events

Big-Name Brennan's Alums Reunite for Holiday Wine Dinner

Big-Name Brennan's Alums Reunite for Holiday Wine Dinner

Chef Sarah Grueneberg

OVER ITS 55 years, Brennan’s of Houston has cultivated immense talent, particularly in its kitchen, where many young cooks cut their chops before making names for themselves as some of the best chefs in the nation.

To celebrate its landmark 55th anniversary, Brennan’s is hosting special dining events during its Home & Away series. Up next, the Texas-Creole house welcomes star-studded chefs Chris Shepherd and Sarah Grueneberg back to the kitchen to collaborate on a four-course wine dinner. Taking place two nights, Nov. 29 and Nov. 30, the dinners will also celebrate the release of alumnus Grueneberg’s first cookbook, Listen to Your Vegetables and each guest will receive a copy. A portion of the proceeds from each ticket sold will benefit Shepherd’s Southern Smoke Foundation.

Grueneberg is chef-partner of Chicago’s Monteverde restaurant and recipient of the 2017 James Beard Award for Best Chef: Great Lakes, while Shepherd was recipient of the 2014 James Beard Award for Best Chef: Southwest. Both will join longtime mentors, Brennan’s chefs Carl Walker and José Arévalo, to craft the elaborate dinner.

Accompanying wine pairings will be selected by Shepherd, who spent two years running Brennan’s wine program, and Brennan’s Wine Guy, Rich Carter. During the meal, chefs will share cooking tips, fond memories, and entertaining stories of their time at Brennan's and beyond.

Shepherd

Getting hungry? The evening kicks off with a welcome reception featuring passed hors d'oeuvres and bubbles. A peek at the dinner menu reveals Shrimp Rémoulade with creamy nam Jim prepared by Shepherd, and a second course of Gnocchetti con Genovese Pesto with lemon ricotta and Tuscan pine nuts by Grueneberg. The third course, served family-style, includes Roman Tricolor salad with toasted almonds; Satsuma and fennel seed Roasted Pork Loin; Spicy Red Chile Cauliflower, and Brown Butter-Roasted Root Vegetables with shallots and fonduta. Walker rounds out the evening with scrumptious pumpkin spice tiramisu and more bubbles.

Happen to have a copy of Shepherd’s cookbook Cook Like a Local or chef Walker’s Brennan's of Houston In Your Kitchen? Bring it along and they will sign it as well. If you’re a foodie, sounds like a fun night is in store!

From Your Site Articles
Related Articles Around the Web
Food
promoted

Reyna Group Owner Leads Real Estate Market with Passion and Excellence

Reyna Group Owner Leads Real Estate Market with Passion and Excellence

MICHELLE REYNA WYMES, a distinguished name in the Houston real estate market, is the owner of the successful boutique brokerage, Reyna Group. Born and raised in Houston, Texas, Michelle has deep-rooted connections to the community she serves with dedication and pride.

Keep Reading Show less
promoted

Leadership in Action: John Kuykendall Traded Newcaster Dream for Success in Luxury Retail

John Kuykendall, Showroom Manager, Sub-Zero, Wolf and Cove

How did you get to where you are today? Growing up I had envisioned myself as a news anchor, living in NY and enthusiastically saying into the camera “Good Morning America!”. To this day, I am still a news/political junkie. My mother owned fur salons so specialty retail, luxury retail was in my blood through the family business. Eventually, mom shuttered the stores and I was recruited to a large specialty retailer. Over the next 30 years, I was in commissioned sales on the sales floor, became a department manager, worked my way up to buyer and store manager. Although I never became a newscaster, I did live in NYC for a few years. But Texas is home and with aging grandparents, I felt the pull to come back to my roots. A headhunter approached me. I never envisioned myself in the high-end appliance market, but there are so many similarities. Clients want a memorable experience; whether shopping for diamonds and fur or remodeling their kitchen.

Keep Reading Show less
promoted

Leadership in Action: CEO Theresa Roemer Credits Mother, Mentors and Mindset for Accomplishments

How did you get to where you are today? My journey to where I am today is built on a foundation of hard work, dedication, and perseverance. Every step along the way, I faced obstacles, but I approached each one with determination and a “never give up” mindset. Instead of being discouraged by challenges, I used them as opportunities to grow and improve. Consistency was key—I committed to showing up and giving my best effort every day. I also learned not to take “no” as a final answer. Instead, I saw it as a chance to push harder, adapt, and find another way forward. It’s this combination of persistence, resilience, and unwavering focus that has brought me to where I am today.

Keep Reading Show less