Out to Dinner

The social season is in full swing, with a number of high-profile dinners — both intimate and grandiose — highlighting the calendar. Hostess extraordinaire Becca Cason Thrash was at it again, welcoming Krug Champagne for an evening of bubbly, food — courtesy of acclaimed chef Tyson Cole — and music at her Memorial home. Co-hosted by designer Naeem Khan, the event also featured a performance by jazz artist Gregory Porter. ... Ahead of its grand opening, Yauatcha hosted a special five-course meal for Lynn Wyatt and 15 guests, in honor of the Rothko Chapel’s 45th anniversary. ... At the Ballroom at Bayou Place, woman-about-town Alicia Smith celebrated her birthday with a “Fifty and Fabulous” dinner, with aerial artists and a '50 Shades of Gray'-themed cocktail hour. ... The Houston Symphony’s annual wine dinner and auction was held on the stage of Jones Hall, which was transformed into a wine “cave” for the evening. ... Italian designer Stefano Ricci made a special appearance for an intimate dinner at Neiman Marcus.



Joyce Echols and Steve Wyatt at ‘Fabulous’
Special
Fall Philanthropy Report: Urban Harvest Farmers Market Helps ‘Transform Food Accessibility’

What year was your organization launched? Urban Harvest’s Saturday Farmers Market started in 2004 with just seven vendors, providing an outlet for local farms, community and backyard gardeners to sell fresh produce harvested directly from their soils. Now in its 20th year, the market has grown to be one of the largest markets in Texas, supporting over 100 local farmers, ranchers, and food artisans all from within 180 miles of Houston. The market draws 3,000 customers every Saturday morning and includes many original vendors like Animal Farm, Atkinson Farms, and Wood Duck Farm.

Keep Reading Show less

LeBrina Jackson

AS WE GET into the holiday season, we’re reminded of what we have, what we want and what might be lacking. As Sheryl Crow says in her song, Soak up the Sun, “It’s not having what you want, it’s wanting what you've got.” We caught up with LeBrina Jackson, owner of Escape Spa in Cypress, Texas, and learned how she tackles the holiday season with hope, love and most importantly, gratitude.

Keep Reading Show less

Paella Valenciana at Mi Luna

THOUGH IT'S BEEN in Houston less than a decade, Sof Hospitality has made major inroads with foodies and critics alike. Its concepts include Doris Metropolitan, Hamsa and Badolina Bakery, all of which deliver the rich flavors of Israeli cuisine in complex, photogenic and delicious dishes. Its newest, Októ, opened earlier this year, one of several energetic restaurants to bow in the Montrose Collective, just in time for the holidays.

Keep Reading Show less
Food