Levi Goode Presides Over Rodeo-Alternative Cookoff on Houstonian Hotel Grounds

Levi Goode Presides Over Rodeo-Alternative Cookoff on Houstonian Hotel Grounds

Houstonian Hotel GM Steve Fronterhouse, Executive Chef Neal Cox & Celebrity Judge Levi Goode

HOUSTONIANS HAVE BEGUN dipping their toes back into in-person events — witness the Houston Symphony Ball in late February — and the Houstonian Hotel is on the leading edge. The grand hotel hosted an outdoor, socially distanced barbecue cookoff at its Manor House on it lush grounds, with none other than Levi Goode of Goode Co. Barbeque, Armadillo Palace and other top restaurants as celebrity judge.


Five "official cook teams" competed in the Inaugural BBQ on the Bayou Cook-Off "for bragging rights and trophies," the Houstonian says. Guests enjoyed country music, cocktails and "all the brisket, chicken, and ribs they could eat." Teams had begun cooking the night before and even handed out samples and cooking advice to an eager wedding party that happened to be celebrating at the hotel that evening!

James & Jacquie Baly Craig, Lee & Seliece Womble

5 Cook Teams competed with ribs, brisket and chicken

S. Richard & Maria Cutler

Aaron Lobe, Robin French, Dr. James Flowers

The competitors included several pitmasters and teams that for years have participated in the cookoff at the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo, which was canceled this year due to Covid. They were grateful for the opportunity to gather, compete and catch up. "We have all become family," says John Rufini of the Ol' Army Cookers team. "We've been doing it so long, and our kids — we call them barbecue babies — generation after generation are doing what we love."

Parties
In Time for 'Movember,' Top Spa Pro Offers Tips for Men Looking to Make the Most of a Spa Visit

AS WE MOVE into Movember, men’s mental health is a big topic. In fact, men can get a lot of benefit, both mentally and physically by taking advantage of everything a spa has to offer. LeBrina Jackson, owner of Escape Spa, has the answers

How does Escape Spa cater to men? We designed Escape Spa to ensure both men and women feel comfortable and welcome. From our earth tones to our luxury brown unisex robes, this is not a pampering palace but a rejuvenation destination.

Keep ReadingShow less

Sylvia Casares

MANY OF THE city’s who’s-who gathered at the city’s buzziest venue to toast Houston CityBook’s 2024 “Leaders & Legends,” presented by The Village of River Oaks.

Keep ReadingShow less
Food+Travel

Lynn Wyatt and Steve Wyatt

IT'S BEEN A century since what’s now known as the Museum of Fine Arts Houston debuted, and the society set celebrated the 100-year milestone in high style. Some 375 guests turned out for the 2024 Grand Gala Ball at the museum, raising $5.5 million in total, including Nancy and Rich Kinder’s $1 million gift and another hefty gift from J. Venn Leeds.

Keep ReadingShow less
Art+Culture