For the first time, the cancer-fighting Alcides E. Rosaura Diniz Foundation hosted a gala at the Astorian. Ana Paola Diniz, who lost her father Alcides to Hodgkin’s lymphoma in 2006, praised MD Anderson, the night’s beneficiary, for its dedication. … Meanwhile, Catholic Charities’ “happy”-themed 75th annual Spirit of Charity event did indeed bring smiles to many faces. The evening, held at the Marriott Marquis, raised $1 million. … This year’s Lyndon Baines Johnson Moral Courage Award dinner honored President George W. Bush for his lifelong commitment to service and country. The total till doubled the previous record, coming in at $4.2 million. … In addition to celebrating the induction of five new members of the Texas Aviation Hall of Fame, the Lone Star Flight Museum’s Flights of Fancy event garnered $700K for the museum. … And the 30th annual Goodwill Gala was the organization’s most successful ever, with more than 400 black-tie-clad guests — including Simone Biles and her family, guests of board member Leisa Holland Nelson — partying for a cause at the River Oaks Country Club.
BRIAN BOYTER IS a Houston native with an interesting background in real estate. After an impressive 16-year tenure managing commercial transactions in a Fortune 500 Real Estate Investment Trust, he recently made the shift to high-end residential brokerage. The experience left him uniquely suited to thrive in the sometimes-emotional world of buying or selling a home.
"I've always been drawn to enhancing and redeveloping residences, so transitioning to residential brokerage was a natural progression for me," Brian explains. "The skills I developed on the commercial side have given me a unique edge in helping residential clients navigate complex transactions."
Now, with a focus high-end residential, Brian brings an unparalleled expertise and advocacy to his clients. His approach is highly analytical and client-driven, ensuring that every negotiation is handled with precision and care. His commitment extends beyond transactions, being an active member of the Historic Heights community and advocate for the preservation of historic properties. “I’ve spent the better part of two decades buying offices, land, and industrial properties across the country. I’m very much looking forward to resetting and focusing on the needs in my own community.”
TIME TO POP the bubbles! Following its successful inaugural year in Houston, La Fête du Champagne returns this Oct. 18-19 with an immersive series of events showcasing the world’s finest Champagnes.
Powered by Pressoir, the organization behind the top French wine festivals in the country, La Fête du Champagne, which marks its 10th anniversary in New York this year, brings together the Champagne region’s top producers. From prestigious Champagne houses to boutique cult growers and everything in between, anticipate a program of tastings, seminars, and intimate dinners at top restaurants.
“Houston has such an exciting food and wine scene, and we were thrilled to bring La Fête here in 2023,” says world–renowned sommelier Daniei Johnnes. “My team at Pressoir can’t wait to return again in furtherance of our mission to share the unique world of French wine and culture with American wine lovers. Our collaboration with chef Aaron Bludorn and our exquisite participating producers is sure to result in unforgettable experiences.”
The schedule of events is below.
Laurent-Perrier Grand Siècle – The Art of Assemblage
Lunch at Navy Blue, Friday, Oct. 18, 12pm. Tickets ($425) here.
Taste through 10 of Laurent-Perrier’s wines and vintages with 6 examples of Grand Siècle, including a comparison of Iteration No. 23 in bottle and in magnum. Also, late-disgorged “Les Réserves” magnums of No. 20 with Edouard Cossy will be poured. Wines will be paired with chef-owner Aaron Bludorn and executive chef Jerrod Zifchak’s seafood-forward cuisine.
A Journey Back in Time Dinner with Lanson Chef de Cave Hervé Dantan
Oct. 18, 6:30pm at Bar Bludorn. Tickets ($950) here.
Experience the glories of mature Champagne with one of Champagne’s oldest Grand Marque houses. Founded in 1760, Lanson is well known for the remarkable aging of its wines. Chef de Caves Hervé Dantan (chief winemaker) will take guests on a journey through 10 Lanson Champagnes, from younger wines to some of the best vintages of the 20th century, each poured from magnum. Owner Aaron Bludorn and executive chef Alejandra Pena will create an expertly paired tasting menu for the evening.
