition of the National Anthem moved the crowd. Later on, the strains of Disco Inferno and Fireball got guests going in a different way — and the first responders featured in the 2025 hunky-fireman calendar to the catwalk shirtless, oiled-up pecs glistening under stage lights. One imagines the whoops and hollers could be heard from space.
Thanks in part to both silent and live auctions, some $850,000 was raised to help provide state-of-the-art equipment for the fire department not covered in its government budgets. A generous set of patrons helped make the night such a success. The Steins’ dedication, “along with that of steadfast supporters and returning presenting sponsors Bobbie Nau, Hallie Vanderhider and Bobby Dees are without a doubt a reflection of true philanthropists,” gushed a rep for event organizers. “This year, Edna Meyer-Nelson stepped up as our dinner sponsor, and the Royal Sonesta pulled out all the stops.”
TV personality Courtney Zavala served as emcee. Other presenters and special guests included Association President Patrick M. “Marty” Lancton, newly appointed Fire Chief Tom Munoz and Mayor John Whitmire. Other VIPs were spotted in the crowd, like Dawn Buckingham, Gary Petersen, Alicia and Lance Smith, Brigitte Kalai, Patti and Don Murphy, Kirk Kveton and Daniel Irion, Cheryl and Bill King, Beth Muecke, Van & David Greenberg, Fady Armanious and Bill Baldwin, and Donae Chramosta.
Donae Charmosta, Paulina Padilla and Stacey Lindseth (Photo By Catchlight Group)
Firefighting hunks aplenty!
Hallie Vanderhider and Bobby Dees (Photo By Catchlight Group)
Kirk Kveton, Daniel Irion, Fady Armanious and Bill Baldwin (Photo By Catchlight Group)
Marty Lancton, Mayor John Whitmire and Fire Chief Tom Munoz (Photo By Catchlight Group)
Elizabeth Stein, Denise Monteleone and Laura Elizabeth Stein (Photo By Catchlight Group)
Mr. March (Photo By Catchlight Group)
Jared Jinkerson, Jeff Gremillion, and Alicia and Lance Smith (Photo By Catchlight Group)
Ashley Gibson and Michael Vanderhider (Photo By Catchlight Group)
Toca Madera Bird's Nest patio (photo by Connie Anderson)
Brenner's on the Bayou
It’s hard to compete with this picturesque setting on acres of rolling grass with a cascading waterfall and lush foliage. The glass-wrapped two-story dining room has views from every table, plus a wrap-around covered patio. Indulge in prime steaks, seafood and notable wines, or hit the luxurious outdoor Blue Bar for small plates and libations.
Flora Mexican Kitchen
When you think of dining outdoors, this epic undertaking hovering over Buffalo Bayou’s Lost Lake has all the right stuff for an alfresco respite. Your destination — the patio — feels like sitting in a fine treehouse in the woods. But Flora isn’t just a pretty face: Serious fare like pork shank with mole rojo and Gratify ceviche please both Mexican food fans and ladies-who-lunch-and-brunch.
Hamsa/Badolina Bakery
Hamsa (photo by Kirsten Gilliam)
Rice Village people-watching, along with buzzy drinks, pastries and modern Israeli fare, keep these adjacent outdoor spaces hopping. Crisp garden furnishings with ornate umbrellas and lush landscaping add to the charm – Hamsa even sports roll-up doors to bring the outdoors in. Catch brunch, dinner, or simply share a salatim with creamy labneh, hummus, beet salad and much more.
Hotel Granduca
Il Giordino at Hotel Granduca
Posh poolside seating awaits at Il Giardino lounge, which translates to “the gardens.” The full-service Italian menu features decadent pastas, pizzas, salads, burgers and more. Shareable sides and specialty cocktails are delish.
Hugo's
Hugo's patio (photo by Shannon O'Hara)
Tucked away from Westheimer behind a tall white wall lies this tranquil shaded patio with a gurgling fountain and fans. Come for lunch, happy hour or dinner. Must-orders include margaritas, lobster tacos, carnitas, and the weekend brunch buffet is justly famous.
Hungry's
Hungry's Rice Village
Hungry? Vegans and meat eaters, you’ve come to the right place. Popular on weekends for its sprawling Rice Village patio and second floor covered balcony, the affordable, massive menu is also a draw. Tuck into a market chopped salad, crispy eggplant tacos, or a slew of burgers. Brunch on egg Benedicts, waffles, omelets, and the winning smoked salmon avocado toast. The new location on Woodway also has a lovely patio!
