A Legendary Toast

Online Now

Houston CityBook and presenting sponsor BBVA Compass hosted an intimate cocktail party to honor the inaugural class of Leaders & Legends, as seen in a dynamic portrait portfolio, shot by Steve Visneau, in the April issue. More than 100 of the city’s movers and shakers packed the poolside, atrium-like “salon” of the Hotel Granduca — in the very space where the 14 Leaders & Legends were photographed. In the middle of the room, a gourmet spread greeted guests — the caviar was to-die-for — who mixed and mingled over cocktails and heavy pours of vino and sparkling rosé. Nearby, teen prodigies of the Virtousi of Houston chamber orchestra performed.


After grabbing some passed bites like the sweet miniature waffle cones filled with savory ahi tuna, guests took their posts at cocktail tables and CityBook’s Executive Publisher Lisa Holthouse took to the mic. She praised each honoree for his or her contributions to their respective disciplines, and presented them with a special gift, courtesy of Events. Leaders & Legends in attendance included iconic prima ballerina Lauren Anderson; Houston Ballet principal Conor Walsh; commercial developer Jonathan Brinsden of Midway Companies; businesswomen and wellness execs Janet Gurwitch and Tiffany Masterson; developer and visionary Gerald Hines; UH Hines College of Architecture dean Patricia Oliver; restaurateurs Ben Berg and Tony Vallone; philanthropist Phoebe Tudor; and the ever-iconic Lynn Wyatt, Houston CityBook’s April covergirl.

CultureMap and Lamborghini Houston were also among the hosts and sponsors of the photographic portfolio and party.

Party People
Golden Hour at The Marigold Club: A Decadent Escape

THERE'S A MOMENT just before dusk when everything turns to gold—the light softens, the world slows, and indulgence feels not just necessary, but deserved. Welcome to Golden Hour at The Marigold Club, where opulence meets effortless charm and your midweek unwind turns into an exquisite ritual.

Keep Reading Show less

Heather Almond, Elia Gabbanelli, Kaleta Blaffer Johnson and Tara Martin (photo courtesy Cotton Holdings)

THE SWANKIEST SETUP at the Rodeo Houston “Cookoff” didn’t disappoint, for the fourth year in a row!

Keep Reading Show less

Braxton Berrios and Alix Earle (photo from @alix_earle on Instagram)

WHILE HOUSTON IS still mourning the loss of Alex and Reagan Bregman’s move to Boston, a new power couple is about to touch down in H-Town. Influencer Alix Earle’s boyfriend Braxton Berrios was drafted to the Texans this week.

Keep Reading Show less
Style