Thanks to the NBA All-Star Game, H-town was crawling with celebs over the weekend and you've read about all the parties. But where did the big names go to chow down when the photographers and the fans weren't looking?
How about Jay-Z and Beyoncé settling in for a four-hour lunch on Saturday at Sparrow + Cookshop, then booking the Boardroom at Vic & Anthony's for a post-game dinner Sunday night.
Our sleuths report that the high-profile duo booked the Boardroom and brought along rapper Nas, a few producers and friends for a quiet dinner at the downtown steakhouse. The room was set with four bottles of Armand de Brignac, Jay-Z's fave champagne. The group dined on seafood towers, various appetizers and an assortment of entrees.
LeBron James stopped in at Sparrow + Cookshop for a repast and went wild for the signature Brussels sprouts.
Other top guns stopping in at V&A — James Harden, Common, Clyde Drexler and Dominique Wilkins, Dwight Freeney, Chris Bosh, Scottie Pippen and Tyson Chandler.
LeBron James stopped in at Sparrow + Cookshop for a repast and went wild for the signature Brussels sprouts.
Shaquille O'Neal might have skipped the buns on the two burgers that he ordered for lunch at Line & Lariat at Hotel Icon but he did not pass on the truffle fries. On Friday night, Shaq hosted a party at Philippe Restaurant where he dined on filet mignon and broccolini. That afternoon, TNT host Kenny Smith hosted a lunch at Philippe. Rounding out Philippe fans were Sleepy Floyd and rapper J. Cole.
Here's a surprise, former LA Lakers coach and current Miami Heat president Pat Riley dining solo in the new lounge at Triniti. Even Heisman trophy winning Texas A&M quarterback "Johnny Football" Manziel made the All-Star scene. He was spotted dining with pals at Damian's over the weekend.
Sweets for the sweet
The ladies honored as Houston Sweethearts at Saks Fifth Avenue on Valentine's Day are still in the pink following their afternoon of bubbly and girlfriend affection. Sweethearts founder Warner Roberts led the introductions of the six fair ladies recognized for their fabulousness and new Saks GM Bobby Dees hosted.
More than 150, most in shades of red and pink, shared the love in a "French bistro" setting created by Saks' Chad Carpenter.
Taking bows as 2013 Sweethearts were Donatella Benckenstein, Ursaline Hamilton, Rosemary Schatzman, Vanessa Sendukas, Pily Simon and Donna Vallone. Previous Sweethearts in the mix included Kimberly Delape, Deborah Duncan, Mehrnaz Gill, Sylvia Forsythe, Alicia Smith, Phoebe Tudor and Monica Hartland.
Romancing antiques
William Strafford, head of European furniture and Private Collections for Christie's, buzzed in from New York as guest speaker at the Houston Design Center's Second Tuesday program. Hosted by Charlotte Nail Antiques, Strafford regaled the gathering with tales of his love affair with antiques.
Antiques enthusiasts absorbing his insights included Houston Design Center owners Sheri and Grant Roane, Jessica Phifer and Margaret Davis of Christie's Houston, Sheila Lyon, Hallie Radcliffe-Canalli and Charlotte Nail.
TNT sports host Kenny Smith, left, hosted an NBA All-Star luncheon at Philippe where chef Philippe Schmit served up his best.