La Griglia
La Griglia's courtyard
Maybe it’s the plush banquettes, the shrubs and lemon trees hugging each table, or the patio bar, but this still new Courtyard with a retractable roof feels a little like you’re sitting on a patio in Tuscany. Don’t miss the generous salads — namely the Caesar — or the must-have classic Snapper La Griglia with prawns, jumbo crab and Barolo sauce. Chef kiss!
Musaafer
Musaafer terrace
The second-floor terrace has a little bar with treetop views, enchanting dangling lamps, and semi-private cabana-draped daybeds with tables that make it feel worlds away. You might be tempted to take a catnap, but then you’d miss exciting fare like Indian-inspired Mithu’s Coriander Shrimp, the golden hour Lodhi Garden cocktail, or an eye-popping dessert.
Toca Madera
Toca Madera's Bird's Next patio (photo by Connie Anderson)
Still smoking-hot Toca Madera, known for fine Mexican fare and party-vibe dining, recently introduced weekend brunch starting Oct. 19. Come hungry and thirsty for sweet and savory entrees, the raw bar, signature starters, and the new mimosa kit. Anticipate DJs and live entertainment from 11am-4pm. For a real treat, request the “Bird’s Nest” patio with cush seating and an airy wisteria-wrapped metal cage covering to filter out the sun.
Treebeard's
Treebeard's Memorial patio
The most recent location in Memorial’s Hedwig Village has a nifty indoor-outdoor seating area spilling over from the bar (weekday happy hour, FYI). New culinary director — the first for the 46-year-old Houston brand — veteran chef Matt Marcus is facilitating modern menu additions. But the beloved classics like red beans and rice, shrimp etouffee, hearty Southern specials, and fresh salads will always remain.
Zanti
Zanti River Oaks
The slick Italian newcomer to the River Oaks Shopping Center makes for a perfect spontaneous patio perch. Roomy and covered, the plant and fan flocked space invites you to spread out and take your time. Menu faves include arancini, chicken piccata, seared halibut with pasta fregola, and the charcuterie board.
The Camino Huichol over the Wet Deck
This slice of paradise is the W Punta de Mita, about an hour outside of Puerto Vallarta. With fewer than 130 rooms, the property is glam enough for jet-setting influencer couples but approachable enough for families, an ideal blend of bold style and Huichol tradition.
Upon arrival, guests sip a cocktail as the sea breeze filters in through the open-air lobby; below, a centerpiece bar and sliding glass doors frame the view of the beach — a welcome sight, even though the flight from Houston isn’t all that long. While the sit-down restaurants adjacent to the lobby are indeed fantastic, the best first stop is Chevychería, a beachfront bar carved out of an old pickup truck. Daily ceviches and crudos — and the best guacamole this Texan has ever had (a bold statement, no?) — are best enjoyed with sand between the toes and a mojito in hand. Vacation mode, activated.
Some of the most artful touches at the hotel are found on the Camino Huichol, a magazine-worthy teal-tiled backdrop for photos. The elevated walkway, with 751,000 mosaic tiles representing elements of the Wixarika culture, doubles as an extension of the pool cabanas down below; the entire thing is framed by a waist-high wall of clear glass panels.
Speaking of pool cabanas, though, it’s likely that the whole trip could be magnificently enjoyed in one of them. The Wet Deck, as the main pool area is called, is pristine and positioned equally well for those who favor catching rays and those who prefer shade. Sunblock, board games and books populate a little stand nearby, in case guests forgot a necessity. Need a change of scenery? A quick taxi ride to Sayulita for shopping — leather goods, hand-woven apparel, artisan ceramics — and people-watching completes the afternoon.
If privacy is of importance, the new adults-only Wet Deck Too is a few yards away, an infinity-edged pool with several chaise-style chairs and tables. It’s situated in front of a row of just-opened suites that each boast their own plunge pool, and an open-air bathtub worthy of Architectural Digest.
But if that’s not relaxing enough, hop back on that jungle-lined walkway, which in the other direction leads to the AWAY Spa. Say ahhh.
The lobby bar
The adults-only Wet Too pool with new suites behind it
Chevychería
Beachfront suite with private plunge pool
Private plunge pool
Indoor-outdoor bathroom in beachfront suites
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