parties

At Delectable Valobra Gourmet Event, Caviar Shimmers Along with the Jewels

Daniel Ortiz
At Delectable Valobra Gourmet Event, Caviar Shimmers Along with the Jewels

Kaleta Johnson, Lauren Paine, Whitney Lawson

THE NAME VALOBRA is well associated with fabulous jewels. But lately it’s also become associated with world-class gourmet grub!

“Franco Valobra and Valobra Master Jewelers hosted their second fine food and drink event ‘Discover the Hidden Treasure,’ in collaboration with WorldClass, a premiere purveyor of specialty foods and delicacies worldwide,” explained a rep for the noted jeweler. “Legendary Argentine chef Dante Liporace was on hand to showcase his creative culinary talent by using incredible ingredients from around the globe to create an unforgettable dining experience.”

Marvelous morsels on offere included Juan Diego’s Polanco caviar, Iberico Spanish ham and an extensive menu of passed treats. Specialty cocktails featured Black Pig Gin from Portugal and Fermin Iberico-infused bourbon. Sparkling cava, as well as red and white wines from Torello and creative tea concoctions from Portugal, were also poured.

“Valobra Master Jewelers and WorldClass invited clients and friends, as well as the local food-focused community, to experience a thoughtfully curated culinary journey that brings Argentine heritage and international gastronomic innovation to Texas,” says John Bergman, co-founder and CEO of WorldClass. “Our mission at WorldClass is to celebrate chefs who are revolutionizing today’s fine dining.”

Giancarlo and Lisa Ferrara of Amalfi Restaurant were spotted in the crowd, as were Puja and Kiran Verma of Kiran’s, Tony Gutierrez of Monarch Hospitality, Remington Bruce of MAD and Constable Alan Rosen.

Eva Dulcich, Remington Bruce

Giancarlo Ferrara, Lisa Ferrara

Jo Ann Petersen, Laura Mudd

Mel Jacobs

Rasheia Anderson, Jeff Anderson

Rocco Silvestri, Tina Silvestri

Ryan and Cassie Hallsted

Chase Toomey, Rhonda Waters

Jean-Philippe Gaston, Pedro Garcia

Jeff, Sam, Kathryn, Stephen Smith

People + Places
promoted

Leadership in Action: ‘Family, Community and Spiritual Connection’ Drives Success for Henry Richardson

Al Torres
Leadership in Action: ‘Family, Community and Spiritual Connection’ Drives Success for Henry Richardson

How did you get to where you are today? The present moment is a combined history of my family, my time as an athlete, my passion for learning, and my desire to see the world be better. I grew up as a successful springboard and platform diver, however, an injury caused me to seek alternative treatments to heal my body. In that process, I discovered the power of yoga, exercise, meditation, mindset, and nutrition. This holistic approach eventually led me to open a Pilates and cycling studio called DEFINE body & mind. I opened studios around the nation, and after selling most of my business between 2017-2019, I was ready to explore how I could make an even greater impact on the wellbeing of our community. In 2023, I started actively working on a brand new multi-family/apartment concept called, Define Living. The idea focused on offering health and wellness services within a beautiful apartment setting to increase the wellbeing of our residents. Having a strong sense of community is the number one factor in living a happy life, so why not build a community where daily fitness, cooking classes, and social connection are the norm? We opened Define Living in March of 2024, and we couldn’t be happier with how things are being received. We are already looking at building more concepts like this in the Houston area and beyond.

Keep Reading Show less
parties

Festaris Feted at River Oaks Country Club’s Chic ‘Bela Roma’ Lunch for ICCC

Catchlight Group

Valentino, Debbie and Rudy Festari

A STYLISH CROWD of more than 350 gathered at a River Oaks Country Club luncheon to celebrate Italian culture in Houston and take in a bright fall fashion show from Saks Fifth avenue.

Keep Reading Show less
Fashion+Home
parties

Contemporary Clout: Rousing Modern-Day-Set ‘Il Trovatore’ and Posh Tented Dinner Open HGO Season

Lady Stephanie Kimbrell, Cory McGee, and Butler Studio artists, Ani Kushyan, Alissa Goretsky and Elizabeth Hanje (photo by Michelle Watson)

ALL OF THE top performing arts organizations in Houston have now officially opened their 2024-2015 seasons, now that Houston Grand Opera has bowed with a stirring performance of Verdi’s Il trovatore at The Wortham followed by a lavish al fresco dinner in a tent on the plaza out front.The Houston Ballet and the Houston Symphony held their own grand opening night festivities earlier in the fall.

Keep Reading Show less
Art+Culture