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
Ancient French Wellness Cures Reimagined at Houston’s Escape Spa: The Power of Vichy

Serial entrepreneur and spa visionary LeBrina Jackson

NESTLED IN THE heart of France, the town of Vichy holds a rich history in the world of wellness and hydrotherapy. Acquiring fame for their alkaline springs in the 17th century, the Romans were among the first to recognize the therapeutic benefits of the springs. They established a French spa known as “Vichy,” which still exists today and continues to attract spa-goers from around the world to experience the transformative effects of hydrotherapy.

Keep Reading Show less

FAVE FOODIE DESTINATION Central Market is renewing its commitment to customers Sept. 11-24, promising a journey of taste and discovery in honor of its milestone 30th anniversary. Join Houston’s one and only location for the delicious series Let’s Renew Our Wows featuring in-store events, foodie strolls, cooking classes and more.

Keep Reading Show less
Food

“IN A LOT of Nigerian cultures, there is this idea that nighttime is the time when spirits come out and are alive,” says first-generation Nigerian-American illustrator Briana Mukodiri Uchendu. “The nighttime is when crazy things happen.”

Keep Reading Show less
Art + Entertainment