Months after Benjamin Brollier proposed to Courtney Corinne Wood in the garden of her family’s home, with a cushion-cut diamond ring his mother Louise helped select, his mom passed away. In planning their lavish New Year’s Eve wedding at River Oaks Country Club, C.C. and Benjy kept Louise top of mind and in their hearts, curating thoughtful details like heirloom jewelry and special wedding programs. But the high school sweethearts also wanted to celebrate life and love, and ring in a fresh New Year with 500 loved ones — a vision expertly executed by Keely Thorne planner Jennifer Kaldis, and the floral and decor team at Todd Events. C.C. and Benjy each had 18 attendants standing by their side at the altar, and out on the dance floor, which remained packed even after the stroke of midnight! After fueling up on late-night breakfast tacos, the newlyweds escaped in a convertible Rolls-Royce — with a backdrop of fireworks, of course.
A MOD TAKE on a retro-savvy soda fountain, Ben Berg announced that his Buttermilk Baby restaurant will open this fall in the M-K-T Heights development.
Renderings of the all-American diner reveal a minimalistic yet colorful aesthetic, with neon lights and fun furniture dotting a sizable patio. As for the food? Expect Berg's spin on diner food, a la fried chicken, burgers and biscuits, served in a fast-casual setting. “Our goal is to create an experience-driven concept that evokes happy childhood memories for adults and that they can now share with their kids," said Berg, a dad of two, in a statement. "It really will be a treat for Houstonians of all ages."
Speaking of treats, Buttermilk Baby will have a mouthwatering ice-cream bar featuring Carvel soft-serve, milkshakes, sundaes and ice-cream cakes. “Carvel has my favorite soft-serve and is the originator of soft-serve ice cream," continued Berg. "With the brand being from the Northeast, I am happy to bring it to my new home. And everyone should try a Fudgie the Whale Cake at least once in their life!” (Fudgie boasts layers of ice cream, fudge, chunks of cookies and more — we're sold.)
Berg Hospitality Group is also slated to open a pair of brand-new concepts next-door to Berg's original B&B Butchers & Restaurant on Washington in April. At Benny Chows, Berg will, for the first time, explore Chinese cuisine, including dim sum bites and classics like Peking duck, along with a sure-to-be exquisite filet mignon-and-broccoli. Expect Chinese-inspired design elements and, upstairs, a rooftop bar boasting a coveted skyline view. Known as Canopy Social, the third-floor space will have a retractable roof and an indoor-outdoor decor scheme, a la rattan furniture, water features and tons of greenery.
A rendering of the forthcoming Buttermilk Baby at M-K-T
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1751 Will Close March 4
1751 (photo by Jenn Duncan)
Sambrooks Management, the hospitality group that owns The Pit Room, Candente and 1751, announced yesterday that the gin-driven concept 1751 Sea and Bar, located on Heights Boulevard near I-10, will serve its last customers March 4. The executive chef, Matt Young, will transition into a corporate chef role at Sambrooks Management, which is expanding with Andiron steakhouse off Allen Parkway and a second location of the Pit Room later this year. “We certainly hope we can bring this concept back to life at a later date, but for now we would like to thank our customers who enjoyed 1751’s progressive small plate dining experience for a great run," said Michael Sambrooks in a release. "We are happy that due to our expansion we can offer jobs to all of our great 1751 employees at our new or existing locations. We hope our loyal customers and fans will come out for one final meal in our remaining two weeks of service.” Those who hope to dine at 1751 before it shutters are encouraged to make a reservation.
Shake Shack Goes High-End with VIP Truffle Table
Truffle Table
Shake Shack's Rice Village location will transform into a white-tablecloth dining experience for four nights, Feb. 27-March 2. For $20 per person, the Truffle Table seated dinner features a prix-fixe version of the chain's new White Truffle menu — featuring a white truffle burger and shroom burger with parm fries and white-truffle sauce — served on fine china and with unlimited beverages. Party favors include a bottle of Regalis truffle oil. Only 10 Shake Shack locations across the U.S. will participate in the Truffle Table experience. Make a reservation here.
River Oaks District Hosts Rodeo Kickoff Event
River Oaks District (photo by Alex Montoya)
This Saturday from 12-3pm, River Oaks District hosts the Rodeo Roundup kickoff, celebrating the arrival of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, at its new greenspace dubbed The Park. There will be festive cotton candy courtesy of Texas Sugar Fluff, cocktails from the aptly named Cocktail Cowboy, sliders from Hopdoddy and more. Rising-star country singer Dean Paul Willeford will also perform.
Phat Eatery Adds Brunch
Phat Eatery (photo by Jenn Duncan)
Katy Asian Town staple Phat Eatery, which expands soon with a second location in The Woodlands, is now serving weekend brunch. From 11am-4pm on Saturday and Sunday, guests can enjoy a new selection of Malaysian-inspired dim sum and more. Brunch items include Grilled Pork Toast — an open-face baguette sandwich with Chinese sausage, snow peas, peppers and onions — and egg-stuffed veggie dumplings.
Ben Berg's Sit-Down Rodeo Resto Reopens Next Week
The Ranch (photo by Jenn Duncan)
The Ranch Saloon + Steakhouse from Berg Hospitality reopens Feb. 28, beginning its three-week run as the Rodeo's only sit-down restaurant. This year, Rodeo-goers can choose from two different dining experiences: The Saloon will be a first-come, first-served casual spot with a full bar, covered patio and nightly live music, while the Steakhouse is traditional fine-dining (reservations highly recommended). Also new this year is The Ranch After Dark, a DJ-fueled nightlife experience with lounge tables, bottle service and more, from 10pm 'til close.
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