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.
Thrive & Inspire: ‘Results for Clients’ in Oil and Gas Drives Michelman & Robinson’s Varnado
WHAT WAS THE highlight of 2022 at your business? That’s easy, launching Michelman & Robinson in Houston was, for me, the absolute high point of 2022 — and that’s in a year that included so many highlights. Without question, being named the firm’s Houston Office Managing Partner is and was a professional milestone that I’m so very proud of. That I’ve already been able to expand the office to 10 of us (and growing) and significantly move the needle in terms of the firm’s reach within the energy space is icing on the cake.
What makes all this even better are the positive results my team and I were able to obtain on behalf of our clients in 2022. This includes a very favorable settlement we negotiated on behalf of EQT Corporation, the nation’s largest natural gas producer, in what turned out to be a very controversial trial in West Virginia in which EQT faced hundreds of millions of dollars in exposure. That case involved a judge who pulled out a handgun from beneath his robe and pointed it at me in his courtroom — an episode covered by People, Vanity Fair, The Daily Beast and CBS and NBC News and which led to his resignation from the bench. Like I said, It was a year full of highlights.
Successful people usually have many choices in what to do professionally? Why did you choose this? I’m a Houstonian through and through, so it’s no surprise that I’ve always been drawn to the oil and gas industry, which in many ways defines our great city. The people and issues that I have the privilege of working with — and on — in the energy space keep me on my toes, always engaged, and excited about each and every day.
We’re fans of the late educator Stephen Covey, who used to say that successful people “begin with the end in the mind.” At your business, what’s the end? What are you striving to accomplish? I want to be known as a preeminent first-chair trial attorney — a go-to lawyer handling the most consequential cases impacting the oil and gas business in Texas and beyond. Truth be told, not many women fit this bill. I’m proud to say that I do, and I’m so grateful to the clients that entrust me with their most important pieces of litigation.
What’s new for 2023 that you’re excited about? New colleagues as my office grows, new cases that I’m handling for amazing clients, and new challenges as I continue to spread my wings here in Houston — it’s all so exciting!
After a Tough Year for Strays, Country Star Headlines September Gala Benefiting Houston's Homeless Animals
IT’S A MILESTONE year for Houston PetSet, a local nonprofit organization working to end Houston’s homeless animal crisis. The much-needed organization will celebrate 20 years of advocating for the animals of Houston with its biggest Fierce & Fabulous Soirée yet!
On Sept. 6 at 6:30pm, the fete returns to the glamorous Post Oak Hotel for a philanthropic night featuring a live concert from Texas Country superstar Pat Green, who will also auction off a private concert for one lucky bidder. Houston PetSet co-presidents (and beautiful twins!) Tama Lundquist and Tena Lundquist Faust will co-chair, as they have since the first gala in 2010, and Deborah Duncan will return as the entertaining emcee to guide guests through an evening of retrospection and celebration. Guests should anticipate a delightful dinner followed by the concert and then a VIP set with Pat Green at the end.
Beyond the posh annual fundraising gala, the rest of the year means lots of hard work for the Houston PetSet staff, many of whom are volunteers. The organization is involved in collecting pet supply donations, organizing adoption events, filing cruelty prevention reports, research and community outreach, micro chipping events, and transporting animals — even out-of-state. In July, after Hurricane Beryl wreaked havoc on the community, including animal shelters and foster-family homes, PetSet coordinated a delivery of food and supplies, and also sent dozens of homeless dogs to a group in Minnesota. Additionally, with the help of partner organizations, PetSet offers free community vaccine events and spay and neuter services.
For its 20th birthday, Houston PetSet will be honoring 20 Houstonians who have left an indelible mark on the lives of animals and their people in Houston. These “20 for 20” have made the work of Houston PetSet possible through their commitment and generosity.
“We can’t think of a better way to celebrate 20 years than honoring 20 others who have been on this mission with Houston PetSet,” says Lundquist.
“Houston’s stray animal crisis is finally getting the attention that is needed to solve the problem. We know that this year is not just an important year for HPS, it is also a pivotal year for the animals,” adds Faust.
Tickets, tables and sponsorship opportunities are available at FierceFabulous2024.
PetSet Houston team on Great Day Houston
Pat Green
Massive Coffeeshop Expansion Plans, Mediterranean Go-To's New Location, and More of This Week's Food News!
