Spring Flings

The MFA’s Rienzi house museum hosted its annual spring cocktail soiree, which this year adopted a colorful Mexican fiesta theme. A mariachi band and trays of margaritas greeted the 300-plus guests, who mingled poolside and dined on a Swift + Co. spread of squash blossom quesadillas and roasted corn — all while raising more than $150,000 for the institution. ... And at the Evening in the Park event, benefiting the Hermann Park Conservancy, Mayor Sylvester Turner greeted guests and toasted the 25th anniversary of the park’s Japanese Garden — an occasion which inspired the event’s east-meets-west menu, courtesy of A Fare Extraordinaire.



Parties

Guests enjoy 360-degree views from the infinity pool

A PARADISE FOR nature lovers, surfers and adventure seekers, Costa Rica often sees repeat visitors. The seven provinces, though different in the way of microclimates and the presence of volcanoes, cloud forests or beaches, are all predictably friendly, green and breathtakingly beautiful. Travelers come to anticipate and appreciate the “pura vida” lifestyle, i.e. an appreciation for the here-and-now beauty and wonder that the country offers so abundantly.

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People + Places

The patio at Toca Madera (photo by Connie Anderson)

EXPERIENTIAL, OR “VIBE,” dining has been trending for a few years now in Houston, from restaurateurs who assume that diners want more than just a meal. Well, they all just got some stiff competition with the opening of Toca Madera in the Pavilion at The Allen.

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Food