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
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Leadership in Action: John Kuykendall Traded Newcaster Dream for Success in Luxury Retail

Leadership in Action: John Kuykendall Traded Newcaster Dream for Success in Luxury Retail

John Kuykendall, Showroom Manager, Sub-Zero, Wolf and Cove

How did you get to where you are today? Growing up I had envisioned myself as a news anchor, living in NY and enthusiastically saying into the camera “Good Morning America!”. To this day, I am still a news/political junkie. My mother owned fur salons so specialty retail, luxury retail was in my blood through the family business. Eventually, mom shuttered the stores and I was recruited to a large specialty retailer. Over the next 30 years, I was in commissioned sales on the sales floor, became a department manager, worked my way up to buyer and store manager. Although I never became a newscaster, I did live in NYC for a few years. But Texas is home and with aging grandparents, I felt the pull to come back to my roots. A headhunter approached me. I never envisioned myself in the high-end appliance market, but there are so many similarities. Clients want a memorable experience; whether shopping for diamonds and fur or remodeling their kitchen.

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shopping

This Weekend: Explore the Secret Warehouse of One of Houston’s Most Sought-After Restaurant Designers

Carla Gomez

You’ve eaten at Nancy’s Hustle, Tiny Champions, Better Luck Tomorrow, Milton’s and Lee’s Den. Now, you can explore the private warehouse of the design firm that created those spaces!

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travel

Peppered with Meaningful Moments, the Riviera Maya’s Original Resort Delivers Unparalleled ‘Quiet Luxury’

William Jess Laird & Lizzet Ortiz

UPON ARRIVAL AT Maroma resort on Mexico’s Riviera Maya, a beautifully dressed attendant, briefcase and tablet in hand, ushers guests to their respective rooms. “Here’s your welcome amenity,” she says, gesturing to ceramic vessels on the coffee table with one hand as she completes the check-in process with the other. “It is tequila.”

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People + Places