Ben Berg in His 'Prime': Opens Lucky No. 13 with a Fun, Food-Filled Bash

Michelle Watson
Ben Berg in His 'Prime': Opens Lucky No. 13 with a Fun, Food-Filled Bash

Stacy and Jason Johnson

COMBINE AN INTERESTING location, pretty people, fab food and Ben Berg's prowess — and a bit of actual fire — and you have the grand opening bash for Houston's hottest new restaurant.


Dozens of foodies filed in to Prime 131, the live-fire steakhouse and sushi spot from Berg Hospitality, which recently opened in a revamped industrial space called The Docks at Timbergrove. Pulling inspo from New York's trendy Meatpacking District back when it was still a tad grungy in the '90s, Prime 131 welcomed guests with Cosmopolitans and Tequila Sunrises. Bites like tuna tartare and lobster toast were passed around the space, which was a factory in a previous life, while other food was cooked over open flame at live-fire stations — Wagyu sliders and New York Strip, to name a few.

Further setting the tone for a fun night was muralist Donkeeboy, who created a New York-street-art-inspired piece onsite, and tunes from DJ Bories, who played grunge and hip-hop tracks accompanied by a live saxophone.

Besides sampling the juicy offerings fresh off the grill, guests got to try a selection of premium sashimi, nigiri and signature rolls at the sushi bar. They later wandered into the private-dining space to find an entire room dedicated to decadent desserts like mini Basque cheesecakes and citrus-meringue tarts.

Berg himself took to the mic to thank guests for supporting the opening of his thirteenth restaurant, and sent them on their way with a fire-themed swag bag (think s'mores and Palos Santos sticks).

The evening benefited Southern Smoke Foundation.

Wesley & Cassie Sinor, Lesli & John Giannukos

Alan & Roz Pactor, Robin & Tom Segesta

Ben Berg

Shephard Ross, Jonathan Levine

Shelley Ludwick, Lisa Hoover

Cindy & Allen Case

Roz & Alan Pactor

Dana Barton, Robert Clay

Russell & Stacie Jones, Lisa & Tom Laird

Disney & Max Harris

Ellie Francisco, Ben Berg, Michael Francisco

Melanie Camp

Executive Pastry Chef Ruchit Harneja, Leigh & Franck Savoy

John & Kristen Berger

Gail McCleese, Bradley Lau

Meg Reynolds, Sarah Schriever

Food
Consistent Focus on the Patient Is What Sets Montrose Med Spa Apart

Owner Maricela Olivo and Montrose Med Spa

WHAT MAKES MONTROSE Med Spa stand apart from the competition? We set ourselves apart from the competition by being consistently focused on one thing: the patient. With that focus, we will succeed in a successful and healthy experience and loyalty to Montrose Med Spa. Staying true to our message of intentional wellness is a point of difference where I see other spas being unclear and distracted in their direction. By listening to our patients, we ensure we meet and exceed their expectations. We continually stay on top of the market by offering the best innovative body sculpting and skin treatments that invigorate and energize and are specifically designed to restore balance and strength and renew youth to the body. We also utilize a number of marketing programs to stay on the minds of our guests, including radio, TV, direct mail, email blasts, and unique invitations for exclusive treatments. One element that helps to establish the bar and sets us apart from our competition is our emphasis on providing a complete medical gym experience—from the varied treatments with Emsculpt Neo to a personalized health and wellness and skin evaluation for each individual by our certified staff. We also provide a noninvasive, pain-free, and needle-free facelift through EMFace in addition to offering monthly beauty memberships that create a commitment to the overall wellbeing of the patient.

Keep Reading Show less

How did you get to where you are today? My journey to where I am today is built on a foundation of hard work, dedication, and perseverance. Every step along the way, I faced obstacles, but I approached each one with determination and a “never give up” mindset. Instead of being discouraged by challenges, I used them as opportunities to grow and improve. Consistency was key—I committed to showing up and giving my best effort every day. I also learned not to take “no” as a final answer. Instead, I saw it as a chance to push harder, adapt, and find another way forward. It’s this combination of persistence, resilience, and unwavering focus that has brought me to where I am today.

Keep Reading Show less

Murry & Karen Penner, Owners, M PENNER

How did you get where you are today? We’ve stayed true to the vision of the store’s founder, Morris Penner, who relentlessly sought out unique product, with exceptional quality being a key element. Morris always used to say, “The fastest way to lose a customer is to bore him” and we agree. A percentage of every season’s budget is allocated to something new and unique. While product is key, it’s not enough. Having an excellent staff and discipline in business practices is also critical.

Keep Reading Show less