THE SUMMER RESTAURANT scene has been hot, hot, hot — and August is, unsurprisingly, no exception. Favorite cafes are rapidly expanding, while others are staying put — but giving their menus a mega overhaul. Read on for this week's most delicious food news!
Hungry's
The Mediterranean healthful hot spot with locations in West Memorial and Rice Village has opened a beautiful new cafe on Woodway, in the adjoining spaces that previously housed Le Peep and Barnaby's. The giant Tanglewood outpost has been in the works for years, and the families that own the brand have taken this opportunity to turn over the reins to the next generation of restaurateurs. Expect the same great bar program and weekend brunch, plus expanded innovative offerings in the plant-based category, which has kept Hungry's relevant (and tasty) over the decades (think roasted-beet "poke"). There's also a lively patio, tree-lined and boasting seats at the indoor-outdoor bar.
Common Bond
Common Bond Tanglewood
Common Bond is another Houston favorite that recently tapped into the Tanglewood market. Taking over Local Foods' former spot on San Felipe at Bering, the coffeeshop known for its croissants as big as your face seems right at home in the light-filled, soaring, two-story space. This one is a "bistro and bakery" location, like the original one in Montrose, with counter service for breakfast, brunch and lunch, and seated dinner with hearty offerings. Get cozy in a camel-leather-upholstered booth, or opt for the urbane patio once the mercury drops.
Coffee Fellows
Coffee Fellows Bellaire (photo by Andrew Hemingway via Heirloom Interactive)
Speaking of Common Bond: The former On-the-Go outpost on Eldridge will soon become Coffee Fellows, one of four new locations of the Euro-chic coffeeshop brand that plans to massively grow its footprint in the region. After opening two successful cafes in Katy and Bellaire, Coffee Fellows North America announced its Energy Corridor location in Eldridge will open in September, followed by ones in Katy Mills Mall and Cypress before the end of the year. Its sixth outpost will open in Pearland in 2025. In a release, Coffee Fellows says it combines "European charm and American convenience," providing customers with an inviting and cozy environment to work, gather, and relax. "Our 'Feel at Home' promise is at the heart of everything we do," said CEO Daniel Ogbonna. "We proudly offer free alternative milks, free Wi-Fi, and high-quality food and beverages served on china. We aim to provide a second living room where our guests become our family."
State of Grace
Baguette and caviar butter at State of Grace
River Oaks fave State of Grace has announced it will reboot as a nostalgia-inspired steakhouse in September. Chef-proprietor Ford Fry, along with his VP of culinary, Drew Belline, and chefs Bobby Matos and John Quinn, dreamed up the new menu of wood-fired steaks, classic entrees, shareable sides and seafood specials, all catering to the vibe of "Golden Age of Dining," per a release. What's that, you ask? It's a time when "servers remember your drink order and steak temperature, continental cuisine and perfectly executed classics reign supreme, and guests are invited to wile away the languid Texas days with friends." There will be savory bread service with spreads and dips to start, and a Texas-size pecan ball to cap off a hearty meal. And the interiors got a refresh, too: Expect a lot more "quirky and whimsical" art and decor, with plenty of brass and leather, a nod to the OG design.
Galveston Island Wine Festival
Fish Company Taco's Dirty South taco (photo by Becca Wright)
Embrace the heat and humidity at the Galveston Island Wine Festival, Aug. 30-Sept. 1, at Moody Gardens. There's a chef duel on Friday, in which seven competitors including David Cordua will create dishes to pair with vino from the globe's seven wine regions. And Saturday and Sunday bring morning yoga sessions, live music, al fresco brunch, and tastings in cool corners of Moody Gardens including the Aquarium Pyramid! Of course, there's also delicious food, and guests can get an exclusive sneak peek of beloved Fish Company Taco's brand-new menu.
- ‘Vibrant’ New Resto Opens in Memorial Park, Michelin-Starred Chef Arrives, and More Food News! ›
- New Restaurants! Get a Sneak Peek at Five Eateries Opening Right Now in Houston ›
- Memorial City Restaurant Boom?! Here's the Latest to Bow ›
- Posh New Piano Bar and Restaurant The Kennedy Will Tout Chic American Vibe ›
- The Best Is Yet to Come: New Sichuan, Seafood, Mexican and More Openings in 2024 ›