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    Party Watch

    'Author in pearls' Plum Sykes celebrates launch of new mystery novel at Burberry book party

    Clifford Pugh
    May 16, 2017 | 9:00 am

    For her book party at the Burberry Galleria boutique, it seemed only fitting that Plum Sykes sported a double strand of pearls. The author of Bergdorf Blondes and The Debutante Divorcee has penned a stylish murder mystery titled Party Girls Who Die in Pearls, her first novel in a decade.

    To celebrate the launch of the comic whodunit, the first of a series of mysteries set at Oxford University, where the British native went to college in the '80, Sykes touched down in Houston, where pals Allison Sarofim and Courtney Sarofim hosted the get-together featuring cocktails and canapés, including bite-sized samplings of Shepherd's Pie.

    Sykes roamed the boutique, greeting each guest individually, engaging in conversation about the book, which has been described as "Clueless meets Agatha Christie," and posing for photographs with the adoring crowd. Guests also eagerly eyed the new Burberry DK88 handbag collection, which was unveiled at London Fashion Week in February, and cool jersey unisex sweatshirts emblazoned with a helmt motif inspired by Henry Moore’s 1954 drawing "Pallas Heads."

    Seen in the pearl-studded crowd were Lynn Wyatt, Elyse Lanier, Susan Sarofim, Alyya Stude, Neal Hamil, Lindley Arnoldy, Ting Bresnahan, Carrie Brandsberg-Dahl, Isabel David, Dr. Jennifer Segal, Jennifer Ban, Jeremy Garcia, Carolyn Dorros and Ann Ayre.

    During her whirlwind one-day visit to Houston, Sykes also huddled with CultureMap over a British breakfast of two eggs boiled for 4-1/2-minutes, double toasted toast and tea at the Hotel ZaZa (look for our interview in a future story), and signed copies of her novel at Murder By The Book.

    Sykes, who is a contributing editor at Vogue magazine, launched a 10-city book tour in New York last week with a party at Brooks Brothers hosted by Zac Posen. She continues on to Chicago and Dallas this week.

    Jeremy Garcia, Carrie Brandsberg-Dahl, Sandra Manela.

    Jeremy Garcia, Carrie Brandsberg Dahl, Sandra Manela at Burberry Plum Sykes book signing
      
    Courtesy of Burberry/Josh Olins
    Jeremy Garcia, Carrie Brandsberg-Dahl, Sandra Manela.
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    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.

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