La Fête Champagne Tasting
Oct. 19, 12-2pm, at Bludorn. Tickets ($175) here.
For something a bit more casual, discover the magic of the terroir of Champagne — from the Côte des Blances, through the Vallée de la Marne, and the Montagne de Reims as you explore wines from the eight participating producers. Enjoy a selection of bites from chef-owner Aaron Bludorn in his eponymous restaurant.
La Fête Gala Dinner
Oct. 19, 6:30pm at Bludorn. Tickets ($725) here.
The grand culmination of La Fête du Champagne, the festival’s gala dinner celebrates the region like no other. Chefs Aaron Bludorn, Chase Voelz and team will create a luxurious multi-course menu that exquisitely celebrates the wines of Champagne. In addition to the special bottles provided by each producer, guests are invited to bring bottles from their own cellars to share throughout the room. Wine service will be conducted by an all-star team of sommeliers led by the La Fête team and Bludorn’s wine director, Molly Austad.
La Fête du Champagne Houston’s participating winemakers are Delamotte, Dom Pérignon, René Geoffroy, Lanson, Laurent-Perrier, A. Margaine, Famille Moussé, and Vilmart & Cie. Tickets for all events are available through the official La Fête du Champagne website. Further details can be found here.
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IT MAY STILL be September, but Oktoberfest has already arrived. Slightly less humid weather is beckoning revelers to hit a shaded biergarten and celebrate the season of frothy beer and savory German fare. Here are six delicious ideas on where to hoist a pint!
Bayou Heights Bier Garten
Enjoy Oktoberfest flights and food specials throughout the month. Its annual Weeniefest & Oktoberfest celebration is on Oct. 12; bring your furry friends for weenie dog races beginning at noon. Games and prizes will take over with a weenie tossing contest, stein hoisting contest, and costume contests. Goodtime Muffin will perform from 3pm-6pm.
Heights Bier Garten
Heights Bier Garten (photo by Emily Vitek)
Houstonians can celebrate the spirit of Oktoberfest and a day full of music, food, and friendly competition on Oct. 5. Doors open at 11am, and The Monicas will take the stage with live music from 6pm-10pm. Before that, games and prizes include a beer chugging contest, yodeling contest and costume contest. Reservations can be made at Resy.com or here.
Karbach Brewery
On weekends through Oct. 6, the annual Karbachtober Fest will offer an oompah band on the patio, stein-hoisting competitions, and wiener dog races. Its menu includes burgers, pizza, loaded pretzels, Korean fried chicken, and even a kid’s menu.
Little Woodrow's
Live music and stein-hoisting will be on tap this Sat., Sept. 28 at the EaDo outpost of this Texas icehouse built for fun. Also, Sept. 28, the Heights location will offer a stein relay, stein hoisting and cornhole games; meanwhile, in Bellaire, there will be backyard Oktoberfest games and more beer. If in SugarLand, bring your pup for the Dachtoberfest, or come for the stein hoisting later in the evening.
Postino
Postino's Oktoberfest special
Bring the wine drinkers, cocktail fans and beer lovers for grazing delights at this wine café. Enjoy a happy-hour draft beer pitcher of Sierra Nevada Brewery’s limited-release Oktoberfest Festbier paired with Nick’s Board. The spread features warm soft pretzels, Italian sausage and Spanish pork links, dippable pimento cheese, and pickles ($27). Specials last through Oct. 31.
Saint Arnold
Houston’s original brewery promises the biggest Oktoberfest yet. The party has already started and continues through Oct. 5, so giddy up! Oct. 2 the beer garden menu will feature Schwarzbier and brat burgers. Come back for the big weekend celebration Oct. 4 and 5 and bring your appetite for chicken schnitzel sandwiches, Big Dill pizza, brat burgers, bratwurst and sausage plates or a schnitzel plate. Featured beers made with hops from Germany include Festbier, Helles, German Pils, German-style Hefewizen and more.