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    Surprise New Hotspot

    Houston's surprise new hotspot: Showy supermarket draws social swells, delivering grocery war shockwaves

    Shelby Hodge
    Feb 19, 2015 | 12:05 pm

    Master Sommelier Guy Stout stood tete-a-tete with famed chef Randy Evans as they once again went over the wine pairing menu just before the social swells started pouring in. The tables were graced with flowers and hostesses were ready to hand out Mardi Gras beads for the early evening celebration. All systems were go for a chichi affair.

    But the gathering was in a most unexpected venue — a grocery store.

    Not just any grocery store, mind you. Rather the new Tanglewood H-E-B that has garnered more attention in recent weeks than H-E-B honcho Scott McClelland could have imagined when he began plotting the chain's biggest and best store.

    In all, some 60 well-heeled neighbors from Tanglewood and Memorial arrived to schmooze in the most unusual of social settings.

    Tuesday night's wine tasting in the supermarket's Table 57 restaurant saw the likes of Philamena and Arthur Baird, Ralph Burch and Linda Gale and Mark White pour in. In all, some 60 well-heeled neighbors from Tanglewood and Memorial arrived to schmooze in the most unusual of social settings.

    They were treated to the full breadth of Alexander Valley Vineyards offerings with comments by winemaker Kevin Hall and personal time with proprietor Hank Wetzel.

    It was the fourth special event held in the restaurant, which did not officially open — along with the supermarket — until Wednesday. There was a Sunday brunch for TH Rogers and Briargrove Elementary School teachers and principals. Executing the good neighbor policy, H-E-B presented both of the schools with a $2,500 check. Then on Sunday night, Angie Light hosted a dinner party for young professionals in the area and on Monday night, Grace Kim hosted another seated dinner.

    For the Tuesday fete, Evans oversaw preparation of various party foods that included his famous deviled eggs, Korean barbecue pulled pork sliders, fried oyster tostadas, gumbo shots and, for dessert, tres leches and marble fudge blondie bites. Guests such as Ellie and Michael Francisco and Terrie and Mike Turner approved.

    Following the social events Scott McClelland and store manager Donna Theriot conducted tours through the 91,000 square foot grocery behemoth showing off the exceptionally wide aisles, the mega yogurt display, the case for dry aged beef, etc.

    Table 57 dining area.

    Table 57 Dining Area 2 at the H-E-B San Felipe and Table 57 Social February 2015
      
    Photo by © Kim Coffman
    Table 57 dining area.
    unspecified
    news/society

    Tasting Table Recap

    Houston's Best New Restaurant shows off at CultureMap Tasting Table dinner

    Eric Sandler
    Jun 25, 2025 | 4:59 pm
    CultureMap Tasting Table Leo's River Oaks Land Rover Central
    Photo by Daniel Ortiz
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    Houston’s best new restaurant showed off for CultureMap readers on Tuesday night. Leo’s River Oaks served a meal the sold-out crowd won’t soon forget for round two of the CultureMap Tasting Table dinner series.

    Prior to entering Leo’s posh, Art Deco-inspired dining room, guests couldn’t help but notice the two, well-appointed Land Rover Range Rovers stationed at the valet stand, courtesy of presenting sponsor Land Rover Houston Central. Once inside, everyone stopped by the bar for a sweet sip created by event sponsor Weber Ranch Vodka. As Culinary Khancepts culinary director Justin Yoakum worked the room, Leo’s staff circulated with bites of shrimp ceviche and beef carpaccio. Prior to taking their seats, guests posed for a caricature from NXTLVL Events.

    Having won the title of Best New Restaurant at the CultureMap Tastemaker Awards, diners undoubtedly had sky high expectations for the meal. Executive chef Kirk Thompson and his team easily cleared the bar, serving a four-course meal that showcased some of the restaurant’s most popular fare. Of course, no one was more delighted to see chef Kirk shine than his proud parents, Seliece and Lee Womble, who snagged a prime table for the occasion.

    As the lightly dressed house salad made its way to diners, Gow Media CEO Jacob Swain welcomed the night’s attendees. After a hearty cheers, we were off.

    Leo’s followed the salad with a dish that showcases the last vestiges of spring with a well executed, properly al dente pea and asparagus risotto. After a palate-cleansing citrus sorbet, properly medium rare filet mignon arrived with an accompaniment of roasted carrots. The few vegetarians in the room got an extra special treat with Leo’s fan favorite truffle-mushroom agnolotti. A mascarpone cheesecake, served with sweet and tart and strawberries and raspberries, ended the meal on just the right note.

    Speaking of notes, piano player Thomas Cokinos stole the show with his lively turn at the restaurant’s baby grand. Sure, we expected to hear standards from piano men such as Billy Joel (“My Life”) and Elton John (“I Guess That’s Why They Call It The Blues," among others), but it was a note perfect performance of Lil’ Troy’s iconic anthem “Wanna Be a Baller” that had people dancing and singing along the loudest.

    Seen in the crowd were Houston influencer Imani Guillory, Gow Media CRO Lindsey Harvel, a number of execs from Culinary Khancepts, Brynn Lehman from Weber Ranch Vodka, and CultureMap contributor Emily Cotton.

    We had so much fun with the first two Tasting Table dinners that we’ll be back for more soon. Make sure to follow CultureMap on Instagram so you don’t miss out on future announcements.

    CultureMap Tasting Table Leo's River Oaks Land Rover Central
      

    Photo by Daniel Ortiz

    Grace Gonzalez, Hillary Graham, and Jacquelyn Barrios.

    news/society

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